Brady Remington Landed Me in Jail

"Fine."

Brady turned the car towards Barthal's woods. I couldn't slump any further down in the seat.

CHAPTER FOUR

Brady parked in a back cornfield and threw open his door. When his long legs took him across the field, around the maze of cars, and through the first line of trees, I sighed. Then I stuck my hands in my pockets and slowed to a lingering trek. I knew he would already have his drink in hand by the time I got to the party. I was a little hurt that he didn't wait for me, but Brady went at his own pace. I'd accepted that a long time ago and followed behind through the corn stalks.

Barthal's woods were a small section of trees located south of Hank Barthal's cornfields. Hank was the father of one of the football players, another friend of Brady's. They were all friends with Brady. They were not friends with me, which is why I took my sweet time.

As I grew closer, I squared my shoulders and took a breath. I was almost there and then I tripped. I caught my balance before I completely fell and stumbled into the small opening where Brady's friends were.

Sure enough. Brady already stood beside the kegger, cup in one hand and the other in his pocket. He struck a cocky stance while he listened to whatever Clarissa was whispering in his ear. He didn't look at me, but she did. Those smart green eyes of hers seemed to see right through me. Yes, Brady and I were at odds with each other and yes, Clarissa caught onto it. She always saw right through us. I sighed and wrapped my arms around me. It'd grown cold suddenly.

"You're one of those girls, huh?"

A guy with soft features and brown eyes stood to my left. I labeled him as Prettyboy, but wasn't going to let him know that. There was something in his eyes, but then he looked to where I'd been staring and his eyes went flat.

I looked back and saw Brady against a truck with his head bent forward. One of his hands was splayed on the small of Clarissa's back underneath her halter top. A white shirt had been given to him, but he'd only thrown it over his shoulder. He looked too comfortable in his skin.

I almost hated him because of that thought—just for a moment. It seemed unfair that he was so confident while the rest of us just…became comfortable at pretending.

"You like him, don't you?" the boy asked.

"Oh…well…it's Brady." What else could a person say? I shrugged.

He nodded, as if he understood, but I still caught a flash of resentment. "I'm Joshua." He swung a hand to me as he leaned against the tree and I could feel his breath on me. As I shook his hand, I was startled to realize that they were a little rough on the inside.

"How old are you?" I glanced down to hide my blush.

Joshua chuckled and released my hand. "I'm a senior…or I was a senior from Black Ham. I'm here visiting with my cousin." He folded his arms and tucked his hands underneath, which accentuated his lean body. His shirt stretched across his chest and I could see his stomach muscles bunch under his shirt.

"Why'd you ask how old I am?" His eyes seemed to be laughing at me.

"Oh, uh…you just look young."

"So do you. How old are you?"

"I'm a senior here."

"So you're graduating next week." Joshua grinned and leaned closer.

"Uh…" I stepped back, just an inch, but his lips quirked at the movement. "Yeah, I'm graduating next week."

"So you're celebrating this weekend? I heard your classmates are having an all weekend bash."

"I guess, but I don't usually come to these things." A small group had congregated around a truck while a few girls danced to the music, their movements sloppy and drunk.

Joshua scanned the group too. "Is this your entire grade?"

"We come from a small town."

"My cousin's from here. He wanted to come back and see some old friends, but…" He hesitated to finish his statement, but I watched as his eyes darted back to Brady and harden. "Let's just say that I'm more welcome than my cousin."

"Who's your cousin?"

Joshua watched me intently. "Kidrick Stephens."

My eyes widened. "Oh."

"Yeah. Oh," Joshua bit out and glared over my shoulder. "That Brady kid busted up my cousin at a party. I didn't even know what was going on. I was too far away and by the time I heard Kid was taken to the hospital, that kid was already in handcuffs. Now look, he's back here and chatting her up again."

The fact that Brady had been chatting with Clarissa shouldn't have affected me. It wasn't a surprise. They were on friendly terms and sometimes more than friendly terms, but I couldn't ignore the stab of pain. I peeked over my shoulder and swallowed tightly when I caught Brady's glare. He wanted to know what I was doing.

As if he couldn't remember.

I rolled my eyes, this was his idea. He wanted me to loosen up, well I would. Joshua was going to help me.

"Oh, now look at him," Joshua said. "He must've heard that I'm Kid's cousin. Maybe he'll come over and try something with me."

I sent Brady a scathing glare before I turned back to Joshua. "Why'd they get in a fight?"