I was surprised by my father sharing his blood with Enoc. “Well do you know why he did that for Enoc?” I shifted in my seat to turn and talk with Grace.
“What I heard was that your father went to school with Enoc’s dad. They were really close friends.” Grace answered.
Wow that is incredible. “Okay so what about your brother Ryan?” I noticed the way Amber’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. Making her knuckles turn white at the mention of his name.
Grace fidgeted in her seat before she answered. Ryan is three years older than me. He is very protective and works hard to please James. He has been dating this girl from the Southern Pack off and on for the past year. I don’t really care for her, her name is Brittany and she is such a ….” letting the last word drop.
I look over at Amber, her lips pursed. “Oh my gosh Amber you like him.”
She looked at me and then back at the road releasing her grip from the steering wheel.
Stretching her fingers, she responded, “No, I don’t” Amber looked at Grace in the back through the rearview mirror.
“Yes you do, I can tell.” I retort back.
Her eyes held sadness in them, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
She looked back at me “No, no… I don’t, I mean he is nice and handsome.”
“Ha” turning to look at Grace in the back, “Did you know about this?” She shook her head no.
“You think he’s handsome. I knew you liked him.” Giving her the I told you so look.
“Fine, I do like him but he is not interested in me.”
While looking at Grace Amber begged, “Please don’t tell him. I will be so embarrassed.”
Grace quickly added, “I won’t say anything to him. Why do you think he doesn’t like you?”
Amber talked quickly, a nervous habit she had. “Remember when I came here last year?” Amber directed her question to me. Without waiting for a response she continued, “Well we hung out that summer. One day out at the lake, he kissed me. It was amazing and I was so excited. He was so sweet and kind. The next day he came over and said that the kiss the night before was a mistake. He then said that he wasn’t interested in me. I was so embarrassed I left back home early. We haven’t really spoken since that day. So please don’t say anything.”
The melancholy in her eyes was heartbreaking. I felt bad for bringing him up at all.
“I won’t say anything to him at all and if he can’t see what an amazing person you are it’s his loss. You are down to earth, fun, outgoing and not to mention gorgeous.”
I liked Grace more and more every time I hung out with her. I leaned across the seat and wrapped my arm around Amber’s shoulders and gave her a hug. “Why didn’t you ever mention him before?”
“Well he was a part of the pack and I wasn’t allowed to discuss things within the pack. You have no idea how hard it was not being able to share. I am so glad you now know all about this.” She waved her arms in the air emphasizing her point. She leaned into me and nodded at Grace.
Pulling away from her I said, “So that is why you came back early from summer break. Is he part of the reason you never dated anyone seriously? I mean come on you’re gorgeous and there were plenty of guys lined up.”
She smiled and blushed. “Yeah, that was a lot of it. Let’s not talk about it now, we’re here.”
Amber pulled sunshine over to the curb and parked. We all hopped out and I smelled sandalwood. Jason, I thought looking around but not seeing anyone.
I can tell Amber is still uncomfortable and embarrassed about Ryan so I blurted out, “I almost kissed Jason.”
“What?” they both blurted out at the same time.
“You know the night that Jeremy took me I almost kissed Jason.”
“Wow!” Amber said.
“Okay now you have to explain.”
“It’s hard to explain. One moment I was trying to get away from Jeremy. The next Jason was protecting me and fixing my wounds. Then out of the blue I was overwhelmed with the feeling of calmness. It felt like it was coming from Jason and I was drawn to him. Well now you know but I don’t want to talk about it. I want to enjoy today. No worries, no serious choices to make, just shopping.”
Amber bumped my hip with hers and smiled. I know she knows I shared all that for her benefit. So she wouldn’t be embarrassed about what happened between her and Ryan.
While shopping I bought a new pair of jeans. Amber found a new hot pink ruffle swimming suit. Grace found some bracelets and earrings. After we exhausted ourselves we ate at a little sandwich Shoppe. I had the club sandwich and it was so… good. The slices of avocado were fresh and delicious. After eating we decided to go and watch a movie. We couldn’t decide what genre to see so we played Rock, paper, scissors for it. Rock was romantic, paper was comedy and scissors was thriller. Of course scissors won which meant we were going to watch a scary movie. I had a love hate relationships with scary movies. I loved getting scared but I didn’t like having to sleep with the light on for two weeks afterwards.
After we bought our tickets we walked into the dimly lit theatre. The smell of popcorn made my mouth water. I loved popcorn, it is one of my guilty pleasures. Amber and Grace headed for drinks and popcorn. I walked down the hall to the restroom. It was located at the end of the hallway.
“Hey could you guys grab me some junior mints? I’ll pay you back,” I asked looking over my shoulder.
Amber waved, “Don’t worry about it, I owe you one.”
Before I got to the bathroom, someone covered my mouth and pulled me into the janitors’ closet. It smelled of chemicals and cherry almond soap. I could also smell sandalwood.
Just then I heard Jason’s voice whisper in my ear. “I am not going to hurt you, please don’t scream.”
His warm breath on my neck tickled and goose bumps broke out on my arms. I nodded as he gently removed his large hands from covering my mouth. He spun me around, my body pressed against his firm chest. His strong arms wrapped around me.
“Jason,” I whispered. “What are you doing here?”
I could barely see him due to the low light in the closet. He looked at me his green eyes piercing mine. He brought his hand up and cupped my cheek. My heart began to beat fast as he leaned into me. I closed my eyes waiting for him to kiss me when his cheek pressed next to my ear. I could feel the stubble on his face, it was very attractive.
“You’re in danger, they’re planning to come for you. I wanted to warn you. You need to leave.” I could hear the pleading in his voice.
My voice sounded soft and airless. “Why are you helping me?”
He pulled back to look at me skimming my wrist with his finger. Warmness started to encompass my nerves. I looked at him as he cast his eyes down on me. Before I knew what was happening his lips pressed to mine. They were so soft and he tasted like cinnamon. The familiar smell of sandalwood was intoxicating. I wound my fingers into his wavy hair and pulled him closer. He moved his mouth away from my lips and kissed along my neckline. My body began to heat up and tingle. I smiled inside and then the next thing I knew he was out the door and I was standing alone in the closet.
I stood there for a moment in shock until l heard Amber calling my name. I opened the door and stepped out walking right into a hard chest. My hands moved to his chest to steady myself. Looking up into Enoc’s eyes I stilled. Amber stood a few feet back. Amber gave me the, what the crap look. Enoc leaned into me smelling my neck. I heard a deep growl and his eyes turned a brilliant blue. He quickly turned and walked away from me. Amber grabbed my hand and led me into the bathroom. She turned me so I could look in the mirror. My cheeks were pink and my hair was tousled my clip missing. My neck was pink from where Jason’s trailed little kisses. I reached up and caressed my neck surprised about what just happened.
“Who was in the closet with you Olivia?” Amber asked as I tried to smooth out my hair.
I looked down and responded “Jason. What is Enoc going to do?” I asked “And why di
d he growl at me”
Amber looked down before answering “He’s looking for him, for Jason, if he finds him he’ll kill him.”
Stuttering, “Why would he do that?”
“He wants to protect you. He thinks Jason is going to hurt you.” Amber responded.
I turned to leave. “I am going to talk to him he has no right to hurt him.”
Amber reached out to stop me, “I am telling you Enoc was jealous.”
I didn’t know what to say. “No way, he has barely spoken to me for almost a month.”
Still looking at me she said something I never thought of, “I could smell it on him Olivia, he was majorly jealous.”
We ended up staying for the movie, even though I couldn’t remember what it was about. All I could think about was Jason and Enoc. Could it be true what Amber said about Enoc? Could Enoc really like me? Was he really jealous? And what was that with Jason. That isn’t like me at all. Huh, I just don’t know what to think. The drive home was quiet for the most part. I listened as Amber told Grace what happened. What am I going to do?
Chapter 6
At dinner Grace, Amber and I were challenged to a bowling match, against Ryan, Enoc and David.
Amber pointed at Ryan, “You guys are going down.”
I smiled and thought, yeah right I suck at bowling. Out loud I said, “So what are we fighting for?”
Enoc replied, “If we win you have to clean our rooms.”
Ryan clasped Enoc’s shoulder. “Nah, too much personal stuff, how about we each get a thirty minute back massage.”
“Okay, but if we win you have to serve us breakfast in bed for a week.” Amber replied.
“What, I don’t think so. We will do breakfast in bed three times a week and you can give us two thirty minute back rubs.” Ryan responded back.
Amber stroked her chin mischievously, “Give us a second to talk about it.”
Grace, Amber and I huddle which is pointless because I knew they could hear us talk. After talking it over with the girls I set our terms.
“Um you serve us breakfast in bed three times this week and we will give you each two twenty minute massages.” I challenged.
David came over. “We will take that deal,” he said, putting his arm around my shoulder.
I nudged his arm off playfully. “We’ll meet downstairs in twenty minutes, unless you’re afraid,” I taunt in a scary voice.
The guys headed off as we discussed our game strategy. “Okay, just so you know I stink at bowling” I divulged.
Amber agrees by nodding her head, “Yeah but Grace and I are awesome.”
“Well let’s just hope we lose that way you can get your tiny little fingers on Ryan and I can finally have a reason to get close to Enoc.” I jokingly suggest.
Both Grace and Amber busted up. “That is a great idea. Oh yeah, we should totally bomb it.” Amber excitedly agreed.
“Yeah, but we still need to look like we’re trying to win.” Grace reminded us.
“Okay let’s go,” I say as I anxiously skip down the stairs.
I noticed the guys already had the game set up. I was amazed to see quite a few pack members hanging around to watch.
“Ladies first,” Enoc tells us.
Amber’s name is on the board first. She lined up and rolled the ball, barely knocking two pins down. I couldn’t help but smile inwardly. Amber usually gets strikes whenever we played at home. Her second ball bounced and landed in the gutter.
“Way to go Amber!” I shouted as Grace slapped her high five.
The girls in the pack cheered us on. Next in line was David. He rolled and knocked down eight.
“Not bad David, but not good enough, I nudged him playfully.
Grace is next. She rolls the ball but slipped falling hard on her butt.
“Oh, Grace you okay?” I tried not to break out laughing.
Amber just belted it out, tears falling from her eyes. “I am so sorry Grace that was so freaking funny.”
Ryan helped Grace up, “You okay sis?”
“Yeah,” she responded while rubbing her butt.
Enoc got up and lined up to roll the ball. Enoc’s baby blue t-shirt was tight across his chest. Oh he is so dream worthy.
Apparently I was staring at his backside because Ryan says, “Hey Olivia take a picture it will last longer.”
“Oh shut up Ryan,” I say as my face turned a bright red. I slapped his shoulder.
“Oh I am wounded your strength is overpowering.” Ryan pretended to cower.
Enoc gave me one of his gorgeous smiles and I thought I was going to faint. I just stood there staring at Enoc as he landed a strike. He walked over to me picking up my pink bowling ball.
“Olivia it is your turn.” Amber tells me as she pulls me a few steps away from Enoc’s intense stare.
I smile and reached out to take the ball, “Thanks Enoc.”
Surprised I managed those two words. I am so nervous. I tried to mess up but the ball rolls straight knocking all the pins over.
“Yeah!” Amber and Grace cheer whistling and screaming.
Next up is Ryan who Amber is blushing over.
“Are you alright?” I bumped Amber’s hip with my own giggling.
“Yeah, he is just so…”
“Yummy” I say.
“Yes he is definitely a ten on the yummy scale.” Amber fanned herself like she was on fire.
“Choke Choke,” Grace chanted. “Come on Ryan don’t roll it in the gutter” she teased.
Ryan rolled a strike. Surprise, surprise I thought. Ryan turned charging after Grace. He pinned her to the linoleum floor her arms pinned to her side.
He started poking her in the chest. “Name ten candy bars.”
Grace was laughing so hard. “Stop it, Stop I am going to pee.”
Ryan retorted, “Name ten candy bars.”
Grace started to cry she was laughing so hard. “Snickers, Kit Kat uh…Baby Ruth, stop it Ryan” Grace crossed her legs to stop herself from peeing. The whole room was roaring with laughter. Amber runs over jumping on Ryan’s back wrapping her tiny arms around his large frame.
“Let her up you big lug.” Amber cried.
Ryan lets go of Grace to pin Amber down. Her face turns a shade of red I’ve never seen before.
“Enoc do something, Amber is going to pass out with Ryan on top of her like that.”
Enoc laughed and then whistled so loud everyone froze. Grace rolled over laughing grabbing her belly.
“Alright we got a game to finish.” His voice was laced with authority.
I reached up to touch his shoulder. “Thanks Enoc.” I walked over and pulled Amber back over to our side.
We continued to intentionally I lose. However the guys were starting to really make fun of us. So we decided we would just have to show them up.
“Okay girls change of plans, you with me?”
“Yeah we need to show these guys who rocks and we definitely rock!” Amber shouted.
Next up Amber rolled a strike
“YAY! Wahoo! Go Amber!” I cheered.
David gets up but before he can bowl Grace whispers something in his ear. His face turns red. Enoc laughed so loud followed by Ryan and Amber.
“What did you say Grace?” David rolled the ball and totally bombed it.
Grace came over to me “I told him, if we won I couldn’t wait to have him in bed,” She coughed. I mean breakfast in bed.”
Laughing, “You’re horrible, that is too funny, I love it” I gave her a hug.
Grace lined up next totally focused on landing a strike.
“In your face” she raised her hand up to the guys only to bring it down slapping her butt. We all laughed. Crap Enoc is going again. I gotta make him mess up. Enoc lined up but I make sure he sees me grab David and kiss him just as he rolls the ball. David is totally surprised but grins. Enoc knocks two pins down. He turns to stare at David his eyes glowing. David bares his neck to Enoc.
“Oh come on Enoc, be n
ice.” I teased batting my eyes.
He rolls the ball and it rolls in the gutter.
“Yeah, we’re winning and you’re losing,” Grace yells.
“Really mature!” Ryan shouts back.
Sibling rivalry, “I have never had it but it sure looks fun.”
“Hey all is fair in a bowling match.” Amber says laughing.
Enoc hands me my ball. His fingers touch mine and I automatically lean into him. Enoc brushes my hair away from my neck. He lets his fingers rest on the tender spot in the curve of my neck. Smiling his dimple shows. Enoc leans into me inhaling my scent. His lips touch my ear. His breath is warm.
He whispers, “But I really wanted my massage.”
Heat rushes to my cheeks and I took a step back. His eyes were a fierce blue.
My mouth hangs open, “So not fair.”
He smiled and repeats what Amber said moments before, “All is fair when bowling.”
I really tried to get a strike but I guttered it.
Enoc came over after, “It is okay Olivia tell me how you really feel?”
“Only when you tell me first,” I flirted back.
He didn’t move away and I was glad. Amber and Grace goaded Ryan who scored a three. Amber got a turkey which let us end up winning the game. This was so... much fun. It was fantastic having the pack members cheer us on. We hugged each other jumping up and down singing, “We won! We won!”
After everyone settled down and the bowling alley started to clear out I heard Enoc, “Can I walk you home?”
“Yes, that would be nice, thanks.”
He held his hand out which I gladly reached for. The sparks made my belly ignite.
Amber ran up to me, “Hey I’ll meet you at the cabin later. I got some things I need to pick up at the main cabin.”
“Oh okay, see you in a bit then.” I hugged Amber goodbye.
Grace came up afterwards and hugged me, “See you tomorrow Olivia”
“Yep tomorrow,” I yawned.
The Choice (The Choice Series Book 1) Page 7
