The Crash Zone (The Zone Series Book 2) Read online

  Max lifts his head and takes another chug of his bottle and nods. Dane wraps his arm under Max and helps him up. He nods at me and shuffles Max down the hallway to his bedroom.

  I take advantage of the moment and drain the bottle that Max was drinking from. I then gather every other bottle in the cupboard and drain those as well. I’ve wipe off the counter, take a bite of the uneaten bread and then take the bottles out to the side of the house and drop them in the recycling bin. By the time I walk back inside, Dane is quietly shutting the door to Max’s bedroom wearing different clothes than he arrived in. He has a wet bundle of clothes in his hand. I imagine Max wasn’t too easy to get out of the shower.

  “I haven’t seen him that fucked up since college.” Dane breathes out wiping his brow. “Plastic bags?” He asks holding up his wet clothes.

  “Under the sink. I got rid of all the alcohol in the house, well except the few beers in the fridge, which I can take care of tonight.” I laugh uneasily.

  “I got him in the shower; fucker is heavy when he’s loaded. He’s passed out naked in bed now, don’t go in there unless you need to see a full moon.”

  “Thanks man. I appreciate you coming over. He wouldn’t listen to me, said that I’m the brother, not the mother.” I explain.

  “He’s a prick sometimes. He’ll be hung-over as hell tomorrow. How much did he drink?”

  “No clue. Haven’t seen him since last week. Even then he seemed totally fine. Then, tonight he stumbles in and yeah.”

  “I’ll check in with you tomorrow, but I’ve got to get back home to Sterling. He should be fine in the morning.” Dane pats my shoulder and then leaves me to my kung-fu movie and Chinese food. My mission for the remainder of the evening, if I should choose to accept it, is to drink the 4 beers sitting in the fridge. Challenge Accepted.

  Chapter 9 – Max

  My bedroom stinks and there’s a draft. I open one eye and the light in my bathroom is on, from the looks of my window- it’s still dark outside and I’m buck naked. What the fuck? I manage to push myself up, but my arms are slightly wobbly. I scrunch my eyes and look for my alarm clock, it reads 1:15, it’s dark out, so that must mean in the middle of the night. I grab some pants from the chair in my bedroom and a sweatshirt and open my bedroom door slowly.

  The house is silent and dark. I’m thirsty. I walk to the kitchen and open my alcohol cupboard. Empty. Everything is gone, except some margarita mix that is probably past its expiration date. I could have sworn that there was booze in here. I stand at the counter and then I look in the cupboard again. Still, nothing drinkable is in there.

  I shake my head and grab a pair of flip flops and my keys from the side table. I don’t remember coming home. Weird, did I come home alone, I was naked after all? I shake my head and walk back to my bedroom, grab my wallet and phone and I return to the front of the house and exit.

  ***

  My hand is pressed between her shoulder blades as my hips thrust in a frenzy. I’m applying some slight pressure as with my other hand I’m pulling her hips into me. I’m grinding my teeth and focusing on my release that I feel coming. Any moment now, any mom-ent! The small tingling sensation at the base of my spine began to build as I pummeled into her hips. She made no noise as I grunted loudly. I halted my movements as I started coming and held her hips to my groin as I dug into her. I felt my dick throbbing as it emptied out into the condom and attempted to catch my breath.

  I rubbed my palm against the girls back and rounded to her ass as I pull myself out of her. She still hasn’t said anything, and to hell if I can remember her name right now. She turns to me and smiles as she leans over and picks up her panties. I doubt she finished, nor do I really care.

  “So, do you want a drink?” I ask her as I throw the condom in the waste basket.

  She shakes her head. “Um, no. I’ve got to get going, my friends are probably looking for me anyways.”

  “Okay. Cool. It was nice to meet you.” I feel like a dick, what’s her name?! Meh, why should I care, she’s leaving. One and done.

  No Name has left my room and I pour myself another glassful from the bottle on the counter in the bar area..

  I haven’t been home in awhile, I don’t know which day it is and No Name was the 5th female to leave this hotel room. I’ve spent my days drunk and my nights even more drunk. I’ve confused time and I really don’t care. I left my cell phone charger at home, so I haven’t spoken to my brother or Dane. I should probably check in with someone, but that seems like it’s too much work. This is the most irresponsible that I’ve ever been with my life, and there’s not one part of me right now that is feeling remorseful.

  The hotel I’m staying at is a nice one along Mission Bay; I have the money, so I don’t feel bad for spending it. I’m purposely away from my normal haunts and instead of at my house in Golden Hill. It’s almost like I’m on vacation, and that’s how I’m treating it. The women that I’ve picked up on are usually just vacationing here and I’ve met a few of them in the bar downstairs, the pool or the hotel’s private beach.

  I put on some clothes, finish my drink, pocket my wallet, and my room key and I leave the sanctuary of my room. I head down to the hotel’s bar and take a seat in a booth. A waitress comes and takes my order, with my drink tonight I order something to eat as well, might as well feed the body while I give it something to drink.

  I’m not too stupid to admit that I’m on the prowl; I’ve been drinking non-stop for… I’ve lost count of how many days and I’m wallowing in memories. Memories that I can’t shake. I know that somewhere in the cloud of the past week or so that I’ve called Betsy’s old phone number several times and I briefly recall asking Dane to call her the night that I took off from the house and came here. Since my phone is dead and I haven’t been placing any calls.

  A red head and two brunettes are sitting at a belly bar table to the right of my booth. The red head has curly hair, pasty skin and I can only imagine freckles everywhere. I lick my lips in that thought and then train my eyes to her friend. From this angle, she looks to be exotic looking but I can’t tell, I only can see her profile. Her smile is beautiful though and even though she’s sitting down, she has spectacular legs. The two of them are talking and laughing, they seem to be enjoying themselves as a 3rd woman listens intently. This one is short, with shoulder length brown hair, she’s dressed much more casual than the other two. They fall into conversation and I can’t help but to continue watching them.

  I’ve caught the brunette with the killer legs eyes a few times as she would periodically scan the bar. Are these chicks looking for a good time? Or at least one of them, the brunette perhaps? I can’t help to smirk and think to myself that I could be their good time. I’ve fucked two chicks at once, three would be Olympic status fucking, or at least for me it would be considering my recent state of mind.

  I contemplate my next move as my next drink is placed in front of me. I slowly stand, knowing that I’ve been sitting for a period and have been drinking. I allow my body to adjust to the new position and test my limits. The leggy brunette has noticed my standing and I feel confident in my prowl. I pick up my drink and confidently walk in their direction. I add a lazy smile to my face, one that I am well aware that works with the ladies and approach. Legs has smiled at my arrival.

  “Ladies.” I greet them, making eye contact with each one of them, lingering the longest on Legs.

  Up close, her hair is practically black and her eyes are a warm chocolate. She has a killer smile that shines against her smooth skin. She’s undeniably gorgeous, as well as the other two, although I’m drawn to Legs.

  “You’ve been staring over here long enough; we thought you were just a gawker.” The red-head smiles.

  Leg’s gasped and swatted at her friend. “What Sammie has neglected to say is simply, Hi.” Her voice is like music. It’s soothing yet extremely sexy. I must be drunk if I’m reacting to a voice, and thinking like that.

  “Blunt. I like it. I’m Max,
and you ladies are?” I smile at Leg’s first.

  “I’m Tatum, the rude one is Sammie and this is my sister, Monica. It’s her 21st birthday.” Tatum introduces.

  “Extremely your Pleasure?” Monica mumbles, obviously not impressed or attracted to me.

  “Well, Happy Birthday to you Monica, ladies it’s extremely my pleasure to meet you.” I play bow to them. Monica giggles at my gesture.

  “So Max, are you here alone?” Sammie asks. She doesn’t waste any time.

  “I am. Came down for a nightcap before I hit the hay for the night.” I say as I take a sip of my scotch.

  “You’re a guest?” Tatum asks me.

  “A temporary guest.” I nod.

  “Ah, where are you from sir Max, what wonderful adventures are you currently partaking on?” Sammie asks. This girl is odd.

  “I actually live here, in San Diego. I have no real reason for staying here, other than I needed a change of scenery for a few days. And I have to admit, the scenery here is much nicer than my little brother walking around my house in his boxers.” I shrug.

  “So you’re like, vacationing without traveling?” Monica innocently asks.

  “Exactly, I’ve even called into work.” I lie, I really should call in.

  “And what is it that you do for work Max?” Tatum asks.

  “I build things; or rather I help build things. I’m in a mixture of architecture and engineering.”

  “My friend is a Lego architect.” Monica says giggling as she brings her brightly colored drink to her lips.

  The table, including myself laughs.

  “Do you ladies mind if I join you?” I ask motioning to the empty high chair at the belly bar table behind me.

  They make room for me as I pull a chair up beside Tatum my hand accidently brushes against her thigh when I position the chair. She inhales and manages a smile as she pushes a strand of hair behind her ear.

  “So ladies, you know a little about me, what about you? Are you visiting or from here and playing hooky too?”

  “Monica is visiting from Phoenix. She’s actually staying here in the hotel and we’re celebrating our pre-summer.” Tatum smiles as she fondly looks at her sister.

  “Tate got me a swanky room for my birthday weekend.” Now I know it’s closer to the weekend, score for picking up crumbs.

  “And Monica, what is it that you do in Phoenix?” I ask making sure that I get in good with the birthday girl in hopes to impress her sister.

  “I go to State out there and really that’s it. I’m a junior- I mean senior. I’ve got to get used to saying that now.” She hiccups.

  “She’s a genius and works too hard. She needed a getaway and here she is.” Tatum smiles, obviously proud of her sister.

  “And you Sammie?” I ask directing my attention in her direction.

  “Tatum and I are both teachers, locally. I teach 2nd grade and she teaches Kindergarten.” Sammie takes my chance at grilling Tatum.

  “Right on. Would you ladies like another drink, a celebratory birthday shot perhaps, Monica?” Man, I’m laying it on thick.

  Monica briefly looks to Tatum and then back to me. She’s a little blurry and I see a faint 2nd version of her. I know I don’t need another drink, but I could care less and motion for a waitress.

  “Ladies, please order whatever you would like.” I say as I turn to the waitress. “Please charge it to my room, thank you.” I smile.

  Two hours later, I’m not sure how I’m able to function or communicate properly, but just as I’m completely wasted, so are the girls. I’ve bought at least 5 more rounds of drinks and we’re having a blast. I’ve zeroed in on Tatum several times and her friend Sammie has facilitated several times by joining Monica in the ladies room.

  Monica and Sammie haven’t been gone a minute before I turn to Tatum.

  “So, Tatum.” I start.

  “So, Max?” She inclines her head.

  “Are you seeing anyone, boyfriend or… girlfriend?” I smirk.

  “No Max, I’m not. Kind of you to ask, usually it’s just assumed information.” She smiles.

  “I prefer to not flirt with women who are taken. Bad for the ego.” I smile.

  She laughs and my dick immediately goes to command. I put my hand on the back of her chair, and lean in close to her to her ear.

  “I want to take you upstairs.” I whisper with my mouth grazing her earlobe and I can see the goose bumps explode across her skin.

  “Hey guys!” Monica stumbles into my elbow.

  Sammie smirks as she sits down and mouths Sorry, as I rub my elbow. Tatum hasn’t said anything to my declaration, but the goose bumps on her arms tell me that she’s either cold or affected. Or she’s cold, I’m hoping for the latter.

  ***

  My head is under the pillow and my hotel room is bright. I slowly lift my head, aware that I drank a lot the previous night, however with no recollection at all how I got back to my room. My eyes instantly shut as the room is super bright from the morning sun. Slowly, my vision adjusts to the brightness and I notice a faint noise beside me. I move my head slowly, as my head is pounding.

  You would think that I was a teenager gasping at the beauty besides me. It’s the one I was hitting on all last night. Fuck, what’s her name? I’m getting really bad with names! Tatum! Score! I don’t remember coming up to the room, but I’m glad that she came with me. Neither of us are wearing any clothes and I mentally fist pump and wish I remembered fucking her. Maybe I can get another round in, before I ask her to leave.

  I slowly get out of bed and decide to let her stay asleep so I can take a quick shower. I quietly close the door behind me. I look in the mirror and notice that I look like shit and it tastes like a cat shit in my mouth. I start the process of the shower and within 15 minutes, I’m opening the bathroom door to … an empty room. There’s a note on the pillow.

  Instead of doing the walk of shame with an audience,

  I’m saving myself the embarrassment.

  Thank you for last night, you were charming and by far the most interesting individual in a bar that I’ve ever met. ~T

  I walk over to the bar area and pull over a tumbler in front of me and pour from the vodka bottle.

  I was humped and dumped, what the fuck, that’s my game!

  Chapter 10 – Davis

  Max’s phone goes straight to voicemail, his bed looks the same as it did a week ago, and he hasn’t been into work. Dane and I had both searched his normal nightly haunts, I even saw Nikki at one of the bars and she said she hasn’t seen him. Worry started to set in, and I’m having problems concentrating.

  I just dismissed my class for lunch and I’m grabbing my sandwich to meet up with the other teachers. It’s been a relaxed week, since it’s the final week of the year.

  “So, you just left him? While he was in the shower?” Sammie mid-chew asks Tatum as I sit down beside her.

  “Yeah, I wanted to save myself the humiliation or any awkward conversations.” Tatum shrugs.

  “Mind-bending sex from a hot guy wouldn’t be humiliating.” Sammie smiles.

  “Sam, he was drunk when he came to our table, we threw down, what 6 rounds of shots with him? I honestly don’t remember if it was mind-bending or not. So yeah, humiliating.” She sighs.

  “Max was really nice though, from the looks of him, I guarantee it was mind-bending.” Sammie takes a bite out of her salad.

  My ears perked up at the name.

  “What are you guys talking about?” I ask directing my attention primarily at Tatum.

  She blushes. “I met a guy Friday night when we were out with my sister. That’s all.”

  “You said his name was Max?” It could purely be coincidental; my brother isn’t the only person with that name.

  “Yeah. Why are you looking at me like you’re shocked that I met a guy?” Tatum said defensively.

  “Was he tall? Good looking? Brown hair, with some facial scruff and a glassy stare?” I ask as I pull out my phone
to pull up a photo of him from my photo gallery.

  “You sound like you’re describing someone out of a romance novel. But yeah, I think that would describe him. Why?” Sammie says.

  “Where did you guys seen this guy?” I ask avoiding Sammie’s question.

  “Some hotel on the bay. Why Davis?” Sammie says mimicking Tatum’s defensiveness.

  “You guys met my brother. I haven’t seen him around in a week. What hotel was he at?”

  “Wait, you’re the brother who walks around the house in his boxers?” Sammie starts laughing.

  “Polka-dot. Do you remember the name of the hotel?” I deadpan, seeking my answer.

  “No, not off the top of my head. But it was the one that’s really tall, directly on the water. Something Bayfront. So Max, the engineer guy who bought us rounds upon rounds of drinks, is your brother?” Tatum asks.

  “If it’s the same guy, that would be my brother. Do you remember what his room number was?” I ask Tatum.

  She diverts her eyes in embarrassment. “No, sorry. After the 3rd round of drinks, everything is a little fuzzy. Sorry. Then I kinda fled from his room in the morning without a look back.” She looks at her watch. “Shit! I’ve gotta round my kids up. Um, good luck with your brother, please don’t tell him you and I are friends.” She pleads getting up.

  I nod and turn to Sammie. “No Nic today?” I say noticing he wasn’t there.

  “He has a pizza party today, so he’s in his classroom.” Sammie explains. “So, your brother is hot Max?”

  I roll my eyes.

  “Seriously, hot. But he only had eyes for Tatum on Friday. How come you didn’t tell us about a hot brother? Are you hiding him from us for a reason?” She has a far off dreamy look as she rests her chin on her hand.

  “I’m surprised he didn’t try to hook up with you too or worse.” I say.

  “Why’s that?” Her interest is perked up.

  “Max, well he’s gone through a lot the past year or so. He likes women. That’s all I’ll say. He’s a great guy don’t get me wrong, but not someone that I would intentionally set up with a friend of mine.” I shrug, I need to text Dane.