by Kimi Flores
Popping her eyes open, she nodded, a little relieved. “Where are your bags?”
“I’ll get it. My eye may be shit, but my arms are plenty strong now.” He stretched his arms down, showing off his muscles.
The good doctor took the hint. Pushing himself away from the doorway, he grunted and walked away.
Pulling her toward his chest, Stefen whispered, “You’ll tell me in the car?”
Her long, dark hair slid up and down her shoulder as she nodded again.
“Let's go,” he said, rushing them out. He was done with this place.
Grabbing his leather duffle bag, they headed out. Stefen spotted Ben watching them from the nurse’s station. He looked like a panther ready to pounce.
Watch this, you ass. Stefen wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to his side. As usual, she melted into him.
You might think she’s your future, but she’s going home with me, and I intend on making her mine.
Rounding the corner, Stefen peered over his shoulder and gave Ben his best cocky smirk. Ben was giving him a deadly glare in return. Stefen just shook his head.
Too little, too late, dumb shit.
They’d made their way to his car, and started off for the town he never imagined he would call home.
The space in the car was silent for a while. Too long. Five minutes into their drive, he finally got the courage to break the silence.
“You’re quiet,” he said softly. “Do you want to talk?”
He’d felt so cocky leaving the hospital with his arm around her, but now he wanted to know what the hell was going on. His knee was bobbing with curiosity.
What happened with Ben? Why is she so quiet?
She bit her cheek as she held tight to the steering wheel. “I broke up with Ben last night,” she blurted, then tipped her head as she added, “Well, I’m not sure that’s the right word when we were never officially dating. I don’t know why I’m upset. I didn’t even like him that much.” She puffed out, “I guess I just got caught up in old feelings, but my heart was never in it.” She shook her head. “He sure looked good on paper. Really, in fairness to Ben, he was nothing more than my rebound guy.”
“I’m sorry.” This was fantastic news, so why did he feel like shit? He’d suspected from the beginning that Ben might be the one she turned to, hoping he would pick up the pieces of her that Stefen broke.
“Yeah, I’m sure you are,” she mumbled, still looking upset.
Surprised by her comment, he jerked his head back to look at her as she drove. I thought we were okay. Even better than okay.
She exhaled loudly. “Don’t listen to me. I’m just irritated. I feel like I can’t win when it comes to men. I have the worst luck. I either date guys who only want to sleep with me, or they string me along. It’s always been that way. Even my college boyfriend strung me along forever until I found him in bed with another girl.”
Reality slapped him upside the head. What did I do? Her scars run even deeper than I realized. “Oh shit, Leah, I hate that I added to that.” He blinked hard.
She somberly glanced over at him. “Trust me, Stefen, you were not the only one. I’m just tired of even trying.”
The honesty in her words stabbed him in the heart. The same heart he was finally ready to give her.
“I’m not blaming you,” she said. “We talked, you’re forgiven, but I’m so burned out on guys right now. I’m swearing off men for a long time. It’s just not worth the effort.” Her eyes were glossed over when she glanced over again. Placing her hand on top of his, she added, “Thanks for being my friend. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Friends. Awesome. Just what I always wanted. He leaned back in the seat, fisting his hands in frustration.
He was too late. Not because of Ben. Because he’d screwed up the first time. He was a part of this, hurting her, hardening her. He had to face the fact that no matter how he felt about her, she wasn’t willing to take another risk. Even with him.
Stefen sat at the refurbished wooden bar at Evanwood’s Vineyard while he waited for Leah to finish making all the arrangements for tomorrow. Filling his lungs with the smell of wine-filled barrels, he swirled his favorite Pinot Noir in the wide bowl of his glass before taking a sip.
He was beginning to get used to the sting. This beloved ache of being only Leah’s ‘friend’. After her speech about swearing off men, no matter how painful it was, he had no plans of acting on his love for her.
If he accidently brushed up against her or caught her looking at him again, he was going to lose his damn mind. He had to get over her for his own sake, but how?
Glancing up, he found a group of women ogling him. Women were always staring at him. It used to matter, but it didn’t much now. They didn’t know the real him. If they knew what a bastard he was, they’d stay the hell away. He’d thought with the disfiguration in his eye, they’d stay away on their own. Not so much.
One in particular was looking a little longer than the others. She seemed like the wild one of the group with her fiery red hair and the lust in her eyes. She was licking her heart-shaped lips.
Drinking his wine, he shook his head, not wanting to pay any attention to her.
Not too long ago, he would’ve jumped on that. Hello, nice to meet you. My place or yours? A kind thank you, then a forever good bye.
That wasn't him anymore, though. His heart wasn't in it. Then again, his heart may never get what it really wanted. Maybe this could be a good diversion.
Stefen watched Zachary approach the group of women, then saw the slender finger of the redhead pointing at him. It would only be a matter of minutes before she would make her move. He’d bet money on it.
He turned away, nursing his wine as he watched the scene unfold in the mirror behind the bar. Zachary was nowhere near the jerk he originally thought. He’d actually turned out to be kind of a buddy. Stefen wondered what this buddy of his would tell the ladies about him. Zachary had already shared with Leah, months ago, that he thought she and Stefen should be together. But now, he had to see it was impossible.
After making a rude gesture to her friends, the predator in the capris and white lace top sauntered over to him, oozing seduction. He offered her a sly grin. Yep, this woman was looking for some action, for sure.
Curious as to how this conversation would go, he wondered if he would let her hook him. There was no good reason why he couldn’t have some fun. He was free to roam. If this tramp was willing to take his mind off of Leah, then nobody would be hurt.
Right?
He hadn’t been with anyone since Leah, and that was months ago. Now that he did the math, he decided he would indeed take this woman up on anything she offered.
“I couldn't help but notice you were looking at me.” She was definitely on the prowl. Playing with her necklace, she slowly trailed her fingertips up and down her chest.
Stefen let out a throaty laugh, “Really? Who was looking at who, honey?” He narrowed his eyes at her.
“Does it matter?” Her unwelcome seductive tone crept down his spine, leaving him unsettled.
Shrugging, he said, “No, I guess it doesn't.” Then he took another sip of his wine.
“Good.” Plopping herself on the stool next to him, she leaned in, making sure to brush her chest on his arm.
He would have loved this months ago, but now it just felt wrong. She had no business being this close to him. He scooted back a little, hoping it wasn't too obvious. He found himself glancing over his shoulder to make sure Leah wasn’t watching this. But why?
The redhead’s eyes unashamedly roamed his body until they landed on his crotch.
He squirmed under her scrutiny. This must be how girls feel when guys stare at their boobs.
“Ah, sugar.” He pointed up. “My face is up here.”
“I know. I was sizing you up.” Her pupils dilated, filled with desire.
Stefen’s stomach churned. This girl didn’t know him, and she was ba
sically letting him know that she was ready to screw his brains out.
He’d dated aggressive tramps like this too many times. Normally blond, but this redhead fit the rest of the bill, so he didn’t understand why her comment offended him.
Get your head in the game. This bitch is holding all the cards.
“And what were your findings?” What a cheesy line. He blinked hard. I gotta do better than that.
Placing her elbows on the bar, she ran a perfectly manicured finger across her bottom lip. “I think you are exactly right for me.”
He tried to keep a sexy look going, but he wondered if his jacked-up eye was cooperating. Not to mention his stomach was still turning. He was used to girls that got around. This never bothered him before. Why did it now?
He just had to get this over and done. Screwing this skank would turn his feelings off. It was the only way he knew how to. It didn’t, of course, work when he was with Leah, but surely it would with this woman.
Talking himself into it, he thought, this is who I am. This is what I’m used to.
But he still couldn’t ignore the feeling in his gut that he was about to make the biggest mistake of his life.
“Stefen Hunter,” he managed, reaching for her hand.
“Hunter? I like that. I’m Ginny. Hmm.” She tapped her chin with one of her slender fingers. “Stefen and Ginny. I like the sound of that.” She looked down, turning their connected hands. “Nice strong grip from such large hands. I like that, too.”
Internally, he felt himself rolling his eyes. Outwardly, he plastered a completely fake smile on and pulled his hand away.
“We’re in town—well, Santa Barbara—for the weekend. Would you be interested in hanging out?”
And there it was—the come on.
Dammit. He really didn't want to go out with this tramp. What am I doing? It was difficult having this interaction while he struggled internally with his true feelings.
“Sure. What did you have in mind?” He tried to hide his wince.
“My friend, Kendra, over there,” she pointed to a gorgeous blonde in the group she’d just left, “she’s getting married tomorrow, and I don't have a date. Wanna go with me?” She flicked her long straight red hair over her shoulders, similar to the way his ex, Lisa, always had.
“A wedding, huh?” He took another sip, searching for any excuse as to why he couldn’t go. “Not my favorite place to take a date. Won't that be awkward since I wasn't invited?”
She shook her head as she pouted her vibrant red lips. “No, I said plus one on my RSVP, but I still haven’t found anyone worth spending the evening with…until now.” Her eyes looked like a cat’s, about to attack the only field mouse.
He hated weddings. He only went to as many as he did because it was that season of his life when everyone around him was getting married. He also helped Leah at quite a few, but only went to those to spend time with her.
Groaning silently, he found himself agreeing. “Sure.”
She smiled widely. “I will make it worth your while afterward.” Then she leaned forward and whispered in his ear, “I'm a sure thing, and I want you.”
A chuckle escaped as she backed up. “Well, that's a surprise.”
He waited for his sarcastic reply to turn her off. It didn’t. Her eyes widened, even lustier than before.
She placed her hand on his thigh and squeezed. “I go for what I want. No need to sugarcoat things.” Her puckered lips made his stomach turn yet again.
“I guess I'll see you tomorrow, then. Where is the wedding?”
She tilted her head. “The Beach Club, right on the sand.”
Shit. That was the other wedding Leah's shop had on the schedule for tomorrow.
Wait, was she going to work the one at the vineyard while Melissa took care of the beach wedding? There was no way he could go through with this if Leah was going to be near, pulling on his heart strings.
“I'll be there.” Will I?
She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes again. “Give me your phone number. I'll call you and tell you where to meet me.”
Damn, he didn't want this girl to have his number. After tomorrow, he never wanted to see or hear from her again. He grabbed a cocktail napkin and scribbled the number to his Chicago cell phone. He had a new one, and hadn’t had a chance to close that account. Sliding it over, he pulled away before she had a chance to touch his fingers.
She peered at the napkin. Dropping her chin, she studied him. “You aren't giving me a fake number, are you Mr. Hunter? What is this area code?”
His voice fell flat. “Not fake. It’s Chicago. That’s where I’m from.” There was no reason for her to know that he actually lived here now. He’d never take any woman, other than Leah, to his house. No other woman belonged there.
She snatched up the napkin. “Very well, I look forward to spending some time with you tomorrow.” She trailed her long finger down his jawline. “Don't shave your face. I like a little scruff.” Then she winked.
He wanted to disinfect the skin that she just touched. Un-freaking-believable. If he couldn’t stand just one of her fingers on him, how the hell was he going to let her maul the rest of his body?
Ginny headed back to her friends as if she'd won a bet.
Did he care if they had a bet?
No, not really.
She slammed the napkin onto the bar that had his number scribbled on it. Looking into the mirror once more, he spotted Leah standing by the rustic wooden door frame attached to the tasting room. Her eyes scanned back and forth between Stefen and the group of women. He knew her well enough to read her expressions.
First shock, then pissed off, and finally, hurt.
He silently groaned. What did I do now?
Leah’s stomach twisted into a knot as she stood by the doorway, watching in disbelief.
Did Stefen give that cheap whore his phone number?
By the looks of it, he sure as hell did.
She’d met this group when her bride, Kendra, arranged the flowers months ago. The puta, now in possession of Stefen’s number, was so vulgar and rude. Leah didn’t like her from the moment they’d met.
Ignoring Stefen entirely, she took a deep breath as her achy heart raced. Trying to keep her cool, she strolled up toward the bar to speak to the soon-to-be bride.
As she approached the group, Leah overheard the slut bragging. “I have my date for your wedding and, before you ask, yes, I am going to screw him. I mean, look at him. Who the hell wouldn’t want to crawl all over him in bed? We may have to even cut out of the reception early.”
Leah couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Disgusting.
Catching Zachary’s eye, he gave her a knowing look. She had to wonder what he was thinking when he’d overheard the same comment.
Kendra turned to face her. “Oh, Leah. I’m so glad to see you. Ladies, you remember my florist.”
Leah gave a courtesy smile to everyone but the trampy fireball. If she looked at her, Leah might be tempted to claw her eyes out.
“Are you excited about tomorrow?” Leah asked, using her professional personal tone, something she’d perfected over time in this business.
“I’m thrilled and nervous. I still can’t believe I’m getting married,” Kendra squealed.
Nothing new.
Leah hoped that she was able to fake her calm, pleasant façade. “I was thinking of switching with my assistant and working your wedding instead.”
Bad decision. Don’t. Don’t.
Kendra’s beach front wedding was much smaller than the huge one at the vineyard, and there were still a few kinks that needed to be worked out for the larger one. Leah had to be at Kendra’s, though, now that she knew Stefen was going to be there with a date.
I’m such a glutton for punishment.
Excited, Kendra jumped out of her seat. “Oh that would be fantastic!” She held onto Leah’s arms. “I really wanted you there since I’ve only worked with you.”
Leah smil
ed. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then.” Saying her goodbyes, she finally peered over at Stefen who’d been watching her the entire time. She narrowed her eyes at him and mouthed irritably, “Let’s go.”
On their way out, Zachary invited both her and Stefen over toward the end of the bar where his father, Joel Evanwood, sat.
The elderly gentleman’s face lit up as they walked up to him. He hooked his cane on the end of the bar. “We have a tradition around here. On Thanksgiving, we sit around and watch football, taking the entire day off. The following afternoon we host a special get-together for invited guests only, and we’d like you to be those guests, as well as anyone you want to bring along.” He lifted his arms in the air. “The more the merrier.”
It dawned on Leah that she’d been so busy lately, she had no idea what her family had planned. It was the first year that Abby was married and wouldn’t be with her.
Stefen placed his arm around her and answered before she had a chance to. “My family switches locations each year. Lucky for us, we’re celebrating at my cousin, Caleb’s house. His wife is a vegetarian, though, so I was hoping Leah would save us all from the tofu turkey.”
He’s joking? Right now?
Normally, she would laugh right along, but she was too hurt to join in and couldn’t hide her feelings.
Leah shrugged his arm off and turned her back to him. “It would be an honor. I’m not sure what my plans are yet, but I’ll let you know.”
Stefen’s mouth dropped, but she ignored it.
Lifting her chin, she said, “I have a lot to do before tomorrow, so we really have to get going.”
Shit, I wish I had my own car right now.
Zachary eyed her. “I couldn’t help but overhear you. We won’t be seeing you tomorrow, after all?”
There wasn’t time to explain right now. Not that she could anyway.
Biting her lip, she gave him her professional smile. “No, I had a sudden switch in plans, but Melissa will do a great job. I have confidence in her.”
Zachary didn’t look like he believed her, but he let it go. Leaning in, she pecked Joel on the cheek before waving to both of them and heading out with Stefen in tow. At least, she thought he was. She didn’t look back.