Brandi Leigh Hall

“As a society, we’ve become inherently lazy. Everyone’s always taking the easy way out—looking for the quick fix. It’s no wonder love is no longer appreciated the way it used to be. It’s no wonder love has lost its meaning.”
― Brandi Leigh Hall, Tethered

“We get up from the table to work our way through the crowd, but before I leave, I lean down, whispering in Hunter’s ear, “Even though it might be difficult, please, try not to miss me too much.” But I don’t wait for a response. Instead, I shoot him a flirty smile, pulling away as I spin around. But before I’m able to move two feet, he grabs my arm, yanking me down into his lap. With my face only inches from his, he parts his lips and leans in. Every ounce of my body tingles with anticipation of the kiss I’ve imagined a thousand times. He’s so close I can feel his warm, minty breath on my face. His nose grazes the tip of mine, but then he stops. My heart freezes. “Stay out of trouble over there,” he says. But before I know what’s happening, he has me off his warm lap and back on my feet. I stand there for a few seconds eyeing him, wondering what in the hell just happened. Was he just teasing me? Um, okay. Well, if that’s how he wants to be—two can most definitely play this game. I look him straight in the eyes. “Well maybe I’d like some trouble.” Then I paint on a mischievous smile and saunter away. I feel his eyes searing a hole through the back of my head. Vindication is oh so sweet. Yes! I smile to myself. Hunter Payne might be older and more experienced—but he has no clue who he’s dealing with. Ha. And neither do I apparently. Since when did I grow a set of balls?”
― Brandi Leigh Hall, Tethered