Wanted by Kelly Elliott Page B

her. Jefferson stopped his beer at hi s lips and tilted his head. Oh shit….a smile slowly came across his face.
    “So, squirt is still a virgin is she? HUH? This is news. This could be very informative news indeed!” He let out a gruff laugh.
    “Jefferson Michael Johnson, so help me God if you even hint to her that you know I will never ta lk to you again. EVER!” I said as I got up and started p ok ing his massive chest.
    He just laughed and rubbed the top of my head like I was a child. “Don’t wo rry honey; her secret is safe with me!”
    That reminded me….. I remembered Jefferson’s and Ari’s strange exchanges all day.
    “Speaking of Ari , what was going on with you two today?” Jefferson stopped dead in his tracks and turned to lo ok at me.
    “What are you talking about? Nothing is going on between us. Why would you even ask that? I mea n she is, well she’ s just Ari .” Jefferson said to me with a shrug of his shoulders. The stricken lo ok on his face was like I just asked him to solve the problem of world hunger.
    “I didn’t mean to imply there was something going on. It’s just that you were bickering with her and it seemed like you were trying to just piss her off on purpose . She is my best f riend Jefferson and I’ m tired of you always treating her like a spoiled child . She is not a bratty child . She is a grown adult woma n and she deserves to be treated better than that. I would expec t that from you of all people.”
    “Oh , believe me it’ s not lost on me how much of an adult Ari is. I’m sorry Ells; I’ ll try not to argue with her as much. I need to get ready for my date . ” Jefferson said as he turned and walked away. He stopped and turned around and lo ok ed in Gunner’s bedroom.
    “Where’ s Gunner?”
    “Oh…I just mentioned I was hungry and he pretty much darted out the door to go get food. He said he would be back in a few minutes.” I said as I sat down on the sofa and turned on the TV.
    “DAMN Ellie ! Y ou got that boy going every which way but loose!” Jefferson said with a la ugh.
    “What are you talking about? He said he was hungry too and was going to get some food. Gesh Jefferson, you act like he was jumping off a bridge for me or something.” I said annoyed at where this was going. J efferson turned back around to come and sit down next to me while h e let out a small laugh.
    “ You really don’t see do you Ell s?” Jeff erson asked as he bumped into my shoulder.
    “See what? What’ re you going on a bout Jefferson?” I was really starting to get annoyed by him.
    “ Ellie , I’ ve known Gunner for three years now. I have never seen him with the same girl more than a few times. He is so focused on football and school he pretty much ha s never given a girl more than five minutes of his attention. Don’t get me wrong, he likes girls!” Jefferson said with a laugh and a shake of his head.
    What the hell did that mean?
    Was Gunner a player? Did he sleep around a lot? I mean he sure had the lo ok s to get any girl he wanted. My head was starting to spin again and the thought of Gunner with another girl had me feeling angry inside.
    What the hell ?
    “I can honestly say I have never seen Gu nner run and fetch dinner for someone!” Jefferson laughed again. “ Ellie honey, I kn ow you just had this whole bull shit thing with Ryan the douche bag this mo rning and you believe that bull shit mom feed you years ago but, Gunner is attracted to you princess. He is a good guy Ellie but…”
    Jefferson cut off what he was saying and he lo ok ed down and away from me.
    “But WHAT? ! ” I asked clearly anticipating Jefferson to tell me to st ay clear of his best friend.
    “Ell s I want you to know I would trust my life and yours with Gunner. I trust him but this is you we’ re talking about. I just don’t want him to break your heart or hurt you Ellie . I really don’t want you to jump into so mething you’re not ready for honey . Just promise me you