Page 14

Chapter Fourteen

“You look beautiful.” Mom hands me my corsage and I slide the elastic band over my wrist, admiring the pink roses that match my hair. “One more picture.” She presses her palms together.

“We’ve taken enough pics. I’m going to be late.”

“You’re picking Bethany up and going to the dance. Then, after you’ll be spending the night at her house?”

“Yes. I’ll video call you before bed.”

“No parties. No Jonesy with the lickable abs.”

“Ugh. As if. I have better taste than that.” My thoughts shift to Jimmy and my heart cracks a little further. I’ve been trying to forget about him, but it’s hard. I overheard Mom and Prodigy talking about how him and his girlfriend are moving in with Smoke and Ember.

It’s none of my business.

Things have changed since my father broke into the house and held us at gunpoint. Prodigy officially moved in with us and Mom has gotten even more strict with when I’m supposed to be home and where I go. One would think it’d be the opposite now that my sperm donor is rotting in a jail cell. Marie and my little sister are back living at Lily’s Hope. A place for abused women. I don’t really know the specifics. Mom’s trying to help Marie, but she’s also got her guard up. My father says they were working together, but Mom isn’t sure.

Prodigy living with us has brought some good changes too. Like Mom is starting to give me a little more freedom, allowing me to drive her car sometimes, but she’s keeping tabs on me more than she did before. She says at least if I’m in her car when I drive, she can breathe a little easier when I go out the door.

She snaps a few more pictures and hands me her keys. Picking Bethany up isn’t that far of a drive. She lives two streets over from me. When I pull up, she’s already running across her front yard, nearly taking a tumble when her heel catches on something.

“Oh my God. Did you see that? I would have died,” she gushes as she climbs into the passenger seat.

“I only wish I was filming,” I tease. “Don’t tell me you’ve already been drinking?”

“Only a few sips. I had to bribe my brother with doing his chores for the next two weeks to get this.” She opens her overnight bag, and I see three bottles of Snow Creek poking out the top.

So I may have told my mom a slight fib. I’ll be with Bethany, but we aren’t staying at her house. Her mom thinks she’s sleeping at my house. Not exactly foolproof, but we’re hoping neither of them calls the other to ask questions. Carissa Hodgins is having a party.

It’s my senior year and I’ve not had any fun. Tonight is my chance to be a little impulsive.

“That was so boring. Did you see what Deona was wearing? Like I could almost see her ass,” Bethany says, passing me a red cup full of cheap wine. “I can’t believe she beat out you and Lisa for homecoming queen.”

I shrug. “I don’t really care.” I was only trying to get Jonesy’s attention. Total waste of my time.

The dance was lame, so we left early, and we took turns calling our mothers to pretend we were in each other’s bedrooms when really, it’s Carissa’s guest room. I only wish Sam were here and that Jimmy could have seen me in my dress.

“Let’s get this party started!” Carissa turns on the stereo as more of our classmates squeeze into the living room.

Bethany elbows me. “Don’t look now, but Jonesy is staring at you.”

Warmth floods my face. I didn’t know he would be here. I figured he took the hint when I blew him off the last time. I’m not interested in him, but maybe I could use him to make Jimmy jealous. I still have his phone number.

I gulp down the piss warm wine and scan the room for Jonesy. He may not be boyfriend material, but he could be useful.

I find him leaning in the doorway between the living room and kitchen. One thing about him is that he makes not giving a shit look effortless as he gazes around the room wearing an easy smile until his gaze locks with mine. He’s heartbreak waiting to happen to some poor unsuspecting girl. At least I know the truth about him and there are no feelings involved. His smile spreads into a full-blown smirk as he raises his cup in a silent toast before taking a long drink.

“What are you waiting for? Go talk to him,” Bethany whispers, nudging me again with her elbow.

“He’s not really my type.”

“Are you crazy? He’s everyone’s type.” She makes a valid point.

If I didn’t know what a jerk he is, I’d have been his date to the dance.

“Okay. I’m going over. Wish me luck.” I finish off my drink and place it on the table as I shove up off the loveseat, pretending I’m going to the kitchen for another drink. I saunter toward him, pretending I don’t notice the way he’s practically undressing me with his eyes.

If I were any other girl, I’d be weak in the knees for that look he’s giving me.

“Looking good tonight, Kie.”

“Thank you.” I squeeze his arm as I continue into the kitchen, hoping he takes the bait and follows me. I make it to the breakfast bar where all the bottles of liquor and beer are lined up. I study the bottles and count to five before glancing over my shoulder. I don’t even make it to three before he slides in next to me.

“What’s your poison?”

I lick my lips. “I’ll have whatever it is you’re drinking.” I grab his cup and take a sip and am shocked there’s only water in it. I arch a brow at him.

“Don’t go telling anyone. I’ve got a rep to maintain and a scholarship to keep.”

“I’m already keeping enough of your secrets. Don’t you think?”

“Are you ever going to let me explain?”

“I’ll think about it.” I shoot him a flirty smile.

“Are you having fun?”

“That depends.”

“On?”

“If you’re going to make it fun.”

“Is that so?”

I pick up a bottle of liquor and give it a sniff. “Mhmm.” My lips screw up in disgust at the pungent smell.

“Don’t drink that,” he warns. “Try this instead.” He twists the cap off a hard lemonade. “Party rule number one. Never drink from an opened container that you didn’t open yourself.”

“Thank you.” I take a sip. “You know. You’re not at all what I expected.”

“Hope that’s a good thing.”

“So far, though, for someone who is supposed to be a bad boy…” I trail off.

“Maybe I’m misunderstood.” That smug smile returns, the one that would have other girls falling for his charm.

“I don’t know if I’d go that far.”

“But you’re thinking about it. About me.”

“Maybe.”

“Think about this then, Kie. You wanted me to ask you to the dance until you heard some partial truths about me.”

“Fair.”

“Why don’t we get that dance now?” He glances toward the living room where the furniture has been pushed back for a makeshift dance floor.

My mom’s warning about him flickers in my thoughts, but I’m supposed to be having fun. Being impulsive. “One dance.” He grabs my drink and places it on the counter before taking my hand in his.

Nervousness flutters in my belly as he leads the way.

The lights have been turned down and a slow song plays through the speakers. Jonesy pulls me to the middle of the room, putting his hands on my hips, holding me close. I wrap my arms around his neck and inhale his scent. Woodsy and fresh.

“What’s the deal with you and that guy?”

“What guy?” I play it off.

He smiles. “The one who was driving you to and from school.”

Jonesy was paying closer attention to me than I thought. “It doesn’t matter. He’s not here.”

“Did he dump you?”

“No. he’s got a girlfriend.”

“But he was kissing you?” He arches a brow at me.

“Long story.”

“I’ve got time.”

“You want to hear me complain about my love life?” Or lack of one, I should say.

“I’m trying to get to know you better. I find you…interesting. You’re not what I expected either.”

“And what were you expecting?”

“I thought you’d be a lot weirder.” He grins and twirls me around.

“Ha. I see how it is.”

Jonesy pulls me in close again. “Come on. Tell me what happened.”

“If you insist.” I lay my head on his shoulder and tell him parts of my complicated relationship with Jimmy, leaving out the bits about my father taking us hostage in my kitchen. “I didn’t expect to care or miss him this much after such a short time.”

“What a jerk,” he tells me.

“But he’s not. Not really,” I argue.

“Whatever you say.” He licks his lips and clears his throat as the song changes to something more upbeat. “Want to make him jealous?”

“I don’t know if that’s possible.”

“Oh ye of little faith. Trust me. I know what to do.”

Trusting a guy like Jonesy is a terrible idea. “I’m in.”

“Do you have his cell number?”

“Yeah.”

“Perfect. We’re going to take some pics for him.” Jonesy takes me out on the back deck.

He kicks his shoes and socks off and removes his shirt. “What are you doing?” I turn my head when he drops his pants to the ground.

“We’re doing this in the hot tub.”

“I don’t have a suit.”

“You’ve got underwear on. Same difference.”

“I don’t know. What’s in this for you?”

“Getting to kiss my crush.”

“You have a crush on me?”

“Kie, you know I do. And I get it. We’re not going to happen, but at least we’ll have tonight.”

His motive might be selfish but it’s also kind of sweet. I did say I want to have fun. “Turn around.”

He rolls his eyes, but does as I wish. I slip my shoes off followed by my sparkly dress, revealing my ice blue lacy boy short style undies and matching strapless bra.

“Can I turn around now?”

I nod and realize he can’t see me. “Yeah.”

His cheeks redden. “Wow. You don’t disappoint.” He grins. “This is going to be so worth it if he beats my ass.”

“No one will be beating anyone’s ass.”

“You aren’t seeing what I am or what we’re going to send him.”

A gust of wind swirls around us and I shiver.

“Let’s get in so you don’t freeze.” His rough hands rub up and down my arms to warm me.

“Okay.” I let out a shaky breath. I’ve never done anything like this, but the thought of making Jimmy eat his heart out gives me a thrill.

“Bring your phone.”

Jonesy gets in first. Once he’s seated, I get in, taking a seat on the opposite side.

“Be hard to make him jealous if you’re all the way over there.”

“True.” I giggle and hope he can’t sense how nervous I am. I move next to him and he shakes his head.

“Your naivety is adorable.”

“What? Why?”

“Do you want to make him wish he were here or send him a selfie? C’mere. Straddle my lap.”

I lay my phone on the edge of the hot tub and slide over onto his lap, facing him. His pretty baby blues and bow-shaped lips are a breath away.

“Good. Put your arm around my neck and give me your phone.”

“Okay. Now what?”

“We kiss and I snap some pics. Then you’ll pick a few and send them to him.”

Sounds simple enough. “Okay.” I close my eyes and pucker my lips, and he chuckles. His breath tickles my nose.

“Kiss me like you mean it. Like you’d kiss him if he were in my place.”

Heat flashes across my face. I suck in a breath and exhale. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. This doesn’t mean anything. “Let’s get in a practice kiss, then we’ll do it for real,” I tell him, but I’m trying to ease myself into it.

I can feel his lips curving into a smile as they press against mine. His kiss is soft and sweet. Nothing to freak out about. I relax more, leaning into him on instinct. Parting my lips, I slip my tongue between his as they open for me. He slides a hand into my hair and growls into my mouth.

He takes his kissing seriously. His tongue glides along mine and I nearly forget this is all for show. His other hand grips my hip, giving me a squeeze, and I feel him hardening beneath me.

I break away, pressing a hand to his chest to create some distance. “Um.” I roll my lips inward. “Did you get the picture?”

“Nope. That was the test run.” He grins at me and slips his arm around my back, pressing me forward. “I’ll get it this time.”

He snaps some pictures, but we don’t stop kissing.

Jonesy kisses me deeper with more tongue and I easily get lost in his touch as his fingers skim along the waist of my undies. “Let me touch you, Kie. I can make you forget all about Jimmy.”

I moan my consent. Right now, I just want to feel good and Jonesy is making that happen.

He touches me over my underwear, and I rock against his touch.

His teeth scrape down my neck. My skin is on fire. “You’ve got me so damn turned on. Feel.” He places my hand on his crotch.

Holy shit. This is moving fast. Maybe too fast, but part of me doesn’t want to stop.

When his mouth reaches my chest, I don’t pull away.

He hooks his fingers at either side of my bottoms. “Take your panties off.”

The vibration of my phone breaks our kiss. We pull away from each other, both a little breathless. I see Jimmy’s name flashing on the screen. Guilt festers in the pit of my stomach.

I glance at Jonesy, who’s already looking at me with a smug expression on his face.

“I think it worked.” I stare at my phone, scared as if Jimmy will somehow materialize right in front of me.

“Told you so.”

I pick up my phone and see that Jimmy has tried calling me more than once. I also discover a barrage of messages from him, asking what the hell I’m doing and who the guy in the photo is.

“Let me guess, he’s blowing up your phone?”

I nod, still unable to speak. This was more fun than I thought it would be.

Jonesy leans back against the tub, looking pleased with himself. “And so, phase one of Operation Make Jimmy Jealous is complete.”

“Phase one? I think we made our point.”

“If you say so. But you want to take this any further. I’m game.”