Shit. Brunch!
I spring from the bed like it’s suddenly caught fire and reach for my phone in one fluid movement. Worried I’ll find dozens ofWhere are you?texts from all four happy couples, I glance down to discover it’s only 7:00 a.m. Slumping back into the pillows, I let out a frazzled exhale. Thank God.After realizing I’d slept so soundly, my bedmate had been able to leave without stirring me, I wasn’t sure if it was still Sunday.
Turning to sit on the edge of the bed, I run my hands through my short hair and wander to the bathroom. As I glance at my reflection, it isn’t the appearance of nail marks on my skin or the way my dark hair stands on end for all the tugging Char did to it that comes to the front of my mind. It’s the gratified smile.
I can’t remember the last time I woke to feel this sated and alive. I love my friends. Love living in this glorious little mountain town with an energy only Mother Nature could possess. I love my high adrenalin, always unexpected career where I can give back while challenging myself. But something about that mysterious woman has invaded my senses in a way nothing, or no one, ever has.
Focusing on the task at hand, I empty my bladder, wash my hands, and rinse my mouth when a grin suddenly splits my face in two and my body jerks to my full height. I’m suddenly wide awake, fueled by hopeful optimism. Perhaps Char is helping Ellie and needed to get there early. I’m fully aware this one-night stand is quickly coming to a close. Yet, the very thought that I could have one more moment with her before she leaves is giving me a jolt of get-up-and-go.
If only I could learn a little more about this incredible woman. Why was she so insistent she’d never consider leaving? What or who is back home waiting for her?
Having plenty of time to make it home to shower, shave, and dress before returning for the festivities, I gather my clothes and head for the door. Hopefully, it’s early enough I can make my exit without having to do the proverbial walk of shame amongst any number of locals enjoying their morning coffee nearby.
Hell. Who am I kidding?
There’s absolutely no shame in my game this morning. I feel as if I’m walking on air as I twirl my keys on my index finger and make my way toward my truck. That was easily one of the best, if notthe best, nights of my life.
What is it that makes this one-night stand unlike any other I’ve had? Because I hate to have to say goodbye to this stunning woman. There’s nothing about her that screams clinger. She’s smart, sassy, fun, and probably the most beautiful creature I’ve ever encountered. And not just physically.
There’s something about her that makes you warm under the glow of her radiance. It’s so natural and effervescent, like the feel of aSycamore Mountain sun bathing you in blissful heat while a cool breeze ripples the tree-lined pond at your feet. I doubt she even realizes the magnitude of her presence. I shake my head at my thoughts as I climb into my truck.
What the hell kind of voodoo has this enchantress placed me under?
The morning is bright and beautiful as I turn in the direction of my home on the hill. There’s little commotion beyond old Mr. Jenkin’s truck as it ambles down the lane. I pass a random jogger in a gray hoodie out enjoying the clean, crisp mountain air and decide to roll down the window to do the same. Not that I need it to invigorate me as I had when I first awoke. Now I’m fueled on irrational anticipation.
And her.
Turning on the radio, Morgan Wallen starts to croon. My fingers thrum against the steering wheel as he sings of wanting to love somebody. I sit up taller in my seat.Knock this shit off, you moron.That’s the very last thing you want or need. I give my head a much-needed shake. It was some hot pussy, nothing more.
But the thought of seeing her again in a few hours has me grinning ear to ear. Like some childhood crush that’s rocked your world. It’s nonsensical. Scratching my head, I reflect on my youth and come up short. I don’t think I felt this way about anyone, even when Iwasa teenager.Not even hot, Mrs. Bradshaw. There wasn’t a boy in my seventh-grade algebra class who could pay attention to anything she said. It was like learning equations from a Penthouse pet.
Then again, my youth was marred by my father’s infidelity and eventual split from my mother. Even Mrs. Bradshaw’s ample cleavage and sexy come-hither face didn’t have me yearning for more.
Custody wasn’t even an issue for dear old Dad. There isn’t a parental, nurturing bone in his body. He knew Mom would want to have me full time. The only downside to this was having to offer her more of his hard-earned money each month. But my father had never spent any real quality time with me growing up, so joint custody would require hiring a nanny. Might as well cut ties and let Mom doit. I mean, he’d been treating her like the hired help for their entire marriage anyway. Why stop now?
With my past out of the rearview mirror and plainly in full view to remind me why I have chosen to remain single, I focus on getting ready to return to Ellie’s restaurant for brunch. Char was a good time, nothing more.
Yet this pep talk is clearly futile as I pull into the parking lot, my pulse quickening, eager to see her.
Strolling through the door to the restaurant, I try to act casual. Unaffected. But there’s no hiding the dejection I feel when I scour the place to discover she’s not here. I try to hold out hope I’m wrong. Yet as each guest files in and takes their seat, it seems less likely she’ll be joining us.
“Hey, old man. Nice of you to join us.” Matt slaps me on the back.
“What? I’m not late.”
“Just assumed you might have decided to sleep in.”
Turning to face him, I narrow my eyes as I attempt to gather his meaning. Had the talk around town already started? How many eyes had been on us as we departed the reception? My attention was laser-focused on my curvy companion. Those blissful moments alone under the moonlight had been the match that ignited an inferno. Once it began, it was as if someone had set fire to a warehouse of explosives, which continued to spark throughout the night.
“Not sure what you’re getting at,” I mutter, feeling more than a little surly at my disappointment at not finding Char here.
“Oh, come on, Smoke. You two were in to each other. You haven’t danced all night like that with anyone in years. Ellie didn’t want to interrupt when the night started to come to a close. But one minute you two were on the dancefloor looking like a couple fromDancing with the Stars, then the next you’d both vanished into thin air.”
I frown, considering Ellie had missed saying goodbye to her best friend because I whisked her away. Not sorry enough I would’ve handled things any differently. I wouldn’t take back one second of last night.
Well, except possibly begging her to stay a little longer.
I give him a sheepish grin. “Sorry, man.”
