I stood against the wall next to the window, staring aimlessly out on the vast land, while she and Cami talked and caught up on her bed. I was feeling out of place and Kayla had made no effort to involve me. After another ten minutes of them rambling on, I decided to head back to the house. I made my way over to her bedroom door to leave, when she finally spoke to me.
"Where ya headed, cowboy?" She seemed genuinely interested, but I couldn't bring myself to make her feel bad for wanting to hang out with her friend.
"I have some things to do around the ranch. Figured I would give you two some time to catch up on things. I'll catch ya later." Without another word, I turned the knob and made my way downstairs.
I wasn't sure if I would run into her grandfather as I left, but I was sure as hell hoping I wouldn't. Luckily enough, the bottom floor of the house was empty. I made my way outside, breathing in the mid-morning air. I dug my smokes and phone out of my back pockets, just before I hopped over the side fence, making my way to the only place I could feel at ease.
I lit up my smoke as I walked and decided to call Glenn. There wasn't much work around the farm today and my grandfather was in town with my gran for a little while longer, so I figured I would make the most out of my day off.
By the fourth ring, I was starting to think that I may have to spend the day with myself, but at the last second, Glenn answered.
"What's goin' on, bro?"
"Not a whole lot, man. Just seein' what you're up to. KJ's friend from Arizona is in town and I'm bored as fuck. You wanna hang?"
"Sure. I was just about to call ya, anyway. We've decided to have band practice tonight. You in?"
Thank the lord. After our show, we never talked about practice and I was startin' to worry that we were putting our music on hold. I didn't want that right now, givin' the fact that music was my release at the moment. "Yeah, count me in. Alright, well whatcha wanna do?"
"Not sure man. We can call the guys and see if everyone wants to head down to Greenfield Farm and go to the swimming hole. It's supposed to be a scorcher today."
"That sounds good. Just head over and pick me up. I'll call Brandon and Bryce now."
"Alright, be there in a few."
My next call was to the brothers to see if they wanted to go with us. Of course they were in. The swimming hole at Greenfield Farm was a summer tradition with all of us. Their grandson was one of our buddies from school, and he would be leavin' soon, just like I was. I was excited to hang with the guys for the day, but part of me wanted to invite Kayla and Cami. I knew they would most likely decline, but I still wanted her to know that I wanted to see her.
In the end, I didn't end up calling her. I needed a day with the guys and after everything that had happened last night, I needed some time to process everything. Plus, some time apart might do us some good. It would definitely give her some time to miss me.
I made my way back to my house and came across my grandfather sitting on the back porch. "What are you doin' here, Sir? I thought y'all were in town?"
"We were, but your grandmamma had some bakin' she wanted to get done, so we headed back. What are you up to, boy?" My grandfather seemed off, but I wasn't about to bring that up to him. Lately his demeanor had been different, he'd been almost nice.
"All the guys are all headin' over to Greenfield Farm. Think we're gonna go for a swim and hang out at the swimming hole. I'll most likely be gone all day. Is that okay?" I knew I didn't need his permission, but if he had some things for me to do, I didn't want to leave him high and dry.
"Nah, nothin' goin on around here today. Y'all have a good time. I reckon I'll help your grandmother with some stuff and then maybe take Rocket out for a ride. Y'all be careful out there, ya hear."
"Yes Sir, always am." I turned to walk inside, but stopped with my hand on the door.
"Thanks for last night, Sir. I appreciate your help." I didn't wait for a reply, because honestly, my grandfather didn't do the mushy gushy stuff. I knew he was more than happy to help. I just wanted him to know that I appreciated it.
Twenty minutes later, I was jumpin' in Glenn's truck and we were heading out to the Greenfield's. Everyone else said they would just meet us there, and Brandon and Bryce said they were stoppin' in town to get the beer. The day had warmed up quickly, and the sun sat high above us, providing us with enough heat to last us all year. It was the perfect day to swim, drink and basically not give a fuck.
When we pulled up the dirt road that led to the swimming hole, we spotted Riley and his cousin Dennis waiting for us. Dennis was four years older than us and was rarely ever around, but he was a cool guy and we never minded when he came along to hang. We jumped out of Glenn's truck, giving head nod in their direction. We all decided to start making our way up the hill to the hole, knowing damn good and well that Brandon and Bryce would end up taking their sweet ass time.
As we came up over the ridge, everyone else came into view. They must've been here for a while because they were already in the water and half way through a twelve pack. We all said our heys and quickly joined them. I quickly went below the water, holding my hat and a beer that Dennis had given me above my head. As soon as I emerged, that hat went back on my head and I took a long swig of my beer.
I was mid conversation with Dennis about what he had been up to when we heard a small feminine laugh echoing off the rocks. My heart leapt into my throat, praying it was Kayla, but that seemed near impossible, seeing how Brandon and Bryce had no way to get a hold of her. I went back to my conversation, trying to pay attention to what Dennis was sayin', but Kayla was the only thing running through my mind now. I pulled myself up onto the rock next to Dennis to light up a smoke. Dennis was now telling me about college life and how he was almost done, when I heard a very distinct voice ring through my head. I quickly snapped my head in the other direction, and there she stood.
Her hair was piled up on top of her head in a messy bun of sorts, and the only thing covering her perfect little body were a pair of denim cut off shorts and a bright red bikini top. I would be lying if I said I didn't notice her friend too, because she was wearing even less than KJ and her swimsuit was barely covering the important parts.
They were both engrossed in some sort of conversation with the brothers and as much as I wanted to jump up and start staking my claim, I couldn't. I knew how she felt about me and I her. I wasn't willing to embarrass myself in front of my friends, when she made no effort to even speak to me earlier this morning.
I turned back to Dennis and noticed his drool worthy smile sitting on his smug face. Dennis was quite the ladies man. He was older and looked like a damn Abercrombie and Fitch model, but this girl was mine. There was no way in hell he was even going to try to get somethin' from her.
"Dude, she is HOT!" He took a swig from his beer and I swear I wanted to haul off and punch him, square in the jaw.
"Yeah, I guess so." I was trying to play it cool, but he was slowly grating on my nerves. I nonchalantly took a drink and lit up another smoke, now that my other one was almost gone.
"You guess so? What are ya, fuckin' blind? What I wouldn't give to hit that." And that in turn, is exactly what I did. My fist connected with his nose and I could feel the blood splatter against my face.
Everyone started crowding around us and that's when Kayla finally noticed I was even there. Her hands were covering her mouth and I knew I should probably try to explain my actions to her, but I was too livid to even see straight. While everyone fawned over Dennis, I threw my hat over on a patch of grass and dove into the water. I didn't stop swimming until I had made it over to the other side.
I sat on one of the rocks in the water and ran my hands through my hair, taking in the scene across the way. The only reason I regretted hitting that fuck in the face, was because now Cami and Kayla were crouched down next to him, taking care of his wound. Apparently, my actions had backfired on me. I was so over this shit. Kayla looked up and over at me with pure disgust on her face.
Definitely a bad idea!
I sunk back down under the water, holding my breath for as long as possible. When my head broke the surface, I almost choked on water, when I sucked some in from shock. Kayla was treading water right in front of me. I could feel the desire floating through the water between the two of us, and it took everything inside of me not to slip her bikini bottom to the side and take her right here.
Damn it! This girl had turned my mind to mush. And just when I thought she couldn't look any better, she bent her head back to wet her hair. Small beads of water trickled down her already tan face, highlighting every bone. My dick twitched and I cursed myself for not having more control. The sun's reflection gleamed in her already sky blue eyes and when a drop of water fell to her lip, I practically bit mine off trying not to lick it from her mouth.
"Whatcha lookin' at over there?" Her voice was soft and comforting and not at all what I was expecting.
"Uh...nothin', just taking in the sights." My eyes raked over every feature on her face before settling on her eyes.
"I would say so." She giggled and my dick reacted again. "You wanna explain to me why you punched your friend over there?" She pointed in the direction of Dennis and I rolled my eyes.
"I wouldn't really call him my friend, but he said something he shouldn't have. Let's just leave it at that. So how did y'all end up here?"
"You're really not going to tell me?"
I let out a loud laugh. "I believe I asked you a question."
"I'll tell you, if you tell me." She splashed me with water and then started to swim away. I went after her, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her into me. My hands slid up her legs and wrapped them around my waist.
"I believe he insinuated that he wanted to get in your pants. Your turn." I smiled.
"Hmm...well, maybe I wanted him to."
I pulled us under the water and right back up. Her face was shocked and all I could do was laugh at her. She was so damn cute. "If that's the case, then why are your legs wrapped around me?"
I watched the blush creep up her cheeks before dunking her under the water one more time. "Your turn, darlin'."
"Cami and I were havin' lunch in town when Brandon and Bryce pulled up. They asked what we were up to and then they invited us along."
"So you wanted to hang out with my boys, huh?" Teasing her was turning out to be one of my favorite things to do. She started to squirm a bit, but this only made me tighten my grip around her waist.
"They may have let it slip that you would be here." Her arms tightened around my neck, pulling my face close to hers. "And I guess I just couldn't resist seeing you again."
I slowly started to close the distance between our mouths before responding. "Is that so?"
"Mmmhmmm." I could feel her breath against my wet skin and it sent shivers down my spine.
"You glad you came?" I whispered against her lips before sealing mine over hers. I sucked her bottom lip into my mouth and slid my tongue across it. She graciously accepted me as our tongues intertwined with one another, sending another shiver down my spine. Her legs squeezed my waist and my hands slowly found their way down to her ass, cupping it in my grasp. She let out a small muffled moan and I deepened the kiss even further.
As my hand started making its way up her back and to the string of her top, Cami and Glenn suddenly interrupted us. I pressed my lips to hers one last time and then pulled away a bit, to say hello.
"Hey Cami. So I see you met Glenn, huh?" From the look on her face, I knew they were going to get along just fine.
"I sure did. What are you two love birds doing over here?"
We all swam over to the side and sat on the rocks just above us. "We were just talking." I laughed. We all knew it was a lie.
"I'd like to do that kind of talking." Cami joked and I could see Glenn's face light up when she said it.
So what are you ladies up to tonight?" I had to give the guy credit, he moved fast.
"I think we're going to have a girls night. Just hang out at Kayla's grandparent's house. Is that okay if I steal her for the night, Madison?"
I glanced in Kayla's direction, wondering if this was her idea or Cami's. "That's fine with me. We have band practice tonight anyway." I have to admit, my heart sunk a little. I was looking forward to spending some time with Kayla, whether Cami was there or not.
"Oh yeah? Do you care if we come and watch? KJ told me how good you guys were. I would love to hear you guys play."
I could tell by the look on her face, that Glenn was the reason Cami wanted to come along. That was fine with me; maybe he could keep her distracted enough so Kayla and I could spend some alone time together.
"Yeah that's cool. I don't mind. Y'all can just ride with us when were done here if ya want."
"Sounds good to me. Is that okay with you Kayla?" I held my breath as I waited for her to respond to her friend.
"Of course. That'll be fun." That sexy as hell smile spread across her face and I had to look away so I didn't embarrass myself in front of our friends.
****
We spent the rest of the day at the hole, swimming, drinking and laying around. After the whole Dennis incident, he apologized and I did as well, given the fact that he didn't know that Kayla and I were somewhat involved.
Band practice passed by too quickly, and before I knew it, it was time to take the girls home. It always seemed that our time together went by too fast. I was longing to feel her lips and body against me, but unfortunately, it was going to have to wait.
When we pulled up to Kayla's house, I quickly jumped out of the truck and helped her down on my side. I figured if anything, we would give Cami and Glenn a few minutes to talk or whatever it was they wanted to do. I stood at the back of the truck, with Kayla's hands in mine, before I bent down and gave her a quick kiss.
"Can I see you later?"
"I think we might be able to arrange that." She stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to mine once more.
"The field, around midnight?"
"I'll see ya then."
I pulled her up into my arms, squeezing her tiny body against mine. When I set her back down on her feet, Cami and Glenn were at our side.
"Well boys, thanks for today. It was fun. I think I'm gonna like Texas." Cami took Kayla's hand and they ran up the steps to her house. Glenn and I both just stood there staring like two dumb teenagers. It was hard watching her leave, but I sure did like watching her walk away. I laughed at myself for even thinking that dumb old sayin', but it was so true.
Chapter 23
Kayla
I was counting down the minutes until my phone read midnight. The night seemed to just drag on and on, since the guys dropped us off. Of course, now that we were no longer around my grandparents, Cami wanted to talk about nothing but Glenn. So here we sat, on my bed, me waiting for midnight, and her yammering on about Glenn.
"Why didn't you tell me how hot he was? You're such a bitch! You know I'm joking, but oh my god, seriously. He is hotter than any other guy I have ever met. What's he like? I mean, I only got to talk to him alone for about five minutes, so..."
"Oh my god, Cami. You are too funny. You could have your pick of any number of guys back home. I guess I never noticed how good-looking Glenn is. I'm sorry, I have been a bit preoccupied with someone else." We both broke out in a fit of laughter and for the first time in awhile, I felt happy. It felt so good to sit with my best friend and talk about boys. Boys that weren't complete assholes. "So do you actually like this guy, or are you just fixated on him for the moment?"
She blatantly rolled her eyes before answering me. "Honestly, I don't know. But, I do know that he gives me butterflies, and I haven't felt that with anyone. Enough about me though, what's really going on with you and Madison? And don't you dare try and lie to me; I can tell there is something more than just an infatuation. Spill!"
I thought about lying to her, for all of about two seconds, but she was right, I couldn't hide this from her. "Well, first off,
I have to tell you something." I jumped off the bed and quietly closed my door, making sure that my grandparents had no chance of hearing me. "We had sex the other night." I waited for her reaction, but she just sat there, cross-legged on my bed, with the most stoic look I have ever seen on someone's face. "Okay, not really the reaction I was looking for, but sure."
"I knew it. You dirty little whore, I knew it." Cami rolled onto her side, practically busting at the seams. Since she wouldn't stop laughing, I decided to start kicking her in the side with my foot playfully.
"Shut up, I am not a whore, you slut. Now stop laughing at me and let me tell you the rest."
"Okay, okay, I'll stop."
After about five more minutes of on and off giggling, Cami finally started to slow her breathing, so I took my opportunity to finish telling her the rest of it. "I like him, Cami."
"Well duh, of course you do. I knew that much."
"No I mean, I really like him, like A LOT. I don't know what it is, but I find myself being drawn to him. This feeling I get when I'm around him, is something I have never felt before. Not only is he drop-dead gorgeous, he has a heart of gold. That boy would literally, do anything for me. He even asked me to go with him to Arizona. But..."
"But, you said no. I know you, Kay. You're never going to let another guy in, not after what Wren put you through. Honestly, I don't blame you. But, I think that you should let Madison in. He seems to genuinely care about you. If I didn't know any better, I would say that boy loves you. I can see it in the way he looks at you. He doesn't just want you for the summer, he wants you forever."
I sat back against my headboard, contemplating everything she had just said to me. Could he really love me, already? There was no way he could already feel that strongly about me. Although, I have to admit the feelings I had for him were definitely much more than like. I ran my fingers through my hair and down over my face. "I don't know what to do, Cami. You know I can't go with him. I can't go back there. Ugh, why couldn't I have just met him later?"
This Love of Mine (Raine Series #1) Page 12
