Chapter 1

Welcome to Texas

Kari's pov

Have you had one of those days where if it could go wrong it did? Well that's what happened to me. I was suppose to be moving to France or someplace like that; but am I? No. My dad's job transferred him to….Texas! He's an army solder. He was wounded in action and was doing some thing we can't know. And now he's been transferred. He's to recuperate and then go back.

Go back. God! I hated it. The money my dad made was great. I mean I guess there is a price for one's life. But….thinking about my daddy not coming home someday frightened the hell out of me.

I couldn't begin to imagine what my mother felt. The fear of him not coming home someday had to be hard for her too.

My parents were really close. They were more than just married. They were each other's best friend and their love was incredible. I was just glad to be a representation of that love. I hoped someday I'd find love like that.

My mom was a teacher. She was going to be teaching at the college I'm to start next year. I was taking child development classes. I was training to become a Social Worker.

My mom was a great woman. She loves me so much and at times she can be over protective. But that's her way of loving you. And to show that love she followed my dad to Texas without complaint.

Now don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with the Lonestar State. Well….one thing. It's hot! But from what I saw on the state when I googled it it's beautiful!

I hate the heat though. You get all sticky and sweaty. It's nasty. And yet; here I am on a plane going to….Texas.

I had my long strawberry blond hair in a braided pony tail. Though I'm doubting it will help in that heat.

I pulled my compact out to check my make up. My aqua blue eyes stared back at me. I was thin, and stood five foot three.

I looked over and saw my mom and dad talking. They were all so happy. Grr. I made a face and turned back to the window. How was I going to have any fun this summer? I knew no one.

The stewardess came on and told us to buckle up for landing. I claimed my things at the luggage pick up and followed my parents to the taxi. Hi ho hi ho it's off to home we go.

I took a window seat in the taxi and watched as Texas went by in blur.

I chuckled as I thought of something. I wondered if everything really was bigger in Texas. Hehe.

When we pulled up to our house I saw it was a really pretty place. It was a big Victorian house with a wrap around porch. It was a dark yellow with white shutters. But my attention was drawn next door.

There was a butt towards me. Yes; a butt. And a cute one at that. It was bent over a car. "Kari." I turned to my mom and grabbed my bags.

I took my things to my room not paying attention to it and ran out the door. "I'm going to introduce myself to our neighbor." I said and took off. Maybe Texas wasn't going to be so bad after all.

I made sure I looked good and walked over. "Hello." I said to the bent over form.

Bam! He busted his head on the hood. He turned to me. "Darn, that hurt." He looked up and saw me. "Howdy." He rubbed his head.

My lord he was hot! He was around six foot and slim but had muscles. He had shoulder length honey blond hair and beautiful baby blues. He was shirtless and in a pair of warn out greasy blue jean shorts. He was yummy.

He was all tan…..and beautiful. "Hello. I moved in next door. I'm Kari Nickels."

That was when I noticed he was checking me out. I was glad what I had chosen to wear. I was in a red tank top, black jean shorts and my brown sandals.

"Hi Kari I'm Jasper Whitlock." He really and I mean really; had that Texas slang and southern draw, and my god was it sexy. "Are yah new to Texas?"

"Huh? Oh! Yeah. We just moved here from Georgia." I answered felling like an idiot.

He smiled and wiped his hands. "I'd shake yer hand but ewe." He showed me his hands. They were covered in oil or something like. I wasn't sure. I didn't really care. I was watching his face.

"That's okay Jasper." I smiled at him. He blushed! I had never seen a boy do that before; but he did! And he made it look hot.

My heart was racing! He just cleared his throat. "So….um have ya seen anything yet? I mean site seeing." He turned back to the car. I watched his muscles flex as he worked under the hood of his car.

"Nope. We landed today." I watched his strong looking hands put the cap back on when he finished adding oil.

Then I heard, 'All Ready There' by Lonestar playing. He wiped his hands. He then using a rag he picked up his phone.

He smiled at me. "Yep?" he said into the phone.

I started to walk away to give him privacy but he tapped my shoulder. He covered the mouth piece, "Please don't go." He looked so sad at that thought. I couldn't leave him.

I smiled. I nodded and walked around looking at the car as he talked.

I realized what it was. "Oh my god this is a Stang!" It was baby blue and, "And convertible too!" Ford Mustangs were my favorite cars.

Without thinking I started checking it out more. I was peaking in the window to see the inside when I heard. "Naw. I'm busy tonight." He was still on the phone.

The inside was white and blue leather. Odd switch. I walked on down and saw horses on the door running.

"I love your car." I said walking back up to him.

"Thanks. I bought her in a junk yard and fixed her up." He paused and said,

"I wasn't talking to you, I was talking to someone else." He spoke into the phone.

Pause.

"Shut up. I got-a go." He started to close his phone. "Because I have company." He winked at me. I blushed this time! He was driving my heart crazy.

He was getting mad; but not at me. "I'm a not lie-in." He spoke harshly.

To help him out I spoke again closer to him. "I really love your car."

I heard the voice on the phone. "Is that a babe?"

"Yeah. She moved in next door and came to introduce herself." He smiled as I leaned on his car and winked at him.

He winked back. "I'm not make-in no promises Edward. I'll chat with ya later. Bye buddy." Then he closed the phone.

"My apologies. I don't usually answer the phone when I have company but Edward is persistent. He'll a keep a call-in." he reached for the hood and I moved. He closed it and looked at me.

"So Jasper, what are you not making promises about?" I followed him to a sink in his carport. Yes, I watched his butt.

He turned on the water. "There is a fair tonight. It's….." he paused and looked at his hands. He seemed to be unsure of what to say.

His torso was so sexy. I could see all his muscles and his six pack abs.

He looked….nervous. "Jasper; what's wrong?" I was worried it was me.

He turned to face me when he was done. "It's couples night tonight. Edward's wonder-in if I'm coming and…..bringing you." He put his hands on the sink and looked down at it. "He can be a prick some times; I'm tell-in ya." He shook his head and threw the towel in the sink.

I moved closer and had a thought. Why not? He's hot, he's seems sweet, and he was a gentleman. "So….?"

He turned to me. "So; what darl-in?"

I smiled at him. "I love fairs. I haven't been to one in years." I said honestly.

It was as if a light turned on. He lit up. "Would ya like to go to the fair with me?"

"Yeah. I would." I smiled. "Do we go in your Stang?" I looked back at the car.

He lit up more. "If ya wanna. I need a shower and then we can head out. I'll come to your house and get you. It's only right." He was so….Ahhh.

My parents were going to love him! I think part of me already did. "Okay; I'll go do the same. See you in about an hour or so?" I asked.

"Yes ma'am. Can I walk you to your door?" he offered his arm. I smiled up at him. He moved a loose strand of my hair off my face. His touch sent tingles down my body.

I took it and let him walk me to my house. His arm was strong and toned.

"Well here's where we part for now. I'll be back as soon as I can." He smiled at me with those white teeth of his. I stole a glance of his lips. They were full and very kissable….maybe later.

I found it very hard to let go of him but I had to and ran up to my room and quickly dug through my packed things and find my rose bath stuff and a nice outfit. I had my own bath in my room and I locked the door to my room so I could leave the bathroom one open. It was to darn hot to close it as I went to shower.

As the water fell on my head he ran through my mind. His voice; like when he said my name. And his eyes. Oh those eyes; those beautiful blue eyes. Being around him was….dreamy.

I knew I was falling irrationally fast; but I couldn't help it. He seemed so right. It was as if he already owned my heart. And truth be told; I didn't want it back.

I bathed, shaved and shampooed and got out. I slid my robe on and then I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. I looked out the window and saw…..Jasper! Our rooms were across from each other!

I slid my window open and tried to get his attention. I picked up a pen and tossed it at his window. It hit it's mark and he turned. He waved and smiled at me.

He was gathering something in his hands. Clothes.

I needed to get dressed! I closed the blinds and dressed. I put on my pink flutter sleeve top; then I slid on my white pink flower tie belt shorts. After putting on my pink socks I slid my dainty feet into my white vans casual shoes. I added my rose necklace, earrings and bracelet.

I added my make up, did my hair in a long braided pony tail and grabbed my purse. "Mom! Dad!" I yelled for them.

"Kitchen!" mom yelled.

"I have a date. I'm going to the fair. Is that okay?" I asked as I walked in.

"Who are you going with?" dad asked.

"That was fast." Mom added.

"Jasper Whitlock. He lives…" Ding dong. "Right next door. And he's here."

I grabbed my white Drwcys cardigan and followed my parents to the door.

"Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Nickels. I'm Jasper Whitlock." He was dressed in jeans with his black shirt tucked in with a black belt around his waist. He had on a tan leather jacket and converse on his feet. He even had some kind of necklace around his neck.

"Good evening Jasper. It's nice to meet you. How old are you; if I may ask?" my father asked.

"Of course ser. I'm twenty-one ser."

"That's not to bad a difference. She's nineteen." My mother stated embarrassing me.

"What are your plans for the evening?" my father asked as I slid my cardigan on.

"Well ser, it being early I thought perhaps dinner and then we're off to the fair." He smiled politely.

"Okay." My dad started to pull out his wallet. He started to hand me money.

"That's not necessary ser. I'll pay for everything. I asked her out. It's only right." He looked so serious.

"Okay Mr. Whitlock. Take care of her. Have her home by twelve." My father shook his hand.

"Will eleven do? My curfew is then." He asked as I walked up to him.

"That will be fine son. You kids have a good time."

"I think my dad likes you." I said as we walked to his car. He had drove up to my house. He opened the door for me. I'd expected nothing else from him.

"I'm glad. I like him too. What are their names kitten? I'm just curious." He closed the door for me.

When he was in he put on his seatbelt so I did the same. "Amoria and Nickolas." I said.

" I like them. Her name is pretty. I should warn ya….I get picked on a lot and teased. You maybe too; being with me." He gripped the steering wheel. "Ya can back out if ya want."

I saw the pain and fear in his eyes. "Jasper?"

"Yes?" he stared strait a head.

"Start the car. It's hot in here." I gently spoke. He turned and looked at me.

"Really?" he was so unsure of himself.

"She hurt you; bad, didn't she?" I asked watching his face. He had the tell-tell signs of a recent broken heart.

He looked at my eyes. "Is it that obvious?"

"Yeah. It's all over your face Jasper." I reached out and stroked his clean shaven face. He closed his eyes.

He sighed; with his eyes still closed he said, "This is wonderful. I'd forgotten how nice a girl's touch was."

"Oh god. What did she do to you?" I cupped his face in my hands. He jumped but didn't pull back.

He was silent but he soon had tears! "Jasper!" I let go of his face and got out of the car. I ran to his side and opened the door. "Come here Jasper." I offered him my arms to run to.

He got out and I pulled him into my arms. He was hesitant for a moment then his arms draped around me. "You don't have to cry Jasper. I'm not her. I won't hurt you. If you need to cry lets go someplace else. Just us. Alone. We can talk and you can cry if you need to." I was babbling; but I didn't care.

He tightened his grip on me and I let him. We stood their awhile and then he gently rubbed my arms up and down and then pulled back. His eyes were red. "I bet I look a fright."

I looked up at him with my arms still around his waist. "No. In pain Jasper. You're in pain."

He stroked my cheeks with him thumbs. He took in and let out a deep breath. "I was."

"But you're not anymore?" I asked closing my eyes and leaning into his hand.

"That depends." He softly spoke as he stroked my face.

"On what?" I asked.

"On you."

"Me?"

"Yes. Do I have a reason not to be in pain anymore?" his breath was closer to my face. It was warm and smelt like aquafresh toothpaste. His cologne was…..breathtaking. It made me lightheaded.

"Yes." I answered softly as he seemed to be getting closer. My heart raced.

Tell me; is the reason you?"

I gripped the sides of his shirt in my fists. "Yes." I said yet again. It seemed with every time I said it my voice became quieter.

"Are you sure?"

"Jasper?" I was getting impatient.

"Yes Kari?"

He was inches from my face now. "For god sakes kiss me already."

He didn't have to be told twice. He cupped my face and his lips claimed mine with passion. His kiss was strong, demanding, yet tender. My hands found their way to the nape of his neck and I wrapped my arms around him. His hands moved to the back of my head and to the center of my back holding me close.

When he pulled back slowly we both stared at one another. "Wow." He smiled at me.

"Yeah. Wow. And a few other things like that. That was incredible for a first kiss." I was panting a little.

"I was your…." His eyes got wide for a moment. "You've never been kissed before? Ever?"

"Not really. I've been peck kissed. But nothing like that!" I traced his lips. "I can't wait for the next one."

He smiled. "You don't have to." He leaned in and kissed me again. And yet again my arms slid around him.

"Kari?"

"Yes?" I laid my head on his chest.

"As much as I love this I need to feed you."

"Okay Jazz."