I was laughing hysterically as he put me down. “Oh my God, how are you, Emerson? It’s been so long.”
“I’m good. I’m working over at McKinney High. Head coach of the football team.” He puffed out his chest, clearly proud to tell me.
“That’s awesome. I bet the kids love to hate you.”
He laughed. “Yeah, they do. I hear you have a little guy. Bet he’s growing like a weed.”
“Yeah, his name’s Calum. He definitely keeps me on my toes.” It was so good talking to him. I hadn’t realized how much I missed him until that moment.
He looked over my shoulder, smiled big, and shouted, “There’s the punkass. Guess you decided to come after all.”
I breathed in deep, knowing exactly who was coming up behind me. I could smell him before he even came into view.
“Hey, douchebag, of course, I came. Like I’d miss a night talking shit about you.” They man hugged and slapped each other on the back.
I stood there beside Hunter without moving, not sure if he’d noticed me yet. I decided to take a step back to try to duck out. I didn’t want to do this here, but before I could go anywhere, he put his hand on my lower back and leaned down to whisper in my ear. “Where do you think you’re going. You’ve avoided me enough for a lifetime.”
I whipped my head up to look at him. “Avoiding you? I think you may have things a little twisted,” I snapped, completely confused. I tried to turn to walk away, but he pulled me in for a hug.
“Let’s not make a scene. I’ve been trying to call you all day; so yes, you have been avoiding me.” He turned to the group who all stared at us.
“So, who’s ready for some drinks? I’m buying.” Hunter raised his left hand in the air, keeping his other on my back. He looked toward me. “What are you drinking tonight?” He smiled that gorgeous smile. It was a peace offering. Although we had a lot to discuss, it’d do for now.
“Well, now that you’re here, something strong. So, let’s start with a round of Broken-Down Golf Cart shots for the ladies and follow it up with a couple Killer Kool-Aids. I’ll be double-fisting it tonight.”
“Anything for you, beautiful.” He winked and waved the server over to order our drinks. I took the opportunity to move back over to the group. Everyone eyed me but didn’t say a word. I said hello to everyone I hadn’t seen in forever—Pete, Jackson, and Cody, same old gang, just like old times, well, kind of.
The guys moved a few of the high-top tables together, and we all sat down. The server took no time at all to bring our drinks over.
We all picked up our shot glasses, but before we could take them back, Hunter stopped us. He raised his shot and looked across the table at me. “To Jules being home. Even though it’s only temporary, it’s still nice to have you back.”
Everyone else raised their shots and said in unison, “To Jules.”
With tears stinging the back of my eyes, we all took our shots and slammed them back down on the table.
“Thanks, guys.” I needed to drink more before I got too emotional.
Taylor put her arm around my shoulder. “Let’s get drunk, bitches.” We all raised our drinks and cheered when the latest Kane Brown song came on—his voice was damn sexy.
We sat around sipping drinks, reminiscing about old times. I thought I was on drink number three when the girls decided it was time to do some dancing. All the guys got up, except Hunter. He definitely was not a dancer.
Taylor tugged on my arm. “I actually really need to pee, I’ll meet you out there in a bit.”
I got up and steadied myself, I wasn’t drunk by any means, but that headrush after sitting down drinking could be killer. Hunter must have noticed as he started to come to my rescue, but I waved him off.
“I’ll be right back.”
He nodded and sat back down but I could feel his eyes on me as he continued to watch me as I walked away.
When I finished up, I decided to sit with Hunter, so I headed back to the tables. I felt bad that he was sitting alone. He’d get up there after a few more drinks, just not yet.
Coming up behind him, I leaned over. “Haven’t had enough to drink to get out there yet?”
He turned toward me. We were so close, I could feel his breath against my face. He looked down at my lips and back up at me. “Not yet, but I’ll get there. Aren’t you going out there?”
I shook my head. “Nope, I’m going to save my feet, so I can see you embarrass yourself up close and personal.” I laughed and slapped him on the shoulder before sitting next to him. I really should keep my distance but would prefer not to have to scream across the table for him to hear me. The music wasn’t extremely loud, but loud enough that intimate conversation across a span wasn’t easy.
He was still smirking at me when I sat down, but his face suddenly turned serious. “Look, I’m sorry. I reacted poorly by running out the other night and continued being a dumbass by ignoring your messages and calls. I know it’s not an excuse, but I decided leaving right then was a better choice than saying something I’d regret later.” He looked really nervous.
“Listen, I get it—”
He interrupted before I could continue. “No, Jules, I don’t think you have a clue what’s going through my head. I really need to talk to you, but can we maybe do it tomorrow or something? I’d love to spend the night just hanging out with you and our friends like old times.” He smiled over at me, waiting for my response.
“Sure, I came here for girls’ night, but I guess we can let you dicks crash it.” We both laughed. “Do y’all get together often?”
“Nah, it’s been a while, and the last time we were all together like this was when you were here.” He sounded a little sad.
“Really? That’s crazy. Well, it’s great to be here with everyone. Did you know we were coming?”
“No, I had no clue. I texted Emerson today to see if he wanted to hang out and help distract me from the fact that you were ignoring me.” He winked. “He invited me, at the last minute, and I decided to come when I hadn’t heard from you.”
I guess he really had been calling me. “For the record, I wasn’t ignoring you. I left my phone at home today and decided against going back to grab it. It helped to distract me from wondering when you were finally going to call.” I sounded frustrated, but I couldn’t care less.
He smirked. “So, you were waiting for my call?”
I rolled my eyes at his cocky attitude. “Honestly? It was a complete dick move leaving like that and then not calling until a couple of days later. I mean, you could’ve at least texted back and said you weren’t ready to talk or something. I was going crazy.”
He was still smirking. “I’m sorry. I really am. My grandparents laid into me about it, too. I called as soon as I came to my senses, and if I hadn’t heard back by tomorrow morning, I was coming over to talk.” Sometimes this guy was so full of himself.
“Is that so?”
He nodded.
“Well, I wouldn’t have called you since I didn’t have my phone, so I guess I would have seen you tomorrow with the mother of all hangovers.”
He threw his head back. “I guess so.” He looked at my empty glass. “Another?”
I smiled and nodded. “Yes, please.”
He waved over the server to ordered another round. When our drinks came, I turned my back to him, so we could both watch our friends dance. Hunter leaned over and talked into my ear. “Jackson has to be one of the worst dancers ever.”
I turned to face him and raised my brow.
“Hey, I said one of the worst. I’m definitely the worst.” We both laughed, Hunter was a pretty bad dancer, but after a few drinks, he loosened up a little, and his moves improved. I thought it was the I don’t give a shit attitude he got once he was beyond buzzed.
“Are you ready to dance?”
He looked a little unsure on how to answer, after a few seconds, he waved the server over again and ordered us more drinks. I took a sip.
“I must
have drunk more than I thought because these are starting to taste like they have no alcohol in them.” I downed the rest of the glass like I was drinking juice.
“Does it feel weird to be back here and out with all of us again?” He was fishing, but I figured, what the hell?
“Honestly?”
He nodded.
“I love it. Feels like old times. The only time I’m unhappy is when I see something or go somewhere that reminds me of Mama. Then, it hits me again that she’s not here.”
His smile faded, and he looked down. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you sad tonight. I’m sure that’s the last thing you wanted. Forget I said anything.” He frowned.
“It’s okay. I’m having a great time, and I feel like I’m where I should be. It’s mostly when I’m at home.” I smiled to reassure him I was fine.
He stood abruptly and put his hand out for me to take. “Let’s do this.” He smiled from ear to ear.
“Really? You’re ready?”
He grabbed my hand and pulled me out of my seat. I stumbled a little, and he steadied me with his hands on my hips.
Being this close to him made me all kinds of hot and bothered, or maybe it was just the alcohol. Oh, who was I kidding? Hunter always made me feel this way.
He leaned down and said, “Can I have this dance?” We both laughed, and he led me onto the dance floor.
Our friends cheered as we approached and started to move to the music. I didn’t recognize the song but I quickly started to feel the beat.
We spent the next hour dancing and having a great time, Hunter was even enjoying himself. He had been bringing me drinks all night, and I was feeling pretty good, not too wasted.
Taylor came up to me, she was definitely wobbling on her heels. “I’ve gotta pee; come with?”
I nodded, and we took off toward the restroom. We walked in, and the others stumbled in behind us.
“Feeling good, ladies?” I laughed.
They’re all completely wasted. Taylor was already in the stall, and she was babbling on about something written on the wall.
Courtney walked over and pointed at me. “How are you not loaded? I swear you’ve had more than all of us.” She slurred her words, and it was quite amusing.
“I’ve been pacing myself.”
Hunter had been giving me water in between drinks, which was probably why my bladder was about to burst.
“Hurry up, Tays. You better not fall asleep in there, or I’m pissing in the sink.” I was totally joking, but that got her ass moving.
“So, I think I’m going to take Jackson home tonight. It’s been a long time since I’ve taken a ride on that boy, and man is it a good ride.” I see Macy was still open about her sex life; it was hilarious.
I came out of the stall and washed my hands. “You go, girl. It’s been so long since I’ve taken a ride, I’m not sure I’d remember how to do it.”
They all burst out laughing, although I was completely serious.
“You should take Hunter for a ride. He still only has eyes for you.” Macy’s eyes went all dreamy. “I hope one day someone looks at me that way.”
I waved her off. “Whatever. Let’s go drink some more.”
Carley almost fell, but I caught her under the arm.
“Scratch that, maybe y’all lightweights should go sit down and have some water.” I laughed and walked out the door and back toward the table where the guys had already taken a seat.
7
Hunter
Watching Jules as she walked back toward us, I couldn’t get over how gorgeous she was. I didn’t think I would ever tire of looking at her. She seemed so happy and carefree tonight.
She had to be thinking she was Superwoman with all the drinks I’d given her, but little did she know that they’d been more Kool-Aid than killer. While she had gone to the bathroom earlier, I bribed the server to decrease the alcohol for a couple of drinks, and then cut it out completely. I didn’t want her drunk. I was hoping that she’d let me drive her home, and we’d be able to talk. I couldn’t wait any longer. I needed to get this off my chest before it killed me.
I was having a really hard time being this close to her and not having the right to touch her. I thought I might go crazy by the end of the night. I didn’t know what I was thinking when I decided we should dance. I hadn't had enough to drink, but I had to pretend that I had, so she didn’t know. Jules thought she’d had a shit ton to drink so probably hadn’t noticed that I hadn’t drunk as much as I let on.
I tried to act like I wasn’t watching her. I felt like such a creeper because I couldn’t keep my eyes off of her. I made myself look around the table. We were alternating girl and guy, and from the looks of it, Taylor and Emerson were going to get it on tonight. He hadn’t said anything, but I was positive she was the mystery girl he’d been sneaking off with. I’d pretend I didn’t know. He’d tell me when he was ready if there was anything to tell.
I thought I’d pretended not to be a stalker long enough. I turned to look back at Jules, and I caught her staring at me. She quickly looked away, but I’d caught her, so that was enough for me.
All of a sudden Macy slapped her hand on the table. “Oh my God, do y’all remember that time senior year, we all went to my parents’ place in the Keys and Jackson got so drunk he barfed all over the white leather sofa?”
We all burst out laughing. I definitely remembered that. He had been such a lightweight.
Jackson looked over at her. “Seriously, Mace, did you really just bring that up?” He looked a little hurt, but Macy was still laughing hysterically.
“Fuck it, two can play this game. Do y’all know what happened later that night?” He looked at Macy out of the corner of his eye—she’d stopped laughing. “I bent Macy over that very same sofa and plowed her like a tractor.”
Macy’s mouth hung open in shock. All the guys high-fived each other. Of course, we all knew this. Horny teenage guys bragged about sex.
Macy slapped Jackson on the arm playfully. “I can’t believe you just told everyone. What the fuck?”
The girls all looked at each other, clearly in shock. I guess Macy hadn’t told them.
“You whore, why didn’t you tell us?” Carley was smiling, clearly not upset. “I want all the details. I know it was a long time ago, and it probably sucked, but I still want details like we should have gotten back then.”
“Fuckin’ right, you better spill,” Jules chimed in.
Macy rolled her eyes at them. “Whatever. I’ll spill the small details later.” She was laughing again.
“Take that back. If you want me to prove that shit ain’t small, I will.”
We all laughed again, these two seem like they still had that banter thing going. I wondered if they’re getting it on, too. That would be crazy. I gave Jackson a look, and he shook his head, but I was pretty sure I saw the truth in his eyes. Either he was banging her, or he really wanted to. I nodded, telling him I knew he was full of shit.
“We’ve gotta get going.” Carley indicated toward Courtney. “We need to get up for a dress fitting in the morning.”
“Aw, really? It’s still early,” Jules piped up.
I leaned over. “Jules, you realize it’s one in the morning, right?”
Her eyes bugged out; I guess she didn’t. “Holy shit, I honestly don’t remember the last time I was out this late. It’s totally past my bedtime.”
We all laughed at her cuteness, she was kind of acting drunk, which was funny because she’d had a total of maybe four drinks since she’d gotten here. Guess the mind could play tricks on you when you think there’s liquor in your drink.
Carley and Courtney stood and did their round of goodbyes, leaving only eight of us. Two of the remainder of us were going home together, and two others I thought would like to. I was definitely banking on going home with Jules, but for a completely different reason.
“I can’t believe it’s that late. I’m going to be hurtin’ tomorrow. I never stay out t
his late. I should probably get home,” Jules said as she looked to Taylor. “I’m going to call an Uber.”
“I’ll take you.” I sounded eager, but I didn’t care. I spoke before she could object. “I’ve only had three beers all night. I’ve been drinking water.”
“Oh shit, I thought you’d been drinking all night. Well, in that case, thank you.”
She looked at Taylor, but I gave her a don’t-fuck-with-me look, and she smirked but arranged with the others to Uber.
We all headed out together and went our separate ways after saying goodbye.
“Thanks for taking me home. I wouldn’t have been comfortable in an Uber alone.”
I smiled and helped her into the truck. When I rounded the other side, she surprised me by sliding over closer to me.
“You aren’t going to take advantage of me, are you?” She batted her eyelashes playfully.
I stifled a laugh. “I’m going to be completely honest with you. I’ve been waiting all night to take you home.”
She gave me a look, but I put up my hands.
“No, not in the way you’re thinking.”
She sank back into her seat and sighed. “If I were being completely honest, that’s quite disappointing.”
I laughed and shook my head, she must really be feeling that alcohol. I started the truck and backed out of the parking spot. “As tempting as that is, and damn is that tempting, I want the next time we’re together for you to be sober and you to remember every last detail.”
She whipped her head back to me. “Wait, who said I was drunk? I have a nice buzz going. I have no clue how I’m not smashed after the number of drinks I’ve downed tonight.” She shrugged but then looked me in the eyes. “But I am not drunk.”
I stopped the truck before leaving the parking lot. “Well, shit, I just assumed—” I scrubbed my hands down my face. “Never mind. How about we go back to your place and talk? I know it’s late, but I really need to get this off my chest before I lose my balls.”
“Fine, but I’m definitely going to need some caffeine. This mama is not used to staying up so late. So, you can make me a tea or coffee when we get there.” She smirked, and I laughed. She was so adorable.
Saved by Him Page 4