Chapter 6
Cali
We park in the middle of a big open field, out in the middle of nowhere.
The full moon is high in the sky, letting me know it’s going to be one crazy night.
Ally and I make our way toward the big fire someone has already started and I feel her arm graze mine as she moves closer to me out of nervousness.
I glance over at her, noticing how she's letting her hair hang loose in her face and her eyes are downcast. I pull her to a stop before we get to the large crowd.
Turning her to face me, I push her hair behind her ears and tip her chin up, forcing her to look at me.
“You don’t have to hide, Ally. You’re so beautiful and deserve to enjoy your night. It’s your birthday after all.”
She tries to laugh my comment off, shaking her head.
“It’s fine, Cali. I’m fine.”
“Come on. You obviously didn’t pregame enough. Let’s go get you a drink.”
I swing my arm around her shoulder, dragging her along. I lead us straight to the keg and pour us two cups.
“Warren’s finest milady,” I joke, handing Ally her cup.
“Thank you.”
I watch as she takes a sip, some of the beer slipping out the sides of her mouth and falling down her chin. I almost reach out to clean it with my finger, when Bennett approaches.
“Birthday girl, you finally made it!” Bennett exclaims excitedly, throwing his arm around her shoulders.
“Yep,” she says, making sure the “p” pops when she says it. “I’m here,” she smiles up at him.
He winks at her, then turns his attention to me.
“What’s up, bro?” He nods his head and I nod back.
My eyes zone in on his grip on Ally's shoulder, his thumb rubbing her skin up and down. I can feel the pit of jealousy simmering, driving me to rip his hands off of her. ‘Stop it, Cali. She’s your best friend. That’s it.
’ I tell myself. I move my gaze to Ally.
Her dark hair glistens in the moonlight, the fire making her complexion look like it glows.
I roam her small curves from her feet, up her body, to her face.
Freckles dot across her nose and then her emerald green eyes snag mine.
We hold each other hostage with our focus for a minute before she turns her attention back to Bennett.
“Come on, birthday girl, let's go dance,” I hear him tell her, then watch as he drags her toward the dancing crowd. Ally gives me a small smile then follows him, holding his hand. All I feel is anger watching her walk behind him. ‘Ally came here with me. She’s my best friend. She’s mine!
’ the words scream in my mind. It’s then I realize deep down I’ve always known I’ve cared for Ally.
She’s always meant more to me than just a friend and tonight I’m going to make it known.