Serenity Falls(93)

He arches an eyebrow. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think that you don’t really wanna go to this party after all.”

I shove him back, laughing. “Whatever. Come on, let’s go,” I say, stepping past him.

“Baby, you have to change those shorts.” Wes groans from behind me. I look back at him over my shoulder to ask why. “Because your ass looks too good, and I really don’t feel like getting in a fight tonight.”

“Well, then you better break out your brass knuckles, because I’m not changing,” I roll my eyes and continue down the hallway with a little extra sway in my step since I can feel his eyes on my ass.

“Are we taking my Jeep or the truck?” I shout back at Wes over my shoulder as I make my way down the stairs.

“The Jeep,” he grumbles from behind me.

I hop off the last step, turn around, pull my keys out of my pocket, and toss them to him. Of course, he catches them midair. “Look, I thought you would like my outfit. If you really want me to go and change my shorts, I will.”

He walks toward me, stopping inches short of my chest. His strong hands wrap around my waist. “I’m sorry. I really like your outfit, and you do look amazing,” he says, lifting an eyebrow. “Don’t change. Let’s go have some fun,” he whispers, barely grazing his lips against mine.

Once in the Jeep, I turn the radio on as Wes heads out into the field toward the bonfire. Jason Aldean’s When She Says Baby blares through the speakers. My head bobs in time with the beat. Wes’ hand finds the top of my thigh, squeezing it as he sings along with the chorus in his smooth voice.

I turn down the music as I look over at him. “I’ll save you every time, Baby, just like you’ve saved me.” Loud music and the orange flickering flames from the bonfire come into view. I unbuckle my seat belt and jump out of the Jeep as it rolls to a stop. Wes follows right behind me, meeting me on the passenger side. “Holy shit! It’s Wes and the birthday girl!” Reid shouts to everyone as he makes his way toward us. With his arms wide open, he throws them around me in a hug as he lifts me off the ground. “Happy Birthday, Kenleigh.”

“Thanks, Reid,” I reply, kissing his cheek as he puts me back on my feet. He and Wes exchange a man hug as they say hey to each other. The more I look around, the more I notice there is a shit load of people here. People I’ve never seen before at any other bonfire they’ve had.

Chills race down my spine as I hear Leslie’s shrill voice calling Wes’ name. Immediately, I step in front of him. He wraps his arms around my middle, and I lean back against him. Her eyes stay solely focused on my boyfriend before they fall to rest on me. A sneer marks her already fake features, as she looks me up and down.

“Leslie,” he says politely, squeezing me to him.

“What is this?” She points at me.

“This? I’m Kenleigh. His girlfriend.” I answer for him, and stick my hand out to introduce myself. I don’t expect her to return the gesture. “And you must be the ex,” I say with a smile. My tone is cocky, just as I intended it to be.

“When you want a real woman, you know where to find me,” she scoffs, turns on her heel, and storms away.

“Y’all want something to drink?” Reid asks, acting as if nothing just happened.

“Yeah, I’ll take a beer,” I reply.

“You sure, Babe?” Wes asks against my ear. I nod. “I’ll just take a water,” he answers.

“One beer and one water, coming up.” Reid turns around and leaves to get our drinks.

I can’t help but laugh at her dramatics. Shaking my head, I ask, because I have to know. “You actually liked her?”

I can feel the rise and fall of Wes’ shoulders as he shrugs. “I was a teenage boy.”

“Ahh… So she was an easy lay?”

“I’m not proud of it,” he answers quietly.

His response prompts me to turn around in his arms. “I’m not judging you. You’re not that guy anymore. People can change. From what you’ve told me about your past, I can see that you have.”

“So, a beer, huh?” He deflects the topic from him to me.

Now it’s my turn to shrug. “I had a beer at the last bonfire you took me to right before camp started. I drink sometimes. Not often, but sometimes. I’ve only been drunk once, and let me just say, it’s nothing I want to repeat again. Normally, if I do drink, it’s only two or three.”

“I’m not judging you.” He grins as he throws my words back at me.

Playfully I slap his shoulder. “Smartass.” I chuckle.