Page 31 of In the Dust

A few minutes later, we have our food and are heading towards a small picnic table. I decide it’s best to sit across from Colton so I can focus on eating and not make a fool of myself.

“It’s so peaceful here,” I state, pointing around us. “I’m surprised it’s not very busy.”

“It’s still early in the day. Most people seem to come right before sunset.” He wipes his bottom lip with a napkin before continuing. “I thought of you the first time I came here.”

The gentle way he always makes me feel special brings me back to when we were together … before. I shake my head; you can’t go back, Dix. Only forward.

A vision of him and Anabelle here invades my thoughts, causing me to cough with a mouthful of food. I take a few swigs of my water, choking down reality.

Too much time has passed between us to pretend.

* * *

My fingers skimour new photograph, admiring the happiness we both hold in our eyes as Colton drives us home.

From the looks of our relaxed postures and the twinkle in our eyes, it looks like a young couple in love. Whether we can admit it to ourselves or not, something’s still there between us, and if we tried to deny it, this photo would betray us.

A still frame of the truth, but are we both too damn stubborn to admit it? History tells me yes, but my heart screams something different.

I look out the window, realizing he took a different way home. I can see a corn maze off in the distance, watching children chase each other with corn stalks.

“Oh, how fun!” I say excitedly.

“What’s that?” he questions, eyes on the road.

“There was a corn maze back there. We should go before they take it down for the season.” We’ll have plenty of time considering it’s a little early for corn mazes. “Make it a date!”

Colton nods his head, tightening his grip on the steering wheel.

Or not, I think to myself. Maybe I jumped the gun.

* * *

“Thank you for today.”I look deep into his ocean blue eyes as we stand at the front door to my childhood home. “I needed the distraction.”

“Anything for you, Dixie May.” His unwavering tone tells me this is a promise, and I forget all about that awkward little date idea.

An all-consuming silence lingers between us, drawing me to him. It isn't like those awkward first date goodbyes; our bodies know each other. His lips have touched mine on a thousand winter nights, and a million summer days, and every day between.

“Good night.” I take one last look at his beautifully sculpted face before slowly spinning around to head inside.

When I barely crack the door, I feel a slight pressure on my wrist. Before I can register what’s happening, Colton swings me around and pulls me in close to him.

Even after all those times I’ve been in his arms, his touch still takes my breath away.

“So …” He hesitates for a moment. “The farmers’ market is tomorrow. I was wondering if you would like to go with me?”

“I don’t think Anabelle would be happy if I showed up with you,” I counter, feeling relief that he wants to go with me. This is a big deal.

He lets out a low chuckle. “Her and I aren’t serious, Dixie. It’s just the farmers’ market.”

Just the farmers’ market. The way he said it gives me pause; we both know the whole town goes there.

I think about it for a few moments, making him stir.

“Fine.” I click my tongue. “I’ll go with you.”

He presses a soft kiss to the corner of my lips. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“Tomorrow,” I repeat, lost in this complex yet intoxicating feeling that’s whirling through me.

What’s the worst that could happen?

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