Thinking back about it, she was beginning to feel pretty horrible for evading PJ. He had been working diligently searching for her. He had tried speaking on top of a lunch table in the cafeteria the other day, then on Wednesday he had spoke over the intercom asking for information on the mystery girl, and he had hijacked the morning television announcements. Today on the other hand PJ had been asking everyone who passed him if they had noticed who he was hanging around with at the club.
The thing was that Kelsey had changed her hair back to its natural brown color, always wore her glasses, and very seldom dressed how Hannah had wanted her to. There didn’t seem to be much of a chance for him to notice her.
The two girls walked along the grass to where the bleachers were set beside the football field. Sure enough there they were; all of the guys had their shirts off and were running suicide drills.
“Hey man.” Colt elbowed Ryder.
“Dude? Quit with the elbowing, what is it?” Ryder asked.
“Look at the hot chicks that just sat down to watch us.” Colt grinned.
“Dude!” Ryder snapped rolling his eyes at Colt before he turned and jogged over to the bleachers. Colt’s eyes trailed behind Ryder with wonderment. How he could simply run up to girls and flirt was just interesting.
“Hey Kels, Hannah,” Ryder said as he approached them.
“Hey Ryder,” Hannah cooed.
“Ryder.” Kelsey mumbled as she lifted her head only slightly to look up at him before shoving her head back into the book she was reading.
“Anyway… Kelsey I would like you to come meet the rest of the guys; you know the ones that couldn’t make it to the diner the other night.” He beamed.
“Love too.” Hannah squealed hopping up from the bleachers.
“Uh no thanks… I’m busy.” Kelsey protested.
“Hannah?” Ryder pouted. Hannah looked over to Ryder and smirked. It was as if they read each other’s thoughts.
Hannah gripped Kelsey’s book quickly, as Ryder grabbed her, and flipped her over his shoulder. “Ryder!” She yelled.
“Nope… today you’re going to enjoy yourself some. Let’s go introduce you to the rest of the guys.” Ryder chuckled as he held her legs down from kicking him in the chest.
The rest of Ryder’s football buddies had stopped what they were doing and was staring at him in awe. Those who hadn’t been introduced yet wondered how Ryder could get away with just walking up to some random girl and hoisting her up onto his shoulders to carry her away; while the others ogled Kelsey’s bum. They watched as the one girl seemed to calm down after a few steps while the other trailed along eagerly beside him.
“Guys,” Ryder acknowledged.
“You put me down right now Ryder!” Kelsey squealed.
“No, I want you to meet the guys.” Ryder protested.
“Ryder! They will be staring at my butt!” Kelsey hissed angrily into Ryder’s ear.
If it was one thing Kelsey knew about her brother, he had possessive ‘older’ brother syndrome. Even if he was the same age as Kelsey, it didn’t matter.
Ryder stiffened and came to a stop as he slowly lowered Kelsey to the ground. “Fine, I’ll put you down.” Ryder said through grit teeth. “But you are going to come and meet the guys. I want you to go out with us, since dad isn’t going to be home anyway.” He told her finally.
“Fine,” Kelsey groaned.
Ryder grinned at his sister’s willingness and began to push her toward the guys. “Hey guys…” Ryder called again.
“For those of you who haven’t yet met her; this is my sister, Kelsey.”
Chapter 13
“I didn’t know you had a sister?” one of the guys said with confusion.
“Well it’s no wonder where you get your mad skills from.” PJ laughed.
Will stood slightly stunned. Kelsey had believed it was because he continually tried to get her to join their team in gym. So much so, that he had even once tried to threaten her, he knew she was Ryder’s sister but for some reason he didn’t care not to bother her.
“She’s the girl who beat you guys in gym the other day?” Ryder chuckled.
“Yeah man!” Will pouted. “And she won’t join our team.”
Kelsey looked back up at her brother then back toward the guys. Will was trying to get her through her brother, oh how low. “I don’t blame her for not wanting to be on your team.” Ryder said firmly. “I don’t want her on your team either.”
Kelsey couldn’t help but let out a laugh. To most of the guys it was a magical sound. The ones in her classes had been trying to get her attention all week, but seemed to fail miserably, most of them had figure that Ryder would pick one of them for her but they were all sadly disappointed when he had once again reassured them he wanted her not to date any of them.
“Anyway, this is Hannah; I’m sure most of you know her. Kelsey just moved here from a few states over, she lived with our mom.” Ryder explained.
“Hey girls,” The guys all responded.
“So… you ready to play?” Ryder turned to Kelsey with a wide grin.
Kelsey’s face dropped and she turned to glare at Ryder. She wanted to do her read not play on the football field with a bunch of half naked guys. “Girls can’t play man.” One guy grumbled.
“Look what they’re wearing their going to just be a distraction.” Another guy complained as he looked Kelsey up and down. Kelsey had been wearing short black fabric shorts today along with a tank top and sports bra; while Hannah had on short jean shorts and a very busty tank top.
“Nonsense, PJ and I, will pick teams today.” Ryder called. “The girls would love to play right?” Kelsey knew that was exactly Ryder’s plan. She just didn’t know exactly why. He liked to use Kelsey in his practices and fun time; she knew it was just to spice things up with the guys. She just had forgotten how much he enjoyed it or she would have never even considered waiting on the bleachers for him.
Hannah shook her head cheerfully. It would be fun to have so many guys with their hands all over her; all the while Kelsey frantically shook her head no.
“I get Kelsey.” Ryder called out.
“Hannah,” PJ barked out.
It was now obvious to Kelsey that PJ was just as much of a captain as Ryder. They worked in very similar fashion. It also was obvious why they were friends they were a lot alike.
The guys had chosen one by one until the teams were defined. The field had been muddy from rain earlier in the day and some of the guys had already been full of mud. It was a playful practice, Kelsey had estimated.
“Okay line up.” Ryder called. “Kels, you stand right there. And when I toss you the ball you run.” Ryder whispered as if Kelsey didn’t know what he was doing.
“I will enjoy guarding you.” Brandon waggled his eyebrows.
“Move it” Will’s voice said behind Brandon, “Hey princess.”
“Uh… hi,” Kelsey choked out; it was strange having guys fight over her.
Everyone was ready. Hannah was pretending to be a guard for the opposing team. “You’re going down PJ!” Ryder then yelled out a few numbers before he yelled out ‘hike.’ The ball snapped back to him. There was a blur of motion as Kelsey rushed toward Will. His smile quickly fading as Kelsey twirled around him and kept running.
He really was going to have to step up his game if he wanted to catch her this time. “Over here!” Kelsey yelled.
Ryder tossed the ball. Kelsey jumped catching the ball with ease and quickly running toward the goal. As she crossed over the line, she began to dance and twirl around tossing the ball into the ground and shaking her butt.
Turning around she came face to face with PJ. “Isn’t that just the cutest sight ever,” He laughed.
Kelsey blushed and rushed back toward the far side of the field. She had thought that PJ was not interested in any random girl right now… he was searching for the one girl in particular. Maybe… just maybe he knew it was her. Taking a deep breath Kelsey prayed he didn�
�t recognize her and hurried back to her side. “Great job Kels!” Ryder laughed as he smacked her on the back. The rest of her team chorused in happily and Kelsey grinned.
“This time…” Ryder said as he began the huddle.
The teams lined up again and this time Will was smirking even more devilishly than before. “Not this time, twinkle toes.” He chuckled.
Will had been tackled at some point and mud now caked his bare chest and entire body. She could see she was in trouble. It made her wonder how this whole thing was going to play out.
“HIKE!” When the ball was hiked this time, Kelsey rushed forward twirling to the right instead of the left. Will had caught on. His arms latched out and he whipped her around causing them both to fall to the ground.
“Nope.” He said as he whispered just an inch from her ear.
It caused a shiver to run down her spine and a small groan to escape her lips. Quickly, Will smirked again then he pushed himself up and ran after the person carrying the ball.
Kelsey was confused. She sat there wondering what she had done in her life to deserve such a strange life. A person suddenly appeared above her.
“What are you doing?” Ryder asked curiously as he extended a hand to her. “Did he knock you down too hard, cause I can kick his ass?”
Kelsey blushed shaking her head and accepting Ryder’s outstretched hand. “No.”
“Well come on then we’re winning, you’re doing a great job at distracting our opposing players.” Ryder grinned.
Eventually the game ended with Ryder’s team winning five to four. Everyone was tired, muddy, and sweaty. “I think we’re going to head home.” Ryder said to Kelsey.
“Sounds perfect” She admitted. The mud had begun to dry on her skin and it was irritating her.
“Hey, I’ll see you guys later.” PJ said patting Ryder’s shoulder.
“Hey, did you ever ask Kelsey if she knows about your mystery girl. Her and Hannah went out that night…” Ryder said looking over at Kelsey. “And I think they know who the girl might be.”
She stiffened, gulped, and looked down, suddenly extremely interested in whatever she had in her backpack. Ryder became curious once again.
“No… I didn’t.” PJ cocked his head slightly, “Hey girls.” He began as he walked closer to them, “do either of you know who or heard anything about the girl I was with at the club? If I do say so myself, I was a bit drunk, but I remember some parts very clearly,” He groaned remembering something.
“Uh no,” Kelsey said shakily trying to hide the blush which was threatening her cheeks. That wasn’t what really caught Ryder’s attention though it was Hannah trying desperately to stifle a giggle. They knew something and he was going to find out exactly what it was this weekend.
“Nope” Hannah smirked but didn’t turn around.
“Are you sure?” Ryder asked pushing some.
“I do vividly remember a tattoo of stars lining her ribs and hip.” PJ said.
Well Ryder was now relieved. He knew Kelsey nor Hannah had any tattoos what so ever so that ruled them out. His sister and the girl he was going to go after this weekend.
“Nope, I don’t think I know anyone who has tattoos.” Kelsey shrugged not looking up at PJ.
“Oh, okay thanks.” PJ sighed. “See ya,” He said his shoulders slumped as he shuffled away.
“That boy’s so whipped,” Ryder chuckled “and he can’t even figure out what girl has gotten him so worked up. I do have to say though I was worried that it might be you or Hannah but neither of you has tattoos.” Ryder had said as they walked away from the field.
Chapter 14
“So spill,” Ryder said as he hovered in front of the bathroom door.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Kelsey said quickly.
“Oh you know…” Ryder drawled out. “I could tell you knew yesterday and today you just confirmed it.”
“Who is she?” Ryder questioned.
“Ryder, come on get out.” Kelsey rolled her eyes and pushing at his chest.
“Nope… not until you tell me who your hiding.” Ryder demanded as he inched further into the bathroom.
“Nope…” Kelsey dragged out.
“Kelsey.” He said lowly. “I’m your twin and your brother. How come you’re hiding something from me?”
“I have hid many things from you Ryder.” Kelsey snapped.
Ryder’s eyes widened and his eyebrows pinched together. “What do you mean by that?”
Kelsey sighed. “Well for one… there was that time at our birthday party before our parents split up… when I kissed one of your best friend playing spin the bottle.” She shrugged.
“WHAT!” Ryder snapped. “I thought he was lying. You were the girl who stole PJ’s first kiss?” He let out a snort “He was so worked up about that and I gave him a black eye!”
“It was my first kiss too.” Kelsey mumbled.
“And there was a date I went on back home…” She dragged out then paused “Ah forget that… I’m not mentioning that one.”
“You know…” Ryder said remembering something “it’s not possible…”
Kelsey looked away. “I can’t tell you.” She replied.
“Did someone threaten you?” Ryder said defensively, his voice lower with a tinge of anger within it.
“NO!” Kelsey barked out “Why can’t you just drop it?” Kelsey groaned.
“Fine” Ryder smirked. “I’ll drop it, for now. Take your shower and get packing.”
Kelsey’s face lit with horror. “What?!” Kelsey groaned out accidently.
Hannah had to go home and get her things packed before she stayed the night. She had also said she was going to take a shower before they left as well.
Ryder smirked “We’re going out to the lake, you’re going with. I already told dad and the guys are expecting us both.” Ryder replied as if he wasn’t going to allow Kelsey to say no.
“What? No…” Kelsey shook her head.
“Come on Kels” Ryder grumbled. “I could just take you along without letting you pick out anything to pack…” Ryder smirked again.
“Fine” She groaned. “What do I have to bring?” She sighed.
“Well, a swimsuit, something warm, shorts, jeans, tops, sweatshirt, you know the usual camping stuff, we have a cabin we’re staying in so you don’t need the tent and sleeping stuff. We’re going to be staying there tonight and tomorrow night. We’ll come back Sunday afternoon. I invited Hannah when you were busy talking on the phone. She’ll be here in half an hour so you better get a move on. She was more than eager… We’re leaving in forty-five.” He told her with a chuckle.
Kelsey groaned but did as her brother had requested, hopping into the shower and then packing her bag. She had packed the usually things, pulled on a bikini beneath a pair of short and tank. When she made it down to the door Ryder was standing there evaluating the bags he had placed at the door. He looked up at Kelsey with a strange expression “We can take your truck right? I don’t think this stuff will fit in my car.” His brows furrowed more in confusion.
“I don’t care. I don’t know where we’re going though…” She drawled.
“No worries.” Ryder told her hiking bags onto his shoulders and walking out the front door.
“Hey Kels.” Hannah called coming in the open door. “This is so amazing!” She beamed.
“What is?” Kelsey moped.
“I can’t believe your brother invited me and you didn’t! The annual trip to the lake is awesome, all kinds of people beg the guys to let them come every year but its super exclusive!” Hannah cooed.
“I can’t believe you sold out on our over nighter to go to a lake with my brother.” Kelsey shrugged, it wasn’t like she cared. She had planned on hanging out with her friend and forgetting about her old life back home and the problems with her mom. She had gone camping a lot with her friends and horse.
“Come on girls, trucks loaded up.” Ryder called from the truck. Hann
ah giggled and raced out the door.
When Kelsey and Hannah walked up Ryder’s face grew hard “give me the keys Kels.”
“What, no!” Kelsey tried not to laugh and punch her brother at the same time.
“You don’t know the way, I can’t be seen driven around by a girl, and you know I won’t ruin your truck now pass ‘em” Ryder snapped.
Kelsey eventually gave in before settling in on the passenger side of her own truck while her brother was driving. She watched out the window as the trees and homes passed by. They took a right and Kelsey’s brows furrowed.
Where were they going? This direction lead to the richest section of town; their home was big but it was nothing special just a home. The ones on this side of town were massive mansion type homes. When Ryder pulled up to a gate and pressed the intercom button she just had to ask. “Where are we going? I thought we were going to a lake?” She asked.
Ryder grinned. “Yeah but we are meeting up with the guys first.”
Many of the Ryder’s friends were gathered around cars in the driveway of a massive beautiful home. Ryder parked the truck and hopped out before Kelsey could even consider asking whose home it was. Hannah had no idea nor was she talking much, just smiling.
Kelsey slid from the truck to hear her brother yelling “I got the truck!” He called.
“Excuse me?” she questioned from behind him.
“No biggie, mind if we load your truck up with some toys?” Ryder asked with a smirk.
“Don’t scratch the paint and we’re good.” Kelsey shrugged.
“Let’s load ‘em up boys!” Ryder called out cheerfully, and magically like that a couple of guys walked out from beside a Jeep pushing five dirt bikes.
Kelsey watched as the guys easily lifted the bikes up. “Are we all loaded up?” Ryder called.
“Yeah we just need to settle on riding arrangements.” PJ said walking up beside Ryder. “Your truck is a four by four?” He said turning toward Kelsey.
“Yeah of course” She mumbled back trying to avoid his eyes.
“Well then we have four vehicles we can take. The jeep, the explore, Kelsey’s truck, and Will’s truck.”
Love Begins with Fate Page 6