Bend for Me Read online

  “I just said that to get you to sleep with me. You were so pissy that week,” he had reasoned. It had been the anniversary of her father’s death and Logan had been the first person to make her smile that day.

  ***

  It was then she vowed never to let herself fall in love again, never to get attached to anyone, especially anyone who could hurt her.

  The first few months were hard, but a year later, Avery had transformed herself into a new person—cool, smooth, and aloof. Every once in a while, a little piece of the old her would come out, mostly with Emma or Jayce, but she would shove it back down, hidden in the shadows of the person she was now.

  Avery found herself wandering until she came to the local park, settling on the swing set. She hadn’t been there in quite some time but took comfort in the fact that the place hadn’t changed since her last visit.

  “Avery, is that you?” A scamp of a boy approached her, a basketball under his arm.

  She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and plastered on a smile. “Oh, hey Ryan. What’s up?”

  “I haven’t seen you in a long time.”

  “Sorry, bud. I’ve been a little busy.”

  “Are you busy now? Do you wanna play a game with us?” Ryan held out the ball.

  She recognized a few faces of the younger group. She had come to the park in the past with Logan, who was the basketball coach for the local junior team. After he moved away, she couldn’t bring herself to return to a place where so many ghosts of her past still lingered.

  She shook her head. “I can’t today.”

  “Oh.” Ryan’s dejected expression sent a pang of guilt through her. “Soon though?”

  “Sure, kiddo.” Avery feigned a smile. “I’ll try.”

  Another broken promise. She filed it away with all the others.

  ***

  Avery eventually returned to the apartment. Her temper settled after her fuse had blown. Her eyes were burning from lack of sleep and sensitivity to the sun. Danny and Emma were cuddling on the couch, whispering intimately to one another when she walked through the door.

  Emma straightened. “Avery, I want to–”

  Avery held up her hand. “Already forgiven, babe. I brought Chinese. Enough for Danny, too.” She placed the peace offering on the coffee table.

  Danny shook his head, unraveling his arm from Emma’s shoulder. “I have to head out to meet up with Melody.”

  “Send her my love,” Emma said.

  “And mine,” Avery added with a wiggle of her brow. “I’m sure she’d just adore that.”

  “I will.” He laughed as he exited the apartment.

  “I really am sorry,” Emma said when the door clicked shut.

  “Don’t worry about it.” Avery brushed it off. “You know I don’t hold grudges unless you really fuck up.”

  “But you shouldn’t hold on to those things either,” Emma pointed out. “It’s not healthy. Aren’t you tired?”

  Exhausted. “No,” Avery lied as she distributed the takeout containers. “But I bet you are. What did you and Danny do while I was out?”

  Emma rolled her eyes at the insinuation. “You’re unbelievable.”

  Avery knew she was putting up walls. And Emma might not have known how to knock all of Avery’s down, but she definitely knew how to get around them.

  “New subject. How’s the gallery prep going?”

  “I want to kill myself.”

  “No, you don’t.”

  “Okay, I don’t, but I’m so stressed.” To drive the point home, she groaned, rubbing a hand on her face. It coated orange sauce on her cheek and Emma chuckled, taking a napkin and wiping the sauce away. “Can’t take me anywhere,” Avery said, poking fun at herself.

  “Maybe some places. As long as they’re already dirty places.”

  “Dirty, you say?” Avery waggled her brows.

  “Oh, yeah.” Emma leaned in, playing along. “Real dirty. Hiking. Want to come?”

  Well played. “Absolutely,” Avery laughed sarcastically. “Not. That would require me to have time to do that, and also, the motivation to do so as well.”

  “You’ve got to release that anxious energy somehow.”

  “Oh, trust me. I know how to release energy.” Avery winked.

  “Avery.” Emma’s tone turned serious.

  “Relax. I’m not going for her. Kadence is off limits. I got your message loud and clear.”

  “All right. All right.” Emma held up her hands in defeat. “Let’s just forget it for tonight. Let’s have a girl’s night. We haven’t had one in forever. Just you and me. No Danny and no L–”

  “Losers,” Avery finished for her. “Or lays for that matter.”

  Honestly, Avery would never bring anyone she messed around with to the apartment. It gave off the wrong message. If Avery were to sleep with someone, it would be casual and on her terms. She was always upfront about it from the start and going to the opposite party’s place made it easier for her to slip out and cut ties if she ever felt that things were getting too serious.

  ***

  By the end of the week, Avery was seven days closer to her exhibition date and eight half-completed paintings deeper into her work. The sun was just peeking over the skyline, shadows cast against the ground. It should be inspiring to see from up in her apartment— they had one of the best views of the city, but she felt nothing. She had hit a roadblock yesterday evening and hadn’t slept since.

  “All right, Bennett. I’m doing this for your own good.” Emma stormed into the room with a spray bottle in hand.

  “Em.” Avery eyed the plastic container and her roommate’s finger on the trigger. “What are you doing?”

  “You haven’t left the apartment for days. You haven’t showered, and I’m pretty sure you’ve forgotten to eat at least half of your meals.”

  “Chips and salsa.” Avery grabbed for her palette.

  “Those aren’t a proper diet. Even for you.” Emma placed a hand on her hip. “At least get a burrito to go along with it.”

  Avery shook her head, retrieving her brush from the easel’s ledge. “I’m fine. I just need to get this done. And if I stop now, I might not—”

  Her words were cut off by a cold spray of water against her face.

  “Emma! What the fuck? You could have ruined it!” Avery rushed to examine her painting.

  “It’s oil paint, Avery.” Emma tossed the bottle to the ground. “It doesn’t mix. Besides, it’s just mist. Now, come on. Get dressed. Something comfortable,” Emma commanded as she pried the brush from Avery’s grip.

  Avery looked back at her canvas as she was dragged away from her work. “Why? Where are we going?”

  Emma pushed her into the bathroom, turning on the shower. “Yoga.”

  “No,” Avery whined, recalling how much of a disaster her last attempt had been. “Why?”

  “It’ll do you some good. Now, go shower. You reek.” She gave another push forward before shutting the door, holding onto the handle when Avery tried to make an escape.

  Avery grumbled as she stripped off her shirt, catching a whiff of herself. Damn. Maybe Emma was right. She did stink.

  ***

  They arrived at Iris Yoga Studio just as Kadence was setting up the room, on hands and knees as she rolled out the mats. A wave of warmth flooded Avery’s cheeks.

  Emma beamed at the reaction. “See, told ya you could use this.”

  “I thought you said she was off limits,” Avery hissed, sticking out her tongue.

  “Real mature.” Emma nudged her forward. “I’m just trying to get you to smile.”

  “You know, I don’t understand you sometimes.”

  They sat in the middle of the class and Avery fumbled through the entire hour, with Kadence’s slender hands skimming Avery’s body to correct her posture. Avery’s cheeks burned all the while as green eyes twinkled in amusement.

  “Alright, well, that was fun,” Avery huffed as Emma and Kadence chattered, sharing a
laugh about one of the many falls Avery had during the class.

  “I’m heading out of here.” She was Avery Fucking Bennett, for Christ sake! She was supposed to be smooth and quick on her feet. Yet, here she was, the butt of the joke. On top of that, she had now wasted more than an hour of a day she could have spent painting or laying out a new piece. She was about to stomp away and wait by the car, when Kadence called out.

  “Wait, aren’t you gonna—”

  Her words were cut off by a red SUV pulling into the parking lot, honking its horn. The group turned to find Melody and a tall, brusque looking man in the front seats of the vehicle.

  “Move it.” The older woman cupped her hands at her mouth “Sun’s out and I’m impatient.” When they finally pulled up next to the trio, Melody scowled. “What’s she doing here?”

  The way the woman spoke irked Avery. “Taking a yoga class. And going hiking.” Avery puffed out her chest.

  “Really?” Emma raised a brow. “What about the—”

  “Try and keep up,” Avery cut off before marching to the car, mood soured.

  ***

  They followed the SUV to the outskirts of the city, Avery’s amber eyes trained on Kadence in the rear of the leading vehicle. The crew gathered at the base of a mountain where a small gazebo and hiking map stood. Both were weathered by the seasons, the words faded and paper yellowed by the sun.

  “What trail do you guys wanna take?” Emma asked.

  Kadence was chatting with who, Avery learned, was her sister’s boyfriend, Jordan, while Danny unpacked a few bottles of water and an emergency first aid kit from the trunk of the car. The only person paying attention was Melody, who stood impassively at Avery’s side.

  “The hardest,” Avery said with determination, not daring to buckle under the sharp gaze.

  “Avery.” Emma furrowed her brow. “I don’t think now is the time…”

  “The red trail.” She pointed to the map, gritting through her teeth in a feigned smile she shot in Melody’s direction.

  Melody tilted her chin up, accentuating the chiseled angle of her cheekbones before taking the lead up the trail.

  “All right, you asked for it.” Emma shrugged. “Let’s go, gang.”

  Melody and Jordan started off the hike, leading a few feet ahead with Kadence trailing behind. Danny and Emma trod in a more leisurely pace, holding hands as if they weren’t hiking up the steepest fucking mountain Avery had ever seen. Her calves were aching as she puffed up the incline. Bugs were bombarding her face as she sweat through her clothes, chest heaving. Avery willed herself to focus on her footing, not wanting to fall too far behind, or worse, give Melody the satisfaction that she was actually dying.

  “I didn’t take you for the hiking type.” A soft voice startled her. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” Kadence giggled through her apology. Avery looked around to find that the rest of the group was out of sight. Kadence must have fallen back to make sure she wasn’t lost.

  Avery sighed. “I’m not…” There was no point in pretending anymore. It was rather obvious.

  “So, what made you wanna come today?” Kadence’s smile was genuine, and Avery’s gaze faltered. She diverted her eyes from the hypnotic green.

  You make me want to cum. She inwardly kicked herself. Step up your game, Bennett. “Just trying to appreciate one of nature’s many gifts and most beautiful views.” She winked at Kadence and Kadence’s cheeks tinted pink. Nailed it!

  “Hmm, I think you probably could’ve done that just by looking in the mirror,” Kadence purred. Actually purred before jogging to catch up with Danny and Emma.

  How the fuck did she turn the tables on me? Avery watched, jaw slack, as Kadence resumed her conversation with Emma as though nothing had happened.

  ***

  By the time they decided to take a break, Avery had already downed her entire water bottle and part of Emma’s, still feeling parched as hell.

  “I’m so thirsty!”

  “Are you now?” Emma teased with an impish grin.

  “I. Fucking. Hate. You.”

  If it wasn’t so damn hot, she probably would have gotten back at her roommate for the morning’s events by pouring the rest of her water bottle on her head. But the liquid was too precious to waste at the moment. She took another swig, wiping her lips with the back of her hand.

  When Emma skipped off to join Danny and Jordan by the creek to skip rocks, her attention fell to Kadence who had busied herself with some stretching. Her leg was propped against a tree as she leaned forward. She reached for her sneaker, slender fingers wrapping around the toe of her shoe. Avery felt her legs turn to jelly at her flexibility.

  A harsh voice hissed in her ear causing her to yelp in surprise. “What are your intentions with my sister?”

  What was with these siblings and their obsession with scaring the shit out of her?

  “What are you talking about?” Avery looked up to find Melody towering above her.

  “Don’t play dumb with me. I know about your reputation.”

  “What rep?”

  “Danny said you sleep around. And judging by your actions so far, I wouldn’t be surprised if you did.”

  “Are you slut shaming me?” Avery stood and took a step forward.

  “Of course not.” Melody didn’t waver as she pursed her lips. “I’m just stating my observations.”

  “I have needs,” Avery stated with a shrug of indifference. “I satisfy them. I move on.”

  “Well, keep those needs to yourself around Kadence,” the woman threatened. “She’s too good for you.”

  “Probably. But sex requires the consent of both parties.” She shouldn’t be poking the bear. Avery could practically see the steam coming from Melody’s ears.

  “Don’t play chivalrous with me.”

  “What you’re saying would imply Kadence wants it just as much as I do.”

  “Why, I ought to…” Melody raised her fist and in a flash of a millisecond, Avery realized the stupidity of her mistake.

  “Hey!” The two looked to find Jordan heading toward them.

  My fucking savior.

  “Everything okay?” he asked, coming to his girlfriend’s side and wrapping an arm around her.

  “Just perfect.” Melody faked a sickeningly sweet grin. “Just trying to get to know Kadence’s newest friend.”

  “Come on, babe, let’s get to the trail.” He shot an apologetic look over his shoulder as he escorted the temperamental older sister away.

  Avery forced herself to sprint to where Kadence was now leading the pack, ducking at the brush overhanging the beaten path.

  “Careful of the spiny ones,” Kadence pointed out. “They can get stuck in your hair.”

  Avery nodded as they hiked in a comfortable silence. She occasionally stole glances at Kadence who would smile each time she caught her looking. But the woman chose not to say anything.

  “Watch for the snake…” Kadence informed after a beat, pointing toward the ground beside Avery’s foot.

  “What?” Avery squealed, fleeing in no particular direction. She never felt so exhausted in her life and when she turned, the group was laughing, especially Emma. Kadence bit her lip, a playful smile threatening to spill. She bent to pick up the snakeskin, dangling it in the air. “Snakeskin. You didn’t let me finish my sentence.”

  “I don’t care,” Avery shouted from her distance away. “That’s still repulsive.”

  Kadence dropped the shed skin, brushing her hands on her leggings before coming to Avery’s side. “Wrong time of day.” Kadence pointed to the sun. “They won’t be out for another two hours or so.”

  “Where’d you learn that from?” Avery asked, curious as to where such a random bit of knowledge came from.

  Kadence sighed, a sadness filling her gaze. “A good friend taught me.”

  Avery wanted to ask her why she suddenly didn’t have such a beautiful glimmer in her eye, but something about using a pick-up line at the moment felt wro
ng. Instead, she nodded, allowing the rest of the group to join them as they hiked along the trail.

  ***

  They finally made it to the top and Avery felt like she could conquer the entire world. The view was shrouded by green treetops and open skies and the air was fresh and cool. Perching on a boulder, Avery inhaled. It was freeing and she realized she was thankful she’d decided to go along. That was, until she realized they had to go back down the mountain, too.

  Another two and a half miles later, Avery couldn’t feel her legs and she was pretty sure her lungs had disintegrated. One would think, with gravity and all that inertia, the hike down would be a little easier. It wasn’t. If anything, it was harder. With the steepness of the hill, her thigh muscles were tense, struggling to keep her from falling forward or twisting her ankle. In her attempt to steady herself, she stepped into a particularly wet patch of dirt, ruining her new shoes. What made it worse was she couldn’t even tell if it was mud or something else. She prayed for the first option.

  At the base of the mountain, Kadence took her by the wrist, tugging her to the red SUV where she retrieved a small packet of wipes.

  “You’re a saint, you know that?” Avery beamed as she took Kadence’s offer, kneeling down to clean her shoe.

  “You just seemed upset.” Kadence shrugged, crouching to join her while the rest of the group exchanged their goodbyes. She was so close that Avery spied the small freckle on Kadence’s lip and the light brown ring around her pupils drew her in again.

  Kadence’s lips tilted to the right, breaking eye contact with Avery. “You missed a spot.” She took the wipe from Avery’s hand, fingers brushing against hers as she cleaned off the area Avery had been too distracted to see the first time.

  “Don’t indulge her,” Emma said, now aware of the two hidden behind the vehicle.

  “No, please do.” Avery grinned. “Keep indulging.”