Page 9 of On Broken Wings

“It’s good to see you out, but I’m surprised you’re here.” She giggled, and the other cheerleaders sitting with her joined in.

“And why is that?” Kenzie stepped up beside me.

“Well, this is a football thing, and you don’t play.” She looked to the girl on her right, and started laughing again.

“Last I checked, you didn’t either.” Kenzie’s brow scrunched as she stared Michelle down.

“I’m on the squad. You knew what I meant,” she scoffed as she flung her hair over her shoulder. It was right then that Nate decided to make another appearance.

“Hey.” He reached down and grabbed my hand. “Come with me.” He started to lead me away, and I let him. I was actually letting him touch me, and it didn’t repulse me at the same time. What the hell was wrong with me? When we got a few feet away from the fire, he stopped and stood in front of me. His face softened, and he handed me a beer. “I know you said you don’t drink, but I think you need one of these.”

“Thanks.” I rolled my eyes as I lifted it to my lips. It tasted terrible, and made my face twist as I forced it down.

“Ignore her.” He nodded in Michelle’s direction. “She’s been flirting all night, and her interest isn’t interested in her at the moment.” He smirked as he watched something over my shoulder.

“I can’t stand that bitch,” I muttered as I forced another mouthful of beer down.

“Kenzie seemed to have her handled just fine.” He laughed before he stepped closer. “I’m glad you came.” His hand lifted, and he trailed his fingers lightly down my arm. “Are you?”

“I’m still trying to decide on that,” I muttered as I looked around. Kenzie was up on the deck with the guys holding her own. It surprised me, but then again, she never liked the cheerleader type; that’s why we got along so well.

I shivered and wrapped my arms around myself. “Wanna go back over by the fire?” Nate’s head tipped to the side as he watched the indecision swim in my eyes.

“Not really.” I sighed as I shivered again.

“I’ll protect you.” He chuckled as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders once again and turned us toward the fire. “Come on.”

I followed him over, and when the warmth hit me, I couldn’t help but sigh. It felt so good, and heat from his nearness caused me to become painfully aware of the fact that he was inches away. He lowered himself into one of the chairs, placed his beer on the ground, and then patted his lap. “Sit.”

“I can get my own chair.” I stumbled over the words.

“I know you can, but I’d really like for you to sit here.” He patted his thigh. “It’ll help you warm up,” he threw in to help his case. I was just about to resist again when the last person I expected to see showed up.

“What’s this?” Darrin’s incredulous voice sounded from behind us, causing me to go stiff.

“What does it look like, asshole?” Nate growled as he turned and looked over his shoulder.

“You dating this douche now, Jen?” He moved closer. “Really? You didn’t want to give it up to me, but you’ll give it up to him?”

My stomach dropped as Darrin continued to word vomit. How dare he do this here in front of most of the football team, and Michelle of all people? “Why are you here, Darrin?” My eyes flashed in his direction.

“Yeah.” Nate stood. “Why are you here?”

“Your mom said you and Kenzie went to the game, and then were going to a party. I wanted to talk to you.” His eyes darted between us.

“I don’t have anything to say to you, Darrin.” I stepped closer to him, and he stepped back. “You need to leave.”

“Whatever.” He tossed his hands in the air. “I thought I made a mistake, but clearly I didn’t. If you want to hang with Carter and the rest of ‘em, then you aren’t the girl I thought you were.”

“Guess I’m not,” I shouted to his back as he walked away. It hurt, watching it, but part of me felt relief.

“You ok?” Nate’s hand landed on my shoulder, reminding me he was there.

“I will be. Can you get me another one of these?” I nodded to the half-finished beer in my hands. “I have a feeling I’m gonna need it.” I lifted the one I had to my lips, and tipped my head back, slowly draining it.

“Damn,” Nate hissed. “Be right back.” He nimbly jumped over the chair in his way as he jogged up the deck steps and began digging through the cooler.

“That was fast.” I giggled.

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