Ten first dates, p.10
Ten First Dates, page 10
The following story contains sexual situations and strong language. It is intended for adult readers.
CONTENTS
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Also by Kaylee Ryan
About Kaylee Ryan
PROLOGUE
Orrin
There is something to be said about family traditions. Especially in the Kincaid family. We take our traditions very seriously. This one, however, is one I never miss. Once a year, my dad takes my eight brothers and me—yes, you read that right. I have eight brothers—camping and fishing for an extended weekend. We leave my mom, who is also the only female in our house, on her own to do… well, whatever it is women do when they have the house to themselves. We take to the country and live our best lives. We don’t worry about saying “excuse me” when we pass gas or belch, and we don’t have to worry about Mom asking us if we washed behind our ears.
Yes, you read that right too. I’m not sure if you know this, but boys… guys are dirty. Especially teenage boys, prepubescent boys, and toddlers. There are nine of us, all stair-stepped in age by two years, and only one set of twins. The babies, Maverick and Merrick.
I’m ranked first in the lineup. Beneath me, we have Declan, Brooks, Sterling, Rushton, Archer, Ryder, and then the twins. It goes without saying there has never been a dull moment growing up in our house. My brothers might drive me crazy, but I’d lay my life down for them.
“Boys,” Dad says, and we all stop what we’re doing and gather around the campfire. We all know what’s coming. The same speech he gives us every single year. “Don’t ever expect anything in this life to be handed to you. You have to work hard and love even harder.”
“You work hard every day building things, right, Daddy?” six-year-old Maverick asks.
“That’s right.”
“And you love Momma hard?” Merrick, his twin, asks.
My brothers and I snicker at that, and even Dad cracks a smile. “With every breath,” he tells him.
My dad lets his eyes fall on each of us. “I love you, boys. Know that you can always come to me with anything. Me or your mother. We’re here for you always.”
A chorus of “We know” and “love you too” rings out around the fire.
“Flashlight tag!” Archer cheers, and everyone scurries to their tents to grab their flashlights.
No matter how old we get, we’re never too old for a game of flashlight tag with our brothers.
CHAPTER ONE
Orrin
I can’t take my eyes off her. I’ve been watching her all night, but that’s nothing new. Every single time Jade Sanders is anywhere near, my eyes stay glued to her. Of course, I try to do it on the sly. I don’t need my brothers giving me shit, but truthfully, if it got me the girl, I wouldn’t even care what they had to say. They can dish it out all day long if she’s mine.
“See something you like?” Declan asks.
“Just wondering when Deacon’s going to do this thing.”
“Uh-huh.” He laughs. “I’m sure that’s why you’re staring at that table full of beautiful women that our baby cousin is currently sitting with.
“I plead the fifth.” I grin, and so does he.
“Just ask her out already. Anytime she’s around, your eyes follow her. It doesn’t matter where she is in the room.”
I think about denying it, but there’s no point. My brothers and I are close, all nine of us, even the twins who are the babies of the family. “Can’t help it.”
“Just go talk to her.”
“Thought about it,” I confess.
“And what’s stopping you?”
“Been a long time since I asked a woman out on a date.”
He nods. “I get that, man, trust me, single dad here, remember?” He points to his chest. “She and Ramsey have gotten close. Hell, those four are thick as thieves.” He motions toward the booth where Ramsey, our baby cousin, her best friend, Palmer, Palmer’s sister, Piper, and Jade, who is Piper’s best friend, are sitting. They’re all laughing and talking, and they keep glancing this way.
“Just like riding a bike,” Declan says, slapping a hand on my shoulder.
“Then why haven’t you done it?”
“You know my situation is different. Besides, I have a sassy little girl who I spend all my free time with.”
“You’re a great dad, Dec. You can take time for yourself.”
He nods. “Yeah, but I want to give it all to her.” A smile comes over his face. “I still remember the day Cassie came to the shop asking if we could talk. I assumed it was like any other hookup, you know? She wanted to get together again, but I was going to politely decline. I was scared as hell that day, O. I thought my life was over. I was having a baby with a woman I’d met once. Then I heard my girl’s first cries, held her in my arms, and it changed me. I know it sounds crazy, brother, but that’s what happened. I’d give my daughter all my days and all my minutes over a random hookup.”
“What’s going on over here?” Sterling turns from where he was talking to my best friend, Deacon.
“Just giving Orrin a pep talk,” I tell our brother.
“Should I go get Dad?” Sterling jokes.
“Fuck off,” I grumble, and my brothers both grin.
Speaking of my best friend, I catch his eyes from just a few feet away, and he gives me a nod. I grin, knowing what’s about to go down. “It’s time,” I tell Declan and Sterling. We break up, making sure to let everyone quietly know that it’s showtime.
I watch as Deacon pulls Ramsey to the small stage. It’s as if they're not in a room full of friends and family as they stare into each other’s eyes. When Deacon drops to one knee, the room goes crazy. He hasn’t asked yet, but we all know it’s just a formality. Those two are the real deal.
Ramsey nods, and they’re kissing. I smile as my eyes stray to where Jade’s sitting. She’s smiling as she wipes her eyes. Deacon’s sisters, Piper and Palmer, stand and hug one another. Jade slides out of the booth, and instead of heading to congratulate the happy couple like her friends, she slips out the door.
My feet are moving before I can think better of it. I have plenty of time to let the crowd around the happy couple die down before giving them my personal congratulations. Right now, I have an auburn-haired beauty to check on.
When I push open the door, the warm Georgia air hits me. I scan my surroundings until I find her. She’s sitting on a picnic table underneath a Willow Tree off to the side of the Tavern. I know from when Ramsey worked here that it’s a popular spot for the employees to take their breaks and even patrons to get some fresh air. Her long auburn hair blows in the gentle breeze, making me wish I could reach out and run my fingers through the silky strands.
Shoving my hands into the pocket of my jeans, I make my way toward her. She looks up as I approach and quickly wipes at her eyes. All good intentions to not touch her fly out the window. I crouch down so we’re eye to eye and push her gorgeous auburn hair out of her eyes. “What’s going on? Who do I need to give a beat down?” I ask, and her wide smile has my heart squeezing in my chest.
“No one.” She smiles with watery eyes. “I’m just being silly.”
“Tell me about it.”
She looks down to her lap, where she twines her hands together.
Reaching out, I place my index finger under her chin so I can capture her gaze. “I’m a good listener. I have eight brothers, and I’m the oldest. This isn’t my first rodeo,” I tease, trying to get another smile out of her, and it works.
“I’m just happy for them.”
I nod. “They’re good together.”
“They really are.”
“What else?” I can see in her eyes she’s holding something back.
“What do you mean?”
“Tell me what else you’re thinking, sweetheart.” Her mouth opens as if she’s going to tell me what it is that’s plaguing her, but she quickly closes it. “Jade?”
“I can’t tell you.”
“Of course you can.”
She shakes her head. “No. It’s too embarrassing.”
“Did you forget that part where I grew up with eight brothers? Eight,” I repeat, making her smile. “There is nothing that could come out of that pretty mouth of yours that could embarrass me. Trust me on this.”
She gives me a soft chuckle as a reward, and my heart races just a little faster at the sound. “Fine.” She rolls her eyes playfully, huffing out a breath. “I’m a little bit envious.”
I nod. “Yeah. They’ve got something special. That’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
She covers her face with her hands and groans. “I can’t believe I just told you that. I’m mortified.”
Reaching up, I gently pull her hands from her face. “There is nothing wrong with being envious.”
“Maybe not, but I should never have told you that.”
“Will it make you feel better if I confess something too?”
She tilts her head to the side to study me. “Is it as equally embarrassing?” There’s a slight roll of her lips that tells me while she might be embarrassed about her confession, she’s enjoying teasing me all the same.
“Do you want it to be?”
“Yes.” She nods, flashing me a grin.
“How about this? How about I give you two for your one?”
“Now we’re talking.” She sits up straighter, and while her eyes are still glassy from her earlier tears, dampness is no longer coating her cheeks.
“I’m envious of them too.”
“Come on, Orrin. I thought you’d take this seriously.” She smacks lightly at my arm. Before she can remove her hand, I take it in mine.
“I am taking this seriously. I’m telling you the truth.”
She studies me for several heartbeats. “Fine. Where’s my number two confession?” I can’t tell if she really does believe me or if she wants to hear my second truth before she passes her official judgment.
“Number two.” I stroke my thumb over her knuckles while staring into her eyes. “I’ve wanted to ask you out for a long time.” My heart is hammering so hard in my chest that I worry that she can hear it. My palms are sweaty, but that’s not reason enough for me to drop her hand. Her skin is so damn soft. I’m not ready to give that up. Not yet.
Her mouth opens and quickly closes. Then she starts to laugh. “Come on.” She shakes her head. “I’m being real with you, and you’re toying with me.”
“Jade?” I wait for her laughter to subside and for her to give me her full attention. “You really know how to smash a man's ego.” I smile softly. “I’m being more real with you than I’ve been in a damn long time where women are concerned. In fact, I’ll prove it.” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Have dinner with me.”
“Wait. For real?” There’s disbelief in her tone and what looks a lot like hope in her eyes.
“For real,” I assure her.
I expect her to argue some more, and I’m prepared to do whatever it is I need to do in order to convince her that I’m being truthful. However, the auburn-haired beauty surprises me with a whispered, “Yes.”
“Yeah?” I can’t contain my smile. “Wait. Don’t answer that. I’m not giving you a chance to change your mind.” She giggles, and I want to bottle the sound. “Tonight?”
“Well, we’re all kind of here for Ramsey and Deacon. It would be rude to leave for a date or dinner, I mean.”
“Oh, no, it’s a date, sweetheart.” Her cheeks flush, and I’ve never wanted to kiss someone so badly in my entire life.
“Tomorrow?”
“It’s Sunday.”
“And?”
“Sure. Tell me when and where.”
This time I’m the one to laugh. “That’s not how this is going to work. How am I supposed to get you to fall in love with me if I don’t woo you?”
“Woo me?”
“Yes. I’ll be at your place at five. I know we both have to work the next day, so we won’t stay out late. Not this time.”
“This time?”
I smile. “This first of many.” Not able to help myself, I lean in and press my lips to her cheek. “Come on. We have a happy couple to congratulate.” I stand and offer her my hand. She places hers in mine, and it feels right, just like I knew it would. I hold her hand all the way to the door, then drop it, placing mine on the small of her back, leading her back into the Tavern.
CHAPTER TWO
Jade
My bedroom looks like a clothing tornado just blew through. I’ve changed no less than ten times, and I’m still standing here in my new matching bra and panty set, not sure what I’m going to wear to dinner tonight with Orrin.
I went shopping earlier and bought my new lingerie, and even a new sundress, but now that I’m home, I don’t want to wear it. I can’t ever remember a time when I’ve been this nervous about a date. Orrin is a few years older than me. As Deacon’s best friend and me being Piper’s best friend, we saw a lot of each other. He was a crush, but nothing more. I went away to college and forgot about him.
However, since I’ve been home, every time I’m around him, I can’t seem to see anyone else. He’s aged well. Hell, he and his brothers and even Deacon, Piper’s brother, could all be models. I mean, if I were to see them modeling their undies, I’d buy that magazine. Trust me. You would too.
My phone rings, and I stare down at the screen. It’s Piper. I haven’t told her about my date, and the guilt weighs heavy on me. With a sigh, I grab the device and swipe at the screen. “Hey.”
“Hi. What are you doing tonight? Heath’s working. I thought we could grab dinner.”
“Oh, uh, I would, but I have plans.”
“Plans?”
“Yep.”
“No biggie. What are you doing?”
“Going to dinner.”
“With who?” She chuckles. “Is this top secret or something? What’s going on with you? You sound funny, and you’re being evasive.”
“Orrin.”
“What about Orrin?”
“I’m having dinner with Orrin.”
“What?” she screeches. “When did this happen? Why am I just now finding out about this? Wait, yesterday, you said Orrin was your pick. Did you make a move? Damn, I’m proud of you,” Piper rattles on.
“He asked me. It happened yesterday at the Tavern.”
“What? How in the hell did I miss that?”
“I walked outside for some air right after the proposal. Orrin followed me.”
“So, he asked you to dinner?”
“Yep.”
“Where is he taking you?”
“I don’t know.” I move to the corner of my room and sit on the small chair. “I don’t know where he’s taking me, and I don’t know what to wear. I’ve tried on ten outfits, and none of them are right. I’m kind of freaking out here, Pipes.”
“Take a deep breath. Orrin is a great guy.”
“I know that. I still want to look good for him.”
“You need to just be you, Jade. Don’t try to be someone you think he wants you to be. Be you, and that’s the you he asked out. Remember that.”
“I know.”
“It’s dinner. Go with a sundress or some dressier shorts, and you’ll be fine.”
“I bought a new sundress today.”
“Perfect.”
“I don’t know.”
“Just message him and ask him what you need to wear.”
“I don’t have his number. He said he would pick me up at five. I just assumed since Willow River is such a small town, he knew where I lived.”
“I’m sure he does, and if not, he has ways to find out. Like you said, this is Willow River.”
“I really like him, Pipes. At least what I know of him since I’ve been back in town.” I’ve never admitted that before, because I always thought the chances of Orrin and I getting together were slim to none. Now, things have changed, and I’m kind of freaking out.
“Okay. We’re going to hang up, and I’m going to call you back with a video chat. We’re going to figure this out.”
“Thank you.” I hit End, and a few seconds later, my phone rings again, this time with a video call. “Hey.” I smile.
“Oh, love the hair. Those loose curls are perfect.”
“Thanks. Okay, here’s what I have so far.” I switch the camera to the bed and show her the mounds of clothes that I’m going to be cursing myself for later when I have to hang them all back up in my closet.
“What’s that green? Is that a dress?” Piper asks.
I reach down and pick up the emerald green dress I bought for tonight. “Yes. This is the one I bought today.”
“Wear that. Do you still have those strappy black sandals?”
“Yes.”
“Those too. Put them on. I’ll wait.”
“Fine.” I laugh. I turn the camera back around and place it on the nightstand.
“Damn, did you buy that set today, too?” she asks.
I look down at the dark emerald bra and panties. “Yes. It was a splurge. Not that I think we’re going to get to a point in the night that Orrin will see them, but they make me feel sexy.”
“Because they’re hot as fuck,” Piper says. “And it’s always best to be prepared for these kinds of things. You never know where the night might lead, and there is nothing wrong with you making the choice to show this little get-up to your man.”
