Chasing Castles (Finding Focus #2) by Jiffy Kate Read Free Book Online

could play at my house when, really, they just wanted to go to the plantation. Some kids even accused Tucker and me of being a charity case, but Deacon put a stop to that. I learned to ignore the whispers behind my back and be leary of anyone who wanted to come to my house and possibly use me to get to Deacon or Micah.
    I know Stacey didn’t mean what she said in the same way those kids did back then, so I decide to leave it alone and change the subject.
    “How many people are here do you think? The entire school?”
    Tucker answers, “Nah, it’s mostly seniors and juniors, but I see a few from your grade. You know everyone loves Deke and wants to party with him.”
    I do know that.
    It’s funny when I think about it because he’s only moving about thirty miles away. It’s not like he’s joining the military or going off to Harvard. Half the people here will be starting LSU with him in a few days, but there’s no way they’d miss this party.
    After discreetly scanning the area for Deacon, I finally find him across the yard playing a game of corn hole. It’s a game similar to horseshoes that only gets more fun as the participants have more to drink.
    “I’m gonna check out the game over there. Stacey, you comin’?”
    “Sure, I’ll go. See you later, Tucker,” she yells as we walk off. He gives her a sloppy salute and a wink before heading to a keg.
    Deacon is about to take his turn at the game but stops when he sees me. “There’s my good luck charm! Cami, come over here and give my bag a blow.”
    The crowd watching the game erupts in laughter while my face heats up, causing them to laugh even more. But his innuendo regarding the corn bag that is tossed in the game doesn’t offend me; it turns me on. I’d totally blow him if he asked me to. You know, if I knew what the hell I was doing and wasn’t a big chicken.
    “I ain’t blowin’ anything of yours, you big jerk,” I tell him, playing it off, as the people around us laugh louder. I walk up to him, and he smiles. “That’s my girl, always puttin’ me in my place.”
    My heart flips inside my chest at his words, but I just roll my eyes at him. “Just how much have you had to drink tonight? It’s still early, you know. It’d be a shame for the guest of honor to pass out before everyone else.”
    Deacon takes his turn and tosses the canvas bag onto the game board, earning three points for making it land directly in the hole and winning the game, only to be challenged to a rematch. Does the bastard have to be good at everything?
    “I’ve had a few beers, but I’m pacin’ myself,” he answers.
    “Oh, really? Why’s that?”
    “I made a bet with Micah and Tucker: the first one of us to puke has to run around the bonfire buck naked.”
    “Of course, you three would make a bet like that,” I laugh.
    “The thing is, though,” he continues, “those two idiots actually want to lose. I think they’re just lookin’ for an excuse to take their clothes off.”
    “You’re probably right. What a pair of dumbasses.”
    I get lost in Deacon’s face as he laughs. His eyes crinkle so much they’re almost hidden, making room for his wide grin. His Adam’s apple mesmerizes me as it moves in time with his chuckles. It should be a sin to be so beautiful.
    He eventually stops laughing and clears his throat. “You look really pretty tonight.” His voice is lower and softer than it was a few seconds ago, and I know his words are just for my ears.
    “Thank you,” I say, dipping my head so he doesn’t notice my blush. I want to tell him what I came here to say, but it’s too early in the evening, and neither one of us is buzzed enough yet. Instead, I kiss two of my fingertips and touch the top of his hand.
    “For luck,” I say, before leaving him and his game. I can feel his stare following me as I walk in search of Stacey, but I don’t let myself turn around.
    A couple of hours later and the atmosphere of the party has changed again. The crowd