Just Love Me Once Again

Page 23

Trixie.

Bonfires were held on Hitchens's property, practically every week, especially following races and football games. The bitter cold of January and February was the only time when little happened, both at the lake and the Benson farm track.

As it was already ten-thirty, I committed to staying for an hour before I leave. With my parents getting home in the morning, I'd have to go home whether I liked it or not.

"Great race tonight, Trixie." Jess Cullen patted me on the shoulder as she passed by.

Clots of people stood around the bonfire or sat on the boulders, while other circulated. Natalie hadn't arrived yet, that I could see, and I assumed she drove with Caleb.

I shook my head slightly to clear my thoughts. I need to stop thinking about him all the time.

Looking over to the group of girls giggling near the water, I recognized one from my class. I shrugged my shoulder and decided to dive in. I took a step forward when a voice stopped me.

"Oh, Trixie. You always surprise me." His low, flirty tone made me freeze. I looked up in time to see Caleb smile and walk away.

While I tried to ignore the vibe of Caleb's presence, I found myself unable to keep from looking for him. I'd see him chatting with his friends, and the last time I looked, Natalie had her face buried in his neck.

Caleb caught my eyes more than once, but I broke contact immediately every time. The images of other night mixed with his penetrating, smoky stare created a throbbing need deep inside of me.

I let out a rough sigh. It's time to get out of here.

I trekked over the rocks and into the woods for the short cut to the area near the street where everyone parked.

With no flashlight available, I used my cell phone screen as a light to guide my way. It was a straight shot, but the path was litter with sticks and stumps. The rain we'd received kept everything moist and pliable.

Droplets splattered my ankles as I stomped on wet foliage, and a few bare branches poked at my skin, stinging me.

"Well, look what I found."

I jumped, startled out of the quiet that had just surrounded me. Looking up, I cringed at the sight of Rowan, who was eye-fucking me as usual.

"Get out of my way, Rowan." I approached him slowly, but he didn't budge.

"Shh," Rowan implored as I tried to push myself away. His breathing echoed in my ear, and he reeked of alcohol. "Trixie, I wanted you for so long. You know that. How about you put me out of my misery, and let me take you home." His nose was in my hair, and his hand dropped to my ass. I stiffened.

"Stop it," I ordered and tried to bring my knees up between his legs, But it seemed he already anticipated that move because his legs were too close together.

Rowan shook with laughter. Kneading my ass, he whispered, "Oh, I know you're tricks, Trixie. Stop fighting it."

His lips crushed down on mine, and the acidic taste of vomit rose in my throat.

Grabbing the pepper spray out of my purse, I shot for his eyes. He screamed and stumbled backward as his hand covered his face. I finally brought my knee up between his legs and watched him crumple to the ground, grabbing the strap of my tank top as he fell.

I leaned over him as he let out wails of pain. "Why are the guys at this school such dicks?"

One hand covering his eyes and other clutching his crotch, he groaned." Shit! You fucking bitch!"