Choices Page 9

  “I went out with one of them, to the movies. It was so fun! He is absolutely adorable, and I can’t think of one bad thing to say about him. The other one? I really don’t know what to say about him. He’s hot, but I don’t know if he’s serious. I’m just going wait to see how it all unfolds, I guess.” I want to confide in her, but I have to be careful not to tell her too much.

  The door opens, and Mom comes in. “Hey! How’s my college girl doing?” I rush to hug her. Coming home feels good, but nothing compares to this.

  “I’m learning how to do laundry, Mom. Aren’t you proud?” I joke. “I might also take a few classes on ironing while I’m there,” I add sarcastically.

  “Just be glad you didn’t have to do chores before. Some kids are treated like servants, you know?” I roll my eyes at her, loving our inside joke. “Come on, girls. Dad’s waiting for us to eat brunch.” My mom’s cooking is certainly something I have missed.

  Dad hugs me, and I squeeze him tight. For some reason, tears gather in my eyes. We have a special bond, and it only gets deeper over time. I love my Mom, but she is so tied up with Katie and her issues that it’s hard for her to see anything else. Dad and I have grown close out of necessity. While Mom was off rescuing Katie, we had each other. “Daddy, I’ve missed you!” I don’t want to let go of him.

  “Missed you, too, baby. I’m just glad you took time out of your busy school schedule to come see the old folks who raised you.” He is a gentle, loving soul. I sure have missed my Daddy.

  While we eat, I fill them in on school, work, and Jenna. At times like this, it’s easy to forget the storm cloud that hangs above us. We’ve all learned to appreciate the good times while they last.

  As the day passes, I get restless. I know there is a fraternity party tonight, and I can’t help but wonder what Declan and Brody are doing. I know that neither of them have a shortage of girls waiting on the sidelines. Then, there is the issue of Brody’s proposition. It’s never far from my mind.

  Katie and I watch a movie together, and I decide to go to bed early. Just as I fall asleep, my phone rings. It’s Declan. Smiling, I answer. “Hey.” I get a little giddy, just knowing he’s thinking about me.

  “I was hoping it wasn’t too late to call. Were you awake?” Hearing his voice makes me wish I’d stayed in Knoxville this weekend. Maybe I wouldn’t be so confused right now if I were there with him.

  “I was just going to sleep, but I am happy you called. I was wondering about the party. Am I missing anything?” I hold my breath, hoping he doesn’t tell me about another one of Brody’s hook-ups.

  “Nah. You’re not missing anything. I’m actually trying to go to bed, but the music is too loud. That’s one of the bad things about living here. You never get to sleep on party nights.” His voice grows playful. “Plus, it wasn’t as much fun without you.” He is flirting, and I like it.

  We talk for a while, and when I look at the time, I am surprised at how late it has gotten. “Well, I better get some sleep. We have to drive back tomorrow.” I am so tired, I could fall asleep talking.

  “It was just good to hear your voice. Be safe tomorrow, and I’ll talk to you later.” As I drift off, my last thought is that the decision about the cabin should be easier than it is.

  Chapter 22

  Once Jenna and I get back to school, the week seems to pass quickly. My classes are getting harder, and I am studying more than I ever have. In high school, I didn’t really have to study. Apparently, those days are over.

  With my work and class schedules, I haven’t had much time for anything else. Declan sits with me in class and walks me home afterwards. Every night, he calls before I go to bed. Since Jenna is gone most nights now, his phone calls help break up the silence. He is still flirty, and he has never mentioned the conversation about the other guy. I don’t either, though I know it’s not fair to him.

  Jenna and I sneak in a couple of lunches together, but she is just as busy as I am. She plans to go home with Eric over the weekend, and I have avoided talking to her about my plans. I still haven’t decided what I’m going to do, but I’m sure she assumes I will go back home.

  Brody is messing with my mind. In class, he avoids me. I worked with him on Tuesday, and other than a few smiles my way, he did a good job being indifferent. The whole situation confuses me. And what makes him think I’d go anywhere with him when he’s acting like that?

  Friday, I pack a bag and get ready for work. I try to convince myself that I will leave straight from work and go to Collier, but I’m not sure I even believe it myself.

  When I see Brody behind the bar, I notice a distinct difference in him. When his eyes land on me, he doesn’t look away. Instead he watches me, expectantly, demanding an answer. I don’t know why I ever thought it would be possible to resist him.

  By the end of the night, my body is alive with anticipation. I feel Brody behind me when I am closing out my last ticket. He leans into me and asks, “So what’s it gonna be, Quince? Are you leaving here with me?” I can’t look at him.

  “Brody, you haven’t even talked to me this week. I mean, what am I supposed to think?” I keep my back to him, but he steps to my side.

  He puts a finger under my chin and slowly turns my face toward him, “I was giving you a chance to think about it. I don’t want to pressure you into anything. When you are with me, I want it to be your choice. I want to know that you want this as much as I do.”

  His eyes are so intense, I turn away. “I brought my things with me. Just let me know when you’re ready.” I had planned to at least put up a fight, but his words slay my doubts.

  “I’m ready when you are. Devin is closing the bar for me.” Hands on my shoulders, he turns me to face him again. “Are you sure about this? No matter what, you don’t have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable this weekend.”

  “Let’s just go, Brody.” If he keeps giving me a chance to back out, I just might do it. “Are we driving separately?” I might like to have my car, just in case I don’t want to stay all weekend.

  “I thought I would drive. You look tired, and it’s already past midnight. We can leave your car here.” Suddenly, I do feel exhausted, so I merely nod my head in agreement.

  When we are both ready, Brody puts an arm around my shoulders and pulls me close. Leaning down, he says, “I hoped you’d say yes. I thought about this all week.”

  When I look up at him, it’s hard to believe I had any doubts. Alex steps in front of us, glaring at Brody. “What are you doing, Brody? She’s not one of your bar flies.” What the hell?

  “Alex, this is none of your business. Quincy can make her own decisions, and I have no intentions of hurting her. In fact, I have a feeling it might be the other way around. So if you’ll get out of our way…” I am stunned into silence, and Alex silently steps to the side. Her mouth is hanging open, and I bet he’s never talked to her like that before.

  Once we are in his Jeep, he turns on the radio, shoots me a quick smile, and drives into the night.

  Chapter 23

  I feel as if I’m floating, drifting on water. When I open my eyes, I realize I am in Brody’s arms, and he’s carrying me up the stairs at the cabin. His arms tighten around me when I startle awake. “Shhhhh. It’s OK. I’ve got you.” His soft voice lulls me back to sleep.

  When I wake again, I am lying on Brody’s bed, fully clothed and alone. I need to take a shower, so I gather my things and head to the bathroom down the hall. I wonder where Brody is.

  Standing under the stream of hot water, I look down at my body, wondering what he sees when he looks at me. Belatedly, I wonder why I am here. I am delusional to think I measure up to the other girls he has been with.

  I dress quickly and return to the bedroom. I feel much better after a shower and change of clothes. Finding the room empty, I lie back down and promptly fall asleep. My last thought before drifting away is that this is the first night all week that I didn’t talk to Declan.

  Sometime during the
early morning hours, I wake to feel an arm around my waist and a body curled into mine. Our legs are tangled, and I am a little uncomfortable in this position. But I don’t move. I don’t move for fear of pushing him away. I smile, realizing that he didn’t leave me alone after all. And I am finally able to sleep peacefully.

  We do not wake up until well after noon. When I open my eyes, I become aware of Brody watching me. He is propped up on his elbow beside me, studying me as if I’m a mystery he is trying to solve. Noticing that I am awake, he smiles brightly. “I was beginning to wonder when you were going to wake up. You slept later than I did.”

  “It’s been a long week, and I needed the sleep.” He looks just like I dreamed he would if I ever woke up next to him. I can’t imagine anything better than this. The sheet is low around his waist, and he doesn’t have on a shirt. I knew he had a tattoo on his back, but he also has one on his chest. It looks like a crest, probably something fraternity related. His hair is mussed and sexy, his face rough and dark. He makes looking this good seem so effortless. But I am suddenly aware of what I must look like to him. I need to brush my teeth and at least tame my hair.

  “Hey, I didn’t mind at all. That was the best sleep I’ve had in a long time. And I loved waking up next to you, being able to watch you sleep. I still can’t believe you came.” He smiles wryly. “I don’t know why you did or why it means so much to me, but I am happy you’re here.”

  “Yeah, I bet that’s what you say to all of the girls.” I didn’t mean to go there, but it was out of my mouth before I could stop it. I keep wondering if I’m just another conquest, someone he will write off when he is finished with me.

  His eyes darken despite the morning light. “Quince, I have never brought a girl up here before. This place is special to me and to my family. I never really wanted to bring anyone here, but I couldn’t get the memory of you in this bed out of my mind.” Man, he’s good.

  My eyes are drawn to his lips while he talks. Full and supple, they look like they were made just for kissing. When I look back into his eyes, they reflect my own desire. “If you want to get out of this bed today, now is your chance. If you keep looking at me like that, we’re not going anywhere.” His smile breaks the tension.

  Until now, I didn’t realize how uncomfortable I have been. I just don’t know what to expect. Honestly, I figured he would have pounced on me last night, but instead, he let me sleep. I sit up and mumble, “If that’s the case, I need to get moving because I need food. I am starving!” I may be little, but eating is high on my list of priorities.

  I don’t want to get out of bed with him watching. I have on a cami and shorts, but I’m suddenly feeling self conscious. His smile grows as he realizes my dilemma. “Now, Quince, don’t tell me you’re afraid to get out of bed in front of me after sleeping next to me all night?” He teases. Asshole.

  “Of course not. I just didn’t remember where I left my things last night.” I rise to my feet slowly, wishing he would look away. His eyes follow me across the room as I pull clothes from my bag. My cheeks flush, and I work to control my breathing. When I turn back to him, his smile is gone, replaced by a look of raw hunger.

  His eyes narrow, and he threatens, “Go. Go now. Before I drag you back into this bed. I’m trying to take things slowly, but you’re making that difficult to do.”

  When I get to the bathroom, I close the door and lean back against it. My legs are trembling, barely holding me up. I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths. Moving to the sink, I look at myself in the mirror. My hair is loose and wavy, falling over my shoulders and down my back. My eyes are wide, and my cheeks are still pink. I am in way over my head here.

  I brush my teeth and hair. I have no idea what we’re doing today, so I put on some cute shorts and layered tanks. To be honest, I thought he’d just want to stay in bed the whole time. I get the impression he doesn’t do romance. He probably doesn’t have to.

  He is already out of bed and getting dressed when I walk in. I watch, captivated, when he raises his arms above his shoulders and pulls his t-shirt over his head. His abdominal muscles are taut and defined. A thin trail of dark hair disappears under his waistband where his shorts sit low on his hips. His legs are long, tan, and muscular. Wearing sports socks, his ankles are fully exposed. My gosh, even his ankles are sexy. My eyes travel back up his body and collide with his eyes.

  “Poker face, Quince. Practice your poker face.” He interrupts my inspection. “How am I supposed to think straight with you eye-fucking me every time I turn around?” I gasp at his words. He has some nerve.

  “You wish.” I try to cover my embarrassment. “Let’s go eat. I can’t wait to go exploring outside.” Turning around, I walk out of the room. It’s true. I know it is. There is something about him that I cannot resist, and it makes me wonder if I ever really wanted to.

  Brody joins me in the kitchen a few minutes later. I am drinking water and wondering what we will eat when he informs me, “Hey. I went to the store last night and got us a few things. We have cereal, oatmeal, eggs, bacon, and pretty much whatever you want.” I am shocked for two reasons. First, what he did was very thoughtful. Second, I can’t imagine a store very close to here. That explains where he was last night.

  Since he went through all of the trouble buying groceries, I decide to cook for him. I’m not much of a cook, but I have helped my mom in the kitchen. I wave my hand toward a barstool. “Sit. I’ll whip us up something.”

  As I start getting my supplies together, he sits down. There is something very intimate about cooking for someone while they watch. Trying to think of something to say, I realize that although he has touched me passionately, we’ve never had a real conversation. There is something wrong with that.

  “You’re over thinking things, babe. You have worry written all over your face. Look at me, Quince.” His voice is soft but demanding. I turn to find him standing close to me. Taking my hands in his, he says, “Nothing is going to happen that you don’t want to happen. This doesn’t have to be about sex. Let’s just have a good day and see where it takes us.”

  I step away from him, trying to calm my breathing. “Lunch is ready.”

  When I lick my dry lips, he groans. He abruptly pulls me back to him, placing his mouth over mine. All of our kisses before were filled with heat and passion, but this kiss is gentle and calming. He steps away. “Now, let’s eat and get moving. I wanted to show you some things today.”

  We eat in comfortable silence, and when we’re done, he helps clear the dishes. “Make sure you put on some good shoes. I plan to take you down by the lake. There is a trail, so you won’t need boots or anything.” I can barely contain my excitement at his words. I’ve wanted to walk that trail since the first time I heard about it. “And make sure you put on sunscreen. You don’t want to get burned today.”

  Chapter 24

  I run upstairs and pull my hair into a ponytail. Slathering on sunscreen, I pay extra attention to my face, neck, and arms. My skin is pale and sensitive, and if I do get some color, it’s usually red instead of brown.

  When we are ready, we walk to the edge of the woods. I can just barely see the trail between the trees. I wonder how far we are going because wilderness seems to stretch forever in front of us.

  Breaking the silence, Brody asks, “So, tell me, Quince. How did you end up at UT?” He seems genuinely interested, so I begin telling my story.

  “Jenna has always wanted to go to UT. I grew up hearing all about it, and we are so close, I guess her dream kind of became my dream. I didn’t want to stay in Collier, but I still wanted to be close to my family. What about you?” There is a part of me that cannot believe we are having this conversation.

  “My dad is an alumnus, and my sister is a senior here. I just always assumed that’s where I would go. I grew up visiting my grandparents here at the cabin. I love the mountains, and I have hiked all over this place. It’s just where I wanted to be.” That is the most I’ve ever heard him say. Ever.
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  We continue to walk and make small talk until we step into a clearing. I look around in wonder. There is a small pier that leads out onto a lake. The water is surprisingly clear and inviting. I wish I had brought my bathing suit.

  “Yeah. I knew you’d like this. When I was a kid, my Dad taught me how to fish here.” The tone of his voice tells me how much he treasures this place, and a part of me feels special that he wants to share it with me.

  Taking my hand, he leads me onto the pier. We sit at the end, and I remove my shoes. The water is high enough that I can dangle my feet in the water. “This is great, Brody. If this were mine, you wouldn’t be able to keep me away. I would come up here every chance I had.”

  “I try to come when I can, but school and work keep me pretty busy. Maybe you can come back up here when there is snow on the mountains.” His words confuse me. Is he saying we will be together this winter?

  “When I first saw the cabin, I imagined how beautiful it would be in the snow.” I really do hope I get to see that.

  When we get too hot, we put our shoes on and get back on the trail. The trees shade our way, and the sun isn’t as intense. I’m lagging a little as I am getting tired. But the advantage to walking behind Brody is that I get to appreciate his backside. His hair peeks out and curls around the edges of his cap. He definitely has a nice ass. That has been established. But it’s that tattoo barely showing on his neck that I’d like to see most.

  He slows down to wait for me. When I come up beside him, he takes my hand again. I can’t help but compare it to when Declan holds my hand. With Declan, it seems so natural, even safe. This, though, this feels like electricity passing from him into me. How can a simple touch cause so much chaos in my body?