CHAPTER 12
Gentry
Seven days.
One hundred and sixty-eight hours of pure fucking torture.
She wouldn’t speak to me.
Wouldn’t hear me out.
I’ve gotten the cold shoulder from her in the past before she left, but it was nothing compared to what I recently experienced.
I could see her. Hear her laughing amongst her friends.
But she wouldn’t let me near her.
I tried.
Man, I tried.
And nothing.
Nada.
Each and every time, she gracefully turned her back to me and walked away.
I’d begged.
I’d pleaded.
Even had Dylan go to bat for me and defend my actions.
Yet, she remained as stubborn as she’d ever been.
Today was the day of the graduation party. I’d hoped we would attend together. Hand in hand. But I screwed that up with no fixing things in sight.
I stood at the backdoor in the kitchen gazing at the people who were arriving. Her mother did a great job in decorating the backyard for the event of the town. Everyone she knew was invited to celebrate Ainsleigh’s success. There was a huge tent for people to gather under with several tables all decorated with black and silver. The tent would likely be needed for today. The forecast only showed a thirty percent chance of rain. But I could smell it in the air when I walked over from the barn after getting dressed in a fitted shirt and jeans. Ainsleigh loved seeing me in this attire, and selfishly I’d done this just for her to hopefully see me today.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Her smell entered my senses, and I tensed knowing this could be a bad encounter like all the others this past week.
Instead it was way worse.
Slowly, I turned around to face her. She smiled my way. But she looked right through me as she passed me by and went straight out the door. Aspen gave me a knowing look as she followed behind her friend. Dylan stopped and patted me on the shoulder. His expression matched my own as he stayed behind.
“Go get your girl, Gentry. Don’t give her the option to say no.” He spoke in a gentle tone before he followed them out the door.
I’d rather her have punched me in the gut than to have looked at me the way she had.
I remained rooted to the spot as I heard the door gently shut behind me.
I couldn’t make a scene at her party.
But biding my time a moment longer made the minutes seem like days.
Turning around, I followed them outside and remained on the porch. She mingled with those who had already arrived. Gave more hugs to people she barely spoke to than I’d seen her give in all the time I’d known her. She was putting on this act for her parents. I should’ve been by her side. I could’ve been right there with her. Now wasn’t the time for thinking of all the should’ves and could’ves; I was a man of action, and I wanted the woman my eyes couldn’t seem to leave.
My legs had a mind of their own as I went into action. I didn’t have a clue what I’d say to her once I reached her. I just knew I couldn’t go another moment without touching her. Without claiming her in front of all of these people. She was mine, and I was about to show her just how much.
I slowed my stride as I stalked her like a lion going after his prey. I watched as she was congratulated over and over again. She stopped at a table to take a seat. Her hand went to her foot as she massaged her ankle. Right then, I stopped and took her in fully. She wore a beautiful coral strapless sundress that matched her now tan skin perfectly. Her long blonde hair flowed down her back with beautiful curls. The dress taunted me as I let my eyes wander down to her bare legs. It touched her mid-thigh and for a fleeting moment I let myself think of how it would feel to caress her leg as my hand inched forward to the bottom of the cotton material.
Breaking out of those thoughts before I embarrassed myself, I took in the reason for her rubbing her ankle. The tan wedges she wore must’ve been hurting her feet. She rarely wore anything like those shoes, and I knew before the day was over her feet would be bare. That’s just who she was. She’d rather be barefoot outside or in a pair of cowboy boots. Her friends walked toward the table that held a variety of drinks, and I took that moment to strike.
My legs carried me forward as fast as they could. I didn’t want to risk someone else coming up to her before I had the chance to make my move.
I made it over to her and knelt in front of her, taking her foot within my grasp and massaging the pain away.
Looking into her eyes, I felt home. I felt complete with just one look from her. The look of surprise crossed her features as she tried and failed to pull away from me.
“Gentry,” she whispered.
“I can’t take it anymore, Ainsleigh. The silent treatment needs to end. I’m sorry for hitting your friend. That should’ve never happened, but I refuse to let you ignore me anymore.”
I probably shouldn’t have gone that route, but it’s what came out of my mouth and I couldn’t take it back even if I wanted to.
She moaned as my thumb massaged the arch of her foot. I wished we weren’t out in the open in front of all the watchful eyes of the guests. I had to reign in my need to ravish her body. That would come later tonight. If I had any say in the matter she’d be in my bed where she belonged.
I finished rubbing the pain out of her foot and ankle and carefully placed the shoe on her foot. Once the shoe was strapped in place, I held my hand out to her to help her stand.
She hesitated, but placed her hand within my own. The moment her skin touched me, I felt the electricity I was so used to anytime I touched her. It’d always been that way between us even when we were younger, and I prayed that feeling never wavered.
I pulled her body closer to mine until my hands were close enough to be wrapped around her waist. I placed one hand around her and used the other to tilt her head back so she could look at me when I said the next words to her.
“I love you, beautiful girl,” I whispered before I slowly brought my lips down to hers. I didn’t care who saw us. Didn’t care what anyone thought or said. This woman was mine, and I wanted the world to know exactly how I felt about her.
Ever so slowly, I devoured her mouth. The fact that we were in front of all these people left my mind as my hand wrapped into her soft blonde locks, and I kissed her like it would be the last time I’d ever have the chance.
She placed her hand on my chest and gently pushed me backward. I rested my forehead on hers. Our chests rose and fell rapidly as we fought to bring more air into our lungs.
Her cheeks were flushed as she looked into my eyes. I feared what she’d say. Feared what her reaction would be. But I shouldn’t have. The second a smile graced her beautiful lips, I knew I’d done the right thing. Every sound around us drowned out as I took in her reaction.
The sounds of clapping and shouting around us brought me back to the present. She pulled me close as she hid her head in my chest. Looking around, I realized the reason for the commotion was the two of us.
“It’s about damn time,” someone shouted from the crowd, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the statement.
I pulled her back from me so I could look into her eyes and say what I really wanted to say.
“Be mine, Ainsleigh,” I whispered as my finger and caressed the side of her face. Everything could go wrong in that moment, but I had to tell her what I wanted. Had to see what she’d say before I went any crazier than I already had.
All she did was nod, but it was the best damn reaction I could’ve hoped for. She could’ve rejected me. I’d told myself I’d been prepared for that, but what I received was so much better than the rejection I suspected she’d give me.
I couldn’t stop myself from claiming her lips once more. I needed to leave her breathless before her attention would return to all the guests who were gathered here today.
I didn’t want to pull away, but knew I had to. The clapping ensued once more, and I knew I had to stop before I did something in front of everyone to embarrass her even more.
“You won’t regret this decision. I promise,” I spoke as I grabbed her hand within my own and held it up for everyone to see. The smile on my face would be permanently placed there for the rest of my life as long as this beautiful woman continued to be mine.
We mingled for the next two hours, my hand never leaving the confines of hers. She didn’t seem to mind. At times, I would gently squeeze and she’d reciprocate my touch.
The familiar sound of a throat clearing behind me caused the hairs on my neck to stand. Instantly, I went into protective mode. I wanted to whisk her away from the person I knew stood behind me. Before I could make a move, Ainsleigh turned around and came face to face with the one person I wished she’d never have to see again.
My mother.
She wasn’t invited. Clearly, not having an invitation didn’t stop her from showing up where she wasn’t wanted.
“I see you’ve managed to reel him back in again. When will you ever learn, Gentry?” she spoke with harshness in her tone. A sound I’d grown accustomed to over the years. I swore the woman had no compassion or a heart for that matter.
“I was the one who did the reeling, Mother. Not Ainsleigh. Why are you even here? You’re not wanted,” I spoke without hesitation. The woman before me, I was ashamed to even call her my mother. She’d never been the mothering type. Only produced children so my father would have heirs to his business.
“I had to come and see what all the commotion was about. Hell, half the damn town was invited.”
“You shouldn’t have bothered. You’ve seen what you came here to see. Now leave.”
Ainsleigh tensed beside me, but she didn’t tuck her tail between her legs. She pushed back her shoulders as if she was gearing up for a fight.
“I hear congratulations are in order, Ainsleigh. I just hope you don’t manage to kill someone else this time,” my mother spoke, and I wanted to wrap my hands around her neck and strangle her.
The clouds in the sky grew dark, signaling the upcoming storm ahead. While there was a storm brewing right in front of us.
Ainsleigh’s hand gripped mine tighter as she tried to reign in the anger behind my mother’s words.
I went to tell her where she could shove her statement, but Ainsleigh stepped forward. Ready to give her a piece of her mind.
Before she could, my mother spoke again.
“She never got a chance to live the way she should’ve because of you. I hope you never forget the life you took that day. I know I won’t.” With those final words, my mother turned and left.
The intake of breath beside me kept me from going after her and telling her what I really thought of that statement. How dare that evil fucking woman have the audacity to come here and ruin the day that was set aside to celebrate Ainsleigh’s success. Her cruelty knew no bounds.
The thunder from above clapped loudly around us causing Ainsleigh to jump. I looked over at the woman who’d yet to say a word or move since my mother graced us with her presence.
Her expression remained blank as she stood there in shock.
I moved to stand in front of her and break her out of the trance she was in. I never wanted my mother near her again. I’d do everything in my power to make sure that wouldn’t happened again.
“Get me out of here, Gentry,” she pleaded. Her eyes were filled with tears she’d yet to let fall. She was close to coming apart, and I wanted to do anything in my power to make sure that she didn’t do that in front of all the guests.
Her wish was my command.
I pulled her hand in the direction of my truck. We didn’t say goodbye to anyone. I had a feeling that everyone here heard what was said by my mother, and they’d completely understand her reasoning for ditching her party.
She hopped in the passenger seat, and I got in the driver’s side. The engine roared to life, and I placed the vehicle in drive and stomped the gas. Dirt flew around us, but I didn’t care. I knew just the place I’d take her. A place where all of our worries drifted away all those years ago.
Five minutes later, rain drops sprinkled my windshield as I pulled on the dirt path that would take us to the spot where we spent so much time when we were younger. All of our friends used to come and hang out here on the weekends during the summer months.
We’d titled it the watering hole. A huge pond that we’d all go swimming in. I pulled directly in front of the dock and shut down the engine. She stared out the window not uttering a word. Turning to face her, I grabbed her hand to pull her against me, but she opened the door and got out of the truck. She pulled off her shoes and threw them in the floorboard, slamming the door shut behind her.
Rain started coming down a little harder as I got out to follow her. The dress she wore swayed with the flow of the wind as she wrapped her arms around her middle and walked in the direction of the dock.
I followed her down to the end, stepping as closely as I could behind her before I wrapped my arms around her waist. Neither of us said a word as we watched the raindrops cause trickles in the water in front of us.
So many good memories were made here. They flowed around us in our silence. I pictured the numerous times I ran down the small hill on the tire swing and let go, dropping into the water below. The water gun fights that we’d have. The many rounds of chicken as Ainsleigh sat on my shoulders and took on each and every opponent.
“I didn’t mean to let her die,” she finally spoke. I could kill my mother for allowing those memories to surface on such a happy day for her. She’d finally agreed to be mine, and now that hung in the balance. I didn’t want her to shut down again. Didn’t want her to run away from me for a third time.
I turned her body around to face me. Her head hung low in shame. Shame she had no right feeling.
“Look at me,” I demanded. I had to make sure she took in the words I was about to say. She could hear them all she wanted, but I had to make her believe the truth once and for all.
She took a few moments before her head lifted, and she complied to my demand.
Tears fell down her beautiful cheeks. Mascara flowed the same path as the rain continued to fall. Her curls now drenched with the same wetness, caused her hair to stick to the side of her face. But she’d never been more beautiful than she was in this very moment.
“You didn’t let her die. You fought until you couldn’t anymore. My mother is vicious. Everything out of her mouth has a hidden agenda. Today she wanted to hurt you. She wanted to hurt me more. I need you to believe me. You’ve carried this burden long enough. Let it go, beautiful. It isn’t yours to carry any longer.”
“You should hate me. Not love me,” she spoke, and those words gutted me. Truth was, I never hated her. I loved her even more with the loss.
“Never. I’ll love you until I take my last breath,” I promised before I pulled her in for the hug she clearly needed. She held onto me for dear life as she broke down further. Her sobs tore through her as she took in my words. I had a feeling she never fully grieved, and her reaction confirmed it. She needed to get this out once and for all. She needed to move past the grief that ate her up inside.
“We should get out of this rain, beautiful,” I suggested as rubbed my hands gently up and down her back to soothe her pain away.
She looked up at me with pleading eyes.
“Dance with me,” she whispered.
I’d do anything for this woman. Including dance in the rain.
Wrapping my hands around her waist, I rested my head on top of hers and swayed to the song that reminded me the most of her, Perfect by Ed Sheeran. I hummed the beat of the song as we continued to move. The rain came down harder than before, but I still continued to give my girl what she wanted. I’d do that until the day I died.
She pulled back after minutes of us moving to only the sound of the rain around us. She linked her fingers within mine and pulled me toward the truck. She was a woman on a mission.
We reached the old beat up truck, and she opened the door. Only she didn’t climb inside. She grabbed the blanket that she knew I kept in the backseat and then shut the door behind her. I had no idea what was going through her mind, but I didn’t dare stop to ask her. She pulled on the latch to let down the tailgate. She turned to face me with her arms at her sides and hopped up just like she had so many times before. She slid back into the bed and lay against the worn metal. She made a come-hither motion with her pointer finger, and I was so lost in her trance that I had no choice but to climb in the truck bed right alongside her.
I went to lie beside her, but she pulled me on top of her. My arms were outstretched to keep my weight from fully landing on top of her as I took in the beauty that laid underneath me.
“Gentry,” she whispered, and that voice did me in. I had to have her. Right here. Right now. Underneath the falling rain.
My elbows buckled under the intensity of my need to have her, and I brought my lips down to meet hers. She reached behind me as our lips moved in sync and pulled at the white shirt that was now drenched, pulling it up my back. I reached behind me as I steadied myself with my other arm and pulled at the collar to help her remove the unwanted material. I tossed it to the side and went back to savoring the feel of her lips on mine.
I wanted to cherish her. Show her exactly what I felt for her.
I moved back and pulled her foot up and kissed the inside of her ankle. No skin went untouched as I moved up her leg toward the inside of her thigh.
“Make me forget, Gentry. I don’t want to feel. I just want to forget,” she said with a moan as I nipped the inside of her thigh with my teeth and gently sucked away the pain.
I reached for her panties only to be met with the warmth of her center. She’d gone without panties today. Fuck. That was so damn hot.
I looked up at her and could sense the blush that flooded her cheeks without seeing it.
Hurriedly, I unbuttoned and unzipped my jeans, pulling out my swollen, hard cock. I couldn’t wait to be inside of her. Reaching around to my back pocket, I searched for my wallet that wasn’t there. I needed a condom, especially after the talk we had.
She didn’t seem to care. She pulled me down on top of her and kissed me with more need than I’d ever seen her have.
The tip of my dick met her warmth, and I groaned at the feel of her wetness. I needed inside of her.
Slowly, I pushed myself inside. The condom long forgotten as I felt each and every inch of my dick going inside of her.
I stilled once I was fully inside, relishing in the feel of her.
“Fuck me, Gentry,” she groaned. She’d never talked to me that way. It was such a turn on, but I didn’t want to just fuck her. I’d never fuck her. I’d always make love to her the way she deserved.
“I can’t,” I told her as I slowly moved out and pushed myself inside of her.
“Please. I need it. Give me what I need, Gentry,” she begged. Those words were my undoing.
I pulled all the way out of her, and she tried to stop me. Only I wasn’t stopping. I was giving her exactly what she pleaded for. Without warning, I plunged back inside of her, causing her to scream out at the sudden intrusion. I feared I’d hurt her, but the way she looked up at me I knew the only thing she felt was pleasure.
I gripped the back of her thigh and pulled her leg up higher until her foot rested on my shoulder and picked up my pace. She felt so damn good. I could come right now, but I stopped myself. She needed this. Over and over I pounded inside of her. My balls slapped against her ass as I drove deeper. Seated to the hilt, I swiveled my hips, hitting a spot that she loved. I could tell she was close, so I picked up the pace. Our eyes never wavered from each other’s as I continued to thrust. Harder. Deeper. Faster.
I brought my mouth to her ankle and nipped the wet flesh, causing her to scream out and her pussy to clench around me.
“Let go, Ainsleigh,” I pleaded. I needed her to come before I let myself go.
At my command, she screamed out once more. Her head fell back as her orgasm moved through her. Feeling her release gripping me tight caused my orgasm to detonate. It moved so quickly through me I lost control as I continued to harshly grind until I emptied myself inside of her with a groan.
We never had that type of sex.
While I loved making love to her, what we’d just experienced… I had no words. Sex with her was always powerful, but what we’d just done was so much more than that.
I collapsed in the bed of the truck beside her, pulling her into my arms. I wasn’t ready to let her go. I needed her just as much as she needed me right now. I feared I had hurt her. I felt guilty for being that rough with her as I laid there staring up at the sky.
She curled into my side, my hand resting on the small of her back.
Her hand moved back and forth over my chest as she caught her breath.
“I love you, Gentry,” she whispered as she laid her head on my chest.
My heart swelled at her admission of love for me.
She’d said it in a tired state before, but this time was different. She was wide awake. Aware of what she was saying. Those four words were music to my ears.
“I love you too, Ainsleigh.”
Rolling on my side, I gently kissed the tip of her nose causing her to smile.
“I need to ask you something, sweetheart, and I need you to be honest with me.”
She looked worried as she nodded. I shouldn’t ruin this moment, but I had to know.
“Did I hurt you? I was really rough, and the back of this truck isn’t exactly comfortable.”
She smiled, a hint of laughter in her expression as she leaned up and ran her nose back and forth against mine.
“You gave me just what I needed. You didn’t hurt me. Not one bit. Now stop worrying.”
Hearing her confession didn’t make me feel any better. Most guys would enjoy hearing those dirty words come out of a woman’s mouth. While they did turn me on, I wanted her to always feel loved and cherished while we were together. Call me a sap. Call me a pussy. I didn’t care. There was just something about her that made me want to be gentle all the time.
“Stop. I can feel you brooding over there. I’m not breakable. I enjoyed every second of being with you.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I couldn’t help but ask again just to be sure.
“Yes, goofball.”
My anxiety eased up at hearing her say it again, but I worried about something else entirely.
“We should talk.” Saying those words after sex should never occur. But I wouldn’t allow her to hate me.
The rain slowed to a drizzle. She peered up at me with a worried expression as she waited for me to continue.
“We didn’t use anything.” I knew this could end badly. She was adamant the last time we talked about using protection. I shouldn’t have lost my head with my need to have her.
Her brows furrowed as she thought about the meaning behind my words. Her eyes went wider when she realized what I meant.
She laid her head against my chest without saying a word. I worried about what she was thinking. But I didn’t push her to respond. She’d get there in her own time.
The coolness of her hair caused chill bumps to rise on my skin. Her finger tracing lines on my stomach caused my dick to stir, but I reined him in. There was no time for that right now.
“I’m okay. Don’t worry. You did exactly what I wanted you to do,” she said as her fingers moved across my skin.
She didn’t elaborate.
I didn’t ask.
We just laid there and continued to bask in the glow that was us.