Break Me Down: Silver Tongued Devils Series Book 2 Read online

  “Hey,” I say, a flirty smile aimed straight toward him. He glances up and flashes me a grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

  “I just texted you. Did you get it?”

  “Yes, but it would’ve taken me longer to answer than it was to walk over here to you. You ready to see this movie?” Nodding, he grabs my hand, and we head up to the concession area. I order popcorn and a drink, then turn toward Todd again.

  “Do you want anything? My treat,” I say, offering him a sweet smile. His brow furrows before he raises one, looking at me like I’ve lost my mind. Feeling a bit unsettled, I wring my hands together, and add, “Since you bought the tickets, I figured I could get the—”

  “I’m the man. I’m supposed to pay. Not you.” My eyes widen at his tone, and I step back, letting him “be the man.” A little old fashioned, but we are in the south, where you mind the manners your mama taught you.

  “Just thought I would offer,” I mutter as he pulls out his wallet and adds a drink to what I ordered. Snacks in tow, we head into the theater and find some seats near the back. I move to head in first, but a hold on my bicep pulls me back. I furrow my brow as he steps in front of me, taking the seat next to a burly looking guy. I try to figure out the motivation behind his actions, and a small smile touches my lips, figuring he just didn’t want me to be uncomfortable. I scoot down the aisle and settle in beside him, my elbow bumping his as I adjust myself in the seat.

  He smiles over at me, and I smile back, settling in. As the previews roll, we joke about the stupid sounding plots and awe over the ones that sound interesting. When the movie starts, we both become quiet as we watch. One point in his favor. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who talk during movies.

  After the movie is over, we walk to a little Mexican restaurant right around the corner. They have the most amazing street tacos.

  Todd looks down at me, and asks, “What are you having?”

  “Hmmm…a pulled pork, fried avocado, and the Mexican corn on the cob. I can never say the word right. And a bottle of water.” He quirks a blond eyebrow at me. “What?” I ask innocently.

  “That’s a lot of food for a little girl. Just wondering where you’re going to put it all. Do you have a hollow leg?”

  “You’ll just have to wait and see.” Throwing him a wink, we move forward in the line to place our order. I’ve always had a fast metabolism and can eat pretty much whatever I want. I work out, but I don’t have to watch my calories. Grabbing our food, Todd leads us to seats out on the patio, and I immediately dive in, going straight for the corn. At my first bite, I moan, the flavor bursting over my tongue.

  “Should I be jealous of that corn right now?” he chuckles, drawing my attention away from the glorious explosion in my mouth. Nodding, I take a sip of my water.

  “It’s delicious,” I say, deciding I could be a bit more lady-like.

  “Where are you from originally?” I ask between bites.

  “The accent gives it away, huh?”

  “Just a little.” I chuckle.

  “I grew up in Colorado.”

  “What brought you down here?”

  “I got a baseball scholarship to play at UNT. Full ride. Too good to pass up.”

  “What’s your major?”

  “Business. You?”

  “Nursing. Just finished this last semester.”

  “Me too. Just waiting on that diploma now. Which school?’

  “Texas Women’s University.”

  “You have to do some kind of testing before you can actually start nursing, though, right?

  “Yes, I have to pass a test administered by the Texas Board of Nurse examiners before I can add RN after my name.”

  “Do you know when you’re taking it?”

  “The first available date is in a couple months. Fortunately, I can still work as a graduate nurse until then.”

  “Have you always lived in Texas?”

  “Born and raised. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. My dad’s here.”

  “I eventually want to move back to Colorado. I miss having four seasons. I miss my family.”

  “Are y’all close?”

  “Very. I talk with my parents at least twice a week and try to get home as much as I can. And you? What about your family?

  “It’s just me and my dad. My mom passed away a few years ago with cancer. I’m an only child, so we depend on each other,” I answer, clearing my throat. Talking about my mom always chokes me up.

  “I’m sorry to hear that. I don’t know what I would do without my mom.” He reaches over and grasps my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

  “Thanks. I still miss her. It’s made my dad a tad overprotective at times.”

  “I can understand that. I’m sure your dad doesn’t want to lose you, too.” His thumb sweeps back and forth across the back of my hand in a comforting way.

  Sitting around, we talk about this and that for around an hour before we get up and throw away our trash. Heading out toward the parking lot, Todd grabs my hand, intertwining our fingers. The warmth of his hand in mine feels good, comforting. Stopping at the back of my car, he pulls me toward him, and gives me a soft kiss on the forehead.

  “I had a nice time tonight. Can we do it again tomorrow?”

  “I can’t. Dinner plans with my dad. But I’d like to go out again. Can we work something out later this weekend?”

  He nods before leaning down and softly brushing his lips against mine.

  “Drive safe, and let me know when you get home. Please.”

  Getting in my car, I pull the door closed, start it up, and back out of the spot with a small wave goodbye. Pulling out onto the road, I drive back to my apartment.

  Going back into my bedroom, the notification light from my phone catches my eye. I pick it up, sighing. I forgot to let Todd know I got home. I click open the messages and furrow my brows at three texts. That’s a little excessive.

  Todd: Made it home yet?

  Todd: Mallory? Answer me please.

  Todd: I’m worried. You need to answer!

  I text him back.

  Me: Sorry. Not used to having to check in. I made it home fine.

  A few seconds later, he responds.

  Todd: Glad to hear.

  Todd: Too many crazies out on the road. I had a great time tonight. Sweet dreams.

  I toss my phone on the bed and climb in, grabbing the remote. Turning on the TV, I yawn and cuddle up with my pillow, settling in for an episode of Diners, Drives, and Dives.

  Mallory

  “Holy crap, did that really just happen?” Practically running out of the building, I spot Camryn and Kristen sitting on a bench under the tree. We were lucky enough to schedule our testing for nursing boards at the same time and place, allowing us to start this journey together and end it the same way. Upon seeing the smile on my face, they rush toward me and envelop me in a group hug. How silly we must look jumping around and screaming like teenage girls at their first boy band concert, but it has been so worth it.

  “Is it really over?” Camryn asks as she pulls back.

  “Hell yeah! School is done. Boards are taken. It’s time to live a little. Time for a girl’s weekend!”

  “Damn right. Girls weekend!” Kristen echoes. “Time to relax and unwind.”

  “Dad’s sending all of us to San Antonio as a present for making it through all of this.”

  “Mal, your dad is awesome.”

  “Everybody good with this weekend?”

  “I’m not working,” Kristen replies.

  “You gonna be able to pry yourself away from Brett for the weekend?” I tease.

  “I’ll manage. Is Todd going to be able to let you out of his sight for that long?” she teases back.

  “I think we can manage a couple nights away from each other. Cam, you in?”

  “Rest and relaxation with my girls? Of course, I’m in. Bring on the margaritas.

  “I’m going to call Dad and let him know so he can get
the ball rolling.”

  “I need to call Brett. He wanted to know as soon as we were done testing.”

  “I’m supposed to call my brother and fill him in too.”

  Reaching for my phone, I distance myself from the others and decide to call Todd before my dad. He picks up on the first ring, and butterflies swarm in my belly.

  “Hey, Mallory. Done already?”

  “Yes! Thank goodness it’s over.”

  “Congrats, babe. I’m proud of you.”

  “Thanks. I’m gonna call Dad right quick and let him know. I’ll call you later. I just wanted to let you know it’s over.”

  “Celebration dinner tonight?”

  “You’re on! Bye.” The smile on my face couldn’t get any bigger.

  Hanging up, I scroll to Dad’s number.

  “Hey, pumpkin. How’d it go?”

  “Great. I’m so glad to be done.”

  “I’m so proud of you, Mallory. Your mom would be too. We always had big dreams for you, and this is just one step closer.”

  “Thank you, Daddy. That means so much.” Blinking rapidly to clear the tears pooling, I try not to cry. Knowing how proud he is makes me happy. “My only regret is she’s not here to celebrate.”

  “Don’t cry, baby. She’s smiling down on you from Heaven. Now, how about this weekend?”

  “The girls are in. Do you need me to do anything?”

  “No. I already booked a suite on the Riverwalk since I know that’s where you like to stay. I’ll take care of everything else. Just have fun. Y’all have worked so hard for this, you deserve to relax without worrying about anything.”

  “How about dinner tonight to celebrate?”

  “Um…can we make it tomorrow night? Todd already asked me to dinner tonight.”

  “Tomorrow night is fine. And just when am I going to get to meet this Todd? You seem pretty serious.”

  “I’m not sure we’re at the parent meeting phase yet. It hasn’t been that long since we started seeing each other. But it’ll be soon, I think.”

  “You really like him, don’t you?”

  “He has potential,” I chuckle.

  “I just want you to be happy, Mallory. It’s what you deserve.”

  “I’ll talk to him tonight. If it goes well, maybe we can have dinner next week.”

  “I’d like that, pumpkin.”

  “You headed out with Todd tonight?”

  “Yep! He’s taking me out for a celebratory dinner.”

  “Damn, I should have asked you earlier. I invited Camryn over for tacos and margaritas tonight.”

  “Save me some for later. Your margaritas are killer.”

  “No promises, chick. Where are y’all going?”

  “I’m not sure. Todd didn’t mention it. Just told me what time he was going to pick me up. Speaking of which, I need to finish getting ready. He’ll be here any minute.”

  Before I can respond, there’s a knock at the door, and I glance at the clock. Todd is always very punctual and hates when I’m late. Hurrying to the door, I turn the lock and swing it open.

  “Hey, Mal.” Leaning in, he gives me a soft kiss.

  “Hey. Come in. Good day today?”

  “Yes, and I got some good news. Are you ready to go?”

  “I just need to grab my purse.” I open the door wider to let him in, and catch Camryn walking up the stairs.

  “Hey, girl! I guess you’re not hanging with us tonight?” she says as she steps into the apartment.

  “No. Todd and I are going out. He wants to celebrate me passing the exam from hell.”

  Todd is standing in the middle of the room, hands in his pockets, looking decidedly uncomfortable. Even when the girls say hello to him, he barley responds. There’s always a little tension from him when we’re with my friends.

  Moving past him, I place my hand on his back, and murmur, “I’ll just be a second,” before scurrying to my room. Snatching my bag off the bed, I take a second to glance in the mirror a final time, then head back out to the living room. Kris and Camryn are talking softly to each other and Todd is standing by the window, staring out into the parking lot. Hearing my footfalls, they glance up at me.

  “We better get going. I’ll see y’all later. Don’t drink too many margaritas without me!”

  Walking out the door, Todd places his hand on the small of my back, ignoring the goodbyes from my friends.

  The sound of the engine shutting off startles me. I look around, realizing I zoned out the entire ride to the restaurant.

  “We’re here already?”

  “Yeah. What were you thinking about so hard over there?”

  “Just stuff. Let’s go in. I’m starving. It’s been hours since lunch.”

  “I still don’t know where you put it all.”

  “After eating with me, I still manage to surprise you. I told you I could eat.”

  “But I didn’t know you could out eat a linebacker,” he chuckles.

  After exiting his side of the car, he walks around to open the door for me. Grasping his outstretched hand, I allow him to assist me out of the car. Walking side by side to the restaurant, I snuggle against him as he places his arm across my shoulder.

  The murmur of conversation and clinking of silverware draws my gaze around the restaurant. It’s more formal than the places we usually eat at.

  “I thought we needed a little fancy tonight since we are celebrating such an important milestone.”

  As we reach the hostess stand, he speaks with the brunette before she grabs two menus and leads us into the dining room. This place is made for romance, cozy tables with low lighting and candlelight. As soon as we take our seats, the waiter arrives. While I scan the menu, Todd orders us a bottle of wine and bruschetta to start. Most of the time, Todd and I get along, but he knows it irks me when he orders something for both of us without even consulting me. I keep the menu up so he can’t see me roll my eyes.

  “Are you going to get the chicken alfredo tonight?”

  “I’m not sure. I thought I might try something different. How about you?”

  “The lasagna looks good. I think that’s what I’ll get.”

  “You must really like lasagna.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “It just that anytime we eat Italian, you get lasagna. Don’t you ever want to try something different? Branch out a little?”

  Shrugging, he answers, “I know I like it and won’t be disappointed.”

  Returning with our wine and appetizer, the waiter takes our order. Todd, of course, orders his usual, and I try Fettuccini Modo Mio. He gathers our menus after pouring the wine into our glasses.

  “You don’t think variety is the spice of life?”

  “You need variety?”

  “With my food, yes. I couldn’t imagine eating the same thing all the time. That’s why I like to try different restaurants and cuisines.”

  “Maybe we can try something different this weekend.”

  “You’re not working?” I ask before taking a sip of my wine.

  “No, I was going to surprise you. Maybe get away for the weekend.”

  “That’s so sweet, but the girls and I are going to San Antonio for a girl’s weekend.”

  “When did you decide this?”

  “Today. Dad offered to pay for our trip so we could relax a little.”

  “Of course, he did,” he replies in a snarky tone.

  Setting my glass down, I furrow my brows. “What does that mean?”

  “I’m not surprised your daddy is paying for you to go away.”

  “It’s his gift for passing my boards. It’s not like he’s paying for me to spend a week in Hawaii.”

  Todd grunts before taking a bite of bruschetta.

  I swirl the wine around in my glass, having lost my appetite. It’s not the first time he’s talked about my dad like he’s jealous of our relationship. The silence between us is stagnant.

  The waiter arrives tableside to deliver our entrees
and clears away the appetizer plates. He does it as quickly and unobtrusively as possible, as if he can feel the tension between us. Todd downs half his glass of wine before looking back over at me.

  “Eat your dinner, Mallory.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Quit playing with your wine and eat your dinner before it gets cold.”

  Fuming, I twirl the pasta, but forgo taking that first bite. The heavenly aroma of garlic, bacon, and mushrooms makes my mouth water, and no longer can I resist. The taste is divine as the creamy sauce melts on my tongue. Trying to salvage the night, I ask about his good news for the day.

  “I got offered a job.”

  “That’s great. Where at? Doing what?”

  “As assistant office manager at one of the largest manufacturing plants in the country.”

  “Wow! I’m happy for you. I know you’ve been worried about getting in someplace without starting at the bottom.”

  “The top manager is set to retire in three years. He said he wants to groom me for the position.”

  “This is an amazing opportunity for you.”

  “For us, Mallory.”

  “Us?”

  “Yes. It means I can provide for you—take care of you.”

  “That’s sweet, Todd, but I don’t need you to take care of me.”

  He gives a snort before answering, “I know. That’s what you have Daddy for.”

  “That’s not fair. He doesn’t take care of me. I work. I pay my bills.”

  “I want to be the one who does that. I want you to move with me when I accept this job.”

  “Move? Where?”

  “To Colorado Springs.”

  “Colorado? Your job is in Colorado?”

  “You knew I always planned to move back there. That’s where my family is.”

  “And mine is here. I don’t want to leave Texas.”

  Throwing down his fork, it crashes against his plate obscenely loud in the mostly quiet dining room. Glancing around, I take in the occupants closest to us looking in our direction. My face becomes hot as I blush from the unwanted attention as he gulps down the rest of his wine.

  “Maybe you need to stop being selfish and grow the hell up, Mallory. The world does not revolve around just you. You are not the sun and we’re not the planets. This is a great opportunity for us.”