by Ruthi Kight
I backed away from her, putting some needed distance between our bodies. Being that close to her had sent my body into overdrive. I could barely contain myself around her. Being between those legs, clad only in those tiny denim shorts, was maddening. “I’m...nothing. I was just messing around.”
She let out the breath she was holding and pulled her knees up to her chest. She looked both relieved and shaken at the same time. I hadn’t meant to scare her and it killed me to know that I had. I would give anything to take that feeling from her. To let her know, somehow, that she could trust me. But now wasn’t the time. I turned to walk away but her small voice stopped me in my tracks.
“Sky said...he said something last night. About you.” I felt my shoulders tense at her words. Had he found out about Jenn that quickly? I had the sudden urge to tie that boy to the back of my truck and drag him through town in only his tightie whities.
Without turning around I asked “What was that?” I braced myself, ready for the sound of disappointment in her voice.
“He has this crazy idea. About you and I,” she took a breath, her voice shaky. “He thinks...I know this is crazy, but he thinks there’s something going on with us. Me and you.” I turned to face her as her last words slipped through her lips.
“Oh he does, huh? And what did you say?” I held my breath as I waited for her answer.
“I told him he was wrong. We’re just friends.” I shook my head and turned away from her again. I had to walk away before I did something stupid. Like bare my soul at her feet, ready to be used as a doormat. “Brian?” She called after me, but I couldn’t face her again. I threw my hand in the air, waving, as I walked away.
It’s crazy how one conversation can tear your whole world apart. She would never feel that way about me. That much was obvious now. Besides, Skylar was in that role now. She had already started talking to him on the phone, probably pouring her heart out to him within five minutes. I had never wanted to commit murder before that day, but I had the insatiable urge to drive to his house right then. I wouldn’t, of course, ‘cause it would hurt her, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to anyway.
Chapter Seven
Katy
Things with Brian have gotten even weirder lately. The other day he acted as if he was hitting on me, but then turned it off just as quickly as he had started. I was shocked by his actions, especially when he wedged himself between my legs. I had never been that close to someone before and the feelings that had flooded my body made me anxious. Was it normal to feel that way?
I had never thought of Brian in that sort of way before, so when my body responded to his, I really freaked out. He seemed to have sensed that and backed off, but I felt empty and alone without him there, invading my personal bubble. He has avoided me since then. Even when I tried to talk to him at the farm, he gave me one word answers and barely acknowledged me. It hurt, that’s for sure. He had never been cold towards me before.
He had always been a pain in my ass, but he has never treated me with indifference. I felt like I lost a friend that day, even if we weren’t that close to begin with. He had been an integral part of my life since I was a child, so not having him there now felt...wrong. I had to fix it, somehow. I thought about talking to Chase about it, but he had been so busy with Roxie and her parents lately, that I rarely saw him anymore.
As I stood in front of my full length mirror, checking my outfit for the tenth time, I felt guilty about going out with Sky tonight. It was Friday night and I was thankful there was no work tomorrow, but something about this date felt wrong. I had felt this way since my encounter with Brian, but until now I had tried to push the feeling away. I had ignored it and now it was ripping through my soul, tearing me to pieces as I smoothed my hands down my skirt.
I heard the doorbell and grabbed my purse off of my bed. I hurriedly put my shoes on and left my room. As I made my way down the stairs I heard the doorbell ring again. “Coming!” I yelled as I made it to the bottom step. I reached for the door, pausing to take a deep breath, and then pulled the door open. I couldn’t stop my eyes from bugging out. There, on my porch, was Brian. He was dressed up, his long legs clad in tight denim, and his broad chest encased in a form fitting polo shirt. My eyes took him in, soaking up his body as they traveled the length of him.
The sound of his chuckle drew my eyes back to his face. I shook my head, trying to clear the fog from my brain that had descended as I perused his form. “What are you doing here?” I looked around him, searching for Sky, but it was only Brian there. Dressed like sex on a stick.
He smiled at me, causing my insides to melt instantly. I could feel my body reacting to him again, but this time I was ready for it. As ready as I could get, at least. “I heard you were in need of a replacement date tonight. So here I am.”
Replacement date? “What are you talking ‘bout? Sky should be here any minute,” I said as I pulled my phone out of my purse. I found three missed calls from his number flashing at me. I had been dumped already? I put my phone back in my purse and looked Brian right in the eye, avoiding looking at his body again. “Wanna explain to me how you knew before I did?”
He hesitated for a minute before shrugging his shoulders. “I umm...I saw him earlier. He was at the Piggly Wiggly with...a friend. They looked pretty comfortable.” He gave me a sad smile as my mind registered what he was telling me.
“I shouldn’t be shocked. I really shouldn’t. I had a feeling he was the same old Sky,” I replied as I turned away from him and walked over to the sofa. I sat down and pulled my legs underneath me, smoothing my skirt over my knees. I watched as Brian came through the door and sat down beside me. He seemed hesitant and reserved, something I had never witnessed with him before.
“I’m sorry, Kitty. But ya know, it’s probably for the best. He wasn’t good enough for ya anyway,” he said with a smile. I stared at his lips as he spoke, letting my mind wander. I wondered how they would feel pressed against mine. Would he be a biter? Would he groan into my mouth as our tongues did their seductive dance? “Kitty?”
His voice snapped me out of my daze and I looked away, positive that my cheeks were flaming red by now. “Ugh, sorry. Um...okay, well, it’s okay. Promise. I didn’t really feel like going out tonight, anyway.” I tried to stand, but his hand shot out, clamping down on my wrist. He pulled me back to the couch, my body landing mere inches from his.
“Just because he’s an idiot doesn’t mean you should stay home tonight. Come out with me,” he suggested. “As friends, of course.” Friends? This didn’t feel like friends. This felt like something more. I looked at him, taking note of not only how amazing he looked, but also inhaling the musky scent that wafted from his body. I had the sudden urge to bury my nose in his chest.
“It’s okay, really. I just got a great book the other day that I’ve been dying to read. I’ll just take a long bath and read.” I saw his eyes darken and I instantly blushed. I had an inkling as to where his mind had wandered ‘cause mine was on the same path. “But thank you. I appreciate the offer.”
“Don’t do this to me, Kitty. Don’t make me beg.” He was serious. His hooded eyes were staring holes into my soul, silently begging me to comply. I wanted to, but I couldn’t help but be scared. After last year’s fiasco with Jackson, I had been leery of all guys. Sky was the first one I had agreed to go out with since then, and we see how well that turned out.
“I don’t know...” I looked away, desperate for something else to focus on. If I kept looking at him I would crumble. I felt his hand make contact with my bare knee and all rational thought flew out the window. The zing of electricity raced through my skin, through my body, all the way straight to my heart. It was as if he had touched my soul with his bare hand. “Fine. But just as friends,” my voice a little husky.
I looked back at him and found a sweet smile on his lips. He hadn’t looked that happy in a long time which made me feel better about agreeing to go. “Friends. Got it.”
He stood u
p and pulled me along with him, the smile never leaving his face. I caught a look at his profile and felt myself smiling as well. From that angle he looked like the little boy I used to know. Not the damaged young man that I had grown to know. I shook my head as we left the house, his hand never leaving mine. God help me. Tonight was going to be one for the record books.
Chapter Eight
Brian
So much for playing it cool with Katy. I couldn’t stop myself from smiling, and each time I looked over at her, she was smiling as well. I hadn’t actually concocted a plan for the night, but I knew that I wanted to spend it with her. It was just my good luck that I had run into that tool at the store earlier. When I had found him, cuddled up to that girl in the produce aisle, I nearly lost it right there. It was yet another moment when the rage I battled with constantly, strained to break free.
Somehow, I had been able to hold it in. It was a miracle, that’s for sure. I had envisioned Katy’s face when she found out he was cancelling. I didn’t know what kind of excuse he would give, but I knew it would be a lie. Skylar was one of those guys. The ones that all the girls fall over themselves for, only to end up broken hearted. Then they end up bitter and damaged for the next unlucky soul to come along.
“Are you gonna check your voicemail? Ya know, see what kind of excuse that idiot made?” I glanced over at Katy, my eyes roaming up and down her body, focusing on her exposed legs. I wanted nothing more than to feel them wrapped around my waist, but I knew I had to control myself. “Down boy,” I thought to myself. This girl would be the death of me if I wasn’t careful.
“No need to torture myself. I already know he’s gonna lie. Just better to delete and move on.” She glanced over at me, her smile withering with each passing moment. “I have a feeling it wouldn’t have gone well anyway. He’d probably stare at his reflection all night.”
“Then he’s an idiot, ‘cause you are far nicer to look at,” I replied, turning my attention back to the road. I knew she was blushing and that was one thing I couldn’t look at right now. Not if I didn’t want to scare her away right then and there. “Have you ever been to The Falls?”
“Never heard of it. Where is that?”
“Right outside of Myrtle Beach. We can be there and back within a few hours.”
“Isn’t it a little late for a road trip?” She was giggling, which was a good sign. I had thought for sure that she would flat out refuse. Guess I don’t know her as well as I thought.
“It’s never too late for a friendly drive. Come on, it’ll be fun, I promise.” I winked at her and watched the blood rush to her cheeks. She was so damn cute when she looked like that. I felt a part of me stir in response, but this time I ignored it. “You know me, Kitty. Don’t you trust me?”
She shook her head with a laugh, her chest heaving as she took each breath. “Let’s do it.” She grinned at me and I nearly lost control of the truck. The ache in my jeans was beginning to become unbearable and having her so close was not helping. But when she smiled at me like that, it was all worth it. Yep...I was so screwed.
*****
A pit stop halfway to the beach was the perfect moment to get some space. My body felt like it was going to explode with each passing second being next to Katy. While she was inside the store I filled up the tank and cleaned the windshield. Anything to get my mind off of her. If there had been any other place to stop, I would have, ‘cause this gas station looked awfully sketchy. The pumps were falling apart and dirty, while the lights overhead blinked on and off.
When I glanced at the decrepit building I watched as another car pulled up in front of the store. It wasn’t necessarily a beater like mine, but it had definitely seen better days. The driver exited the car and walked into the store, his attitude obvious as he strode in like he owned the place. At that moment, Katy exited the bathroom. Dressed in that skirt of course she would catch his attention.
I replaced the handle and closed up the tank, barely taking my eyes off of her. As I strode across the lot I could hear the loud, male voices coming from the car. I walked by, barely glancing in their direction. When I got to the doors I jerked them open and walked right up to Katy. She was paying for something at the register, but right behind her stood the sleaze-ball. He was looking her up and down, having crazy eye sex with her backside.
“Hey, you okay?” I leaned down to whisper in her ear. As I stood back upright, I glanced at him and made sure he knew that he was caught in the act.
“Yeah, just getting a Mountain Dew. You okay?” she asked, glancing up at me. Those long lashes fluttered innocently at me and I pulled her closer. She seemed to understand what I was doing as she looked over her shoulder at the guy behind her. He shot her a lecherous grin, but she ignored him, turning her attention back to me. “Did you want anything baby? I can go grab ya something real quick?”
She had that wicked look in her eye, reminding me of yet another thing I loved about her. “I’m good, sexy. Let’s get back on the road so we can be alone.” I wiggled my eyebrows at her and she giggled. That sound was the sexiest sound in the world at that moment. I craved that sound like a parched man craves water.
As we were leaving I looked back at the driver, shooting him a wide smile. He shot me the bird, causing me to laugh even harder as we walked back out of the gas station. We were walking together, her arm around my waist and mine around her shoulders. To anyone else we looked like a happy couple, out for a night together. I knew as soon as we got back in the truck that things would go back to normal, but for that one small moment, she was mine.
Chapter Nine
Katy
His arm around me felt like heaven. He was so warm and comforting, his muscles so hard and welcoming. When he opened the door for me, I nearly swooned right there. I thanked him and climbed in, desperately trying to keep my skirt from riding up. The devilish part of me wanted him to try to sneak a peek, but my proper side won out. This wasn’t a date, only a friendly road trip. I had to keep reminding myself of this.
As he climbed in beside me and cranked up the beater, I couldn’t help but watch the muscles move along his arms. He wasn’t as big as Chase, but there was no doubt he was built. I could now understand why all the girls in our class had crushed on him throughout school. I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t noticed before now. Chase had always been the one at the front of my hormone-driven mind.
The rest of the trip was quiet, neither of us doing much talking. I watched the scenery pass out the window, eventually counting the number of palmetto trees that went by. By the 256th one, I gave up. There were obviously way too many trees on this stretch of road. I kept stealing glances, but Brian seemed focused on the road. I pulled my phone out and found two new text messages.
The first one, from Roxie, was just a simple check in. I texted her back, letting her know where I was and who I was with. The second one, from an unknown number, confused me a little bit.
I always knw u were a whore. Proved me right 2night.
I gasped as I read the words again. Who in the hell would send a message like that? Evidently Brian had heard and looked over at me, his eyes tired and slightly drooping. “Everything okay?”
I shook my head and put the phone away. “Just a stupid text message, that’s all.”
“What kind of message?” he asked, concern in his voice.
“Nothing. Don’t worry ‘bout it.” I put my purse on the floor board at my feet, hoping he wouldn’t try to get to it. When I looked up he was pulling the truck over to the side of the road. He cut the engine and angled his body towards mine.
“The look on your face tells me you’re full of it. Now, what was the message?” He looked upset already. The tired look on his face just moments before gone in a blink. I couldn’t imagine what he would think when he saw what that idiot had sent. I shook my head and kept quiet, looking anywhere but his face. I didn’t want him to see the message. What if he thought the same thing about me?
I felt his shoulder bump my le
g as he leaned down to pick up my purse. I tried to grab his hand, but he already had a tight grip on the straps. He yanked it away from me and rifled through it, finally finding it at the bottom. He glanced at the text and I knew as soon as he read the message. His eyes turned to slits and he literally growled.
“Who the hell sent this? Do you know?” He bit the last words out, barely containing his anger. I shook my head in answer, hoping he would just let it go. “Dammit Kitty. Who the...who would send something like that? Was it Skylar?” He spat the name out, his face turning an angry shade of red.
“I don’t know!” I was shaking by this point, but it wasn’t from fear. His reaction to the message was so manly that it caused my body to hum. That was definitely a first. “Just forget about it. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“Like hell it doesn’t!” He slammed his hands down on the steering wheel. “I’m gonna find out who sent this. And when I do...they better give their soul to God ‘cause their ass is mine.”
I reached over and took the phone out of his hands, placing it back in my purse. When I looked back at his face, his mouth was set in a hard line. I took his rough hand in mine and looked him in the eye. “Let’s just ignore it for now, okay? Don’t let someone ruin our fun.”
He seemed to visibly relax, even if it was only a little bit. His thumb caressed the back of my hand, sending shivers up my arm. It should have felt awkward, seeing as we were supposed to be just friends, but something in that moment just felt right. I decided to leave my hand in his for as long as he would let me. If he didn’t want it there, I knew he would let go. A part of me was desperate for him to hold it even tighter, while the other was screaming for me to pull away. I hated that other part in that moment.
*****
It was official. This was now my favorite place in the world. The Falls, a series of waterfalls, all cascading in unison around us, was breathtaking. I could feel the spray on my face, dampening my skin and clothes, but all I could think of was how beautiful it was. There had to have been at least a dozen waterfalls, each of them a different size. They all spilled into one large area, creating frothy white foam on top of the water. It was completely mesmerizing.