Page 48 of Choosing Forever
I look down at the water beneath me and shift on the seat. There’s a nipping breeze forcing goosebumps to pebble my skin as I drop my hands to my knees and wait. The first person who Caleb lets into the gate heads directly for Brody, and I relax slightly at the confirmation that I might actually survive here without too many dunks.
Despite Brody’s scowling demeanour, I know he doesn’t mind doing this. He’s used his name to help this town more thanonce since he made it big time, and we appreciate him for it while still respecting that he shouldn’t have to. Him agreeing to this today means a lot to me, even if it wasn’t my idea. This drive-in rebuild is for me, and he knows that as well as I do.
“There are red balls right here,” Caleb explains, leaning over the fence. “You get three tries to hit the target, and once you do, it’ll be a splash zone.”
“Sick!” the kid yells, looking no older than twelve.
He’s quick to grab the three balls in his arms and start launching them at the target. Brody’s eyes grow wide as he grips his knees and glances at me for help. I sigh and lift my hands in a half-assed,there’s nothing I can dotype of way.
Fucker, he mouths.
I laugh and squint when the sun flashes in my eyes. Lifting a hand to shield myself from the bright light, I stare in Brody’s direction, waiting for him to go swimming. Ball three gives me my wish.
Brody’s curse gets muffled by the water that swooshes into his mouth when he drops into the tank. The boy hollers victoriously while those watching cheer along with him. I clap and wait for Brody to pop out of the water to discreetly give him the finger.
His blond hair is soaked, rivulets of water trickling down his face before he whips his head back and sends the strands flying. It’s like watching a fucking hair commercial, and from the wolf whistle coming from Anna’s salon, she’s got to be thinking the same thing. I steal a glance in that direction and am met with Anna herself standing in the doorway with heart eyes as she stares at her husband putting on a show.
“Again!” she shouts, using her hands to carry her voice.
Brody shifts to look at her and grins, light filling his entire demeanour. He starts twisting the gold band on his finger before I look away, giving them as much privacy as they’re going to get.
“Who’s next?” Caleb asks.
An array of different voices replies, and I settle on my seat,preparing myself for the next few very long hours of this.It’ll be worth it.If I get the chance to be there when we finish the drive-in and Delaney gets to see?—
My skin prickles with awareness before I hear her voice cut through dozens of other ones.
“Oh, thank you, but I’m not . . . No, I’m not. Let someone else go, Caleb.”
“You’re next in line. Sorry, Delaney, but I don’t make the rules.”
“You heard him, Della. How about we both go at the same time. I’ve been wanting to dunk Brody for years now. Plus, it’s for the drive-in!” Poppy encourages.
I swallow and look past Caleb at the group of women hanging out at the gate. Bryce is already looking at me, a silent knowing written all over her as she darts her eyes between Delaney and me. I nod, hoping she can see my appreciation—not for forcing Elle into participating in this, but for coming at all without me bringing it up and begging her to do it. She did it solely because she knew I’d want her here.
“My aim is terrible,” Delaney argues.
My sister grins. “Perfect. So is mine.”
“Bryce and I will go after the two of you do!” Daisy says.
As if my attention has started to chafe, Delaney peeks at me from the corner of her eyes. It’s subtle, quick, nothing more than a question answered, but I feel that single look all the way down to my toes. The warmth that ripples through me battles the chill of the wind, keeping me heated as I sit in place, unable to move a muscle.
Yeah, I think I owe Caleb a thank you for volunteering me for this.
16
DELANEY
I’ve pictured throwingsomething at Darren more times than I can count, but I never thought I’d actually get the chance to.
The balls in my hands feel like they’re getting heavier by the second as I lightly toss them into the air and pretend I’m alone instead of in front of several curious bystanders. Darren’s eyes remain locked on my face, his focus sharp. I meet his stare and tighten my grip on the balls.
He looks far too good up there today with his tan skin and rippling biceps on display. I didn’t think it was mandatory to be shirtless for this. I almost wish it was mandatory tonotbe. I don’t remember him being so muscled back in high school. No, instead of his thickly packed abdominal muscles, there was a softness to him. Now, I know one press of my palm to his stomach would prove just how firm he’s become.
Firm and warm and— No.
I swallow the excess moisture in my mouth and grip the balls tight. There’s no reason to be attracted to him anymore. Maybe if I tell myself that I’m not enough times, I’ll believe it.
