Chapter 10

Teghan led Donnie to a trail she and Annabelle had discovered during one of their first days on the Hayden Fall University campus. It was a beautiful trail that ran parallel to the ocean. During the few times she’d walked it, it’d never been overly populated and she’d always wondered why more students didn’t use the trail.

Teghan admired the beauty of the ocean, savoring the salty breeze that brushed over her, and getting lost in the music of the birds. She inhaled deeply; an aromatic mixture of ocean water, freshly cut grass, and Donnie’s cologne swirled in her nostrils. It was heavenly.

“I’m sure you’ve been really busy, but I don’t buy that you couldn’t take a minute to answer my texts,” Donnie said.

“What do you want, Donnie?” She tucked her hands into her back pockets, keeping her eyes down as she walked.

“For starters, I want to know what I did to upset you.”

Teghan sighed. “Look, you seem like a nice enough guy but—"

“That’s the kiss of death,” Donnie said.

She forced back a smile and met his gaze for the first time since they’d started walking. The green of his eyes danced in the sunlight. He stopped, folded his arms over his chest, and looked at her. She chewed on her bottom lip, stopped beside him, and rocked on her heels. “You don’t realize how much is at stake for me. If I get involved with you, I’m going to lose everything again.”

“So this is about Alex,” Donnie said.

“I told you, it’s always about Alex.”

“When does it stop being about him and start being about you?” He reached for her and she stepped closer to him.

“I don’t know,” she said softly. “I just don’t want to go through what I did this past summer. It was pure hell.”

“Tell me about it.”

“What?”

“Tell me what happened this past summer.” He laced his fingers through hers and started to walk again.

“Well…” She cleared her throat. “I broke up with Alex almost a year after he’d made that deal with my father. My dad was furious with me and did everything he could to convince me to stay with Alex. At first he tried to bribe me, and when that didn’t work, he threatened to cut me off.”

“Your dad threatened you?”

“Yes. It pissed him off that for the first time in my life, I was disobeying his wishes. But, I think he was more pissed that he couldn’t buy me.” Teghan exhaled loudly. “My family was literally divided. It was me, Tayla, and my mom against my dad and Trevor. Of course, Trevor had reason to be angry with me.”

Donnie shook his head. “No, he didn’t.”

“If Trevor had done something to cause Annabelle to take off for months on end, I’d be furious. I don’t blame him for his reaction to things.”

“You’re very forgiving, Teghan.”

She shrugged. “I had to be. I was the cause of everyone’s pain.”

“Your family is supposed to support you. Not blame you and make you feel like shit because they don’t agree with your decisions.”

Teghan glanced at Donnie. His eyes were dark and his face was tight with anger. Wow! He really cares. “Yes, but the decision I made didn’t affect just me and Alex. It affected my entire family, and that wasn’t fair.”

“What’s not fair is you living in fear.” Donnie stopped walking and squeezed Teghan’s hand, causing her to stop as well. “Everything you do, every decision you make, is made for them.”

“It’s easier that way.” Teghan lowered her head.

Donnie raised her chin with his finger. “Easier for who?”

She stared at him for a moment. “Why do you care so much?”

“I like you, Teghan.” Donnie pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. “You’re special and you deserve to have so much more than you’re allowing yourself.”

“I like you, too,” she whispered as he brought his lips down to hers. Despite her better judgment, she let Donnie kiss her. It was a kiss she desperately wanted, a kiss she’d fantasized about since the last one, but it was also a kiss that she knew would lead to something more. Her eyes fluttered closed at the feel of his tongue invading her mouth. She broke away and stepped back from him. “I’m sorry, but, I can’t get involved with you.”

“I’m really tired of you pushing me away,” Donnie said.

“I’m sorry,” Teghan repeated.

“What about Saturday night, Teghan? What if that fire alarm hadn’t gone off when it did?”

She crossed her arms over her chest and stared at him. “We both know what would’ve happened. I don’t need to spell it out for you.”

Donnie shook his head. “I’m not asking you to spell it out for me. I’m asking what would’ve happened if we had done it.”

“Nothing, Donnie.” But that wasn’t the truth and she knew it. She liked him. She wanted to go out with him and the more time she spent with him, the less she cared what Alex or her father thought. Yet, she was scared of the emotions Donnie invoked in her and she was scared of what her father would think of him.

“Do you make it a habit of having sex with guys you barely know?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she snapped. She’d never had “just sex” with anyone before. It sickened her to think that was the impression she gave him.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “It just doesn’t make sense that you were willing to have sex with me, but you’re not willing to go out with me.”

Teghan watched Donnie run his fingers through his hair, leaving it tousled. It wouldn’t be so hard to stand up to her father again, would it? Alex would be hurt, but the deal he’d made with her father was still good—that much had been proven. She gently brushed a strand from his forehead and smiled, her hand lingering near his face.

Donnie reached up, cupped his hand over hers, and pressed it to his cheek. “Alex doesn’t have to know,” he whispered.

Could she be with Donnie and not have to hurt Alex again? Was it possible? “Are you serious?” Her voice cracked slightly.

“Yes.” He chuckled. “There’s no reason we can’t see each other, Teghan. And there’s no reason Alex has to know.”

She licked her lips. His eyes were so intense it frightened her. “I’m not sure I like the idea of lying to him.”

“I’m the one that’s going to have to lie to him,” Donnie said, removing their hands from his face, and pulling her close.

She really hated her conscience sometimes. It continued to nag at her, screaming for her not to do it. The rest of her though, considered his proposition for all of half a second. “And you swear to me you won’t tell him?”

“It’ll be our dirty little secret.” He smiled.

***

Teghan pretended to be sick so that she could get out of going to the fraternity party with Annabelle, Harmonie, and Logan. Annabelle knew the truth because it was impossible for Teghan to lie to her. And as expected, Annabelle warned her that it was a bad idea. But Teghan just didn’t care. She was too excited.

It was their first official date, and they’d agreed to travel to the next county to avoid the risk of running into someone she knew. Although she would’ve preferred to have him pick her up, it was safer to meet him at the restaurant.

She climbed out of her Jeep and walked the short distance to the entrance of the Blue Fonce Bistro. Brick walls illuminated by dim blue lights gave the small interior a cozy feeling. Framed photographs and paintings of the French countryside adorned the walls. A dozen black wrought iron tables and matching chairs with red cushions occupied the dining room. Donnie sat at a two person table in the corner. The table had a candle in the center, a fat, white pillar supported by a metal holder. The flame flickered across Donnie’s handsome face, making his eyes sparkle. He looked dangerously sexy.

“I was starting to think you weren’t going to show up,” he said, standing, and pulling out a chair for her.

“Why wouldn’t I?” She laughed.

“I just figured you’d change your mind.”

Teghan took the chair and smiled as she sat. “Did you have any trouble getting past Alex?”

“No. He was going to check out a frat with a guy from our dorm.” Donnie kissed her on the cheek before taking his seat across from her.

“Good.” Teghan’s heart tripped a beat or two and then relaxed. Oh, his lips were so soft. “This place is beautiful,” she said, looking around.

“I ordered an appetizer,” Donnie said. “Some type of vegetable dip. I hope that’s okay.”

“Yes, but I’m really not that hungry.”

“You said that last time we were at a restaurant too. What gives?” Donnie asked.

“I have this phobia about eating in front of people I don’t know.”

Donnie cocked his head and raised a brow. “That’s interesting.”

“It’s frustrating, and embarrassing.” She felt her face get warm.

“Have you always had this phobia?”

“No.” Teghan propped her elbows on the table and dropped her chin into her hands. “I’m left handed so when I eat, it sometimes looks like I’m shoveling food into my mouth. At least it did when I was younger. Anyway, a boy in my fourth grade class used to make pig noises and call me ‘thunder thighs’ during lunch. Ever since, I’ve been shy about eating in front of people I don’t know.” I can’t believe I just told him that.

He reached across the table and took her hands into his. “If I promise not to watch, will you eat?”

Teghan laughed. He had such a way of putting her at ease. “I’ll settle for you not making pig noises.”

“Deal,” he said, flashing a smile at her.

Their appetizer arrived a few moments later. Teghan ordered a soda and sipped at it slowly. She’d take a small bite of her cracker, dipped in vegetable dip, and cover her mouth with her hand while she chewed.

“This is really good,” Teghan said, taking another bite.

“Are you ready to order?” the waitress asked as she refilled their drinks.

“Go ahead,” Donnie said, nodding his head at Teghan.

“You know, I think I’m okay with just this.” She motioned towards the half eaten appetizer between them.

“I guess we’re all set. Thanks,” Donnie said to the waitress.

“You could’ve ordered,” she said.

“I’m fine,” he said. “I was thinking we could go to a movie or something if you want.”

“Actually, I had something different in mind.”

“Oh yeah?” Donnie raised a brow. “Like what?”

Teghan laughed. “Get your mind out of the gutter.”

Donnie laughed. “I’m a guy.” He shrugged apologetically.

“I believe there’s a mall a few minutes from here. We need to stop there first.” Teghan smiled.

“What for?”

She leaned across the table and lowered her voice. “We can’t go dressed like we are. This place I’m taking you to, it has a very strict dress code.” She felt bad she was going to make Donnie change. He looked good in those khaki pants, long sleeved button-up shirt pulled taut across his chest, the top two buttons left undone, exposing his skin. She wondered why he hadn’t worn a tie. It was almost expected in a place like this.

Donnie stood and held out his hand to her. “Let’s go, then.”

“Aren’t we going to finish eating first?”

He sat. “Right. Sorry.”

Teghan laughed. If she had tried to pull this with Alex, he would’ve refused and demanded to know where she wanted to go. It was thrilling to know that Donnie was open to things, and that he trusted her enough to do as she asked.

***

Donnie made a face as Teghan led him into Abbey’s Western Wear. Teghan walked around grabbing clothes from racks and tables. She handed him a pile and pushed him into the dressing room. “Come out and show me when you’re done,” she said.

Donnie stepped out of the dressing room with a sour look on his face. “I’m not wearing this,” he said.

Teghan licked her lips and smiled. “Don’t move.” She walked over to a display of hats, plucked a black one from the hook, and put it on Donnie’s head. “There.”

“You’re kidding, right?” He turned to look at himself in the mirror. He felt ridiculous, dressed in faded blue jeans that were a size too small, a red plaid shirt, and brown cowboy boots with a silver toe.

“You look good,” she said.

He glanced at her. She was wearing a pair of hip-hugging blue jeans, a brown belt with a large silver buckle, and a white tank top covered by a blue and white flannel shirt that she had tied under her breasts. The outfit was complete with a pair of high-heeled, brown cowboy boots. “This is crazy,” he said.

“How do the boots feel?”

“Uncomfortable.”

“But they fit?”

“Yes. Look, Teghan. I’m not comfortable with you buying me clothes.”

“Would you like to pay for them?” she asked.

Donnie frowned. He didn’t have that much money on him. And even if he did, he couldn’t afford to spend it like this. His heart sank. Teghan was rich and used to being pampered. What if she got upset that he didn’t have money to spoil her?

“C’mon. It’s my treat.”

“No,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m not letting you buy me any of this stuff.” Donnie went back into the dressing room, took off all the clothes and left them there.

“It’s really not a big deal,” Teghan said.

“It is to me. Go ahead and get yourself whatever you want. I’ll go pull the car around and meet you out front.”

***

“Here,” Teghan said, putting the cowboy hat on his head.

“What’s this?”

“A hat.”

“I know that. I told you not to buy me anything,” Donnie said, trying to hide the anger from his voice.

“Fine, then consider it mine and I’m just letting you borrow it. Now come on,” Teghan said grabbing his hand and leading him into Darius’s Backyard Barn. It was just outside of Silver Springs and the place looked like it was going to collapse at any moment.

“Please tell me you’re joking.”

She glanced at him over her shoulder and smiled. “Nope.”

Donnie fell in step behind her. His eyes were glued to her ass. He swore he could see the pattern on her panties; those jeans were so damn tight. They hugged the cheeks of her ass, caressing them as she walked, her boots clacking on the uneven wooden floor, her hips swaying with each step she took. He felt his cock thickening between his legs. What he wouldn’t give to be those jeans right now.

“I suggest just watching first, then you can join in when you think you’ve got the hang of it,” she said.

“Whatever you say.” The entire dance floor was shoulder-to-shoulder full of people, boots stomping, hands clapping, and bodies moving in perfect unison to the beat of the music.

Teghan led him to a small table. “Watch closely,” she said before sauntering onto the dance floor.

“Can I get ya something?” the waitress shouted over the music.

“Water, please. Make it two,” he said as his eyes settled on Teghan. It had to be a cardinal sin, or at the very least, illegal, the way she moved her body. She had one hand above her head, swinging it around, the thumb of her other hand was hooked through her belt loop. Her hips were gyrating, her ass shaking, and her tits were bouncing as she moved in sync with the rest of the crowd. She exuded raw, unapologetic sex appeal. It dripped from her like honey from a beehive—sweet, sticky, and dangerous to taste. It was in that moment he knew, once he tasted her rich nectar, there’d be no going back.

“Think you can keep up?” Teghan asked as she approached the table.

He looked at her sparkling eyes and flushed face. There was no way he could keep up with what he’d just witnessed, but he couldn’t tell her no either. “I can try,” he said.

Teghan grabbed his hand and dragged him onto the dance floor. “It’s easy,” she said. “Just watch my feet and listen to the music.”

Donnie tried to keep up with the people around him and failed miserably. He attempted to tap the toe of his shoe on the floor, but tripped, bumping into the woman in front of him, who turned around and glared at him. He swore she cussed at him too, but he couldn’t be sure over the sound of the music.

He gave up halfway through the song and went back to his seat where he continued to watch Teghan until the song ended. She walked over, snatched the hat, and put it on her head. He didn’t think it was possible for her to get any sexier.

“Here.” He handed her a glass of ice water.

“Thanks.” She sipped the drink.

“Where did you learn to do that?” he asked.

“When I was about ten my father insisted I should take dance lessons. I hated the idea, but I agreed with the condition that I could take country line dancing. I thought for sure he’d give up the entire stupid idea. He didn’t. So, I learned to dance.”

Donnie laughed. “The lessons definitely paid off.”

“Why’d you give up so soon?”

“Did you notice the two left feet? Besides, I think that woman I bumped into will kill me if I get back on the dance floor.” He laughed. “And if you tell anyone about this, I’ll deny it until the day I die.”

“Don’t worry, hon,” she said with a sultry smile and a wink. “It’s our dirty little secret, remember?”