Backwoods Backwards

Thirty-Six

Us.

It's the first time I've ever used that word to describe my relationship with a guy since Colton, and while it should scare me away, it doesn't. I'm spooked, but not enough to run like I have so many times before.

I think Duke is also surprised by my words, because it takes him a minute to react. When he does, he kisses me softly, almost as if he's afraid I'll change my mind.

I don't.

This time is different between us, so unlike every other time I've been with Duke. No words are said between us, but they're not needed; every action is enough. This time is slow and gentle. When we come apart, we come apart together, and when we catch our breath, we hold onto each other.

As I lay here, my fingers intertwined with Duke's, Perry's words about meaningless sex ring in my ears. That might have been what Duke and I had before, but after this today, it's clear to me that something has changed.

It's up to me now to decide if this change is for the worse or the better.

——

Days later and I'm stuck in a rut. I've all but isolated myself from everyone I can, although some people have managed to get through to me.

"If I talk to you, will you finally leave me alone then?" I grumble into my phone after I answer begrudgingly.

"I get at least twenty minutes," Jesse negotiates seriously.

I roll my eyes even though he can't see me. "Fine, but only twenty minutes."

"I'll take it," Jesse quips. "So now that's out of the way, I figure I should start by apologizing."

I stretch across my bed on my stomach. "What do you have to apologize for this time?"

He clears his throat. "Nothing new this time, but I feel like there's really no end to apologizing for the last issue."

I sigh, half tempted to hang up on him. "It's not exactly like you planned on taking a mean punch to the face, Jesse."

"You're right, I didn't, and you're right, that was a mean punch. I can feel the throb in my jaw all over again just thinking about it." He gets quiet for a minute. "Never pegged Duke Henderson as the knight-in-shining-armor type."

I bristle instantly. "If you just want gossip, go get it somewhere else," I say sternly.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on," Jesse stutters. "Chill out a second, Lacey. I'm not looking for gossip."

"Then make whatever comment you want to and leave me alone," I snap, balling my free hand into a fist.

"Hold on," Jesse says, matching my fervor. "I'm not calling to attack you. I'm calling to make sure you're okay."

"I'm doing great, thanks for asking. Now can I hang up?"

"I know Perry iced you out." I freeze at his words. "And I know you're icing Duke out. Don't ice me out, too."

"What, did your friends spy on me some more?" I can't help it; the words come out before I can stop them.

"Okay, fair jab, but no," Jesse answers. "I talked to Duke."

I choose my words carefully this time. "I didn't know you guys talked much."

"We don't, not usually," Jesse says thoughtfully, "but I saw him this week and he came over to say sorry for punching me."

I shake my head. "So now you're best friends?"

Jesse snorts. "Hardly. That guy wouldn't have given me the time of day if it wasn't about you."