Page 82 of Strike Zone

“It’s going to rain soon,” he shouts over the wind. “We won’t be able to stay long.” The clouds are starting to look angry a few miles out.

We weave around dirt paths, slowly making our way up the hill through a crop of trees. The elevation is gradual. I hardly notice it until Wyatt stops at the top of one of the many rolling hills where the land flattens out and the trees disappear behind us.

Below you can see the main house and the barns in the distance. I hadn’t realized we traveled that far. The land surrounding us is wide open and gives the illusion that it goes on forever.

There are no boundaries here. It explains Wyatt’s abhorrence to rules—he’s lived with a freedom I’ve never known. I’m jealous of him in that regard.

A hundred yards or so behind us is a small barn. Yet, another building that looks to be on its last legs of life. A strong breeze would likely shake a few boards loose or tear at the roof.

“I love it out here. When I was a kid I would get all my chores done and then ride my bike up to this spot. Camped out in that barn more nights than I slept in my own bed.”

Wyatt settles himself on the ground and taps the space beside him. Surely he doesn’t expect me to lay right in the grass. There are spiders, ants, and Lord knows what else crawling around down there.

“Nothing’s gonna hurt you. Come here and watch the clouds with me while the sky’s still blue.”

Hesitantly I lay myself down. The grass is cooler than I expected it to be. And soft—almost fluffy like a sponge. Wyatt scoots closer until we’re shoulder to shoulder. His skin is warm and comforting compared to the cooler air from the impending rain.

“It’s pretty,” I say.

“My favorite color blue. There is something about staring at the sky and the clouds that makes you think about your life. What are you thinking about right now?”

“Who says I’m thinking anything?” I ask.

“I can hear your mind working overtime, birdie,” he jokes.

“Maybe I’m thinking about all the promises you made in the kitchen.” I shift my body and turn toward him. I lean on my elbow and pick at a few blades of grass.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about last night.”

I run a finger through his wind blown hair. “Are we going to survive this?” I ask.

“I’m not sure what you’re asking me.”

I don’t know if I’m sure either. “I might regret saying this, but I kind of like having you around. I don’t want us to sleep together and have everything be weird afterwards.”

He wraps his arm underneath my body and pulls me closer to him, grabbing my thigh and yanking it over his. “I woke up this morning with you just like this.” He hugs me tighter. “I could get used to that.” The heat in his eyes knocks my breath loose. “But I know I can’t.”

“Because you don’t do relationships.”

He looks away then back at me. “Right. And you don’t do feelings. We’re the perfect candidates for a no strings attached relationship. Purely physical.” He squeezes my ass for emphasis.

“No feelings, no strings,” I mumble. “Until graduation?” I question.

“Until we’re done,” he says. Graduation is a few months away. Considering Wyatt only sleeps with a girl once and he’s done, I can see how continuing until graduation would feel like too much of a commitment.

“And then we’re back to friends?”

“Always, birdie.”

I hope he means that. I can’t predict the future. I know we both have a lot to get through. I really want my best friend by my side for all of it.

“Good.” I reach down and run a hand over his dick. He begins to harden under my touch. “Because if you haven’t noticed, we aren’t in your mama’s house right now.” Not that I was able to stick to my little rule last night.

That rule flew out the window the minute he walked out of the bathroom in his underwear.

“Fuck.” He flips me on to my back. “You want me to take you right here? Fuck you into the dirt?” He rolls his hips and I feel every hard inch of him. Yes. I think I would like him to do that very much.

Out of nowhere lightning strikes in the distance and two seconds later thunder crashes.

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