“Oh, you don’t need to tell me.” She reaches in and grabs Mr. Sherman’s mega pack. “I’m gonna start with this big boy.”
I hit the button on my phone, checking the time.
“The sheriff said we only have about fifteen minutes that he can turn a blind eye.” I wink. “So, be as quick and quiet as you can.”
“Yeah, I got it. This isn’t my first rodeo.” She cinches her hoodie tight. “Let’s dothis.”
White cylinders fly in the air, their tails flapping in the breeze and catching around tree branches like birthday streamers. I wrap the porch railings, the muscle memory returning as I go.
“This is for being a jerk to Maya,” Reese grumbles, lobbing another one up into the tree. Each toss is tied to another one of Mrs. Monroe’s transgressions. “And for not allowing the Wiltons to remodel the antique shop’s staircase.”
“This one is for calling Cliffys an eyesore of the community.” I chuck the toilet paper into the sky, smiling as it winds itself around a few tree branches on its descent.
“Wait. She said that?” Reese rushes to my side and grabs my hand. “It’s because it’s a landmark she has no control over. One of the heartbeats of Rocosa. I couldn’t imagine not having it here.” Her eyes narrow as she sends another roll flying. “And that’s for insulting the man I love, you mean ol’ snake.”
Glancing away, I tuck my hands into my pockets and fall in love with her a little bit more.
“It’s okay. It’s still Uncle Ted’s place.”
“On the deed, but you’re the manager. You’ve done so much to improve the place.”
She isn’t lying. What was once a dingy bar that had drunk karaoke on the weekends now serves meals and hosts events like movie and trivia nights. Reese’s famous mocktails are a hit on the menu, bringing in more customers and revenue, to Uncle Ted’s delight.
But for me? All I want are more reasons to hang out with my girl while I’m working.
My girl. My Reese.
I pinch the shoulder of her hoodie. “This looks familiar by the way.”
“I can’t help that it looks better on me.” She walks twofingers up my chest, batting her eyelashes. “You don’t mind if I borrow it, right?”
Whatever she wants, I’ll give it to her in a heartbeat.
I yank her forward, covering her mouth with mine. Her hands dig into my hair, and she holds me close, warming me despite the chilly night. I’ll never tire of the buttery soft feel of her skin, the way it tingles against my own. I love her so much I can barely think straight.
Forcing myself to pull back, I fight the magnetic attraction between us and rest my forehead on hers so I can catch my breath. I want to stay in this moment forever with her.
“What is mine is yours, Reese’s Cup.”
When I move forward to capture her lips again, a light flicks on in one of the windows, and we scramble for cover behind a tree, just as we had years ago.
“Oh, shoot,” she whispers. “I forgot about this part.”
“Shhh.”
I press into her against the tree, shielding us from view.
“You hoodlums. Mark my words, I’m going to catch you and make you pay for these damages. I’m an upstanding member of this community. Do you hear me?”
Our shoulders shake as we hold in our amusement, and I cover Reese’s mouth when a giggle escapes. Her eyes twinkle in the moonlight, so beautiful, I almost forget what we are doing until I hear Mrs. Monroe’s screeching voice.
“We’ll see who has the last laugh. I’m calling the sheriff.”
“I think that’s our cue to leave,” I say and tilt my head toward my truck. “Time’s up.”
We jump in the car and speed away, the loose toilet paper rolling in the bed of the truck.
“That. Was. Amazing.” Reese bounces in her seat, her cheeks flushed. “This is the best date night ever. I can’t believe it’s already over.”
