Page 18 of Promise Me Never

I freeze when he looks over at me and lifts his hand toward my face. He sweeps the wisps of hair away and then gently rubs his thumb over the pink line. I hold my breath and feel that tender touch in my whole entire body.

“I think it suits you. Shows the beauty of resilience and being alive.”

My eyes meet his as I melt into his touch and words. His fingertips brush the shell of my ear as he drops his hands but holds my gaze. This moment feels too intimate, too profound for the time and place we’re in.

Charlie barks at the goats, and two of them faint, shattering the moment as we both laugh. Nothing cuts tension like a fainting goat.

“Well, I should get going. I’m glad you’re okay.” He says the words, but doesn’t move from his spot against the fence.

“I bet that wife of yours is missing you about now.” I have to bring it up, a reminder to me that whatever just happened isn’t what I’m making it out to be in my mind.

“She’s not.” He looks down briefly. “She passed away eight years ago.”

“Oh my god.” Charlie wiggles to get free, so I set her down. “I’m so sorry, I never would have said anything had I known.”

“It’s okay. It was a long time ago. No one really talks about it.”

I don’t even think, I just act. My arms wrap around his waist. He tenses initially, but then he relaxes into the embrace. His arms wrap around my back, and he pulls me flush against him. It feels much better than it should, and it lasts a second past appropriate. He lets go first and then walks off without another word while I’m left with nothing but swirling thoughts and mountains of questions.

* * *

I didn’t think too hard about what I was packing for the summer while I cleared out my dorm room at the same time. Not that it matters all that much, I have a pretty basic wardrobe. I’m either dressed as the college student I am in shorts or jeans or leggings and t-shirts or hoodies, or I’m wearing some sort of business attire for events with business student organizations I’m active in.

Luckily for me, Amber threw a couple of her sundresses and jean skirts into my bag. I watch as Janey puts together a cute outfit consisting of one of Amber’s denim minis and plain white tank top. She brought a pair of her cowboy boots for me to try on. The supple, light brown leather has contrasting white stitches and brings the entire look together.

“This is perfect. Go put everything on and let me see.” Janey drops down on the bed and pulls out her phone. “I’ll see what everyone has going on later tonight.”

I give myself a once over in the mirror after I get changed. I did my best to cover up the scar, I can still make it out but only because I’m so aware of it. My eyes are smokey but done in browns and nudes instead of black and charcoal colors. I grab my favorite red lipstick and apply it before turning and opening the door with a flourish.

“Do I look like a country girl?” I pop my knee in an over the top pose for her.

“Yes,” she exclaims, dropping her phone on the bed beside her. “Getting you laid is going to be so easy. I’ll actually have to beat guys off with a stick.”

“You look so good, too. You might end up finding someone before I do.” She does look incredible. She’s wearing a pair of tiny cutoff denim shorts with a cropped black t-shirt. Her blue hair and black combat boots give her a sexy edge.

She glances out my window and sighs. “Doubtful. I’m dedicating myself to being your wingwoman tonight.” As fast as the wistful look entered her eyes, it’s gone, and she’s back to happy and upbeat. “I’m off for two days, though, so we’re definitely having some drinks.”

I don’t bother reminding her that I’m only twenty; she’s seen my full medical file, she knows. Plus, what’s the harm of one beer a couple months before I turn the legal drinking age?

We link arms and walk downstairs to say goodbye to Grandpa and Grandma. They have no worries about me going out, especially with Janey, so they tell us to have fun and be safe. I grab my purse from the kitchen and lead her out the back door.

I haven’t spoken to Luke since our weirdly intimate encounter the other day. A small part of me wants him to be walking by while I look good like this. Most of the time we’ve spent together, I’ve either been sweating or bleeding.

A loud whistle makes both of us turn our heads in the direction of the stable. Sam and Colt are strutting out with huge smiles on their faces.

“Now where are you two going?” Sam asks as we wait for them to reach us.

“We’re going to go see if we can snag a cowboy or two,” Janey answers, looking at Sam from the corner of her eye. “This one wants to see if she can last eight seconds,” she bumps my shoulder.

“Hopefully longer than eight seconds.” I should be embarrassed to be talking so openly about sex, but I’m not at all. Over the past weeks I’ve gotten to know these two so well, they’re almost like brothers.

“No.” Colton puts his palm over my mouth. “Not our sweet city girl.”

“We were thinking about going out, but now I think we don’t have a choice. Someone has to keep you two out of trouble.” Sam is speaking to both of us but only looking at Janey, and my curiosity is piqued. There’s definitely tension radiating between the two of them.

“Thanks, but we can handle ourselves.” Janey pulls me away back down the driveway to her car. “Ready for tonight?”

“Yeah, I am.” I’ve got a condom tucked away along with some cash and my phone.

---