Page 18 of In the Dust

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The smell of his tobacco filled breath swirls in my nostrils. Our lips are painfully close, and I catch myself staring at how perfectly plump his are, longing to feel them against my own. I just want to give in and completely let go. The feel of his embrace is like going home after a long day; it’s all consuming.

Maybe one taste won’t hurt.

I flick my eyes up to Colton’s, finding the want is clear in his gaze too. I cast my glance back down to his lips and slowly close my eyes.

But a loud crashing sound interrupts my drunken stupor. I lean back, swallowing the lump in my throat. Colton doesn’t move away, so I remove his hand from my waist for him. I push away, stepping towards Harper.

What. The. Hell.

I shake my head; I’m being ridiculous. What am I doing? I’m supposed to hate him.

“Dixie! Brad looks like he’s about to puke. I think it’s time to go,” Harper croaks as she stumbles out of the door. I hold her steady as she throws her arms around my neck. “I’m so happy you’re home, Dix,” she slurs.

I laugh. “Me too, Harps. Let’s get you home.”

“Actually …” She pauses. “Jackson called a cab. I’ll just ride with him.”

I give her a knowing look. “Okay, text me when you make it home.”

“Yes, ma’am.” She giggles, saluting me drunkenly.

I call Dad, knowing damn well I’m unable to drive home. Ten minutes later, he pulls up in his black truck. I open the back door when I see Jackson striding out of the bar with a toasted Brad in hand. “Just put him back here,” I huff.

Stepping out of his way, I open the passenger side and step up into the cab.

Colton walks to my open window when I close the door. I raise a brow at him. “Aren’t you getting in?”

“Nah, I only had two beers the whole time. I’m good. I’ll be right behind y’all.”

I give him a small smile and lock eyes with him. “Be careful.”

“Always am.” He winks while turning to walk towards his Bronco.

I let out a sigh and turn my head back to Dad. “Thanks for picking us up.”

“You know I’d rather you call me than something happen to you,” he explains while reaching for my hand, squeezing it lightly. “Now, who’s this in my backseat?”

“Oh, right. This is Brad.” I look back at the intoxicated man sitting behind me hunched over.

Brad sits up. “Hi, Mr. Norwood. Nice to meet—” Before Brad can finish his sentence, he plasters his cobb salad all over the floorboards of my dad's pristine truck.

I cover my face in embarrassment.

This must be my karma.

* * *

Bright eyedand bushy tailed is the complete opposite of what I’m feeling this morning. I have absolutely no idea how I managed to wake up on time. As I roll over, I notice a tall glass of water with two Aspirin sitting on a small piece of paper next to it.

Drink the whole glass and take these. You’ll need it.

-Colty

I smirkat his use of the stupid nickname Miss Priss gave him.

I slowly get out of bed, willing the pounding in my head to stop, but it’s unrelenting. I shuffle to the bathroom, stopping at the sink so I can brush my teeth and wash my face.

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