“Better now. What have you got planned for the day? Do I get a turn to take you somewhere?”
“Depends. What do you have in mind?”
“Well I was thinking I could take you to a little place I keep hearing about. I think it’s called, The Fun Zone?”
“Yeah, that place is great! I haven’t been there in ages. Although, I don’t know how you feel about getting lapped on the track?” His response causes me to laugh. Lapped! Oh boy is he going to be sorry.
“And the confidence borders on cocky, eh?”
“Oh. Ok, ok. I see how it is. Want me to pick you up?” He asks laughing.
“No, I’ll drive. Today is my treat.”
“Sounds good, I’ll just meet you at your place.”
“K, bye.”
“Later.”
I hang up and manage to walk even faster, excited for my plans. The weather is beautiful and today, I am going to make his mouth water. Racing into my room, I began to rummage through my closet. Finally, I pair cut off shorts with a black V-neck that is lower than normal, but shows an appropriate amount of skin. Since my grey chucks are still wet from the baseball game, I settle for my black Keds. They are not my usual style, but were on sale and Chey insisted I buy them. Either way, they look awesome with this outfit.
I decide to wear my hair down, so I loosened my slightly damp bun from this morning and work the waves with the blow dryer and a little mousse. Using a little more eyeliner and mascara than usual, I finish my look with cherry lip-gloss, in hopes to invite him in for another toe curling kiss. Just the thought of that kiss makes me shiver.
I grabbed my keys and head down to meet him in the parking lot. As I am half way down the stairs, I hear a catcall whistle and look up to see Preston’s strong physique leaning against his truck.
“Wow. Looking good, as usual Gretch.”
“Ditto, pretty boy.” I wink and we walk toward my car.
He made simple look so damn sexy. Nice fitting jeans and a plain blue shirt looked like a million dollars covering his body. He should seriously consider a modeling career. The blue in his shirt made his eyes more intense than I have seen before. I was falling. Lusting really.
We jumped in my SUV and he gave me preliminary directions on how to get there. Growing up in the country you learn your way with a map pretty quick, so taking directions was an easy task for me. We listened to music and had intermitted conversation for the majority of the thirty-minute drive. I loved hearing him talk about school and his ambitions in life. I went on and on about my family and the farm as usual and also the feed store. It was something that I was very proud of. We talked about work and told funny stories about our favorite customers. Mine of course, being MAC2233, the guy who knocked me down. We laughed about it for a few minutes reliving the incident again. He still feels pretty bad and has decided he hasn’t quite made it up to me. And, I’m okay with that if it means he will pay me back in kisses.
We finally arrived and found a parking spot. We headed inside and I bought us each an unlimited bracelet for the track and games. He only agreed to let me pay after much persuading, and allowing him to possibly pay for dinner later. The line at the Go Kart track was abnormally short so we went straight there. I did a good job playing it cool and pretending to be scared. I might have even led him to believe I had only done it a few times.
Red…yellow…GREEN! I mashed the gas pedal and sped up to the inside of the first corner. I let him pull ahead but stayed close behind. He was actually a very good driver and I was nervous he might actually pull out the win. There was no one even close to us once we got on the second lap. We came around the final corner on the fourth lap and the guy held up the white flag. This was the last lap. I had the pedal to the floor and my hands at ten and two on the steering wheel. I could see the smile on his face as he took the first corner to the right. I crept close up behind him and during the second corner I squeezed on the inside and manage to put myself right next to him. He threw his head back in laughter as I gave an innocent wave and sped past him rounding the final corner of the track. By only a few feet ahead I passed the finish line. My hands shot up in the air on my victory lap and we came to a stop in the designated pit area. I unbuckled my safety belt and climbed out of the kart. My adrenaline was racing and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
Preston climbed off his kart and made his way towards me with his head slightly down, but a smile on his face and he began a slow clap. “I got to hand it to you that was a good race. Where in the hell did you learn to drive like that?”
“I grew up on a farm, remember? I’ve ridden four wheelers, tractors, pick-ups, lawn mowers; you name it, since I was a little girl. My dad used to bring us to a local go-kart track outside of town and teach me how to beat my brother so he would have to give me all his tickets. No matter how many times I beat him, he still wanted a chance.”
“Well, damn, I wish I would have got that story before the race. I might not have taken it so easy on you.” He winked at me and I swatted at him playfully.
“Yeah right, pretty boy. Want to try your luck at air hockey?”
“Did you dad teach you this game as well?” he asked.
“Nah, my dad was never really good at it. My mom on the other hand…” I trailed off.
“Oh man, I should just give you all my tickets now, huh?”
“I’m just kidding. Let’s play!” I grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the inside arcade area.
After three games, he had beaten me twice and was declared the air hockey champion for the night.
I began my slow clap and made my way over for a victory hug. I wrapped my arms around his waist and looked up into his eyes. “Congratulations, that was a good win. Where in the hell did you learn to play like that?” I let the sarcasm roll off my lips and he let out a laugh.
“Well you see…no really though, I spent most of time here as a kid. My parents worked a lot and would drop me off here with a few friends to hang out for the afternoon. Easy way to keep us out of trouble I guess.”
“Seems to have paid off, look at how good you are at air hockey.”
“They would be so proud.” He said with a sarcastic grin and then grabbed my hand to head towards the next event. “Now, it’s time for the real excitement. Mini golf!” I think he was sincerely excited, so I laughed.
“Lead the way.”
We made our way to the outside area and checked in at the desk to get our clubs and golf balls. There weren’t many people on the course as dusk began to settle on the day. Tiki torches and lanterns lit the path from hole to hole. The course was pirate themed and was equipped with nine holes that twisted and turned ending at a large replica of a shipwreck.
As the night went on all I seemed to think about was one thing, so I decided to be brave and ask for what I wanted. “So, want to make this interesting?”
“Oh, as if the creepy parrot over there isn’t interesting enough? What did you have in mind?” he asked.
“Just a little something extra. Let’s say, whoever gets the ball in first on each hole gets a kiss.”
“Sawyer. A betting woman I see.” Preston says.
“Only when the odds are in my favor.”
“Well hell, I’d say this is a win-win for everyone.” He was right, it sure was.
“We’ll see. You’re up pretty boy.”
“No, no, ladies first.” He gestured toward the first tee off.
“Ok, if you insist.” I step up to the mark and check out my path. This is an easy one; straight line to the hole, only about ten or fifteen feet away. I line up my ball and tap it down the path. It glides effortlessly over the ramp and just teeters on the edge of the hole but slips past it by an inch or so.
“Rats! I thought I had that one.” I pout.
“Me too.” He raised his eyebrows at me in a playful way and then headed to the mark to line up his ball. With a few seconds of focus he taps it down the path and it slows right before the hole and tips in.
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br /> “Bravo. Looks like you get the first kiss.” I walk over stand up on tip toes as he leans down towards me and I plant a sweet kiss on his cheek. I felt him smile with my lips still lingering. I pulled back and smiled.
“That was sweet.” He says.
“Yep, it was an easy shot. Can’t give away all my good kisses on the easy ones.”
“Oh. Ok, I see.” We grabbed hands and walked toward the next hole. This time I made it in first and it was his turn to kiss me. He repeated my moves and left me with only a kiss on the cheek.
“That was sweet.” I mocked.
“I know, but I can’t give you all my good kisses on the easy ones.” He teased.
“Ha ha, you’re funny wise guy.”
“I know.”
We continued the little game with each kiss becoming more intimate. The next couple kisses exchanged were placed on the neck. He started that one, so I returned the favor. After that he seemed to be winning the majority of the holes so I had the pleasure of giving him kisses most of the night. The next one he gave me was a sweet peck on the lips. For my turn, I decided to let it linger and run my tongue on his bottom lip being sure to pull away as to not give him too much. For the seventh hole, we parted lips so I could give him a little taste of me. I was able to sink the next one, and Preston gave me the sweetest kiss of all of them. He grabbed my face and looked me right in the eyes for what seemed like forever. Slowly he met my lips and parted them with his tongue to kiss me deeply for just a second before pulling away leaving me wanting more. He then kissed the tip of my nose and smiled. “Adorable, you are too damn adorable. And did I mention you have the sweetest breath.”
“Uh, thanks?” I tilted my head and gave him a playful confused look.
He just laughed and walked me to the last hole. This was the shipwreck and seemed like it was going to take forever. I didn’t care who got the ball in first I just wanted my mouth on his ASAP. I knew this one was going to be good. Not sure how it could compare to the last, but damn, I didn’t want to wait to find out. I was determined to make this go quick so I put in my best effort in order to get the kiss I have been longing for since the other night. He was doing way worse than me on this one and I was only about ten feet away from winning. It was my shot and my attention was only on the little white ball sitting atop the bright green platform. My eyes were narrowed in on my target, I exhaled my breath and took the shot. It rolled for an eternity and then slammed into the hole ahead. I literally jumped for joy and turned to find Preston who had already made his way over to me. He picked me up into his arms and kissed me with the intensity I had been waiting for. Our mouths moved together perfectly and my little lady was wide-awake and throbbing with sensation. He gripped me tightly yet his touch was soft. After a few earth-shattering moments we heard someone yell, “woohoo” and we broke apart. He set me down gently and we yelled out an apology, followed by laughter. We held hands and made our way back to the desk to return the equipment without saying as much as two words to each other. I’m not sure if he felt the same whirling in his stomach as me, but I just had my mind blown.
We made our way out the car deciding we didn’t want to eat ‘Fun Zone’ dinner.
“So, what are you in the mood for?” I asked, knowing exactly what I was hungry for.
“Hmm...” I think he might have been thinking the same thing by the grin on his face. “What do you say we pick up Chinese takeout?”
“Sure, want to head back to my place and watch a movie? I think the girls went out for the night. They are both off from work tomorrow.”
“That sounds like fun. I’ll call in the order and we can pick it up on the way home.” He replied.
“Perfect.”
I don’t know what to think anymore. I’ve only really known one guy, Austin. I thought he was perfect and he managed to destroy me. Do I let this guy in and risk the chance of getting hurt again. The pain is still fresh from the last wound
“You okay? You’ve been quiet for the ride back.” He asked
“Uh, yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking about the week ahead with school and work.” I lied. Obviously I wouldn’t say what was really going through my head. I wasn’t even sure what I was feeling and had no idea what he could possibly be thinking of this. Whatever this is. I wonder if men actually think about these things or if it really is just a ‘girl thing’.
I managed to shake the thoughts from my head and sing along to the radio while talking about school with Preston on the way back. We picked up the take out and headed back to my apartment. I don’t know why it hadn’t fazed me when I offered, but all of a sudden I just got nervous. Really nervous. A boy. No MAN, in my apartment, alone with me, watching a movie on the couch. It’s been so long. All the memories I have are with Austin sitting at my parents making him watch rom-coms with me. He pretended to like them, but mostly I think he liked the mood they put me in. All lovey dovey and romantic…one thing always led to another and we made our way to the barn or down to the lake. Oh boy, is this where this is headed? Maybe I should pick a different movie, GI JOE or Transformers. I don’t know if I am ready for romance.
We made our way inside and settled on the couch with the food spread out on the coffee table. I stood at the DVD stand and searched for the right movie…The Notebook, NO WAY, Sleepless in Seattle, ABSOLUTELY NOT, Message in a Bottle, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! There has got to be something normal in here. We are girls but come on, really? I need to talk to Chey about this collection. Ah, yes this will work one of my all-time favorites, A League of Their Own.
“How’s this, have you seen it?” I held up the DVD and he laughed.
“Who hasn’t seen it?”
“Oh, well I can pick something else.”
“No, I didn’t say I didn’t t want to see it. I love this move. Tom Hanks is great in it!”
“Agreed.” I put the DVD into the player. The movie started and we began to chow down on the delicious Chinese food.
“Damn, this is good!” I embarrassingly stated with a slightly full mouth.
“Tell me about. My parents have been going there for years.”
“Well tell them I said thanks, my Chinese eating days have changed for the better.”
“Will do.” And then it hit me. I wonder if he has talked to his parents about me, or anyone for that matter. In truth, I feel like I haven’t really talked to anyone about us either. I guess I just don’t really know if there is an us yet or what. Speaking of, I should call my mom soon. I miss her.
We finished eating and made our way up onto the couch in a comfortable position with my legs draped over his lap and his arm around my shoulders. I mentally patted myself on the back for the safe movie choice. We were simply enjoying our time together.
He caressed the inside of my palm and I giggled. This was one of my tickle spots and he found it.
“Does that tickle?” he asked.
“Does a chicken have lips?” I replied.
“What?”
“Sorry, just something my grandma used to say. Yes, it tickles!”
He caressed it again and I pulled my hand away with a light laugh. “Sorry, I couldn’t help it. So, where else are you ticklish?”
“Oh no, please don’t. It’s bad, it’s… Well…everywhere!”
He couldn’t resist. He grabbed my sides and pulled me further onto his lap and had me laughing so hard I nearly peed myself.
“STOP! STOP! Ok, Ok, UNCLE!”
He was laughing just as hard as me and he wasn’t even being tickled.
“Ok, I’m sorry. I just needed to see if it was as serious as you made it seem.”
I gave him my very best sad pouty lip and eyes. “That wasn’t very nice.” I stated in a young childlike voice.
“I’m sorry, come here.” He pulled me the rest of the way onto his lap and brushed my now messy hair out of my face and behind my ears. He gazed as if studying every inch of my face.
“You are so beautiful” he whispered.
I smiled
and before I could reply his lips were on mine. These were different from our long slow romantic kisses we shared earlier. This was dirty, in a good way. His hands moved over my body caressing my lower back and my neck. I instinctively swung my leg over repositioning myself to straddling his lap. I could feel him grow beneath me and my little lady was throbbing with invite. Everything felt right. My hips were moving on their own as we melted into each other. He groaned softly into my mouth and I came unglued. I removed my hands from his hair and pulled back from the kiss. Looking him hungrily in the eyes, I moved my hands to the hem of my shirt and slowly began to lift it over my head. I saw his eyes light up with the same hunger I was feeling and…
Clunk! Clunk! “Ahaha shut up slut!”
There is chatter and laughter coming from the hall and the clunk of high heel shoes brings me to instant realization. SHIT!
“The girls are back!” I fumbled to pull my shirt back down in place. And as I was just about to jump off his lap as the door swung open and my two drunk roommates stumbled in. Just in time to see me fall over onto the couch. Preston grabbed a pillow and tried to readjust and hide the obvious. They were drunk, but not stupid.
“Sawyer Jameson!! My my!” Cheyenne yells out and trips over her own purse that she dropped.
“Hi Preston, nice to see you.” Becka at first doesn’t seem near as drunk as Chey. But then she too stumbles in the kitchen dropping a cup in the sink trying to get water.
“Hi ladies, glad to see you made it home safely. I was just getting ready to head out.” Preston looks over to me and nods to the front door.
“Goodnight Romeo.” Chey slowly announces and follows with a whistle.
I walk Preston to the front door and follow him outside away from the crazies. I close the door behind me and put my face in my hands.
Through the muffled sound of my fingers I start to apologize.
“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. They are so crazy.”
“Hey now,” He grabs my hands, places them around his back, and lifts my chin up towards his face. “You have nothing to be sorry about. I had a blast hanging out with you today. And yesterday, and the day before. Man, aren’t you tired of me yet?”
Picking up the Pieces Page 8