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By the following band's second song, Leah needed some air. Unfortunately, a mosh pit formed as they tried to work their way across the space, and Bella cringed as the familiar swaying within the crowd began. Leah was leading the way out, attempting to push through, and within a split-second, several people stood between them.
Just as Bella moved to dodge a man who staggered backward, her back slammed into a broad, warm, and very firm torso. Long black hair fell over her shoulder and she could feel warm breath hit the crown of her head.
That's…not mine… "Um…"
Large warm hands held her waist and it felt too familiar. Despite being halfway across the nation and his now-short hair, she immediately thought of Jacob. Bella spun on the heel of her boot to see who was behind her and slipped. He moved with her, catching her in muscular arms in a dip, leaving her hovering above the floor.
As Bella looked up into Kai's smiling face, her first thought was, 'He's gotta be a dancer!' Bella's second thought, accompanied by a sigh of relief, was to scream, "Holy shit! Kai!"
He shook his head as he stood her upright, and Bella threw grateful arms around him as she screamed, "Thank you!"
What in the world is he doing here? She could feel the rumble of his laugh under her cheek against his chest, but the music surrounding them was deafening.
Still clutching tightly to him, Bella began looking for Leah. When she didn't spot her nearby, Kai tapped her shoulder to get her attention and took a few steps to the side. Leah was safely between Declan and Kai's back as Declan tried to protect Leah from other moshers.
Bella couldn't help but grin, knowing Leah was more than tough enough to handle her own, skirt and all, but the gesture was sweet. Kai spun Bella toward Leah, who laughed, looking relieved as she pulled her into her arms. Kai held his arms out behind them, helping Declan shield them as all four crept through and out of the pit.
Practically screaming to be heard a mere foot away, a bright-eyed Leah said, "I can't believe you guys are here!"
"Just a coincidence," Declan yelled back, laughing.
"A lucky one," Kai said, leaning down so Bella could hear him. His long black hair brushed her upper arm and his bright smile made her grin.
"Let's go get a drink," Declan yelled.
Leah and Bella reached for each other's hand simultaneously and laughed as they followed him and Kai away from the crowd, down some steps, and around the side of the stage toward the concession stands.
Remembering the purse at her hip, Bella checked it quickly, ensuring everything that was supposed to be remained. She absently pulled out a granola bar as she double-checked her wallet, and someone snatched it from her hand. Declan laughed as he moved away from her and tore open the wrapper. Bella laughed as he took a big bite.
Declan said, "I've been craving this since the last ones you gave us. Where did you get these little fuckers?"
"Look in the organic section at the next grocery store you visit in Oregon," Leah teased as she drifted toward him and playfully nudged him with her elbow.
She likes him, Bella thought. He was attractive, but still reminded her of a shorter Jasper with the shaggy blonde hair and slightly bowlegged stride.
As they waited in line, Bella attempted to be discreet as she appraised Kai's side profile, noting the shape of his brow and the firm set of his mouth when he wasn't speaking or smiling… and he smiled a lot. Kai had dressed in a form-fitting black t-shirt and jeans, looking very handsome but in an all-too-familiar way.
Bella refused to acknowledge her earlier surprise when she feared for a split-second that Jacob was standing behind her or the relief she felt when she realized who it was despite having only met the man once. She wanted to trust him, yet was hesitant to do so. It was slightly unnerving.
Declan turned around once they got closer in line and asked, "Kai? Beer? Ladies, do you want a beer?"
Leah laughed. "I'm just shy of twenty-one, but Bells here is only eighteen."
"Shit, I forgot." Declan grinned, appearing the epitome of devious as he winked at Leah. "How shy?"
Appraising Declan again, Bella couldn't help but feel he was easier to vibe with. Charismatic and easy-going, Declan was free with his thoughts and lively, whereas Kai seemed harder, more restrained. His smile, though… It made her wonder how full of crap he was, precisely. Was he someone like Paul? Just a loud, overly confident, get-it-while-you-can type?
Bella was as curious about them as Leah, it seemed.
"Um…Tomorrow," Bella said, pushing her other thoughts away to answer his question since Leah refused. "Leah's birthday is tomorrow. This concert is part of her birthday gift." Leah pretended to glare at her but couldn't hold back a laugh.
Declan said, "Well, how about you three go wait somewhere near, and I'll get us all a drink? We have to celebrate. You only turn twenty-one once, you know?"
Bella said, "I probably shouldn't. I need to drive us out of here later."
Kai's deep voice surprised her as he leaned down by her ear and said, "Eh, one won't hurt. I'll make sure you stay upright." Holding his hand up he winked. "Scout's honor."
Feeling put on the spot and unsure if he was flirting with her, Bella's cheeks tingled as she blushed. "Um…" Glancing between the three of them and noting Leah's mischievous expression, Bella sighed. "Okay, one. But someone needs to be around that I can hand that sucker over to, in case security sees my dumbass drinking a beer."
Leah chuckled. "You worry too much, Swan."
Bella nodded dramatically. "Yep. That's what I do…"
"Come on," Kai said through quiet laughter as he began ushering her and Leah from the line.
Bella stopped to reach into her purse for her wallet and discreetly slid cash out for their drinks. She shoved forty dollars into Declan's hand to cover the eight-dollar beers. His expression seemed to say, 'Are you sure?'
"Let me get our drinks. Consider it a thank you for saving Lee and me from getting trampled."
He laughed as she handed him another granola bar and snatched it as swiftly as the last one, immediately opening the package. Bella spotted Kai and Leah chatting a few yards away and hurried toward them.
As she reached them, Leah asked, "So what are you two doing here?"
Kai laughed. "Same as you two, I guess. Good music, and taking a little break from the road. I thought you two were going to Florida. Aren't you a little out of the way?"
"A few hours, I think, but we both wanted to see Halestorm," Leah said. "Neither of us had been to a concert before."
Kai looked to the heavens, cackled, and then sighed as he looked back down at them. "Ahh, just babies."
"Please," Leah teased him. "You're not that old. I don't buy it."
"Well, I'm certainly old enough to get in trouble for contributing to a minor." Kai chuckled as he gestured behind them and Bella stepped to the side to make way for Declan.
He handed Kai two beers and said, "We should sit up on the lawn where we're a little less obvious."
They walked back around the stage, up the stairs, and after a longer-than-expected search, found somewhere to sit on the lawn. After laying the blanket down on the grass, Bella laughed. "I'm not sure it will fit all of us."
"Sure it will," Declan said, lowering himself onto the blanket with his legs stretched out. He patted between his legs and said, "Leah, come here."
Leah laughed as she shrugged and carefully lowered herself to sit between his legs, her own crossed but stretched out between his. As he handed her a beer, she said, "Nothing funny, mister."
Bella and Kai each hesitated and glanced at each other, unsure if they should do the same. Leah patted the ground beside Declan's leg and said, "Come here, Swan Sit with me."
Declan teased, "Yeah, Kai. Don't be such pussy about it. Have a seat."
Kai shot Declan a scathing glare before looking at Bella. "I'm sorry about him."
"I think we all have a Declan at home." Bella laughed. "Mine is Leah."
Leah gave Bella the finger as she took a drink from her beer. Kai sighed, handed one beer to Declan, and lowered himself to the blanket. Once Bella sat safely between his long legs, Declan handed her the extra beer.
They sat through the next few songs, watching the show, steadily drinking. Eventually, Bella shifted uncomfortably, aching somewhat from her slouching position, wanting to give Kai plenty of room. He must have noticed because one feverish hand moved to her side to gain her attention as he leaned toward her.
In her ear, he whispered, "Lean back against me if you'll be more comfortable."
She looked back at him and grinned. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable either."
"Nah, it'll be fine," he said, sliding his hand toward her stomach. The next thing Bella knew, she was being pulled backward. Her ass pressed against him as she leaned back, letting him guide her into a better position for them both.
Instead of removing his warm hand from her waist, he continued to hold her flush to his chest, absently stroking his thumb along her abdomen. Bella tried to ignore it despite the nervous feeling it invoked, but eventually shivered, then blushed at his quiet laughter behind her as his thumb abruptly stopped moving.
She glanced toward Leah to find her grinning, similarly reclined against Declan's chest, except his chin rested on her shoulder as he whispered in her ear. Leah side-eyed Bella, meeting her curious gaze for just a moment as she laughed at whatever Declan said, and a faint blush bloomed across her high cheekbones.
Bella's hand twitched as she fought the urge to reach for Leah's, unsure how to feel about the situation they were currently in as Kai began absently stroking her side again with his thumb. As if sensing her nervousness, Leah reached for Bella's hand instead, threading their fingers together. Feeling infinitely braver with the familiar sensation, Bella focused on the show.
When the band announced it was the last song for the evening, Leah tugged at Bella's hand to regain her attention. "Hey, Bells… maybe we should get out of here now so we're not packed in here with everyone for the next hour trying to leave."
"That's not a bad idea," Kai said, nudging Declan with his elbow. "I'm starving."
Declan's eyes shone with mischief as he gently poked Leah in the side and said, "Me, too."
Bella chuckled, watching Leah bite her bottom lip to hold back whatever she wanted to say, instead turning pleading eyes on Bella. Pleading, but for what, though? Bella could tell Leah was very interested in Declan, at least physically, but she couldn't decipher if she wanted to spend more time with them or get out of there.
Bella carefully but boldly moved onto all fours and pushed a laughing Declan away from Leah's back to access her ear.
Bella asked, "What do you want to do about these two?"
Leah turned toward Bella's ear and asked, "Let's go eat somewhere, the four of us. Is that okay?" Leah glanced behind Bella toward Kai and her eyes widened in surprise as she snorted. "Kai's staring at your ass like it's a cheeseburger, Bells."
Remembering how short her dress was, Bella lowered her ass to sit on her legs as her cheeks burned. Leah leaned forward to peck Bella on the lips, then cackled as Bella's blush deepened as she glanced toward a slack-jawed Declan and wide-eyed Kai. Bella sighed deeply as she tried to shrug off her embarrassment and climbed to her feet.
Bella said, "Let's get the fuck out of here and find somewhere to eat, guys."
Nudging Kai as they both attempted to stand, Declan said, "Now, we're talking, big guy!"
Kai said, "I don't think we'll find a place that serves what you're looking for, Dec."
Leah held fast to Bella with one hand as Declan helped her stand with the other. Kai bent down to pick up the blanket and folded it over his arm, intending to carry it for them.
The girls had parked much closer than Kai and Declan and decided that driving them to their vehicle would get everyone out of there faster. They had to move items around to make space for Kai's long legs. Upon moving one of the second-row seats back Bella's hidden cashbox pushed into view. She hurriedly carried it to the back of the SUV and hid it inside the now-empty cooler, wondering what she'd say if anyone asked her what was in it. Maybe these guys seemed nice enough, and Kai had certainly saved her from injury, but Bella still felt wary.
She drove them toward the other end of the lot, where Declan pointed out his sun-faded yellow truck. A mismatched red and white camper shell covered the bed. Overall, it looked like the vehicle had seen better days.
Bella said, "I like this rental but miss my truck."
"Yeah?" Declan asked, "What do you drive?"
Leah snorted, and Bella shook her head. "Don't hate the truck." To Declan, she said, "A 57 Chevy side-step."
"Nice," Kai said, nodding. "A friend of mine had a red one at your age. He ran the hell out of that thing. I loved riding in it. Lots of leg room."
Bella beamed. "Mine is red! And my cousin says the same thing. He's a giant, too."
Laughing, Leah said, "Yours is orange from sun-fading… and rusty."
"Bitch," Bella muttered, grinning.
Declan said, "Let's get out of here. This is your first time in St. Louis, right?"
"Yes," Bella and Leah said simultaneously.
"Yeah, follow us, then. We know a good place. It looks like a complete dive, but the food is always great."
Kai stretched and said, "We can follow you. I'm riding with the girls. I haven't sat in a car seat this comfortable in months."
Declan laughed as he opened the rear passenger door to climb out. "Fine, you traitor." He shut the door and jogged to his truck.
After a slight wait in line, they filed out of the lot and turned onto a busy street. At first, Bella was unsure Declan truthfully knew where he was going as they drove deeper into the city. Kai began chuckling as Bella nearly jumped out of her skin when a gunshot rang somewhere nearby.
"Don't worry about it," Kai teased through his quiet laughter. "That's just how people honk around here."
"Oh my god," Leah said. "Spend a lot of time here, do you?"
"Dec's from here. Born and raised… well, until he was about sixteen, anyway."
Leah turned around to face Kai as she asked, "Oh yeah? How'd you two end up on the West Coast together?"
"That's a long story," Kai said, pointing toward the windshield. "And we're here."
Bella pulled into the parking lot and pulled up beside Declan to park. Declan slung his arm around Leah's shoulders and they walked to the door. Declan quickly ushered her inside.
"You're very different," Kai said as he reached to open the door for Bella. "Like me and Dec. Opposites, but it works."
Bella sighed as she looked toward Leah. "We're not that different. You'd be surprised."
The building was small and covered with large tinted windows on two sides. It looked well-used and slightly dingy with soft yellow lighting. The grout in the floor tile was solid black, needing to be pressure washed terribly. Burgundy pleather (some were cracked and covered in duct tape) booths and chrome-covered bar-style seating filled the narrow dining room. Bella nearly tripped over a stool as they headed for a booth in one corner. She understood why Declan had called it a dive.
Wanting to save their table, they took turns visiting the bathroom, each admitting they'd avoided the concert port-a-potties. Bella hadn't much hope for the state of the bathrooms but it was surprisingly clean. Guarding their table proved a wise plan as the restaurant quickly filled with patrons. It seemed several other concert-goers had the same idea, almost as if they'd timed leaving the Amphitheater perfectly.
Within twenty minutes, their orders arrived. Bella's burger was falling over with fixings and nearly engulfed in thick, perfectly cooked cheese-smothered fries. It put the food at the Diner in Forks to shame.
Leah slapped her over-easy eggs on top of a stack of pancakes and busted the yolks, letting them spread over the entire mess before smothering everything with syrup. She stole several fries from Bella's plate, but there was more there than Bella could finish, anyway.
When she pushed the rest of her burger away, Leah promptly yanked a chunk of bacon from the side and shoved it into her mouth. Bella laughed at the fascinated look on Declan's face as he watched Leah eat.
'Probably wondering where it all goes.' Bella couldn't figure it out, either.
"So…" Leah said, ignoring Declan's blatant stare. "What's next for you guys? Where do you go from here?"
"Well…" Kai sighed and rubbed his full belly as he pushed his empty plate away. "We don't have anywhere to sleep tonight, so we'll probably hit the road. There's a national park in Illinois about forty minutes from here. I figure we can head that way."
It was already after midnight. Did they plan to set up their campsite after one a.m.? In the dark?
Bella looked toward Leah and sighed. Sure, camping was part of their experience as well, but Bella was well aware Illinois was called panther country for a reason. Edward was born and raised in Chicago and had hunted mountain lions across the lower state in his newborn days, or so he claimed. She shivered and pushed away the thought of her ex as she took ahold of Leah's hand under the table.
Leah turned to meet Bella's questioning stare, clearly on the same page after growing up in a county populated with more wildlife than people.
Leah said, "Hey guys… Um. Our hotel room has two beds. We'll only be here this one night, but I can sleep by Bells if you two don't mind sharing the other."
Bella nodded, showing she was fine with that offer as well. "You guys would be welcome to grab a shower if you want or need to, too. I used to take road trips like this with my mom, and I know it's hard to find a campsite with hot water."
"Oh, man," Declan cooed, nudging Kai with his shoulder.
"Thank you, ladies, that's truly unnecessary…" Kai began but Declan nudged him again.
"Would you honestly rather sleep in the tent than spend a few hours napping in an actual bed after a hot shower, bud? Or do you want to shower in some hot concrete building in about four hours when the line starts to form?"
Kai looked hesitant but the corner of his mouth lifted into a teasing smirk. "You just want to flirt with Leah a little longer."
Without a hint of embarrassment, Declan grinned and shrugged. "How can we say no?"
