Straight Laced Read online

  Straight Laced

  By: Jessica Gunhammer

  Straight Laced

  Copyright © 2013 by Jessica Gunhammer. All rights reserved.

  First Print Edition: December 2013

  Limitless Publishing, LLC

  Kailua, HI 96734

  www.limitlesspublishing.com

  Formatting: Limitless Publishing

  ISBN-13: 978-1494789954

  ISBN-10: 1494789957

  No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to locales, events, business establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.

  Dedication

  I want to thank my husband, Johnny, for continually supporting me and being patient with me while I take on whatever my latest venture may be. I also want to thank my parents for teaching and encouraging me to follow my dreams. And last but not least, my family, for believing in me.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 1

  “Are you ready?” Tori asked as she clamped her straightener shut and ran it through her long blonde hair. I’d always been jealous of her hair, it’s naturally gorgeous and she didn’t even need to straighten it, but when she did, it looked amazing.

  “I guess.” I stood up from the bed and walked over to the mirror. I picked up my curling iron from the dresser and used it to fix a few of the dark curls in my hair before adding a few more sprits of hairspray.

  “Let’s go then!” She had a smile plastered on her face since the minute she came up with this “great idea.” She grabbed a jacket from her closet and pulled it on over her pink lacy tank top before walking out her bedroom door.

  Tori had been my best friend since sixth grade. We ended up sitting together at lunch one day and we just clicked. We’ve been pretty much inseparable ever since. We had a group of girls we hung out with up until about the end of eighth grade, but once we got to high school we eventually grew apart from them. Tori’s always had a hard time making or keeping friends, but it didn’t have anything to do with her, other than the fact that she was hot and other girls were jealous of her. She’s tall, blonde, curvy, and has huge boobs. She’s the girl everyone loves to hate.

  We walked up the stairs from the basement to the front door. Tori turned the doorknob slowly and pulled it open with just the smallest creak of the hinges. When it was open just enough for us to slip through, she gestured for me to go first, so I tiptoed outside. She walked out behind me, slowing turning the knob as she closed the door behind her. We tiptoed down the front porch and started down the gravel road that led to the large barn in the distance. I waited until we were a decent ways from the house before I started talking.

  “Are you sure this is a good idea?” I whispered. We were far enough away from the house I was sure her parents wouldn’t hear us but I didn’t want to take any chances. “I don’t think your brother will like his little sister and her friend crashing one of his parties.” I listened in the distance for the sound of music or people talking or something, but the only thing I could hear were the crickets chirping and the gravel crunching beneath our shoes.

  “It’ll be fine. His friends love me…and my brother has always had a thing for you.” She looked at me. “Plus, you look hot tonight.” I could feel my cheeks getting warm. “Believe me, he won’t tell us to leave.”

  I’ve never thought of Brent like that. I mean, we always flirted a little here and there but I never really put that much into it. I looked down at my outfit and suddenly felt a little self-conscious. I had on a dark blue pair of denim shorts that were feeling a little too short now that I think about it, a dark red tank with a black cropped blazer over it, and a pair of black Converse. Maybe I should’ve changed, my tank top is also a little short and I can feel my long hair tickle my lower back when I move. But I know Tori, and there would be no turning back now. Not to mention she wasn’t going to risk getting busted by her mom.

  Her parents were almost as strict as mine. They’re kind of old fashioned in the way that they think a girl should be a lady and always behave and dress appropriately, which was one of the things Tori and her mom butted heads about most. Tori always loved to dress to impress and show off her best assets. Even though Tori was now eighteen, she still lived in their house and had to abide by their rules, three of which we were breaking tonight: sneaking out, curfew, and drinking. They’ve always been more lenient with Brent because he’s the boy and I guess you could call him their “golden child.” There was no doing wrong on his part. Not only is he smart and going to school to get a double major in I don’t even know what, he’s also a star athlete and has been in the local papers on more than one occasion. Tori, on the other hand, is their rebel child.

  We continued down the gravel road until we reached the front door of the barn. There was a light that hung above us that highlighted the wear on the barn, the red paint was peeling and the handle of the door was starting to rust. I waved my hand around aimlessly, attempting to fight off the moths that flew above my head.

  “Are you ready?” Tori asked as she placed her hand on the rusted handle. I nodded my head, it’s not like I had much of a choice, anyway. She used her body weight and pulled on the metal handle. The door slid open and everyone stopped what they were doing and looked in our direction. We stepped inside and looked around the barn. Not one person dropped their gaze from us. When we’re together we tend to have the effect on people.

  I noticed someone walking our way out of the corner of my eye. It was Brent. “You need something, Tori?” he asked as he walked past us. I watched as the muscles in his arm flexed when he pushed the barn door closed. Even if you didn’t know him you’d be able to tell that he’s athletic. He has a strong, muscular build and he carries himself like one, cockiness and all.

  “We want to hang out with you guys.” She looked at me then back at Brent. “Please?” she begged.

  A blond guy sitting on a hay bale in the corner chimed in. “Come on, Brent! They’re not in high school anymore. We’ll all be going to school together this year anyway. We’re bound to end up at the same parties.”

  Brent looked at me then back at Tori. “I guess I don’t have much of a choice.” Yeah, I thought to myself, Tori isn’t very good at giving people choices. She always gets what she wants.

  “Thank you, Brent!” A smile spread across her face.

  I looked around the barn, it wasn’t at all like I had imagined. Brent had been having these parties for the last two years and Tori had been dying to come to one of them. I’m not too impressed. It looked just like it did during the day, there were hay bales lining the walls and loose hay strewn across the ground. The only difference was they had some music playing and a keg off to one side with red Solo cups scattered around. They tried to dress it up by addin
g white Christmas lights across the beams of the ceiling. That’s more than most guys would do, I guess.

  “You girls want a beer?” the blond guy asked.

  “Travis, keep in mind, she’s still my sister,” Brent warned. He’s always been really protective of Tori. Poor guy is going to have a heart attack when she starts going to the same school as him. We went to high school with him for a year but she hadn’t exactly grown in to her looks yet.

  “I know, man. It’s all good, it’s just a beer.” The Travis guy held up his red cup.

  Tori grabbed my hand and pulled me over to the keg where he was standing. As I glanced around, I noticed there weren’t even that many people here, and most of them—wait—all of them were guys.

  “When’s Nate supposed to be here?” I heard one of the guys ask Brent.

  “He said ten minutes about ten minutes ago, so he should be here anytime.” Brent walked over and stood next to me. I was a little relieved that at least I knew him. Tori would be focusing all her attention on the guys drooling over her tonight.

  “What am I going to do with her?” Brent grabbed a cup from a small shelf on the wall and began filling it up with beer. I immediately knew he was talking about Tori. She was already sitting next to Travis, giggling and flirting.

  “Well, if you could, I’m sure you would lock her in the basement forever, but that’s not really socially acceptable these days.”

  Brent laughed. “I guess you’re right. But if I could, I would. I just don’t want to see her get hurt, ya know?” He handed me the cup he’d filled.

  “Thanks.” I took the cup from his hand. “I know. I don’t, either. But she’s a strong girl and she knows how to handle herself…and if she can’t, she knows she’s got a brother that’ll kick someone’s ass in a heartbeat.”

  It was sweet seeing how much he cared about her. And here Tori thought he was just being an asshole, but the truth was that he’d been protecting her. I took a drink of my beer. I wasn’t a big drinker but every once in a while, when I felt like celebrating, I’d have my fair share of drinks, and for whatever reason, tonight felt like one of those nights.

  Chapter 2

  “Well, it’s about time!” I heard a guy yell as the barn door slid open and a group of girls walked in. They all looked over Tori and I as they paraded in like a herd of cattle. Tori looked at me and covered her mouth to try and keep herself from laughing. These girls weren’t exactly what you would call good looking. They would be more in the category of…trashy.

  “Hey! It’s not my fault! These girls take forever to get ready!” a guy’s voice yelled from the door.

  “Too bad it doesn’t show,” Tori whispered and we both burst out laughing.

  “Tori! Your brother finally let you join in the fun, huh?” the guy teased.

  I turned around to see who the mystery voice belonged to and my immediate thought was damn. Where did this guy come from? I watched as he ran his fingers through his dark brown hair. It was one of those things where you want to look away but you just can’t bring yourself to do so. He looked at me and I felt my knees weaken. Then, he smiled at me. Okay, I seriously think I’m going to pass out now. I looked down in hopes to distract myself but that was a mistake. His t-shirt clung to him tightly and I could see the muscle definition in both his chest and abs. If he looks that good with his shirt on, I could only imagine what he’d look like with it off.

  “I know! It’s about time, right?” I watched him as he grabbed himself a beer. Just by the way he walked I could tell he knew he was hot and he was proud of it. I could see Tori looking at me from the corner of my eye but I couldn’t get myself to turn away. “Summer.” Tori grabbed my arm and pulled me closer to her and the mystery man. “I want you to meet Nate. He’s one of Brent’s good friends. I’m actually surprised you guys haven’t met before since he’s been practically living here the last couple months. He just moved back here a few months ago.”

  “Nice to meet you.” He smiled and held his hand out. I noticed a large skull tattoo on the inside of his forearm. Was it weird that I was a little excited I got to touch him? Okay, yeah, that’s a little creepy.

  I put my hand in his. “Nice to meet you, too.” I wanted to melt when we made eye contact again, and maybe it was just me, but it seemed like we were shaking hands a few seconds longer than we needed to. How did Tori not tell me about him? I’m going to have to have a talk with her later.

  “Nate, come sit down.” A whiny voice broke my train of thought and I took back my hand. “I’ve missed you.” One of the girls that came in earlier clung to his arm and nibbled on his earlobe; it made me take notice of the black gauges in them.

  “All right, babe. Give me a sec and I’ll grab you a drink.” She ran her hand down his chest and stomach then pulled on the black belt that wrapped around his waist. She looked over at me and made sure I knew she was claiming her territory before she stumbled away. She must’ve already had a bit to drink before they got here. I watched him fill up another red cup. He looked up and caught me staring. I wanted to look away again but I didn’t want to make the moment any more awkward than it already was so I just smiled, turned around, and walked away.

  ***

  As the night went on we all got a few drinks in us and I started to notice the guys and girls were pairing up and disappearing to the back of the barn. Tori had quite a few drinks in her and seemed really into that Travis guy, for tonight anyway, so I made sure to keep an eye on her as I was mingling. I knew he was friends with Brent and probably wouldn’t try anything stupid, but I still wasn’t about to leave them alone together.

  I couldn’t stop myself from glancing over towards Nate and that girl every couple minutes. That couldn’t be his girlfriend, could it? He was definitely way out of her league. What the hell would he be doing with a girl like that? She must be trashed because she was straddling and grinding on him and she didn’t even seem to notice or care that her ass was hanging out of the bottom of her jean skirt for everyone to see. Classy.

  “You having fun?” I heard Brent’s voice from behind me.

  I turned around. “Yeah, I am, actually. It’ll be nice to know some older people at Charleston.”

  “Good. You know if you ever need anything, just let me know.”

  “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.” I smiled at him.

  “You want to go outside? It’s getting kind of stuffy in here.” The air did seem to be getting a little hot and sticky. It must be from all the hooking up that was going on around me.

  “Sure.” I followed him to the barn door and watched him slide it open. A cool breeze rushed in and I got goosebumps as it hit my skin. He gestured for me to go out first, so I did. Before he closed the door, I turned around to catch one last glance inside to see what Nate and that girl were up to, but they were gone.

  Chapter 3

  “So, what are your plans for the summer?” Brent walked over and leaned against the wooden fence that surrounded the horses. I could tell by the way he carried himself that he was a little tipsy. Okay, I think it would be safe to say he was drunk.

  “I’m not sure yet.” I climbed up to the top rail and sat down. “Maybe get a job.” I brought my cup up to my lips and tilted my head back. The last little bit of alcohol ran into my mouth.

  “Parents’ idea?” I watched as his hand that rested on the fence slid a little closer to my thigh. Oh geez, maybe coming out here wasn’t such a good idea.

  “No. Mine, actually.” I rested my hand on the fence between his hand and my leg. Maybe he’d get the hint. “They would rather I don’t do anything over the summer because they don’t want me to get burnt out before I spend the next few years going to school.”

  “What are you going for?”

  “They want me to be a doctor. If it were up to me, I’d take a year off and work, maybe even get some traveling in. But they aren’t too fond of that idea.”

  “Well, it’s kind of up to you. It’s your future.” He moved from beside
me to right in front of me. I kept my legs together in an attempt to keep him at a distance. I was sitting a couple inches higher than him but I had an idea where this was going.

  “You obviously don’t know my parents.” I jumped off the fence and attempted to make my way to the barn, but his muscular arm came up and blocked my way. “I should probably go check on Tori.” I attempted to duck under his arm but he moved it down again to block my way. The muscles in his bicep tightened.

  “She’ll be fine.” He moved in closer and the smell of booze lingered on his breath. “I trust Travis,” he whispered in my ear. Every muscle in my body tensed up. I had a million thoughts of how I could get out of this and a majority of them included hurting Brent, which could make this situation go from bad to worse. I didn’t want to be doing this right now, not just right now but ever. Brent’s always been a nice guy, before this anyway, but I wouldn’t ever date him. My parents would love for me to bring someone like him home. But I want more—I blame it on all the love stories I read and hear, I want that love at first sight, can’t get you out of my head kind of love.

  “Brent!” My body eased at the sound of someone’s voice. I felt butterflies in my stomach when I looked over and saw Nate standing outside the barn door. I hadn’t heard him come out. I wonder how long he’d been standing there? I hope he’s not thinking I’m trying to hook up with Brent or anything. “Why don’t you come back inside? I have someone I want you to meet!”

  “Can’t you see I’m a little busy?” He attempted to mask the aggression in his voice but he wasn’t doing a very good job.

  “Come on, man—I have a feeling you’ll really like this one!” Nate yelled back.

  “We can continue this later,” Brent whispered in my ear before he stumbled away. That was so weird. I’d never seen him act that way before. I wonder if he always gets like that when he drinks. I made a mental note to steer clear of Brent when he’s drinking, or at least not to be alone with him.