Stolen Moments

by Bowie, Emily

  Luke looks as wide-eyed as I feel before we start to smirk and attempt to hide our laughter. I watch as Luke tiptoes into my room, coming back out with my brown fluffy bunny in his large hands before he is taking my hand once again and we’re running out as quietly as we can so we won’t be noticed.

  CHAPTER 4

  Stopping at the top of the stairs, my imagination is going crazy. I have purposely never allowed myself to be alone with Shay. But this morning, seeing her cry, I could not leave her. And now hearing the echo of Brax and Cynthia’s fucking is proving to me that this has to be a test. Gritting down on my teeth, I leave Shay, welcoming the distance between us as I grab her rabbit.

  It takes everything in my willpower to not toss her onto her bed and touch that soft skin of hers. I already crossed the line by holding her hand, I couldn’t help it. When she is near me, all I want to do is touch her. I’m drawn to her; I can’t help it.

  Coming out of the room, the moaning and grunting has become louder, making my dick get hard as fuck thinking that someday that could be Shay and me.

  I need to get out of this house before her dad comes home and sends me off to prison for thinking I have the wrong intentions. Grabbing her hand because I need that constant connection with her, I pull her from her home, trying to escape the imaginary scene playing in my mind. Hairy balls, hairy balls. Slowly, the tightness in my pants loosens and I’m able to breathe in the light, ever-present smell of manure wafting around the ranch. Dirty, hairy balls…

  Taking the rabbit from me, she drops our hands, and I head toward the path to our watering hole. She follows behind me, neither of us saying a word. We are in uncharted territory; I can feel it, can she?

  Once the clearing comes into view, she takes a seat in the sandy dirt as I place Peter in her arms. I watch as she squishes her face into the soft brown fur as she hugs him tight.

  Taking a seat beside her, I leave no room for any space, our hips touching each other. “I think we should let Peter go here,” I tell her. “He has zero chance of surviving at your uncle’s, at least out here he might. We can leave him food and maybe make him some type of burrow out here so he can be safe.”

  My eyes stay on her, watching for any reaction. She breathes into her pet’s fur, her face never leaving. Slowly, I allow my hand to rest behind us, in my small attempt to hold her without being too forward.

  “Thank you.” She says it so softly that I almost missed it. Looking at her with the sun shining down has her looking extra vulnerable, the image tugging at my heart. I feel like this is wrong then convince myself I have no reason to feel this way. We are practically the same age. So what if we grew up together and she’s my best friend’s sister.

  “I haven’t done anything,” I tell her, my hand moves up from the ground to her side. Shay’s a sweet girl, anyone would have done what I have. A strange feeling tightens in my chest as I realize I am happy that it was no one else but me.

  “No one takes me seriously or thinks about my feelings but you,” she tells me.

  I know that’s not true but I don’t say anything. My fingers linger on her hip longer than necessary, then I pull her against my side, wrapping my arm around her. We sit there listening to the forest around us. She snuggles her head against my chest and exhales, her body going lax into mine.

  I never want this moment to be over. Shay is amazing; everything about her radiates perfection. She makes me feel like I could move the earth for her. The way she looks at me has me feeling like I could conquer anything put in my way. She is the only girl that looks at me like I could be worthy of her. It has me feeling like we have something special, even though it is only friendship, and makes me wonder if we could turn it into something more.

  Reaching over her, I grab her other hand, a fierce protectiveness washing over me, one that I have never felt before. She smiles at my touch on her hand. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think you and your feelings are important.”

  I watch as a slow creep of pink dances across her cheeks at my intensity. She has this pull on me that I can’t dull. I look down at her, looking for a sign that this is more to her, too. I think she feels it but I don’t want to rush her.

  I have never had to put myself on the line like this before; the feeling is thrilling. With her soft skin snug against me, my dick once again starts to do the happy dance. I silently chastise my dick for deciding to choose this moment to wake up again, hoping it goes unnoticed.

  “I’m only out here because of you.” I can feel the deepness of my voice as I try to tell her in my own way that I have feelings for her. I should be pulling away but instead I hold her tighter. She continues to look at me, moving into my touch.

  Ever so slowly our bodies draw each other in until I can feel her light breaths tickle my lips. I pause, giving her an opportunity to tell me this is not what she wants.

  My gaze moves from her lips to search her eyes, but they’re already closed in anticipation of my next move. I go for it, scared that I won’t get a moment like this again.

  My lips are drawn to hers as I press down on them. They are so soft and mold perfectly to mine. I hold my lips against hers before slowly allowing my tongue to dart out, pressing my luck.

  It takes less than a small sweep of her lips before she opens up, allowing me access into that delicate mouth of hers. My hands move along her body, while still trying to rein in my hormones and not push her too much.

  Then as fast as the moment came upon us, I draw back, allowing us to regain our composure. While also giving Shay another opportunity to tell me to go fuck myself. One I am hoping she will take advantage of, because after that kiss I won’t be the one to be able to do it.

  I open my eyes to see shock, desire, and uncertainty all flash in her eyes. We sit there in silence, catching our breaths before she makes the first move.

  “I think a burrow will go great over there.” She points to an area of brush, her voice wavering, showing me that she is nervous.

  Small steps, I tell myself.

  We spend the majority of the day creating a burrow under a tree stump for her rabbit and leave out some food until he can fend for himself. To my surprise, he hasn’t left Shay’s feet. I purposely stand too close to her, watching that pink flush her skin. I live for the moments when I see her watching me when she thinks I’m not looking. Watching Shay color with excitement has officially become my new favorite hobby.

  “This is perfect.” She jumps with excitement as Peter’s burrow nears completion. Shay’s smile is bright and happy; I want to keep her like this all the time. I would do anything to make her feel this always.

  Going deeper into the woods, I find some more twigs and branches for cover for Peter Rabbit’s new home.

  Pulling green leaves back, I find a similar hollowed out hole in a tree but this one is about two feet from the ground and not hovering under the tree. Stepping in to get another look I see some metal. Reaching in, I pull out a rusty, old school handgun and two bullets. I look it over, wondering if it’s even capable of shooting a bullet without backfiring.

  I pocket the bullets and hold the gun in my palm, wondering who placed this old thing out into the woods, allowing the elements to eat away at its beauty. I contemplate taking the gun too, not wanting it to get into the hands of someone inexperienced. Looking around, I decide it’s just the Steeles and I that come up here. With that, I put the gun back, feeling like it was hidden for a good reason.

  CHAPTER 5

  I walk down the colorfully painted vocational hall that leads toward our football locker room. Purposely I put on a show with my limp. When inside I feel like I could do agility drills all afternoon from the high I’m still feeling from my time with Shay. I hobble a bit faster, inspired to leave this town, make something of myself, and return back to Shay. Show this town that I am worth it and that Shay deserves the best. I plan on being the best.

  I limp into the room to find almost everyone already gone.

  “Where have you been?�
� Kellen asks me as he leans into the empty space of his locker cupboard. His broad shoulders can’t fit inside so they rest on the plywood that separates each team member’s stuff while his head leans against his hung up helmet.

  I shrug. “Doctors.” I look everywhere but right at him, refusing to meet his eyes as I head to my locker across from his.

  I can feel Kellen eyes staring down at me, and I think he knows I spent the day with his sister.

  “Was Coach talking to you?” I ask, taking a seat on the other side of the wall. He’s normally the first one out of this school, and that scowl he wears tells me he’s pissed about something.

  The last of the stragglers seemed to have made their way to the door, leaving the two of us in the room. I can’t see Coach in his office but the light is on so I know he must be near.

  “Sam was talking out of his ass again at practice, so I may have accidentally hit him when I thought he knew I was coming.” Kellen smirks as he shrugs it off. His eyes close and he looks relaxed considering how intense I know it actually would have been.

  I’ve heard this story more than once this year, Kellen has a temper, with no desire to control it. He and Sam have some type of feud going on. Kellen is the captain and Sam wants that position more than life itself, or so it seems.

  “What happened to the kid who had to be on good behavior last year?” Since we have become seniors it’s like he doesn’t give a fuck. Football has been our lives since I can remember. We live and breathe this sport.

  “I grew up and realized there is more to life than football.” His eyes are still closed as he says those words. Being his best friend, I know when to call bullshit.

  “Scouts will be coming to watch us play, you better not get benched,” I tell him, trying to remind him of both of our dreams.

  He only opens one eye as he replies, “You sound like Coach, where’s my best friend who I know has scouted out which party we will be attending?”

  I watch Kellen as he bends down to open his duffle bag and pull out a jar of Advil before he pops two in his mouth and swallows without any water.

  “Is Sam going to be an issue?” I ask. He straightens, knowing how serious I am by the tone of my voice.

  “If he’s smart he won’t be anymore.” He wiggles his eyebrows, trying to lighten the conversation.

  I’m not sure what went down with the two of them but I have a feeling that Sam may have blackmailed Kellen over the rumored relationship he had with Ms. Davis last year. Kellen never denied or validated any rumors but I also never asked him for details.

  “Sam Levy is not a smart guy,” I tell him flatly.

  “And that’s why, my friend, I have you.” He gets up and I stand as well when I see Coach walk into his office.

  Nodding toward the office, I head in that direction. Kellen gives me a two-finger salute before heading out the door, leaving me to talk to Coach about what I missed and when I’ll be back playing.

  *

  Coach is a talker. All I had wanted to let him know was the date I should be cleared to play again, and I was left listening to him for just under a half hour. By now, the school is deserted. Coming around the back of the school, I run right into Kellen and Sam in a heated argument that looks to be starting to become physical.

  “Hey, boys,” I greet, my eyes volleying between the two of them, wondering what’s up. They step apart grudgingly, obviously annoyed at my interruption. I stand next to Kellen, ready to back him up and kick Sam’s ass if need be.

  “Watch your back, Kellen. Nothing is off limits now,” Sam sneers at him, walking away.

  “Everything all good?”

  Kellen brushes off my question, looking impassive. “Yeah, just needed to remind Sam where he stands.”

  “Oh yeah?” I’m not buying it, there’s more to the story than that. I’ll let it slide for now but if I’m going to be helping kick this guy’s ass I want to know why.

  “Come on.” Kellen nods toward the parking lot that is now almost vacant. “I heard there is going to be another bush party next weekend.”

  “You know it,” I tell him as we knuckle bump each other. Coming closer to the parking lot, I see Shay leaning against Kellen’s truck, waiting for him. She looks up and smiles. I know that smile is reserved for me.

  “Tom broke up with Shay,” I tell Kellen. Tom’s been on our hit list for the last few months because he was dating her. I can’t say that I haven’t enjoyed making his life miserable.

  “About time. I was about to beat his ass with how he was touching her in public,” Kellen tells me, his anger starting to bubble up again. Kellen, Brax, and I enjoyed the mockery we all put Tom through. Whoever dates their little sister will always go through the wringer.

  “Told you we just needed to scare him a little more for him to see that we were serious.” Tom was the first boyfriend to hold his ground against the three of us. I had initially thought he would crumble under our harassment sooner than he did.

  I can’t help but smile over the fact that his loss is now my gain. I nod toward Shay before heading off to my own truck, staying behind Kellen.

  “Take care,” I call out and give Shay a wink that Kellen fully misses before I hop into my truck. The way Shay laughs and shakes her head has all sorts of things happening to my insides. If I had realized what she would do to me, I wouldn’t have held on to my eighteen-year-old rule for her.

  CHAPTER 6

  I take my time getting ready for the bush party. By now most people would be there, but I have to wait for my parents to head to bed before I sneak out. A double standard. My brothers never had to do this. My parents practically shoved them out the door before telling them not to come back for a few hours. But oh no, not me. I’m their pride and joy who they lock up in the house anytime they possibly can. With Kellen at these parties, I am very safe. Safer than at home. There I might get a self-induced paper cut. I overdramatically pout to myself.

  Oh well, I am here now. I’m wearing denim shorts, with the bottoms folded up to make them even shorter, paired with a slightly off the shoulder T-shirt. I’m trying to go for sexy without trying too hard. Looking around, I comfortably fit in. Mission accomplished.

  Truck headlights cast upon a large semicircle lighting up the dark field with the lights hitting the forest lost amongst the trees. Girls are dancing in the truck beds to the music from the local radio station. I watch as groups of people mingle from truck to truck before the chanting of Kellen’s name brings my attention to a keg. It looks like two of his football buddies are holding his legs up while he is inverted with a funnel of beer going into his mouth. He holds this position for a few moments before the area cheers and applauds as he is set back to his feet.

  My brother’s buddies high-five him before more chanting occurs. This time it’s a girl stepping up for the challenge. I look around for Luke and see him leaning in a dim corner against a truck talking to a group of people who were just high-fiving my brother. He looks relaxed, his eyes darting to the people around him.

  As soon as my eyes land on him, his eyes lift and look straight at mine. His eyes are dark and intense, making me pause midstep. The darkness does nothing to hide his one eyebrow shooting up in question before shaking his head. I gulp, not knowing if he will rat me out. I wait to see if he breaks away from our eye contact but he refuses to budge. The intensity of the moment making me unsteady. If he keeps staring at me like this, Kellen will know I’m here within seconds.

  Tearing my eyes away from him, I quickly search the area for my friends. It takes all of about ten seconds before I see my group and ex-boyfriend standing at the edge of some trees.

  I scurry over to them, wanting to hide amongst them. But then I remind myself the whole town is here, no reason why I should not be. I round my shoulders, telling myself it’s my right to be here.

  “Hey, guys!” I announce my arrival. Tom, my ex boyfriend, gives me a slight wave while my girls become woo girls and begin to signal my arrival by their loud woo s
ounds.

  “Want a beer?” Tom asks, but I shake my head. Honestly, I hate the taste of beer or any alcohol for that matter. I don’t see a reason in drinking it if I’m not enjoying it.

  “Let’s take a round.” Jessica throws out there to Molly and I. Her pointer finger twirling in the air much like a lasso would look like if it was in her hand.

  My girls slide their arms around either side of me before we head off to mingle with the rest of Three Rivers’ high school population. In unison, the three of us step together, laughing and giggling with the occasional stumble from the land not being flat. We weave in and out beside the vehicles that act as a perimeter and help light our fun.

  Each truck is a new stopping place as we all join in on new conversations. I can’t help glancing over my shoulder to see Luke watching me. Our eyes meet and he nods his head at me, making goose bumps pepper my warm skin. He tips his head, silently asking me to walk over.

  “I’ll be right back,” I tell Jessica quietly, deciding to make my way to Luke. My heart is a steady but strong pulse, making my whole body feel its thud against my chest.

  Going around the truck, I attempt to make my way over to him without being too obvious when he steps out in front of me.

  “Wasn’t expecting to see you here tonight,” he says with a lazy grin as he gazes down at me. The fact that he thought about if I was coming makes my body warm another degree as I swoon on the inside.

  I can’t help but notice how his John Deere T-shirt hugs him enough to show a slight stretch, giving me images of what he looks like when he doesn’t have a shirt on. My eyes, on their own accord, sweep down his length until they land on the bulge building in his pants. It’s only when I realize that I am staring do I peel my eyes away and meet his. His smile grows, telling me that he caught me ogling him shamelessly. My body pulls, needing to be closer to him, making me focus on my feet not moving another inch.