Bonded (The Raegan Mason Trilogy)

by Cheryl Courtney

  “Thanks.” I managed to respond. My legs were wobbly, but I was able to deal with it without looking like a fool.

  We didn’t ride anymore big rides, thankfully. There were some that were down on the ground like house of mirrors and the haunted house. We rode one ride that spun you in circles while going even faster in a bigger circle. That one left me nauseous, but it was fun. We shared a huge order of chili cheese fries and a big bag of blue cotton candy. Not the best dinner in the world, but what do you expect at a carnival? After eating, I really didn’t want to try anymore rides so we went toward my favorite part of the carnival – the games.

  There I was able to show off a bit. My aim was deadly at darts and I was able to pop all five balloons to win a massive teddy bear. Kyler was impressed at my accuracy. He was equally accurate throwing footballs into a small target. He won a stuffed Patrick from SpongeBob Squarepants which he gave to a little girl that was watching him. It was bigger than she was and we both laughed as she carried it away.

  The night ended uneventfully. I drove him back to the Aquarium so he could get his car. There were still a few vehicles in the parking lot, but I couldn’t tell which was his. He opened the door, told me thanks for all the fun and “See you soon.” Then he shut the door. He walked back toward the gated door we entered earlier and was gone in the darkness.

  Jaxon was right about one thing, Kyler was weird. His bewildering emotions made me feel like I was on that dangerous roller coaster. Up and down, hot and cold, passionate and uninterested; I should run as fast as I could away from him, but something about him pulled me toward him like a powerful magnet. Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about him.

  CHAPTER 8 - AWKWARD

  Jaxon had called several times while I was out the night before. Aunt Sarah just told him I wasn’t available. He called again that morning wondering where I’d been and if everything was alright. I told him about shopping with Julie, but decided not to tell him about my time with Kyler. For some reason, I’m sure he wouldn’t have liked that idea very much. I told him Julie and I were going to the bonfire together in a few days, and that I’d probably see everyone there.

  “So, wanna catch a movie or something?” Jaxon casually asked.

  “Uh, na. I’m not really interested in going to watch anything. I haven’t seen anything worth watching in a long time. It’s just a bunch of remakes. It’s like movie producers can’t find any original material to produce anymore.” I really just didn’t want to be alone in a dark theater with him. Although I’d tried to make it clear we were just friends, it seemed as if Jaxon was still trying, still not giving up.

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Want to go jet skiing? We could go out to the reef and snorkel.” He wasn’t going to stop suggesting things until I agreed to go somewhere with him.

  “Sure, that sounds like fun. Want me to meet you at the docks? I’ll need to change and I can meet you there in about half an hour.” I was still in my pajamas and needed a shower.

  “I’ll just swing by in thirty minutes and we can ride together. I’ll load up the jet skis and see you in a bit.” I could feel his contagious enthusiasm through the phone and couldn’t help smiling. What harm could come from snorkeling with him?

  Half an hour later, Jaxon showed up at the house. The jet ski trailer was attached to his vibrant red 4x4 pick-up. The tires were huge. Not monster-truck huge, but big enough that I dreaded climbing into it. Of course, Jaxon didn’t let me attempt this on my own. He walked me to the passenger side and ever so smoothly placed his hands around my hips to help me up. I shuddered after he closed the door. I’d have to make sure he still understood what “friends” meant.

  Jaxon climbed in on his side and turned the key bringing the engine roaring to life. His camouflage cap was pulled down almost hiding his crystal blue eyes. As if reading my mind, he glanced over winking before he pulled out onto the road. I had to roll my eyes. At least he didn’t blow a kiss.

  The ride to the dock was quiet as far as conversation was concerned, but Jaxon showed no shame singing along with the Beach Boys CD.

  “I love the colorful clothes she wears, And the way the sunlight plays upon her hair, I hear the sound of a gentle word, On the wind that lifts her perfume through the air. I’m pickin’ up good vibrations. She’s giving me excitations…” more winking and flashing the famous Jaxon Owen dimples. “Good, good, good, good vibrations.”

  His steering wheel became a drum set, or maybe bongos? I couldn’t help but laugh. No matter how creepy his sudden attraction was for me, I was going to miss him.

  Jaxon backed up the trailer on the boat ramp and eased the jet skis into the water. He started to jump out of the truck, but turned to me first. “I’m going to unload the jet skis. Can you pull the truck and trailer over there when I’m done? Just leave your stuff in here and bring the keys. I’ll meet you at the ramp.”

  I slid over into the driver’s seat when he jumped down and watched while he unstrapped each jet ski. He’d already stripped off his shirt leaving me open jawed at the clearly defined body he’d developed. I certainly did not remember him looking like that last summer. I think my hormones were becoming unmanageable because all I could focus on was the way his body moved. I had to keep reminding myself that this was Jaxon, my friend, my brother-like friend and this was creepy! Maybe I could overlook the brother-like part? Kyler didn’t seem interested last night, and Jaxon definitely was interested. Plus Jaxon was leaving soon, but with Kyler there were sparks – true sparks.

  I banged my forehead on the steering wheel trying to clear my mind of all of the unnecessary worrying I was doing. Before I could clear my mind, Jaxon was at the door.

  “Raegan? You okay?” He’d opened the truck door and pushed the hair from my face.

  “Oh, yeah, I’m great. Sorry I wasn’t watching and I, um…I’ll just go park the truck and be down there in a second.” I started to put the truck in gear.

  “You sure you’re okay? It’s not another headache is it?” He looked at my forehead as if he could actually see a headache forming.

  “No, I mean yes, I mean I’m good. No headache.” I forced a smile.

  Jaxon smiled in response and quickly planted a kiss on my forehead. “Good. I’ll get the life jackets ready.” He jumped down from the step and took off jogging to the jet skis he left on the ramp.

  What did I get myself into? I pulled Jaxon’s truck into a parking spot, grabbed the keys and climbed down. Jaxon was holding my life jacket ready to help me put it on. Once securely fastened, we each boarded a jet ski and set out for a day of snorkeling.

  Jaxon led us toward the cove. The waves were gentle and it provided a big enough area to snorkel near the reef without getting pounded by the surf. Plus we could let the jet skis float near us. Jaxon pulled some bottled water from a small ice chest he had tucked under the seat in the storage area. I was impressed he would think of something like that. I would have been dehydrated by the time we got back.

  “Here, drink up. Then we’ll dive off and join the deep blue sea and all her treasures!” He flashed that smile again and tipped his head back as he guzzled his water. I couldn’t help but watch as he drank. This brotherly love business sounded crazy at the moment. He waited until I finished drinking so he could store the bottles in the cooler, then stood up to remove his life jacket. He had grabbed our snorkeling gear and waited while I fidgeted with my clasps. He had already put on his flippers by the time I escaped the life jacket. He chuckled. “That was very entertaining. If you’d like to continue removing articles of clothing, I won’t object.” He suggestively raised his eyebrows, then winked.

  “Uggh, Jaxon! Sometimes I wonder just how you’ve managed to keep any girl friends.” I reached for my snorkel and flippers as he pulled them slightly out of reach causing me to almost fall in head first.

  “So you’re my girlfriend now?” He teased. “If that’s the case, I deserve at least a kiss for this romantic getaway I’ve planned fo
r today.” He puckered his lips and made a kissy face toward me.

  “Jaxon, please!” I practically yelled at him. If I could have stomped my foot, I would have, but all I could manage was to try to look mean and place my hands on my hips in protest.

  “I love it when you beg.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me as he jumped from the jet ski into the ocean.

  I screamed as I surfaced. “How dare you, Jaxon! You could have, you could have…” I couldn’t think what he could have done, I was too busy slapping his arms while he laughed. “You jerk.” I splashed him as I tried to distance myself from him. I really wasn’t that mad, but to hear him laughing at me just burned inside. Plus, I was still feeling a little rejected from Kyler and I was taking it out on Jaxon.

  Jaxon was still laughing. “I’m sorry, Rae. You were so cute trying to unfasten the clasps on the life jacket, I couldn’t resist imagining you attempting a strip tease.” He inched closer and I splashed him again to try and force him back. His laughter stopped. “Now you’re asking for trouble.” He smirked. He rushed me in the water as I tried to swim away laughing and splashing at him.

  It didn’t take him long to catch me since he had his flippers on and I didn’t. His strong arms snaked around me and pulled me into his chest. He locked his eyes on mine for a moment before slowly focusing on my lips. My mouth suddenly went dry as I tried to swallow. His arms felt natural around me and I was torn inside trying to decide what the right thing to do would be. He treaded water for us for a moment before gradually releasing me and swimming back toward the jet skis to get my gear.

  I fumbled with my flippers while trying to stay afloat for a few minutes. The tension was thick and Jaxon kept his distance while I prepared. Once we were under water, there wasn’t any need to talk. We floated over the reef watching the colorful fish and plants that thrived. Every now and then, Jaxon would tap my arm to get my attention as he pointed out new treasures. Each touch was like a stab to my heart. I kept hurting him every chance I got.

  After what seemed like hours, Jaxon suggested we head to shore to eat. He had packed a picnic too. He swam toward his jet ski and took off his flippers and gear before effortlessly climbing back on his. I on the other hand was less graceful. I just didn’t have the arm strength to pull myself up today.

  “Here.” Jaxon reached his hand out to me and I reluctantly took it. He pulled me as I kicked and pushed with my other arm. When I got close, he let go so I could grab the handle of his jet ski. He reached his hands lower to help me up and I reached my other arm around his neck, finally making it up on his jet ski. He scooted back some so I could sit sideways on the seat with him while I caught my breath. He didn’t move his arms that gently wrapped around me. I could feel the heat from his body inches from mine. My breathing didn’t slow down, but instead started increasing as I felt him lean closer. “Raegan, you are so beautiful.” His warm hand trailed down my bare back, the other softly caressing my hip and rising toward my chest. Definitely not brother like.

  “Jaxon.” It came out as a whisper. His lips crushed into mine and his arms tightened around me pulling me closer. His tongue traced my bottom lip before he captured my lips again. I allowed the kiss to deepen and he took the lead again tangling his tongue with mine. His hands continued to caress parts of my body with the tenderest touches, causing a fire to burn slowly in my abdomen. His hands firmly grabbed my hips and repositioned me so that I was straddling him on the jet ski, never once breaking the lip lock.

  My hands trailed down his chest toward his arms and he released his lips from mine only to sensually replace them on my neck as he kissed his way up my neck, across my jaw to devour my lips again. The thin barrier of my bikini pressed against the hardness of his body was strangely intimate, but when his hand cupped my breast, I gasped and pushed away. “Don’t.” I held him at arm’s length and tried to untangle myself from him and climb onto my jet ski.

  The desire quickly faded from his eyes. “Raegan, I didn’t mean to rush. I just thought, I mean…” He hung his head and looked away while I put on my life jacket.

  “I think I need to go now.” I started the engine and waited patiently while he stored our gear in the storage beneath his seat and he put on his life jacket. I could feel the heat in my face still. I had boundaries, and one of my closest friends just crossed it.

  CHAPTER 9 – BONFIRE

  I didn’t see Jaxon or Kyler the next day. Depression was beginning to sink in when Julie called to remind me about the bonfire that night. She showed up early and began the beauty treatment on both of us. She covered my face with a sticky clay mask before creating a matching green face on herself.

  She had drilled me for details about my fishy date with Kyler. I told her very little because there really wasn’t much to tell. I did mention that we went to the carnival but that I had chickened out on almost all of the rides. I didn’t mention Kyler’s cold brush off afterward either. Maybe he was trying to play hard to get? I’d heard very little about him, certainly nothing that would lead me to believe he was a charming playboy. Both Julie and Jaxon mentioned that he was a quiet loner. Somehow that didn’t make any sense after my brief get-togethers with him.

  I also did not tell her about mine and Jaxon’s little make out session. I’m sure she’d find out eventually, but I wasn’t going to bring it up. After we got back to the docks, Jaxon had loaded the jet skis and drove me home in complete silence. He didn’t even say good bye when I jumped out of his truck. The tension was so thick in the cab of his truck, I thought I’d suffocate. When we stopped at my house, I jumped down and he pulled away before I could even shut the door. How could I have let it go so far? I knew it would ruin our friendship. It seemed like no matter whether I went through with seeing what was there between us or avoided it, I still ended up hurting Jaxon. Plus now I’d lost a really good friend, too.

  Kyler had said he’d see me soon, but soon was taking too long. Maybe he’d be there tonight. I was trying not to get too excited with the possibility of being wrapped in his arms around a raging fire.

  Julie interrupted my thoughts by instructing me to go wash off the now dried mask. After washing it off, she proceeded to apply other facial techniques, rubbing some liquid into my face and massaging my cheeks and forehead. If Julie didn’t succeed in college, she could be one awesome cosmetologist or esthetician. She wiped the solution off of my face with a cotton ball before adding a moisturizing cream and a lip conditioner. Then she began with the makeup ritual. When she was finished, my face was glowing. She could work miracles. I proceeded to get dressed in the clothes she chose for me - tiny denim shorts and a white, laced, sleeveless shirt that was open in the back. She dressed in something similar, but much more glamorous than mine. It suited her. Julie sparkled everywhere she went. She’d be a glittering disco ball on the beach.

  We walked outside to Julie’s car and drove down the strip to the end of the condos. The bonfire would be out toward the jetties tonight. The wind wasn’t strong, but the night sea breeze could drift the smoke toward the hotels. Plus, the only light sources out there would be the lighthouse and the bonfire.

  We parked and walked down the boardwalk to the beach. I took off my sandals to walk through the sand. The cool touch felt so good. The bonfire was already blazing when we got there. Some of our friends from school were there along with some people I didn’t recognize. They were either vacationers, or locals I didn’t remember. Someone had brought a keg of beer out and others brought their own drinks. Although the drinking age was twenty-one, that didn’t stop most of the attendees. I never drank at these because it was much more fun to watch others make a fool out of themselves.

  Julie stopped and talked to some of the girls from school and I kept walking to the log set up a little distance away from the bonfire to sit. I looked toward the Rock wondering if I walked over there, would Kyler be waiting. I didn’t hear the music or the electric force field and I felt disappointed. I don’t know why I thought he’d be here. The radio m
usic playing was loud and annoying. Someone was playing a guitar and wasn’t too bad. Julie was caught up in her social network, and I felt drawn to the Rock. I got up and started heading that direction. I was almost to the shoreline when I got knocked to the ground by the guys playing tackle football. Several guys were dog piled on top of me and my ribs throbbed.

  One of the drunken football players was Jaxon. The other guys I didn’t know. Jaxon started apologizing instantly and tried to help me up. “Hey Raegan, I’m sorry. We didn’t see you there. Are you okay?” He held me close for a moment, but then must have remembered our fight and stepped away. Another other guy, reminding me of a giant on steroids, did a push up and hopped to his feet. He stared at me with animalistic eyes and walked toward me grinning like he just won a prize.

  “Hey baby. You’re looking smokin’.” Goliath rattled off, opening his arms as to grab me. I stepped back a couple of steps and looked at Jaxon questioningly. “Want to be my arm candy tonight?” He attempted to put his arm around my neck and I ducked out.

  “Hey Nate, leave her alone.” Jaxon put an arm out to block his advances and Nate/Goliath pushed him down roughly.

  “Who’s going to make me? You, Army boy?” Nate laughed at Jaxon spitting sand out of his mouth. Jaxon jumped up and rushed at the ox heading toward me. He tackled Nate from behind and started punching. Jaxon was thrown backward when Nate slammed a fist into his face. I rushed toward Jaxon to help him up. His nose was bleeding profusely and he was moaning in obvious pain.