HIM

  He walks over to me, and I get up from my chair. He sits down, and I sit on his lap. Ernie is still talking about the good ole days. Gladys is back at their motorhome; I assume getting ready for tomorrow or settling in for the night. Ris is sitting between Jason and Austin, all laughing on mine and Jason's account.

  "You smell good," Luke whispers in my ear. "I want to kiss you so badly, right now."

  I look at him, believe me, the feeling is mutual. I smile, then lay my head on his shoulder, and he wraps his arms around me. Jason looks over at us then stands up from his chair. All I can think is, here we go. I thought Ris's charm would keep him occupied, but sadly, that's not the case tonight. He walks over to Ernie.

  "Dad, are you okay with this?" he yells as he points over to Luke and me.

  "You're okay with this piece of shit moving in on Ali?" he shouts.

  Things are about to get bad, real bad. I can feel it. Ernie stands up, and Luke takes me off his lap, standing up as well. Ris comes over to me and grabs my hand. Austin stands up next to Jason. A confrontation is about to ensue. However, Ernie seems to be the voice of reason among these hotblooded boneheads.

  "Jason, it's not our business. If they want to be together, it's their business, and there is nothing you can do or say about it. So, let it go, son." Ernie says in a loud stern voice.

  I'm surprised by Ernie and his comment, but he's right. What Luke and I do or what we are is no one's business but ours. I am so glad Ernie spoke his mind.

  "That's fucking bullshit. He comes here and takes everything from us," Jason screams.

  Luke does not like what's going on and moves closer to Jason. His face quickly changes, displaying a confused yet angry expression.

  "Woah! Take everything? What the fuck are you talking about?" Luke barks.

  "That's enough!" Ernie yells.

  Ernie does not want trouble any more than I do, especially when everyone is together to have a good time. He's had enough apparently, and so have I; I'm over this shit.

  "No! He comes here looking for a handout. Then, he takes our women and is now taking over the shop," Jason screams.

  Great, I can see this is not looking like it will end well, despite Ernie's clear and stern warnings to Jason. Luke looks heated as well. Ris grabs hold of my hand tighter as she watches the guys scream at each other.

  I stand up. That's it, this shit is ending, and it's ending right fucking now.

  "You all need to stop, and I mean it. This is so fucking stupid. If my dad were here, he would be livid at all of you for ruining such a beautiful night here at the cabin." I say, outraged, then take off towards the cabin.

  "Ali! Ali! Ali, wait!" Ris shouts from behind me.

  I do not even stop to wait for her. I keep walking to the cabin. I'm so unbelievably pissed right now. I get inside, walk to my dad's room, then slam the door shut out of frustration. I sit on the bed and start to cry. I tend to do that when I'm angry. Ris comes in and sits down next to me and gives me a big hug.

  "Are you okay, Ali?" Ris asks as she hugs me tighter.

  "I-I'm just tired of Jason and his bullshit. I'm tired of everything," I say.

  I have not had it easy since I came back, and Luke has been the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. He's become someone I turn to, to lose myself in, sort of like my knight in shining steel toe boots. I'm falling for him, and Jason is ruining everything for me, just like he did when we were in High School. I know he's trying to look out for me, and he thinks what he is doing is best, but I make that decision, not him. I hate that this weekend is turning sour so quickly and that Ris is witnessing it. On top of that, I miss my dad like crazy, and being here puts the topping on the cake. What else could go wrong this weekend?

  "I miss my dad; being here brings back so many memories. I should've made more time for him," I say, almost hysterical.

  Ris lays me down on the bed and rubs my back while I cry my heart out. I wish I had been there for him more instead of focusing on my selfish pursuits to make it big in my career. I know he was proud of me, but it was also vital that I was there for him. He made me his number one priority; I should have made him mine.

  "Ali, your dad understood. He was so proud of you, he loved you more than anything in the world, and he is here. He's always with you. He's watching over you every day," she says in the most comforting way she's ever been with me.

  I thank her and cry myself to sleep.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  I wake to the smell of bacon and coffee. I look over, and Ris is still sleeping, arm over her head, mouth wide open, and releasing tiny snores. I quietly get out of bed, change out of my clothes from yesterday into something comfy. I look back at Ris; she is still fast asleep.

  In the kitchen Gladys and Luke are making breakfast. Everyone else must still be asleep, most likely. Luke turns and smiles at me; I smile at him back.

  "Good Morning!" he says as he walks over to give me a hug and a kiss.

  "Morning," I say, still half asleep.

  Last night seemed like a terrible nightmare. Today doesn't seem so bad, not yet at least. I hope it stays that way.

  "Morning, Ali," Gladys chirps. "Coffee?"

  "Yes, please," I reply with a smile.

  I love Gladys. She's like a mother to me. I love her warmth and care when she speaks. Gladys pours a cup of coffee and hands it to me. She turns to Luke, talking about the flowers she is planning to plant today and where. I sit down at the island and stare out of the window at the lake. It looks like glass right now. I bet its prime fishing time out there. I am sure my dad would be down at the end of the dock, rod in hand.

  I glance back at Luke, who is flipping scrambled eggs. His hair is messy. He has a white tank that shows his rib cage and gray sweatpants-style shorts. He's still looking hot, more so since he's cooking. I trace my eyes down his tattooed arm losing myself in all the detail.

  "Ali. Ali! Turtle!" Luke says with a giggle.

  "Huh?" I reply as I am lifted from staring at him.

  "You want some breakfast?" he asks.

  "Yes, please," I smile.

  Luke dishes Gladys, me, and himself a plate. Gladys takes her plate into the living room, and Luke sits down next to me. He looks at me and smiles as he rips a piece from his bacon.

  "You look beautiful," he says with a mouth full of bacon.

  I smile.

  "So do you, Martha Stewart," I giggle.

  We continue eating our breakfast as we stare at each other and laugh lightly, between him stealing bites of my bacon and me stealing bites of his right back. Gladys walks into the kitchen and rolls her eyes then begins to clean up. She places the leftover food on a plate, slides it into the oven, and wipes down the counter.

  "I got the dishes," I say.

  "Thanks, Ali," Gladys says and smiles, walking toward the door.

  Luke kisses my forehead then heads out after her. I grab our plates and bring them to the sink to start the dishes. I fill the sink with hot, soapy water; I hum quietly to myself while I wash each dish and silverware. Jason walks into the kitchen and sits down. I turn and look at him, then turn back to the sink.

  "Want some breakfast?" I say.

  "Yea," he replies.

  I wipe my hands, grab a plate, and dish him up. I slide it across the counter then turn back to the dishes. It's silent for a while, and I can hear Jason chew. I don't have anything to say to him right now; last night is still very fresh on my mind.

  "I'm sorry," Jason says.

  I don't reply or turn around. I pretend like I didn't hear him. He gets up, grabs something from the fridge, then takes his plate into the living room. I finish the dishes and head back to my dad's room. I open my bag and dig out some clothes to wear today. I wake Ris up and ask her where my orange suit is. She sits up, says it's in one of her bags, then heads to take a shower. I find my suit in the last bag I search through of hers.

  I throw on my orange bikini. The bottom has a slight ruching on the sides, and the top is a halter
style with a twist in the fabric across the bust, which makes my chest look perfect. Perfect enough for Luke to keep his eyes on me at all times! I put on some jean shorts and a tank top. I brush my hair and throw it back in a ponytail, then apply some light makeup. Ris comes back with wet hair and wrapped in a towel.

  "Will you french braid my hair, bitch?" she says, laughing.

  "Yes, slut," I snort.

  That's how we've always talked to each other, calling one another vulgar names. She's like a sister. Ris sits in front of the mirror behind the door and applies gallons of makeup as I brush her hair out and french braid it. We laugh as she commentates while putting on her face. Ris finishes and digs out her white thong bikini from her bag. She rocks it! Jason will be eating out of the palm of her hand by lunch.

  "I told you I was going to bring this," she winks at me and laughs.

  She puts her suit on. It fits her like a glove and makes her look super-hot. She grabs a sheer wrap and ties it around her waist, then pulls her floppy hat down onto her head and grabs her sunglasses before walking out of the room. I grab my sunglasses and our towels then head out after her.

  We walk out front, and I can see that more people have arrived. Nikki and Mindy are here with another guy I recognize, but I don't know his name. I search for Luke and see he is down at the flower garden with Gladys. He has his shirt off and his hat on backward, my favorite. I am sure he has figured it out by now that I like seeing him this way, well any female does for that matter!

  "Hey, ladies, are you coming on the boat with us?" Austin yells.

  Everyone looks over at us, and I can see them all gawking at Ris. Which I knew they would. I can tell Nikki and Mindy are intimidated by her beauty; they are hatin' pretty fierce right now.

  "Hell yes!" Ris shouts and runs over to the boys.

  Luke doesn't follow her with his eyes but stays focused on me as he smiles and puts down a potted flower. He walks over to me and looks me over.

  "An orange swimsuit! Hot!" he says, then bends down to kiss me. "Orange is my favorite color, by the way."

  He winks. I am so glad I chose to wear this today. That explains why the steering wheel in his truck is bright orange. I smile at him while checking out his sweaty rock-hard body. So that's great. We have an affinity for the same colors, even though my favorite color is green, orange comes in a close second or third.

  "Are you going out with us on the boat?" I ask.

  I figure he won't go because of the tension between him and Jason, but I ask anyway, so he knows I want to spend time with him today.

  "No, I have lots to do around here with Gladys and Ernie. You go with your friend. Save her from being mauled by those morons," he laughs.

  I kiss him then rush over to everyone. I look back at Luke as he smiles and gives me a wave. I smile and wave back then head down the stairs to the dock. We all pile into Jason's boat. It's a fancy one, mainly for pulling a tub or wakeboard; it's not an ideal fishing vessel.

  "Who wants to board first?" Jason yells.

  "Why don't you, I'll drive," I say.

  Jason agrees and jumps out of the boat to gear up. I figured he'd be all for being the first to show off his skills for Ris and his friends. He was pretty good the last time I was here. I am sure he's still got it. Jason is ready, and I start to take off toward open water.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  We come into shore after a crazy day on the lake. We did wakeboarding, skiing, and tubing. No one got hurt, and only Austin lost his trunks a few times. It was so much fun. Jason and Ris got a little cuddlier throughout the day, which gives me hope for tonight.

  Nikki and Mindy were not too bad either, I don't know if it was because of Ris putting them in their place a lot or that Bridget is not here, but I still had fun hanging out with them regardless. Everyone is hungry and hyped up, ready to get their drink on. Ris is glued to Jason, and they are flirting something fierce. Mindy and I walk to the boathouse to hang the soaked life jackets as everyone heads up the hill.

  "Are you and Luke a thing now?" Mindy asks.

  I turn toward her, a tad surprised at her question.

  "What?" I reply.

  I wonder why she's so inquisitive. She's been pretty cool today, why ruin it now.

  "He and Bridget were like together, then you came home, and he didn't want to be with her anymore," she says in her snarky bitch voice.

  There she is, she must have held this in all day. Her true self is coming out now that she has me alone and without Ris. I don't even know what to say to her. What Luke and I are is none of her concern at all.

  "They were hanging out and sleeping together until just a few days ago. Bridget called him because he didn't show up at her house, but he was with you. He told her he didn't want to be with her anymore," she says slyly.

  I don't react to her comment. Luke told me they've only kissed and have never slept together. When I was eavesdropping on his conversation, I don't remember hearing him mention not wanting to be with someone. Maybe, that is why he took the call in the bathroom so I wouldn't hear him end it with her. He didn't want to raise any doubts, and that's respectful. I guess.

  "We should head up to where everyone else is," I say without replying to her last comment.

  I believe ignorance should be ignored, and that's why I don't care. Well, not entirely. We get to the top of the hill, and Mindy takes off over to Nikki and the rest of the clan. I skim the yard for Luke but don't see him anywhere. I walk over to Ris and grab her arm.

  "I need to talk to you," I say.

  I need her to help ease my mind. It's best not to leave any doubts, and my best friend can at least guide me and tell me I am overthinking. I hope! We head back into the cabin, and I tell her about what Mindy said. She told me to ignore the bitch as she is trying to get a rise out of me and do Bridget's dirty work. She reassures me that Luke wants me bad and to forget about it, precisely what I needed to hear. I love Ris!

  "Let's get our drink on!" she shouts.

  We head back outside, and Luke is at the grill with Ernie. He looks at me and waves. I smile and wave back. Ris runs over to Jason, and they start a game of volleyball. I sit in a chair next to Gladys. I ask her how her flower planting went, and she tells me about all the flowers she and Luke planted. She loves to plant flowers around the cabin, she does it every year. Gladys continues to say she found some neat red, white, and blue flowers to plant around the flagpole. She said she couldn't have finished it without Luke's help.

  I look over at him. He and Ernie are flipping burgers while chatting. Jason has never been much help to his parents as he is always worrying about his friends and partying. I'm sure they enjoy Luke's help and company just as much as my dad did in my absence. Luke truly is a great guy.

  The food is done, and we all sit down to eat. After dinner, Luke and I help Ernie and Gladys clean up while the others play another yard game and continue drinking. I'm glad Ris is fitting right in and having a great time. I knew she would. It was a great decision to bring her here. I am also glad that Jason and I are cool now too. Hopefully, he won't be such a pain in the ass tonight.

  The sun starts to set, Luke starts a big fire and we all crowd around it. I've started drinking, and Luke has had a few beers. Mindy is watching us like hawks, and I'm sure she will report every second back to Bridget. I try to ignore her stares and have a good time. The guys start chanting "shots." Everyone starts to take shots from the mini shot glasses stretched out across the picnic table. Ris and Jason talk me into taking two of them. Jason runs into the cabin and brings out his boom box. The girls start to scream as the music begins to blast across the lawn. It's time to party, and everyone has joined in the fun. Us girls are having a great time despite Mindy's snarkiness.

  Ris, Nikki, and Mindy get up to dance as the guys watch in amusement. Luke grabs my face and kisses me while I'm sitting on his lap. Quite buzzed, I drop my cup on the ground and wrap my arms around his neck. I get into our kiss. I don't care who is watching us.
<
br />   We break from our kiss to screams from Ris, Nikki, and Mindy as a song starts to play. The guys get up and start grinding on them. It looks like one big orgy on the lawn as Ernie and Gladys excuse themselves from us crazy kids. Ris comes over and grabs me from Luke's lap, and we dance like dorks to a few songs. Luke doesn’t seem mind and is quite amused.

  I walk back over to Luke. I notice Ris has started making out with Jason, and they are all over each other. It's safe to say he will leave Luke and me alone tonight!

  "Get a room!" Austin shouts as everyone laughs and continues to dance.

  I look at Luke. His eyes are so gorgeous, I can see the flames from the fire dances in them. Man, he's hot as hell. I press myself against him. He is still shirtless, and I'm only in my swimsuit. I push my chest to his chest as I slide my tongue gently into his mouth. He grabs the back of my head with his hands and kisses me hard. I start to feel tingly all over, hopefully from his touch and not because I am drunk now. I don't care. Either way, this is steamy, and I'm way into him. I desperately want him to pick me up and bring me to a bed.

  "I love you bitch!" I hear Ris scream.

  I break myself free from Luke's lips and look to see Ris heading into the cabin with Jason. I bring my eyes back to Luke's.

  "Do you want to go inside?" he asks.

  "Yes," I practically moan.

  I am glad he finally got the hint. Luke grabs my ass then gets up out of his chair, carrying me to the cabin as we attempt to keep making out. He puts me down, and we walk inside. I have a hold of his hand, leading the way to my dad's room. We enter my dad's room, and I close the door. I push him on to the bed, then climb onto his lap. I bring my arms around his neck as I slide my tongue back into his mouth. He slides his hands from my hips up my back. I bite his lip and give a playful tug. He moans.

  We kiss hot and passionately as our breathing draws heavy. Luke brings his hands farther up my back, undoing the clasp of my bikini top. I grab the front and slide it over my head and throw it to the floor. He kisses my neck then brushes his lips across my collarbone. I arch backward as he trails his lips across one of my breasts then over to the other. He circles his tongue gently around my nipple then bits down softly, pulling away with a light suck. He continues onto my other nipple as he lays down onto the bed. My body follows his, and I start to kiss his neck, making my way down his chiseled abs. His body is well built. It's incredible.