by Lynn Rush
My gut clenched at the concern softening her gaze. She was worried about me and Caleb. That was nice of her but scary, too. My dad must have really done something bad. “Um. Thanks.”
She dipped her head at me, then stepped through the short swing door back to behind the counter while I stood here in the middle of the empty waiting room. My heart was hammering so hard I could almost hear it echoing off the walls that felt like they were closing in around me.
A few minutes later, Darla stood from behind her computer and held up Dad’s checkbooks. “Here you go, Brodie.”
“Do I have to sign something?”
She shook her head. “He’ll sign himself out. You’re not eighteen.”
“So…”
“He’s almost processed out.” She nodded toward the chairs against the far wall of the small waiting room.
“I’ll wait outside.” I whipped around, busted through the doors, and hustled down the steps.
Preach rolled the window, and I tossed the checkbooks onto the passenger side seat. “Sounds like he’s coming. Thanks for being here, man.”
“Sure.”
I stepped back from the car to give Preach room to get out when I heard the station doors open again. “Now what?”
I whipped around, and Dad thundered down the steps. “Let’s go.”
His foot slipped out from beneath him on that last one, and he landed flat on his butt just below the bottom step. Swear words streamed from his mouth that were so colorful, a sailor would have blushed.
“Dad.” I hustled toward him.
He waved me off, then hopped to his feet. He put his arms out as if trying to keep his balance.
A wave of liquor-scented air washed over me as he faced me. Dang, was he still drunk? His cheeks were gaunt and his eyes bloodshot.
It was like it wasn’t my dad or something.
Tears stung my eyes, but I swallowed them back.
“Let’s go home,” he said, carefully navigating the icy sidewalk.
“What happened?”
He ignored me as he made his way toward the driver’s side of the car. “Give me the keys.”
“I’ll drive,” I said, looking at Preach as he worked his way out of the driver’s side seat.
Dad glared at me. “I will drive my own goddamn car, kid. Give me the keys.”
“No.” I shoved my hand in my front pocket. “You’re drunk.”
He turned around and stomped toward me. “You ungrateful piece of—”
“Dad.” I widened my stance, preparing for him to slam into me as Preach came to my right side. “What are you doing?”
Dad’s jaw clenched, and so did his fists. Holy fuck, was he going to hit me?
“Daddy?” Caleb’s tiny voice streamed around my irrational father.
I stepped to the side, then spun around Dad so I was between him and my brother. Preach did the same. No way was my father going to drive, and no freaking way in hell was he going to do anything to my little brother.
“Dad. Stop. What’s going on?”
He collapsed to his knees on the snow-covered sidewalk, wailing. “It’s over. It’s…this…it’s too much.”
“What is, Dad?” I couldn’t believe no one was coming out from the station for how much noise he was making.
Caleb’s tiny hand filled mine. He hugged the blankets around him and looked up at me. “What’s wrong with Daddy?”
“Not sure, buddy.” I wiggled our joined hands. “Get back in the car. I’ll take care of him.”
Dad looked up from his sprawled position on the frigid sidewalk. His tear-filled eyes widened, his nostrils flared, but then as quickly as that happened, his face went stone-cold. His jaw clenched, and his eyes narrowed.
His attention was on Caleb’s hand, which was in mine.
Two long breaths passed without a sound. It was like everything around us went silent.
Then he stood, turned, and started walking away. He didn’t even have a jacket on.
“Dad?” I yelled.
He took off running.
“Dad,” I yelled again and looked down at Caleb.
Tears filled his eyes, and he started shaking. “Brodie?”
I hoisted him into my arms and tucked him into the backseat of the car. Dad turned the corner at the end of the block and fell out of sight.
He was gone.
He’d abandoned us.
CHAPTER
THIRTY-SIX
Willow
“Willow! Brodie! You made it,” Preach called out.
Laughter filled the air as we approached the crackling bonfire.
I fought the urge to grab his hand.
We’d been secretly dating for almost a month. It was exciting and kind of nice having something that just the two of us shared, but at the same time, it sucked. I wanted to hold his hand in public. Kiss him in front of other people. Go to the movies and share popcorn.
Brodie and I had decided that a couple of weeks after the season ended, we could start to date for real. But would we even be together then? Or could we maybe try long distance?
I shook the worries from my mind. Tonight was about having a good time with Brodie, Jessa, and my team.
“Drink?” Skylar, a junior on the basketball team, asked as we walked by.
“I’m good, but thanks.”
Brodie shook his head, and we kept walking.
We’d each brought a big reusable bottle filled with water.
Pax stumbled over to us. “Brodie, I didn’t think you’d make it.”
“Whoa.” Brodie grabbed onto his shoulder to steady our teammate. “How much have you had to drink?”
“Just a couple beers.” Pax grinned. “And some Jager.”
“Take it easy,” Brodie warned him, letting his hand fall.
Pax turned his attention toward me. “You two came together?”
“Brodie gave me a ride.”
He narrowed his gaze on Brodie and then turned toward me.
“You know, Sequins, I give you a hard time, but you’re actually not half bad in the goal.”
“Exactly how much have you had to drink tonight?” I asked with a chuckle.
“I mean it. I swear.” He somehow lost his footing, even though he’d been standing still, and nearly fell over.
“Wow. Thanks, Pax.” I didn’t know if he was serious or if it was the alcohol talking, but damn, Pax had actually given me a compliment. I looked up at the sky, just to make sure I didn’t see any pigs flying around.
“Damn, big guy. Never thought I’d hear you say that,” Brodie said.
Pax let out a loud belch.
“I think you need to get some water,” Brodie added.
Pax grumbled something before turning and heading to an open cooler.
“Good thing he’s too drunk to suspect something,” I whispered, my heart suddenly banging against my rib cage. Maybe we shouldn’t have come together. What if people, sober people, made assumptions? Started talking? Shit…what were we thinking?
“Nah, but even if he did, he’s so lit he won’t remember anything tomorrow,” he said as we made our way to Preach and Jessa.
The fire roared as Teddy and Nathaniel threw on two more big logs.
“Hey, you two.” Jessa gave us both a big hug.
She and Preach had come up to Bear Lake early to help set up for the party, which gave me the perfect excuse to ride with Brodie.
“Fire’s awesome,” Brodie said as he and Preach clasped hands and bumped chests.
A loud cheer echoed off the partially frozen lake.
“What was that?” I asked.
Jessa rolled her eyes. “Just the Twin River kids trying to throw a better party than us on the other side of the lake. Anyway, we’ve got hot dogs, stuff for s’mores, an
d soda on that table over there.”
Preach motioned to the folding tables set up across from the fire.
“Looks like Pax decided to bring his own drinks.” I looked over my shoulder and caught my teammate laughing so hard, he tripped and fell over his own feet.
“I thought he was going to cut back?” Jessa asked. “Especially during hockey season.”
Preach shook his head. “I’ve already talked to him a few times about it, but I think we may need to have some kind of an intervention.”
Brodie nodded in agreement.
“Come get some food with me.” Jessa took my hand and led me toward the tables.
I grabbed a skewer and two hot dogs. “You want to get the buns?”
Jessa nodded. “Onions and ketchup?”
I normally loved onions on my hot dog, but the thought of kissing Brodie later with onion breath made me cringe. “Skip the onions tonight.”
She scrunched her nose. “You love onions.”
My heart rate kicked up a notch. “Um, just…not craving them as much lately.”
Twenty minutes and two hot dogs later, Jessa clapped her hands together. “Everybody, come on over to the fire. We’re going to play a game of Never Have I Ever.”
A few of the guys grumbled, but Preach shut them down immediately.
Everyone grabbed a chair from a big pile next to Eric’s dad’s truck.
“Rules are simple—we’ll go around the circle, one at a time, and make a never-have-I-ever statement. If you have done said thing, you take a drink. If you haven’t done said thing, you don’t do anything.”
Brodie and I settled in chairs next to each other. I prayed no one would ask a question that would somehow out us. Or ask something embarrassing… That would totally suck. Heat flooded to my cheeks. Thank goodness it was dark.
“I’ll go first. Never have I ever”—she gave a dramatic pause—“sang along to a Justin Bieber song.”
Teddy and Nathaniel burst out laughing and took a sip of soda.
“Ryan Anderson, don’t you lie!” Jessa laughed as she pointed to Preach.
“Ohhh,” Nathaniel sang out. “Jessa used your real name, Preach. She’s serious!”
He brought a hand to his chest. “I’d never!”
“Need I remind you of the sixth-grade talent show?” Jessa countered.
“Ohhh…right…” Preach chuckled and took a big sip of his water as the rest of the people at the party started singing “Love Yourself.”
Pax stood and moved his chair next to Jessa. “I’m next.”
Brodie tensed, watching his friend very closely, almost like he was ready to jump up and help him or something.
Pax started laughing. “Never have I ever had a hangover.”
Most of the people around the fire, Brodie included, took a sip. Preach and Jessa didn’t, and neither did I.
Teddy was up next. “Never have I ever forged my parent’s signature on something for school.”
“Teddy,” Jessa gasped as he took a drink.
“What? They didn’t want me to go on the Six Flags field trip in ninth grade, and there was no way I was going to miss that!” He threw his head back and laughed.
Over half of the people around the fire took a sip.
Eric cleared his throat and stood up. “Never have I ever kissed someone and then lied about it.”
My mouth went dry, and I dropped my gaze to the ground.
Brodie’s boot-clad foot flinched.
There was no way I’d ever take a drink in front of anyone in response to this question.
Thank goodness Brodie didn’t take a sip, either.
“Eric,” Lizzie, a junior with curly red hair said, “you sleeze!”
The game continued for thirty more minutes. Both Brodie and I asked silly questions that would in no way lead our friends and teammates to believe we were an item.
Darrion, a sophomore on the field hockey team, was next. “Never have I ever hooked up with someone in Bear Lake.”
Eric laughed so hard he spilled his beer. “Bottoms up, Wolverines.”
Brodie fidgeted nervously next to me, but he didn’t take a drink.
“Brodie ‘Wind’ Windom, don’t you dare lie about your epic pants-off dance-offs with Gretchen in the lake!”
Brodie coughed and then took a small sip of his water.
My shoulders slumped. We hadn’t talked too much about our previous relationships, but I’d heard about Gretchen from a couple of people at Woodhaven High. She was this super stunning junior from Twin River.
Brodie nudged my foot with his. A subtle move, but one that almost erased the mental image of him having sex with Gretchen in the lake.
“That concludes our first game.” Jessa smiled. “Now, go get some more food!”
Once everyone got up, Brodie gave the back of my jacket a tug.
Without a word, we backed away from the group and disappeared into the woods. He led me by the hand away from everyone, weaving between trees, and the darkness enveloped us, hiding us away from everyone. I couldn’t even hear voices anymore.
“I’m sorry you had to hear that crap about me and Gretchen like that,” Brodie said.
“I mean, I figured you weren’t still a virgin, but you know, it was a bit shocking to hear that you and she hooked up like, right here. She is a rival, after all.”
“Yeah, well, why do you think I was so against you dating Matthew?” Brodie stopped and leaned against a tall tree. Slouching, he kicked at the snow and glanced off to the side. “I learned the hard way to steer clear of those Twin River people.”
“Have there been, you know, more?” I asked quietly. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to know, but after finding out he had, it made me curious. It wasn’t like we were even close to having sex, but still…
“Only Gretchen and Sydney.”
“I haven’t. I mean…had sex with anyone,” I admitted.
Brodie grabbed my hand. “I’d never pressure you or anything.”
“I know.” I squeezed his hand. “I’m glad you told me, though.”
Without another word, Brodie tugged me into his body. His gaze met mine, triggering a firestorm in my belly.
I wove my arm around him, then jumped in front of him, but stayed in step as I walked backward. Almost felt like I was skating, we were so in tune.
A smile curved his lips as he cupped my face, keeping perfect time with me. “You are so beautiful.”
Pushing me up against a tree, he touched a kiss to the side of my cheek.
The full moon overhead filtered through the trees, lighting the space around us. His eyes locked on to mine. Flecks of copper glowed as he stepped into me.
We were both wearing thick jackets, along with stocking caps and gloves, but that didn’t stop the heat emanating from him. It seeped into me, sending my heart into race pace.
His lips brushed mine as he leaned into me even more, igniting a whole new set of fireworks in my abdomen.
“I hate that we have to keep this secret…” I said as he nipped at my bottom lip. “But it’s worth it.” He responded by wrapping his arms around my neck and pulling my body flush with his and claiming my lips.
Kissing him deeply, I got lost in the moment. Only Brodie and I existed. Out here, in the woods, away from everyone who would totally freak out if they saw us together.
Brodie nipped at my lower lip and traced kisses down my neck. Tilting my head, I gave him even more access. Goose bumps claimed my skin, but it wasn’t from the arctic air swirling around us. It was his touch. His closeness.
Him.
Heat stormed through me as my hands navigated the front of his jacket. If only I could wish it gone. My breathing hitched as he nipped at my earlobe, and a jolt of electrified tingles flooded my chest. “Brodie.”
He eased b
ack and looked down at me, his lips shiny and swollen. His fingers clasped the zipper of my jacket, and he paused, as if silently asking me for permission. My hammering heart stole my voice, so I gave him a nod.
Ever so slowly, as if teasing me, he lowered the zipper a few inches. Peeling back the fabric, he dove in and kissed a trail along the newly exposed skin where my V-neck shirt sat beneath my jacket.
His eyes widened as he tugged the zipper down all the way. With his forefinger, he trailed the skin along the neck of my shirt, leaving a trail of goose bumps in its wake. I let my head fall back against the tree and closed my eyes as his hands drifted down my body and settled on my upper thighs.
Heat coursed through me. Each searing kiss along my collarbone sent me further into oblivion. I yanked down his jacket zipper, and, thank God, he wasn’t wearing a sweatshirt. The tight gray Woodhaven athletic shirt hugged his pecs like a second skin. I ran my hands over his chest, basking in his warmth. “Brodie,” I said, my voice raspy.
His hand moved up and squeezed. “You have the best ass in the entire universe.”
I raked my fingers down his chest and grabbed him by the belt.
Brodie let out a moan as I reached around and squeezed his butt. “Yours isn’t too bad, either.”
I pushed off his jacket, tossing it to the snow. I wanted to feel more of him against me.
He unzipped mine the rest of the way and tossed it beside his.
He tugged at my shirt and trailed kisses down the V-neck shirt I was wearing. His tongue swirled under the edge of my bra, sending my body into overdrive.
“Come on, just a little bit farther,” someone whispered loudly.
Brodie and I froze as the crunch of broken twigs, and a fit of laughter filled the air.
Pax and Julia, a sophomore with pretty blue eyes and long brown hair, crashed through the woods, not thirty feet from us. He couldn’t catch us here. He’d ruin us. More specifically, me.
Heart racing, I grabbed my jacket and tossed Brodie his.
He held a finger to his lips and motioned for me to follow him away from Pax as we put our jackets back on. Talk about bad timing… After sneaking through the darkness a few minutes, Brodie spun around, weaving his hand around my waist, and pulled me to him. My heart rate ramped right back up there.