by Piper Frost
I slide over on the seat, feeling cold and embarrassed. That’s not why he came out here...and yet I still did...that. God, Paige. Desperate much?
“I’m...yeah.” I take a breath, trying to calm my racing heart. “I guess it’s almost time anyway.” I try to smile at him but it’s not as big as I thought it’d be. I feel like I’m constantly throwing myself at this guy just to be turned down.
He starts the truck and backs out of the spot he made then shifts three or four times. He looks uncomfortable and I can’t help myself from looking toward his lap. He’s still hard. Why won’t he let me take care of that for him?
When we get back on the road, he stops me from buckling and pulls me toward the middle, his hand lands on my knee and he slides my dress up to rest his palm on my thigh. I can feel the slight tremble in his warm hand and if he moved a couple more inches, he’d feel the heat between my legs.
My breath hitches and I shift slightly, letting his fingers graze over the thin fabric of my thong. I look up at him and his jaw is tight and his other hand white knuckled on the steering wheel...but he’s still hard.
“Fenton,” I whisper, wanting to touch him. His hand gives my thigh a squeeze and as we come into view of the ranch he curses and pulls his hand away.
“You’re a sweet girl,” he says and my brows furrow. That sounds like the beginning of a break up. “My sweet girl.” He looks over at me. “Let me just do this how I think it’s supposed to be done. Okay? I don’t want you regretting anything. And if I let you do that... I think in a few days you’d regret that. I shouldn’t have even taken you into the woods.” He shakes his head like he’s disappointed in himself.
“I don’t regret being with you,” I whisper. “But...” I reach up and kiss his cheek. “Thank you.” That doesn’t seem like enough. Anyone else and I’d have lost the most special thing I’ve been holding on to. And they wouldn’t have thought twice about it. I give his hand a squeeze and lace our fingers together. “For everything.”
He kisses my hand and pulls up to the house. “Paige,” he says before I move to get out. “Can I ask you something?” he’s talking quietly and glances toward the house.
“Of course,” I say, waiting in the silence of the cab I watch him put together whatever he’s about to say. And even with blue balls and a load of stress in that head of his, he’s absolutely the most handsome guy I’ve ever seen.
“Have you ever done that? Had an orgasm like that?” he whispers and the look on his face is like his heart will be broken if I say yes.
“No,” I answer honestly. “Never...ever.” My cheeks heat up and yet, somehow, that need between my legs is returning at the way he’s looking at me.
“What about the other thing? Whatever you were going to do to me?”
I blink a few times. He means a blow job and I hate to answer truthfully, but I won’t lie.
“Yeah.” I refuse to give him details. The boys I’ve messed around with were nothing like Fenton. They didn’t care about me and messing around with them didn’t turn me on like Fenton does. It didn’t make me need like I do around him.
“Ammo?” He’s staring at me intently and there’s anger deep in his gaze.
“Does it matter?’ I ask, not wanting to answer only because I don’t want him to be mad at me.
“That’s a yes.” He lets my hand go and unbuckles. “I’ll walk you to the door.”
I wait for him to open my door and when I slide out of the truck, my body acts on it’s own and moves straight for his, sliding down him at the same time. I look up at him as he slowly reaches down and pulls down the hem of my skirt for me.
“Thanks,” I whisper, letting his hand take mine.
We get to the door and he’s still quiet, still thinking about something. When he turns to me, his gaze goes past me. “This was the best day I’ve had since I moved here.” His eyes land on mine finally.
“This was the best day...” of my life. “I can ever remember. Thank you.”
“Can we hang out tomorrow?” He jumps when the door opens and my mom’s standing there.
“You’re home early. I thought I heard something, was just checking,” she claims.
“Mom,” I blurt, wide eyed and glaring at her. “Please.” Leave.
“Want to come in?” my mom offers him and he clears his throat.
“No thank you, ma’am, I have to get home.” He glances at me but his eyes go right back to my mom
“Okay,” she mumbles and walks away, leaving the door open.
“She’s out to make my life miserable,” I mutter, looking inside the house. I can’t see her. Or anyone. But that doesn’t mean she’s not paying attention. “Sorry.” I giggle nervously. Why am I nervous? I just did...what I did in his truck. And now I’m nervous. “I’d love to see you tomorrow. It’s gonna be hot. Maybe lake swimming or something?”
“Yeah, after five though. I have to spend time with my family.” Hearing a noise in the house, he glances inside then leans down and kisses my cheek. “And right now I have to go home and jerk off,” he whispers before standing up straight and letting my hands go. “Night, beautiful girl.”
I can’t wipe the smile off my face. “Night, Fenton.” I stand on the porch and watch him walk out to his truck. He looks at me and points for me to go inside and I grin. “Drive carefully.”
“Yeah, drive carefully!” my mom calls from behind me and I jump. When I look back at her she grins. “Nice night?”
“Yes.” I smile and head into the house, though I just want to watch him until I can’t see his taillights anymore. “We had a good night.”
“Yeah, I heard. I heard Fenton beat the shit out of Gray’s friend at the dance.” Her grin’s gone, and now she’s glaring at me like I’m the one that threw the punches.
“Yeah.” I nod, heading for a glass of water. “Yep. The guy was being a jerk. Saying things to me that...no. Not okay things. So Fenton attacked. And Gray let him because the guy deserved it.”
“To you?” she asks. Apparently she didn’t get all the details. “Things like what? Who said what to you?” She’s even more heated than she was a minute ago.
I sigh and walk into the living room, falling into one of dad’s recliners. May as well settle in for the long haul.
“Fenton’s ex-girlfriend was there tonight.”
“Oh god, Paige.” She huffs and sits across from me. “Was this a cat fight?”
“No.” I laugh. “The boys wouldn’t let me kick her ass but, man I wanted to.” I still can feel the rage from seeing that smirk on her face. “Anyway, she’s a bitch.” I look at my mom who’s trying not to smile at my word choice. “So she was there, saying things like she had heard rumors of us. Then more guys from his old school walk in and start talking trash. Gray wanted to beat them down by the railroad tracks because Grant wouldn’t let us fight in the gym. I would have been okay with that, too, because, mom, they were so scary mean looking.”
She blinks a few times and shakes her head. “My son wanted to meet some hoodlums at the railroad tracks and fight? What the hell is wrong with you kids? A good old fashioned fist fight doesn’t happen nowadays. Guns do. Knives do. And hell no Grant won’t let you guys fight in the gym.” She throws her hands up. “So Fenton just didn’t give a damn and did it anyway? Dad said Grant didn’t kick him off the team but seeing he doesn’t respect his elders, he should have.” She wants to hate Fenton, really bad, and keeps trying to find reasons too, but if she knew him, I know she wouldn’t.
“No, mom, stop.” I shake my head. “Fenton didn’t want to fight. Everyone else on the team did, but he made them all stay put. And I respected that, as much as I wanted them to hurt.” I sigh and take another drink of water, stretching my legs out. “So anyway, the guys on the team were all riled up because Fenton wouldn’t fight and they wanted to. Every last one of them. So they started teasing him. Calling him...weak. And a pansy and crap.” I groan, laying my head back. “Gray was so mean to him.”
&n
bsp; She huffs. “Your brother is a meathead.” When I start to laugh, she chuckles. “Thank goodness he’s handsome.”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah. So anyway.” I sit up and take a deep breath. “Then Ammo pops in and starts mouthing off...” I don’t really want to tell her what he said. But if I don’t she’ll never believe Fenton didn’t just fly off the handle. And I want her to like him.
“Ammo always runs his mouth. That’s the kid your brother punched in the face when you guys were fourteen, isn’t it?”
“Yeah,” I mutter, remembering that day like it was yesterday. “Nothing good comes out of Ammo.” I sigh. “So yeah. That.” I can’t. I can’t tell her what he said because when it comes down to it, it really didn’t feel right. I could take dirty talk from Fenton all day long, but from Ammo? It made me feel gross.
“No reason to attack a kid.” She stands. “It sounds like he’s a hothead, Paige, and I’m not sure I want you around a guy like that. We all talk shit some days,” she says with annoyance.
“He told me I should ride his...” I gesture down. “You know, rooster...because Fenton’s...um...cat...won’t do it for me.” When I look at her, she’s staring confused. “Ride his cock because Fenton’s pussy won’t do it for me.” I sigh and look away. “He made a big deal about me needing a real man, and needing someone to get off on and everything.” I close my eyes, my hands trembling in my lap. “So no. Fenton isn’t a hot head. He was defending me.”
Her eyes are wide as she stares at me. “He said that? About you?” Now she just looks hurt.
“Yeah. And that’s why Gray didn’t stop Fenton.” I chuckle. “Gray actually stopped guys from stopping Fenton.”
“Good,” she whispers then quickly looks at me, not meaning to say it out loud. “Grant didn’t mention all that. Probably best he didn’t. Your dad woulda went up to that school.” She huffs and walks over to me, sitting down. “You okay?” She smooths her hand down my hair.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I huff. “It’s just stupid. He knows I haven’t ever...” I wave my hand in front of me. “He was just saying shit to get a reaction out of Fenton because everyone was teasing him for not being able to fight. He just...” I shrug. “He’s a good guy, mom. I really like him.”
“Grant said he had no problem fighting either.” It takes a minute but she smiles. “Well, okay. One point for Fenton. And the rest of the night? He was a gentleman? You guys stayed and danced the night away?” She nudges me with a big grin.
“Yeah, mom.” I laugh and stand. “Danced like no one was watching.” I head for the kitchen to leave my glass in the sink and when I walk back through the living room, she’s still sitting on the couch smiling at me. “What?”
“Is that a metaphor for something else?” she asks with a cocked eyebrow. My sister used to tell my mom almost every detail of her life, but she ain’t getting it from me.
“I love you, mom.” I smile and head for the stairs. “And yes, I’m still a virgin!” I yell down them only to hear my dad curse from their bedroom.
“I love you, baby!” My mom calls up the stairs to me and I laugh, heading for my room and praying for dreams of Fenton.
I don’t want to be here anymore, even with Sutton things are rough. He needs to stop letting my dad get in his head. There’s not anything we can do. This is our dad, but we can choose not to believe his lies.
I grab my phone when my dad’s not looking and quickly text Paige.
FENTON: I can’t wait to see you tonight
PAIGE: Me either! Look!
She sends me a picture of a little pig wearing a tutu.
PAIGE: It’s name is Bacon Bits.
FENTON: Hahaha that poor pig!
She replies but I have to pay attention to what my dad’s saying. My fingers twitch to check my phone but I hold off until he leaves the room.
PAIGE: I’m so gross and sweaty today. Dad’s had me out on the horses all day with the herd and I may literally die.
FENTON: I’ll resuscitate you when I get there ; )
PAIGE: You better.
PAIGE: I miss you. Which is crazy because I just saw you last night. But I miss you.
I grin until I get hit in the head. Quickly blacking out my screen I look up at my dad.
“Who the fuck are you texting? We spend a few hours together on Sunday’s and your texting!”
“Work,” I grumble and open my texts.
FENTON: I miss the fuck out of you. You have no idea.
Not checking my texts from her is the hardest thing ever, but I try to respect my dad and keep my phone away while he rambles about conspiracy theories. I just wish I had a normal family. Maybe if my dad weren’t so violent and mean, I wouldn’t mind listening to the crazy babble that goes through his head. But he always brings violence into it.
PAIGE: Look at this dirt!
She sends me a selfie with the top of her shirt riding really fucking low. That’s my girlfriend. Sexy as sin, and she makes me want to sin with her, but she’s my good girl and I want to keep it that way so she doesn’t regret me.
FENTON: I’m sorry but I’ll take pictures like that all day
I grin and when my phone is snatched from me hand, my stomach drops. I stare at my brother who’s giggling until he sees who I’m texting. He stares at me a minute, then glances at my dad before tossing me my phone.
“Stupid,” he grumbles and walks away.
My phone beeps and I have to fight myself not to check the text while I sit with my dad for a little while longer. When I get outside, I take a deep breath and finally feel like I’m not suffocating anymore. I open the text and smile.
PAIGE: What about ones like this?
The dirt is gone but so is her shirt and there’s a towel wrapped around her hair. The picture cuts off right before her tits but she’s definitely holding them.
PAIGE: When are you getting back in town?
I save that picture. Quickly getting into my dad’s truck, I respond before he comes out to take me home.
FENTON: Hour. Still want to swim?
I stare at my dad as he approaches and when he gets in, the cab fills with the smell of booze. I keep my phone tucked away until he drops me at my aunt’s.
“Thanks, dad. Love you,” I say getting out. His only response is a grumble before he backs away. The door wasn’t even closed. “I fucking hate you,” I whisper, grabbing my phone and opening the text from Paige, smiling immediately.
PAIGE: Good. I’ll be waiting. Just come over when you’re home. And if you’re hungry my mom made dinner. She doesn’t hate you, by the way.
I laugh then look over my shoulder. My dad’s long gone. I look toward the dark house. My aunt’s never home. I’m starving but I’d rather be with Paige and endure her mom than go in and eat alone.
I park next to Gray’s truck and look around the ranch, thinking about all the shit my dad said today. Usually football takes away all the shit my dad says, but now it seems any time I’m annoyed with him, all I want to do is see Paige. Even before I made her my girlfriend yesterday.
I knock at the front door and Leena pulls it open. “Your brother with you?” she asks and I smirk.
“Not tonight. Your sister home?”
She rolls her eyes and walks in, leaving the door open for me. “Paige! Fenton Sterling is here!” she calls out and I push my hands into my pockets, glancing around the house.
I hear footsteps running through the house and Paige slams into my side, wrapping her arms around me and laughing. “You’re here,” she giggles, squeezing me.
“God.” I move her so I can hug her and she jumps into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist. “I missed you today.” I move in to kiss her until I hear someone clear their throat. Paige quickly slides down me and I dip my head.
“Hungry, Fenton?” her mother asks and I want to say no, but my stomach answers before I can.
“Yes, ma’am, thank you.” I glance at Paige who’s still smiling and I just want to kiss her, but not in fro
nt of her mom.
She walks away and I turn to Paige again, wanting to take the risk, but I’ll wait. “You got sun today,” I comment, looking and her pink cheeks.
“Yeah, I didn’t put sunscreen on. Hoping to keep my summer glow through the winter.” She grins and grabs my hand, pulling me into their dining room where Leena, Mr. And Mrs. Kenshaw, and a couple of other kids sit at a huge table. “Guys, this is Fenton,” Paige says to the little kids. I’ve seen them around while working but I can’t remember their names. “Be nice or he’ll throw you into the lake.”
“But I can’t swim yet!” The smallest boy yells and Paige’s dad gives her a look.
“Sit,” he says to the kid then looks at me. “Good to see you again, Fenton. Glad you could make it. Paige said you’re all heading to the lake later?”
“Yes, sir. Thank you for letting me eat with y’all.” I sit next to Paige and wonder where Grey is. He sent me a few texts last night apologizing for being a dick about the fight thing, but I told him to forget about it.
“You’re welcome here any time,” he says then starts shoveling food onto each of the kid’s plates.
Paige looks at me and smiles, giving my hand a squeeze before dropping it and grabbing food for her plate. The table’s loud with side conversations. An alive table that I’m not used to. No conspiracy theories or talk about how bad people are. Just happy people enjoying each other’s company.
“My parents are step siblings,” Paige tells me and her mom’s fork clanks to the plate.
I reach for the glass of lemonade in front of me and take a sip, nodding my head. “Oh,” I say and look over at her. She’s grinning so wide I’m going to get her back for this later. I’m so uncomfortable right now I want to hide.
“Yeah.” She giggles. “No blood relation. It’s a weird story they don’t like to talk about.”
“And we’re not talking about it,” her dad blurts, clearing his throat. “So, Fenton, how’s the truck working out for you?”
“Good. Thank you. I have a little bit of money I’d like to give you today.” My dad gave me fifty bucks for supplies today.