by Casey Peeler
As headlights pull into the drive, we separate. Squinting, I notice that it’s Beau. When he gets out, he joins us on the porch for a few minutes, noticing our wet clothes. He knows exactly what we have been up to.
“So, she made ya jump, huh?” Beau asks.
“Twice,” Jake answers, and Beau seems confused.
“Um, there was a train comin’. Jake and Lynds had to jump,” I say timidly.
“Dammit, Belle! That’s why I always tried to keep you away. Wait. Where were you if he jumped with Lynds?”
Staring at the solid wood below my feet, I try to avoid this conversation. “I was talkin’ to Chase. He got his panties in a wad, and I had to smooth things over.”
He shakes his head. “When are you gonna grow up, Belle? You can’t run after him every time he get’s upset. You’re not gonna be around forever.” Ouch, that hurt.
“Shut up, Beau! You’re just mad because I’ve made it out of this podunk town, and you haven’t. You got so much talent it’s ridiculous how you waste it around here!”
Jake looks at us like we are about to throw punches and then starts to laugh.
“What’s so funny?” I ask.
“Y’all. It’s like you’re five or something. Cute, I’ll tell ya… real cute. I’m gonna get outta these clothes,” Jake says as he walks inside.
Turning toward Beau, I say, “You know, he’s exactly right. We both need to grow the hell up.” I go inside and head straight to my room to get ready for bed.
As I get ready, I let the events of the night replay through my brain. My emotions are a mess. Jake and I are taking things to a different level, and it’s getting hot fast. Chase is telling me he doesn’t want to be without me. Lyndsay is the same old Lynds, and Beau is my obnoxious older brother who will never change and will always wish he could be more like me. What a freakin’ night.
After I finish getting ready for bed, I check on Jake. Walking next door, I knock gently before he answers for me to come in. As I enter the room, I notice he’s standing there wearing only a pair of gym shorts and glistening from a fresh shower.
“Sorry about that, Jake,” I say as I close the door.
“Come here,” he says as we make our way to sit on the edge of his bed. “Look. I just had to get away from you two. Y’all are at each other’s throats more than you realize. Be thankful you have Beau, but also remember that you’re holding part of his dream. I wish there were a way we could make it a reality for him.”
Stunned by what Jake just said, I decide to tell him my idea for Beau if I ever get to headline. “I’ve always wanted to take Beau with me on the road if I got my own tour. That way I’d always have family with me and help him live his dream as well.”
Jake hovers over me and forces my body against the mattress. “That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard, but definitely not as sweet as you. You need to tell him that; he needs you to give him hope.” His lips touch mine, and I begin to feel the heat rise once again. I beg for Jake to move closer, to make me feel him against me, and to cross the line of no return. Instead, he walks the line, pushes the limit, and makes me only crave him more.
“Belle, I want you. Don’t think that I don’t, but this isn’t the place or time. You deserve so much more.” Continuing to worship me, he trails soft kisses from my neck down my arm and to my hand, where he ends the kiss like only a prince would… or should I say… a country music god.
AFTER PULLING MYSELF OUT of my country fairy tale, I leave Jake and go to my room, only to toss and turn for hours. My mind races to thoughts of Jake and me at the creek, Martin’s, the trestle, and that bathroom, which is only inches away. What the hell am I doing?
Giving up on sleeping, I throw on a pair of cutoffs and tank top before making my way out to the tire swing out front. As I swing, I get lost in thought. My brain wonders to all the thoughts that had me tossing and turning. Ever since I can remember this is where I would go to clear my mind. It followed all the rules growing up, but felt like an escape.
As I swing higher and higher, I jump out of my skin when I hear Chase’s voice. Glancing over my shoulder, I see him. “What the hell, Chase?” I inquire with a little anger in my voice.
“I just wondered if you were having the same problem I was having.”
“And what would that be?” I ask like a smartass as I come to a complete stop on the swing.
Chase approaches me and begins to push me on the swing. As he pushes me, I relax and think about all the times we used to do this. “The thought of you and me.” Planting my bare feet on the ground, I abruptly halt myself mid-swing, jump up, and face Chase.
“No, that’s not what I was thinkin’ about! Not you and me! More like Jake and me!”
I can see the hurt in Chase’s eyes and the anger bulging from his veins. As he gathers his thoughts, he doesn’t look at me. Once he has his feelings and thoughts in check, he tells me exactly what he’s thinking. “When are you going to wake up and realize that this is just a getaway for him, Bella Blu? Did you not see him checking out Lynds tonight? Lord only knows what happened when they jumped, if you know what I mean.”
I take a step toward him to show him I’m not going to back down. “You asshole! Don’t you dare say that! He’s different. I know I shouldn’t have crossed that line, but it’s been crossed whether you like it or not,” Then I back away and walk toward the house, leaving Chase standing there alone.
Once I’m in my bedroom, I glance out the window toward the swing. I see Chase sitting there, but not swinging. Not wanting to apologize, I crawl into bed, only to toss and turn even more than before. I shouldn’t have said that to Chase. It was spiteful and not how I am. Letting my conscience get the best of me, I grab my phone, send him a quick text to tell him I’m sorry and hope he’ll still save me a dance tomorrow night at Joe’s. When he doesn’t respond, a tear falls from my eye and eventually I drift off to sleep. Tonight has ended in disaster.
WAKING UP, I HEAR the tractor going in the distance and several people laughing and talking. What time is it? I peek at the clock and can hardly believe that it is almost noon. I never sleep this late. Feeling a little upset with myself, I jump up and throw on some old clothes. I had planned to help Daddy on the farm today. I figured that Jake might like to do a little farm work.
I stop by the guest room, and it’s very evident that Jake isn’t in here. Mama has brunch ready for me because breakfast is definitely over.
“Hey, honey! I saved you some, but you better be glad I did. Those men ate like a house full of teenage boys. I don’t know what I would’ve done with a house full of those!”
Shaking my head, I take the plate, eat, and talk to Mama about everything.
“Bella, sweet girl. Let me tell you. Be careful whatever you do, but know that if you choose Jake, things will never be the same with Chase. He’s always loved you. Beau will always support you, but it’s been hard on him. He wants out, and I want to help him, but I don’t know how.”
“Mama, I have Beau covered. I haven’t told him yet, but if I headline, he’s going to work for me. It will open so many doors for him. I was really mean to him last night, though. Jake called us five-year-olds.”
Mama laughs as she sets her coffee cup back down. “Y’all will always be that way.”
“So, where is everyone?”
Mama points to the window, and I see Daddy, Beau, and Jake out in the field working together. I smile as I finish my food and then make my way outside.
“Somebody could’ve woken me, ya know? Someone needs to show you how to really do work on a farm,” I tell Jake who is standing there in a pair of worn-out jeans and cutoff T-shirt that he must have borrowed from Beau. Damn, who thought my brother’s clothes could look that good on someone.
“I think someone needed to rest up after a long night on the tire swing,” Beau says, and I cut my eyes at him.
Jake looks at me inquisitively, and I tell him he doesn’t wanna know.
Shaking it off, he
goes back to working, and I join right in. After a couple of hours, we are all beat, and Mama has lunch ready. We go in and enjoy before going to finish one more task for Daddy.
“Hey, Jake. I gotta go check the fence out by the creek. You wanna go?” He gives me another curious look and smirks.
“Hell, yeah. I wanna go.”
Loading up the Gator, we take anything we might need to repair a loose post or wire. It’s an easy fix, especially with both of us working.
“Wanna go for a swim?” I wink.
“I thought you’d never ask,” he says as he takes off his shirt and tosses it onto the Gator before removing his jeans. I know exactly what I’m about to do, but I decide to keep his curiosity at its pique as we make our way down to the creek.
Once we are there, I kick off my shoes, unbutton my shorts, and shimmy out of them while keeping one eye on Jake. Yeah, that was the right move. Then, I pull my tank top over my head and toss it onto the pile on the ground before jumping in.
As I surface, I’m met by another splash and automatically dragged underwater in one swift motion. When I reach the top, I find Jake with eyes full of passion.
“Belle, why’d you have to do that? Are you tryin’ to kill me? I’m tryin’ to be a good boy.”
“Well, now, who said I wanted a good boy?” I ask as I disappear under the water and toward the rock island in the middle of the creek.
As I begin to crawl up the rock, Jake comes up behind me and pulls me back into the water. Falling backwards, I land right in his arms. He turns me around, pushes me up against the rock, and takes control like any good man would.
AFTER JAKE AND I have pushed every limit possible in the creek, we relax a few minutes as the sun starts to set in the sky.
“I guess we better get back. We’ve got a big night ahead of us tonight. I can only imagine what Cole’s got planned.”
“More like what Lyndsay and Chase have planned,” Jake says. “You know they are the ones behind it.”
“I know, but that’s why I love them. They love me for me.”
We climb out of the creek, and I put my clothes back on before we make our way to the Gator. Jake does the same once we reach it.
“I really hate that this is gonna end tomorrow,” he says as fear runs through my veins.
“Whatcha mean?” I question.
“I just mean all of this,” he replies as he points to the farm. “This has been the best break I’ve ever had… ever.” He places his hand on my cheek. Not giving him a chance, I remove the space and place my lips on his and my arms around his neck. Once we finish, he starts to laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
“You know we aren’t gonna get anything done on tour now. We can’t keep ourselves off each other.”
“That’s not a bad thing,” I say as I make my way to the driver’s seat. “Come on, music god. We’ve got places to go and people to sing our hearts to.”
Once we are back at the house, we go our separate ways to get ready. Looking in my closet, I know exactly what I’m going to wear—a strapless cream-colored mini dress with a brown belt and a pair of Corral ladies Heart And Wing cowboy boots. Gazing into the mirror, I know that I need to wear my hair down. Once I’m finished, I stare back into the mirror, realizing how proud I am of myself. I have become the person I always dreamed of, and I have my friends and family to thank, but now I have someone that understands it as much as I do… Jake.
As I finish putting on the essential accessories, there’s a brief knock at the door, and when I open it, I see Beau. He’s not dressed for Joe’s like I expected.
“Are you not goin’?” I ask.
“Nah. Y’all go have fun.”
“Beau Bear! You have got to go!”
“Please tell me you didn’t just pull the Beau Bear card?
Batting my eyelashes, I reply, “You bet your ass I just did!”
“Seriously? You want me to go with y’all tonight? I thought I might interfere with you two lovebirds.” He sounds like the most annoying brother ever, but I must have the word ‘guilty’ written all over my face because he just smiles that I told you so smile.
“Not a damn word,” I say, pointing my finger at him.
“Well, my only comment is this. He’s a great guy, but he’s not the one.” I give him a look that could kill as he finishes his statement. “Have fun and enjoy life. You’re living your dream. Don’t let a guy hold you back, but if I were a bettin’ man, I’d say you’ve already met your prince.”
Turning around from Beau, I don’t know what to say. I begin to question Jake and me, Chase and me, and the decisions I have made over the past few days.
“Belle, don’t worry about what you do. I know you enough to know that you will make the right one when the time comes. I think Sarah and I might go, but you don’t need us tagging along with y’all. We’ll meet y’all there.”
“Aight, Beau Bear,” I say as I give him a hug. We might fight like we’re five, but he’s the best brother a girl could have, and one day I’m going to show him how important he is to me.
As Beau turns to leave, I know I need to tell him my thoughts. “Hey, Beau Bear?”
“Yeah?” he asks as he glances over his shoulder at the doorway.
“Um, I’ve been meanin’ to tell ya. This headline thing. If it happens, I want you on the road with me.”
His eyes get the size of grapefruits. “Huh? What are you talkin’ ‘bout?”
Making my way to him, I look him in the eye and tell him. “I want you to design my set and make sure everything goes like it’s supposed to! I trust only you for that!”
“Really?!” he asks for reassurance. As I nod my head yeah, he takes me and picks me up and gives me the biggest Beau Bear hug of my life.
Once he puts me down, I grab my purse, and Beau and I make our way into the hallway. I stop mid-stride and gawk when I see the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes upon. Closing the door to the guest room, I see Jake in a pair of Double “V” Straight Shooter jeans that I don’t think I’ve ever seen an ass look that good in and a blue plaid pearl snap that is fitted in all the right places. He turns toward me and smiles that perfect half-grin that drives me and every other girl wild.
“Belle, you look fabulous,” Jake says as he approaches me and kisses me on the cheek in front of Beau.
Not wasting another second, Beau takes his chance to leave. “Belle, we’ll meet y’all there.” I nod, and Beau makes his ways downstairs.
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” I say as I nudge him on the shoulder. “I don’t know how we’re gonna keep the barflies off ya.”
“Real funny. I don’t think I’ll have to worry about that with you on my arm.”
“Is that so, Mr. Bryant?”
“Yes, ma’am. I believe so. Now, let’s go; honestly, I’m ready to enjoy a night out with a small stage.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
Mama and Daddy are getting ready to leave the house when we get downstairs.
“Well, look at y’all! If I didn’t know better, I’d think y’all were hot country stars or somethin’,” Mama says. “Y’all have fun, but be careful. We’re going out with the Morgans tonight.” She kisses me goodbye and hugs Jake. Daddy gives us a nod on the way out the door.
“You wanna eat here, or see what we can find on the way?” I ask.
“Oh, we’re stoppin’ on the way. I’d love to have a good burger.”
I begin to cheese from ear to ear. “I think you just stole my heart! I know exactly where we need to go. Come on.”
Closing the door behind us, we make our way to Jake’s truck. I give him a one turn and stoplight direction to The Depot, home of the best burgers this side of Charlotte. Pulling into the parking lot, Jake looks uncertain. Placing my hand on his leg, I reassure him that this is the best burger joint around.
Once we are inside, we take the corner booth and order double bacon cheeseburgers, onion rings, and milkshakes. When the burgers
arrive in front of us, my mouth begins to water just thinking about the taste explosion that is about to occur. Instead of digging in first, I watch Jake. The sound that escapes his mouth is damn near erotic.
He struggles for a napkin, and I help him out and wipe his mouth. “See. I told ya,” I say with a wink.
“No wonder you lit up like a Christmas tree when I said ‘burger’. We have got to bring the crew here on our way back to Nashville.”
“Sounds good to me.”
We finish eating and feel as full as a tick. “Ohmygosh, Jake! I don’t know if I’m gonna be able to move when we get there.”
“Oh I’m sure you will. I’m gonna make damn sure you’re dancin’ with me tonight.”
Jake picks up the tab, and we make our way back to Charlotte. Once we are off I-85, I can’t help but get excited. This is where my life changed, and it will always be like home to me.
As we make our way onto Wilkinson Boulevard, my heartbeat increases, and a smile spreads across my face. I can see the red neon light in the distance. Once we are there, we pull into the gravel parking lot, and I notice the line is not too long to get inside. Getting out my phone, I text Chase to let us in the back door anyway.
“Aight, Chase is gonna let us in around back.”
Jake comes around and opens the door for me, but after closing the door, he pulls me into a strong embrace. He takes my soft blonde hair and places it behind my ear as he looks into my eyes.
“Belle, this is our night. Just us. Let’s let loose and have some fun before we’re back to reality.” Biting my lip, I nod in agreement, and then his lips press against mine.
Taking me by the hand, we walk around back, and Chase is standing there in a pair of jeans and a black fitted tee with the Coyote Joe’s logo in the corner.
“Well, if it’s not the best thing I’ve seen all night!” Chase says with a wink, and I wrap my arms about him.
“You’re not so bad yourself. I’m surprised you don’t have to fight off the girls being all big and swollen in that shirt and all.”
