by Piper Frost
“No, we bought it today for the party.” She giggles. “Down, boy. No need for jealousy, this was bought all for your enjoyment.”
Shae sighs and finally stands up from the couch. “Time to find a new spot to sit,” she says, walking into the kitchen and Kirby follows her laughing.
“Gray, don’t go in there. They’re getting it on,” I hear Kirby say.
“Fuck off, Kirby!” Paige shifts so she’s not on top of me anymore as soon as her brother walks into the room.
“No fucking on the couch,” he says pointedly. “I sit there to play XBox.”
I pull her from the couch, not letting her hips go. “Did we get beer?” I ask Gray.
“Did you see me drinking it before you let me jump in a freezing fucking cold lake?” He opens the fridge and tosses me a can. “Happy birthday, man.”
“Thanks.” I open it and drink as much as I can, just wanting to unwind.
Shit with my dad’s only getting worse and I don’t have the option to ignore him, even though I’m nineteen, he’s still somehow controlling my life.
Trying to forget about my dad ruining my birthday, I drink a couple beers until all I can think about is having fun with my friends and Paige. I don’t want to get wasted tonight so I slow down, but Gray doesn’t until more people show up and he has to keep them in check so the place doesn’t get ruined.
“We should get tattoos,” he blurts, spinning the bottle cap on the table.
“What the hell would you get a tattoo of?” Paige laughs. “A cow?”
“Naw, the ranch brand! Dad’s got one. Uncle Bo’s got one. Grant probably has one, why the hell can’t I? I’m a fuckin’ Kenshaw.”
Paige snorts out a laugh. “Yes, you are.” She shakes her head and looks at me. “You ever thought of getting a tattoo?”
“Uh.” I shrug, not opposed to the idea. “What the fuck? Why not? I have no idea what I’d get though. Probably a cow.” I smirk at her and Gray laughs loud.
“No, man. You get the same as me. Kenshaw Ranch blood brother and shit.” He slams his fist on the table. “Let’s do it! Kirb, you in?”
“Fuck ya!” Kirby stands and throws his hand in the air, forgetting he’s holding a cup of beer and it sloshes all over Shea. She shrieks and shoves him. “Oh. Oh shit.” While he tries to help her I laugh and look at Paige.
“I can’t get a Kenshaw tattoo.” I keep a smile on my face, loving the look in her eyes right now.
“Why not? You’re a part of the ranch now. It’s a part of you. And, I think my brother just said he didn’t get you a birthday gift so this can be it.” She leans close to my ear, her lips brushing against me. “Plus, it’ll be super hot.” She nibbles on my earlobe and groans. “But you should get back soon. So I can give you my gift.”
“I’d rather get your gift.” I don’t let her walk away from me. I just want everyone else to leave.
“Let’s roll!” Gray slaps my back and grabs his keys.
“Uh, no.” Paige says, yanking the keys out of his hand and looking at the three of us guys. “Where’s Bobby?” She looks around. “Bobby Hart!”
“What?” He puts the cap on a marker as he draws on some girl’s leg then gets to his feet.
“Can you drive them to the shop? They're not driving like this.” Paige tosses him the keys.
“Yeah, and I won’t ride in a car with wild child over here. Even when she’s not drunk she can’t drive for shit.” Gray laughs.
“One. One accident and y’all won’t let me drive again. Fuck off. But I can’t drive either. And you haven’t been drinking.”
“If Uncle Tommy finds out y’all are drunk and I’m bringing your asses to get tattooed, my dad’ll kill us all. Then your dad will kill us.” He points to Gray and this tattoo idea is not turning out like they thought it would. I don’t want their dad’s to kick my ass.
“We’re not that drunk.” Gray stars to rub his head then uses his other hand to pat his stomach. “See?” He grins, still going at it. “Super sober. I’ll even mouth wash so I don’t smell like the alcohol I haven’t been drinking.”
“Shit. Let’s go. Fenton, I’m only doing this ‘cause it’s your birthday,” Bobby says headed for the door.
I look at Paige. “A Kenshaw tattoo?” I ask, trying to keep nerves out of my tone. This is the worst idea I’ve ever gone along with.
“It’d look really good right here,” she whispers, her hand pushing up the bottom of my shirt and resting on my side before leaning in to my ear. “Only for me to see.” She backs away, her eyes shining. “But that’s your choice.” She licks her lips and steps back towards Bobby. “Gray, you ready?”
“Fuck yes!” Gray grabs me by the shoulders and shoves me out the door.
I try not to jitter on the drive there, but we’re packed in Bobby’s SUV and they’re talking about how this is the best idea in the world...but it’s not. Not for me. I don’t even want to think about what my dad would do if he ever saw a Kenshaw tattoo on me, but for some reason I’m not backing out. I wipe my sweaty palm on my pants and take Paige’s hand when we get out of the truck.
When we walk inside Kirby and Gray are jumping around like idiots and I think their uncles know maybe we’ve had a few, but no one’s mentioning it. Paige’s excitement is cute as hell and she’s amping me up for this tattoo more and more. I don’t know how many times she’s said me getting this tattoo is sexy because it represents her family and it’s crazy. Really fucking crazy and I know that but in the couple months I’ve known them, they’ve accepted me more than my dad ever has.
“You gonna kiss it?” I grin and wink at her, she bites her lip, nodding her head but when her eyes drift from me and land on a guy that just came down a set of stairs, I stare at her, because she won’t stop staring at him. Her lips are parted and eyes have glossed over.
Who the fuck is this guy? I almost yell that, but I gotta keep my jealousy in check. I’m about to lose my girlfriend to a twenty something guy who has tattoos on his face, throat, arms, and probably under the clothes I think my girlfriend is imagining stripping him out of. When he smiles at her but keeps walking and stands with Tommy, I give Paige a gentle shake.
“Hey, remember me? Your boyfriend. Your un-tattooed boyfriend. Never been to prison either,” I try to get a jab in against the guy but he does look kind of cool. I’d never have the balls to put a tattoo on my face, but it looks like it suits him.
“Please don’t go to prison,” she says, then smiles bright. Her eyes flash back over to the guy before landing on my chest. “You should take your shirt off.”
My horny girlfriend is lusting after some dude, so hell yes I’ll take off my shirt and refresh her memory of the abs she likes to trace, lick, and rub up against. I yank my shirt off and don’t feel like a douche until the guys look at me like I’m crazy.
“I’m ready. Let’s do this,” I blurt.
“Tommy, my man!” Gray announces, coming out of the bathroom. “You’re doin’ mine. Because I know you won’t screw it up.” Gray looks at the tattooed guy my girl’s still drooling over. “You can do his. Kirby’s last, so whoever’s done can get him.” Gray grins at me. “We’re makin’ you a Kenshaw, dude.”
“Are you drunk?” Tommy blurts, looking at Gray with his eyebrows on the top of his forehead.
“No.” Gray laughs. “Just pumped up for this. I’ve wanted that ink since the first time I saw my dad’s. It’s like, a right or something.”
Tommy looks at me. “And you’re sure about this, kid?” He crosses his arms in front of him.
Fuck no. I nod holding eye contact and Paige gives my arm a supportive squeeze.
“Alright,” Tommy laughs, shaking his head. “I feel like this is your funeral, Kenshaw. But you’re old enough so let’s do this.” He grabs the picture from Gray and makes a couple copies before taking him into his room.
It feels like an out of body experience talking to this guy, telling him where I want it, and trying to relax. Tommy didn’t reali
ze how true his words were, but about me. My dad can never find out about this.
“Does it hurt?” Paige asks halfway through.
“No. Yes. I think.” I haven’t felt anything, I keep thinking about how stupid this is. “I’m fine, babe.” I wink at her feeling kind of douchey I called her that but her eyes keep drifting to Tattoo God working on me.
“It’s looking good.” She smirks at me. “Really good.” She holds my hand and leans over me, checking it out before sitting back in her stool. “You’ve got a piece of me on you.”
The tattoo god snickers briefly then falls silent again, turning off his machine and grabbing a towel to wipe it off. “There ya go, kid.” He scoots back after cleaning it off and Paige beams with excitement.
“Stand up! Let’s see it!” She practically shoves me out of the chair.
I stand and lift my arm, turning to the mirror. I have the Kenshaw Ranch brand tattooed on the side of my ribs. Holy fuck.
“Look good?” I can’t pull my eyes from it because I don’t want her to see the panic in my gaze.
“Looks really good.” Tattoo guy ducks out of the room and Paige squeals, wrapping her arms around me. “So hot, Fenton.” She kisses my neck. “So damn sexy.”
“Anything for you.” I kiss her and glance in the mirror once more before we leave the room.
Anything for her...
“The fuck is goin’ on here?” Coach Matthew asks, strolling through the door while we pay.
“I got branded,” Gray says, yanking up his shirt and showing Grant the tattoo. He got his placed almost identical to where mine is. “Isn’t it awesome?”
“Your dad know about that?” His eyes flash to Tommy and I look between them.
“Nope.” Gray looks so proud.
“Fenton got one, too,” Paige blurts, holding my hand tight. “It’s his birthday.”
“Oh yeah?” Coach Matthews cocks his head in disapproval. “And...you have what to do with the Kenshaws? You could get that stupid shit emoji tattooed on you for all I care, but this tattoo means something pretty important. You’re representing their family, son. That where you are in your life?” He looks at Paige and before she sticks up for me like she’s always trying to do, I stand up tall.
“Yes, sir. I love Paige and her family’s closer to me than my own family. It’s an honor to wear a respectable name on my skin.”
Grant looks at Tommy. “Kenshaw’s gonna come for your ass.”
“Nah.” He laughs. “Kids are both old enough. I’m just doing my job.” He looks at Paige. “But don’t even think about adding to the collection of idiots today, girlie.”
“I’m not.” She turns her back to him and rolls her eyes then whispers, “Yet."
Tommy shakes his head. “Get out before someone sees you here. And if there’s trouble because of this, don’t bring it here.”
Grant snorts with a shake of his head. “Happy birthday, Sterling,” he says as I walk past him.
“Thanks.” I pull Paige a little faster. I don’t think they liked that I embarked on the Kenshaw name, but I meant what I said.
I’m lost in thought when we get back to the lake. I keep drinking everything handed to me but I can’t focus. I’m not even getting drunk and I think this is my third or fourth beer. Paige is shaking her ass with Shae and they keep giggling like it’s a joke, but the way she keeps looking at me every time she moves to the music is torture. I want everyone gone. I want to be alone with her and forget about how stupid getting that tattoo was.
Finally when Kirby leaves to take Shae home ‘cause she’s puking, Gray and the other guys aren’t far behind.
I lock my eyes on Paige when it’s just us. “You can keep dancing.”
She turns the music up and sways her ass. “You want your gift now?”
“Is it you?” I reach for her and she giggles, then shakes her finger at me.
“Nope.” She pulls her shirt over her head then drops her jeans to the floor. Her tits are covered in a black lace bra and the underwear match and look like they were painted on. “I bought these today.”
“I like those.” I hook my finger into the band and pull to get her toward me, but she pushes me back. “It’s my present.”
“No, that’s not your present.” She shimmies to the other room then returns a minute later with a bag. “This is your present.”
I pull the tissue paper out then reach in and pull out a box of condoms. My eyes flash up to her then to the condoms. “So this is my present.” I grab her and yank her to straddle me. “The best fucking present I’ll ever get.” I unhook her bra and attack her neck, sucking and not being careful for marks. I need Paige to keep me grounded and if she wants me inside her tonight, that’s the only thing I want to do. “I love you,” I breathe heavily while she grinds over me, kissing my neck and pulling my shirt off.
“I love you,” she breathes then rests her hands on my abs, her thumb trailing close to the tattoo. She smiles softly then looks me in the eyes. “So...bedroom?”
I stand, not letting her down and her legs wrap around me as she giggles. I push open the door, not taking my eyes from her until I get her on the bed and focus on the underwear. I want to rip them off and bury myself deep, but I can’t do that so I slow down and remind myself my sweet girl is a virgin. This has to be perfect for her. My mouth travels all over her body all the way to her toes, then back up. I kiss the black lace between her legs and smile when my lips come up wet. She’s breathing heavy and making little moaning noises I don’t want to stop. When I shimmy her out of the underwear, I look her in the eyes.
“You are so beautiful,” I tell her and drop my eyes to her pelvis. “Perfect.” I look into her face again.
Her lip is sucked between her teeth and her fingers push through my hair. “I love you,” she whispers, her voice full of lust and need.
“I love you, Paige, more than anything,” I tell her while sliding down her body. I kiss her softly and when her breath hitches, I slide my tongue inside her. She grips my hair and her hips start rocking. I move up and trace my tongue back and forth until she’s squirming under me. And when she bursts, I hold her hips, loving when she rides it out on my mouth. “Best present ever,” I tell her, after sliding up and hovering over her.
“I need more, Fenton,” she breathes heavy. “All of you.” Her legs wrap around me and her hands cup my face, letting her thumb trail over my lips.
“You sure, Paige? You’re ready for this? With me?” I kiss over her chin hoping the answer is yes.
“Absolutely.” She brings her mouth to mine and kisses me. “Me and you.”
I reach over and grab the box of condoms she bought. Pulling one out, I sit back on my heels and before I roll it on, I look at her. She’s watching me closely as I do it. A nervous gaze meets my eyes so I lean back over her, caressing her hair while softly kissing her.
“I love you,” I whisper and her tense legs start to relax while her hand starts to push on my back. “You and me, beautiful.” I kiss her, slowly sliding into her. “Breathe, okay?” I whisper and she nods quickly.
“It’s fine,” she whispers and I push in a little more. A brief look crosses her face. “Wow,” she huffs, worry overtaking her features. “You’re really big,” she says then tries laughing it off but it ends with a gasp when I slide in deeper.
“Shhh, breathe.” I kiss her, wrapping my arm under her neck so I can hold her close. “I love you,” I keep whispering in her ear and let my hips start a steady but slow rhythm. “You okay?” She’s holding me tightly but I know it’s nothing like it could be if she weren’t a virgin.
“It feels...” Her eyes flutter open and she grins slightly. “Good.” She arches her back, her eyes flutter closed again, and her fingernails bite into my skin. “Full. And good,” she gasps when I hit her as deep as I can.
“You okay?” I ask, but I don’t stop. I can’t and I don’t want to.
“Yeah,” she whispers. “I’m great.” She pulls me down and kis
ses me.
I move faster, kissing her until I’m close then press my forehead against hers and close my eyes. I don’t want to come already, but there’s no chance she’s going to so I don’t stop myself and when I come, I hate we can’t do this whenever we want. And it’ll be a long time before we can be together without parents telling her what she can and can’t do.
“Shit.” I pant and roll next to her, pulling her onto my chest.
She curls into me, weaving her legs around mine and breathing heavy. Her hand slides up my back and pushes into my hair at the back of my neck, twisting and twirling like she always does. I hold the condom in my hand, not wanting to get up yet. We lay in silence for a while and when I hear her breathing deeply, I smile and toss it over the side of the bed then pull the covers over us.
I got a Kenshaw tattoo today. I took Paige’s virginity today. And I got a huge ultimatum from my dad today. I know what’s most important in my life right now. My dad doesn’t care about me half as much as Paige or even her family does. I’m his blood so he feels he’s obligated to me. Paige’s loyalty goes deeper than blood.
***
Over Christmas break, I’m at the Kenshaws morning to night. At first I thought I was overstaying my welcome, but one day when I showed up late, Brandt himself had called me twice asking where I was. These people know how to accept someone and make them comfortable. I couldn’t have asked for a better girlfriend in Paige, or friend in Gray. Me and Paige can barely keep our hands off each other, and we steal time together when we can, but I still won’t disrespect her dad, so it’s not as much as we’d like.
“Gray!” I run toward the horses while Rage is on his back legs, about to trample Gray. “Brandt!” I scream as loud as I can to get his dad’s attention as he’s across one of the fields. “Shit.” Gray’s in the corner of the pen, blocking his head from Rage’s hooves but Ruin is laying on her side with foam around her mouth.
Mr. Kenshaw runs past me faster than anything I’ve seen and he clears the wooden fence in a leap, wrangling Rage back from trampling Gray and Ruin. I open the gate for Gray and he runs out.
“Holy shit!” Gray yells, sucking in deep breaths. His eyes are wild. “Dad, he lost his shit!” he yells to his dad who’s running for the fence to jump out before he’s in the same situation.