Page 5

I t’s been two days…two frickin’ days since I fell asleep in Cash’s arms, and I'm still not sure what surprises me more. The fact that Cash knew exactly what I needed, or how comfortable I felt in his embrace. The way he held my trembling body through it all and didn’t question why, at my age, I’m terrified of storms. A shiver runs through me at the image that has forever been ingrained in my soul.

The night everything fell apart. I try my best to bury it as much as possible but, unfortunately, every thunderstorm has those memories flooding back.

Every crack of the thunder had me jumping out of my skin; I barely realized I had jumped so far off the bed that I knocked over my nightstand completely. I wanted nothing more than to crawl under my bed and wait until the coast was clear, just like I did all those years ago.

It’s the first day the sun has been out in days, and although the worst of the storms happened the other night, Cash still checked in on me to make sure I was good.

His genuine concern stirs feelings that I'm not sure how to deal with.

So here I am, stewing in all my thoughts while following his hulking form as he rides Dom through the trails in front of me.

I'm thankful he hasn’t brought it up yet, but something has changed between us. Like an unspoken bond neither of us can put into words.

“That over there is where we used to house the cattle back in the day,” Cash’s voice chimes in from out of nowhere.

When I look up, I see him paused and pointing to a field just beyond a rolling hill to our left. His face is more animated than usual. He looks really, really good with a smile.

“It’s beautiful. I swear, every time we explore, I'm more in awe of this place,” I say as June and I come to a stop next to him, admiring the view. I close my eyes and take it all in, letting the sun penetrate my skin after days of rain.

When I open them again, I find Cash’s gaze fixated on me. A flush threatens to take over my cheeks under his stare. But instead of leaning into his attention, I pull back. “I feel silly only asking this now, but how many acres is Cane Creek?”

“Just over two hundred,” he replies, and I can hear the pride in his tone.

“Impressive,” I say, not necessarily to him, but the words escape my lips anyway.

Because it certainly is. I’ve never been able to roam freely on land this expansive.

It’s like my own personal playground right at my fingertips.

So much to be seen and explored. And apparently, I have someone willing to do it all with me.

I hide the small grin begging to break out across my face. Even though he’s a grump, I truly enjoy spending time with Cash. Especially while we’re out on the trails… I can see this becoming our thing.

Needless to say, I'm a little nervous about how today will go. I’ve grown comfortable with it being just the three of us here with our parents, but this afternoon is the guy’s party with their friends.

Is it weird for me to say I'm nervous? I’ve never been shy by any means, but for some reason, today I am.

The sound of Cash’s phone ringing filters through the air, and I have a feeling I know who it is by the obnoxious ringtone.

“Maverick?” I guess with a smirk on my face.

“Fucker loves to take my phone and set the most annoying sound for his alerts,” Cash says with a smile before answering his brother’s call.

After a few seconds of listening he responds, “You didn’t have to do that by yourself. I told you I’d help…. Ha! I see, give me the shit job. Yup, be back soon.” Cash’s stare meets mine for a moment before he continues, “Yeah, I'm sure she’d love that. Alright, bye.”

I smirk at him, waiting to be filled in. When he doesn’t outwardly offer any info, I pry, “Care to share what I’d love?”

“Gigi wants to cook up some things for our party and asked if you wanted to help her.”

I love their grandma, and the fact that she’s already taken to me makes my heart full.

I’ve felt more at home here at Cane Creek than I have in years…

and that thought scares me a bit. Nothing good lasts forever—well, according to my mom, at least. Probably why I still have several packed boxes under my bed.

“Oh, of course, I’d love to!” I beam at him.

“See, told ya.” He tips his hat at me with a grin. Have I mentioned how hot he is when he’s in cowboy mode?

I swing my arm to swat at him, but he’s too quick and pulls away, bringing Dom with him. “Come on, let’s head back. Mav has a list of things for me to do.”

Motioning for him to lead the way, I follow behind him. And I don’t waste a second while admiring every inch of the view in front of me.

“Ayo, Hudson, grab the other side of this real quick,” Cash calls out from where he stands at one end of the huge Slip ‘N Slide leading into the pond. From what I’ve observed, Hudson is like an extended family member.

When he arrived while we were setting up, Gigi wrapped him in a big ol’ hug and snuck him at least two of the cookies we had baked earlier.

I heard her whisper, “It’s the recipe I used to make you and Jules all the time.

” Pain crossed his face at that realization, the same visible sadness every Leblanc holds, which only made me more curious about his relationship with everyone.

With Hudson’s help, we finish setting up the last bit for the party. Soon after, trucks begin pulling up one by one. Guys and girls all piling out, ready for the fun day in the sun.

Mostly everyone comes over and introduces themselves to me, which is certainly welcomed, considering I know absolutely no one. Well, that is, except for the small huddle of girls leaning against one of the numerous pickups. Figures.

Do I make it weird, or do I go over to them?

Mav must notice me glancing in their direction periodically and links his arm through mine. “Come on, Amy. I’ll introduce you to the ladies of the group. Just know, most of their barks are harder than their bites.”

I roll my eyes. “So are you trying to convince me to meet them, or make me run the other way?”

He laughs and tugs me just a bit closer. “I could get used to you being around.”

My heart twinges slightly at his words, because I feel the same way, but I know my mom’s track record…and it’s not a good one.

“Don’t get too used to it, Rick. My mom doesn’t stick around for long.”

“Well, we’ll just have to change that now, won’t we?” he teases with a playful smile and nudges me in the shoulder.

We approach the group of sour-looking girls, and Mav, being the Casanova he is, puts himself right in the middle of their conversation.

I can feel their eyes judging every inch of me, from my short denim cut-offs to my purple bikini top.

My presence amongst them is short-lived, especially after Mav introduces me, and not a single one looks in my direction for longer than a second.

I can tell I'm not welcome, so I excuse myself and set off to find Cash.

“Here you are,” I say as I loop my arm through Cash’s.

I must’ve surprised him, because he stiffens for a second before relaxing once he realizes it’s me.

Things have definitely changed ever since the storm; I feel like he’s really starting to open up, little by little.

We’ve become more comfortable around each other, and I find myself seeking him out often.

My growing attraction to him scares me, not only because of its taboo nature, but also because I haven’t had many real friendships in my life since we moved a lot. But the one I’m building with him feels like the purest kind.

He’s chatting with a bunch of his friends and goes around the group, introducing me to them all. I must admit, they’re all pretty damn good looking. Especially the guys who are on their hockey team. I guess I have a thing for muscles. Who knew?

“Where did you disappear to?” Cash asks once the group breaks into smaller conversations.

“I was with Mav, who so graciously decided to introduce me to Regina George and her lackeys,” I say, nodding in their direction.

“Considering you’re back over here, I'm guessing it went well.” He smirks, and I can't help but stare at his mouth for longer than is acceptable. Licking his lips, he whispers, “Or is it because you’d rather be with me?”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” I tease, enjoying the little flip of excitement that stirs in my belly. I like a flirtatious Cash.

“So Bellamy, are you going into your senior year as well?” a voice asks from nearby, and the sound almost startles me. I was so wrapped up in Cash’s little bubble, I forgot we were surrounded by his friends.

Cash’s body practically radiates beside mine. “I already told you that, Meyers. Don’t play dumb,” he barks out before I can even reply.

I swat at his arm playfully, trying to defuse his flaring attitude. “Yes, I’ll be joining y’all at Cane Ridge High. But let’s not rush the summer away… It’s just getting started!” I reach for my drink and cheers, just as the music comes to life from the speakers Mav set up earlier.

The crowd eventually disperses and filters around the pond, some people immediately diving in, others making good use of the biggest Slip ‘N Slide I've ever seen, while others just hang around and chat. The mean girls crew hasn’t moved from where they were initially standing, but I notice they’re staring in my direction. Lovely.

A light breeze sends the familiar scent of leather and cedar my way. I know he’s there without needing to turn around. “Do me a favor… Stay away from Meyers.”

I spin around, trying my best to hide my smile at his warning. “What’s wrong with him? Seems nice enough. Cute too,” I bait him while my hands come to rest on my hips.

“That’s an act… He’s just trying to piss me off,” Cash says.

“And why would him talking to me piss you off?”

“Because…” He looks away for a minute before returning his eyes to me.