Beautiful One

by Mary Cope

  “Thanks.” I adjusted my ponytail as we made our way back to the garage.

  Spencer held out his jacket, and I slipped my arms inside. I was immediately hit with the scent that was uniquely his. The sleeves hung past my hands, and I felt tiny, surrounded by his much-too-large jacket. Spencer smiled and he zipped it up while I wrestled with the sleeves.

  He pushed the bike onto the driveway and jogged back inside and grabbed two helmets before he closed the door. He handed me one, and I slipped it over my head.

  “Ladies first.”

  He held the handle bars steady as I hiked my leg up and over. He put his helmet on and straddled the seat. He shifted the bike up straight before snapping the kickstand back with his heavy boot and started it up. The growl of the engine startled me. He glanced back. “You okay?”

  “It just scared me, but I’m fine.” I spoke above the roar of the engine, so he could hear me.

  The thought of the bike speeding down the street made my heart beat faster.

  “You’re gonna have to hold onto me.”

  He reached back and grabbed one of my arms and placed it around his mid-section. My other arm followed suit.

  “And if you get scared, just yell in my ear, and I’ll stop.”

  “Okay,” I yelled over his shoulder while I tightened my hold around his waist.

  “Pizza?”

  “Sure.”

  Spencer slowly rode out of our neighborhood and headed toward Pacific Coast Highway. When we’d made it to the coast, he gunned it. I held on tight and tucked myself behind his shoulder. The scent that clung to his leather jacket consumed me.

  Speeding down the highway should have been scary, but I found it exhilarating. The wind was whipping past us so fast I imagined the feeling was that of straddling a rocket. The sun was setting over the ocean as we rode through Dana Point and passed Capistrano Beach. We weaved our way through the streets of San Clemente and ended up at Donny’s Pizza.

  Spencer parked the bike and leaned it to the side then forced the kickstand into place. He dismounted first, removed his helmet, and held a hand out to help me off. I couldn’t help but notice his hair still looked good.

  “So, what’d you think?”

  Before answering, I took off the helmet and handed it to Spencer. Hoping my hair had fared as well as his, I removed the hair band and gave my head a shake, while he anxiously watched. “It was amazing!”

  The hesitation on Spencer’s face morphed into a dimpled smile. “Awesome! I was a little worried… you were holding me pretty tight.” He clipped both helmets on the bike and guided me toward the restaurant.

  “Sorry about that, it’s just… we were going so fast.” I unzipped his leather jacket but kept it on.

  “Actually, we never went above the speed limit. It just feels faster.” When we entered the doors, Spencer leaned in close to my ear. “I would never put you in danger, Elizabeth.” His breathy words sent a chill down my spine.

  When the hostess got a look at Spencer, she quickly approached us and smiled at him. She batted her eyelashes and asked if we preferred to sit inside or out.

  Spencer looked at me and I shrugged my shoulders.

  “Out,” he answered.

  She led us to an outside patio with dark wood beams, surrounded by white twinkle lights. I had eaten here with my family several times. Donny’s was a favorite with the locals, and I was happy he had chosen it. The hostess sat us at a small table for two. Spencer pulled out my chair, and I took a seat. He sat across from me. The hostess handed us our menus and asked if we wanted a drink, all the while keeping her eyes focused on Spencer.

  “I’ll have a root beer please.”

  Finally, she noticed me.

  “That sounds good. I’ll have the same.”

  Spencer smiled up at the hostess, and I could have sworn I heard her gasp. We read over our menus for a minute before I looked back at him.

  “What would you like?” he asked.

  “Do you want to split a pizza and maybe get some pasta?” The garlicky aromas from the kitchen made me realize how hungry I was.

  “Perfect. How about a cheese pizza and spaghetti?”

  “That sounds good. Do you mind if we get angel hair? It’s my favorite.”

  “Angel hair for an angel.” He sat back in his chair and smiled.

  His comment embarrassed me. He chuckled at my reaction and stroked the stubble of his chin with one hand.

  “It’s hard for you to take a compliment, isn’t it?”

  I shielded my face with the curtain of my hair, looking everywhere but at him. “I guess I’m just not used to it.” My face still felt warm.

  “I didn’t mean to embarrass you. It’s just…”

  I was thankful when the waitress interrupted our conversation and arrived with our drinks. She introduced herself as Jessie and gave Spencer the once-over while he rattled off our order. I sipped my soda and watched as she shamelessly flirted with him.

  He kept his attention focused on me and ignored her. He picked up his root beer, and my eyes glanced over at the script written on his ring finger.

  It was so tempting to ask him about the delicate tattoo, but I decided against it. We were having such a good time. I remembered how he’d closed himself off the last time I’d asked, so I thought I’d keep my mouth shut. The food arrived. Spencer divvied up our pizza, while I dished out the pasta.

  “I love their pizza.” I smiled and took a big bite.

  Spencer folded his slice in half and took a bite.

  “Do you always eat your pizza like that?” He glanced at his slice and then back to me.

  “Lance taught me to eat it this way. He called it the fold-hold, less mess.” He shrugged and took another bite.

  “I wonder how Lance is doing? I sure miss him.”

  “I’m sure he’s doin’ great.” He took another bite.

  The waitress came back and refilled our sodas while I twirled the pasta around my fork. Spencer finished his pizza and grabbed another slice. My cell phone chimed from my pocket. I hesitated, not wanting to be rude.

  “You can get that, if you need too.”

  I reached in my pocket and pulled out my cell. It was a text from Melissa.

  “Boyfriend?” he asked.

  “No. Friend.” I shut off my ringer and stuffed the phone back in my pocket. There was an awkwardness that surrounded our table after that. Spencer finished up his pasta and the last of the pizza as I placed my fork across my empty plate. I was thankful when the waitress came back and asked if we would like anything else.

  “Would you like dessert?” Spencer asked.

  “We could split something.” That answer seemed to lighten the mood.

  “I like your style.” He smiled.

  “See. Told you. I like to eat. I’ll have to pay for it tomorrow, but it’s worth it… How ‘bout the tiramisu?”

  “A girl after my own heart.” Spencer glanced up at the waitress and said, “One tiramisu, two forks.”

  A few minutes later, the waitress returned and placed the dessert between us. We both dug in at the same time. My eyes grew wide while watching Spencer wrap his mouth around the moist cake. The way his tongue slid across his lips and the throaty groan that escaped him made me inhale sharply. My fork hung midair. I was so caught up in watching him I hadn’t even taken a bite.

  “Mmm… That’s good.” He suggestively licked his fork.

  I had to shake my head to free myself from my wayward thoughts. Finally, I took a bite. Delicious. I savored the taste as I chewed the creamy cake.

  Spencer’s eyes were transfixed on my lips. When my tongue darted out to retrieve a crumb, he took a deep breath and swallowed. The atmosphere surrounding our innocent dinner was becoming something more. I could almost feel the surge of electricity between us.

  To break the spell closing in around us, I put my fork down and grabbed my drink, avoiding the scrutiny of his gaze. Spencer sighed before he looked away.

  While
sipping my soda, a boisterous laugh caught my attention. It sounded familiar. The laughter turned into a voice I knew all too well. I glanced behind me. My heart began to pound as I shifted in my chair, placing my drink on the table.

  Derek.

  “Are you alright? You look pale.” Spencer picked up on my anxiety. He reached for my hand.

  “I’m fine.” I withdrew my hand and stood up. “We should go.” Adrenaline pulsed through me, and my eyes darted around the patio. The side exit to the parking lot was blocked with patrons. The only way out was the front door.

  “I’ll meet you at the bike.” The distress in my tone made my words sound curt. But at that moment, I didn’t care how I sounded. Getting out of the restaurant was my only concern.

  The hostess came through with a party of four. I took advantage of the opportunity, concealed myself behind the group, and walked swiftly past them. My breath escaped me, and I sighed with relief. Within seconds, I was out of the restaurant.

  Thankfully, Derek hadn’t seen me. If he had, he would have let me know it. What was I thinking? Going out with Spencer? That was the problem. I wasn’t thinking. I’d been so caught up in the moment I hadn’t even thought of the consequences, if Aidan found out. The thought made me shudder.

  A few minutes later, Spencer walked past me as he exited the front door.

  “Spencer,” I called out. The confusion was still apparent on his face. He took a few steps toward me.

  “Why’d you run out?” His voice was full of concern.

  I hesitated before I answered.

  “I saw someone. Someone, I didn’t want to run into.”

  “Who?” he asked.

  My eyes shifted to a group of people exiting the restaurant. I started walking toward the bike with Spencer at my side.

  “A guy that’s in Mason’s band.”

  Spencer peered straight ahead. He seemed tense around the eyes.

  “With your boyfriend?”

  “Yes,” I whispered.

  “I see.” Spencer was quiet until we reached the bike. His sudden mood change made me feel like I should apologize. He grabbed the helmets.

  “I’m sorry for running out,” I said. “It was stupid, but I didn’t know what else to do.”

  He nodded, but his vague expression made me feel uncomfortable. I pulled the hair band out from my pocket and twisted my hair back.

  I pulled the helmet over my head. Spencer put on his and straddled the bike then leaned forward, allowing me to get on. The engine growled to life, and I latched my arms around his firm middle. It upset me when his body tensed from my touch. He slowly rode out of the parking lot onto the street.

  In an attempt to shield myself from the wind, I tucked my head behind him. The hum of the engine and the coolness of the night helped distract my jumbled thoughts.

  I was thankful when we pulled into our neighborhood and the bike slowed. I wanted us to get back to our normal routine. When we approached the driveway, Spencer opened the garage door. The second he shut the engine, I slipped my leg off and stumbled to the ground. Spencer forced the bike on its kickstand and hopped off to help me.

  “You alright?” He pulled my arm and helped me to my feet.

  “I’m fine.”

  Embarrassed, I dusted off my behind before I removed my helmet and handed it to him. He removed his and placed them on the seat of the bike. We were both quiet as we walked into the house. I excused myself and made my way down the hallway to his guest bathroom.

  After removing the hair band, I separated a few of the tangled strands with my fingers. My cheeks were flushed from the ride, but my hair actually looked decent. I removed his jacket, smelled it one last time, and exited the bathroom with it draped over my arm.

  Spencer was staring out the front window when I returned. He turned to face me when my steps from the carpeted hallway hit the wood floor.

  “Ready to start?” he asked, while walking toward the piano.

  I nodded, and Spencer slid across the bench.

  I placed his jacket over the loveseat and joined him. His mood was hard for me to judge now. It was almost like he was upset but trying not to be. He began tapping out a song that was familiar. He started to sing and nodded when I should start.

  When we sang through the song for the third time, I felt a surge of relief. Spencer seemed to be in better spirits, and I was happy he’d chosen a song I already knew. When he seemed satisfied with our performance, he stopped playing and shifted his body to look at me. I could tell he wanted to say something, but he didn’t. He exhaled and patted my thigh twice.

  “Solo time. You know the song “All I Need Is You,” right?”

  “Yes.”

  Once again I was relieved I already knew the song. I moved from the piano bench and stood in my usual spot. Spencer picked up his guitar that was leaning against the wall and began to play. We ran through the song twice.

  “I think that’s enough for today,” he said.

  “Oh, okay.”

  I walked toward the front door. Spencer reached for the doorknob and opened it for me.

  Our walk to my house was quieter than usual. We both seemed to be lost in our thoughts. When we arrived at my driveway, I glanced at Spencer.

  “Wait here a sec. I’ll be right back.”

  “Okay.” He answered.

  I quickly walked into my house. When I got inside, I ran up the stairs to my room, grabbed my wallet from my purse, and pulled out a ten-dollar bill. I hurried back downstairs and out the door. When I reached Spencer, I held out the money.

  “Here,” I said, clutching the folded bill in my hand.

  Spencer shook his head back and forth.

  “Did you think I’d take your money?”

  He started backing up, but I followed. I was able to grab his front pocket and stuff the money in it before he could get away. With a smirk and a few steps toward me, Spencer was at my side. He wrapped his arms around me, stuffing the money in my back pocket. We were both laughing, caught up in the moment. I tried to squirm out of his grasp, but realized a part of me didn’t want to. We both stopped laughing as our friendly struggle turned into something more.

  His eyes were locked on mine. I knew I should back away from him, but I couldn’t.

  He closed his eyes, exhaled, and took a step back, breaking our connection. His voice trailed off as he said, “It was my treat. Goodnight, Elizabeth.”

  Spencer turned around and walked away, leaving me with my scattered thoughts and ten dollars in my pocket.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Mason held the back door for me as we entered the church together.

  “Thanks, Mason.”

  We walked down the long hallway toward the music room. I opened the door and stopped so suddenly Mason bumped into me, causing me to stumble to the ground.

  “Hey, klutz… what’d ya stop for?” Mason chuckled and helped me up.

  Unable to answer, I rose to my feet. My eyes were fixed on what I saw before me.

  Spencer was leaning against the table, chatting with an attractive blonde. My gawky entrance caught the attention of them both.

  “You alright, Elizabeth?” Spencer asked.

  All I could do was nod. When I realized my mouth was hanging open, I immediately closed it. My eyes shifted from Spencer to his friend and then back to Spencer.

  “We’ll do a quick run-through before the service starts. Just give me a minute.” Spencer smiled back at the pretty girl, emphasizing his prominent dimples, and glanced toward us. “Mason, can you and Elizabeth take this stuff to the stage?” He motioned to the mic stand and a few electrical cords. “I’ll be right out.”

  “Sure, Spence.” Mason answered him, but I was at a loss for words.

  They didn’t even notice me when I placed my purse down on the small wooden table. I didn’t want to stare, but I couldn’t drag my eyes away from them.

  “Liz!” Mason’s tone made me jump.

  “What?” I snapped, as I tore my eyes a
way from the attractive couple.

  “Didn’t you hear me? I called your name twice already.” Mason handed me the mic stand. “Take this to the stage.”

  I picked up the mic and walked out of the room, glancing back one more time. In a daze I made my way to the stage and put the mic down. I vaguely remember Jake and Matt saying hi to me while I slid in behind the piano. My mind was so absorbed in what I’d just seen I wasn’t sure if I’d even answered them. Mindlessly I tapped on the piano keys, joining them in their practicing.

  Why does it matter to me if Spencer is talking to a pretty girl? I should be happy for him. He deserves to be happy.

  About the time I was coming to terms with my internal struggle, Spencer and his blond friend came into the church.

  “Hey guys, this is a friend of mine, Kara.”

  Kara smiled a perfect smile and tossed her head to one side, her long blond hair fell midway down her back. She followed Spencer up the steps and reached out and shook hands with Matt and Jake. When Kara turned her back, Matt raised an eyebrow to Jake and smiled. Mason made his way across the stage to greet her. Mason smiled, said hello and introduced himself.

  When she approached me, I rose to meet her. I had to tilt my head up to meet her gaze. She was attractive with her tanned skin and deep brown eyes.

  “Hi,” I said.

  “Hi, nice to meet you.” She smiled.

  “You too,” I answered, hoping my reply sounded genuine.

  I watched Spencer guide her to a seat, front and center, then I slid back into place behind my piano. When she stood next to him, they looked striking together. He whispered something in her ear, and she giggled. I hadn’t noticed what Spencer was wearing until now. He usually dressed casually, but today he was dressed up. I felt a slight tinge of pain and wondered what his plans were after church.

  Spencer made his way back to the stage and led us through our first three songs. Each time I looked at Kara, her eyes were always on Spencer.

  “Elizabeth, it’s solo time.” Spencer gave me an encouraging smile and motioned to the mic.

  My eyes met his. I glanced at Kara and realized I couldn’t do this today. Everyone was looking at me. My gaze went to the exit sign, and I seriously considered sprinting toward the door.