Page 43 of Unbearable

“It’s not the truck.” She tried to swallow her sob.

I stared at her, waiting for her to continue. She didn’t say anything but instead pulled her phone out and showed it to me.

My breath hitched as I looked at the screen.

“Dotty,” I growled.

“I know.” She buried her face in my chest again. She melted in my embrace. Having her in my arms was the highlight of my fucking year, despite the circumstances that put her there.

“Let’s get you home. I will talk to Colt. There’s nothing that we can do tonight, and you need rest.”

She nodded against my chest. I scooped her up, walking over to the passenger side of my truck.

She yelped. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Taking care of you,” I grunted.

Her response was silence—a confirmation that she either didn’t mind or was too tired to fight; otherwise, I would have gotten a sarcastic response. It was most likely the latter, but I wasn’t complaining.

Opening the door with one hand, I lifted her up into the truck before grabbing the seatbelt to secure it over her lap.

Our gazes locked, and damn, I couldn’t help myself when mine dropped to her full lips. Those lips were at the center of all my desires. So damn pretty and perfectly kissable.

But before I could act on anything, I stepped back and rounded the truck. Rational thought was the only thing stopping me. If I was going to have a shot with Dotty James, I was going to do it right.

The drive was silent. Dotty had composed herself, reverting to her stoic, reserved demeanor.

“I’m sorry I lost it on you. It’s just been a long few weeks. That text could be nothing, honestly. Maybe it’s spam.” She was attempting to talk me down and probably herself too.

“You’re right. It could be, but I know your gut is telling you that isn’t true. I’ll get ahold of Colt, and we will figure it out.” I paused and squeezed the steering wheel, thinking about the fucker that was watching her every move. “Are you hungry? I know you just ate, but maybe dessert? How about we grab a couple of ice creams from Scoops like oldtimes?” My grip on the wheel loosened as I looked over at her.

The ice cream parlor was one of Dotty’s favorite places growing up. Dorian, Dotty, and I would often visit, especially in the summertime. The three of us used to go after spending hours outside on the ranch or whenever we got really good or really bad news.

“Are they even open this late?” she asked.

“Friday night football game night, you’re in luck.” Scoops was usually open for a few hours during the fall and winter, but they always stayed open late for when the high school had Friday night football games.

“Lucky indeed. Let’s do it.” I glanced over at her, and her smile almost stole all the air from my lungs. Her freckles, while faded, still remained, grazing over her cheeks and nose, creating a constellation that was uniquely her.

Regretfully, I had to tear my gaze back to the road.

We turned into the parking lot. “Don’t move yet,” I called out before getting out of the truck.

I opened her door and offered my hand. She seemed to be confused before taking my hand and stepping down.

“Who knew you could still be a gentleman?”

I chuckled and shook my head. “I’m sorry I’ve been such an ass lately, Dotty.” I cleared my throat and tried to continue. “It’s… it’s been hard to see you. I missed you. I missed you, Dorian, and I hanging out. And I hated that I hurt you and never even apologized. So… I’m sorry. For everything I did all those years ago.”

Her eyes softened for just a moment before snapping back to her composed self. “I forgave you a long time ago, cowboy. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t still sting, but I never had the guts to talk to you again.”

“You aren’t the only one.” I couldn’t help my smile. “Cowboy, huh?”

“Shut up.” She shoved me, and I pulled her in for a short side hug before we walked inside.

And fuck, she somehow managed to hold a power over me by simply existing.

We sat on the front porch, the autumn air surrounding us. Dotty’s laughter danced on the breeze, warm and inviting as we shared stories of our childhood. Where Dorian and I were always unpredictable in our choices, often changing what we would get each time, Dotty was forever a mint chocolate chip girl.

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