We walk onto the boat and the guide starts discussing the day's events as well as going over standard safety information for liability purposes. He hands each of us a life jacket and shows us to our spot along with getting our gear in order for the day. The boat begins pulling away from the harbor so I utilize the time it takes to get to our first anchor to ask Ryland about some wanted information.
We're standing on the deck, elbows resting on the railing, looking out at the water as the boat begins churning through the water. "Hey Rye, can I ask you a question?"
He looks at me, studying me, now curious. "Sure, what's up?"
"You know a girl named Kinzleigh?" Ryland was out surfing during the time Kinzleigh was at the beach so I'm not sure if he knows who I'm referring to, but I sure am hoping he does.
"Kinzleigh Baker?" Ahh... finally a little more information on miss secretive.
"I don't know," I say. "I never caught her last name. She has light, curly blonde hair and bright green eyes. Perfect body..." I trail off at the memory of her.
"Yep, that's her. Why do you ask?" He now has his eye brows pulled together as if he's honestly curious. He's takes grasp of his visor bill and begins moving it up and down across his forehead.
"Just curious I guess. I had a...run in with her on the beach yesterday while you were out on the water. Then, last night I did something stupid at that party so I took off to the beach to clear my head and found her crying..." I didn't even get the chance to finish when Ryland cut in.
"What the hell dude, are you holding out on me now? What happened at the party? All you had to do was call me bro. Now I feel like shit for leaving you alone."
"It's not important, besides I handled it. I wasn't going to call you when you were clearly...busy. You never chase after a girl, so I know she must be different." A smile takes form on his face before he turns serious again.
"Wait, did you say she was crying? I have never and I mean ever seen Kinzleigh cry. The girl comes across about as emotionally breakable as a cement wall. She's a sweet girl but doesn't take crap off anyone. Is she okay? Presley didn't mention her being upset. The two are normally glued to the hip. The only reason she wasn't at Logan's was because of her brother."
What happened with her brother? "She said her parents told her at dinner they are moving at the end of June. She doesn't really like to give out information about herself, apparently. I couldn't get much out of her. What happened with her brother that would keep her from going to a party? Did someone try to hurt her?" A flash of rage floods my body at the thought of someone trying to hurt her. I begin clenching my fists unconsciously.
"Calm down Rambo, what's up with the caveman act," he asks raising his brow. "Moving huh? That sucks, I wonder if Presley knows? That's going to be interesting to watch. If you didn't know any better you would think they were twins separated at birth." He laughs. "Anyway, about Konnor and Logan, I don't like putting people's business out there but since you're leaving I don't see how keeping it a secret is relevant, just keep it to yourself. Konnor, her brother, and Logan, you met at the party, were best friends until about a month ago. Konnor dated this girl Sophia for three years. He was obviously pretty crazy about her from the way he acted. In my opinion the girl was a whore in training, but what do I know? The guy is way better than her anyway. He's too nice and everyone loves him and she's the biggest bitch around. Not to mention, he's the best quarterback around these parts. He's a football star kind of like you and Braxton."
"The team was undefeated all four years he played. I'm really not sure how they lasted as long as they did, thinking about it now. She was always flirting behind his back, even with his friends and teammates, but no one had the heart to tell him. He was sickly in love with her. It wasn't because he couldn't get anyone else either, because the guy could get any girl he wanted. They were all lined up waiting for them to break up. Long story short, someone, names shall not be called, finally got tired of her whoring around behind his back and tipped him off. He came to Logan's in a panic. I guess he thought it was a joke at first, but after seeing the look on everyone's face he burst through Logan's locked bedroom door and found them going at it. Logan was trashed so I don't even know how he was about to get it up but Sophia didn't seem all that drunk at all. I'm telling you she's a bitch. He freaked out and put the guy in the hospital. I still would be surprised if that was even the first time she cheated. No one would say after they saw what he did to Logan. It was brutal. They haven't spoken since. The asshole hasn't even tried to apologize. He just keeps telling people he doesn't remember anything until Konnor walked in, like that's supposed to be an apology for your best friend witnessing you fucking his girl. Kinzleigh and her brother are really close so she cut her ties with anything Logan related."
Great, now I feel like a dip shit for going. Sounds like a charming guy, I think sarcastically. That's going against all bro code. "I want you to help me see her again. We went and ate at BJ's last night after we...talked on the pier for a while. The girl is harder to crack than embedded code."
He's shaking his head, trying to hold back laughter. I really don't see what is so funny. "Dude, there is no way you're getting anywhere with Kinzleigh Baker. Do you know how many guys have tried, me included? The girl doesn't date, she doesn't even flirt. I'm pretty sure she is still a virgin. She is a really nice girl and all she does is cheer and practice flips or whatever it is that cheerleaders do. I actually think she despises guys, with the exception of her brother. If she didn't before Logan screwed up, she does now."
"Well considering I kissed her last night, maybe I can knock down some of those man-hater walls. I don't usually kiss and tell but you're pissing me off. Are you going to help me or not?" I don't want to hear about all the guys that have tried to seduce her or possibly slept with her. I can feel my veins popping out of my neck.
Ryland is staring at me with his mouth wide open as if he's in shock. It isn't so funny now is it? "Are you joking? You...kissed Kinzleigh Baker? How the hell did you pull that off? I'm pretty sure she hasn't ever kissed anyone that I've heard about anyway. How did you manage to be the one to get to her?" He actually seems genuinely curious, but I have given him way too much information already. I am usually a very private person. I don't get into the gossip ring of sharing worthless information just to showboat with other guys. Most of the guys that have to sit around talking about all their conquests are lying anyway. I've seen too many girls' reputations get ruined because of a stupid guy running his mouth.
"Ryland, you're my cousin and best friend, but how is really irrelevant at this point don't you think?"
"You're really serious about this? If Konnor gets word, he will be at my doorstep the second he can get to you. He knows she's a good girl and her virtue is still intact so he takes his protection of her overboard. I've seen the guy in action. Do you really want to deal with that over some girl? Wait, don't you have a girlfriend?" I'm getting really tired of all his questions but he's my only option at getting anywhere with this topic.
"Yes, I'm serious. I wouldn't be having this conversation if I weren't. I'm not discussing trying to sleep with her; I just want you to help me get to the same place as her. If her brother needs to...discuss anything you can send him my way. I have a little sister so I can handle a man to man conversation. Not that it's any of your business, but I broke up with Natalie last night."
"No joke? Why? I thought that was a sure thing. Plus you're only here until Friday and then you'll be thousands of miles away from Kinzleigh." I am really starting to wonder about the questions. He seems awfully persistent in trying to sway me away from this subject; almost as if it's because he wants her himself. He did say he's tried. Now I'm getting pissed but he's my cousin.
"It was coming and needed to be done regardless of Kinzleigh or not. So, you going to help me or do I need to go another route?" I raise my brow questioningly as a smirk takes place mirroring his earlier.
"Bro you know I will help you, just getting the fa
cts down. I think Presley is having an end of the year pool party tomorrow. She should be there. I think Presley said they leave for Cabo in a few days or a week, I can't remember."
"Are we invited?" I really hope we are because I may crash it regardless.
"To the pool party? You know it," he says with his cocky grin in place.
"Okay, awesome let's catch some fish." I need to pass the time until this party.
We head back over to the rest of the group to bait up our lines and get everything ready for a day of fishing. I usually do well at anything I try, given my competitive nature. Today we're fishing for Blue Marlin, my favorite. Since it's heavier fish and bait than normal small game fishing, the charter provides all the fishing rods and bait.
I'm standing on the deck and I cast out my line beside Ryland. Uncle Joe and the rest of the charter crew are on the other side. The sun is coming up so I pull my Costa sunshades over my eyes that are dangling around my neck. Looking across the water, I begin trying to formulate a plan for this pool party.
I really want to get Kinzleigh alone. She doesn't seem to open up at all around other people. She acts like she has some kind of phobia against males. Remembering her perfect body and the things Ryland said about guys trying to get with her, I know it's probably going to be a challenge. I can't stand the thought of another guy putting his hands on her. I barely know her and I already feel protective.
My knuckles turn white grasping the pole. The thought of another man putting his lips on her and touching her in intimate places is like a toxic venom running through my blood. I can't breathe and I feel weak. I don't even notice the tug on my reel.
"Breyson."
My eyes see nothing but the reels in my thoughts of her biting her soft lips and her big, beautiful eyes closing in pure ecstasy at the pleasure of someone else. How many guys have tried to sleep with her?
"Breyson!"
My vision turns red and blurred. My fists hurt from how hard I'm grasping the rod in them.
"Breyson, what the hell? Sink your line before the fish gets off!" I finally realize where I am and what is going on. Dammit, I've got to get a grip. This has never once in my entire life happened to me. I don't know what this girl is doing to me. I prop the bottom of the pole into my lower abdomen for support and jerk the line to sink the hook into the mouth of the fish.
Quickly I begin reeling in my line. I can feel the fish playing tug of war as I use all of my strength to get it to the boat. From the weight on the other end and the amount of strength it is taking, I can tell it's going to be a good size catch; a prize.
I finally get the fish close to the boat and Ryland scoops it into the net. He cuts the line from the fish and places it in the storage compartment of the boat. Placing his hands on his hips, he narrows his eyes at me as if trying to figure something out. "Mind telling me what is going on with you? I've never seen you spaced out like that and you looked like you were seconds away from breaking that rod in half and ready to stab someone."
I lock the rod into the pole lock on the deck of the vessel until I rebait. I rub my hands over my face in aggravation. "Dude, I don't know. I can't get this girl out of my head. It's driving me crazy. You know me, I never get this way. Maybe it's just because she's not easy like the rest of the girls I usually mess around with. I don't know, but I've got to fix it. I can't handle all this shit in my head."
He looks at me and a knowing smirk takes place over his face. He grabs me by the shoulders. "You, my friend have the hots for Kinzleigh Baker. The one thing every guy that has crossed paths with her has had, but never actually been able to obtain. She's every man's dream, but that's all it's ever been for the rest of us is a dream. I'm going to be honest. Several have tried and gotten nowhere. I'll help you get on her radar, but man I'm not going to lie, you're going to need a lot of luck because I've seen many crash and burn when it comes to her. Maybe you'll be different for her. For your sake, I hope you are."
He is really not helping the situation any. The last thing I want to hear is the many different failed attempts of men trying to make her theirs. "Man, would you shut up? That is the last thing I want to hear." I pull my cap off and throw it down the deck.
He just watches me act like an idiot, not saying a word. I've been known to have anger problems. "Be realistic bro. Even if she gave you the time of day, what are you going to do when you have to leave come six days from now? Kinzleigh is not the kind of girl you screw and run back to Mississippi with another notch in your belt. She's the kind of girl you take home to meet your parents; the kind of girl you marry. She, my friend, is a rare breed, a diamond in the ruff. Once you get a girl like her, you try everything in your power not to screw it up, because chances are you won't find another one like her in your lifetime. Don't think about yourself, think about her. It wouldn't be fair. You know every girl in your clutch falls for you. Am I wrong? Look at the way things turned out with Natalie. If you want to have a good time, I'll introduce you to the right girls, but she's not it."
I pull away from his grasp and cross my fingers behind my head, exhaling for relief. If I really think about it, he makes sense. I really didn't think this through. What am I going to do when I go back home? Most grown adults don't keep up anything long distance much less high school kids. I'm definitely not anywhere in the realm of marriage.
Running my hand through my hair, pulling it in different directions, I sigh. "You're right; I guess I haven't really thought about it. We'll just go to the party and have fun. There was a cute girl last night that came on to me. Maybe I can revisit that offer." I tried to smile but it wasn't real.
"Nice, who was it?" He crosses his arms over his chest.
"Lexi I think, I wasn't really into it then," I say.
He bites his lip a little trying to hide a smile. "Now we're talking something that can be done. Piece of cake."
"Aight, cool, I guess it's settled then." I try to get in a good mood but it was just kind of slaughtered. "Let's get this done, you know I can't go home until I beat you." My competitive smile takes place.
Ryland stands there and studies me a few more seconds. He seems to be contemplating something by the way he is rubbing his chin with his fingers. "Let's do this."
We spent the rest of the day fishing. Once I got my head back in the game, I did pretty well. Ryland ended up with a catch of five at day's end and me with seven. Uncle Joe had four. We're headed back to the house and it's about four forty five in the afternoon. I'm staring out the window, index finger propped over my lip and thumb resting under my chin with my elbow on the door, lost in thought.
"You boys have fun," Uncle Joe asks looking in the rear view mirror.
"Sure, Uncle Joe. Thanks again," I say, never looking his way. I can feel Ryland staring at me but I can't bring myself to look away from the window. I can't concentrate on anything; nothing but...her. It's really starting to anger me at this point. I feel like hitting something. I tap my knuckles against the window trying to relieve the tension before I actually do hit something.
Everything Ryland said was true though. I have to figure out a way to forget about her. I can tell she isn't just a hook up kind of girl and that seems to make forgetting her more difficult. Maybe I can just be friends with her.
Friends are better than nothing at all; although, I don't know how I'm supposed to do that after getting a taste of those sweet lips. I have never been a kisser before. Personally, I think it's too intimate for my taste. It's just another way for a girl to develop feelings. Girls at my school know by now, relationships aren't my thing. Natalie is the closest I came to one and it was evident what that was.
With Kinzleigh it was different. It was like I couldn't control myself around her. The first thing I wanted to do and the last was kissing her. Getting a taste had to be the smartest and stupidest thing I've ever done. Like a drug addict thinking he can get one taste of his potent poison. Maybe Ryland is right. Maybe I just need to find the closest hot girl and get her out of my system.
That's exactly what I'm going to do. I've made up my mind. The problem is trying to get my mind to actually believe it'll work.
We pull into the drive and start walking to the pool house when Ryland breaks me from my thoughts. "Hey cuz, you want to go out tonight? I know a few things going on."
We get to get door and unlock it with the key. "I'm kind of beat. Mind if we just stay in tonight? Watch some movies maybe," I say. His mouth drops a little. I guess I do sound like a total douche. I'm usually the first one to be up for a party, especially on Saturday night. Walking in the pool house, I head towards the couch and grab the remote as I sit down.
"You're really bummed out about her aren't you? I thought you were just hot on her dude, I didn't know it was like that. Crap man," he says, removing his visor and running his fingers through his longer hair, curled up above his ears.
"Nah, you're right. It wouldn't be right. She's just different from any girl I've come across. I don't know maybe I do just need to hook up with someone. Maybe it's all this Natalie crap coming at me. I just don't feel like partying tonight."
He grasps the back of the couch with both hands. He's staring at me as I browse through the channels. I can see him through the corner of my eye. "I'm fixing to head to RedBox and get some DVD. Any requests? I'll get a pizza on the way back. Drinks should be in the fridge."
"Okay cool. Just no chick flick and I'm good" I go to grab for my wallet but he starts shaking his head.
"Keep it, I got it this time." He pulls out his phone and starts touching the screen before holding it to his ear. "I'll be back shortly." He turns and heads for the door, but right before he shuts it I make out the first few things of his conversation. "Presley, I need a favor." I wonder if he's making a stop on his way. Didn't the guy just get some last night?
CHAPTER 6
Kinzleigh
I've been hard at work since ten o'clock this morning with my cheerleading coach. I never even took a break for lunch. I have too much on my mind. For starters, the images that my traitorous brain decided to play like a movie during what could have been a peaceful night sleep. I woke up in a complete sweat scared to go back to sleep at the thought of returning to one beautiful half naked body on top of mine, kissing me senseless. The best way to control its wandering abilities is to focus on my stunting.
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