Loving Raylynn

by C. R. Marcum

  Raylynn lay on her bed, contemplating jumping out of the window to avoid the entire ordeal that is this dance. While the option did sound appealing, she decided that broken bones weren’t worth it. So, she did the only other thing she could do, get up and get it over with.

  Breakfast went quickly, pancakes and eggs paired with lots of coffee. Raylynn did her best to stay out of the conversation, but Uncle Richard had pulled her in. They discussed the rules and expectations for the evening, and their dates as well. Richard seemed nervous about the whole situation.

  After breakfast, the three girls headed upstairs. Paisley was first in the shower, followed by Aspen and finally Raylynn. She had let the water ease her muscles before finally washing up and getting out. She towel dried her hair and slipped into a comfy PJ set. She knew that once she opened the door the torture would begin. The only silver lining in this dark cloud was that she would get to dress Paisley. She smiled to herself and opened the door.

  Raylynn found herself sitting in the chair for over three and a half hours. Aspen had already done her hair and makeup and sat watching as Paisley twisted and sculpted Ray’s hair into the perfect up do. She hadn’t made it easy either. Paisley had used an entire can of hairspray and so many bobby pins that Raylynn had lost count. She could only hope that Paisley was close to being done.

  “Perfect!” Paisley exclaimed, stepping back so that Aspen could get a good look.

  “Holy Shit Ray, you’re hair looks amazing. I can’t wait to see the finished product.” Aspen said looking a little surprised.

  “Yeah, let’s just get this over with okay.” Raylynn said turning back towards the mirror.

  “You act like this is the worst thing ever.” Paisley said putting her hands on her hips.

  “It’s fine Pais, I’m just messing with you.” Raylynn said with a playful grin.

  “Good. Its makeup time!” Paisley squealed reaching for the primer.

  Another forty five minutes later, Paisley stepped back and took a good long look at her.

  “You are perfect! I can’t wait to see you in your dress!” Paisley squealed.

  “Well, you are just gonna have to. I want to get your hair and makeup done before I put on that bandage you call a dress.” Raylynn said with just enough sarcasm to get her point across.

  “Fine, but I want my hair,”

  “Nope, stop right there. I let you do whatever you wanted to do. I sat for hours while you twisted and pulled my hair into this fancy ass ballerina bun that could withstand a category 5 hurricane and didn’t say a word, so you my sweet sweet Paisley are going to sit down and shut up while I do yours.” Raylynn said, giving Paisley a taste of her own medicine.

  “I was just going to say that I wanted to look good. I just want it to look nice okay.”

  “I have a style picked out that will go great with your dress. Now calm down and let me work.” Raylynn said, pushing Paisley back in her seat.

  “Fine, I trust you…kind of.”

  It took a lot less time for Raylynn to perfect Paisley’s waterfall braid. Her hair was perfect for the style, and against her tan skin, her blonde hair sparkled. Paisley’s makeup for the evening however, took a bit longer to get done. She had almost had a heart attack when Raylynn had pulled out the metal eyes pallet. When all was said and done, It had taken Raylynn and hour and twenty minutes to get Paisley done.

  “Alright, you are perfect.” She said putting the cap back on the red matte lipstick.

  “I’m not so sure I even want to look.” Paisley said nervously.

  “Pais, you look great, I mean, you defiantly look different, but hot.” Aspen said stepping closer.

  “I’m just going to get my dress on and then I’ll look.” Paisley said standing and walking towards the closet. She took two dress bags out and laid them gently on her bed.

  “There’s yours Coop. We need to hurry though, the guys will be here soon and you know dad is going to want to meet them and take pictures and stuff.”

  “Don’t remind me.” She replied, grabbing her dress, and heading for the door. “I’m gonna get dressed in my room. Come get me if you need help lacing the back of your dress.” She said before heading out the door.

  Once in the comfort of her own room, she removed the pale purple dress from the bag and lay it out on the bed. She stood looking at it, and with a shake of her head, pulled her cozy PJ’s off.

  Raylynn took another look at her phone before sitting on the bed to pull on her shoes. The message she had sent Jax had been read, but nothing had been said back. She hoped that she hadn’t hurt his feelings, but she just couldn’t deal with Paisley and her opinions tonight.

  She took one last look in the mirror now that her jewelry and shoes were on and silently appreciated Paisley’s hard work. The intricate braided bun was beautiful, and the curled tendrils drew attention to her face. Her eye shadow was a shade darker than the pale purple of her dress, and the false lashes Paisley had glued to her face made her eyes look bigger. Her lips were a gloss pink and for some reason they looked fuller. She admired her curves in the mirror. Her dress still fit like a second skin and she wasn’t so sure about the small piece of string that held the back together. Her long legs looked longer in the short dress, paired with the strappy heels Paisley insisted she buy. She couldn’t be sure, but she looked softer somehow. She looked like a different person. She looked like as if she might belong with the cheerleaders she was going with tonight. She shook off the thought and grabbed her clutch. As she reached for her phone, it rang. It was Jax, she answered it immediately.

  “Sorry if I hurt your feelings, I just really don’t want to have to deal with Paisley tonight.” She said as soon as the call connected.

  “Babe, it’s okay. I was only calling to see if the asshole was there yet. I’m gettin antsy over here, waiting to see what you look like.” Jax replied with a hint of annoyance in his tone.

  “Oh, no they aren’t here yet, but it shouldn’t be long. I’ll text you when we’re on our way. Is Ty ready?” she asked.

  “Yeah, and dude looks good too. How’s his date look?”

  “Aspen is like sex on legs, I swear she should be a model or something.”

  “For real? Looks like I might need to hook Ty up with some condoms before ya’ll get here. At least make sure the kid knows what they are anyway.”

  “I think he knows what they are Jax, not sure he’s ever had to use one, but I’m sure he can figure it out.” She said smiling.

  “I don’t know, the kid is a bit naïve. He might think they are for balloon animals.”

  “I’m sure Aspen can help him figure it out.” She replied laughing.

  “Alright, I’m just tryin to keep the kid safe.” He said laughing. “but for real, I understand what you meant. I won’t say anything to anyone else about us being a thing. That’s for you to tell. I only told Syn, cause well he’s my brother. I’ll be good tonight, as long as playboy keeps his hands off the merchandise everything will be fine.”

  “Oh really now? Hands off the merchandise huh?”

  “Yeah, I would hate to have to break his hands for touching stuff that doesn’t belong to him.”

  “Yeah, okay. I gotta go, I can hear the car in the driveway. I’ll see you soon. I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  Raylynn smiled a full smile and hit end. With one last look in the mirror, she straightened her dress and walked out the door.

  The girls made their way down the stairs to find a waiting Richard. The look on his face as he took in the girls was one of pure terror. Raylynn knew exactly why too. Paisley looked like an old school vixen. Her blonde hair fell perfectly over her bare shoulders, and landed at the soft curve of her breast. Her beautiful hazel eyes were made dramatic by the smoky steel eye shadow and her red lips drew themselves into a perfect pout. Her dress hugged her body perfectly and with every step, her leg made itself visible. Her teal heels tied everything together nicely. She looked like a rockstar.

&
nbsp; Aspen was smoking hot too. Her dress left little to the imagination, and she could tell that Richard did not approve.

  Before Richard could say a word, the doorbell rang. Raylynn could feel her heart drop, and the bile rise in her throat. This is what she was dreading. The moment she had to pretend to be okay with going to a dance with someone other than Jax.

  Richard straightened his stance and opened the door. Brian and Nick stood before him looking like the poster boys for a tuxedo shop. They had matched their ties to the colors the girls were wearing, and both held corsages.

  “Hello sir, I’m Brian, and this is Nick. We are here to take your daughter’s to the Harvest dance.” Brian said with a sickly sweetness in his voice.

  “Hello boys, it’s nice to meet you.” Richard replied sternly.

  Raylynn had to stifle a giggle. Richard was putting on a show, and she loved every minute of it.

  “Dad, are you going to invite them in or do they have to wait on the porch?” Paisley asked annoyed.

  “Excuse me; I must have misplaced my manners. Please come on in.” He said quickly, stepping to the side to allow them entrance.

  The boys stepped in and attached the corsages to the girls dresses. Raylynn felt Nick brush his fingers against her breast but decided that a kick to the groin would ruin Paisley’s night. Instead, she leaned in and quietly threatened him.

  “Touch me like that again and I’ll cut your nuts off with a dull kitchen knife.” She whispered before letting out a small giggle.

  After the pleasantries were over, Uncle Richard insisted on a few pictures which Paisley was more than happy to pose for, and before she knew it they were saying their goodbyes. Brian shook Richard’s hand and waited for Paisley to give him a kiss before escorting her out the door. Aspen placed a quick peck on Richard’s cheek and followed after Paisley. Nick too had shook Richards hand and waited for Raylynn.

  “Go ahead and help Aspen in the limo, Ray will be out in just a moment.” Richard said to the waiting Nick.

  “Yes sir, I’ll see you at the limo Raylynn.” He said before following after Aspen.

  When they were finally alone Raylynn turned to her Uncle.

  “What was that all about?” she asked smiling.

  “I don’t like them and I don’t trust them.” He said bluntly.

  Raylynn couldn’t help but laugh. She knew he was only playing nice for Paisley.

  “I knew it. I could tell you weren’t really happy about this whole ordeal.” She said.

  “Not at all, but this dance is important to her, and I have to learn to trust her judgment, but do me a favor and put this in your bag. If anything happens, spray first and save the questions for the police got it.” He said handing her a small can of pepper spray.

  “Sure thing Uncle Richard.” she said placing the can in her bag before giving him a hug.

  “I love you kid.”

  “I love you too.”

  “Be careful tonight and try to have fun okay.”

  “Yeah, fun.” She said with a smile.

  “Alright, get going.” He said with one last squeeze.

  Raylynn took a deep breath and headed towards the waiting limo.

  The drive to Ty’s was faster than Ray expected, and before she knew it they had turned onto his street. She hoped that Jax wasn’t outside, but she knew better than that. She had sent the promised text message and waited for the car to stop. She had been watching Nick and Brian the entire drive over, and she had watched their faces as they made the turn onto Ty’s street. They looked scared, and Raylynn couldn’t help but find it funny.

  When the car pulled up in front of Ty’s house, Raylynn could see the guys waiting on the porch. Lucas and Drake on one side of the porch, with Syn and Jax on the other.

  “This is where Ty lives? Rough area isn’t it?” Nick asked scanning the area.

  “You can stay in the car, its fine.” Raylynn said opening the door and climbing out as carefully as possible.

  Jax

  “Your date is here Ty. Get your ass out here.” Lucas yelled as the limo came to a stop in front of the house.

  “Yeah Ty, Ray said that chick is smokin hot, you better get out here before Lucas snatches her up.” Jax called, knowing that Ty could care less.

  The back door of the limo opened and all he could see was legs. Sexy legs. The kind of legs that make you want to see what’s between them. He knew instantly that those legs didn’t belong to Ty’s date. Those legs belonged to Ray.

  “Damn, I want those legs wrapped around my neck.” Syn said, elbowing Jax. “Ty’s got his work cut out for him.”

  The door on the other side opened and some blonde guy stepped out and quickly made his way to the door Raylynn was climbing out of.

  “Shit is that Ray?” Syn asked, watching the blonde pull her out of the car.

  “Yeah, it is.” Was all Jax could manage.

  He could feel the mix of anger and attraction building in him. His chest was tight and so were his jeans. The thought of another man taking Ray anywhere while she was dressed like that was almost too much for him to handle. He wanted to beat his ass and then fuck her on the hood of that limo. He let his eyes look her over completely. She was a knockout. Her long legs disappeared at mid thigh and was covered by the smallest amount of fabric he had ever seen. Her dress was tight, and hugged her in all the right places. Her breasts looked even bigger under that light purple dress, and the halter strap only pulled them up higher. He wanted her, but it was obvious to him that the other guys thought the same thing. He turned his eyes and saw his brother, he was eyeing her like he wanted to devour her on the sidewalk. Lucas was practically drooling, and Drake seemed unfazed.

  “You guys just gonna stare, or are you gonna get Ty?” Raylynn yelled, walking up to the porch.

  She was joined by the blonde, which he could only assume was Nick. Paisley and her date followed behind them with Aspen not far behind. Paisley looked fuckin hot. He could see her inner bad girl just aching to get out. He knew in a millisecond that Raylynn had dressed her. He let his eyes travel to Aspen. Ray was right, she was sex on legs. Ty would be stupid if he let her go.

  “Hey, where’s Ty? I’m ready to dance.” Aspen called up to the porch.

  “He’s in the house, makin sure his hair is perfect. I swear dude primps more than a chick.” Lucas said, staring at Aspen. Jax could see him drooling.

  “Well he needs to hurry up, we need to go.” Paisley said impatiently.

  Jax tried to look away, but he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was everything that wet dreams were made of, and she was his. He locked eyes with her finally, and he watched as she licked her lip and bit it slightly. She looked at him and smiled just enough that he could see it. He had just started to smile back when it happened. The blonde fuck, who had been standing slightly behind Ray, let his eyes drop to her ass before stepping closer and wrapping his arms around her waist.

  “Motherfucker.” He whispered to himself, balling his fists up. He was beyond pissed.

  He watched the look on Raylynn’s face change from seductive to shocked to pissed in the time it took for that prick’s hands to find her stomach.

  “Jax, calm down.” Syn whispered to him.

  “Imma beat that motherfuckers brains in if he doesn’t get his fuckin hands off her.” Jax said turning his back to the sidewalk. He couldn’t keep it together if he kept watching.

  “Go in the house, Ray can handle herself. She just…” Syn said, but before he could finish, Jax had pushed himself upright and started towards the door.

  “Fuck this shit.” He said loud enough for only Syn to hear before opening the door and leaving them staring after him.

  “Ty! Get your ass out here!” He yelled when he made it into the house.

  “Damn Jax, who shit it your cereal?” Ty asked as Jax pushed past him.

  “That motherfucker out there puttin his hands on Ray like she belongs to him or some shit. He’s lucky I didn’t fuck him up on
sight.” Jax said grabbing the key to Syn’s bike.

  “Calm down, I’m sure Ray can handle it. She will fuck him up if he gets to handsy.” Ty said, trying and failing to calm him down.

  “I gotta get outta here before I do something stupid. Tell Syn I’ll be back.” He said just in time to hear the front door open. Without looking back, he took off through the kitchen and out the back door.

  Raylynn

  Jax was pissed and she knew it. As soon as Nick’s hands touched her she knew. Jax had turned around so fast that he had missed the perfectly aimed elbow she had thrown into Nick’s stomach. She watched him storm into the house and she had to stop herself from chasing after him. She had looked to Syn, pleading with him to go after Jax. He in turn shook his head and leaned on the banister. She whipped her head around and stared at Nick, wanting to punch him in the mouth for what he had done. She had made it clear during their classroom talks that she wasn’t interested in him in any way, but still he had decided to try to hold her like she was his.

  “What the fuck dude?” She spat before turning on her heel and heading towards the house.

  She took the three steps up onto the porch very carefully. She came to a stop at the door. Deep breath Ray, she whispered to herself before opening the door and stepping into the house. She made it inside just in time to see Jax take off through the kitchen.

  “You ready?” Ty asked stepping closer.

  “Um yeah, just coming to find you. Aspen is getting antsy.” She replied.

  “Well, let’s get this shit over with shall we.” Ty said, putting his hand on his hip so that Raylynn could lace her arm through it.

  They walked out arm and arm and made their way down the stairs. Raylynn could have sworn she heard someone say something about her ass, but she couldn’t be sure. They came to a stop when they reached the others. Aspen was blushing as Ty placed her corsage on her wrist and kissed her cheek. Raylynn hoped that Ty would actually give Aspen a chance.