Pivotal Moments (In Time #1) (21 page)

I shot him a raised eyebrow. “Is that any of your business, Brody?” It annoyed me how he felt he could question me.

He held his hands up in surrender. “No harm, no foul. I was just curious.” I stared him down until he flashed me a beatific grin, looking all sorts of innocent. It was a shame I knew his halo was held up by twin horns. There was nothing innocent about Brody Holden. “Anyway,” he said, changing the subject, “we’re ready. How about you?” 

I nodded, and my stomach growled. “Yep. Where are we going?” I grabbed my backpack and hoisted it onto my shoulder, then fell in beside him as we headed to the parking lot.

“We don’t have much time, so we’ll probably just go through a drive-thru or something,” he said. We reached his car and he opened the door for me. I paused. Teagan hadn’t been kidding. I had a bad feeling all of a sudden, but I slid into the vehicle anyway. The only way I could learn anything would be to see this through.

***

“What are you doing after we graduate, Ash?” Brody asked, then stuffed a handful of French fries in his mouth. It was both fascinating and revolting how he could fit that much in there at the same time. I could only stare. “Hello?”

I jerked my attention back to the question. “Oh.” I frowned, then recalled what he’d wanted to know. “Oh. Yeah, I’m going to U of F. I found out about my acceptance, and that my scholarships went through, a couple weeks ago.”

“Any idea what you’re going to major in?”

I didn’t miss a beat. “Civil Engineering.”

Brody chuckled. “No doubts there, huh?”

“Nope,” I agreed. “Never had a one. I’ve known what I want to do for years now.”

“What’s that?”

“Build suspension bridges, like the Golden Gate or something.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Really?” I nodded, and he said, “That’s cool, Ash. Not what I would have expected at all.”

I cocked my head, looking at him. “What did you expect, then?”

He took a long draw on his drink before answering. “Well, to be honest, I always pinned you for something like a doctor.”

“Eww.” I shuddered. “No, definitely not. I can’t stand blood.”

He laughed, pulling into his spot at the school. He put the car into park and killed the engine, then turned to look at me. He frowned for a moment, looking back out the windshield. “I’m sorry, you know?”

“For what?”

He thrust a hand through his hair, ruffling it. “About Tracey. It’s my fault she was like that with you.”My jaw dropped, and he nodded. “Yeah. While you were tutoring me, I told her you seemed nice, cool, that I’d like to hang out with you some.” He scowled. “But I guess she shot that all to hell.”

“I don’t understand, Brody.”

He turned back to me, frowning. “She’s jealous, Ash.”

I frowned too. “Huh?”

“She got jealous. Especially when a couple of the other guys said the same thing. Tracey is…well, she’s insecure.”

“Wait.” I held up a hand to stop him. “You mean to tell me she made my life hell all this time because you and a couple of guys said they wanted to be friends with me?” I demanded. “Are you freaking kidding me?” Maybe Penny had been right all along. She had been right about a lot of things, though, and it made me miss her that much more.

Brody stared at his hands, still clutching the steering wheel, not meeting my gaze.

“Well? Is that what you’re telling me?” I insisted.

“There might have been more to it than that, okay? But…yes, that’s what I’m telling you.” He heaved a breath and tightened his grip for a second. “She can’t handle not being the center of everyone’s attention.”

I felt bad for him; he’d just broken up with his girlfriend of several years. That had to be painful. “I’m sorry,” I said.

He frowned at me. “What for?”

“You know,” I said with a shrug. “Just…everything.”

He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s okay. You’re talking about the lake, right?” I nodded, and he said, “It’s okay. I mean, it sucks—don’t get me wrong. I was part of the It couple for a long time. I just don’t know what to do with myself now,” he said with a derisive laugh. I gave him a half smile, not really sure what to say. “Anyway,” he added, “it’s all good.” He clapped his hands together. “I did want to ask you something, though.”

I took a sip of my drink and raised an eyebrow as I swallowed. “Yeah? What’s up? There’s only seven weeks of school left, so I don’t think tutoring will help at this point,” I teased.

He grinned. “No, that’s not what I was going to ask.”

“Oh, okay.” I furrowed my brow. “Then what is it?”

“Well,” he said, fidgeting, “I was wondering if you’d like to go and see a movie this weekend with me.”

Out of everything he could have said, that was the last question I had seen coming. Of course, Teagan had seen it coming. But I was stunned speechless. All I could do was sit there and stare at him in shock. How was I supposed to react?

“So…?” He squirmed in his seat. “Could you say something? You’re leaving me hanging here.” He gave a nervous grin.

I opened and closed my mouth several times, floundering for something to say. I winced; I’d have to tell Teagan he’d been right. Almost as bad, I had to find a way to tell Brody no. Three weeks ago, I would have been beside myself. Now I couldn’t help but compare. Teagan came out ahead.

“Brody, I can’t,” I said. “I’d love to, but I can’t.”

He nodded, almost as if he expected my answer. “Okay. Is it cool if I ask why?”

“Yeah. It’s just, I have a boyfriend,” I said. I couldn’t help the happy smile that stretched across my face.

“Wait. What?” His voice was slightly incredulous.

I narrowed my eyes. “Excuse me? Is there a problem?”

“It’s just, you never date, Ash. And I know it’s no one at school. So who is it?” Brody frowned. “Or are you just telling me you have a boyfriend?”

That one had me bristling. Scowling, I said, “Why would I lie about that? If anything, wouldn’t most girls say they don’t have a boyfriend right now?”

Brody smirked. “Good point. But I still don’t know who he is.”

“I don’t get it,” I said while shaking my head. “Why do you want to know so badly?”

“Just humor me.” He paused for a minute, taking on a thoughtful expression. “Do I know him?

I shook my head. “No. He doesn’t go to school here.”

“Uh-huh,” he said with another smirk. “You don’t say.”

“Yes, I do say.” I glared at him. “He goes to U of F, okay?”

Brody pulled back to blink at me. “What?”

“He’s a friend of Connor’s. They go to school together. Happy now?”

“Oh.” He paused for a second. “What’s his name?”

“Teagan.”

“Teagan? What kind of name is that?” he asked with contempt.

“You’re seriously going to ask me that, when your name is Brody?” I was dumbfounded. “What the hell is your problem?”

He glared at the school for a long moment, and then he sighed. “Nothing, Ash. I’m sorry. I was out of line.”

I studied his profile, debating whether to accept his apology or not. He turned to face me with intensity in his eyes that took me by surprise. “Is this the dude who was at the lake?” My eyes widened, but I nodded. “Is he good to you?” he pressed.

My face softened into a sappy smile. “Yeah,” I said, nodding. “Better than I could have ever hoped.” I blushed. Could I have sounded any cheesier?

I would just have to lay it out for him so he’d get the full picture. “Look, Brody, this is really none of your business, but I’m going to tell you anyway. I really like Teagan, and he seems to like me too. I like what he sees in me. It makes me want to be that and more. But most important, I like how I feel when he’s near me, looking at me.”

“And what is that? How do you feel?” Brody asked.

I took a deep breath. “When he’s with me, I feel like I’m the only thing that matters. And I think that’s how it should be. He makes me feel important.” With that, I opened the car door and slipped out, heading back to the school. I was excited to talk to Teagan later that night. I had a lot to tell him.

Chapter 17

The next week and a half passed by without incident. Classes were coming down to the wire, and all the seniors were scrambling around, trying to get last minute recommendations for grants and scholarships. I had already started looking into jobs at U of F, so that come August, I’d be set.

Teagan and I continued to talk every evening for what seemed like forever, getting to know each other better and drawing us closer. I told him everything—except what happened with Brody at lunch. I decided that was a conversation to be had in person, and I’d wait until Teagan arrived for the weekend. Thursday night, I sat in bed, on the phone with Teagan, staring at the wall and considering how I should break the news to him.

“Aislinn, what’s wrong? You’ve been off all night,” Teagan said. “Are you okay?”

I sighed. I couldn’t do it; I couldn’t wait a moment longer. “No…yes? I don’t know.” I paused, getting my thoughts together. “It’s about Brody. I was going to tell you when you got here…but I’m starting to feel guilty, and I haven’t even done anything.”

Teagan was silent for a moment. “Why do I have a feeling I’m not going to like this?”

I winced. “Because you probably won’t.”

“So, what is it?”

I took a deep breath. “So, that day I went to lunch with Brody?”

“Yeah?”

“Well, we were talking in his car when we got back.” I squirmed, but I had to tell him. “It turns out you were right.”

“About what?”

I closed my eyes. “He asked me out to the movies.” When this was met by silence, I rushed out, “But I told him no—that I have a boyfriend.” Had a boyfriend? When he still didn’t say anything, I swallowed hard. “Teagan? I didn’t encourage it, okay?”

“That never even crossed my mind, baby,” he said, sighing. “I’m just pissed that I was right.”

I smiled, slumping back on my bed in relief. “Yeah?”

“Yes, sweetheart. I know you pretty well at this point. I trust you.” He paused for a moment, then exhaled. “I wish you had told me that day, though. I’m a little irked about that.”

I stared at my bedspread, biting my lip. “You’re right, I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. I just wanted to tell you in person.”

“I get that, Aislinn. But from now on, tell me right away.”

“All right.”

He chuckled. “Well, now that that’s over with, let’s talk about this weekend.”

I bounced on the bed. “Yes—what time do you think you’ll be here?”

“Well, my last class is at three. I’ll have to swing by to get Zver and his crap…so I’ll probably get out of here around four. That should put me there between seven and eight.”

“So, I’ll see you in less than twenty-four hours?” My voice may have reached dolphin frequencies. Luckily, I had a boyfriend who understood excited-girl-speak.

“Yes, baby,” he said, laughing. “In about nineteen hours, to be exact.”

I frowned, turning to my clock. It was almost midnight already. I shouldn’t have been surprised; time slipped away when we were on the phone together. No sooner than we got on the phone, it was suddenly three or four hours later.

When I told Mom about it, she smiled sadly and told me Teagan should be my best friend—that building a friendship-foundation to our relationship was wise. That’s when I understood why she looked so sad. Dad had been her best friend.

“Honey? You’re doing it again,” Teagan said, a smile in his voice.

“I’m sorry,” I said, flushing. “What’d I miss?”

“Not much. I just asked if you wanted to get something to eat when I get in?” he replied.

I considered for a minute. “Why don’t we stay in, just order pizza or something instead? I want to spend some time with you.”

“Well,” he said with a laugh, “I won’t say no to that.” I grinned, and he added, “We need to get to bed, beautiful. You have an early morning.”

“No,” I whined.

“You’ll see me in just a few hours.” There was a smile in his tone. “I’ll be there before you know it.”

“Fine,” I huffed. “But just so you know, I’m not going to wear your shirt tonight. Punishment for ending this call.”

Teagan snorted. “You’re a terrible liar, Aislinn. We both know you’re already in that shirt.”

I glowered at the wall. What could I say? He was right. I wore his shirt every night, and worse, the little jerk knew it. I tossed out the first thing that came to mind. “Shut up.” Yeah, that sure showed him. I rolled my eyes.

He gave a hearty laugh. “Wow. Tough words there.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Whatever.”

Still laughing, he said, “You’re scary when you’re like this.”

“On that note, goodnight, butthead,” I said.

“All right,” he replied, still chuckling. “Sweet dreams. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

“Goodnight.” I dropped all pretense of annoyance and added, “Please drive safe.”

“I will,” he reassured me. “Night.”

We hung up, and I sat there thinking about tomorrow night. My heart pounded; I couldn’t wait to see him again. The past two weeks had been rough, but we’d made it. Teagan was right, this was definitely doable.

I settled down in bed with a happy sigh. Tomorrow night couldn’t get here soon enough. I probably wouldn’t be fit for company most of the day. It’d be a miracle if, by the end of the day, there were any clocks left standing. They’d probably all be in little pieces for not moving fast enough. I could be impatient at times.

I reached over and turned off my lamp, then wrapped myself up in blankets. I just needed to get through the next few hours, and everything would be great. How hard could that be?

***

Apparently, extremely difficult. Due to my lack of attention over the past few days, I’d missed the memo on the Friday morning quiz in my physics class. Then I got into my English class, only to find out I’d left my English homework at home. On top of everything, I had spent the entire period studiously ignoring Tracey’s death glares. By the time lunch arrived, I was exhausted and ready for the whole damn day to just be done.

I tucked myself away in the audio-video section of the library to eat. I missed Penny, missed hanging out with her. Lunchtime made it worse. Over the past two weeks, she’d taken to hanging out with a couple of girls from her dance class. They seemed to get along, so I didn’t interfere. But I won’t deny the occasional stab of jealousy when I caught them talking and laughing.

So, I’d started hiding in the secluded library room. No one ever came back there, at least, until a tap came to the door. Someone cleared their throat, and I twisted around in my chair, eyebrows raised, and couldn’t help but groan. Brody stood in the door.

I turned away with a sigh. “What do you want, Brody?”

He hesitated for a moment before taking a step into the room. “I wanted to know if we could talk. Maybe clear some stuff up, you know?”

“What stuff would that be?”

“The stuff where I admit I was an asshole the other day, and maybe apologize for it.”

I looked at him in disbelief. “Seriously, Brody? You accused me of making up a boyfriend.” I shook my head, returning my attention back to my homework.

“Look, I’m sorry. I’m not used to being turned down, okay?”

I waved him off. What he’d done had the potential to be very damaging, and now I was alone in a room with the guy. This had all the earmarks of not ending well.

I picked up my pencil and let the tip hover over my notebook. “Brody, you’re a nice guy. At least, I thought you were, but I’m seeing someone. He’s really great, and I really like him. So I think it would be best if you leave now.”

He sighed, and there were noises of him shuffling around, but I refused to look up. I kept my eyes firmly on my notebook. Brody moved closer until he stood beside me at the small table, and while he wasn’t on top of me, it was unnerving and very uncomfortable. I shifted in my seat, trying to distance myself but failing.

“Ash, I’m willing to try to be friends,” he said gently.

I snorted. “There’s no try here. You either are, or you aren’t. But there’s not going to be anything else.” My words came out strong and confident, and I congratulated myself.

Brody just shook his head. “Look, it won’t last. You know that, right?”

“What the hell, Brody?” I jumped up and faced him. “Where do you get off saying something like that?”

He took a step back and held his hands up. He probably meant to calm me down, but all it did was piss me off even more. His eyes widened. “I’m just saying he’s older than you…and you guys don’t even live in the same damn county. Seriously, Ash, what do you think is going to happen?”

A million thoughts raced through my mind. Not saying a word, I turned and began packing my things. His eyes on my back were like burning coals, but I ignored him. The silence was almost deafening, and my breaths came out fast and choppy. Finished stuffing my things into my backpack, I turned to him. “Brody?”

“Hmm?” He raised his eyebrows.

“You’re a dick.”

At his shocked look, I shot him a smirk and left the room.

***

I glared at the clock on the kitchen wall. Teagan had called three hours ago to let me know he was on his way. And the more minutes that ticked by, the more impatient I became. He would be here anytime, but that just wasn’t soon enough.

The sound of an engine sent me hurtling from the kitchen and toward the living room. As I passed, Mom’s office door opened and she stepped out. I plowed into her, and we both staggered backward from the impact. As she steadied herself, Mom burst into laughter. “Oh, honey!” she exclaimed. “Has that been you I keep hearing racing around the house?”

I didn’t answer her. She’d only laugh more.

“My little girl, all excited about seeing her boyfriend,” she teased, an evil glint in her eye.

“Mom,” I whined, blushing. “Cut it out.”

“Nuh-uh.” She pointed at me with a smile. “I’ve been waiting for this day for years.”

I held up a hand and cocked my head toward the front door. Whoever the engine belonged to was still there. A huge smile spread across my face, and I bounced on my toes, willing this conversation to be over.

Mom smiled and turned back to her office. “Well, I’m going to make myself scarce for a bit. Tell Mr. Handsome I’ll come see him in a little while.”

I nodded, grinning, and scrambled to the door. She laughed as I dashed outside, but I didn’t even care. I stumbled to a halt when he opened his door and stepped out. My heart skipped; I’d forgotten how gorgeous he really was. After the past two weeks apart, I hesitated, unsure. But when Teagan gave me that trademark grin of his and opened his arms to me, that was all the encouragement I needed.

I launched myself at him, wrapping my arms around his neck. His arms closed around me, and I let out a squeal when he swept me up. Instinctively wrapping my legs around his waist, I held on tight. With a strangled laugh, he turned so my back braced against the side of his truck. I barely managed a surprised gasp before his lips crushed onto mine hungrily.

One of his hands slid up my back to tangle in my hair, tugging it. Meanwhile, the other arm tightened around me. His tongue ran along the seam of my lips, demanding entrance. I opened for him, and with a low growl, he thrust his tongue in to intertwine with mine.

With a moan, I clenched his hair and pulled myself closer to him. He slanted his head and deepened the kiss. My body had heated to a boiling point, and my heart pounded. Overwhelming and exciting feelings coursed through me, and all I could do was hold on.

The need to breathe finally pulled us apart. Teagan rested his head in the crook of my neck, his breathing as ragged as mine. I had caused that. I had made him react that way. That sent a surge of self-confidence through me.

Our breaths began to slow, and his teeth gently grazed the sensitive area where my shoulder and neck met, followed by a warm, open-mouthed kiss. Finally, he took a deep breath and lifted his head to look at me. I gave him a shy smile, and he grinned at me. “Hey, baby,” he murmured. “I guess you missed me.”

I blushed. “Was it that obvious?”

“Nah. I’d have never known,” he said with a smirk. He let go of my hair and ran a finger along my jawline.

I closed my eyes, savoring the sensation. “I’m glad you’re here,” I whispered.

Before he could respond, the truck began to rock. I frowned and twisted around, searching for the cause, only to laugh. Zver had tried to crawl between the two front seats to get out and gotten himself stuck. “I think you better help get him out,” I told Teagan as I unwrapped myself and placed my feet on the ground. “Otherwise, who knows what sort of trouble he’ll get himself into.”

Teagan eyed the animal wiggling and whining between the two seats, then shook his head and sighed. “I swear to God, I don’t know how he does this shit.”