15. Fifteen #2
I’m idly strumming my guitar and staring into the flames with unseeing eyes when Carter finds me.
I must’ve been sitting there with only myself for company for some time because only a few stragglers remain scattered across the clearing.
“You alright? Where’s Tessa?” I give a half-hearted shrug as my eyes find his concerned gaze.
“Don’t know. Don’t care.”
“Does that mean you won’t need your ‘shaggin’ wagon’ for a while?” His previous concern morphs into a tentative excitement that piques my curiosity and temporarily takes my mind off my problems.
“Depends on who you’re planning on screwing in there.” I replace my guitar with the half-empty cup resting at my feet while I wait for my friend to disclose the identity of his conquest.
“It’s Megan,” he blurts, bracing himself like he’s waiting for me to laugh at its absurdity. When I don’t bat an eye and simply nod at him with approval while I dig my keys out of my pocket, he looks at me with a furrowed brow.
“I was wondering when it would finally click for you. She’s always been a knockout, you know? Never understood why you weren’t interested.”
“Honestly, it never even occurred to me.” There’s a hint of irritation in his voice, as if he can’t believe his own ignorance. “She was always just Megs to me, you know? But I’m telling you, my eyes are wide open now.”
“Good for you, bro,” I say, squeezing his shoulder like a proud father. “You have an hour. I’m in a crappy mood, and I was just about to turn it in, so make it quick. Shouldn’t be a problem for you anyway,” I tag on, flashing him a shit-eating grin.
“Asshole,” he mutters, flipping me the bird before he jumps to his feet. “You want me to leave the keys in the wheel well once we’re done?”
“Nah,” I say, finishing the remainder of my drink in a single gulp before I throw another log on the fire.
Looks like I’ll be sitting here for a while.
Might as well stay warm. “Just drop them back here and let me know when it’s safe.
I love you like a brother, man, but I’d rather avoid seeing two of my best friends going at it.
I walked in on you once, and the image of your hairy ass clenching is permanently singed into my retinas.
I’d rather not add to the mental camera roll. ”
Barking out a laugh, Carter snatches the keys from my outstretched fingers.
“Thanks, man. I owe you one,” he calls over his shoulder, all but tripping over his own two feet in his haste to get to Megan.
I watch him skip away, almost giddy with anticipation, and I’m hit with a sudden vision of us tearing through these same woods as young boys.
I can practically hear our laughter as we push each other while we banter back and forth.
The corner of my lip tugs up at the memory.
Those were some carefree days, and I fucking miss them.
Life was a hell of a lot easier back then.
I look up when I catch movement in my peripheral and find Tessa edging closer to the fire pit, looking both regretful and unsure.
The way she’s wringing her hands like she’s afraid of what my reception of her might be already has me softening toward her.
Blowing out a tired breath, I pat the camping chair beside me and watch as all the tension leaves her body before she falls into the seat.
“I’m sorry,” she starts, studying her feet to avoid my gaze.
“I know I should trust you. I do trust you. But the thought of losing you scares me so much. Sometimes, it makes me lose my mind. And when I saw Jessica rubbing up against you and putting that dirty mouth on you, I just—I don’t know.
I shouldn’t have yelled at you without giving you a chance to explain. ”
“It’s alright.” I pull her into my side and instantly feel some of the tightness in my chest ease.
“I’ll admit it looked bad. I don’t know how I would’ve reacted had the roles been reversed.
Probably would’ve kicked ass first and asked questions later.
Let’s just forget about it, okay?” Tessa seems more than happy to oblige and snuggles deeper into my warmth, releasing a small sound of contentment.
She’s been crying. I can tell by her red-rimmed eyes.
Suddenly, I feel like a dick for laying into her the way I did and leaving her alone in the woods.
I know how much she’s been looking forward to tonight, and maybe I’m not totally blameless.
I should’ve walked away from Jessica sooner, pushed her away sooner.
Thinking back, it’s possible my reaction to her jealous display may have been a little harsh.
I’m just so fucking tired of taking shit from people, but I know taking my growing frustrations out on her isn’t the answer.
“Have you seen Megan?”
“Yes,” I reply as my mood instantly improves.
“Well?” she prods when I only stare at her with a sly smile.
“She’s in my truck.”
“Is she alright? Did she have too much to drink?”
“No, nothing like that,” I wave off her misplaced concern. “She’s perfectly fine. Carter is taking real good care of her.”
“Why would Carter be taking care of—” she breaks off mid-sentence and does a double take as realization strikes. “No way, José!”
I chuckle at the glee in her eyes.
“Well, it’s about damn time. I hope he’s serious about her because I swear to God, if he hurts my girl, I’ll rip his balls off and stuff ’em down his throat until he chokes.” I cringe, swallowing hard at the disturbing image.
“And that right there is why I’d never cheat on you. I’m rather fond of my balls.”
“Well, that’s a good thing then because I’m rather fond of them myself,” she says with an impish grin that makes my dick twitch.
“I sure hope those two hurry the fuck up,” I whisper against her neck, grinning when I feel her full-body shiver. “I wouldn’t mind having access to a soft mattress myself right about now, even if it smells like Carter’s sweaty ball sack.”
“Ew, Jake.” Tessa slaps at my shoulder, scrunching up her adorable nose. “Your truck sure sees a lot of action these days. You should start charging by the hour,” she suggests with a giggle.
“That’s actually not a bad idea. I bet I’d make a killing.
I’d be able to buy you that matching leather purse you’ve had your eye on forever.
” Tessa glances at me with a tender look that never fails to make me feel like Superman.
I guess that’s what happens when your own father can’t find it within himself to show you even an ounce of affection.
You soak up every bit of adoration thrown your way.
It’s a nice break from feeling like a waste of space most of the time.
“I love you, Jake. I’m really sorry I was such an idiot earlier. I didn’t mean to ruin our night.”
“You didn’t ruin anything, and the night isn’t over yet,” I tell her as I rest my cheek on the top of her head. “I understand why you got mad, but I promise you have nothing to worry about. You’re it for me, Tessa. Always have been. Always will be.”
And just when I think everything is right with my world, I stare past the flames of the crackling bonfire and into the eyes of the girl responsible for our troubles.
Jessica’s face is a twisted mask of rage, her eyes promising retribution before she spins around and heads in the opposite direction.
I do my best to brush her behavior off as nothing but silly infatuation but try as I may, the feeling of foreboding that’s taken up residence in the pit of my stomach stays with me through the remainder of the night.