Page 29 of Wasted Oil

"That’s the plan”.

“So did you boys come up with a dare?” Mel asks as she leans on the pool table cocking her head to the side like she knows what we chose is some mediocre dare. Oh sweetheart, you have no idea what I have in store for you.

Johnny shrugs walking around to the other end of the pool table to take another shot. I go to grab my beer from the table top. Mel follows me over leaving Alex at the pool table with Johnny.

"What are you gonna do, make me trade clothes with Alex but I have to wear them inside out?” She asks jokingly.

"I’d rather see your clothes on my floor.” Her head snapped so quickly making her eyes go wide but with a glare and lips slightly parted.

"There’s that cat again huh boots.”

Mel sits in silence like she is stunned by my words. Good.

Setting my drink down I lick my lips rolling them inside and lean in so I’m mere inches from her.

"I dare you, Boots. To walk your ass out to my truck, get in and go home with me.”

Her lips snap shut and eyes go wide but just as they get big she snaps back to soft and her breathing has become jagged. She glances down at my lips and backs up.

Without tearing my gaze away I shout to get Johnny and Alex’s attention.

"I think we’re gonna head out guys.”

Her eyes are still on mine.

"Have fun you two. Mel, text me later” Alex says. Mel shifts her focus towards Alex and gives her a wink then sucks down the rest of her drink placing it down at the table then licking her lips she turns headed to the exit.

Watching her back side as she leaves, I take my time looking at every curve then I’m slapped on the arm turning to see Alex staring at me with those I see you gestures.

"Don’t fuck this up Rhett.” She states.

I wish I could promise that, but well, I have a plan and I'd like to see that through more.

So, instead of words I chug the last bit of my beer and tip my hat down at Alex.

Following behind Mel the fantasy of finishing what we started long ago in the parking lot plays out in my head.

How do I make this hurt?

What is it Alex always says —to woo a girl you gotta be swoon worthy, win her over with shit you wouldn’t normally do, find something meaningful and build off that.

Ding.

A lightbulb goes off in my head.

Let the games begin.

Chapter nine

“I think we’ve waited long enough don’t you, cowboy.”

Melanie

The tension in the truck is so thick I decide to roll the window down and close my eyes taking in a deep breath. A storm has started rolling in making the outside air smell of rain but making the air just as thick with the humidity now flowing through the truck. I love when thunderstorms start, especially at night because of the lightning show you get just before the storm hits.

It's happening. At least I want to believe it’s happening.

This is a dare I have to remember to have fun with and not get attached. We are just having fun.

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