Page 45 of Deviant
His shoulders are tight as he keeps facing away from us.
You can’t run forever.
Dad and Ethan head out of the barn to go hang a banner across the front porch, leaving the two of us alone here.
Finally.
I walk across the barn and grab the broom from next to him before starting to sweep the same spot lazily. “You told my dad good things about me working on the farm? That’s mighty sweet of you. Did you also mention that Dandee isn’t the only one fond of me.”
He doesn’t take the bait, keeping his eyes down as he tinkers with something else to keep his attention anywhere but on me.
I speak quieter this time. “Better yet, did you tell everyone that I know what you feel like when you kiss someone you’re actually attracted to? Or that you finally know what it feels like to have someone make your dick throb?”
I watch each question sink further into his skin. His eyes shift over to see Dad and Ethan caught up in the banner and realizes that nobody else is nearby.
He lunges, pinning me to the wall, an arm across my throat, causing the broom to fall out of my hand. “Can you just shut the fuck up for one day? No games, no bullshit, just be cool for one fucking day. I have enough to worry about today, and that doesn’t include you and your shit, Colton.” He shoves me back, knocking my shoulders into the wall once again.
Pain sparks in my left shoulder, but I barely register it compared to the sting of his blatant dismissal.
Anger rolls off him, his knuckles white, as if he’s about to snap like a rubber band stretched too thin.
What I wouldn’t give to have the time to pick at him until he snaps. But I know this isn’t the place.
I fight to keep myself in check, knowing it’s best for us both right now. I don’t want to deal with Dad right now, and Mom would be no better if I handed him his ass.
“I don’t know who the fuck you think you are, Rhett, but if you quit pretending to be something you’re not, today wouldn’t be as stressful for either of us. Hell, we could probably both enjoy ourselves.”
“Fuck no, Colt. I told you, that didn’t mean anything.Thisdoesn’t mean anything.” He motions between the two of us. “There’s nothing here and there never will be.”
“So, you’re still lying to yourself…Got it,” I mutter, clearing my throat. “Well, how about this, cowboy. When you get tired of being everyone’s golden boy and of lying to yourself, you come find me. I’ll give you the thing you keep denying yourself.” Picking up my broom, I shoulder past him, speaking loud enough that he can still hear me still. “Fucking coward.”
The two of us finish clearing out the barn, taking longer than we should have, as more people start to trickle in. Tables go up, chairs get set, and decorations slowly transform the barn into a party space, but the tension between us lingers beneath it all.
Taking a moment, I look at everything. The streamers, tables, and floors are all done up in a way that makes the barn feel more lively—turning it into a place that will easily fit all of us.
Mom and Halle pull up at the same time as Aunt A and Uncle Matt, and the space around us gets louder as cousins and friends all start mingling. The only two missing now are Ben and Luke.
Rhett is talking to a couple of his cousins, while I park it in the corner furthest from the door, bracing myself for all the small talk I have to engage in. I love them all, but all I want to do right now is strip Rhett Thornwood with my teeth, and they’re in my fucking way.
I hide in the corner a little longer, watching everyone’s faces, noticing that Halle’s smile is fake. It doesn’t quite reach her eyes as she talks with Aunt A, Mom, and Tierney, but I doubt any of them will say anything to her about it.
Our eyes meet, and she gives me a silent plea to save her.
Chuckling to myself, I get up and head over to rescue her, but before I can, the PA system in the barn kicks on and Cash’s voice floods the speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, Uncle Luke has texted that they are ten minutes out. Please get your shit together for theotherbirthday boy, since, you know … it’s alsomybirthday.”
Tierney turns quickly, cutting her eyes at him and raising her voice. “Benjamin Cash, you watch that mouth of yours.”
The room erupts into laughter, and I catch the smile on Rhett’s face. He’s dropped his guard, mostly, being surrounded by family, and it’s so bright I want to bottle it up and keep it for myself. I rub my chest, trying to ignore the possessive feelings.
Crossing the floor, I finally make my way over and stop to talk to Mom. “Hey, Momma.”
She wraps me in a hug, and I hug her back, wrapping my arms around her tightly, making eye contact with Halle over her shoulder and mouthing, “Bitch, I have tea for you.”
She stares at me then darts her eyes to Rhett, so I nod discreetly. She grins slightly and nods back, understanding we will talk later, because now isn’t the time or place.
Mom finally lets me go as Dad and Eli run into the barn, closing the doors.
“Everybody, quiet. Remember he doesn’t know everyone’s here!” Eli shouts out.
