Page 80 of In the Dust

“Does it involve food?”

I sigh. “Okay, make that two places.” I pull out my phone and order an Uber. “My favorite pizza joint is a block from Central Park. We can grab a slice and eat it on our walk over.”

“I bet you have a favorite tree.” He nudges my arm with his elbow.

I smile at his remark. “It does have oak trees, but none as special as our Bur.”

We walk hand and hand through Strawberry Fields, the John Lennon memorial.

“You and strawberries,” Colton jokes.

I jab my finger into his side. “It’s not those kinds of strawberries.”

He jumps back, letting out a grunt. “Ouch! I know that, Dix. I was kidding.”

“Want me to kiss it and make it better?” I tease.

Colton lifts his shirt just as a group of girls walk by. They gawk at his lean physique, practically drooling.

“If you don’t pull your shirt down, I’ll really give you something to cry about.” I try to bite back my smile. Honestly, I’d have the same reaction if I saw this divine creature running wild on the street, lifting his shirt.

He laughs, tossing his arm over my shoulder and pulling me in. “I only have eyes for you, darlin’.”

“I know.” I playfully slap his abdomen.

We spend the next hour walking around Central Park. I don’t want to be too exhausted for whatever Colton has planned for tonight, so we skip a few areas.

We find an open area in the grass next to a Pin Oak Tree. Colton leans against its base, then motions for me to sit down between his legs, and we get lost in conversation about my time in New York. I dive in a little deeper this time, opening up more about my time at school.

I can’t believe I’m actually in New York right now. I literally just said I would never step foot here again. Yet here I am, with the love of my life perched up against a tree. I never planned on coming back here because everything I need is in Willow Creek.

Honestly, everything I need is wherever Colton Payne is.

* * *

It’s almostfour when we reach our room. Colton presses the keycard to the door, and the little light by the lock turns green. I swiftly turn the handle and lead us inside. Housekeeping must’ve cleaned while we were out. All the rose petals that were strewn around the room are gone.

I walk into the bathroom, startled by the two hanging garment bags that weren’t here earlier. There’s a note taped to one of the bags.

Colton said you needed something fancy for tonight. You’re welcome.

XOXO,

Gossip Girl.

Dammit Gina.

I slowly unzip the bag and slide the dress out of it. It’s a black, strapless, floor-length gown with a slit down the side.

In the other garment bag sits a black suit.

“Oh, wow.” I cannot wait to see my cowboy in a midnight black suit.

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