“Do you think I could leave now?” I ask Mom a couple of hours later as I collect my tips and remove the apron from around my waist. “I would like to get a head start before it gets dark.” That’s no lie, but I have ulterior motives. Like not wanting to elaborate on what Garrick said to me earlier or explain what went down on Friday night. Mom is already gushing over him, and I’m not in the mood.
Why won’t he just leave me alone?
Mom glances around the room as staff members continue the cleanup. “We can manage it from here. I’d prefer you set out now rather than traveling so far in the dark.” She pulls me into her arms and kisses the top of my head. “I know you’re also avoiding, but it’s okay. I’ll grill you on the phone on Wednesday.”
A groan slips from my mouth as I shuck out of her embrace, muttering about interfering mothers under my breath. Mom laughs. “He’s a nice young man. You could do a lot worse.”
“Bye, Mom!” I wave goodbye to the remaining staff as I make my way into the locker room to get changed.
Walking out the rear staff entrance with my bag slung over my shoulder, I wish I had brought my coat as a gust of wind rushes over me and a shiver whips through me. Despite the sun earlier today, it’s been colder than usual for the end of April this past week. We should be welcoming warmer weather soon, and I’m looking forward to it.
Rounding the corner of the clubhouse, I slam to a halt at the sight awaiting me. “You have got to be shitting me,” I grumble under my breath as I watch Garrick climb out of his car. Narrowing my eyes in his direction, I stride toward my silver Honda CR-V. It was a present from Mom and Nana for my sixteenth birthday. It’s ten years old now, but I get it serviced regularly, and until I moved to Oregon, I didn’t clock up many miles. She’s in good condition and should last at least until I graduate.
“You really don’t take no for an answer, do you?” I say as I unlock my car with the key fob and stop in front of the stubborn guy leaning against the side of a newish-looking Range Rover parked right beside my vehicle. “How did you know this was my car?”
Garrick’s dimples make an appearance when he smiles. “I have my ways.”
“And that’s not stalkerish at all,” I drawl, playing up the sarcasm.
He holds up his hands. “I’m just a lonely guy trying to get a pretty girl to say yes to a date.”
I can’t hold back my laughter. “You are ridiculous, and I’d hazard a guess rarely lonely.” A guy who looks as good as Garrick is not short of female company. “I’m sure your lovely date from earlier would be upset to hear such statements.”
“Pepper is a family friend, and it wasn’t a date.”
“I’m betting your mom wishes it was.”
“You caught that, huh?” Reaching out, he tucks a stray strand of hair that has come loose from my ponytail behind my ear. His fingers brush against my cold cheek in the process, igniting a heady warmth under my skin. “Definitely not just a pretty face. I can add observant and intuitive to my list.”
“You have a list?”
He nods, smiling as he maintains eye contact with me. “It’s a long list and growing longer by the minute.”
“You are so full of shit.”
He chuckles. “Every interaction with you only heightens my interest, Stevie. You’re funny, hardworking, intelligent, charismatic, and stunningly beautiful. If you want me to go away, stop being so captivating.”
My pulse races, and my heart speeds up. It’s a little OTT but still one of the sweetest things anyone has ever said to me. Not that I’m admitting to it or letting this go any further. “We should stop interacting then, Garrick,” I say, turning around and opening my driver’s door.
“Even the way you say my name enchants me.”
I glance over my shoulder as he plants one hand against his chest and taps it.
“It gets me in here.” His lips pull into a wild smile. “And other unmentionable places.”
A laugh bursts from my mouth before I can stop it. “You have a certain charm. I’ll give you that,” I admit, and his face lights up. I am momentarily stunned, but I snap out of it quick, realizing what I’ve just said. “But it makes no difference. I told you already. I don’t date.” Climbing into my car, I get comfortable behind the wheel.
Garrick steps right up in between me and the open car door. He crouches down, and his face is so close I have an unhindered view of the stunning amber flecks in his eyes. “Make an exception for me.”
“I can’t. I’m sorry.”
“I’m not giving up.”
Air whooshes out of my mouth even as a shot of excitement races through my veins. “You should.” Butterflies go crazy in my chest as I lock eyes with him. His gaze drifts to my lips for a couple seconds, and lust pools low in my belly. I gulp over the sudden dryness in my mouth.
What is this guy doing to me?
I do not have these reactions to men.
