“They aren’t boring. They have AJ and Ruby now,” Charli says.
Bryce stands and extends his hand. Charli takes it, and he lifts her to her feet.
“Ignore her.”
“I am.”
She leans over and whispers in his ear, “I’ll do that one thing in the truck on the way home.”
Harleigh gasps. “You’re supposed to save that for next time.”
“Good night, Harleigh,” Charli says as Bryce practically drags her toward the parking lot. “See you tomorrow.”
Harleigh continues to heckle them.
Charli flips her off over her shoulder.
“Love you too!”
A few minutes later, the rest of us gather our things and toss them into the bed of Cabe’s truck. Then we pile inside.
The Soused Cow sits just outside of town—a classic Wyoming honky-tonk with neon signs, live music, cold beer, and questionable decisions. It’s the perfect place to end a summer night.
As Cabe pulls onto the highway, I glance out the window toward the dark countryside rolling past.
My phone sits in my lap. No missed calls. No response from Axle.
For some reason, disappointment settles in my chest.
I stare at the screen for another second before locking it again. Maybe he never heard the voicemail. Maybe he simply didn’t want to come. Or maybe he does have company.
Still, as the lights of The Soused Cow appear in the distance, one thought refuses to leave me.
I wish he were here.
Axle
I’m halfway through my fifth beer when my phone buzzes.
I ignore it.
I’m doing the right thing tonight. Staying home and keeping my distance.
Charli’s words from earlier today replay over and over again in my mind.
“Do you know what you’re doing?”
“You need to be very careful.”
I haven’t been. In fact, I’ve been reckless.
So, tonight, I’m staying right here.
I take another drink and stare out at the dark Wyoming night through the open window. Cool air slides in.
Nights normally end with Doc and me on one of our back decks or in a damn pillow fort on her floor, talking softly, laughing easily, and pretending there’s nothing dangerous growing between us. But that’s over. Starting tonight, I’m staying in my own cabin. Watching my own TV. And keeping Jovie where she belongs—out of reach.
My phone buzzes again.
