Looking in the mirror, I finish applying some red lipstick and stare at my reflection. My blue eyes are clear and bright, my pale cheeks rosy, and my lips, they tilt to the side as I think about the reason for these subtle changes.
After hearing nothing from him over the past three days, I sent him a text earlier asking if he still planned to see me tonight. I received a blunt response saying that it was nice of me to finally spare two minutes out of my busy schedule to text him and that I’m to meet him out front at seven and wear jeans because he’s bringing his bike.
I laughed, not giving a shit if he was angry. He doesn’t realize what a big deal this is for me, or what a colossal mess my life might become by taking this next step with a guy like him. I might not deserve this, and it might not work out, but I’ve always been greedy, so I’ll take it all anyway. Every last drop.
At five minutes past seven, I decide I’ve let him wait long enough and make my way down to the front gate of the complex.
I’m wearing my light denim skinny jeans, a long sleeve white peasant top, and an older pair of heeled brown boots. I’ve gotta say, it feels good not to have to stress over which dress or pair of heels to wear to whichever function or restaurant I’d usually go to on dates.
The sound of my heels clipping on the sidewalk echoes into the silent gardens. I close the gate behind me and pause to take in Jared, who’s scowling at me. The scowl falls from his face when his eyes rake down my body.
He whistles. “Well, damn, Frost. I’m feeling a little underdressed now.”
My brows scrunch as my eyes flit over his usual jeans and black motorcycle boots. He’s wearing a dark red shirt under an old denim jacket. “I don’t know if red is really your color. Clashes with those eyes of yours.” I wink and finish walking over to him. He laughs, the sound rising above the noise of the traffic and causing a smile to settle on my face.
“Come here.” He tugs my hand until I pull it away to rest on his hard chest. I place a finger on his lips when he moves to kiss me.
“If you’re courting me, shouldn’t you wait until the night is over?”
His eyes bulge, a crease forming between his lowered brows. “What? People actually do that shit?”
Still smiling, I inform him, “Yes, I’m pretty sure they do. You know, it’s the gentlemanly thing to do.”
He growls playfully and starts kissing my finger that’s still on his lips, making me laugh. “Good thing I’m not a gentleman then.” Grabbing the back of my head, he crushes his mouth to mine with a soft groan and my hand falls away. I weave them through his hair, rising onto my toes to deepen the kiss.
After a minute, he pulls away. “Still wanna watch a movie instead? ‘Cause I’ve decided I’m totally down for that.”
I place a kiss on his cheek, lowering his head so I can whisper in his ear. “Let’s be real here; we probably wouldn’t watch it anyway.” I pat his chest and lean over his bike to grab one of the two helmets he’s brought.
“Precisely why I think we should ditch this whole date thing.” He moves my fingers aside to fasten the strap under my chin and pecks me on the lips before pulling his own helmet on.
“You got me a helmet?” I try not to sound like he’s gifted me with a piece of jewelry instead of a plastic piece of head protection.
“I did,” he says before climbing on the bike and spending several minutes trying to get it started. I bite my lip, trying not to make a comment about how long it takes. When its roar finally fills my ears, he revs it a few times and gestures for me to climb on behind him. I swing my leg over and wrap my arms around his waist. He squeezes my hands then turns the bike, looking over his shoulder for an opening in the traffic.
I never thought I’d admit this, not even to myself, but riding with him on this thing is becoming one of my favorite things to do. He turns, joining the flow of traffic, and I bask in the cold breeze that washes over my flushed cheeks.
The night is still young, the purple and pink hues of dusk fading into the darkness that will soon blanket the night sky. Looking ahead, I notice we’re headed into the warehouse district. My stomach tightens, and I wonder when I was last here. I try to stay away from it, especially seeing as Isla’s Mercedes had its tires stolen from near the docks years ago when she was picking up some empty boxes to help her move out of her parents’ place.
The bike slows, and Jared turns, heading down a narrow street and around a bend. He then pulls into the parking lot of what looks to be a fast food place.
Huh. I never even knew this was here.
I must say the thought out loud because over the noise of the still rumbling bike, Jared says, “It’s a hidden gem. Best burgers in the whole damn city.”
He parks, and I instinctively let my legs drop when he turns the bike off. After releasing him and standing, I then take off the helmet, passing it to him when he climbs off the bike. I spin around, getting my first good look at the place.
The paint is coral in color, and there’s a good chance it was once red or pink. A huge burger sits on the roof with the faded words, Shake N’ Burger on it. Okay. I hope the food at least tastes better than the place looks. I knew we weren’t going anywhere with candles and tablecloths, so I don’t know why I’m surprised we ended up here. I just am. That might have something to do with not knowing this place even existed until three minutes ago. Maybe.
“Don’t judge, Frost. You’ll love it.”
I throw him a glare when he reaches my side. “I’m not judging. I’m simply admiring the”—I wave my hand around—“chic look about it.”
His chuckle is dry as he shakes his head and grabs my hand, tugging me across the parking lot and inside the restaurant. We’re greeted by a bunch of turning heads and the smell of meat, onions, and fried food. And to my surprise, my stomach chooses then to growl. Loudly. Jared laughs again, and I glance away, a bit mortified. He brings my hand to his mouth and kisses the tips of my fingers. “Let’s get you fed, beauty.”
He releases my hand when we take a seat in an old vinyl booth in the back. I can’t help it; I cringe when I feel the sticky residue of something on it when I slide in on my hands. Jared notices, looking amused. “What?” I huff.
He picks up a menu and peruses it. “You. You act as if you’ve never eaten anywhere other than cafes and five-star restaurants. Shit, I’m surprised you even visit the coffee shop.”
He’s got me there. “A friend of mine has been telling me for years to get coffee there, and I finally did. But you’re right; I haven’t really eaten at many other places. Though I do visit McDonald’s drive-through every now and then.” Mainly once a month, when I find myself in desperate need of a Big Mac and chocolate sundae.
His eyes widen a fraction, and I stare at his dark lashes, resting just below his brows. “You’re shitting me.”
Smirking, I pick up a menu and decide to have a look myself. “I’m not shitting you.”
I look at the options, which aren’t very creative. Just burgers, fries, onion rings, wedges, shakes, and breakfast meals. Oh, and milkshakes too, of course. Well, too much variety can make things difficult for some, I suppose.
Feeling Jared’s eyes still on me, I glance up. “What?”
His head shakes. “Nothing.” He waves down a middle-aged waitress, who beams at him and puts a finger in the air to indicate she’ll be over in a moment.
I can’t let it go, though. “No, tell me.” I swallow thickly. “Please.”
His lips pull into a small smile. “It’s just …” He scrubs a hand over his cheek. “Don’t you ever wonder what else is out there? What else might make you happy if you step outside your tower of cash and skewed perception?”
He doesn’t know how big a step I’ve already taken. It’s more of a leap really. “Who says I’m not happy? Besides, everyone loves money.”
He shrugs. “Sure, it’s great to have. But it’s not everything.”
I know. My chest hurts with just how much I know. He reaches across the table to grab my hand. “Hey, I didn’t mean to …”
I shake my head. “No, I’m fine.”
He stares, looking like he doesn’t believe me. We’re thankfully interrupted by the waitress, and he lets go of my hand to lean back in his seat. “Well, if it isn’t Jared Williams, my boy. How’ve you been?” She slaps his shoulder with her notepad.
He smiles up at her. “Fantastic.” His eyes move over to me. “This is Vera; Vera, this is Nita, wife of the guy who makes the best burgers you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting.”
I give her a small smile. “Nice to meet you, Nita. Tell me, do you have soap in the facilities here?”
She frowns over at Jared, who winks at her, and she then returns her brown eyes to me. “Uh, yes, we have soap in the bathrooms. And nice to meet you, too, Vera.”
She eyes me up and down, looking a little confused after her quick assessment. I don’t know what I said that makes her look that way, so I mentally shrug and ask if they have wine.
“Um.” Her eyes dart to Jared again then back to me. “No, but we have beer?”
I wince. “Yeah, no thank you. Water will do. Bottled if you have it.”
Jared orders two burgers and sends her on her way. I see her glance back at us a few times on her way to the kitchen.
“What’s her deal?” I mutter.
He shakes his head with a laugh. “Really, Frost? You think a joint like this would have wine?”
I shrug. “How the hell was I supposed to know unless I asked?”
“Never mind, she’ll get used to you. Or you’ll get used to this place because, high maintenance or not, I guarantee you’ll be back.” He stretches his arms above his head, and my eyes involuntarily roam over his chest and stomach. My own stomach dips when I catch a glimpse of skin above the waistline of his jeans, and remember the smooth, warm feel of it against mine.
“Thanks for ordering for me, too, Hero.” Though I know the options were limited anyway.
“Don’t mention it.” He plucks a toothpick from the holder on the table to put between his teeth. “Wait, you’re not allergic to anything, are you?”
I watch the toothpick in rapt fascination as he talks. “What?” I blink, shaking my head a little.
He grins, repeating the question for me.
“No, I’m not. Unless you count cheap perfume.”
He nods, looking serious as he says, “Noted. No cheap perfume. Stay away from half the women in here then, Frost.”
I roll my eyes, and he chuckles.
“You need to stop calling me that,” I say only half-heartedly because really, it’s kind of grown on me. Or maybe it’s the way he says it as more of a term of endearment than an insult.
“Not gonna happen.” He thanks Nita when she places our food and drinks down a few minutes later.
He starts eating as soon as she leaves while I just sit here, staring down at the humungous burger in front of me. I glance over at the bathroom door, watching some guy exit while still tugging up his jeans. Cringing, I grab my purse and quickly swipe some hand sanitizer on my hands, all the while Jared smiles at me around a mouthful of food. I look around for a knife and fork. Okay, I know I’d look stupid, but this thing is huge. I’ve never seen a burger like this before in my life.
Fuck it. I grab it, cringing again as grease and sauce drip down my hands, and take a bite. My taste buds explode, and I don’t even look up or give two shits about what Jared is doing until I’m done. I eat the whole thing like I haven’t eaten in months. Because he’s so right, damn it. It’s probably the best damn thing I’ve tasted in months.
“Fuck me, Frost. You’ve gotta take off your training wheels before you try to win a race.”
I wipe my fingers and mouth with a napkin.
“Oh, har har,” I say after swallowing. “I’ll be fine.”
“You’re tiny, though, all willowy looking and shit. Well, except for those tits and that ass.” He grins at that. “Where’s it all going to go?” His eyes narrow. “Shit, you’re not gonna barf, are you?”
I laugh. “No, at least I hope not. And despite what you may think, I happen to like my food very much thank you.” I surprise myself by winking at him and admitting, “So does said ass and tits. And let’s not forget my hips.”
I take a sip of water, watching and almost coughing as his eyes seem to glaze over. “I’m familiar with them, though I think I’ll need to spend a little more time getting to know them, you know, just to make sure they haven’t forgotten about me,” he says quietly.
I put the bottle down, feeling all fluttery and weird in my chest. How the hell does this man, who screams bad news and is the total opposite of everything I thought I’d want, affect me like this?
Clearing my throat, I glance out the window into the parking lot, watching a small group of people as they laugh at whatever they’re talking about.
I know it’s probably kind of sad that despite all the opulence in my life, this date is the best one I’ve ever had. Considering I’m sitting on a sticky seat, just ate half my weight in carbs, and I’m not sure if that’s really barbecue sauce on the wall by the window. Yet I can’t bring myself to feel any sort of sadness over it. Only apprehension that our time together might come to a crashing end. But I can’t deny myself of this. I’m sick of denying myself the things that really matter and could make me truly happy.
His warm hand lands on mine, causing me to startle and bring my gaze back to his. He tugs the napkin out of my fist, bringing it to the corner of my mouth while he says, “Ready for dessert?” He wipes my mouth, and I let him, too caught up in watching his lips as he talks. He lets the napkin fall, gently taking hold of my chin and dragging his calloused thumb over my bottom lip.
“Ready when you are,” I whisper.
To my surprise and dismay, he actually orders dessert. Two banana splits. I can hardly manage to get through half of mine because it’s huge as well. He has no trouble, though, barely muttering two words to me as he scarfs it down. When he starts eyeing mine, I nudge it over to him, watching in amused fascination as he demolishes that, too. “Aren’t you a little old to be enjoying ice cream like a big kid who’s just been handed a treat?” I ask. Yeah, I’m digging for his age. Sue me.
He shovels more into his mouth, mumbling to his bowl. “If twenty-six is too old for ice cream, then I’m done with this whole growing up thing.”
We both laugh, and I rest my head on my hand, wondering if he’s going to lick the bowl when he’s done. He doesn’t.
“When’s your birthday?” I wonder out loud.
He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. “Few weeks.”
He throws some cash onto the table and grabs my hand, helping me up and waving to Nita as we walk outside. The cold makes me wish I’d brought a coat, but he quickly fixes that when we get to his bike by pulling his jacket off and passing it to me.
“Thank you,” I mumble, pushing my arms into the sleeves. He just smiles and puts the helmet on my head. I tug it on and pull the straps together, but then he gently swipes my hands away and does it himself again. I close my eyes until he’s done, scared I’ll attack him and make an idiot of myself right here in the parking lot with these feelings he’s made rage to life inside me. He lets me know he’s done by kissing me on the nose before he climbs on the bike. I wait while he kick starts it for a few minutes and then finally gets it running.
“Why don’t you buy a new one?” My gaze skims over the rather old Harley-Davidson. “One that doesn’t take forever and a day to start.” I grin when his handsome features morph into an outraged scowl.
“Don’t let her hear you say that again; she may be old, but she’s sensitive,” he says with so much seriousness that I burst out laughing, bending over to hold my full stomach.
“She’s?” I gasp and straighten up, wiping underneath my eyes. “She’s sensitive all right. How’s that normally work for your street cred? Making women wait ten minutes each time you need to start her up?”
He grins, grabbing my arm and tugging me over to his side. The heat of his thigh seeps through his jeans and my own as my leg rests against his. He looks up at me, licking his bottom lip. “I wouldn’t know or probably give a shit because you’re actually the only one I’ve let on the back of this bike.”
The smile drops off my face. My lungs deflate as air rushes up my throat and out my mouth in a huge exhale. He brings my hand to his mouth again, gently resting his lips on top of it. “You’re beautiful even when you throw your venom and rich girl questions at people. But when you look at me like that … you’re fucking breathtaking.”
And it’s official. This man is more than just bad news.
He’s the very definition of the word.