Proof
by Zanne SweeneyPublish: Sep 02, 2021Romantic SuspenseBook Overview
CoriWe lived in Montana halfway up a mountain owned by the Blackfeet Tribe. H.O.M.E. leased the square mile we lived on from the Blackfeet for a dollar a year. There was nothing written down, no lease agreement; it had all settled with a handshake years ago. At least that's what I'd been told.
The last three months had been awful; I no longer had a best friend. My dream of Chase and I being together was smashed to bits, and Goldie, my sister and my rock, was leaving. I was sure there had to be a better life for me outside of H.O.M.E., but it was all I knew. If I ran away, I'd never see my family again, and that was my main deterrent. I was so unhappy, even my dad noticed, and he never noticed anything, unless it was me getting into trouble.
This weekend at Goldie's wedding I planned on enjoying myself. As I watched him, his eyes caught mine, and they lingered. I should have looked away, but I didn't. The man was handsome as could be, and when I didn't look away, he grinned at me and tipped his cowboy hat.
Chase
When I saw Cori in the doorway, my heart practically pounded out of my chest. She was beautiful in her formal dress and styled hair. Her high cheekbones boasted a slight rosy hue, and her bright blue eyes were mesmerizing. She walked towards the front of the room confidently, but a timid smile graced her full pink lips. I knew Cori; she was nervous. I thought she was the most gorgeous girl in the world. I always had, and I knew I always would.
As she walked up the aisle, I watched every male in the room, young and old, watching my beautiful girl, and it made me see red. I was already dealing with the guy Cash nosing around her. Now I'd probably have to contend with other men from Binghampton flirting with my Cori. I knew I'd been acting like an ass lately, but I couldn't help it. Cori was mine, and that guy needed to understand that there was no way I would let him near her.
Cash
he pulled me closer to him so he could whisper. "When that guy Chase told you to get out of the water, I was upset that you went so compliantly. I thought we were having fun. I didn't get it. I still don't understand, but I'd like to."
I hung my head. How was I going to explain this?
"I was having fun too. It's just because of how I was brought up," I whispered. I felt like I was telling Cash a secret, and I glanced cautiously around the dance floor to make sure no one would hear what I was about to say.
"Where I'm from, we don't question men. Chase made me feel like I was doing something improper. He didn't like that my legs were showing either. I thought about it later. I wish I had stood up to him, but I didn't want to get in trouble."
"I understand Bear is different. I'm having a hard time understanding the hold the men have on you women. It's not like that here or in the real world."
"I know. Can you keep a secret?"
Cash nodded.
"I don't think I'm cut out for Bear. I'm forever getting in trouble. I'm too inquisitive, and I tend to follow my heart and not my head."
"I wouldn't want you to get into trouble because of me, Cori," Cash whispered softly. "I just enjoy spending time with you; you're different."
"Different?"
"It's a good different," he chuckled.
We were murmuring, and our eyes were on each other's faces. Cash was so much taller than me, and his body seemed to engulf mine. I liked it. I hadn't even noticed that the music had changed to a fast dance song.
Cori
His finger caressed my cheek as his smoldering eyes met mine. My breath caught seeing how intense he looked.
"It's going to be different, Cori. I swear it. He glanced around to make sure no one was looking before he placed a tender kiss on my lips. For such a gentle touch, I swear my lips burned. Was this the proof I needed? Was he mine?
