CountryCore Series: Hold Your Horses (WLW)

Come on, Sugarfoot! Live a Li'l!

Mikala hopped out of her SUV as soon as she put it into part and shut off the engine, hearing Jimmy doing the same from the backseat. Before Kennedy could do the same, however, she jogged around the vehicle and opened her door for her. Her eyes were glued to Mikala's house which was already pulsing with the music she was sure Hugo had already put onto serenade those having arrived and just pulling onto the small property or nearby street. Kennedy let loose one of her many gulps and Mikala found herself chuckling as she held out her hand, finally achieving her full attention.

"Don't worry, Sugarfoot." The nickname sent a shy grin coasting across Kennedy's dulcet features as she took her hand and stepped out of the Jeep. She stood beside it with Mikala and gazed up into her eyes, blushing from ear to ear as the latter heard Jimmy wasting no time in walking toward the beach house she was renting to own. She now had a reason to stick around after all. Brimming with excitement for what this night meant for Kennedy, Mikala placed her hand in the crook of her elbow and nodded toward the house. "Want to meet the gang? They're pretty eager to see the woman I've had in my head for the last month. Well, at least the last three weeks of the month."

"You... You told them about me?" Kennedy didn't look ahead at all, keeping her eyes focused on Mikala as they slowed their walk.

Nodding as she carefully removed Kennedy's hand from her arm, she wrapped it around her waist just as she had the night she came home with her and thoughts of that very occurrence flooded her mind as her eyes trailed down to her lips. "Mhm. I think they thought you were a figment of my imagination, my lonely mind, but they just like to tease me." Picking up their pace as they arrived at the stairs leading up to her home, Mikala also explained, "And as much as he wanted to meet you, my little brother is with his friends tonight. I also called ahead and let my friends know your good news. Suffice it to say, they're ecstatic to celebrate the evening with you, if you're ready."

As they arrived at the top of the stairs, Mikala watched Kennedy regarding the shapes cast through the curtains just inside of her home and waited for her go-ahead to take the next step she hoped would lead them to becoming more. "I think..." After sending Jimmy a gaze of admiration as he patiently waited for them by the door, she glanced over at Mikala and nibbled on her bottom lips for a few silent moments. Kennedy ran her eyes over her face, tentatively reaching up to caress her cheek with the arch of her brow. Mikala didn't hesitate to lean into the tender brush she'd craved since the morning she'd awoken in an empty bed without even a note and Kennedy appeared to somewhat melt along her front. She cradled her arms along her chest and Mikala laid soothing caresses along her back, hoping they would encourage her to embrace every intricate piece of herself. "I think I'd like that very much. Just...please be patient with me...? I... I'm goin' to try to be more open, but--"

"It takes time. There's no rush, so let's move at your pace and enjoy the night together." Mikala brought one of her hands up to her lips and kissed the backs of her knuckles, then nodded her head toward the house. "Come on, Sugarfoot. Live a li'l!"

Kennedy giggled so jubilant that Mikala felt euphoric as she took her hand and walked them both the rest of the way to the door. With a cheesy grin as he wiggled his eyebrows, Jimmy opened the door for them and Mikala immediately heard cheers from those inside as she escorted her toward them. Kennedy, with her adorable mousey disposition, hugged her side and softly smiled toward the first of her friends to greet them.

"Heyo, buddy!" Hugo exclaimed as he clapped Mikala's outstretched hand, then dipped his hat toward Kennedy. "And you must be Kennedy. I've heard a lot about you. Congrats on coming out!"

The crowd of about twenty-five of their closest friends cheered along with him and raised their glasses toward Kennedy, prompting her to glance up at Mikala. She was glowing. Mikala hadn't seen Kennedy so carefree since their night spent together and she already wanted to be alone with her, though she held herself back. For now, she was determined to make sure Kennedy had the night of her life and she nodded toward Sarah who stood by the stereo. The music swelled a bit louder and those standing near her cleared out living area began pairing up and dancing to the LGBT friendly tunes.