Loving Avery (Bearville County Book 2)

by Katie Hamstead

  “Coming from you,” Rhett responds teasingly.

  “Hey, I never said I’m innocent. But you’re the better person, bro.”

  “Don’t I know it.”

  We climb down the tree then run hand in hand to the hotel. The back entry is open, as always, and we slip in. We find the first unlocked room and enter. Rhett hits the mini bar and pulls out all the candy.

  “This stuff is going to go bad soon anyway, right?” he says, grabbing the laundry bag.

  “Right. We’re doing them a favor. They’ll have to throw it out, so someone should enjoy it.”

  We move to the next open room and pull out all the candy there, too.

  “Let’s go upstairs,” he says as he grasps the door handle. “The better rooms are up there. Maybe they’ll have better candy.”

  I giggle as we dash into the corridor.

  “Whose idea was this in the first place?” I ask as I grab a bottle of lotion from the bathroom.

  “Um, yours.” He stands with the now almost full bag. “Do you think I have the criminal mind to think up something like this? I’m a nerd. A chronic good boy. I’d never have even considered doing this.”

  We reach room 255. He grins at me and grasps the handle. “The moment of truth.”

  The handle lowers, then clicks. Unlocked.

  We rush in. Neither of us has seen the room before. We’ve only heard it’s the best, and it is! A plush California kings sits in the middle, beautiful artwork graces the walls, a huge flat screen sits opposite the bed, and the bathroom?

  “Rhett! I think this bathroom is the size of my bedroom!”

  He locks the door behind him. “Wow!”

  There’s a hot tub, a double-headed shower and his and hers sinks. “Amazing!”

  Rhett walks over to the hot tub. “Care to test it out?”

  I chuckle. “We’ll totally get busted.”

  “Not if we clean it out afterward …” He turns on the water.

  I chew my lip, but decide to forget it. Hardly anyone uses the hotel rooms, and chances are no one will check the room for several weeks.

  Rhett dumps the bag of candy on the countertop. While his back is turned, I remove my clothes. When he turns around, his jaw drops. “This is so much better than last time.”

  He strips and we climb into the hot tub together. We make out like fiends. His hands are all over me as I straddle him.

  “Avery. Avery, you drive me wild.”

  “That’s the goal,” I respond breathlessly.

  The hot tub is forgotten as he lifts me out, grabs some towels, and leads me into the room. He tosses the blankets back, lays down the towels, then grabs my hand. “Just keeping the sheets clean. That won’t go unnoticed.”

  He lifts me onto the bed, laying me down softly. He then searches for his jeans and pulls out a small packet from his wallet.

  “What’s that?” I ask, sitting up.

  “Condom.” I watch as he awkwardly slides it on. “This isn’t as easy as it seems.”

  I giggle.

  When he finishes, he kisses me and pushes me back down. Making love in that place is exciting. Plus, it’s been several weeks since we last tried. I’m far more into it this time, and Rhett responds accordingly. We’re so noisy, and I’m glad we’re not at one of our homes.

  When we’re done, he collapses on the bed beside me. “So much better than last time.”

  “The sneaking in, or the sex?” I ask, stroking his shoulder.

  He grins. “Both.”

  He pulls me into his arms and we curl up together. “I love you so much.”

  “I love you.”

  *

  Rhett

  When I awake, I’m disorientated. This isn’t my room. But then … I swear softly and Avery wakes.

  “What?”

  “We crashed here.”

  She looks around. Sunlight peeks through the curtains. “Oh, crap.”

  We jump out of bed, and hurry to dress. Once we’re clothed, I run into the bathroom to clean up while she makes the bed. We check everything is perfect, then grab the towels and the bag of candy, and run out of the hotel. We dump the towels in the laundry chute as we hurry by.

  We reach the main road, laughing. I grasp her hand lifting it to kiss it. “We gotta hide this candy before someone sees it.”

  “In the trunk of your car?”

  “No, that’s too far away. We could get caught in town.” I wave my hand over the hotel’s emblem.

  “The gas station!” she says, her eyes alight. “I’ll run in and ask for a trash bag. Old man Morris loves me.”

  “Perfect.”

  We hurry over and she returns from inside with a black bag. I dump the candy in it and toss the laundry bag in the trash.

  When we turn onto Main Street, I hear Mom yell. She jumps on me, squeezing me tight. “Rhett! Where have you been? I’ve been so worried. We’ve been searching everywhere for you. You weren’t at the Davises’ or the Blakes’ and I just panicked!”

  “I’m fine, Mom.” I pat her head. “I’m nineteen now. You really need to stop fussing.”

  “There you are.” Paul trots over, dressed in his sheriff gear. He wraps his hand around Avery’s head and kisses her forehead. “You had us so worried. You were just gone this morning.”

  “We took an early stroll to watch the sunrise.”

  Wow, she’s good. Great cover, Ave.

  “You could have left a note or something.”

  “It was spontaneous.” She shrugs.

  “Your mother is frantic. You know how she doesn’t like it when people disappear. Go find her and apologize.”

  “Oh.” Avery frowns. “Where is she?”

  We hurry to the courthouse. We burst through the door and Bray swings around. “Avery!”

  “Mom! I’m sorry.”

  Bray throws her arms around Avery. “It’s okay, sweetheart. As long as you’re safe.”

  “I just wanted some time with Rhett. I didn’t mean to make you worry.”

  “I know, honey.” Bray kisses her head, then pulls back to look into her face. “You’re all right?”

  Avery nods.

  Bray looks to me. “How about you, Rhett? No damage?”

  “No, ma’am.” I bow my head.

  “Good.” Bray then turns to Sarah behind the desk. “So, now everyone’s safe and sound, you received an email this morning, Avery.”

  “I did?” Avery pulls her phone from her pocket.

  “On your student email.” Bray is frowning. This isn’t good news. “They won’t let you transfer. I’m sorry, honey. You’re locked in. But if you want, we can look into transferring next semester?”

  My heart sinks, and by the way Avery slumps, I’m guessing hers did, too. “Really?” she says. “This sucks. I shouldn’t have signed up early.”

  “What’s done is done.” Bray runs her fingers through Avery’s hair. “Next semester, sweetheart.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Avery

  I feel awful. I must have picked up a stomach bug. Rhett stays by my side through it, even though he should be packing to leave.

  He grabs my hair as I bend over the toilet to puke again. “Aw, Ave. I’m so sorry you’re sick. What do you think it is?”

  “I don’t know, and I don’t care.” I grab the ice pack Mom left for me and press it against my forehead. “I just want it to pass so I can live again. Right now I want to die.”

  He rubs my back. “Is there anything I can do?”

  I slide over and grasp his arms. “Just hold me.”

  That evening, although I still feel crap, I’m well enough to get out and about. I want to enjoy my last few nights with Rhett before he leaves for college again.

  We stroll slowly down the street, enjoying the tail end of the summer evenings. Soon, the cold will take over, and snow will cover everything by Christmas.

  “Avery,” he says softly. “I’ll come back for Christmas this year. I gotta see you, and hopefully take you
with me.”

  I squeeze his hand. “I’d like that.”

  “We’ll both work real hard to make it happen. I’ll save up plenty of money to get us a nice place, and probably a better car.”

  I giggle.

  “I can’t wait for you to come down. I have some great friends who would love to meet you. This year is going to be so much better.”

  “I think so too.”

  We reach his house and head into the backyard. We lie on the grass, our heads pressed together, staring up at the stars.

  “Rhett?”

  “Yeah?”

  “You know you’re my best friend, right?”

  He chuckles. “Right.”

  “And you know I love you more than anyone, right?”

  He rolls toward me and props up on his elbow. He strokes my face. “Right.”

  I smile, closing my eyes. “I wish we could always have moments like this.”

  “Ew.” My eyes fly open and Jack hovers over us. “Ew, Avery. He’s a Clark.”

  I reach out to slap his leg but he darts away.

  Donny chuckles from behind him. “They’re gross, right? Man, I’ve wanted to vomit all summer.”

  “Seriously.” Jack presses his hands against his hips, then glares at Donny. “You smell like weed. Have you been smoking again?”

  “Me?” Donny shrugs.

  “That’s gross, dude. It’s people like you who prevent it from being legalized for medicinal purposes.”

  “Nerd.”

  “Moron.”

  Rhett grabs my arm. “Let’s go.”

  “Whoa, kids.” Jack raises his hands. “I’m not done with you yet.”

  He squats, and we roll to look at him. “Now, here’s the deal,” he says with a sparkle in his eyes. “You get married, have a bazillion babies, and keep Mom off my back. I need time to finish my schooling. She wants me to hurry up and get married. It’s so annoying. Plus, she would die if she suddenly found herself related to Megan. You know how they are.”

  He lifts his hand and mimics a fast chatting mouth with it.

  Rhett and I laugh.

  “So, Ave, do your big bro a favor and make this creep put a ring on your finger, eh?” He winks at me.

  I blush. Rhett and I haven’t discussed marriage, but I’d very much like it. He’s always been in my life and I plan to keep it that way.

  “They can’t get married,” Donny says calmly. “Avery will have another boyfriend within a month of starting college.”

  Rhett launches up. “Don, I’m so tired of you bad mouthing her.”

  Jack straightens as well. “Donny, mind your mouth for once, eh?”

  “What? Can’t a man speak his mind? We all know she’s not the stick-around type. So don’t get Rhett’s hopes up.”

  “Shut up,” Rhett says fiercely.

  Jack folds his arms, glaring at Donny. “You better watch your mouth. Best friend or not, she’s my sister.”

  “And Rhett’s my brother. In fact, he’s more of my brother than she is your sister.”

  Jack winces. “Not cool, Don.”

  “Because your mom’s a slut.”

  Jack punches him across the face. “Don’t talk about my mom like that! My dad was murdered, you asshole!”

  Donny stumbles back, rubbing his jaw. “Dick.”

  “Donny, the drugs are rotting your brain.” Jack grabs him roughly. “And it’s time I did something about it.”

  “What do you—?”

  “Hey, Clint!” Jack calls out.

  “You wouldn’t dare.” Donny struggles to push free.

  I jump up beside Rhett, holding my breath.

  Clint appears at the back door. “What’s going on out there?”

  “Donny uses weed.”

  Silence.

  “Excuse me?” The door slowly opens.

  “He’s joking, Dad,” Donny says.

  “Nope. I’m not.” Jack glares at Donny. “And I can show you where he keeps it.”

  *

  Rhett

  Donny has been in the holding cell before. When we were in our early teens, Dad liked to lock us in there for minor misbehaving to show us we didn’t want to go back. I learned pretty quickly to behave; Donny learned how to cover his ass.

  I sit outside the cell as Donny runs his hand through his brown hair. His hands shake. Going cold turkey is rough.

  “Hey, Don.”

  “Rhett.” He glances up, nodding.

  “How are you feeling today?”

  He smirks and shakes his head.

  “That good, huh?”

  “Dad’s such a prick. I’m gonna have to defer this semester. Asshole.”

  “He’s trying to help you the best way he knows how.”

  Donny leans back against the wall. “Yeah, always the cop.”

  I sigh, shuffling my chair so I can lean against the wall too. “Is he trying to help you get through it?”

  Donny closes his eyes. “Mom is. She brings me treats and games and things. Dad just drops in to give me my three square meals. He’s so pissed. So much for Jack being my best friend.”

  I scowl. “Jack is a better friend to you than any of us. I certainly didn’t have the balls to tattle.”

  Donny snickers. “Right.”

  “I’m serious.” I lean on my elbows. “You’ve been a real jerk since getting into drugs. At first I thought it was college, but now I know differently. Jack cares about you enough to tell someone and to get you help.”

  Donny raises an eyebrow, slowly looking me over. “Dad has a counselor coming. An addict counselor.”

  I nod. “Good.”

  He swears and leans over, tugging at his hair. “This sucks. But you must be pretty proud of yourself. This makes you look even more perfect.”

  “What the hell?” I fold my arms. “Damn, Don. What makes you think I’d care about that?”

  He glares at me. “Go to your prissy little slut and leave me alone.”

  “Don’t talk about her like that.” I point at his face.

  “Whatever.” He leans back, closing his eyes again.

  “Why do you hate her so much?” I grab the bars. “She’s never done anything to you.”

  He lets out a deep, throaty laugh, but doesn’t look at me.

  “Damn it, Don. Look at me. Why can’t you be happy for me? I finally have the girl I always wanted. Why do you have to be such a jerk about it?”

  He’s still laughing. “You’re not the only one who wanted her.”

  I lean back, shocked. But he’s always been so mean to Avery. Maybe he’s talking about someone else?

  He looks directly at me. “She’s my best friend’s sister, and she’s really cute. But she always preferred you. Why would a girl like her go for me when perfect Rhett is around? Everyone always said how perfect you are for each other, and she always hung off your every word and came crying to you. Compared to you, I’m not even a blip on her radar.”

  I let out a curse. How is this possible? Never once did he even hint he had feelings for Avery. She’s almost three years younger than him, and he always blew us off to hang out with Jack.

  “When you told me you wanted to get over her—” He looks at me directly now. “—I thought, hallelujah! I can finally like my brother instead of resenting him. But now, now I resent you more than ever. You talked about her never wanting you, but honestly, she always picked you.”

  He stands, his legs a little shaky as he walks over and leans against the bars. I push to my feet to meet his gaze. He glares into my eyes.

  “She’s so sweet, she’d never go for a dick like me. But you …” He shakes his head, sneering. “I hate that she loves you.”

  I step back, horrified by the look of resentment in his eyes. “Don, I didn’t know.”

  “It’s not like knowing would change anything. When I found out you’d kissed her when we were kids, I wanted to deck you. For the next few weeks, I tried to get her alone and do it, too. But, she was always with you.�
�

  He pushes away, turning back toward the bed. “Tell Dad I’m hungry.”

  And with that, he ends our conversation. I make my way out of the holding area and tell Dad that Donny wants lunch. Paul watches me as I head out, but I don’t care. It feels strange finding out my brother, whom I love and admire, has resented me for years. A pang of guilt grips at me.

  As I walk down the street, someone calls my name. I look over my shoulder to see Paul running after me. I pause to let him catch up.

  “Are you okay?” he asks.

  I shrug. “It’s rough seeing him in there.”

  “I bet.” He rests his hand over his holster. It’s not a threatening gesture; in fact, it shows he’s calm. “You know, we can hear every word people say in those cells.”

  I tense.

  He looks me over. “We’ve known about Donny’s feelings for years. It’s part of the reason we were so concerned about you and Avery being together. Feelings can make things very complicated.”

  I look up at him as he stares ahead.

  “Rhett, I’ve always liked you, and I’ve always liked you for Avery. People say how you two were always meant to be, and that’s because you work well together. You care about each other, you trust each other—you make each other happy, especially when the other is down. If I could handpick someone for her, I wouldn’t change who she chose.”

  I stare up at him, speechless.

  “Donny is coming off drugs,” he says, looking into my eyes. “He’s going to be a mean son-of-a-bitch for a while. Don’t take what he said to heart. Because if you do, and you break my baby girl’s heart, you’ll have to answer to me. Now, who’s scarier? Your brother with his fists, or the sheriff with his guns?”

  I chuckle. “The sheriff.”

  “Good answer.” He grabs my shoulder and squeezes.

  Chapter Twelve

  Avery

  I’m sobbing. I can’t stop sobbing. Rhett strokes my hair. “Ave, it’s only a few months. Come on, you’re breaking my heart.”

  “I’m sorry.” I rub at my eyes. My glasses are all fogged up. “Don’t you dare stop talking to me again.”

  “No way.” He kisses my head. “Are you feeling better today?”

  I nod, even though I’m still queasy.

  “Good. I’d hate to leave you when you’re sick.”