“That’s for me to know, and you to find out.” A pout formed across her face at my comment.
“Aw, come on. I can’t get a tiny hint,” she said. Her first finger and thumb in a just-a-little-bit pose.
“You know I love that cute face of yours, darlin’… but it’s a surprise.”
She huffed with a cute little eye roll, “Fine…”
“You about ready to get going? The party starts soon.” A look of uncertainty crossed her face for a brief second before it was gone and a smile replaced it.
“Sure thing. Think this outfit is appropriate for a happy Fourth of July celebration?” She twirled around and I completely ogled every bit of her.
Her black hair hung in ringlets down her shoulders and my fingers itched to run through it. Just to feel how soft it is. Her peony and sugar perfume hit me as she twirled her hair and I was a goner. It was a call to action by my senses, but I resisted the urge to act upon it. Daisy Duke shorts covered her pert little ass and my lower half twitched thinking about it. She wore a white American flag tank top and the hints of a red bra peeked at me from under the straps, leaving me lost in thoughts of what the rest of it looked like. Thank God for these Levi’s hiding the tent that’d become of my pants. I’ve jerked off more in the time that she’s been at the farm than all of the last two years put together.
This right here is the reason why.
This perfect all-American cowgirl standing right in front of me. It’s a sweltering eighty-five degrees outside today so her lack of clothing is perfectly understandable. Her standing this close probably adds to my heat factor. I don’t even have to ask if it’s hot in here or just me. I know it’s her.
She gave me a look and I just wanted to reach over and kiss her. The desire burned through me and I fought it. She had a fire in her eyes. She wanted this too, but she’s been holding back from me. I know why. There’s fear there and I understand it. I’m not him and until she gets that through her thick skull things won’t change.
“Beau?”
“Yeah?”
“Did you hear me? I asked how you… well, how you liked my outfit?”
To hell with it, “You look sexy, darlin’ and I’m trying real hard to resist pulling you into me and kissing you to death.”
An audible gasp escaped her lips and she tilted her head away, hiding the shy, small smile that had once again graced her lips.
“Okay, then.”
I reached up and tilted her chin to see me. “One of these days you’re going to see what I see. You’re not going to hide from me or be embarrassed. You’re going to know that you’re loved and desired. That you’re gorgeous. That you’re wanted. Until then I’m going to remind you every time you forget. Okay?”
She nodded biting her bottom lip in that cute way she does; the green pools of her eyes swirling in uncertainty. As if I had no control over my body, I moved closer. I could see the flutter under her skin as her heartbeat steadily grew faster. My hungry gaze perused her, going between the small flutter and the heat in her eyes. We were locked in place, neither getting closer or farther away.
Cassidy Mae blinked and tilted her head searching my eyes, “Wow… that was intense. Well…” She turned and walked back to the other side of my truck. “We should probably get going or we’re not going to get a good seat for the parade.”
“Yep… right…” I cleared my throat. “Let’s get going.” I waited until she had walked away and then adjusted myself behind the truck. Blood was pumping way too much when nothing was going to happen between us. The only thing it would do is frustrate me because I wanted her so badly I couldn’t think some days. She made me feel like a teenager again, wanting to rub one out to the thoughts of her.
Our small town was alive and bustling as I parked the truck and grabbed a couple of chairs from the bed. Everyone was either getting their spots lined up along Main Street or trying to find one. We got lucky. There was a perfect spot right in front of Orly’s floral shop. I unfolded a chair for Cassidy Mae and then proceeded to do the same for me when I noticed roses in the window of the flower shop. Perfect roses for the perfect date, I thought.
“Hey, I’ll be right back.” I turned and walked away before she could respond. The chime above the door dinged as I walked through announcing my presence. The immediate smell of flowers tingled my nose and I headed towards the front window.
“Can I help you with anything, Beau?” I turned to see Orly smiling over at me.
“Yeah, can I get three of these roses? I’d like a red, white, and blue one.”
“How patriotic and…” She paused, looking over at me with a cocked eyebrow. “Romantic?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m getting them for Miss Cassidy Mae. It’s our first official date.”
Shock radiated from her face, “Isn’t she…” she leaned in closer and whispered, “still married?”
I winked. “Nope.” She waited for me to give her more info, but I knew what would happen if I did. I wasn’t going to air Cassidy’s dirty laundry around town.
“She’s lucky to have you. From the rumors going around she’s been through quite a lot since she left Moonshine Springs. ‘Bout time she finally found a good man.”
I raised my eyebrow at her, “Well, you know what they say about rumors, Miss Orly.”
“I know, dear. I’m not gossiping, just saying it’s about time the two of you… Let’s get you checked out and back to your girl.”
My girl. God, it felt so good hearing
