I fell asleep.
“Are you okay? You scared the shit out of me.”
“A girl can’t take a nap in the park?” I rub my hands down my face. I’m totally disoriented and have no idea how long I’ve been asleep. It could have been ten minutes or five hours. It could be ten years in the future, or I could be late for school for all I know.
This is why I don’t take naps.
“By yourself? Fuck no.”
I sigh. I don’t want to look at him.
So I don’t.
“I’m fine, Brooks. I was reading and fell asleep.” I check the time. “It wasn’t even thirty minutes.”
“You shouldn’t let your guard down like that.”
Now I do look up at him. His hands are on his hips, and he’s so broody. So …handsome.
Why does he have to be so damn handsome?
“I haven’t let my guard down in fifteen years. I think thirty minutes in this little park, in the middle of the day, is fine.”Shit, I’ve said too much.“Thanks, though. I’ll head home.”
“No, stay and read. I just had to make sure you’re okay, since it looked like you were passed out on the grass.”
“Why?” I stand and brush off my clothes, then face him. “Why do you care?”
“Jules, I do care if you’re safe.”
I smirk at that and turn away.
“I’m safe, Brooks.”
“You’re so fucking infuriating!”
I spin around and gape at him. “Iam?”
“Yes. You.”
Not wanting to have a screaming match in this public park, I get close to him, glaring up at him.
“You don’t want me, remember? You told me to stay away, to avoid you at all costs. I’m doing that. You don’t get to have it both ways, Brooks. I wasn’t bothering you by taking a little nap here in this park. I was just trying to take a day off and relax. But obviously, that offends you.”
“Stop it.” He lowers his head so his lips are next to my ear, and a shiver rolls through me. “I was fucking worried about you, and I won’t apologize for that. I don’t know how to handle you, Wildfire.”
“You don’t handle me.” I shake my head and pull away. “We’re strangers. Is my car ready?”
“A couple more days.”
“Jesus, I’m going to be so fucking broke.” I swallow hard and then shrug. “Oh well. Thanks for waking me up.”
I turn to leave, but he calls my name.
I don’t stop.
I wake up to the sound of running water.
Not like it’s coming out of a faucet.
