Page 43 of Storm Warning
“Yeah, mine started this morning when ya said yes.”
We spend the day talking and playing games, as well as going on a few rides. The typical first date, but since it’s with Kaylee it just feels better. The day rolls over into night, and we find ourselves within a massive party tent set up to host various bands and give a place for adults to relax without kids. Practically a makeshift bar with a massive dance floor and enough booze to water the town.
I don’t know anyone here, and something about that makes me feel more relaxed. Taking a sip of beer, I enjoy the band’s music and, even more so, the company I share. Kaylee’s body brushes my side as she sways to the song, and I pull her closer. Her body rocks against mine, my free hand finding her waist. Leaning in to me, she turns her head and our lips meet. I glide my hand across her hip, tugging her to turn around. This time my tongue finds hers. Our bodies no longer sway to the music,but instead stay in one place as my hand reaches back around her to pull her closer to me. The tent is hot, sticky even, but I don’t care because while everyone around us dances, I’m kissing someone who makes me feel alive.
I spin her away, twirling her in a circle, laughing at the joy that seeps out of her.
The band moves on toHere For The Partyand you’d think Gretchen Wilson herself was singing it as Kaylee’s eyes light up. She plucks the beer from my hand and sets it down on a random picnic table before dragging me further into the crowd. She sings and dances like she doesn’t give a damn who’s watching, doesn’t care who sees. Joy blooms from her. It’s like she’s glowing, oozing a light that is no longer hidden but showing for the world. Much to my surprise, Kaylee starts to belt out the words, and even a few sheets to the wind, she actually doesn’t sound half bad. Everything around her feels lighter than air. Like she’s let go of all the caution tape she seems to carry and is letting herself be free. She’s perfect. Beyond gorgeous. So much so, I’d happily continue the chase in the hopes that it might land me in her favor, and yet something about her tells me I don’t have to. That all she really ever needs is to live a little, to feel the rush, just the way I need to.
Kaylee continues to sing every line of the song, her eyes closed and a total disregard for anyone or anything around her. Almost like she has no idea that every move she makes makes me want her more. Every word she sings makes me fall a little deeper into her grasp. And if she’s not careful, she might give riding bulls a run for its money.
I dance alongside her, soaking up the light she doesn’t realize she radiates. Her long white-blonde hair sways with every movement and I do my best not to touch her. Trying not to interrupt her peace, because it seems like she hasn’t always been granted the freedom to let loose and I don’t want to be the reason that her light dulls.
Twirling in a circle, Kaylee’s eyes finally flutter open. A soft laugh escapes her as she notices my stare. “Sorry, Got a little caught up in the moment.”
I’m stunned that she would apologize for enjoying herself. She’s perfect. Not just in the physical sense, but in the kind of way that makes your heart stop. The way that feels like you might have just made your way to heaven without even knowing and I reply, “Me too.”
Because Kaylee might have been caught up in the music, but I was caught up in her.
Her stare softens and she grabs my hand, leading me away from the dance floor and out of the tent.
“Where we goin’?” The question escapes my lips, but my feet follow without hesitation, because anywhere leads me closer to being alone with her.
“Down by the water. It’s so hot in there.” She releases my hand, walking a few steps ahead of me, and my eyes glaze over her body. Her tan skin shimmers under the moonlight and her ass looks so good in her Daisy Dukes that I’d gladly get on my knees and beg for anything she told me to.
The beach is quiet, not a single person around, and the sound of the waves sloshing onto the shore is our only company. Kaylee kicks off her shoes and tosses her bag to the ground before planting herself on the sand, pulling her knees to her chest, and looking out at the lake.
I mirror her moves, taking off my boots before sitting beside her. Silence lingers between us as we enjoy the quiet. Something I think we both find just as peaceful as we do overwhelming.
“You’re not like I expected.” Her voice is low, keeping our conversion a secret. I glance toward her, intrigued by her words. She doesn’t meet my stare, so I look back toward the moonlit horizon.
“That a compliment?” I question, unsure of the seriousness of her remark.
“I guess that depends on if you care what I think.” She turns her head, placing her ear atop her knees, looking at me, but I keep my focus facing forward.
It’s damn near impossible not to look at her. To not drink her in. The minute I first saw her, I was drawn to her. Not just her beauty, but the mystery behind those hazel eyes. And each barrier I break past leaves me wanting more. “Oh, I care.” I release a slow breath. “Probably a little too much.” An awkward laugh escapes me when I realize I admitted that out loud, afraid she might take it wrong. “I just mean, there’ s somethin’ about ya. A lot of somethin’s actually.” I turn to focus on her, her bright eyes looming back at me and I smile. “First off, that smile alone would set off any man with some sense. You’re beautiful, but that beauty goes well beyond how ya look—though you’re hot as fuck.” I wink and she rolls her eyes, her bright smile never wavering. “I don’t know how else to explain it, so ya better not give me shit for this, but being near ya is like tastin’ freedom. It ain’t somethin’ ya can buy. It reminds me of ridin’ bulls.”
She pushes me. “No woman wants to remind her crush of a cow, Casanova.”
I can’t help but chuckle, because that probably rings true, and then I realize she admitted to more than just enjoying our secret kisses, but me as well. “I’m not talkin’ about the beasts.” I laugh again, this time mostly funded by the alcohol settling in. “I’m talkin’ about the rush.” I look back toward the water. “It’s like ya were suffocatin’ your whole life, but didn’t realize it until ya felt the rush, till ya knew what it was like to breathe.” I sigh, unsure I’m making sense at this point. My eyebrows raise as I turn my focus toward her only to meet her eyes staring back out at the water. Releasing one more breath, Idecide to finish what I started, talking low as I say, “That’s what ya are. A breath of fresh air.”
25
KAYLEE - JULY 3, 2004
I judged him wrong.
At least, I think I have, but there is a chance he’s just really good at playing people too. I hate that everything in me hesitates no matter what. That I can’t seem to let more than an ounce of trust take over before I make excuses why I shouldn’t.
As I stare at the horizon, I try to think of something else in my life that brings me the rush he talks about. If anything has ever made me feel like I’m on top of the world to the point it feels like it fills my lungs in ways air never could.
The waves gently lap at the shore, a soft hum from people having fun only a short distance away, and the chirping of crickets down in the tall grass all create an enchanting tune as I close my eyes, thinking about what he said.
I wish I could feel what he did.. Sadness engulfs my chest, my eyes remaining shut for the fear that he might see me hesitate, but not because I don’t like him. More so because I never let myself be that free. It’s like I’m always on edge, just in case.
I have tried new things and nothing ever lit up my world—no, changed my world, like riding does for him.
But maybe I just haven’t found it yet. Thatspark. That passion. That rush or breath of fresh air. Maybe I should take a page from Rhett’s book and pursue the things I love, finding joy and hope and inspiration in life instead of always waiting and expecting the other shoe to drop, the bad to set in.
