Love Comes to Elvesville

~Chapter Twenty-One~

~Chapter Twenty-Two~

~Chapter Twenty-Three~

~Chapter Twenty-Four~

~Chapter Twenty-Five~

~Chapter Twenty-Six~

~Chapter Twenty-Seven~

~Epilogue~

~About the Author~

~Note from the Author

~Other Books by Jael Friese~

~Synopsis~

His love could kill her...

Mitch Winters could only admire Jodi Cooke from a distance. Getting any closer, well, he couldn’t even think of what could happen. He knew from the past that his sister’s threats were real. She would follow through. This was their senior year though, and he was determined to change things. His last chance.

One night of drinking...

Bryce Cooke didn’t have a clue. What he thought was the best night of his life ended up being the worst. Over the summer Kacee Stuart had become his best friend, and since that night, she’d avoided him like the plague. He’d do whatever he needed to do, and wait however long, to get her back.

Welcome to Elvesville, Arizona where anything can happen, even love...

~Chapter One~

Bye. I’ll see you in a few days. Bryce waved as his family backed out of the driveway.

He was staying at Wade and Hope’s place while they were on their honeymoon. He loved taking care of the horses, and Clyde and Dale were happy with any attention they could get.

Are you sure you don’t mind bringing me home later, Bryce?

Bryce looked at the only person left at the house. Kacee. They’d really become close friends over the last month or so since he’d first met her.

They enjoyed doing everything together. From mucking out the stalls to riding the horses. It seemed they just clicked. At first it was just friendship, but lately, he’d been noticing her beautiful brown eyes and the reddish streaks through her hair when she was in the sun. And today at the wedding, Lord help him, her form-fitting dress left nothing more to his imagination. She was all female. At first, he’d thought she was younger than he was. Today she looked all of her seventeen years and more. He almost embarrassed himself. Thankfully, his tux pants were on the looser side.

She was also Jason Stuart’s little sister. He’d noticed the evil eye Jason had given him since day one at the café. He started out teasing her just to get Jason’s goat, but along the way...they became friends and he really liked her. Bryce had never been into girls much. Sure, he noticed them and his developing hormones had acted up when he was hitting puberty. He just never acted on them or got into dating.

In Elvesville, there were all the same girls he knew since kindergarten, which might’ve been some of the problem. He knew all their good points—and their bad ones. He shivered at the thought that Missy Winters might have her eye on him. She was a bitch. Mean as a rattlesnake for sure. No, she was meaner than one.

That reminded him. Kacee, I hope you might consider taking Mom up on her offer to stay at our house on weekdays.

And have forty-five minutes more to sleep in? Whyever would I want such a thing, Bryce? She smiled and batted her lashes.

Bryce laughed. Did you have a chance to get to know the Winters’ kids today?

"Not much. Their folks introduced me. I could tell Susan was hoping we’d become fast friends. Missy gave me a smile that reminded me more of Jaws before he clamped onto some innocent swimmer than ‘I would love to be your best friend’ type."

And Mitch? Why did he feel it was important what she’d say about the other guy? It seemed girls thought he was handsome. Did Kacee?

He seemed quiet. Almost like he wouldn’t speak without his sister’s permission.

I don’t want to sway you, so I’m not sure how much I should tell you about them.

Please, we’re friends, Bryce. Just tell me.

Missy is nasty to Jodi and most of the other girls. Actually, most of the other students. When she’s nasty, Mitch is always nearby and just as bad, or maybe it’s just that he doesn’t stop her. This may sound strange, but I think he’s afraid of his sister or something.

How many years apart are they?

They aren’t twins but are in the same grade. I guess I never thought of it, just bundled them together. He’s actually quiet when she’s not around. Whereas, she’s nasty with or without him.

That’s a shame. I’ll talk to Jason about staying in town when he gets back. I’m sure he’ll be in a great mood when he returns from his honeymoon. And if he gives me trouble, I’ll add that they’ll have the whole house to themselves.

Why?

I was often alone at school and home and became an avid reader. Those romance books that have a bit of steam can teach you a thing or two about life, about other uses for kitchen tables and other pieces of furniture. She actually waggled her eyebrows at him.

Oh man, this girl obviously had no idea how those words turned into pictures in his mind. He could see himself pushing her against the kitchen table. He shook his head as if to get the thoughts out of there.

What? You think I’m bad now?

No, he croaked out. Guys just can get pretty strong visuals over such things. I think I’ll avoid reading those books.

Sorry. I feel so comfortable with you that I forget we’re different sexes.

Great, that was an ego builder. It also let him know that she only thought of him in terms of friendship. He had no problem knowing they were different sexes.

Don’t look so stricken. I’ve noticed you’re a handsome young man and definitely built differently than me. I just meant... I don’t know. I’ve never had a guy friend and I’m just comfortable with you.

I know what you mean. I’m used to having Jodi and Shayla around, but it’s been fun to have you ride horse with me and all. And I’ve noticed how pretty you are, for someone of the female persuasion that is.

Really?

What?

Am I pretty? She put her hand up to stop his answer, I’m not looking for false compliments or even real ones. It’s just that Mom and Uncle Larry always told me what a hopeless cause I was, that I’d probably end up living with them all my life, that no one would want me. I pretty much didn’t care about my looks or clothes. What was the use? If I was a nobody, being unattractive helped me hide in plain sight.

That’s why you always wore baggy clothes when we first met?

Yeah, once Hope was released from the hospital and Shayla started hanging around us, they decided I needed a make-over before school. Nothing to make me attract the wrong attention, but they’d said clothes that fit better would help me feel better. It’s odd, but it worked.

Definitely made you look more like a girl of seventeen instead of twelve.

Twelve? She frowned at him. I know I’m pretty naïve for my age, except what I’ve learned in books, but it’s okay. My mom was kind of pretty, at least older pictures of her, but it only got her a man who used her body and left her with a bastard.

Enough negative talk about yourself. You’re beautiful and your innocent nature adds to that beauty. Those girls at school who try to stick their chests out unnaturally and think they are all that, they actually turn me off. That only attracts the kind of guys like your brother used to be. When he really wanted the woman he loved, those type of girls had messed it up for him.

In the end, he won. But it was a very hard fight. I’d see the real Jason at home and knew who he really was. I think Shayla always did too. His lifestyle was a lot to overcome. I’m really glad your sister accepted him.

"I think he was actually an example of how I chose to live. I didn’t want to mess my life up as he had. I just stay away from girls like that. Missy and her few close friends go around acting like they’ll give it to anyone who wants it. No thanks."

They finished cleaning up the kitchen and the rest of the house. After finding a bottle of champagne that was left, they decided to relax and try some of it.

~*~

Kacee was really relaxed and enjoying this time alone with Bryce. She could admit to herself that when they’d ended up being alone, she’d hoped they’d get to know each other better. Okay, so she was hoping for her first kiss tonight, but she wasn’t sure if Bryce only thought of her as a friend. She thought of him as more and it scared her. What if she was a hussy like her mother had been? Lordy, she hoped not.

They had several glasses of the bubbly drink and were sitting close together on the couch. She inhaled and caught the smell of Bryce. She giggled as she thought of some descriptions she’d read in books of how a man smelled. What some of them meant, she didn’t have a clue. To her, he just smelled good.

What’s so funny? he asked.

I’m deciding how to describe your smell.

My smell?

Uh huh. You know like, do you smell like roses or horse manure?

Horse manure! Do I stink? I didn’t fart.

Kacee giggled harder as she watched him bend his head to smell his armpits. Oh, no. You smell delish. She leaned over and started to sniff his hand, moving her nose up his arm, over his shoulder, then to his neck. She heard him suck a breath in and she smiled, stopping to take an extra deep sniff of his hair. Yup, delish.

What was wrong with her? She was behaving like her mother. Some of her giddiness started to dissipate, but as she went to sit back Bryce caught her in his arms and pulled her across his lap.

Fair is fair, he whispered near her ear.

And he began his exploration with his nose. Smelling her hair and her neck. Only then, he turned her chin and kissed her. They both fumbled some at first until nature took over and they fell into a rhythm with each other’s lips and tongues. He pulled her closer and she wrapped her arms around his neck. The kiss grew deeper and deeper.

Kacee started to wiggle as feelings she was unfamiliar with streaked up and down her body. She could feel Bryce’s hardness under her rear, and she liked all the feelings rushing through her. She liked knowing he was turned on by her.

His hands started roaming over her body and exploring her breasts. He pulled away from her lips to kiss across her cheek and up to her ear, then her neck. She squirmed on his lap.

Kacee, I always wanted to wait until I was married, but you’re the only one I want.

She wanted to wait too, not act the whore, but this felt right with him. It was like they were drawn to each other from the start. She nodded and he picked her up and went upstairs at a quick pace. Before she knew it, they were in the bedroom and naked in his bed.

Some more kissing and Bryce was pushing his hardness into her at a frantic pace. Something pulled inside of her, it was painful but he didn’t seem to notice. His hands and mouth were everywhere. Kacee tried to push him off but he was as unmovable as a bear with a piece of fresh meat. A few minutes later he stiffened up.

Rolling to his side, Bryce sighed out, That was the greatest thing ever. And then… he fell asleep.

~Chapter Two~

With silent tears rolling down her cheeks, Kacee left the bed and picked up her clothes from the floor. She quietly left the room and went to the downstairs bathroom. How did this happen? She’d thought it would be the greatest moment ever. Instead, she’d only remember the pain. Bryce seemed to have experienced something much different than she had. Well, woohoo for Bryce.

She wet a cloth and wiped her face and then went to clean her privates. She gasped when the cloth came away with some blood on it and it wasn’t that time of the month. Oh right, she remembered disgustedly, she just gave her virginity away like a free sample at the grocery store. She rinsed the cloth and cleaned herself until all traces were gone. Then she dressed.

Now what? It was too far to walk home at this time of night and no way would she wake Bryce. She retrieved her purse from the hall closet and pulled out her cell. It wasn’t as late as she thought, only nine o’clock. Pushing the button for a stored number in her phone, she hoped Mr. or Mrs. Winters could come to get her.

Hello, a guy answered. He sounded young.

Oh, I was calling the Winters’ house, I must have pushed the wrong number.

No, this is Mitch Winters. Their son.

Oh, this is Kacee Stuart, Jason’s sister.

Right, met you today.

I’m still at Wade’s house and I need a ride home. Is your dad or mom there?

No worries, I can come by and get you. Are you ready now?

Yes, thank you, Mitch.

No biggie. Be there in five.

Kacee hung up and made sure she had everything then quietly went to the front door. Clyde and Dale were on the porch and looked up her with pleading eyes. They did stay inside at night, so she opened the door and they scampered into the house. She’d pulled Bryce’s door closed, so she hoped the dogs wouldn’t scratch at it and wake him. She didn’t want to have him coming downstairs until after she was gone. In fact, she didn’t know if she wanted to ever see Bryce Cooke again. Talk about an impossible wish.

She locked the front door and headed down the driveway. It wasn’t long before a small SUV came down the road and pulled in. The passenger door pushed open and she could see from the inner light that it was Mitch, so she got in and snapped her seat belt in place after closing the door.

I really appreciate this, Mitch. Bryce was going to bring me home but once he relaxed, sleep took over. He’s been so busy helping around Wade’s place. Setting things up for the wedding and such, so I didn’t want to wake him. She was rambling, what a great impression for their first real meeting.

No problem. Is Jodi there too? She noticed something in his tone when he asked about Jodi, but couldn’t quite place it.

No, she left a little while ago with her family. I should have let someone bring me home, but I hadn’t realized how tired Bryce was. And there were still a few things to clean up.

He nodded as he turned around and drove down the driveway and onto the road. He seemed nice enough. Kacee was glad he didn’t have Missy with him after hearing about how nasty she was.

Do you enjoy living out here? she asked.

I do. I’m glad to be back home again. I really hate going to our aunt’s house every summer but my folks don’t want Missy to go alone.

Oh. Did I hear your aunt is in Phoenix?

Yeah. Missy likes being in town but I prefer the country. I love my aunt, don’t get me wrong. I’d just rather spend the summer helping out on the ranch.

And you can’t tell your folks?

Mitch shrugged and started to look uncomfortable, so she decided to drop the topic.

Will you be going to school in Elvesville? Mitch asked.

Yes, I will.

If you want, I can give you a ride to school, since Missy and I are going there too.

I’ll let you know. I was going to try to talk Jason into letting me stay in town with Shayla’s family during the week. An extra forty-five minutes of beauty sleep, you know?

I think you’d be just as pretty without it, but I’d probably jump at extra sleep myself. Just let me know.

His words didn’t make her uncomfortable. He did say she was pretty but it was almost like he was saying, Yes, your hair is brown. The tone was just neutral and he didn’t look over at her with lustful eyes. Her heart hurt even thinking about such things. The night had gone so wrong with Bryce that she didn’t think she could ever look at him the same again. One thing she knew for sure, she damned well never wanted sex again as long as she lived. It hurt like hell.

Thanks again for the ride tonight, she said when he pulled up to the house.

No biggie.

Mitch waited until she unlocked the door and stepped inside before driving away. What a gentleman, unlike someone else she knew. Maybe she should be careful with all guys. Right before closing the door the two pups Mr. Cooke had brought for them came running up, so she let them inside and locked the door.

The look Jason gave Shayla and her when they’d told him they decided to name the dogs Chilee and Pepper made her smile. Shayla had named the pups at Wade’s place Clyde and Dale, so she could call out Clydesdale, and they just called Chilee Pepper for these two.

She petted each of the pups and headed to her room, berating herself the whole way. How could she have let Bryce do this tonight? No. Truth be told, ugly truth at that, she’d been the one who started the whole thing. She was the wanton who sniffed him like a male dog would sniff a female dog in heat. What guy could control himself with a female crawling on him and begging to be taken? The blame was equally hers but that didn’t mean she could face Bryce. And she never wanted to be alone with him. Ever. She showered and went to bed. It ended up being a very long night full of tears and regret as she stared up at the dark ceiling.

~*~

Bryce woke up from the best dream ever. He reached out hoping to find it wasn’t a dream, but only found emptiness. He stretched his legs out then sat up and stretched his arms above his head. He was pretty sure it wasn’t a dream and was glad no one was there to see him. His ear-to-ear grin must look ridiculous.

Turning towards the other side of the bed, his smile disappeared. Cold dread seeped into every vein in his body. There was blood on the bed. Not much, but still, it was blood. So it wasn’t a dream. Had he hurt Kacee?

Jumping out of bed, he threw a pair of gym shorts and a T-shirt on and headed towards his bedroom door. Odd scratching noises sounded on the other side. He opened it up to find two jumping pups. He smiled and petted Clyde and Dale before returning to his search for Kacee.

After thoroughly checking the house, he had to admit, she wasn’t there. How had she gotten home? He went outside with the pups on his heels and checked the vehicles. They were all here. He ran back into the house and dialed Jason’s number.

Hello, Kacee answered so softly he could hardly hear her.

Kacee, I was scared to death when I didn’t find you here. How did you get home? Are you okay?

I’m fine. Mitch Winters gave me a ride home.

Her fine didn’t sound fine and it was much too clipped for his liking. Along with the green-eyed monster roaring to life at the sound of Mitch’s name.

Can I come over in a bit? We need to talk.

No. Bryce, last night was a huge mistake, the biggest one ever for me. Please, leave me alone. I know there are times we won’t be able to avoid it, but I just want to put everything that happened behind me.

What? Last night was the best night of his life, the very best. He thought it was their beginning. How could things have gone from being on the highest mountain to falling into the deepest darkest pit?

Why? he asked, his voice squeaking out in a high pitch.

Please, just respect my wishes. Leave me alone, she said, her voice cracking as well.

Is it Mitch? he asked angrily.

What? You’re being an ass now, Bryce. I don’t want any man. Ever. Goodbye.

With that, the