Page 28 of Heartstrings & Horseshoes

How much did she see? Did she like what she saw? What I’d do to have her look at me like that all the time. Why didn’t I stop her when she ran off? Did I gross her out? That plump bottom lip would feel so good between my teeth. Fuck.

I readjust my hard dick in my jeans. Is there anti-Viagra? Because living with a constant boner can’t be good for my health. My brain’s permanently deprived of maximum blood flow because my cock can’t be reasoned with.

I can’t keep fantasizing about Delilah like this. She’d be disgusted if she knew how I’m objectifying her. And my heart breaks a bit more every day I can’t have her the way I dream about.

I have to distract myself. I need to get this out of my head before she finishes her test, and we’re stuck in this truck for another three hours.

The vibration from an incoming text saves me from spiraling.

Demon Twin: How is she?

Me: Fine. She was out cold when I got home but we got here in time.

Demon Twin: I told her to reschedule.

Me: I did too. She puts so much pressure on herself. I think she just wants it to be over.

Demon Twin: Is she doing okay?

Me: She’s still really sick, it’s got to get better soon or I’m taking her to urgent care.

Demon Twin: Good luck with that.

Demon Twin: Thank you for taking care of her.

Me: A thank you from Isabelle Tate. Never thought I’d see the day.

Demon Twin: Fuck you, Connie.

Me: There she is.

I recline my seat and settle in for a nap, shielded from the sun by my hat covering my face. Delilah said her exam could take up to three hours—might as well recharge before we drive back up the hill.

Knocking on the window scares the shit out of me and I jolt awake, head on a swivel. Delilah stands on the passenger side of my truck, waiting for me to unlock the door. I scramble to open the door for her.

“Sorry doll, I fell asleep.” I say, scrubbing my face to wake up.

“It’s okay. I figured when you didn’t text me back.” She hoists herself into the passenger seat, gaunt from exhaustion.

My stomach sinks. Shit. I hate missing her calls or texts. I’m terrified it’ll be the one time she’s having an emergency and I’m not there for her. Thank god today it was just a quick walk from the testing center to the parking lot.

I can’t tell how her test went. She doesn’t seem happy or sad, just exhausted. Her silken hair has fallen from her hair tie, framing her face like a halo. I tuck a strand of gold behind her ear, my fingers feathering across her cheek.

“I PASSED!” she exclaims, pure joy overtaking her features.

“Hell yea! I knew you would!” I practically drag her across the center console into my lap before I let her settle back into her seat.

“This virus must’ve given me superpowers because the test was way too easy. I finished early so I stopped by my advisor’s office. Connor. You’ll never guess.”

Her happiness is like a drug for me, I’ll never get enough, which is why everything I do is to make her as happy as possible.

“Tell me, doll.” She’s vibrating with excitement. Little tease is making me wait, but I’ll play along.

“I GOT THE TOP SPOT FOR INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT!” She bounces so hard my truck rocks on its suspension.

This time I succeed in dragging her across the console into my lap, squeezing the life out of her as we laugh and celebrate. She stills and when I lean back to look at her, time stops. Her soft lips part, and she’s fixated on my mouth. What I wouldn’t give to kiss her.

Like magnets, we drift closer, pulled together by an invisible force. Warmth caresses my lips. Is this going to finally happen? I might die if she pulls awa⁠—