Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
ECHO
W e don’t move for what feels like forever and all too quickly, at the same time. I hold Dustin tightly against me, feeling as his heart rate begins to slow to normal. I kiss his cheek, telling him over and over how much I love him. The closeness no longer feels close enough as my arms continue caressing his back.
“I’m sorry,” he says in a hushed tone against my mouth.
“What? Why?” I stare up, waiting for him to open his tightly shut eyes. They finally flicker open and showcase so many emotions, making it impossible for me to decipher where his mind is at.
“I just…” he stammers, looking off. I move my hand up to his cheek, guiding his gaze back to me. “I wanted our first time to be perfect.” His lip quirks up with the admission. “You were gypped.” He averts his eyes down and drops his head.
“Dustin, you’re mine. Nothing could be more perfect than that.” I rub his back for reassurance, then move my hands down to his hips, which are right where they belong—between my thighs. “And how could I possibly be gypped when I’m not done with you?”
His head darts up, searching my eyes as I bite my lip.
His hand grazes my cheek before stopping at my chin, holding it. “I don’t think love is a strong enough word for what I feel for you,” he admits before claiming me again. A delicious ache takes over all my senses as I lose myself to him.
STARING SKYWARD, WE lie in a blissful slumber, stargazing as I point out all the visible constellations. Our intertwined hands rest between us, and every so often, he pulls them to his mouth, lacing my hand with kisses. While the sweet gesture is simple, it causes me to lose my train of thought every dang time.
“And over there is…”
He slowly kisses each knuckle.
“Umm.” I shake my head, regaining my senses. He snickers, knowing exactly what he’s doing to me. “Oh yeah, and over there is Pisces.” I use my free hand, pointing in the direction that is northeast of Aquarius the Water Bearer.
“Mmm-hmm.” More kisses. “That’s cool,” he says, not even looking up.
“Yes, it is. Since it is your constellation.” I roll toward him and tickle his side. He squirms against me, trying to push my hand away. “Ha, I found your weak spot.” I laugh, moving my hand around to find more.
Dustin stills as he stops laughing and turns his body to the side to fully face me. “You’re my weak spot, Echo.” My heart completely melts within. He’s mine, too. “What’re your plans once we graduate?” he asks.
“I figured I’d start my career as a housewife,” I tease, raising a brow as I carefully watch his expression. Instead of fear and trepidation taking over, his face is full of approval as he nods with a big smile like I just named the best life goal ever. “I wish,” I admit, rolling my eyes. I quickly cover my mouth, shocked by my own admission. “College and softball are what I’m working for.” The answer falls flat as I begin wondering if it’s really my goal, or what’s been pushed on me like I’ve been programmed from the beginning of my life. “How about you?” I return the question.
“Wherever you go.” He leans in, kissing me as his hand wraps around the back of my head, holding my face close to his. “I kinda like the idea of you being a housewife.” He smiles against my lips.
The loud crunching of gravel fills the stillness around us. Our heads jerk up, seeing headlights cascade over the field. And my heart drops to my stomach as dread floods in.
“Echo,” a voice yells. I can hear the padding of feet, making its way to us.
I jump up with Dustin right behind me and watch as Julianna runs through the gate, heading our way. Oh shit.
“We have to go,” she says with urgency, holding her arms out, waving for me.
“What the hell is going on, Julianna?” Dustin asks, stepping in front of me in a protective stance.
“There’s no time to exp?—”
The abrupt stopping on gravel as another car skids to a stop cuts her off. Nausea burns my throat as I realize what she was so desperate to convey.
She mouths, “I’m so sorry,” as she begins retreating backward, keeping her eyes trained on us. Dustin’s body tenses as he keeps his stance in front of me, shielding me from what’s to come.
“Echo Dian Price.” My dad’s voice booms, startling me. My breath hitches and I turn statuesque, unable to move, think, or barely even breathe. His eyes are big, features tight as he makes his way closer, clenched fists at his sides. Dustin’s arm shoots out in front of me to hold me back. My dad scoffs at the gesture, then his gaze falls past us, landing where we had spent the night lying. A mix of emotions fills his eyes, but anger is the only one that remains. “Get your stuff now.” He seethes.
Tears begin to fall as reality sets in, and I turn to get my stuff.
“No.” Dustin protests, grabbing my hand. He looks at me with such desperation as if he has a way for us to make it out of this unscathed.
But he doesn’t. Nothing can save us from what’s sure to come.
I cradle my hand against his cheek and rub my thumb against his bottom lip. It trembles. “The love I have for you consumes me,” I whisper. He tightly closes his eyes, trying to blink back the tears to no avail.
My father steps in, breaking us apart. “I warned you, but you didn’t listen.” He sticks his finger in Dustin’s chest, and I pray he doesn’t get decked in response. “This is your fault.” The words come out slow and deliberate as he stares at Dustin with rage. It’s almost as if he’s begging him to retaliate, but he doesn’t. Although his fists are clenched and his chest heaves, my guy stands firm; unshakeable. “Come on.” My dad grabs my arm and pulls me with him, leaving my belongings behind.
Halfway to his car, Dustin hollers, “Hey, Pastor.”
My dad stops but doesn’t turn around to acknowledge him.
“I’ll pray for you.”
The grip he has on my arm tightens and I snicker, knowing that guy of mine just hit my dad where it hurts; below the Bible belt. I glance over my shoulder and hold Dustin’s stare, wondering if this will be the last time I ever see the boy I love.