Page 68 of Burning Skies
“Is it some kind of senior prank?”
“Maybe? But it’s so disgusting. People are calling him the Mad Crapper.” We look at each other and laugh.
“But that’s better than arson, right?”
She nods. “I was thinking the same thing.”
“Have y’all had any more trouble?”
“No, thank goodness.”
When dinner’s over, I help her put on her sweater. “Where’d you park?”
“Behind the restaurant.”
“I’ll walk you to your car. It’s dark.”
She smiles. “If you insist.”
We hug Baylee and Maverick and say goodbye to our friends. I have to stop my face from reacting when Baylee gives me the thumbs-up as I follow Honey out. I turn, only to see Jace fluttering his lashes at me and making kissy faces when no one’s looking.
Not sure how long we’re gonna be able to keep this a secret.
On the way, I tuck my hands into the pockets of my jacket so I’m not tempted to grab Honey’s hand. It’s easy to forget I can’t be as affectionate with her as I’d like to be.
“Tonight was really nice,” she says, almost longingly. “I love how well you get along with your brothers. How y’all support each other.”
“We’re a rowdy bunch. It might take a minute to get used to it. What are dinners like with your family?”
“Fraught with tension. My mom always giving into whatever my dad wants. Cash quietly resenting our father’s demands. Trig getting drunk so he doesn’t have to deal with any of it.”
Damn. That sucks. “I’m sorry, Honey. That has to be tough. I guess I figured y’all had money, so things had to be easier for you.”
She shakes her head. “Money doesn’t buy happiness. Or at least, not with my family. It’s one of the reasons I’ve tried to forge my own path. My dad’s really pissed about it.”
“What do you mean?”
“For one, I won’t live at the ranch. I’m teaching, which he hates. And I’m a fan of picking out my own boyfriends.” She grins at me.
I wink back and tug her pinkie with mine. “Kinda like that too.” But her words get me thinking. “Have you told your father about being in Baylee’s wedding yet?”
She sighs. “Not yet. He’s still pissed about me not going out with Ian. It’s probably a good thing he’s been out of town. When he gets back, though, I’ll tell him about the wedding.”
“Will he blow a gasket?”
“I hope not, but I’m bracing myself for the worst.”
“I’m sorry, babe.”
“I figure it won’t be like this forever. He just has to get used to me having my own life. It might take some time, but I hope we’ll get there.”
“I’m sure you will,” I say, wanting to be encouraging.
When we reach her vehicle, I tuck my hands in my back pockets. “As much as I’d love to kiss you goodnight, I don’t want you to get in trouble with your family.” It’s Friday night, and there are a lot of people walking to and from their cars.
“I’m a big girl, Beau. I’ll kiss who I want to kiss.” Then she leans up on her toes and plants one on me. “Good night.”
I grin as I open her car door. “Night, darlin’. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I wish she could come over tonight, but she wants to get her grading done. I love her work ethic.
