Page 74 of Rainbow Rodeo

“Yep.”

“Good.” Dustin took the Ding Dong, tore it open quickly. “You looked a little grumpy.”

“Did I? I was hiding it.”

“Not from me. I bet from everyone else, yeah.” Dustin winked.

“That’s okay, then.” No one could read him like Bubba.

“He coming home with us?”

“Yeah, he is. He asked.” And it had felt so good too.

“Oooeee.” Dustin gave him a high five. “Sounds serious.”

“I don’t know, but it’s intense. Real.”Addictive.

“Just….” Dustin looked over to where Buick had moved into Dalton’s chair. “Be careful.”

“Yeah. I know.” How was he supposed to compete with the big leagues?

“Just saying.” Dustin moved closer. “What’s with Rocket?”

“I don’t know, Bubba. He shows up in Glenwood like he belonged there. How did he know? How did he know where I was?”

“I don’t know, but we need to find out. He’s creepy as fuck. I mean, thank God Tank was with you.”

“Yeah, I mean… seriously. He was all in my business. I don’t need that.” Rocket had made him feel like a slut, like a whore. The man had mocked him as often as they’d had sex, maybe more.

Tank never made him feel dirty.

In fact, Tank made him feel like the only guy on earth. He grinned hugely, which earned him an elbow from Dustin. “Now, I know you’re not thinking of Rocket.”

“Who?” He winked over.

“Uh-huh.” Dustin inhaled his Ding Dong. “Want some apple pie?”

“Sure. Let me drop this off with Tank. Be right back.”

Tank was still watching him, which was gratifying, because Buick was talking hard. “Chocolate?” Tank asked.

“Ding Dong.” He handed it over with a wink.

“Oh, my hero. Everything okay?” Tank kept it casual, but those dark eyes missed nothing.

“Yeah. Bubba’s ready for apple pie now. Bottomless pit.”

“Y’all gonna go hit his trailer? Or do we have pie in ours?”

Ours.He did love that. “We’ll hang in ours. You want me to save you some or….”

“I could come on.” Tank stood, smiling all around. “Y’all have a good night and help clean up, huh?”

“You’re not staying to play quarters, honey?” Buick asked.

“Nah. I need to be sober in case Dan needs a lift.”

Not to mention that tomorrow was the short-go and an early day and Tank wasn’t Buick’s honey.

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