Immortals Of Byolla Bay

I never thought I’d see the day that Analya Forthrope would tuck her tail in between her legs and run away, but here it is! Happy birthday Meshella!

I turned to Rikki who was putting her down on her two unsteady legs. She faced everyone, “So it looks like the tattle tail is going to inform her daddy we are partying here. I think we need to move to a new spot before the mayor shows up.” There was a unanimous clamor of boos and cussing Analya.

One of Analya’s ex boyfriends, Presley Endunn, suggested we go out on his parent’s yacht since they were gone for the weekend. That cheered everyone up. The alcohol was hurriedly gathered up along with the kegs and a few tables, then they started towards the pathway that led down the cliff to the fishing port, leaving the four of us standing there.

There was a retching sound and I spun around to see Maggie holding Meshella’s hair while she puked her guts out. “We need to get this girl home guys.” Meshella wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, slurred something inaudible then passed out standing up.

Maggie caught her quickly and looked at us, “She gave me her keys on our last pee break so I’m going to drop her and the car off at her house and I’ll run back and meet you two here, alright?” We bid her goodbye and I hugged my best friend even though she was not awake. My buzz was starting to wear off and I started feeling sleepy. Tonight had been great, Analya finally got what she deserved, Meshella’s party was a success and I got to dance with Rikki, who has unbelievable rhythm. Speaking of him, I looked around and spotted him at a small table that missed it’s chance at going to the yacht party.

I walked over to see that some idiot had left their phone and the blue tooth speaker. Someone is going to be upset when they sober up. Rikki was scrolling through the music on the phone when I reached him.

“What are you doing?” He gave me a mischievous grin, “I thought we could have one more dance while we wait on my sister to return, if you don’t mind.” I felt my cheeks heat up, “Okay, what do you have in mind? By the way what type of music do you like?”

He chuckled, “Actually I have a very eclectic taste in music, it ranges from classical contemporary to the modern songs playing on the radio now. It seems my love for music is constantly evolving. However, I was searching for a slower song, one that were could dance close and end the night on.”

My cheeks heated up even more. “Ah, this will do. It’s not the one I was looking for, but we don’t have much time before Maggie returns.” He put the phone back down just as the music started playing.

I instantly recognized it as he held his hand out for me to take. It was “Don’t you want to stay” by Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, I love this song. He spun me around a quick time then put his hand on my lower back pulling me to him. The fire when we touch, that I’ve come to absolutely love even if I don’t understand it, spread through my upper back.

Rikki was looking deep into my eyes with such intensity that I’ve never seen or felt. At least twice I had to remind myself to breathe as he expertly twirled us around the clearing. When the song ended he smiled that dazzling smile, “Thank you, Kinsley. That was a perfect end to this party.” I smiled back.

He let go of me and the fire dissipated leaving me feeling a sense of longing for it. With a braveness that I’m sure had everything to do with the alcohol, I reached out for him. The fire instantly returned and l wrapped my arms around Rikki’s neck. He looked shocked, but responded by wrapping his arms around my waist. “Rikki, I don’t know why I feel like I’m pleasantly burning alive when our skin comes in contact with each other, but I’ve come to enjoy it. It’s starting to feel almost like a safety net for me, like nobody can hurt me while I’m surrounded by your fire. It feels like... home.”

Rikki gasped and raised a hand up to cradle my face. “You have no idea what those words just meant to me. I promise to always be here for you. I will always protect you, keep you safe and you are my home, Kinsley.”

My world and my head went spinning out of control when his lips collided with mine. Time stood still. I know it did because all there was to me was this moment. We were in our own world. There was nothing else, but us.

When he finally pulled away I sighed. I didn’t want that to end. He pressed his forehead against mine, “You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to do that. I’m glad I’ve waited though because that moment was absolutely perfect. You have no clue how much you already mean to me.”

My heart was thundering loudly. I knew in that moment that I was utterly incapable of stopping myself from falling in love with him. A few seconds later, he snapped his head up, breaking us out of our world, and said, “Maggie is here. Time to go, love.”

Rikki reached down and grabbed my hand as we walked to Maggie. She looked a mess with her heels in her hands and dirt on her dress. She smiled when she seen our intertwined hands. “Alright guys, I don’t know about you two, but I’ve had fun. I think it’s time for a hot shower and a warm bed.”

I laughed, “Sounds wonderful to me, Maggie.” Rikki let go of my hand and scooped me up, “Well then, let’s not keep you ladies from your pleasantries. Hold on tight, Kinsley.” Suddenly the wind was whipping through my hair and I turned my face into Rikki’s chest.

Within what felt like seconds Rikki slowed down outside his house, but didn’t put me down. He walked with me in his arms up the stairs and into his bedroom. He sat me down in front of his bathroom door and held up a finger signaling me to wait. He disappeared in a flash, too fast for me to see where he went, and when he reappeared he was holding a fluffy pink bathrobe, two oversized towels and a pair of pink silk pajamas.

“Maggie said you might need these. I hope you like the color pink. I’m going to go downstairs to speak with father and I’ll return soon. Take as much time as you need.”

He reached up and ran his thumb across my jawline, “My house is your house. Make yourself at home. I’m so glad you are here with me. May I kiss you again, please?”

I gasped softly and stuttered, “Yes...Any..Anytime you want to.” He smiled and pressed his lips against mine, pulled away and then chastely kissed me again. “It feels so good to have your permission to do that, love. Alright, I’ll leave you to it.” He kissed my forehead and disappeared again, leaving me breathless once more.