Bourbon Runaway (Bourbon Canyon)

by Walker Rose

Something twisted behind my sternum. Then longing took its place. Well, fuck me.

Goddammit, I was an asshole.

“I can still take you,” I said through gritted teeth. “You couldn’t then, and you sure as fuck can’t now, but you won’t try, because both of us will have to take an ice bath and pop too many ibuprofen. It’s not worth feeling our age, man.” I couldn’t argue.

“Bullshit.” I spun, and the fire in my hip flared, but I ignored it. “Say that word one more time and I’ll roll each and every one of those barrels over you.” “Well, they’re empty.” Just like my threat.

“You need to leave.” The fucker crossed his arms and leaned against the delivery truck. “No, man. I’m delivering some reality today.”

“I didn’t say bullshit, so you have to listen.” My lips twitched. How could I find humor in this situation? “You’re a jackass.” “I’ve been told that a time or so, in case we ever revisit the why-I’m-single conversation again.

“I can’t just talk to you and my parents and then go tell Summer I’m ready for all of it—kids and a minivan.” “A minivan would suck on this road. Make sure it’s all-wheel drive.” I scowled. “I’m serious.” “I am too.

Teller might be my favorite brother, but I’m not sure until i get more Tenor

You used to love when you saw bears out on your hikes.” I was more concerned about moose. I had bear spray; nothing for the moose.

I had to catch my runaway bride one more time.

You didn’t tell them about us breaking up.” “I didn’t want to worry them even more. They’d think I’d regress.” He twined his fingers with mine and led me into the kitchen. “And because I didn’t want it to be true.” “Me either.”

He’d lost some weight and I’d tease him about scurvy later . . .

“She turned me toward the truth,” Jonah said roughly, “but Teller made me face it head-on. That asshole won’t leave me alone.” Jonah’s eyes twinkled. “I also don’t want him to.”

“I miss you.” The peaceful look on her face turned timid. “I miss you too.” “But I needed the time. I can’t deny I needed it.” Her slender neck worked with her swallow. “Good.” “Now, what I need is you.”

“So how do you feel now?” “Like I’m crazy in love with you.” Her pink lips parted and her small inhale was audible. “You are?” “So damn in love.”

She gripped my wrist with her small soft hand. “I love you too.”

“Jonah,” she whispered and she stepped into me. “Are you proposing to me?” “I’m warning you that I’m going to do it properly.” Her amber eyes swam with emotion—all for me. “I’m warning you that I’ll say yes.”

“What trouble are a bunch of teachers going to get up to in Vegas?”