He gives me a pointed stare. “No one has an endless supply of convenient friends with benefits. Especially in a small town.”
I don’t have a response for that. It’s been years since I relied on the empty embrace of a meaningless hookup. That shit gets old really fast. Trying to force myself to feel something good was a cheap knockoff. I lost interest after a few shoddy attempts. It was stupid searching for a slice of happiness with someone else, even for a quick release. But I never claimed to be logical.
That all changes tonight.
My sole source of peace is within reach, waiting right inside.
He taps on the dashboard. “Need a shove?”
I glance over at him. “Damn, you really are in a hurry.”
“I’m shocked you aren’t.”
I tap my temple. “There’s a lot to consider. I’m getting it all straight.”
Jace makes a gagging noise. “Gross. I just remembered you want to see my sister naked.”
“Not this again,” I groan.
He smacks my chest. “Just fucking around. Go confess all your mushy feelings to her.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “That’s not helping.”
“Whatever. Go do something.” He makes a shooing motion. “Best of luck, man. Here’s to hoping you don’t crash and burn.”
With that parting piece of positivity, I step out of the truck with a renewed sense of urgency brewing. Jace revs the engine and peels off like someone is chasing him. I fan the dust away from my face, adding a loud snort. Pretty sure he’s the one hounding tail. I stand there for a moment longer, until his taillights disappear around the bend. His words from earlier still clang against my skull. This day has made a sharp turn for the better, and nightfall is about to put on the finishing touches.
Speaking of getting busy, the need to find Sutton thrums through me. My boots pound across the pavement with a hasty stride. I plan to grovel and beg and do whatever it takes. If all goes well, she’ll accept my apology. We can ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after. I stop dead in my tracks. These pills are really fucking with me. Either that or I’m officially losing my mind. The latter is more likely.
Nothing is ever that easy. Wishful fucking believing.
I try to collect my thoughts, but everything scatters with the cool evening breeze. There’s so much that needs saying. Where will I begin? Words have never been a strength for me. Sutton was more than willing to talk enough for both of us. Growing up, she would follow me around and rattle off whatever story popped into her beautiful mind. Chores were never boring with her nearby. I let my lips lift with the hint of a grin. Listening to that lyrical voice will never get old.
But this is the start of us, a new beginning with a fresh outlook. Damn, I sound all whimsical and shit. Maybe Sutton is making me soft. Does she want me to be? Not sure that’s possible for me. A slight twitch below the belt offers a solid reminder. I’m positive she’d prefer certain parts of me remaining hard. That’s a topic for a later date, or maybe an hour or two.
I veer onto the brick path leading to their front door. The moon is wide awake, glowing like a beacon in a sea of black. Crickets serenade me while I hop up the porch stairs. I raise a fist and rap my knuckles on the heavy wood.
Shuffling footsteps sound on the other side. The door creaks open and Sutton’s face appears. Any trace of makeup she was wearing earlier has been washed away. Her features are pure and clean and on display for me to see. Just the way I love her.
She remains silent, using those baby blues to peel away the layers of my armor. I’m almost weak in the knees from one look. Her quiet stare bores into me. A thousand needles prickle along my scalp. Who’s going to break first? She gives me nothing, other than her soulful gaze. This girl always has a smile and warm welcome for me. But not tonight. I don’t deserve those yet.
“Hey, Sutt.” Reaching for her feels essential. My touch might not be received well at this point. I shove my hands deep into my pockets.
“Hello.” Her somber tone is a dull blade, ripping at my flesh without mercy.
I swallow that bitter pill. “You look gorgeous. But that’s nothing new.”
She raises her chin. “Thanks, Grady.”
My stomach tightens at that dig. She’s not open for compliments—duly noted. I bury the sting and force myself further into the flames. “Are you busy?”
Sutton taps her fingers against the wood frame. “I was doing some posts and schedules. Work stuff.”
“Can you spare a few moments for me?”
“That depends.” A shadow of a grin dents her cheek.
“On?” I lean an arm along the wall, dropping into her space.
