Chapter 2

Joey offered Hayden a beer, and they walked towards the cooler. They found as they walked that they shared a common love, baseball, and so got quite involved in a discussion of it. They walked around the grounds, talking, and ended up at the horseshoe game. It seemed to draw quite a crowd. Abigail's dad and some other guy were trash talking as they beat all the challengers.

Hayden asked, "Who's that?"

"That's Ranger. He just became a lawyer and is an up-and-coming guy in politics. One of dad's favorites," Joey replied with an air of disgust. "Dated Abigail in high school even though he's older than her. I think more for a connection than anything else. If Dad had his way, he would still be dating her."

With that comment, Hayden said, "Whaaat! You can't be serious?"

"I am. Watch out. He's a real asshole!"

The game just ended with another win by Ranger and Dad.

"All right, who's next for a beatdown? "yelled Ranger. "Come on, candy-asses!"

All the good old boys laughed, but no one stepped forward. Ranger eyed the crowd, which started to break up. His eyes settled on Joey and Hayden.

"Hey Joeymy! Want to try to take me and the old man down?" Ranger exclaimed in a voice that made everyone turn around. Ranger slugged down a cold one. "Come on, get a pair! How about your friend? Does he have any?"

The crowd got quiet. It wasn't funny anymore. It was getting personal. While Ranger rattled on, Abigail's dad stood by, drank his whiskey, and smiled. He was enjoying this.

"That's Abigail's friend. You know the one I told you about, Ranger." Dad laughed. "I doubt if he got any. Some kind of Liberal Arts major."

Hayden felt his blood pressure rise, and he began to say something stupid but stopped. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Abigail coming closer. Her face gave away her feelings. She was scared about what was going to happen. Hayden took a deep breath. "Come on, Joey. Let's give it a go."

As the two walked to the pits, Hayden turned towards Abigail and gave her a wink. It was going to be OK. Hayden also talked to Joey. He reminded him it was just a game, and besides, he had faced bigger and tougher opponents on the ball field.

Ranger yelled down to Dad, "I'll take the college boy. You get Joey." With that, the match started.

It wasn't much of a match. Joey and Hayden didn't get much of a warm-up and lost 21-13. It wasn't really that close. As Ranger and Dad celebrated with a drink and more trash talk, Hayden challenged them.

"How about another game? Two out of three?"

Ranger turned and laughed. He walked up to Hayden and said, "You want another whuppin?"

Hayden stood about 6 feet and was built like a fine-tuned athlete. Ranger was at least 6'3" and a former linebacker at State U until he blew out his knee. Ranger knew how to intimidate.

Hayden wouldn't back down. "How about we make it worthwhile? Say 20 bucks per team."

"You're on, buddy boy."

The word spread pretty fast. Every man was there. Some of the politicians were placing side bets. There was plenty of pressure to go around. The match was back and forth, with no one being able to get ahead by more than four. With 18-17 Hayden and Joey, Joey tossed a ringer, which his dad was unable to cover. The games were tied 1-1.

The two teams took a short break, and Abigail came over to Hayden. "Do you know what you are doing?"

"I hope so," replied Hayden. "A kiss for luck."

The final match started just as tight, but with the score tied at 5, Hayden and Joey threw four unanswered ringers and never looked back. Game, set, match, and 40 dollars. Also, the joy of seeing Ranger and Dad go down. The look on her father's face was worth it. Hayden offered his hand to Ranger, who took one look at him and walked away.

After the match was over, Hayden strolled over to Abigail, who was beaming. "You won!" and she gave him a hug. Joey came over and shook his hand. "Haydens, man." With that, Abigail and Hayden walked towards the house. Hayden needed to clean up. Abigail showed him the bathroom, then she followed him in. Hayden removed his shirt, and as Abigail handed him a towel, she rubbed her hands across his chest.

Hayden grabbed her and kissed her deeply and passionately. Abigail didn't resist. She rubbed her hand across his back. He slid his hands under her shirt and did the same. Hayden went for more. He slid his hands into her pants and began to fondle her ass. Abigail responded by kissing him even stronger and grinding her pelvis into his crotch. Hayden pulled her closer as Abigail broke away from the kiss. She buried her face in his neck and began to take a short, shallow breath. Her hips began to move in response to his hands. They could feel the heat building.

"Abigail! Where are you? Your mother needs your help. Abigail!" said her dad. From the sound of the voice, he wasn't happy.

The moment was gone.

"Coming, Dad. I'll be right there," Abigail answered. She kissed Hayden lightly on the lips and left him standing there.

Hayden's mind was spinning as he walked out of the house. What had just happened? Abigail had attacked him in the bathroom, and it seemed things were moving pretty fast. Where was it all going? Damn her father! He grabbed a cold one and a cheeseburger. He was starving. He also needed to say hello to Abigail's mom, Emelyn.

He found her seated in the shade, seemingly enjoying watching the happenings. "Hello, Mrs. Morris."

"Why, hello, Hayden. And don't call me Mrs. Morris. Call me Emelyn," and she flashed that smile. "It seems you have been causing quite a ruckus."

Hayden began to apologize.

Emelyn raised her hand to stop him. "No need to. Seems those two needed it, especially that Ranger fellow. Don't see what Jayson sees in him. Enough about them. How are things with you?"

Hayden felt right at ease talking with her. He talked about school, his new job, and even his future. Things just flowed until Emelyn asked, "You're quite fond of Abigail, aren't you? I know she is like you."