Page 45 of Riding the Curve

“Are you okay in there?” I chuckle as she comes rushing out, her face flushed.

“Ryleigh’s coming?” she breathes.

“Yeah.” The word rolls out slowly from my lips, my curiosity growing. “Is that not okay?”

“Oh, it’s super! Fantastic! Always love seeing your bro,” she shrieks out a bit frantically. “Do I look okay?”

I watch my normally self-confident bestie fidget with her dress and hair. That’s when it hits me. My best friend is crushing on my brother. The real question is, for how long? Smiling inwardly, I decide to circle back to this when she’s ready to tell me herself. “You look incredible.”

Her body visibly relaxes as she stands a little taller in her boots.

“Let’s get this party started.” I grin. “It’s been too damn long since I’ve had a shot of tequila, so let’s live it up!”

“Yes, girl!” Harper grabs her purse, and we dance out the door all the way to the car.

Rusty’s is packed tonight. The energy strums through the crowd, bodies swaying back and forth to the country music blaring from the speakers. The house lights are dimmed, and the stage lights create a kaleidoscope of colors throughout the space.

We spot Melody behind the bar, pouring beers. She catches our stares and squeals with joy, practically leaping over the bar to us. She collides into me with such a force it nearly takes the air out of me. Pieces of her messy dark brunette bun tickle my neck before she pulls back. She leaps into Harper’s arms next , and they both toss their heads back in laughter.

I love these girls.

Melody is wearing a strapless black top underneath her trademark overalls. Vibrant, watercolored ink flows over both her arms and shoulders. Flowers, ocean life, quotes, and lyrics are woven into each tattoo. I’ve always admired how she uses her skin as another canvas for her amazing art.

Harper and I met Mel by complete chance one day. We were looking for a fun night out and saw an ad that the local gallery downtown was hosting wine and paint nights. Melody Heart was our teacher that night, and the three of us became fast friends. She’s not only an incredibly talented artist but the woman has a heart of gold.

She beams up at us, amber eyes glowing with delight. “Babes! I’m so glad the three amigas are back together again!”

Harper and I giggle at the nickname we gave to ourselves after a crazy karaoke night. One full of two bottles of tequila, sombreros, and more than one badass performance. She takes our hands and guides us back to the bar, pushing off two college boys from their stools so we can take a seat. “Sit tight, I’m off in five, and then we can really get this party started!”

Mel bounces back behind the bar, quickly pouring three shots of tequila and sliding across the limes. We raise the glasses and toast, tossing them back in one go. With a wink, she makes us two more each, then goes back to finish up her shift.

After two more shots and a margarita, Melody is finally off. We make a trail through the crowd of people to a booth in the back. One of Mel’s co-workers follows behind us with a tray of glasses and a bottle of cinnamon whiskey. A welcome back to Oakley Falls present from the girls.

We catch up on our lives, picking up our friendship like no time at all has passed between us since I’ve been away. The way it comes back so easily warms my heart. It makes me realize how truly lonely I’ve been all these years in New York.

My phone vibrates on the table, and I flip it over to find a text waiting for me.

EM: We’re here. Where are you?

Heat simmers within me, and I feel a little lightheaded. Unsure whether it’s from the alcohol warming its way through my system or the burn of tension created by the man who has walked his way back into my life when I least expected it. Did I make the right choice by inviting him here tonight?

The phone vibrates within my palm once more.

EM: Found you.

Swallowing down my nerves, I tilt my head up and am met with a pair of stunning blue eyes from across the room. It’s almost as if time slows down around us as he makes his way through the crowd of people.

The black jeans he’s wearing highlight every inch of his thick thighs. His dark green T-shirt molds perfectly against his chest and adds one more reason for me to fall in love with the color. But it’s the backward black hat that sends me over the edge. Sweet Jesus.

As he prowls closer, my body trembles under his heated gaze. Mel slides out of the booth to give Ryleigh a hug and introduce herself to Emerson. Lured in by his smile, I slide out as well, hugging my brother then turning to do the same to Em.

Electricity hums between us as he wraps his arms around my lower back. The feel of his fingers tightening against the smooth fabric steals my breath. With everything that has gone on between us, I should stay as far away from him as I can. But if I’m honest with myself, this man has always had my heart.

The stubble on his chin brushes against the shell of my ear. Goosebumps ripple down my arms as his deep voice whispers into it. “Did you pick this dress on purpose, Trouble?”

“No. . .why?” I whisper between us.

His hands slowly trail up my back, until they stop at my shoulders and he tilts me back so I could see his face. “Because this—” he pauses as his eyes rove over my body, then lock back on my gaze. “Is going to be difficult to ignore all night.”