I look up just in time to see Birdie jogging across the parking lot, her tote slung over her shoulder as she waves at me with a bright smile on her face. My heart slams against my ribs at how different her reaction is from the first time I picked her up. It gives me hope that my plan to make her fall for me might already be working.
Walker: Once you set a date, let me know, lovebirds. I have somewhere to be.
Briar: Tell Birdie I say hi.
I set my phone on the dash and hop out of the truck, tipping my hat. “Howdy there, sweetheart.”
Birdie’s smile widens as she gets closer. “You came.”
“Told you I would, and I never break a promise.”
I blink in surprise when she loops her arms around my neck and kisses my cheek, but I quickly recover, pulling her into a hug and breathing in her familiar, sweet scent.
“I could get used to that kind of welcome,” I say with a sly grin.
She tips her head back, a rosy blush spreading across her face. “Sorry, I got a little carried away. I was just excited to see you. I hope that’s all right.”
“It’s more than all right.”
I lean forward, capturing her lips in a slow, teasing kiss. Birdie responds tentatively at first, then grows bolder, letting her tongue slip past mine, her hand moving up my chest as she kisses me. My troublemaker is quickly mastering the art of a make-out session, and I’m lucky enough to be her practicepartner. I’m hard as steel just from her taking more than my intended peck, and it’s all I can do to resist lifting her into my arms, being in public be damned.
Birdie is breathless by the time she breaks away, reaching out to touch her swollen lips like she can’t quite believe what just happened.
“I’m not sure what’s gotten into me,” she admits, glancing at the ground.
“It’s not a crime to explore what makes you feel good.” I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, letting my fingers linger on her cheek. “I’m just the lucky guy who gets to share this with you.”
She lets out a throaty laugh. “You say that to all your girls, Walker?”
I shake my head. “Just you.”If only she knew that she already has all of me.“Wanna get out of here?”
She hikes her tote higher up her shoulder. “Yeah. You going to tell me where we’re going this time?”
“Figured we’d stop by the diner to grab a bite to eat.”
“Sounds great,” she replies. “I’ve been craving a veggie burger and sweet potato fries.”
As I open the truck door, she slips her hand into mine, letting me help her into the passenger seat.
I walk around and hop into the driver’s seat, grinning when I see she’s slid into the middle seat.
“All set?” I ask.
She nods as she buckles up.
I set my hat on the dash, then take Birdie’s hand in mine, resting it on my thigh. I’m expecting her to move away, but she just relaxes into my side as we pull out of the feed store parking lot. It’s on the outskirts of town, and about a ten-minute drive to Main Street. We head down the county road in silence, the radio playing softly in the background. I take it all in—the warmth ofBirdie’s hand, having her this close. I’m determined to make the most of every second while it lasts.
My breath catches when Birdie’s fingertips skim my thigh. At first, I assume it’s unintentional until she does it again, and again. When I look over, the smug curve of her lips confirms my suspicion that she’s up to something.
She lets go of my hand and slides hers toward the crotch of my pants.
“Birdie, what are you doing?” My voice is hoarse.
“I want to touch you,” she whispers, letting her fingers drift along my inner thigh. “Can I?”
“Always,” I rasp out.
She hums as she grazes over the bulge pressing against my jeans. My grip tightens on the steering wheel as I try to focus on the road.
