Weighing of the Heart (Volume 1) Read online

  My stomach growled intensely, I needed to eat something. I kicked off my heels by the door and walked over to the fridge. I think I had some leftover Chinese food in there from last night.

  “Ah HA!” There it was: beef and broccoli at my service. I grabbed the delicious looking box and placed it in the microwave to heat up. I waited the minute and a half for it to be done and then made myself a glass of sweet tea and sat at the counter to eat my yummy leftover dinner. “Happy birthday Thalia,” I said to myself, hoping this year was a good one.

  Last year was meh. I moved to Boston from Alexandria, Virginia. Around my birthday two years ago, my parents both passed away in a car accident. It was hard, especially when we were a happy family. We had a little dog with a picket fence and everything. I was going to school to get my art degree when it happened. I continued to work at Howie’s Bar and Grill until I graduated, and then I up and moved to Boston a year later. I know my parents wouldn’t have wanted me to sit and sulk over their passing. So, I have tried to be the best person I can be and live my life.

  I continued to chew my food and think of last year. Last year I met Greg and Leander. Greg was a smooth, sweet-talking Texan. He pillow talked me right into his bed. It was nice, up until I found him in that same bed with another woman. Yeah, that didn’t feel too good. But, when I think about it, he never really made me feel that good anyway. I hadn’t been with many men at all, but for some odd reason the few that I had been with weren’t all that good. Was it me? I didn’t think so.

  A beeping noise from my phone took me out of that depressing thought. I ran over to my purse to answer it. “Helloo.”

  “Hey, dove. How’s it going?” I liked it when Leander called me dove. I had no idea how he came up with it, just that it was cute.

  “Oh, just eating Chinese. You?” I said as I tried to scoop up some rice and shove it in my mouth.

  “Just got done with work. So I was thinking we should go to Solstice tonight, since it is the summer solstice. Tonight they are serving drinks half off, plus they always have good bands. What do you say?”

  Hmm, Solstice did sound fun; we went there sometimes after a bad day of work to drink the day away. I liked the place.

  “Sounds good; what time should we meet there?” I asked.

  “How about at nine? That way you can take a shower because I bet you stink.” He was teasing me.

  “Hey, watch it bud. You wake up after me; you could end up finding shaving cream all over your body when you wake up one day,” I threaten.

  We did sometimes play jokes on each other. It was fun until about a month ago when he attacked me with Nerf guns when I walked in the door. I slipped while running away and fell on the coffee table. Let’s just say I wouldn’t be winning the most graceful woman’s award any time soon. He was laughing on the other side of the line. “All right, little tiger, calm down. I’ll see you at nine, okay?”

  “Yep, see you then.” We said our goodbyes and then hung up. I immediately scrolled down to Lacey’s number and shot her a text about the where’s and when’s of tonight. I fumbled in my purse and found Tristan’s card.

  I was still unsure about him. But I said I would let him know, so I would. I found myself dialing his number to call instead of text. I really tried to convince myself it wasn’t because I wanted to hear his voice again. I really did. He answered on the second ring.

  “Hello.” My eyes fluttered and tingles shot through my veins. He brought my body to life just by saying hello over the phone. This was a mistake. “Thalia?” he asked.

  Shit, shit! I cleared my suddenly dry throat and answered. “Uh, hey Tristan, um, how are you?” Wow, Thalia. You really have a way with words.

  He chuckled. “Exquisite now that you have called, thank you. How are you?” It was hard not to smile at what he said. He wanted me to call. Even if he had a harem of women, I made him feel exquisite.

  “I’m good. Um, so I said I would let you know where we are going tonight and we are going to Solstice at nine.” I didn’t really know what to say after that.

  Damn, I should have just texted him instead of calling. Stupid, stupid.

  “Sounds like a plan. I have to go now but I will see you then.” I’m not sure if I’m disappointed or relieved that I don’t have to stay on the phone with him longer.

  “Oh, okay, I’ll see you later! Bye!” I blurted out.

  “Thalia.” He said as a goodbye. I really liked the way he said my name. It was just like the look he gave me earlier; it sounded like the name coming off a lover’s lips. I could drown in his voice. We hung up after that and I just stayed there holding the phone. What was I getting into?

  I shook out of whatever spell I was under and headed to my room.

  My little room was quaint and I liked it like that. My queen size bed is a little big, but it fit me perfectly because I spread out across it while sleeping. I had Egyptian things everywhere and a few Greek influences spread about as well. I couldn’t leave my favorite cultures out of my place of sanctuary.

  I walked over to my closet and opened the double doors. Outfits of all colors caught my eye, but nothing stood out. I moved the hangers around to see if anything popped out that is hidden, and after five swipes, I thought I’ve found it!

  A one-shouldered dark grey dress that ends just above my knees. It had fabric that is draped around like an old Greek toga and a dark turquoise ribbon that cinched the waist. It was perfect! I bought it a few years ago and never wore it. I just never felt like I came across the perfect occasion, until now.

  I grabbed the hanger and let that dress get some breathing room now that it was out of the closet. I laid it down on the bed and just stared. The color of the dress made me feel feverish. Weird.

  I decided to go with turquoise eye shadow and grey eyeliner to match the dress. I went with a messy up-do for the hair with some ringlets falling here and there. I shuffled around my drawers for a headband to complete the look. Finally, I found a nice two piece braided headband!

  I shrieked with joy when I found it. I turned towards the full length mirror on the other side of the room. I look perfect, like a Greek goddess! Okay, I was feeling good! I glanced at the clock on my nightstand. Eight-thirty, sweet! I grabbed a pair of gladiator heels and my clutch and walked out the door.

  Chapter 4

  I was super excited for tonight. No clue why, because if I’m being honest with myself. It was just a little tiny get-together at a bar. It’s not like I was flying away to some distant land with unicorns. But I would ride this high for as long as it lets me.

  I got to Solstice right at nine. As soon as I walked in, I spotted Leander sitting at a high stool table by the stage. And of course, he was surrounded by women. His eyes met mine and smiled.

  “There’s my girl!” he said as he held his arms out for me. He must not have wanted the attention of these ladies. I just smiled and walked into his embrace. He kissed me on the forehead and I peeked to the side to see the ladies leave.

  “All right, they’re gone,” I told him. He let me go and took a sip of his beer.

  “Thanks again, dove. They were just too dull. How was your day?” he asked.

  I look around, not because I’m looking for a tall, dark hair, sexy man…. no way!

  “It was good. I had a little fainting spell, but it only lasted a few seconds.” His eyebrows pinched together in concern, but he didn’t ask anymore. He just shrugged and then spoke again.

  “You look hot, by the way. Something is different about you.”

  I looked at myself from my toes to chest. I didn’t see anything different. “Nope, I still look and feel the same.”

  “Oh, there you are! Geez, this place is getting packed by the second.” Lacey bursts through the crowd. She is looking pretty hot in her green mini dress. She could definitely fill it out too. She had a nice set of perky breast and some hips that completed the package. I thought I had nice C-cups and I was proud of my butt that was kept in shape from doing volleyball
in high school.

  She hugged me hello and waved at Leander. His eyes seemed to have bugged out of his head seeing her. Interesting. He shook out of it and mumbled something about getting us some drinks.

  “You look so hot!” she shrieked. I did a little twirl for her so she could get the whole view. She gave me a nice wolf whistle. Leander returned with some girly drinks for us. We all raised our drinks and clinked them together in a toast.

  “Happy birthday, Thalia!” they both cheered.

  Suddenly, the air felt thicker. I felt him before I saw him.

  Tristan was here.

  “Happy Birthday, Thalia.” I gasped as he whispered into my ear from behind me. My eyes fluttered closed. His breath was on my neck and I opened it up as an offering to him. Not sure why; I just couldn’t seem to help it.

  A cough close by brought reality back to me. My eyes flew open to see Leander and Lacey switching stares between the man behind me and me. I cleared my throat.

  “Um, this is Tristan. He helped me today when I fainted.” I turned towards him. He was stunning. His black hair was messy but looked amazing. I just wanted to run my fingers through it, just like in my dream. He looked into my eyes and smirked. No, Thalia! He is trouble with a capital T! He turned those magnets of eyes towards my friends and extended his hand.

  “Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you both.” Lacey extended her hand first. She looked tongue tied. I lightly nudged her and she snapped out of it.

  “I’m Lacey, you’re hot,” she blurted. Then she took the hand that was in his immediately to her mouth. I just stood there looking at her with my mouth wide open enough to catch bugs. Tristan let out a chuckle; well, at least he found it funny.

  When my mouth finally hinged itself back together, I looked at Leander. He was staring Tristan down. Sizing him up, I guess. Then he brought his hand out. Tristan looked at it a second before taking the man’s hand in his.

  “I’m Leander.”

  Tristan just nodded his head in respect. “I will be right back; I’m just going to go get a drink.” His voice was sexy as hell. God, I’m turning into a hot mess. Lacey just waved nervously at him. She couldn’t help it. As he walked away I saw every woman in the vicinity stare at him with eyes like vultures. I got a sting in my stomach from the thought of all of those women making a pass at him. I needed to get over this little whatever it was I had with him, and soon.

  “Wow,” was all Lacey said after he left.

  Leander was just staring in the direction that Tristan went. “I don’t know, Thalia. He looks like heartbreak city to me,” he said. I felt myself deflate a little. I really valued his opinion, but in reality he was just saying what I was just thinking. But why did I feel a little disappointed when he didn’t quite approve?

  Shortly after Tristan was back at our table, he flew into endless conversation with everyone. Even Leander started to relax around him. Tristan was intelligent, honest, and seemed like a genuinely nice guy. I still got the bad boy vibe from him, but I also still had that feeling like I knew him. I found myself entranced in the way he laughed, the way his eyes lit when I answered one of his questions about me. I noticed everything about him. Quite often he would catch me staring at him and smirk. I would turn my head away from him and blush.

  The music started to change from nice chill music to more dancing stuff. My hips started moving to the music. I could never really control myself when it came to a good beat.

  Lacey grabbed my hand. “Let’s dance!” She led me out to the floor and I spared one glance towards the boys before we left. Tristan was smirking as he watched me; Leander was looking at him then looking towards me, concern across his face. He then started talking to Tristan.

  We made it to the little dancing area and let it loose. Lacey and I were dancing and laughing together. The music was upbeat. My hips were shaking with the beat; my hands were above my head, in my hair, everywhere!

  The alcohol gave me liquid courage, and as I turned, I got stuck in Tristan’s stare. I held his gaze as I continued to dance. The rest of the place seemed to disappear; it was just me dancing for him. I put everything I had into it, too. His eyes held mine. They grew dark, but not the dark that made my insides turn to butter. His face turned angry. My body went cold at his stare.

  Hands wrapped around my waist as I moved, and they weren’t girl hands like Lacey’s. I froze and spun around towards the man. He was looking at my ass and now he was staring at my chest. Real nice.

  “Excuse me, could you not touch me?” I said with my most menacing voice I had. He licked his lips and finally brought his gaze to mine.

  “Aw, don’t be like tha,t babe.” He tried to take my hands and continue dancing, when a hard, warm body pressed against my back. I melted into it.

  “The lady said no. Back off.” His voice was pure fire, but I felt safe and close to him.

  The guy’s eyes went wide and threw his hands up in surrender. “My bad.” He ran away then with his tail between his legs.

  I turned around and faced Tristan. “Thank you.” He was looking towards the direction the other guy went and then brought his eyes back to mine. The tight line of his mouth was replaced by a panty-melting smile.

  I literally melted. Seriously, how was I going to not go for this guy? “May I?” he asked.

  Somehow I went from puddle on the floor to freaking out school girl. My insides were fluttering like a butterfly garden. I nodded.

  Just as we started to move together, the music changed to something slow. I recognized the song. “Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran. He took my right hand in his and brought it to his chest, wrapping his other hand around my waist and pulling me close. He smelled like exotic spice and hmm, what was that?

  Cinnamon. He smelled like cinnamon. I had to speak and stop thinking about how good he smells. “So, what do you do for a living?” I asked. Trying to keep us on neutral ground.

  He just smirked. “I’m what you would call a philanthropist; I run a non-profit organization that helps families of fallen military.”

  My little wall that I was trying to keep up around him shattered. I mean, how bad could he be when he did something like that? “That is really nice of you. You’re definitely not what I was expecting,” I confess.

  He deserved me giving him the benefit of the doubt, and not judging him. His eyes grew soft, his voice dropped down to that sexy octave.

  “Well, I aim to please.” Oh, God. Seriously? I don’t think my hormones could take any more of this. It felt like my ovaries were going to explode!

  He brought his hand that was holding mine to his lips. His lips were soft as they grazed the skin of my hand. “You look beautiful. Happy birthday, Thalia.” He brought my hand back to his chest. I wanted to run my hands over his chest. Even though I still had that feeling like I knew every line of his body, I wanted to see it for myself. My blood started boiling. It was like someone turned up the heat in here.

  I didn’t realize I was holding my breath until I gasped when he brought me even closer to him. I could feel every hard part of his body. Including the impressive hard on that was now pressing into my stomach. I rested my head against his chest and thought I heard a growl come from him. I wanted him. Well, I guess that wasn’t breaking news.

  We moved together as one; I fit against his body perfectly. Okay, I needed to cut this shit out. Either take him somewhere and jump his bones already or stop thinking about it. It felt like a frigging water park had been set up in my panties. Every touch sent a zing straight through my veins to my core. I lifted my head to his. My gaze was drawn to his lips.

  I wonder what they would feel like against mine. What he would taste like? I had this feeling like he would be a damn passionate kisser, the type that curled your toes. I looked up into his eyes and saw them burning with desire. He wanted me too. His look was so intense, as if he was claiming me with his eyes.

  My lips parted. I need to calm the fire that had taken place inside me, and he looked like the perfect
salve. I inched my head closer to his and we were about a breath away when Leander came up right next to us.

  “Hey guys. I think we should head to our place and finish off that bottle of wine in the fridge and have some of the cake I got for you.” He turned his head to look at me and then Tristan. With a shit-eating grin across his face. He knew what he was doing by breaking up my almost orgasmic kiss with Tristan. Sucker.

  I’m going to smother him with his pillow tonight!

  I looked back at Tristan; he was smirking too. Damn it if that smirk wasn’t hot as hell. I pulled away from him and I instantly felt cold.

  “Sure. Let me just grab my clutch,” I spoke to them. The more distance I put between Tristan the more I realized what was happening. I was giving in.

  I wanted to explore whatever this freak of attraction I had for him, and he seemed like he wanted to as well. As I found the table with my clutch, I grabbed it and turned around. Tristan and Leander were staring at each other, a warning clear in both of their eyes. As I walked back to them I heard Leander say, “I hope you know what you are doing.” Then his straight face turned to a smile directed at me.

  “Come on, dove. Let’s find Lacey and head back to the apartment.” I looked at Tristan; was he coming too? I guess the question was plastered all over my face because he answered it.

  “I’ll be there; Leander here gave me the address.” He winked at me.

  “All right, we will see you in a bit,” I said to him as Leander and I walked away to find Lacey. She was dancing with a good-looking Latin man. Damn, she could move. I nudged her.

  “Hey, we are heading back to my house if you want to join.”

  She looked at me and then at Leander. “Sounds good. I’ll be there in…” she looked at the guy she was dancing with, “30 minutes.” She winked.