Bonded (The Raegan Mason Trilogy) by Cheryl Courtney Read Free Book Online

last year, I realized how important you are to me. I know you probably don’t feel the same as I do, I just wanted you to know before I left.”  He let his eyes drift to the floor along with our hands.  He inhaled and exhaled quickly as if he’d just had a bulldozer lifted off of his chest.
    “Jaxon,” my voice broke and I cleared my throat, “I appreciate you being so honest with me.  You’re right, I’ve never even thought of us as more than friends.  I’m sorry if I hurt you in any way.  This is all overwhelming if you can imagine.  Can we start over?”  I smiled and reached for his hand to drag him to the dance floor.  “I believe I owe you a dance.”
    He smiled and allowed me to pull him toward the bouncing bodies already assembled on the floor.  People were bumping into each other along with the fast paced music.  It felt good to exert some physical movement.  We kept dancing through two or three songs before the music slowed down.  Jaxon’s eyes were hopeful and expectant so I caved in and allowed the closeness.  He wrapped his arms around my waist and locked his fingers together on my lower back.  I wasn’t sure where to put my arms so I laid them on his arms as we swayed back and forth.  He released the lock on his hands and left one on my lower back.  He grabbed my right hand in his left and folded them to his chest.  I could feel his stare on my face as I looked around the room.  “Thank you for this dance.” He whispered in my ear.  I looked up at him and smiled.  His heart was pounding under our entwined hands.  He leaned down toward me and my heart started freaking out. Please don’t try to kiss me , I thought and quickly turned my head.  His lips landed on top of my head the moment I turned.  My eyes were wide with horror as they locked on the bluest eyes I’d ever seen. 
    Kyler Stone was leaning up against a table twenty feet away.  His eyes were locked on mine.  His face was rigid, no trace of a smile.  I wished I could crawl under a rock.  He was here, watching Jaxon faun over me as if we were a couple.  I felt ill.  His hypnotic eyes held mine; I couldn’t look away from him.  My eyes pleaded with him to understand that I wasn’t with Jaxon.  I wished he would come over and take me away from this situation.  I closed my eyes and tried imagining his arms around me and his lips kissing me.  The electric energy I’d felt earlier got closer and my eyes flew open to find Kyler steps away from us.
    “Mind if I cut in?” Kyler had tapped Jaxon on the shoulder. 
    Jaxon stopped swaying and lifted his head toward the new voice.  “Hey Kyler, how’s your summer been?”  He released our hands and pulled me in closer with his left arm.  He reached his right around to shake Kyler’s hand.
    “It’s been good.” Kyler’s voice vibrated through my body.  I did my best to hide the tremors as Jaxon’s grip loosened.  He raised his arm over my shoulders and planted it on my sunburn.  I flinched and grimaced with the sudden pain.  Kyler’s eyes narrowed in on my shoulders.  “That looks painful.” He motioned with his chin toward Jaxon’s arm.
    Jaxon quickly lifted his arm.  “Oh Raegan, I’m so sorry.  I didn’t even notice you’re burned.” 
    I stepped back a little to get away from his grasp and also breathe before I passed out from the pain.  “It’s not that bad unless something rubs on them.”  I forced a smile at Jaxon so I didn’t hurt his feelings anymore.
    “So do you mind?” Kyler repeated with his eyes locked on me briefly before turning to Jaxon.
    Jaxon stuttered. “Um, well, it’s not my decision man.  Raegan and I were just going to get something to drink.” Jaxon looked to me anxiously.
    I looked back at Jaxon questioningly and then to Kyler who turned his blazing blue eyes back to me waiting.  “I’m not very thirsty right now, Jaxon.  I don’t mind dancing with Kyler if you need a drink.” I could feel my