by Casey Peeler
No Turning Back
(Full Circle #1)
By Casey Peeler
Copyright © 2013 Casey Peeler
All rights reserved.
This book is a written act of fiction. Any places, characters, or similarities are purely coincidence. If certain places or characters are referenced it is for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
The author recognizes all copyright and trademarks that are mentioned within this work of fiction.
Acknowledgements:
It’s hard to believe that I started this journey as a blogger less than a year ago with one comment by my friend, Rebecca Johnson. I never knew that my journey at Hardcover Therapy would grow like wildfire. After thinking for some time that I would like to write, Rebecca made a comment that I should write a book. Little did she know that I had this outline of a series in my head. With that comment, No Turning Back came to life. Rebecca, I have you to thank for this awesome journey!
Special thanks to:
Amanda Bennett has been an inspiration and has given the best advice about how to self-publish. There are not enough words to express my gratitude. She is an amazing author, and I’m glad to call her my friend. If you haven’t read any of her novels, you are totally missing out! 1-click now!
Chelly Peeler, you’ve had my back from day one. You have helped keep up with reviews at Hardcover Therapy while I finished writing, read NTB, read it again, edited, and given advice. We aren’t just family; you truly are one of my best friends, and I couldn’t have done this without you.
My betas, Paige, Pam, and Kristina, thank you so much for your thoughts and feelings that have brought this book to life. I owe y’all!
Paige, you have read, edited, read, edited, read, and edited! I couldn’t have done this without you!
Cortlan Allen, my cover model
Brian Harris at Firelight Photography for the cover photos
My sister, Pam Baldwin, at Paperclutch for the design. You have been there at any given moment I needed. This cover was an adventure for both of us, and it is fabulous! Love you!
My family, friends, authors, and bloggers, thanks for your thoughts, posts, shares, tweets, and likes!
Lastly, I want to thank my husband, Billy, and daughter, Carlee, for being there on this adventure. I know it hasn’t been easy, but you have stuck by my dream. Thanks for bringing me back to reality when I needed it and reminding me what is important. I love you both with my whole heart!
To the Zoo Crew, I love y’all and thanks for making me laugh, cry,
and being there for me- always
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1: Graduation Day June 2013
Chapter 2: Moving Day
Chapter 3: Soccer Party
Chapter 4: The 1st Day of Class
Chapter 5: Hooters
Chapter 6: Hank’s Tavern
Chapter 7: 18th Birthday
Chapter 8: Dixon-West Game
Chapter 9: Homecoming
Chapter 10: The Project
Chapter 11: Fall Break
Chapter 12: Let the Meets Begin
Chapter 13: Study Day
About the Author
Prologue
July 20, 2012
My body feels like it is about to turn to complete mush as I place my wet swimsuit in my locker after practice. I brush my hair and grab my bag as I head home.
"Oh Shit, Dylan! You scared the hell outta me!" I yell, walking out of the locker room at the Grassy Pond Aquatic Center (GPAC). Dylan grabs my arms and pulls me into the closest corner and kisses me with lust, force, and desire. He has the perfect body, perfect hands, perfect mouth, just damn near perfect minus the control he has on me. He’s like a bad habit I can’t break, my own form of crack. Once I got one taste of him, I had to have more. I’m freakin’ strung out on Dylan Sloan. The only problem is my parents don’t like him, but they know the more they push, the closer I drive straight into his arms. It takes every ounce of strength I have to keep his smoldering lips off mine.
"Stop, if Coach sees us then we'll have to work double time tomorrow."
"Seriously Charley, ya gotta loosen up."
"I’m not kidding, Dylan, I got a lot riding on this sport and you do too!"
"Alright, just one more kiss." I kiss him slowly and gently, but it leaves me craving more.
"There's a party tonight at Trent’s on the West Side. You’re going with me. I'll pick ya up around seven."
"You know my parents aren't going to let me stay out late. Maybe I can see what Piper’s up to; maybe she can cover for me?" I say with a wink.
"I like the way your brain works.” He slaps me playfully on the ass as we walk to our cars.
"Just text me the plan. I can't wait to see you tonight." He kisses me one more time before I get into my Honda and text Piper before heading home.
Me: U got plans 2nite?
Piper: Heard there’s a party on West Side.
Me: Dylan wants me to go with him & I need cover
Piper: U got it, might see u there Justin txt me earlier
Me: Ur the best, I'll fill you in on the night tomorrow :)
I turn on the dirt road that leads to our farm. Knowing I’m about to lie to my parents, I put on my game face as I approach our old farmhouse. I notice my mom and dad are loading up the Chevy 2500HD and cow trailer. That’s weird. I cut off the car, grab my swim bag and walk toward the truck.
“What y’all doing?” I ask my mom.
“Your daddy just got a call that the cows need to be at the sale in Athens by 6 a.m. tomorrow.”
“Are you serious? That’s like what five hours away or somethin’.”
“Charley, I know it seems crazy for us to go that far on such short notice, but they are paying big down there. Tessa is working and going to Kim’s for the night. I figured you could stay here and keep an eye on the farm. We should be back late tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I can do that. Y’all need me to help ya finish loading up?” Seriously, how did I manage not to have to lie about my plans tonight?
“Nah, we’re good. Just make sure you go check on the goats near Cash’s. Joker keeps jumping the fence,” Dad says.
“Alright, love y’all and be careful.” I give Mom and Dad a hug, go in the house and squeal like a giddy school girl while doing a happy dance. Never in a million years would they let me stay out late at a party with Dylan if they were home and they sure wouldn’t leave me alone if they knew that was the plan for tonight.
Me: Parents gone tonight, no need for cover, see ya at 7
Dylan: Ur j/k right?
Me: Nope :)
Dylan: Plans just might have to change…
Me: Ur not getting lucky
Dylan: :(
Me: U know I’m not that way
Dylan: Maybe I can change ur mind… see you at 7
Me: XOXO
I go in the house, grab a Choice Cherry Gold, pop the top and look for a bite to eat. I’m starved! I scan the fridge and notice that Mom has left a chicken pie for us to eat. I fix my plate and scarf it down. All I know is if Coach keeps up these two-a-day practices, I don’t know if I’ll be standing at the end of the summer. Oh crap. I gotta text Piper.
Me: No rents tonight, no cover, thanks girlie :)
Piper: Really??
Me: Yup! D thinks he’s getting lucky tonight lol
Piper: LMAO! He should know better. Call me later
I look at the clock and it’s
almost 5:30. I better get a move on. I’ve gotta get all this chlorine outta my hair. I turn on the radio to my favorite country station, crank up the volume, and make my way to the bathroom to get ready. I use my favorite scent in the world, Aruba Coconut. I decide that I need to look beyond hot tonight for Dylan. I know exactly what I’m wearing—Miss Me Jeans, hot pink tube top and a black bow stretch belt. Heck, I decide to ditch my boots tonight for black wedges.
As I get ready, I look in the mirror. If I’m going to look hot for Dylan tonight, I have to do something a little different. I add my eyeliner a little darker to my light blue eyes, apply just enough shadow, blush, and bronzer to my porcelain skin, and finish my look with berry-colored lip stick. If I’m the girl on his arm, I need to look like we’re a match made in heaven. With that thought, I decide to roll my hair to give it extra body and a totally sexy look.
As I wait for the curler to cool, I can’t help but think about the first time Dylan asked me out. It was right after the state swim meet. We both placed first in our events, our relays were in the top two, and Dixon High was State Champions. We were screaming with excitement. The next thing I knew Dylan was hugging me and looking at me with those eyes. I knew he was bad news. He was a love ‘em and leave ‘em kinda guy, but I didn’t care. He chose me, and I chose him. And for some reason, he had never pushed the sex issue. I just didn’t do that kinda thing and I was upfront about that from the beginning. He was everything I liked in a guy— tall, short dark chocolate brown hair, a hot body that doesn’t leave much to the imagination in a Speedo, washboard stomach, tattoos, and as competitive as me. His one downfall is his possessiveness of me.
I’m ready by 6:45 and decide to watch a little CMT. I hear the exhaust of his Black 2011 Mustang coming down the drive. Why am I so nervous tonight? I leave on the porch light and head to the car. I get in and Dylan looks at me.
“What?!” I say with a smile because I know exactly why he is looking at me with those eyes.
“Damn Charley, are you trying to kill me?”
“I just wanna look good for ya.” I give him a soft, sweet kiss and then we head down the dirt road on the way to the party.
We make our way to town and arrive at Trent’s on the West Side. Dylan hops out and grabs his cooler from the trunk. I check my makeup in the visor mirror and get out as well. Dylan grabs my hand and gives me a look like he’s up to something.
“D, what you up to?” I say with my hands on my hips.
“Nothing, I just want us to have a good time tonight.”
“You know we will,” I say with a smile. Dylan walks beside me and I lace my fingers into his as we walk into Trent’s.
Since I’ve been with Dylan, I’ve experienced a lot of drinking and partying as well as first, second, and third base. He wants a homerun, but I’m just not ready for that. I want to make sure the person is the one. I want my own fairytale and before I take a relationship to that level, I want to know it’s forever.
The first thing I notice when we enter the house is there is more than the usual crowd here. I see a ton of people that are older than me, but it is summer and most people haven’t gone back to college at this point. Dylan takes me into the kitchen and places our cooler in the corner. I grab a Fatty Natty and take a swig. Yuck! Dylan keeps me close to him as we head over to talk to Trent. I don’t necessarily enjoy these parties, hence the beer, but Dylan is expected to be here. He is Mr. Popular at Dixon High, and like a magnet, all the girls and teachers fall at his feet. It amazes me how a guy can just walk into the room and have all the girls swarm to him. What makes me smile is that fact that I know I’m the one he loves and treasures.
I feel happy inside knowing I have the hottest guy at school who likes me for me. We share the same dream, and if all goes as planned, that dream will come true. We hope to go Division I in swimming after we graduate in May. For me, the drawback to our dream is Dylan’s possessiveness. He likes me to be at his beck and call. He doesn’t want me to hang out with Cash or my other friends like I used to.
This party is a lot more tolerable than the others I have had the chance to attend. The music is a great variety, not too loud, people aren’t too drunk, and I’ve had a few beers which makes everything better. All night Dylan is on me like white on rice. He can’t keep his hands off me. They are in my hair, tracing up and down my arms, neck, waist, and legs. Inside, my body is playing tug-of-war with what I know is right. I decide to give in a little and we find our own private area on the back porch. Dylan takes a seat in the rocking chair and I straddle him. I kiss him on his forehead and make my way down to his lips and neck. We mess around and just have fun. Knowing I don’t have parents at home lets me cut loose, but I’m still in control. Around 1a.m., it dawns on me. Joker. That damn goat!
“Dylan, you gotta get me home. I forgot to check on Joker.”
He rolls his eyes. “Seriously Charley! We can’t leave now. The party is just getting started.”
“If it was any other night, I would have had to be home already.”
“Alright, let me get the cooler and tell Trent we’re out.” Dylan understands how much responsibility I have on the farm, so he knows he won’t win this battle.
“I’m gonna run to the bathroom, hold my beer. I’ll be right back.”
I hurry back to Dylan, pound my beer and head out the door. About half way home I start to feel like I’m not in my own body. I know the car is moving, but it’s like a total out of body experience. Then I start to feel like I’m going to puke and I know I haven’t drunk enough to be that drunk.
“Dylan, I don’t feel so good.”
“You want me to stop and get you something to eat?”
“Yeah, that might help.”
I try to eat my burger, but for some reason, I can’t seem to find my mouth. Before I know it, we are pulling onto my dirt road and approaching my house. Dylan looks at me with a strange expression that makes my insides quiver. He takes the burger from me and discards it in the bag. His eyes now look raw and hungry. What is wrong with him? I try to open the door, but I can’t seem to find the handle. Dylan walks around the car to open my door for me. When he realizes I’m not able to move, he carries me from the car, unlocks the door and takes me upstairs to my bed.
Dylan removes my wedges and helps me lie down on the bed. I’m so glad that he’s taking care of me. My eyes are extremely heavy. I try to keep them open but struggle. Before I can put everything together, Dylan is on top of me, kissing me hard. Too hard. He continues to kiss me like I’m property as he takes off my jeans. I try to push his body off mine, but I can’t. What the hell is he trying to pull? Everything is starting to get fuzzy, but I manage to say the most important words I can to make him stop.
“Dylan, what the fuck are you doin’? Stop! I said STOP!” I continue to try to push him off me, but it’s no use. He continues to take full control of me.
“Shhhhhh. Please don’t make this harder than it has to be. I’ve been patient, but I’m tired of it. We can do this one of two ways, willing or unwilling.” He snarls.
“I said get the fuck off me!” I scream while I dig my nails into his arm.
“That’s not going to help,” he says with a devilish smile.
In my heart I know I don’t stand a chance. He’s strong and overpowering. I cry and scream, but it is no use. There is no one at home and there are acres upon acres separating my farm from another person. He is in full control. Once he finishes, he kisses me gently and leaves. I want to throw up; instead, I curl into a ball as tears begin to fall. I’m home alone, and a night I thought was going to be special has turned into the biggest nightmare of my life. I decide that I have to be strong. I force myself to stop crying. I really need a shower, and I still have to check on the damn goat. I try to move but can’t. What am I going to do? What the hell did he do to me at that party? I notice my phone is on my nightstand. If I can grab it, I can text Cash.
Me: $ wiiill u ck on Jker? (Will you check on Joker?)
&
nbsp; Cash: R u drunk?
Me: no, pplease (No, please)
Cash: U sure ur ok?
Me: Yup
Cash: k
I try to force myself up, but I can’t. It’s like I’m dead weight. My body feels dirty, violated, and I have to wash him off me. As I’m trying to figure out how to move, I hear the front door close. Oh God no. Please don’t let it be Dylan. I start praying to God.
Lord, PLEASE protect me; keep me safe; forgive him. Amen
“Charley!” Then there is a pause. “Char!” I hear Cash calling. Oh shit, he’s going to have a come apart! What am I going to do? I look around the room to grab my clothes, but it’s no use.
