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But the warm tingles spread throughout her, regardless. And if she didn’t suspect her parents could see her from the living room window, she might steal a kiss. She walked to the passenger side with him as the sun’s setting rays disappeared beyond the horizon, leaving a soft purple twilight.
Once inside the truck, Evie rattled off the people who would probably be there. None of them had been her true friends, but she’d know everyone’s names. Carson was quiet for the most part, and when he stopped the truck across from Racoons, the place was already hopping.
Music boomed from the open door, and the side of the road Racoons was on was filled with parked cars. Lights spilled from the square windows, and a group of people was outside, smoking together.
Evie didn’t recognize them off hand, but they were still across the street and the sky was nearly dark. The stars were beginning to appear, filling the sky like a glittering carpet.
Maybe they could just skip the whole battle of the bands scene and walk along the river, hand in hand. Of course, that sort of solitude with Carson would only make it harder to leave in the morning.
“Ready?” she said in a bright voice, releasing his hand and reaching for the door handle.
“Hang on, Evie.”
She looked over at him, and the depths of his eyes were nearly black.
“We don’t have to go if you don’t want to,” he said in a low voice.
“I’m fine,” she said. “Plus, I can introduce you to people our age.”
He held her gaze for a second, like he wanted to say something else, but instead, he nodded. “All right. Know anytime, we can leave.”
“Okay.” Evie didn’t want to dwell on how sweet Carson was being. Well, he was always sweet.
“Wait for me,” he said, opening his door.
So she did, as her pulse began to thud. She was about to go into Racoons. Would it be easier with Carson at her side? Yeah, it would create a lot more questions, but at least she wouldn’t be fending for herself, or having to deal with the pickup scene.
Her door opened, and Carson was standing there. She put her hand in his and slid down next to him. He didn’t move back or give her space.
“Did I tell you that you look beautiful?”
She lifted her chin to meet his gaze. He hadn’t shaved that evening, so his dark stubble had started to show through. Her hand had a mind of its own, and she ran her fingers across his jaw.
He leaned down, slowly, as if waiting for her permission, then kissed the edge of her mouth.
Evie placed her hand on his chest. “Easy, cowboy.”
“Come on, let’s ditch this place, sweetness.”
“Not tonight.” Evie pushed past him, then grasped his hand and tugged him with her. Tonight might be her last date with Carson, but everyone would know they were together.
