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Me.
Plain old Savannah O’Riley.
Of course, I said yes.
I went on one date with him and when he tried to kiss me in his car, I punched him in the throat. It was just a reflex from having grown up with Jack. He kicked me out of his car after sputtering and trying to catch his breath. I did feel bad, but he could have warned a girl or even asked for consent.
Of course, Mama is happy that I’ve returned. She's been alone since I left for college. My dad died suddenly of a heart attack nearly two years ago. Even now, her grief and pain are palpable. And she won’t hear it when I mention her going on a date or moving on.
My throat clogs and unshed tears burn the back of my eyes at the thought of my dad. I miss him almost as much as Mama does. Some days are harder than others, but it will get better. At least that’s what my therapist said.
To celebrate my return, we went shopping. We were at the mall for hours and when we got home, I had to take a nap. Shopping is not for me. But with all that said, I’ve found the perfect outfit for seduction.
With one last look at myself, I give a determined nod before I swipe up my short sleeve mint green floral mini dress. Stepping into it, I tug at the zipper, pulling the fabric tight across my body. It fits like a glove and I can’t wait to watch his jaw drop.
Throwing my hair into a ponytail, I swipe some lipgloss across my lips. Voices from downstairs travels through my closed bedroom door, telling me the boys have arrived. With one last look at my reflection, I smirk to myself as I bounce on my heels.
At the sound of my name being called, I walk out of my room and bound down the stairs and into the kitchen.
Everyone is seated around the table. Jack is the first to acknowledge me when I enter the room. He stands and walks toward me. My eyes search out Noah as he talks to Mama. He looks good. His broad shoulders fill out his white t-shirt and a light dusting of stubble coats his jaw.
I wonder what that will feel like when he’s kissing me.
A warmth grows and spreads out from my core as I stare at him. When he doesn’t acknowledge my presence, the feeling wilts and crumples until there’s nothing but coldness in its wake.
I don’t know why I had some idea of a grand reunion. That maybe he’d be so surprised at seeing me he’d pull me close and give me my first kiss and ask me to be his and only his.
Goodness, what am I, sixteen?
No, I’m a grown woman now and just because he hasn’t so much as looked in my direction, it doesn’t mean my plan won’t still work.
“Sav, what’ve you done to your face?”
Rolling my eyes, I pull Jack into a hug, a smile on my face. Before I went to college, makeup wasn’t really something I did, but I’ve enjoyed experimenting. I’ll never be able to do the fancier looks, but I know I look good, so I only take his words as brotherly teasing.
“It’s good to see you too, Jack.”
When I pull away, I smooth my hands down the front of my dress as I peek around Jack, trying to get another look at Noah. Still, there is no acknowledgement of my presence.
“Do you want some sweet tea, boys?” Mama asks as she stands from the table.
Noah’s deep voice sends a thrill down my spine, straight into my core when he replies, “That would be great. Thanks, Sadie.”
As Mama prepares the drinks, I sidle my way over to the table, taking a seat. “Hi Noah, how’s college?”
There’s a little bit of shock and a whole lot of heat filling his gaze when he looks at me. His eyes roam over my body and I squirm in my seat, a weird sensation building between my legs.
Finally.
That’s exactly what I wanted to see from him. My plan will work. There’s no denying he wants me.
Jack clears his throat, drawing Noah’s attention away from me. Never in my nineteen years have I, until this very moment, wished that I was an only child.
“Hey, Van.” His eyes make another sweep over my body before he sits straighter in his chair, cutting himself off. “College is good. How are classes going?”
“Good. You know how it is, parties and stuff.”
Jack slaps my ponytail, cutting the tension that seems to have taken over the room. “Come on, Noah. Let’s go get unpacked.”
