by Bowie, Emily
I can feel Luke’s hand come around me until one of his hands finds mine. Our fingers slip together, hidden from the world and the wall of bodies resting in the truck. For a moment I think I’m dreaming. Is this really happening? Then I consider what if he thinks it’s someone else’s hand. What would Kellen say if he knew? All these thoughts race through me; ruining one of the most perfect moments I have had with Luke.
“Stop thinking too hard about this.” Luke’s hot breath is on my ear, his voice almost unheard.
Yep, I have just died and gone to heaven. This is the best night of my life. I will keep this memory close to me for years to come. Because deep down I know this can’t be. Kellen is Luke’s best friend.
In this moment we are the only two people around. Luke keeps doing these little things that makes my heart fall harder for him. I try not to but in this moment my knees feel weak from what my heart feels. I unquestionably love Luke Rogers. For the first time in my life I can confidently say it is no longer a childish crush. The way he is looking at me, like no one else exists, I want to believe he is feeling this, too.
CHAPTER 11
The old abandoned wooden house almost blends in with the black skyline. The windows look to be boarded up, the entrance door nonexistent, welcoming all animals and Three Rivers into it. I can’t tell if my nerves are wrapped around my ribs from the house or from the fact that I was just holding Luke’s hand. The door on the opposite side opens and half the truck falls out the door, opening up space for our side. The sudden rush of colder air encases me, making me wishing that I could stay snuggled up to Luke.
“You scared?” Luke’s lips brush over my ear, making a shiver run through my body.
Looking over my shoulder, I lift my eyebrow in question. “Do you want me to pretend I’m afraid?” My lips twitch, curving up at the ends, enjoying our flirting.
Kellen hits the hood of the truck while he calls out, “Let’s go, Luke.” It has me jumping back, reminding me we’re not the only ones around.
Stepping out of the truck, Luke gives me a wink that has me wanting to tear my panties off for him. Controlling my expression, I take a deep breath, walking forward to keep with the pack.
The house definitely has this eerie feeling to it. Three of the football team players are at the front with flashlights lighting up part of their face as they walk backward, telling us the story of this house long ago.
Kellen and Luke are on either side of us as the pack slowly walks through the threshold into what looks like could have been a living room. There is one small loveseat that looks to be about fifty years old, and an old table with a now yellowing lace cloth over it. The floors squeak and parts of the wood look to be falling in. I’m constantly looking where I am stepping to make sure I don’t fall through.
Luke’s shoulders bump mine not once but three times, making me think he’s doing it on purpose.
“Part of the story goes that old man Fleming died in this very house trying to protect it…”
People are making wolf howling sounds and ghosts sounds, trying to creep each other out as we all continue to walk through. Slowly the crowds begin to explore the house in smaller packs, people are screaming from others jumping out from behind them, others are running to create a scene.
Going into a small room, I notice an old photograph on the wall. It’s not until I get into the middle of the room I realize I have branched off by myself. Looking at the picture on the wall, the woman looks to be from the 1920s, her face is void of expression and she wears a polka dot collared dress with her hair pulled back.
“I was wondering where you wandered off to.” Luke’s voice has me spinning around, not expecting anyone. My hand goes to my chest, feeling my heart beat.
“So you are scared of this place.” He looks down at me with his sexy smirk, his eyes glistening with mischief.
I watch as he takes three steps, crowding my personal space, he reaches out to lightly caress my hair before pushing it behind my shoulder. Pure pleasure zings though me, loving his full attention. We go quiet for several moments, looking at each other, unsure what the next move will be.
When I look at Luke I see the same eyes that I have longed for since I was five years old. He’s the forbidden fruit I desperately want to take again. My scandalous eyes look him over like a lusty fool, hoping that the way he is looking at my lips has him kissing me once again. His head begins to dip toward mine, and I know this is the moment. Closing my eyes, I allow my lips to pucker slightly, the excitement overtaking my nerves with my core buzzing with want.
“Hey, Shay.” Kellen’s voice crackles through my trance. I quickly open my eyes and see Luke standing a good few feet away from me. I feel myself flushing, and that awkward feeling consuming me entirely.
“What’s up?” I try to keep my voice even, not wanting to show any expression.
Kellen walks into the room. “Oh good, you’re both here.” He is completely oblivious of what I wish he was not interrupting.
“I need to head out,” he tells me. My heart sinks, not wanting this night to be over yet.
Then looking over to Luke he tosses up his keys. “Can you give Shay a lift home?”
“Where are you off to?” Luke questions, looking completely innocent, making me wonder if I read everything wrong.
“I have something I need to take care of.” He nods out toward the front, leaving no more of an explanation.
“I can drive your truck,” I tell Kellen, insulted he doesn’t trust me to drive myself home.
“You don’t have your license,” both Luke and Kellen tell me in unison, causing me to roll my eyes.
“Minor detail.” I defend myself.
“I’ll take care of her, man. She’s safe with me.”
Kellen and Luke do some type of fist pump handshake before Kellen walks out of the room.
Knowing our moment passed and it likely won’t happen again, I start to make my way back to the hall. Kellen just reminded me that Luke feels like he needs to keep me safe. When all I want is him to want to be with me.
I try to push down my disappointment as I walk past Luke, but I’m given no warning before he spins me around, cups my face with his large, rough hands and presses his lips against mine with an intense need. A jolt of electricity runs through me as I kiss him back like my life depends on it. If I never get another chance to do this, I want him to never forget this moment. It takes everything in me not to jump up and wrap my legs around him, wishing for more contact between us.
He gives it back to me as much as I give. Our tongues twirl past one another until I am left breathless. It is only then he breaks the kiss, his forehead staying pressed against mine as we catch our breaths.
“You are making this very hard on me.” His voice is quiet and his eyes are closed as he confesses.
“Then you should stop trying so hard,” I tell him honestly.
Slowly he separates from me, taking my hand, making the distance seem not so disappointing. “There’s still half the house left to see.” He grins back at me, making my heart flutter once again. I’m doomed. I would follow him anywhere; my heart no longer has the protection of my mind.
CHAPTER 12
I feel like I have done something more sinister than kiss and hold Shay’s hand. Maybe it is because of all of the other erotic thoughts I have been having about her. Because of this, I avoid Kellen for the next few days. It would take one look at me for him to know. Know that I am starting to fall for his sister. I want to feel guilty about it, and I do, except when Shay’s fresh face enters my thoughts nothing else matters. I would gladly berate, beat up, or kill anyone that threatens to hurt her, and I would do it with a smile.
Everywhere I go I search for Shay and watch her from a distance, uncertain over what I should be doing. I keep reminding myself that Shay is not like the typical girls I flirt with. I’m scared to make the next move, knowing that once I do it can never be reversed. I’m either all in or out. I would be lying to myself if I
said that the “I’m out” part of that last statement was possible.
Midweek I make an excuse as to why I am waiting for her at her locker. I have Kellen’s assignments from the days he’s been skipping and not showing up. Leaning my back on the lockers, my shoulder blades scratch its metal surface; one leg is bent so the sole of my shoe is on the locker waiting for her.
I know the moment she spots me, her face lights up and she gives me that breathtaking smile as she approaches.
I nod my head toward her, holding up the folder of papers while trying to be casual in my stance.
“Well aren’t you a good best friend.” Her eyes dance with flirting. She stops just a foot away from me, looking me over before brushing her body beside mine as she opens her locker and places her books inside before closing it, forcing me to turn to face her. She invades my personal space and I can’t help but like it.
“I don’t know if anyone would say that about me,” I grumble, but extend the manila folder, purposely holding it longer so our hands touch.
I want to cage her in-between my arms and kiss her the way a woman should be kissed. Deep, passionate, and earth shattering.
“Do you need a ride home?” I ask, hoping to spend more time with her and away from everyone’s watchful gaze.
“Isn’t that kind of you. Kellen, I am sure, will be in your debt.” Her eyes fucking twinkle at her own words. This is a new sassy side of Shay I am not used to. With how my dick is responding, I like this new side.
I can’t help but feel that there are so many layers to Shay and I want to peel each one back so I can know everything there is to know about her. I find her fascinating. But that is not who she is. She is spunky and when she feels secure she allows for her sassy side to come out and reveal her real thoughts. It’s a shame she feels like she needs to lead with the persona that is perfect. I have no problem helping her out of her shell.
With that thought, images of her naked and writhing underneath me flash before my eyes and my dick gets harder. I try to lean into the locker, not needing to place myself on display. I remind myself that this is Shay Steele. She is not a random girl I want to get under me. She is special and I plan to treat her that way. For the first time in my life, I may be putting someone else ahead of what is best for me.
She’s watching me for my reaction and does not miss the fact I have had to reposition myself. Instead of saying anything, she gives me a smirk that has her wiggling her eyebrows.
“Come on now.” She smiles sweetly at me as she turns to lead the way.
She refuses to hide that she is enjoying making me uncomfortable. The moment we are away from prying eyes this girl is going to get a lesson in how to behave. My now stiff pants make it difficult to walk. Slinging my bag in front of me, I shield myself so no one can see how turned on this girl makes me.
We remain silent until we reach the open road heading into the green and yellow fields where all the ranches are located.
Making a moment out of it, I swing the truck into the shoulder of the road. There is nothing but wide-open spaces around us.
This gets her attention and excitement flushes her innocent face. I unbuckle and put the truck into park in one motion before I make my intentions known to her.
Leaning over, I cage her in between me and the old fabric of the car seat.
“I think I need to clarify exactly what type of best friend I am, and it’s not the good type.”
I kiss her neck softly, and I feel a small shudder ricochet out across her skin, leaving goose bumps in its wake. I allow for my farthest hand to skim her side, lifting the hem of her shirt up slightly to feel her perfect skin against my fingertips. My heart is beating wildly as I take in all of her reactions. Her chest rises and falls faster than before.
Moving my lips from her neck, I look down at her as my hand slips fully into her T-shirt. I take my time learning her curves. Then I kiss her lips. It’s gentle and slow, her mouth parts, allowing my tongue entrance to that sassy mouth of hers. This girl undoes me; I begin to take her how I want.
Our kiss becomes more urgent as we learn each other. She feels perfect. The kiss is perfect. We kiss for a long time, enjoying the sensations our lips are creating. My hand continues to explore her stomach, back, and ribs, purposely taking my time, not wanting to rush anything. I want to do so many things to Shay but I tell myself we have all the time in the world.
Needing to make my point and not get too carried away, I slowly move my lips back from hers, but not before I suck her lower lip.
“Now, if you want this to happen again, I don’t want to hear about what a good friend I am to Kellen.”
My fingers sneak under the fabric of her bra and I can feel her nipple peak under my light touches. I have just enough access to grace her hardened pebbles. “Are we in agreement?” I ask her.
She nods rapidly, then I take my fingers out from her bra and move back into the driver’s seat. I can hear her pout as our connection is slowly pulled apart.
I’m a horrible person. I love Kellen like a brother but I have such tunnel vision when I see Shay. Pulling back onto the road, I question why I did that. I really never should have driven her home. I want to stay true to the Steeles, but when Shay looks at me with those loving eyes it is impossible not to act on my impulses, especially when I know she wants it.
This is nothing about a quick lay and fooling around with some hot chick. This girl makes my pulse race. I want to be the person who she is falling for. I want to be the guy she has dreamed about for over the last decade. I have flashes of what our life could be like after we graduate.
And for all those noble reasons, I know that as soon as she leaves my presence I will feel like I am going to hell. I think I have found my Achilles’ heel that could destroy Kellen’s and my friendship.
It’s a double-edged sword.
CHAPTER 13
My heart flutters the whole night from those few moments in the truck with Luke. I’m practically giddy over it. I have an extra pep to my step. I do all of my chores with a smile on my face. I’m too happy.
“What’s up with you?” Brax questions, eyeing me suspiciously.
I pause, considering his question while contemplating if this should be the time I tell him about Cynthia. I wanted to tell him earlier but the timing seemed to be off each time we passed. Looking around, it’s just him and I.
His eyebrow lifts in question while he crosses his arms, waiting for my response.
Knowing that the news I have about his girlfriend could crush him has me trying to find a way to lightly put what needs to be said.
“Can we talk?” I ask, feeling my pulse skip a beat before it pulses deeper into me. I can begin to see his facial features change from questioning to concerned. Almost as if to ask what have I done now and who needs to be beat up. “About Cynthia,” I blurt out, not wanting him to think something has happened to me.
“Yeah, she’s mentioned you haven’t been very kind to her and continue to ignore her when she makes an effort to be friends.” He places his hands in his back pocket now, looking disappointed in me. The whole comment catching me off guard.
“I have not been anything but pleasant to her.” I try to defend myself. I’m too flustered to think clearly. That lying bitch.
“I can read your body language, LS. I saw it in the last few weeks when she was over for dinner.”
I’m pretty sure my mouth is hanging open, unable to close. Instead of talking this through, he walks away, thinking that this conversation is over. I’m left standing in the middle of the yard, wondering how this all didn’t go as I had thought it would. How did I turn into the bad guy here?
With Brax no longer near, I have at least ten different comebacks for him, ten reasons for my behavior, and I now wish I opened right to the point. Maybe I should have told him immediately. So many should haves are left in my mind.
I curse at myself, reining in my frustration by balling my fists up and taking a deep breath.
&nb
sp; Kellen walks by and snorts in my direction while glaring at me. He is pissed that he has extra chores. To add to the tension between us, my dad has been praising me, telling Kellen that he should take a page out of my book and add an extra hop into his step as he is cleaning out the stalls tomorrow.
Great, now I have two cranky brothers.
I don’t care, I push down my frustration, determined to not let it get the best of me. I love this lighthearted in love feeling and no one will ruin it for me. So I block them all out.
The next morning when I get up to start my long walk to school, I see the barn doors open and hear music softly seeping out into the dewy morning air.
Trying to make amends with Kellen, because I have a hard time fighting with my brothers, I decide to stop by. He’s bending down petting one of our barn cats, the skittish one that hates me. I can’t help but chuckle over the thought that the two beings who hate me seemed to have found some common ground over it.
At the sound of my chuckle, Kellen turns his head over his shoulders before squaring up and moving away, busying himself with ignoring me.
“Why are you still mad at me?” I ask, hurt that he still won’t talk to me. I thought we had made progress at the old abandoned house the other night.
He grunts in agreement then sighs exasperated. “It’s not just you, it’s everything.”
“What do you mean?” I wish I understood more of what he is going through. “I’ll tell you later. It’s too long of a story to start now or you’ll be late.” He waves me off before turning his back on me.
Sighing, I turn back to make the long walk to school, wondering about his vague statement.
What surprises me the most is Luke’s truck idling down the road from our driveway. When I reach the driver’s side window that is open, I make a show of looking at my imaginary watch on my wrist and cock my eyebrow up in question.