by Kaylee Ryan
“That makes sense,” I say, looking down the hill at Jake and Molly. It’s pretty steep.
“Since this is your first time, I’ll be gentle.” He smirks.
“I assure you, I can ride just fine,” I retort.
Rhett smiles, climbing out and retrieving the sled from the back. It’s then I realize that Jake and Molly took the other one with them. There are two sleds and four of us. Specifically, two of us at the top of this snow-covered hill and one sled. “I’ll make sure you enjoy it, Short Stack.” He places the sled at the top of the hill and takes a seat, sliding to the back, just as Jake did moments before. “Right here,” he says, patting between his legs.
Not wanting him to see how he affects me, I climb on the sled, settling between his legs. Immediately, he moves closer, and his arm wraps around my waist. My back is to his front, and he’s holding me to him. “I got you,” he whispers. I can only assume it’s because he can feel the slight tremble in my body. I’m sure he also thinks it’s fear. He might be right, but it’s not the fear of sliding down this snow-covered hill. It’s the fear of being this close to him and the fact that I don’t mind it, not even a little. Asshole or not, feels good to be me right now.
“There are handles on the side,” he says, his lips next to my ear. “I need you to hang on.” Doing as he says, I grab the handles and grip them tight. I assumed once I did so he would let go of me, but he doesn’t. “I’m going to count to three and push us off. All you have to do it hold on and enjoy the ride,” he says huskily.
I nod, letting him know that I heard him. I listen to him slowly count to three and push off with his foot. One hand wraps around mine on the handle, while the other stays wrapped firmly around my waist. We fly down the hill, the cold wind in our face. As we slide past Jake and Molly, they’re a blur. When we finally come to a stop, Rhett wraps both arms around me and gives me a gentle squeeze. “Thanks for letting me be your first,” he whispers before climbing off the back of the sled. His hand appears before my eyes. I take it, allowing him to pull me to my feet.
“Hell yes! What did you think?” Molly asks, rushing me.
“It was a lot of fun,” I tell her. “You know, for an amateur, he didn’t let me down,” I say, keeping my face stone serious.
“Amateur?” Jake asks. “Hell, Say, we’ve ridden down this hill more times than I can count,” he defends his friend.
Looking over at Rhett, I see he’s smiling, his eyes sparking. “Get your ass up there, Jake. Looks like I have my work cut out for me,” he says, climbing into the back of the UTV. I do the same, wearing a satisfied smirk. He can act like my dig didn’t get to him, but I know better. His eyes never lie. Once at the top of the hill, Rhett and I load back up in his UTV and drive to the bottom of the hill. We sit in silence as we watch our friends slide down the hill for the second time.
“Amateur, huh?” he asks when it’s just he and I again standing at the top of the hill.
“I mean, it was okay.” I turn my head to keep him from seeing my grin.
Rhett drops the sled at the top of the hill and takes a seat. He pats in between his legs for me, and even through I’m eager to be pressed up against him, I calmly walk toward him and take a seat. This time, there’s not as much room. He’s not sitting as far back as he was before. I’m just about to ask him to move back when both of his arms wrap around me. “This one’s all on you, Short Stack. I’m gonna need you to hold us on this thing,” he says, his breath hot against my ear.
“What about you?”
“I’m going to be otherwise occupied.”
“I’m not strong enough to keep us both on here,” I say, slight panic in my voice.
“You are, and if not, the worst that can happen is we tip over in the snow. No big deal. You’re safe.”
I want to tell him he’s crazy as hell, but I’m nervous. He’s huge, six four at least, and there is no way I can keep us on this thing. “Rhett, I—”
He cuts me off. “You can, and you will. His arms are still around my waist. His chin is now resting on my shoulder. “I’m going to count us off, and I need you to hold on.”
I nod, gripping the handles as tight as I can. I should just get off this stupid thing, but I don’t want him to know I’m scared, not so much of injury as I am of looking like a fool in front of him, Jake, and Molly. This isn’t me. I’ve never been in this kind of position. Fighting down the panic, I squeeze tight when Rhett whispers three in my ear and kicks us off. Before his other leg is even on the sled, he removes one hand, and I feel it slide between my legs. I lean back into him, not sure of what’s happening. The arm that’s around my waist just holds strong as we fly down the hill.
This time when we come to a stop, Jake and Molly are not there to greet us. They’re sitting on the UTV. Rhett moves his hand from between my legs, running it over my thigh. I can feel the heat through the layers of clothing from his touch. “How was that?” he says huskily.
“What did… I mean, why did—”
He knows what I’m asking, and I can hear the satisfied smirk he’s wearing in his reply. “I was holding on,” he says pointedly.
“But I thought I was holding on?”
“You were, but I decided I should help you.”
“But what were you—” He stands, cutting off my question. Again, his hand appears in front of my face and I take it, letting him help me to my feet. My legs are shaking, but not from the ride—well, a little from the ride, the one where we rode down the snowy embankment with his hand between my legs.
“There.” He points down at the sled.
Sure enough, there is a handle front and center. How did I not notice that? “Oh,” I mumble.
“One thing you need to know about me.” He pauses, waiting for me to look at him. When I do, those brown eyes of his are boring into me. “Ladies are always first.” With that, he picks up the sled and walks toward the UTV. I stand there letting his words sink in. He’s not talking about sledding, and secretly, an admission I can only make to myself, I want to see what he’s capable of when he puts me first.
“Now it’s just the girls,” Molly says.
I release a sigh of relief and mentally high five my friend. I don’t know how much more close contact I can take. The guys agree and leave us with both sleds while they drive to the bottom of the hill. Molly and I race down side by side, coming to stop with both guys standing, arms crossed, watching over us. Molly jumps behind the wheel and I follow her, claiming the passenger seat. The guys jump in the back and take their turn. We continue this way for another hour or so. We’re all frozen and exhausted, so we head to the house to warm up and dry out.
“I’m sorry,” Molly says, grinning at me sheepishly. “I meant to tell you to bring clothes.”
I look down at the sweats that are so big I had to roll them at the waist several times. I still have to pick them up when I walk. And the T-shirt is so long, it looks like an oversized dress where it hits at my knees. “That would have been nice,” I say, taking a sip of my hot chocolate. She giggles.
“What? You look hot in my clothes, Short Stack. I know, secretly, that’s your life’s goal. Go ahead and mark it off your bucket list,” Rhett chimes in.
“This is really all you could find?” I ask him.
“You’re welcome to go up and take a look. Actually, I should go with you. You know, in case you find something and need help changing.” He places his cup on the table and starts to stand.
“I’m good,” I say, resting back against the couch.
“You kids have fun?” I hear a gravelly voice say from the doorway.
Looking over, I see Rhett’s grandfather standing there with a soft smile tilting his lips. He looks better today, more rested. “Yes, thank you so much,” Molly and I say at the exact same time, resulting in both of us laughing.
“It was a good time,” Jake says.
“What on earth are you wearing, Saylor?” his grandfather asks.
I look down at my outfit an
d shrug. “I forgot to bring clothes.”
He looks at his grandson. “Is that all you could find her?” He raises his eyebrows in question.
“Yep.” Rhett smirks behind his cup of hot chocolate.
His grandfather just shakes his head, and I swear I see a small lift at the corner of his lips. “You all done for the day?” he asks, walking further into the room.
I watch as Rhett stands from his seat in the recliner and plops down on the couch beside me. Closer than need be. His grandfather takes the recliner. “Probably. This one has to work tonight.” He reaches over and taps my knee. He doesn’t move his hand. Instead, he just leaves it there, resting on my knee.
Moving my legs to the floor, I place my now empty cup on a coaster and settle back on the couch, feet under me. I smile inside because I beat him at his own game. My inner smile falters as he reaches out and rests his arm on my leg, leaning in toward me on the couch. What the hell?
“Probably best,” his grandfather says. “No point in risking frostbite.”
Looking over at Molly, I see she’s all snuggled up with Jake. I catch her eye and look toward the door. She grins but gives me a subtle nod. Thankfully.
“We should probably get going. We all have to be at the Corner Pocket tonight,” Molly says, untangling herself from Jake and standing. She picks up her cup.
“Leave it. We’ll take care of it,” his grandfather says. Then he looks over at Rhett. “You should go hang out with them tonight. You’ve been working too much. Take a night to relax.”
I cannot only see but feel Rhett suck in a deep breath. “Yeah, I think I might,” he finally says. He sounds relieved.
I stand. “Thank you so much for today and the coat. I’ll get it cleaned and bring it back to you,” I offer.
“Nonsense. That’s what they are here for. I’m glad you kids had a good time. Come by anytime,” he tells me.
I look down at Rhett. “Thanks for these.” I pull his shirt away from my skin. “I’ll be sure to get them back to you.”
“I’m not worried, Short Stack.” He stands as well, stretching his arms over his head. I can’t help but notice the strip of skin, toned muscle, and V that his sweatpants are hanging off of. “I’ll see you all later?” he asks.
“Yeah, man. Thanks again,” Jake calls over his shoulder as he picks up the tote bag he retrieved from his truck with dry clothes for him and Molly.
Turning to follow them, I feel Rhett place his hand on the small of my back, his thin T-shirt doing nothing to keep his heat from seeping into my skin. Rhett leans down and speaks softly, just for me. “You look good with me all over you.”
“You think so?” I ask him.
He nods.
“Don’t get used to it. This will be the last time you see me like this.” I give him a sugary smile.
“Is that a challenge, Short Stack?”
“It’s a promise.” I quicken my steps to get out of his hold. When I reach the door, I look over my shoulder. “See you around, Whiskey.” With that, I walk out into the cold, my coat slung over my arms. I don’t even feel the brisk November air. My body is heated from his touch. Jake grabbed the trash bag with all of our wet clothes, so thankfully I don’t have to worry about that. I don’t say a word as I climb in the back seat of the truck and buckle in. The ride home is quiet, but I know better than to think Molly isn’t going to comment about the… tension with Rhett and me today. I just wish I knew what to tell her.
Walking into the Corner Pocket, I see Jake, Molly, and Saylor all behind the bar slinging drinks. This place is packed. Making my way through the crowd, I find an empty stool at the end of the bar. Jake makes eye contact and gives me a head nod of recognition. I settle in and watch them do their thing. They work well together.
“I’m taking these out to the floor,” Saylor calls over her shoulder.
I watch her as she balances a tray full of beer mugs, a pitcher full of beer, and several shots with ease. In this crowd, that’s a feat in itself. My eyes follow her as she reaches a high top of five guys who from the sound of them have already had several rounds. Saylor passes out the shots, the mugs, and then sets the pitcher of beer in the center. One of the guys says something to her, and she gives him a tight smile. It’s obvious that whatever he said isn’t anything she wants to hear. She makes her way back to the bar, and I turn back around in my stool. Jake is standing in front of me wearing a smirk.
“Draft?” he asks.
“Yep.” He knows I always drink whatever he has on tap from my father’s brewery in Tennessee.
“You know those guys?” He motions to the rowdy group Saylor was serving.
“Nope.”
“Huh? I thought for sure you knew them the way you were spellbound.”
“Spellbound?” I laugh. “What the fuck are you going on about?”
“You see, if you don’t know that group, that means your attention was elsewhere. Then again, I think your attention was on that table and the bartender serving them?” he goads.
“She’s easy on the eyes.” I shrug unapologetically.
“She is. She’s also not only my employee but good friends with Molly.”
“Okay?” I know what he’s trying to say, and I get it. However, I am going to make him say it.
“She’s been through a lot, man. Not to mention, if you hurt her, Mol is going to be pissed, and so am I for that matter. She’s one of the good ones.”
“I was looking at her, Jake. Not fucking her. Besides, if that’s what she and I decide to do as adults who can make our own decisions, you’re just going to have to deal with it.”
“Don’t,” he says sternly.
“Relax. We annoy each other, that’s what we do. I knew she could feel me watching her. I was trying to annoy her. Nothing more, nothing less.” I can tell by the look on his face he’s not buying what I’m selling.
“On the house,” he says, sliding a beer in front of me.
I wipe my finger across the frosty mug before bringing it to my lips. It tastes like home, but then this place feels more like home than Tennessee. It’s funny how something like a beer, a bar, or a town can make you feel. Make all the memories come flooding back.
“Hey, Rhett.” Molly waves.
It seems that she and Jake are working behind the bar, and Saylor is helping out and serving when needed. I’m mid-drink when my cell phone rings. Pulling it out of my pocket and looking at the display, I see it’s Doug. “Hello,” I say over the noise of the crowd.
“Baxter?”
“Hold on, let me step outside.” I catch Jake’s attention, holding up a finger to let him know I’ll be right back, and step outside. “Hey,” I say as soon as the door closes.
“Sounds like a good time,” he says, laughing.
“For someone,” I say. “I’m at my buddy Jake’s bar. It’s a packed house. What’s up?”
“Calling with some news,” he says.
“Okay, are you going to tell me or keep me in suspense while I freeze my balls off out here?”
He thunders a deep booming laugh. “I guess I can put you out of your misery.”
“Hi, Rhett,” I hear Dawn say through the line.
“Hey, D,” I greet her. “Your husband’s being a dick and holding out on me. I’m freezing here, man.”
“You’re on speaker,” Doug says.
“What’s going on?” I ask again.
“We’re pregnant!” Dawn cheers.
Wow. “I—wow guys, that’s great. Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” they say in unison.
I hear lips smacking, and I know they’re kissing. “I’m happy for both of you.” I am, I’m happy for them, but I can’t help but feel a little envious yet again of what they have. That’s becoming the norm when it comes to the two of them.
“When are you coming home?” Dawn asks. “I thought we could get together with drinks. Maybe invite Tessa.”
“Not sure yet, and how many times do I have to tell you t
hat Tessa and I are not happening?”
“I know,” Dawn sighs. “I just want to see you happy.”
“Who says I’m not happy?” I ask, trying to keep my teeth from chattering.
“I just—”
Doug interrupts her. “We just wanted to tell you. Take care, and we’ll see you when you get home.”
“All right, man. See you then. Congrats,” I say again.
“Thanks.”
I slip my phone back in my pocket and reach for the door. I step inside and am walking back to my stool in the far corner to grab my beer and get warmed up when I spot Saylor at the disorderly high top. Her stance is tense, and the guys are even more rowdy. It was a few minutes tops that I was outside. I keep my eye on her as I head to my stool, but then I see the jackass that was talking to her earlier, the one who obviously was saying something she didn’t like. Yeah, that one. He puts his hand on the back of her thigh, over her skintight jeans, and pulls her into him. I’m no longer cold. My blood is boiling when I see her try to step away and he refuses, tightening his hold on her.
As I get closer to their table, I hear her say, “Let me go.”
Of course, he still doesn’t release her from his hold. “Take your hands off her.” I step up to the table and place my hand on her waist. Drunk guy tries to stand, which causes Saylor to stumble into me. That’s fine, I’ve got her.
“Who the fuck are you?” he asks, barely able to find the chair beneath him.
“I’m your worst nightmare if you don’t take your hands off her.”
This time he does stand, and he’s a few inches shorter than me. A quick scan of the table tells me they all are. “Fuck you,” he says with no heat. He’s too damn drunk for that.
“Sit down, Ronnie,” another guy says, pulling him into his seat.
“She’s a cocktease anyway. You can have her,” he says, chugging the rest of his beer.
Looking down at Saylor, I keep one arm around her while I cup her face with the other. “You okay, Short Stack?” I ask. I keep my attention on her, needing to make sure she’s good before I throw these bastards out on their asses.