Текст книги "Crazy Beautiful"

Автор книги: Penny Dee

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HEATH

The situation was shit. Plain and simple. I knew Harlow had a preconceived idea of who I was and I had hoped to prove her wrong. But again, my dick had gotten me in trouble, with yet another girl deciding to unleash her anger right in front of the one girl I might be seriously interested in. Things were going from bad to worse. And the way Harlow was looking at me in sheer disgust made me want to take her by the shoulders and tell her that this isn’t what I’m about.

But that would be a lie.

This was what I was about.

Those girls, I made them act that way. Maybe not intentionally. But it was because of me that they were angry. So I kept my mouth shut. I didn’t need her thinking about what a piece of crap I was.

I took my time riding us back to the apartment she shared with her cousin. It was a small tall and skinny by the beach. I kept the Harley at a low speed, trying to think of a way to make this better. For some crazy reason I really cared about what she thought of me. Even more crazy was me dreading the idea of her climbing off my bike and storming out of my life.

For whatever reason, I seemed to like being around her.

A little too much for my liking.

Pulling the throttle back I slowed down as I turned into her street, and pulled my bike to a halt out the front of her apartment block.

She didn’t take her time getting off the back of the bike and I couldn’t blame her. In the two times we had been out together, some crazy chick had thrown drinks at me because they felt I had let them down somehow. No matter who you are, that had to be some kind of fucking red flag.

After climbing off the bike she shook her hair free of its elastic band. It cascaded around her shoulders in thick chocolate waves and in the soft light of the dying sun she looked fucking amazing. I wanted to grab her and keep her with me. I didn’t want her walking away thinking I was such a jerk, even if it was the truth.

My eyes fell to the splash of chocolate milkshake across her shirt and I grimaced. She looked at me with those amazing bright eyes and I felt desperate for our date not to be over.

Date? Had I just thought that?

What the fuck?

I. don’t. date.

This chick was messing with my head.

“I guess I’ll see you around,” she said with a half-smile that made her look so freakin’ beautiful I wanted to beg her not to walk away from me and let me make it up to her somehow. “Thanks for dinner. It was … interesting.”

As she turned to walk away, I reached for her arm. “Hey, I really am sorry.”

It sounded feeble, but I was struggling to find the words to show her how sorry I really was.

“I know. But I think it’s probably best if …” She bit her lip in the most distracting way. “I’m sorry Heath, but you’re not a mistake I’m willing to make.”

Her words hit me like a kick in the face.

I stood there like a dick, speechless, as I watched her walk away.

“Look I don’t know why I am how I am.” I said suddenly, not sure where this sudden outburst had come from, yet unable to stop it. “And until I met you I never thought about it.”

She stopped and half-turned to look at me over her shoulder.

“I know girls throw themselves at me because I am a singer in a band. They’re not really interested in me as a person. They’re interested in the showman, the guy up there on stage in the lights. And they think that because I get up in front of a few thousand people and entertain them for a set that it makes me something that I am not. I know that. I’m not an idiot. But I am a red blooded male and if they’re offering …” He shrugged and held up his hands. “Why does that make me so bad? I’m a twenty-two year old guy. I don’t lie and I never promise anything I can’t deliver … ever …”

By now she had fully turned to look at me and in the late afternoon light she looked so fucking amazing I couldn’t help but fuck her a million times in my mind. But it wasn’t enough. There was something about her that had grabbed my attention and now it wouldn’t let me go.

She walked forward. “I’m not judging you Heath,” she said sincerely. “It’s just that I’ve seen enough to know I should stay away from you.”

Her words gutted me.

I didn’t want that.

And I wasn’t prepared to give up without a fight.

“I know you don’t believe me, but I am one of the good guys. I don’t intentionally set out to hurt anyone. Let me prove it to you.”

She cocked her head to the side in the most adorable way that I wanted to take her face in my hands and kiss her.

“Why do you care so much about what I think?”

It was a good question, and one I couldn’t answer.

“I don’t know. But I do. And I would like a chance to know why I worry so much about what you think of me. If you’d give me a chance?”

She smiled but looked apologetic.

“Thanks again for dinner.” Her eyes glinted like precious stones in the dusk light and I could see a hint of wickedness there. “I guess I’ll see you around.”

Watching her walk away, gutted me. I took it slow riding home along the beachfront. The sun was setting but it was still warm. I rode up to my favorite spot on the Peninsula. It was a good place to think. To get some peace and quiet. I pulled my bike off the road and followed the rutted path down to the outlook. The sky was alight with the colors of sunset and the Pacific Ocean crashed onto the rocks below. I could taste sea salt on my tongue and inhaled a deep breath of ocean air. This was where God gave me perspective. This was where I felt humbled. Standing on the cliff edge with a wide blue ocean stretching out before me.

This was where God reminded you how fucking big the world was and how small you were in the grand scheme of things; how important it was to leave your ego at the door because at the end of the day, you were only as significant as your actions. It didn’t matter who you were, if you were a douche, you were a douche.

I didn’t plan on being a douche.

Heels to haunch I stared at the wide expanse of ocean. Something was happening inside of me. It was a feeling I’d never felt before.

I didn’t know why I was so hung up on this girl.

I just knew that I was, and it seemed I was prepared to do anything—anything—to get her attention.

And I wasn’t going to stop until I did.

Chapter Four HARLOW

“Are you coming to the show tonight?”

The sound of Heath’s voice turned me around. He was walking up the street towards me.

“Now who’s stalking who?” I asked. I had just hopped off the bus and was heading towards work.

“I was on my way to see Fat Tony. Pure coincidence you’re going the same way.” He gestured with his arms to suggest the situation was completely out of his hands. “So are you coming to the gig at Lost City tonight?”

“Why would I?”

“Why wouldn’t you?”

I stopped walking; my eyes squinted against the Californian sun. “You’re not used to girls saying no to you, are you?”

“Why would they?”

“Or why wouldn’t they …”

“Good question.”

I frowned, confused, and Heath grinned.

Seeing his smug smile I gave up and started walking away from him. “God you’re annoying.”

He held his arms up again in an innocent gesture. “What?”

“Go away, Heath,” I said over my shoulder.

Not that he listened. In a second, he was trotting beside me. “I thought you might come along with Piper. Make some friends. Have fun. Hey, you could bring your cousin.”

“Bridge?”

“Yeah, the hot brunette,” he said with a grin.

I stopped, eyebrow raised. “She won’t have sex with you either.”

He gave me a sexy, mischievous half-smile. “You know I’m beginning to wonder about your obsession with sex.”

“I don’t have an obsession with sex.”

“You and I have probably had three conversations since we met and every one of them has involved you, me and sex. Is there something you want to tell me?”

“Yes. I will never have sex with you.” I paused to look at him. “And neither will Bridge.”

“Good. Then you can both not have sex with me together.”

I shook my head. He was rapacious.

“God you’re gross.”

“What?”

“Now you’re thinking about a threesome with me and my cousin.”

“Hey, you said it, not me.” He grinned. “But now that you mention it, I’ve never done cousins before.” He chuckled. “Well, not at the same time, anyway.”

I rolled my eyes and started walking again. “Thanks for the overshare.”

He jogged up beside me but was briefly distracted by a strawberry blonde in a tight skirt entering The Palace at the same time as us.

“Don’t let me stop you,” I said to him.

He looked at me blankly. “What? Her?” He waved off the idea. “I’ll get her number another time.”

I laughed at his arrogance and massive self-assurance. “Just like that.” I clicked my fingers. “You’ll get her number?”

He looked slightly perplexed. “Yeah, of course. If I want.”

I rolled my eyes. “Sure, Heath.”

“You don’t believe me?”

“No, I just don’t care.”

He eyed me and licked his lips. I could tell something devious was rolling over the cogs in his brain.

“Okay, I’ll make you a deal. If I get that girl’s number, you’ll come to the gig tonight.”

“And if you don’t?”

He laughed like the notion was absurd. “Then I will leave you alone and you won’t even know I’m around.”

I had to admit it; I was intrigued by his display of confidence. “Okay, fine. Why not.”

As Heath went off to talk to the girl, I put my handbag out the back and popped on my apron. It was quiet. Tony and Leo were in the kitchen chopping vegetable toppings for the rush on pizza later. Coralee was serving on the floor. Only three booths were occupied but that would change in an hour or so. Alice In Chains ‘Got Me Wrong’ played on the jukebox, near where Heath was talking to the girl in the tight skirt.

Although I couldn’t hear their conversation there was a lot of girlie giggling and hair twirling around well-manicured fingers. I aimlessly dried the same glass as I watched them, trying to ignore how irresistible Heath looked as he chatted up the girl. Aviators. White teeth. That damn smile that could melt the coldest of hearts.

Tight skirt girl wasn’t oblivious to it either. Her body language begged him to take her to bed.

When she leaned into him and put her hand on his chest and whispered something in his ear, I had to look away. I could only imagine what she was saying.

“Ooooh Heath, you’re so sexy, let me touch your dimples …”

“Ooooh Heath, you’re so funny and charming …”

“Ooooh Heath, look how big and strong your arms are … I bet you work out …”

I turned my back to them and replaced the over-dried glass into the rack. For some stupid reason the spectacle was really bugging me. Not that I cared if he went out with her. She was just one in a long line queuing up to be with him.

“Ooooh Heath, look at my big boobs. You can touch them later with your big hands, if you want …”

“Is that an invitation?”

My head shot up and I swung around. Heath stood opposite me, sunglasses up, his bright blue eyes twinkling. Heat rushed to my cheeks. Before I could say anything he held up a drink coaster, looking smug. I leaned in. There was a phone number scrawled across the cardboard. Anastasia was written underneath and the i in her name was dotted with a love heart.

“Ugh!” I rolled my eyes.

Heath grinned. He flicked his sunglasses down and he looked so damn hot I hated myself for thinking it. But it wasn’t the way he looked that caught my breath in my throat. It was the rich, raspy tone of his voice when he said, “Guess I’ll be seeing you tonight.”

His words fucked me right there on the spot and when he walked away I realized he had given me goosebumps.

And how relieved I was that Tight Skirt had given him her number.

* * * * *

This is not a date.

You do not like this guy.

This guy is a player.

This guy uses women.

This guy is trouble.

Get involved with this guy and chances are you will end up throwing a drink at him.

“What are you doing,” Bridge asked, wandering into my room. “You’re muttering away to yourself like a psycho. And if you yank through all your clothes anymore, they’re all going to fall off their hangers.”

I swung around, frustrated at the lack of clothes in my wardrobe. “I’ve got nothing to wear.”

“To?”

“Vengeance are playing at some club tonight. I’m going with Piper.” I held up a top and checked my reflection in the mirror. “You’re invited too.”

“I’m covering Coralee’s shift at The Palace tonight. Where are Vengeance playing?”

“Lost City.”

Bridge grimaced. “Home to Laguna’s finest,” she said sarcastically. “But don’t worry; you’ve been to Epic so you’ve already scraped the bottom of the barrel.”

“That’s so reassuring,” I said holding up another top.

She shook her head at my choice, so I held up another.

“With jeans?” she asked.

I nodded. After my shift at The Palace I’d gone jean shopping and bought three pairs.

Bridge shook her head. “No.”

Surrendering, I threw the top onto the stack of rejected tops piling up on my bed and bit my lip. I really needed a makeover. A Californian makeover. None of my clothes seemed right and looking at the pile of discarded clothes, I was amazed I had ever worn any of them.

Bridge held up a finger. “Wait.” She disappeared out of the room and returned moments later with a silky aqua blue halter top.

“Since I’m not going to be able to talk you out of going, I might as well help you look fabulous.” She handed me the top and I slipped it over the bra I was wearing.

“But you can’t wear a bra,” she said, helping to dress me as I removed my bra. She took a step back and whistled. “You look hot.”

I stood and turned to look at my reflection in the mirror. The top was perfect. Shiny and tight with a cowl neckline that occasionally showed the rise of my boobs. It was also short and did nothing to hide my belly. Against the gentle aqua my skin looked dark. It was a sexy top. Like nothing I had ever worn in my life.

“Are you sure?” I asked, wondering if I could pull something like this off. I’d never gone anywhere without a bra.

“You look incredible.” She smiled. “But I must need my head read letting you go out with Heath Dillinger when you look this hot.”

For some stupid reason I felt the sudden release of butterflies in my belly at the mention of his name. Which was stupid because he had heartache written all over him. Yet for some reason I wasn’t quite ready to stay away from him.

I gently shook my head. Nothing would ever happen between us. I was in California to have fun and in five months I would return to Georgia and start college in the Fall. I didn’t have time for romantic complications. Plus, after my break up with Colton, a boyfriend was the last thing I needed.

Not that Heath was boyfriend material. He had said it himself. He was a master at one night stands. And I didn’t care how good he was, I didn’t do one night stands.

Bridget disappeared to her room, returning with lip gloss and shoes.

“Try this lipstick.” She passed me the vial of gloss. It was pale pink and a perfect match to go with the aqua top.

She also handed me a stunning pair of heels. Stiletto. Black and chrome. And way too sexy for their own good. They raised me four inches taller and made my legs go on forever.

After a little accessorizing with silver bangles and a choker, the outfit was complete. I stood in front of the full length mirror and shook my chocolate mane to mess it up a bit.

The girl looking back at me didn’t look like a nineteen year old from Georgia; she looked like a hot, twenty-one-year-old Californian girl ready for a good time.

And that’s exactly what she was looking for.

* * * * *

HEATH

Goddamn! I was in serious trouble. As soon as she walked in wearing that seriously smokin’ top, I knew I was in a whole world of trouble.

I was onstage singing to a club bursting at the seams with fans. The crowd was lapping it up. Then she walked in and I forgot the words to the song I was singing. A song I’d sung a million times. Because when she walked in all my brain knew was her.

She smiled at me and I came fucking undone. I tried to focus. After all, these people had hauled their cookies out there to see us and I wasn’t about to disappoint them. But damn, that girl had me distracted.

We had three songs left in the set before we were due to take a break and in all honesty, I just wanted them over and done with so I could go and talk to her.

It was torture seeing her across the room and not being able to stand next to her. Usually I loved performing, but right now it was getting in the way of the only thing I wanted to do; be with her.

Christ, I bet she smelled amazing. I bet her flawless brown skin was smooth and polished. I bet her amazing long hair was fragrant and would feel like silk against your skin. God, I bet she felt amazing to touch. Damn, was she braless? The thought went straight to my crotch. Christ, I needed to get off stage and take a cold shower.

As she moved through the crowd she cast those big green eyes in my direction and it took everything I had not to dive in there and chase after her. She made her way towards Piper and Kelsey, who were across the room in a VIP seating area, but she swung around as a guy tapped her on the shoulder.

Recognition lit up her face and the next thing I knew, she was fucking hugging the guy. Goddamn, why did that make me feel like punching something?

In three seconds I had him pegged. Clean cut and rich. Was this her preppy ex-prince from back home?

I knew I was distracted. And it wasn’t fair to the fans. So I tried to shut her out. Tried not to think about who he was and why she had her slender arms around him. Granted, it was only brief, and it was him who pulled her into a hug. And judging by her reaction, she didn’t really know this guy too well so it wasn’t her ex-boyfriend.

But it was obvious he wanted to know her. And why the fuck wouldn’t he? I noticed how he kept her engaged in conversation for a little bit. She was trying to keep it friendly but distant. Every time she put distance between them, he would close it and step closer. That’s when I recognized him. Dean. A regular at Fat Tony’s. A regular player. Good looking. Very popular with the co-eds who frequented The Palace. And a real douche.

Damn it, Dillinger. Focus!

I ripped my eyes off them in time to belt out a signature roar into the microphone, and stomped across the stage so I’d stop obsessing about her and Mr. Handsy. Thankfully, by the time I looked back, Dean was gone and Harlow had joined Piper and Kelsey in the VIP lounge.

It seemed like it took forever to finish the set. But I was careful not to let the crowd know how keen I was for a break because they deserved better. But I was hardly subtle when I leapt off the stage and almost ran across the club towards the VIP lounge as soon as the set ended.

When Harlow smiled up at me I knew it was all over for me. She looked so damn good I just wanted scoop her up and keep her.

Yeah. I was in serious trouble.

* * * * *

HARLOW

I’d be lying if I said just the sight of him didn’t do things to me. It did. Big time. My stomach fluttered with a million butterflies as soon he came over to where I was sitting with Piper, Kelsey and the band’s two favorite roadies, Topher and Bandit. Straight away I was pleased I had come. The way everyone was looking at me in this top and jeans made me feel like I was Sandy in Grease and Heath was my Danny Zuko.

When I arrived at the club, I had run into Dean, the hottie I’d thrown beer over at Fat Tony’s. Distracted by Heath on stage, it had taken me a moment to recognize him when he tapped me on the shoulder. He was friendly and we giggled about my superior waitressing skills. He reminded me of our coffee date the following day, which kind of made me wonder what his intentions really were.

But as soon as Heath arrived at our table I pushed Dean from my mind. Heath’s attention didn’t waver from me all night. He was oblivious to the girls who tried to get his attention. Even the brazen attempt by a girl in gold hot pants who tried to wrap herself around him as he walked to the bar was met with a preoccupied rebuff. He simply untangled her with a smile and kept walking.

As soon as he finished each set he would rush back to our table. Then at the end of the night he leaned in and whispered, “Come for a ride with me?”

“Now?” I asked, trying to ignore how close his lips were to mine.

“I’m ready if you are?”

He had ridden his bike to the show and it was securely parked behind the club in a small alcove. Again, when I climbed on the back he took my hands and wrapped them around his waist.

We rode for a while before the city streets disappeared behind us and we were on the winding road leading out to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Streetlights gave way to native plants and fragrant shrubs as we wound our way along the unlit coastal road. The moon was high and cast a silvery glow along the coastline.

Being so late, the roads were empty and with my arms wrapped around Heath’s waist, it felt like we were the only people on Earth.

I breathed in the fresh summer night air, heavy with salt, as it rushed passed my face. Despite the late hour it was still warm even with the ocean breeze rolling up from the beach below us. Being on the back of Heath’s bike seemed like the most natural thing in the world and I relaxed, and enjoyed the ride.

Heath slowed the Harley on a ridge high up over the point. He pulled over and climbed off, taking my hand in his. Guided by moonlight, he led me down a narrow trail, walking confidently over the uneven ground until we reached a small clearing.

He stopped and I gasped at the view stretching out endlessly in front and above me.

We were on the bluff, not far from the edge of the sheer drop that plummeted to the Pacific Ocean below. Above us, a velvet night sky stretched out and sparkled with luminous star shine. Away from the lights of the beachfront, a billion stars twinkled brightly like sky glitter.

We sat on patchy grass and the world seemed so big and wide above and around us.

“This is so magical,” I whispered. When I turned to look at Heath he was already looking at me. In the milky light his handsome features were magnified.

“I come here to unwind. Like after a show when I’m still too wired to sleep. Sometimes it’s nice to get away from the crowd and the noise. It calms me, you know?”

“I can see why. It’s beautiful.”

He leaned back on his elbows and his biceps stretched the fabric of his t-shirt. “I like the peace and quiet.”

I leaned back too and rested my hands behind my head. I felt so small beneath the star scatter above.

“So … you and Dean…?” Heath said, his eyes still fixed on the sky. “Are you really going on a date with him tomorrow?”

“How do you know about that?”

“Piper mentioned it in passing.”

“It’s just coffee, Heath. It’s hardly a date.”

“I know Dean. I know what he’s like.”

I leaned up onto my elbow and cocked a brow. “Oh really?”

He didn’t look at me, choosing to keep his eyes trained on the stars. In the star shine he looked almost angelic. His skin gleamed like marble. His eyes were dark and shiny like polished stone. His big arms were behind his head and his biceps flexed whenever he moved.

“He’s a player.”

As he said it the muscles in his jaw clenched.

I laughed. “Coming from you, that’s pretty funny.”

His face flinched but smoothed just as quickly.

“We’re nothing alike,” he said, his brows drawn in again. “I just think you should be more selective of who you go out with.”

“I can’t believe you of all people are giving me dating advice,” I said.

He looked mildly offended. “Just because I don’t date doesn’t mean I don’t understand the concept.”

There was silence for a moment. Just the sound of the ocean crashing against the rocks below.

“Why do you care if it’s a date or not?” I asked. “We’re just friends, remember.”

“I don’t want you to get …”

“What?”

He gave a small shake of his head. “I just don’t want him to fuck with you.” He turned his head and his eyes found mine. “You deserve so much better than him.”

“Like you?” I asked before I had the sense to stop myself.

Seriously, what was wrong with me?

He turned back toward the starlit sky, his face serious. “No. You’re way too good for me.”

I didn’t know how to reply. It was the craziest thing I had ever heard. So I lay back down and rested my head against my hands again.

“It’s just coffee.”

“Whatever.”

I turned my head to look at him. “It’s not a date.”

“So you keep saying.”

I turned back to look at the star shine in the sky above us.

“I’m not in California to date anyone. But it’d be nice to have some friends.”

“I’m your friend.”

“Good. I like that.”

Heath kept his eyes on the sky. “But if we’re going to be just friends, H-bomb, don’t wear tops like that around me okay? Because that top makes me want to do some seriously unfriend-like things to you.”

* * * * *

I met Dean the next day for coffee at a small café and dessert bar just a short walk from the Pier. He kissed me on the cheek and gave me a friendly hug. Inside we were met with the rich, inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the heady sweetness of chocolate and caramel. We sat in a booth towards the back of the café and talked over coffee.

Dean was friendly and charming, and fully aware of his good looks. He listened patiently and was attentive. His smile was bright and perfectly white, although not as disarming as Heath’s. A student at the local university, he was studying law and worked part time at his parent’s photography business. Until he finished college, he was living with his parents.

We were on our second coffee when I heard the door open and looked up to see Heath saunter in.

You have to be kidding me!

He was with the girl from our bet who was wearing another tight and short denim skirt and a barely-there top. When his eyes found mine, he grinned.

I raised a brow and glared at him but this only made his grin grow broader.

They sat at a table on the other side of the room from us, but I had a clear view of Heath from where I was sitting. He deliberately sat facing me, that cheeky grin not far from his lips.

From that point on I was distracted. I tried to focus on Dean and our conversation but my eyes had a mind of their own and kept sliding over to the other side of the room. Heath appeared to be listening to whatever Miss Tight Skirt was saying but he was only being polite because he kept glancing over at me. When I threw him a disapproving look he grinned more. I rolled my eyes. He was enjoying himself. He was taking great pleasure in annoying me.

After a second coffee, Dean had to use the bathroom so I took the opportunity to escape to the dessert bar just to avoid Heath’s attention. I tried not to look over at him and his date, but of course my eyes wandered where they shouldn’t and fell straight onto Heath’s who was stealing another glance in my direction. His date had no clue. She appeared to be mindlessly talking about something he had no interest in, waving the straw of her iced coffee about and then slipping it between her glossy lips.

Within seconds of getting to the dessert bar, he was at my side.

“What are you doing here?” I whispered through gritted teeth.

“Having coffee with, Anastasia. You told me to ask her out, remember?”

“And you just happened to make the date for the same time and place as my date with Dean?”

His brow furrowed. “I thought you said it wasn’t a date.”

I shot him an exasperated look and shook my head, turning back to the dessert bar.

“You’re mad at me because I’m on a date?” he asked, hopefully.

“No, I’m mad because you’re crashing mine,” I replied, walking around the dessert bar but too distracted to take in the array of gourmet desserts because I was concerned about Dean coming back from the bathroom and seeing Heath with me.

Not that it should matter. But I didn’t want him to think anything was happening between Heath and I.

Because nothing was happening between Heath and I.

“What are you doing later? Perhaps we could catch up?”

“Are you seriously asking me out while you’re on a date with another girl?”

“It’s not a date. It’s coffee.”

Was this the most infuriating man in the world?

“I’m busy,” I hissed, eyeing the bathroom door.

“So what’s the difference between him and me?” He nodded towards the bathroom.

“He isn’t asking me out on a date while still on a date with another girl,” I growled. “I’m busy tonight. Plus,” I nodded in Anastasia’s direction, “you’re probably going to be busy later.”

He shook his head. “She isn’t really my type.”

I raised a brow and cocked my head to the side. “She has a pulse, Heath. Isn’t that your type?”

“Hey, I do have standards, you know.”

“Yes, and I’ve seen those—” I used my fingers to do air quotation marks, “standards. They are usually throwing drinks in your direction.”

“Hey, I meant it when I said I was sorry about that.” He looked so apologetic, I almost felt bad for giving him a hard time.

“Whatever.”

I picked some ridiculously decadent chocolate concoction out of the dessert arrangement and put it on my plate.

“I was thinking about taking a ride out to our spot,” he said.

“We don’t have a spot.”

“Weatherman says it’s going to be the hottest night of the summer.”

“So?”

“Good breeze on the bluff.”

I sighed. “You’re not going to let this go are you?”

“No. Absolutely not.”

Yes, he was the most infuriating man in the world.

Worn down I looked at him. “If I agree, will you leave me alone?”

Two dimples flicked next to his floodlight smile. “Pick you up around eight?”

I looked over at Anastasia who was tapping her foot against the table leg and sucking on the end of her straw.

“You’ll be finished by then?” I asked.

His gaze followed mine to Anastasia who was now looking at the bottom of her straw as if seeing how it worked for the very first time.

He turned back to me, his bright eyes firmly fixed to mine.

“I’ll see you at eight.”

* * * * *

Heath arrived on time. I heard the rumble of the Harley as it turned into our street and watched him from the window as he pulled up to the curb. My stomach flipped and curled at the sight of him as he climbed off the bike, dressed in a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt that clung to his broad chest and shoulders. I couldn’t deny it. When I saw him, he did things to me. Complicated things. Things I really shouldn’t feel. Things that made me hope he had kept his hands off Anastasia.