Page 26

“Here.” He pulls his tee over my head, covering my transparent dress.

His jeans are soaked, but he helps me in the truck and jogs around to the other side. We drive back the way we came—me sitting in the middle with my head on his shoulder. Him looking ahead, his hand between my knees.

How I wish his hand would move higher, stroke me, and make me come like he did a few minutes ago. Instead, as I feared it would, my confession threw cold water on everything. I expect he won’t touch me again the rest of the week…

Then he’ll be gone.

We get back to the house, and he walks me to the back door. “See you in a little while.” With that he kisses my cheek before jogging down to the cottage where he stays.

I mix up the ingredients I’d set out for dinner, boiled corn on the cob, shake and bake chicken, and fresh tomatoes. The men wolf it down, while I watch them not really hungry. As usual, Taron shoos me out while he and Leon do the dishes. He’s friendly and gives me sweet smiles, but he seems to have completely withdrawn.

My chest is heavy, and as much as I hate to admit it, I cry in the shower. I hate being a baby. I’m too old to cry over a boy, but it still hurts.

Lying on my bed, I’m not in the mood to work on my cosmetics stock tonight. I’ve almost met my quota for Mindy’s mom, anyway.

Snatching up my phone, I send a text to my friend. You around?

Staring at the face, I wait for her to reply. I need her to reply.

A few seconds pass then I see the gray dots bouncing.

What’s up?

Nothing. Everything’s down. I find the perfect guy, and he’s too nice to punch my V-card.

More gray dots as I wait.

I KNEW IT!!!

“Jeez, Min!” I crossing my arms, staring at the phone a second, then I pick it up again. No shouty caps. I’m in pain.

Mr. Hemsworth won’t give you his gift? (crying-laugh emoji)

No, Digger. Who else? (gag emoji)

She replies with a string of emojis—the gag one, the green-faced vomit one, the one with Xs for eyes.

I shake my head and tap back. What do I do? I told him the truth, and he shut down on me.

GOOD. You’re not ready. Are you even on the pill?

Chewing my lip, I think about this… I hadn’t really considered birth control. Way to use your brain, Noel. Where would I even get birth control? Everybody in town will talk if I go to Dr. Fieldstone…

My friend doesn’t miss a beat. I’ll take you to the clinic in Shreveport tomorrow. Meet you at eight.

I’m starting my reply when a tapping on my window makes me throw the phone on my bed. Akela doesn’t even flinch. My eyes fly to the glass, and Taron is outside, smiling like always.

I go to him and slide it open. “Hey.”

Everything feels quieter tonight.

“Hey…” He swings his legs into the room and pulls me between them like always. “You’re not making any lotions or lip balms?”

My hands are on his shoulders, and I study my fingernails. “I don’t feel like it.”

He doesn’t say anything, and I steal a glance at his face. He’s looking away, and he seems to be struggling with something.

My sadness melts into anger. Was he hoping I’d be an easy lay before he left for South America? Is he trying to figure out how to let me down now? I don’t let anyone make me feel inferior. Ever. Dolly Parton says a strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and winks.