Justified Love (The Southern Gentleman Series Book 1) (13 page)

              Throwing his gym bag over his shoulder, his muscles swelled through his shirt like a Calvin Klein model. This man screams sex.

              As Skye and I hopped into Harley’s International Harvester, she had a thing for Empire Records, I stared down Harley. Naturally she was deliberately avoiding eye contact.

              “You wanna tell me what the hell that was?” I squawked.

              “Cool your tits.  You looked like a deer in headlights, and I knew you wouldn't grow some lady balls and speak up. This could be great. I saw how Colt was looking at you tonight. He wants him a piece of that Mason pie!”

              “Why do you have to be so vulgar?” Skye interrupted.

              “It's a God-given talent my love,” she said with a wink.

              We finally rolled up to Bucky’s around ten where the party was already roaring. “All-Star” by Smash Mouth was playing as we parked the truck. Thank God Harley and Skye dressed me tonight. Ever since the incident at the lake I couldn't be trusted with my wardrobe choices. I thought I looked pretty good when I caught a glimpse of Paisley Parker. As if her perfectly golden locks weren't enough, she was decked out in a tight, red, strappy dress and sky-high heels. You have got to be kidding me.

              “I was unaware we were at a Pimp and Hoe party,” Harley chuckled trying to lighten the mood.

              “No shit,” I added.

              "PARTIES’ HERE,” Wyatt yelled as we crossed the threshold of Bucky’s house.

              Just as I was about to retreat I felt a hand on the small of my back. Please let it be Colt.

              “Who wants a beer?” Colt asked around our group. Jackpot!

              “Yeaaa, Yeaaa, sure, yes, ok, that would be great.” Way to go Carrington. He's probably just being nice to you because he thinks you ride the short bus. Splendid!

              “Are you sure? You didn't sound so convincing?” he said with a smile and a laugh. This man will be the death of me.

              “Yes, I would love a beer.”

              “Anyone else?

              “I’m in,” yelled Harley and Skye.

              “Don't move, ok? I'll be right back.” Consider me the Berlin Wall; well before they tore it down. My feet were permanently cemented to the floor.

              As Colt walked away, my girls made a circle around me.

              “Oh my gosh! He’s going to get you a beer?” squealed Skye.

              “Uh, I think so. I was sort of in a lackadaisical daze.”

              “Holy shit Carr, this is so fucking awesome!” chimed Harley.

              “Ok, listen Hooker, don't screw this up. You've got this.”

              “That was so endearing, Har.”

              “Just don't forget my pimp cut at the end of the night.”

              Colt returned, and I immediately tried to think of something to say. As Harley would say, “grow some lady balls Carrington.”

              As he handed me a bottle of beer, “Fun fact, did you know cows can recognize their names though they may not come when you call.”

              “I did not know that….”

              “Annnnd did you know cows are social animals who form bonds with each other? In a herd of cows, many will form clicks together. I guess farm life does imitate real life. Maybe they went to Avery?” I said nervously as I choked back a gulp of my beer. The taste was horrendous. I hope and pray it gets better with time or I may need to switch to liquor. I’m sure that’s a
bad
idea too.

              “It wouldn’t shock me…”

              “Yep, my dad has a head full of useless knowledge. It kinda rubs off on you.”

              “That's hilarious.”

              “Yo, Wilson. Get your ass in here and take a shot with me,” bellowed Wyatt.

              “Oh fuck. Will you excuse me while I entertain this douchebag?”

              “Yeah, no problem.” Ok, not bad. You didn’t act like a total ass.

            The night had been going pretty well without any major incidents. I headed back to the kitchen area to find Skye, but also to see what was taking Colt so long. And I spoke too soon. I came to an abrupt halt once I saw Paisley’s tongue licking up the side of Colt’s neck. Colt didn't look comfortable yet he also didn't pull away. As Paisley licked, she stared me down like a tiger about to devour its prey. She was enjoying it way too much, and it just made me want to rip out her tongue and shove it where the sun don’t shine. Before I made a complete ass out of myself, I snatched Skye’s arm, and I turned on both heels making a break for it. Fuck this! I didn't want to be here any longer.

              “Whoa! Where the hell are we going,” Skye said confused.”

              “We need to go. Now!” I insisted.

              Dragging Harley away by the wrist proved to be more difficult.

            “What the fuck, Carrington,” Harley yelled.

              “We've gotta go. I can't stay here any longer.”

              “Whoa, Speed Racer, let's pump the brakes. What the hell happened?” Said Harley.

              “Can we please just get in the truck and get the hell outta here?”

              “Fine but you will tell us what's up on the way home.”

              “Fine. Let's just go!”

              The cool Texas air hit my face blowing the tears away as we sped away.

              “So what's up, Care Bear?” Skye said with her sweet voice.

              “I don't understand. I know I was a rambling mess, but I didn't think I was that bad. So bad that he would turn to Paisley so quickly. I was walking around looking for you guys and stumbled into the kitchen where Paisley was, all but, inhaling Colt’s neck.”

              “She did what? That hussy!!! We're going back to kick her ass!” Harley snapped skidding to a halt ready to turn the truck around.

              “No, no, no I just wanna go home and forget about tonight.”

              We finally pulled up the gravel driveway, and I hopped out not before planting a kiss on their cheeks. As soon as I saw the dust kick up and the taillights fade in the distance, I sat on the porch swing, covered my face with my hands and let the tears fall. How could I be so stupid?

●

              Shaking the memories off, I pulled out a blanket and picnic basket from the back of the truck; Colt reached for my hand as we walked out to the fifty-yard line. Volunteering to lay the blanket down, I unfolded the tartan fabric and shook it like I was a kid again.

              “So, what’s for dinner, Sherlock?”

              “Well Watson, I just want you to know, I went all out for you. Tonight, my dear, the chef’s special will be ham and cheese on rye, an array of fruits, including chocolate covered strawberries.

              “Sounds delightful. I’ll have all of the above,” I replied with a smile.

              “Would the lady like a beverage?” he asked.

              “What, pray tell, is the drink of the day fine sir?”

              “The drink of the day is a refreshing blend of barley and hops with a touch of liquid courage, also known as Bud Light.”

              “I’ll take one then,” I grinned. I always despised girls in college that only wanted their designer beers or high-class martinis. In my opinion, it takes a true country girl to get down with the supermarket beers of the world.

              “Coming right up.”

              Reaching into the basket, he pulled out two Bud’s, used the edge of his boot to pop the tops off the bottles.

              Pulling out a string of grapes from the basket, he plucked one off and tossed it in his mouth. Those lips; they were perfect. I’ve got to stop staring at this beautiful man.

              “Thank you, sir. How did you even pull this off?” I asked taking a bite of my sandwich letting a small moan leave my lips. Why is it sandwiches always taste so much better when someone else has makes them? Heaven.

              “Well, like yourself, I am a very important person,” he began.

              “You are indeed,” I replied.

              “Truthfully, Greg, the grounds keeper, let’s me sneak in every once in a while. Even people like myself, need to get away sometimes. I’m comfortable here, and he doesn’t mind as long as I shut off the lights and lock up. I can come and go as I please, and he never asks me questions.

              “That’s awful sweet of him. Why would he be so generous?” I asked with genuine interest.

              “Greg was always nice to me growing up. Sometimes, mom or dad would forget to pick me up from practice, and Greg would volunteer to take me home. He didn’t have to, but he did it out of the kindness of his heart. After I graduated from college and started to make my own money, I decided to pay him back for all those times.”

              “What did you do?” I asked hanging on to his every word.

              “I helped him buy a new truck. The truck he had was run down and on its last leg. He needed reliable transportation to take his kids to and from school. It only seemed fitting that I help him the way he helped me. There’s nothing more important than family; at least a family that loves and cares for you. Greg didn’t need to take me home when my parents forgot, but did it out of the kindness of his heart.”

              Hearing Colt tell his story, I could tell I was seeing the real Colt. A Colt, I’m sure, not a lot of people get to see. He was speaking from the heart, and wasn’t trying to impress me like most guys would have.

              “You bought him a truck? That’s the nicest thing I’ve ever heard.”

              “I’ve been fortunate to have the means, and he needed help. It’s what you do for friends, and Greg is a friend,” he said with conviction.

              It took every effort not to get teary eyed. Damn he looked sexy as hell.

              “I figured you all wrong,” I spoke truthfully.

              “Oh yeah? What did you think I was like?”

              “I’m not sure. I’m still trying to figure that out. There’s so much about you I don’t know, but I want to.”

              “Well, what do you want to know?”

              What the hell am I going to ask him that isn’t sexual in nature? That’s all my mind can think about these days.

              “And I can ask anything I want?”

              “I’m an open book. Shoot.”

              “You asked for it. What do you want to be when you grow up or are you already there?”

              “Oh, I’m definitely grown up, but I’m certainly not doing what I want to do with my life. I’m not sure I know myself.”

              Every bone in my body wanted this man right now. He was sending out a “come get me vibe”, and damn it; I wanted it. I need to cool it though.

              “My turn,” he said. “When, who and where was your first kiss?” he said popping another grape in his mouth.