Miss ~ Harloe Rae

by Rae, Harloe

  “You didn’t mention Emery would be included.”

  “Well, we don’t know if she’ll be around for sure. For your sake, I’m hoping she is,” I respond.

  “If there’s a chance, you say so,” he retorts.

  “Sorry, man. There’s a possibility your girl might be in town soon.”

  He grunts but doesn’t dispute the term. “Whatever. Keep me in the loop, yeah?” Ryan looks between Delilah and me. “I’m glad you two are figuring shit out. You’re meant to be.”

  Her eyes expand to saucer-size. “Uhhh,” she says.

  While at the same time I cough into my fist. “Slow down, Ryan.” But secretly I’m high-fiving the fuck out of him.

  “Oh, yeah? You just called Emery my girl. At least you know D likes you, or used to.”

  Delilah groans. “Ryan, we all know she has the hots for you. Let’s be honest.”

  “Would it kill her to show it?”

  I grip his shoulder. “All right, see? Let’s all take a step back. We’re here to have fun.”

  He messes with his hat and turns to me. “Wanna go get food?”

  I scratch the scruff along my jaw. “Nah, I’m good.”

  “I bet you are,” he mutters with a grin.

  “Want a cupcake?” I point to the ridiculously large display behind Delilah.

  He peers at the spread. “I’ll circle back after lunch. Pretty sure you’re not moving.”

  “Damn straight,” I agree.

  Ryan salutes and wags his brows. “You two stay decent and keep your clothes on.”

  I laugh at his retreating form, the joyful sound becoming more common with each passing day. If I sit and think about it, my temper has been receding further into the background. I’ll never complain about these turn of events.

  Delilah is blushing something fierce when I look at her. “What’s got your cheeks all red?”

  She fans her face. “Thanks for calling me out, ass. It’s over ninety degrees. There’s good reason to be flushed.”

  I wink. “Or you’re thinking about getting naked with me.”

  Delilah sputters. “Don’t start, Zeke. We haven’t even been on our date yet.”

  “Is that the prerequisite?” I’m pressing the boundaries, and it feels damn good.

  She crosses her arms, studying me with sparkling eyes. “How have you been?”

  “Good, good. Staying busy, can’t complain.” But I want to. So long as she’s not mine, I’ll have a long list of shit to change. It doesn’t help that my thoughts rarely stray from her, in a rather obsessive manner. I can’t go five minutes without Delilah’s gorgeous face filtering into my mind. That’s not one of the issues I’d ever fix, though.

  Delilah twirls a strand of golden hair around her finger. “You look . . . good,” she purrs.

  Warmth travels up my neck, and it’s not from the stifling temperature. “Yeah?”

  “Uh huh.” She bites her lower lip. “Have you saved any other helpless shop owners lately?”

  “Nah, that’s just for you,” I say with a smirk.

  “Really?”

  “Uh huh,” I repeat her phrase.

  “Well, I’ve got something special for you.”

  “Now?” My imagination immediately runs wild. I bump up against the table when my cock twitches. I’m like a fucking teenager with this instant hard-on bullshit.

  Delilah very deliberately peruses my body, every inch of me feeling her visual inspection. I don’t mind the blatant ogling one bit and almost ask if she wants me to spin slowly. Before I get the chance, her eyes snap up to mine and the blazing heat in them steals my voice.

  Suddenly Delilah says, “Yep, right now,” and turns away.

  She busies herself behind the counter, making a drink from the looks of it. I let her work, happy to watch her graceful movements. When she reaches to grab a few objects from the shelf, a sliver of tan skin shows between her hem and waistline. My fingers crave her silky softness. I want to trace along that exposed patch until she shivers. All too soon, she shifts and hides that strip of heaven from me. Next time I’ll have to move faster.

  I’m distracted from that possibility when Delilah places a plastic cup in front of me. It’s filled to the brim with a blended beverage, frosty and cold to the touch. My dry throat yearns for a taste.

  “What is it?” I survey the light orange liquid, which reminds me of creamsicle.

  “Try it,” she urges.

  “There’s no coconut, right?”

  She rolls her eyes. “No, I was messing with you about that. You’ll like this. At least, I hope so.”

  “That’s all the reassurance I need.” I chug half the glass in one gulp, greedy for the cool relief. The rich flavor bursts on my tongue, and I moan loudly. I wipe over my mouth and say, “Holy shit, this tastes like Thanksgiving dessert.”

  Delilah’s smile is blinding. “Ah, I was hoping you’d think so. It’s similar to the pie recipe you always loved.”

  “Pumpkin?”

  She nods and tics items off her fingers. “There’s vanilla yogurt, banana, cinnamon, toasted pistachios, and pumpkin purée. I, um, call it . . . Miss Me.”

  Wind echoes in my ears as I get lost in the meaning. I should be concerned that my heart is pounding so fast. I might wonder how obvious my surprise is. But all I can do is stare at my beautiful girl. This moment is heavy, packed full of importance, and I don’t want to miss a second of it.

  I finish off my drink and lick my smoothie-coated lips. “Do you, Trip?”

  “I do. Really, truly. I’m glad you’re back, Zeke.”

  For the first time in five years, the struggle lifts off my shoulders. “Me too. So damn much.”

  Delilah is everything I’ve always wanted. Scratch that. She’s all I need. I reach for her hand, taking the liberty she allowed me before. This is the one boundary we’ve crossed so far. Otherwise we’ve been frustratingly platonic. There’s been a shift today, though. If looks were actions, Delilah would have me undressed and stripped naked. I link our fingers on the table and sigh. She’s going to be mine again.

  She giggles. “I’m even more excited for Monday.”

  I study the joy on her features. “It’s gonna be the date to end all dates,” I tell her.

  “Should I be nervous?”

  “No way. Be ready for the swoon.”

  Delilah’s free hand flutters to her chest. “I can feel it already.”

  I squeeze the one still locked against mine. “Good. That’s the point.”

  She looks down briefly before peeking up through her lashes. “Knock, knock,” she murmurs.

  She’s playing our game? I can’t stop my jaw from dropping. I lick my lips and ask, “Who’s there?”

  “When where.

  “When where who?”

  Delilah tugs me a bit closer. “Tonight. Dagos. A bunch of us are going.”

  I grin. “Thanks for the invite, Trip. Count me in. Always.”

  DATE

  Delilah

  THE LOUD KNOCK echoes off the wood, driving straight into me.

  “Be right there,” I call out. My heart gallops faster with each step I take. When I open the door, Zeke is there with a bouquet of beautiful hydrangeas. A dopey grin lifts my lips.

  He smirks and passes me the flowers. “Damn, I’ve missed this.”

  I bury my nose in the nearest blossom and inhale. “What’s that?”

  “Picking you up. Having you happy to see me. Witnessing that smile on your face when it lights up the room, and knowing I put it there.” Zeke scrubs over his mouth and adds, “Spending the night together.”

  My lower belly tingles, the impact of his words a direct hit. “You’re not messing around with the swooning.”

  He rocks back on his heels. “Not even a little bit.”

  I lean against the doorframe and take in all his manly glory. His spicy-crisp scent overpowers all else, the sweet floral aroma already forgotten. I’d take Zeke wearing a white tee and khaki shorts ov
er a billionaire in an expensive suit any day of the week. I rub my legs together, hoping that my extra primping and polishing will pay off. My skin prickles while his stare eats me up. I gladly take my fill of him, too. My gaze settles on his flip-flops and I’m reminded of our countless trips to the beach. That gets me thinking . . .

  “Where are we going?”

  “It’s a secret.”

  “Still?” I prod and he bobs his head. “Well, am I dressed okay?”

  Zeke gives me a dragged-out once-over, spending extra time on my boobs. I don’t mind the attention. Not even a little bit. His intense focus has me flustered, and I need to occupy my mind elsewhere.

  I step out of the walkway, granting him permission to enter. “Let me put these in water.” I give the hydrangeas a little shake.

  “Are you wearing a swimsuit?” His arm brushes mine when he passes into the room.

  I purse my lips. “Why would I be?”

  “It’s summer?”

  “And what do you call those?” I point to his shorts.

  Zeke tugs on a pocket. “These double as trunks.”

  “Ah, clever.”

  “I can take care of the flowers while you change,” he offers.

  “Vases are above the sink. I’ll be right back. Make yourself comfortable,” I say before darting down the hall and into my room.

  Zeke calls out, “Do you live alone?”

  “Uh, yeah,” I respond while quickly stripping off my tank and skirt. “Raven stayed here for a bit, but now she’s with Trey.”

  “It’s a nice place. You’ve really made it a home.”

  I smirk and adjust the triangle cups over my chest. “Thanks, but don’t get any crazy ideas.”

  Although the idea of Zeke living here doesn’t unsettle me in the slightest. My defenses have clearly left the building, and I’m in big trouble.

  After getting dressed, I make my way to the kitchen and Zeke places the arrangement on the table. He twists to look at me and zooms in on the neon-pink strings around my neck. “I like your choice of attire.”

  “You haven’t seen it yet.”

  “My imagination is filling in the gaps. Should we go?” He motions to the door.

  I grab my purse and usher him out, locking up once we’re in the hallway. We walk down the stairs, and Zeke grabs my hand. I squeeze his fingers in response, and we share a breathy sigh.

  “You make life better,” he tells me.

  Giddiness tickles up my arm. “Yeah?”

  Zeke hums. “It’s easier to be positive when you’re with me. It’s always been that way. You’re like my good-luck charm or something.”

  I’m sure there’re stars in my eyes. “And you’re a sweet talker.”

  He leans down. “You’re beautiful,” he whispers close to my ear.

  Before I can respond, my feet skid to a halt on the sidewalk. I widen my eyes at the vehicle parked along the curb.

  “Oh, wow. You still have Bertha.” The awe is clear in my voice. This baby holds more memories than I can recall.

  Zeke grunts. “I could never part with her.”

  I try not to get jealous of his devotion to this hunk of metal. I walk forward and pat the rusty side panel. “I’ve missed you, old girl.”

  “Fucking truck gets a better welcome than me,” he grumbles beside me.

  I swing my attention to Zeke. “What’s that?”

  He shakes his head. “Nothing at all.” The hinges complain loudly when he opens the passenger door. “Your chariot awaits.”

  I grin at his chivalry. “Thanks, Zee.”

  While I get settled, he makes his way around and gets in. He cranks the key and the pickup rumbles awake. Like, actually vibrating in place. I grab the oh-shit handle just in case.

  He laughs at my precaution. “Afraid?”

  “Um, no. Should I be? It seems the lady is upset about moving,” I point out.

  “The hiccups don’t bother me. She has good bones and a lot of miles left to give,” he says.

  I glance out the window, watching people stare as Bertha literally roars by. “You might have a few folks concerned, though.”

  Zeke shrugs and keeps driving without a care. I have a strong inkling we’re heading to a lake, but there are several to choose from. We remain silent, as in no conversation is happening. That’s mostly due to the horrible grinding noise coming from under the hood.

  A few minutes later, I start laughing uncontrollably. “Seriously, Zeke? She’s practically begging for a tune-up.”

  He squints at the road and bends toward me. “What’s that?”

  “Exactly,” I huff. “You can’t hear me over . . . that.” I flail my hand all about. The sound is deafening around us.

  “Guess I’ve gotten used to the noise. I haven’t thought much about it since no one rides with me.” He smirks in my direction. “That might be changing now.”

  “You should take Bertha to Jacked Up. Trey will fix her for you.” This could be another opportunity to bridge the gap between them.

  “He offered.”

  That surprises me. I turn in my seat and face him. “Why didn’t you take him up on it?”

  Zeke shrugs. “Because he’s an asshole.”

  “We’ve talked about this.”

  He blows out a breath. “Guess I can give him a shot.”

  I almost applaud his willingness, but hold off. “Do it for my sake. And Raven’s. It’s very stressful having boyfriends that don’t get along.”

  “What did you say?” he immediately asks.

  I furrow my brow, unsure why he’s so interested. “It’s difficult for Raven and me with you two hating each other.”

  Zeke clucks his tongue. “Not that part.”

  Realization dawns, and my face heats. “Shit,” I mutter and wave away my slip. “Just an expression. Don’t read anything into it.”

  I don’t regret giving him that title. In fact, my stomach flutters when I repeat it silently. That’s a reason for worry. I don’t want to reveal how easily my shields are folding.

  His brows bounce. “I like it.”

  “We’ll see how today goes. This doesn’t mean anything serious. I’m still not fully forgiving you,” I tell him with as much strength as I can muster.

  “I’ve pulled out all the stops today,” he says as we pull into the lot for Grove Park.

  A lump rises in my throat when I consider why he chose this spot. “Enough to make up for five years?”

  “I’m trying, Trip. Give me that.”

  “I am, but it will take more than one date to wrap me back around your pinky.”

  “That was never the case to begin with,” Zeke grumbles.

  “Little do you know,” I retort.

  We get out, and I stare off into the distance. I’m all too aware what’s waiting beyond those trees. Zeke grabs a basket and bag from the truck bed.

  “What’s all that?” I ask, distracting myself.

  “Just some means of assistance.”

  “For the wooing?”

  “Yup.”

  I reach for the tote, and he passes it over. Zeke clasps our free hands together as we start walking down the dusty trail. “I’ve missed this area,” I say softly.

  His forehead crinkles. “What do you mean? You live five minutes away.”

  “I don’t visit this part often.”

  Zeke nods knowingly. “I wouldn’t either.”

  We stroll in silence, giving the past a moment to intrude on the present. There’s so much history in these woods, but even more on the beach. We stop at the clearing, where dirt turns to sand. I glance to the left and see our etched heart, like a beacon calling us home. The ink along my upper back burns like the day it was drawn. Emotion stings my eyes, and I suddenly find it hard to remain standing. I grip Zeke tighter for support. I knew where we were going but didn’t properly prepare for the onslaught of pain this cove would bring.

  My voice is shaky when I ask, “Why did you bring me here? Of all places.”


  “I want you to remember the good,” he soothes.

  “I could never forget.”

  “Let’s sit down.” Zeke takes a blanket and lays it on the ground. I easily collapse, trying to find comfort in the soft fabric. He settles in next to me, close enough to touch, but I still have an inch of distance. I’m thankful because it gives me a second to wipe the jumble from my brain.

  The humidity broke at some point, and a cool breeze swirls around us. I point to the sky. “Looks like a storm is brewing.”

  Zeke glances up. “We’ll be fine. If it rains, we can swim another day.”

  Thinking about coming back here that soon twists a knot in my chest. “Maybe.”

  He points over my shoulder at our tree. “Remember when we carved our love into that trunk?”

  I snort. “In more ways than one.”

  He chuckles but continues. “How about that rock? You’d lie there for hours getting tanned while I’d catch fish for dinner.”

  “I know what you’re doing, Zeke.”

  “Is it working?”

  “No.” But it most definitely is.

  Zeke shifts closer, eliminating that sliver of space between us. “Should I keep going?”

  I bite my wobbling lip. “Sure.”

  “I miss our dreams of the future. Remember those?”

  “We were foolish,” I say.

  He ignores my pessimism. “I miss sneaking out my window to meet you. Those stolen kisses kept me going on the worst nights.”

  My nose stings, and I rub at the burn. “Dammit, Zee. You’re digging where it hurts.”

  His fingers drift along my knuckles. “I miss our jokes. The sound of your laugh plays on repeat in my head.”

  A rumble rises from my throat. “Then why did you leave me?”

  “I had to, Trip. You know that.”

  “I guess, yeah,” I mumble.

  “Tell me,” he urges. His blue eyes shine in the sunlight reflecting off the lake. I allow myself to get sucked into those glistening depths.

  “What do you want to know?”

  “Have you missed me?”

  “Only with each breath I take.”

  His thumb trails down my face. “Remember the night you gave me everything? Right on this beach?”

  I hold his intense stare. “Like it was yesterday. But you broke a promise.”