Heartfelt Lies Read online

  Kennedy screams and laughs, as she begs me to let her go. She’s thrashing around, doing her best to escape, but I’m holding her thighs in a firm grip. I’m not letting her get away with trying to tempt me that easily.

  She continues her act as I walk us under the pavilion. I’m in the middle of a full belly laugh when I catch a glimpse of Jax staring past me with a fixed gaze. Wondering what has him so entranced, I turn to my left and…Fuck. Me.

  Standing before me is the most beautiful girl I’ve ever laid eyes on. I’d guess she’s about five-foot-six inches tall. Long, sexy, tone legs show below the hem of her sundress. Shiny, golden-brown hair falls mid-way down her chest, gorgeous full lips part slightly with a small gasp and her bright blue eyes have me staring back without shame. I’m fascinated by those eyes, that face. Everything about her is calling to me. Damn, but she’s beautiful.

  Kennedy’s slap to my back shakes me from my trance and I instantly lower her to her feet. She’s quick to grab for my arm but I shake her off with a look of warning. I’m not letting her try to stake some invisible claim she thinks she has on me. There’s no way in hell I’m playing her bullshit games in front of this girl.

  Walking over to the beauty that has my full attention, I extend my hand. “Hey, I’m Kohl. Are you new to town?" God, I sound like an idiot. Here I am, introducing myself with a “hey” and lame ass handshake.

  The truth is I just have to get my hands on this girl. And seeing as I’ve never seen her before, a handshake will have to do.

  Reaching out, she cautiously grips my hand with her small one. “Hi, I’m Ella. I just moved here a few weeks ago.”

  Even her skin draws me in. She’s soft as silk and smells fucking delicious. “Really? This is a small town. I’m surprised I haven’t seen you around before.”

  “Well, I haven’t exactly gone out much. I’m kind of a homebody,” she says, with a shrug of her shoulders.

  Still holding her hand in mine, I ask myself what it is about this girl that has me not wanting to let go? Do I know her? No. I know I’ve never met her before. She’s not someone I could ever forget. But those eyes, they seem so familiar. I just can’t figure out why.

  A clearing throat has me releasing her hand, as I appreciate the shy smile gracing her lips. Lily pushes her way between us to introduce herself. “Hi, I’m Lily.” She gives a small wave.

  “I’m Ella, it’s nice to meet you.”

  “Same. Listen, I hate to cut this short, but we were just about to head out,” Lily tells her.

  Ella’s smile drops instantly. “No worries, I understand. I’m just going to wait on the rain to ease up before I finish walking home.”

  I frown down at Lily, we're not in that big of a hurry. I know she's soaked and probably getting a little cold but spending a couple extra minutes here, isn't going to kill her.

  I reach out and pull Lily beside me before looking into Ella’s mesmerizing eyes once again. “There’s no sense in hanging out here by yourself. I’ll give you a ride home,” I offer.

  Ella glances at Lily before turning back to me with indecision in her eyes. As short as Lily was with her, she probably thinks she's not exactly welcome. I’m not willing to leave without learning a little about this girl though. Taking her home will not only give me time to get her last name, but I’ll know where she lives, just in case I don’t see her out again.

  “Come on, Ella. I promise I don’t bite. Besides, Lily's riding with me too, so you won’t even have to be alone with me,” I assure her.

  “Um, okay. I’d love a ride if you're sure you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all, beautiful. Just tell me what street.” I place my hand on the small of her back and grin at her. She peeks up at me with the sweetest smile on those pouty lips. “Ready to make a run for it?” I ask.

  “Let’s do it!” she agrees enthusiastically.

  “Come on Lily!” I yell while grabbing Ella’s hand and making a run for my truck. I click it unlocked before we get there so I can pick her up and lift her inside my driver’s side door. I slide in behind her, as she makes her way over the console and into the passenger seat. Turning the key, the truck starts, just as the back-door slams. I peek up at the rear-view mirror and see Lily wiping the rain from her face.

  I return my attention to Ella. She really is gorgeous, sitting there with her cheeks flushed from our run. Her hair's slightly wet, and I can’t help myself when I reach over to remove a piece that’s stuck to her cheek. She shivers at the contact and I wonder if it’s from my touch or the cold rain wetting her skin.

  “Where to?”

  “I live on Cedar Cove, with my Gram, Ann Marie Jones. Do you know where that is?”

  My heart starts beating so fast, all I can hear is a pounding rhythm in my ears. Shit! I knew I recognized those eyes.

  The first girl I have an indescribable connection to, and she’ll hate me, no doubt. What in the hell am I going to do? I refuse to just walk away. I can’t.

  3

  Ella

  Wow! What just happened? I ask myself.

  Ten minutes ago, I was about to tuck tail and run after watching Kohl and his friends. Now, here I am sitting in his truck as he gives me a ride home. This is so unlike me, but I find myself wanting to remain in his presence for as long as I can.

  I'm not really sure what to make of this whole situation. Seeing Kohl with the blonde, the way he gripped her thighs, while she clung to his back with a sense of familiarity—I was sure they were a couple. But then, Lily introduced herself in a way that said "back off" and now I'm not so sure. Maybe he’s a player and stringing both girls along. They could be two in a line of many for all I know.

  Even still, as I sit here in his seat, I can't help but feel a sense of belonging. The minute I reached out and took his hand in mine, a mixture of excitement and comfort ran through me. It's like there’s this invisible connection pulling me to him.

  “Where to?” Kohl asks, pulling me from my thoughts.

  I rattle off the street and Gram’s name. I catch a flash of panic in his eyes, then disappointment before he quickly composes himself and gives me a breath-stealing smile.

  What was that look about? It was only there for a second but there nonetheless. Hmm, maybe I’m just being paranoid. This making friends gig is new to me.

  “So, Ella, what brings you to the lovely town of Gale?” Kohl asks, giving me a crooked grin.

  I’m so not prepared for this. I haven’t even considered being in this situation. No way I’m laying my sad sack of a past on him right now. He’d run for the hills screaming, I’m sure.

  Swallowing the lump in my throat, I decide vague is most definitely the way to go. “It’s a long story really, way too much to explain. The short version is that Gram and I just met recently and we’re getting to know one another. She’s very sweet.” I give him a partial truth.

  He clears his throat. “Yeah, Ms. Ann is great. I don’t know anyone in this town that would argue with that.”

  The ride home is short and we’re pulling up the drive all too soon.

  “Well, here we are,” Kohl says.

  “Thanks so much for the ride. I really appreciate it.”

  He reaches over and places his hand on mine. “Don’t mention it. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.”

  “Lily, it was really nice meeting you,” I say, turning toward the back seat.

  "Yeah.” Is her only reply.

  Okay, then. I push the truck door open, throw Kohl a small wave and quickly dash for the house. When I walk through the front door, I see Gram pushing her recliner closed as she rubs the sleep from her eyes.

  “It sure is wet out there,” she remarks, glancing out the window.

  “Yeah, I’d say it’s quite damp.” I laugh.

  “You should’ve called me, I would have picked you up. I hate that you walked in the rain.”

  “Oh, no. I didn’t walk in the rain. I got a ride. I actually made some new friends today, I think. Maybe I
should say new friend, I’m not so sure about the girl.”

  “That’s wonderful to hear! Who’s this new friend?”

  “His name is Kohl. He’s really nice. And sooo cute, Gram! Like seriously the hottest guy I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

  “Kohl Kingsley?” Gram asks, hesitation in her voice.

  “Um, I’m not sure. I didn’t actually catch his last name. He’s tall, has dark brown hair, and the lightest green eyes I've ever seen. He drives a really nice truck. It looks new. It’s big, deep gray, and has four doors.”

  Gram laughs while nodding her head. “Sounds like Kohl all right.”

  The room falls silent. I sense a tense energy in the air and it’s making me anxious. After a few more minutes I can no longer remain quiet.

  “Is there something I should know? Kohl seems like a really nice guy.”

  “No! He is. Kohl’s a great kid. Ignore me, I’m just still trying to wake up from my nap.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely. He’s a wonderful young man. Very hard working.” She hesitates and I can tell she wants to say more.

  “Is that all?”

  “Just be careful, Ella.”

  “Careful?”

  “I just don’t want you to get too invested in someone you’ve just met and end up hurt.”

  “I think I’m safe, Gram. Besides, it was just a ride home." I shrug.

  “Okay, then. I don’t know about you, but I’m starved. What sounds good for dinner?” Gram asks. I’m thankful for the subject change.

  “Oh! Speaking of food… guess what? I got the job! I’ll be waitressing at Just Wing It until school starts.”

  “Congratulations, Ella! I’m so proud for you.” Gram beams.

  It’s Monday morning and I’m putting the final finishing touches on my make-up before heading to my new job. My hair is in a wide, loose braid that runs across the top of my head. It starts at the front left and curves down and across into a messy bun that sits below my right ear.

  I love playing with braids. I’ve taught myself how to do pretty much every kind of braid there is over the years. With lots of nights spent at home, I’ve had plenty of time to practice.

  I slip on my shoes and turn the lights out before heading down stairs to join Gram for breakfast, it’s become a routine for us. I’m thankful I don’t have to be at work until ten o’clock each morning. I don’t want to give up this time with her.

  I inhale deeply as I enter the kitchen. “Something smells good,” I say, rounding the granite island. “Whatcha cooking?” I ask, peeking over Gram’s shoulder.

  “Homemade chocolate chip waffles, bacon, and eggs. I thought my girl could use a big breakfast before the first day at her new job.”

  “Mmmm, well it smells delicious. It'll totally be worth the extra mile I’ll have to run this afternoon to burn it off.”

  “Oh, please. You’re no bigger than a minute, silly girl.” Gram laughs.

  “Milk ok?” I ask, grabbing two glasses from the cabinet.

  “Sounds good to me. Are you nervous about today?”

  “A little, but I’m excited to meet new people. I’ve never really had any close friends other than Reed. Everyone else always left for cooler pastures. After my constant declining of invites to hang out, I can’t really blame them. I really couldn’t bring anyone home and I couldn’t stay gone overnight on account of Mom. I would’ve just worried had I tried.” I shrug.

  “Things will be different here, Ella,” Gram says, a note of sympathy in her voice.

  “I know. They already are.” I smile.

  An hour later, I’m pulling open the door and stepping inside my new place of work. I’m greeted by a bubbly girl, with shiny blonde hair and a friendly smile. She's absolutely gorgeous. If Blake Lively had a twin, it'd be her.

  “Hi, I’m Jessa. You must be Ella," she says, giving me a bright toothy grin.

  “Yes. It's really nice to meet you."

  “You’re friends with Kohl, right?”

  I raise a brow in question.

  “I saw you two talking at Tanner Field Saturday.”

  “Oh! Um, no we’re not friends. Well, not really. I just met him for the first time that day,” I tell her.

  I watch her closely for any signs of jealousy or animosity. Please don’t let this girl be another on his string. I sigh at the thought. Relief washes over me when she continues to watch me with an easy smile gracing her lips.

  My nerves ease and I continue, “I actually just moved here a few weeks ago. I’ve not really been out and about much yet. I’m hoping to change that though.”

  “Really? Oh, my gosh! Then, you’ve got to come to the bonfire with me this weekend,” Jessa squeals, practically bouncing on her toes.

  Man, this girl is friendly.

  She grabs my hand with an excited grip. Ouch! She's stronger than she looks. “You’ll have so much fun. I promise. We all get together and go out to Mr. Mills’ farm just outside of town. He has a big open field and lets us have parties out there. Says it keeps us out of trouble. Things are really laid back. The guys build a huge fire and us girls control the music. We all just sit around and hang out. It’s low key but fun. Everyone's been off at college, so it'll be the first one we’ve had in months. It's the perfect opportunity to introduce you to everyone. Please say you’ll come!” Jessa urges.

  “Sure, sounds great! Thanks for inviting me.”

  I don’t want to get up. I arch my back, stretching my arms overhead as I yawn. It's so good to nap.

  Gram and I decided to have a girls’ day after breakfast this morning. We spent the day shopping for clothes and then went for mani/pedis, after eating subs for lunch. She’s taking this whole spoiling bit a little too seriously if you ask me.

  I couldn’t hold my eyes open when we returned home. My body was begging for a little extra rest after working all week. I love my new job though. Working with Jessa is so much fun. She keeps me laughing, making the time pass quickly. We're becoming good friends. She’s sweet and friendly to everyone and the girl is always in a good mood. I’m glad we work the same schedule, she was a big help during my training this week.

  We both work Monday through Friday ten to six and have every weekend off. The owner, Mr. Lewis, reserves evenings and weekends for his employees that still attend high school. It allows them to have a job that doesn’t interfere with school hours.

  I’m not complaining one bit either. In the past, I wouldn’t have given it much thought, but now that I have free time for myself, I'm hoping to make friends. Weekends off sound perfect.

  Today's Saturday, my first day off, and I’m going to my first real party tonight. I've been kind of nervous about it all week, but today my anxiety multiplied. I’m not exactly sure how to calm the jitters running through me, but decide a relaxing bath sounds like a good start.

  Walking into my en suite, I lean over the big claw foot tub and turn the water on. When it’s the perfect temperature, just short of scalding, I sprinkle in a generous amount of the new lavender bath salts I bought today. I sigh as I sink into the hot water. Closing my eyes, I rest my head against the tub and let my mind drift.

  I wonder where Kohl is today, what he's doing, and when I'll see him again. I haven’t dared mention him to Jessa this week, and she hasn’t spoken of him either.

  Light green eyes float through my thoughts. I’ve obsessed over those eyes all week. I have so many questions, but only one I need answered now. Does Kohl Kingsley have a girlfriend? Maybe I'll see him tonight and get some answers. I’m certain that’s where most of my anxiety stems from. I want to see him, talk to him, touch him again. And, I’d like to find out why I carry such an inexplicable connection to a total stranger.

  After a good soak, I wash my hair. I apply a deep conditioning treatment and allow it to sit as I take my time, using a citrus scrub on my entire body. I've enjoyed all the pampering today, but there's always a small sense of guilt in the back of my mind when I find myself enjoyi
ng this new easy-going life. It makes me feel like I’m glad Mom is gone. I’m not though, I'd do anything for her to be here with me.

  If only Gram would have found out about me sooner. Maybe together we could have drug her back here and convinced her to get the help she needed.

  Stepping out of the tub, I wrap myself in a warm cotton towel. It’s time to pick out a cute outfit and put on my best face. Fingers crossed I see Kohl tonight.

  In record time, I’m dressed, primped, and polished. My hair hangs long and straight, halfway down my back, and my make-up is on point. I went with dark smoky eyes and a neutral glossy lip. I'm confident in my new clothes. I chose a pair of distressed skinny jeans, and a long sleeve, oversize top that hangs off my right shoulder. My favorite pair of lace-up wedges cover my feet.

  I walk down stairs to wait for Jessa. When I see her car pull into the drive, I yell out a quick goodbye to Gram.

  It’s just gotten dark when we pull into Mr. Mills’ field. We join the big circle of cars and trucks that surround the bonfire from a respectable distance.

  “That has to be the biggest fire I’ve ever seen,” I tell Jessa. Its tall flames reaching high into the dark sky.

  “Ha! Yeah, the guys don’t play around. We usually stay out here for hours so they build the fires to last.”

  Laughter rings out amongst the crackling wood as we step from the car. My eyes immediately scan the crowd of bodies as we make our way toward the flame, their intense heat instantly warming my face.

  There’s a lot more people here than I expected. I’d say forty at least. Some are standing, while others sit in folded out chairs. The trucks all have their tailgates down with legs dangling from the beds.

  I spot several coolers sitting around and notice most guys have beers in hand. A girl bumps into my side and I jump back quickly. Her drink barely misses me as it spills from her red plastic cup. She giggles out a “sorry” and continues on her way.