Page 20 of Drive Me Crazy

"If she isn't good enough to bring to supper, you shouldn't be using her for sex." Mom bats her lashes at me, giving Emerson more fodder for her laughter.

"I got nothin'." I kiss her cheek. "I'm heading out, catch y'all later."

I make my getaway as fast as I can. I love them, but right now she isn't something I want to discuss, and neither is my sex life. One-night stands aren't something I do all the time; it gets old hearing about it.

I jump into my truck, checking my phone before hitting the road. As I back out, I focus on Landon coming down the street. He waves me down, bringing me to a stop.

"Where in the hell have you been?" He jokes as soon as my window is down.

I run my hand over my face. "Here, there, everywhere. How's that fine woman of yours?"

"Hey, handsome." Scout ducks her head to smile at me with a wave.

"Girl, you need to get over here. He ain't never been good enough for you." I wink when Landon flips me off. "You used to be number one, now I am."

"Screw you." He shakes his head. "Hit me up this weekend, it's been a minute since we've seen you."

"Yeah, I've been runnin' crazy. We've been busy getting everything up and running, but I have some flooring coming next week, so I'll be around."

He nods. "Let me know, I'll run by and give you a hand."

"Alright, I'll do that. Actually, I planned to swing by there, check things out." I incline my head, showing I'm ready to go.

His brows furrow. "Right. Like I said, hit me up and I'll be happy to help."

"Will do." I throw my head back. "Later, gorgeous."

Scout grins, waving at me. "Bye, babe."

"There is never a time that's okay." Landon shakes his head as we all chuckle. "Later."

"Yep." I pull away, happy for it to be over.

Two drives down, I find the path between a covering of trees. I pull in and hit my lights, making them brighter for the drive down. The closer I drive; I notice the lights glowing from within.

I follow the pavement to the garage on the side of the house. After I park, I climb out and head around to the front. I slide the key and open the door. My breath hitches as I step into the room.

My eyes are drawn to the back, where the sun is setting against a sky of oranges and blues. I'm pulled in as I make my way over, forgetting the time and getting lost in the memories.

The barn's outlined by the brilliant colors behind it. I can barely spot the tree swing, maybe for the fact I know it's there, but I then I'm gutted with the memory of her there, her long hair blowing in the breeze.

My chest aches to the point I lay my hand on it, rubbing where it hurts. As quick as I entered, I find my way back out, slamming the door behind me. I've spent years building this damn shrine, maybe the time has come to sell it.

"What the fuck are doing? You know damn well this isn't the place for you, not now. Maybe not ever." I jerk my door open, climbing behind the wheel and hightailing it out of this place.

I don't look back until I'm far enough away to breathe. I hate feeling this way, all because of those damn dreams, I don't understand why they're back. It took me years to admit I loved her and even longer to stop.

"Why are you back? What are you trying to tell me?" I slam my fist into the dash, angry as hell. But I don't have a clue why.

"To hell with this, I know how to forget." I hit the gas, driving to my favorite place. Oz is the place to be, and I can always hit one of the ladies up. Mena and Trixie are always ready for some quality time. Yeah, I'm an asshole.

Thirty minutes later, I park across the street from the club. I find it easier to leave when you're ready to go. I slide from my seat, hitting the lock as I jog across the road.

"Hey, man." Jack, the owner, shouts as I enter the doors. "I need some detail work man, when you gonna be around?"

"Hit me up Monday." I nod to the bartender. "I need an Old Fashioned." I lay my money down, knowing one will do, I have more at the shop.

She sets the drink on the counter, "Old Fashioned."

"Not really." I wink at the leggy blonde.

She leans in, fisting my shirt. "I'd like to find out, I'm off at two."

"I'll send a car, I'll be waiting." I slide her a business card.

Her free hand covers the card, slipping it off the top. She presses her lips to mine. "I'll be ready."

I slam the glass back, flipping it over to return it to the bar. "Catch ya later."

I turn, walking out the same way I came in. No conversation and never looking back. I don't want to talk about it. Fuck, I don't even want to imagine it. I just keep running in every direction, trying to survive.

Back in my truck, I head to the shop. The apartment over it has been my home for so long, I've lost count. The house is something I wanted, but the time has come to face some hard truths.

"You need to let it go." I hit Highway Seventeen, burying my foot on the floor. "Her. It's time to let her go.