The kiss turns heated quickly, and as Aubrey moves lower to kiss along my jawline and down my neck, I finally find words. “I want that too, Aubrey. All of it. A future with you. But Aubrey, I also . . .”
He pulls back, looking at me, and the heat in his eyes gives me the courage I need. “I also want you . . . now. We’ve waited, but we’re eighteen, about to go to college together, and promising to have a future. I want it to start right here.” I move in to kiss him again, the flames reaching higher than ever before.
“Ana, are you sure? We’ve got forever. There’s no rush.” He’s trying to be noble, respectful, and not to pressure me.
But I’ve never been surer of anything in my life. We might be named prom king and queen in a few weeks, but our life together beyond high school starts tonight. Right here, right now. Our bodies pressed together, our hearts full of love, and his promise ring on my finger. “I’ve never been surer, Aubrey. I love you.”
Chapter 21
Ana
“That night was so magical,” I finish. “I wore that ring for a long time. I would take it off when I was mad and yell at it for promising things you didn’t follow through on, but I always put it back on. For a long time. Too long. It meant something to me. That ring, that night.”
“It did to me too,” Aubrey says, still stroking my arm. “How many times did we go back up there in the weeks before prom?”
“Had to be at least half a dozen,” I reply. “Each time was better than the last.”
“It was,” Aubrey says, definitely remembering the visits we’d made in those weeks. We’d talked about the future, shared our bodies, our dreams, our fears. Everything, I’d thought.
I look away, breaking the force field that surrounds us every time we’re close to each other. Letting my eyes scan the lake, I hear a yell off to the left. “That’s Trey and Brad. Looks like our picnic is over.”
We watch as Trey and Brad paddle their kayaks over to us, Ana waving them in the whole time. “Whoo, that was fun! I haven’t been shaken around that much since Trey took me to a honkytonk with a mechanical bull!” Brad says as they come ashore.
Trey shakes his head, mouthing, “Never happened.”
But Brad continues, loud and excited, “And the lake! It’s totally crystal clear! I swear I looked down and saw the Cockness Monster!”
“That wasn’t the lake you were looking at,” Aubrey deadpans. “Just admit it.”
“Ooh, guilty as charged!” Brad says sassily, obviously pleased that Aubrey joked back with him. “Speaking of my monster, Trey and I had a little chat and he agreed with me.”
“Agreed to what?” I ask worriedly, decidedly concerned about how this conversation is going, considering the start.
“Well, since your sleeping arrangements are obviously covered,” he says, wagging a finger between Aubrey and me, “Trey and I are staying in the other cabin. And you’re not invited.”
Aubrey huffs a laugh, telling Brad, “Well, I guess she can stay with me.”
I growl, “Uhm . . . she is standing right here and doesn’t appreciate your talking about her like she’s not.”
Aubrey laughs, kissing me quickly. “It’s so hot when you talk about yourself in the third person.”
I laugh, his ridiculousness contagious.
I meet Trey’s eyes and can tell he wants to talk with me brother-sister, so I step to the side, motioning for him to follow me. “Hey, guys? Can you two load up the kayaks and picnic? I need to talk to Trey . . . or rather, my sister’s intuition tells me that he needs to talk to me.”
Aubrey looks at me, checking in to make sure I’m okay, and I wave him off with a smile. Trey watches the whole exchange, but I catch the look of appreciation he shoots Brad when he pulls Aubrey off, putting him to work on getting the SUV loaded.
We walk along the shoreline, silent for the minute it takes us to get out of earshot. “Hey, Sis, I just wanted to check—you okay with all this?”
I think, then nod. “If you guys are here for fun, I don’t mind. But if you’re here to check on me, I’m a big girl. I don’t need a babysitter, Trey.”
He nods. “Fair enough. I’ll admit that I mostly came up here to check on you, but I can respect that you’re grown. For the most part,” he says with a boyish smile that reminds me of when we were kids. “So, what’s the deal between you two?” he asks with concern. “You two . . . make up?”
“Sort of. But we haven’t really addressed it, to be honest. I don’t really know what’s going on.”
“What do you mean, you don’t know?” Trey presses. “It looks like you two are pretty cozy together. Hell, looked like you’ve been staying in his cabin . . . not yours.”
“Temporarily,” I point out. “It’s only until his ankle’s good enough that he isn’t going to become fodder for the wolves or something.”
“Are you saying you’re just here playing nurse when you’re supposed to be having some me time?”
Damn. He’s grilling me hard. I don’t really know what to say to that. The fact is, I wasn’t expecting to end up in this situation, and I can’t say I’m not somewhat pleased with how things have turned out, but I’m just not comfortable talking about it when I’m not exactly sure what’s going on myself.
It’s too new and could be over as soon as I leave.
Trey is watching me closely. “Thought so. You’re not just playing nurse. There’s more. And judging by how we found you this morning, a lot more.”
“Has he told you why he left yet?” Trey asks when I don’t say anything. “I mean, I figure if there’s one thing to talk about, it’s that.”
“Not yet,” I admit, thinking about our meandering trips down memory lane over the past few days. “But we’re getting there. We were about to twice . . . when we were interrupted.”
As if almost on cue, Brad hollers from the SUV. “Come on, use them biceps! I want to get back and have some snuggle time with my favorite wild animal!”
Aubrey grumbles something back that we miss, and Trey laughs. “I think Brad’s growing on him. I’ve noticed with Brad, you either love him or you want to kick his ass. Although, I’ll admit that sometimes, I fall into both categories at the same time.”
I laugh, shoving his shoulder. “That’s scarily true,” I reply. “But he makes you happy, and that’s what counts. I’m glad you found your person, Trey. Brad is crazy, admittedly, and not what I would’ve expected for you, but I can’t see you with anyone else now. He’s it for you.”
Trey looks at me, his head tilted a bit. “Not what you expected. What did you expect? A girl? Some sweet little thing I could take home to Mom and Dad?”
It’s my turn to look at him with my head tilted, knowing we’ve talked about this a little over the years. “Trey, you told Mom and Dad ages ago, but I knew in high school for sure. You’re my brother, and we were best friends for a long time. What I meant was that I guess I expected you to end up with someone more staid and serious, a suit-and-tie kinda guy. But Brad’s irreverence has made you different, happier and more confident in your own skin. And for that, I will always love him. And you.”
“Thanks, Sis. He does make me happy, even when I want to stuff a sock in his mouth so he’ll shut up.”
I laugh. “What you two do in private is your business. I don’t need to know,” I say, covering my ears and shaking my head like I’m five.
“You’re such a brat, Ana.” Trey laughs at me. “Seriously, though, speaking of who you thought I’d end up with, I always thought you’d end up with Aubrey. I don’t know what happened back then, and maybe it’s not something you can forgive. Hell, maybe he doesn’t even deserve it. But it killed me seeing you like that back then. So the least you deserve is an answer about what the hell happened. Maybe it’ll lead to forgiveness, maybe it’ll just be closure, but you’ve earned that.”
He pulls me in for a hug, patting my back and laying a light kiss to the top of my head. “Thanks, Trey. I don’t know what I’m doing if I’m
honest, but you’re right. I need to know.”
“Okay, then I’ll keep Brad on our side of the clearing tonight. A quiet dinner by the fire sounds nice, and that’ll give you and Aubrey a chance to talk. Just be careful, little sis.”
“I will, and I’m a bit overgrown to be ‘little’,” I remind him with a punch in the arm. “But I love you.”
“You’ll always be my little sister. Love you, too.”
We walk back to the SUV where Brad is looking like the cat who got the cream and Aubrey looks like he might explode any second. I whisper to Trey, “Looks like Aubrey’s falling in the ‘ready to kill Brad’ camp right now.”
Trey winks at me. “That’s okay. That’s step one of his process. Aubrey will be in love with him before he knows what hit him. That’s what happened to me. That’s what Brad does to everyone.” Trey looks at Brad, and I can see the light in his eyes. It makes me happy that my brother is so in love.
We drive back to the cabin, Brad and Trey giving me hugs as Aubrey stands by, waiting comfortably even as Trey eyes him down.
We walk toward our cabin, and I look back over my shoulder. “You boys be good, or else I’ll send Rex after you.”
Brad chuckles, and I catch up with Aubrey, who’s nearly at his porch. “So they’re okay? Trey isn’t freaking out?”
I laugh, reminding myself again just how smart Aubrey is. “He just wants to make sure I’m okay. He did ask what we’re doing. I didn’t have an answer.”
“What are we doing?”
I bite my lip, feeling that strange swing of emotions that seems to happen around Aubrey a lot, the sweetness and pain of the past swirling with the desire and connection of the present. “I don’t know. Trying to get to know one another again, I guess?”
Aubrey nods. “More than trying. Doing pretty well, all things considered.”
“But Aubrey,” I add, taking his hand, “I think it’s time that we have that talk. No interruptions this time. It’s the elephant in the cabin we’ve been dancing around for a little too long now. I tried to avoid it, but I think I need to know almost as much as you need to tell me.”
Aubrey nods and sighs. “It’s been hard, and I’ve been afraid, Ana. Afraid of talking about it with anyone. I’d gotten to the point I thought I’d gotten over it a little. And my running off, it feels so stupid now, considering what I lost. Years, my family, my future . . . you.”
“What made you leave?” I ask. “Aubrey, if there’s going to be any chance of what I think is happening between us surviving, I have to know.”
“Okay,” he says finally. “Just tell me what you remember of that night, and I’ll fill you in on the rest.”
That night. How could I forget it? It’s been etched in my memory forever.
“Okay, I remember it like it was yesterday.”
Chapter 22
Ana – Prom Night
I’ve been dreaming about this night with Aubrey for months. This night . . . it’s all ours.
I feel beautiful. I feel like a woman.
Sure, part of it is the dress, red satin that hugs my upper body before dropping away into a full skirt with a high-low hemline, giving me an illusion of a train. Layers of mascara and glossy lips are framed by an upswept do that Marissa helped me style specifically so that a crown wouldn’t disturb it. If I get to wear one, that is.
I thought about wearing white, but Aubrey says I look great in red. He says that I remind him of strawberries and all he wants to do is gobble me up. So when I saw this dress, I knew it was the one.
“You look beautiful, Sis. If you don’t win prom queen, there’s no hope left in the world,” Trey says.
“You’re too sweet,” I say as I turn to him. “I’ll be excited if I win, but I’m not holding my breath.” Despite my casual front, I’m nervous as fuck. While I initially didn’t care, standing up there on Aubrey’s arm would feel so wonderful, and now I’m secretly hoping that dream comes true.
“Aubrey isn’t gonna know what hit him when he sees you,” Trey says.
Before I can respond, the doorbell rings and Trey runs to open it. “Mom, get the camera!” he yells.
“Hey, my future queen, your king is here!” Aubrey calls. I hurry toward the door, feeling a ball of nerves in the pit of my stomach. Aubrey hasn’t seen my dress and I hope he likes it. And I can’t wait to see him in his tux.
Aubrey’s jaw drops as I come into view, the red rose in his hand dropping for a moment before he regains his composure. “You’re so damn beautiful.”
“You look handsome yourself,” I manage to say through batted eyelashes as I reach him. He hands me the flower, and I feel a wave of faintness. “Thank you. I love it.”
“I spent an hour at the flower shop looking for one that I thought would be as perfect as you,” Aubrey says, unable to take his eyes from me, “and I’m happy to say I failed. You’ve never looked lovelier than you do at this moment.”
His words calm my nerves, and he pulls me in for a kiss, our lips light for now because I want to preserve my makeup, but it still takes my breath away.
Suddenly, I remember we’re not alone as I hear the click-click-click of my mom taking pictures and pull back. “So cute. Now, Aubrey, hold the flower again . . . click . . . now Ana, take the rose . . .” It goes on forever, Mom directing poses and taking pictures to commemorate the night.
Finally, Trey intercedes on my behalf. “Mom, they’re gonna be late.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize how long I was taking. You kids have fun, be good!” Mom says, her voice high with a note of happiness but I can see the bittersweet tears in her eyes. Her last baby is almost done with high school and leaving in mere weeks for college in another state. All things considered, I’m happy to take a few extra pictures for her.
I give everyone a hug, and Aubrey shakes their hands, both Trey and my dad giving him a bonus glare, knowing that prom night is supposed to be special for every girl and warning him without a word to not fuck it up.
“Come on, or else we’ll be late,” I say.
Aubrey helps me into his truck, all freshly-cleaned for the occasion. We meet the rest of our group in the parking lot, mostly Aubrey’s teammates and their dates. Marissa and Declan are the last to get there. I’d been surprised when she’d told me Declan had asked her, since they barely talk, but apparently, they’d decided to go as friends and it worked out since we’re all part of the same larger group.
The prom committee did a number on the gym, turning it into an island paradise with tulle streamers along the ceiling and palm trees around the basketball court dance floor. Even the punch has little umbrellas. It’s not over the top but lends a fun flair to the festivities.
Everyone’s looking their best, wearing dresses and tuxes that turn even the normal into something extraordinary. More than once, I have to do a double-take as I realize just who’s crossing the room. “Jeez, it’s like everyone is a different person. Everyone looks amazing.”
Aubrey laughs, sending a thrill down my spine. “And for every look you’re giving, you’re getting four or five. But there’s only one that matters. I can’t take my eyes off you, baby.”
“Thank you, though I’m still so nervous that I’m going insane,” I reply. “It just feels like a huge buzz in here tonight! Like anything could happen.”
“I know. Come on, I can at least solve your nerves,” Aubrey says as the DJ starts playing Sexy Back. Dragging me out on the dance floor, I’m quickly laughing and turned on as Aubrey moves like a cat, little touches and moves combining to send my pulse racing and my nipples tightening in my dress. “Enjoying yourself?”
“You know exactly what you’re doing to me,” I reply as he starts grinding behind me. I feel him press against my ass, and I gasp, looking back. “Are you popping wood back there? Careful,” I say with a wink. “This is prom.”
Aubrey growls in my ear. “That was my phone, but yes, I am. And you know what’s coming after.”
I do. And I can’t wait.
The song transitions, and after a few seconds, I realize the DJ is slowing the pace down. “May I?” Aubrey asks, pulling my hands behind his neck and then settling his on my hips.
I nod, swaying back and forth with him, memorizing the moment.
As the song wraps up, Mrs. Vereen, the school’s French teacher, takes the stage and grabs the microphone. “And now, Great Falls High, it’s time for Prom King and Queen!”
After applause, Mrs. Vereen continues. “Thank you to all who were nominated, and all who voted . . .” she begins her speech.
Aubrey gives my hand a squeeze. “We got this.”
“And now the new Queen of Great Falls is . . . Anabelle Tucker!”
I’m shocked, sure she made some mistake as the cheers start. Aubrey, though, sounds totally unsurprised. “Great job, my Sweet Ana. Now go on up there and get the throne warmed up. I’ll be right behind you.”
I nod, grinning widely as I walk up on stage. Mrs. Vereen, who was a pretty cool teacher, actually, grins back. “Our new Prom Queen!”
The crowd goes wild as Vicki Washington, the student council president, crowns me and hands me my scepter. I look out on the crowd, laughing as I do my best ‘Princess’ wave, mostly blinded by the lights. Everyone and everything’s just a dazzled dark blur in my eyes.
“Now, on to the King,” Mrs. Vereen says. “This one’s no surprise, but there is no doubt Great Falls High has spoken! Our new King is none other than Aubrey O’Day!”
I’m hopping up and down, clapping as the crowd cheers wildly, watching the direction he should be coming from.
The cheering continues, Mrs. Vereen speaking again. “Aubrey, come up here and accept your crown and new queen!”
The clapping starts to turn nervous as Aubrey doesn’t appear, and the spotlights swing off me enough to see him talking on his phone, his face white. Before anyone can say anything, he turns, shoving people out of the way to get to the doors.
“Aubrey!” Mrs. Vereen calls out as panic grips my heart.
Untamed (Irresistible Bachelors Book 9) Page 16