Rush Into You by Brianna Lee Read Free Book Online

my friends, and nothing I did changed how that night had affected me. My regrets never went away, but I didn’t want to forget. I tried not to dwell on my past, but I needed to remember the bad times to appreciate the good.
    Happiness would come with time, but life didn’t suck as it used to.
    With a deep breath, I left my room to meet up with Jay. She smiled at me as we linked elbows and walked out into the warm night.
    I hesitated before I opened the door to Jay’s black, convertible Mustang. No matter how many times I rode in the car with her, it still scared the hell out of me. I sat in the leather seat with my back ramrod straight. I couldn’t allow myself to let my guard down. I triple checked my seatbelt as I listened to the engine roar to life. I gripped the door and the arm rest with white knuckles, and said a silent prayer to have strength tonight.
    We pulled out into the street, and the wind whipped our hair around as Jay picked up speed slightly. She knew not to go too fast with me in the car. I wished I could relax, but I knew it was impossible. I’d never be comfortable in a car again.
    My anxiety was soaring.
    You got this, Gabby.

WE HADN’T EVEN gotten out of the car yet, and I had already seen several drunk girls walking down the strip towards the large group of people on the sand. My heart was in my throat, and my hand still gripped the door handle.
    “Gabby?” Jay sounded concerned.
    “Huh?” I asked distractedly, staring out the window.
    “I asked if you were ready. You look as if you’re gonna puke.”
    I shook my head weakly. “I’m fine. Let’s get this over with.”
    “Get this over with? We just got here, Gabby. If you don’t wanna be here, just let me know, and I’ll bring you home.”
    “No, I’m fine,” I said confidently. “I want to go. Come on.”
    My pounding heart finally slowed its pace. Walking into a party that was already in full swing was easier than I thought it’d be. Music blasted from an unseen source, and everyone was occupied with one thing or another. Walking along the sand with Jay, we passed a girl doing a keg stand in a skirt. A circle had formed around her, everyone cheering. The girl’s thong was on display for the whole party to see, and the guys loved it.
    “Hey, chick!” Jay yelled. “You’re twat is showing!”
    Everyone laughed, and the girl jerked in surprise. Beer sprayed all over her face, and her arms gave out beneath her. She fell clumsily on the keg, wiping the mess off her face with the back of her arm. She looked up at Jay, scowling, and flipped her off.
    Jay waved innocently.
    I grabbed Jay’s elbow and steered us away, fighting my smile. “Shit, you’re insane!” I laughed. “She looked as if she wanted to punch you.”
    “I bet she did. Seriously, her pussy was hanging out of her thong.” Jay shuddered dramatically. “Not attractive.”
    “Oh, look, there’s Brian.” I pointed to a man standing next to the bonfire.
    Jay took off running, squealing in excitement. She jumped on Brian, wrapped her legs around his waist, and dove in for a kiss. They looked good together—the All-American couple. Brian stood over six feet and had light skin with shaggy brown hair. His eyes were dark green, and his smile was straight and white—perfect.
    They were both popular and could have almost anyone they wanted, whenever they wanted, but they only had eyes for each other.
    When Brian set Jay on her feet, I stepped forward and gave him a friendly hug, “Happy birthday, Brian.”
    “Thanks, kid.” He smiled.
    I rolled my eyes and laughed. “I’m older than you, B, remember?”
    “Yeah, yeah.”
    Brian was the star pitcher of State’s baseball team and threw faster than any of the other State pitchers. I’d always loved baseball, whether I was playing it or watching it on TV. It was my dream to go to a professional Red Sox game one day, but the college games would have to do for now.
    I met Jay at the first game of the season.