by N. Natishna
“Well, as they grew up Jon became like a bodyguard to Kat. I remember her telling me how sweet she thought it was that he was so macho. Although, my parents didn’t like him or how close Kat was to him.” Deklan frowned and I shrugged. “They figured his druggy-parents were really bad influences for him…and my parents didn’t like the kind of trouble that they thought Jon brought. Anyway, Kat and Jon loved each other for years, finally hooked up their junior year of high school, and then after he left for the Navy, my sister found out she was pregnant.
“They got married and moved, because Kat said she didn’t want Jon leaving the Navy; it was a dream of his. It took Mom and Dad a while, but they finally came around to seeing that Jon isn’t anything like they thought.”
“Sounds a little too romantical for me.”
I busted out laughing. “Romantical? You’re such a goof. But let me tell you, you are about as romantic as they come.”
“Yeah, well let’s just keep that between us, baby girl. I have a reputation to uphold.”
I rolled my eyes and shoveled my food down. I ended up going back up for a second plateful, and then another time for dessert. Mr. Yu stopped by our table a few times and chatted with us for a while. I could see the amusement on Deklan’s face as he watched Mr. Yu and his peppy behavior. That’s part of the reason Mr. Yu and I got along so well; we were both just full of energy.
When we were done, Deklan paid and I hugged Mr. Yu goodbye.
“That was fun,” I said when we were in the car.
“Yeah, it was.” He started the car and smiled over at me. “I’m glad you brought me here, Emma. It’s cool to see a little more into your life.”
“I think I’m going to like this whole dating thing.”
He leaned over and kissed me before driving. We got to my house and I saw that the garage door was open, and my dad’s car was gone. I blew out a relieved breath and smiled. Deklan parked and looked over at me with a confused expression.
“Emma, do you not want your parents to know about me?”
I shook my head and looked at him seriously. “I’m not ashamed or anything, Dek.” I brought my hand up to cup his cheek. “I could never be ashamed of you. I just want to wait a little while before they meet you. My dad…he’s really protective, and my mom doesn’t think anybody is good enough for me. They were the same way with my sister.”
Deklan pulled my hand from his cheek to his lips and kissed my palm. “I understand. I know they probably aren’t going to approve of me, though.”
“Deklan, please!” I scoffed and rolled my eyes. “My parents will get over your tattoos and piercings. My brother-in-law has a few tattoos and so does my sister, so don’t worry about that.” I turned and grabbed my things and got out of the car. Deklan did the same. We met at the front and I pulled him close to me. “I just want to be with you for a bit longer before my drill sergeant of a father scares you away with his interrogation.” I winced. “It’s not pretty, trust me. That’s one of the reasons I’ve only ever had one boyfriend.”
“Hey, I’m a patient guy, babe. I can wait as long as you want.” He bent down to kiss me and I sighed as his lips touched mine. I loved the feel of his hair as I ran my fingers through the silky strands. He kept it gelled in spikes, but he ran his hand through it so much that it just was just trained to stand in disarray. I loved it.
Right when I parted my lips Deklan pulled back and grinned. “I’m not going to make out with you when there’s a possibility that your dad could come home.”
I groaned. “Fine, but I won’t see you until Monday. Tomorrow my dad and I are going to Sea World.”
“Sea World?”
“You betcha. We go there sometimes when he’s not working.” I shrugged. “It’s our thing.”
“Okay, well how ‘bout I pick you up for school Monday?”
“Riding to school with my boyfriend? Heck yeah!” I ran my hands up his arms to his shoulders and rose to my tiptoes. He had to lower his head to meet me for a kiss.
“I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Okay, see you.” I squeezed his shoulders and skipped joyously into the house. I blew him a kiss before shutting the door. Nitro and Rocket ran in from the swinging kitchen doors. I set the picnic basket down on the mail table and bent down so the dogs could lick my cheeks.
“Hi guys, how was your day, huh?” I scratched them both behind the ears and they barked a couple times. “That good, eh? Come on,” I turned to my stairs. “Did double trouble get out of the room today?”
They followed me upstairs and into my room. I was happy to see that Snow and Twinkle weren’t in there. They needed some exercise. I kicked my shoes off and threw my tote bag and purse onto my vanity chair. It was only five, so I turned on my radio, pulled my homework from my book bag, and got to work. My dad most likely came home while I was working, but our walls were practically soundproof, so I wouldn’t have heard.
When I finished my work I went to take a shower and threw on a pair of sweats and a camisole. When I got down to the kitchen my dad was at the breakfast table going over papers, and Josie and Jay were hovering over the stove.
“Hi Daddy,” I said sweetly and bent to kiss his cheek on my way to let the dogs outside.
“Hi, sweetheart, how was the beach?”
“It was great. What’s for supper?” I quickly asked Josie to change the subject. I didn’t want my dad to ask who I went with, although he might just think I went with my usual friends. But I wasn’t taking that chance.
Jay gave me a disapproving look and Josie tried to hide a smile.
“We’re having meatloaf and potatoes, Miss Emma.”
I nodded and went to sit across from my dad at the table.
“Your mother called here earlier,” he said; his eyes still looking down at the papers. Jay set a glass of iced tea in front of me and I thanked her.
“Did she ask for me?”
He nodded. “Yes, but I told her you were out. She said to call her tomorrow when we get back from Sea World.” He looked up then and I finally saw the special glint in his eyes that went with a wide smile. “She’ll be home two weeks before your birthday.”
My smile matched his when he told me that. Mom traveled a lot and her office was in Los Angeles, so her schedule was a busy one. I bet my dad was doing a major happy dance on the inside.
“That’s great, Daddy.” Jay brought over our plates and I thanked her again before turning my attention back to my dad. “Aria and Bianca decided to throw a party for my birthday.”
He chuckled. “Are you finally over the traumatic fifteenth birthday party?”
“Ugh, I don’t have a choice but to go along with it. You know how those two get. There’s no stopping them.”
“Well, everybody needs a party on their eighteenth birthday. Make sure it’s after six, though. We’re having the family barbeque beforehand.”
“Sure, no problem.”
“Oh, and by the way, if you’re looking for the fluff twins, they’re in my office.” He smirked and took a bite of his food.
We ate and chatted for the rest of the meal. Josie and Jay sat with us at the table and we enjoyed our meal with quiet conversation. When we were done I brought the dogs in, kissed my dad on the cheek, and went to his office where Snow and Twinkle were cuddled up on his leather couch. I grabbed up Twinkle, rubbing her against my face.
“Did you girls behave today?” I scooped up Snow and left the office. When we were back in my room I set the cats down on my bed and went to brush my teeth. I checked my phone when I was lying down and saw a missed call from Deklan. I smiled and snuggled in my bed. I called him back and he answered on the second ring.
“Hey baby.”
I sighed and cuddled deeper into my pillows. “Hey you.”
CHAPTER 9.
My dad and I got up early and shared a morning run with the dogs. Afterwards we got ready and went out for breakfast. When we got to Sea World I hooked my arm through his while we walked.
We rode on the Bayside Skyride and enjoyed another view from above. Dad was afraid of heights, so I had to beg him a little until he caved. Not only did I enjoy the scenery, but Dad’s panicked face kept me plenty entertained during the ride. I was glad we decided to have lunch after that one, and not before.
Cody tried calling me five times and texted me even more than that. I ignored his calls and tried not to freak out at some of the texts I got. They started out with him pleading to give ‘us’ a second chance, but then started becoming more threatening, so I stopped reading and just deleted them all. I wanted to ignore him completely and hopefully he’d get the big hint.
Dad and I finally went to the Turtle Reef after lunch, which was exciting. I think we sat there for over an hour just watching them swim. Not only that, but the colors underwater were breathtaking.
I was giddy by the time we left. I hugged my dad’s arm as we walked to the car.
“I had so much fun, Daddy! Next time we should do the dolphin interaction, like we did the last time.”
“Sure, Princess.” He sighed and opened my door for me. “You were a ball full of energy today. I hope I don’t fall asleep at the wheel.”
I laughed as he shut my door. I was actually the one that ended up falling asleep on the way home, and I woke up when my dad shook my arm.
“I’m glad you got a good nap. I, on the other hand, have papers to get to, so no nap for me.”
Jay was coming down from my stairs with an empty laundry basket when we walked in. My dad kissed my forehead and went off to his office.
“Did you guys have fun?”
“Definitely. I’m gonna go call my mom.”
“You got a package today, Emma,” she told me when I was halfway up the stairs. “I left it on your desk.”
“Thank you, Jay!” I called down to her as I ran the rest of the way up the stairs. When I burst into my room – making my dogs jump up in surprise – I gasped at the beautiful flower bouquet in a black vase. It had an arrangement of pink lilies, pink roses, and white gerbera daisies, with baby breath flowers spread around.
I pulled the card from the middle and opened it.
My Beautiful Pixie,
I miss you already. Hope you like your flowers.
-Only yours, Dekky
I held the card to my chest and bit my bottom lip. He missed me so much that he sent me a bouquet of flowers. How the heck did I get so lucky? I stuck my nose in the flowers and inhaled deeply, inhaling the heavenly scent.
I moved the vase to one of my bedside nightstands and pulled out my phone to text Deklan.
Me: Ur the best, baby. I love the flowers, they’re beautiful. Calling my mom now, but I’ll text u later.
I dialed my mom’s number and waited for her to answer.
“Hey Princess,” her cheery voice came through. If you met my mom, you’d know just where I got my peppiness from. Like I said, she was a cheerleader, just as I am.
“Hey mom, how’s Australia?”
“Oh honey, it’s hot, as usual. I miss you guys. How was Sea World with your father?”
I sat at my bay window and lifted Snow into my lap. “It was as fun as it always is. Daddy told me about your time off in a couple of weeks.”
She laughed, which had me laughing along with her. My mom had a musical laugh that could always lift your spirits, no matter what. My dad said that was one of the things that drew him to her.
“Your father was so happy that I couldn’t get him to calm down for almost twenty minutes.” She sighed. “I miss him terribly.”
“He misses you, too, mom.”
“So, tell me how my cheerleader is doing.”
“Everything’s great. Aria and Bianca are planning a birthday party for me.”
She chuckled. “I’m afraid to ask, so I’m not going to. So, are there any boys I should know about? Anybody caught my baby’s eye so far?”
I hesitated to answer. I didn’t like lying to my parents, but I knew that if I told my mom about Deklan she’d tell my dad. They didn’t keep anything from each other.
“Well, Cody has been giving me grief since school started.” Not a lie and a change of subject. “He thinks that we were just on a break for the summer.”
Mom scoffed. “That boy is nothing special. I never thought he was right for you, darling.”
“Yeah, mom, I know. I don’t think he was even really faithful while we were together. Not that I care. I guessed that after he stopped trying to get me to sleep with him.”
“I don’t know why you stayed with that boy for half the school year. I tried to tell you.”
I groaned and ran my fingers through Snow’s fur. “Yes, mom, I know. It’s over with now, so no biggie. Now, tell me about this photo shoot.”
✽✽✽
I woke up the next morning feeling more than refreshed. I talked to my mom for another hour last night before calling Deklan and talking to him for half an hour. I felt like everything was going all right. My mom will home in a couple of weeks, Deklan and I were together, and I was feeling pretty in a pair of white shorts and off the shoulders top.
My mom deigned the outfit and brought it home with her the last time she came back from a trip. The top was my favorite. It was hot pink, stretched tight, and showed a little skin. The thick straps hugged my shoulders and I had a feeling Deklan would like this one. He had a thing for my neck and shoulders. I wasn’t complaining, though, because I love that he showed special attention to the exposed skin.
I slipped on my wedges and fixed the pink headband that secured my curls back. Deklan’s ringtone rang from my phone and my heart skipped, as it always does.
“Hey you,” I answered.
“Hey baby. Just wanted to tell you that I’m leaving the house now. I’ll be at your place in fifteen minutes.”
“Okay, see you then.”
I went to my vanity and sat down to apply mascara and lip gloss. When I was finished I smiled into the mirror and fluffed my hair. Okay, I was ready. I got up, slung my book bag over my shoulders and my duffle bag with a change of clothes for cheer practice. Nitro and Rocket perked up and I scratched behind their ears.
“Be good. Take care of the girls.” I smiled over at the cats as they got up and stretched.
I skipped down the stairs and shouted to Jay and Josie that I was leaving. We had a big house, but I knew that either one, or both, was in the kitchen. My dad went to the hospital already, so I knew I was in the clear. Before Deklan arrived I pressed the code in so the gate would open for him beforehand.
When I saw his car pull up, I bounced on my feet until he parked and got out to open my door. I ran down the stairs and right into his open arms, squeezing him tight.
“Ugh, I missed you too much,” I murmured against his chest.
“I missed you, too, pixie.”
Needing his kiss, I reached up to pull his head down to me. He came willingly and just as urgent and pressed his lips to mine. I sighed into his mouth and Deklan swooped in and ran his tongue along mine, sending fire through my veins. I pressed up against him and let him devour my mouth. He pulled back when I was dizzy and weak.
“Let’s get outta here before things get serious,” he rasped out and pecked my cheek before helping me into the car.
He kept my hand in his as he drove to school, parking next to Aria’s Mercedes. Bianca, Molly, and Aria were hovering together by Bianca’s red Ford fusion, and the guys were at the back of Reggie’s truck. I looked over at Deklan and frowned in confusion.
“Who did Molly ride with?”
His eyes glanced over at the girls as he turned the car off. “Bianca. Molly seems more relaxed a
round her than others.”
I nodded and ran my hand over his arm. “Bianca is a great friend. She’s straightforward and honest, and you can always count on her.”
He sighed roughly. “Yeah, I can tell. I trust that Molly’s safe with her. My sister obviously does too, and she doesn’t trust easily.”
I smiled sadly. “She can trust all of us. Both of you can.”
He touched my cheek with his fingers. “I know.” He got out and came over to open my door for me. He slung my backpack over his shoulder like he always did and reached over to take the hand I held out. Reggie whistled and Jeff hooted.
“If it isn’t the new power couple.”
“Jeff, shut up,” Bianca said as the girls walked over to us.
“Damn, Reg, we just don’t get any love from our girls anymore.”
Reggie slung an arm over Jeff’s shoulders and shook his head. “It’s all hormones, bro. They’re so sexually frustrated that they take it out on the sexiest of us all.”
Everybody busted out laughing. I had to grab my sides and double over from the burn in my belly.
“The sexiest of you?” Bianca asked through her laughter. She shook her head and snickered some more. “Don’t be a fool, Reg. Everyone knows the sexiest is Liam, not you two bozos.”
I sighed and nodded my head. “It’s true.”
Deklan scowled and wrapped his arm possessively around me. I chuckled and pat his chest. “No worries, boyfriend. I find you to be the sexiest of all. But Liam has had his hottie title since he was fourteen.”
“Yeah, girls seem to stick to him,” Aria put in and tossed her black hair behind her shoulder. “Too bad they’re all a bunch of putas.”
“It’s just too bad he’s my best friend,” Bianca added.
“Uh, hello!” Liam waved his hands to get our attention. “I’m standing right here, people.”
I rolled my eyes. “Can we get a move on? We’ll be late if we sit here trying to build egos.”
