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Chapter 9
Blythe
Flirting with Gage is harmless right?
I mean, he was totally messing with me about the whole asking me to dance thing. That was just a silly little game. But it felt like he was being honest for some reason. Like the things he was saying he would do… were real and hewantedto do them. Tome. And he had already been thinking about it.
He may have been playing the game, but he was flirting too. Ithink. So I flirted right back.
I loved seeing the look on his face when I went for his belt. Laughing to myself, I swing open the door to the bathroom door. I had to break the tension somehow. When we were walking to the truck earlier this evening, I was totally staring at his ass. It’s just so nice. But I noticed that he missed a belt loop and I was just wishing for the chance to give him shit about it.
Turns out, the perfect opportunity arose. Right in the middle of the bar no less. I wish I would have pulled out my phone and took a picture of how shocked he was. If I’m not mistaken, the crotch of his jeans was suspiciously tight, too. Did he like it?
The idea of Gage being into me seems too good to be true. Here I am, taking some personal time to have fun and relax. It’s the ideal situation for a hot fling. What are the chances that on night one I meet an insanely tall and manly and funny and sweet albeit grumpy man with dreamy facial hair and tattoos? And one that seems to be attracted to me as much as I am to him?
I must be even more exhausted than I thought. Delusional. Overthinking things again.
I’m sure in reality, he’s just being nice out of obligation seeing as how I’m his friend’s sister. Harmless. Indifferent toward me.
Speaking of exhaustion, I’m starting to get tired. I get that way when I drink a few beers. Makes me want to go to sleep every time. If I took a shot and danced around with Kee for a little bit, I’d be ready to rage all night. But I don’t know if I want to push it just yet.
I look down at my phone and see that it’s already midnight. I wouldn’t turn down the idea of heading back to the bunkhouse and crashing for the night.
After washing my hands and walking back out, I find Kee and the rest of the group we came with all huddled around the side exit door.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
“There’s a party down at the river,” Warren grins.
I try to hide the hesitation on my face. I think I do a pretty good job of it until I feel a large hand at the small of my back.
“I’m done for the night. Y’all got a safe ride home later?” Gage asks the other guys.
They all nod and look excited to go. I remember hearing about river parties growing up. I was never partying or sneaking out to drink though. I was too focused on my grades and getting into a good college.
I should be feeling nostalgic about the “good old times” and jumping at the chance to make more memories there. Maybe it’s the alcohol, but sadness is the only thing I feel. I didn’t realize it until now, but I missed out on a lot of fun experiences when I was young.
Hell, I’mstillyoung. And yet here I am missing out on even more. Living inside the same strict bubble I created for myself so long ago.
Maybe I should consider going. It’s late. And I’m tired. Barely recovered from the chaotic week that I’ve had between graduation and the hospital visit. But if I just pushed through it I could…
I wobble a little bit and lean on the body closest to me. It’s hard and somehow soft and warm at the same time. I’d love to close my eyes and lay on top of it for a twelve-hour nap.
“If you’re not up for the party, you can ride back to the bunkhouse with me,” Gage says. “I have to be up early and planned on leaving anyway. It’s no problem.”
Somewhere in his voice, I detect a hint of concern and I have to admit it’s tempting to let someone else worry about me for a change.
“I’ll go, too. Make sure you get a glass of water and take your makeup off before you pass out on the bed,” Kee teases. She’s always willing to be there for me and I appreciate her more than she knows. I hate that I’ve been reluctant to accept her help in the past.
Right now, I could take her up on her offer, but I can read her like a book. And before Gage mentioned the idea of me riding back with him, she was all too giddy about finding out what the river party was all about.
She shouldn’t have to call it an early night just because of me.
“I promise I’ll hydrate and wash my face.” I grab her hand and give her a reassuring smile. “Go have fun and tell me all about it in the morning. Not early though. I haven’t even gotten to lay down yet and I already have the urge to sleep in.”
She laughs and nods. “Alright, if you insist! Love you.” She kisses my cheek and gives me a swift but tight hug.
Warren nods in Gage’s direction and they do that three-second clasp hands, hug, and slap each other on the back thing that guys always do.
