Page 51 of Luci’s Lullaby

The line goes silent for a minute. “Not even right.”

“No, dude… so right!” We both laugh.

“I’ll talk to you later, love ya,” Cid says.

“Tell Shelley I love her. Love ya, Cidney.”

I stare into my rearview mirror at Charlee’s place. My gut screams for me to go back and take her in my arms and tell her everything I’m feeling and let the pieces fall as they may.

“I can’t, I have too much going on to add her in the picture.” I put my truck in drive and leave her behind. I plan a few practices and two more gigs before the festival to keep myself busy.

Just when I think I’m home free—because, without a doubt, I know I’m in deep when it comes to Charlee—Reese texts to invite me to their Memorial Day Cookout the week before the festival. I’m hoping to relax today.

I park along the wooded drive, late as always, to find the party in full swing. Walking the long road, I spot the one car I don’t need to see but my racing pulse begs to differ.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” I jerk my ball cap off and rake my hand through my hair. Checking my breath, I steady myself for this woman who will not get out of my head.

I walk around the house, scanning the yard for her. I don’t see her right away, so I slide into the place quietly. Or so I had hoped.

“Hey, Uncle Puddin’!” Walker yells across the yawn.

I cut my eyes to the back of the house as I join him. “Hey, what’s up?”

“I thought fun and games, but I guess not. What’s with the scowl?” he asks as his brother, Riley, walks over.

“Nothing.” I shove my hands in my pockets, raising my shoulders and letting them fall. “Where’s Reese?”

“In the house with Ava and Charlee.” Riley throws his thumb over his shoulder. Walker’s eyes snap to mine.

“Dude, tell me it ain’t so.” Walker chuckles.

I try to feign innocence. “I don’t have a clue as to what you’re talking about.”

“Just take her home and you’ll feel better.” Walker sniggers.

I twist my mouth to the side. “You’d think so, wouldn’t you?”

“I’m not sure I understand what the problem is if you like her?” Walker looks at me and then Riley.

“Don’t look at me, it took me years to let Ava know how I feel about her.” Riley chuckles.

“It’s not like that either.” I half shrug as something catches my attention. Charlee walks down the steps in a long white and gray skirt split up her thigh and black shirt.

The memory of her legs wrapped around me as I was balls deep starts a fire in my belly of lust and greed. Why in the hell is she wearing that? I don’t want anyone else to see her like I do.

Her eyes flash to mine and then she whips around, returning from the direction she came from, passing the others on her way back. I stalk after her with Walker and Riley laughing at me.

“It looks like it’s not like that!” He chuckles when I flip him off.

I walk through the door, shutting it behind me. I meander through the house, looking around corners until I find her by the front door. “Are you leaving?”

She drops her head, but her hand remains on the knob. “Yeah, it’s getting late.”

“Are you running from me?”

She spins, facing me. “You know, not everything’s about you.”

“You’re right, it’s about you and me.”