Page 4 of That Kiss

“Heeeeey!” I hold my arms out toward both women as they get up from the booth they’ve chosen.

“Hey, gorgeous,” Dolly hugs me tightly, “how are you more beautiful every time I see you?”

“I know, right?” Brooklyn rolls her eyes, smiling broadly before giving me a warm hug. “We’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you guys too.” I take a seat across from both of them, a glass of rosé already waiting for me. We instantly launch into how have you been? and what’s new? conversations. It’s been almost five months since I came home for the holidays, which may not sound like a long time to be away, but when you spent almost every single day of your first 18 years in a small town where you see everyone on a daily basis, it feels like forever.

“How’s motherhood treating you two? Brook, are you ready for your third yet?” I wriggle my eyebrows at her, bringing my wine glass to my lips. It’s tart and refreshing.

“Not a chance in hell,” she says dramatically. “I just need a chance to breathe without a child needing something or Tyler bending me over something.”

“Ohhh no,” I tease her, “are you having too much sex with your extremely hot and rugged cowboy husband?” Dahlia bursts out laughing, Brooklyn following suit. “That sounds soooo exhausting.” We all fall into a fit of giggles and it feels just like old times. Almost instantly, my heart is full, a feeling of reassurance washing over me regarding my decision to move back home—something I’ve only told my parents.

“Speaking of sex . . . Juniper Riley?” Brooklyn and Dolly bump shoulders, their hands curled around their wine glasses as they eagerly await some juicy gossip.

“Whaaat?” I ask slowly, confused at their confusion.

“Your new boyfriend?” Dahlia finally says. “The one Ranger said you mentioned?”

“Oh . . . ooohhhh.” I nod my head enthusiastically, completely forgetting about that stupid little white lie I let slip out when I ran into him this morning. “Right, my new man.” I take a long sip of wine. “I wouldn’t say boyfriend, per se. I mean, neither of us actually agreed to give a title to anything yet; we’re just seeing where it goes.”

“Aww, she’s blushing.” Brook squirms giddily in her seat and a pang of guilt cuts through me. “I’m just happy to see you putting yourself out there . . . getting over a certain someone.”

“Yeah,” I laugh, attempting to pretend her comment is a joke, “I’m sure he’ll be heartbroken when he hears.” I say the last part in the hope that it plants a seed, so maybe this information will get back to Decker—for what reason, I don’t know. Maybe in my fantasies, I’m hopeful it will make him realize what he’s lost.

What he’s lost? Girl, get a grip. He never even had you.

“Is the sex hot?” Dolly grins. “I swear the hottest sex is always with the guy you say you’re not going to catch feelings for or label the relationship. The one who just gets under your skin and makes you want to ignore all the red flags.” Her gaze drifts and she chews her bottom lip, lost in thought.

Brooklyn looks over at her. “Something you want to tell us, Dolly? Ranger know about this mystery man?”

“It was Ranger,” Dolly laughs, her face growing red. “He was the one I swore I’d just have a little fun with. You guys remember: I was always crying about being lovesick.” She laughs. “God, I wish I could go back and hug myself and say, ‘Chill, girl, it’s all gonna work out. You’re going to get your man.’”

“I’m so glad you guys were able to work things out.” I squeeze her hand. “I know Dean is probably smiling down on you guys—so happy that his best friend could be the one to take care of you forever.”

“Me too,” Brooklyn adds. “Then again, I bet he was probably up there banging his head against heaven’s gate watching Ranger unable to pull his head out of his ass for so long.” She snorts. “Speaking of heads in asses, Ranger needs to give Deck a lesson in removing his own, because look what happened: He fucked around and you got a boyfriend.” She rolls her eyes. “Men, when will they ever learn? Guess he’ll just have to eat his heart out when he finds out.”

I smile and nod, laughing along as I mentally kick myself for saying anything to Ranger about a boyfriend. I thought it was just a silly little comment that would make its way back to Decker, but I guess I should have known better.

“I’m sure he’ll be just fine,” I say, hoping the subject will quickly change and I can stop squirming in my seat.

“You can find o—” Brooklyn stops abruptly, her eyes darting to Dolly’s, who I swear shakes her head “no” quickly. “I mean, do you need any help for tomorrow? I know you said over text that everything was good to go, but just want to make sure.”

I’m tempted to ask what I just missed, but my brain tells me it’s just because I’m tired. Planning my parents’ anniversary party has been a bit more stressful since I did it long distance, but it’s come together so well.

“No, no, you girls have done enough just asking about it, but thank you so much.” We turn our attention back to our conversation, reminiscing here and there and catching up on some small-town gossip I’ve missed out on.

After we say our goodbyes, I head out, opting to take the long way home, the one that takes me by the Slade ranch. It’s pointless since Decker doesn’t live there anymore and I can’t even see his house from the road anyway. I drive by, a smile pulling at my lips at the fun times I had coming here as I was growing up, and once again, it just feels right to be back home.

The soft breeze coming down the mountains rustles my spring dress, goosebumps breaking out across my skin. I smile and wave to a few of my parents’ friends from across the yard as they step into the house where most of the others are gathered.

I pull my cardigan from where it’s resting on my waist and tug it over my shoulders as the sun sinks slowly behind the distant peaks. The crowd grows louder inside the house. I turn to see what the commotion is, squinting through the kitchen windows to try to make out who they’ve gathered around.

My stomach drops and my shoulders stiffen as I take a few steps closer . . . just as Decker Slade turns his head and makes direct eye contact with me. My knees grow weak and I have the sudden irrational urge to fall to the ground so he can no longer see me, but I don’t. Instead, I give him a timid smile, but his attention is quickly pulled away when his older sister, Milly, throws her arms around his neck.

“What the fuck is he doing here?” I nervously pace the deck, unsure if I should go inside and say “hello” like everyone else. I decide it would be weirder to stay outside. After all, this little crush I’ve been allowing to linger all these years is pretty one-sided.

After watching him get pulled every which way for almost 20 minutes, I walk up behind him when he’s ducked away to grab a beer from the fridge.

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