I let out a rye laugh.“I am. I’ve never liked these things. I’ve told you guys that.”I look down at my hands I’m ringing in front of me.
“Deni, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was this bad. I thought it was a you-were-afraid-to-go-but-had-fun-once-you-were-actually-doing-it kind of thing. If you are that scared we’ll head back to the front and wait for the rest of them. I don’t want to upset you.”
Gavin looks so upset. I can tell he feels like he’s let me down and I don’t like that look in his eyes. He hasn’t let me down. I realize it’s time to put my big girl pants on and do this. It’s fake and I can make it through. Gavin reaches up wipes the tears from under my eyes as he searches my face. I feel like such an idiot.“I’ll go. I’ll do it.”I say quietly. I look up into his eyes.“I can do this. Let’s go.”
“Are you sure, baby? No one will be upset if we skip it.”
“I will be. I can do this. Let’s go.”I lean up and kiss him softly on the lips but he cups my face and deepens the kiss without being inappropriate in public.
Resting his forehead against mine he whispers how much he loves me. We head back over to our group and Gavin resumes his position with his arms around my shoulders, holding me tighter keeping my back pressed against his chest. I see Jeff look over at Gavin and me with a concerned look on his face. I feel the movement of Gavin’s head nodding up and down but I don’t look at anyone. Instead I focus on my feet and I force myself to relax.
When we get on the hayride Gavin directs us to the inside row. Without me realizing it Gavin and Jeff have managed to sandwich me in between them with Amy on Jeff’s other side. Gavin’s arm is around my shoulder and Jeff’s hand is on my knee. Shit, now Jeff is feeling bad too which makes me feel worse. Amy has a huge grin on her face, she is so excited. She really gets into this. Toad, Jill, Caleb and Brooklyn are seated in the row in front of us. With as tight as we are packed in, we are pressed up against everyone around us.
I keep telling myself 'you can do this.’I scream bloody murder as something flies just above us and nasty monster dudes start jumping out of the woods. I almost ended up in Gavin’s lap a few times (which I guarantee he didn’t mind) as the scary guys reach over the edge of the trailer trying to grab us. That chainsaw guy-lets clarify; I don’t watch scary movies so I don’t know who each of them are-jumps up on the back of the trailer and starts revving his chainsaw and I thought I was going to pee myself. I made it through without as many tears as I started with. However, my body won’t stop trembling. I hate being such a wimp, but it is what it is. It was not my favorite thing to do and I doubt I’ll have interest in doing it again but I survived. I wasn’t the only one screaming so that was a plus. However, the biggest plus I got out of it, was the look of absolute enjoyment Gavin had on his face during and after. He loves this stuff and I’m glad I put on my big girl pants and went with him. He said he felt like a douche for talking me into going. It took me some time but I convinced him it was ok and I’m kind of proud of myself.
The rest of the night was much more enjoyable for me. We headed to the corn maze after the haunted ride. We broke up into two teams: Toad, Jill, Caleb and Brooklyn on one and Jeff, Amy, Gavin and me on the other. Toad’s team got a five minute head start which they used to their advantage to hide and jump out scaring the shit out of us. They took off running down one of the trails as we chased them, though, they lost us pretty quickly. About 30 minutes later Amy signaled to us she saw them on the other side of the corn wall. It’s time for a little payback, and payback was they got. I. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard in my life. We jumped on the opportunity to return the favor and scare the shit out of them. As soon as they were in front of us, we jumped through the corn. Toad and Caleb screamed almost as loud as a couple little girls. This scaring people stuff isn’t so bad when you aren’t the one being scared. I could totally get on board if I’m the one doing the scaring.
Our team won beating them out by 10 minutes which was pretty great. After that we headed over to the bonfire and hung out for a little while before deciding to head back to the cabin for our own fire and a beer. I’ve missed my friends more than I ever realized. It makes me sad to think about the time I’ve lost with them. However, I’ve resolved myself to not lose touch again; no matter the circumstance.
CHAPTER 22
Gavin
“Deni, hurry up baby, we are going to hit a ton of traffic if we don’t get moving.”We are heading back to Ambersville for the Thanksgiving weekend. We are staying at Hayden’s parents because dinner is there this year. Hayden wants to be there to help her mom with the cooking. Brooklyn and Bella headed to her grandparents this morning.
“I’m coming. Keep your pants on Dr. Hudson.”Hayden walks out of our bedroom dragging her suitcase behind her.
“How much did you pack?”
“Hmm?”She looks confused so I pointed to the suit case she’s dragging instead of carrying.“Oh, sorry. Not much. I’m just too tired to pick it up.”Hayden’s beautiful green eyes are missing their twinkle in addition to the dark circles that have taken up residency under her eyes over the last week. She looks completely drained. She’s had a cold for over a week now. Lately, she comes home and sleeps. She’s skipping runs which is something my girl never does. That’s actually how she decompresses so for her to skip running there is something going on. She didn’t even dress in what she calls normal clothes; jeans and a long sleeve T.“What’s with the lounge wear? I thought you didn’t like it when women went out in their pajamas?”Yes, I’m teasing her but still I want to know. She is wearing her lounge pants and a hoodie. This is really out of character for her.
“I just didn’t feel like getting dressed since we are only heading to my parents.”She says shrugging off my question.
She drops the end of her suitcase next to my feet before falling into my arms. I rub my hands up and down her arms and over her back while resting my cheek on the top of her head hoping this brings her comfort. A contented sigh escapes her lips as she buries her face in my chest.“You ok, baby? You’ve been pretty lethargic lately.”
Gripping me around the waist she leans her body weight against me.“Yeah, I’m just beat. The semester is coming to an end in a few weeks. It gets pretty crazy at the end of a semester let alone Fall Semester because end of year reports are due. Also, I still have that grant I’m working on getting approved.”She lets out another sigh before pushing back to look up at me.“I promise I’m ok. Just tired.”
“That fake smile doesn’t fool me for a minute but I’ll leave it be.”I give her a look that tells her this isn’t over.“Come on let’s get on the road. You can sleep on the drive.”I kiss her temple before I grab our bags.
“You read my mind.”She gives me a weak smile as we head out the door.
When we reach the garage level, Hayden walks straight over to the SUV and gets in leaving Trix standing with me while I load the back. She’s worrying me a little. She usually gets Trix setup in the backseat before climbing in. I really hope she hasn’t picked up a virus. After all, it is that time of year.“She seem funny to you, girl?”Trix tilted her head to the side giving me what I can only guess is a perplexed look before looking at the front of my SUV.“Come on girl let’sget you in.”I pat her head before opening the back door for her to jump in. I climb in the front seat to see Hayden already sound asleep. One quick kiss on her forehead before we hit the road lets me check to see if she’s feverish and well, I just like kissing my girl. She’s mine. I can kiss her anytime I want. She doesn’t feel feverish but I will be keeping a close eye on her.
Halfway to her parents there was an accident on the highway leaving us sitting for about an hour in traffic. This also put us dealing with holiday and rush hour traffic. Our hour long trip turned into a two hour trip. Hayden didn’t wake up once so Trix and I were left to entertain ourselves. Trix isn’t very good at playing license plate bingo but doesn’t mind if I sing along with the radio, so she’s a pretty good travel buddy.
Whe
n we arrived at Hayden’s parents, my parents Janet and Paxton are already there. I woke Hayden up as we pulled into their driveway. She seemed to perk right up. I guess some extra sleep helped. As soon as we walk in the door Sarah and Mom grabbed us and hugged us like they hadn’t seen us in years, even though, they were just at our place two weeks ago. That’s Mom though. As Sarah is hugging Hayden I hear her ask Hayden if she’s feeling alright. Hayden says she’s fine dismissing her mother’s concern. She blamed it on work and being tired. She can say what she wants but I’m going to make her rest this weekend whether she likes it or not.
“Your dad and Cody are at the grill. Maybe you should see if they need help.”My mother is trying to get rid of me. I should be insulted but I’m not.
“Mom! Are you trying to get rid of me?”I feign hurt.
“No, of course not, honey. I would never try to get rid of my favorite son.”My mother acts offended by the question but her smirk gives her away.
“Nice try Mom. I’m your only son. That’s fine, though, there’s really too much estrogen in this room for me.”Dodging the slap aimed for my arm I move out of my mom’s reach.
“Gavin Paxton Hudson. That was inappropriate, sir!”All three names and I’ve only been here five minutes. I think that’s a new record. Laughing I kiss Hayden’s forehead and head out to see my dad and Cody.
“Get kicked out of the house, too, son?”My dad greets me with a smile, hand shake and slap on the back. This is as much affection as the Colonel shows. He’s career military with high level security clearance. He’s a very hard man to read if he doesn’t want you to. My dad is a great man, but because of his position with the military, he was often away as Amy and I grew up. At times not having my dad around really sucked but Cody filled that role on more than one occasion. Dad and Cody were friends throughout school and I think Dad trusted and respected Cody for being there when he couldn’t. Dad and Cody actually weren’t very close when we were kids but it’s hard to have close friends when you’re gone so much. When he was home it was great. He spent all his time with us and Mom not out doing his own thing. I’m proud to call him Dad. He and Cody taught me to be the man I am today. Dad seems to be more relaxed now that he’s retired. It’s great to see.
“Yeah, and Mom's already pulled out my full name so I’m on a roll.”Cody laughs as he hands me a beer from the mini fridge. Cody has a sweet setup out here. The grill is built in with a small sink and mini fridge.
“Oh yeah? How’d you manage that?”Dad asks as he chuckles.
Shrugging,“I told her there was too much estrogen in the room.”My dad starts to laugh loudly as he turns up the dial on the propane patio heater so it puts out more heat. It puts out a good amount of heat. I can see why Cody bought one of these things if he and Dad get kicked out here a lot. Pointing at the heater,“So do you guys get banned to the patio regularly? It’s like 40 degrees out here?”
“Nah, only when we’re grilling. Usually they restrict us to the basement. Wait until you see the setup I have down there.”Cody boasts.
“Oh yeah? You guys hang out down there a lot?”
“Those two in there are always up to something. Scrapbooking parties, book clubs, candle parties, purse parties, anything that has the word party in it. They use any excuse they can for a bunch of women to get together, drink wine, gossip and spend money. I don’t understand it.”Dad says with a shake of his head. Mom has him so wrapped around her little finger anything she wants he does. I think he feels bad for leaving her alone so much when he had to go away on leave. I get where he’s coming from, though. I’d do anything Hayden asked me.“Let’s head in and see if we are allowed back in since the chicken is done.”Dad says. Cody has me grab three more beers before we head in as Dad shuts off the patio heater.
Following my dad and Cody inside I see Hayden is sitting at the bar mixing something in a bowl. Mom, Sarah and Hayden laugh hysterically at something my mom said. I catch myself stopping for a beat as I watch my beautiful girlfriend and our families interacting the way we used to. I have everything I’ve ever wanted right now. I know I sound like a damn pussy but it’s true. I really don’t think I could be any happier than I am right now. Besides a man is allowed to turn into a bit of a pussy when it comes to the woman he loves. Walking up next to Hayden I set the beers down on the bar before kissing her cheek.“You feeling better?”
“Yeah, I told you I’m just swamped at work and was tired. No worries.”Her smile is bright and the twinkle is back in her eyes. She drops her head back so I’ll kiss her on the lips.
My mom starts fussing at us as I lean down.“Now look you two,”she’s using her stern mom voice. Damn, I am on a roll.“I know you’re making up for lost time but that’s enough of that. Amy already warned me about you two.”We start laughing and I lean in close to Hayden’s ear so only she’ll hear me,“Now Jeff has taught Amy to cock block.”Hayden hits me on the arm as a light blush spreads across her cheeks.
A few hours later Hayden and I call it a night and head to bed. As she’s crawling into bed she giggles about it being just like old times since we are staying in her old room.“Yes, but this time I can kiss you.”So I do.“I can also do this.”I rub my thumb over her cloth covered nipple causing it to harden into a taut peak.
“Oh,”she whispered desire evident in her voice,“What else can you do, now?”
“This.”I reach up and slide the thin strap of her tank top off her shoulder. Then pull the top of her tank top down exposing her breast and twirl my tongue around her nipple. And so the game begins. I’m making my way down her body showing her all the things I can do now until there is a knock at the door. Quickly, I put her shirt back into position and sit up bunching the blankets up to cover the massive erection I’m sporting.
Laughing, Hayden yells come in and her mother walks in the room. I suddenly feel like a freaking teenager that just got busted by my girlfriend’s mom.
“I just wanted to drop this extra blanket off,”she laid it on the foot of the bed,“and see if you needed anything else.”
“Nope, Mom, I think we’re good.”Hayden is fighting back her laughter as I sit rigidwilling this hard-on away. I seriously can’t talk to Sarah while I’m sitting in bed next to her daughter with an effin erection. I know Sarah can sense my discomfort because she gives me a pointed, knowing look before biding us good night and leaving the room.
“I’m going to kill my sister and Jeff!”I complain as Hayden I sink down into the bed.
“Don’t you want to pick up where we left off?”Hayden is just taunting me now.
“Um, yeah, that’s not going to happen.”I say scowling.“Let’s just go to sleep. You need to sleep anyway.”
“I’ll turn the light off in a little bit. I just want to get through a couple more papers before I fall asleep.”She picks up her iPad like she actually thinks I’m going to let her grade when she needs to be resting. She is going to get sick if she keeps up this pace.
Taking the iPad from her,“Nope, not going to happen. You are in serious need of sleep and relaxation and that’s exactly what you are going to do this weekend.”
“Give me that back, Gavin. I need to get a little work done.”
“Are you behind?”I question her.
“Well, no, but I don’t want to get behind. Please just give me it back. I’ll only grade a couple.”
“Nope you can go back to work mode Monday. Until then, I deem thee on holiday break. NO. WORK.”
We stare one another down for a few moments before she finally gives in. I set the iPad on the nightstand next to me and pull her down into my arms. I kiss her once more before we fall asleep.
~~~
Jeff and Amy arrived this morning and his parents, Reese and Wyatt just arrived a few hours ago. The women have been working on dinner all day; though, I think they are doing more gossiping than anything else. The men have been banished to the basement, aka Cody’s Man Cave, which is fine with me. This place is seriously a guy’s wet dream. Cody
has a 70”LED SMART TV, BOSE home theater system and the latest PS4 game system. I can’t really wrap my mind around Dad and Cody sitting down here playing Grand Theft Auto, though…maybe Call of Duty? Dad is retired military after all. Leather theater style seats with back massagers, cup holders and coolers in arm rests line the wall across from the TV. There is also a refrigerator and microwave, pool table and nice poker table over in the corner. Seriously, I’m kind of jealous. I can see why they don’t mind being banished down here. I may never leave.
Sarah yelled down the stairs letting us know that Hayden’s sister, Rachel and her fiancé, Alex just arrived. Alex proposed to Rachel last month when he took her on a trip for their two year anniversary. They are planning a big wedding on Halloween next year. That is going to be a lot of fun.
We stand to head upstairs when Dad tells Cody he and I will be up in a minute. Cody nodded and shut the door when he got upstairs. Dad turns to me and signals for me to have a seat at the poker table.
“Everything ok, Dad?”Even though I’m confused I do as he asks.
“Yeah, Son, I just wanted a minute alone to talk to you.”He sat back in his chair and reached up to rub the back of his neck. This is a nervous family trait. Hayden says she can tell when I’m upset or nervous because I do the same thing.“Gavin, I haven’t always been around like I’d like to be. My career took me away from home and my family more than I’d like. I blame my absences from your life for some of your troubled teenage years. You worked really hard and turned your life around. I credit your mom, Cody and Sarah for that and you, of course. I will always be grateful to Cody for being there for you when I couldn’t. I know he was there for you more than once even after you and Hayden had the problems.”He started shifting around in his chair.“Shit, I’m not very good at this.”I wanted to tell him he didn’t have to say anything but I know he has something he needs to say so I sit quietly and wait.
Lilies Page 24