Krista

I felt it when he looked up at the ceiling, because that's something that I do when I get overwhelmed by my emotions. I look up, because I don't want to look at anything or anyone. It makes talking easier until I've calmed back down. That call probably took a lot out of him as well. It wasn't one that he ever wanted to make, or thought he'd have to make. Thank you for thinking they're cute together.

Funnily enough, I wrote that portion hours before posting it. That's why when I reread that bit of the writing before I started responding to these comments, that I saw a few errors and confusing bits of writing within those scenes. Sucks, that. I forgot that he needed to still make that phone call, to be fair. It started dawning on me that the little shit never did call the coach. I got to thinking that it would be an ongoing showing out of his weak/timid nature if I didn't have him do it. That it may be a bit of a regression backwards that I didn't really want him making to 'that' level. He wasn't the strongest during that actual call, but he did it. That had to count for something. But yes... it was not in the chapter... or story at all..

“Come with me to the bedroom,” I said after he took a breath. His grip on my side had balled up my t-shirt and it was pulling tight around my collarbone. The heat of the night hadn’t waned, but it would be months before it would. When he took a step back, he blinked, and I felt the release of him when he took a half-step back. “That’s too fucking close to Trace and Celia’s room,” he grunted shaking his head. I didn’t know what I was really asking, inviting him up to my room. Trace and Celia

The seemingly dormant creative side of my brain needs all the help it can get. It may be beyond help at this point.

Yeah, they were probably both feeling like they were living on a very isolated island... it was definitely more than what Joel ever hoped would come his way at this stage of things anyway.

Aww... well. It being originally an Anthology that I was still attempting to get into the deadline and post really hurt that story as far as length and chapters were concerned. But, it is top 3 of my favorite stories that I've written. Learned to Lie, is not in the top 3. The Best Year, Living in Shadows, and Ridley I guess are my top 3. I don't want to put any thoughts or weight into anything that I'm possibly going to be doing, but... the character of Matt from Ridley is still interesting to me. I just wished I remembered 'everything' about him that interested me to make him a worthwhile write.

They're not too into the NFL either, they just pretend and it gives them something to do together between grilling/cookouts, holidays where they have to put up with the actual holiday and well.. their wives. They need to get more hobbies like fishing or something, at least then me and my sisters could come along... I will at least admit to being too much sometimes, I doubt my sisters ever will and even I think they are.

Oh damn, you made it sound like they climbed a whole mountain. I'm exhausted by the weight of it. And yes, when you're feeling all kinds of things then when you finally get that kiss... it can wreck everything, or at least make a mess of it. A good mess... hopefully, but yes.. a mess.

I'm glad to see the Colt theories are back in full force. I really do. They hit a bit of a lull after that first wreck of a kiss. And yeah, Davin got out of the car and took a chance... Joel took one too, but Davin was the one that had more to lose by opening his mouth this time.

Yeah, if I ever write another YA high school story... I think I'm going to focus on writing a dude that actually enjoys a good party. I 'almost' did with Jackson, but so far at least within the perspective of Joel... and his desire and want to party, has been rather wimpy and boring. Does Gavin know about Davin? I think the most Davin has said is that he assumes that Gavin is aware, only because they're twins and that's just how twins seem to work. But there's not been any indication from Gavin about knowing yet. Or Colt. I don't think Davin could survive the onslaught of jokes coming from those two if it were ever outright known at any time... and there would be many, many, many jokes. Oh, yes.. Javin. There's that ship name again. *Sighs* I so want to discuss guys with you people and girls, a little bit... but I can't.

Oh yes... he felt those fingers, didn't he?

That would be too ballsy, walking into the school as a couple. Sierra would trip and fall over, the high risk of cracking a tooth would be too much. Also, generationally, I'd say you're right... over all. I don't want to put down where I live by any means, because I do see it shifting here as well, to a lesser degree and quieter, mind you. But, you risk a lot as a teenager... and that's a lot for them both to risk so early on. They're just kissing at the moment, they're not... dating. You don't make those kinds of moves with someone that might walk out of your life as quickly as they walked in, I'm thinking. Colt knowing also doesn't guarantee his support either. He's shown bits and pieces of himself thinking beyond... well himself. But we've also seen him think completely on what 'he' wants and 'when' he wants it. Especially if it involves camping and a girl. We don't know what circles these guys are in at their school yet either. Yeah, I think he's letting the hugs sink in more now. Also, y'all better be thankful (the ones that read Ridley anyway), because... well I don't want to spoil that story for anyone who reads it... but yeah. If you've met Ridley... then you're thankful it ended in 5 parts and I had to work things in a bit quicker. If I gave Ridley the words, he'd take every single letter.

Aww well, I would say guys are stinky and mean and they suck. But, I'm in the wrong crowd for that.

Oh no... when those two talk it is about everything... everyone... and anything. They are worse than I ever thought being.

Wooo!!!! It's snowing on your head. Happy day! Also, Happy Canadian Thanksgiving, I guess.

Pity, my first response to this comment fell to the wayside. We'll try again. -- I don't know, some guys really like to hear gossip. My husband does whenever I get back from visiting my sisters. They live a few hours away so we do little dinner chats every so often. I mean, I know he mostly wants to hear about certain things... all of which have to do with my brother-in-laws, like: Have any of them messed up so bad that it makes him look better by comparison? Have they gotten any new toys like ATVs, or new trucks, boats, etc. that they haven't told him about? When are they going to finish/do their NFL online Draft picks or whatever? And He doesn't like the NFL to begin with, but still does the draft thing. Do the ones that hunt have their gear prepped and ready and where are they thinking about going? And of course I frustrate him, because all I ever will know the answer to would be any topic similar to the top question. I end up just telling him to call them, but apparently guys can't just up and call one another like that. They do have a group chat, but I do think it is mostly used during the NFL Draft, talking food/grilling for the 4th, and alcohol choices... otherwise it sits unused and silent. He does talk to his best friend a lot though.

Oh mercy, I don't think she's gong to be handing him a goodie bag of condoms, lube, and proper "prep" before anal sex items/brochures and 'how to's' I mean, they seem okay with him... I don't know if they're 'that' okay with him yet. And they do not know about Davin. So for them, they have nothing to worry about. How 'could' Joel get any 'opportunities' since he's mostly under their roof still. They don't know there's a "fox in the chicken coop.." so to speak... I don't think. lol

Breath control is important in a good kiss.

Oh goodness. Y'all do know that I'm female, correct? LOL. Although, I am the author and I have written her as rather... shallow.. like mudpuddle shallow. But still.

Funnily enough, I simplified that last paragraph a lot. I went a lot more colorful in the prose when I first wrote it. Reread it, didn't like it, so I simplified it. I added a wee bit back later before posting. But at first I had: I watched Davin's head snap back towards me, like a hawk that locked on to his prey before he pushed himself off the railing... I don't even think @wildone saw that early version? I can't remember. When I don't think I did a scene justice, I read it right back after writing it.. and I just didn't like it. But yeah, that would've given a more in-depth look at body language.

I knew that Joel and the pace of his growth would frustrate people. I honestly don't know if them not talking it through thoroughly helped them get to the kiss? Maybe if they sat down and had a more depth-heavy and lengthy conversation that they wouldn't have held their own frustrations in and let it out in that burst of energy. Frustrating... for everyone. And yeah, Joel can't hang, it seems... the boy doesn't seem to have an ounce of 'party' genetics in him.

Aww. 'Learn how to be Happy..' it seems so sad that they both seemingly have to relearn how to do that... for different reasons.

What gave it away? The more than being annoyed by "bro's" new girl jealousy? The unfair complaining about a seemingly mostly innocent person Sierra seems to be? Both? Probably both. lol. And yes, you were one of the early on people that commented on that being more than just flat annoyance between Davin and Sierra/Colt.

Javin is better than Dael... Doel? Whenever the ship names come up I get twitchy. I get twitchy because I can't say why... the next 100k words cannot come soon enough. (Not sure on the word count left, I'll have to look back at my notes)