Page 12 of On Broken Wings

“What?” I stared at him for a few beats until I realized he was serious.

“Get whatever you want. You pick tonight’s food.” He leaned back on his side of the booth and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m at your mercy.”

“Um, ok.” I smiled as I looked over the menu some more. I already knew what I was going to get, but I needed to make him think it was taking me awhile. When our waitress appeared beside the table, I smiled up at her. “We’ll take a large bacon and mushroom.” I grinned.

It didn’t take long for our pizza to arrive, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. “I never took you for a bacon lover.” Nate smiled as I shoved a huge bite into my mouth.

“I love bacon,” I mumbled around the bite. “Doesn’t everybody?”

“Sounds like a good theory.” He chuckled as he started eating his own piece. We ate in silence after that, only murmuring thank yous as we had seconds. It was nice, and surprising. I didn’t expect to enjoy myself the way I was with Nate. I’d heard such terrible rumors about the way he treated women, but he’s been nothing but nice to me since he first said hello. I was beginning to wonder if any of it was true.

“Thanks.” I smiled at him as he held the door open on our way out. “I had fun.”

“Were you expecting not to?” His head tipped to the side as he stared down at me.

“No.” I shrugged. “It’s just…”

“It’s just what?” He stopped and turned to face me. We were in the parking lot now, and it was dark. The sun had set long ago, and the evening air was chilly. I shivered against the light fall breeze. “You cold?”

“No.” I shook my head. “It’s just that we’re kind of an odd pair. You’re a jock, and I’m…”

“You’re an athlete too.” His brow furrowed. “Here.” He reached in the backseat of his car, and grabbed his letterman’s jacket.

“I’m fine.” I shook my head.

“You’re cold Jen. Just take it.” He sighed as he thrust it in my direction.

“Thanks.” I slipped it on. It dwarfed my small frame, but warmed me up quickly.

Nate smiled. “It looks good on you. Hop in. I’ll take you home.”

The drive to my house was quick. When we pulled into my driveway, Nate parked, but left the engine running. He walked me to the door, and paused.

“Here.” I started to remove the jacket. “I don’t want to forget to give you this.”

“Keep it. You can wear to school Monday.” He smirked as he shifted on his feet. He looked almost nervous.

“But people will think we’re together.” I stumbled over the words.

“Would that be bad?” He moved closer and leaned in. “I like you, Jen. I had fun tonight. I’d like to do this again.” His words got quieter and quieter until he was almost whispering. Before I could respond, he pressed his lips to mine. The shock of it all caused me to gasp, and when I did, he slipped his tongue between my lips. Now, Darrin and I had made out before, but Nate’s kisses were so different. Where Darrin was a lazy kisser, Nate’s were powerful, almost like a drug. His hands came up to frame my face as his tongue massaged mine. I instinctively stepped closer, and he groaned. When he broke the kiss, we just stood there staring at each other. He was panting, and I could see what looked like a war going on in his eyes. “Damn, Jenni,” he hissed.

“Yeah.” I shook my head to clear it. I needed to get inside before I said something stupid. “I’ll see you Monday.” I reached for the door as he began backing up toward the stairs.

“Un huh.” He nodded before jogging down the steps, and hopping in his car.

I went inside, and just stood in front of the window watching him as he drove away. When I was sure he couldn’t see me, I snuggled down into his jacket, and inhaled. It smelled just like him, and I knew that I was a goner. Nate Carter had worked his way under my skin, and if I wasn’t careful he’d be weaseling his way under other things too.

Chapter 5

Jenni

Homecoming. When the school year started, I could have sworn that Darrin and I would be attending the game together, and then making an appearance at the dance before he took me somewhere more private. It’s what we had done the year before, but this year was different.

A few days after my date with Nate, he asked me to be his sponsor in the homecoming court. I wasn’t sure I was going to do it at first, but Kenzie pretty much told me she would disown me as a best friend if I told him no. At first I thought she was kidding, but the glare she gave me when I laughed at her told me she wasn’t. After a week’s pressure from the two of them, I gave in.

Nate and I have been spending pretty much every day together. It’s weird really. We never really defined what we were, but I’m thinking that we’re a thing since everybody else assumes we are. He’s never refuted it when one of his friends called him out. I still have his letter jacket, and wear it practically every day. I’d be lying if I said that bothered me.

oooooooo

---