by Lane, Soraya
They sat in silence for a few minutes as they drove away from the Jones house, down the gravel drive and out onto the road. It was almost dark, but still light enough for Scott to admire the landscape, the ranch as they passed. It was such a different landscape to what he'd become used to - the bleached Australian countryside had been all he’d seen for so long - but now this was already feeling like home again. Like he'd returned to the place he was supposed to live.
"So have you thought about how long you're going to stay for?" Scott asked her.
He listened to her sigh, glanced at her as she put her head back against the rest and turned slightly to face him.
"I honestly don't know," she said. "I thought a week, but I might make it two. Depends on how mom is coping, I guess."
"You're lucky your work is flexible."
"Oh my god, please don't talk about work," she said with a groan. "I have an exhibition coming up, and the gallery owner is freaking me out with all the pressure he's putting on me, and I haven't…"
When she let her sentence trail off without finishing he glanced at her again, wondering what she'd neglected to say.
"You haven't what?"
"I've just frozen. It's never happened to me before."
"So how many more paintings do you have to do?" he asked.
She groaned. "Can we please just talk about something else?"
Scott laughed. "Yeah, we can, but maybe you could use telling me as a practice run for admitting the truth to the gallery person."
"I have the one piece I used as a sample to build the entire collection upon," she admitted, shaking her head like she couldn't believe what she was saying. "I promised at least ten new pieces, and all I have is a whole heap of stuff that I've started and not finished. In other words, I'm screwed."
From the sounds of it, she was, but he wasn't going to say that to her. "One thing I've learned is that where there's a will, there's a way," Scott said. "Somehow you'll find your inspiration for this, and you'll get it done."
"How can you be so sure?"
Now Amanda had one leg tucked up so she could better face him, her body angled directly toward him, cheek resting on the seat as she stared at him.
"I can be sure because the Mandy I knew twelve-odd years ago had a dream of being an artist and making it big. You didn't move to New York and struggle to make it just to give up now that you've found success."
She emitted a noise that sounded like a low laugh, but he couldn't be sure. "How can you remember that? I don't even remember telling you my career dreams."
"I took more notice of you than I'd like to admit," he confessed, taking one hand off the wheel and then deciding that touching her wasn't his best move right now. "I might have been a dickhead, but I remember."
"You know, Blake was pretty grumpy when he realized I was going out with you tonight."
"Looking like that? I can see why."
She turned her body so she was looking out the front window instead of at him. "He seems to think that you're going to hurt me," Amanda said. "But it's like there's something he doesn't want to tell me, some reason why he's so sure I shouldn't be let within ten feet of you at any time."
Scott had wondered how long it was going to take her to ask him, because Blake was sure making it clear that he wasn't suitable for his little sister to so much as be friends with.
"Do you really want to know?" He didn't mind telling her, but as far as he was concerned, the past was the past.
"I should be mature enough to say no, but yeah, I do want to know," she said with a laugh. "Blake's acting like you're a convicted rapist or something terrible."
Scott took one hand off the wheel and glanced from the road to Amanda and back again. "You remember that girl Blake was into back when he was about seventeen? Her name was Rose and she went to school with us."
Amanda made a face. "I remember every girl that Blake fell in love with."
"Yeah, well he was really into Rose, and I was a jerk and slept with her. She came onto me and I just went with it."
"Which is why you guys had a falling out that summer."
"Yeah. He wanted to know why I had to sleep with the one girl I knew he wanted."
He watched as Amanda shrugged. "Fair question. You had every other girl from school hanging off you, so it wasn't like there was a shortage for you to choose from."
Scott felt like a manwhore just hearing her say that, but it was true. He'd slept with half of his senior class, and when it had come to Rose, he'd spent one night with her and then promptly forgotten about her. Like he always did, because even back then he'd never wanted to get close to anyone.
"I was a jerk, I'm not denying it. All I cared about was sleeping with as many girls as I could. Blake knew what I was like. That I didn't really give a shit about anything or anyone," he said. "But the whole thing with Rose did coincide with him telling me to stay the hell away from you."
She went silent. "Should I be offended or flattered?"
"Over an eighteen year old boy screwing around because he couldn't have who he actually wanted?" He chuckled. "Hell, I don't know, but Blake has clearly never forgiven me where you're concerned."
"Because he thinks you're going to seduce me, sleep with me, then break my heart? Like you've obviously done to a heap of women in the past?"
"Yeah, something like that," he muttered, wishing they'd never even had this conversation.
"Well just to make things clear, that's not going to happen," she said, her tone more confident than he'd expected.
"Because you're not going to sleep with me?" Scott smiled to himself as he pulled off the main road and toward the restaurant they were heading to.
"No, because if anything did happen between us, it would be because I want to have fun, not because I want anything serious."
Hell. He hadn't been expecting that. "So you're looking to have…"
"An affair. A fun time. Crazy sex." She laughed and clamped her hand over her mouth. "I can't believe I just said all that out aloud."
Neither could he. So sweet little Amanda was actually just looking for some fun? "Just to make this clear…"
Amanda interrupted him. "I've been the good girl all my life, Scott, but right now I just want to have fun. If something happens between us, it'll be because it feels right for just now. I'm not looking for a relationship, so that's not something either of us have to worry about."
He blew out a breath. "I've just been punk'd, right? Tell me where the hidden camera is."
She grinned at him, making him laugh when she did. "I'm not joking, Scott. I'm sick of being the good girl."
"So you figure I can make you bad?" He grunted. "Now I'm not the one sure whether to be offended or flattered."
"I'm just saying that you don't have to treat me like I'm different than any other woman you'd meet."
He pulled over when they neared the restaurant, seeing there were no spaces out front. "But that's the thing, Mandy, you are different from every other woman, whether you want to be or not." She made him want to be a better man, not the guy who slept with a woman until he tired of her and then moved on to someone else. He’d always thought of her as the girl who'd gotten away, even though he'd only been a kid at the time.
She fingered her purse, worrying the strap before looking across at him. "Because I'm Blake's little sister, or because you know you were my childhood crush?"
Scott reached out and touched her face, traced one finger down her cheek and to her chin. "Because you're Amanda Jones. The one girl I never wanted to hurt. The one girl I said no to because I actually gave a damn about her."
He watched her swallow, not moving an inch, like she didn't know whether to pull away from his touch or not. Scott made it easy for her, taking his hand back and giving her some space.
"How about we forget I ever said what I said," she said, her voice low, almost a whisper.
"Ditto," he replied.
The truth was that he'd take whatever Amanda had to offer,
even if it was just some fun for a couple of short weeks. Because the only thing he knew for sure was that he wanted her mouth against his and her body naked. Even if he genuinely felt different about Amanda, it wasn't like he knew he'd ever be able to commit to anything more than fun, even with her. Because being with anyone long term had never worked out with him before. In the end, he always finished with women before things got too serious. Nothing good could ever last anyway. And he didn’t want to hurt her.
Amanda walked beside Scott, their hands close but not touching. It was so weird, coming home and spending time with a guy she'd spent so many hours thinking about as a girl. They were the same yet different - still the same people, but with so many more things having happened in their lives. It wasn't just about school and crushes any more, they had real world issues and pasts, things that had changed who they both were. But Scott was still gorgeous; still divine to look at and cheeky as hell to talk to. Some things never changed.
"Is this where you used to take all your dates before you bedded them?"
Scott nudged her shoulder with his own. "First of all, I didn't have any money so I never brought them anywhere near as fancy."
"And second?" she asked, grinning back at him.
He flashed her his too-sexy dimple. "Usually they didn't need a hot meal to get them into bed."
"Scott!" She punched him hard in the arm, laughing as he grabbed her fist and pulled her into him.
"You asked," he said, voice gravelly and low. "But as you can see, I'm trying to treat you like a lady here."
Amanda wanted him to let her go almost as badly as she wanted him to pull her tighter, to fold her against this big chest and kiss her. Because no matter how bad Scott might have been in the past, she also knew that all his conquests had been more than willing. He hadn't done anything that any other guy in his position wouldn't have, and the fact that he was being so well mannered around her was killing her. That first night, he'd been cocky and confident, and that was what she wanted from him now.
"Did you make a reservation here?" she asked, distracted when she glanced into the restaurant and saw how busy it was.
Scott stopped at the door and looked through the glass. "Since when was this place ever full on a Thursday night? Times have changed."
She followed him in, standing close as he spoke to the waitress who greeted them.
"Sorry darlin'," she said, giving him a wink as she looked him up and down. Amanda could have laughed - the woman couldn't have been more obvious if she'd tried. "Fully booked for a birthday, but you can always come back tomorrow night."
Scott smiled and thanked her, before signaling to Amanda that they were heading for the door.
"I can't believe I didn't think to call ahead."
Amanda shrugged. "No big deal. I would have done exactly the same."
"So can I tempt you with a burger and fries from the diner?" he waggled his eyebrows and she laughed, walking out behind him.
"That sounds perfect," she replied. "I haven't eaten that kind of food in way too long."
Scott stopped for a second, glancing past her and then looking her straight in the eye. "What do you think about getting food to go and parking up near the old look out."
She laughed, before realizing he was serious. "You're actually going to take me to the old make out spot?” She made a tsk-ing sound, “What would Blake say if he knew?"
He bent slightly, so close that it made her forget everything else except the big man in front of her, towering over her even in her heels. "I say screw you brother, Mandy. This is between me and you."
Amanda took a moment to steady herself before answering him, tried to distract herself from how enticing his mouth looked, how warm his lips would be against hers. "Then let's go get our burgers, shall we?"
He chuckled and started to walk again. "So tell me what kind of food a New York artist eats, if not burgers and fries?"
"I've kind of gotten used to the whole size zero freak out," she told him honestly. "Not that I'll ever be that tiny, but I do tend to eat salads and sashimi over greasy food."
"Why the hell would you even want to be a zero? You look good just the way you are, whatever the size is that puts curves where they should be."
"Said like a real man. I'm not sure when we decided that being thin was such an achievement, but I haven't heard a guy yet say he prefers bones over curves."
"Damn right. And on that note, how about two cheeseburgers, a pile of fries and two Cokes?
"You go order, I'll meet you at the car," she said, needing a minute to just breathe without having to contend with Scott.
Burgers and fries were one thing, but driving to the old look out? She was playing with fire, and as much as she wanted to embrace it, she was also terrified.
"Sure thing. I'll meet you there."
CHAPTER EIGHT
AMANDA shut her eyes and leaned back against the headrest, making a mental list of all the pros and cons.
It was Scott. She could trust him. They were just having fun. She groaned. But it was Scott, which meant that maybe they should stay as friends. Not ruin what they already had when he was going to be her family's neighbor for years to come. Just because she was having some out of character yearning for fun didn't mean she should get involved with Scott.
Ugh. She was overthinking the whole thing and she knew it, but this was Scott. Teenage crush Scott, boy from her past, Scott. God damn sexy, hot as hell Scott.
A tap at the window almost made her scream, only the noise stalled in her throat she got such a fright. Scott was standing with his hands full, an expression on his face like he hadn't actually meant to startle her.
She pushed open the door, reaching to take some of his load.
"I didn't mean to scare you."
"I think I just lost one of my nine lives." She inhaled the smell of the cheesy burgers. "And I'm going to lose another eating all this grease, but something tells me it'll be worth it."
Scott laughed as he pushed the door shut and went around to the driver's side.
"You make it sound like I'm trying to feed you engine oil."
"Did I mention that I'm a New York City girl?"
He started the engine then gave her a slow look up and down that made her tingle all the way to her toes. His eyes were lazy and sexy all rolled into one, like she wasn't wearing a thing and he was devouring her naked body with his gaze.
"I think you're forgetting that you were raised in Montana," he said with a grin. "I recall you girls loving fried chicken as much as the next person."
"Haha. My sixteen year old thighs didn't seem to mind what I ate, but these ones," she looked down at them and gave them a slap. "My how times have changed."
Scott raised his eyebrows. "Are you just fishing for another compliment about your bangin' body, because if you really want me to admire it…" he ran a finger down her thigh to her knee, "Well, then I might just have to see this skin of yours bare."
She refused to be embarrassed when she'd made it clear to him earlier that she was interested in something happening between them. Besides, they were only flirting, it wasn't like anything had happened. Yet.
"Just drive us to the lookout," she said, holding both drinks so they didn't spill.
"Yes ma'am."
Amanda's heart was racing, her skin was burning hot, and all she could think about was that she should have just stuck to being her normal, conservative self. Scott was used to women who knew what they wanted, women who had one night stands without thinking they were a big deal. Her doing it? That was just her playing a part that she'd never played before, and it wasn't one she was convinced she could go through with, now that they were so close to something actually happening.
The drive went quicker than she’d anticipated and they were pulling off the road before she knew it.
"And here I was thinking a Dodge with a bed was only good for hauling hay,” he said, pushing open his door and leaving it open. "I never even thought about outdoor picnic
s.”
Amanda laughed and followed him, carrying the drinks and one of the paper bags. Now they were here, she was starting to relax. Maybe it was the fresh air, the crispness of the night, or maybe it was just that she'd built up this place in her mind and it was nothing more than a picturesque spot to park a car. There was no one else here, and the night was so serene that she just wanted to enjoy it.
Scott climbed up onto the bed and reached down for the takeout, before leaning down and holding out a hand to help her up. She took it and joined him, standing high and looking at the view.
"It's gorgeous here."
"Yeah, it is pretty nice."
She guessed he'd never had much time to admire the view when he'd come here as a teen, and she wasn't going to admit that she'd never been brought here by anyone. It was incredible with just the headlights from his truck illuminating the outlook, beaming out over the land.
"So what do you say we lean back here and eat," he suggested. "Beers would have been better than soda, but at least I'll be legal to drive us back home."
Amanda sat down, taking one of the bags and reaching for the fries. She popped one in her mouth, loving the salty taste. It was almost dark, but she could just see what she was doing.
"Mmmm, these are good."
She glanced sideways and watched Scott eat a few then unwrap his burger. She did the same, trying to eat it delicately and failing.
"Lucky I already know you, because there is no way I could eat this without getting sauce all over my face."
They sat in silence for awhile, both eating and just staring straight ahead. When Scott had finished his burger and wiped his hands, he reached for his drink and leaned back, legs crossed at the ankles.
"Can I ask you something?"
She nodded, chewing her last bite of burger.
"I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but what you said about wanting fun and nothing else earlier, it just doesn't sound like you." He made a face. "But then we kind of don't know really know each other anymore, do we?"
Amanda balled up the paper her burger had been wrapped in and took the napkin that Scott held out for her.