West jerked away from me, stepping into the bathroom to grab the towel I had left hanging. I leaned against the wall, too unsteady to move. Aubrey poked her head in and saw me then turned to West as he emerged from the bathroom, holding the balled-up towel in front of him. Covering his anatomy, I noticed. I bit my lip to hide my grin.
“I better get back out there and help Wyatt. We’re moving a sofa around for Grandma. Thanks again, Sadie. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Funny,” I called out as he neared the door.
As he moved past her, Aubrey grabbed his arm and leaned close, talking to him in a hushed voice. West paused then shook his head. Aubrey spoke more adamantly, but I couldn’t make out what she was saying. West’s jaw hardened, and he glared at her before giving a stiff nod. As he moved out the door, Aubrey’s hand trailed down from his elbow to his wrist. My stomach rolled. It seemed like an intimate gesture, yet he hadn’t seemed happy to see her.
She walked across the room to me. “I just wanted to make sure you were all right. We haven’t been introduced, but I’m Aubrey Perotti. And I would have been devastated if anything had happened to little Cody, so thank you again for, let’s just say, being in the right place at the right time.” Her husky voice had a slight accent. Of course it did.
“I’m just glad I could help,” I said.
“And I’d like to return the favor, if I may.”
I lifted my eyebrows. “And how do you plan on doing that?”
“You’re a photographer, correct? I’d like to hire you. Hailey was singing your praises, and I trust her. Have you ever done… boudoir photography?” Her voice dropped at the end, like she was sharing a secret. “I’ve always wanted to have some shots made, you know, while I still have the body for it. And if I like your work, I’ll be sure to whisper your praises in the right ears to make sure you have plenty more jobs headed your way.”
“Why me?” I asked, cocking my head to the side.
She laughed. “Partly because I don’t know you well. Somehow, stripping down seems easier in front of a stranger than with a friend, yes? You’re a photographer, you must understand that. And, like I said, I want to do this now, while I’m young. While I still have the body and haven’t lost my nerve. I’ll pay you three grand. Is that enough?”
My eyes widened at that number, and I looked her over more objectively as a possible subject. There was no denying she was beautiful. Her skin was flawless, her curves lush without being trashy. She would photograph well, as I’m sure she already knew. And, as coordinator of that gala thing Hailey was talking about, she was no doubt telling the truth about her connections and pull. Not a good enemy to make by refusing. Plus, three thousand dollars? Yeah, I could use the money.
I ground my teeth before forcing a smile. “When would be a good time for you?”
“Are you free tomorrow? Just after lunch? I’ll text you the address.”
I recited my number, and she programmed it into her phone, which was covered with pink crystals. “Well, I’m sure you want to get home and get… cleaned up.” Her eyes raked over me with frank disapproval. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Can’t wait,” I muttered under my breath to her retreating back.
I was almost done loading the Jeep when West snuck up behind me and boxed me against the driver’s door with his arms. “Do you have plans for tonight? Have dinner with me.”
I turned and found myself only inches away from him. He smelled slightly of sweat from whatever he’d been doing for his grandma, and he was short of breath, like he’d run to get to me. I liked it.
I put one finger over his chest. “I can’t. I’m going out with Rue and Theo tonight.” I drew my hand down, letting my finger trace over his abs. His shirt was damp and sticking to his skin, and his muscles tightened with my touch.
He growled. “Skip it.”
“No.” He stared at me like he couldn’t believe I’d turned him down. “Look, you want to go out with me, give me some notice.”
“I just did.”
“Five hours is not notice.”
“Fine. Where are you going?”
“Why?” I teased. “Planning on crashing?” His checks turned a bit red, and I laughed, a real laugh. “I don’t know. It’s Theo’s turn to pick. Better luck next time.” I patted him on the cheek and slipped out of his loose hold, opening the car door.
His hand grabbed the frame as I went to shut it. His eyes flashed as he looked at me, and he opened his mouth like he was going to say something, but then he shook his head.
Neither of us moved. Neither of us spoke. The air around us felt charged with heat and anticipation. Finally, he closed my door and backed away, watching me the whole time.
As much as I felt drawn to him, a part of it scared me. It felt like too much too soon, like a firework, all bright and shiny and exciting, but with no staying power. If I was smart, I’d remember it wasn’t safe to play with matches.
CHAPTER 8
Dinner was awesome. We’d driven over to this tiny pin dot on the map called Frogmore and eaten at The Foolish Frog. We sat outside, listening to live music and catching up with each other in between stuffing our faces. I was tired of red meat, and they had chicken piccata, my favorite, so I ordered that, but I was also stealing bites from Rue’s shrimp and grits and Theo’s Frogmore stew, a delicious mix of sausage, shrimp, potatoes, corn, and spices.
And I was drinking. Theo was DD for the night, so Rue and I were indulging. A lot. In fact, I may have already been partially drunk when we piled out of the restaurant and into Theo’s old beater.
“Ugh, take me home,” I said, moaning. It had been a long day, and the thought of dealing with Aubrey tomorrow was so depressing that I hadn’t even mentioned the whole episode at dinner.
“Nuh-uh,” Rue said, shaking her hair and making the pink tips swirl. “We are going out!”
Theo looked over his shoulder at her as she sprawled in the backseat. I had shotgun. “Where are we going?”
“To get laid!” Rue cried, throwing her arms up in the air. Theo and I laughed. Rue always wanted to get laid. “Let’s hit up Anchor for some tourist booty!” She pulled out her phone and started texting furiously. “And I may have told Boone we were headed there. You can thank me later, Sadie.”
I stopped laughing. Boone. I had kind of forgotten about him after Grady’s party. Boone with his floppy hair and his laid-back vibe. Boone could be fun. And then West’s face skittered through my mind, and I got butterflies. I frowned and tried thinking about Boone with his skateboarder’s body again. No tingles. I remembered West crowding me against my Jeep. Goose bumps.
Well, maybe I just hadn’t given Boone enough of a chance yet. Besides, I didn’t think I’d be in over my head with him. He didn’t strike me as particularly… deep. I could already tell West was going to be trouble for me. And I wasn’t sure I was ready for something that strong. I needed something lighter, easier. I needed a Boone.
“To Anchor!” I yelled through my open window, flinging my arm out to feel the sticky humidity blowing through my fingers.
Theo grinned and shook his head. “You guys are going to be crazy tonight, aren’t you? Just text me if you find another way home.”
When we pulled up to Anchor, the parking lot was almost full. Theo found an unopened bottle of water on his floorboards and made me and Rue each drink half, trying to pace us for the night ahead. Rue rubbed some pink lipstick across her lips that matched her hair and straightened her white eyelet dress. She was playing up the whole I-may-look-innocent-but-trust-me-I’m-not thing. I bet she wasn’t even wearing underwear, knowing her. I was buzzed enough I didn’t care anymore. I halfheartedly smoothed my dress down as I climbed out of the car. It was soft and short and red, and Rue had made my eyes all dark and smoky and lent me some crazy heels. I felt sultry, and that was good enough for me.