by J. N. Colon
Jayson folded his big frame into my driver’s seat, turning the ignition. My car sputtered to life again. “Let it run for a minute.” He climbed out, and I had to move aside before he mowed me over. “Stay here.” He leaned into Kale’s window, having a hushed conversation.
I crossed my arms with a huff and propped my hip against my car, the cold metal seeping through my jeans. They were discussing me. Why else would Kale’s gaze keep flickering in this direction?
Jayson Casteel had to be the moodiest, most irritating person I’d ever met. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop me from obsessing over him. He was mesmerizing and mysterious in a volatile kind of way. He and his friends were different; there was no doubt about that.
I was going to figure out exactly how different they were.
A cold wind leaked through my jacket, and I shivered, hiding my hands under my arms. I glanced at the open hood of my car. It had to have been enough time to get my battery going.
I marched over to Jayson. “Can I go now?” I sure as hell wasn’t about to pull the cables off myself. I’d end up getting electrocuted.
Jayson looked down at me with a furrowed brow.
I rolled my eyes. I didn’t care I’d interrupted his conversation.
Kale laughed under his breath and slipped from his car. “You’re free to go.” He quickly removed the jumper cables.
“Thanks.” Before I could make it, Jayson plopped himself right into my driver seat. “What the hell are you doing?”
“I’m driving you home.” He closed the door on me, locking it.
My jaw hit the pavement. I turned to Kale. “Is he always like this?”
“Only if he really likes you.” He winked.
I scoffed. I was pretty sure like was the farthest thing from Jayson’s mind when he thought of me. I knocked on the window. “Get out of my car!”
Jayson jerked his chin toward the passenger seat.
“You may as well give in,” Kale said, sauntering back to his car. “I wouldn’t put it passed him to get out and toss you in the backseat.”
Looking at Jayson’s bulging arms, I had no doubt he could easily manhandle me. And part of me wouldn’t mind at all.
Ugh. Shut up.
I yanked the door open with unnecessary force. “You are getting this close to being on my bad side.” I held my thumb and forefinger together.
Jayson’s gaze didn’t even flicker in my direction. “Shouldn’t you be thanking me instead of making empty threats?”
I stared at the side of his face for a good ten seconds, unable to speak. I finally shook my head. “I just can’t with you.”
The corners of his lips twitched, and a dimple winked at me.
Oh crap. Those dimples were too much to handle. At least it was a short car ride to my house. I couldn’t be held responsible for anything that might come out of my mouth if I had to endure a long stretch of time with him alone in such close quarters.
Chapter 15
I stomped toward the back door, Jayson close on my heels. I halted and spun around. “What are you doing?”
“My uncle’s inside,” he said, his face blank. “I want to talk to him.”
This whole non-expression expression was really getting annoying. “Whatever,” I mumbled, turning back around and marching up the steps with the Neanderthal following me.
Unfortunately, my clumsiness took the opportunity to rear its ugly head. My foot slipped, and I careened backward, falling into what felt like a brick wall. A massive arm snaked around my waist, stopping me from any further movement.
Jayson’s intoxicating salty ocean scent sifted around me while I leaned against his chest, dizzy. My heart thumped wildly, and my skin began to swelter. He could have let me go. I wasn’t in danger of injuring myself anymore, but his arm remained secured around my waist.
Slowly, my head tilted back to glimpse those hazel eyes. Gold was beginning to burn out the green.
Jayson stared at me, the mask hiding his emotions lifting. The air became charged and hot, sparks of energy bouncing back and forth between us. That arm around me tightened, and his other hand skimmed across my hip.
I bit my lip to keep a sigh from escaping. This guy was driving me nuts.
Catching the movement, Jayson’s gaze lowered to my mouth, studying it. “I bet you taste like sugar, Angel Eyes.”
I squeaked an incoherent reply, my brain filled with a lusty haze. As if his rough whisper wasn’t bad enough, he had to go and say something like that. Flames licked at my entire body.
Jayson seemed to find my lack of brain function funny, his lips tilting up.
A dog barked somewhere, and he stiffened. That unreadable mask quickly slammed over his eyes.
“You’re welcome. Again.” He gently pushed me forward so I wasn’t snuggled against him. “If I hadn’t followed you, you would have cracked your head open.”
I righted my shirt as I tried to remember how to breathe properly. “Or I would have caught myself all on my own without slamming into your hard as a rock chest.” I pivoted and stomped up the steps. “I could get a concussion on that thing.”
A low, barely audible chuckle resonated behind me, and those dimples were reflected in the glass door for a millisecond.
My dad and Max stood at the center island in the kitchen drinking beer when we walked inside. “Geez, don’t you think it’s a little early?”
My dad scoffed. “It’s five o’clock. Happy hour. And why are you getting home so late?”
I dropped my books on the counter and jerked a thumb over my shoulder. “Shouldn’t you be asking why I have a massive shadow today?”
His eyes landed on that shadow. “Hi, Jayson.” An evil smirk slipped over his face, sending alarms blaring in my head. “Don’t pretend you’re bothered by your neighbor’s presence, Lena. I heard you on the phone last night, talking about how he was a piece of hot man candy—”
“Dad!” I blurted, turning ten shades of red. “You are such a liar.” I looked at Jayson who was grinning—actually grinning—with dimples and all. “I did not say that.”
Max chuckled under his breath. “Don’t sweat it, Lena.” He motioned his beer toward Jayson. “You’re not the only one with neighbors on the mind.” He wiggled his eyebrows at his nephew.
His words wiped the smile right off Jayson’s face. “Cute,” he grumbled and crossed his arms over his chest. “Lena’s car was dead.”
My dad shot me an incredulous expression. “Don’t tell me you left a light on again.”
My eyes narrowed, and I stalked toward the cabinet, grabbing the Lucky Charms. “I did no such thing. After that one time and the five-hour long lecture, I always remember to check everything before I get out.” I didn’t want a repeat of that nightmare.
“Something drained the battery,” Jayson said, giving his uncle a meaningful glance. “And some creep was hanging around her car before I got there.”
My dad dropped the chip he’d been about to pop into his mouth, his expression sobering. “Some guy was harassing you?”
I leaned against the counter and grabbed a handful of cereal, picking out the marshmallows. “He offered to help, but I wasn’t sure what his idea of help was.”
“You should think about carrying that mace,” my dad said.
I grimaced. “Because that ended so well last time.” The cops brought me home one day because I accidentally maced myself when I fell at the mall.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Raven,” Jayson said. “I’ll keep an eye on her.”
My brows dipped. “No, you won’t. I’m fine on my own.”
My dad laughed dramatically. “Good one, Lena.” He wiped fake tears from his eyes. “Thanks, Jayson. After saving her from major injury during the earthquake, I’ve already deemed you her guardian angel.”
Max gave a nervous laugh and slapped Jayson on the back. “He’s got you pegged.”
A knock resonated on my door, interrupting my Netflix binge. Technically, I was still browsing the menu. I
spent more time looking for something than watching anything.
I shuffled off the couch. My dad had just gone back to his store, leaving me to my own devices. That meant lounging around and raiding the kitchen for sugary goodness. He’d be lucky if anything sweet was left by the time he came home.
I swung the door open without checking the peephole.
Big mistake.
Austin stood on my porch, holding a pie tin wrapped in aluminum foil.
“What are you doing here?” My cheeks heated, and I resisted the urge to run my hand over my hair. “I mean, hi.”
He gave a wry smile. “I really hope me showing up at your house unexpected isn’t freaking you out.”
I tapped my chin. “Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on what you have in your hand.”
He lifted it. “My mom made you and your dad a pecan pie to welcome you to Mystic Hollow.” He gave a noncommittal shrug. “She’s been out of town visiting her sister or she would have done it sooner.”
“You had me at pie.” I waved him in.
He laughed as he stepped inside, closing the door behind him with his free hand. “I was hoping you’d say that. I know how much you like sweets.”
He wasn’t wrong. “I’m getting a piece right now,” I said, marching into the kitchen. “You want one?”
Austin followed me, setting the tin on the island. “Sure. I don’t suppose you have any ice cream to go with it?”
I opened the freezer, dipping my head inside. “Is chocolate okay?”
“Chocolate goes with pecans,” Austin called.
It sure does.
I grabbed the tub and two plates and silverware. “We can eat in the living room. Find something on television if you want.” I halted as Austin sauntered into the sitting room. Had I just invited him to hang out with me?
My chest tightened, and a cold sweat collected on my nape. Oh crap. Was this like a date thing?
What if it was? Why was I acting so cagey about it?
I shook the irrational thoughts away. This was ridiculous. We were just hanging out, eating pie and watching television. Nothing else.
After fixing our plates, I brought them into the living room. Austin found an action movie about a bank robbery. I took the seat next to him on the couch and dug in.
Oh. My. Gawd. “This pie is amazing.”
Austin grinned. “It should be. It won the blue ribbon in the Mystic Hollow Fair four years in a row.”
“Wow.” I’d never had a blue-ribbon pie before, not that I knew of. “Can I pay your mom to make me pie every day? Or cake. Does she do cake?”
“Cake, cookies, brownies, these little tart things… You name it, and she can bake it.” He chuckled at my mesmerized expression. “But I don’t think my dad would be willing to part with his daily treats.”
I gave a dramatic frown. “Dang. I knew it was too good to be true.” I returned to my plate and shoved a massive bite into my mouth, savoring the sweet, pecan, chocolate flavor. My lids drifted closed. This was seriously heaven.
Austin cleared his throat. “So, Lena, I was wondering if you wanted to—” His words cut off as the doorbell rang.
I nearly choked as I quickly swallowed. “Be right back.” I slipped away from Austin, thankful for the interruption. Was he about to ask me on a date? Would I have said yes?
The answer to that question never fully formed once I opened the door. My heart fluttered way too much at the sight of Jayson filling up my porch. Before I could even speak, he barreled through the door.
My jaw dropped, and words failed me for several seconds. Jayson rendering me speechless was becoming a habitual thing.
When my mind was functioning again, I closed the door and stomped after him. “Hey, caveman, people usually wait for an invitation to enter someone’s house.”
Jayson made himself comfortable on the leather recliner, shooting Austin a narrowed glare.
Crap on toast. Within a few moments of seeing Jayson, I’d forgotten the quarterback was even here.
“What are you doing?” I asked, throwing him my own glare.
“Your father asked me to stop by.” He didn’t take his eyes off Austin who was looking paler by the minute.
I scoffed and crossed my arms against my chest. “No, he didn’t.”
Jayson motioned his finger between us as he spoke to Austin. “We’re neighbors.”
The quarterback shifted uneasily, rubbing his knees. “I know.”
Jayson shed his leather jacket, tossing it on the arm of the chair. His black t-shirt was stretched tightly over his chest and arms, displaying just how powerful his body was. And what a body. I’d seen him shirtless, and it was a true testament to my self-control that I hadn’t tried to feel those iron muscles every time he was near.
I quickly glanced away, my cheeks turning a deep shade of scarlet. Could they see the dark, naughty places my mind had started to go?
An awkward silence descended over the room. When I finally managed to peek at Jayson, those hazel eyes were glittering in my direction. His lip quirked up ever so slightly.
Oh, gawd. He probably knew I longed to run my hand over his ripped abs.
“Your father wouldn’t like you home alone with some random guy.” Jayson’s words were like a bucket of cold water dumped over me.
My head snapped back. “Austin isn’t some random guy. He’s a friend from school. I’m allowed to have friends over.”
“Not guys.” A chilling, humorless smile curled his lips. “Your dad knows me. It’s fine if I’m alone with you.”
This guy was unbelievable. “Get out.”
Jayson barked out a laugh. “Not happening, Angel Eyes.”
My jaw tightened. Before I realized what was happening, I had a firm grip on his arm, trying unsuccessfully to haul his big ass out of the chair. I ignored the warm tingles sparking between our skin. “I mean it, Casteel. Get the hell out of my house.”
He chuckled, and I hated how much I liked the resonant, smoky sound.
I glanced at Austin. “A little help here.” He was a football player. He was used to big, annoying brutes.
Jayson’s laughter died. “Don’t even think about it, quarterback.”
Austin slowly stood, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I think I should go.”
“No,” I said. “You don’t have to.”
“Yes, you do.” Jayson crossed his arms in front of his chest, bulging his muscles.
Austin shot me a wry smile. “It’s getting late anyway.” He moved from around the coffee table, grabbing his jacket and heading for the door.
I followed him, glowering at the Neanderthal over my shoulder who sported a broad smile. I walked Austin onto the porch. “I’m sorry about him,” I said, chewing my bottom lip. “I don’t know what his problem is. He finds joy in ruining my mood.”
His boyish grin was back now that he wasn’t under the scrutiny of my menacing neighbor. “It’s okay. We’ll get together again, but maybe not at your house.”
I nodded. “Sure.”
I watched Austin leave, trying to cool my temper before heading back inside. It didn’t work.
I slammed the door and stomped into the living room. “Are you this big of a jackass to everyone, or am I just lucky?” I snapped, glowering at Jayson.
“Why did you invite him over?” His voice was barely more than a growl. “Did he kiss you? Did he do other things?”
My blood boiled within my veins. “What I do with Austin is none of your business. And thanks for thinking so highly of me. Apparently, I’m some easy slut who’d let any guy get my goods.”
His body tensed. “That’s not what I meant.”
I spun around and marched into the kitchen, needing another sugar fix. I bypassed the pie though. It would be rude to eat it all before my dad had one sliver of a piece. “I don’t get why you’re even here, or why you even care.” I opened the cookie jar only to find it empty. I yanked open a cabinet, searching for anything with sugar in it. Hell, I’d tak
e plain old granulated sugar at this point. “You barely speak to me and half the time you act like you can’t stand me.”
Jayson grabbed my hand before my fingers closed around the handle of another cabinet. “Do you want me to like you, Angel Eyes?” His voice was husky, dipping to dangerous levels.
My eyes were bright blue, but I was no angel. The wicked thoughts running through my mind involving him could attest to that.
I snatched my hand away, my skin already missing the feel of his. “I want you to stop calling me Angel Eyes.”
Wordlessly—and with that stupid smirk—he reached over my head, grabbing a bag of mini candy bars from the top shelf.
“Thanks,” I growled, snatching the bag from him. “You’ve been a big help. You can go now.”
He didn’t back away. “I don’t think I can because you still don’t get my point.”
A groan slipped out as I tore the bag open. “What is your point? That you think you have the authority to boss me around whenever you please?”
“Exactly.”
I threw the wrapper I’d just ripped off the candy at his chest. He didn’t even flinch. “I don’t know what weird crap is going on in that thick head of yours, but you are not the boss of me. I can do whatever the hell I want.”
Jayson moved forward, his arms reaching out and pinning me against the counter. “Is that so?”
I gulped, unable to stop my betraying body from reacting to him. My cheeks flared with heat, and goose bumps popped along my skin. His eyes were beginning to burn that golden hue I found as intoxicating as I did strange. That salty, spicy scent was weaving through my brain. Electricity sizzled between us, hot and primal. My lips tingled with the urge to kiss him, to know what he tasted like.
Part of me felt like I already did.
The doorbell rang, shattering the intense stare off.
“Who is that now?” I attempted to break out of the cage Jayson had me in, but his arms held steady.
“I’ll get the door.” He pivoted and crossed the living room in a few strides.
I sucked in a deep breath. Jayson Casteel was hazardous to my health.