Page 12 of In the Dust

But Colton’s not dumb. He knows I’m a sucker for competition even if I’m not the best at pool. “One round,” I answer, biting my lip.

He lets out a deep chuckle, taking another step towards me and closing the gap between us. “Whatever you say, Dixie May.”

I slide my jean jacket off and set it onto the tall chair next to us as Harper finishes racking the balls. Jackson, being a gentleman, lets her break first. She’s better at this than I am, making it look easy as she pulls the pool stick back, snapping it forward and sending the balls spiraling around the table.

“Solids!” She walks around the side of the table. “This reminds me of that time we went to that pool hall with Gina.”

“I think we had more fun there. Better company, I’d say.” I look back at Harper, smirking. “You remember that guy that couldn’t keep his hands off of me?”

Harper lets out a loud laugh, knowing exactly what I’m doing. “Duh, he was hot as fuck, too. I could never forget a face like that.”

I mean she’s not lying, he was hot, but I shut it down quickly. Colton doesn’t need to know that, though.

I sneak a peek at him as he tips the long neck bottle to his lips and takes a swig. He’s trying to act like it doesn’t bother him, but his jaw is clenched as he sets the beer on the table a little too hard.

It’s finally my turn. I step up to the table and lean forward, pulling the stick back. “You’re doing it all wrong. Let me show you how to properly hold the cue.” Colton leans in before I can even agree.

He’s so full of himself. I look back at him for a moment before reluctantly making my decision. “Fine.”

He leans in close, guiding my body forward. “So, is your little boyfriend missing you in New York?” He slides his foot between mine to bump them further apart to widen my stance.

He’s curious about the mysterious boyfriend of mine. “Not that it’s any of your business, but yes.”

He nods. “How long have y’all been together?”

I slide on a smile. “Six months.”

“I see,” he sighs as he releases me, walking over to the table to grab his beer.

I note the shift in his tone. Is he jealous? “What about you? Are you seeing someone?” I ask.

“That isn’t the word I’d use, but yeah, I guess I am.”

I can feel my cheeks reddening. Of course he is. I mean, I figured he would have moved on by now. I have. But that doesn’t explain the slight twinge of jealousy I now seem to be feeling. Not that I’ll admit it.

“Are things serious with Chad?”

I scoff, “His name is Brad, and obviously things are serious. We’ve been together long enough.”

Colton takes a swig of his drink. Setting it back down, he strides over to me, closing the distance between us again. “Six months is nothing.” He leans in, looking me straight in the eyes and whispering, “City boys don’t know how to properly take care of a woman.”

“He takes care of me, in every way, just fine.”

His dark brow raises. “Every way?”

I know what he means. Colton’s the only man I’ve ever been with in that way. But I can’t allow myself to give him the satisfaction.

When I don’t respond, something devilish flickers in his eyes. “We’ll see about that, Dixie May.”

“Why don’t you stop worrying about me and focus on your flavor of the week.”

“I will be tonight,” he responds, winking at me.

I roll my eyes as I turn to stand by Harper. Jackson is walking back from the bar and stops to hand us our drinks. He exchanges a look with Harper while handing her a Bud Light bottle.

My eyes shoot to her while she stares at her drink, blushing a deep crimson. After a few seconds, Harper looks at me with a shy smile.

“Let’s finish this game.” She takes a quick sip of her beer, sets it down, and grabs her cue.

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