Page 20 of Mountain Daddy

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Silently, I cross the strip of pavement between the bar and the motel.

I can’t believe I’m doing this.

I repeat that line to myself over and over while I enter my room.

Like the bar and food, my room is nicer than I expected.

It’s just a single room. But the bedding is white and fluffy, and the king mattress is comfy.

When I first checked in, I flopped onto the bed and was tempted to just stay there.

I’m glad I didn’t.

After reapplying deodorant, spritzing some perfume, and smoothing down my outfit, I pocket one key card and palm the spare.

My heart is vibrating inside my ribcage while I walk back across the little alley to the bar. But I don’t stop.

I don’t stop at the door.

I don’t stop until I’m behind the stool I’d been sitting in.

Luther watches me the whole way, and now that I’m close, he turns in his seat.

I swallow.

I embrace the bold.

And I set my extra room key on his thigh.

Luther’s eyes drop to it.

Then slowly, so slowly, he lifts them back up to meet mine.

“Room two.” My voice is low. Quiet. A little shaky.

But my body is on fire.

I want this man so damn bad.

I’ve never been like this. Never this reckless. Never, ever so forward.

I take a step back.

Then another.

It’s up to him now.

I turn.

I’m a little unsteady.

A little buzzed.

But I know what I’m doing.

I know what I need.

And what I need is a night of escape before the next phase of my life begins.

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