Chapter Eleven
“It’s right next to his daddy’s house. You can’t miss it. It’s a huge place. He’s done most of the building himself.” I turned on to Cooper Lane and drove south. It had been three days since I yelled at Reed. I have been going over the entire scene in my head. I needed to apologize to him. He didn’t deserve my anger, not when all he was trying to do was be a friend. I directed all my hurt and frustration toward him, and now it was time I let him know he did nothing wrong. I acted out of line, like a complete bitch.
Once my tires made contact with the gravel driveway, my stomach began to flutter. My heart raced, and for a moment I contemplated turning around to go back home. I took a deep breath and gently pushed the gas pedal as the huge, beautiful home came into view.
His father’s home still sat on the edge of the property, but off in the distance, Reed’s home towered over it. It was breathtaking, with a welcoming wraparound porch. It had its very own porch swing tucked off to the side.
Placing my Escape in park, I climbed out and nervously twisted my hands together. I heard a ferocious bark, and a jolt of fear ran through me. I hugged the side of my vehicle. Defensive mode kicked in as I pictured the dog behind the bark.
“Diesel! Get your ass back here,” Reed’s deep voice called out, and the beautiful Husky halted in his tracks. Whimpering once, he turned and ran back in the direction of the house. I let out the breath I wasn’t aware I was holding until then.
Looking up, my chest felt tight, and the air in my lungs constricted. Reed was standing at the edge of the porch. He was shirtless, tan, and perfect. His jeans were hanging low on his hips, hugging his thick, muscular thighs. My mouth went dry at the vision of him wearing his worn boots and Stetson. A tingling sensation started at the base of my neck and rolled down my back, overwhelming my senses.
He was watching me with one eyebrow lifted. I realized his mouth was moving, and I forced myself to snap out of my lustful state. Feeling ashamed and slightly embarrassed, I averted my eyes, looking off toward the field to our right.
“I uh, um, just wanted to stop by and say I was sorry.” I looked back up just in time to catch the tail end of a grin.
“Sorry for what exactly?” His voice was so deep and sinful. I needed to get my shit together. I was fumbling through my thoughts, and they were running rampant.
Mentally counting to ten, I looked up and forced a smile. “I was awful to you, and you did nothing to deserve it. I needed to apologize for acting so childish and cruel to you. You were trying to be a friend.”
He bit the inside of his lower lip, and it brought back memories. The gesture was one he used often when fighting the urge to laugh.
“What’s so funny?” I asked placing my hands on my hips.
Reed shook his head and chuckled. “You apologizing. That’s just not you, Kori, you’ve always been too proud.”
He held my gaze, and I felt the heat rise in my neck. I wasn’t sure if it was the fact that this gorgeous man stood before me half naked, or the anger his cockiness provoked in me.
“Maybe I’m not the same person I once was. People change, Reed. Things happen, and things change.” I shrugged as if that was the only explanation needed for my actions.
“I don’t buy it. Under all the hurt and anger you are still the same girl. But for your sake I’ll pretend to go along with your conclusion.”
We stood in his driveway in a silent stand-off. I really wasn’t sure what this man wanted from me. I couldn’t decide if I should say more or just turn and leave. My inner conflict battling its way throughout my mind came to an end when he spoke next.
“I was just about to head over to the lake and do a little fishing. Feel like going out in ‘Old Benny?’” He grinned and his eyes lit up.
“You do not still have that old hunk of junk.” He nodded, and I laughed. “I’m surprised that hunk of metal still floats.”
“You do remember how to bait a hook, don’t ya, city girl?” I could see the playfulness in his eyes, and for a split second I let my guard down. I remembered the playful banter he and I once shared.
Reed was always able to keep me on my toes. He was able to push my buttons like no other and always had the ability to fire me up.
“I can bait a hook just fine, country boy. If you remember back to the old days, I had no problem out fishing your arrogant ass.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “What about prissy little Kimberly, can she bait a hook? Or is she scared to get her nails dirty?”
Jab, yep, I just went there.
He leaned back against the railing along his porch steps and thrust his hands deep into his pockets. “You planning on holding that shit over my head for the rest of my life? I was a kid, Kori, a fucking horny ass kid. I screwed up.” He pushed off the railing and took a few steps in my direction. “I knew the best thing in my life was about to leave and fly thousands of miles away. I knew there was a strong chance that once she got on that plane she would never look back.” Shaking his head, he blew out a deep breath and placed one hand at the back of his neck. Gently pulling on the hair, groaning out in frustration. “I got drunk and fucked up. I will always regret that mistake, Kori. Damn, I gave up not only my best friend that night, but also my girl.”
His eyes were so full of regret and anguish. “I’m sorry, Kori, I am so sorry I hurt you back then. I’m not the same horny teenager. I know now that every action I make has consequences and the ability to hurt the people I care about.” He let his hands drop from his pockets and hang loosely. “Maybe one day you can forgive me.”
I couldn’t speak, my throat burned, and I was scared to try. I could only nod. The tension grew between us with each silent moment that passed. I began nervously twisting my keys in my hands.
“I didn’t come here to fight with you. I shouldn’t have said that.” I kicked at the dirt with my boots.
He shrugged but didn’t say anything.
“I better go. I need to get back to Rhett. I got a lot of things to do around the house.” I stepped back and lifted my hand toward my door handle. “I’ll see ya around.”
Reed nodded in agreement.
Quickly turning around, I crawled into my Escape and fumbled with the keys. After several attempts with shaky hands, I was able to start the car and back down the driveway.
I told myself I wouldn’t allow my emotions to take over. I made a promise I would keep my cool, but I failed. I failed miserably, and the fact that he still had the ability to get under my skin made me angry. Reed was a long time ago. He was my past, and I had no room in my future for a repeat. I had to stay strong, because the last thing I needed was to let myself feel for him again. I couldn’t fall, I refused to.
It was too soon, and my love for Blake was still so strong. It wasn’t fair to me or to any other man who I couldn’t give my all. I was broken, and I wasn’t sure I would or even could ever be fixed.
Reed could be a friend; it was what he offered. I just couldn’t let it be more. It wasn’t a good idea. It would only leave me hurt and more broken.
I would from this point on keep a safe distance and never find myself alone with Reed. If I had others around, the urge to get closer would be easier to tame.
It was for the best, for everyone.