Page 103 of The Charm of You

The truck rolls slowly around the square, and more sweat pools at my back. Addie wasn’t wrong about that, and neither was my mother when she insisted I apply sunscreen on my shoulders. The sun left the clouds at home, and it came to party on its own.

The blue-and-white awning of Bready or Knot provides shade for a large gathering of people, and I’m jealous, even with the refuge of the end in sight.

There are several more people dotting the square than there were along the route, with most of the crowd huddled around the courthouse steps—our final destination.

A black carpet lines the steps, with neutral flower arrangements perched on either side of the makeshift aisle. The current homecoming maids and their escorts stand in a staggered formation up the steps, and the queen makes her way up as we enter through a marked-off section at the side.

Austin cuts the engine, and I rise onto wobbly feet, my heels pinching my toes. The initial sting subsides, but my head continues spinning from enduring the stop-and-go of the truck over the last hour.

The marching band ceases their song, and the last note carries over the lively community.

Next to the front door of the courthouse, Principal Weathers leans his arms on the edge of a podium, where a microphone reaches the tip of his chin.

His greeting echoes across the open square as I fan myself and blow a few breaths to cool my upper lip, not that it helps much. Only a splash in the river outside of town would help at this point.

Austin climbs onto the float and produces a bottle of water from behind his back, small drops of dew slipping down the sides, indicating it’s still relatively cold.

“You’re a godsend.” I happily accept the bottle—aka my current salvation.

I’m so overly enthusiastic and gulp down more than I can manage. A line of water trickles down my chin and cascades over my throat until it disappears into the valley of my breasts.

Ahhh.

Austin’s gaze follows the entire trail, and his nostrils flare. “Christ,” he grumbles and runs a hand through his hair.

While I’m a sweaty mess, he’s the exact opposite—clean, collected, and fresh like he just walked out of a magazine.

I love the way his shirt is tucked into his jeans, tapering at his narrow waist. Even better is how haphazardly he’s rolled up the sleeves of his button-up.

This look is very yummy, for lack of a better word.

More accurately, it’s very Austin.

“Thank you.” I lick the invigorating droplets of water from my bottom lip, and again, he follows the movement. I thrust the bottle into his chest and lean into him, purposely brushing my breasts against his body. “Your services are very much appreciated,” I say.

“You’re going to pay for this torturous little show.”

A shudder racks my body. If I thought I was hot before, I’m close to combustion because of Austin Kyle.

Cheers roar, pulling my focus away and onto the task at hand. I blink, bringing these people in and out of focus as the homecoming queen is crowned next to the podium, where I need to be.

It appears as though the entire town is here, which isn’t an exaggeration, nor is it a surprise. Most of the local businesses close for the parade, and the ones that open up again will lock up early for the football game tonight.

This has been the tradition for years. To enjoy the celebration and the bright futures of these young students.

Today, I’m part of the celebration and the history established here. My speech matters, and I have to make it worthwhile.

“Hey.” The simple word is comforting. Something about the caring lull in the single syllable soothes my nerves, and I freaking needed that.

I turn back to him, and my shoulders relax.

“You okay?” His blue eyes dart over my face, and my heart rate falls into a steadier rhythm.

Gulping, I nod and move toward the edge of the float, where he places a hand on my lower back and guides me onto the pavement.

My name is announced through the microphone. The principal’s spiel that follows barely registers as I make my way along the sidewalk framing the courthouse until I reach the steps.

As I wait for my cue, I hear words like the Big Apple and success and pride.

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