Page 79 of Until Next Time
“Y’all are being weird.” I say, flopping back down on my pillow.
Dawsen and my parents start talking about River and his job at Saddlebrooke ranch. There’s been some things happening over there regarding some of the bull riders and some drama they’re stirring up. I hear Dawsen mention the name Carter and that’s when I tune back into the conversation.
“Wait, Carter? Like the Carter that Casey is talking to?” I straighten, and insert myself into the conversation.
They all look at me, and I realize nobody knows what I’m talking about so I elaborate. “Casey said there’s this guy she’s kind of into at work. His name is Carter and he’s coming to the cabin this weekend with us. Do you think it’s the same guy?”
“I’d venture to guess it is. Not many dudes around here named Carter.” Dawsen says with a hard R at the end.
“Oh, I bet Riv’s gonna love that.” Dad adds.
“Hmm, Well, can’t wait to hear how that goes.” Mom says as she goes to stand.
Dad taps Dawsen’s shoulder on his way out, “Keep Riv in check with that whole situation. Potential shit show, if you knowwhat I mean.” He gives his shoulder a squeeze, “You kids have fun and be safe!”
“Why is this apotential shit show?”I say, needing to know what I clearly don’t know.
Dawsen huffs out a laugh. “Ahh, you know River. He’s always been weird about Casey, and if she’s bringing some guy he hates, I don’t know. Just could be recipe for disaster. I’m sure he’ll be fine though. Don’t worry.”
He kisses my forehead, “Take your time, get dressed and just come down whenever you’re ready. I’ll be downstairs.”
I hate to see him go,but I love to watch him leave, if you know what I mean.
About forty-five minutes later, I make my way downstairs. I put on my favorite boot cut Levi’s, that hug my ass along with a tight white, long sleeve top. On top of that I’m wearing my warmest Sherpa lined denim jacket.
Once I reach the bottom of the stairs, I see Dawsen stretched out on the couch, arm behind his head and his other hand holding a book out in front of him.
When a man who is already attractive picks up a book and actually reads it, well shit—I’m done.
I sneak up behind him on the couch and nibble his ear.
“Ready to go?” I say breathily into his ear.
He adjusts his position and turns his head to see me. Smiling with his eyes. I love this man.
“Let’s go, gorgeous.”
* * *
The drive to the rental cabin seemed to fly by. Dawsen packed all my favorite snacks and we listened to the new Morgan Wallenalbum the whole way there. We’d pause every few songs to discuss and critique.
We pull up to the cabin and see Casey’s car and River’s truck parked in the driveway, so we take the available street parking.
The cabin is so picturesque. It looks like a cabin that would be on the front of a syrup bottle. I love it here already.
We park and Dawsen starts to unload his truck. I tend to be a chronic over-packer and that man doesn’t give me any flack for it. In fact, when he was loading the bags into the bed of his truck he asked if I had anymore inside that he needed to grab after already loading two pretty sizable bags into the truck.
“Bird, head inside. It’s cold. I’ve got this.” Dawsen juts his chin up towards the entrance of the cabin. I grab the cooler bag before heading inside. “I’ll bring this and get the cheeseboard started.”
I knock on the solid wood door before turning the large handle. It’s open, so I push my way in. I can hear almost immediately River and Casey bantering in the kitchen, as always. The tone and sass with these two is unrivaled. They have known each other for decades and now they work together. You’d think they’d learn how to get along by now, but no. They do respect each other though. I don’t think they’d agree to as many family functions and events together if they didn’t at least have some mutual respect.
I also happen to know that River did have a crush on her at one point, which he totally denies, but I caught him staring at her once in a way that was definitely crush-worthy. I teased him about it for awhile, but I decided to let him off the hook.
“Birdie, Thank the good Lord.” Casey says, exasperated. She practically runs to hug me, then grabs me by the arm and tugs me into the kitchen that is now in full view. Carter, I presume, is perched on a bar stool drinking a banquet beer and River isleaning against the edge of the counter with a beer in hand as well, rolling his eyes.
“Tell your asshole brother that I absolutely did place second for Long Jump our junior year.” She says, heated, throwing her arm out towards River.
“River, Casey absolutely placed second for Long Jump our Junior Year.” I repeat verbatim. I’m used to their annoying arguments, but from the look on this Carter guys face, he’s not. So I try to change the subject.
