The Heart of Mine

by Amanda Bennett

"Whatever you say, man. Let me know if you need anything."

  "Thanks, Joey."

  "Whatever man." He shouted as he flipped me the bird as he walked back towards the school.

  Some days, I just wanted to beat the shit outta that kid.

  Chapter 12

  Kayla

  I half expected Madison to be waiting for me after school, but to my surprise, he was nowhere to be found. I found it odd, but as far as he knew, I was still headin' out to Arizona after school today. And I would be, if Joey wouldn't have told me Glenn's plans for Cami to come out here. Either way I was ecstatic to see my best friend, and if I was being honest, I preferred to stay in a state where I felt safe.

  Joey caught me just as I was walking to my truck. "Hey KJ, where ya headed?"

  "Home I guess."

  "You wanna hang for a bit?"

  "Don't you have a flavor of the week to keep you busy today?"

  "Not today, doll. Today it's just you."

  "Oh be still my heart." I feigned adoration as I pretended to faint at his gentlemanly notion.

  "You don't have to be a bitch about it." He laughed.

  "Where do ya wanna go Jo?"

  "I don't care. Wherever you wanna go is fine with me."

  My phone chimed in my pocket as I got myself situated in the front seat. It was a text message, but the number was unknown. I gasped as I read the text silently to myself. It made absolutely no sense to me, and I was appalled that someone would be so mean. Joey noticed my horrified silence and was instantly at my side. "What is it Kayla?"

  "Nothin', you know what, I'm not feeling so good all of a sudden, do you think you could drive me home?"

  "Of course."

  Joey pulled my shaking body across the seat and right against his side, before crawling over me and behind the steering wheel. I could feel the bile rising up in my throat. I wasn't going to last long at this rate. I motioned for Joey to drive faster, but he seemed oblivious to everything except for the song he had blaring through the speakers.

  "Jo, pull over! Now!"

  The truck's tires skidded into the dirt on the side of the road. When I felt the truck was slowed enough, I pushed open the door and heaved my guts onto the concrete. I grabbed a few napkins from the glove box and wiped my mouth with them. When I sat back in the truck, I could see the look on Joey's face.

  "I'm twelve weeks along. And please, don't ask whose it is."

  "I wasn't gonna say a word. Congrats, I guess."

  "Don't play dumb Joey Green, you already knew."

  "Maybe." He smiled and that's all it took for me to relax.

  "Can you take me to Madison's, please?"

  "Of course."

  We rode the rest of the way in silence. I knew the talk I was about to have with Madison wasn't going to be a pleasant one, but it needed to be hashed out and the thought of not talkin' to him any longer, was driving me insane. We pulled into Madison's drive about fifteen minutes later. I basically told Joey to just take my truck back to his house. I would have Madison take me by later to get it.

  Joey took off a few seconds later, and I waved as he made his way out to the main drive. Madison's truck was parked in front of his house, so I wasn't too worried about popping by unannounced. I was half way up to the steps when I heard a low whistle coming from behind me. I turned quickly to see what was making the noise and was pleasantly surprised when Madison came out from behind a tree near his front porch.

  "Well look who decided to come see lil ole me." He whistled.

  "Don't be cocky, cowboy."

  "I thought that's exactly how you liked me, pretty girl."

  He definitely knew exactly what to say to make me weak. "You know it." I whispered as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

  "Does this mean you forgive me?"

  "Ah, now that is a good question. Walk with me?" I asked.

  His other arm joins the first and he is now walking behind me with both arms holding me tightly against him. The heat from his touch is enough to bring me to my knees, but I try to keep my composure until we have finished our conversation from earlier. His head dips just low enough that his chin tickles the crook of my neck. I can feel the slight stubble that has formed on his face in two days, and I come to the realization that he hasn't been shaving and by the smell of things, possibly not showering either.

  I giggle to myself as we reach a small open patch of land. I didn't think he noticed, until he spins me around in his arms so I am now facing him. I try to look away, not giving him the satisfaction of knowing just how much he affects me. As I try to look past him, his tantalizing green eyes catch me in their crosshairs, and I'm a goner.

  "Are you tryin' to avoid me?"

  "Avoiding, no. But, I am tryin' not to let you do what you do so well."

  "And what would that be exactly?"

  I glance up and look directly into his eyes, "This, what you're doing right now, drives me nuts. You're distracting me from what I really want to say."

  "Oh am I?" He whispered just low enough that his warm breath glides across my cool skin, sending goose bumps across my arms.

  "Yes. Now sit down and listen to me damn it."

  He pulled back quickly, giving me a salute. "Yes ma'am."

  I shake me head at his pathetic attempt at humor. "Look Madison, I love you, more than you may ever know. Maybe more than is even healthy for my age, but it's a fact that I can't deny. But, there is one thing I will not stand to let you do, and that is make decisions for me. I have my own brain; my own thoughts and I would appreciate it if you would ask my permission next time you plan out my life for me. Sound fair?" I stood back, hands on hips, tapping my toe against the grass.

  "Pretty girl, come sit by me, please?"

  I plop my overly tired ass down beside him and let him embrace me. I had missed his touch in the last two days. I pressed my back against his chest as his arms wound around me, letting his hands come to rest on my tiny belly.

  "I never meant to make you feel as though you don't have your own thoughts. Of course I want to plan out our life together. You're the only person that I want to make those decisions with. Your granddad just caught me off guard. I half expected him to kick my ass after he found out about the baby, but I knew exactly what he was askin'. He needed to know that I could take care of his little girl. I was thinkin' on my toes and I apologize for not askin' ya first. I felt challenged and I needed him to know that I had a plan."

  I skimmed my fingers across his before intertwining them together. "I get it. I do. Next time, just tell him that we will figure it out, not you and him."

  "Can do. So, you forgive me?"

  "Of course. These last two days have been hell not seein' you."

  "You're tellin' me darlin', I almost snuck into your house last night. That's how desperate I was to see you."

  "Oh really now?"

  "Yes, really." He moaned in my ear.

  "So, why aren't you in Arizona?"

  I knew the question was coming, but I so didn't want to deal with this right now. If anything, I thought it would turn into a fight and now that we were finally speaking again, I didn't want that.

  "No answer?"

  "Yes, I have an answer, but I don't want you to get mad. Promise you won't be mad?"

  "How can I be mad that you stayed? I don't care what changed your mind." I could feel his laugh vibrating through his chest as I took in a deep breath, willing my response to come out of my mouth.

  "Joey convinced me not to go." I almost shuttered at the thought of what Madison's face looked like behind me. I could feel his muscles tense beneath me and I wanted to turn and comfort him, to make him feel secure, but I couldn't. He was going to have to learn to live with our relationship at some point. "Are you mad?"

  I felt him shake his head before I heard his response. "No." His voice was barely above a whisper. "I just wish I could've been the one to change your mind, that's all."

  I turned ever so slightly in his arms as I ran the back
of my hand down his cheek. "Madison, I could've never left with things the way that they were. You know that, right?"

  "I guess so. I would like to think so. So what did Joey say that changed your mind?"

  "Such a nosey cowboy." I giggled. "He actually told me that I should stay with you. He told me that I would regret leaving you behind. Oh, and Glenn is proposing to Cami on Thanksgiving."

  "No fucking way? What an asshole, he didn't even say anything to me."

  "I don't think he's told anyone. He called me to ask Cami's ring size. Can you believe it?"

  "Yeah, I can. I've never seen Glenn like this with any girl. He is straight up, smitten."

  "I just can't believe they're thinkin' about marriage already."

  Madison was quick to get to his feet before he started pacing back and forth in front of me.

  "It's no different or more serious than us havin' a baby. Do you think we're movin' too fast?"

  I could tell he was getting agitated and that was the last thing I wanted. "Of course not. I just meant that they haven't known each other that long, that's all. Shit! Wait Madison, this is coming out all wrong. What we have is totally different than what they have, that's all I meant." Phew, I thought I would never get that out. I could see relief wash over his features and I instantly relaxed.

  "Well, when you put it that way, how can I disagree?"

  "You can't." I smiled against his lips as I wrapped my arms around his waist, pulling him closer to me. His lips came crashing down on mine, hard and passionately. I needed this, more than I could ever put into words. I let my hands explore every inch of his body before eventually making my way down to the zipper on his jeans. I sucked his lip between my teeth, gently biting down. Without a second thought, he had me on my back and was making his way down to my panties. I was suddenly thankful that I had worn a dress to school today.

  Chapter 13

  Madison

  Every inch of her smelled of strawberries and sandalwood. Her aroma was intoxicating and I found myself unable to control my insatiable hunger for her. I gently pushed her hair back behind her ear, before descending onto her neck. I let my tongue lick a light trail down to her collarbone, before I made my way further south. There wasn't a single piece of this girl that I wasn't about to make mine for the umpteenth time.

  The sun was just beginning to set as I slid my finger in between her wet folds. The look of pleasure that flashed across her face caught the setting sun just enough to light up her sparkling blue eyes. I swear I could've come in my pants in that moment had I not been tryin' to hold myself off for her. I slipped two fingers deep inside of her as my thumb began makin' small circles on her swollen nub. The small moans of pleasure that escaped between her delectable lips had me wanting to be deep inside of her.

  I fiercely ripped the side seam of her panties, discarding them to the side before thrusting inside of her with one swift motion. I wanted to be gentle. I wanted her to feel loved, but somethin' deep inside took over me and I just couldn't help myself any longer. If I wasn't inside of her soon, I was goin' to spontaneously combust.

  Kayla's body arched off of the ground, pressing her breasts into my chest and I quickly found a nice rhythm. It didn't take long for her to have her first orgasm, just as I figured. She was so greedy these days with what she wanted sexually, and I loved it. As she rode out the last wave of pleasure that racked through her body, I quickly found myself finding my release.

  I collapsed down on the ground next to her, and I propped my head up on my arm. I lay there just takin' in all of her beauty. I wasn't sure it was possible, but she was more beautiful today, than she had been yesterday. This whole pregnancy glow wasn't just bullshit, at least not in her case.

  "You okay, pretty girl?"

  She rolled onto her side, mirroring my position. "I'm amazing. Are you okay?"

  I leaned forward and placed a small chaste kiss to her already plump lips. "I'm perfect, now."

  We sat there starin' at one another for a bit, before I finally moved to button up my pants and put my shirt back on. I loved our romp sessions outside, but it was suddenly dawning on me that we couldn't continue this for much longer. The bigger she got, the more uncomfortable she was goin' to become. I figured now was a good a time as any to bring up the record deal, without her getting mad. Or that was my hope.

  "Hey pretty girl, can we talk about the record deal?" I saw the look of terror on her face, and I made my way over to her quickly. "Look, I know what you're worried about, and I've already talked to John and Cal at the label. They said no touring until after you have the baby, or we could tour before the baby is born. He basically said it was our call. I want to know your thoughts."

  Her face relaxed, and my body had the same reaction. I wasn't anticipating the answer I was about to receive, but at this point, I would take what I could get with her.

  Her fingers began makin' small circles on my forearm, and I was already turnin' into a puddle beneath her. She was good.

  "Honestly, I would almost rather you tour before we have the baby. I really don't want to take a baby on the road. What do you think?"

  I let out a sigh of relief. "I was actually thinkin' the exact same thing. I want to be here for everything obviously, but I would rather not miss out on the birth and everything after. Glenn was thinkin' the same thing too. He's actually gonna ask Cami to move out here to help you out. That much he at least told me."

  "I like that idea. And I'm not sure about the whole living situation, but I'm sure we can find somethin' that works for us."

  "Well-"

  "Let me guess, you and my granddaddy already talked about it?"

  "Kind of, yeah. He just suggested that I stay where you are most comfortable, and I'm inclined to agree. If you wanna stay at your grandparent's house, then I'm fine with goin' over there to stay. Would that be what you want?"

  "I think so, yeah. For now at least. It won't matter much soon anyway, if y'all are goin' out on tour."

  I saw the forlorn look sweep across her face and I pulled her tightly to my chest. "Pretty girl, I don't ever want to leave your side, not for a single second. But, I need to support our family and us. This has been my dream since I was a kid and I would hate to give it up when there is a way for us to do it and still be happy."

  "I know. It just sucks is all."

  "You're tellin' me. Just remember, nothin' is set in stone yet. We can always figure out somethin' else."

  "No, this is what I want. I want you to be happy. I can manage bein' alone for a bit."

  "Good. There are just some things that I need to take care of before it's official." I thought I muttered it under my breath, but boy was I wrong.

  "What do you mean, some things?"

  "Nothin' darlin', it's nothin' you need to worry about."

  "It doesn't seem like nothing, Madison."

  I cradled her face in my hands and looked her right in her piercing eyes. "I promise, you have nothing to worry about. Do you trust me?"

  "Of course I do."

  "Okay then." I pulled her in for a long kiss before pulling her to her feet. "Come on, let's get you and our baby somethin' to eat."

  We walked hand in hand back to my house. When we walked in, my gran sat at the kitchen table looking lost. She hadn't been dealing so well with losin' my grandfather, but she was rarely in this shape. I let go of the tight grip I had on Kayla's hands and made my way over to my gran.

  "Gran, what's goin' on?"

  She turned abruptly as though my presence had scared her. Although, I could've sworn she heard us come in.

  "Oh Madi, you're home. How's Kayla?"

  "She's actually here with me Gran. Is everything alright?"

  "Yes dear. Hi Kayla, love. You two kids hungry? I can whip up some quick dinner."

  "No Gran, it's okay. I can cook for us. Do you want somethin'?"

  "No hun, I'm just gonna go lay down for a bit."

  My gran's actions and behavior were completely out of character for
her. Something was definitely up, and I know she felt as though she was protecting me, but I needed to know what was goin' on.

  Chapter 14

  Kayla

  I'd never seen Madison's grandmother act the way she just had. I was completely baffled. What the hell was goin' on with everyone? I reached for Madison's hand to reassure him, of what I wasn't sure, but it just felt like the right thing to do. I was dismayed when he jerked it away from me and headed into the kitchen. Between my raging hormones, Madison's grandfather passing away and everything else, I was about to become unglued. I could feel the unshed tears welling up behind my eyelids, preparing to fall, so I turned and ran out the back door.

  I knew Madison hadn't followed me, when I reached the tree in between our properties and I didn't hear any footsteps. Maybe he just needed some time. Lord knows I did. I grabbed my cell phone out of my boot, ready to call Cami and pour my heart out, but something stopped me. I suddenly had a very overwhelming feeling of fear wash over me. I glanced around in every direction, making sure I was alone.

  The last sliver of sun was starting to dip below the horizon, and it grew increasingly dark, fast. My mind kept flashing back to the horrible event that had taken place out here the night Madison left. I wasn't a big fan of the dark before that night, and it had increasingly become scarier to be alone.

  I quickly started making my way back to my house, glancing behind me every two seconds. I knew running wasn't exactly good for the baby, but my body was yelling at me to flee for my life, so I ran. I ran so fast that I could barely catch my breath after finally making it onto the porch. I sat down in one of the rocking chairs, waiting for my small lungs to finish spasming. Just as I started to calm and my breathing evened itself out, my phone rang and I jumped up from my chair ready to haul ass inside.

  When I saw Madison's face illuminate the screen, I clicked ignore and proceeded to see what was for dinner. Unfortunately, as I entered the house, I ran straight into an argument I knew was inevitable, but still scary all the same. My grandparents were standing in the living room, but from my hidden position, I decided to eaves drop.