Sharing a Memory

Chapter 5

*Paige's POV*

The walk to the beer tent was silent until Nathan cleared his throat and I looked over at him, "So you, uh, covered up the hickey?" He asked and blushed slightly.

I laughed and replied, "Yeah, Madison would have gone nuts the second she saw it."

He nodded and smiled a bit, "Yeah she would have. So you've been friends for a while then?"

"Since middle school, sixth grade to be exact," I smiled, not including that we knew the date too but I wasn't gonna tell him that. Most people thought we were crazy to have a friendiversery, but it was a tradition for us.

He began to say something but it was my turn in line so I stepped forward and ordered a couple of beers.

"I'm gonna need to see your ID babe," I rolled my eyes as the guy behind the counter leaned on the counter in front of me. I pulled it out and showed him and he smiled and turned and took two cans of Coors Light and passed them to me. I held up the money and he shook his head, "It's on us, pretty girls don't pay."

I bit back a sarcastic retort and decided that free beer was worth getting hit on a little. His eyes swept over me from head to toe, lingering on my hips for longer than necessary. I rolled my eyes and turned around and saw Nathan also rolling his eyes, accompanied by a tightly clenched jaw. We locked eyes and he visibly relaxed and stepped forward to order.

Why was he acting like that? It's not like we're together. Not that I have a problem with him being all jealous and protective. I shook my head to clear my head as he walked over to me a few beers in hand.

"Ready to go?"

"Yeah let's get back over there," I nodded and turned to walk back.

We walked back in a strangely comfortable silence and got back to Madison and Jack quickly despite the crowd. A few guys didn't want to move out of the way, but changed their when they realized that the tall, muscular guy was with me. When we got over there I handed Madison a beer, leaned on the stage and listened to the music, swaying slightly.

I was surprised that I was having fun at the concert, even though I only knew a few of the songs. I didn't even realize that Nathan was gone until he returned with a few more beers. He offered me one and I took it, smiling, feeling pretty buzzed and he just smiled back.

As the concert went on, we continued to drink until I was almost drunk and started dancing around with Madison. We were both laughing and having a good time, until I felt a pair of hands on my waist.

I spun around quickly half-expecting, and hoping, for Nathan to be there, but he was over by Jack. I looked up into the eyes of the man touching me and tried to push his hands off of my hips, but he only tightened his grip, a menacing smirk on his face.

"Stoppit, go away," I slurred, trying to get out of his grip.

"Just relax, will ya?" he smiled drunkenly, I could smell the alcohol on his breath and gave him a shove on his chest.

Suddenly I felt an arm wrap around my waist from behind and was lifted off my feet. Before I knew it I was standing behind Nathan.

"Dude. She said no," Nathan looked down at him, but he tried to push his way through anyway. Nathan shook his head and shoved him back, knocking him into a few people, then he turned to face me, "Are you good?"

I nodded, looked up, and saw the guy getting his balance and storming back toward us, "Nathan watch out!"

Nathan turned back just in time and punched the other guy right in the jaw, successfully knocking him back on his ass. I placed one hand in the middle of his back and felt his muscles tense up then relax. Nathan stood back and waited for him to stand up, then said quietly and protectively, "Do not touch her."

I peeked around Nathan and watched the other guy walk away, while rubbing his jaw, "Whatever man, she's not even worth it."

Nathan turned back and looked at me, I looked up into his eyes as he asked again, "Are you okay?"

I nodded slowly and before I could stop myself, I practically launched myself at him, wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. He tensed at first, surprised by my sudden attack, then he relaxed, snaked one arm around my waist and twined his other hand in my hair, and kissed me back.

I pulled back, still holding onto him, "Thank you," I grinned.

He shook his head and smiled, "No problem," then leaned his head forward and rested his forehead on mine.