I'm Still Here

Sin In Plain View

Susanna's POV

Taking one last look into the visor mirror of my Jeep, I made sure my hair was arranged around the edges of my neck. I blushed thinking about the patch of beard burn I had discovered there this morning. Last night, well last night had been interesting. I had laughed until my sides hurt at least until a pair of lips that tasted like chocolate captured mine. Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I slid out heading across the church parking lot listening to my heeled brown leather boots click.

I wisely sidestepped the preacher's wife who was talking to my former first grade teacher. I held my head high, but my ears perked up at the mention of that Collins girl seen picking up her car this morning. My lips twisted in a smile wondering just what Sadie had been up to last night. I was gonna have to find out since Brantley had admitted he ditched on hanging out with Luke to go out with me. Spotting my parents sitting behind Tiffany, my steps faltered just a little seeing Ms. Becky sitting beside my mama. Crap! I should have just been late for church again. Mustering up some courage, I stepped into the empty pew behind them leaning down to kiss Daddy on the cheek trying to hear Mama's hushed conversation.

"Morning pumpkin," Daddy said looking back at me with a smile. "How was your date last night?"

"Daddddyyyy," I whined making him chuckle. Two pair of eyes with wide smiles met me as I stood up straight. "Morning Mama. Morning Ms. Becky."

"Good morning," Ms. Becky said with a grin giving me a wink that made me blush. "Hope your date went well."

"Have to fill me in later," Mama giggled as I sighed walking to the pew in front of them sitting down in the middle by Tiffany. She grinned at me as I rolled my eyes hearing the hushed giggles behind us. I swear those two were planning a wedding already. It had been one date. I pressed my fingers to my lips thinking about that last long kiss goodnight. Tiffany batted her blue eyes at me making me growl as she leaned closer to me.

"I want details on said date as well. Specifically of what BG thought of that dress," she murmured poking my arm. I couldn't help but blush remembering the look in his eyes when I opened the door. No doubt the damn man had been wondering what it would like rumpled on the floor instead of on me. "Honestly surprised you are here this morning. Figured you would still be tangled up in some sheets."

"Hush Tiff," I hissed rolling my eyes. "It went okay. Was an interesting night."

"Just bet it was," she snickered then elbowed me as a figure moved out of the corner of my eye. Sadie slid into the pew beside me in a cute pair of leggings with a top. Looking dressy and comfortable but no doubt catching a few eyes for wearing pants. The dark sunglasses still on her eyes made my lips twitch.

"Rough night Sadie dear," I whispered leaning closer to her getting a growl in return. "How did the hunting trip go yesterday? Ryleigh have fun."

"She had a blast," Sadie sighed slipping off her glasses dropping them into the purse near her feet. Ohh bless her the slight hangover was apparent. Tiffany sat her chin on my shoulder listening intently. Sadie gave us both an unsure look before continuing. "Luke was great with her. It's umm...."

"What can we say," Tiffany said with a wink. "Those Georgia country boys have a way of getting under your skin." She elbowed my side making a grin twist at Sadie's lips. "And out of your clothes."

Sadie broke out in a fit of coughing prompting Mama to reach up patting her back. Three purses opened in the pew in front of us as some of the ladies from the Red Hat Society passed pieces of peppermint back. Sadie blushed then accepted them. I was about to ask her to elaborate when a squeal came from the back where the teenage girls were known to congregate. Turning my head, I saw what the ruckus was all about. Now there was a fan girl's dream strolling into church side by side. No signature hat on for either of them this morning knowing that Mama Becky would tan their hides.