My resolve wavers for a moment as I imagine the steam filling the bathroom and our bodies pressed together under the warm water. But I shake my head, trying to regain control.
"You're killin' me here, Skippy. Let me do this right. We only get one first date," I say, my voice husky as I walk toward her, closing the distance between us, not hiding just how much I want her. Taking her hands in mine, I press them over my heart. "I promise you that the wait will be worth it. We've waited longenough, haven't we? We can do this." Our breaths mingle as anticipation fills the air.
Dee's eyes soften like molten chocolate as she melts into me. "OK," she says, the pink tinge of her cheek so damn adorable and definitely gratifying.
With a lingering kiss on Dee's forehead, I reluctantly release her and step back. "I'll go get changed and I'll meet you back here in twenty minutes."
Dee nods, her eyes locked with mine as if trying to convey her desire without speaking a word. She disappears into the bathroom, leaving me standing there with my heart pounding and my blood boiling in all the good ways.
Quickly changing, I move toward the front window and take in the darkening view before pulling out my phone, spotting a lot of notifications on there when I go check the time. All of them are from my brothers and Red in our group chat.
Landry: Did you get lost on the way back home?
Rhett: Not sure getting lost is what happened. Probably more like getting distracted.
Red: You better not lose my ranch hand, Tobes. She’s one of a kind. I won’t forgive you if Dee doesn’t come back.
Austin: Leave them alone. We didn't see Rhett for days when he and Cora got together.
Rhett: Not sure whether to be honored you noticed or disturbed you kept track, brother.
Toby: Hey guys. No need to send out a search party. Dee and I stopped in Timber Falls and rented a cabin. We’ll finish the drive back tomorrow.
Landry: Nice move, brother. I approve.
Toby: I can rest easy knowing that, Lan. Thanks.
Landry: You know what I mean. You're making it special. That's important.
Rhett: I approve. Cora says she does too. She even gave you a thumbs-up.
Toby: Do y'all have nothing better to do than keep track of me and my love life?
Red: I'm not. I just don't wanna lose Dee. She's a good one.
Toby: I think we all know how highly you think of my One, Red. Believe me, there’s no way am I going to let myself or any of you drive her away. OK?
Red: Good. Now get off your phone. It's rude to text on a date.
Toby: We're just about to go to dinner. It's a restaurant I've heard recommended by Lee and Colt before.
Colt: That's because it's where Randy nand Nora went for their first date.
Austin: Oh wow. Small world.
I hear the bathroom door open in the bedroom and decide it’s time to shut out the world for the night.
Toby: Just about to leave but we’ll see y’all tomorrow.
Rhett: I'd say have fun but that's crude. How about this, enjoy the moment.
Landry: Still a little crude. I think telling him to cherish the memories might work.
Austin: All of y’all are shocking. Toby–have fun with your One and don’t do anything you’d usually do.
Toby: Love the belief in me, brother.
Austin: You know what I mean. See you tomorrow.
