Free Finding Charley (Full Circle) by Casey Peeler

Tessa jumps out first, and I go to open the door when Cash says my name.
    “Char-coal.”
    I stop and turn to face him.  He brings his hand to my face and brushes his thumb along my lips before pulling me in for a kiss that speaks more than words ever could.  The hunger I feel for him ignites, and I can’t get close enough to him.
    Before I have time to think about what I’m doing, I’m straddling Cash in the driver’s seat of his truck.  The kiss is no longer sweet and innocent, but fuel to a fire that has been burning for over a decade.  My hands run up his washboard stomach, and his hands squeeze my thighs like he is trying to gain control of the emotions that he has lost.  I don’t want him to; I want him to let go of those emotions because tonight could be the last night I get to stay with him as just Char-coal and Cash Money.  Tomorrow, I put up a new front, one that says I want Dylan Sloan back in my life. It is a front that is the biggest pile of horse shit I have ever heard.
    Cash begins to slow down and brushes my hair from my face.  He breaks our kiss and looks into my soul.  He doesn’t have to say what he’s thinking because I know.  I know he loves me for me.  Plain ol’ Char-coal.
    “Char-coal, we’ve got to stop.  If we keep going at this rate, I’m not going to be able to stop myself, and when I’m finally with you, it’s gonna be special.  The two of us in the front seat of the truck ain’t special.  You deserve better than that.”  He kisses my lips.  “Now, are we going to the club or what?”
    “Damn straight, we are.  I’ll meet you there in fifteen.”  I slide to the passenger seat, grab my purse, and make my way to the house.
    Before going inside, I glance over my shoulder and wave to Cash.  Trying to calm my emotions, I take a few deep breaths and go inside.  Of course, Mama and Dad are waiting up, even though they are asleep on the couch.  They are too cute.
    I walk over to them and give them a nudge to tell them we’re home.  They claim they had just closed their eyes and weren’t sleeping.  Whatever!   I let them know I need to go to the club.  My mama gives me a look that I’ve never seen before, and then she says what I thought I’d never hear.
    “Char, are you sure that’s the best idea?  I mean, we trust you two completely, but don’t put yourself in a situation that leav es open doors for mistakes to be made.”
    “Mama!   Are you kidding me?  It’s Cash for crying out loud!”
    “That’s exactly my point.  You love him with your heart, and he feels the same way.  Things can happen, ya know?”
    “Stop, Mama!  It won’t.  I’m going.”  I turn around and hear my dad in the background.  He can’t believe she just said that, but I bet he actually can.
    I hustle up the steps, change into a pair of black yoga pants, tank, and a Southern swimming hoodie.  I slide on my boots, tell Tessa I’ll see her in the morning and grab stuff for PB&J sandwiches, chips, and two Choice Cherry Golds.  I make my way to the barn, crank up the four-wheeler and head to the club.  I’m not surprised to see the light is already on.
    Once I get to the club, I toss my stuff over my shoulder and climb up the ladder.  I place my bag onto the floor before climbing inside. I turn around to see Cash Money, standing in a pair of loose-fitting Under Armour fleece pants, long-sleeved T-shirt, and ball cap.  Damn. Mama might have been right.  He squats down to adjust the heater and then looks up at me.
    “You brought PB&J’s?  Sweet.”
    He turns on the radio, and we sit in the floor and make sandwiches. Just like it’s us against the world, Cash a nd I fall into our own bubble.
    After our midnight snack, Cash cleans up the mess because we sure don’t want any unwanted critters tonight.  When he finishes, he steals my heart with a Hershey’s bar, marshmallows, and graham crackers.  There’s nothing like S ’mores over a kerosene heater.
    We sit