Chapter 2
LUCY
God, what the fuck am I doing? I think to myself as I look across at the hottest man I’ve ever seen in my life.
I didn’t want to come out tonight when Amelia called and told me to get my ass ready, but I have to admit, I’m not mad with how the night is going so far.
“So, Lulu, tell me more about yourself,” Drake says, and I refocus my attention on him, trying to decide what to tell him.
Amelia and I agreed to use our nicknames and silly made-up stories about ourselves tonight if we came across any out-of-towners as a fun way to take her mind off her recent breakup, but judging by the way that she and her asshole boyfriend, Mitch, are kissing like long lost lovers, I guess that plan went out the window.
Deciding to keep it vague, I say, “Well, I’ve lived here my whole life, and my family has a farm here in town. My cousin and I run a business together, which I really love. What about you?”
“Honestly, I’m still figuring it out,” he says with a shrug, and I can’t help but giggle at his honesty.
“God, I feel that. I don’t know who decided that we’re supposed to have our shit together the day we get a diploma, but honestly, I think they should be fired,” I tease, taking a sip of my Crown and Sprite.
Drake nods and opens his mouth to say something just as Sandra, one of the older waitresses, walks up and gestures to the menu on the bar. “So, Sugar, did you decide on anything to eat?”
As he looks down at the menu, Sandra gestures between the two of us, then winks at me. I roll my eyes at her, just as Drake says, “Uh, we’ll take some loaded fries and another beer, please. You want another drink?” he asks, turning his attention back to me.
“Sure, Cowboy, why not. Thank you,” I answer as Sandra turns to grab our drinks.
“So, what brings you to Mills Corner? It’s not like there’s a whole lot to do around here.
Wait, wait, wait. Let me guess. You’re either passing through on your cross country road trip designed to help you find your life’s true purpose, or you forgot to book a hotel room in Smith’s Valley for the first football game of the season this weekend, and this was the next best thing.
” I guess, referring to the college that’s about an hour from here.
“Nope, I’m more of a Poplar Springs guy,” he says, and I cringe. The Poplar Springs Bulldogs are our biggest rivals, and after spending four years at Smith’s Valley University, I consider myself a pretty loyal fan.
“God, just when I was starting to think you were all right,” I groan dramatically. “I thought you would have better taste than that.”
Drake chuckles before his eyes rake over me. “Hmm, I don’t know. I think my taste is just fine,” he murmurs, making me blush just as Sandra returns with our drinks and a large platter of fries.
“Here you two go,” she says, sitting everything down on the bar in front of us. “Just holler if you need anything else.”
Drake snags a fry and pops it into his mouth as I reach for the new drink. “Want one?” he asks, holding out a fry that’s covered in cheese and barbecue meat.
“Sure,” I answer, before reaching out to grab it from him. Instead of letting me take it, he surprises me by guiding the fry into my mouth. As he does, his thumb grazes my lip, and I swear the bolt of electricity almost knocks me off my barstool.
He smiles at me as I adjust in my seat, feeling a little dazed, before I remind myself to chew before taking a long sip of my drink.
“Oh, come here. You’ve got a little something…” he says, reaching out and brushing my lip for a second time. I’m pretty sure he’s full of shit, but I certainly don’t mind the fact that he’s looking for another reason to touch me.
We’re quiet as he eats, reaching out every once in a while to feed me another fry. Each time he does, he brushes a part of my face, and by the time he’s done with his food, I feel like I’m going to combust if he doesn’t touch me.
God, Lucy, pull it together, I remind myself, trying to get a grip on the way my mind is running wild.
We sit for another moment in silence, before I look over at the dance floor and ask, “So, Cowboy, what’s it gonna take to convince you to spin me ‘round the dance floor?”
Drake laughs, running a hand around the back of his neck.
“I may need a few more drinks for all of that," he teases, gesturing to the quick-paced line dance going on in front of us before leaning in to whisper in my ear. “But the minute a slow song comes on, I can’t say I wouldn’t mind having an excuse to have my hands all over you.”
I blush at his words, his face so close I can feel his warm breath grazing my ear.
God, I want this man. Pausing, I weigh my options before and decide there’s no reason I shouldn’t step up the flirting between us.
Since Amelia abandoned me, I’m alone for the rest of the night.
Besides, he’s probably only in town for a day or two, so there really isn’t anything to lose.
Turning, I look at him and take a big sip of my drink before I ask, “Who told you that you needed an excuse?”
His eyes widen in surprise as he lets out a chuckle, and I bump my shoulder against his playfully.
“God, I should’ve known you were trouble,” he murmurs, and I don’t miss the mischievous look on his face.
We lean in closer to each other, our lips centimeters apart from touching.
My whole body hums in excitement at the thought of having his mouth on mine.
Our lips graze, just as the sound equipment on stage makes a horrible noise.
Startled, we jump apart from each other, and the lead singer grabs his microphone to apologize.
“So sorry about that, guys. Clearly, we still have some kinks to get worked out. But now that we have your attention, we’re gonna slow it down just a little bit. Grab your favorite girl or guy, and take them for a spin.”
Drake and I stare at each other for a moment before he chuckles. “So, Darlin’, you up for a dance?”