Page 39 of Falling Back to You

“I don’t know, but in another lifetime you were known to sneak away to the bathroom for a quickie with a strapping young rancher.”

She bit down on her plump lip, probably at the memory of me all over her. “Thanks for the idea. I’ll suggest it to Shelton when he gets back.”

We donned pleasant smiles, but shit wasn’t funny. “Do you think I’m dumb, or do you think I’m stupid?”

“I’m still working that out.” Her eyes pinged over my body.

I’d never been good at being nonchalant or pretending not to care. I wore my heart on my sleeve and oftentimes said shit before fully considering the repercussions. “Okay, well, when you fuck Shelton tonight, I know you’ll be thinking of me.”

“Now why would I do that?”

“Because you’re obsessed with me.”

Dial’s boisterous laugh filled my ears, drowning out the music and the hum of mumbling voices. “Have you fallen off a horse recently and bumped your fucking head?”

“If I had a bunny, you’d boil it.”

“That’s rich coming from the guy who threatened my date in a public restaurant.”

My face was pinched from the absurdity of her accusation. “They weren’t threats.”

“Where’s your date?”

“She’s dancing and having a fine time.”

“If you two are having such a ball, then why are you over here talking to me?”

“Am I not allowed to grab a drink?”

“Drink grabbing takes all of two seconds.”

“I’m picky.”

Dial bent, plunging her hand into a nearby drink cooler, giving me a full view of her ass cheeks. When she straightened, she thrust a can of pilsner into my chest. “Take it and go.”

I slammed the beer on the counter. “You know what your problem is? You always—”

Shelton interrupted us, wrapping his arm around Dial. “I thought I’d come rescue you.”

I despise this man. “From me? Like I’m the big, bad fucking wolf?”

“You’re more like an annoying pest.”

Are you telling me Shelly has grown a pair since the last time we met?

“How was Chuck’s car, baby?” Dial rubbed his chest, her voice high and cheery.

“It has all the bells and whistles. I took pictures. Wanna see?”

“Yes, of course I do.”

Who the fuck is this woman? It was like she was trying to make herself small and docile, too afraid to take up room. Shelton stood directly in front of me, blocking my access to Dial. He scrolled through pictures as she oohed and aahed.

“I know when I’m not wanted,” I said to no one in particular. Grabbing a Twisted Lemonade and the pilsner, I made my way back outside. Melodie was still dancing around, so I cracked her can open and handed it to her. She planted a quick peck to my lips as thanks.

“You’re not gonna dance?” Cyrus asked, dancing by.

“Nah, I’ma let the ladies have it.”