Page 12 of Unspoken Hearts
Chapter four
Reid
Isthereacurefor sweaty hands when you look at someone you should see as your sister but don’t? No? Okay just thought I’d check.
I run my rough hands on my jeans again as we pull up into the parking spot down the street from the pub. Being a Sunday night, it’s fairly rowdy in there, music and shouting flooding the main street. The large Ashwood Afterhours sign is illuminated above in rusted letters with mountains etched in the background.
One of the largest buildings in the town, it’s hard to miss, especially after dinner. Recycled brick, large windows painted black and a barn timber door, it’s the heart of our small town.
Sliding out of Grayson’s ute, I shove my hands into my pockets, hoping the sweating will cease once I’ve seen her. I know Macie shouldn’t give me this effect, but I haven’t been able to shake it ever since I met her.
She was only thirteen, and I was fifteen, but I knew instantly that there was something special about her. From her long copper hair, bright emerald eyes, flushed cheeks. She’s the only girl I’ve ever wanted, even if Grayson warned me to stay away from her.
It’s the one area in his life he wants to keep to himself, and it definitely shows.
Grayson strolls beside me as Cole and Holden take the rear. Aspen stayed home with our parents, because Holden won’t let her near the pub, and for a good reason. It can get quite rowdy, and also, she’s only four.
As soon as Grayson pushes the door open, golden lights stream down as loud country music and chattering fills my ears. I should be used to the scent of beer, wood and leather by now, but I’m still surprised like a smack to my face each time I enter.
Since we grew up here, we know everyone in town, so it takes us a few minutes of walking past, greeting people until Grayson spots the girls in our usual brown upholstered booth along the side wall. Pictures, memorabilia and lit alcohol signs cover the timber walls, along with sports teams and speakers.
Us four make our way over, and Laynie peers up first, straightening her posture, blonde hair spilling from her brown brimmed hat. Her grin is immediately directed at Grayson.
My eyes are trained on Macie, who looks over her shoulder, gaze colliding with mine.
I feel the breath momentarily being knocked from my throat and I clear it, tearing my eyes away to stabilise myself.
It’s like the intensity of her green eyes is so brilliant it blinds me, making my heart hammer faster.
“You didn’t order us drinks?” Grayson grimaces.
Laynie leans back in the chair, smiling lazily up at him while slowly swirling the straw in her glass of pink liquid.
I bet it tastes too sweet, whatever it is.
“You’re a big boy. You can order it yourself.” she quips back easily.
Grayson snickers before grabbing a hold of my arm. “We’ll get them, then, since you’re so inconsiderate.” and he drags me over to the counter as Cole and Holden slide into the booth with the girls.
Letting go, I let out a gentle sigh as we wait behind a young couple ordering. My hands return to my pockets, possibly feeling even clammier than when I first walked in.
Stupid hands.
People dance around us, drinking and talking, the feeling of suffocating at the forefront of my mind. I’m not afraid of cluttered rooms, but I am more sensitive to noise than the average person.
Sucking in a deep breath, I glance over in Macie’s direction. My gaze finds hers again, like a moth to a flame, holding for a second, and it makes the noise less intruding.
My throat works as she smiles, blinking away, severing the miniscule moment. I cherish every little moment I get with her.
The spark of heat rushes through me, and I can feel my neck flushing.
Controlling myself, I feel Grayson lean closer, invading my space. “We’re here to make her feel better.”
I frown at him.
“What?” Is all I can grumble out, slightly confused.
His eyes roll as Grayson leans in again to whisper over the noise. “Macie. Axel left this morning, and we are here to make her feel better, so make sure you’re friendly tonight.”
