by Amy Miles
Zack glanced up at the setting sun. “How about we call it a day, then you go home and search the Internet? Get an idea of what you like. Check some sites that have classified ads of used cars. Find one and we’ll check it out tomorrow.”
“Brilliant plan.” I brightened and smiled.
“That’s what you’re paying me the big bucks for. Let’s go.”
I happily drove off with Zack, thinking about our shopping tomorrow. Wait. That was when we had the get-together with Trevor and Maya. After school, would I have time to car shop and still shower? “We’re all going out tomorrow night.”
He looked pensive a moment. “Trevor made dinner reservations for seven, so we’re not picking you up until six thirty. If you can get ready in an hour, we can still car shop if I drop you off at five thirty.”
That didn’t leave much time, but even an hour would be worth it. “I could meet you at your house after school.”
“It’s a deal.” Zack pulled into the lot of the deserted auto shop where I’d left my car. “Except I’ll pick you up at your house.”
“Sounds great. I’ll see you at school tomorrow.” I smiled, getting out of the Jeep.
Zack waited until I started my car before driving away. His bad attitude aside, he had great manners. Gentlemanly. Protective. But I couldn’t let his good side get to me. Not only because of his negative feelings for me, but also because I hadn’t forgotten he was seeing Gina on Saturday.
As soon as I arrived home, out of habit I automatically searched for my backpack to do my homework, then remembered I’d left it in my locker earlier when Gina derailed me. Damn. I’d have to arrive to school extra early tomorrow and get everything done before my first class.
I was dying to get out and feel the wind against my face. To run. The woods called to me, but it was still light outside and I didn’t want my neighbors to see me leaving. They might tell my parents, who didn’t need to know I was stealing away all by myself into the forest. They’d only worry. Even in the dark, I’d make sure to run fast enough that no one could identify the blur.
Common sense told me to stay home, away from mysterious wolves and anything else that lurked in the night, but the urge to stretch my legs triumphed. So, shortly after dinner, I changed into sweats and slipped out the back.
With more strength came better control of my body. I made only the faintest of sounds with each movement, which could be mistaken for a raccoon or some other small animal. I leaped over fences, sprinted through back yards and across the field, slowing when the trees appeared in front of me. The run had invigorated me, like my body hungered for it.
I scrambled up a tree trunk for a better view of the woods, then stopped, sensing a presence. Wolf? Peering down from a branch up high, I spotted a huge black wolf below and wondered if it was the same one as the night before. How many black wolves of that size could there be?
The wolf raised his snout and tested the air, which seemed fitting since my trail ended at the tree. I remained motionless above to not alert him of my presence. He seemed fairly tame last time, but for all I knew, he hadn’t gone after me because he’d just fed. What if he was hungry now?
After what felt like an eternity, he trotted off. Thankfully, not in the direction of my house. I seized the moment and dropped from my spot in the trees. Tomorrow, I needed to find a place to hang out that wasn’t inhabited by an oversized wolf. In the meantime, some wolf research was in order.
At home a few minutes later, I lounged on the sofa, my laptop resting on my thighs while the television blared to keep me company. The Internet offered endless information on wolves, so I easily found what I needed.
Sizes varied widely, depending on the type of wolf, with an average of forty to one hundred and twenty pounds. However, there were occasions, although rare, that wolves had been discovered in Canada, Alaska and Russia weighing up to two hundred pounds. Comparing my size to the wolf’s, I guessed he probably weighed at least that.
But it’s not like we were far enough north to warrant a two-hundred pounder. So, what was a big wolf his size doing so close to a Los Angeles suburb?
† † †
Friday morning, I arrived at school earlier than any sane student. Luckily, the diligent staff of Verdugo Hills Academy got started well before their pupils, opening the doors and giving me access to my locker. Retrieving the neglected backpack, I took it back to my car and powered through my homework.
I’d wrapped up the last of it when someone tapped on my window and I flinched. Zack pointed at the building, then disappeared. I checked the clock on the dash. Damn. If I didn’t hurry, I’d be late for my first class. Zack to the rescue again.
During lunch, before Trevor had a chance to monopolize Maya, I cornered her to plan the logistics of the upcoming evening out. Zack and Trevor had already arranged to pick up Maya, then me. I suggested that we all meet at a designated spot, but she insisted that Trevor was adamant about seeing us home safely. Great, so I’d be trapped with Zack and unable to leave anytime I wanted.
Zack had put the constant scowl on hiatus, but he wasn’t exactly friendly either. Knowing I’d have more than enough of him later, I hung out with John during lunch.
Gina and Daniel didn’t sit together. I wondered why. But if she and Zack had a date on Saturday, why would she want Daniel? I hoped Zack had a platonic explanation for their Saturday meeting and that he had better taste than to get involved with Gina.
But I was used to disappointment when it came to Zack.
At the end of the school day, Gina met me at my car. She shoved a bag at me and smirked. “Out with the old and in with the new.” She strutted away.
I peeked in the bag containing my clothes she’d borrowed, then hurried home. If I made every minute count, there would be enough time to car shop and get super cute before the weird double date. I’d feel better about the whole thing if I looked fabulous. Having a chance to relax would be a good idea too, since being harried and uptight could counteract any results of the hard work beautifying myself.
When I got home, I had a powerful urge to get out and feel the wind, see the stars. It was a shame the sun still shined and Zack would arrive any second. I’d have to wait until the evening was over before giving in to that need.
Hearing a knock, I darted to the front door. “Hey,” I said as I shut it behind me and locked up.
“Did you search for cars on the Internet last night?” He asked as we headed to the curb. He rounded the hood of the Jeep and got in.
Crap. “No.” I strapped myself in. “I meant to, but got involved in something else. Sorry.”
He lifted one shoulder and dropped it, steering away from the curb. “No worries. I know another dealership with a huge used inventory. You can search there as easily. Not as efficient, but we can still make progress today.”
Why wasn’t he annoyed that I hadn’t done my car homework? Was he finally softening toward me? Or just enjoying the fact that the more time he spent with me, the more it would cost me?
We arrived at the dealership a few minutes later and I blindly followed Zack through the giant car lot, since I had no idea where to start. Nothing caught my eye until I saw the black Porsche buffed to a high gloss.
Zack chuckled. “Way out of your budget.”
“I can dream, can’t I?” I peered through the window at the interior.
Feeling an energy, I turned. A man in black stood by a silver SUV, his eyes trained on us. Zack stepped sideways to partially shield me from the man’s view.
“I’m under Charles’ supervision,” Zack said.
The stranger furrowed his brows. “Charles?”
“Yes,” Zack replied.
A moment later, the man smiled at me. Though he seemed less imposing than the cowboy, his too-smooth demeanor gave me the willies. It was as if an underlying ruthlessness itched to break free.
Like the episode with the cowboy, Zack and the man in black eyed each other intently for several seconds, then the man gave
a curt nod and left.
Zack put a hand up. “Don’t ask.”
“Not like I get any answers when I do. I just hope you’re not mixed up with drug dealers or have huge gambling debts.” Zack and I would never be friends, but that didn’t mean I wanted him to end up in cement shoes.
“Right. Because between work and school and my family, I have so much free time to get high and play poker. Let’s get you home.”
Zack dropped me off at my house and I raced into the shower. After debating several minutes on what to wear, I remembered that Trevor had made reservations, which meant a nicer restaurant. So I curled the ends of my hair and slipped into a plum-colored halter dress that pushed up and squeezed, giving me much more cleavage than anyone had a right to. It hugged my waist and gently draped over my hips, flaring just enough to create soft folds that clung to my thighs.
After a touch of powder, a quick brush of mascara and a light coat of lip-gloss, I stepped into a pair of slip-on heels with tiny crystals covering the arch and backed up for an overall view. Not bad.
Zack would probably be wearing something nice, too. He might even smell good. Even the thought of him made my cells vibrate like flashing lightning. What the hell was wrong with me? So he had hot muscles, smooth skin and good God he smelled like freshly cut grass and wet earth after a storm. I had to remember not to breathe him in or I’d forget I was supposed to hate him. Zack was a guy who didn’t like me. I needed to return the favor.
I checked my cell for the time, then peeked through the curtain to see his Jeep pull up to the curb. I ran my fingers through the soft waves of my hair to fluff it and flipped my head back. I was making a couple of adjustments with a few wayward tendrils when the doorbell rang.
I flung the door open, a wide grin waiting for Maya.
Zack took a step back like I’d blinded him. “We’re… Y-You…”
Did he just stutter?
CHAPTER TWELVE
“Uh…” Zack blinked, then his lips moved again, but no sound came. He looked phenomenal in black pants and a dark gray sweater pushed up to expose his forearms. His hair was disheveled as though he didn’t care what anyone thought. Why was his lack of concern for his looks so sexy? “We should get going,” he finally managed to say.
I gathered my cool and pulled it close, forcing a smile. “Hi, Zack.”
He flinched, abruptly spinning and heading to his car. I followed him out and met him at the passenger side of his Jeep where he opened the door for me.
“Thank you.” Peeking inside the Jeep, I saw Trevor and Maya in the back.
“Hey, Autumn,” Trevor said.
Maya grinned, looking like she was going to burst.
“Shouldn’t one of them be in the front seat instead of me?” I asked Zack who was still standing beside me. It felt way too much like a double date with us separated into couples. Maya and Trevor made no move to rescue me.
“They wanted to sit together.” Zack made a motion for me to climb in.
I reluctantly settled in the passenger side.
“You look hot,” Maya said as Zack got behind the wheel.
“Thanks.” Finally a compliment after all my hard work. I beamed.
“Yeah, you look really nice, Autumn,” Trevor chimed in.
Zack made a noncommittal sound, engrossed in the stereo knob and finding a station. I really needed to lower my expectations where he was concerned. I turned in my seat, chatting with Maya and Trevor, until we stopped a few minutes later. Facing the front again, I saw a restaurant. Italian. My favorite.
We waited while they cleared a table for us. Maya and the boys didn’t have a problem hanging out in the waiting area, claiming a section of the bench right away. But I felt awkward with nothing to do.
“Ladies room, Maya?” I asked, still standing.
“Sure.” She jumped up, glancing back at her date. “We’ll be right back.”
We snaked between tables and dodged waiters as we made our way through the crowded restaurant. In the restroom, we went straight to the mirrors.
“Did you see the way Zack looked at you?” Maya giggled. “I think he likes you.”
I stared at her with my mouth open. “Are you kidding? He hates me.”
She tilted her head. “Really? I thought I felt a spark between you two.”
I laughed. “It’s called loathing. You don’t notice, because you’re too busy making goo-goo eyes at Trevor.”
“Isn’t he amazing?” She dug out her lipstick and opened it. “Zack’s pretty nice too. You’d see that if you gave him a chance.”
It was too complicated to explain, so I gambled that she might not notice a subject change. “You look great, by the way. Can’t go wrong with a little black dress.”
Maya glided the color over her mouth. “I just bought it. I got a few other things for our next get-together too. You think our table is ready yet?” She smacked her lips together and dropped the tube in her purse.
My eyes flared at the idea of another uncomfortable double date-ish night. “Let’s find out.”
The restaurant had become even busier during our short stint in the bathroom. Zack and Trevor were seated at a half-circle booth in the far corner. As Maya and I carefully weaved past tables and bodies, I wondered what the boys were talking about. If I tuned out the music coming from the speakers, the clanging of silverware and the din of other voices, could I focus on only their voices? I zeroed in on them and concentrated.
“What about you and Autumn?” Trevor asked.
Zack gave a short laugh. “She’s not my type.”
Trevor nodded thoughtfully. “Smokin’ hot isn’t your type?”
“Oh, she’s hot alright.” Zack laughed. “More than that — she’s freaking beautiful. But, dude, she’s way too high maintenance. She’s…” He shuddered. “Scary.”
“Autumn? She’s sweet. Maybe she’s only scary with you. Maybe she likes you, but she’s trying to hide it, because you behave like such a dog around her.”
Zack’s brows raised. “You think she likes me?”
I wanted to run screaming, but I squelched the urge when they noticed our approach. They scooted out of the booth, standing on either side of the table, so we could slide to the middle and be trapped. Lovely.
Maya slipped in on Trevor’s side, which left me next to Zack. I settled in and mulled over this new information. They thought because I wasn’t nice to Zack, I liked him? How horrifying. I’d have to rectify that as soon as humanly possible. But how? I could pretend not to care, act like nothing bothered me and be nice, no matter what. But not sweet nice. Casual nice. And a little emotionally remote. That would do it.
“We have friends from A to Z,” Trevor told Maya with a grin. “Get it? From A.” He pointed at me. “To Z.” He wagged his index finger at Zack.
“The alphabet has things in the middle. With her and me, it’s just A and Z. Nothing between us.” Zack picked up a menu and eyed it.
Ouch. “Careful, Zack,” I said coolly. “If you’re mean, people will think you like me.” I grabbed a menu and checked out the entrées. “What’s good here?”
Zack squinted. Probably trying to decide if I’d somehow eavesdropped on their earlier conversation. He could stew in it for all I cared.
“They have some good vegetarian stuff,” Trevor answered. “Cheese ravioli, tortellini and veggie pizza.”
“You’re a vegetarian?” By Zack’s expression, you’d think I’d just announced I was converting to communism.
“Yes. What’s wrong with that?” Oops, my voice was too sharp for the casual nice I’d been going for.
Zack’s eyes shifted and he moved away ever so slightly.
I glowered at him. “It’s not illegal, you know.”
“I think I’ll have a double cheeseburger with bacon,” Zack said.
Hamburger at an Italian restaurant? He was trying to bait me. Now was the time to apply my philosophy. I removed all traces of irritation from my face and smiled. “That’s great.
Hamburgers are high in protein.”
“Autumn, what’s the deal with Daniel and Gina?” Maya asked. “I thought I’d see them all kissy-kissy after Monday, but I haven’t.”
“Why would you think they’d hook up?” Zack asked.
Exactly what I wanted — for the uber-hot new guy to know I’d been dumped in the worst possible way by both my friend and my boyfriend. My humiliation with Zack was almost complete. My front teeth scraped my bottom lip, removing the last of my lip gloss.
“Because Daniel cheated on Autumn with Gina. I thought everyone knew that.” Maya paused, glancing at the boys, then back to me. “Did she return your stuff?”
I nodded, sensing Zack’s gaze on me. By the tingling at the back of my neck, I had a hunch he was annoyed. But if he’d given me the benefit of the doubt at the time, he wouldn’t feel like such an ass now.
“Ooh. Could I borrow that leather jacket?” she asked. “It’ll go great with some shoes I just bought.”
“Sure.” I kept my eyes trained on the menu and ignored Zack. Maybe he’d been upset to hear about Daniel and Gina because he did like her and their Saturday gig really was a date. Ick.
A busboy came by and set a tray of hot bread on the table. “Your server will be right with you.”
“Thank you.” Trevor smiled at the server.
“That was Gina with Daniel?” Zack snagged a piece of bread and slathered butter on it. “And when I accused you of extortion, you were really asking for your own things back?” he asked.
I lifted my chin and made an effort not to get irritated. “Yeah, right after she tried to pull my arm out of its socket. You have a knack for misreading my situations.”
His fist tightened on the butter knife. “You should’ve told me.”
“I did, but you were too busy being a jackass.” I dropped my bread and stared at him.
He stared back, one corner of his mouth lifting. “I thought you were totally into jackasses. Daniel’s proof of that.”
Damn, but he was sexy when he smiled like that. I wasn’t falling for it though. “Well, at least you admit what you are.”
