Chapter 8

    She decided on a pair of denim jeans shorts and loose short-sleeved turquoise shirt. Because she didn’t have much time left, Jay brushed her hair quickly and put on some lip gloss. Then she grabbed her handbag and rushed down the stairs. She put on her light flat sandals with thin straps and took her car keys from the bowl standing on the shelf.        

    - I’m leaving! – She shouted towards the living room.

    - Have a good time! – She heard Maria’s response.

    As soon as she got into her black Range Rover, Jay turned on the stereo on full volume and drove to the town. She liked the speed, but here she had to be careful. People here were careless and sheriff kept an eye on her. She parked in front of the small café, which was just next to the cinema. Mel was already there, waving at her to hurry up. Fortunately, she has chosen one of the tables outside.

    - Hi girl! – She greeted her. – I’ve ordered a hazelnut frappe for you.

    - I love you! – Jay grabbed the glass and immediately drank half of her coffee.

    - Slow down! – Mel chuckled.

    - So? – Jay encouraged. – How’s it going?

    - It’s great! – Melanie was so excited. – Tony and I are officially together! – She clapped her hands and smiled widely.

    - So Bry knows that his little sister is dating a total douche? – Jay lifted her eyebrow.

    - Okay! Maybe not so officially! But we’re totally in love! – Her eyes were sparkling.

    Jay preferred to stay silent. It wasn’t the first time Mel was “in love” with some jerk. But every time when Jay tried to intervene, her friend was getting mad. Last time she asked Jay to mind her own business, and if she’s not interested in boys then she should just shut up. That is why Jay was going to let her bestie learn her lesson alone. ‘Hope it won’t take long!’

    - And you? – Mel cut in her thoughts and Jay frowned. – You were to tell me about what happened in the woods! – She reminded. – After the party.

    - Oh yeah! – She took a sip of coffee and sat more comfortably. – We’ve met our mother.

    - Wait what?! – Mel jumped up and chocked on her drink.

    - Hush! – Jay calmed her down.

    - Sorry, but did you just say that you met your mother?! – She whispered conspiratorially. – Like your dead- since-five-years mother?!

    - It was only an apparition, but yeah. – Jay sighed and told Mel about what happened the last morning.

    - Oh. My. God! –She exclaimed every single word. – Sounds creepy.

    - And it was. – Jay admitted. – But it’s not time and place to discuss it.

    - You right! And I guess we should go now. The rest should be here any time now.

    - Let’s go. – Jay stood up and left money on the table.

    They stopped at the corner of the cinema and waited, just bubbling about everyday stuff. The first one to arrive was Bryan. And that was something Jay feared of the most. He got of his car and looked at her with a smile, which faded immediately when he noticed his sister. ‘Calm down!’ She said to herself. ‘He didn’t ask you out! It was supposed to be a nice evening with friends! One of many similar we had!’ Mel’s phone started to vibrate.

    - It’s Tony! – She whispered. – Just cover me up! – She asked and walked away few steps to talk.

    Jay watched Bryan as he approached her. He looked damn sexy in worn off black jeans and crimson-red short-sleeved shirt. He was wearing sunglasses, so she couldn’t see his eyes. But his muscles were clearly tensed.

    - What’s she doing here? – He asked, his voice calm, but cold at the same time.

    - I asked her if she wanted to come. – Jay replied sweetly.

    - Why? – He clenched his fists.

    - Because! The rest is coming too. – She crossed her arms. – So we can spend some time together, just as we used to do.

    - Damn it! – He swore under his breath.

    - What’s the problem, Bry? – She asked openly. – It’s not like we’re having a date, right! – She watched him clench his jaw. – Cause for sure you didn’t ask me out!

    - And if I did?! – He faced her with anger. – What if I wanted it to be just you and me? – He made a step forward and she took one back.

    - Seriously, what’s your point Weakfield?! – She regained a bit of her confidence. – Was the game such a fun for you? You did it! And I don’t care if you really wanted to do it or if it was some kind of bet! – She was mad now. - Challenge completed! You kissed the witch-bitch, so you can let it go!

    - What?! – He was shocked. – They call you witch-bitch?! – He took off his sunglasses and she could see his amber eyes now.

    - You’ve heard me! – Once she started, she couldn’t stop. – You completed your mission! You kissed me and I even kissed you back! – That was the most embarrassing thing! – I don’t know what were you trying to prove, but you can stop at this point!

    - Just wait a second! – He wanted to explain. This conversation was clearly getting out of control.

    - I won’t wait. – She moved back when he tried to catch her arm. – You can stop proving that every girl will fall to your feet! – She felt tears choke her throat. – You really don’t have to go on with this freaking show, asking me out, or whatever you have on your mind. – She sighed with resignation. – Just let me keep the leftovers of my dignity!

    She calmed down immediately. But he couldn’t. He watched her outburst of anger and frustration and he was more and more disgusted with himself. His reputation of womanizer weighed on him. And most of it was far from the truth. He allowed all the girls to create gossips and now he was paying for it. His blood was boiling.

    - Now listen to me! – He hissed, moving closer until she was leaning against the wall. – First of all, there was no bet! – He put his hands on both sides of her head, shortening the distance between them to barely few inches. – I kissed you because I wanted to. – His honey eyes were burning. – And I would do that again!

    - That’s not what friends do! – She whispered.

    - And what if I don’t want to be your friend? – He asked, leaning towards her, brushing her lips lightly.

    - B-but, w-why? – She uttered.

    Bryan licked her lower lip, then moved along her jaw line to her neck. She could feel his warm breath on her ear and shivered involuntarily. That must pleased him, as Jay felt he smirked. He sucked her earlobe for a moment and Jay felt unbearable weakness.

    - Maybe I don’t want to see you as my sister’s friend? – He brushed her neck. – Or as my buddies little sis? – She was unable to move and at that moment she saw Mel coming back to them. – We. Are. Not. Siblings. – He stressed out every word. –Deal with it! – He yelled with anger and moved back rapidly.

    - What the fuck?! – Mel came closer to Jay and gave her brother furious glare.

    - Ask your friend! – He replied and walked away few steps.

    - What did he do? – Mel asked, looking at Jay with concern.

    - I didn’t want to tell him what’s bothering me, cause it’s none of his business, and then he got angry and said we’re friends and he cares, and I should deal with it.

    - Geez! - Mel glanced at Bryan one more time. – I’ll talk with him. – She offered.

    - There’s no need. – Jay grabbed her hand. – Oh, there are guys! – She changed the topic quickly as her brothers appeared, together with Mel’s sisters.

    - Ready for the movie? – Daniel asked. – What are we watching?

    - Action! – Jessie suggested.

    - Fine by me! – Christian agreed and the rest nodded.

    - What’s wrong dude? – Carter poked Bryan on his arm. – You had some date planned for today?

    - Even if? – He hissed.

    - What? She said no to the bang-bang with you? – Mark chuckled.

    - I bet it’s Alice. – Jess cut in. – She’s smart enough not to fall on you!

    - Just shut up! – Bry warned Jay’s brothers.

    - You’re okay? – Christian asked when he noticed that Jay kept distance.

    - Yeah. – She murmured. – I just don’t feel well. Maybe after movie it’ll be better. – She calmed him down.

***

    They bought tickets and some snacks. Jay loved caramel popcorn, so she took a portion for herself. She made sure that she won’t be sitting next to Bryan. It would be too much for her for one day. She had mixed feelings. On one hand, he was right. They were not siblings. But on the other hand, they knew each other from the cradle. He was more for her that her bestie’s elder brother or her brothers’ best friend. They were family. Large fucking family! And now he was changing rules!? She had the right to be confused.

    She had to ask herself one crucial question. Whether she wanted something more than friendship between them? Was she ready for that? Hell she had no time for that! She was too busy!

    - Will you change with me? – Jay heard Liz. Some tall guy sat just in front of her.

    - Sure, sugar. – Bryan agreed and Jay tensed.

    He sat next to her. With the corner of her eye she could see he was looking at her. The lights went off and everyone focused on the screen. But Jay couldn’t. She was not able to tell the plot, nor to name any actor or actress that played in the movie they chose. She even didn’t remember the title! All she could think of was Bryan. She could feel his haze on her. He was drilling holes in her head almost all the time. She was so nervous, that even her popcorn remained untouched.

    As soon as the movie was over, she jumped up of her seat and rushed towards the exit. She even pushed few people and hardy murmured some apologies. She just needed to get out of there, to breathe some fresh air. ‘I’m not running away!’ She was trying to convince herself. ‘It was too hot in there!’ She jerked her hand when someone tried to grab her.

    - It’s me! – Mel calmed her down. – What happened?

    - I just needed some fresh air. – ‘Lie! Lie! Lie!’ – I don’t fell well. – She confessed.

    - Why didn’t you tell me? We could leave earlier.

    - It wasn’t that bad, only at the end. I just couldn’t hold it.

    - You want to go home? – Mel asked, looking at the rest waiting. – Just go! – She shouted to them. – We’ll join in a sec!

    - Okay! – They agreed and started for the restaurant.

    - I’ll go home and take a rest. – Jay said. – You go and have fun.

    - Are you sure? – She asked, worried. – I can come with you. - She offered.

    - No, I’ll be fine. But you can come over later and stay overnight. – Jay suggested.

    - Sounds good! – Mel agreed and walked Jay to her car. – You sure you don’t want me to come now.

    - No! I’ll take a shower and some nap. Then we can talk till morning. – She gave her friend a pale smile.

    - Deal. Drive safely!

    - I will!

    Mel watched the black car till it disappeared in the distance. She might be careless, but she wasn’t stupid. Jay felt well and was in good mood. ‘What did you do?’ She thought and headed towards the restaurant. It was almost full, but they found a large table and could eat their favorite pizza.

    - Where’s Jay? – Christian asked as Mel took her seat.

    - She’s not feeling well, so she went home. – She explained, but her eyes were on Bryan. He had guilt written all over his face! – I’ll go see her later and sleepover.

    - Maybe she’s sick? – Mark suggested.

    - Jay? – Jess snorted. – Impossible! She was never sick in her entire life!

    - She didn’t touch her popcorn. – Michel pointed out.

    - I’ll call her and check if everything’s okay. – Christian stood up and left to make a call.

    When he came back and calmed everyone down, they continued with their meal. They were talking about everything, joking, teasing. However, Bryan remained silent and Mel noticed it. He also left earlier, by excusing himself with duties. ‘Feeling remorse?’ Mel thought with sarcasm. She was not able to feel pity for her brother at the moment. ‘He will have to apologize.’ She waved him with smile.

    Bryan didn’t go home straight away however. He turned other direction and stopped his car in front of Tyler’s house. He could see lights on in the living room and in one bay window upstairs. She was still awake, probably waiting for Mel. But he still had about an hour, as they ordered some pie when he was leaving. He got of the car and ran to the front door. He knocked impatiently and entered the house. He peeped into the living room, where Maria and Sean were watching some movie. ‘Were they making out on the couch?’ He thought confused and embarrassed.

    - Hi guys! – He cleared his throat.

    - Bryan! – Maria straightened her clothes. – Weren’t you supposed to go for pizza?

    - We did. - He was trying hard not to blush. – I had to leave early, but promised to check if Jay’s okay.

    - Oh! – Was all she could say.

    - She’s upstairs. – Sean informed.

    - Thanks! – He uttered and rushed to her bedroom.

    He knocked. There was no response, so he knocked again. When he had no answer he pushed the handle and went in. And he froze in mid motion.

    - What the fuck!? – She shouted at him. – Leave!

    Bryan couldn’t take his eyes of her. As he entered her room, she left the bathroom. Wrapped in a fluffy towel which barely covered her round sexy butt. Water drops were still shining on her bare skin and his mouth was watering. He took few steps forward, while her eyes flushed lightening. ‘For God’s sake! She’s gonna kill me!’ It crossed his mind. He wanted her desperately. He craved to touch her, to take her here and now.

    - Are you deaf? – She yelled at him and he came back to reality. – What do you want?

    - I just wanted to talk. – He explained and swallowed hard. ‘Sweet Jesus, she’s so beautiful!’ He couldn’t stop daydreaming.

    - Cool! Now leave! – She snorted.

    - Jay, I… - He started, but she cut him off.

    - If you haven’t noticed, I’m almost naked! So get out! – She showed him the door.

    - I’m not blind! – He hissed. – Listen, what I said earlier, I didn’t mean that.

    - Fine! Now would you mind?! – Jay was losing her patience.

    - I know that you left earlier because of me.

    - How can you be so sure? The world doesn’t spin around you. – She gave him a scornful look.

    - If it’s not about me, then about what?! – He asked worried.

    - And what if it’s not the matter of what, but who? – She teased him.

    - Don’t push it Jaysabel! – She saw anger in his eyes.

    Then her phone rang. She turned around and picked it up immediately, as she saw Mel’s photo on the screen. While she was talking, Bryan watched the perfect line of her neck and shoulders. He tried really hard not to lower his gaze, so he wouldn’t be tempted by all the curves. Then he noticed a tattoo on her nape. He came closer to look at it. It was the same pattern he saw at her brothers necks. He reached out and brushed his fingertips lightly against her warm, velvet skin. She jumped up and turned abruptly.

    - What the fuck?! – She glared at him. – I’ve got to go. See you soon. – She hanged up. – You’re still here?

    - You’ve got a tattoo. – He just said. – The same as guys have.

    - Yeah, so? We’re siblings. – Those words almost slapped across his face.

    - What’s going on here? – Sean appeared at her bedroom’s door.

    - Would you both just leave? Now! – She growled.

    - I’m glad that you’re feeling better. – Bryan said and left.

    - You have something to say? – Sean gave her a meaningful look.

    - Nothing happened, if that’s what you’re asking about. – She assured him. – Now, would you mind and close the door please. – She crossed her hands.

    - Sure! – He left and shut the door. He rushed downstairs to catch up with Bryan. – Just hold on young man! – Bryan stopped immediately and faced him a bit scared. – Okay, that sounded creepy.

    - Nothing happened. – He tried to explain.

    - I know! – He stopped him. – We know you, Bry. But! – He lifted his eyebrow. – Maybe her brothers are blind, but Maria and I have eyes.

    - I don’t know what you’re talking about. – He denied.

    - You’re sure about that? – He gave him chance to change his mind.

    - Is it that obvious? – Bryan was clearly embarrassed.

    - It’s about two years now. – Sean pointed out. – You don’t come home very often, but the way you look at her is quite meaningful. – He shook his head. – I just can’t believe they still haven’t noticed it. – He sighed.

    - Well, I guess it doesn’t matter now. – Bry shrugged.

    - You give up? – Sean lifted his eyebrow. – You want my advice? Give her time. She needs to think it over. 

    - Okay, I will. – He was a bit relieved.

    - But remember. – Sean gave him a hard look. – If you hurt her in any way, I’ll come for you! – He warned.

    - Understood. – He gulped. – But I don’t want her harm. – He assured and headed towards the door, but turned to Sean one more time. – And thank you.

    - You’re welcome.

    - What are you doing here? – Bry collided with Mel.

    - I called him to come and check one of my horses. – Sean cut in.

    - Oh! And for short moment I thought that you came here to apologize. – She glanced at her brother.

    - And why he should? – Sean asked.

    - It’s in good tone to say sorry if you were a total asshole! – She replied sharply.

    - I was upstairs! – Bryan defended himself. – And yes, she doesn’t want to talk to me! Happy now?

    - A bit, yeah. – She smirked, but felt pity for her brother. – I’ll talk to her.

    - Just tell her that I was a jerk and that I’m truly sorry! – He asked.

    - Okay. – She agreed. – And you tell mom and dad that I won’t be back for the night.

    - Deal. – He kissed her cheek. – Night!

    - See you! – Sean said. – And thanks one more time!

    - Any time! – Bryan gave him a thankful look and left.

    - So, I’ll go upstairs. – Mel smiled widely.

    - Have fun! – He smiled back and went back to the living room.

    - And? – Maria asked, when he sat next to her and hugged her tightly.

    - He completely lost himself in it. – He sighed. – And Jay is much more than confused.

    - Bryan is a good guy! – She stated. – He won’t hurt her.

    - I know. – He agreed and kissed her forehead. – I know.

***

    Bryan decided to take Sean’s advice and stayed away for couple of days. But finally he couldn’t stand it any longer. He saddled his favorite stallion and took a ride to Tyler’s house. ‘Maybe Christian would come for a ride?’ He thought. He tried not to think that all he wanted was to see Jay. Just for a moment. Even if she won’t like to talk to him.

    He took the path through the forest and came at the back door of his friends’ house. He let the horse graze unbound and he himself entered the kitchen, where Maria was baking some cookies. His mouth begun watering immediately.

    - That smells delicious. – He said and smiled charmingly.    

    - And you probably want some, huh? – She smiled back. – What about coffee? – She asked.

    - I’d love to! – He admitted.

    - Then help yourself! – She pointed to the coffee machine.

    It was his second home, so he felt free to open the cupboard and pick up his favorite cup. He poured himself some coffee and sat at the table. Maria put a plate with chocolate cookies in front of him and his eyes sparkled. She chuckled.

    - Where are Carter and Christian? – He asked putting the whole cookie in his mouth. The chocolate chips were melting and he groaned with pleasure.

    - They’re still in bed! – She shook her head in disapproval. – The rest as well. They stayed awake till morning I guess. – She explained.

    - Oh! – He finished his coffee and took one more cookie for the road. – Then I’ll go now. Thank you for those goodies. – He smiled.

    - I’m glad you like them. – Maria smiled back. – Oh, Bryan! – She called after him.

    - Yes? – He stopped by the door.

    - Sean wanted to ask you to check on the colt.

    - No problem. I’ll do it right now. – He promised and left.

    Maria grinned widely to herself and checked the oven.

    Bryan stopped by the stable and let his horse run in the paddock. He entered the table and felt at home again. All horses put their heads out of their boxes to greet him. He smiled widely. And then he heard her voice coming out from the last box. He came closer and stopped, watching her as she brushed lightly the black stallion. She spoke to him gently. She loved that horse.

    - Now, that you’ve been a good boy, we can go for a ride. – She stroked his nostrils and kissed him.

    - You have a hand for horses. – He said finally. She faced him, but didn’t seem to be surprised.

    - They gorgeous and proud animals. – Jay said simply. – And this handsome here stole my heart. – She looked at the stallion with such a love in her eyes that Bryan wished to be at his place. – What are you doing here? – She asked.

    - I’m taking a look at the colt and then going for a ride. – He said a bit nervous.

    - We can go together. – She proposed. – Thunder loves races.

    - Is that a challenge? – He smirked.

    - Maybe. – She saddled her horse. – Interested?

    - Hell yeah! – He replied and turned towards the opposite box. – Jay? – He faced her again.

    - Hmm? – She looked at him with those beautiful turquoise eyes.

    - Are we good? – He asked a bit nervous.

    - I guess. – Jay replied. – I can’t be mad at you forever, right? – She gave him a small smile.

    - Glad to hear that. - He breathed out, unaware that he was holding his breath.

    - Now hurry up, Weakfied. – She rushed him.    

***

    It was Fourth of July, which meant that they were going to spend the whole day at the park. Playing games, having fun. Most of the citizens were staying home, organizing barbeques and parties. As the fireworks were fired from up the hills, there was no need to go to the city centre. Now mostly youth gathered there to spend their time together. This year they prepared a huge bonfire. They’ve planned to play soccer, volleyball and basketball. But there were also some keen on baseball and horseshoe throwing.

    They were choosing the teams’ squad for rugby match when Jay finally appeared in the park. Bryan looked at her and his heart skipped a beat. She was wearing black shorts and sleeveless cherry top. Her hair combed in a lose braid. She came closer and greeted everyone.

    - I choose Jay! – Aaron Finch shouted out. Bryan clenched his fists.

    - Okay! So we have full squad. – Carter said. She was to play against her brothers and Bryan.

    - I’ll kick your ass! – Jess said to her.

    - Good luck pussy! – She smacked back.

    They separated to discuss strategy.

    - Bry, you’ll cover Jay. – Carter said. – Just don’t let her get the ball.

    - Okay. – He agreed and smiled to himself.

    - I’ll take Finch. – Christian proposed.

    When they settled everything up, the game started. Bry had to admit, that Jay was extremely fast and he had to do his best to keep up with her. ‘Shame on you, Weakfield! It’s your domain!’ When Steve wanted to pass the ball to Jay, Bry blocked her and they both fell on the ground. He could feel her hard muscles under his body and just lost himself for a moment.

    - Get up, moron! – Carter yelled at him. – We’ve lost another point! Time! – He waited for everyone to come closer. – Change! I’ll cover Jay, Weakfield takes Devon.

    - Fine! – He had no choice but to agree.

    And it was good decision. Definitely Carter was able to cover his sister better than Bryan. ‘How they’re so fast?’ He wondered. The next thing he saw was his friend fouling Jay. He just knocked her off her feet, then stood up and walked away.

    - Dude! – Bry was shocked. That for sure hurt like hell. He walked over to check if she was fine. – You’re okay?

    - Yeah. – She murmured and sat up.

    - Your nose’s bleeding and your lip’s cracked. – He panicked. And she just wiped the blood with the back of her hand. – Don’t stand up, I’ll bring some ice.

    - Just chill out, Wakfield. – She scoffed at him. – You’re so dead Carter! – She yelled at her brother and stood up. – It’ll heal. – She poked Bryan’s arm and ran towards the rest.

    He stood there for a moment, completely dumbfounded, while she just shook it off and came back to the game. ‘She’s so gorgeous!’ He thought in amazement.

    Later on they were sitting by the bonfire, talking, singing and laughing. Then they watched the fireworks. It was beautiful and Jay felt so calm sitting on the grass, leaning on Mark’s chest, with Daniel’s head in her lap. She was playing with his thin braids. But her peace didn’t last long. She could felt someone’s gaze on her and when she looked around her eyes met Bryan’s honey irises. His face was so handsome in the light from the fire and she couldn’t look away.

    For last few days she thought that he just let it go. She was relieved, but at the same time she felt disappointed. He didn’t try to kiss her any more. He event didn’t look for a chance to do it. And when she was blown down by Carter today, he behaved more like her brother, which brought her even more frustration. She was not sure what she wanted and that pissed her off even more.

    But at that moment she could felt warmth. She felt the corner of her lips curled in a smile. It took some time, but Bryan finally smiled back at her. However, his eyes remained serious. Dark and impenetrable. Jay shivered.

    - You’re cold? – Mark asked with concern.

    - No, I’m fine! – She looked up at him and smiled. – Love you!

    - Love ya too. – He grinned at her and hugged her tighter.