What the Heart Wants

by Kelli McCracken

  What a new sensation. She liked it. Didn’t want it to stop.

  Where did these thoughts keep coming from? She’d spent too much time with Faith.

  Or Dylan had awakened something within her. Something she hadn’t known existed.

  Concentrate…

  “Sit here and relax for a few minutes. I will get the rest of Chelsea’s things ready to go. It’s the least I can do after trying to give you a concussion.”

  “Do you really want to make it up to me?”

  Was he serious? Of course, she did.

  “Just tell me how,” she answered.

  “Come out with us this weekend. Have a little fun.” Us? Who was he referring to? “The whole gang is heading to Jerry’s beach house this weekend. To unwind. Your sisters are coming, too.”

  Since when? Why hadn’t they told her?

  “Really? They haven’t mentioned anything to me.”

  “Well, Hope just agreed to it today. I talked to Scott before I came here. Faith’s known for a few days.” His brows pinched. “I’m surprised she didn’t tell you.”

  Heaven’s eyes did a somersault. “Faith does what she wants, when she wants. If she feels the need to tell me something, she will. If she doesn’t, she won’t.”

  “She is a little difficult, isn’t she?”

  Understatement.

  At least she got to hear his laugh.

  “So is everyone staying over?”

  “That’s the plan. Jerry has several bedrooms and a guesthouse. You can share a room with your sisters.”

  “Sounds like fun. I’d love to go.”

  He looked pleased with that sexy smile on his face.

  Her knees wobbled.

  “I think you’ll have fun. We’ll have a bonfire and some drinks. Sebastian and Jerry will try to drown each other in the ocean. They make our get-togethers interesting.”

  “I bet,” she chuckled. “It will be nice to spend some time with you, too. You know, get to know each other better.”

  Did she just say that out loud?

  Dear God.

  At least he smiled.

  “I like that thought,” he whispered.

  So did she.

  Her heart fluttered. God, it was going to be an amazing weekend.

  * * * * *

  CHAPTER 14

  Heaven folded her arms atop the dining room table. She leaned her chin against them, watching Faith pace the floor. A couple more rounds and Faith would be successful in burning a hole in Chelsea’s carpet.

  “I hate waiting around for someone,” Faith said in her usual sarcastic tone. She parted the blinds and stared out the window.

  Was she this impatient when Layne was around?

  Hope hit the bottom step as she carried her bag to the door. “It’s only ten o’clock. Scott told me that he would be here around ten-thirty.”

  “Well, Layne is riding with Dylan.” Faith snapped her head in Heaven’s direction. “Did Dylan tell you what time he would be here?”

  Heaven gritted her teeth, wishing Faith could be pleasant for one day. “He said he would be here between ten and ten-thirty.”

  Faith groaned and began pacing, again. “I was hoping Layne would drive himself, but he always wants to be around Dylan. It annoys the hell out of me.”

  Good. Someone was annoying her for a change.

  “They are best friends. What do you expect?” If Faith planned to be unpleasant today, Heaven would not accommodate her with kindness. “Do you dread spending time with me on the drive up to Malibu?”

  “Don’t be sarcastic, Heaven. I want some privacy with Layne. Don’t you want to be alone with Dylan?”

  Finally. The truth was out.

  Just like Faith to think about her wants.

  “I’m going to be around him all day. If we want to be alone, we will find the time.”

  “Get your hormones in check, Faith,” Hope lashed out. She leaned against the dining room table, folding her arms at her chest.. “I know you are here to have fun this summer, but be careful in what you do.”

  “I’m careful,” Faith boasted and pulled a few packages of condoms from her purse. “I’m always prepared.”

  Hope blushed. “Dear Lord, I hope you don’t pull those out in front of everyone.”

  “Oh, don’t worry. A man has to meet my standards if he wants to take it to the next level with me. My standards are very high.”

  “Yeah, the main qualification is being rich, right?”

  “It’s not the main qualification,” Faith grinned. She shoved the packages back in her purse and tossed it beside her bag on the floor. “A rich guy is a bonus.”

  Faith had no shame. But at least she was honest. She wasn’t ashamed to admit she liked money. “I’ll be back in a sec. I think I’ll take my other bikini.”

  “It better not be the string bikini.” Hope shouted up the stairs. “No one wants to see your ass all weekend.”

  Except Layne.

  Heaven buried her face in her arms, stifling a laugh.

  She peeked up in time to see Hope’s lips twitch. “Are you okay?” she asked.

  “I am a mixture of things: excited, happy, nervous…”

  “Why are you nervous?” Hope questioned as she opened her compact mirror, giving herself a quick glance.

  “Oh, I don’t know, Hope. Why would I be nervous?”

  The compact snapped shut. “It’s not like you’re going off with Dylan alone. We’ll all be there.”

  “I know. It’s just that…when I’m around him, it feels like I’m in a foreign country. I don’t know how to act or what to say. ”

  “Is that so?” Hope’s brow reached for the sky. “Mind elaborating?”

  Not really.

  Heaven tucked a curl behind her ear and gazed out the window, again. “When he was here yesterday, I got so caught up in him. It feels like there is a magnet drawing us together. When I look in his eyes, I want to know what he’s thinking. Or I’m fighting the urge to pounce on him.”

  Hope roared with laughter. “Wow, Sis. Blunt, aren’t we? Never known you to want to…um…pounce on someone. That sounds like Faith.”

  “God, I know. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” Heaven tapped her fingers against the table, each thud filling the room like a faint drum. “Just a week ago, I wanted nothing to do with him. And now…”

  “You’ve realized you’re attracted to him. You should be, Hev. Dylan’s gorgeous. The way he looks at you…” Hope’s voice trailed off as if she were searching for the right words. “It's as if he knows you on a deeper level.”

  A subconscious level?

  Dark eyes filled Heaven’s mind. The dream guy. There was no way Dylan could be him. She’d know.

  Wouldn’t she?

  “I’ll let you in on a little secret.” Hope said as she pulled at another chair and sat down in front of Heaven. “According to Scott, Dylan’s never been in love.”

  Heaven crumpled her face. “What do you mean?”

  “Short of having a girlfriend here and there, Dylan hasn’t been in a long term relationship. Scott said it’s because no girls have appealed to him. There was one girl he liked, but it was over before it started.”

  Great. The guy couldn’t commit.

  “Does he have intimacy issues?”

  Hope gazed over her shoulder. Probably to make sure Faith wasn’t eavesdropping. When she turned around, she leaned closer. “No, sweetie. Relax. Scott said Dylan is ready for a serious relationship.”

  “How does Scott know so many intimate details? I thought Layne was Dylan’s best friend.”

  Sex-driven best friend. Who was doing it with her other sister.

  Ick.

  Why did she allow that thought to press through? She gazed out the window, again, anxious to get the day started with Dylan. The four cream colored walls surrounding her were beginning to feel like a prison cell. Maybe because she hadn’t seen past them in a week.

  “Dylan and Scott are close, too.
Besides, guys talk, Hev, just like we girls do.”

  Obviously.

  Hope looked like she could gush. “Do you want to know the best part?”

  “I think you’d tell me either way.”

  Hope nodded. If she rocked in the chair any harder, she’d crash to the ground. “Scott confirmed Dylan’s interest in you. He said that you are all Dylan talks about. And he blamed himself for the whole incident at the wedding. He was never upset with you.”

  Memories of their dance floated in Heaven’s mind. How close she and Dylan had been at the end of the song. How his breath felt against her cheek. The way his eyes peered into her soul.

  Her skin tingled.

  “Did you go off somewhere?”

  Yeah. To paradise.

  “Sorry. Was just thinking.”

  “I feel change on the horizon, Hev. This weekend is going to be full of surprises.”

  “They’re here,” Faith shouted as she hit the last step.

  Heaven’s belly rolled like a stormy sea.

  Hope jumped up from the chair and made her way to the door. Heaven stood and followed. Her eyes glued to the door when Hope opened it.

  “Hey, Scott,” Hope gushed as he stepped in the door.

  He leaned in to give her a peck on the cheek. “Hi, gorgeous, are you ready to head out?”

  Hope’s eyes followed him as he leaned down to grab her bag. “I am so ready to go.”

  “Hey, Hope,” Layne’s voice filled the air as he walked in next. He’d barely given her sister a glance when his eyes turned toward her. “Good morning, Heaven. You look…amazing.”

  Awkward. Was he flirting? Probably. It was Layne after all.

  Her eyes followed him as he passed. “Thank you.”

  When she turned back around, desire rippled to her core. Not because of Layne’s comment. God, no. Dylan was standing in front of her.

  God give her strength.

  He was a sweet package of hotness wrapped up in jeans and a blue t-shirt. Those sexy eyes were taking in every inch of her. And there was more of her to see than usual.

  She was glad Hope insisted she wear the sundress. Especially after seeing Dylan’s mouth gape.

  “Good morning, Heaven.”

  Even his voice swam with sexiness.

  “Good morning, Dylan.”

  “Where is your bag? I will carry it out for you.”

  “It’s right over here,” she answered, turning to grab the bag at the exact moment Dylan did. When his hand fell on top of hers, Heaven’s eyes darted to his. Just a simple brush of his hand sent sparks flying.

  And their day together was only beginning.

  * * *

  There was no moon in the sky. Not that Heaven cared. She was busy thinking about the day. How Dylan’s face lit up like the Fourth of July when she stepped onto the beach in her bikini. How they’d spent most of the day, hanging with Scott and Hope and laughing about Faith and Layne’s rendezvous.

  Like the one they were sneaking off to now.

  Her eyes met with Dylan’s. Both his brows stretched upwards as he cast his gaze across the beach at the fleeing couple.

  He wanted to laugh. Just like she did. She could feel it. Instead he pushed his beer bottle down in the sand and leaned closer to her. The warmth of his body chased away the chill from the breeze blowing off the ocean.

  She brushed a strand of hair from her face and gazed at the other couples. Brooke and Jerry. Emma and Sebastian. Scott and Hope.

  The fire had died down to a smaller flame. Bottles and glasses glistened in the yellow light as the group chatted about the missing couple.

  “Those two are so obvious,” Brooke chuckled as she leaned back against Jerry.

  “That’s just like my sister. God, she drives me crazy. I need a drink.” Hope complained as she grabbed Heaven’s drink out of her hand. “Thanks, Sis. Cheers.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Classic Hope. Never able to hold her liquor.

  “She’s going to need help getting to bed tonight.” Scott said. He wrapped his arms around Hope, his bronze skin contrasting against Hope’s creamy tone.

  Hope sat up straight. Her body stiffened in his arms. A feeble attempt to prove she wasn’t drunk. “No, I won’t.” She ruined her efforts when she broke into a giggle and fell back against his chest.

  “My sister, the happy drunk,” Heaven said as she gazed at Hope. “Anytime she drinks, I’m usually the one helping her.”

  Hope tried to cover her mouth, but Heaven leaned away. Her back pressed against Dylan. She started to jerk away. Until he leaned into her. The heat of his breath tickled her neck. She pretended to adjust one of the straps on her sundress, just to see how close he was. Her breath caught when they almost bumped foreheads. Yeah. He was really close. Her eyes fell to his lips. How easy would it be to drop her shoulder and lean in for a kiss?

  No. She couldn’t. It took all her willpower to tear her eyes from his and force them to her sister. But when she did, disappointment rippled through her belly.

  Scott’s muscles flexed as he pulled Hope closer, distracting Heaven from her obsession. “Don’t worry about her, tonight. I’ll take care of her. You have some fun.”

  “He’s so sweet, isn’t he?” Hope beamed. Her head met Scott’s shoulder.

  “I could use another beer,” Dylan said as he stood up and gazed down at Heaven. “Do you want to walk up to the house with me? We can get you another drink, if you want one.”

  Alone time with Dylan?

  Heaven’s pulse pumped up a notch.

  She glanced up at his outstretched hand. Warm fingers cradled hers as she stood.

  “I could use another drink.”

  * * *

  Trekking across sand while alcohol burned in his veins proved to be more difficult than Dylan expected. When he and Heaven reached the steps that led up to Jerry’s house, they dropped onto them.

  “I don’t want think about walking through this sand, again,” he said, his eyes shifting to the bonfire burning in the distance. “Think they’d miss us if we didn’t come back?”

  “I know Hope won’t.”

  “True,” he laughed. “She doesn’t drink that often, does she?”

  “No. Faith is lucky if she gets us to a frat party once a semester. Hope volunteers on several student committees. I’m usually at the library with a book under my nose.”

  She was in college? How’d he miss that announcement?

  He stretched his legs out, dipping his toes into the sand. “What are you majoring in?”

  “English,” she answered. The laugh that passed through her lips was as soft as the ebbing waves splashing in the distance. “Would you believe I considered going into journalism?”

  Talk about irony.

  “If all reporters looked like you, I’d do nothing but interviews all day.”

  Jesus, did he just say that? Layne was right. He was out of practice. Any more lines like that one and she’d run away, screaming.

  He waited for her to look at him. When she didn’t, he nudged her with his shoulder. “Come on. Let’s go get those drinks.”

  Heaven flashed him another smile before taking his hand, allowing him to pull her up.

  When she was finally on her feet, he noticed how close they were.

  Kissing distance.

  He kept looking in her eyes as they stood there, face-to-face, nothing but a starry sky above them. He squeezed her hand, just as he did the night Zeke had harassed her at the club.

  She squeezed his back.

  His fingers laced through hers. Their hands clasped together as they walked up the steps and onto the deck of Jerry’s beach house. He gazed around the deck, trying to adjust his eyes. The blinds to the French doors blocked out most of the kitchen light, leaving them in darkness, save the diminishing light from the fire. A few lanterns lit the banister around the deck, giving a cozy, warm glow on the treated wood.

  Heaven was still holding his hand, but her eyes aimed to
ward the sky. She pressed her body against the rail releasing a sigh.

  She was content. He didn’t need light to see it in her face. A hum inside her body spoke to him—drew him in.

  What was this mysterious bond between them? He couldn’t read her mind. But her emotions…yeah, it felt like he could. He knew what she was feeling. Whatever connected them in the dream had bound them together in reality.

  If he could unwrap her from his thoughts, he’d make time to call his mom and ask her if such a connection existed.

  Her fingers slipped further between his. The tips curling around his hand when she squeezed. “I’ve always been fascinated by the stars and constellations.”

  “They are pretty amazing. Centuries ago, people believed that the stars contained hidden messages. It’s kind of how the zodiac signs and horoscopes started.”

  “I didn’t know that,” she laughed.

  “My mom’s into stuff like that. Horoscopes. Fortunes. The mysteries of life. Fate…” He hoped he didn’t sound like some blundering fool. He glanced over at her, but her eyes were still on the sky.

  “I bet your mom and I could have some interesting chats.”

  Sure. Right after his mom volunteered to give her a reading.

  His reading came to mind. The last card she explained to him. Two of Cups.

  The card of unions. Of bonds between people. Powerful bonds that caused you to get lost in the person…

  Ah, hell.

  His reading was coming true.

  “Do you believe it?”

  Yeah…wait. What?

  “Beg your pardon?”

  Amusement played on her lips. “The mysteries in life. The stuff we can’t see, but can’t deny is there.”

  “Um,” he rubbed his face. No. He didn’t. Not until she walked into his life. “I never used to.”

  “Really? I thought that’s what your one song is about. Written In The Stars.”

  So she did listen to his music.

  “It has something to do with it.”

  “I think that is my favorite song off the CD.”