by Jenny Siegal
“Buy me breakfast and then we can swing past his garage and see if he’s there. He’s usually working on cars every day.”
I try not to meet his intense gaze but can’t help but look at him. “Sounds good. Do you want to use the shower?”
“Will you join me?” He raises his eyebrows.
“No,” I scoff.
“Then I don’t need to take a shower. I’ll take a cold one later.”
I stare at him, not sure if he’s joking, but I don’t think he is. That was a mighty fine erection pressing against me when I woke up, and it took all my willpower not to take advantage of it.
• • •
We stop outside an ordinary house with a big double garage attached to it. A couple of cars in various states of repair litter the driveway and the garage doors are open to reveal someone working on a car inside.
“This is it. That’s Shane over there, he’ll be able to get you a new tire,” Dominic explains as we get out of the car. His fingers entwine with mine as we start up the driveway. When I glance at him, he flashes me a quick smile. I have given up questioning why he holds my hand, and I just go with it. After all, it’s not the worst thing in the world.
Shane stops what he’s doing and a big smile spreads across his face when he sees Dominic walking up the drive.
“Hey, Dominic. It’s been a while. How you been?” The man grabs a clean rag to wipe off the grease then walks forward to shake his hand.
“All right. Not been up to much, just the usual playing and studying.”
“Hmm.” Shane is watching him with a smile. “Who’s this pretty girl and what is she doing hanging about with you? Doesn’t she know it’s bad for her reputation?” he jokes.
I laugh at him, genuinely amused, and it’s even funnier because Dominic looks a little embarrassed.
“I don’t think it could make my reputation any worse,” I joke back. Little do they realize how true that is.
Shane laughs harder. “I like her.” He winks at Dominic. “I’m Shane,” he says to me and holds out his hand.
I take his outstretched hand and smile back. “Charlotte.”
“So, what can I do for you?” He looks at us with interest.
“Charlotte needs a new tire for her car, and I thought you might be able to get her one.”
Shane nods his agreement. “What kind of car is it for?” he asks, and Dominic’s eyes twinkle with amusement.
“The Dodge Challenger over there.”
Shane peers over our shoulders. “That’s your car?” he looks from me to the car with his eyebrows raised.
I try to hide my smile but fail miserably; I love seeing people’s reaction when they realize that is my car.
“Yeah,” Dominic says. “Charlotte got a flat last night when she was out, on her own, with no phone.” He looks pointedly at me, scolding me for my stupidity, and I make a face at him while Shane watches us with growing amusement.
“He wouldn’t let me change it,” I told Shane, “and insisted on doing it himself. He said he knew someone who could get me a tire.”
“Sure. No problem. Do you have a proper spare on it?”
I nod. “Yeah, it’s a full-size spare.”
“Good. I’ll need to order it, so I’ll give Dominic a call when it comes in. Unless you want me to call you—”
“No, call me,” Dominic interrupts. “I’ll bring her down to have it fitted.”
I stare at him, biting my tongue because I’m perfectly capable of coming down to pick up a tire.
Shane nods. “No worries. I’ll give you a call as soon as it’s in.”
“I’ll get the tire for you,” Dominic offers and makes his way back to my car.
Shane leans back against the car he’s been working on and watches Dominic before leveling his gaze at me. “How long have you two been together? I’ve never seen Dominic with a girl. Well, other than…” He pauses, apparently worried that he’s put his foot in his mouth.
I laugh. “You mean other than for one night?”
“Yeah,” he says, apparently relieved that I’m not offended. “I suppose that’s what I mean.”
“We’re not together.”
He processes this and when it clicks into place, disbelief registers on his face. “Why in the hell not? He’s given my name to a few girls who’ve had problems with their cars, but he’s never brought one in personally. Even I can see from the way he looks at you that he likes you. He seems very protective of you, and I think you like him, too.”
He eyes me shrewdly, and I can only stare at him. For a guy, he’s pretty perceptive.
“Charlotte, I know it’s none of my business and I’ve only just met you, but I can tell there’s something going on between you two. All I’ll say is don’t hurt him. Dominic’s a good guy. If you’re not interested, don’t string him along.”
I nod, trying not to feel hurt by what Shane is saying. After all, he’s only looking out for his friend. “I do like him,” I say carefully, “but I shouldn’t.” When Shane looks at me quizzically, I blurt out, “I’m no good for him,” and then cringe. Why in the world am I telling a stranger this?
Shane shakes his head. “I doubt that. He’s different with you and he seems happy. Give him a chance.”
I stare at him, a little shocked, and wrap my arms around myself. Luckily, I’m saved from saying anything when Dominic comes back. He hesitates for a second, looking back and forth between the two of us then he hands the tire to Shane, who takes it into the garage.
When we’re alone, he asks quietly, “You okay?”
I shake myself from my thoughts as Shane’s words replay in my mind. If a total stranger thinks there’s something between us, am I missing something? I’m not going to hurt Dominic. We’re just friends, although I am getting tired of trying to explain that to people. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I assure him. He stares at me thoughtfully but says nothing.
A moment later, Shane comes back and stands beside us. “I’ll give you a call when it’s in. It was nice to meet you, Charlotte.”
“You, too,” I reply as he and Dominic shake hands.
Dominic puts his arm around my shoulders as we walk down the driveway. My senses are awash with his smell, and I lean against his chest. It feels good to be so close to him. When we reach the car, I pull my keys out my pocket but pause before I unlock the car.
“What’s wrong, babe?”
I glance up at him, fighting the urge to take his face in my hands and kiss him hard on those gorgeous lips. “Shane thought that we were together,” I admit. “I don’t think he believed me when I told him that we weren’t.”
Dominic encircles me in his arms and rests his chin on my head. The silence makes my nerves draw tight, and I suddenly wish I hadn’t said anything.
“No, he wouldn't,” he says slowly. “You’re different, you know that, Charlotte. Why is it that I feel so close to you after such a short time?”
I shrug and avoid looking up at him, certain that my eyes won’t be able to hide the feelings that I’m not willing to admit to.
Dominic waits, expecting an answer. “Charlotte?”
Unable to resist any longer I pull back slightly to meet his eyes. The sides of his lips tip upwards into an easy smile and my brain stops. Damn him for making me start to feel things I have no right feeling for him. I am trying to keep it casual, but he makes it hard.
“I guess it’s because we’re good as friends.” I smile, what I hope is a convincing I’m-lying-through-my teeth smile. His face twists into an unexpected scowl.
“Friends, huh!” he growls at me before taking my hand and pulls me toward my car.
He bristles, staring out the window with a clenched jaw while I start Daisy and pull away from the sidewalk. I'm guessing the 'friends' comment has annoyed him.
How fucked up is this? The more time we spend together, the stronger the attraction between us grows. The more we get to know each other, the closer we've become. The fact that he knows exactly h
ow aroused he makes me is a big problem, but it’s not the biggest problem. I’m beginning to like him, really like him, but I can’t do anything about it for fear of screwing up our friendship. If I sleep with him, I’ll have to tell him about my past.
And that will send him running.
Chapter Six
After spending most of the weekend with Dominic, I don’t see him much the next week. I suppose I should be grateful; I don’t need the distraction. Homework is piling up, and it’s just as well that I don’t have much of a social life.
Iris is consumed with all things Bryan, and I’ve been staying out of the way at lunchtime so she can spend it with him. I don’t want her to feel like she always has to include me. She has made me promise that I will meet her on Friday for lunch. So here I am in the union waiting for her, and she’s late. As usual.
Annoying giggling distracts me from my latest assignment, making me lose my train of thought. I look up with a scowl on my face and see a tall blonde leaning on Dominic’s shoulder while he talks to his friends. She is staring into his eyes and hanging on his every word. How obvious is she? I roll my eyes and turn my attention back to my book. A minute later, I look up to see if Iris is here yet and catch Dominic staring at me.
His eyes are fixed on me as he ignores the girl who is practically glued to his side. Nonplussed, I give him a nod and go back to my book.
Still unable to concentrate, my mind whirls. What in the hell? I just nodded at him like I’m a guy, giving him that little chin lift gesture that guys like to give each other. Tough, I’m not going to stress about it; he’s too busy with her to worry about my odd greeting.
Iris finally rushes into the union, flustered and slightly out of breath, saving me from looking like a complete loser. “Hey, sorry I’m late,” she bursts out, flopping down in the chair opposite me.
“It’s not a new thing. I’m used to it by now.” I smile sweetly, and she narrows her eyes at me and makes a face.
“Ha, ha. Come on, I’m starving.” She jumps up again and tugs on my hand.
Reluctantly, I follow her to order some food. Stifling a groan when I realize we have to pass Dominic and the bimbo who is still with him. He meets my eye as we pass and I nod again, what the fuck is wrong with me? Why didn’t I just say hi? No wonder he’s frowning at me.
The skin between my shoulders tingles as I can practically feel his eyes on me as we wait to order.
“Stop fidgeting. What is wrong with you today?” Iris stares at me and clamps her hand down on my fingers to stop them from tapping on the counter.
I cut a sideways glance to see Dominic watching me and my heartbeat races.
“Nothing,” I mumble. “I’ll just have fries and a soda. I’m not hungry.”
“Are you busy tomorrow?” Iris asks, not meeting my eyes, and I’m instantly wary of her overly casual tone.
“Maybe, why?” I ask guardedly before taking a drink of soda.
“Well, it’s just that Bryan is taking me out tomorrow night and he has this friend and he wondered if you wanted to come, too. With his friend, I mean.” Iris shifts and drags her eyes to meet mine before they flit away nervously.
“What? You want to set me up with his friend, don’t you?” I accidentally inhale some of my soda and hope no one is watching while I launch into a coughing fit. Chancing a look over my shoulder, I find Dominic’s eyes on me. I should have known if anyone were to witness my embarrassing moment, it would be him. I expect to see a smirk on his face, but it’s twisted into a scowl. When his eyes meet mine, they flare with anger. The muscle in his jaw jumps as he grits his teeth, blatantly ignoring the girl who is talking to him as he glares at me. Shit, what’s wrong with him?
“Well, yeah, it might be fun and you’ve never really been out with anyone since you got here,” Iris says, speaking quickly like she always does when she’s nervous.
I drag my attention away from Dominic’s angry face and focus on her. “Thanks for thinking of me, but I don’t want to go out with you and Bryan or with his friend. I’m not interested in going out with anyone.”
Not strictly speaking true, but I’m not going to admit to her who I am interested in. If I admit it out loud then it becomes real. At least this way I can pretend it’s not happening, and I like that idea much better. I can still kid myself that there isn’t an attraction there. It is a novelty for me to like a guy and not do anything about it, but then I’ve never just liked a guy, other than to sleep with. What a slut!
“But—” she starts, and I cut her off.
“Iris, honestly, you go with Bryan and have a good time. Don’t worry about me. I don’t want to be set up with someone. I am perfectly happy doing my own thing,” I say, the finality in my voice evident.
She opens her mouth and then shuts it again, apparently unable to think of a good argument. Finally, she has the good sense to leave it alone.
An arm slips around my waist, startling me. “Hey, babe, I’ve missed you,” Dominic whispers in my ear then plants a soft kiss on my temple that causes a tremor to run through me. It’s impossible to ignore the butterflies that spring into action as soon as he touches me. I snort unattractively, not wanting him to know how he affects me. His usual sexy smile and twinkling eyes replace the earlier scowl on his face and anger in his eyes.
“Hey, Dominic,” Iris greets warmly, before flashing me a warning look.
“Hey, Iris. How’s Bryan?” He treats her to his dazzling smile.
“Great. We’re going out tomorrow night, and I’m trying to set Charlotte up with Bryan’s friend.”
I groan inside and want to drop my face in my hands. Does she need to tell him everything? Now he’ll think I’m a pathetic loser who needs her best friend to fix her up.
“And is she going?” he asks, looking at me with interest.
“No! She’d rather be on her own than come out with a good-looking guy,” Iris exclaims, looking at me as if I’m crazy.
“It’s not that,” I explain quickly. “I’m just a little picky. I can get my own dates, thank you very much.”
Dominic is watching us with a smile on his face.
Iris’s phone buzzes and her face beams when she sees it's Bryan, obviously. With a wave at me, she walks back to our table chattering.
Dominic leans in again and I note that his arm is still around my waist, although with the way my skin tingles with the contact, how could I forget.
“I’m glad,” he says cryptically.
I squint at him. “Glad about what?”
“That you’re not going. I don’t want you going out on a date with anyone else.” His voice is deadly calm, but there is a flash of possessiveness in his eyes.
My stomach flips, and I’m glad I’ve not eaten yet. “Huh?” I probably look pretty dumb as I stare at him with my mouth hanging open in shock.
“You had me worried for a minute that you might agree to go out with him,” he says quietly.
“No, I told you I’m not interested.”
“So, what are you doing tomorrow night?”
He focuses on my lips and it is really unnerving. I drag my teeth over my bottom lip on purpose, pretending to think, and his eyes widen fractionally.
“Nothing much. Studying, watching The Voice from last week.” I smile as I remember our previous conversation.
He laughs and I’m disappointed when the server behind the counter passes me my fries.
“Catch you later,” I say as I move away, but not before he snags a handful of my fries and winks at me.
Dominic stays in the union a while longer, but I don’t see him with the bimbo again. Or with any other girl, for that matter. When he meets my eye from time to time and smiles, I manage to smile back and not just nod at him like an idiot. After a while, he leaves with a couple of guys from the band and winks at me as he walks past. I keep my face straight, and when I nod at him, he starts laughing, and I can’t stifle my laughter, either. His bandmates look back and forth between the two of us, confused
.
Even Iris gives me an odd look. “What is it with you two?” she asks, sounding a little put out.
“Nothing,” I say innocently.
“I don’t believe you. You two are always laughing and joking about something that no one else understands or has a clue about. It’s like you have all these private jokes and you still claim to be just friends.” Then she actually pouts at me.
“We are friends, Iris,” I say with a laugh. “We just have a similar sense of humor.”
“Have you slept with him?” Her blunt question puts me on the spot, surprising me because she’s usually not so direct.
“No! And I won’t, either.” I hope I sound more certain than I feel. I can’t give in to him and this crazy attraction I feel for him.
“He’s a player, Charlotte. I don’t want you getting hurt,” she reminds me again, which makes me sigh inside. If she only knew—Dominic and I are two of a kind.
“Don’t worry, Iris. I do not intend to do anything. He's just a friend,” I reassure her with more conviction than I actually feel.
“Yeah,” she says thoughtfully as she studies me. “I’ve noticed you don’t fall for his crap like all the other women around here seem to.”
I let loose a little snort. “I think I’m immune.” Although I know I’m not; I just hold it together better than the rest.
“Well, I’m going to the library,” I tell her. “See you later.”
Gathering up my books, I give Iris a little wave before heading to the library. I have two assignments that I need to get finished if I don’t want to spend my whole weekend studying. I’m not that much of a loser.
• • •
Bryan is staying over after their date tonight, and while I'm happy things are working out for them, there are certain things I don't want to witness. There is a midnight Twilight marathon on at the multiplex, and that's where I intend on spending my Saturday night. Popcorn, candy, and a massive soda to wash it all down with.
As soon as I climb into Daisy, I pull out my cell and call Mom. It's been a week since I've spoken to her. Every time I call, she is either busy or it goes straight to voicemail. I bet she has a new boyfriend. These are the telltale signs—not calling, only seeing him, and not having time for anyone else. They must get tired of her after a short period of time because she's so full on. I try to stop my uncharitable thoughts, but she frequently sidelines me for her latest man. In the past, I had my grandfather and he would pick up the slack, but now it is just me.
