Page 23 of In the Dust

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Iexamine Brad’s arm, noting only a small scratch from the axe blade, and I breathe a hefty sigh of relief. “Okay, enough rivalry for today, boys,” I nearly sneer. It’s hard enough going from New York back to Georgia. I don’t need the men from both states making it worse.

I hold Brad’s hand and walk him towards the house, leaving Colton behind.

“Let’s go back to my rental for the night,” he suggests with a flirty smirk. Maybe that’s not such a bad idea. A little alone time could be good for us.

Even though he only rented a lake house for two weeks, I need to be at the farm. My family needs me.

But a weekend away from Colton wouldn't hurt.

A smile grazes my face. “We’re having a bonfire tonight. I can’t bail, but …” I plant a soft kiss on his cheek. “This weekend?”

He holds up his hand. “I’m injured.” He pouts, holding up his arm that’s sporting a regular sized bandage.

“I think you’ll live.” I giggle.

His smirk grows wide. “You’ve only been here a few days and your accent’s already getting heavier.”

“Don’t you start with me,” I tease. It’s nice, this banter. We barely get to see each other at home; he’s always tucked away on his laptop or spending a long night in his office at work. He got promoted to partner recently, so he has a little less free time.

Seeing him like this brings me clarity. When Colton’s near, I’m like a horse with blinders; I can’t concentrate on anything else.

Why does this all have to be so difficult? It really doesn't. The solution is simple.

My life is in New York. All of this is temporary. Willow creek, Fuzzy’s.

Mine and Brad’s relationship has really just begun, and I don’t need to ruin it over some flirty bullshit with my first boyfriend.

A swarm of guilt blankets me as I recall last night. How I got way too flirty with Colton, and how if I wouldn't have been interrupted, I may have kissed him.

Me, alcohol, and Colton don't mix at all. Brad’s been good to me, and I need to treat him better. I’m giving myself an ounce of grace, although this is not like me at all.

“What do you want to do today?” I ask him. We need to do something fun.

He sits up, mulling over my question. “I’m exhausted from this morning,” He wipes his face. “Shower and lunch?”

“Sounds good to me.” I grin.

* * *

“Is this your childhood room?”Brad asks, his fingers grazing along my bedframe.

“It is. What do you think?”

He looks around, his eyes landing on me. “I love it.” He smiles.

I cross my arms. “Really?”

“Yeah. It’s cozy.” He hops onto my bed, and I slide in beside him, making sure to turn down the old photo of me and Colton. Come to think of it, I’m not sure why I even have it up still.

Brad looks at me, a smirk playing on his lips. “I missed you, Dixie.”

I scoot a little closer to him. “I missed you too.” I frown, feeling guilty for not being the perfect girlfriend since I’ve been home. A flood of emotions hit me the moment I crossed into Willow Creek, but I can’t let that affect what I’ve got going on back in New York.

“I can’t wait for this weekend,” he whispers, dragging his fingertip along my jaw.

I bounce up, nervous to be intimate with him in my childhood bedroom. “Want to finish the tour?” I glide my hand towards the bathroom.

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