A/N: I am so completely excited about this story. It will be a while before I update, but I wanted to share it with you guys. Review it please and tell me what you think. This is going to be a very long and emotional story. I just can't wait. Lol. Anyway, thank you guys for reading my stories. I will continue my updates of "Make Damn Sure" and "Love Me Back To Life" as usual. Follow me on twitter if you haven't already! AViolentEmotion
As we drove toward the house, I was nervous. He gave me a warm smile and squeezed my hand. "Relax." He said softly. "They're going to love you." He added.
I smiled and let out the breath I had been holding. He had proposed to me a week ago. Without hesitation, I said yes. He was everything I wanted. Handsome, kind, patient. He was just perfect. Now that we were engaged, he wanted me to meet his family. I was excited and nervous. He always talked about his family and I knew he loved them very much. As we pulled up to his family home, I could see his eyes light up. He quickly opened the door and exited the vehicle. I watched as he jumped into the arms of a rather scruffy looking dark haired man. They shoved each other and laughed. I carfully stepped out of the car and smoothed my clothes. He drug what I assumed to be his brother over to meet me.
"Hi. I'm Shane." He said smiling warmly and extending his hand.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Selena." I say as I take his hand in mine returning the smile. I can feel the hard callouses on his palms.
"This knucklehead has told me a lot about you." He said grabbing Nate and ruffling his hair.
"Where's Demi?" Nate asked looking around as he pushed his older brother away playfully.
"You know how she is, wild as the wind." I heard another voice say from the front door. I watched as an older man made his way toward us. His hair was dark like Shane's and Nate's. I assumed that he was their father. He was tall and looked very sturdy. He walked over to Nate and wrapped him up in a tight hug. "It's good to see you son." He said smiling. "This must be Selena." He stated as he took my hand in his.
"Yes." I answered with a smile.
"My name is Steve." He said. I immediately noticed the mischievous sparkle in his eye.
"I'm so happy to meet you." I tell him. "Nate talks about you guys all the time."
"It will be nice to have another woman around the house." Steve smiled. "You're staying for the summer?" He asked.
"Yes." Nate said smiling at his father. "I figured it would allow everyone to get to know each other before the wedding."
"I'm looking forward to it." I chime in.
"I'm gonna head inside and help Connie finish up supper. I'll see you in a bit sweetheart." He said to me. "Nate." He said as he patted his son on the back and headed back into the house.
"Hey look!" Shane pointed out towards one of the pastures. "Here she comes." He added with a sideways grin.
I looked in the direction he was pointing. It was the first time I ever saw her. She was riding a horse full speed behind a herd of cattle. I watched as she leaned forward in the saddle and slapped the horses hindquarters with her reins. Her long brown hair flowed behind her. A wide brimmed cowboy hat was perched on top of her head. Shane quickly ran over to one of the pens and opened the gate. I could feel the ground thundering under my feet as she drew closer with the herd. I watched as Nate and Shane directed the cattle to the entrance of the pen. They all went through the opening and as quickly as it all happened, it was over. I watched as Nate walked over to the woman perched on the horse. She immediately jumped down and wrapped her arms around Nate, lifting him off the ground and shaking him.
"Little brother!" I heard her exclaim loudly. "You're still as ugly as I remembered!" She teased him as she let him go. She had one of the most amazing smiles I had ever seen. I frowned as I realized that my camera was still packed. I made a mental note to get it out of my luggage as soon as possible.
"I have someone I want you to meet Dem." He said smiling at the brown haired woman. He led her over to where I stood. I watched as she removed her hat and let it hang on her back. She removed the leather gloves she was wearing and took my hands in hers. I was surprised at how soft they were. I felt the hair on the back of my neck raise.
"She is absolutely beautiful." She told Nate as she held my gaze. Her brown eyes were intense. Blushing I looked down. "My name is Demi." She said smiling and releasing my hands.
"Selena." I said quietly. I could still feel the heat from her fingertips when she released my hands.
"We should take her inside to meet mom." I heard Shane say.
"I think Demi needs a bath first!" I heard Nate say as he doused her with the hose.
"You little shit!" I heard her growl as Nate took off running, and she followed.
"Run Nate! Run!" I heard Shane yell as he laughed loudly.
I watched with a smile as Demi caught him and wrestled him to the ground. She proceeded to give him what I can only describe as a "wedgie". Once she's satisfied that he was properly humiliated, she headed back toward the house. "I'll see you in a bit." She says. "I'm gonna take a shower." She smiles. As she walks away, we make eye contact. She holds my gaze longer than I am comfortable with and I look away blushing. Something in the way she looks at me is almost predatory. It was unnerving. I swallow a lump in my throat and remind myself to breathe.
"You ok?" Nate asks as he adjusts himself.
"Umm, yeah. I'm good. Just a long drive, that's all." I say smiling and rubbing my neck.
"Let's go." He says, wrapping his arm around my waist as we walked inside.
Once I was inside the house, Nate introduced to his mother, Connie. She was delightful and sweet. It was apparent that the boys and Steve loved her very much. As everyone sat down for dinner, Demi reappeared. I almost choked on my drink at the sight of her. I couldn't help but wonder what the hell was wrong with me. I quickly dismissed the strange feelings she was stirring within me.
"I'm so happy to have you all home." I heard Nate's mother say.
"I'm sure they are all happy as well." Steve added. "So, tell us Selena, what do you do for a living?"
"I'm a photographer." I answered.
"Really?" Demi asked. "What kind of photos do you take?" She asked as she leaned back in her chair.
"I like to capture people or places in their natural state. I don't know it that makes sense." I answer.
"It does." She says with a smile. "You take pictures when no one is looking."
"Yes pretty much." I respond.
The rest of dinner passed with light conversation and lots of laughter. I felt completely welcome and comfortable. As I watched Demi from across the table, I immediately saw that same mischievous glint her father had in his eyes in her eyes. I quickly looked away when I realized she had caught me staring. She simply smiled and winked at me then picked up her beer and took a drink. Once dinner was done, Connie went to bed and Shane and Nate went to smoke cigars and drink some scotch with their father. I decided to explore the house and take a few pictures. As I wandered around, I saw Demi sitting on the wrap around deck. She had the sliding glass door open and she was holding a beer. She seemed to be staring off into the distance. The moonlight cast a half shadow across her face. I brought my camera up and snapped several pictures. I couldn't wait to see how they turned out.
I decided to go outside and join her. I walked out to the railing and looked across the dark landscape. She sat and watched me in silence for a few moments.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" I heard her ask.
"Yes. It really is." I answered.
"You were staring at me earlier. Why?" She asked. I heard her footfalls as she stood and leaned against the railing next to me. I felt her shoulder touch mine and immediately my heart started to beat fast. She was almost suffocating. It was like the air around her was heavy.
"I don't know." I say softly. It was the truth. I really had no clue why I was staring at her.
"Hmm." She grunted as she took another drink of her beer. "I think I might be slightly drunk." She laughed nudging me with her elbow.
I glanced over at her and smiled. "So it would seem."
"What do you like to do for fun?" She asked wrinkling her nose.
"Umm, I usually take naps or read." I tell her.
"Are you fucking serious?" She asks laughing loudly. "I love naps!" She smiled.
"What about you?" I ask.
"I like to play guitar and write." She says. "Assuming I'm not napping!" She adds with a chuckle. I watch as she brings the beer to her lips and drains the rest of the bottle in four gulps. "I also drink beer."
I can't help but laugh as she leans into me. I immediately feel the goosebumps that prick my skin.
"Are you cold?" She asks as she removed her jacket and wrapped it around my shoulders.
"Thank you." I say softly. As I breathe, I am assaulted by her scent. She is completely wrapped around me. It's intoxicating. I turn to face her, our noses accidentally brush against each other. We both stop dead in our tracks as we make eye contact. As I look into her eyes, I feel the heat rise in my cheeks as I recognize the intense desire burning in their depths. She quickly pulls away and returns to her seat. I remind myself to breathe and slowly walk into the house.
As I got ready for bed, I had an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Why am I reacting this way to Nate's sister? It was unnerving. She had this prescence about her, it was almost magnetic. She was fascinating. I literally knew nothing about her except for the small details Nate had told me. He had mentioned that she was a brilliant singer and she had a bit of a rebellious streak. She loved fast cars and faster women. He failed to mention how extremly attractive and slightly cocky she was. I found her attitude to be charming and annoying at the same time. I didn't like the way she looked at me either. It was invasive and like I said earlier, predatory. After I settled into bed I closed my eyes, I couldn't get her out of my head. When i finally fell alseep I dreamed of my fiance's tattooed sister.
The next morning I woke up alone. It didn't surprise me, Nate hadn't seen his family in a while and I know he was excited to be here. I smiled as I stretched my sleepy body and climbed out of bed. I loved it here. I took a shower, dressed and headed downstairs, camera in hand ready to spend my day taking pictures.
"Hey Connie." I greeted Nate's mom. "Have you seen Nate?"
"He might be out in the shop." She answered with a smile. "It's right outside across from the house." She informed me.
"Thank you." I smiled at the older woman.
"Your're welcome dear." She answered as I walked out of the house.
I approached the shop and noticed a pair of legs clad in back skinny jeans and Chuck Taylors sticking out from under the front end of a 1969 Chevy Chevelle. I smiled as I remembered how he talked about wanting to own one of these. It didn't surprise me to find him underneath one.
"Hey baby." I said softly.
I watched as he pushed himself out from under the car. I blushed as soon as I saw the tattooed forearm reach out and grab the bumper for extra leverage. Shit, I thought.
She stood up and smirked. "We just met and you're already calling me baby." She said as her smirk melted into a sly grin. She was so annoying.
"I thought you were someone else." I said trying to remain calm.
"Mmmm. You sure?" She asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. I'm sure."
She took a step closer and I had to resist the urge to wipe the grease smudge off her cheek. She smiled at me brilliantly and brushed a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "You wanna go for a ride?" she asked smiling and motioning toward the car.
"Look, that's a really nice smile and I'm sure you're used to it to getting you whatever you want, but I'm not that girl." I stated nervously.
"Well you know what they say about nice smiles and nice cars..." Her voice was low and raspy.
"Yes, they are overrated." I interrupted as I took a step toward the exit.
"I'll see you around." She called out as I turned and walked away. I could feel her eyes on my ass the entire time.
As I walked back toward the house I spotted Nate with Shane saddling a pair of horses.
"Hey!" He called out and waved once he saw me approaching.
"Hey." I said giving him a quick peck on the lips. "What are you guys doing?" I asked.
"We're gonna check the fence up on the ridge line." Shane answered. "Wanna come?" He asked.
"No. I'm gonna hang out around here and take some pictures. Maybe next time."
"You sure babe?" Nate asked.
"Yeah. Im sure. Have fun." I said befor leaning in for a soft kiss.
"We will be back in a couple hours. You should go hang out with Demi." He said.
I looked at Shane when he let out an exaggerated laugh. "Have fun with that." He said rolling his eyes. "She's on a good one today."
"How so?" Nate asked.
"I'm gonna give you some advice when it comes to her." Shane said looking at me. "Don't get too attached. It gets messy."
"What does that even mean?" Nate asked his expression confused.
"She's just been a huge pain in the ass lately." Shane said without elaborating further.
"If you say so bro." Nate said. "Anyway, we will be home later. I love you." He said as he climbed onto the horse and rode away.
"Keep your distance." Shane said quietly as he rode off.
As soon as they left I shook my head. "What the hell?" I muttered to no one. That was extremely weird and awkward. What was he talking about. Keep your distance? What did that even mean? As I walked back toward the house, I saw Demi pulling a Harley out of the garage. She had put on a pair of sunglasses and a leather jacket. I heard the loud roar of the motorcycles engine as she started it up. She revved it a couple times before I watched the bike slowly move forward and her feet lift off the ground and rest on the foot pegs. I watched as she sped down the dirt driveway toward the highway. I wondered where she was going.
I spent the rest of the day taking pictures. It was relaxing. Once the sun started to set, I returned to the house and helped Connie prepare dinner. I heard Shane and Nate as ther boots thumped on the hardwood deck outside. I could hear them laughing as they walked through the door.
"Hey boys." Connie greeted them.
Shane leaned in and gave his mother a kiss on the cheek. "Hey Ma." He said.
"Hey mom." Nate smiled.
"How was your ride today?" Connie asked.
"It was good. We found some fence that needs repaired. Demi and I can take care of it tomorrow." Shane answered.
"Hey babe." Nate said wrapping his arm around me.
"Nate! You smell!" I exclaimed laughing.
"You boys go get washed up for dinner." Connie told them.
I watched as they disappeared down the hallway.
"He really loves it here." I stated with a smile.
"He's always been a country boy at heart." His mom said. "It was his dream to be a lawyer. He's successful now that he's in the city. Not to mention he met you." Connie said with a smile.
"I'd love to have the wedding out here. Your ranch is amazing." I said.
"Well, I don't see why that would be a problem. How about we do the wedding at the end of the summer?" She asked.
"I'm sure Nate won't mind. I'll talk to him tonight."
"You do that honey." She said with a warm smile.
Once the tab,e was set, the rest of the family made there way into the dinning room for dinner. I immediately noticed that Demi was absent.
"Demi not coming?" Nate asked.
"She took off on her bike today." His father answered. "There's no telling when she'll get back."
"Figures." Shane mumbled. "She knows we got shit to do tomorrow."
"Shane!" Connie scolded. "Language."
"Yes ma'am." He apologized.
"It looks a bear took out the fence up on the ridge line." Nate said to his father.
"Demi's bear?" Steve asked.
"It's missing a toe in its footprint." Shane replied as he took a drink of his beer.
"I'm lost. Demi has a bear?" I asked.
Shane and Nate both laughed. "When we were younger, we were camping and this big grizzly wandered into our camp. Demi, being the reckless, crazy person that she is, got it to follow her away from us by being loud and threatening toward it. She pissed it off. Anyway, she ended up getting backed into a tree and it clawed the shit out of her arm. She managed to stab it in its foot and took one of its toes and claws with her. It ran away and we've randomly seen it around. She had the chance to shoot it couple years ago, but for some reason she didn't." Nate explained.
"Oh my god." I said shocked.
"She did it to protect Nate." Shane said. "Demi is the kind of person that once she makes a promise, she keeps it. She promised dad that we would take care of Nate. He's the baby after all."
"It's true." Nate said. "She's looked after me since we were kids."
"She's a damn fool." Steve grumbled. "One of these days she's gonna get herself killed." He added.
"You should get to know her better Sel." Nate said to me. "She's a huge part of my life."
"Ok." I said smiling.
Once dinner was finished, Nate and I went upstairs to our room.
"I wanted to ask you something." I said to him as I laid down on the bed.
"Anything." He said laying next to me.
"I wanna get married here at the end of the summer." I said hopefully. "Can we?" I asked.
He smiled. "Absolutely." He said as he leaned in and kissed me.
I woke up and saw the moonlight shinning through the window. I looked over at the clock on the nightstand and groaned. It was only 2:30 am. I got out of bed and went downstairs to make some tea. As I walked through the kitchen, I noticed the sliding glass door was open. I looked around before carefully walking toward the open door. I could hear the soft sound of a guitar and one of the most beautiful sopranos I've ever heard singing. I saw her sitting on the hard wood of the deck. Her legs were crossed and in her lap, she had a guitar. She was singing something that I had never heard before. I stayed in the doorway and listened.
"I know you're there." She stated as she stopped singing but continued to strum the instrument.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude." I said slightly embarrassed.
"It's fine." She said her tone soft. "Would you like to sit?" She asked.
Against my better judgment, I agreed. "Sure." I said calmly, as I sat on the couch behind her.
"Trouble sleeping?" She asked as she shifted to face me.
"Yeah. I woke up and decided to make tea." I explained.
"I guess the insomnia explains your love of naps." She smiled.
"I guess so." I said smiling back. "What about you?" I asked.
"I'm a night owl." She said. "I like the night sky. There's nothing more beautiful." She said, looking directly into my eyes. There it was. That look. Her dark brown eyes bored into my soul.
I cleared my throat. "They told me a out your bear."
"And?"
"I can't tell if you're fearless or just reckless."
"Maybe I'm both." She said, her eyes flickering towards my lips. She stood and put down the guitar. I watched as she walked out into the yard. I immediately missed her. I wanted her closer. I got up and followed her into the yard. I gasped as my bare feet touched the cool wet grass. Once I caught up to her, she turned around and faced me.
"Lena." She whispered. "What are you doing." She asked with a low raspy voice.
"I don't know." I said as I felt her cup my cheek and brush her thumb across my lips.
"Do you feel that?" She asked as her hand dropped back to her side.
I nodded. "I can't." I whispered.
She didn't say anything. I knew what was about to happen. Looking back I should have walked away, but I couldn't. She was like gravity and I was powerless. No matter how much I wanted to run, I still wanted her more. I knew nothing about her but I wanted her to be mine. The moment her lips touched mine, she crushed me. I had never felt a more powerful kiss. Her lips were soft and she tasted like mint and Jack Daniels. Her tongue massaged mine, like she'd kissed me a million times before. I heard the soft moan that escaped my throat as she pulled me into her body. My mind was screaming at me to stop, but my body said otherwise. Her hands gripped my hips tightly as she continued her assault on my lips. Before I knew what hit me, she was storming toward the house while I stood there wondering what the hell just happened.