Accepted Fate (24 page)

I'm so mad, I can't even speak. I pop my knuckles in frustration. I can't even look at her, because I'm afraid I'll hit her. "Awe, don't be upset, sweetie. I'm doing you a favor." She runs her fingertip up my arm and down my front. "You want a girl with some experience anyways. I know what a guy like you needs to hold your attention." She purrs in my ear, brushing her breasts against my upper arm. "Come on sexy, I can give you what you really want. Why don't you stop fighting it and give in?" That's what this is about; jealousy. It's a poisonous emotion, and deadly in the wrong person. I guarantee she is used to getting her way. She knows exactly what she's doing, planting all that information in my head like a plague, wanting it to spread. Two can play that game.

"You're probably right. I need a girl that can keep up with me," I seethe. She stands up and begins to strut a little, thinking she's won.

"I'm glad you understand," she says smiling. I trail after her in the direction of the side of the house. We enter through a laundry room door. As she walks through, she glances around as if making sure she's unnoticed. I think Presley's parents were in the kitchen area outside if that's who she's looking for. We walk to a small set of service stairs. She begins to ascend them quietly. When we reach the top, she walks to the end of the hallway and stops at the farthest room.

Looking back at me, she smiles. "I can't wait for this. I've wanted you since I saw you at the beach. I can only imagine what's in store for me," she says looking at my shorts.

We walk in what appears to be a guest room. In the center of the room sits a queen size bed. The walls are a light yellow and the bedding a yellow and coral paisley print. I walk to the center and stop not far from the bed. She circles around me like an animal circling its prey. "You sure you're ready for this? I don't go slow. I'm not the love making type. I like it rough and rough is what I'll give," I say low.

She licks her lips. "That's what I was counting on," she says seductively. She closes the space between us. Wrapping her arms around my neck, she pulls in for a kiss. I allow her to kiss me, but I will not touch her tongue. I will not taint my mouth with her bitterness, after experiencing the sweetness that is Kinzleigh. I grab her thighs and pick her up roughly. She wraps her slender legs around my waist. I slip my hands underneath her bottoms, close to her sweet spot but not touching; only to tease. She moans against my mouth. "I need more." She begins rubbing herself against me, clearly ready for me. I release her lips. I can't stand her touching my mouth any longer. I hate kissing; well, except Kinzleigh. I kiss down her neck to distract her. 

Walking her backwards to the bed, I throw her down roughly on the mattress. She spreads her legs automatically. Girls like her require no effort at all. They are all the same. There is no chase and it's boring. All they are good for is a quick lay. No one ever takes this girl home to meet mama. I pin her arms above her head and straddle her. She rubs her foot between my legs in search of what she wants. "You want it?"

"You know I do. Get a condom and hurry up already." Her eyes are hooded and she is begging. I got her right where I want her. I lower my bottom half, resting between her legs, allowing her to get a feel of what she could have. I've always been well endowed. It's not showboating, it's the truth. When she feels it against her, she arches off the bed and wraps her legs tightly around my waist. "Oh, damn. I need you inside me; to fill every inch of me."

I lean closer to her, next to her ear so she can feel my body against hers. Whispering into her ear, I ram myself against her swimsuit; the hardness under my shorts prodding between her legs. Guys aren't like girls. It doesn't take feelings to arouse a man. Guys are physical creatures of habit. The right stimulation and physical attraction and the boy is good to go. She can get me hard and if I wanted to, I could sleep with her without being impaired sexually just because I practically hate her right now. The funny thing is, in no shape or form do I want her. I'd rather get myself off than allow her to get me off.

Teasingly I say, "Well that's just too bad isn't it? You'll never get this. I've been with plenty of girls like you. It's just not fun anymore. I'd rather spend the rest of my life chasing after a girl like Kinzleigh and never get her, than to settle for second best. The truth is, guys that sleep with you are imaging a girl like her. She's a truffle and you're from a cheap box of chocolate. You'll always live in her shadow because that's how you allow yourself to be. You may get other guys by conning them into sleeping with you, but I'm not one of them. Just a word of advice, if you ever want to be something other than a nice piece of ass to a guy, I suggest you change your tactics." I begin to distance myself from her. She is laying there with her eyes wide open in a daze. She goes limp. I'm normally not such a jerk, but she had it coming when she lied about me and then pissed me off. Someone needs to snap her back into reality. I've done what I came here to do. I stand up and turn for the door. Moving quickly, I slam it behind me.

I'm going after Kinzleigh. I will make her hear me out because the truth is, I'm already in too deep. I need a few more days with her. Rushing down the stairs, I dash to the front door.

I'm in a full fledge sprint out the door, headed to the Jeep. When I get to the driver door, I realize the keys are back at the party. Linking my hands on top of my head, I'm trying to decide what in the heck I'm going to do. I really don't want to go back to that party. From the corner of my eye, I notice Ryland's truck. Maybe he left the keys in it, since it's close to the house.

I make my way back to the truck and open the door to find out the keys are in fact in it. One problem down, but one problem remains. It is among several other vehicles crowded together in the driveway. There is a path I could get it out, but it's going to be a tight squeeze. I get in the truck and start the ignition. Pulling out my phone, I notice a text from Ryland.

Ryland: Dude, where did you go?

Me: Taking the truck. I need to find Kinzleigh. I'll explain later.

Ryland: Presley is freaking out about you having a girlfriend. Care to explain what happened in the five fucking minutes I had my back turned?

Me: Lexi started a bunch of crap and lied. Kinzleigh ran off with that Preston guy and didn't let me explain. I broke up with Natalie Friday night right after I kissed Kinzleigh. I was honest with her about meeting someone. No one cared to allow me to explain. Everyone just jumped to their own damn conclusions. Just handle it. I have to go man.

Ryland: Aight, bro. I got you covered. Next time keep me in the loop so I know what's going on.
      

Me: K

Looking around, I begin to back out. I have to back up and pull forward a few times, maneuvering the truck, but I manage to get out. As I'm pulling out of the entryway gate, I realize I'm still in swim shorts. If her parents are home, this isn't the best way to show up. Headed to her house, I spot a thrift store on the way. I guess this is better than the alternative.

Pulling in, I kill the engine and exit the truck. It doesn't seem busy, but it is open according to the flashing neon sign over the door. I walk inside to racks upon racks of clothing. There is an older lady, about mid to late sixties with fully grayed hair, sitting at the front counter to the left of the door, reading a magazine. She looks up as the bell dings above the door. "Can I help you son?"

The darkness is beginning as the sun goes down. I'm not sure if Kinzleigh's parents are weird about house guests at night. Since I'm in a shortage for time, I guess maybe she can help. "Yes ma'am. I kind of left a pool party in a hurry and where I'm going, I need some clothes. I don't have time to run by where I'm staying. Do you have anything for me?"

She lights up as if I've just made her day. She must not get very many customers in here. "Oh wonderful! I think we can find you something, dear. Come on and follow me," she says, smiling a grandmotherly smile and walks from behind the counter toward the back of the store. Come to think of it, she kind of reminds me of my maternal grandmother. She's warm and welcoming with excitement every time I see her and she always has something baked, such as cookies or cake. She doesn't get many visitors. I should go see her when I get home. Mom keeps telling me she won't always be here, but I never seem to listen.

I trail after the older woman in the direction of the rack in the back of the store. On it hangs several t-shirts in all colors and sizes. She begins shuffling through the hangers, but stops to look at me. "Hmm, let’s see," she says rubbing her chin. "Are you trying to impress a young lady?" I begin to smile at her sweet personality as she inquires about my personal life.

"Yes ma'am, actually I am. She is a little angry with me right now, so I'll have to do some groveling." She stares off at me for a moment and I wonder what she's thinking.

"Ahh yes, I think I may can help with that too. My Henry used to be the champion at groveling. That's one reason it was so hard to stay mad at him for long," she sighs making it clear he's no longer around. "You remind me of him. That sandy blonde hair and those beautiful blue eyes. You have quite the smile too. I think I can give you a few tips and you're sure to have her back in no time." She winks and goes back to strumming through the clothes.

Stopping briefly she looks me over. This should be perfect. "Come here son; let me see if this will fit. We have a lot of muscle to cover, I see." I walk over and stop before her.

She holds out the shirt, close to my body. It's a vintage, clover green Jimmy Hendrix t-shirt. "I think this will work." She releases the hanger to me and heads toward the side wall. "I think I got some shoes in the other day that look your size; brand new too. I tell you, things just aren't the same as when I was young. Generations now are spoiled and wasteful. Back when I was a kid we didn't get a new pair of shoes until our current pair was unwearable."

Yep, she is just like my grandmother; always on her soap box comparing then and now. I can't help but to smile. I come to a stop behind her as she pulls a pair of black and yellow Nike shox. "What size are you honey?"

"Size eleven, usually," I say.

"I may be old, but I still got it. I knew they would fit. Now let’s talk about this special girl. I'll tell you a little something about women, but it's our secret. Got it?" I nod, now curious where she is going with this. "We don't know what the hell we want. We like to pretend we do and sometimes even convince ourselves we do, but we don't. There are two things you need to remember and you'll get far with the lucky lady. One, she is always right. It doesn't matter if she really is, just let her think so regardless. Two, compliments are better than candy is what I always say. You can't buy a woman's heart but you sure can talk your way there. Romance her, sweet talk her, and sweep her off her feet. You do that, she'll forever be yours."

I have discovered one thing with the elderly. They tend to be wise. It's always best to listen, even if I don't have the heart to tell her I have no intentions on entering into the world of love. They don't really care about the ways of the coming up generations. They just like to give advice and keep the old ways alive. "I'll keep that in mind, thank you. I need to get going, how much do I owe you?"

"You're a cute kid. I'll tell you what, since you listened to an old woman ramble, it's on the house. You go make up with that girl. I have a feeling she's special."

"Oh no ma'am, I'd like to pay for the stuff." She holds up her hand to stop me as I put on the shirt and shoes. My shorts are now dry.

"I insist. This is my store and I can do as I please," she says grinning. "Go on now. Flash one of those smiles of yours and I'm sure all will be forgotten."

"Yes ma'am. Thank you." I turn to head for the door.

"My pleasure," she says beating me to it and opening the door for me.

I get in the truck and begin backing into the street. The old woman is still standing in the door waving goodbye. I return the gesture and begin on my way. I have no idea what I'm going to say when I get there. Why I never thought to get her number when she left it at the pool house, I have no idea. I wish I could just get her alone. The thought of her family being there freaks me out a little. Maybe because I don't have that much experience with parents and the ones I do are because they are my friends’ parents.

It doesn't take long before Kinzleigh's house comes into view. I pull in and park off to the side. I'm not even sure if Kinzleigh is home. I'd like to hope she is because the alternative drives me crazy to even consider. My hands are slightly sweaty. In attempt to dry them off, I wipe my hands on the side of my shorts.

I walk up to the front porch. Well I guess what I would compare to a front porch. It's more of a tall entryway in front of the door with tall columns and a covering. I knock on the door. After a few seconds I hear feet on the hardwood floor.

When the door opens, standing in the doorway is her brother. Great this should be fun. "Hey, is Kinzleigh here? I was hoping I could talk to her."

He looks behind him and steps outside, shutting the door. "What do you want with her? Preston brought her home a few minutes ago, meaning she doesn't want to talk to you. If she did, obviously you would have been the one to drop her off."

I guess I kind of had that one coming. "Look man, I know you don't know me, but it's all a big misunderstanding. If I could talk to her, I could explain."

Her brother is kind of beefy like me. We're about the same height and both full of lean muscle. I'm guessing he's also a football player and a pretty good one. The good football players usually stick out if you're one of them. "I don't think so. Look, I'm not saying that you're a bad guy, but you're only here a few days. Kinzleigh is...well she isn't like most girls. She's headstrong and beautiful and has these twisted views of dating and falling in love. Right now she's really on it because of all my shit. I wish that wasn't the case, but it is. We're close so my issues affect her and vice versa. If you've already screwed up, you're wasting your time. Trust me, I wish she would give some poor guy a chance, but it's just not looking that way any time soon."