“What about Ari?”

Jeff let out a laugh and then looked over at me. “Ari, yeah she’ll go if Ellie asks her to go. I’m not sure how that princess will do out in the country but I sure as shit would love to find out!”

“Well shit…that is going to make for an interesting trip out to the ranch that’s for sure. Let’s just get you two through the party tonight shall we? By the way, back to that move you put on her reaching in to get your tea. I hope you noticed her reaction.” I said as I looked over at Jeff.

“You liked that huh? I sure as shit noticed it and believe me, I intend on using that to my advantage.”

I just shook my head.

“I have no doubt about that dude.”

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

Ellie…….

Ari and I took some time after Jefferson and Gunner left to unpack a few things and straighten up. The morning had been blissful and I felt like I was on cloud nine. Gunner had kissed me twice today and each time I felt like I was going to just melt in his arms. I definitely liked our move from friends to more than friends.

I was still nervous about it all though. I never felt like this with Ryan, not even close. The more time I spent with Gunner the more I felt like I was stepping into a danger zone. The last three weeks without them where pure hell and it felt so good to have him back in my life again.

Ari was being very quiet. I’m not really sure what was going on with her this afternoon. Jefferson and she got along pretty good and even bickered a few times which was a relief. I wondered if she was worried about going to the party tonight. After all the last party at Gunner and Jefferson’s house turned out pretty shitty for Ari.

Just then Ari jumped when a text came through. She bolted up and grabbed her cell off of the breakfast bar. Her face immediately fell.

“What’s wrong? Is it bad news or something?” I asked her as I walked into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water.

“Oh um no…..not at all it’s actually from Jason. Looks like they landed in France a little bit ago. He was just checking to see how my day has been. Sweet huh?” Ari said with a small smile.

“Yep, that is sweet. You telling him we are going to Brad’s party tonight?”

“I wasn’t going to. I mean he doesn’t own me, I don’t have to tell him my every damn move!” Ari snapped back at me and walked off.

What the hell was that about? Ari was sitting on the sofa typing out a text message back to Jason. Gesh….she was in a mood all of a sudden.

“What the fuck? Are you f**king kidding me?” Ari shouted as she looked up at me. I was walking back into the living room and stopped in my tracks.

“Holy hell he just told me I should probably stay home? Who the f**k does he think he is?”

WOW, I don’t think I have ever heard someone tell Ari what to do. Stupid move Jason…..

“What are you going to tell him?” I asked as I sat down next to her. She was texting so fast I could practically see the steam coming from her fingers!

“I just told him he has NO right telling me what I can and can’t do. I mean holy fuck. I just spent the last three weeks of my life devoted to him one hundred percent. Now he goes to Europe and he expects me to sit home and wait for him. I told him sorry, that is not how I roll. If he doesn’t like it he can f**k off!”

I had to let out a giggle. A part of me was thinking Ari was hoping he would f**k off. Her phone beeped again and she read the message. Her whole body just sunk down in the sofa. Oh no… maybe he was telling her to f**k off?

“What did he say Ari?”

Ari let out a sigh and looked at me. “He told me I was right, he had no right telling me what I can and can’t do and that I should go and have a good time.”

“And this makes you unhappy? Isn’t that what you wanted him to say?”

“Of course it is! I mean yeah of course it is. I guess I should wish him a good time.” Ari said as she gave me a weak smile.

Okay….I was confused.

“Yeah you probably should. He is probably already missing you.”

“Gesh….he said they are leaving in the morning for their first hike so he won’t be able to be in contact with me for a few days at a time until he can get a signal. Huh….what a shame. Anyway, I think I’m going to go get ready. Do you have any idea of what you wearing tonight?” Ari said

I had to laugh. There is no way she was into Jason at all. I would be devastated if that was Gunner.

“Nope, I have not even thought about it. Want to help me pick something out?”

“Hells yeah I do! Come on, my closet first!” Ari said as she grabbed me and dragged me to her bedroom.

Ari and I spent the next two hours or so picking out what we were going to wear, taking showers and primping. Ari called Heather and told her what time we were leaving to pick her up. I still could not believe Amanda was dating Brad. Ari filled Heather in on Josh and I could hear Heather laughing through the phone. I was pretty sure I heard the words man whore in there somewhere.

Gunner had sent me three text messages since he got back home. The first one said he was back home safe and sound and they were getting the house ready for tonight. The second said he was thinking about me and the third said he couldn’t wait to hold me in his arms again. I felt the heat in my cheeks as I read the last one.

Is he really for real? Sometimes I feel like I’m going to wake up from this dream to find out I am still living at home with my mother and Gunner never existed.

“You ready to go Chica? Because I’m ready to party! I have not been to a party since….. well….fuck since the last Jefferson disaster party!” Ari said with a laugh.

I started to laugh at how much of a good mood Ari was in from compared to a few hours ago.

“I’m ready let’s go!”

Ari was wearing a blue jean mini skirt with a pink sleeveless shirt along with her pink cowboy boots. Her hair was pulled up in a low pony and she had on a pink cowboy hat. I had on a white short dress with my plain simple cowboy boots. Unlike Ari who owned ten pair of boots in every color, I opted for just one pair of simple brown boots. I decided to put my hair up also since I’m sure we would be spending most of the night in the backyard dancing.

“Oh, Jeff sent me a text asking us to pick up plastic cups so we need to stop at HEB to grab some.” Ari said as we made our way out to her jeep.

Was she skipping?

“So what got your mood turned around Ari?” I asked as I climbed into the jeep.

Ari threw her head back and laughed. “I’m going to a party instead of the damn country club for dinner! God love Jason but he needs to loosen up a little! But hey….while the cats away….the mice will play!” Ari said with another laugh as she wiggled her eyebrows up and down.

By the time we stopped and picked up Heather and then the cups for Jefferson we ended up getting to Gunner’s place around 7:45. Ari pulled in and parked behind Jefferson’s truck. As soon as we walked in the front door Gunner had me in his arms and was lifting me up again for a kiss. I’m not sure why but every time he did that it made me giggle.

“God I love the sound of your laugh!” He reached down and gave me a quick peck on the lips. The moment he put me down I was disappointed. Good lord, I needed to get a grip. I could not be acting like this, needing more and more of him every time I saw him. I would have liked a better kiss though.

Gunner grabbed my hand and led me into the kitchen where Jefferson, Brad, Josh and some other guy I had never seen before were talking. Gunner grabbed a beer out of the fridge and handed it to me after he opened it. Then he introduced me to their friend.

“Jon, this is Ellie, Ellie this is Jon.” I reached out my hand to shake his and our eyes met mine. WOW…he had the most amazing green eyes. I tried to pull my hand away but he held onto it another few seconds. The way he was looking at me instantly made me feel uncomfortable. He looked me up and down and then finally let go of my hand.

“Ellie, Gunner has told me a lot about you. It’s a real pleasure to meet you finally.” He said as he smiled at me with a smile that would knock any girl off her feet.

I looked over at Gunner who was watching my every move. “All good things I hope.”

Oh Christ what a stupid answer that was!

Jon threw his head back a little and laughed as he ran his hand through his blond hair. He was built but not as built as Gunner or Jefferson.

“Do you play football for UT also?” I asked as Gunner came up next to me and put his arm around my waist. I instantly felt the butterflies take off in my stomach and the heat from his touch pool in-between my legs. I was praying to God I was not blushing. For once I would like to not show it on my face what Gunner’s touch did to me.

Jon smiled at me and tilted his head while looking at me. What the hell? He looked down at Gunners hand resting on my waist then back up to me.

“No my dear I don’t play football for UT. I do however play baseball for UT. Do you like baseball Ellie?”

My dear??? Okay……why was it the way he spoke to me made me feel all weird?

“Um, I guess so but I really only ever watch football sorry.” I said with a shrug of my shoulders.

Jon let out a laugh again and looked at Gunner. “Lucky son of a bitch you are.” Then he looked at me again. “We might have to just get you to start liking baseball Ellie now won’t we?”

I just smiled; I didn’t really know what to say to that. Gunner leaned down and whispered against my ear if I wanted to step away and I nodded my head yes. All I wanted to do was get away from this guy. I wondered if Gunner noticed the way he was looking at me. This guy totally freaked me out!

Gunner took my hand again and led me to the one place I was not expecting to go….his bedroom. My heart started to pound and my head started spinning. When he opened the door and led me in I felt like I was going to stop breathing.

OH. MY. GOD. NO! He didn’t think I was going to sleep with him did he. Before I could even open my mouth Gunner had me in his arms.

“Don’t think that Ellie sweetheart. I only brought you in here to give you a proper kiss in private. His ran his hand through my hair and then brought it up to the side of my face. He took the back of his hand and moved it up and down my face. All I could feel was a tingling sensation every where his hand touched. He then took both hands and cupped my face. He tilted my face up and smiled that crooked smile at me. I swear I felt my knees wobble. He leaned down and lightly brushed his lips against mine four times and it was driving me mad.

“More….”

I felt Gunner smile against my lips.

“More huh?” He asked as he let out a small laugh.

“Yes Gunner please…..I need more.”

The next thing I knew Gunners lips where back on mine and his tongue was seeking entrance into my mouth. I opened and allowed him in. He moved his hand to the back of my head and deepened the kiss so much it felt like all the air was being sucked out of my body. He slowly backed me up against the wall. Thank God because I needed something to assist me with standing before my legs buckled out from underneath me.