Chapter Thirty-Three

Tatum

The bruises on my face took about two weeks to heal completely.

During that time, word spread about Reed and me being a couple. I hated showing up at school with the marks on my face. The last thing I wanted was for anyone to believe he had anything to do with it.

I was tired of defending myself, but I refused to let anyone believe Reed would ever hurt me. The curious glances and stares continued for a few days before Everly and Hallyn stepped in. Everly had no problem setting the record straight with anyone casting sidelong glances in the cafeteria, while Hallyn made sure to spread the truth among the girls on the dance team. Gossip in a small town spreads fast.

Now that we're no longer sneaking around and I didn't feel like I had to hide, I've begun to break out of my shell again.

I hadn't realized how much the rumors and drama from Rixton had been weighing on me until those worries were lifted. I no longer had to be concerned that someone would spot us and post photos online or fear private photos and videos would be shared without my consent.

I could finally live my life open, with my guard down, knowing I had a man I loved standing beside me. I trusted he'd protect me through anything too.

"You ready?" Reed asks, extending his hand to help me out of the truck.

We're all heading to Whiskey Sinner's tonight to celebrate Zane's birthday. I mentioned it to Wyatt earlier at Sweet Tooth. She didn't say much, only that she wouldn't be joining us. I could sense there was more she wasn't sharing, but I didn't want to push her. Whatever her past was with Zane, it's clear she's not ready to talk about it.

"I'm excited for you to spin me around on the dance floor again." I grin. Reed wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me against his side.

The bouncer at the door recognizes Reed and waves us through, not bothering to check our IDs.

Reed leads me inside, leaning in to whisper, "I'm always looking forward to having you in my arms, sweetheart."

By the time we arrived, everyone was already there. Reed stayed behind with me to finish my shift and clean up, so we're a bit late to the party.

Hallyn and Ava spot me first, their faces lighting up when they see us. Ava pulls me into a hug, followed by Hallyn.

Everly, perched on a barstool near the high-top tables lining the dance floor, is deep in conversation with Hayes. She jumps down from her seat and wraps me in a warm hug when she notices me.

Over the past couple of weeks, our sister-like bond has only continued to grow.

"It looks like everything is healing up nicely. You and your beautiful smile are back too," she says when she pulls away.

Everly isn't an overly affectionate person; her words verbatim. There are three people I've learned she doesn't mind showing that part of herself to—me, Hayes, and her roommate and close friend, Willow.

"You want a drink? I'm gonna grab myself a beer. I need a little something if you want me and my two left feet out on that dance floor," Reed shouts over the music.

I smirk and nod. "Mmm, something fruity. Surprise me!"

The guys head off to the bar, leaving us girls at the table. Hallyn, Ava, and I join Everly. The bar is dimly lit, casting a warm, golden glow over the lively crowd. The dance floor is packed with people dancing and laughing, drinks raised high.

"How are things going with you and Reed now that all the drama has settled?" Hallyn asks, taking a sip of her water.

"Good." I smile, thinking over the past few weeks. "We've been staying in more, spending time just the two of us. I think it's strengthened our relationship."

Reed wanted to take me out on another date, which I've been looking forward to. We settled on cozy date nights at home until I felt comfortable enough to cover up my bruises. Last week, when everyone went out to Greencastle for the homecoming party, he surprised me by setting up a picnic on the patio with a table full of food. He had planned to cook steak, potatoes, and asparagus, but I convinced him to make it a joint effort.

I've been experimenting with new recipes, especially for our Sunday dinners. Don't get me wrong, baking and desserts are where my heart is, but trying out new dishes has been fun too.

"Reed introduced me to his cousin, Darren, last week, and he's talked about wanting me to meet his grandma too. We're thinking about flying to Iowa after the season wraps up, probably over spring break, so I can finally meet them."

"I feel like you both complement each other," Hallyn says, her eyes bright with sincerity. "When I first started dating Beckham, Reed was always a bit reserved. Since you two started seeing each other, I've noticed a change in him. In a good way, of course. He's opening himself up more, letting his walls down. You both seem happier."

I smile, thinking about Reed and the way his eyes light up when I catch him staring at me.

When people said they knew we had feelings early on, I never understood what they meant until recently when I caught him watching me. Like when he waited for me to get ready for class or surprised me at Sweet Tooth under the pretense of ordering pastries.

"Have you heard anything from…" Ava's voice drops, and she clears her throat. "You-know-who?"

Colter and Beckham filled them in on what happened, which I appreciated. It spared me from reliving all the details over and over.

"We haven't heard anything. Reed told me not to stress and assured me he's keeping tabs on him. I didn't ask what that meant, and I don't think he wanted me to question him either."

Hallyn nods in understanding. "He's looking out for you. If there was something he thought you should know, I don't doubt he'd tell you. Otherwise, he probably doesn't want you worrying about it anymore."

"Did he ever tell you how he figured out what was happening between Wells and his dad's mistress? I still can't believe he was blackmailing her too."

"I guess Reed found emails between them," I say, shaking my head. "He was harassing her through her work email. She couldn't exactly block him. Maybe she could, but she didn't want to raise any alarms since she was also sleeping with his dad, who is also her boss."

"This is some Jerry Springer-type shit." Hallyn snickers, and we collectively laugh.

Just then, the guys approach us, Reed placing a tequila sunrise on the table in front of me. I take a sip of the fruity drink, feeling the warmth of the tequila spread through me, making me more relaxed than I've felt in a while.

Reed settles in with his beer, catching up with Zane and Colter, while Everly talks about the book she finished writing.

"Oh, and before you read it, I should tell you, there's a scene where the hero walks in and catches his love interest using her vibrator." Everly's eyes twinkle with mischief.

"You did what?" Reed overhears us, glancing from Everly over to me.

My face heats, and this time, it's not from the alcohol.

"Did you tell her about that time, sweetheart?" Reed asks, his tone teasing. I cover my face, trying to hide my embarrassment.

"And what if she did, Reed Hendrix? What are you gonna do about it?" Everly mocks him, trying to contain her laughter.

"Look at me, Tate," Reed says firmly. I give in, reluctantly glancing up to meet his eyes.

"Did you tell her about the day I caught you—?"

"You mean interrupted me?" I retort, raising my brow.

He curls his lip into a smile. "I guess I did interrupt, didn't I? Did you get a chance to finish?"

I narrow my gaze at him. "You're not funny."

He finishes what's left of his beer, and I turn to Everly, who's discussing the editing process for her book, which will be ready for me to read in a couple of weeks.

"Are you kidding? Of course, I want to read it!" I exclaim. Hallyn and Ava agree too.

Reed presses his chest against my back, leaning in close to my ear. "Do you trust me, Tate?" he asks.

I flip him a look and nod. "Of course I do."

He smiles, his voice dropping low to a whisper. "I'm heading to the bathroom. Wait a few minutes, and I want you to meet me by the door. Okay?"

I glance at him over my shoulder, recognizing the mischievous glint in his eyes. It's the same one he had when he sent those dirty texts in front of our friends and on the night we made s'mores

"Okay?" He repeats, and this time, I nod.

I'm struggling to focus while Hallyn and Ava talk about another pipe that burst in their apartment building. I guess this is the second time this has happened in the past year.

"I'm gonna run to the bathroom quick," I mumble, stepping down from the stool. "Be right back."

Hallyn and Everly nod, and Ava flashes me a smile.

Trying to act nonchalant, I slip away from the group, passing through the crowd toward the bathrooms.

Once in the dimly lit hallway, Reed appears from the shadows, pulling me into a dark alcove. He spins me gently, pinning me against the wall, and leans in to trail his lips along my shoulder and up to my ear.

"What are you doing?" I whisper, chastising him.

My words falter when he nips and sucks my earlobe into his mouth, thrusting his hips toward me.

"Finishing what I so rudely interrupted," he hums, sliding his hands down my side, his thumb brushing over my nipple through my shirt.

"Reed," I groan.

"Hmm?"

"What are you doing? Don't you think we should go out to your truck? What if someone catches us?"

"No one can see us. Not if you keep it down." He smirks, continuing his hand lower to skim over the top of my jeans. He brushes along my skin beneath the hem of my shirt.

"Do you think I can make you come like this without you making a sound?"

My eyes grow heavy. I don't say a word, only jerking my head up and down with a sharp nod.

"Mmm, good girl." He unbuttons and unzips my jeans and inhales sharply when he sees my lace panties underneath.

He slips his hand in the front of them, brushes my clit through the material, and he curses under his breath.

"You're so fucking wet, Tate. You're soaking my finger through your underwear."

I grip his forearm, my nails digging into his skin.

"Don't worry, baby. I'm gonna take care of you."

He pulls his hand out and sucks his finger into his mouth. His nostrils flare.

"I just needed a taste. Look at how hard you're making me. I can't wait to get you home so I can bury my dick inside your tight little pussy."

"Reed," I moan, both from the sight of his dick straining against his zipper and his words.

"Shhh," he mutters against my ear. "You have to keep it down, or someone could hear us."

I nod, my hips thrusting toward him, silently begging for him to touch me.

He slips his hand into my underwear again. This time when he brushes over my clit, it's like touching a live wire. Reed doesn't stop, though. He continues lower, thrusting two fingers deep inside me.

His palm grinds against my clit, and I rock my hips, desperately seeking more, racing toward my orgasm.

"Damn, sweetheart, you're soaking my fingers. I'm going to have your legs wrapped around my head when we get home," he groans.

His words and his growling moans send me spiraling. I grip his forearm and bite into his shoulder, attempting to stifle my own.

"Holy fuck, that's the hottest damn thing I've ever seen."

He keeps me pressed against the wall. Thank goodness he does too, or I would've collapsed to the floor without his support.

When he pulls away, and I catch the intense desire shining in his eyes, I drop my voice low. "Let's get back and wish Zane a happy birthday." His brows furrow in confusion. "‘Cause I want to get the hell out of here," I add.

Reed buttons my pants and reaches for my hand, leading me over to the group.

We didn't even get to dance, like I hoped, but I don't care.

There will be plenty more nights for dancing, but I'll never be able to get enough of him.