Sixteen
Annabeth
Pink. No. I hate this shirt, also no. Nothing looks good, I think to myself as I rummage through my wardrobe. Five pairs of jeans, three dresses, and a jumpsuit later, and I still have absolutely no idea what I’m going to wear to the rodeo.
“Ella, do you still have those cut-off jeans with the frayed knees?” I call out to my roommate. Silence. “Ella?” Still nothing.
I fling the fourth, and completely hideous dress to the floor and make my way towards Ella’s room. Since she clearly can’t hear me, I’m just going to have to find them myself. Before I even make it to the hallway, my phone aggressively buzzes in my pocket, and I nearly jump out of my skin.
Unknown: Hey, little Firefly.
My heart thumps rapidly in my chest, and I can feel heat pooling between my thighs as I re-read his words over and over again. Dallas. Texted. Me. I scream internally and try to calm the overwhelming feeling that’s now rushing through me.
Me: Dallas Northlane, I do not recall giving you my phone number.
I double tap his number and save it to my contacts before placing my phone on my bed and staring at it as if it’s a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment.
Honestly, at this point, my damn heart feels like a time bomb that could explode at any moment. What the heck is it with this man and his ability to make me feel like a giddy high-school kid with a crush?
Dallas: Got it from your phone when you were making breakfast the other day. Are you going to the rodeo?
Me: Hmm, phone sneaking already? I better keep my eyes on you… But yes, Ella wants to watch Colt ride. I think she said we were meeting up with the Carters as well. Are you?
Dallas: Yes.
He ignores the first part of my text, and I’m worried I was too forward, but about three seconds pass before my phone buzzes again.
Dallas: What are you doing?
Dallas: I mean, do you have plans?
Dallas: Can I see you again?
Me: What, now?
Me: Yeah. You wanna go for a ride?