“Hey, buddy. We’re gonna have to part ways soon. But I want you to know, I’m never going to forget you. Okay?”
Baa.He nuzzles into my shoulder while I rest my head against his.
“Good little billy goat.”
Moments later, Chase walks out with a plastic bag and a cocky smirk on his face. I sit taller as he approaches with a knowing expression. “You’re gonna have to let him go, you know?”
I furrow my brows. “Who?”
He dips his head toward the goat. “Doughnut.”
Dismissing him, I groan. “I need to get snacks. Then we have to get back on the road.”
Chase chuckles as I head off toward the store. The doors slide open, and I walk over to the sugar aisle. For a trip like this, I’ll need something to keep me on my toes.
Ah, there they are, my go-to.I reach out for the Red Vines and Fun Dip. However, I’m not sure how I’m going to manage the Fun Dip while driving. But where there’s a will and all that. After making my purchases, I head back to the truck. Chase is sitting with Doughnut, having a conversation, much like I was. I approach quietly and catch the tail end of it.
“Yeah, I think she’s pretty, too.”
I can’t fight my smirk as I walk closer, letting my presence be known.
Chase’s head jerks up, and his eyes widen like he knows he’s been caught, but he says nothing.
“You ready to go?” I ask.
“If you are.”
Anxiety fills my entire body, but I try to hide it as best I can. “Let’s do it!”
I don’t think I’m at all ready for this.
Chapter Four
LYRIC
After I open the driver’s door, I plop down on the seat, open my plastic bag, and pull out a Red Vine.
Chase’s eyes widen as he takes in the sight. “Those things will rot your insides.”
I smirk, biting off the end, and stick it between my teeth like a straw. “Then at least I’ll die happy,” I mumble, slurping my soda through it to prove my point.
Chase groans, half horrified, half amused. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Unbelievably satisfied,” I shoot back, chewing down the vine. The sweetness makes me feel alive and giddy all at the same time.
Before I can grab another, Chase leans over, plucks one from the bag, and dangles it in front of me. “Hey!” I swat at his hand, laughing.
“What?” he says, all innocence. “Sharing is caring.” He bites one end, leaving the rest hanging in front of me like a dare.
I narrow my eyes at him. “Seriously?”
His smirk eggs me on, and who am I to deny him? So I lean in and chomp the other end. My eyes meet his, and we freeze, our faces way too close in a ridiculous tug-of-war over cheap candy.
“Mmm…” I hum exaggeratedly around the candy, refusing to let go.
Chase laughs low in his chest, his eyes locked on mine. He gives a sharp tug, the vine snapping between us, causing us both to chuckle as he chews on the vine like a champion. “Guess I win.”
“Cheater,” I mutter, chewing my half, as I sink back into my chair, my pulse kicking up for reasons I donotwant to admit.
