Chapter 5
Kaylee
As I’m finishing curling my hair, a knock on the door startles me. My date is early. Turning off the curling iron, I smooth my hands over my dress. It's okay that he’s early, as I'm ready to go, anyway.
I grab my purse and open the door without checking the peephole, only to find Garrett on the other side. Freezing, I expect him to ask if I even checked to see who it was, but he doesn’t say a word.
He’s standing there staring at me with a heat in his eyes in a way that every girl dreams of having a man look at her. Those gorgeous hazel eyes are running over every inch of me in my black cocktail dress and heels, and he doesn't hide it.
"Did you go out with him yet?" He asks, when his eyes lock with mine.
I could play innocent and make him sweat it out, but I don't.
"I'm meeting him tonight," I say, letting my eyes roam over him in those well-fitting Wranglers, button-down shirt, which emphasizes his broad chest, and then down to his cowboy boots.
"No, you’re not," he says, catching me off guard.
Then, he steamrolls his way into my apartment, closes the door behind us, and pushes me up against the wall beside the door. With him looking down at me, I can't think with him pressing his body into mine, pinning me to the wall.
My brain doesn't comprehend what’s happening until his lips meet mine. It's like when the gun fires at the start of a race, and it's on to see who can dominate the race. Only this time, it’s a kiss. He's angling my face towards his, but already, my hands are in his hair, pulling him even closer to me.
His hands roam down the side of my body and rest on my hips, teasing me with what’s to come by pulling me closer to him. I can feel how hard he is, and how much he wants me. I want him just as badly, but as my hands start moving down his chest, he pulls back and rests his forehead on mine.
Neither of us move, as we catch our breath.
"Cancel your date." He orders, and we both stare at each other.
The look in his eyes is new. It's desperate and a little nervous. It's the same look he had when we took the leap our senior year and crossed the line from friends to something more.
Maybe, that’s why I nod my head and don't question why.
"Okay," I whisper.
He lets me go and crosses the room still breathing heavily. I pull my phone from my purse, and then text Jason to cancel on him, yet again. This time I don't give a reason, because I don't have one.
Then, I set my phone down and stare back at Garrett, who is watching my every move. He walks towards me slowly and places his hands on my hips again.
"Change out of those fuck-me heels and put on your boots. Let me take you out on a real date."
Before I can answer, he leans down and kisses me again. This one is soft and sweet. Taking his time, he makes love to my mouth in a way that leaves me breathless.
When he pulls back, I whisper, "Okay." Because I can't think, as my mind is a blank.
Then, he moves back enough, allowing me to walk by to my room. I remove the heels, grab socks, and put on my boots. Looking in the mirror, I can see that the boots take the dress from dressy to casual.
After changing out my gold necklace for a turquoise one, and then grabbing a jean jacket, I hesitantly return to the living room, not sure what to expect.
As we leave my place, Garrett opens the door for me with a huge smile on his face. During the entire drive, neither one of us speaks. When we get just outside of town, the paved road ends, and we’re on a dirt road.
After passing through a gate and parking beside an old wood barn, I finally ask.
"Where are we?"
He smiles that carefree smile I love on him so much.
"At a friend's ranch." He gets out of the truck and comes around to open my door.
Holding my hand, he leads me into the barn, and I gasp. There are twinkle lights strung overhead, making a beautiful canopy. The large barn doors, on the opposite wall, are open and overlooking a river, and in the center, is a table set for two.