“Really,” I mused. “What size batteries does she use?” I popped another chip in and glanced his way.
Nate started coughing as he began choking on his sandwich. “Geez Jen, give me a little credit here.”
“Sorry.” I shrugged. “I didn’t know girls like that liked guys like you.”
“They don’t. That’s why I need to work on this more. So,” he turned toward me, “will you come to the party after the game so I can work on this more?”
“We’ll be there.” Kenzie kicked me under the table as she smiled stupidly at Nate.
“Ow!” I yelped as I glared at her.
“I like you.” Nate held his hand out to fist pound her. “Justin’s talking about having a bonfire, so dress for that.” He pushed the last of his sandwich into his mouth before standing. “See you tonight, Jenni.” He turned and began walking away with that swagger that the girls seemed to fawn over, and all I could do was stare.
“He has a nice ass.” Kenzie sighed.
“And he knows it,” I mumbled as I shook my head. Apparently, I was going to the game tonight, and then to a party with Nate Carter. Lord help me. I’ve gone to the dark side.
oooooooo
“Please tell me that you’re not wearing that?” Kenzie leaned against the opening of my bedroom as I looked for my missing sneaker.
“What’s wrong with this?” I glanced down quickly before continuing my search. It was a cool night, and I’d opted for an oversized sweatshirt and leggings.
“We’re going out after. You wouldn’t wear that on a date.” She shook her head as she pushed off the door, and stepped around me. “I’m sure we have better options.” I stopped in my search when I heard her rustling clothes around in my closet. “You’ve got a killer body, Jenni. All that gymnastics training has given you something most girls would die for. You need to use that, not hide it under some baggy sweatshirt.”
“You do remember that I didn’t want to go to this in the first place, right?” I flopped down on my bed.
“It’s Nate Carter. Don’t you wonder what all the fuss is about?” Kenzie turned to me, popping her hand on her hip. “He obviously likes you. You’re single now. Best way to get over Darrin is to find someone else to stay warm with.” She laughed as she pulled a pair of skinny jeans from my closet. “Wear this, with this.” She flung a long-sleeved red V-neck shirt that I’d forgotten I had onto the bed.
“I forgot about this.” I held it up. It was snug and made my boobs look great. “Darrin didn’t like it. He said it made guys stare at my chest.”
“All the more reason to wear it.” Kenzie pursed her lips. “Who cares what the old D-Bag thinks. This is the new you. The you Nate Carter likes.”
“You’re right. I need to let go and see what happens. I mean, how bad could he be?” I stripped out of the leggings, and slipped into the jeans. After tugging the top on, I ran a brush through my hair, and slipped a hair tie onto my wrist in case I wanted it later. “Let’s roll.”
“That’s what I’m talking about.” Kenzie held her hand up for a high five. She’s the only person I know who still does that, but whatever.
oooooooo
Kenzie and I spent most of the game talking to friends. I never really watched football, and after Nate scored for the second time and put us up by twenty-one points, I kinda lost interest. I knew enough of what happened to say I watched the game.
When we reached Justin’s house, a fire was going in the backyard fire pit. A small group of guys was sitting nearby drinking what I assumed was beer. Justin was notorious for these parties. Several girls were sitting by the fire roasting marshmallows, and laughing. Music came through some outdoor speakers.
“You made it!” Nate appeared from around the corner. “Want something to drink?” He flung his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into his side.
“I’m good, thanks.” I tried to pull away, but he only tightened his embrace.
“I’m not trying to be a dick right now. I’m trying to stake my claim. They won’t bother you if they think you’re with me,” he lowered his voice right next to my ear.
“Oh.” It was all I could say. I didn’t know if I should take it as him being sweet, or if he was full of crap and this was another game.
“You look really hot, by the way.” He smirked before releasing me, and jogging up the deck steps where the coolers were located. A few of the other football players were up there, and when he reached them, they started joshing each other.
“What’s that about?” I wondered aloud before Kenzie linked arms with me, and led us to the fire pit.
“Who knows.” She shrugged. “They’re guys, they’ve got beer, and they just won the game. I’m sure it’s some celebratory thing they do.”
“Hey, Jen. I was sorry to hear about you and Darrin.” Michelle Benson smiled up at me as we stopped by a couple of chairs. I stood there stunned at first, but then forced the words out.
“Thanks.” I glanced in her direction before turning to sit. She was so fake that I was surprised she had the sense to even say something. She’s been after Darrin for years, and the only thing in her way was me. Now that I’m not there, I don’t know what’s stopping her.
“It’s good to see you out, but I’m surprised you’re here.” She giggled, and the other cheerleaders sitting with her joined in.
“And why is that?” Kenzie stepped up beside me.
“Well, this is a football thing, and you don’t play.” She looked to the girl on her right, and started laughing again.
“Last I checked, you didn’t either.” Kenzie’s brow scrunched as she stared Michelle down.
“I’m on the squad. You knew what I meant,” she scoffed as she flung her hair over her shoulder. It was right then that Nate decided to make another appearance.
“Hey.” He reached down and grabbed my hand. “Come with me.” He started to lead me away, and I let him. I was actually letting him touch me, and it didn’t repulse me at the same time. What the hell was wrong with me? When we got a few feet away from the fire, he stopped and stood in front of me. His face softened, and he handed me a beer. “I know you said you don’t drink, but I think you need one of these.”
“Thanks.” I rolled my eyes as I lifted it to my lips. It tasted terrible, and made my face twist as I forced it down.
“Ignore her.” He nodded in Michelle’s direction. “She’s been flirting all night, and her interest isn’t interested in her at the moment.” He smirked as he watched something over my shoulder.
“I can’t stand that bitch,” I muttered as I forced another mouthful of beer down.
“Kenzie seemed to have her handled just fine.” He laughed before he stepped closer. “I’m glad you came.” His hand lifted, and he trailed his fingers lightly down my arm. “Are you?”
“I’m still trying to decide on that,” I muttered as I looked around. Kenzie was up on the deck with the guys holding her own. It surprised me, but then again, she never liked the cheerleader type; that’s why we got along so well.
I shivered and wrapped my arms around myself. “Wanna go back over by the fire?” Nate’s head tipped to the side as he watched the indecision swim in my eyes.
“Not really.” I sighed as I shivered again.
“I’ll protect you.” He chuckled as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders once again and turned us toward the fire. “Come on.”
I followed him over, and when the warmth hit me, I couldn’t help but sigh. It felt so good, and heat from his nearness caused me to become painfully aware of the fact that he was inches away. He lowered himself into one of the chairs, placed his beer on the ground, and then patted his lap. “Sit.”
“I can get my own chair.” I stumbled over the words.
“I know you can, but I’d really like for you to sit here.” He patted his thigh. “It’ll help you warm up,” he threw in to help his case. I was just about to resist again when the last person I expected to see showed up.
“W
hat’s this?” Darrin’s incredulous voice sounded from behind us, causing me to go stiff.
“What does it look like, asshole?” Nate growled as he turned and looked over his shoulder.
“You dating this douche now, Jen?” He moved closer. “Really? You didn’t want to give it up to me, but you’ll give it up to him?”
My stomach dropped as Darrin continued to word vomit. How dare he do this here in front of most of the football team, and Michelle of all people? “Why are you here, Darrin?” My eyes flashed in his direction.
“Yeah.” Nate stood. “Why are you here?”
“Your mom said you and Kenzie went to the game, and then were going to a party. I wanted to talk to you.” His eyes darted between us.
“I don’t have anything to say to you, Darrin.” I stepped closer to him, and he stepped back. “You need to leave.”
“Whatever.” He tossed his hands in the air. “I thought I made a mistake, but clearly I didn’t. If you want to hang with Carter and the rest of ‘em, then you aren’t the girl I thought you were.”
“Guess I’m not,” I shouted to his back as he walked away. It hurt, watching it, but part of me felt relief.
“You ok?” Nate’s hand landed on my shoulder, reminding me he was there.
“I will be. Can you get me another one of these?” I nodded to the half-finished beer in my hands. “I have a feeling I’m gonna need it.” I lifted the one I had to my lips, and tipped my head back, slowly draining it.
“Damn,” Nate hissed. “Be right back.” He nimbly jumped over the chair in his way as he jogged up the deck steps and began digging through the cooler.
“That was fast.” I giggled.
“That was hot. I wanna watch you do it again,” he teased as he clinked his beer with mine. “Let’s go, Stone.”
“I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed. I’m a lightweight.” I giggled again as I sipped the stuff. I hated beer, but I hated Darrin more at the moment, and the beer was helping me not care.
Chapter 4
Jenni
I haven’t had any more run ins with Darrin since the party. I’ve seen him at school, but I make a point to avoid wherever he is. The only time I’m forced to deal with him is in chemistry class. I’ve tried to get a new lab partner, but Mr. Garner refuses to move me. I think it’s some punishment from another lifetime or something. At first, Darrin would try to talk to me. Now, he just does the assignment and leaves me alone.
“Good morning, Jen.” Nate slid into his desk, and smiled at me. He was incredibly chipper this morning, and it annoyed me that much more.
“Why are you so happy?” I gave him a side glance as I prepared for whatever was getting ready to come my way.
“I have a date on Saturday.” He smirked as he leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Where did you order her from? Bimbos R Us?” I rolled my eyes.
“You shouldn’t talk about yourself like that,” he tsked. “What time should I pick you up?” He leaned closer and wagged his brows.
“I’m not going out with you.” I shook my head.
“Yes, you are.” He chuckled. “You may not think that you are, but you are.”
“This means you’re gonna bug me until I say yes, doesn’t it?” I groaned.
“Pretty much.” He shrugged. “It’s our thing.” He snickered. “You say no, and I bug you until you say yes. It’d be a lot easier to plan this though if you’d just say yes now.”
“Why would I want to make anything easy for you?” I rolled my eyes.
“You’re right. So, should I plan a new tactic for lunch?” He flipped open his notebook and started jotting something down.
“What are you doing?” I craned my neck as I attempted to read what he was writing.
“Penciling you in for some badgering during lunch today. I had an open slot.” His lips curled on one side, and I couldn’t help it. As annoying as Nate was, it was kinda sweet the way he pursued me. Darrin never chased me. I wanted to date him, so of course I said yes right away when he asked me out. Nate has been different though. I wasn’t really looking for him, and he’s made sure to be a friend first. Heck, we hung out all night on Friday and he didn’t even try to kiss me.
“Ok, fine,” I grumbled as I turned in my chair sideways. “I’ll go out with you on Saturday. Happy now?”
“Ecstatic.” He grinned. “I have practice in the afternoon, so I’ll pick you up after, say around six thirty?”
“Sure.” I flipped open my notebook and pretended to write something down.
“What are you doing?” He mimicked what I’d done earlier.
“Penciling you in, in case I need to cancel. I shrugged before bursting into laughter.
“Ok, ok, ok. You win, Stone. You win.” He laughed as he turned to face the front of the room. Mrs. Sanderson had just walked in, and class was about to start.
oooooooo
“I can’t believe you actually said yes.” Kenzie giggled over the phone. “I mean, it’s Nate Carter, but you said yes. Oh my god! My best friend is going on a date with Nate Carter.”
“He’s just a guy, Kenz,” I sighed as I held up another skirt, “and it’s just dinner.” I’d been trying to decide between the black and the brown skirts on my bed. I had no idea where we were going, only to dinner. Nate had been real quiet, which unnerved me. He was never quiet at school about anything.
“It’s not just dinner, and you know it,” she teased. “This is Nate, and this is the first date you’ve been on since the asshole cut you free. Aren’t you curious as to what’s going to happen tonight?”
“Nothing’s happening tonight. We’re going to dinner, that’s it.” I shoved clothes out of the way in my closet as I searched for the cream-colored sweater that I liked.
“What if he tries to kiss you?” Her voice got quiet like she didn’t want anyone to hear what she was saying.
“Why would he do that?” I rolled my eyes. “I don’t even think he really likes me. I’m just a challenge for him, that’s all.” I’d been telling myself this for the last few days. When I’d gotten home from school the other day, the first thing I did was call my brother. He’d once been really good friends with Nate’s brother, Brad. I wanted his opinion, but I didn’t get much. He seemed distracted, and like he really didn’t want to talk to me. I figured Nate couldn’t be too bad if Mason didn’t seem worried about me going out with him.
“He likes you. I’ve seen the way he watches you.” She sighed dreamily.
“Do you think all that stuff girls say about him is true?” I found the sweater I was looking for, and tossed it on the bed.
“You mean that he’s a player?” I heard a clicking sound and assumed she closed her door.
“I mean that he just wants sex,” I grumbled. “I don’t think I can do that. I mean, that’s why Darrin left. What if he only wants sex from me?”
“That’s all most guys want. They realize once they get to know you that they want more. Get him to want more,” she coaxed.
“He’s gonna have to want more. I don’t plan to sleep with him.” I shrugged. “Listen, I gotta go. He’s gonna be here soon, and I’m standing in my room in my underwear.”
“I’m sure he’d love that,” she teased. “Have fun, and call me tomorrow. I want deets.”
“I’ll call you tonight.” I laughed.
“If the night goes well you won’t. You’ll be sucking face with Nate.” She giggled. “Later.” The line went dead, and I tossed my phone on my bed.
Was she right? Would Nate try to kiss me tonight? I touched my fingers to my lips, and tried to imagine it. Darrin’s the only guy I’ve really dated, made out with, touched… he’s been the only one. I don’t have anything to compare him to. What would Nate be like? How would it feel to kiss him? Does he even want to kiss me? I turned to look at myself in the mirror in the corner of my room. I was pretty, I guess. I was petite and muscular from years of gymnastics. I didn’t have big boobs like
the girls Nate seemed to like. My hair was plain, and my eyes a simple brown. There wasn’t anything really that stood out for me.
I shook my head trying to push the thoughts away as I slipped on my brown skirt. He’d have to take or leave it tonight. I wasn’t going to try and be someone I wasn’t.
oooooooo
“You look really pretty tonight.” Nate glanced at me as he pulled into a parking space.
“Thanks.” I tugged at my skirt. I’d forgone the tights that I usually wore with it, and opted for some knee boots instead. It wasn’t cold yet, so the short-sleeved sweater I’d paired with it was warm enough.
“I hope this is okay.” He motioned to the restaurant in front of us.
“Sure. It’s fine.” I fidgeted. I honestly didn’t care where we ate. I wasn’t hungry. My nerves were making sure of that. I was hoping that it would be something a little nicer than pizza though. Pie in the Sky was one of the best pizza joints in the city, but I’d have thought Nate would pick somewhere that might call for reservations.
“It’s not fine. I can see it all over your face.” Nate sighed. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I shook my head as I reached for the door handle.
Before I could get the door open, Nate reached across me, pulling it shut. “Don’t lie to me, Jenni. We spent all night Friday talking. I thought we were getting somewhere. What is it? Do you not like pizza?”
“I feel overdressed,” I murmured, “and Darrin used to bring me here all the time.”
“You look great, and Darrin’s a douche.” He stared right at me waiting for me to agree with him, I think. “We can go somewhere else if you want, but wouldn’t you rather have good memories of this place, than the ones you have with Darrin?”
“Good point.” I gave a quick nod. “Let’s do this.” I pushed at the car door, and this time he let me open it. When we got to the door of the restaurant, he held his hand out for me. I never believed in that feeling that you hear about getting from another person, but when my fingers touched his it was like an electric bolt shot up my arm. My entire body took notice that he was there, and for the first time since Nate started his pursuit, I felt something more than annoyance from him.
On Broken Wings (The Witness Series Book 7) Page 3
