Page 73 of Blue Jeans in Low Beams

“Maybe I need to rephrase. Would you prefer I go get a washcloth and clean you up now, or are you okay waiting until I can clean you up in the shower tomorrow morning?”

Oh…My…God…

And just like that, all the little pieces of my heart are put back together.

“You…you don’t want me to go back to my bed?”

“We were left with strict instructions that no strange men were allowed in there, and while I don’t think I qualify as strange, I figure it’s best that you just stay here. Because I absolutely plan on holding you all night long.”

I swoon. Even at the mention of Brandt’s stupid instructions. He’s the last person I want to be thinking about right now, which is easy to accomplish when Milo Hayes is telling me that he wants to hold me all night.

“Is both an acceptable answer?”

“Yes.”

“Then both.”

“Consider it done.”

21

BRENNA

The loud, grating rattle of my phone against the old diner countertop startles me, stealing my attention from my flashcards. I’d managed to tune out the din of the Hickory Hills Romeos—Retired Old Men Eating Out—and the Sunshine Seekers in Dolly’s while Mell got us drinks and placed our orders, giving me a spare moment to sneak in some studying.

I glance down at my phone, almost doing a double take as I read my brother’s name across the screen. It’s early here in Georgia, which means the sun probably isn’t even up in Colorado. Then again, Brandt has always been an early riser. But more than that, we haven’t talked a whole lot over the last couple of weeks. Ever since the third date proclamation.

Which, if we’re honest, is probably more on me than it is on him.

He’s texted me a bunch—basic check-ins like “hope studying is going well!”—and I’ve only responded to maybe half of them. Okay, that’s a lie. Maybe a quarter of them. Why? Good question. I have no idea. I did answer his call this past weekend, although that got cut short because he ran into someone he wanted to talk to.

Usually I’m dying to tell him everything—errr, almost everything—about my life. That’s how we’ve remained so close. But something about this summer and the distance between us has, well, put a distance between us.

The fact that I’m dating his best friend may or may not be contributing to that.

Brandt

I know it’s early, so I hope I’m not waking you, but I got sidetracked this weekend and never called back, so wanted to make sure things are good. I’m sure you’re busy studying and I’m worrying for nothing, but you know me…

I do know him. And he’s not wrong to worry. I am studying. Lots. I’m also up to a lot of other things too.

“Lover boy?” Mell teases, setting a cup of coffee in front of me.

She waggles her brows and circles the counter, taking the last stool on the end so she can hop up and grab our food when ready.

“No, it’s Brandt.”

My thumbs hover over the screen, flexing, as if they were the ones thinking of how to respond rather than my brain.

Hi! Yes, everything is good. Studying every chance I get.

Hitting the camera icon, a snap a picture of the flash cards on Dolly’s counter, sending it along with the text.

I’m going to kick the NAPLEX ass!

That’s my girl!

And don’t worry about not calling back. I get it. Sorry I haven’t texted you back—it’s been really busy here too. Trying to study, and spend time with Mell, and the drugstore…