Drew: Book One of the Perfectly Independent Series
Page 18
Drew’s eyes turn mischievous as his smile widens. “If this is how you dress when I’m not around, I’ll have to stop by more often. You’re beautiful, Angel. Please,” he almost begs, “don’t ever change on my account.”
Okay, then.
“When did you get back?”
“Around seven, then I dropped off Grey and showered before coming over. I know we didn’t have plans until tomorrow, but I just couldn’t wait to see you. It’s been one hell of a week.”
If only he knew. But as I cock my head to the side and examine Drew’s face further, there’s something beyond the surface I can’t quite put my finger on. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” Drew lets out a long, drawn-out sigh. “We managed to pull off both wins, but traveling has taken its toll on me. Don’t get me wrong, I love basketball, but back-to-back games out of town and keeping up on my classes is no easy feat.”
Taking Drew’s hand in mine, I lead him to the couch, and he chuckles when he takes in the mountain of papers around where I had been working. “Obviously, I’m interrupting.”
“Are you kidding? I’ve been at it all night, and I’m due for a break. My brain’s nearly fried,” I say as I hastily gather things into a pile. “Besides, now that you’re here, I’m pretty sure I can find better things to do.”
Drew’s deep laughter sends butterflies flittering through my belly.
“Oh,” he says through a chortle, “I might be able to help you with that.” He reaches out to brush a piece of hair behind my ear.
When I get the couch cleared, Drew plops down. Before I can process what’s happening, I’m pulled onto his lap. He swings my legs around like I’m a rag doll and nuzzles into my neck. “Mmmm…” he draws out. “You smell so good.”
“Uh…” I roll my eyes and say, “At least I showered this morning. Or you might not be saying that.” Before he can continue a conversation on my potential lack of hygiene, I quickly change the subject. “So, what do you have in mind this evening?” I gesture at my ensemble before adding, “As you can see, I’m living the dream.”
Though, if it means being wrapped in Drew’s arms, I’m all over that.
Drew’s eyes dart away and focus on the floor. Is that… no, it couldn’t be. Are Drew’s cheeks turning red? This strong, confident man suddenly looks chagrin, and I can’t for the life of me figure out why.
Focusing my attention on him, I reach out to brush my thumb across his cheek as I quietly ask, “What’s wrong?”
“I… Uh… didn’t plan on anything beyond seeing you. Now that I’ve hijacked your evening, got any ideas?”
My stomach takes that exact moment to gargle and growl furiously, and embarrassment floods through me. A distinct reminder I haven’t eaten all afternoon. Crap, how did I lose track of time so easily?
Drew raises an eyebrow and smirks as he asks, “When was the last time you ate?”
Thinking back over my day, I cringe. “Lunch… probably?” It comes out as a question because I remember having a cinnamon roll sometime after breakfast, but I don’t remember eating since.
“Angel, it’s after eight. Want me to fix you something?”
Shit. I didn’t shop for groceries today. There’s not much other than breakfast food in the fridge at this point. But there should be plenty for both of us. “Would you be interested in pancakes or eggs for dinner?”
“I ate earlier, but I wouldn’t turn down anything. I make a mean pancake, Angel. So be warned.” Before I can right myself, Drew leans in and pecks me on the lips before standing to set me on the floor. “Let’s get some food in you, and then we’ll figure out what else to do.”
I shouldn’t be surprised when Drew and I work seamlessly together in the kitchen. He insists on making the batter from scratch, while I set in to frying some bacon and eggs. In no time at all, we have plates full of food and are sitting at my kitchen table.
“So,” Drew says after he finishes a bite of bacon. “What would you say to a change of plans tomorrow? I’m caught up on all my homework, and if you are, too, I thought we might head out to the beach?”
My eyes widen in disbelief. It’s been forever since I’ve gone to the beach. It’s a few hours away, but since I don’t have to be anywhere until Monday, I can’t imagine why I shouldn’t go. “I’m up for it. I got a lot done today and other than an exam I could study for, I’m free until Monday.”
Drew’s grin spreads wide, making his dimple pop. Damn, the man is sexy. “Good. Bring your homework. My aunt’s cabin is in Long Beach. She usually rents it out, but it’s free for the weekend. She suggested I take a break since I’m between games and have a rare free weekend.”
A weekend away with Drew… Does this mean what I think it means? Or am I reading more into this than he intends? Shit.
Drew must read the shock on my face because he’s suddenly back-peddling. “If you don’t want to go, it’s not a big deal. I’m just extending the invitation. If you’d rather do something else, I’m all game for that, too. There’s no pressure, either way, Angel.”
The thought of the beach alone has me begging to leave tonight. Giddiness rushes through me, and I practically bounce in my seat as I nod my head and say, “Yes.”
Drew’s adorable as he cocks his head to the side and raises an eyebrow. “Yes to what exactly, Angel? You want to go away, or you want to stay here and hang out?”
Gah. I’m such a dork around him.
“Yes.” I take a deep breath and try to reel in the million thoughts hurling around like a hurricane in my mind. I nod in reassurance, then fill him in on my thoughts. “As in I want to go away with you.”
Since Drew and I are eager to get a jump on the day, we’re on the road by eight the next morning. He showed up with a sexy smile, coffee, and pastries for the ride. He claims he’s packed food for the weekend, and all I need to do is bring a bag of personal belongings and my schoolwork to enjoy the impromptu mini-vacation. I must admit, I’m impressed. I don’t even know if I would have thought of the things he’s packed for this road trip.
I’m eager as I carry my pillow and a bag of snacks out to the car. My schedule’s been just as hectic as Drew’s, and the thought of getting away from it all fills me with excitement. Like the gentleman Drew is, he insists on doing the heavy lifting and carries my bags to the car. I’m dying to get away. I haven’t been to the beach in years.
Though as we get on the highway, my nerves kick in. I’ve been on road trips with my girlfriends, but I can’t say I’ve been on an overnight trip with a guy before. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not a virgin, but my schedule never lent itself to destination sleepovers, either.
Even though my type A tendencies fly in full force in every other aspect of my life, I’ve always been a go with the flow type of person when it comes to relationships. The few guys I dated were more out of convenience, rather than chemistry. My focus was on graduation and med school. I didn’t have time to tie myself down. And let’s face it—the desire for making things long-term wasn’t there either. But with Drew… there are so many possibilities.
He’s come a long way from the cocky jerk I judged him as that first day. He’s somehow managed to worm his way into my heart, and I’m not so sure I want to let it go. I know I shouldn’t get attached. Neither of us know where we’ll be in mere months from now, but with him—I’m not sure I have a choice. There’s no way I want whatever this is between us to end, but am I ready to take things further?
Yes, this is beyond physical for me. Just thinking of those lips and that dimple and the way he lights my world on fire with just a simple touch. The answer is quite simple.
Hell yes, I want to take things further. Even if it’s only until we graduate. No one can guarantee the future, but I do know I’d be a fool to let this opportunity pass me by.
But how do I let him know I’m ready for more?
I let out a deep sigh as I ponder how to broach this subject.
“Everything okay over there?”
We drive into Long Beach a little before noon. Even in winter, there are people roaming the streets going between shops. It’s a clear day, and most are only wearing sweatshirts or light jackets. I’m not much of a shopper, but I wouldn’t mind getting a small trinket to remember our trip together.
When I spot an inviting shop, I ask, “Can we go there sometime this weekend?”
“Sure.” Drew grins. “Mind if we drop everything off and then come back to town? My aunt’s place is just past town on the other side. It’s within walking distance from the beach, but it’d be a hike to town.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
A few minutes later, we pull into a driveway where the most adorable house sits off to one side. The property’s lined with trees, so there’s no ocean view, but the air still smells like the beach, which is more than enough for me. The cabin, as Drew calls it, is bigger than I expect. It’s a two-story modern house, with gray wooden shingles intricately lining the sides. There are flower beds lined with seashells, and a deck wraps around one side. I can’t imagine the view at sunset from the floor-to-ceiling windows that face west. If I could live here full time, I’d do so in a heartbeat—and I haven’t even made it inside.
Once we get everything inside, I confirm my original assessment. It is simply adorable. There are hard wooden floors, a big fireplace, and cozy leather couches in the living room. An open floor plan makes the kitchen easily accessible, with a large dining room table to separate it. There’s a hallway off to one side and a wooden staircase adjacent to it. I can’t believe just the two of us are staying here. It could easily house a large family.
Drew interrupts my thoughts. “Let me put the things in the fridge, then we’ll head out. Want to head into town to walk around, then drive back up the beach? There’s an approach about a half-mile from here.”
“Sounds like a plan. Can we stop to walk along the beach? It’s such a beautiful day and even though it’s a little chilly, I can’t come to the beach and not put my toes in the sand.”
This earns me a laugh from Drew. “Sure. We can make that happen, Angel.”
Another fun fact about Drew. He may make healthy choices regularly in his food selection, but homemade fudge is his Achilles heel—especially, peanut butter fudge. When we stop in a shop known for ice cream and fudge, Drew’s eyes light up like the Fourth of July. After tasting two different kinds, he orders two bricks of plain peanut butter, while I choose peppermint.
As we’re walking past another shop on our way to the car, I spot a sweatshirt I’d love to add to my collection. Hoodies are my favorite thing to lounge in, and this gem has my name written all over it. It’s CRU’s colors, but instead of our school logo, it has Long Beach written on it. This way if I go to another one of Drew’s games, I won’t have to borrow Sydney’s all the time.
“Mind if we stop in here?” I point to the window. “Then we can head to the beach.”
When we get inside, I make a bee-line to the display by the window. The fabric is softer than it looked in the window, and I quickly remove my jacket and pull my size from the hanger to try on. It feels like heaven. Soft, cuddly but not too bulky.
“Don’t you have enough CRU colors?” Drew teases.
“No, actually. I typically borrow Syd’s. I have a sweatshirt or two, but they’re bulky, and I bought them when I was in my everything must be oversized phase, my freshman year.”
Drew’s face clouds with confusion.
So I clarify, “I went through this phase where I bought everything in extra-large. I loved going to football games and since I could layer my clothes under the sweatshirts, I always bought big. Now that I’m going to basketball games, they’re too hot and bulky to wear.”
“So… you had a thing for football players?” Drew draws out as he cocks an eyebrow in my direction.
Damn, he’s cute when he’s jealous.
Of everything I’ve said, that’s what he picks up on?
“Uh, can’t say I did. I’ve always thought jocks were a little too into themselves, and never understood why anyone would want to fawn all over them.” Drew’s eyes widen as my statement catches him off guard. But before he can say anything, I quickly point out one more thing. “I enjoy watching the game. Not necessarily the individual players.”
I expect a quick response, but instead, I’m met with silence.
Fuck. Did I say the wrong thing?
Eventually, he puts me out of my misery when he pins me with his teasing eyes. “Maybe I’ll have to loan you one of mine.”
“Uh… Drew, your jerseys would be a dress on me. I’m not sure they would have the effect I’d be going for.”
“Maybe you could wear one for just me?” He shrugs his shoulders and tries to play it off. “I’ve never had a girl wear only my jersey before. You might ruin me for all others.”
Only his jersey? As in… they’re naked underneath? Now there’s a thought.
But instead of letting my mind wander into the gutter, I bat a hand between us and brush off that thought immediately. “Oh, please… I’m sure plenty of girls have worn your number as they set their hooks in you.”
This earns me an eye roll and a loud huff to which I crack up laughing. Drew’s adorable when he’s frustrated. “They may have tried. But I was never interested… trust me. The only one I’d want wearing my jersey is you, Angel.”
Okay, then. Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I know I must change the subject before I embarrass myself. “What do you say we get something in my size, for now?” But I just can’t help myself when I suggest, “Maybe I can model your jersey for you in private some time.”
Drew’s eyes darken, and I swear if we weren’t in public, he’d hold me to that promise. We stare at one another with heat building between us, until we’re interrupted by a salesman.
“Anything I can get for you?”
My eyes immediately dart to the newcomer, and I quickly stammer, “No. We’re good. Thanks. I’m just getting this.” I shrug off the hoodie and replace it with the jacket I’d been holding between my knees.
It feels like a million degrees in here, and I don’t need either of these coats now. I dart to the register, wanting to put some distance between Drew and myself before I can put my thoughts into action.
What is it about him that lights every nerve on fire with a single look?
By the time I pay, Drew comes up behind me and makes a purchase of his own. Once he’s done, he reaches for my hand and leads me to the car we’ve parked outside. “Ready to hit the beach?”
As we near the approach to the beach, Drew pulls over and puts his SUV into neutral. Then he dials some knobs on the dash. It takes me a minute to realize he’s putting it into four-wheel drive. Once a yellow light flashes, he puts the vehicle into drive and heads out onto the beach. The tide is out, and several people and vehicles are scattered along the beach, enjoying their day in the sun. At the end of the distinct driveway, a car is parked on the remains of the gravel.
Drew groans, and I’m instantly on alert.
“What’s wrong?”
“I hate it when people park on the approach. Right after where they’re parked is the hardest part of the beach to drive on. It makes it more challenging for others to get on and off the beach. I swear more cars get stuck right here than anywhere else in the sand.”
My stomach clenches, and my muscles feel rigid as I carefully watch him maneuver his way past the parked vehicle with out-of-state plates. I have no idea how to get a vehicle unstuck in the sand. I’ve never driven myself on the beach, so It’s never been an issue. “Are you sure you want to drive out here?”
> As I look around at the other vehicles who have clearly made it past this spot, I put all my faith in Drew to know what he’s doing.
Drew’s quiet as he guns the engine to pick up speed as he cranks the wheel. I instinctually grab the oh-shit handle, at the top of my door as I brace myself for what’s coming. With my legs firmly locking me in place, I ride out the bumps and dips of the uneven sand. The SUV fishtails, but Drew easily corrects our path like he’s done this a thousand times. After a few more bumps, the terrain evens out, and Drew no longer guns the engine. The ride becomes smooth, and I easily relax into the soft leather seats.
“Sorry.” Drew looks sheepishly in my direction. “Didn’t mean to freak you out. But I needed to concentrate through that rough patch.” He’s maneuvered himself onto the wet sand, and it’s like we’re riding along a fresh-paved highway.
“No—you do what you need to do. I’ve never been off-roading, but I can see why they enjoy the rush.”
“It is exhilarating,” he agrees with an infectious grin. “That’s honestly my favorite part. I used to take my dad’s truck off-roading and hope I wouldn’t get caught each fall when the dirt roads turned to mud.”
“Weren’t you ever worried you’d get stuck?” Leave it to my practical side to never be far away. Gah. I sound like a nagging mom.
Drew shakes his head and chuckles at my protectiveness. “It’s all part of the thrill, but since I didn’t like to get into trouble, I’d typically stay on routes I know I could go through with ease, but still get my truck dirty for street cred. I didn’t get to do it often, but for some reason, I was proud of washing the mud from my truck before I got caught.”
“Seriously?” Who finds it fun to wash muddy vehicles? Uh… That’s something we will never have in common. I’m lucky if I run my car through the carwash when it gets so dirty I can’t see through the window. “Were you a hick in a past life?” I tease. As I look him over, he doesn’t seem like the type—a bit too preppy—but you never know.