Secrets Behind Those Eyes

by S. M. Donaldson

“Wow, this is really beautiful,” I tell him. “I’ve never been out here at night before.”

  He sets out containers of food on the blanket. “It’s one of my favorite places. I hope you like picnic food?” he asks.

  “What exactly is picnic food?”

  “Fried chicken, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, with rolls and sweet tea.”

  “Did you cook all of this?”

  He laughs. “No. There’s a small grocery store close to my house with a deli. They cook the best damn food. I love their chicken.”

  “It smells delicious.”

  “Yeah the funny part is I’ll only order when one lady is there cooking. I call to see if she’s there,” he says.

  I burst out laughing. “That is funny. It also says you eat out a lot.”

  “I do. But Dad and I grill. I can only handle Nana so many times a week. Hell, even Nana orders her chicken from this place .”

  He hands me a plate and a Solo cup with tea. “Thank you.” I take a bite out of the chicken. “Holy shit. This is awesome. I need the name of the store and the lady’s name.”

  He smirks. “It’s Tom’s Market and Deli, and her name is Miss Phanie.”

  I laugh. “I’m writing that down.”

  Chapter 12

  Ryder

  I really wasn’t sure what to even do on a date. I had to Skype with Judd to figure out what a girl would like. Most of my “dates” have consisted of hooking up at a bar and sex somewhere close by so I could drop them back off at their cars. I don’t bring girls home.

  We’ve just finished our picnic dinner and she’s packing up the basket.

  “So you like the lighthouse?” I ask.

  Her eyes light up. “I love it. It’s one of my favorite places to visit. It’s seriously more beautiful here at night than I could’ve ever imagined.”

  “Great. I was kinda nervous.”

  She laughs. “You nervous?”

  “Yeah I don’t... Well, I’ve never really taken a girl out on a real date before. To be honest, I really wasn’t sure what to do.”

  She laughs again. “So, let me get this straight. You’ve never been on a real date before?”

  “I’m glad you find this amusing.”

  “I’m sorry, it’s just funny. So how did you come up with this perfect date? Did you Google it?” she asks.

  I laugh. “No but that is an awesome idea. I Skyped with Judd.”

  She falls over on the blanket, holding her stomach. She’s laughing so hard she can’t catch her breath. “I’m really glad you find this funny. Just remember I’ll pay you back for laughing at me.”

  She sits up, wiping her eyes. “I’m sorry. It’s just you always seem so cocky and confident. It just threw me for a loop that you’d have to ask someone like Judd for advice on women. You and Judd have done a wonderful job tonight.”

  I pull her in between my legs. “Look at that ship,” I say, pointing to the tanker moving along.

  “I know. I think that’s probably one of the coolest things about living here. We get to see so many different parts of life. We have history, art, boats, ships, beach, sand, food, and the coolest thing of all. Ghosts.”

  “Really? Ghosts top your list?” I ask.

  “I know it sounds touristy but every year on Halloween, I do the ghost tour. I love it. I eat at Moon River all the time, hoping I catch a glimpse.”

  I laugh. “Wow, you really are a ghost nut, huh?’

  She smacks my arm. “Sounds like you’re a big chicken.”

  “No, I love chicken. I thought we just covered this.”

  “Hey, did that friend of yours manage to leave us a way to get into the lighthouse?” she asks.

  I smirk. “Well now, what would a date to the lighthouse be without going up the stairs?” I pull her up and grab her hand. “Come on, let’s go see something pretty.”

  We start up the stairs in the lighthouse and it sounds full of creaks and moans of an old building. She laughs . “Gonna run on me?”

  I smack her on the ass. “I’m no chicken.”

  She stops in front of me, making me run into her. “Oh really. Hmm, we’ll see about that.”

  I grab her waist, spinning her around and pressing her against the wall. Leaning against her, I can feel her heart pounding in her chest. “Your heart is the one racing. You sure you aren’t scared?”

  She exhales. “Not of ghosts.” I lean down and take her lips and she lets out a soft moan.

  I pull back with my nose still touching hers. “So what scares you then?” I ask.

  She lets out a soft sigh. “You.”

  I pull back a little bit, still not letting her go from the wall. “Sweetheart, you have nothing to be afraid of with me.” I dive back into her lips and rest my hands on her waist, pulling her tight against me. My tongue works effortlessly in her mouth. I pull away from her a little and kiss her just below her ear. She shivers a little. “Are you cold?”

  She shakes her head. “No. Just nervous.”

  “About me?” She nods. “Baby, do you even know how much you undo me? I can’t think straight around you.”

  “This is just all a little much. It’s so fast. I swore, after Dustin, I wouldn’t get in over my head again.”

  “Over your head?” I ask.

  “Well, over my social class.”

  I take a step back. “Scarlet, this may come as a shock to you, but I could not care less about your social class.”

  She turns around and walks the rest of the way up to the top of the lighthouse without saying a word. Looking out over the water, she finally speaks. “You say that now. You say it doesn’t matter. Trust me, though. Eventually, it will.”

  “I don’t know what all that little insecure bastard Dustin put in your head, but I can assure you I am nothing like him.”

  She looks so lost. “It didn’t matter, not until the past few months. When we started going to functions together or his parents’ dinners, though, they would make snide comments about how well I was trying to fit in. They always dismissed me. Not just his parents but their friends. Then they found out that my mom works at the museum.”

  I put my hand on hers. “First of all, you know I don’t care about money. Judd is my best friend . Second, my father would rather die than make someone feel uncomfortable about how much money they do or don’t have. As far as Dustin’s parents and their friends, they’re just as big of dickheads as he is.”

  “I know it sounds stupid to you, Ryder, but the way they looked at me… When I got arrested, it was like, see, she’s crazy white trash, just like we always said. Crazy like her mother.”

  I chuckle. “Sorry, but I wouldn’t worry so much about what those people think.”

  She spins around. “But I do. Don’t you understand? I still hear them whisper when I walk by that I’m crazy or I should go back to the trailer park.”

  “They like to talk about me, too. I had to stop giving a shit a long time ago. Those little shits talk about me all the time. From the sounds of things, the whole town talks about me. I would’ve either had to move or just let it go. So I ignore it.”

  She looked up at me with sad eyes. “Why would they all talk about you? You’re one of them.”

  I knew these questions would come up eventually. I hear thunder in the distance and see lightning. “We’d better go. Looks like we’re about to have a storm come in.”

  She doesn’t say anything, but she starts down the stairs ahead of me. Once we are back outside, I feel sprinkles of rain. Shit.

  “It’s starting to rain,” she says.

  “Yeah. I can feel it,” I snap and dig in the side compartments of my bike. “Shit! I guess I left my rain suits in the mudroom at the damn house.”

  It starts to rain harder. I grab her hand and the blanket, taking off toward the building I had Ed leave unlocked for me.

  Chapter 13

  Scarlet

  What the hell did I do? I snatch my arm away as we enter the small storage room. “Wha
t the hell? What the fuck did I do? You tried to snatch my fucking arm off.”

  He runs his fingers through his hair. “Sorry. It’s just I can’t believe I left the rain suits at home. Plus I always get tense talking about Dustin and Brandon. I’m sorry I pulled on you so hard. I would never hurt you.”

  I know he’s telling the truth. I’ve never felt in danger around Ryder . “Just tell me why you hate them so much.”

  He sits down on a stool. “You aren’t the only one who’s been hung out to dry by those two. When we were fourteen, I introduced a girl I went to school with to Judd. She seemed to really like him and he was over the moon for her. One night we were all hanging out, and she and Judd went off to make-out. Well, in the meantime, I guess she, Dustin, and Brandon had cooked up this situation to embarrass Judd. I figured it out and ran to get Judd but it was too late. They had already busted some windows and spray painted some shit. Judd was just standing there. He had tried to talk them into stopping, but they did exactly what they’d planned and ran off, leaving him to get the blame. I told him to get the hell out of there. He ran off and before I could leave, the cops showed up. I got sent to juvenile detention for the summer. Judd felt bad that I got the blame. Dustin and Brandon laughed about it. When I came back to town, their parents had told them I was a bad influence and they couldn’t hang out with me anymore. Dustin’s mom even said that maybe if my mom had been alive, she would have raised me right.” He shakes his head. “My dad believed us when we told him what really happened, but that didn’t really do any good. So see? I do know what it’s like to deal with those two and their parents.”

  I put my hand on his. “I’m sorry Ryder. Who was the girl?”

  “A girl named Kelsie Carlisle.” My mouth falls open. “Do you know her?”

  “Until recently, she was one of my closest friends. I met her and Annabelle when I was working downtown at a clothing store.”

  “What did she do?” Hmm, that’s a loaded question. He was honest with me, though, so I take a deep breath.

  “I’ve only told my mom, Gable, and Annabelle this.”

  He leans back against a shelf. “Shoot.”

  I launch into the story and, after I finish, he laughs. “What the hell? You laugh at my story?”

  “I mean, my thoughts were always right on those guys. I can’t believe...” He has to stop because he’s laughing again. “So you walked in on that? Did they even offer an explanation?” He puts his hands up. “I really am sorry for what happened to you, but you have to realize how funny this all sounds.”

  I can’t help but laugh, too. “No explanation. I told you Brandon asked me to join. Kelsie was crying and Dustin chased after me. Well, until I took that axe handle to his car. Then the three of them started screaming.”

  “I really hate you had to go through all of that, but I have to say, it sounds like something straight off of Cops. Were y’all saying stuff like, ‘He took my cigarettes’ or ‘But I love him?’ Did anyone have curlers in their hair?”

  “Um, they really didn’t have much on to start with. So no. No curlers.” I look out the small window on the side of the building. “Damn, it’s really coming down out there.”

  Ryder stands up behind me. “Shit, yeah. I may have to call someone to bring me my jeep so we can go home.”

  My heart races as I realize how close we are to each other. The nerves in the pit of my stomach flutter and ache, all at the same time. “Why? I think we are fine right here.”

  He cocks an eyebrow and leans into me, pushing my back to the wall next to the window. “Oh, really. You think we are fine here?”

  “Yeah, unless you’re scared there might be a ghost or something.”

  He places his lips on mine, nipping at my bottom lip and getting me to open and give his tongue access. His hands slide down under my ass. “I don’t think ghosts are what we should be worried about.”

  I smile against his lips. “Oh really? What should I be worried about?”

  “I’m really trying to be a standup guy when it comes to you. But I don’t know how much I can control myself. When I’m around you, I feel this overwhelming sensation to wrap you up and own you,” he says.

  “Maybe I don’t want you to stop.”

  He lets out a groan. “Shit, Scarlet. You can’t say things like that.”

  I don’t know what happened, but when he let out that groan, my panties flooded. I put my hands on his chest and push him to a small chair, making him sit down. I straddle him, kissing him and running my tongue down the side of his neck.

  “Fuck, Scarlet.” My skirt rides up my hips.

  Still nibbling at his ear, I whisper, “Hmm?”

  Lightning pops and the lights go out. I scream and wrap my arms around his neck.

  “Scarlet, baby, I can’t breathe.”

  I giggle. “I’m sorry. That kinda took me by surprise.”

  “Me, too.” He lifts me up. “Here, let me find a light or something. I think I saw one on the little table.” I hear him bumping around. “Ah, here it is. Let’s see if it works.”

  Sure enough, there is a light. It’s just a small flashlight but he stands it up. At least we aren’t in the dark. He looks over at me and I shiver. “Are you cold? We both got pretty wet,” he says.

  I nod and he motions for me to sit with him. He takes our picnic blanket and pulls it over both of us. I smile. “Maybe this rain will blow over soon.”

  “Maybe so,” he says. “I’m not complaining about the company I’m with, though.”

  I tip my head down and snicker. “Good. I wouldn’t want to burden you or anything.”

  He runs his hands down my side. “Oh, it’s far from a burden.” Pulling me closer, he starts kissing down my neck. “Did I tell you that I think those boots are sexy as fuck?”

  I smirk. “No, you didn’t, but I’ll take whatever you give me.”

  “Oh, baby, don’t say that. But I will say this. Those boots are sexy as fuck and I would love nothing more than to watch you ride the fuck out of me. I do have one question though. Are you wearing panties? Because I’m pretty sure I didn’t feel any earlier when my hands were on your ass.”

  I giggle. I’ve never giggled this much in my life. I put my lips right by his ear. “Yes, I have on panties. They are just very, very tiny.”

  He flops his head back. “Are you trying to kill me? You know, if you are plotting this, it could be considered first degree murder.”

  I’ve never felt like this in my entire life. I feel the dull throb between my legs, an ache that needs to be touched. I rub my hand down the front of his pants. He’s hard, so hard. Kissing his neck, I start down his chest. “Not even close.”

  Chapter14

  Ryder

  “I think you are going to kill me.” I lean down and take her mouth to mine. The kiss starts slowly but it’s needy. She slides down a little, pulling me over her. I’m lying to her side with my torso over hers. My hand glides up under the edge of her shirt and rubs her side and stomach. She startles me when she lifts up and pulls her shirt off. Her tits are about to spill out of her lime green bra. I kiss down her neck, reaching the front clasp of her bra and opening it up. I kiss, lick, and suck on the most beautiful boobs I’ve ever seen.

  Running my hand up her thigh, I suck on her nipples. She lets out a moan that almost sends me over the edge. She starts fiddling with my shirt, trying to get it off. I slide one of my hands under her skirt, moving her barely there panties to the side. I slide two fingers into her wetness, using my thumb to rub her very sensitive nub. She starts panting and working on getting my pants undone.

  “Scarlet, slow down. If you get my pants off, I don’t know that I’ll be able to stop without doing permanent damage to my manhood.”

  She giggles. I love her giggle; it is so intoxicating. “Ryder, I don’t want you to stop.”

  I brush a little piece of hair back from her face. “What are you saying?” I ask.

  “I want you. Right here. Right now.”r />
  “Are you sure?” She nods. “Look at me. If you decide you want to stop, you tell me. I will. I may damage my balls but I will.” She nods and begins sliding her skirt down, along with the lime green thong that matches her bra. “Oh God.” When she reaches her boots and tries to slide them off, I stop her. “Don’t. Leave them on.”

  “Ryder. I’m ready.”

  I slide down my pants and boxers, kicking my boots off. I take out a condom and, as I tear the package open, I look at Scarlet’s beautiful form, lying there in front of me. “Damn, is this for real?”

  She nods. “Yes, very real.” I notice her glance down at my dick. Her eyes grow wide. “Is that?”

  “Yes, I have a piercing,” I chuckle as I roll the condom on.

  “Oh, sweet Jesus.”

  I spread her thighs and I can’t help myself. I have to taste her. I lean in and lick her sweet wet pussy. She squirms and gasps. “Mmm, this is beautiful. So wet, so sweet. Tell me, Scarlet. Have you ever been this wet before?”

  She shakes her head and sighs. “No.” She shudders. “Oh God.”

  “Has anyone ever been lucky enough to do this before?”

  Her hips are rocking and I can tell she’s close. “N- no. N-no one. Oh God!”

  I crawl up her body to hover over her. Brushing her lips with mine, I ask, “Do you have any idea how sexy you are? I’m so glad I’m the only person who’s ever had the pleasure of tasting that sweet pussy. I hope to God I’m the last one.”

  I place my cock at her soaked entrance and tease her a little.

  “Oh God, Ryder, please,” she begs.

  “Has anything ever been in here before?” I circle the entrance with my cock.

  She looks at me. “Just my vibrator. Nothing or no one else.”

  I start to enter her and I can see her tense up. “Baby, relax. Do you want me to stop?” She shakes her head no. “Okay, this is going to hurt but since you’ve used a toy, it shouldn’t be too bad.”

  She nods. “O- Okay.” I slide in little by little until I’m buried deep in her pussy.

  “Fuck, baby, you’re tight. I’m going to wait a second for you to adjust.” She nods, but a few seconds later, she starts to move her hips a little. I start moving in and out, a little at a time. “Oh shit, Scar. You’re beautiful.”