“One minute!”I call before turning back to June.“Let me give you a ride.”
Her mouth bunches, and I can see the indecision in her eyes.“Pretty sure you’re needed here.”
“Please?”I push.
With a subtle dip of her chin, June gives in, surprising us both.“Okay.”
36
FORD
“Thanks for the ride,” June murmurs.Her shy smile is back with a vengeance as she peeks up at me.
“Anytime, Bug.”
It’s late.Between the strip club, the fire, and a rare bout of jealousy, I’m pretty sure I could sleep for a week.Too bad it isn’t on the table.I still have to go back and talk with my brothers and uncle about everything that happened.Even so, I’m glad June caved and let me drive her home instead of giving Fireman Bryan the honors.Jagger figured it was best to let Violet sleep at her apartment since he also pieced together the long night ahead of us Hardens, so we all carpooled.Now, he’s inside with Violet, saying goodnight.And I’m…here.With June.Standing on her welcome mat.
I still can’t believe we had sex earlier tonight.Do we address it?Do we act like it isn’t a big deal?Usually, I’d lean toward the second option, but after ghosting June this last week, I’m not sure what to do.Add in the ticking time bomb that is my brother, who could end my conversation with June at any second, and I’m a little lost.
Hello, rock.Have you met hard place?
June tucks her messy hair behind her ear, and a glint catches my eye from the movement.I’ve seen them a few times, the same pair of earrings.
Feeling my stare, her brows pull before June reaches up and plays with the small diamonds like they’re her personal security blanket.
“A gift, I presume?”I ask, referring to the earrings.
“My parents gave them to me when I graduated high school.”
The vehemence I’m used to registering anytime my friends or family bring up the ‘P’ word is absent.In its place is nothing short of adoration.I can’t decide whether or not I like the shift.It’s not that I don’t like parents.It's just…I don’t likemyparents.Or Violet’s parents.Or Roman’s parents.Well, technically, his mom wasn’t half bad, and neither was mine or Violet’s.Okay, so apparently, I don’t like dads in particular.But I digress.
My fingers wander along her arm before gently grasping her wrist and lowering her hand so I can study the quarter-carat gems.Solid cut.No inclusions, or at least none I can see in the low light.“Not bad, June Bug.Not bad at all.”
“You’re surprised?”
“Maybe a little.”A smirk tugs at the edge of my mouth.“You’re from Austin, right?”
A small wrinkle appears between her brows.I guess I don’t blame her.I like to jump from one topic to the next, though she’s rarely struggled keeping up with me in the past.Or maybe they’re gone, and that’s the reason behind her furrowed brow?
“Did I say something wrong?”I ask.
“No, not at all,” she rushes out.“It’s just…I can’t believe we’ve had sex, and you’re not even sure where I’m from.”
I grimace.Hello, hard place.“Yeah, when you put it that way, I sound like a dick.”
“Or I sound like a?—”
“Uh-uh, June Bug,” I tisk.“I’m afraid I can’t let you finish that sentence.”
“Hmm,” she hums.
I have a feeling she’s debating whether or not to let me win.Or maybe she’s wondering if I’m all talk and will ghost her again, just like last time.I’d like to say I wouldn’t, but the truth is more complicated.I’ve never felt this way before.I’ve never had a girl hold my interest the way June has.Hell, she’s consumed my thoughts ever since paint night.Add in the lap dance at The Body Shop, and I’m not sure I’ll ever let her go.I shove the thought aside.“So?”I prod.“You’re from Austin??”
“Yes?”
“Is that a question?”
“Okay, I’m from a small town just outside of Austin,” she clarifies.“Happy now?”
