by Kaylee Ryan
“I can see that from you, but there’s also more. I can’t exactly put my finger on it.”
“More?”
“Yeah, I’ll let you know when I figure it out.” She grins.
I smile back at her. Maybe we’ll spend more time together while I’m here and she can figure it out. One can only hope. “You serious about going back to the fair?” I ask her.
“Sure, if you want. I have class tomorrow, but it’s over at one. After that, we could go. I don’t have to work tomorrow either.”
I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans, something that seems to happen quite frequently around her. “We should go, I mean, if you want to.” Shit, I sound like a tool.
“You did promise me more junk food,” she says. “How’s this?” She points to the screen.
“What is it?”
“Lip Sync Battle. They have different celebrities come on and lip sync. It’s pretty funny. We can turn up the sound.” She motions her head toward the hallway where Savannah and Combs disappeared.
“Sure.”
I watch as Austyn pulls a blanket off the back of the couch we’re sitting on and throws it over her legs. I want to volunteer to keep her warm, but I barely know this girl. She’d probably junk punch me or something.
“So, I’ll pick you up tomorrow after class? I’ll need to run home and change so maybe we should touch base when I’m done?”
“I’ll be ready,” I tell her with conviction.
“Thirteen weeks is a long time. They might be in there for a while.”
“Yeah, it is,” I agree. “I’m good here watching TV if you have something to do or want to go to bed….” I say the words but inside, I pleading for her to stay down here with me.
“I have nowhere to be,” she says. We’re both quiet for a few minutes when she speaks again. “Why the Marines?”
I debate on how much to tell her. It’s not that I hide my background, plus I already let some details slip earlier, but it’s not something I like to talk about either. Although, sitting here in the dimly lit basement with her, all cuddled-up and sleepy-eyed, I find that she’s the exception. “Life growing up was… not normal. My parents are both addicts. My grandma, she got custody when I was twelve. It was just the two of us after that.” I’m glazing over the details as I don’t want to see pity in her eyes. “Gran passed away two weeks before graduation,” I rush on, not wanting to let my emotion take over. “That last week there was a career day for those of us who were still undecided about our futures. There was a marine recruiter there.”
“So you signed up, just like that?”
“Gran was all I had, so yeah. They offered me a way to be a part of something, give me a family of sorts. The skills training and the education are all a bonus, too.”
“Have you really never heard from your parents?” There’s no pity in her eyes, just genuine interest.
“No, not since the day I was taken from them. I don’t know where they are or even if they’re still alive.” I stare at the TV, trying not to think about the last time I saw my parents. It’s not something I think about often.
“Hey.” I turn to look at her as she pulls her hand out from under the blanket and rests it on my arm. “What you and Brandon and everyone else enlisted are doing is brave and a true sacrifice. It seems like a courageous decision you made to me.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I agree with you about the others, but for me, I had no one. It was kind of a no-brainer. I have less to lose than the others.”
“I’m sure you have friends, a girlfriend maybe?”
My heart stutters at her question, hoping she’s asking for more reasons than general curiosity. “Nope. I was always the scrawny, dirty kid with clothes that didn’t fit growing up. When Gran got custody, that changed. I gained weight, had clothes that were clean and fit, but kids are cruel and don’t forget, you know? I stayed to myself during school, and at night, I went home and took care of Gran.”
“Was she sick?” she asks softly.
“Yeah, bad heart. It was hard for her to get around. I would make us dinner, do the grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning. Whatever we needed done.”
“Most guys our age don’t even know how to do laundry. I assume you’re my age,” she says.
“Eighteen, nineteen next week. Combs, I mean, Brandon and I have the same birthday.”
“Really? How cool is that?”
I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. “Yeah, it’s pretty cool.”
“So you’ll be here then, for your birthday?”
“Yeah, I’m here until we leave for SOI.”
“So you get to learn to shoot guns and stuff?” she asks. I raise my eyebrows in questions and she grins. “I know how to use the Internet,” she defends.
“Something like that.” I grin at her. The door to the room Combs and Savannah disappeared into opens.
“I love this show,” Savannah says, taking a seat on the other couch. Combs sits right next to her and pulls her into him.
“Done already?” I tease them.
“Oh, we’re not done, just taking a break.” Brandon smirks.
That’s how we spend the next couple of hours. Savannah’s parents come home and seem nice. They came downstairs to say hello, and that was it. We watch what has to be a DVR of every episode of Lip Sync Battle. We don’t leave until both of the girls are sound asleep. I watch as Combs kisses his girl on the cheek before standing and covering her with a blanket. He doesn’t seem to be upset that his plans for a short break were changed by her falling asleep. I make sure that Austyn is covered as well. Although I forego the kiss, I wish I didn’t have to.
“Austyn and I are going back to the fair tomorrow,” I tell Combs on the way back to his place.
He glances over at me, before turning his attention back to the road. “Taking one for the team,” he says, chuckling.
“Something like that.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.”
“Yep.” I don’t offer any information, and he doesn’t ask. He’s already given me the speech. Not that he needed to. Anyone who spends any kind of time with Austyn would know she’s not just your average girl. When we get back to his place, I mumble goodnight before closing myself in the guest room. Sleep evades me as I picture the blonde-haired blue-eyed angel. When I do finally drift off, she’s still all I see.
I WOKE UP THIS MORNING with a stiff neck, and it’s been a pain in my ass all damn day. I had to forgo my morning run because of it. To make matters worse, I was rushing and running late for class since Savannah and I stayed up late last night with the guys. When I got to class, the auditorium was full, meaning I had to sit down front. The professor decided to use the projector, and of course, it was as high as the damn thing would go on the wall. This means I had to tilt my head back to look at it. Yeah, not a good day.
As I’m walking out to my car, my phone rings. Looking at the screen, I see it’s Brandon. “Hey, stranger,” I greet him.
“Uh, hey, Austyn, it’s Slade.”
Damn, that voice. “Hey, Slade. What’s up?”
“I just wanted to see if we’re still good for the fair later on, or a movie or something? I just want to be able to tell Co—Brandon he’s off the hook for entertaining me.”
“Old habits, huh?” I ask him.
“What?”
“Calling him by his last name.”
“Oh, yeah, it’s a hard habit to break.”
“I know him both ways, so it’s all good,” I laugh. “I think a movie is out, I have a stiff neck, I must have slept wrong last night. Unless of course, we can get the very back row.”
“We don’t have to do anything,” he backpedals. “I just thought, you know, since I’m the odd man out and Brandon brought me home to be nice, that I could give him and his girl a night together without me tagging along, but I know he won’t leave me here alone. His parents are great, and all, but I know he won’t,” he rambles on. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he’s
nervous.
“Why are you using Brandon’s phone?” I blurt out the question, my own nerves getting the best of me.
“I don’t have your number.”
“We’ll have to fix that,” I say, trying not to let the excitement show in my voice. I don’t want to sound too eager.
“Yeah,” he says huskily. “We need to fix that for sure.”
“The fair?” I ask him, needing to get this conversation back on track and my reaction to him in check.
“Definitely the fair.”
If he only knew the things his sexy voice made come to mind. “So, I’ll swing by Brandon’s and pick you up around what? Seven?” This gives me time to take a quick nap, shower, and shave—you know, just in case.
“That sounds great.”
“I’ll be there at seven.”
“I’ll see you soon, Austyn.”
He doesn’t wait for me to reply; instead, the line goes dead. Climbing into my car, I look at my reflection in the rearview mirror. My eyes are shining and the smile that tips my lips is unmistakable. This day is looking up after all.
I wait until I’m home to text Savannah.
Me: Slade and I are going back to the fair tonight.
Savvy: So I heard. I knew there was something there.
Me: Just giving the lovebirds a night alone.
Me: You’re welcome.
Savvy: Excuses! But I love you for it.
Me: Love you, too. I’m picking him up at Brandon’s at seven.
Savvy: You’re the best! I can’t wait for some time alone with him. Just the two of us.
Me: Have fun!
Savvy: Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.
Me: LOL! You know better.
I’ve listened to Savannah all these years talk about how great sex is. I’m envious of what she has with Brandon; she was lucky enough to be in love her first time. Those two are the real deal. It’s not that I’m saving myself for marriage or anything. I’ve just never really been serious enough about a guy to get to that point. I refuse to have a random hook-up just to mark it off the list. There’s only one first time. I want it to mean something.
As luck would have it, Savannah is so wrapped up in Brandon—as she should be—she didn’t question me when I told her that Slade and I made plans to head back to the fair tonight. I can imagine she was wearing a knowing smile when she read my text. Lady luck is definitely on my side. My best friend can and has always been able to see right through me. I don’t really know what I’m feeling about Slade and seeing him again. I just know he’s a really nice guy, easy on the eyes, and the idea of spending more time with him makes me giddy with excitement.
How I make it through class today is beyond me. I don’t remember one single part of the lecture. I groan internally, knowing I’m going to have to read over the chapter and ask for notes. No matter how hard I tried to focus, I just couldn’t, not with knowing that in just a few hours, I’d be spending more time with him.
When I walk in the front door, the house is quiet. Mom and Dad are both at work. My stomach growls so I make a quick sandwich. It’s not as good, as the fair food that is calling my name, but it will hold me over. I attempt to settle down for a nap, but my mind keeps racing with thoughts of Slade. When the alarm on my phone alerts me that it’s time to get moving, I realize I’ve lain here awake for a couple of hours, just daydreaming about spending more time with him. I quickly change into jeans, another pair of skinny jeans, not my fave but a necessity for wearing my Hunter boots. I throw on a T-shirt and grab a flannel out of my closet. It was warm out today, but the night air will be chilly.
When I pull into Brandon’s driveway, the guys are sitting on the front porch. My eyes immediately go to Slade. He’s wearing faded blue jeans and a tight-fitting marine T-shirt. He looks every bit the badass marine. His muscles are tight around the arms of his shirt. When he raises his hand in a casual wave, I realize I’ve just been sitting in my car staring at him. Get it together, Austyn.
Turning off the engine, I climb out of the car. I take my time making my way to them. I keep my eyes on my phone as if it’s the most interesting thing in the world.
“Hey, Aust,” Brandon says once I reach the edge of the porch.
I look up and focus on Brandon. “Hey.” On their own accord, my eyes pass over him and land on Slade, again. Oh my, up close is so much better. “Hey, Slade.”
“Austyn,” his deep, sexy voice greets me.
“What have y’all done today?” I ask, turning back to Brandon. I’m afraid if I keep looking at Slade, I’m going to embarrass myself even further.
“You see it,” Brandon laughs. “We’ve pretty much just chilled out all day. It’s nice to get a break. Hell, we both slept in this morning.”
“You deserve it,” I tell him. If anyone deserves a break, it’s these two. Not that I know much about being a marine, but from the videos that Savvy and I watched online, these guys have very little, if any, downtime while at boot camp. A car pulling into the driveway pulls my attention. Looking over my shoulder, I see it’s Savannah.
“There’s my girl.” Brandon jumps over the railing of the porch to greet her.
I know I should look away, give them space, but I can’t. The love that they share is one that most dream of. Sure, they’re young, but they’ve beaten the odds of failed high school sweetheart relationships, and are still together. There’s not a single doubt in my mind that they will stand the test of time.
“You ready?” Slade asks.
I turn to face him. “Depends, you ready to be seen with me?” He tilts his head to the side, confused. “I’m starving, and we’re headed to the fair…. I can’t be held responsible for my overeating actions,” I warn him.
He smiles, and his face lights up. “I’ll take my chances.”
I grin back at him. “All right then, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
He stands and joins me at the bottom of the steps. He stops and leans down, his lips next to my ear. “It’s going to take more than that to keep me from spending the evening with you, angel.”
I stand there, letting the feel of his hot breath and the meaning of his words wash over me. He called me angel. Be still my heart.
“You guys heading out?” Brandon asks when I turn to face them.
“Yeah,” I say, trying to get myself under control. Slade affects me like no one ever has. “I tried to warn him,” I say, looking at Savannah. “I’m starving.”
She laughs. “Be strong, Marine.” She pats Slade on the arm. Slade throws his head back and laughs. The sound washes over me like a caress.
“I think I can handle it.”
“Let’s see what you got.” I hip-check him, trying to get back into the playful banter. I can’t be staring at him with stars in my eyes all night. What fun would that be for him? We say a quick goodbye and head for my car.
“Want me to drive?” Slade asks.
“What? Big badass marine can’t be seen riding with little ole me?” I ask.
He grins. “By all means, chauffer me around. I was just trying to be a gentleman.”
“Uh-huh,” I say, not believing him.
“So, Austyn, do you have a last name?” he inquires.
“I do.” I don’t offer it.
“Are you going to tell me?” I can feel his eyes on me.
“Depends.”
“On what?”
“Why you want to know?”
“What? Am I not allowed to know the name of the gorgeous girl I’m spending so much time with?”
“Smooth,” I smile. “You go first.”
“Slade Joseph Reeves.”
“Wow, busting out the middle names.”
“Hey, go big or go home, right? I mean, I am a big badass marine,” he jokes.
“I see how it is.” I smile over at him, before putting my attention back on the road. “Austyn Michelle Wilson.” I hesitate then continue, “Michelle is my mom’s name. My little brother, Dawson, his middle name
is Lee. That’s my dad’s name.”
“It’s beautiful, and that’s really cool, to have that family connection.”
“What about you, family connection?”
“Not that I’m aware of. Who knows what they were thinking when they named me. I mean, Slade?”
“What? I like it. It’s hot,” tumbles out of my mouth before I can stop it.
“Really?” he asks, amused.
I can feel the blush coat my cheeks. “I mean, yeah, it’s unusual, and it fits you.”
“Fits me, huh?” Humor lifts his words and I daren’t look at him.
“You know, big badass marine,” I admit. Thankfully, we arrive at the fairgrounds before I can continue to embarrass myself by describing his hotness. “Front row,” I say, as I pull into a front row parking spot. “That’s really kind of awesome considering I’ll more than likely be too damn full to walk to the south forty.”
Laughing, he says, “I’d carry you.” Before I can reply, my stomach growls. “Let’s get you fed,” he declares, climbing out of the car. I rush to get my door open before he can get to me. He gives me a look, one that says, “that was my job.” I feel… weird having him opening the car door for me all the time.
“I was coming to get you,” he informs me.
“You don’t have to open my door for me.”
“Wait for me next time.”
I don’t argue. The look in his eyes tells me he means business. Besides, a girl could get used to being treated this way. “What do you want first?” I ask him once we’re through the gate.
“I’m down for anything. You have what? Deep fried Oreos, cotton candy, caramel corn, and candy apples on the list, right?”
I stop in my tracks; he does the same and turns to look at me. “You remembered?”
“You talk, and I listen.” He shrugs. “What’s first?”
“Actually, I’m thinking a walking taco.”
“Walking taco, it is,” he says with a laugh. “Lead the way.” He holds his arm out for me, just like last night. I don’t hesitate to grab onto his elbow and lead us toward the taco stand.
“Well, what do you think?” I ask once we’ve finished off our tacos. I can tell by the way he devoured his, just as I did mine, that he liked it.
