Hearts Ablaze (Hearts On Fire Series)

by Heather Lyn

  “Yeah, it’s definitely going to be a pain in the ass. But I get a bigger room, which is nice! What room are you going to be in?” I start moving the large coolers off the deck and over next to where the guys left the buffet table.

  “I’m in the room next to you, so we get to be neighbors.” Kenni grabs another cooler and helps me place them into a semi-circle. Looking around the yard, I notice we’re pretty much all done for now. We just need to go to the store to get all the food for the grill then head back to our apartment to grab clothes and bathing suits for tonight.

  After heading inside to grab a bunch of reusable bags and our purses, Kennedy and I are ready to go. As we walk out front to my car, Grayson and Noah come out from around the house.

  “Hey, where are you fine ladies heading to?” Grayson swaggers over to us.

  “Well, if you must know, we’re heading to the store and then to grab our stuff from the apartment. Are you guys going to help Landon get the dance floor and stuff set up?”

  I walk over to Noah and slip an arm around his waist. He gives me a light kiss then nods.

  “Yeah, that way we can get it done faster. He’s a cool guy, Aubrey. I can see why you guys are so close. Although he did threaten my manhood if I hurt you.”

  Shaking my head, I make a mental note to have a word with my dumbass brother.

  “All right, we should be back in a couple hours. Have Mom call us if she needs anything else. We’ve got her list.”

  I give Noah a quick kiss on the cheek and then we’re climbing in my car and taking off. We decide to head to the apartment first, since that will be the fastest trip. Running inside, we each go into our bedrooms. I grab my duffle bag and throw in a pair of faded jean shorts and my American flag bikini. Then I grab the red dress I bought for tonight and the white belt that goes with it. I pick out my low-cut white Chucks to wear with both outfits and put them in my bag, then go into my bathroom and take everything out I need for tonight. I pack up my makeup bag and place it with my stuff.

  Finally, I’m all set, so I head into the living room to wait for Kenni. She comes out a minute later with her bag slung over her shoulder. “You ready, chica?”

  Nodding, we lock up the apartment then go back out to my car and head to the grocery store. We each grab a cart since we have a lot of stuff to get; Mom said she’s having about forty people coming tonight, so we have to make sure we have plenty of everything.

  It takes us around an hour and a half before we’re finally done with the list. We head to checkout and while we’re waiting in line, my phone goes off with a text from Noah’s mom.

  Molly: Hey, honey! Really looking forward to seeing you all tonight. Can’t wait to meet your parents. Do you need us to bring anything?

  Aubrey: Can’t wait to see you and Jack, Molly! Noah still has no idea you guys are coming! And no, we’re all set. It’s just BYOB, so if there’s any beer you want in particular. Mom has the bar all stocked up on liquor, so we have plenty of that if you want. See you tonight!

  “So, Noah still doesn’t know you invited them?” Kenni asks as she starts loading stuff onto the belt.

  I shake my head and help her. “No. I want to do something nice for him. He used to see them a couple times a week before we started dating, and I know for a fact he hasn’t gone over since we got together. He’s either at the firehouse, or he’s with me. Or he’s with me at my parents’.”

  “I’m sure he’ll be happy. Plus, it’ll be cool to get all your folks together.”

  It takes us another half hour before the car is loaded and we’re ready to head back. Climbing inside, we open all the windows as I pull my phone out of my purse and check the display. It’s already one o’clock. We need to hurry up and get back so we can get everything unpacked, organized, and prepped. I turn my stereo on and blast it, heading for my parents’. Kenni is dancing around in the passenger seat, singing loudly.

  “We have to go see Luke Bryan this fall! I love this new song!” She’s screaming over the music to me, a huge smile on her face. I give her a thumbs-up and turn down the side road that leads to my parents’ house.

  Pulling in, I see the company Mom rented the dance floor from packing the truck up, so I pull up next to the garage, pop my trunk, and we jump out. I leave the engine running so my stereo stays on, and we sing and dance along to the radio as we bring the groceries in. I’m closing the trunk when I feel someone grab me from behind. Screeching, I kick to lessen their hold and then feel warm lips come down on the side of my neck.

  “Hey, baby.” He puts me down and I spin around to kiss him. I pull away and take the baseball hat off his head, placing it atop mine.

  “Damn, my hat looks good on you.” He runs a hand through his hair to fix it. As much as I love the waves, he looks like he could use a haircut.

  “I bet it’d look even better if it were the only thing I was wearing.” I give him a wink.

  Groaning, he gives me a pained look. “No fair, Aubrey. You can’t say shit like that to me at your parents’. I’m not too sure your mom would appreciate my hard-on.”

  Giggling, I take the hat off my head and hand it back to him. He turns it backwards then swats me on the ass.

  “So, did you guys get everything all done?” I follow him out into the backyard and I have to say, I’m impressed. The dance floor Mom had installed looks amazing, one side lined with multiple alternating pots of blue and red impatiens. The deck has American flags dangling around the railings, and Landon finished hanging the string lights around the roof.

  Noah and Grayson have set up all the tables and chairs around the back side of the dance floor. Mom threw her red, white, and blue tablecloths over them and placed a lantern in the middle of each table. It looks incredible. And once the lights go down, and it’s only lit up out here with the string lights and lanterns, it’s going to be awesome. I can’t wait.

  “Thank you for helping out today, Noah. I really appreciate it.”

  He puts an arm around my shoulders and squeezes me tight. “No problem, baby. I had fun today. Your brother and Grayson got along really well too.”

  “Oh, great.” We both laugh then head inside to see how we can help. It’s gotten really hot out, so I decide to go upstairs and get changed. Kenni comes with me after I drag her away from Grayson and we duck into my old bedroom where we stuck our bags, since we’re going to stay here tonight after the party. I quickly change into my bikini and shorts and throw on my Chucks. We went on a little road trip to the beach with the guys at the start of summer, so it looks good against my tan. Kennedy has on a black bikini that leaves nothing to the imagination and a pair of shorts so small they shouldn’t be considered clothing.

  “Really, Kenni? Are you trying to kill Grayson?”

  “Who says I’m dressed like this for him?” She pulls her long hair up into a bun.

  “Well, unless you have the hots for my brother instead?”

  “Ew! God, no!” Kennedy makes gagging sounds and looks horrified, but she never answers my question. Those two idiots need to just get over themselves.

  “Hey, Kenni, can you put my hair into a French braid?” I hand her my brush then sit down on the desk chair.

  “Yeah, sure” My hair doesn’t take long to do; soon, I’m grabbing my mirrored aviators and heading downstairs with Kenni in tow.

  My mom and brother are hanging out in the kitchen with Noah and Grayson when we walk in. Noah looks up as we enter, his eyes widening briefly as I just give him a huge grin. Grayson definitely can’t take his eyes off Kennedy.

  As I grab my mom’s cutting board and the big bag of veggies and start cutting them up for burger toppings, I can feel Noah’s eyes on me the entire time. Once I’m done cutting, I start making the five pounds of ground beef into burger patties. Almost an hour later, I stack them on a platter and cover them in plastic wrap. I stick it in the fridge, and then move onto the refreshments. We bought eight twelve-packs of soda and they all need to be put in the coolers, along with the
packages of water my mom bought. I start carrying them all out into the backyard, two at a time. Kenni comes over to help me, making the trips much shorter.

  “Hey, Aubrey, can I talk to you a quick second?” Noah calls to me from the pool. I dump the final twelve-pack into the cooler and head over. Once I make it to him, he grabs me by the shoulders and pushes me against the pool, sealing his lips over mine. I moan into his mouth, wrapping my arms around his neck as his tongue seeks entrance into my mouth. All too soon, he’s breaking the kiss and pulling away from me.

  “I’ve wanted to do that since I saw you come downstairs in this sexy-as-hell bikini.”

  Laughing, I reach over and smack his ass then wander back over to the house to see what needs to be finished. It takes us all another couple of hours before we have everything set up. When I pull my cell out of my back pocket and check the time, I see it’s almost five o’clock. We’re expecting people to start showing up around six thirty, so I quickly run into the garage, grab one of the five bags of ice, and start filling the coolers. I throw the bags into one of the large trash cans and look around for Kennedy. She’s sitting on the deck, helping my mom open packages of napkins. Heading over, I stick my sunglasses on top of my head.

  “Hey, Kenni, I’m gonna start getting ready. You want to come?”

  She leans over, gives my mom a kiss on the cheek, and then follows me inside. I pull my new dress out of my bag and place it on the bed before grabbing my makeup bag and pulling out everything I need. Kennedy follows suit, rifling through her overnight bag. She brought a pair of red shorts and a white tank top, and I convinced her to wear a pair of sandals, not her hooker heels. She’s standing in front of the bathroom mirror teasing her hair into a high ponytail, so I sit down on the bed and wait for her to come out.

  Once she’s all done, I head in to get ready. I pull my hair out of the French braid and let it fall loosely to my shoulders. Deciding against using any heavy makeup, I just throw on a little mascara and lip gloss. I pinch my cheeks to give them some color and run my brush through my hair. Stepping back into my bedroom, I quickly change into a pair of lace panties and my strapless bra. I put my red dress on and place my belt around my waist, but after looking in the mirror, I change my mind and take it off. I throw on my white Chucks and head downstairs to see where Kennedy ran off to.

  As I come down the last stairs into the kitchen, I see my dad standing with his back to me, looking out the slider door.

  “Dad!” I rush over to him and throw my arms around him.

  “Hey, baby girl. You look beautiful.”

  I lean up on my tiptoes and give him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you. Didn’t Mom do an awesome job on this party?”

  “She did. Your mother is one a kind, that’s for sure.”

  Taking his hand, I lead him out back to the deck chairs we have set aside for him. He sits down and takes a deep breath.

  “Can I get you anything, Daddy? People should be coming soon.”

  “No, I’m okay for right now. But thank you. Go find that boyfriend of yours and show him how pretty you look tonight.”

  “He ran home with Grayson to change. They were all gross from working all day,” Kennedy announces as she comes out onto the deck, holding up her cell phone with the message from Grayson saying so. She leans down and gives my dad a hug, then sits in the chair next to him.

  “Well, okay then.” I sit on the porch stairs and give my dad a smile. It’s so good to see him outside enjoying himself. He’s really pale, and he’s lost a lot of weight, but he’s still the same goofball he’s always been, with the greatest sense of humor and smile.

  My mom and Landon come out on the deck, dressed for the party. Mom is in a beautiful blue wrap dress, and Landon changed into a nice pair of slacks with a light blue button-down and a pair of leather flip-flops.

  “Kennedy! Would you mind taking a family picture for me before everyone starts arriving?” Mom hands over her digital camera.

  “Yeah, of course.” We arrange ourselves on the top porch stairs, Mom and Dad standing behind Landon and me. I loop my arm around my big brother’s waist, smiling widely. He has his arm around my shoulders, squeezing my arm with his hand. Then we all stand together on the lawn in a row, I’m between Mom and Dad with Landon next to Dad. After the pictures are done, I immediately run upstairs to Mom’s office and plug in her digital camera to the printer. I print out a couple copies and slip them into my purse.

  As I’m heading back outside, I can hear people starting to gather. I grab my phone out of the small pocket in my dress and notice I have a missed call from Noah. Placing the phone to my ear, I hear his rushed voice mail.

  “Hey baby. We’re heading back to your parents’ now. I just want to say sorry in advance. Grayson is a total dickhead, and I’m sorry I ever talked to his stupid ass in first grade.”

  I can hear Grayson laughing in the background, so God only knows what he’s talking about. I find Kennedy, who’s talking to my parents’ neighbors. Most of the people Mom invited have shown up, so I want to talk to her before I have to start mingling. I give her a quick rundown of the voice mail and she starts laughing.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Could he possibly have been saying sorry for that?” She points over my shoulder, her entire body shaking as she laughs. I turn around and am immediately overcome with laughter.

  Noah and Grayson are standing about a dozen feet away from us, Noah looking embarrassed and Grayson looking proud. Noah is wearing a pair of khaki shorts and his white Pumas, with a pair of knee-high American flag socks. He has on a pair of plastic American flag sunglasses and a red, white, and blue T-shirt. Grayson’s sporting a pair of American flag shorts with a white tee and flip-flops with a Statue of Liberty crown on his head, also wearing plastic American flag sunglasses. I can’t decide if I’m impressed, horrified, or in love. Noah looks so miserable, and I know immediately that Grayson laid down one of his dares.

  Kenni and I walk over to them, trying to contain our laughter.

  “Like what you see, ladies? But no touching. This masterpiece needs a drink first.” Grayson slips his sunglasses down and saunters over to the bar, waving at people as he goes.

  “Seriously, Noah? Does he have a fucking off switch?” Kenni asks.

  “If you find it, let me know. And if it’s where I think it’s located, do me a favor and don’t just shut it off, kick it off.”

  We’re all laughing at this point, and even Noah can’t help cracking a grin.

  “I actually think you look pretty cute.” I pull the sunglasses off the top of his head and put them on, giving him my best sultry look.

  “Yeah, those definitely look better on you, babe.” He heads off after Grayson and I can’t help but watch him go. Damn, those shorts look good on him.

  “Kenni, drink time. And after that, I am so gonna need more than one.”

  She laughs and we follow the guys. I just pray they don’t do anything too stupid.

  Knowing the way drunk Noah and drunk Grayson are, I’m not too sure.

  CHAPTER 16

  NOAH

  “Dude, you are so lucky Aubrey wasn’t mad. I can’t believe I let you talk me into this stupid shit.” We’re standing inside, making ourselves a couple whiskey sours.

  “Nah, man, no worries. That girl fucking loves you.” He takes a sip and heads outside, leaving me standing there with a stumped look on my face.

  “He’s right, you know.” I turn around to see Mike standing there, a platter of burgers in his hand. I can tell he’s a little unsteady, so I put my drink down and reach out to help him.

  “Do me a favor, son. Take these out to Landon, and then if you don’t mind could you meet me in the office? I need to have a word with you.” He doesn’t give me a chance to respond as he heads out of the room.

  I carry the platter out to Landon, who is standing at the grill.

  “Thanks, man. You’re a good guy. I’m really happy my sister met you.”


  I slap him on the shoulder then head back inside. The office is located just off the living room, and I head inside to find Mike sitting behind the desk. He’s pulled another chair to the front of it and motions for me to sit down.

  “What can I do for you, sir?” I lean forward and lace my fingers together.

  “Well, I wanted to know what your intentions are towards my daughter.” I’m almost taken aback. This was not what I thought he wanted to talk to me about.

  “I love her. More than anything in this world. More than I ever thought possible. She’s the best person I know. I want to be with her forever.”

  A smile comes across Mike’s face, letting me know that he approves of my answer.

  “And have you told her as much?”

  “Not yet. There just hasn’t seemed to be the right moment.”

  Mike leans forward and rests his arms on the desk.

  “Trust me, Noah. There is no such thing as a perfect moment. Take me for example. I’m only fifty-three years old. Never did I imagine that I’d be looking death in the face at this age. I know my daughter better than anybody, and it’s easy to see how much she loves you. I know she likes to protect herself, but I know my baby girl, and I know that me dying has done a serious number on her. It’s torn this family apart, and I hate that. I have no idea how much longer I have, but my doctors don’t seem to think it’s much. I want you to take care of her, Noah. Don’t let her fade away and lose her sparkle. She needs you, even when she pushes you away. I see a lot of me in you, and if you love her even half as much as I think you do, then you’ll be all right.” I can see the tears shining in his eyes, and I know they mirror my own. Over these last couple months, we’ve spent quite a bit of time together, and it’s becoming clear how much I look to him as another father. This hurts.