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Now I’m sweating my balls off as the driver escorts me to the car. Texas heat really is something else.

As I enter the back of the car, my order is ready and waiting. Thank you, Texas, for the right to carry without a license. The jumped-up little twerp that’s on a date with Olivia doesn’t need to know I have no intention of using a weapon ever again, but I’ll be carrying it to keep her safe for the foreseeable. I check for bullets, taking them all out and putting them in my pocket before tucking the gun under my shirt in my waistband.

Of all the places she could have chosen, she just had to choose Austin, Texas. Not just my namesake, but the place I told her I felt happiest as a kid. Surely she remembers that conversation all those weeks ago in the basement? My heart ispleading with me to believe it’s true.

The air conditioning is blasting, and I’m thankful the cool air is keeping me grounded. What if this is a mistake and she’s hurt I didn’t call her straight away? My heart stammers and questions me the whole ride, warning me that something isn’t right. Why would she go on a date so soon after posting the video?

I give the driver the address and lean back into the seat, tapping my fingers on my knee to try and stop my knee from bouncing.

“So, you’re heading to the bowling alley?”

“The bowling alley?”

“Yeah, that’s the address in the entertainment district you gave me.”

“Umm, yes. If that’s where the address is, I’ll make my own way from there.”

I run my hands down my slacks, ironing out the creases—black suit, black shirt, black soul ready to claim what’s mine. I may not be a real villain anymore, but it sure is what my girl finds attractive. I’m dressing for her, and I’d bet my ass that this schmuck she’s on a date with is nothing like what turns her on. Not some sweet-talking cowboy; she wants someone who can keep up with her. And it just so happens I know I’m the man for the job. The danger from my father is gone. We can be together again. I’m not afraid to grovel and beg, and I am happy to cry in front of her date to make him uncomfortable enough to leave.Bring it on, cowboy, because these tear ducts are primed and ready.

I steel myself as we pull up to the Bowlarama. The rainbow of colors strobes through the room, reminding me of a carnival. The sound of the arcade games is already ringing in my ears as I push through the lime-green doors.

My knees wobble as I look down at the garish party-patterned carpet, the swirls making each step feel like I’m on a boat in a rocky sea. As I move forward, my legs double in weight, dragging slowly toward the teenage girl on the desk.My heart is racing, and it occurs to me that I look fucking suspicious as hell.

The realization hits me that I haven’t thought this far ahead. This place has fifty fucking lanes. I’m gonna have to walk down every single one. But I should have known I’d spot her in a crowd. Her red sundress falls just above the knee. The straps travel down her shoulders to a sweetheart neckline with the perfect hint of her soft flesh beneath. The daisy embroidery travels up the layered skirt and swishes as she moves. She’s perfect, flicking her hair over her shoulder, she’s pulling a face at Nicole, the girl from the fitness expo. She looks...happy.

I start to back away. I realize she’s probably just made that video to appease her followers. She’s had to provide some kind of explanation, and at least this way, it garners her some sympathy.

I move swiftly toward the bar area, where I have a clear view of the back of her head. She’s settled and despite knowing the group of people for only a few weeks, she seems to be fully in the fold.

I order a beer and tell myself that once I finish it, I’ll go over to her. For now, I can just watch her and make sure I know she’s happy. Really happy. And then maybe if I feel she’s happy enough, I’ll leave her be. I won’t disrupt what she’s built by bringing in my chaos. She deserves that much.

I catch Nicole’s eye, and her lips part a little, her eyes darting to Olivia. I shake my head a little, and she skips over. Josh is watching from one of the seats, but his face softens once he sees it’s me she’s bounding over to see.

“What are you doing sitting over here? Come over,” she says, rushing to the point.

“Just having a drink first.”

“Liquid courage, I get it. But between you and me, I don’t think you need it.” She gives me a little wink.

“Is she happy?” I ask, my heart torn, desperately asking for it to be so and selfishly wanting to be the only one whocould make her so.Fuck, this is why I should leave her be.

“Yeah, she’s happy here. I think she’s letting herself live a little now. But she misses you. Even when she’s got cute cowboys asking her out.” She grins.

“Nicole, please don’t tell me any more. I can’t fucking bear it.”

She grins up at me like a fucking menace. No wonder Josh was pulling his hair out when we met them in L.A..

“Gosh, you’re sweet. I’m gonna send her over here, okay? So y’all can have some privacy.”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. At least this gives her the option to ignore me rather than me bombarding her with her new friends.

I watch Nicole whisper into Olivia’s ear, and her head snaps up before turning to face me. I give her a small wave and an awkward smile. I used to really hurt people, and now I’m scared of a girl in a sundress. My father would be rolling in his grave if we hadn’t cremated him. I’m a second away from accepting my fate, accepting a lifetime of lonely nights, solo workouts, microwave dinners, and a perfectly comfortable bed, which I hate. But then her smile grows. And it’s like the heavens have opened.

The disco ball dances colors over her skin in such a way that I’m almost fucking jealous. Her blonde hair is in loose waves, just the way I like. In fact, she’s dressed exactly like our first date together. If she weren’t running, no,sprintingtoward me right now, I’d be devastated that she was wearing it for another man.

I open my arms wide, and she leaps into the air, wrapping her legs around my waist and clinging to me like the cutest koala I’ve ever seen.

I grip her ass with one hand, ensuring that the fabric of her dress isn’t flying up and giving the bowling alley perverts a show; the other, I cling to her neck, pulling her against me. Inhaling deeply, I smell her shampoo. Fuck, I’ve missed this so much. She smells like home. Despite being a gross teenage-filled bowling alley, she’s here, and I would set up a tent right now if she wanted. We could live here forever on cheesy fries and watered-down soda.