Welcome to Valley View (Valley View Book 1)

Chapter 26

Just before sunset, Jimmy and I made it up to our favorite lookout point. They were right, the Brown Family didn’t do anything half-assed. There were a bunch of trucks and ATVs parked near the edge of the lookout and three grills going, full of hamburgers and hot dogs. Everywhere you looked there were people having fun with different yard games, drinking games, and just general conversation.

“Holy crap, Jimmy. You weren’t lying!”

“You should know by now that Mama doesn’t do anything halfway. She’s all in.”

We park the truck and get out. Jimmy takes my hand and we start to walk over to one of the corn hole games in progress. I see Bobby and Taryn sitting next to each other watching the game. I judge Jimmy a little nudge. “Hey, do you remember Taryn?” I point our joined hand over in their direction.

“Well look at that, you really did get him to bring a date.”

“She’s cute and pretty feisty. I like her”

“That sounds like just the type of woman you get along with.”

I give him another little nudge and he pulls me in to wrap an arm around my waist when I hear my name being called from the other direction. “Tiff!” Candy comes running over and she almost crushes me with her hug. “I’m so glad you’re finally here!”

“We’re here. I’m glad you decided to come even though Sheila couldn’t.”

“I thought for about three seconds that maybe I’d stay home and then I remembered how much I love these parties so I tossed on my jean shorts and cowboy boots and booked it up here. Speaking of denim shorts, could your shorts get any shorter?” Candy looks down at my light denim shorts that are yes, very short. I went back and forth about wearing them, but finally decided that if I was wearing a bikini I’d be showing more skin, so it would be fine.

“Her shorts are just the perfect length, Candy.” Jimmy slides his hand down my waist down to the bottom seam of my shorts, resting part of his palm on my ass.

“Are you a leg man, Jimmy?”

“I’m a Tiff man.” He says and then leans down to kiss lips.

“Good answer, babe.” I pat my hand against his chest.

Candy pulls my arm, taking me away from Jimmy and we loop our arms together as we continue to walk. “So I heard you met Taryn this morning.”

“Yes! I’m so glad that she’s here. She and Bobby are looking pretty darn cozy over there.”

“Y’all are starting to act like Mama,” Jimmy says from behind us. 

“Who is starting to act like your mama?” We’re close enough to the grill that Raymond was manning that he turned around to see what we were talking about.

“These girls, Pops, they’re already planning Bobby’s wedding.”

“Oh let them have their fun, Jimmy. Wouldn’t harm you boys to settle down at all. Maybe you all need a little extra push.”

“Yeah, Jimmy,” I say as I stick out my tongue at him. 

“Oh I’m going to get you now.” Jimmy starts heading my way and I let go of Candy’s arm and start running away, but Jimmy chases me. It doesn’t take long before I feel his hand grab my wrist and then his other arm comes under my legs and he swoops me up into his arms. I wrap my arm around his neck and he presses his lips against mine. “Gotcha….”

“Eww, get a room!” Jimmy pulls away from me and turns us around to see Jimmy sitting on the back of one of the trucks. Rather than put me down, Jimmy goes back in for another kiss. I feel his hand move a bit and knowing him he’s probably flipping off Tyler as he kisses the life out of me. He finally pulls away slowly, but not before nipping against my bottom lip.