The moment I see her, I let go of the ball of anxiety rolling around in my chest with a deep, cleansing breath. I wait outside the restaurant after telling Dad I needed to use the phone, when really I just wanted to wait for Fable.
And get away from him.
She’s smiling at me as she approaches, her blond hairpulled back into a high ponytail, revealing her rounded cheeks, her pert nose, and her rosebud lips. The more I look at her, the prettier I think she is. Though not just pretty…
Fable’s hot. Sexy as hell, with a fine body that I’ve seen in various stages of undress since we’ve been staying at the guesthouse. I caught her in a towel this morning when she snuck out of the bathroom and darted across the hall into her room. She didn’t even see me.
But I sawher. All that creamy, dewy bared skin on display that made me want to chase after her. Haul her in close and feel her wrap around me. Tangle my fingers into her wet hair and tug, bringing her mouth to mine…
Holy shit. Just remembering that sets my skin on fire. I try my damnedest to keep everyone at arm’s length, especially girls, but Fable’s already getting under my skin and making me want.
Her.
Wearing skin-tight jeans and an oversized black sweater, she looks good enough to eat. And I never think like that. Ever. She’s making me think and feel things that are somehow both uncomfortable and freeing.
In other words, Fable leaves me in a constant state of confusion.
“Here I am.” She stops just in front of me, her head coming only to my chest, she’s so short. I could scoop herup, toss her over my shoulder, and carry her out of here, no problem. “Ready to rescue you.”
Code word “marshmallow” hadn’t been used until now, so I’m pleased at how fast she comes to me. Not that my dad was being particularly bad or yelling; he just wouldn’t stop asking me questions about my future. Stuff I can’t answer because I have no clue what’s going to happen.
I finally couldn’t take it anymore and texted “marshmallow” when I made a bathroom escape.
Now here she is. Ready to whisk me away.
“Thanks for showing up.”
“Is he being hard on you?”
“No, I just…don’t want to answer all of his questions.”
“Oh.” That single non-word is loaded with all sorts of questions itself. None I can answer either.
“Did you like looking at all the stores?” That’s what girls do. Shop, spend money, though I don’t think Fable really has much to spend. Well, she does if she wants to blow that money I gave her, but I know she’s saving it to take care of her brother.
The noble barmaid named Fable. Sounds like a story out of a modern fairy tale.
“The shops here are way too expensive for my taste.” She wrinkles her nose, which is cute as hell. “I can’t affordto look inside, let alone think about buying anything. I’m not really a shopper anyway.”
So what does she like to do besides hang out at the beach? I know nothing about this girl. What I do know, I don’t much understand. We’re complete and total opposites in pretty much every way.
“What do you like to do, then? During your off time?” She stares at me strangely and I feel like an idiot. “You know, like hobbies or whatever.”
She bursts out laughing. “I don’t have time for hobbies. I used to like to read.”
“Used to?”
“I’m too busy.” She shrugs. “Working, taking care of my brother, cleaning up around our place. I always end up totally exhausted and when I fall into bed, I’m already asleep.” Her gaze cuts away from mine.
“Same here.” I keep myself busy on purpose. My class load is heavy, though I have no idea what I want to do with my life beyond football. Hell, I know my coach is mad that I didn’t stay around campus so I can practice and that still makes me feel guilty. There’s a big game coming up and I need to be at peak performance.
“Really?” She sounds shocked.
I nod. “It’s easier that way, don’t you think? Staying so busy nothing can bother you.”
She studies me for a while, her gaze narrowed. Perceptive. As if those dark green eyes can reach directly inside me and examine all my hidden secrets.
I don’t like it.
