Bring Me Back Here Page 7

  I couldn’t do it no matter how much I wanted to. I wasn’t the type of guy to fuck out my frustrations. Yeah, I’d had offers, but I shot them down time and time again. They weren’t the one I desperately wanted. They weren’t her.

  “But...”

  “No buts. Only you,” I said as I kissed her softly on her lips.

  “Am I going to have a fight on my hands when Dylan sees us entering that house together?”

  “No. It’s not like that between us.”

  Thank fucking God.

  I wanted to know if I was the last person she’d been with. Hoped that I had been. Even though she had every right to move on, selfishly, I wanted to be the only man to have her. To know the way she looked when she had an orgasm.

  “I’m not saying this to give you false hope. Because I do firmly believe you could do better, but seeing that you said what you did, you should know that it’s the same for me.”

  I loved it when she got so nervous she rambled on and on without making a point.

  I knew what she meant to say, but I needed to hear the words.

  “What do you mean, Ainsleigh?” I asked, wrapping my hands around her back to hold onto her for dear life as she said the words.

  “It’s only ever been you, Gentry.”

  I knew what she was going to say, but hearing it made me feel ten feet tall and bulletproof.

  I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to feel her lips on mine. Had to get lost in her before she walked out of this room and pretended last night hadn’t happened.

  My lips crashed onto hers with a mind all their own. Her arms wrapped tighter around my neck as she held me close. Like I could ever let go of her now that I knew what I did. Knowing that I’d been her one and only made me more determined to keep her that way.

  We got lost in each other. Breakfast long forgotten. The possibility of someone catching us a distant thought as our mouths did all the talking we’d ever need.

  The feel of her hips grinding into my now hardened shaft broke me out of the haze that I’d let myself fall into. As much as I wanted to keep her locked in my room and have her in my arms, we couldn’t start this. Not now. Especially when I wouldn’t let her leave for the rest of the day.

  I slowed the kiss and pulled away. Both of our chests rapidly moved up and down as we fought to gain air into our lungs.

  “I’d love nothing more than to continue, but we’re pressing our luck as it is. We should probably head down before inquiring minds come snooping for information.”

  Her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment as she climbed off my lap. I loved her innocence. How she grew bashful at the mere mention of getting caught.

  She grabbed her clothes and boots off the bed as I slid on a pair of sandals to walk down to her parents’ house.

  “You shouldn’t walk barefoot down there,” I told her as we left my room.

  “It’s bad enough I’m wearing your clothes. I’m not looking even more ridiculous by wearing boots with sweatpants.”

  “But you look good wearing my clothes,” I replied as I grabbed her free hand and linked my fingers within hers. She tried to fight me. Tried to pull away, but I wouldn’t allow it. The quicker her brain got with the same program as her heart the better. If something as simple as holding her hand got her there faster, I was going to do it. Whether she liked it or not.

  “You’re trying to cause gossip now aren’t you.”

  “Not at all. I’m just holding my girl’s hand while we walk to go get some breakfast.”

  “I’m not your girl, Gentry,” she whispered. So low I almost didn’t hear her.

  “Yet. You’re not my girl yet, beautiful.” And I meant every single word. She’d be mine again. Sooner rather than later.

  She tried to pull away as she opened the back door, but I gripped her hand even tighter. I’d be damned, after having her last night, if I was going to hide my affection for her. I may have screwed up the timeline for my plan, but I thought quick on my feet and came up with a new plan.

  Once we entered the vast kitchen, heads turned our way. Everyone was seated at the table awaiting our arrival. Ainsleigh’s stride paused once she crossed the threshold. I could only imagine what her face looked like as she took in everyone staring at us.

  The kitchen smelled of maple syrup and butter as her mother, the only one not seated, walked over to the table with a platter of pancakes, enough to feed an army.

  “Oh, good. You’re both here. I was wondering if we’d have to send out a search party,” her mother joked as she sat down the glass dish, and her father took his serving.

  “What are you two up to this morning?” Brooks asked with a smirk. He knew damn good and well where we both walked over from, and he didn’t waste an opportunity to joke on us about it. Just like I thought they’d do.

  Ainsleigh tried, and failed, to pull her hand free from my grasp. I wasn’t letting her go. Not yet. Not ever. She just didn’t know that yet.

  “And which floozy did you bring home last night, Brooks? Care to share the details?” Ainsleigh bit back as she took her seat. I took the last seat and sat beside her just as her mother brought over cups of steaming hot coffee for us and sat down herself.

  “Touché, little sis. Touché,” Brooks replied with a laugh.

  We all took turns getting pancakes and chatting around the breakfast table. I couldn’t help but look over at Dylan and notice the way that he looked at Ainsleigh. I couldn’t put my finger on the expression he was giving her, but I knew one thing for sure. I didn’t like it. Not one bit. I knew what she had said before, but I couldn’t help but have this feeling in my gut that there could’ve possibly been something she might not be telling me. Especially when I looked over at her sitting beside me diverting her gaze. I knew she could probably feel his eyes on her, but she didn’t risk a glance his way.

  “How long are you and Aspen here for, Dylan?” Lillian asked between bites.

  “We’ll be here for the next week until the party. Maybe longer. We haven’t quite figured that out yet. We won’t overstay our welcome, though,” Dylan replied.

  “Nonsense. Stay for as long as you wish. I’m used to the traffic in this house with four children. Well, not so much anymore, but you get the idea. This house was always full of their friends, and I kinda miss the noise,” she said with a gentle laugh. That was Lillian. So inviting and welcoming. The same way she was with me all those years ago. Even when she didn’t have to be. She was.

  “Thank you for that offer, Mrs. Courtright. We’ll be sure to let you know when we have everything figured out,” Aspen said as she picked up her empty plate and walked over to the sink, placing the dirty dish inside.

  “You didn’t have to do that, dear. I’ll clean everything up once this crew is done devouring what’s left. What do y’all have planned for the day?” Lillian asked, looking at Ainsleigh.

  “I thought we could just relax out by the pool. I’m glad you opened it already. It’s supposed to be nice outside today, and I need some sun,” she replied to her mom.

  A day by the pool sounded like what we both needed. I’d get more time to be around her and get to know her again. Possibly get on her good graces by getting to know her friends too. It was a win-win situation for us both. Or so I thought.

  “Sounds relaxing and fun. What are you boys up to today?”

  They filled their mother in on their plans, all lies and bullshit I was sure, since they rarely ever told their mother what they were really up to on the weekends. While her parents and siblings were distracted with conversation, I took the moment to put my hand under the table and place it on her thigh. She swatted my hand away, trying to divert my touch elsewhere. Wasn’t happening. I tried again and succeeded with keeping my hand placed exactly where I wanted it.

  “I was meant to touch you, beautiful girl. You can try to stop me, but I’ll just keep trying until you see I’m right,” I said, leaning over to make sure no one heard my comment but her.

  “N
ot here, Gentry. They’ll get the wrong idea and assume things they shouldn’t,” she whispered in return.

  “Let them. It won’t be an assumption much longer,” I replied, meaning every damn word.

  A phone ringing broke my train of thought as I looked around to see whose phone it was. Lillian had a strong rule against any type of technology at the table. My gaze stopped on Dylan, who reached into his pocket and pulled out the device.

  “I’m sorry for the interruption. I need to take this,” he said as he stood and walked in the direction of the front of the house.

  “You want to go upstairs with me and get on our swimsuits?” Ainsleigh asked Aspen as she stood, causing my hand to fall from where it rested.

  Hell yes.

  I was ready to see her in a bathing suit and hold her dripping body within my grasp.

  “Thank you for the pancakes, Mrs. Courtright. They were delicious,” Aspen said as she stood.

  Everyone took turns thanking her for breakfast, not wanting to appear rude in front of the guests. Especially since she said it before them.

  I remained seated and waited for everyone to leave. I would offer to help her clean the kitchen even though she’d refuse my help. I just had to make sure she knew I didn’t take her or Sawyer for granted. Their hospitality had known no bounds since they took me in.

  “Don’t even try it, Gentry. Go have fun with my daughter. I’ll clean up this mess in no time. I know that’s why you’re sitting there,” she said as she collected the dishes from the now empty table.

  “You know me too well, Lillian. But I couldn’t not try to help. It’s in my nature.”

  “I know it is. Which is why I let you try each and every time. Now shoo,” she replied as she tried to swat me with the dish towel when she walked over to the table.

  Instead of going to the barn like I should’ve, I walked in the direction of where Dylan walked. I wanted to thank him for getting the Jeep and Aspen home safely last night and apologize for leaving the way I had.

  I heard him talking outside and went in search of his voice.

  With the screen door cracked, I listened in on the conversation he was having.

  “You have no idea how torturous this is for me. Every time I look at her, I want her. It’s been years, and she doesn’t even notice I exist.”

  “It’s not like that, man. Of course, I’d love to have sex with her, but,” he said as he paused for the other person to continue.

  I could feel my blood boil.

  I knew it.

  I fucking knew his look in the kitchen was that of longing and not concern.

  He just confirmed my damn suspicion.

  Before I could even rationalize what I was doing, I was out the door, the wooden frame slammed against the house as I made my exit with my target in sight. Dylan.

  His back was to me as I marched down the steps and grabbed his shoulder.

  My fist collided with the side of his face before I even knew what I was doing. His phone fell to the ground as I brought my fist back again, connecting with his cheek once more.

  “How dare you fucking talk about her that way? She’s not just some damn piece of ass, shithead. She’s fucking mine, and you never stood a damn chance,” I screamed as I still held his shirt within my other hand.

  “What the fuck, man?” he yelled at me as he jerked away from my grasp.

  He was lucky I didn’t continue pounding his face in.

  I felt her approach before I heard her.

  This would be bad, so very fucking bad. But I couldn’t bring myself to care. I’d gladly defend her honor over and over again.

  “What the fuck, Gentry?” she yelled as she rushed over to him. Not me. Him.

  She didn’t have a damn clue, but that was about to change.

  Looking to the porch, I noticed Aspen stayed by the door waiting to see what all the commotion was about.

  “You have no idea what you just walked in on. He was talking about wanting you for himself. About fucking you, Ainsleigh, and I wasn’t about to hear him continue talking about you that way.”

  “Are you serious right now, Gentry? He doesn’t love me. He doesn’t want me,” she turned and started yelling my way.

  “Ainsleigh, don’t,” Dylan said, pulling her back by her shoulder.

  Hell no. He wasn’t touching her. Not now. Not fucking ever.

  I stepped toward him, but her hand on my chest stopped me.

  “He’s in love with you. Don’t you see it. I did in the kitchen. I’m not fucking blind,” I told her. She needed to know his intentions, even if he wasn’t the one to confess them.

  “You’re a damn idiot. He’s not in love with me. He’s in love with Aspen,” she screamed at me before she stormed away shaking her long blonde hair with every step.

  Aspen gasped from her spot at the door, her hand coming up to her mouth in disbelief.

  Apparently, I had it all wrong and now the cat was really out of the bag.

  I may have just ruined any chance I had with her.

  Hell, who was I kidding. My chance with her now was slim to fucking none.

  “You just blew it, man. Way to go,” Dylan replied, stating the obvious as he rubbed the cheek I’d just punched.

  “Aspen, huh?” I replied trying to change the subject.

  “Ainsleigh, huh?” he repeated.

  “It’s always been her. Always will be her,” I truthfully replied.

  “You’ve got some making up to do then. She won’t forgive you that easily. Especially, since she spilled the secret she’s been keeping from Aspen for years because of you.”

  “I’m sorry about that. About everything. I shouldn’t have assumed.”

  “Yeah, you shouldn’t have. You made an ass out of yourself that’s for sure. But it’s all good. I’d have done the same thing If I’d heard someone talking about Aspen that way. And the secret needed to come out. I was too chicken shit to do it myself. That’s what this trip was for. Now maybe I’ll have my chance with her,” he replied as he took a seat on the step of the front porch.

  I followed suit, sitting beside him like we were long lost friends.

  “Make the most of it. You never know what tomorrow will bring or if you’ll even get one. Don’t waste any more time with what could be the best love of your life.”

  “That’s wise. Speaking from experience?”

  “I lost four years with her because I let her go just like she needed to. I’m not losing any more time. Even if she’s too stubborn for her own good, I’ll make her see we’re meant for each other. One way or another.”

  “Good luck. You’re going to need it,” he said with a laugh.

  He was right. I’d need all the luck in the world to get her to look my way let alone speak to me.

  “Yeah, man. You too. Just speak from your heart. That’s all you can do.”

  And I’d pour mine out if that meant having her in my life once and for all.

  CHAPTER 12

  Gentry

  Seven days.

  One hundred and sixty-eight hours of pure fucking torture.

  She wouldn’t speak to me.

  Wouldn’t hear me out.

  I’ve gotten the cold shoulder from her in the past before she left, but it was nothing compared to what I recently experienced.

  I could see her. Hear her laughing amongst her friends.

  But she wouldn’t let me near her.

  I tried.

  Man, I tried.

  And nothing.

  Nada.

  Each and every time, she gracefully turned her back to me and walked away.

  I’d begged.

  I’d pleaded.

  Even had Dylan go to bat for me and defend my actions.

  Yet, she remained as stubborn as she’d ever been.

  Today was the day of the graduation party. I’d hoped we would attend together. Hand in hand. But I screwed that up with no fixing things in sight.

  I stood at the backdoor in the kitchen ga
zing at the people who were arriving. Her mother did a great job in decorating the backyard for the event of the town. Everyone she knew was invited to celebrate Ainsleigh’s success. There was a huge tent for people to gather under with several tables all decorated with black and silver. The tent would likely be needed for today. The forecast only showed a thirty percent chance of rain. But I could smell it in the air when I walked over from the barn after getting dressed in a fitted shirt and jeans. Ainsleigh loved seeing me in this attire, and selfishly I’d done this just for her to hopefully see me today.

  I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Her smell entered my senses, and I tensed knowing this could be a bad encounter like all the others this past week.

  Instead it was way worse.

  Slowly, I turned around to face her. She smiled my way. But she looked right through me as she passed me by and went straight out the door. Aspen gave me a knowing look as she followed behind her friend. Dylan stopped and patted me on the shoulder. His expression matched my own as he stayed behind.

  “Go get your girl, Gentry. Don’t give her the option to say no.” He spoke in a gentle tone before he followed them out the door.

  I’d rather her have punched me in the gut than to have looked at me the way she had.

  I remained rooted to the spot as I heard the door gently shut behind me.

  I couldn’t make a scene at her party.

  But biding my time a moment longer made the minutes seem like days.

  Turning around, I followed them outside and remained on the porch. She mingled with those who had already arrived. Gave more hugs to people she barely spoke to than I’d seen her give in all the time I’d known her. She was putting on this act for her parents. I should’ve been by her side. I could’ve been right there with her. Now wasn’t the time for thinking of all the should’ves and could’ves; I was a man of action, and I wanted the woman my eyes couldn’t seem to leave.

  My legs had a mind of their own as I went into action. I didn’t have a clue what I’d say to her once I reached her. I just knew I couldn’t go another moment without touching her. Without claiming her in front of all of these people. She was mine, and I was about to show her just how much.