Without You (Love Wanted in Texas 1)

Joe slapped my back, scaring the shit out of me. “Come on, I’ll walk you back to your dorm. I sent Callie a text and told her to meet me there.”

“Sounds good!” I said with a laugh. The beer was starting to get to me.

Joe and I started making our way toward my place, and the whole way, he kept talking about how wonderful Callie was. I could see how much the two of them loved each other just by the way they would look at each other.

“When are y’all getting married?” I asked.

“After school. Our parents insist on it, and since they’re paying for school and the wedding, I wasn’t about to argue.”

I laughed. “I see your point.”

“Shit, I see Roger. I need to tell him something. Let me run and catch him. I’ll meet you and Callie outside your dorm.”

“Sounds good.” I watched as he took off, calling for Roger.

I started toward my dorm and smiled when I saw Callie.

“Hey you! Where is Joe?”

“Took off after some Roger guy to ask him something. Said he would be right here.”

“Okay. Were you able to enjoy yourself and relax for a bit?”

I laughed. “Does it show that bad?”

She nodded her head. “Yeah, kind of. Listen, Will, I’m really sorry about you and your girlfriend. I hope that y’all can work it out.”

I tried to smile, but it came off as a poor attempt. “Yeah, I’m thinking when she calls me again, I’m going to talk to her.”

“Good. You need to give her a chance to explain. Is she still calling every day?”

I nodded and felt my stomach knotting up. “Yep.”

“Answer her when she calls. I’d hate to hear that she stopped calling because you kept blowing her off.”

I needed to change the subject. “I have some news for you.”

“Good or bad?” She laughed.

I reached over and pulled out a stick from her hair. “Jesus, where have you been? You have sticks and leaves in your hair.”

“I was helping an older lady trim trees this afternoon. I’ve never been hit with so many branches in my life, but I had fun. So, what’s the news?”

I raised my eyebrows at her and smiled. “I’ve decided to join y’all in Oklahoma over winter break.”

She threw her hands up to her mouth. “Oh my God. Are you serious?”

I nodded my head as she jumped into my arms. I laughed at how happy she was. She loosened her grip, and I set her down.

“I’m going to peck you on the lips!”

She quickly did what she’d said, and I laughed.

“Wait until Joe finds out!” she said.

“It’d better be good!” Joe said, walking up to us.

“Will’s going with us to Oklahoma, Joe!” she said.