Chapter 16

Yes! You guys made it. I’m happy to see you. Drinks are over there by the jacuzzi and food is in the kitchen through the double doors. Have fun,” he said.

Casey smiled big and thanked him. “Thanks Cy. We will find our way around like we always do,” she said.

Her tone was a little flirty, but I also was in a weird headspace so I could be making more out of words than I should. As we walked over to the coolers to grab some cold drinks, someone tapped me on the shoulder.

“Hey Brees, hey Casey. It’s good to see you both,” Jeff said.

“Hey Jeff,” I said.

“So, do either of you want to come inside to play some games? They are drinking games but you can use soda!” he said pointing to the deck area.

“Sure,” I said, shooting Casey a quick glare.

I knew she wasn’t happy but we weren’t doing anything other than hanging out as friends. We walked inside to find 12 others already in a game of truth or dare.

“Can we join?” Jeff asked, pulling me onto the couch.

“Of course! Jeff we will start with you my dude,” one of the guys said. “Truth or dare?”

“Truth!” Jeff shouted, as boos erupted from everyone.

“Jeff, what is your biggest regret in life,” a girl asked.

“Hmm, that is a tough one,” he pondered, “I would have to say losing Brees by being an asshole.”

The girls swooned and the boys said oohs and ahhs. He looked over at me, but I didn’t know what to say. I quickly changed the subject.

“Umm, I’ll take a dare, I suppose,” I blurted.

“Ok, Brees, I dare you to kiss Jeff for 30 seconds…” the same girl said.

I looked at him and then around the room. I hadn’t kissed Jeff in over a year and a half. The corners of his mouth turned up and he shrugged playfully.

“No problem,” I said.

“With tongue,” she finished.

I turned to look at him again and he mouthed the words, “We don’t have to.”

But I was not going to back down.

“Oh but we do,” I said, smiling at him slyly.

I pulled him closer to me by the collar of his shirt and I sat up on my knees. Our lips had done this before so it wasn’t new. I bit my lip and asked him if he was ready. He nodded and closed his eyes. I leaned in and started to kiss him. The crowd was counting down the 30 seconds. At first, it was just us going through the motions, but then he pulled me closer and I lost my breath. I couldn’t help myself and lost all cognition that anyone else was in the room. I straddled his lap and I kissed him deeper, grabbing the back of his hair. He rubbed my back gently and grabbed my hips just slightly. I could hear everyone say, “30,” but I kept kissing him. I had forgotten how good of a kisser he was. My mind was trying to become lost in this kiss and forget about my Keegan problems. After a few more moments we broke away from our kiss. He licked my lips one last time and I sat back. It was completely silent and all eyes were on us. Mouths were opened wide and people were whispering and pointing to the kitchen doorway.

As I followed their gaze and points, I saw exactly why they were all silent. Keegan had walked into the living room and he had witnessed that entire thing.

What the hell was Keegan Patts doing back in Kentwood?