Page 34 of Sundown Somewhere

“It’s sun…whatever…” she says, partially slurring the words. “So, I…maybe…”

Leaning in, she presses her lips to mine. The angle is weird at first, but she shifts, again dragging herself against my dick, the mix of salt and sweet from her drink finding my tongue. Or maybe that’s her. That perfect mixture of the two is what Dolly tastes like.

Fuuuuuck…

Her lips are soft, light, and leave me wanting more. So much more. It would be so easy to kiss her back. To run my hands up her legs, under this sundress, feel the smoothness of her skin, and grab her ass. To have my way with her.

But I can’t.

She’s drunk and heartbroken. And I won’t do that. Won’t be that guy. I refuse to be something she regrets.

Pulling back, I gasp, trying to catch my breath, knowing that I need to find the perfect words. But there are none.

“Dolly…” I start.

But that’s all I can say before the rejection takes over. Dolly’s face falls, her body hunching, fingers flying up to her lips, tracing along them. The hurt is written all over her face, stabbing me straight in the heart.

I did that. I hurt her. And if it’s possible, she looks more hurt than she did on her wedding day.

Fuck.

“I think it’s time to get you back to the hotel.”

10

DOLLY

My head hurts.

Really, really hurts.

The bold, steady throb greets me before I even open my eyes, telling me I don’t want to. Because that’s going to hurt too. Actually, right now there isn’t any part of me that doesn’t hurt.

My pride included.

Because I tried to kiss Hux. And he rejected me.

I think. At least, that’s how I remember last night going. Tequila, a semi decent cover band, and my best friend holding me close in those tattooed arms of his like that was the only place I belonged. I let myself believe it too. So I crawled into his lap and kissed him.

Shit…

The margarita told me it was a good idea. That’s what I’ll claim. If I can make myself open my eyes. Truthfully, that’s a challenge all on its own.

I sneak one eye open, the sunlight muted by the gauzy curtains that are still pulled shut, making this venture a little more tolerable. But only a little.

C’mon, Dolly, time to bite the bullet…and get some coffee…

Reaching out, my hand slides over the cool, smooth sheets of the massive king bed. I’m alone. In this bed anyhow. No telling if Hux is sitting in the room somewhere watching me, making sure that I’m still breathing. Or maybe he got his own room. I can’t blame him if he didn’t want to share a bed with the drunk woman who tried to force herself on him last night.

Or worse, maybe he hightailed it back to Hickory Hills.

No, he wouldn’t do that. Which means I need to get my butt in gear and face the music. The very embarrassing music.

Rejected twice in less than a month. The only silver lining is this one wasn’t in front of the whole town. This one can remain a secret.

Pushing up, I coax my other eye open, rubbing it with the back of my knuckle like I’m a toddler. The throb continues, echoing through my brain, making it tough to focus on any of my surroundings.

Who the hell let me drink like that?