Page 13 of Brands

Might be fun.

“What the hell, sure.” But when my hand slides into hers, and the heat crawls up my arm to invade my chest, I feel like I’m signing on to more than I’m bargaining for.

Chapter Six

Libby

My stomach rolls andnerves make my fingers twitch as I watch out the window.

“You call me if you need a ride, okay?” Dad pulls his blanket higher, then shifts to a new position on the couch.

I’m glad that he can finally do that without a flicker of pain crossing his face.

“Uh huh. I’d rather walk the twenty miles home than make you leave in the middle of the night. Besides, Char can’t drink, remember?” I pull the curtain back again to see if maybe her and Dixon have pulled into the driveway in the last few seconds.

Damn it.

“What are you so worked up over?” Devon grumbles from the recliner.

I stare out into the dark parking lot. “It’s exciting. I’m officially old enough to drink.”

The pillow that bounces off my back shouldn’t be a surprise.

“So? It’s not like you’re some sort of crazy partyanimal. I swear you’re like a grandma already.” Devon rolls his eyes, then refocuses on his phone.

“Yea, well at least I’mallowed tonow.” I’m tempted to stick my tongue out.

But that doesn’t feel very mature.

Whatever. I do it anyway.

“Lib.” Dad’s tone is tired when he chastises me.

A flash of light shines onto the far wall and moves across his scowl.

“Sorry, Dad. Gotta run.” I grab my coat and slip into my heels, toss him a kiss, then escape into the chill of the evening air.

Dixon’s Toyota Tundra barely rolls to a stop before I’m tugging over the frosty passenger side to crawl into the back.

“I guess that answers that question,” Char laughs from the front seat.

“What’s that?” Breathlessly, I buckle up and settle against the backrest.

“If you were excited.” She turns enough that I can see her smile.

I don’t want to tell her why.

I spent the last few days thinking about Blue. My body was buzzing every time he laughed.

Or when we touched.

Maybe it’s because he agreed to help me, and that feels like we’re in some secret conspiracy together.

There’s a crazy part of me that has been looking forward to getting him away from the farm.

Tonight is neutral ground, where I don’t have my father lurking in the shadows.

What the hell do I actually expect to happen?

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