Shawna drops her fork and looks angrily at me. “And what kind is that, exactly? The kind that goes after what she wants? The kind that makes life happen for her? The kind that does everything she can to find happiness? Oh, no. You’re not that kind at all. You’re the martyr. You’re the one who’s gonna let life pass her by because she won’t take risks anymore.”
“Wanting to get a degree that I can use to help my father does not make me a martyr.”
“No, but giving up on every other area of your life so you can move back to Podunk does.”
“He’s already had one woman in his life abandon him. I refuse to be the second.” I can’t keep the sharp edge from my voice. She’s stirring up my temper.
“Living your life is not abandonment, Liv.”
“That’s exactly what she said.”
To this, Shawna says nothing.
********
Taking all my core accounting classes up front in my first two years of college was a stroke of genius as far as I’m concerned. But even with a light schedule of easy classes, I’m still tired today for some reason. It’s Friday evening and the weekend is just beginning.
And it sucks already.
I’d like to think it’s just dread of going home to work all weekend, but I know it’s a little more than that. It’s that stupid conversation I had with Shawna at the cake tasting.
This guy sounds like everything you’ve ever wanted.
I sigh. That’s becoming clearer with each passing day.
Nash has visited Marissa every single night this week. The more I hear him talk and see him laugh and observe how he acts, the more I wish I was the kind of person that ruthlessly went after what I wanted.
But I’m not. Marissa has the monopoly on that. Well, Marissa and my mother.
If I ever become a thief, Nash will be the first thing I steal.
I can hear his deep voice as he talks to Marissa. No doubt they have exciting plans for the night. Their jet-set lives are the stuff fairy tales are made of. Unfortunately, my life has been anything but a fairy tale.
With a resolute jerk that makes my eyes water, I tighten my pony tail. I eye myself in the mirror. Marissa’s work uniform is a thousand dollar suit and Jimmy Choo shoes. Mine is black shorts and a black tee that says Get a little at Tad’s. A girl like me will never have a life like that.
I’m glad when I hear the front door shut. At least now I don’t have to pass the dynamic duo on my way out. It’s already a shitty weekend and it’s only just begun. Seeing them drool all over each other is the last thing I need.
I give them a couple minute lead before I grab my purse and keys, sling my overnight bag onto my shoulder and head for the door. I’m thinking to myself that I should’ve used the bathroom before I left when I look up and see Nash sitting in his sleek black car, talking on the phone. Not watching where I’m going, I forget to step off the curb and end up falling off it instead.
I probably would’ve been able to keep my balance had I not been loaded down with my stuffed overnight bag. Once it got going in the wrong direction, there was no stopping either of us.
I fall ass over teacup into the parking lot. In my head, I envision myself as a comical cartwheel of flailing arms and legs.
Yep, I’m making a fool of myself. Again. Right in front of Nash.
Is there no end to my embarrassment with this guy?
I’m thinking that as I try and right myself as quickly as possible. Before I can get untangled from my purse and duffel straps, however, strong hands are gripping my arms and hauling me to my feet.
I’m face to face with Nash. His dark-chocolate eyes are full of concern and he smells lightly of expensive cologne, something musky. Dark. Sexy.
“Are you all right?”
I’m discombobulated. “I’m just glad I didn’t pee all over myself,” I blurt. I see his mouth drop open a tiny bit and I feel my cheeks go up in flames.
Oh sweet Lord, what did I just say?
And then he laughs. His perfect mouth spreads into a wide smile, revealing equally perfect teeth. His face is transformed from gorgeous into just plain breathtaking. And the sound—it’s rich and rumbly and slides over my skin like satin.
I know I’m staring, but I can’t seem to keep my eyes off the lips that are so close. They look so much like his brother’s. So delicious. So forbidden. And, despite all the reasons I shouldn’t, I want him to kiss me just as badly.
What the hell is wrong with me?
“I am, too.”
My brain is utterly scrambled.
“What?” I ask, dazed and confused.
“I am, too,” he repeats.
“You are too what?”
“I’m glad you didn’t pee all over yourself, too.”
Oh yeah. That.
Apparently, it’s the rule of the universe that I make an ass of myself at every possible opportunity with this guy. And his brother, too!
Stepping away from him so I can think, I smile sheepishly and shake my head. “Oh, God! Sorry about that. I, uh, I was just thinking that I should’ve used the bathroom before I left. I had lots of water today.”
I laugh uneasily. He continues to watch me in amusement. It’s horrifying.
“Where are you headed?”
“To work.”
“Ah. And where’s that?” he asks, pushing his hands into his pockets like he’s settling in for a long conversation.
“Um, Tad’s Bar and Grill in Salt Springs.”
“Salt Springs?” He frowns. “That’s, what, just over an hour from here?”
“Yep, which is why I need to get going.”
I have to get away from him before something more embarrassing happens. Like I reach out and touch the rounded pecs that I can just make out beneath his expensive dress shirt.
“Right. Well, drive carefully.”
With a nod and a polite smile, he turns and walks back to the car that’s purring quietly a few feet away.
I all but run to my beat up Honda Civic. It has never looked more welcoming. Or more like an escape pod. I hop in and slam the door, exhaling in relief.
But then, much to my chagrin, I turn the key and hear only a sluggish whine. The engine won’t start.
I look at the gas gauge. Half full. It’s not an empty tank. I look at the dashboard lights. They’re nice and bright. It’s not a dead battery. Beyond that, I have no idea what to check.