Gently grasping August's cock, I drew him closer. He moved with me until his tip was pressed against my opening.

As I started working it inside me, I looked up to see his face twist with pleasure; his mouth fell open while his eyes briefly closed. I felt a twinge of discomfort, a mere warning at first. But then I took him deeper, and the pain bloomed within me. Though I wasn't a virgin, I was just about, and my pussy wasn't accustomed to this kind of intrusion.

August opened his eyes in time to catch my wince. "Easy," he coaxed. "No rush, remember?"

I nodded but slowed only a little while guiding him farther inside. It was then that I realized I was pretty much fucking myself with August's dick. He did nothing to hurry me along, instead following my pace. Having this much control, at least at first, made it easier for me to bear the sensation of being stretched wide.

Once his cock was halfway inside me, I exhaled the air bottled up in my lungs. Despite feeling like my pussy was already beyond full, I knew I could take more.

So I released August's dick and leaned back. Looking up at him, I offered what I hoped was a confident smile. 

"Your turn now," I said.

He was careful while sliding all the way into me. For a moment, he remained completely still, his stare fixed on our joined bodies.

"My God, you're perfect," he whispered.

That made me giggle. By now, the pain was subsiding, and endorphins must have been flooding my bloodstream, because I felt giddy. August grinned at my reaction. When he moved to settle his body upon mine, I kept my legs spread and lifted, with my knees bent. The position made me feel exposed in a way I weirdly enjoyed.

I whimpered into the kiss August gave me. He began gently thrusting, and his slow, easy rhythm did wonders for unraveling my remaining tension. I tasted my pussy on his lips and tongue. I easily detected my scent on his skin. 

When I slipped my arms around him, he buried his face in my neck. His mouth was hungry there. His hips pumped a little faster. Every time he slid into me, I cried out. The bed creaked and groaned, and I was suddenly grateful the rooms around us were empty.

My hands glided lower until they rested on August's firm ass. I loved feeling his muscles tighten; he moved with a power, and an ease, which astonished me. This was nothing like the fumbling sex I'd had in the back of a car. 

Before long, I was gripping his ass to draw him deeper. I honestly hadn't expected to want it this much, but when August started rotating his hips and grinding against me, I grew desperate for an orgasm.

Lifting his head, he studied my face. Though he was breathing hard, his panting punctuated by occasional groans, a smile pulled at his lips.

"You're close now," he said with complete certainty. "Let go, Dove. Come for me!"

I made those weird, pleading sounds as my orgasm approached. That familiar heaviness was settling into my core, heat pooling deep. As August thrust harder, he stimulated a place within me I'd never discovered on my own. 

My eyes went a little unfocused, and like the bad girl August promised I could be, I begged him not to stop. God, I was almost there!

Though he had to be reaching his limit, his hips never slowed. Under my hands, his skin was fever-hot.

The moment I came, the orgasm seemed to bubble up from my depths, its warmth surging to every extremity. I closed my eyes while releasing a low scream.

"Yes, yes," August chanted between heavy breaths. "Come around my cock!"

I realized he could feel each spasm tightening my pussy even more. Sounding helpless, he swore, and I expected him to quickly pull out.

But he lasted until my contractions faded, leaving me a quivering mess. When he finally withdrew, I opened my eyes to watch him take hold of his dick. 

"Come on me," I said. 

That was all the permission he needed. His expression grew fierce, and after just a few strokes, he reached his own release. Hot semen struck my belly, then my left breast. 

August groaned and shuddered while continuing to pump away at his cock. I was fascinated by the sight of his orgasm; my curiosity caused me to blatantly stare. It was both strange and exciting to see him so vulnerable.

Afterward, he stayed on his knees, waiting for his breathing to slow. When he smiled down at me, I grew brave enough to scoop some of his cum from my breast with my fingertip. Holding his stare, I licked my skin clean. It was my first time doing such a thing, and I discovered semen tasted both salty and a little bitter. 

August raised his eyebrows, his smile widening. "Oh, you are a bad girl, aren't you?"

I winked at him. "You just have that effect on me, I guess." I started to sit up, but he shook his head.

"Let me get you cleaned up first," he said. "I made quite a mess."

A minute later, he was mopping up his cum from my skin with a warm, wet cloth. Its material was faded and somewhat rough, but his touch was gentle. I moaned as he lingered over my right nipple, and then my left.

"I'm gonna rent this room for another night," he told me. "We won't stay that long; we'll head to Fairview later today. But you and I need to get some sleep first, okay?"

I readily nodded. "I really appreciate this, August."

Holding the soiled cloth in one hand, he pressed his other hand to my cheek, then leaned forward to kiss me. "Be right back," he whispered against my lips.

While he was at the motel office, I used the bathroom. Standing before the sink to wash my hands, I studied my reflection in the mirror. My hair was tousled, and my eyes were heavy-lidded. My cheeks still held a faint blush. I realized I looked very well fucked. That thought made me giggle. Tanya would never, ever believe this.

My smile faded as I again fell prey to worry for my friend. I tried to reassure myself that August and I had made it this far, and we'd locate Tanya soon after we reached Fairview.

Still naked, I walked barefoot over the motel room's worn carpet to my bed. When August returned, he found me waiting, with the sheet barely covering my breasts. The sight made his tired features brighten. In no time, he'd taken off his shoes and stripped out of his shirt and jeans. My own expression was teasing while I pulled the sheet lower, inch by inch. 

"God, I love your tits," August said. "In fact, I love every inch of you." 

"Come to bed," I urged.

"Let me wash up real quick, honey."

Hearing him call me honey, like we were an actual couple, sent a warm wave of pleasure rippling through my stomach. 

August was quick about cleaning up, and he soon climbed into the bed to lie next to me. Before I could say a word, he drew me close. 

"You okay?" he whispered.

"Absolutely," I whispered back. As he lowered his lips to mine, his fingers sought out my nipple. It was amazing how that single touch immediately made my pussy wet. If August had wanted to, he could have slid right into me at that moment.

And he was clearly thinking about it; his kisses grew harder, and once he'd succeeded in teasing my nipple into a stiff peak, his mouth moved to suckle it. My breaths came faster, and my hips started their subtle rocking.

Reluctantly, August lifted his head. "We'll never get to sleep if we keep this up." With a sigh, he lay next to me. I was sure that if I reached beneath the sheet, I'd find his dick plenty hard.

But I told myself there'd be time for that later. We were both fighting exhaustion at this point. Curled up beside August, I studied his profile. Though his eyes were closed, he smiled.

"What are you thinking about, Dove?" 

I wondered if I should tell him what was on my mind. Maybe I should let him get some sleep first, then bring it up when we were on the way to Fairview.

"Out with it," he insisted. 

"If we..." I began, then stopped abruptly. August opened his eyes and turned his head to look at me. Gathering up my courage, I tried again. "If we find out Tanya's in trouble in Fairview, you'll be able to help her, won't you?"

He furrowed his brow. "Help her how?"

Again, I was hesitant to answer. I didn't want to just spit it out.

August understood then, for he said, "Now's the time to fess up and let me know just what you've heard about me."

I squirmed under his scrutiny. "You remember I overheard someone talking at the store."

"Yes." He drew out the word, not bothering to hide his impatience. 

"Well, I heard a little more than I originally let on," I admitted. "Somebody was recommending your, uh, services, to his friend."

"Who?" August asked.

"We ain't naming names here," I replied, again mimicking him. "But he said when he suspected his wife was cheating, he paid you to follow her. And you got evidence of the affair so he could use it in court."

August rubbed his chin. "That's all you heard? And yeah, I was doing honest work, making sure a betrayed husband got justice."

Before I could lose my nerve, I hurried on. "I also heard you persuaded some guy to pay a debt he owed. Is it true you broke some of his bones while getting your point across?"

"That's... an exaggeration," August told me, but he didn't say what was real or embellished. "And I know exactly who you heard talking about me." His expression darkened. "It's Wade, that fucker. Speaking of breaking some bones..."

"Don't you dare!" I pressed a hand against August's chest, as if to pin him to the bed. "I shouldn't have been eavesdropping on that conversation, but I was curious about you. And besides, Wade was telling his friend how... helpful you are in situations like these. He was very complimentary."

August snickered at that. "Yeah? Well, he needs to be more discreet with his compliments."

"Back to the topic at hand." I kept my palm where it was, and my fingers toyed with August's chest hair. "If Tanya's in trouble, can you deal with Rick?"

He let out another sigh. I felt a rush of guilt over how tired he sounded.

"Look, Dove, I've done some things I'm not proud of, but these days, I try to keep my activities aboveboard. I don't go around roughing people up for the hell of it." He rested his hand on top of mine. "When we find Tanya, I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure the situation doesn't escalate. I plan for you to talk to her and make sure she's okay."

"And if she isn't?" My voice shook a little. 

August was quiet for a long moment while staring up at the water-stained ceiling. 

"Then I'll help her," he finally said.

*****

August and I slept for seven hours straight. I was the first to wake; around me, the room was dim, with the curtains blocking out most of the afternoon light. Glancing at the digital clock, I found it was a little after two.

August stirred, reaching for me. I leaned to plant a kiss on the corner of his mouth. "I'm gonna hop in the shower," I told him.

I expected him to settle back into sleep. Instead, he sat up. In just a few seconds, he was all business.

"I'll contact a friend of mine who lives near Fairview." He was already out of bed, phone in hand. "That place is little more than a hole in the ground."

I was grateful to August for not dragging his feet. I wouldn't have blamed him if he did, for as much as I wanted to find Tanya, I wasn't looking forward to the drive ahead of us.

I was quick in the shower, intent on washing the smell of sex from my skin. The water's spray helped me shake off the last remnants of sleep. My hair was still damp when I stepped back into the room, a too-small towel wrapped around me.

August looked up from his phone, only to sweep his stare over my body. A devious smile formed on his lips.

"No need to be shy, Dove." He leaned forward in the chair. "There ain't any sense in covering up in front of me now."

Lifting an eyebrow, I welcomed August's challenge. Slowly, I approached him, loosening the towel all the while. Once I stood directly in front of his chair, I flashed my tits.

Before I could hide them again, August grabbed my wrists. Startled, I let go of the towel, and it fell to my feet. He drew me downward until my breasts were within reach of his mouth.

He pressed them together so my nipples touched. Despite my awkward position, I made no attempt to move. August licked and sucked at my tits, his tongue lashing each nipple. When they both disappeared into his hot, wet mouth, I felt a powerful throb in my pussy. I couldn't hold back a needy moan.

I would have let the man fuck me then and there, but he allowed my nipples to escape his lips. As he climbed to his feet, his hands slid over my thighs and hips. 

"I definitely need a shower," he said. "Once I'm finished, we'll head out."

Alone in the room, I dressed and did my best to tame my curls. Not long after the shower stopped running, I heard the hum of an electric shaver, followed by August whistling. 

He stepped out of the bathroom, wearing a black polo shirt and a pair of jeans. 

"You look..." I tried to find the right description. Nice just didn't cut it. "Very fuckable," I finally said.

August laughed, clearly pleased. "I clean up nice." Extending a hand, he said, "Come here, gorgeous." Taking me in his arms, he gave me one of those deep kisses I loved. "Ready?" he asked quietly.

I nodded, and again, he grabbed my bag and his own. I'd already stripped the beds to save housekeeping some trouble. August left some cash on the nightstand for a tip. 

Outside, the summer day seemed far too bright. I sat in August's truck, waiting for him to return the room key. I kept the passenger door open to let in the hint of a breeze.

Minutes later, we were on the road. When August asked if I was hungry, I suggested we stop at a drive-through to save time. We ate in a fast-food restaurant parking lot, with classic rock playing on the radio.

"Want the rest of these?" I offered August what was left of my fries, since he'd already polished off his.

I was taking a sip of diet soda when he told me, "Look in the glove box."

He wore dark sunglasses, which made it difficult for me to interpret his expression. Curious, I did as he said.

Almost immediately, I slammed the compartment door closed, because inside was a gun. The food I'd eaten now curdled in my stomach.

"August, why—"

He acted as if I hadn't spoken. "That's a .38. Five-shot. Ain't any harm in you knowing it's there."

Sweat prickled at my armpits. "But you said you didn't think the situation would escalate."

With his meal finished, he placed a toothpick between his lips. "I said I'm going to do everything possible to see that it doesn't. My main priority is keeping you safe."

Unease settled over me like a heavy blanket as we made our way out of town. Sensing my anxiety, August rested a hand on my thigh. 

"If Tanya and Rick are in Fairview," he said, "it shouldn't be all that difficult to find them. That place is quiet, a helluva lot quieter than Franklin." Returning his hand to the wheel, he went on. "My friend got back to me when you were in the shower. He suggested a few places for me to ask around, and he's gonna reach out to some folks who operate in those parts."

I knew better than to ask what those operations involved, so I chose a safer question. "What if Tanya and Rick aren't in Fairview but somewhere nearby?"

"That'll complicate things a bit," August admitted. "It's a large county, and they could easily disappear in those mountains. But based on Rick's recent behavior, I doubt he'll stay holed up for long. Worst-case scenario is they leave the area before we track them down."

We passed exit after exit on the interstate. All the while, the mountains seemed to creep closer, bearing down upon us. I sent a short, vague text to Mom, telling her I'd be staying at my friend's house another night. I decided if she pressed the issue, I'd explain that I was trying to avoid being around her sleazy boyfriend. That would almost certainly put an end to the conversation.

"Should I send Tanya a message letting her know we're looking for her?" I asked August. "I have no idea if she's seeing any of my texts. She might have read receipts turned off."

August's jaw tightened just a little. "Best not tip our hand."

Again, I was desperate to know the reasoning behind his thoughts, but I let the matter drop. A lengthy silence followed, with neither of us pressured to fill it.

We'd been on the road for a little over an hour when I told August I had to pee. Nerves had made my soda go straight through me. He took an exit to a small town, and we stopped at a drugstore. While I used the bathroom, he bought condoms. Back in the truck, he stowed the rubbers in the glove box, next to the gun.

When we finally left the interstate for good that afternoon, it was as if we'd been dropped into the arms of the mountains themselves. A simple green road sign announced we'd arrived in Fairview. Beneath the name was the word Unincorporated.

I saw clusters of houses nestled into hollows, and dwellings dotting the hillsides. Already, the sun seemed lower in the sky here. Cell reception was spotty, but my phone's GPS worked in directing us toward the address August gave me. 

Fairview had a main street, with several side roads branching off. August took one of those roads and ended up in front of a dilapidated building. From the outside, I couldn't tell what kind of business it was supposed to be.

"Wait here," he told me. "This won't take long."

I didn't argue. Instead, I sat in the truck and gnawed on my thumbnail, my knee bouncing nervously up and down.

August returned just a couple minutes later. "Dead end," he announced while sliding behind the wheel. "No amount of money would have made that man talk."

"Where to now?" I asked.

"The sticks," was all he said.

We passed a motel with light blue siding. "That's where we'll stay the night," August said. "Pretty much the only game in town."

As we drove away from Fairview, the surroundings became even more secluded. We must have gone ten miles before crossing a rickety wooden bridge that spanned a creek. A narrow road led us to a scattershot grouping of houses. August parked outside one that had seen much better days. 

"You know what I'm going to say." He flashed me a grin while unbuckling his seat belt.

"I know, I know. I'll wait here."

As soon as August started toward the house, I was glad I remained in the truck. A large dog, part Shepherd, came barreling from the side yard, stopping just before its chain yanked it back. It was mere feet from August, snarling and snapping its jaws.

For his part, August kept walking, seemingly unfazed. He stood at the front door and knocked, and I got only a glimpse of the man who answered before August was invited in.

The dog barked a little more, then retreated out of sight again. When August stepped out of the house, the animal didn't make another charge.

Back in the truck, August said, "This guy sang like a canary for fifty bucks. He told me he saw Tanya and Rick at a bar in Fairview just two nights ago. There's a good chance they're still around. Ain't many places for them to stay in these parts, but he offered a few suggestions for me to check out."

"We're really close now!" I was breathing faster, palms clammy and heart pounding. Tanya was actually here in this area. August had managed to track her down!

For once, he didn't warn me not to get my hopes up. No, his smile was as big as mine. "Seeing as how it's Friday, they might show up at the bar again tonight."

I practically bounced in my seat. "So we'll go there?"

"I'll go there," he corrected. "I doubt they'll let a sweet-faced thing like you through the door."

I merely rolled my eyes at that. "Then I'll wait in the car. If I spot Tanya outside, I can text you."

August was quiet a few seconds. "We'll see," he finally said. It was better than a flat-out no. 

Like the motel in Franklin, the one in Fairview was in desperate need of updating, but our room was cheaper, particularly since August and I would be sharing a bed.

"To save money," I'd told him, all innocent, before he'd paid for the room.

"Uh-huh." His grin was knowing. "Whatever you say, sweetheart."

Before getting out of the truck, I retrieved the condoms from the glove box, careful to avoid touching the gun.

My mood bordered on euphoric. Inside the room, I gave August just enough time to take off his shoes before I slipped my arms around him. I loved how strong, how solid, he was. 

"Thank you for helping me find her," I whispered.

He gave my hair an affectionate stroke. "We ain't found her just yet. But we will."

I planted a fierce kiss on August's mouth, which he returned with equal heat. My lips were still pressed to his when I started fumbling with his belt buckle.

I let him pull my blouse over my head and lift my breasts from the bra's cups. Lowering his head, he sucked hard at each nipple in turn. 

We hurried to get naked, and we were even faster getting into bed. I made sure the condoms were within easy reach. 

August's hands and mouth were all over me, his fingers moving from my pussy to my lips. I extended my tongue to taste myself and the salt of his skin. Between us, his hard cock was a constant reminder of how much he wanted me.

If I hadn't known him, I might have been unnerved, even alarmed, at the way he guided me onto my stomach, and then onto my hands and knees. 

"Can I have you like this?" he whispered while kneeling behind me. His palms glided along my hips and buttocks. 

I readily nodded. The motel room's air felt especially cool against my wet pussy, for I was spread open, just how August wanted me.

I heard him opening the condom wrapper. Soon afterward, he slid his cockhead along my inner labia, getting himself good and slick. 

At my entrance, he exerted the slightest amount of pressure. "Is this what you want?"

"Yes!" I cried out. 

"Then tell me." 

Though my face burned, I was willing to obey. More than anything, I longed to please him. 

"I want your dick in my pussy!" 

Those filthy words, practically shouted, made him moan.

"Spoken like a true bad girl," he said.

Then he thrust into me. 

I shuddered beneath August's hands while he filled me with every inch of his cock. He started out with a slow rhythm even as his grasp on my hips tightened. He waited until my groans grew louder, needier, before pumping faster.

Letting my head fall forward, I listened to the sound of wet, pounding sex. His body slapped against mine. 

"You'll be a little slut just for me, won't you, Dove?" 

Of course, I knew that kind of talk excited him, and I discovered I liked the way he coaxed me into being dirty. Shame was something that belonged to the past. It didn't exist here with August.

"Just for you," I told him. My voice shook from the force of his fucking.

"I'm the only one who gets to enjoy this sweet, tight pussy?" He was breathing hard and fast while maintaining his intense pace.

"No one else!" Strange sounds poured from my lips, sounds I didn't know I was capable of making. 

It didn't seem to matter which position August chose; he always managed to stimulate that spot inside me. With each thrust, he built upon my pleasure until I begged for more.

I thought he would fuck me till I was raw, so I was surprised when his rhythm slowed. Still buried in my pussy, he leaned forward so his chest and belly were nestled against my back. His mouth sought out my neck before he placed a tender kiss on my shoulder. All the while, his hips kept moving.

It was that gesture, sweet and unexpected, that sent me into orgasm. August cupped my breasts as I came hard, and the feel of his fingers at my nipples brought on more contractions. His breath was hot on my face. I turned my head toward him, offering what I could of my lips. 

Our kiss was messy and wet, with me violently trembling and him still pumping away. Finally, he let me plant my palms on the bed again while he fucked me into a series of orgasmic aftershocks.

I heard the deep, heavy groan accompanying his climax. He kept a firm hold on my hips, as if he needed me to steady him. Though I loved being fucked this way, I wished I had a clear view of his face at the moment he came.

When he released me in order to carefully pull out and remove the condom, my pussy clenched in protest at the sudden emptiness.

August got up to throw away the rubber, then rejoined me in bed. I eagerly slid into his embrace. With my cheek pressed against his chest, I imagined I could hear the rapid thump of his heart.

He lowered his lips to my hair and gave me a squeeze. I could sense his contentment; with our bodies relaxed, our muscles were loose, our movements lazy.

We dozed for a bit as the daylight gradually weakened on the other side of the closed curtains. 

When I stirred awake, a thought rattled around in my mind, one I hadn't wanted to consider before. I waited for August to open his eyes and give me a kiss.

Then I said, "That man you talked to earlier today... did he mention how Tanya seemed when he saw her at the bar? Was she still happy?"

I noticed August didn't look at me. I could have sworn I felt him tense up a little. 

"I asked him about that," he eventually revealed. "He said Tanya was quiet, didn't smile much. Subdued was the word he used."

That knowledge brought all my panic roaring back. Throwing off the covers, I told August, "We need to find her tonight. She's in trouble."

"You don't know that," he said, but he got up as well. I was putting on my bra when he added, "They probably won't show up at the bar till nightfall. We'll grab dinner before heading over there."

I merely gave a terse nod in response. I knew I shouldn't be impatient with August; after all, he'd brought me farther than I ever could have managed on my own. And his instincts were always correct. But knowing Tanya was so close, and yet at risk of slipping away again, made me shake with anxiety.

It was well after seven when August and I left the motel. We ate dinner at a small mom-and-pop restaurant where the customers and servers all knew each other. Being strangers to the place, August and I received more than a few curious looks when we stepped inside. 

I ate half a chicken sandwich, and August finished the rest, along with his own meal. Neither of us talked much. That was one of many things I respected about him; when I was brooding, he didn't try to coax me into a brighter mood. He didn't try to distract me with a bunch of chit-chat. He simply let me stew in my thoughts while he stayed cool and calm.

We reached the bar shortly before dusk. It was a painted cinder block building with a metal roof. Just one tiny window looked out onto the front lot. An awning appeared to have been added over the entrance as an afterthought, for it listed a little to the side.

August sat behind the truck's wheel for a moment, studying the place. 

"It looks pretty rough," I remarked.

That made him smile. "So I've heard. I'm gonna take a look inside while there ain't many people here. Maybe the bartender remembers Tanya and Rick." He glanced over at me. "You stay in the truck."

"Wait."

When August turned back to me, I took hold of his arm to pull him closer. I heard his faint moan as I kissed his mouth. His hand rose to rest on my cheek.

"Be careful," I whispered.

"Will do."

I watched him approach the bar, his stride reflecting none of the nervousness I felt. Darkness was edging in all around us. A streetlight flickered on nearby. 

August reemerged much sooner than I expected. "Those folks don't take kindly to strangers asking about their clientele," he said. "And I don't think they'll appreciate us sitting out here watching customers come and go, so you and I are gonna take a little drive up the road, then come back and park in that empty lot next door."

I couldn't hide my alarm. "Did they threaten you?"

"Nah," August said. "Just let me know I wasn't welcome."

"I'm sorry." I felt a rush of guilt for putting him in that situation. 

"It's all part of the job," he replied. Even now, he didn't appear unsettled. 

We waited till night had fallen, then returned to the bar, parking in front of a ramshackle building next door. A sign out front read: FOR RENT.

The bar's parking lot was a little busier now, mostly filled with pickup trucks. As we kept a close watch out for Rick and Tanya, August asked me what I planned to do once we were back home.

I could only shrug. "I've lost my job at the store, so I'm not sure. Mom doesn't know about that yet, and she won't be happy when I tell her. She expects me to help out with the bills, while she lets her sorry boyfriend eat all our food and even do his laundry at our place. And he doesn't pay a damn cent."

"Where's your dad?" August asked.

"Long gone." My tone made it clear I didn't want to discuss it any further.

Next to me, August leaned back in his seat and sighed. "Same with mine. I ain't seen him in, oh, twenty years..." His voice trailed off, and he sat up straighter. I followed his stare to a nicer vehicle which had just pulled up in front of the bar.

My stomach did an anxious flip-flop. I waited, breath held, as two women got out of the car. Neither was Tanya.

"You know," August went on, "I don't just do this kind of... work. I take on lots of odd jobs, and I occasionally put in some hours at my cousin's auto repair shop. My grandparents left me their house free and clear, so I don't have all that many expenses."

I listened intently, for it wasn't like August to talk about his personal life much, and I was eager to learn more about him.

Still looking straight ahead, he said, "It sounds like you need to move out of your mama's house, Dove. And I got an extra room."

My eyes widened, and my mouth dropped open. "Wait, are you—"

"We could give it a trial run," he continued. "See if you're happy living with me."

I couldn't resist the impulse to grab his hand. I knew I'd be happy with him. Yet I said, "I have no idea when I'll get another job. Ain't a lot of places hiring."

He squeezed my hand in return. "You'll have better luck finding something part-time. That way, you'll be able to take some classes at the community college."

The same community college Tanya's parents wanted her to attend. It was nearly an hour's drive from our town, but if she would just come back home, she and I could make the trip together to the college several times a week. We'd save on gas, and we'd be as close as ever.

I blinked back sudden tears. It seemed too perfect to be real. I'd gone from having no options to being offered all kinds of opportunities. And August was the sole reason for that.

Maybe he misinterpreted my silence for misgivings, because he added, "Just think about it. No need to make a decision now."

Unable to stop myself, I lunged across the seat and threw my arms around his neck. He laughed as I planted kisses all over his face. 

"You won't be running around with other women while I'm living with you, right?" I slid my hand between his legs and stroked him through his jeans.

"Are you serious?" he said through a groan. "I'll have my hands plenty full making sure you're satisfied!" 

"That's right." I gave his earlobe a playful bite. "Because I'm going to fuck your brains out every damn day."

As he groaned louder, I felt him harden beneath my touch. "We'll pick this up back at the motel," he said. "Right now, you are proving to be way too much of a distraction."

Reluctantly, I settled back in the passenger seat, but the smile refused to leave my face.

It was only when an hour passed, and then another, that my mood darkened. "They're not coming," I said in a low voice.

"You don't know that," August replied. 

But by midnight, he was ready to call it quits. "We'll come back tomorrow evening, after I've looked into the few short-term rentals around here."

Disappointment was a heavy weight in my stomach during the drive back to the motel. August and I had the windows rolled down, so the rush of wind filled the truck cab's silence. Though my hair whipped around my face, I made no attempt to tame it. Instead, I stared into the darkness, wondering just how far Tanya was from me at that moment. 

The motel's lot was practically empty, just the way we'd found it earlier that day. Once August parked the truck, I started to roll up my window but paused when he rested a hand on my thigh.

"We're gonna see this through, you hear me?" His face was half-hidden in shadows. The parking lot light flickered and buzzed, threatening to burn out altogether. 

"Thank you for not giving up on her," I said, the words coated with tears. 

August wove his fingers through my tangled hair and guided my mouth to his. This wasn't a quick peck on the lips; instead, the kiss served to both reassure and arouse me. When his hand moved to my breast, I leaned deeper into his touch.

"Sorry to interrupt you two lovebirds," a low voice spoke from just outside the truck.

I let out a muffled shriek, and August abruptly released me. We looked toward the man standing near August's door. 

I started to say his name. Rick. I started to ask, Where the hell is Tanya?

But before I could speak a word, Rick swiftly raised his hand. In his grip was a small revolver, which he aimed directly at August.

"I heard you've been looking for me." The shadows did nothing to hide Rick's sneer. "So I figured I'd save us all some trouble and come to you."