Amazing.
“You ready, darlin’?” he asks.
My knees are weak, so much so that they tremble. I am so ready, so beyond ready. Instead of sounding desperate andsaying that, I keep smiling, dip my chin in a single nod, and move toward the doorway.
Harlan doesn’t make a move to shift out of my way. He stays where he is. His whole body is so firm and solid, like one of the big oak trees outside that the cows huddle beneath.
I’m not sure what to do, where to go, so I stay where I am. But I tip my head backward so I can look up into his eyes. Harlan’s hands gently grip my waist before he tugs me toward him.
I place my palms on his chest, my gaze focused on his. He lowers his head, and his lips touch mine. His tongue glides through my mouth, then he lifts his head, his mouth grinning.
“Are you ready?” he asks again.
I want to say yes. But at the same time, I also want to say no and run back inside, strip out of our clothes, and forget about the party altogether. Being together, both of us in the bed a few feet away.
Instead of telling him I’m ready for bed, I give him a smile, plastering it on my face before I speak.
“I’m ready,” I state.
“Liar,” he jibes.
HARLAN
Opening the pickup truck door, I clear my throat as I rock back on my heels as she moves toward me. She doesn’t climb inside immediately. Instead, I feel her palm press against my chest.
Lola-Mae tilts her head back, her eyes on mine. We stare at one another wordlessly for a long moment. Then I watch as she climbs inside, and I wonder what she thinks of my granddaddy’s old truck.
It’s a 1960 F360 farm truck, painted white and turquoise. I rode in this truck my whole life, and when he died, it took me the longest time just to be able to start it up again, let alone drive it.
But now I’m proud to have this old girl all to myself, and maybe one day, I’ll have my own son to give it to.
I should spend my extra time and money on making it pristine, but Granddaddy would just laugh in my face if I did something like that. He’d say I was a damn fool, then wave his hand around.
Closing the door behind her, I move around the front of the truck, then climb into the driver’s seat before I start the engine. I reach across the bench seat, lace my fingers with hers, and gently squeeze as I shift the truck intoDriveand head out.
There is a bonfire waiting for us, and the chance at seeing Lola-Mae’s face lit with the glow of the fire.
Chapter Nineteen
HARLAN
The deserted dirtroad opens up to a field. I know there won’t be any animals here. This is the entrance to the main house, and the bonfire will be behind it. There are a dozen pickup trucks parked side by side. There will be more later.
“Are you sure we’re in the right place? This seems awfully desolate,” Lola-Mae whispers.
I chuckle because I know that this is the Cooper ranch, and bonfires are always here. I’ve been coming to these since I was ten years old, when it was boys only. Over the years, it evolved, and girls would come and go, so would different guys. I actually haven’t come to one in a few years, but I’m here now.
“We’re in the right place,” I state, pulling my pickup next to a newer black Chevrolet.
I climb out of the driver’s seat, jog around the back of the truck, then tug the passenger door open. Lola-Mae slips her hand in mine and then slides out of the truck, her boots crunching on the gravelly dirt road.
Releasing her hand, I slide my arm around her waist and gently tug her against my side. “Everyone is around the back of the house,” I state, even though I’m sure she can hear the music and voices coming from that direction.
The music grows louder as we approach. Stopping before it comes into view, I turn to her. Lola-Mae shifts to face me, her arms lifting and her palms pressing against my chest as she tips her head backward. Her eyes search mine as she watches me.
Dipping my chin, I cup her cheek with one hand before my lips touch hers. I don’t deepen the kiss. If I do, I’m not sure I could stop myself from fucking her out there, where anyone could walk around the corner and see us. I personally wouldn’t give a fuck, but I assume Lola-Mae might care.
“Let’s have some fun,” I murmur against her lips. “Welcome to Granite Falls. Time to meet the town.”
