by Casey Peeler
Table of Contents
Lion Eyes
Copyright
Also By Casey Peeler
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Epilogue
Lion Eyes Playlist
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Connect with Casey
Lion Eyes
Casey Peeler
Edited by Beth Suit at BB Books
Paperback ISBN- 978-1542561419
Digital ISBN- 9781370024483
Copyright © 2017 Casey Peeler
All rights reserved.
This book is a written act of fiction. Any places, characters, or similarities are purely coincidence. If certain places or characters are referenced it is for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
The author recognizes all copyright and trademarks that are mentioned within this work of fiction.
Also By Casey Peeler
FULL CIRCLE SERIES
Losing Charley
Finding Charley
Loving Charley
TUTUS & COWBOY BOOTS SERIES
Tutus & Cowboy Boots Part 1
Tutus &Cowboy Boots Part 2
Crashing Tides
Southern Perfection
Boondocks
Our Song
Dedication
For anyone who is and will always be a fan.
Prologue
Tyke
Three years earlier
“Hey, dipshit. You ready?” I question Baker.
“Give me five,” he says as he pulls Holly in and attacks her face. I don’t know why she puts up with him.
Glancing over at Janie, she smiles. “Wanna go make use of our time?” she says with a smirk. Hell yeah I do.
“Come on,” I say as I toss my beer can in the fire and take the last one from the case. I pull her away from the bonfire, nod to Baker, and walk toward my truck.
By the time we reach the truck, Janie has her hands all over me and I know exactly where this is leading. Climbing in the cab of my truck, she straddles my lap and leans in. She peels off her top and my hands begin to wander. I can feel her smile with each kiss, and I know I’m a goner with this one. There’s something about her that’s got me tore up.
Just as things start to get where I want them, I hear Baker outside the truck. I holler at him to give us five minutes and she giggles into my shoulder as Baker heads away from the truck.
****
As Baker opens the truck door, he’s grinning like crazy.
“Don’t even,” Janie says.
“Hey, I’m glad I could get a little action while I waited,” he says with a snicker.
“Ewwww gross!” Janie says, and swats his arm.
“Dude, you’re riding on the back for that shit,” I say as I start the engine and crack open the last beer.
Janie looks in my direction. “No worries. I’m good,” I say and kiss her lips again. She slides close to me, and I think about letting Baker inside the cab. It’s cold as shit outside, but I think it will be funny to watch him shiver the entire way.
Chugging the beer, I toss it out the window before I hit the main road. Janie lays her head on my shoulder as I wrap my arm around her. As she cuddles into me, I get comfortable, and that’s when I hear it … The sound of a horn.
Pulling the truck over to the right side of the road, I overcorrect and Janie flies to the other side of the cab and I hear Baker yell but I can’t stop. I feel the truck dip into a ditch and that’s when it begins to roll over and over and over.
The truck comes to a stop, and that’s when the whistle sounds. I look and see the one single light coming straight at us. Train. I try to grab Janie but she’s trapped inside.
“Go, TD. Go. Save yourself and Baker.”
I can’t leave her. I need Janie in my life. As the train is barreling down the track, I take a quick glance over my shoulder and Baker isn’t in the truck bed. Fuck. I look back into Janie’s eyes. They begin to drift away. No. No. No. Stay with me. “Stay with me Janie. Please don’t leave me,” I plead as her eyelids flitter for the last time.
“Noooooo!” I scream. I kiss her and pull her with everything in my being. The metal gives and I yank her harder. “God, help me please! I’m begging you!” I can’t leave her in the truck. With one final tug, I pull her from the pinned metal just in time. The train crashes into the truck and pushes it to the other side of the tracks. Holding her lifeless body, I look for Baker, and that’s when I spy his lifeless body in the brush. I run to him with Janie in my arms, fall to my knees, and cry myself sober.
As the sirens approach in the background, I feel numb. I just killed my best friend and my girlfriend.
Chapter 1
Tyke
August 2016
“Tyke, you ready?” Mom asks as she places her hand on my knee, pulling me from my thoughts as I blankly stare out the passenger side window at my future. “Look, it can’t be that bad.”
I abruptly turn my head toward her. “You’re joking, right?” I question, already knowing she’s serious.
“Look, a bad choice might have made this an only option, but you’ve got to make the best of it.” I shake my head and get out of the car, slamming the door with little effort. I can’t believe I’m in this little hellhole of a town. I’m destined for great things because I am Tyke Jamison, the top recruited quarterback in the nation. I was born and bred to play football. All I know is pigskin, plays, conditioning and the thrill of throwing touchdown passes to win the game, but one stupid night changed it all. I went from hometown hero to a criminal in a matter of minutes. There’s no escaping what’s happened and it will haunt me forever.
“I get it, Mom. This is my one shot to start over, but let’s face it, no one wants their star player to have a rap sheet?”
She pauses as she lifts the trunk and stares at me. “Tyke Douglas Jamison, you stop right there. I will not listen to this load of crap any more. You are here for a reason. You are a bright young man that has a second chance at a future, and you will accept what is in front of you. No child of mine will throw away their life. If football is what you want, go and get it, but stop this,” she says as she points her finger in my chest. “You are in control of your actions. Now let’s go.”
I pause for a moment before grabbing an armful of my things. “Yes ma’am,” I say as we make our way toward the dorm. Following a step behind my mom, I smile. She’s one badass lady. She’s had to be to put up with me all of these years.
Rilla
I can’t believe this day has arrived. I’ve spent the past two years attending the local community college, but Daddy made sure that I got out on my own this year. He’s all about me getting a full college experience even if it’s only a few miles from home. I’m excited, yet nervous. I’ve never been on my own before. It’s always been the two of us, and I’m not sure I like the fact that my world is changing. Pausing, I look at Daddy, who’s finishing putting my loft bed together, and I swear it’s taking him forever.
“Can I help you with anything?” I ask.
“Nah. Almost done,” he says as he tightens a few screws with his drill. He takes a step back and admires his work. I have to say, it’s awesome. Most kids have lofts built from a kit from the hardware store, but not me. My daddy is a man that works with his hands. He’s taken the last six weeks to design and craft the perfect loft for his favorite girl in the world, me.
“It’s amazing,” I say as I give him a hug.
“Just like you, Rilla.” I smile at him and he squeezes me tighter. “Well, guess I better get going. I know you don’t want your old man around,” he says with a wink.
“Whatever. Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” I question, because leaving him at home alone is eating me alive.
“Lord, yes. You need this, Rilla. You need to experience college, and your old man is gonna be fine. I’ve got Pap, work, and every hunting season known to man to keep me occupied. Not to mention, I’m just fifteen minutes down the road.”
“Good point,” I say as he gives me one more quick hug and walks out the door. I quickly holler for him down the hall. When he pauses, I run toward him and hug him. “See ya later, Daddy.” He pulls me in tight and kisses my forehead.
“It’s gonna be alright.”
Chapter 2
Tyke
Mom has made sure that my bed is made, stuff is semi-unpacked, and I’ve got all the basic necessities. Once she’s content with my room, she turns to me and I know it’s time to say our goodbyes. I open my arms and my mom smiles. She walks into my arms and I give her a big ole bear hug. She’s hard on my ass, but she’s my number one fan, and I’m going to try and make something out of this awful situation for her. She deserves to have a son she’s proud of, and the one she’s holding in her arms isn’t the object of perfection. He’s the complete opposite. I’m a guy who killed two people he loved, lost his dreams, and has spent the last two and a half years paying for the bad choice he made.
Once Mom leaves, I take a moment to get myself together. I have to be at the field house in two hours for a meeting with the head coach of the Blue Ridge University football team. I have no idea what he’s going to say to me or what he expects from me. He pretty much scored the best QB in the nation but I’m a screw up. Two years post high school graduation, and Coach Porter was the only one willing to give me a shot. I can’t blame the others, I did something horrible and I’ve never forgiven myself for what happened, so how could they. For a moment, I think about staying in my room, but screw it. I can’t stand it. I’ve got to get out of here. I’ve got to clear my head before I meet with the coach or at least attempt to get my attitude in check. I grab some workout clothes, tie my shoes, and hit the pavement. I’m sure he and the other players already have their opinions about me so I’m going to take these final hours of peace while I’ve got them.
Rilla
Within five minutes of Daddy leaving, I can’t take the silence. My roommate hasn’t shown up and I’m pacing the floor. It’s not like this area is new to me. It’s home. I’ve lived in this county all of my life and I’ve got to get outside and get some fresh air. I grab some workout clothes and my running shoes, intending to head toward the river. It’s my favorite place to run around here, and with the heat and humidity this afternoon I need somewhere with a little shade.
I lace up my shoes, grab my phone and wireless earbuds and quickly make my way outside. Gosh, it’s hot as blooming blazes out here, but a little sweat is good for the soul. I quickly find my newest country playlist, stretch, and make my way toward the street then head south to the river.
As the music picks up the pace, so do I. I even pause briefly for a Thomas Rhett “Shake your South Side” moment and don’t care if anyone is watching. As the river comes into view, I slow my pace to admire the beautiful view that’s in front of me: the water moving across the rocks, the smell of the country, and the sounds of nature in its purest form.
As I reach the water’s edge, I pause and take it all in. I run about another half mile downstream, take a seat on a flat rock that hovers above the water, and watch it flow. It is so peaceful here that within a few minutes, I’m lost in thought and I start to pray for my future. This is new. It’s always been Daddy and me, but now it’s me. I know it sounds trivial because he’s down the road, but he’s always put me first in everything he’s done. He says that he’s doing the same now, but for some reason, I feel like he needs me to spread my wings and discover myself. I smile, thinking about this spot. It’s where I caught the biggest catfish of my life, but more importantly, that was the day that Daddy gave up his dream just for me … his little girl.
Tyke
As my feet hit the pavement, I feel eyes on my every move. I see girls staring through me, girls whispering, and some asking for my autograph. Are you kidding me? Damn, I know I’m easy on the eyes, but I also know that the rumor mill is flying about me. Badass TD Jamison has arrived, and I’m sure there’s gonna be a line a mile long trying to get a piece of this action. I hate to tell them, but I don’t have time for girls. I’ve got to focus because this is my one shot. It’s all or nothing. I’ve got to get outta sight, but without a vehicle my feet are my only option. I make it to the edge of campus and have no clue which way to run. I take a second and think about the view I saw from the car on the way in. It was nothing but road for miles and a house here and there.
I decide to make a right turn down Main Street and see the new softball stadium and a massive church on the left. I set my timer for a half hour to give me plenty of time to get back, shower, and meet the coach, and then take off.
A mile in, I’m thinking this way is just as bad as the other and the heat is horrendous. As I round a turn to head back to the dorm, I glimpse some shade and a river that is absolutely amazing.
Standing on the bridge, I can hear the water moving under my feet and nearby birds chirping. I take a moment to pause and take it all in. There are woods to my right and a trail that looks like it follows the river to my left. Glancing at my watch, I still have a little time to see where the trail leads. Not only is this trail shaded and amazing, but I stumble upon the most peaceful spot and suddenly she’s right there in front of me. With sunshine blond hair pulled up in a messy knot, I do a double take. Janie. I want to call out to her but I stop and shake my head because I know she’s not real. Janie’s dead. I take a step back toward the trail, breaking a small stick as I lower my foot and the sound causes her to turn abruptly. Definitely not Janie, but all I can do is stare.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you,” I say as she stares at me before turning back around. She completely ignores me and I continue down the trail. My thoughts drif
t to Janie and how she died right in front of me. I feel the nausea flood my stomach just as my timer sounds, so I turn back toward campus and push myself harder to rid my thoughts of Janie before meeting the coach.
Approaching the spot where I saw the mysterious girl, I see that she’s still there. I slow my pace and this time I want her to talk to me. It’s almost as if talking to her will bring Janie back to the here and now.
“Hey again,” I say as she looks over her shoulder when she hears me approach.
“Hi,” she says and turns back around.
I see that she’s not in the mood to chat but it feels wrong to leave her here. It’s getting late and the sun will be setting soon. “It’s getting kinda late. Do you want to run back to campus with me?”
“What makes you think I’m going back to campus?” she asks with a flicker of attitude that’s way past hot.
“Maybe the Blue Ridge University shirt gave it away,” I say with a smirk.
She gives me an eye roll and stands wiping the dirt off her ass and I have to look the other way because she’s got one perfect little booty. “Who says I’m not local?” she asks as she makes her way toward me. I extend my hand. “Tyke, but my friends call me TD.”
“RJ,” she says as she grips my hand firmly. I can tell this one doesn’t take crap from anyone. “Nice to meet ya. Now can we get to running?” she questions as she moves toward the trail.
“Ladies first.” I gesture toward the path, and she takes off. This is going to be fun. My nausea has vanished and now I’m laced with excitement. There’s something about this girl. Either she’s completely oblivious to who I am or she doesn’t give two shits. Either way, it’s a win-win for me, but I have to tell myself I don’t have time for a girl in my life. It will only slow me down, and my track record with the ladies isn’t something to brag about. Take my last relationship into account, and she better run for the damn hills.
Rilla
I glance to the sky and want to curse the man upstairs. You’ve got to be kidding me. I got my lovely meditation session interrupted by the pigheaded Tyke Jamison, or “TD” as he calls himself. His smug ass probably thinks I’m some ditzy girl that doesn’t recognize him. Of course I know who he is. Everyone and their moms know who he is. He’s the one all the people in this damn county have been talking about, and why I begged Daddy to let me live at home. I can already see his mind working. I’m sure he’s trying to figure me out. Well, it sucks to be him because this girl right here doesn’t care who he is or what he plans on doing. I know he’s the best quarterback in the nation, but he’s also got the attitude and issues to boot. There’s one thing I understand in this world and that’s football. I was born into that life and it has divided my family, but it also makes my world go round. He might not know it yet, but he just freaking arrived in Title Town, USA. He might be the best quarterback around, but we’ve got so many draft picks rolling out of our local high schools it will make his head spin.