Chapter 168

Charlie loaned me his Jeep for the ride to Joel's home. He also gave me directions in case I got lost. I'd been there once, but it was semi-dark and I remembered lots of winding turns while sitting on the back of Van's bike.

I found the house. There were a few lights on, so I hoped he was home. With shaking hands and legs that didn't want to support me, I knocked on the door. Van answered wearing nothing but a low-riding pair of jeans. His chest was yummy, but not the one I most wanted to see.

Van was staring at me in shock. "Is Joel here?" I asked with more confidence than I actually felt now that match time actually arrived.

"Come in. Joel you have company," he yelled over his shoulder before whispering to me, "Good for you."

Joel came out of the kitchen with a dishtowel in his hand. He stopped dead in his tracks.

"I think I'll go up to my room." Van headed for the stairs.

Here it goes, "No, Van. You need to be here." I walked closer to Joel, who still hadn't moved. "Charlie sh