Page 56 of Reckless Hearts

Callie

Sun baking me,the sound of gravel crunching under tires, and the feel of wind between my toes draped out the window make for a picture-perfect moment frozen in time.

Maverick’s been driving the last forty minutes, Colt in the back shouting directions over the music, between singing his heart out. Well… more like shouting the words.

It’s hot.

Head-in-an-oven hot.

Inferno-of-hell hot.

Sweat slicks the back of my neck and drips down my collarbones to where it disappears into the V of my dress.

Even with the air conditioner cranked on full blast, it doesn’t stand a chance when our windows are open, letting the cool air escape and the hot air enter.

I’ll take the heat if it means I can keep my legs hanging outside, crossed at the ankles. Time moves slowly here, all dirt roads and narrow lanes.

The country girl in me hadn’t realized just how much I missed this.

My life’s the polar opposite of this, all honking cars, impatient drivers yelling at each other as they follow the racing pace of urban life.

I adjust the hem of my skirt, holding it firmly in my fist as the wind tries to push it higher.

Pretty sure, having my dress fly up would give them the show of a lifetime.

Colt hits a particularly high note, making me wince, but that’s just who he is.

Impossible to embarrass when he’s having a good time.

I’ve always been envious of his ability to not care what other people think and just lean into his happiness like it’s the most natural thing in the world and the rest of us aren’t being pressured to conform to society.

Although that’s not true for him anymore, is it?

He wears his own mask now, an aw-shucks smile that gives nothing about his opinions away. The perfect country boy, never disappointing his fans.

When did he start hiding himself like that?

The way Maverick keeps glancing in the rearview mirror pulls me out of my thoughts.

I turn my head, but there’s nothing back there but open road. He wouldn’t expect a car to come out of nowhere, and I wouldn’t be surprised to hear we’re the only ones who’ve been out here for days.

The song changes, and Colt’s head rests on the back seat, voice lower but still lost to the world.

Turning back, I’m just in time for Maverick to check that mirror again, gaze lingering a little too long.

My neck tingles, a thrill skating over my skin, when the corners of Maverick’s lips twitch, a hint of a curl tugging at the end.

My chest constricts as his expression melts from stern, revealing that boyishness I remember.

Whether he knows it or not, something’s changing between them.

“Fuck! Turn right there!” Colt shouts from the back, the turn only feet ahead.

Maverick slams on the brakes, causing the truck to lurch with the change of momentum.

I’m flung forward, my seat belt ready to catch me, but Maverick’s faster.

His arm shoots out, catching my sternum and holding me in place.

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