Like it was planned.
Owen’s mouth curved like the universe had decided to heckle us.I laughed—half-mortified, half-exhilarated—and he leaned in close, one hand still on my waist.
“Sure you don’t want another dance?”His breath was warm on my cheek.
Another laugh bubbled out of me.“With AC/DC?I don’t think so.”
His other hand was still clutching mine.“Then let’s go.”
He led me off the dance floor.At the bar, Halle and Luke were sitting side by side, their heads together like they were sharing a secret.For half a second, I thought I should tell her I was leaving—then Luke kissed her, and Halle slid an arm around him like she’d been waiting all night.
Well.That solved that.
Owen sensed my hesitation and glanced at the bar.“That’s new,” he said.
My head snapped to him.“I thought—”
“No.”He shook his head.“He’s been chasing her for years.At least he waited until the divorce was final.”
“Divorce?”I blinked.“His or hers?”
“His,” he said.
There was still so much I didn’t know about this town.
Outside in the balmy night, he led me to the oversized Cadillac.
“Want me to drive?”he asked.
I was already handing him the keys.
He took them without a word, opened the passenger side for me, then slid behind the wheel.The radio was on low, playing some old classic rock tune from my youth I’d forgotten I liked.He left it on—didn’t even adjust the seat or mirrors—just settled into the driver’s seat like he was born to it.
Then we were off, heading down the dark two-lane highway back to my house.
My heart pounded hard, my pulse erratic, and I wasn’t sure I remembered how to breathe.
When we were sixteen, I’d dreamed about kissing him.He never gave me a sideways glance.I guess that’s why I was determined to beat him at everything—grade point average, pool, and whatever else I could do to get his attention.
Now that I’d kissed him as a full-grown adult, that fantasy turned into something less sweet.
I glanced his way.His focus was on the road ahead, one hand on the wheel like this was a casual date.While I was coming apart at the seams, he seemed perfectly calm.
Which was annoying.
He caught me staring.
“What?”A smile pulled at the corner of his mouth.
“In high school…” I started, then stopped.Pressed my lip together and shook my head.“Never mind.”
“What about it?”He sounded half amused.
“I thought you didn’t like me.”
He cut me a glance.“I told you.I’ve always liked you, Piper.”
Since kindergarten.Yes, I remembered.
