Page 49 of In the Dust

He pulls me flush against his chest. “Get comfortable. This is an all-day thing.”

Perfect. An entire day of teasing.

“Aye, aye, Captain.”

I internally scold myself. It’s gonna be a long day.

* * *

Twelve hours later,we’ve finally finished harvesting seventy-five acres of corn. Jackson had to make multiple trips to the silos to replace the full tanks with empty ones. While he did that, Colton and I would get out and stretch and walk around the giant machine, making sure everything was in proper order.

Now that we’re done harvesting for the day, we can go fill the silos. This part I know because I used to watch Dad help Grandpa. Sometimes Dad would let me push the button that turns the blower on.

As we head over to the silos, I notice a section of corn we must’ve missed this morning. “Why didn’t we do that over there?” I ask as I point towards about an acre of corn stalks.

“Damn hogs got in it,” Colton says swiftly.

“Oh.” I don’t ponder on it much longer. I’m sure we’ll just plow it down later then.

At the silos, Jackson lines up the first tank with the opening of the blower. Once the corn is in, the blower will push it up the wide pipe that goes straight to the top of the silo.

About two hours later, we’ve already unloaded six tanks. Colton has to climb to the top of the silo to check the levels. “I'll be right back.” He kisses my cheek and heads for the ladder.

“Don’t miss me too much.” I shoot him a wink.

He stops and turns around, slowly walking back to me. “I always miss you, Dixie May.” My heart flutters as he reaches me. He pulls me in tight and places a tender kiss to my lips. When he pulls away, he leaves me breathless.

I watch him with bated breath as he steadily climbs the fifty-foot structure. He’ll stay up there until we’re done unloading the corn, which will take at least another hour.

When we’ve finally unloaded the last tank, Colton begins his descent down the silo.

I check my phone, finding it’s already ten. We missed dinner, but that’s how it goes around harvest time. Long days, hardly any sleep, and missed meals.

“Alright, I’m heading out.” Jackson slaps Colton’s back. “I’ll see y’all in the morning.” He glances at me, flicking his ball cap. “Good night, Dix.”

“Good night, Jackson.” I grin. “Tell Harper I said hi.”

Jackson stops walking and turns to us. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He looks down, trying to hide his smile.

“Mhm,” I say with a laugh. “We’ll see you tomorrow, Romeo.”

Colton grabs my hand to lead me back to the house. His tight grip sends shivers down my spine.

I've missed his touch.

“You okay?” he questions. My face has always given away my emotions. Maybe that’s why I moved. So that strangers couldn't read me so well, so they would mistake my sadness for another human dwelling in the big city. So easy to overlook, too little time to get to know.

“I’m perfect.” I smile, lifting his arm around my shoulder.

I mean every word.

I’ve missed this more than I care to admit.

Without limits, I remind myself.

* * *

“We’ve gotthree more days of this,” I huff out as I get undressed to take a relaxing hot bath.

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