by Cala Riley
It was an interesting experience, that’s for sure.
We pull up to a diner and make our way inside, getting seated right away.
After we order, Jack talks about school.
“Man, there’s this hot as fuck chick in my Lit class that’s feisty as fuck. She won’t give me the time of day, but fuck if I don’t want her, anyway. I can’t go there though.”
“Yeah? Why not?” I ask.
“She’s the take-home-to-mama type, and that’s a step I’m not sure I’m ready to take. My mama would love her, though.”
I chuckle. “Life’s not all about chasing tail. You know that, right?”
“I know, but after Christy-Lynn broke my heart in the tenth grade, I’m not sure I’m ready to risk it again.”
“Ah, so you have woman drama. Here I thought you’ve always been a player,” I tease.
“Not at all. I used to be a good, wholesome boy. Then that jezebel went and ruined that. Haven’t been the same since.”
“That’s deep, man,” I deadpan, making us laugh.
“Shut up. We both know there’s some Christy-Lynn in your past too.” He pauses. “Or was it a Bubba?”
I throw a napkin at him. “You’re fucked in the head.”
“I know, but people love me anyway.”
Jack’s not wrong. He might not be the good wholesome boy of his past, but he’s a good guy. Even with all the playing he does.
“Hey, man. Your girl’s here.”
My head swings to where he’s looking outside.
Cassandra’s outside, arguing with the guy from the party. Something inside me urges me to move. To go out there and protect her, but I fight it. It’s not my battle.
“Not my girl, man,” is all I say to Jack as the waitress brings us our food.
I keep my eye on them as we eat, noticing the moment she walks away and gets in a car with a group of people.
My chest doesn’t feel lighter until I see her leave.
“That looked intense,” Jack says.
The guy’s still standing outside, his fists clenched, looking pissed.
I shrug, not making a comment.
We finish eating, paying the bill, and make our way to the bar. After a quick five-minute drive, we walk through the door, me with big black X’s on the back of my hand, Jack hands me his keys.
“I’ll let you know if I end up going home with someone else.”
I nod, taking in the surrounding scene.
I’ve been to posh clubs in New York and Chicago. The ones with VIP areas overflowing with champagne and liquor. Bass bumping to the latest rap songs as the girls dance like strippers with barely-there clothing.
Saddle Up Saloon couldn’t be further from that. Instead, it’s a rustic-looking bar with neon signs peppered throughout. There are bars on either side and a large dance floor in the middle, surrounded by a half wall just wide enough to set your drinks on. There are a couple of pool tables in the corner and a large mechanical bull in another with a chick wearing jean shorts and a plaid button-up tied at her stomach holding on like she’s riding for her life.
Instead of rap music, country blares from the speakers as both men and women are on the floor stepping in sync to a dance they all know.
There are a couple of girls wearing short dresses meant for the clubs I’m used to, but most of them are wearing different versions of the girl on the bull’s outfit, all with cowgirl boots adorning their feet. I haven’t seen one pair of heels yet.
“Come on, man, stop staring at the grits and let’s get a drink,” Jack says, jostling my shoulder.
“Grits? Like the food?” I reply, thinking of the food Jack forced me to try when I first got here.
It wasn’t bad per se, but it was not something I would willingly order on my own.
“Yeah. Girls raised in the south. It’s how we breed them down here. They’re sexy as fuck, but cross one and next thing you know, your car’s keyed. Mine can take it, but your pretty ride might not.”
I push his shoulder. “Shut up, man.”
Getting a soda for me and a whiskey for him, we make our way to the edge of the dance floor. A different song comes on and my eyes are drawn to the couples on the floor. They dance with each other around the edge of the dance floor, all once again making the same steps. All except one couple.
Cassandra.
I think I could recognize her gorgeous head of hair anywhere now.
She’s in the arms of a much older man; he twirls her around the dance floor. Doing complicated steps I couldn’t even begin to do.
As they fly by us, I hear her laughter, bringing a smile to my face.
She looks like she’s having the time of her life.
“You gonna let that man handle your girl like that?” Jack jokes.
I smile, deciding then and there. This is the third time I’ve seen her since last night. I’m taking it as a sign. I’m going to get her phone number tonight.
Cassandra
This isn’t how I wanted my day to go.
I woke up this morning thinking about Xavier.
Scratch that, I dreamt of Xavier and his large hands all over me amongst other parts of his body.
It left me feeling this high I haven’t felt in a really long fucking time when I woke up. I was on cloud nine, thinking about how I could run into him again.
Then I checked my phone and deflated.
Eleven messages, all from Jared.
I ignored them all and went about my day, excited to be going to my favorite country bar tonight, but then he found me at dinner.
The look on his face when I told him I needed space still haunts me.
“I need you, Cassi,” Jared pleads.
My heart hurt for him. He’s still so lost while I’m moving on. I don’t know how to help him.
First thing I did when I got to Saddle Up was find Virgil. He always brightens my day.
“You ready?” he asks as he leads me to the dance floor.
“Never been more ready. Are you? You’re not getting any younger,” I tease.
“I still got moves, young lady. Don’t you worry about that.”
Next thing I know, we’re moving. I love dancing with Virgil. I let go of everything and let him lead. He makes me feel as if I’m floating on air as he moves me around the dance floor, adding spins, twisting me to his will.
I can’t help but laugh as we dance.
I love when his face lights up. He enjoys dancing as much as I enjoy dancing with him.
At the end of the song, we’re both out of breath. He kisses my hand, going back to his spot, waiting for the next girl who wants to dance. And there’s never a shortage.
I know I’ll be back in that line before the end of the night.
Making my way back to Mara, I smile as she hands me water.
“Thanks,” I breathe out before taking a long drink.
I’m not old enough to drink, but even if I was, I don’t drink anymore.
Never since that night.
Shaking my demons away, I smile as Mara drones on about some guy she spotted already.
“You’re such a hussy.” I smile.
“Hey, I’m just playing the game. Who says the guys get to be the only players?”
“Touché.”
“Well, hello there, girlfriend,” he says from behind me.
I know I only met him last night, but I swear I could recognize his voice anywhere.
A deep, warm tone that warms up the ice that formed a year ago.
Turning, I smile as I see the same black X’s on his hands.
“Hi, boyfriend. What are you doing here?”
He shrugs. “Stalking my girlfriend while she dances with other men.”
We both laugh as Mara watches on with interest.
“Virgil’s harmless. He’s like sixty. Although, he is a fantastic dancer.” I take a sip of my water to hide my smile.
“I don’t know about him, but you looked damn good out there.”
; “It’s all Virgil. Him and his wife used to dance all the time. When she passed, he kept coming and dancing with anyone who would ask. Before long, he kind of became a local attraction. As long as you can let him lead, he can make you look like you’ve been dancing for years. You have to catch him before he leaves, though. He only stays until eleven. After that, they stop playing two-step music and start playing music to cater to the younger crowd.”
His smile grows as I talk. “I’ll keep that in mind in case I ever want to dance with Virgil,” he teases, making me roll my eyes.
Mara clears her throat.
Turning to her, I shoot her a ‘shut up’ look.
She ignores it, inserting herself next to Xavier. “Hi, I’m Mara, Cassi’s best friend.”
He shakes her hand, but quickly lets go, returning his attention to me. “I’m Xavier.”
“Ah, the fake boyfriend,” Mara says as she lays her hand on his arm.
He moves away from her, closer to me, making me smile.
“That’s what I’ve been told,” he responds.
“Well,” she says as she grabs her drink. “I think I need to go find me a cowboy to ride. If you two will excuse me.”
As she walks off, he turns to me. “She’s interesting.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, she’s something else.”
“So, I don’t want this to seem awkward, but can I get your number?” He rubs the back of his head, like he’s nervous.
I smile sweetly at him. “That depends.”
“On what?” He quirks his brow at me.
“What are you planning to do with it?” I ask, biting my lip.
His eyes follow the movement, darkening with lust. “I thought maybe we could be friends.”
My elation at him asking for my number deflates as he says the dreaded F-word.
Of course he wants to be friends.
I’ve never been overly girly. Not really the type guys want to date. More like one of the guys.
“Sure, I could always use friends.” I force a smile, reaching my hand out for his phone.
When he places it in my hands, I don’t miss the shock I get as his skin touches mine.
I quickly type my phone number in, saving it as Just A Friend to be cheeky. Then I close out of the contacts and hand it back.
“Thanks,” he says, settling in to hang out.
“Anytime.” I turn to the table, setting my water down.
The conversation’s stilted, neither of us sure what to say.
Then the next song comes on and I smile.
“Do you mind watching my drink? I love this dance.”
He gives me a flirty smile. “Do I get to watch you dance?”
That warm feeling is back. He’s flirting with me. I kind of like it. “You can watch all you want, friend.”
He winces, but laughs as I stroll away, finding my spot on the dance floor.
As I move with the rest of the crowd, I feel his eyes on me. Almost like they are burning a hole into my skin. I don’t know why, but with him watching me, it makes me want to do better. Swivel my hips sexier. Kick higher. It’s empowering knowing he was watching me.
I stay out for three songs before coming back to find him with a fresh glass of water next to him.
“You didn’t poison it, did you?”
He laughs. “You trusted me to watch your drink, but you don’t trust a new one?”
“Fair point. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He smirks, taking a drink of his own water. “So Cassandra, what made you decide to come out tonight?”
“You can call me Cassi since we’re friends and all,” I tease. “Not much to do around here. Same ol’ stuff, different podunk town, so why not go dancing?”
“I wouldn’t call Carver podunk. I’ve driven through some small towns. And last I checked, over thirty thousand residents isn’t podunk.”
I take a second to think. “True. I guess I feel like it’s confining because I’ve only ever lived here. I haven’t traveled much.”
“You grew up in Lubbock?”
“Well, close enough. I’m from Ropesville. It’s about thirty minutes outside of here. Get too far off this main area and there’s nothing but steers and ranches.”
“Not going to lie, I can’t imagine living like that, but it sounds pretty awesome. I’ve lived in cities most of my life. The hustle gets real old real quick. When I was younger, I thought it was glamorous, but now it’s….” He trails off.
“Too much?”
“Impersonal? It feels impersonal. Not like here. I feel like every person I meet wants to be my friend. It’s a different atmosphere completely.”
I chuckle. “Good ol’ small town USA. Where your neighbor treats you like you’re his next of kin. Hell, he might be.”
“Like one big happy family, huh?”
“Something like that. At least we aren’t somewhere like Alabama, where to get married you have to take a DNA test to prove you aren’t related,” I say, making him laugh.
I shake my head. “I’m being serious. It could be worse.”
“Well, fuck. That’s kind of creepy.” He cringes.
“Don’t worry, city boy. No way you’re related to any of my kin. Not with style like that,” I tease.
“Thank god for small favors.” He winks.
My watch vibrates, making me look down.
Timer: time to head home.
I sigh. Just when things were getting started.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just need to head back to the dorms.” I look around, trying to find Mara. “Looks like I need to find a new ride,” I murmur, watching her make-out with some guy on the dance floor.
“How about I drive you back,” Xavier offers.
“Are you sure? What about Jack?”
“He will find a different ride home. If not, I can always come back and grab him.”
“If you’re sure, I would appreciate it.”
Xavier stands, taking his phone out of his pocket. I check my pockets, making sure I have everything I need. I shoot off a text to Mara, letting her know I’m leaving.
“There, I texted him and told him I was heading out. You ready?”
“Yeah.” I smile.
Xavier rests his hand on my lower back, walking me out. Once outside, the cool air makes me shiver.
“You cold?” he rasps, leading me toward an old truck.
“No, I just didn’t realize how hot I was until we got out here.”
He opens the passenger door for me, letting me jump in before shutting it. I watch as he rounds the hood of the truck, sliding in. The truck starts off with a rumble as we buckle our seat belts.
“So, this isn’t what I pictured you driving,” I say as he pulls out of the parking lot, heading toward campus.
“No?” He smiles. “What did you think I would drive?”
“I don’t know, a BMW,” I say, making him laugh.
“Nah, I don’t own a BMW. I have a Maserati, this is Jack’s truck.”
“That makes more sense.” I nod.
Before I know it we’re pulling up in front of my door.
“Well, thank you for dropping me off,” I say as I unbuckle my seat belt.
“It’s no problem,” Xavier says, undoing his belt.
“What are you doing?” I frown.
“Just stay there.” He jumps out of the truck, running around the hood, and opens my door for me.
Has a guy ever opened my door for me not once but twice in one night? I mean you would think so seeing as I live in Texas, but those ways seem to have died out with my generation.
“Thank you,” I mumble, getting out.
“You’re welcome.”
I lean up, brushing my lips against his cheek. His stubble grazing my lips. “Have a good night.”
“You too.”
I walk around him, heading toward my building. Peeking over my shoulder, I see him standing there leaning against the hood of the truck, watching me.
Walking backward, I yell, “What are you doing?”
“Making sure you get inside the building okay!” he hollers back, making me smile.
I turn, walking up the steps. Gripping the door handle, I yell back, “’Night!”
“’Night.”
As I walk toward my room, all I can think about is how dangerous a guy like him could be.
3
Xavier
“What are your plans for this weekend?” Jack asks.
I shrug. “Nothing planned really. Thought I might see if Cassi wanted to hang.”
“Cassi, huh?” He wiggles his brows at me.
“It’s not like that. She’s a really chill girl who’s fun to hang out with.”
“Sure. It doesn’t hurt that she has a nice rack either.”
I toss a pillow at him.
He holds up his hands. “Hey. Didn’t know you were that into her.”
“I’m not. It’s not like that. We’re friends.”
He sits down on his bed facing me. “Listen, you keep telling yourself that, but let me give you a warning. Cassi seems like one of them girls.”
“One of what girls?”
He chuckles. “I forget you’re a city boy. We call girls like Cassi, one of them girls. She’s down to earth, can hang with the boys, and is just as likely to chop your balls off than kiss you. She’s a pistol, that’s for sure, but when you get you one of them girls? It’s done. Game over. They are the type you would be stupid not to marry. Especially if she gives you the time of day. Cassi is one of them girls.”
“That’s a lot of thinking for you, bud. Your brain okay over there?” I joke.
He shakes his head, standing to go to his dresser. “Laugh it up, X. Those girls are once in a lifetime. Meet them at the wrong time and you could miss out on the best thing in your life. I hope I don’t meet one of them girls until I’m at least thirty. I want to sow my wild oats. Feel my freedom. Don’t get locked down by one of them girls, X. Don’t do it.”
“You’re reading way too much into this. Cassi’s just a friend. I’m not looking for anything right now.”
“Sure. Whatever you say. I’ll be at the bar if you need me.”
With that, he leaves.
Picking up my phone, I call Cassi.
“Hey, what’s up?” Her voice comes over the phone.
