Roughing The Passer Read online

  Roughing the Passer

  Copyright © by Regan Shea

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication / used of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  "You're right Laure, I want you to be happy and if this guy makes you happy then it's fine but I don't think he does." Has he seen through this whole thing? "I think I make you happier." He's up close, inches away from my face now. We've been closer than this before but I've never felt as much tension between us as right now.

  What's Lauren Laycaster supposed to do? Her sheltered life comes crashing down when her boyfriend does the unthinkable and now she needs to figure out what and who she wants to be. Her two worlds collide when she enlists the help of an old friend to get over her ex.

  Emotions get involved and feelings hurt when Lauren has to decide where her heart really lies. With her High School Sweetheart or her Childhood Best Friend.

  To Robbie, Noah & Rafa

  Age 10

  The leaves crackle beneath my feet as I look around the neighborhood, making sure no one can see us. Being by the neighborhood pool in Fall means no one should come out here but I need to keep watch, just in case. The nerves build inside with every little noise I hear, making my head jerk in every direction. No one is coming. We are actually going to get away with this. A small smile forms on my face and a giggle of excitement escapes before I can control it.

  “Shh…” My best friend Jacob looks at me angrily with his grassy green eyes. “You’ve got to stay quiet otherwise we’ll get caught!” He demands and I swiftly cover my mouth with my hand trying to stifle my laugh. Jacob rummages through his bag and pulls out a silver object. “Here it is!” He exclaims happily and shows it to me. “It’s Derek’s Swiss Army knife. This should make it last.” He grins at me.

  Fear is building up inside me when I think about what we’re going to do. I take another look around, making sure no one is coming. “Are you sure we aren’t going to get in trouble Jacob?” I ask wearily. I’ve trusted him so many times before, I shouldn’t feel as scared as I do now.

  He turns to me, putting his hands on my shoulders. “We’ll be fine Laurie. This is only going to take five minutes.” He says trying to reassure me. “Don’t you trust me?” He asks, while tilting his head.

  “Jacob,” I respond flatly and looking down at my pink converse shoes. “Last time I trusted you, somehow I ended up being bitten by a peacock.”

  “That wasn’t my fault. You shouldn’t have stuck your hand through the fence.” He says back smugly and just as I’m about to argue and let him know he’s the one that told me to do it in the first place, he continues, “I promise. It will be worth it this time.” He grabs my hand and squeezes it tightly. As he smiles at me, I can’t help but smile back and remember that Jacob and I have a pact. We will do anything for each other.

  His hand does a flick and the knife pops out. He ushers me to sit down next to him by the tree and as I do, I watch him slowly carve into it. I can’t see what he’s drawing because I’m looking out for people but it’s getting cold and dark. The breeze hits me and I pull my jacket closer to my body as I wait for Jacob to finish.

  After a few minutes, Jacob stands up, “I’m done!” He beams. “What do you think?” He asks me with his toothy grin and when I look at what he’s done, I gasp. He’s carved our initials into the tree.

  My brows crease as I look at it, “L L & J M = 4eva?” He looks so proud of himself. “Jacob, they are going to know this is us and we’re going to get in trouble!”

  He laughs at me, “Calm down Laurie. No one will care. We don’t always have to follow the rules you know.” He says and I feel bad. I just don’t want to disappoint anyone. “Besides, everyone needs to know that it’s you and me forever.” His arm swings around my neck and I think he’s going to hug me but he doesn’t, he forces my neck down and rubs his knuckles into my head instead.

  "Jacob stop!" I giggle trying to wiggle out of his hold. He's too strong for me though so I do the only thing I know will work. I pinch his ribs hard and he automatically releases me. Before he can retaliate, I run down the street towards our houses. I can hear his feet pounding behind as he chases after me and his laughter echoes down the street as I pant heavily, trying to stay ahead of him.

  My legs can’t keep up the pace, I’m too tired and I have to stop to catch my breath. Holding my knees, I breathe deep trying to get air in my lungs. Jacobs stands next to me, breathing normally and drapes a hand over my back while I heave. “You can’t get rid of me that easily Laurie.”

  Pushing him off my shoulders I stand up straight, squaring up to him. “I know. I’m stuck with you forever. But that means you’re stuck with me too!” I push him a little, but he doesn’t flinch at all. “It means you’ve got to be nice to me.”

  “You’re my best friend. I’ll always be nice to you.” He says and pulls me into another hug. As we pull away, he stares at me. His eyes are bright green with specks of brown and gold, reminding me of the grass when it’s been rained on. A warm feeling in my chest starts to grow the longer he looks at me. I smile just looking at him. I feel his hand tap me on the arm. “Tag. You’re it.” He teases as he runs as fast as he can in the opposite direction.

  "No fair! I didn't know we were playing!" I yell as I try to catch up with him

  Chapter One

  Six Years Later

  Walking to the front of school, I can hardly contain my excitement. It’s Monday, I shouldn’t be this chipper but knowing what’s waiting for me out front, or should I say more specifically, who is waiting for me gives me all the feels. As I briskly walk between the students, I look out for his bright blonde hair peeking out above the crowd. He’s hard to miss with that hair and height and the minute I spot him, my heart melts. Every Monday for the last two years, he’s always stood just outside the entrance waiting for me.

  When his blue eyes lock with mine, his smile starts to grow and it’s so contagious, I can’t help but grin back as I run towards him. I know it sounds eager, but I haven’t seen him all weekend, I’ve missed him. Finally reaching him, he wra
ps his big arms around my waist, twirling me around as I hold on tightly to his shoulders. His lips meet mine and linger there for a moment. Being here, with him, feels perfect.

  Still holding me, his lips pull away from mine and our foreheads connect so we can look into each other’s eyes. “Morning Laure,” he whispers giving me one of the sexiest smiles I’ve ever seen. I give him another quick peck on the lips because I can’t get enough of him.

  “Urgh. Next time will you two please get a room? It’s Monday morning. No one wants to watch you eat each other’s faces.” My best friend Emily groans beside my boyfriend Lucas. I was too occupied with him to notice her standing there before. She’s got her big ass shades on and her worn out yoga pants. I smile because I know that means she had a good weekend. Emily continues to make sick noises while Lucas and I chuckle at her antics.

  “Good Morning to you too, Sunshine.” Lucas sings as he puts me down, resting his arm around my shoulders while we walk into school. Standing between Emily and Lucas, I often feel like the odd one out. They are both tall, gorgeous blondes and I’m like the hobbit in the middle.

  Lucas silently greets people while Emily takes a large sip of her coffee. Getting to our lockers, we all start to pull out the supplies we will need until lunch. Lucas takes his phone out and waits for us. “Did you have a good weekend Laure?” She asks while she gets all of her art supplies. Her blonde hair is in a pony tail today highlighting her perfect cheekbones. She’s got model looks and I know that works wonders for her when she parties on the weekends.

  The most depressing part about her question is that she already knows the answer because it’s the same conversation we have every week. “Nothing crazy, I just hung out at my Dad’s and studied.” I reply, almost meekly because I know what’s about to come.

  “Ugh Lauren. Sometimes I think you’re the dullest person I know.” She moans teasingly. She knows that since my parents divorced I have to go to my Dad’s on weekends to visit him and my half-sister. They live forty-five minutes away and if I don’t make time for them on the weekend, then I don’t see them at all. “You could at least try to live once and while. It’s like you only exist in the school hallways.” She jokes as she flails her arms around like she’s doing some kind of ghost impression. My only response is a chuckle because I never get anywhere in this conversation. “You know what?” She looks over at me and then to Lucas. She’s got a manic grin on her face as she says “I’m starting to think that you’ve got a secret life over there on the weekends. Like you’re a dirty Hannah Montana or something.” She elbows me, wagging her eyebrows.

  “Dirty Hannah Montana? Wouldn’t that just be Miley Cyrus during her Bangerz phase?” I quip back, flicking my long brown hair out of my face, proud because I’m not usually that quick.

  “Maybe,” She giggles. “Although the image of you in a teddy bear bodysuit gyrating against a pole is not something I wanted in my head before class.” The amusement in her eyes has turned to disgust.

  Lucas shuts my locker, “I’d like to see that,” He chimes in with heat in his glare. His arm snakes around my shoulder as he places a kiss on my cheek. I snuggle into his chest, clasping his varsity jacket to keep me in place. Emily scoffs behind me but I ignore her completely. She may not need a boyfriend to be happy but I’m not ashamed to admit just how happy Lucas makes me.

  “Don’t encourage her Luke.” I say, looking up into his bright blue eyes as they glisten with happiness.

  He rubs his nose against mine. “I can’t help it. I agree with her. You’re hiding something Laure,” He whispers in my ear, his breath tickling my neck causing me to giggle and his hand that was softly sitting on the small of my back is travelling further south. “I’d like to find out exactly what you’re hiding,” He nuzzles further into my neck, tickling me and takes my laughter as an invitation to move his hand down, over the curve of my ass.

  “Don’t finish that!” Interrupting his thoughts, I place a finger on his full lips looking up at him while trying to keep a straight face. Looking between his lips and eyes, I contemplate kissing him again but I know we have an audience and the bell for first period is going to go soon. “Come on, we’re going to be late for class.” I grab his hand and pull him towards history. He in turn grabs my books so I don’t have to carry them. “See you later Em,” I shout as she waves with one hand while the other holds her large canvas and paints.

  Before we go into the classroom, Lucas pulls me to the side, pushing me against one of the lockers and looks down at me. “Since you got most of your work done, does that mean I can take you to the movies on Thursday?” Thursday has become our unofficial date night. Since it’s Football season, Lucas’ Fridays are taken up by games and I’m at my Dad’s on weekends so we always make sure to save Thursdays.

  “I guess,” I say with a smirk. I’m a terrible flirt and this is the closest I’ll get to playing hard to get. My attempts draw a smile from him at least “I think it’s your pick for a movie.”

  He brings a finger to his mouth and pretends to contemplate. “Yeah, you’re right, it is my choice but you want to see that move The Aftermath right?” I nod and he pushes a stray hair out of my face, tucking it behind my ear. “I’ll forfeit my go for now so we can watch that.” I squeal with excitement. “However,” He continues. “Just remember that when the next Wild and Reckless comes out… And when we’re in the back of my car making out.” Winking, he gives me one final kiss and we walk into History hand in hand.

  There’s no denying I lucked out when I moved next door to Lucas. When my parents divorced, my Mom and I moved across town. I knew no one and I had to leave all my friends behind. I didn’t mope around for too long though. The week after moving in, Lucas had made me cupcakes and then we immediately became friends. He was always playing football and I would watch from my window. It wasn’t until I was fifteen, when I was finally allowed to go to my first party with Emily, and we played an impromptu game of spin the bottle, that I started thinking of Lucas as anything more than a friend. We ended up kissing and have been inseparable ever since.

  When lunch finally comes around, I’m excited to hear about all of the stupid things my friends did during the weekend. Lucas and Emily sit on either side of me while the rest of our friends, Cam, Catherine and Justin sit opposite. Twirling my spaghetti, I’m half listening, half focusing on my food.

  “Did you see how wasted Olivia was on Saturday?” Catherine asks, shaking her head. Olivia is the prettiest girl in the school with tanned olive skin and bright blonde hair, she’s the perfect head cheerleader who loves letting loose.

  “Who didn’t?” Emily retorts. “She was all over Cam like a bad rash,” Looking at Cam with mock disgust she laughs. Cam is one of Lucas’ teammates on the football team and the best way to describe him is easy on the eye. He’s taller than Lucas with bronzed skin that has the slightest hint of freckles giving him a boyish charm. His wide smile and easy demeanor means he’s quite the hit with the ladies.

  Lifting his arms in the air, he looks between us. “I’m not complaining.” He laughs.

  “To be all over you,” Lucas looks Cam up and down. “She must have been wasted.” He says. It’s supposed to be a joke but there’s more vitriol there than normal which is odd.

  Cam picks up on it and laughs bitterly. “Aw Lucas, are you jealous because you didn’t get any action at the party?” Freezing, spaghetti half-way to my mouth, I process what Cam said. There’s a silence around the table and I can feel all of their eyes on me. Does Lucas usually get action at parties? I shake the thought out of my head nearly laughing it off. There’s no way he would do that, I trust him. Plus I trust Emily more. She would always tell me if something was up.

  Reading the room, Lucas drapes his arm around me while I finish that spaghetti bite and he gives me a chaste kiss on the forehead. “I don’t need action at parties when I get enough action right here.” The confidence in his voice calms me while the whole table groan at his implications.


  “Well either way, I’m looking forward to a re-match with her at the next party.” Cam says. “When’s the next one?” He asks the table.

  Emily is quick to reply, “Next Saturday at Brett’s. You in?” She asks him and gets an eager nod in return. She poses the same question around the table, getting the same enthusiastic nod until she gets to me. Her eyes are wistful, making me look down and ignore the gazes of the rest of the table and spin some spaghetti on my fork.

  “You know she can’t come guys; she’s at her Dad’s.” Lucas responds for me as though the whole table doesn’t already know. His hands rub up and down my shoulder and I feel a little better. I never used to think I was missing out on things but the older I got, the more I wish I didn’t have this issue. It sounds pathetic but sometimes I feel like half a person. Neither Lucas or Emily have ever come to visit me while I’m at my Dad’s and when I’m there it’s like I’m a different person to here. The only way to describe it is that sometimes I feel lonely because of it.

  Emily grins as she eyes me up. “I know! I so badly want my best friend out there with me,” She pouts, giving me the best puppy dog eyes she can muster. “I got you out once Laycaster. Don’t underestimate my abilities. I’m going to make it happen again and the night I do, we’re going to go wild. I can’t wait.”

  Cam scoffs next to her. “Please make sure I’m invited if the two of you are planning on going wild.” He husks out, innuendo heavy in his voice.