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This man has me wanting more. But, if I can’t have it, I don’t want a single minute of it. I don’t want to be a pawn in his chess game—one where he can dispose of me at his convenience. However tomboyish I am, I think of myself as a queen. I protect the pieces of my life so fiercely. I want more, and if I can’t have it, I don’t want to entertain anything less than.
The confusion in his eyes compelled me to wrap myself in his embrace, but I refused to allow myself to go there, so I shoved him away. Hard. Hard enough to where he stumbled back far enough, allowing me to swipe my shoes and run away as if zombies were chasing me.
Even for one night, pretending to be someone else doesn’t mean I can play with my heart like that.
The next morning, with an even bigger mess of emotions running through my mind, I’m upside down under the dash working on the wiring for the radio. Praying I don’t get a zap of electricity. That’s something Victor has succeeded with.
“Collins?” Lawson’s voice pulls me from my intrusive thoughts.
My eyes pinch close. This isn’t going to end well. I grunt, trying to maneuver my body upright. My eyes land on my brother and best friend. They stand hand in hand. I wiggle my eyebrows at Massey as the giddy grin covers my face. Aw, my heart.
“Well, hello, you weirdos,” I tease.
“Bite me,” Massey jabs back. Oh, she’s sassy with a blush.
“That’s his job.” I point to Lawson.
Even with Massey’s fake gasp, it doesn’t sway Lawson. “Truth!” He beams at me.
Massey nudges his shoulder with hers. “Don’t encourage her.”
He shrugs and swings their intertwined hands. With a deep gruff, he releases her hand and wraps a hand around her side. I look between the two and offer a thankful smile. Lawson looks so happy and healthy, more than I’ve ever seen him before.
“We are going to dinner tonight and want you to come with us,” Massey offers.
I don’t let a second pass before answering. “Third wheel? No thanks.”
“Come on.” She puffs her lips out, attempting a pout with a smile.
“I’ll buy. Think about it. Free beer,” Lawson offers.
Oh, that changes things. “You’ll buy?”
“Promise. And I won’t say that and then leave you with the bill this time.” Lawson bounces on his heels. Massey steadily nods next to him.
“Free beer?” I ask again. Admitting defeat is giving him. “Okay, I’m in.”
Lawson bumps his fist in the air and Massey laughs at how easily I gave in.
“Get cleaned up and we will meet you at The Hutt.” Lawson grabs a towel and throws it at me.
“See you there,” Massey says, following Lawson out the door.
It’s not the worst way to spend an evening. Third-wheeling it with my brother and best friend. Wow, that sounds horrible, but then again, there is beer. Maybe giving them shit will help distract me from thoughts of Victor.
Cleaning and moping around until I give in to go home. After showering and shaving, I throw on my favorite jeans and tank top. Even though the jeans have random holes and are worn out so much the thin fabric begs to rip further, they are the most comfortable jeans I have. I brush my long, sun-kissed hair out, too. The ocean dries out my long locks and store-brand conditioner doesn’t do much to help it.
Dusk settles into the evening with a perfect Hawaiian sunset as my rackety old truck pulls into the parking lot of the restaurant. Massey and Lawson are waiting for me outside, looking guilty as hell.
Massey presses her lips together as I step toward them. “You look better in grease,” she teases.
“Dude, her car looks better,” Lawson joins in on the fun.
“I’ll agree with that.” I poke Lawson in the chest. Thankful we appreciate some of the same things.
“Come on, we have a table waiting.” Lawson pulls Massey behind him, and I follow, ready for that free beer and food.
Dipping between tables to get to their reserved table, it completely goes over my head what I’m walking into. The Hutt doesn’t have reserved tables. It’s a first come first serve. This place looks rundown on the outside and partly on the inside, but it has some of the best food I’ve ever had.
