I walk back over, taking a seat on the tailgate that sits open across from the group. Ember looks up, and I see her jaw drop. She’s obviously wasn’t expecting me of all people to be here. Shit, I can’t hardly believe I came either. Her face is a canvas of surprise and desire. At least that's one thing that hasn't changed. Her body will always belong to me, no matter who she's with, or how she feels towards me. It's always been mine. I see Blayr whisper in her ear, and Ember bites her lip, nodding. Blayr heads towards the middle, dragging Ember behind her. My sweet girl, always following. Never taking the lead. Always been like that.

Breaking our stare I look at the people surrounding me. The guys looking for a girl to bury their problems inside for the night. The girls looking for a man to be different from all the rest. And I sit here alone, looking for solace from the nightmares filling my head every night.

Ember

Of all the places in the damn world for Blayr to drag me to, she drags me here. Granted, I’m sure she didn’t know Hale would be here but still, how am I supposed to be around him all night? I need alcohol. Stat. Following behind B, I head to where the keg sits and I raise my eyebrows at her, smirking.

“I’m so down.” She yells Nash’s name and he quickly comes over, no doubt for the chance to put his hands on her.

Apparently, I’m feeling brave tonight as I brace my hand on the sides of the keg and my feet are lifted off the ground. Doing keg stands like we are in high school, mature of us. I only last a few seconds as the rancid tasting beer slides down my throat, causing me to cough. Ugh, I am not cut out for this shit. Glancing towards Hale, I see his face set in hard lines and his jaw clenched. Fuck it, I don’t belong to him. I can do what I want.

I see Chase passing around cups and I gladly take one. Bringing the drink to my lips, I finish it off in one long gulp. The beer combined with the few shots we had before arriving are coursing through my body, giving me the liquid courage I desperately need. I walk to the middle of the field where everyone is dancing and close my eyes, moving to the beat. The cool wind blows my hair as I move, causing chills to break out on my neck.

The music pounds through the speakers of the truck and my body comes alive, moving on its own to the beat. I look back to see a guy watching me, his eyes sliding up and down my body appreciatively. Bringing my hands above my head, I let the music guide me. The alcohol burns in my veins making my head feel light. Finally, free of the shit that’s been weighing me down for so long. I close my eyes, swaying my hips to the music. I feel him walk up behind me and his hands sliding to my hips. Just as soon as his hands touch my body, they're gone. I'm pushed forward, my feet stumbling over the other as I barely catch myself on some poor guys arm.

"Don't fucking touch her," Hale yells more of a roar then a sentence, throwing the guy backwards. I rush over to him, placing my hands on his chest. "Stop Hale. Stop it now." I push him backwards, trying to get his attention away from the point of his anger. Pushing me aside he charges the guy, which is no one’s fault but his own since he's decided to puff up and act like he can take Hale. Whatever dude, I tried. Hale swings punch after punch into the guys face. I'm shocked no one has tried to break it up. When I see the guy’s body go limp, it's time for me to stop him. Rushing towards them, I pull Hale back from him with every bit of strength I have. I know he would never lay a hand on me. He would lay down his life before he would hurt me. Grabbing his face, I yell, "Look at me now, Hale Michael.” Finally, he drags his eyes away from the poor guy and looks at me. Out of the corner of my eye I see B and Nashville walking towards us. "We need to go before his buddies show up." I drag Hale behind me, pushing our way through the crowd that has surrounded us.

"Jesus Hale! What the fuck was that?" Nashville screams at him, fumbling for his truck keys as we get further away from the crowd.

"Just get in the fucking truck. Ember, who’s driving you?” He asks, grabbing my arm and halting me. My body is loose, and my head’s fuzzy from everything I’ve drank tonight. The last thing I feel like doing is fighting with Hale. Or anyone for that matter.

I shrug him off, crossing my arms over my chest. "Not that it's any of your damn business, but Nashville is dropping us off at the house. God, you have some nerve Hale. Some fucking nerve!” Spinning on my heel, I leave him there and stomp to Nash’s truck. Hopping up into the backseat I slam the door, and settle back against the seat. I’m so mad, I’m seeing red.

Hale

I'm so mad, I'm seeing red. Fuck, I lost my mind when I saw him put his hands on her. I couldn't stop myself; the next thing I knew my fist was against his face. He's lucky I didn't break his fucking jaw. I take a few calming breaths and jog towards Nashville’s truck. I can’t drive after the drinks I had, and the last thing I need is to be pulled over for a DWI. I see Blayr perched in the front seat next to him, chatting away. Sighing, I walk around to the driver’s side and open the back door. Hopping up into the truck, I lean my head back against the headrest and take more deep breaths. I’m trying to reign my anger in and knowing she’s sitting less than a foot from me doesn’t help the situation. I open my eyes and look over at her and find her staring back at me. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. This entire night turned into a cluster fuck, and now my knuckles are bruised and aching. My balls feel like they may burst if I have to stay in this truck with her much longer. I just want to bury myself inside her and never leave.

"You're an asshole, Hale. You had no right to touch that poor guy!" She screams at me, hitting me in the chest. She’s so close I can feel her breath against my face. "I'm so damn mad at you, I could leave you here and not give a damn." I see the angry tears welling up in her eyes. Shit, I didn't mean to make her cry.

"Let's not pretend you're upset over some prick at a party, Ember. We know what the real problem is here. Doesn't change anything." My head is starting to pound. It’s like my body aches to touch her. She’s so close yet so far away. Even if she is in arm's reach, I refuse let my hatred for the world taint her.

"Fuck you, Hale. You're not fooling anyone but yourself." The entire car goes silent with her words. I look over at her and see the little smirk sitting on her face. I want to grab her by the neck and pull her to me, kiss the sassiness right out of her. I want to slam my mouth onto hers and show her just who’s fooling who.

"Yeah, well that’s the way it’s supposed to be Sweet Girl." I tell her, never breaking eye contact. She rolls her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest and looks out the window. That's right babe, show me the sassy. I want it all. We can fight all night, but it won't change how things have to be or how things are going to be. My love for her will conquer all. Even her. Looking away, I glance out the window seeing the city lights fade behind us. We pull into the driveway and I thank Nashville for the ride and apologize to everyone for losing my temper. The only friends I have and I'm already fucking it up. Let's add it to the list, yeah?

As I get out of the truck, I hear a door slam and then Nashville’s truck powering down the drive. I whip around and see Ember standing there, arms crossed over her chest.

"What are you doing, Ember? You better walk right on over to Nan’s. Not in the mood for anymore fighting tonight." I turn towards the house, pulling my keys from my pocket. I need to ice my knee and elevate it. It’s been hurting ever since I threw douchebag on the ground. I fumble with the keys and end up dropping them by my feet. “Fuck,” cursing, I reach for them. Ember is there suddenly, picking the keys up and unlocking the door effortlessly. She opens the door and walks right through like she owns the damn place, leaving me standing there dumbfounded. I hear Deacon growl as she walks into the living room. “Down, boy. Now.” I’m still standing on the porch trying to wrap my head around this stubborn as shit woman.