Let Me Love (3 page)

I don’t bother waiting for all the lovebirds. Instead, I walk right up to the airline clerk and hand her my ticket. Once I walk through the small doorframe, the cute flight attendant gives me a blatant appreciating once over with her eyes, and for the first time in forever, I could give a shit. All I need from her is one of those small ass pillows and itchy blanket. Since I’m one of the first in our section, the overheads are nearly empty. Grabbing my ear buds, I toss my bag in the small compartment and fall into my seat. I wiggle my body to get as comfortable as possible in the hard seats. Adjusting the air nozzle, I spot Dex and that girl coming my way.

She stops right in front of our row and tilts her head while raising her eyebrows at me. I sit there looking back at her, waiting for her to say something when I notice her gorgeous green eyes with a yellowish gold ringing around her pupils. They’re alluring and intriguing, pulling me into a foreign abyss. I desperately beg myself to stop staring, but my eyes won’t allow me. “Um...this is me,” her clipped disgruntled voice muttering to herself pulls me away, and Dex chuckles. As she takes her seat she huffs out an irritated breath while my eyes focus on her body sliding in next to me. After she takes her seat, I notice her peering over in my direction out from the corner of her eyes. Dex sits down next to her in the seat closest to the aisle, and I’m about to do the biggest jackass move of all time. “I’m Trey.” I hold out my hand, and her slim fingers wrap around my palm.

“Kailey,” she says in a much nicer tone than she used with me previously. “I like the plugs,” she compliments me, and I’m pretty sure I could point out about twenty things to compliment her on, but Dex’s eyes are currently boring into me. Shit, I should ignore her. I already told Dex he had full reign.

“Thanks, I like your...your eyes,” the words sputter out of my mouth before I realize what a fucking cheesy line I used.

She laughs the most nervous giggle, and I watch her eyes focus on my mouth when I drag my lower lip with my stud piercing through my teeth before releasing it. Yep, she wants me. As crappy as I feel for what I’m about to do to Dex, it’s out of my control. I’m not about to throw away the first girl to peak my interest beyond a quick fuck since high school.

The flight attendant gets on the overhead and starts talking about the mask and the seat cushion. Kailey grabs the laminated card from the back of the seat in front of her and appears to be studying it. This is my sign to let Dex know, I’m in and he’s out. I give him my silent nod with a little wink. He narrows his eyes with a short shake of his own head. I guess he’s in the mood for some friendly competition. Anyone can see why she’s worth the fight, her body is killer. But as much as I want to bite my tongue thinking this, I can tell she’s more than a one-time fuck. There’s something about this girl, but the hell if I can explain it.

Kailey’s head mimics a tennis ball as Dex and I volley back and forth, attempting to grab her attention. Dex compliments her while I make her laugh. Our personality differences are in full swing, vying for her interest to peak in our favor. She must realize what’s going on, but she shows no sign who she prefers, other than that her eyes rest on mine a beat longer than Dex. He hasn’t given up hope though, even throwing out the small bench pressing competition he took first place in a few months back. I quickly hammer back my own accomplishment, exposing I finished first in a wing eating competition, to veer her attention back my way. A remarkable eighty wings in ten minutes. Laughter erupts out of her, causing the businessman in the aisle across from us to peer over, before focusing back on his laptop.

By the time we land in Denver, Dex is slowly starting to admit defeat. We file out into the narrow aisle way, impatiently waiting for the passengers in front of us to grab their bags and belongings from the overhead compartments. Moms and dads attempt to get their children to walk forward while they hold stuffed animals and mini character suitcases branded with their initials or name. This is the first time in my life, I don’t mind waiting forever to escape these claustrophobic confines. I’m content to remain pressed up against her, smelling the apple scent as her hair tickles my arm. She glances back, smiling at the older lady in front of her, slowly placing her book back in her purse. Kailey doesn’t appear annoyed or bothered by the delay, but instead reaches over to give her a hand.

The purple haired lady, gushes to Kailey, thanking her. Once we get out of the too close for comfort atmosphere, Kailey goes to the side of the elderly lady, gently taking her arm to escort her up the ramp. Dex and I follow close behind like two jackoffs. The skycap with a wheelchair in front of him waits for the lady. “You have a sweet girlfriend,” the lady says to Dex, and he thanks her before she’s wheeled away. Suddenly, I have an urge to punch Dex in the fucking nose for taking credit for being her boyfriend.

After everyone’s off the plane, we go to the bathroom. All four of us stand side by side at the urinals, trying to mind our own business, staring at the cracked tile wall in front of us. I can’t wait any longer, though; I need Dex to lay off with Kailey.

“Listen, man, I know you saw her first, but—” I start to talk, disregarding our usual set of guy rules.

“Shit, man, don’t you know anything about bathroom etiquette? No fucking talking,” Grant grumbles, remaining focused on the wall. Brady chuckles.

“He’s got a point,” Brady remarks without turning his head one-way or the other.

The room goes quiet as we all finish our business and zip up our pants. We make our way to the sinks to wash our hands. Brady and Grant file out, I’m sure already missing their damn girlfriends. Pussy whipped takes on a whole definition when it comes to those two. Dex stays by the paper towel dispenser until I come over, no doubt knowing I want to talk about it. “She’s all yours, man,” he relinquishes her to me, then turns around to walk out without another word.

A feeling of guilt resonates inside of me, I think he might have really liked her. Hell, how could he not have? I leave the bathroom and lean against the wall, waiting for the girls. When Kailey saunters out with Jessa and Sadie, all the guilt vanishes. Without even thinking, I push off the wall and make a beeline to her. Side by side we venture down to the baggage claim. It’s taking every ounce of willpower not to grab her hand, but I can imagine if I did she’d pull away or slap me. Then my angel best friend, Jessa, volunteers us to drive her to her aunt and uncle’s, who live in the same town as Jessa’s parents.
Jackpot.

At this point, I grab her hand, in the most friend-like way I can pull off, and lead her to the revolving belt carousel to retrieve our bags. She points her plaid suitcase out, and I grab it off the conveyer for her, being the gentleman I am. With all of us wheeling our luggage, we locate the rental car place. Reluctantly, I let go of her hand and join the guys, but I can’t help myself from checking on her over my shoulder while all the guys file up to the small counter.

Brady pays for the van fee, no surprise there. Although he would never admit it, he really is the pseudo father in our small group. My body warms when we begin to approach the girls, my eyes on her the whole thirty seconds it takes to reach them. She’s even more beautiful as she smiles and laughs with Jessa and Sadie.

Not sure how she’ll feel about it, I entwine our fingers again. A small smile hits my face when she doesn’t pull away, but rather I feel her fingertips between my knuckles. Once we climb into the rented van, she scoots comfortably next to me. I’m unusually excited to be near this hot girl for the next two hours. Unfortunately, it also terrifies me slightly because for a change it’s not sex, but conversation that has me raring to go.

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E
veryone shuffles out at Jessa’s parents, happy to stretch. Brady tosses me the keys in the driveway. We give a quick hello to Jessa’s parents, and I tell them I’ll be right back. I open the passenger door for Kailey, and she sneaks in before I even open it the entire way. Dex’s eyes remain focused at me, clearly still pissed off at me for stealing Kailey from him. I’m pretty sure it’s the competition he’s upset about, not actually Kailey. Because if roles were reversed, I might have to pummel him to the ground before easily handing her over. Not that I’ll brag about it, but anyone can tell she wants me too. It’s clear from every giggle that escapes those glossed pink lips or the way her vision diverts to all my piercings and tattoos. She loves the bad boy image I portray. Although, I hope I don’t disappoint her, because even though I’m no angel, I’m not an asshole bad boy either.

She presses her aunt and uncle’s address into her telephone and starts spitting off directions. Her hand grips the armrest and her foot presses hard against the floor board, fearful I won’t be able to break every time the van drives down steep mountain slopes. Another damn cute side of her.

“So, are you out here for vacation?” I swear at myself for asking such a stupid question. Why else would she be here?

“Um...yeah,” she says. I can’t help recognizing the apprehension in her voice. Then again, I just met her, I could be hearing something not there.

The conversation flows comfortably for the rest of the trip. Between the lefts here and rights there, we sneak in our majors, graduation days, and jobs. Since we’re both Architecture majors, we relax into a discussion of professors and classes for a while. I’m surprised I’ve never seen her before. There’s no way I would have missed her. But with her being a semester behind me, she hasn’t spent as much time in the lab as I have. The lab is where I can be found, if I’m not playing with the band or ‘playing’ at the bars.

We pull up to the small isolated log cabin way too soon for me, and I’m pretty sure there isn’t another human being in a five-mile radius. It’s eerie and creepy. I get out of the van and grab her suitcase from the back, then walk her up to the door. As we get closer to the porch steps, a light comes on and the door swing opens.

A lady with grey hair and bearing a friendly smile, opens the screen door. She’s bundled up in her coat with a pair of black snow boots on. “Kailey, darling, you made it.” She opens her arms as Kailey swiftly climbs the stairs. She leans in as the lady wraps her puffy sleeves around her into a tight embrace. After giving Kailey a little squeeze, her aunt’s curious eyes find me. She peers down and whispers to Kailey, “Who’s this?” Her tone is nice and welcoming, and I can’t help liking her already.

“Sorry, Aunt Holly, this is Trey Michaels. He and his friends were nice enough to give me a ride from the airport.” Kailey remains on the porch while her Aunt steps down, holding her hand out to me.

“Hi, Trey, thanks for looking out for our Kailey,” she says. I place my hand in hers, surprised by her firm grip.

“It’s nice to meet you,” I reply, standing there like an idiot. Kailey walks down the steps for her suitcase that’s resting on the walkway besides me. I place my hand on hers, and she quickly snaps her hand back, as though I shocked her. “I’ll carry it for you,” I assure her, taken back by her reaction.

“Why don’t you come in, Trey? We’re making a late lunch.” Aunt Holly opens the door, waiting for me to enter.

I glance at my watch, and then look to Kailey for a clue if she prefers me to stay or not. Jessa’s mom said she was planning a dinner, but I figure I have some time. “Sure,” I answer, and Kailey lets out a small sigh.

Carrying her bag, we enter the cabin. The furniture is big and cozy with throw blankets strewn over the backs of couches and chairs. The warm and welcoming surroundings make me want to plop myself on the couch and prop my feet up on the wood table. Luckily, my mom taught me better than that. So, I wait in the entryway until both women pass me. Kailey never looks at me, almost as if she’s annoyed I’m staying.

“KAILEY!” a deep boisterous voice hollers as a man walks into the room.

“Uncle Clyde.” Kailey practically runs up to him, throwing her arms around him his huge frame.

“We’ve missed you, girl. How is everyone?” he asks her while letting his large body absorb her much smaller one. He must be six-six, three hundred pounds. I’m intimidated as hell and a million excuses to leave scramble through my head.

“They’re good.” I hear her voice shake slightly, and he pats her on the back, almost as if he’s consoling her. When they pull apart, his eyes find me, and I bite the stud piercing under my lip.

“Who’s he?” He nods his head my way and his wife comes over immediately, patting my arm.

“This is Kailey’s friend,” Aunt Holly introduces me, “Trey.”

“He gave me a ride,” Kailey adds, and I’m happy to hear her voice a little more chipper than two seconds ago.

“Huh,” is all he says while he stomps over to me. He reminds me of a lumberjack, like Paul Bunyan. I think this might be his brother. He even has the plaid shirt and blue jeans with those identical brown boots. I’m just thankful he’s not carrying an axe. After only three strides across the room, he’s right in front of me, occupying the same space. I used to think I was tall. Used to being the key words. “Why did you give our Kailey a ride?” he asks me, and I peer up at him, becoming more scared by the second.

“Uhhh—to be nice. We’d rented a car and were on our way here anyways,” I stumble over my words, and he stares down at me for what seems like forever.

“Thank you,” he holds his hand out to me and starts chuckling.

“Oh, Clyde, I don’t know why you think that’s funny. The boy almost pissed himself.” Holly shakes her head and walks back into the kitchen.

He continues laughing, and I hear Kailey’s now distinctive giggling chiming in as well. “It’s nice to meet you, Trey.” His handshake ten times firmer than his wife’s. His large hand claps me on the back, and I stumble forward a step. “Let’s eat.” Once I get myself back on two solid feet, I find the most amazing sight, Kailey smiling at me.

Kailey and I follow Uncle Clyde into the kitchen. Holly already has the table set with a plate full of sandwiches situated in the middle, along with a bowl of pasta salad. Kailey opens the fridge and hands me a soda. Although I don’t usually drink the Diet Coke she just handed me, my mom taught me better.
‘If you’re a guest, you will eat and drink what they give you.’
So, I open it up and take my seat next to her.