A Whole New Crowd(59)

The smug smirks disappeared. They shared another look, but this was one of matching hesitation. Then I smirked this time. “Yeah. That’s what I thought.” With that last parting shot, I started to climb again. When I got to the top, Tray was there. He reached down from the rope, but I shook my head. I had a point to prove. “No, I have to do this alone again.”
He saw Jennica and Amber and nodded. “Okay.”
He was there when I finished and drew me against his chest. Hugging me to him, he dropped a kiss to my lips. We were in plain view of everyone, on top and down below. I didn’t want to think about who would be pissed or who would be surprised. I answered his kiss, deepening it, and knew in some way this was giving Jennica and Amber the middle finger. When I pulled back from him, Tray caught me. His hand cupped the back of my neck and his forehead rested on mine.
The climb and diving back down had my blood pumping. The adrenalin was addicting, but it didn’t compare to this. His thumb rubbed back and forth over my neck in a soothing motion, giving me goose bumps. Whatever unspoken agreement we had before, the joking banter we shared earlier in the afternoon, was done.
Tray was claiming me in front of everyone.



CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

It was later, when it was growing dark and everyone was packing, that one of Mandy’s friends came over and stood next to me. She didn’t say anything, just gave me a smile and ducked her head down. I wasn’t used to shy girls, and she hadn’t been shy earlier so I asked, “What’s up?”
“Um…” She paused and flashed me another grin. “Everyone’s going to Rickets’ House. I mean, we’re going to Tray Evan’s house first, and I’m sure you’re riding with him since you know, the kissing.” She gestured to the top of the cliff. A look of awe appeared in her eyes. “But...um…I was wondering if you’re going tonight to Rickets’ House? You do your own thing, but some of the girls are going to your house to get ready with Mandy…”
I made sure no reaction appeared on my face, but my insides were going, ‘what the f*ck?’ “What are you asking me?”
“Um...” She gulped. “Are you going out with the group tonight?”
“Oh.” I shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess.”
“Good.”
“HALEY!”
She looked around and then motioned to her group of friends waiting at the front of the cave. “I guess I’ll see you at Rickets’ House. I’d say Tray Evan’s house, but people probably won’t get out of their cars. If you don’t have a ride, you can ride with my friends and me. We’ll make room, but I’m sure you’re probably going with…” She trailed off as her eyes widened, looking past my shoulder. When I felt an arm come around my waist, I realized why she was so nervous. Tray pulled me snug against his side, and she lowered her head. “I’ll see you later, Taryn.”
She darted off and I glanced to him. “What was that?”
He grinned. “You changed the status.”
“What?”
“You changed the status.” He gestured around. There were more groups lingering behind. Most of them were watching us. I expected jealousy or condescension, but there was none. There was a different look in their eyes, guys and girls. They weren’t in awe; they were something else. I couldn’t put my finger on it.
“I don’t get this. What’s going on?”
“I know it’s dumb, but no girl’s climbed up there. You did it more than once and you got other girls to do it.” He shrugged, a look of pride in his eyes. “They’re surprised, Taryn.” Then he laughed softly. “And they’re wondering why the hell they hadn’t done it themselves.”
“Oh.” They were surprised. As I looked over, a few of the girls gave me smiles before they followed everyone else. A couple of the guys gave me quick nods. I’d seen that look before. It happened when guys learned that I knew Jace or I was able to steal something no one thought could be taken. It was respect, but seeing it from the girls now made me pause. Girls hated me. That had been the rule, but it was changing now. A lump formed in my throat and I swallowed around it. Jeezus, where did that come from?
“You okay?”
I nodded. “Yeah. Just…surprised too.”
He grinned down at me, a fond look appearing in the depths of his eyes. “Something tells me you shouldn’t be. It’s you, Taryn. You’re badass.”
I snorted and elbowed him in the stomach. “Right. Is that you trying to get in my pants?”