Kimber by Sarah Denier Read Free Book Online Page B

jerky.”
     “Don’t
take it personally. You know Tommy cares about you and if he’s being a prick,
it’s ‘cause he can’t help it. It’s like a tactical defense maneuver we’re built
with.”
     “So
because I’m best friends with Tiff, I’m guilty by association?”
    “I
never said it was logical.”I laugh and suggest we both stay out of the mess our
friends have made.
    “So
you’re goin’ then, tonight?” Luke asks.
    “Yeah,
you?”
    “I’ll
be where ever you are.”
    I
try to hold my girlish giggle in as I smile from ear to ear. I feel silly being
this happy, consumed by a feeling I had almost forgotten. The last couple of
months have been so dark and painful. I refuse to feel guilty for having a form
of happiness in my life. I deserve it. My mother would want happiness for me.
    “Ok.
So I’ll see you in a little while.”
    “Or
you could see me sooner. I told Tommy I’d get there early, help set up and move
some stuff. If you want I can swing by and get you.”
    “Sure.”
I agree and upon hanging up Luke asks that I be ready by six. Checking the time
on my cell phone, I see it is already four fifty eight.
    “Crap!”
I spring from the couch and take the stairs two at a time.
    I
pull a casual lavender sundress from my closet. It’s strapless, fitted at the
top and flares out at the waist with a large embroidered white Hawaiian flower
on the bottom right hand side of the skirt. I jump in and out of the shower in
record time. I don’t do much to my hair but lightly rub moose through it to accentuate
my natural waves. I rub some lotion on and spray myself down with my favorite
Channel perfume.
    When
the doorbell rings, I run to my closet, grab my white wedge sandals and leap
down stairs. I swing the front door open to see Luke standing before me looking
irresistible in his dark denim jeans and a white polo. His light brown hair
styled but messy at the same time. His blue eyes beam and the huge smile
planted on his face causes me to blush instantly. He reaches out to take my
hand and spins me around.
    “Mmm,
gorgeous.”
    Pleased
with his reaction to my attire I let him pull me into his arms. For the first
time in our new relationship, I take the initiative and touch his lips to mine.
He moans deeply from his throat as I wrap my arms around his neck. Instantly I
feel goose bumps run over me.
    “What
do you say we ditch the party and go somewhere quiet with a moonlit setting?”
     “Hmm,
tempting but I don’t want to deal with the wrath of Amber once she realizes we
aren’t there.”
    He
sighs knowing I’m right. Since most of Amber’s wrath would be directed at him
for persuading me not to attend the party and bailing on my best friend.
     “Yeah,
Tommy would be pissed if I bailed. You ready to head out then?” I nod, grab my
purse, and lock up.
     
     I take on the task of
setting up bowls for chips, pretzels and different dips while Tommy and Luke
move couches and tables out of the living room for more space. Two men who I
have never met come into the kitchen carrying large white coolers. They look
like motorcycle friends of Tommy’s with their baggie clothes and tattoos.
    “Hey.”
The short blond haired one says as he walks towards me, his hand extended. “I’m
Kyle.” I shake his hand.
    “Hi.
Kimber.”
    “That’s
Jay.” Kyle points behind him to the tall brown haired man with tattoos covering
his arms like sleeves.
    Jay
looks up from the cooler where he is pouring ice over bottles of beer. “What’s
up?” I smile in response and go back to filling bowls.
    “How
do you know Tommy?” Kyle asks trying to make conversation.
    “I’m
good friends with his ex, Tiffany.”
    “Oh,
so then you know Luke, Joel, and—”
    “I
see you met my girl, Kimber.” Luke says coming into the kitchen.
     “Yeah.
You did good man. She’s a knock out.” Kyle smiles and winks at me.
    Luke
places his arm around me and suddenly I feel like I am trapped in an episode of
the nature