Georgia

Chapter 21

Caroline

"That country boy really wore you out, huh?" Michelle says to me in the car driving home from the airport. She gives me a little wink.

"Stop. Nothing happened, we stayed up talking all night. I'm just tired, that's all." I didn't say much on the way to the airport and slept the whole flight back. I wasn't tired it was just easier to force myself to sleep than to sit there thinking about how hard it was to say goodbye to Luke.

The second I walked thru those hotel doors I wanted to turn and run back to him. I wanted him to wrap his arms around me again and never let me go. Feeling the scruff on his chin rubbing against my neck, looking into his bright brown eyes after he hugged me so tight. I wanted to kiss him. It's wrong, I know I shouldn't be feeling that way when I have a boyfriend but there is something about that sexy country boy.

The past week has definitely been one to remember and ending it with Luke just made it that much better. I still can't believe that we somehow ended up in the same bar. What are the chances, really? Will it happen again? Will we randomly see each other somewhere and have another incredible night? Maybe that's all we'll ever get, just a whole lifetime of one night here and there.

I'm home now, walking upstairs to my room my thoughts of Luke are interrupted by a text from James.

*Hey, Boyer. You home yet?
A lil worried over here.*

*Just walked thru the door.
Safe and sound.*

*You up for some company from your
boyfriend that missed you like crazy?*

I was hoping to have a little time alone to process what the heck I'm feeling but maybe it's best to get my head back where it belongs right away. I know from last time that thinking about Luke too much hurts when I know there's no chance of being with him.

Could there be a chance this time though? I didn't just take off with no goodbye, we have each other's numbers now, he didn't want to let go during that hug either, I felt it. No, stop. I tell myself.

*Sure. I'm gonna jump in the shower.
Doors open.*

*K. See you in a few.
Love you.*

I let myself get lost in the warm water of the shower. My eyes closed thinking about cool Georgia nights, his deep voice humming a song, the warm Tennessee sun, his goofy little chuckle, him up on that stage not taking his eyes off mine and of course that heart-stopping smile. It's gonna be harder to let go than last time.

I walk downstairs to see James sitting on the couch. He jumps up the minute he sees me and grabs me into a hug lifting me up and spinning me around.

"Damn, I've missed you." He says putting his lips on mine.

I let my mouth follow his, trying to relax into his arms but I can't. My head is swimming, this shouldn't feel wrong. "Hey buddy no need to attack me all at once." I say pulling away from him, patting his chest. I love James, I do. I just need more time to get over the night with Luke.

Laughing he lets me go and hops up on the kitchen counter. "So how was it? Are you just full on country now from all that fishing and whiskey and hanging at a farm?"

"Yup. I'm gonna start saying y'all and I might even buy a pick-up truck!"

"I'm all for that. I think you'd look cute driving a truck." He says reaching over and pulling me to stand in between his legs. He pushes a strand of my hair behind me ear. "I'm glad you're back. I was going crazy without you around."