Page 30 of The Charm of You

She mouthed the words to every song we sang, and I have to admit, it was hot.

It was surprising, too, that she knows any country songs. I didn’t think their power reached the likes of New York. Then again, what do I know? I’ve never left the South.

“I’m sorry, was that a joke?” she asks me. “I didn’t think you were capable of such a thing.”

“I’m full of surprises.” I cock a brow and lean against the bar.

“I’ll say, Mr. Guitar God.” Her grin is wide, and the balls of her cheeks redden as I rake my gaze over her.

“What about you, Homecoming Queen? Care to grace us all with one of your many talents?” I nod toward the stage, where a young woman uses the microphone stand as a dancing partner while she sings a dramatic song I don’t recognize.

“You could do your senior talent show song—what was it?” Addie snaps her fingers.

Maren chimes in, “Was it one of Dolly’s?”

“Of course it was Dolly. Who else would I sing? And oh my God, I was so nervous, especially since I had to go on after that weird sock-puppet show. I had a lot of standards to restore.” Caroline’s burst of laughter tints her cheeks a deeper crimson than before, and she dips to brace herself on her knees. When she does, her shirt scoops into a V, and the tops of her breasts swell into view.

Her bra is pale pink, and the top of each cup is lined with delicate lace.

Jesus Christ.

I tear myself away before I cross the city limits into Pervertville as the three of them hold onto one another for what I assume is balance.

My buddy Cole reaches out from his side of the bar, and I meet him out of earshot from the giggling girls. “How much have they had to drink?” I ask him.

“They just ordered their second round. I believe they’re more drunk on their reconnection than anything else.” He smiles and smacks my arm. “Speaking of reconnection… how do you feel about seeing your old crush again?”

And just like that, any semblance of a good mood disappears. Why do I tell my friends anything? It always just bites me in the ass in the end.

“She’s cute, right?”

“The high school’s mascot is cute. Caroline Summers is…” I angle my face toward her.

Her curly blonde hair is parted down the middle, and the layered ends perfectly frame her heart-shaped face. The button end of her nose appears especially round tonight, thanks to whatever fancy makeup she uses, I assume. Her pale red nails glisten under the light overhead as she combs her fingers through her hair, and my fucking throat tightens.

Everything about her appears petite and angelic, which is why the fire in her this afternoon caught me so off guard.

“She’s gorgeous,” I say through a rough exhale and turn back to my buddy. “And she knows it too.”

“Can we get two beers over here?”

Cole and I turn in sync toward the request, and to my dismay, I find Keely with Tanner Thomas. He drapes one arm around her waist, and she clings to him as she mouths the words to the song.

They look like a real, cozy couple. Like they belong together.

I’d hate it if she didn’t look so happy. It’s in her eyes. They hold a glow I’ve never seen before. I’ve certainly never been the one to put it there.

Cole retreats toward the cooler with the beer. As Tanner chats with Petey on the other side of him, I take the opportunity to slip next to Keely.

“Oh, hey…” She fidgets with the strap of her purse.

“I just wanted to say that I’m happy you’re happy,” I tell her and pat her shoulder. “I’m glad things are working out for you, and I truly mean it, Keels.”

Her shoulders instantly relax. “Thanks for saying that. I hope you let yourself be happy someday too.”

“I’m perfectly fine with the way things are.”

“That’s what you always say,” she says in a singsong voice as Tanner returns to guide her away.

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