Tantrum

by Piper Frost

  “Damn.” I laugh, patting Lucky. “She's kickin' us out already, old man!”

  “Oh! No! You don't have to go. I just thought...you said...you can stay. I'd like you to stay. If you want to. I don't know.” A cute laugh gives away her nervousness.

  “I'm just fuckin' with ya, Kaydence. I gotta get to work.” I wink at her and pull the reins to get Lucky to start moving again. “Tomorrow,” I say, before taking off back toward the barn. I'd love to be able to stay with her, but I've already come close to putting my foot in my mouth too many times in the last fifteen minutes. Being around this girl makes me want to turn into that dumb, bumbling sap most men turn into around pretty girls.

  “Have a nice day at work. I'll see you tomorrow.” She's still smiling, watching me ride away.

  By the time I get to the barn I've kicked myself mentally about a dozen times for inviting her tomorrow night. Not because I don't want her there, but getting her around my friends might not be the best idea. Granted she's already met them, but I know they didn't behave how they normally would when we're all hanging out.

  “Hey, Jo. Thanks,” I say, hopping off Lucky and pulling the saddle off. “See ya.” I walk past her.

  “Uh, hang on.” She jogs up next to me. “Did you ask her out? Please tell me you asked her out. I'm pretty sure she likes you. She doesn't usually talk about guys, but you've come up a few times.”

  “Bye, Jo!” I slide into my truck and slam the door.

  She throws her hands to her hips and I grin at her before she flips me off, then I pull out of the driveway.

  Twenty-four hours has never felt so long before. I've never been this anxious about something before either. I'm nervous. Like I'm sixteen again and about to lose my virginity. And I don't even plan on having sex with her!

  “You guys really need to hang out here beforehand?” I ask, scanning the bar for Kaydence.

  “Got nothin' better to do. Plus, it's drunk pumpkin carving. We gotta drink!” Felder boasts, downing a shot. “You're gonna have to catch up, Haring.”

  “I'll get there,” I mutter, my eyes flying to the door and when Kaydence walks in, a smile breaks onto my face.

  “Holy fuck, can you say pussy whipped?” Grant mutters into his beer before she gets to the bar.

  “Shut the fuck up,” I growl and both him and Felder laugh. “Hey there, beautiful,” I say, sliding her beer over to her as she approaches the bar. “Your favorite.” I wink and she smiles that beautiful smile, just for me.

  “How long have you had this keg, Chase?” She lifts the beer up, checking for settlement.

  “Week, doll. I wouldn't feed you nasty shit.”

  “Then don't try his cooking.” Felder laughs at his lame joke. When I throw him a look, he tries his hardest to shut his laughter off but fails miserably.

  “I'm a great cook,” I tell her, grinning.

  “I'd have to try it to believe it.” She smiles at me then turns to Felder. “Hey, you. How's your wife?” She gives him a hug and when she can't see, he smirks over at me.

  I lift an eyebrow pissed off he got a hug…and she apparently knows them a little better than I first thought. What the hell did they talk about that night she was in here? While I was busy doing my job these idiots bombarded her.

  “She's good. Fantastic. This whole pumpkin night's usually been a dude's night in the past otherwise she'd probably come along.” He throws me a sarcastic smile and I roll my eyes. “But we're happy to have you along. Maybe keep Chase in line tonight. Beer and Chase don't go so well. I'll happily not be the one in charge of his vomit tonight.”

  “Okay,” I blurt. “You're cut off.” I swipe the beer out from in front of him and everyone laughs. “Kay, I've got about an hour left till we can head out. You good?”

  “Yeah. Fine.” She smiles at me then Felder. He gets up to piss and she glances toward him then leans toward the bar, touching my hand. “Hey, I don't want to ruin guy's night.”

  My eyes drop to where our skin's connected and her finger is rubbing a miniscule line over mine. I blink a few times, regrouping my bearings. How can one small touch...one small, seemingly meaningless touch, mean so much and feel so good? I clear my throat before moving my eyes up her arm, studying everything I can about her until I finally meet her gaze.

  “You're a hundred times more fun than those jackasses.” I smirk at her giggle and almost grab her hand that's still sitting on top of mine. “In all seriousness, Kaydence, I didn't think it mattered tonight. And I'm a hundred percent certain he's just giving me a hard time. I told him to invite the ball and chain, but somethin' about marriage and misery that go hand in hand, I guess.”

  “Oh, Chase.” She chuckles and removes her hand to grab her beer and take a drink. “That's not true. Something keeps them together, right?”

  “Sure.” I nod. “Mortgage. Car payments. Sex.” I grin. “I hear their sex life is pretty epic.”

  She throws her head back to laugh. “Well there you go. Must be worth it.”

  “Must be worth what?” Felder asks, walking back to the bar to grab his beer.

  “Sex with Janet.” I honestly tell him, making Kay's cheeks turn pink from embarrassment. “Worth keeping the marriage?”

  “You better fuckin' believe it!” After winking at her, he heads over to the table in the corner where the other two guys are.

  “I guess good sex really can make a marriage work.” I grin at Kaydence and her pink cheeks. “You eat anything? There's pizza over there, I think.”

  “I haven't, and pizza sounds really good. I had a late ride then headed here. Who do I give a few bucks to?”

  “Don't sweat it. Grant bought this week and he owes me money anyway.” I wink and nod toward the table. “If you can stand those guys, head on over and I'll come by with more drinks in a few. I need to start wrapping some shit up back here.”

  “I like your friends! You work. I'll be waiting.” There's the smile again and she grabs her beer, walking over to the guys. She gives the other two a hug like she did Felder. Where was my fuckin' hug?

  By the end of my shift I've watched my friends flirt with her enough to last a lifetime. I've never been on edge as much as I was tonight. I know those guys wouldn't try stealing her away but there's a possibility she'd become more interested in one of them over me. I'd lose my shit if that happened.

  We're headed to Tommy's house since it's closest to the highway and we need to make sure we get to the haunted houses before they close. As the four of us head out to the parking lot, I make it a point to stick close to Kaydence and when we make it outside, I lean down as we're walking out. “You're riding with me,” I tell her, not giving the choice of who she'll ride with because I'm sure if they asked her first she'd tell them yes.

  “Good, because Ty dropped me off. He can pick me up though. No big deal.” She smiles and moves closer to me.

  “I'll take care of you tonight, doll. We don't need your little brother's help,” I whisper. Being this close to her, with those beautiful green eyes staring up into mine, makes me want to forget this pumpkin night is even happening. My place is about a hundred feet away and I want nothing more than to take her up there and finally spend some quality time, alone, with her.

  “You don't need to drive me home though. He really won't mind coming to get me.”

  I changed my mind about not planning to have sex with her, and if I have my way tonight she won't be going home.

  “How about we just see where the night goes.” I grin and wink, unlocking my truck and opening the door for her. “Ladies first.” My hand extends to help her in even though it's not necessary, but I've found myself looking for any reason to touch her anymore.

  “Thank you.” She smiles and gets in and I almost hope a kiss will follow but she grins wide and says, “I'm so excited to carve a pumpkin!”

  “Yeah, me too,” I close her door and take a deep breath. I'm more excited that she's here tonight and I'm starting to wish that when I asked her to hang out, i
t was to do something solo. Something more like an actual date. There's something seriously wrong with me. I take my time walking to my side of the truck and after climbing in and buckling up, I smile over at her. “They get kinda crazy with the power tools and these pumpkins. I'm not sure it's what you're expecting.”

  Her eyes light up and she laughs excitedly. “I can't wait to see this! Do you do it like that? Cheating?”

  “That's not cheating!” I laugh. “It's fucking smart!”

  “You'll have to teach me. I'm used to the tiny knife with an orange handle that makes your hand cramp up after so long.” She laughs. “I'm a pretty awesome pumpkin carver.”

  “I bet you are.” Without a second thought, I reach across the console and take her hand in mine. Don't fucking ask me why. But when she looks over at me as we're stopped at a red light the smile on her face tells me it wasn't a total jackass move.

  “Is this a date?” she asks quietly, her fingers gripping my hand a little tighter.

  Shit, I haven't felt this nervous since I was a kid, and even back then it never felt like this. I've always been sure of myself, why now, as a grown man am I feeling like this? It feels like my heart and stomach are dancing together.

  “Uh...” I pause, furrowing my brows. “Do you want it to be?”

  “I wasn't sure you were interested in me like that. I quit the dating scene.” She starts to giggle. “My brother kind of lost it after the last date with that guy, so I cut back on dating.” Her fingers tighten again and I could drive around all night holding hands and talking to this girl. I've never been this sap and I think I need to get my shit together.

  “Gerald. Asshat's name was Gerald.” When she gives me a weird look I chuckle. “I don't forget much at all, Kay.” I quietly take a deep breath, pushing aside the nerves.

  “You're nothing like Gerald.” That looks is gone and replaced with the smile I crave.

  “Yeah, but every man has their downfalls.” I pause and the cab grows silent until I finally grow the balls I thought I had, and ask, “So you don't want to date anyone? Like, you're off the market? No chance here?”

  “Depends what you're trying to gain.” The smile's still on her face but she's looking out the window now.

  “More time with a beautiful girl,” I remark, giving her hand a squeeze. “I'm tryin' to not be a pussy and tell you I really fuckin' want this to be a date here, Kaydence. You're making it difficult.”

  “Then just say it, Chase.” She giggles. “I want it to be a date. One of many, maybe.”

  I smile wide, my heart flipping in my chest. Shit, this is a lot to take in, but I like it. I like this feeling.

  “I do too.” I finally feel some ease; I guess just knowing she's into me like this helps kill some nerves. “That is, if you make it out of the haunted house alive tonight.” I waggle my eyebrows at her and she laughs. I fucking love making her laugh.

  The rest of the drive is small talk, which with anyone else would have bored the piss out of me, but with her it's refreshing. And she honestly doesn't have a negative thing to say about anything, which is weird, but again…it's refreshing.

  When we show up, the guys are still downing beers.

  “So I had them pick up a pumpkin for you this morning. Don't offer to pay or you'll hurt my feelings.” I walk over to the table and grab us two pumpkins. “You ready for this?”

  “I'm ready.” She bounces and touches my arm. “Thanks for inviting me tonight.”

  “Like I said, we'll see how much fun you have after you make it out, hopefully alive.” I grin at her and she slaps my arm. She's too fun to fuck with.

  We take a spot out back. Tommy's back yard is huge so we're able to not fuck up his kitchen. It’s the only part of his remodel that’s done and he’s obsessed with it. I don't get it, it's not like he can even cook.

  “Just so everyone knows, I'm the reigning champion of this here shit show,” I boast, grabbing a scoop of pumpkin guts and tossing it in the trash.

  “Why are you the reigning champ?” Kaydence asks, watching me clean out my pumpkin.

  “Because these fools have no talent. It's always scary jack-o'-lantern face,” I scoff. “Bitch please.” I grab my glass of whiskey and take another drink then grin at her.

  “I can't wait to see what you all come up with.” She scoops a handful of guts and tosses them toward the trash, getting some on Grant's shoe. “I'm sorry!” she blurts and drops to her knees to immediately clean his shoe and my brows spring upward.

  “Whoa,” I grip her elbow and stand her up. “Man's had worse on his shoe.” I glance at Grant who's grinning at Kaydence. “Right?”

  “Yeah. Sure.” He's still smirking. “I mean, you're more than welcome to get back on your knees however. I'm not stopping you.”

  “Fuck off.” I shove him a step back and glare my warning.

  She doesn't say anything, she picks up her beer and takes a few gulps before silently going back to cleaning out her pumpkin.

  “Sorry about him,” I mumble. “He's a fucking tool.” Sad thing is, any other girl and I'd probably have been cracking the same type of joke. God, we're dicks.

  “It's okay. He's a funny guy.” She smiles and narrows her eyes at him. “I feel bad for his shoe.”

  “Don't. He's fine.” I want to walk over there and punch the smirk off his face, but I don't. I stick to digging these guts out because being with her is better than proving anything to these guys. “You know what you're gonna make?” I ask her after finishing up the inside of my pumpkin.

  “Yes, and it's a surprise. You're going to love it.” She grins at me before getting back to work.

  “You seem pretty focused over there. Need another beer?” I take a drink and set down my empty glass.

  “Um, sure. Please.” She glances at me but her tongue pops out while she goes back to concentrating on carving.

  I head inside to the fridge and almost run into Grant when I round the corner to the kitchen.

  “Hey, fuck's your deal tonight?” he asks, cracking open a can of beer.

  “Don't be a dick to her, alright?” I shake my head and open the fridge, grabbing her another bottle.

  “I was kiddin' around. It's a joke. We always crack stupid jokes.”

  “Yeah, well she's not used to our shit so just...don't.” I grab the bottle of whiskey and move around him.

  “I didn't think you'd claim her that fast!” he yells after me, but I'm already out back.

  “Here ya go.” I set the beer in front of her before refilling my glass.

  “Thank you,” she says through laughter then points at Tommy and Felder as they go at their pumpkins, meat and guts are flying everywhere. “They're intense!”

  “I told you it gets kinda crazy here.” Grabbing the tools I need, I start meticulously planning my carving. “Unlike those two that go at it until they have shapes, I actually care about how mine turns out.” I start the rough outline and just the mere act of doing something more than fucking line work for a tattoo has my nerves calming even more tonight.

  “I'm sure it's going to be awesome. So will theirs. I hope you like mine.” She smirks then her tongue pops out again and she squats to get level with her pumpkin.

  “I know I will,” I mutter, watching how goddamned cute she is. She glances over and smiles. I clear my throat then get to work.

  It takes an hour before I'm done, and by the time I'm finished Felder, Tommy, and Grant have all finished off two cases of beer and I know I'll be the one driving to the fucking haunted house after this.

  “Done!” I announce, and they start to clap.

  “Took fuckin' long enough,” Felder bitches. “Let's get this show on the road!”

  I smirk over at Kaydence who's stuck close by since we've started. “Ladies first.” I nod at hers.

  The excitement on her face makes me chuckle and she lights her candle, slowly turning it to face me. It's a hand of cards, a full house to be exact with roses behind it. I know that picture. That's
the exact scene I got tattooed on my upper chest when my grandpa died. Well before I even moved to Vegas.

  “Wow,” I whisper, my eyes finding hers finally. “That's my tattoo?”

  “Do you like it? I kinda messed up the roses.” She points at them, but I don't see any mess-ups. “I saw it the other day when you wore that blue V-neck that matches your eyes. I love that tattoo.” Her eyes flit to my chest but you can only see the roses that peek out the top of my collar onto my neck.

  Grant let's out a low whistle and when I glance over at him, all three of them are looking at us with curious looks on their faces. Tommy's eyebrows are on the top of his fucking forehead and I wish more than anything right now these fuckwads weren't here. I really want to kiss this amazing girl in front of me and I'll be damned if they're going to watch it.

  “That's...wow.” I can't stop smiling and I let out a small chuckle. “Boys? Can you beat it?”

  “Nah, bro. I fucked mine up so I went with shapes.” Grant laughs and turns his around and it looks like kid's blocks.

  I bark out a laugh and look at the other two. “Guys?”

  “Mine's pretty awesome this year.” Felder turns his around to reveal a heart. One fucking heart.

  “I love them!” Kaydence blurts, but I think they could have thrown shit at theirs and she'd say the same thing. “Yours is abstract, Grant. And I love that heart!”

  “Tommy?” I ask, antsy to get this thing over with. I want to smash mine. I don't want her to see it. I want hers to be the best, because in my fucking mind it is.

  “A motherfucking GHOST!” He dramatically spins his around, almost flinging it off the table but catches it. “Whoa, shit. Almost smashed this beaut.”

  “Not too shabby,” I say, finishing off my whiskey for the night.

  “You guys are good at this.” She laughs. “I can't really compete. Let's see yours.” She glances from my pumpkin to my eyes and is grinning so wide it's gotta hurt her face to smile that much.

  “I take this shit too seriously.” I shrug and step around the table. “Who's ready to go?”