The Mitchell Family Series BoxSet 1-4.5 (8 page)

Chapter 12

Savanna

I don’t think the reality of what I had done actually set in until I started my car. Colt was following me to the dorms, so I had to pull out first. Flashes of what had happened over the past couple of days flooded my mind. I wanted to feel ashamed for what I had done and the things that I had said. I knew it wouldn’t be easy if I ever decided to move on, and I didn’t purposely hook up with the one and only person Ty looked up to in the world.

It just happened.

I was attracted to him from the start. Anyone that wasn’t was a fool. His calm personality and southern drawl made him irresistible. Not to mention that the guy knew his way around the bedroom. He did things to me that I never knew could be done and when he was all but spent; he turned around and did them again.

Tears started to run down my face and I just let myself cry. I needed windshield wipers for my own face, but never made an effort to wipe them away. I loved Ty, so much that it hurt, but Colt had awakened something deep down inside of me, something that I had lost so long ago.

I kept looking in the rearview mirror, almost hoping that he had decided pursuing something with me was a big mistake. Maybe if he made the decision I could just let it go and try to move on. Seeing his truck close behind my car made me realize just how real all of this was. This connection that we were feeling was mutual and it scared us both, but neither of us could walk away from it.

When I finally pulled up at the dorm, Colt parked next to me. I looked over and saw him wink before he noticed my wet eyes. He jumped out of the truck and rushed to the driver’s side of my car. “Darlin’, what’s the matter? Do you want me to head back to the farm?”

I didn’t even hesitate. “No! Please, Colt. I don’t want you to leave. I swear. I just needed to have an emotional moment,” I admitted.

“Are you sure you just don’t want to go out some other time? I won’t be mad, Savanna.”

I reached my arms around his waist and let my head lean against his chest. “I don’t want to be away from you yet. Please don’t leave.”

His hands rubbed my back. “I will be here as long as you want me to stay.”

“Thank you.” I pulled away and grabbed his hand. “Why don’t you come up to my room so I can change?” I suggested.

He walked along with me. “Do I get to watch?”

I gave him a smile. “Maybe.” I giggled.

It took me about five minutes to get changed and I opted to do it in the bathroom instead of in front of Colt. It wasn’t that I cared if he saw me naked, obviously he had already seen everything I had to offer, but I still wanted just a little bit of privacy.

When I walked into my room, I saw him laying on my bed looking at the pictures that I had on my nightstand. Of course, all of them were of me and Ty and I felt awful for not thinking about them sooner. “I um…”

“Savanna, don’t even go there. You love him. I get it,” he said without even changing his expression.

“I don’t want you to feel like I am using you. I would never do that,” I confessed.

“Sugar, I haven’t thought that for a darn minute. Stop worrying your pretty little self over it. In fact, if you want, we can stop by the hospital.”

I was shocked that he wanted to include seeing Ty in our day together. Part of me felt like it was wrong and inconsiderate, but the other part realized how thoughtful Colt was being of my feelings.

“There is a restaurant near the hospital. I would like to just stop by for a second if it’s really okay with you.” I shook my head and reconsidered. “Never mind, maybe it isn’t a good idea.”

Colt sat up and pulled me into his arms. “Savanna, I want you to do what you want to do. I don’t regret being with you for a minute, but I know this is a big step for you. We can go there and I can wait outside. It doesn’t bother me or even make me the slightest bit frustrated. I love the kid too you know.”

Why did he always know what to say?

“Well, I would like to just stop by. I usually spend the whole day there, so it would be nice if I just say hello real quick.”

He stood up and grabbed my hand. “Shall we go then?”

I squeezed his hand. “We shall.”

Colt

Savanna had a bunch on her mind, I understood more than anyone about it. Her decisions over the weekend had caused her to have a painful reality today. I hadn’t thought that today would be the first weekday she had not spent at the hospital. That’s why I had to offer to stop by. I wanted her to feel like she could still be there for Ty, even if we were spending time together. Above everything else that happened sexually between us, she had become a very good friend. I had told her secrets and shared things with her that I never told anyone else. I wanted her to know that I trusted her.

Pulling up at the hospital was harder than I first thought it would be. Savanna didn’t speak the whole way there, but she did hold my hand for the ride. We had decided on taking her car because she had air conditioning and the truck did not.

“Do you want me to wait here for you?” I asked kindly.

She looked down at her lap and then finally over to me. “Actually, I think I want you to come. I need to be able to do this. I need to get over this guilt I am feeling, because I know for a fact that I don’t want to stop whatever this is. Does that make sense?” she asked.

“Sure it does, Savanna.” I lifted my hand to her lips. “I am ready when you are, darlin’.”

We walked into the hospital hand in hand, but once we reached the elevator Savanna let go. I didn’t think too much of it. Hell, she had probably made friends with all of the nurses on Ty’s floor. They didn’t know I was his cousin, not that it would make any bit of a difference who I was if they saw us walking up together holding hands.

I walked next to Savanna as we made our way to Ty’s room. She nodded and waved to a few nurses as we walked by them.

Ty looked exactly how he had the last time I had been in. He lay there hooked up to all kinds of tubes and devices. The constant beeping let us know just how serious his condition was. Savanna stood at his bedside but never touched him. I could tell she was crying but I stood back and let her have the time she needed. When her body finally collapsed over his, I felt the pain in my gut. I had been stupid to assume this was a good idea. It was like I was flashing it in front of his face or something.

I walked out of the room and stood with my back against the wall. I didn’t know what else to do, or what I could do. I had done this. I had let things get this far. Heck, I wanted it so bad I just couldn’t help myself.

I heard Savanna talking but I couldn’t let myself listen. I focused on everyone walking around the halls of the hospital instead of her voice. It was hard to ignore her sad tone and soon I heard her saying my name. I lifted up my head and made my way back in the room. She looked over at me with tear-filled eyes. “I told him you were taking good care of me,” she said.

“I’m doin’ my best,” I admitted out loud.

Savanna only wanted to stay for a few more minutes and once we got into the elevator, she seemed to relax. When the doors shut, she threw her arms around me and I pulled her in tight. “You okay?”

“I am now,” she confessed.

I kissed the top of her head. “Savanna, you can tell me anything. I want you to know that. I promise that I will always be your friend. If you need anything, you just tell me.”

Maybe it was wrong for me to assume she needed anything from me. Maybe I had caused her more pain than she was already experiencing, but I couldn’t help it. I just wanted to be there.

She looked up at me and smiled. “I am so glad that you came to town, Colt.”

“You sure? I think I may be making things harder on you, darlin’,” I admitted.

“In the past three days I have smiled more than I can remember. I am so grateful to have you right now,” she said.

I couldn’t help but smile. It seemed a bit immature of me, but knowing that she appreciated my kindness meant a bunch.

We climbed in her car and she drove us to a little restaurant off the beaten path of town. It was nestled on a small side road and looked more like a log cabin than a place to eat. When we walked in, I took off my hat and nodded to the hostess. I noticed right away that she was trying to play the seduction game on me. I reached down, grabbed Savanna’s hand, and kissed it as we walked.  The girl finally rolled her eyes and led us to a table before leaving.

“She was totally flirting with you,” Savanna said with a big smile.

I looked back in the direction of where the girl walked. “Really? I didn’t even notice,” I lied.

“Yeah right!”

I smiled and leaned into the table. “Maybe I don’t care, because I am here with someone else,” I pulled her hand up and kissed it again.

“Good answer, cowboy.”

We were interrupted by the waitress and soon ordered our food. Savanna ordered a burger and when it came, it was bigger than her whole head.  She gave me half, minus the bacon that she stole as I was taking a big bite.

“What? It’s my favorite part.”

I shook my head and continued to eat my fried chicken meal. There was nothing like homemade food. I could tell it was just that right away.

Savanna squirmed when a couple of people, who looked her age, walked by and made comments. I gave her a quick wink to let her know that she wasn’t alone. Nobody was going to hurt her again on my watch.

After we finished eating, we sat there and talked for a long time. The waitress got frustrated since we were keeping her from more tips, so I left her a little extra for her troubles.

The truth was that I didn’t want to call it a night. Savanna had finals in the morning, but she didn’t seem to want to leave either.

We got back to her dorm room and she invited me up. I was hesitant considering more people might see us and start running their mouths, but she assured me it wouldn’t be a problem. When we got to her room, a girl was busy filling a duffle bag.

“Who is this?” she asked as I walked into the room.

“This is Colt Mitchell. He’s Ty’s older cousin. He’s here for the summer,” Savanna explained.

“Well, I was going to head to the frat house for the night, but maybe I could stay here and keep you company,” she offered, looking directly at me.

Savanna got this mean look on her face. “He has a girlfriend,” she spat out.

I smiled and couldn’t help from chuckling as her friend said her goodbyes and walked out of the room.

When we were finally sitting there alone, I turned toward Savanna. “What was that about?”

“Did you want her to stay?”

“Of course not.”

“Explaining everything was too much for tonight,” she said as she hugged me again. “Besides, I didn’t want the competition.”

I kissed the top of her head. “There ain't no competition, Savanna. Not when it comes to you.”

Chapter 13

Savanna

When I saw my roommate trying to hit on Colt, I felt jealous. I had no right to be. He didn’t belong to me, but I couldn’t help it. He was my savior and I didn’t want to share him with anyone else.

After he said what he said to me, I felt better.  That was Colt though. Always saying the right thing.  Since we had the room to ourselves, I pressed my lips against his. The kiss started out slow, but progressed into something more intense. I grabbed the collar to Colt’s shirt and pulled him closer to me.

His soft lips sucked on mine and I felt his tongue slide across them. Our mouths opened and I felt his tongue start mingling with mine. His kissing made me weak in the knees and I felt like losing all control over myself and giving in to his every desire.

Colt’s hands reached under my shirt and I could feel them moving up and under my bra. He cupped the skin under my breasts and squeezed my nipples as he continued kissing me aggressively. His tongue became a tool and soon he was running it down my neck, ending in small kisses as it traveled around my ears.

His hot breath gave me chills when he spoke near my ear. “Do you need me to leave so you can get some studying in?” he asked.

I pulled away and looked at him. “What would you say if I asked you to help me study?”

He sat down on my bed and shook his head. “I don’t know how good I would be.”

I laughed and sat down beside him. “Actually, all you have to do is quiz me. I have all the answers written down.”

He grabbed the notes out of my hand and started looking at them. After a few long minutes, he turned to me and smiled. “I reckon I can help with this.”

Knowing how much Colt distracted me, I chose to sit on my roommate’s bed while he quizzed me. With every question, I found myself staring at the perfect guy across from me.

After at least an hour, we were both yawning. Between the past couple of nights, we hadn’t slept very much and I knew that I needed to get a good night’s rest if I wanted to do well on my final. Colt started to get up to leave. “I better be goin’.”

“Do you want to stay? I mean, I can’t stay up much longer, but you don’t have to leave,” I asked.

He stood in front of me and took both of my hands in his as he talked. “I don’t want to be a distraction, Savanna. You need a good night’s sleep for tomorrow.”

“Well, doesn’t this friendship include cuddling?”

He let go of one of my hands and played with his hat. “Cuddling?” He put his hands over my face. “Stop givin’ me those puppy dog eyes, Savanna. I can’t ever say no to them.”

“It’s fine if you want to go. I just wasn’t ready to be without you yet. What happens if you get a flat tire on the way home and that hostess stops to help you,” I joked, well kind of.

“If you are that worried, I guess I can stay. I wouldn’t want you losing sleep over me,” he replied.

I pulled off Colt’s shirt and took off my jean shorts before we climbed into my small bed together. He was so tall; I knew he couldn’t be that comfortable. He never complained though, instead, he buried his head into my hair and wrapped his arms tightly around me.

After a few moments, I heard him starting to snore. It wasn’t an annoying snore, but something more subtle, almost like it was letting me know he was there. I wrapped my arms into his and closed my eyes knowing that I was in the safest place.

His arms.

The next morning, I let my alarm go off for ten minutes before I shut it off. I refused to get out of bed and Colt’s strong hold. I tried to climb out without waking him, but it was impossible.

When I got myself ready for class, Colt was standing up putting on his shoes. “You going to call me later?” he asked.

“I thought you would stay and sleep,” I assumed.

He shook his head before giving me a hug. “I gotta go let Sam out. She has been in the house since last night. She’s a good girl, but I know she has to go.”

“Okay. Well, I guess I will call you later.” I reached up and pecked him on his lips.

Colt pulled me back for another kiss. This one was more passionate, and it made the heat rush between my legs. From the first touch of his tongue, I thought I was going to squeal. Colt broke our kiss and looked into my eyes. “I really hope you do.” After one more soft kiss, he followed me outside and we parted ways.

From the moment I lost sight of him, I felt like something was missing. When I got to my class, it was even worse. I made it through my exam with little distraction, by forcing myself to give it my all. Finally, when my tests were all complete, I rushed out of the building and started searching for his number in my phone. I didn’t have to search far, because he had already sent me a message.

Missin' your pretty face –C

The text had been time stamped for ten minutes after he left my dorm. I smiled and realized he sent it before my first final started.

I laughed aloud while I messaged him back.

All done. When can I c u? – S

Do you have any finals tomorrow? –C

Two more and then I am done for the summer – S

Supposed to have dinner with family tonight. Do you want me to come later? – C

No, just call me. We can hang out tomorrow. – S

Call me if you need anything. – C

TY- S

Colt

Just to be kind, I sent Savanna a quick text as I left her dorm. She needed to be focused and not worried that I had used her for sex or anything else.

I felt really bad for not being able to hang out with Savanna, but I hadn’t spent any time with my aunt and uncle. Since I had snuck Savanna into the carriage house over the weekend, I had avoided them like the plague.

My aunt had called me this afternoon and told me that they were having her famous chili and that I had better be there. I hesitated for only a minute before agreeing to dinner. I was staying on their farm and they would soon figure out my secret if I kept dodging seeing them.

I played with Sam at the swimming hole for over an hour and the whole time all I could think about was my time there with Savanna. Her muddy face and hair came flashing in my mind. Savanna needed to study for her last two finals, so I knew she would be busy for the entire evening. I walked into my family’s farmhouse ready to chow down on some spicy good food.

As soon as I reached the living room, I noticed the difference. Growing up, my aunt had been a fanatic about having pictures that documented everything Ty had ever done in his life. Some pictures were there, but all of the ones of he and Savanna were gone. I’m not talkin’ like small pictures, it was more like the eight by tens were missing from the wall, and you could see the spot that had been removed, because nothing replaced them.

My mouth dropped.

My aunt came into the room and cleared her throat when she realized what I had noticed. “I couldn’t stand looking at her every day. It’s bad enough I can’t get her away from that damn hospital. It’s a little too late to show him how much she cares, if you ask me.”

I had never wanted to hurt my aunt, but at that very moment, was the first time in my life where I could have hurt a woman. How could she be so bitter? They both loved Ty. It didn’t have to be this way.

“I don’t really get it. I saw her at the hospital the other day. She seems to really love him,” I said defensively.

“Colt, I really don’t want to talk about that girl in my house anymore. Get on in that kitchen and wash your hands for supper, boy.”

Just like that, she ended the conversation. Once my uncle came in, we talked about the upcoming summer and what my job duties would entail. They didn’t talk much about Ty, and I was actually okay with that, although my mind was elsewhere the entire time.

I was pretty thankful when supper ended abruptly with some game show that both of them watched every weeknight. I said my goodbyes and Sam and I left the farmhouse. I checked on the horses before heading into the carriage house. It seemed lonely without Savanna there, but the last thing I wanted to do was seem clingy, so I refused to call her.

After flipping through the television channels and playing fetch with Sam, I ran out of things to occupy myself. I couldn’t explain the sense of loneliness that had overcome me. Even when my ex lived with me, I never felt like I had missed her when she wasn’t around. Savanna was haunting my thoughts and I didn’t know whether it excited me or scared the pants off me.

Our friendship was more than we were both admitting and jumping in as fast as we both had, had thrown us into a place neither of us knew what to do with.

When I finally couldn’t take it anymore, I went into the bedroom and called my dog up on the bed. She seemed like the only constant in my life. I was lonely, hell at home I could have called several young ladies to keep me company, not that I ever did. I was the kind of guy that preferred to be alone. Nobody had ever been that interesting to me. I never had a relationship where a woman was my friend.

Savanna was my friend, but she was so much more. The idea of knowing that was the scariest of them all. If I had any hopes of my cousin waking up, then I needed to figure out what the hell I was doing with his girlfriend.

The problem was that for the past few days, she was all I could think about.