Without You (Love Wanted in Texas 1)

I felt a tear slip from my eye and make its way down my cheek. Colt quickly looked away.

Luke was my crazy cousin, who—

Oh my God. What is he wearing?

My mouth dropped open as I read his T-shirt.

Fur trade is not cool. Shave your beaver.

I looked at Luke as he was talking to Will about some program at A&M.

“Luke, are you really wearing that T-shirt?” I asked.

Luke stopped talking as he looked down at his shirt and then back up at me. “No, Alex. I’m actually sitting here naked, but I’ve put a force field around me to make y’all think I’m dressed.”

He looked over at Libby, who quickly blushed and looked away. Luke seemed surprised by Libby’s reaction.

“You’re such an ass. I can’t believe Aunt Ari would let you wear that,” I said.

Luke let out a gruff laugh. “Please. My mommy doesn’t tell me what I can and can’t wear.” Leaning his chair back, he folded his arms behind him and rested his head against his hands.

Colt looked to the right and started laughing.

“Luke Drew Johnson…”

Luke looked over to Aunt Ari, who was standing there with Uncle Jeff. He was attempting to hold in his laughter, but he was doing a terrible job of it.

Luke lost his balance and fell backward.

Libby jumped up and ran over to him. “Are you okay?”

Luke looked at her and frowned. “Yes.”

Libby went to help him up, but he pulled away from her.

“I’m fine, Lib,” he said as he jumped up on his own.

Her face fell as she got up and sat back down. My heart broke for her. She hadn’t been acting right ever since our last field party, and it was driving both Will and me crazy that she wouldn’t tell us what had happened.

“Good Lord, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, I swear. Jeff, take off your T-shirt and give it to Luke.”

“What?” Luke and Uncle Jeff said at the same time.

Aunt Ari gave Luke a look, and he quickly went to the men’s bathroom with Uncle Je

ff following him.

When he came back out, Colt busted out laughing as he shook his head.

Luke smacked Colt on the back of the head. “Shut up, you little bastard, or I’ll kick your ass.”

Aunt Ari walked up and smacked Luke on the back of the head. “Knock it off.” She turned and smiled. “Y’all have fun tonight, but don’t stay out too late.”

We all said good-bye to Aunt Ari and Uncle Jeff. After dinner, we decided to head on over to Will and Libby’s.

Taylor rode with us, and she told Will and me all about the trip she was planning to take to Italy next summer. She had been taking Italian for three years, and she had rapidly picked it up.

I was going to miss her so much. I was going to miss everyone so much. I looked at Will as he smiled and asked Taylor another question about Italy.