Page 62 of Highest Bidder
I nod before taking a deep breath.
“Come on. Let’s have some fun.” Jess grabs my arm, pulling me toward the tube.
Jess and I get on the tube, and I’m relieved we can go together. It makes me feel better knowing someone will be floating out there with me if we get flung from the tube. She shows me where to put my hands, and I grip tighter than a bow string on the handles. Myles explains the hand signals to give if we want him to go faster, slower, or stop. I listen as if my life depends on it. I’m nervous, but I tell myself, I can do this. JT helps untangle the rope as the boat gently trolls forward.
Once we are all the way out, JT yells for us to hold on tight. The boat roars to life and my stomach feels like it has left my body. I’m holding on for dear life. Thankfully, Myles goes straight for a while. I can feel the water pegging us lightly in the face, and I can’t help but start to enjoy myself. Myles keeps peeking over his shoulder, and his face lights up when he sees me smiling.
He starts to maneuver the boat in small curves, which makes it a little harder to hold on. Then, after ensuring we can hold on after a few of those, he tries some sharper turns which makes us fly out to the sides. Somehow, Jess and I are able to hold on. Her laugh vibrates through my ears, as we focus on holding on for dear life. After a few minutes, we go over a wave that launches us high into the air. We both lose our grip and fly. The smack of my body against the water takes the breath out of me, and I choke a little on the cold water as I swim to the surface with the help of the life jacket. I hear JT cheering something while I see them whipping the boat back around to pick us up. Jess isn’t too far away, and we start swimming toward each other. I focus on my breathing as I swim closer to her, and my eyes scan the lake just in case there is something swimming closeby.
“Well? Did you have fun?” she asks once we are close enough.
“Yes.” I laugh. “The fall hurt like a bitch, though.”
That was one of the most exhilarating things I have ever done.
The rest of the day,the boys take turns on the wakeboard, and Jess even attempts a few turns on the kneeboard. I enjoy lounging while I watch all of them. Myles pulls me onto his lap now and then while he’s driving. It’s thrilling being out on the water like this with my friends. I feel so relaxed in his arms, and I can’t help thinking how special this whole day is that he plannedfor all of us. As the day goes on, we start to see even more chemistry between Jess and JT, which only makes me happier. With a few playful shoves from Jess, JT finally says, “fuck it,” grabs Jess, and jumps in the water with her over his shoulder, her screams almost shattering our eardrums.
Later, we float while we enjoy the sandwiches, chips, and sodas the guys packed for all of us. I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun.
“Okay, Myles you have to tell me how the tripreallywas,” Jess says after a little while. “I’ve heard all about Hunter’s mom. How did things go from your perspective?” I groan, but Jess doesn’t take her eyes off Myles.
“Honestly, Hunter’s mom is pretty terrifying.” He laughs, and my head snaps to him.
“Hey!” I yell.
“She is, and you know it.” His shoulders shake with laughter. “I’m not used to moms like that,” he admits and looks down like he said too much. I nod knowing what he means.
“Man, you girls will love Mama!” JT says, smacking his hand on his thigh. “She’s the best, and her cooking. . .” He hums and rubs his stomach.
“In that case, I can’t wait to meet her.” I meet Myles’ gaze, and I can’t help but smile. I want to meet his mom. I don’t know when that will be, but she sounds like someone I would love.
“Um. Actually.” Myles rubs the back of his head, his gaze now fixed on the floor of the boat. “She asked if I would come by today. I haven’t been over to check on her since before my trip.” He takes a peek up at me. “I was hoping you would come with me?”
I have to stifle a nervous laugh. It took over twenty years for my mom to show me a glimpse of affection. I want his mom to like me, but what if she doesn’t? She’s extremely important to him and meeting her would be a big deal.
“Um,” I stutter.
“We have more things planned for today, so it would just be a quick visit.”
I nod and smile. I know he really wants this, and I can deal with my nerves, just like I did on the tube. After all, if he was willing to meet my mother under less than ideal circumstances, the least I can do is meet his.
“Okay. What are we doing later?” I ask, sipping my soda.
“You’ll see. JT and Jess will meet us there.” Myles winks, making butterflies swarm in my belly.
“Well, I can’t wait to meet your mom!” I say cheerfully. JT cheers and Jess gives me a wink. She knows I’m not comfortable, but I can see she’s glad I’m stepping out of my comfort zone. I’ve heard many amazing things about his mom, but I can’t help but worry that she won’t accept me like my mother doesn’t. I lean over and kiss him on the lips.
“Ewww! Come on guys! I’m eating over here.” JT groans, and we all laugh at his childish behavior.
27
MYLES
My hand ison Hunter’s thigh while I drive us to my mama’s house, and I’m nervous as fuck. But I suspect my nerves don’t come close to hers with the way her thigh hasn’t stopped bouncing since we got into the truck. I have never brought anyone over to meet her. I also didn’t give her a heads-up that I was bringing anyone. I didn’t want her to be ready with any baby photos or other embarrassing ammunition she might use against me. I also know she would have cooked a damn six course meal to keep us there all night. She had told me something needed to be fixed on her refrigerator. I’m going to try to take care of it as soon as possible and get us out of there, but I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to introduce her to Hunter. I already know Hunter will love her, but I’m praying mama stays on her best behavior.
We pull into the driveway, and Hunter looks around. Her hand reaches for the door handle, but she pauses when I don’t make a move to get out.
“Are you okay?” She grabs my arm. “Crap. You have been so quiet on the ride over here.” She lets go and tucks her hair behind her ear and starts fidgeting with her shorts. “This is a bigstep. Are you having second thoughts?” She rings her fingers together in her lap. “I want your mom to like me. What if she doesn’t because I don’t know your middle name? Or what you take in your coffee, or how old you were when you first learned to ride your bike?” Her knee bounces, and I can see she’s panicking more by the second. “Maybe you can give me some cliff notes on how to get her to like me? I’m not good with moms, well at least not with my mom. I’ve never had experience with any others. Well, except Steve’s mom, but I lump her in with my mom.”
