Genesis

CHAPTER 8 You Really Got Me

Colton revved the engine once before shutting it off, ensuring that we got everyone's attention. I noticed Jackson sitting on a stump that appeared to have been carved into a chair of sorts, a cute blond sitting on one of his legs. He waved. She glared.

As we got off, Colton took my arm and steered me in front of him. "Y'all, this is Essie. Her mama bought the old Edwards house."

"Better not get too comfortable here," someone shouted from across the pit. "People don't stay long in that house."

"So I've heard. Miss Ginny came by to visit."

They laughed. Apparently, everybody was familiar with the "welcome wagon", otherwise known as Miss Ginny. I guess getting to know everyone would be helpful to Eden's historian.

"Still, you'd better watch yourself," the girl on Jackson's leg warned. Just then, a snake slithered over her foot and she screamed and fell backwards into a pile of fallen leaves.

"It's just a rat snake, Savannah," Jackson said, laughing.

"It's not funny, Jackson," she whined. "Help me up."

He reluctantly stood up and extended both hands. She grabbed them and pulled herself up. She looked around at the group and then at me.

"Are you okay?" I asked, trying to sound concerned.

"I'm fine," she replied in a nasty tone.

"We ridin' or talkin'?" someone yelled out.

"Ridin'," Colton said, ignoring Savannah's attempt to garner sympathy from the group. "But Essie hasn't ridden in a while, so be nice. Don't cut her off or nothin'."

I smiled politely and walked toward my four-wheeler.

Just then, someone stepped out from the trees. When he took off his helmet, I saw that it was Ty. My heart jumped just a little and I hoped that my demeanor did not reveal my delight.

"Essie? What a surprise. A pleasant one, of course," he said in a tone that really didn't sound that surprised.

Colton looked at me cheerlessly and began to walk away, looking at Ty. As he did, he tripped and fell on the ground, barely missing a jagged log that could have done a lot of damage.

Ty walked toward me, pausing to give Colton a hand, asking, "Hey, man. You okay?" Colton brushed himself off, looking embarrassed, saying nothing. As Ty moved closer, he fixed his gaze on mine and, as usual, I felt like I couldn't look away. It was almost hypnotic.

"I'm glad you're here," he said in a low voice, the sides of his mouth slowing curling into a slight smile. Without looking away, he reached for my helmet. "May I?" he asked, as he brought it closer to my head.

"Sure," was all I could think of to say.

As he carefully fastened the chin strap, he pressed his forehead to my helmet. In barely more than a whisper, he said, "I was thinking that since this is your first time here, you might want to ride with me for a while, familiarize yourself with the trails before heading out on your own." He paused for a moment. "Yes?"

"Yes," was my brilliant reply. Surely, he must think me a dullard by now. But, if he did, he was hiding it well.

He extended his arm, indicating for me to get on his four-wheeler. Dubious, I questioned the motion. "Shouldn't you get on first?"

"Ladies first. And you should be in front. It'll be easier for you to get the lay of the land."

I eyed his sleek machine skeptically. It was seriously nice. A Polaris Predator 500, according to the lettering. Black, with a few red accents. It made my cute little Honda look sad. I definitely could not afford to do any damage. He put his hand on the small of my back in an effort to move me forward. I got on as gracefully as possible and he slipped on behind me. He pressed the ignition button and the engine roared to life. His chest was pressed hard against my back and his long arms wrapped around mine as he placed his hands gently on top of my hands, guiding my movements.