One Last Time (The Stanton Brothers) Read online

  Thanksgiving is this week, and Savannah is coming over for dinner. Her father is out of town on another business trip, so my mom insisted that she eat with us. My brother’s coming home too, but I have no idea how that will go. He’s been in love with the girl next door since we were little kids, only she’s dating someone else and spending the holidays with them.

  “Wanna ride to work?” I winked as Savannah came walking down the hall. Her locker wasn’t close to mine, but she had to pass me to get to the parking lot. I drove the two of us this morning, so I knew she had to ride home with me, but I’d been having too much fun flirting lately.

  “Maybe?” She grinned as she pressed her lips together.

  “Will you two just get a room already?” Ryan groaned from behind me.

  “Shut up!” I slugged him.

  It was then that Brittany came prancing down the hall. “Hey, Micha.” She did a little finger wave. “Your family still doing the corn maze, or have you cut it down?”

  Brit already knew the answer to this, so I had no idea why she was asking. “We’re cutting it tomorrow,” I called out as I turned back toward my locker to grab something. I didn’t want to talk to her, and she still hadn’t gotten the memo on that.

  “I haven’t had a chance to go through it.” Her voice was louder, as if she was right behind me. “You think if I come by today, I could get a chance?” Her voice was so sickeningly sweet I almost gagged.

  “Sure. Whatever.” I shrugged as I turned to face her, and almost bumped into her.

  “Will you come find me if I get lost?” She batted her eyelashes as she placed her open palm on my chest.

  My eyes went to the offending limb just as Savannah’s voice cut in. “He’ll be busy with the stand, but I might be able to help you out.” It was a warning, plain and simple, but Savannah didn’t make it sound that way. She was too good to take Brittany’s bait, but that didn’t mean Brittany wasn’t going to stop trying.

  “Thanks.” She twisted her lip at Savannah before turning back to me. “What do you guys have at the stand right now?”

  “Stuff. Listen. I gotta go. If you want to come by, then come by, but I have to get us to work.” I grabbed Brit’s wrist, and lifted her hand away from me before stepping to the side to close my locker. After it clicked shut, I moved around her to get to Savannah. “You ready?” I smiled as I wrapped my arm around her shoulder.

  “You bet.” She smiled as she lifted up on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to my cheek.

  “Later, Ry.” I waved as we headed to my truck.

  “Well!” Brittany scoffed in the background.

  ooooooooo

  “Does she not see that you have a girlfriend?” Savannah rolled her eyes as she tossed her backpack up onto the seat.

  “She sees, she just doesn’t care.” I shrugged as I crossed the front, and climbed into the passenger side.

  “Sometimes I just want to punch her.” She growled as she crossed her arms over her chest. “She just…grrrr!”

  “Is somebody jealous?” I grinned as I cranked the engine.

  “No.” Savannah pouted.

  “It doesn’t seem that way. You know I don’t want her, right?” I glanced at Savannah to see her glaring out the window.

  “I know.” She sighed. “I just hate her.” She huffed. “Promise me that she will never matter.”

  “She won’t. I have you, and she will never matter.” I chuckled as I reached over and squeezed her thigh with my hand.

  “Good.” She nodded with a quick jerk. “I hate girls like her.”

  ooooooooo

  Savannah

  When we reached the Stantons’ farm, Micha parked and then headed to the barn to find his dad. They’re going to be cutting the corn on the far field. The corn maze was in the field closest to the road so visitors wouldn’t have to walk so far. The back fields were each being cut on a different day. Micha would drive the tractor with a trailer loaded down with corn stalks. He’d dump them by the stand, and I would bundle them, and prop them up inside for sale. It was tiring work, but I enjoyed spending time with him. Most days, he would finish in the field early and come back to help me. Today was different though.

  After witnessing Brittany paw all over him, I kinda wanted to work by myself. I knew he didn’t like her, but watching her touch him made my blood boil. She knew this because she does it all the time. I honestly don’t know why he’s friends with her.

  I wanted to use my time at the stand to cool off and mentally get myself back in check. I really like Micha, and that infatuation made me feel things so much stronger than I ever have. My dad says I’m too young to know what love is, but I know that what I’m feeling for him is more than I’ve felt for anyone else.

  I worked for several hours bundling the corn before Brittany’s car pulled in. I blew out a deep breath before walking outside to help her. I was at work after all.

  “Hey. What can I help you with?” I stood there with my leg popped to the side, and my hands on my hips. I was a sweaty mess from lifting corn shocks, and my hair was falling loose around my face. I brushed it back with a gloved hand and felt it stick in the sweat on my neck.

  “I thought Micha was working the stand.” Brittany’s lip curled as she appraised me.

  “Not right now. Is there something I can help you with?” I was annoyed, plain and simple.

  “Where is he?” She glanced around as if Micha would just step around the corner or something.

  “Working. Same as me. Did you need something?” I was visibly irritated now, and ready to throw something at her.

  She stood there in her light-washed skinny jeans and a pale pink sweater. Her hair was perfectly pinned into place. The Uggs on her feet looked as if they’d never seen dirt, and her designer watch glittered in the sun. “I was hoping to walk the maze.” She flung her arms to the side.

  “In those?” I eyed her boots. “It rained last night. Gonna be muddy in there.” I tipped my head toward the maze.

  “I’m not worried.” She rolled her eyes at me like what I said was stupid, or something.

  “Suit yourself. Entrance is right there. You’ll end up over there.” I pointed to the other side of the stand. “Good luck.” I grinned. Brittany would get lost for sure. Maybe she would get so lost that she’d spend the night out there. I couldn’t help but laugh at that one, and did as I leaned down to grab another shock.

  ooooooooo

  Micha

  Today has been a grueling day. It didn’t start out that way, but Savannah’s got a wicked jealous streak. I’ve been out here with my dad for the last three hours cutting corn. I’m exhausted, and sweaty. One of the guys has been driving the tractor back to dump our loads, leaving Dad and me here to keep cutting.

  “We done?” I wiped my brow and placed my hat back on my head.

  “Yeah. You mother’s probably pacing the kitchen by now because we haven’t come home for dinner. It’s getting late.” Dad glanced at his watch as he wiped his neck with the handkerchief from his pocket. “Why don’t you go let Savannah know she can leave. Put the money box in the office before you take her home, k?”

  “Sure. I’ll see ya in a bit, Dad. Tell Mom to start without me.” I waved as I started jogging in the direction the tractor had gone.

  When I reached the stand, Savannah was nowhere to be seen. The money box wasn’t on the table, and the stand was empty. I wandered around a little bit until Mom came outside.

  “She’s in the maze. Somebody got lost. I got the money!” she yelled with her hands cupped around her mouth.

  “Thanks!” I shouted back as I jogged toward the entrance. As I made my way inside, the sun had almost disappeared. It was getting harder and harder to see as darkness settled. Worry was beginning to churn in my gut as I moved faster and faster through the corn. I could do this maze with my eyes closed. Savannah probably could too, but whomever she was looking for couldn’t.

  I dialed Savannah’s number, hoping that I was close enough
I’d hear it ring. I was right. The chiming came from a few feet away, and when I rounded the bend there she was… sitting on the ground.

  “What are you doing?” I skidded to a stop. “I thought someone was lost?”

  “She is.” Savannah giggled. “I’m just letting her stay lost a little longer.” Her voice was a harsh whisper as she pointed to her left.

  “I thought you were going to help me?” Brittany’s voice came from a short distance away.

  “I am!” Savannah shouted. “Take a right at the next bend.” She snickered as she glanced at her phone once more. “I came out here to help her.” She rolled her eyes as she stood up and brushed her pants off. “When she heard it was me, she asked why you couldn’t help her. I decided to help less, and laugh more.” She shrugged once more.

  “Oh, you’re bad.” I chuckled.

  “Maybe.” She giggled as she pushed a few more buttons on her phone, and then pocketed it.

  “Come here.” I opened my arms for a hug.

  “I’m all sweaty and gross.” Her lip curled.

  “Do I look like I care?” I laughed as she stepped forward. “I like you all the time, not just when you smell good. Although when you do, you smell really good.”

  ooooooooo

  Savannah

  I knew Brittany would be turning down the row we were standing on any minute. I was helping her, I just wanted it to take a while. As Micha’s arms banded around me, I leaned into him. He smelled of sweat, autumn air, and gas from when he filled the tractor. He grinned before he tipped his chin, and pressed his lips to mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and as I heard Brittany’s steps round the row we were on, Micha boosted me into his arms.

  My legs wrapped around his waist, my hands knocking his hat off as I ran my fingers through his sweaty hair. He groaned as I tugged it gently, rewarding me with a nibble to my lower lip.

  “Thanks for nothing,” Brittany grumbled from behind us, making enough noise for Micha to pause and break the kiss.

  “You found us, right?” His head tipped to the side as he turned slightly, still holding me.

  “Whatever.” She pushed past us and stormed toward the entrance. Her ‘like new’ Uggs were covered in mud, and I couldn’t help but laugh even harder.

  “The exit is that way!” I shouted, pointing to the right.

  “Whatever!” she shouted back as she threw her arm back, flipping us off in the process.

  “Maybe she’ll leave you alone now.” I giggled as Micha set me down.

  “I doubt it.” He sighed. “Wanna stay for dinner? I’ll take you home after.” He held out his hand for me as he began walking the same way Brittany had.

  “Sure. Let me text my dad first.” I jogged to catch up, sent my dad a message, and then wrapped my hand in his. “Thanks for not being mad about that.” I giggled again.

  “Why would I be mad? That was funny as hell.” He threw his head back in laughter. “You are more like me than you will ever know.”

  Chapter 5

  Micha

  Thanksgiving Day. One of my mom’s favorite days of the year, minus Christmas. She’s been cooking for days, and our entire house smells like it. My brother, Max, and I tried to sneak into the kitchen last night, and steal some of the cookies she’d made. That didn’t go over so well. Mom yelled at us before chasing us out of the kitchen with a wooden spoon. Max pouted, and Mom gave in and gave him one. I couldn’t believe it. Of course, I got the excuse that he’s been away at college, and missed her home cooking.

  Dad disappeared into his office right after breakfast this morning with Max. I think they’re talking business again. Dad has been trying to convince Max to take over after he graduates next spring. Max doesn’t want to, but I do. Dad says I’m too young and inexperienced. He wants me to get a degree, and then he’ll talk to me about it. I don’t see what the big deal is. I know how everything around here works; I’ve done most of it over the last few years. The books are the only thing that I’ve never touched.

  “I told you I don’t want it.” Max’s voice filtered in as the back door opened.

  “It’s your legacy.” Dad sighed. “I’m not going to be able to do this much longer. I’m getting old, son.” I peeked around the corner and watched the verbal game of volleyball, as Mom attempted to put the turkey in the oven.

  “I understand that. Can’t you see that it’s not going to make me happy? Don’t you want me to do something that does?” Max’s arms flew out to at his sides as he peeked over Mom’s shoulders, and then attempted to grab a roll off the top of the counter.

  “Oh no you don’t.” She scowled as she swatted him.

  Max frowned as he set the roll back down. “Micha wants to run this place. You should let him.”

  “Your brother is only seventeen. That’s way too young to be a business owner,” Dad grumbled. I started to open my mouth when they both stepped into the family room. “Don’t you start with me.” Dad pointed at me before turning back to Max. “Would you just consider it?”

  “Fine!” Max’s hands went in the air as he tipped his head back. “Happy?” he shouted at the ceiling.

  “Not really,” Dad grumbled before sitting down, and grabbing the remote. “Parade’s on.” He flicked the remote at the TV, effectively ending the conversation. I knew in my heart that Max wasn’t considering taking over, but he knew he needed to say that to get Dad to let it go.

  “Where’s Hailey?” I grinned as I glanced at where my brother had flopped down on the couch.

  His relaxed position changed before my eyes as he glared at me. “She’s spending Thanksgiving with her fiancé.”

  “Oh, Jared?” I grinned harder. I couldn’t help it.

  “That’s the fiancé I know about. Has she gotten a new one that I haven’t met?” His eyes shot warning daggers at me.

  “Would you just tell her how you feel, and fix this?” I glared right back. “I know you love her, bro.”

  “Like a sister,” he finished for me. “We’re friends. Why can’t you let it go?”

  “I’ll let it go when you admit that you thought you’d be the one marrying her.” I tipped my head to the side, and pressed my lips together. It was then that there was knock at the door. “I’ll get it.” I jumped up, and shuffled over to the door. I knew it was Savannah, but I pretended that I didn’t. “Who is it?”

  “It’s cold out here. Let me in,” she whined.

  “I don’t know anybody by that name.” I chuckled.

  “Miiiicccchhhaaa!” she whined again. “Open the door.”

  I opened the door, and laughed. “We don’t want whatever you’re….” Savannah launched herself toward me, flinging her arms around my neck, and pressing her lips to mine. It was a quick kiss, but totally unexpected. “selling,” I finished.

  “Very funny.” She rolled her eyes and shoved at my chest, causing me to stumble slightly.

  “You’re early.” I furrowed my brow.

  “Is that a problem?” She copied me. “I mean, I can leave, but I thought you’d want to spend time with me.”

  “Oh stop.” I rolled my eyes. “Come on in. We’re watching the parade while Mom finishes up. We’re not going to be eating for a few hours though. The turkey hasn’t been in that long.”

  I stepped back, and let Savannah pass me before closing the door. “You already know my parents, but you haven’t met my brother. This is Max.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Savannah held out her hand, and Max shook it.

  “You’re dating him?” Max’s lip twisted skeptically.

  “Yeah, she is.” I narrowed my eyes at him.

  “On purpose?” Max smirked.

  “What are you getting at?” I stepped closer, and my brother stood up. He towered over me at six foot four, but I wasn’t that far behind him.

  “I’m just surprised is all. I mean, you’re you, and we all know I’m the bigger and better brother.” He chuckled.

  “You need to shut up. Why don’t you go talk t
o Hailey if you’re so much better?” I growled.

  “Boys!” Mom shouted from the kitchen doorway. Both of our heads swung in her direction. “You need to stop! This is a holiday to celebrate family. Now love each other, or pretend to before I come in there with this spoon.”

  “Yes ma’am.” We both sighed as we sat back down. Dad’s shoulders shook silently as he laughed at us, and Savannah just shook her head before taking the seat beside me.

  ooooooooo

  Savannah

  Thanksgiving dinner was wonderful. It was like a family dinner should be. Everyone gathered around the table, talking about what was going on in their lives; a giant homecooked meal in the center. I missed this so much. After my mom died, Dad stopped celebrating the holidays traditionally. We usually go to a restaurant, just the two of us. We don’t exchange presents at Christmas, and I can’t tell you the last time I had a birthday party. I think it just hurts him too much, and I’m collateral damage.

  “Wanna come outside with me?” Micha whispered in my ear as I was placing my plate in the sink.

  “Sure. In a minute. I wanna help your mom first. She cooked all this food. She shouldn’t have to clean it too.” I smiled as I headed back to the table to grab some more dishes.

  “I’ll be on the porch,” Micha called over his shoulder as he stepped outside.

  I spent the next twenty or so minutes helping Mrs. Stanton wash and dry dishes. It was something that I used to do with my mom. Max stacked the clean dishes and put them away all the while grumbling about the fact that Micha wasn’t helping.