“Uh, sorry, didn’t you say his name was Shawn?” She giggles.
“I can’t keep up with these new cowboys. Daddy’s been hirin’ ‘em left and right and not many of ‘em stick around. Was Scott a few weeks ago?”
The better answer to why I don’t remember their names might be that none of these boys are Jaycob. My best friend who suddenly became the most attractive man I’ve ever seen overnight this summer, and now I can’t look at him the same anymore.
To be fair I’ve never looked at him as anything more than my best friend, and he the same, but somethin’s shifted. He’sprotective of me now, chasing the guys away whenever he’s around.
“Girl, he’s coming over here. You might want to find Scott-Shawn.”
But her warning comes too late. Jaycob stands behind me, blocking me in at the tailgate of the truck we’re sitting on.
“Reeces Pieces, don’t you think it’s ‘bout time to head home?” His deep voice sends shivers down my spine.
“Nope. Sure don’t. I was invited to this party and I intend to stay. Don’t you go callin’ my Daddy like you did last time either.”
He pushes his cowboy hat back a bit to scrub his face in exasperation. He hates me out here at the bunkhouse parties. But I’m tired of being the boss’ daughter. I’m tired of having to behave because my best friend lives in said bunkhouse and is a rat to boot! Everytime I get close to a guy, my daddy shows up with his shotgun. And Jaycob sports a shit eating grin. Now I’m down to just the new guys who are dumb enough to give me a chance.
My nineteenth birthday is next week and I’m bound and determined to not enter my twenties as a virgin. Something Jaycob seems intent on blocking.
“Why don’t you go on and find some girl to enjoy this party with, Jaycob. There’s Tiffany-Ann over there keeping track of your every move. I bet she’d be real pleased if you brought her a wine cooler.” She’d be pleased with a lot more too if he’d give her the time of day.
“And what are you going to do?” He pins me with his gaze, hands stuffed into the front pockets of his jeans.
“I’m gonna go find Shawn. See if he can deliver on all those promises he made to me earlier.” I wink at Katie and we both giggle.
The things that man was sayin’, I bet he’s never done half of ‘em.
I push past Jaycob, catching my shoulder on his elbow and spinning him around.
The skin on the back of my neck prickles and I know he’s still watching me. So I put a little extra sway in my hips to give him something to watch.
Finding Shawn by the keg, I slide my arm around his middle and he hands me a red solo cup from the keg. “Thought you’d never come find me.”
“I’ve been in the same spot all night. Why didn’t you come back to get me? I’ve been waiting.” I run my hand down his chest.
“Oh yeah? You maybe want to get outta here? Find a quiet place?”
Before I can nod in agreement, I’m picked up and thrown over Jaycob’s shoulder. The only view I get, other than his perfectly sculpted ass, is Shawn standing in bewilderment next to the keg.
“Put me down you damn caveman!” I shout at Jaycob.
“Like hell. You know what he was sayin’ about you today? Like none of it would get back to your Daddy? That boy wants to be fired.” He’s still walking and we’re well past the field party going on in the background.
A creaky door opens and I’m plopped into the front seat of an old Chevy.
Crossing my arms in defiance, I’m face to face with Jaycob now. “What is your deal lately? Why are you bound and determined to make me keep my damn virginity?”
“Because none of those fuckers deserve that from you. Not one of ‘em.” He crosses his arms to mimic my stance in this argument.
“Yeah? Then who does? And don’t you say no one, Jaycob! I’m not some precious little peach who is saving herself for someone special! I just want to experience a real damn orgasm.” I shout back, garnering the attention of a few other couples in the area.
“Jesus fucking Christ, Reece. You can’t just yell that shit out here. You should be savin’ yourself. You are special! And I can guarantee none of those fuckers you’re hanging with knows shit about orgasms or how to give one.”
I narrow my eyes. “Jaycob. You better quit and leave me alone.”
“Or what?” He dares me.
“Or you’re gonna be the man to do the job.”
