Page 31

Dustin

T rue to my word, I arrive at the airport to pick up Tina, except I’m not alone like I planned. I check my watch for the tenth time. In the passenger seat, Colin groans. “Jesus, relax, man.”

Stacy’s head and shoulders appear between our two seats, a teasing sparkle in her eyes. “Why are you so antsy?”

I grind my teeth. “I’m not antsy.” She hums, not believing me for a second. “What time’s your flight again?” I ask, hoping to change the subject. They scheduled their return flight to coincide with Tina’s arrival so I could kill two birds with one stone. I’m ready for these two birds to get gone.

“Two more hours.” She turns her attention to her husband. “We should get going.”

I jump out of the car and rush to the trunk.

“You sure you’ll be good without me playing referee?” Colin takes the suitcase I hoist out. I can feel him eyeing me, probing for any weak spots.

“I think I can fuck without an audience.” I tilt my head. “Unless that’s your thing now?”

“I’d tell you not to be a prick, but I know I’d be more likely to sprout wings and fly us home myself.”

“I’ll tell ya what,” I say as if I’m doing him this big favor. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll video-call regularly.”

“You already do that.”

“Yeah, but this time, I’ll make sure Tina is around so you can see for yourself she’s in one piece.”

He sighs. “I’m not liking this angle, man.”

“Yes, you’ve made that clear.” I clap him on the back. “You worry too much. She knew the deal when she said yes.”

“Neither of you realizes what the deal is,” he mumbles.

Stacy rounds the back of the car and squeezes me in a hug. If happy had a scent, Stacy would be dripping in it. Smiling, I kiss the top of her head and return her hug. “See ya, sis.”

Colin and I bump fists before he yanks the suitcase handles to their upright positions. “You better fucking call,” he says, walking backwards, Stacy pulling on his elbow. His words are harsh, but I see the worry in the crinkling around his eyes. It’s never easy saying goodbye, for any of us. A side effect of losing our parents unexpectedly. It’s always in the back of my mind. Could this be the last time I see them?

“I’ll call.”

Forty-five minutes later the text I’ve been waiting for comes through.

MOUSE: Landed.

There’s my little pothead. Oh, I heard all about her gummie experience from Tucker. It’s how I knew to call Raul and Ben to pick the girls up. I’d been angry thinking about them being vulnerable, but Tucker assured me they were safe. We laughed at how Tina was ballsy enough under the influence to wave at him.

I want to fuck her like that. Giddy. Happy. Make her giggle while I’m deep inside her.

The sliding doors open and travelers spill out. I stretch my neck, searching for my girl among them. Her hair is what I notice first. She stands out like a burst of sunshine with her hair piled on top of her head in a messy bun. I have this sudden urge to whisk her away before someone notices how gorgeous she is.

It’s another scorcher of a day. Record highs for this month, the weather said. Personally, I can take it or leave it. Tina is not a fan. My beach lover seems to wilt in this heat. In a matter of minutes, her cheeks go from pale to blazing and a frown pulls her lips down. She shields her eyes and scans the crowd, shaking her head when she spots me leaning against a post within spitting distance.

“What, no hug?”

For an answer she thrusts her luggage at me and I take it, trying not to laugh. Attitude is one of the things she never gave Connor. Everything she gives me solely is stashed away in my mental Tina treasure box.

“Ya know, if you’re not careful, mouse, your face is going to stay that way.” I lean in and I love the way her eyes widen and her lips part for me. With my thumb, I wipe the perspiration running down her temple before straightening and directing her to the rental car. “Sweaty ladies first.”

She stomps by in a huff and yelps when I smack her ass. Hard.

I take my time putting her belongings in the trunk while she waits in the hot interior. Through the rear windshield, I can see her lips moving, probably cursing me, while she fans herself. Chuckling, I make my way to the driver’s side. I set my phone and wallet in the center console, adjusting my seat and mirrors even though it’s unnecessary.

“Oh, my God, will you start the car already? I’m melting over here.”

With the push of my finger, the car starts. Cool air blasts her from the vent. The loose strands of her hair blow in her face and she sputters, batting them away. I wait for her to get settled, redirecting the vents and fixing her hair, then I reach across her chest to latch her seatbelt. She sucks in a breath and I flick the tip of her nose, winking. “Gotta keep my investment safe.”