Page 35 of Butter My Biscuit

When I turn back, she meets my gaze. “If you already haven’t lost your chance.”

“I’m good actually.” I pat the bar.

River shakes her head and places a glass of water on the counter. It’s like she knew I was thirsty. I dance with a few women to pass the time away, exchange some numbers. Just as I’m closing out my tab, the alarm on my phone goes off, reminding me about the moonrise.

Grace and Landon are on the other side of the room, sitting at a bar top that overlooks the dance floor. He’s close, but he’s been respectful all night. I’d know—I’ve barely taken my eyes off of them.

My alarm goes off for the second time, and I text Grace.

Harrison

Moonrise?

I see her face light up across the room, and she smiles.

Grace

Yes. I’ll meet you up front in five minutes?

Harrison

Don’t be late.

I stand, wave goodbye to River, then fall into the shadows as Grace leans in and kisses Landon. He’s a national champ. One of the best riders I’ve ever seen, and if I recall correctly, he went to the same college as my younger sister Fenix. I think he’s older than her though.

Honestly, he’d be perfect for Grace, and he understands ranch life. He hands her his phone, and I know they’re exchanging numbers. One more kiss, and then she walks away and makes her way through the crowd, wearing a cheesy grin.

I move toward the exit and wait outside. I’m happy for the fresh air. For a second, I felt like I was suffocating.

Grace walks out, and she’s humming some song. When she sees me, her smile widens even more.

“Was it stuffy in there to you?” she asks, falling in line next to me as we make our way down the sidewalk toward the street crossing.

“Yeah, I thought it kinda was,” I admit. “Thought it was just me though.”

“No, it wasn’t. I felt like my heart was gonna race out of my chest. Maybe he was just … turning me on.”

I let out a laugh, but it almost feels forced. “You can go back if you want. I can wait out here.”

“No way.” She shakes her head. “Absolutely not. I’ve never seen a moon rise over the water. You think I’d miss doing this with you for some D?”

“Yes,” I say.

“Okay, you’re right. I would, considering how long it’s been. Ugh.” She lets out an annoyed growl. “But we’re besties. I wouldn’t want you doing things like this alone. I want to experience them with you,” she says, pulling me in.

“Good. Because a one-night stand doesn’t fill the void. Being with the real deal does.”

“You’re right.” She smiles, and we cross the road and take the stairway that leads to the beach.

Before our feet touch the bottom, Grace bends over and takes her boots and socks off, then steps into the sand with her hand held out. I take it and fall in line beside her.

As we kick wet sand between our toes, Grace speaks up. “Most men are searching for a booty call. Maybe Landon is different from all the fuckboys. Maybe he’ll give me a real chance.”

She trips, and I’m quick and catch her before she falls.

She looks up into my eyes, smiling. “You were just like a Marvel hero.”

“You mean a Jedi,” I say, lifting her to her feet.

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