by C. A. Harms
“Are you trying to tell me that you and Rhett have been dating for over a month now and you haven’t…” She let the question die as she widened her eyes in curiosity. I shook my head to answer her silent question. “Seriously?”
I shook my head.
“Wow.”
Wow was right, but it wasn’t for lack of opportunity. There had been plenty of those. I was ready, or at least my body was. It was my heart that kept getting cold feet. I knew it would change everything, and I wasn’t sure I was ready for that to happen yet.
I moved toward the bed and sat next to April as she watched me closely. “Do you think he’s still holding out hope that she’ll come back?” It didn’t take a genius to figure out who I was talking about; everyone in Brooklet knew Rhett and Harley were a big thing at one time. I could almost guarantee that everyone thought the two of them would grow up and get married someday. They were inseparable, or so I’d been told more times than I cared to hear. Until she left, I don’t think the two of them spent more than a day apart since they’d met.
“Is that what you think?” April leaned in so she could get a better look at me, and our eyes locked on one another’s.
“He says he’s not, that her time in his life is over, but part of me still wonders, ya know?”
“You do know that continuing to question what’s going on between you two is going to eventually come between you, right?” I looked down at my lap because I knew she was right, and I couldn’t look at her when she was telling me how stupid I was. “I’m not saying run off and sleep with him, but I am saying that you need to stop letting the ‘what if’s’ control the now. He’s with you. He doesn’t have to be. The guy didn’t commit to anyone after she left, not even once, and now he’s with you. There’s a reason for that, and no part of me thinks it’s to pass the time or fill some void he’s feeling.”
I finally looked up and met her stare.
“He cares about you, anyone that sees the two of you together could figure that out. Just stop questioning it and enjoy it.”
***
I slowed to a stop next to Rhett’s truck, and with a deep breath I climbed out of my car. Next to his big blue Chevy, my Cruz looked like a clown’s car. The comparison made me laugh remembering his comment a few days before about being able to fit my car into the bed of his truck. His truck truly was a monstrous thing that looked slightly intimidating.
As I walked around the front of his truck, I saw his mother walking down the stairs with his sister trailing close behind. They both smiled, and off in the distance I heard hammering and what sounded like a saw running.
“AJ,” Ms. Jackson hollered out, “you are just in time to help us.”
“Of course.” Though I wasn’t sure what I was so quick to volunteer for. The problem was the last time I saw her, I was dry humping her son in the barn just to my left. I was still humiliated by that fact, so at that point I would have done just about anything to make her forget that awkward moment.
“We’re taking lunch up to the guys.” In her hands she held two platters, one with sandwiches wrapped in Saran wrap and the other was a bowl of what looked like potato salad. Just behind her was Grace with a cooler in one hand and another dish in the other. “There’s more just inside the door if you wouldn’t mind grabbing a few things.”
“Sure, not a problem,” I said as I hurried off toward the house. Loading my arms up with more than I should have, I set off toward the barn.
I was amazed to see the progress that had taken place in just a couple weeks. The place that once had only big shutter-like doors now had floor-to-ceiling windows on the end where Rhett explained he’d be able to watch the sunset. The entire surrounding area was laced with wood and what looked like insulation between each board.
“Hey.” I glanced to my left to see Rhett approaching from my side, looking a little surprised to see me. He was shirtless, jeans hanging very low, almost too low, and a tool belt fastened around his waist holding various tools. There were work boots on his feet, a pencil tucked behind one ear, and his body glistened with sweat.
Before I had time to register, he leaned in and pressed a big ol’ kiss to my lips, in front of everyone. His uncles, cousins, mom, dad, and sister were all watching us with matching smiles. I felt the heat rise in my cheeks as he took some of the things I held in my arms and turned around as if nothing just happened. “Let’s eat,” he hollered out, and suddenly the trance was broken.
My cheeks felt heated as I looked at the ground, hoping that everyone would be too occupied with the food to notice my embarrassment.
When I finally looked up and searched him out, he offered me a wink. I knew he’d realized he’d embarrassed me, and this distraction was his way of giving me an out.
After he made the both of us a plate, he led me toward the windows, and we sat side by side on a stack of two-by-fours as I looked around once more.
“What do ya think?”
“It’s moving along so fast.” They did have seven guys working on it all at once, so I guessed that explained the progress.
“We wanna have all the walls up by the end of the weekend so they can start painting and we can work on the flooring after. Then down to just trim, doors, and all the final touches.”
“I couldn’t really see it before,” I confessed. “You explained it, yet all I could see was a barn. Now it’s all coming together. It’s gonna be great up here.” It was so cozy already, but once the furniture and everything was placed, I imagined it to be a place that he and I could relax while watching movies, or where he could have the guys over to watch sports.
Grace joined us along with Mikey, his cousin, and before long they all had me laughing at the stories they shared about Rhett growing up. Grace also gave me a rundown of all the times her brother decided he’d take on the role of her keeper and tell her what she could and couldn’t do.
I turned my head toward him and cocked my brow, causing him to laugh. “I already get that shit from my mother, don’t need it from you too, babe.”
It was crazy the rush I got from him simply calling me “babe” in front of his family. It felt good to be here and be a part of this family banter. By the look on his face, I think he understood it too. Maybe April was right; maybe it was time for me to stop focusing so much on the possible chance that what was developing between us was only one-sided. Maybe it was time to let go and build something unbreakable with Rhett.
Make an impact that wouldn’t allow him to let go.
Chapter Ten
Rhett
Grace nudged my shoulder as she sat down on the couch next to me. She crossed her arms over her chest, staring ahead at the television, ignoring the way I was watching her from the side.
“What was that for?”
She shrugged, still looking ahead. “It’s gonna be weird not having you around as much.”
“I’m only moving about thirty feet from the front porch,” I chuckled as I hooked her around the neck and pulled her in closer. “You act like I’m moving to Statesboro or somewhere even farther.”
“Knock it off, knucklehead.” She tried to break free, instantly going for my side and making me squeal like a girl. Did I mention how much I hated being tickled?
“I mean it, you’re always in my business, almost eating my cereal, and putting the empty milk carton back in the fridge.” She grew silent for a few seconds. “Wait, never mind, you moving out might actually be a good thing.”
“I still plan on raiding your cereal and emptying the milk,” I assured her as I leaned back and grabbed the controller. “I’ll still very much be in your business too, so don’t for a second think you’ll pull one over on me.”
“Right.” I caught the tail end of her rolling her eyes. “You’ll be too preoccupied with AJ. I overheard Mom telling Dad about what she walked in on you in the barn a few weeks ago.”
“For your information, smartass, that hasn’t even happened.”
“Whatever, you must think I�
�m stupid.”
“I’m not joking, Grace.”
I can feel her eyes on me, and I ignored her stare.
“You’re telling me that you and she have not even…” She paused, not finishing the actual question, and I shook my head. “Wow,” she added, almost amazed by the information. “I’m impressed.”
“You make it sound as if I’m some ass that nails one girl after the next.”
“No, it’s just that a rebound generally means a guy goes after that very thing in order to wipe the image of the last girl from his mind.”
“I’m not even gonna go down this road with you, Grace. But let me just say that any guy even thinks of pulling that shit on you, he better move out of the state of Georgia before I get the chance to get ahold of him.” She rolled her eyes again, but I wasn’t even joking the slightest. I didn’t ever want to think of my little sister with any guy; that shit made my head spin and my stomach turn.
“You must really like her,” Grace added, pulling my attention away from my current thoughts.
“I do.” She’d become a huge part of my life in such a short time that at times it even surprised me what things I felt for her.
There was a long pause that settled between us, and I still hadn’t looked at her. I could imagine the shocked look on her face. I knew my family had been hoping for a long time that I would just pick up and move on. Now that it was happening, I think they were all a bit shocked and relieved.
“I like her too,” she added, and then I looked at her. “She seems real nice, Rhett, and the way she looks at you, you can just tell she cares about you too.”
Silence settled over us while I attempted to refocus on the television. I’d noticed everyone around seemed to walk on eggshells in reference to Harley and the news that she was now in a serious relationship with some guy. I’ll admit I hadn’t been completely innocent since Harley and I decided to end our relationship, but those times had never been more than a way to relieve some stress.
But AJ was a pleasant surprise, and yes, she meant more than I ever planned for her to. For the first time, I was able to understand just how Harley had been able to move on with another guy. AJ gave me that hope. She made me laugh, she challenged me, and our time spent together was anything but dull. I loved having her around; everything about it felt right.
“Can I ask you something without you getting mad?” I nodded. I knew where this was going; it was the same place all conversations went whenever AJ was the topic. Same question, only this time coming from a different person. “Would you still like AJ the same if you woke up tomorrow to find Harley standing on our front porch?”
“Yes,” I said without a moment of hesitation. “I’ve told her, I’ve told Mom, hell, I think I’ve told everybody that she isn’t someone to fill some kind of emptiness Harley left. What I don’t understand is why it’s so hard for everyone to accept that I may be over Harley?”
“Because you held out for years, Rhett.” I turned toward my sister and was surprised to find her so outspoken. Grace was generally so laid back and almost oblivious to the things going on around her. She kept to herself on most days. Yet there she was, giving me the third degree instead of the other way around. “You messed around with girls, I know, but it was never more than that. Part of you held out for the chance that Harley would somehow find her way back and the two of you could just pick back up where you left off. You just have to understand that AJ may be fearful because she’s seen those things too. She may be scared to give you her heart because she fears you may not be about to give her the same in return.”
I knew how she felt; I’d seen it in her eyes so many times.
“I know if the shoe was on the other foot and it was me dating a guy—”
“You aren’t dating any guy.”
She pushed against my shoulder and laughed. “Will you stop? I’m just saying think about it. Think about the way she must feel whenever you’re together, wondering if you’re thinking of Harley instead of her.”
“She doesn’t think that,” I said, but I couldn’t be sure. Grace had my mind racing with memories of each time AJ and I were alone, or even out with friends.
“She is a sweet girl, Rhett,” Grace adds. “I really like her, just be mindful of the worries I’m sure she has.”
“Okay, and I really like her too.” And I did.
“Good.” Grace settled back onto the couch once again, feeling satisfied with our conversation, yet there I sat feeling as if I had a lump in my chest. One that made it hard to breathe.
***
I lead AJ up the same flight of stairs toward the area above the barn. The only difference was there was a door. It’d been almost nine weeks since AJ and I started seeing one another, and each day I found just one more thing I loved about her. She had to be the most caring, considerate person I’d ever met. That’s saying a lot, considering the family I belonged to.
AJ had not only made her way into my heart but also into the hearts of my family. It was amazing how whenever something took place I’d never get the opportunity to invite her because someone within my crazy ass family already had. They all had gone right past me and moved on to calling her themselves. And I loved it.
“Smells like fresh stain.” I looked over to find her inhale deeply as her eyes closed, taking it all in. “Is it weird that I love that smell?” she asked just as she reopened her eyes and locked them on mine. “It reminds me of my grandad and all the years he’d spend in his shed building shelves and benches. Before he passed, I used to go out there with him and watch him for hours.”
“That’s not crazy at all,” I assured her. “I need to take you to Uncle Colt’s shop, though, you’d love that place.”
I moved aside and allowed her to step past me so she could get a better look at the place and everything that had been done.
I couldn’t help but smile as I observed the amazement in her eyes. She blinked a few times, almost like she was seeing something she couldn’t quite believe. Stepping up behind her, I wrapped my arms around her middle and linked my fingers together, bringing them to rest on her stomach. Instantly, her body rested against mine, and that sense of peace washed over me as it had been lately every single time I held her or kissed her.
“It’s hard to believe that we’re in the same place we were only a few weeks ago,” AJ whispered, her head moving from side to side as she took it all in.
“I know.”
The bedroom, the kitchen, everything had been all framed out. All the walls were painted, and the trim that would soon be put up lay along the saw horses, their stain still tacky. “I took your advice and made everything open but the bedroom and bathroom.”
“You should make how you want it.” She lay her head back against my chest, turning enough to look up at me. “You’re the one that has to wake up here every morning.”
“Who knows? You may wake up here too, from time to time.”
“Are you inviting me for future sleepovers?” Her brow arched as she pursed her lips.
I leaned in without a second thought and pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose. “Sleepovers,” I whispered, moving lower to brush my lips over hers, “or more.”
I didn’t give her a moment to register anything. I didn’t want to see the questioning in her eyes; it was always there. “Do you know how many nights I’ve thought about what it would be like sleeping with you tucked in at my side? How many mornings I’ve woken up wishing you were there next to me?” AJ started to worry her lower lip, and my conversation with Grace flashed in my mind. “Us curled beneath the covers, warm and happy.” I kissed the corner of her mouth.
“I know you still question this.” She didn’t have to answer; I already knew it was true.
She tucked her chin, trying to look away, but I cupped her face with my palm and forced her to look at me once more. “I can see it every single time I say something to you about our future. Every time I say something sweet, I know in your mind you’re wondering if I really
mean it. This is me telling you that I do, AJ. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t. I’m not that guy, the one that plays games. Every word I’ve said to you, they’re all true.”
She closed her eyes and nodded.
“So, wood floor or carpet?” I laughed when she opened her eyes and crinkled her nose in the cutest damn way. “Things were getting too heavy,” I said with a shrug, and she laughed.
Pulling away, I watched as she moved toward the center of the room and turned in a circle looking over the space. “Wood flooring in all the rooms but the bedroom, a big area rug where you decide to put your couch.”
“Where would you put the couch?” I already knew where. She’d said it a few times before, and I’d listened. When she looked back over her shoulder toward the window, I chuckled. “In front of the windows.” Her smile widened as she tucked her hands into her back pockets and nodded.
“You have the perfect view of the moonlight and the sunlight beaming off the water. Who wouldn’t want to see that every day?”
I began to walk toward her, and I instantly felt my chest clench when she puckered her lips, giving me that sultry look of hers. She was going to be the death of me, and I swore she had absolutely no clue the effects she had on me.
“I was thinking about asking this really pretty girl to go out with me tonight.” I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her body into my own. “Got any advice to offer? Because I really, really like this girl.”
“Really like?”
“No,” I corrected, “really, really like.”
“Oh, sorry,” she said with a laugh. “But my advice would be to kiss her first.” I arched my brow in question and she continued, “Kisses are always a great way to start anything, especially kisses from you.”
“Thanks for that advice,” I said, moving in closer. I watched her eyes grow hooded as I cupped the back of her neck and tugged her hair just enough to make her tilt her head backward. “Like this?” I asked just as my lips pressed against hers, and a slow, sensual kiss was shared, one that I hoped expressed just how much being with her meant to me. The moment her tongue slid along my lower lip, I began backing her toward the wall to our right. When her body was firmly pressed between the wall and my chest, I reached down and hooked one of her legs behind her knee, lifting it so that I could press into her a little harder.