Fool Me Once

by Brittany Crowley

  “I promise you, not one camera is here other than my phone. This isn’t for my show, I’m trying to play mind tricks to get you on the boat.”

  “Oh, well then I guess you can proceed.” I turn back around, and he securely ties the shirt over my eyes, and I’m engulfed in the masculine scent that is purely Carter. He could bottle up the scent that’s soaked into his tee and have women spreading their legs for any man that wears it. It’s an aphrodisiac on steroids.

  “Are you sniffing my shirt?” he speaks into my ear.

  “Maybe.”

  I hear him chuckle then he links his hand through mine. His breath is back at my ear causing me to sigh. This guy’s good, I’ll give him that.

  “Tonight, I’m taking you to a cozy restaurant downtown. I’ve reserved us a back booth for privacy, nobody will be there to bother us but the waiter.” He pulls my hand, and I take one step forward. That’s all I manage before the fear seeps back in.

  “Is this restaurant on the water?”

  “Nope, it’s so far from the water you can’t smell the ocean, only the aroma coming from the kitchen. The food here is fantastic, the best I’ve ever had.”

  “I do love to eat,” I mumble and take another step.

  “I thought we could start with stuffed mushrooms then work our way to delicious Caesar salads.”

  “I hate salad.”

  “Stop right there, you hate salad? Isn’t that against your code?”

  “My code?” I laugh. “Are you saying you’d prefer me to eat rabbit food on our date?”

  “Fuck no, and I’m glad you finally admit this is a date. I knew I’d wear you down.”

  “Damn it, without my eyesight, it’s throwing me off my game. You play dirty Larue.”

  “I never claimed otherwise. I’m willing to do just about anything to get you alone.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Eating your meat, you’ve already said that.”

  I’m surprised when he takes off my makeshift blindfold, and I’m in a room with a booth, exactly like he described. It’s off to the side and completely private. It’s beautiful here. There’s a long bar in the back corner made of dark wood and gold trimming. The rest of the décor is much of the same aesthetic, very masculine.

  “Shall we my lady?” He props out his elbow, and I link my arm through it.

  “Very fancy. I wouldn’t have taken you for this type.”

  “What type?”

  I search my mind for the right word, but the only one I can come up with I don’t want to share. He’ll take it the wrong way.

  “Really, I don’t mind. Tell me.” He places his hands under his chin and watches me.

  “Um… pretentious.” When his eyebrows rise in surprise, I know I need to explain, so he doesn’t take it personally. “Let me start off by saying I don’t know you from a hole in the wall. I’ve never seen your show and when you pranked me it was the first time I’ve ever seen you in my life. After that whole ordeal, knowing that you are a professional jokester, I don’t know, I figured you were a little more laid back.” I shrug my shoulders.

  “Let me ask you something. You and your mom have completely different views on how to live and enjoy life, huh?”

  “Completely.”

  “Stand up please.” I do as he asks and the blindfold’s slipped back on my face.

  “What the…?”

  We begin walking, and this time, I’m very aware when my foot hits the boat ramp. My arms start to tremble, and I hold onto the railing like my life depends on it.

  “Shit, sorry I wasn’t thinking Lex. Just a few feet and we’ll be back on the dock, back to land… sort of.” Carter hurries me off the dock and doesn’t take the blindfold off until we’re back in the parking lot.

  “What’s going on? I thought you wanted to have dinner?” I question completely baffled.

  “That back there, that’s not me. That was me trying to impress you. Don’t be mad but the reason I knew you’d be on that very road coming home from your mother’s jewelry store was because I looked at your non-disclosure for the show. Your name on Google pops up a swanky jewelry store, and when I checked out the website, I saw your mom ran it. What she writes about you and your jewelry is pretty great, so I figure she’d help me out.”

  “Ah, this is all coming together now. My mom told you to dazzle me with your wallet, right?”

  “Pretty much. I wish she would have mentioned the whole boat thing, but it’s too late for that now. It, however, is not too late to change this date to something that’s more me. If you’re game, I know the perfect place to take you.”

  “Hmmm. I don’t know. Why should I trust you? Maybe that really is you back there,” I joke knowing it’s the furthest thing from the truth and honestly regretting saying he came off pretentious.

  “Trust me, it’s not. Come on, chalk it up to being steered in the wrong direction.”

  I stare at Carter, really stare at him. He looks like he’s mentally berating himself like he’s already lost me. He cares so much what I think, and my stupid mouth ruined our date. Actually, maybe it didn’t. I take a deep breath then walk through the parking lot, back up the ramp, onto the boat. My hands shake the whole time they’re tightly gripping the metal rail. When I’m at the top, I turn around and look at Carter who’s still standing on the dock, as I try to avoid looking at the water.

  “Are you coming? I hear there’s some good food up here.”

  “What?”

  “You wanted a date, let’s have the date.”

  Carter walks up the ramp and stops in front of me. “I knew you were worth it.”

  We spend several hours on the yacht that I know remains docked the entire time. I overheard Carter quietly saying he wanted to stay ashore in case I had to make a quick exit, because of my fear, not to run out on him he clarified to the captain. It made me chuckle.

  “Why do you keep looking at me like that? Not that I mind,” Carter asks after taking his last bite of chicken.

  “Like what?”

  “Like you’re not sure if you’ve made your mind up about me yet.”

  “Because I haven’t. You’re good looking, I’ll give you that,” I look him in the eye. “You seem like a cheeseball, yet you put together this fantastic date for me. Someone you barely know. I’m trying to figure you out. Something tells me there’s a lot more to learn about you.”

  I’d be an idiot not to swoon over his large green eyes, chiseled jaw, and cheekbones most people see a plastic surgeon to get. His large stature could be threatening, but I find it more comforting. All I can think about are his massive arms wrapped around me as we watch the sunset together. Stealing a kiss or two from his full lips as he tilts my head up with his finger like you see in the movies. His looks aren’t the only thing catching my eye. His charming personality and true gentlemen mentality adds lots of checks in his pro category. The fact that we can carry on a conversation that flows throughout dinner isn’t something you can find with someone you hardly know.

  “You’re still ogling me,” he says cockily.

  “Don’t act like it never happens.”

  We’ve come to the end of our dinner, and it’s time to exit the boat. I have to admit I had a fantastic time despite me calling him pretentious when we first came aboard. He’s anything but from the stories he’s told and the way he talks about his life. Sometimes my big mouth gets in the way. I need to start filtering myself when he’s around before he realizes I’m not worth his time.

  It may have started with him trying to impress me, but now I find myself doing the same. Trying to show my best qualities.

  “I promise I’ll take you somewhere better tomorrow. Somewhere more me.”

  “Technically, that was your shot at a date.” I’m giving him a hard time because he deserves it. He went to my mom behind my back, no wonder she was still talking about my impending wedding. She knew Carter was trying to go out with me.

  “I should have known better. You didn’t seem like that type of girl
, but I didn’t really know you and figured your mom wouldn’t steer me wrong.”

  “You don’t know my mother. She already has us married, and me knocked up with a house in her gated community.”

  His face pales, and I keep my straight face to mess with him a little more. “Yup, she’s picking out our linens and monogrammed towels.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yeah, but don’t worry, I’ll tell her not to order the china yet.”

  “Yet? Lexi Kile, am I wearing you down after a failed first date?”

  “Not yet, but I’m willing to give you another chance. Tomorrow night, right?”

  “Or I could pick you up in the morning and make a day of it.”

  “I have a ton of work to bang out tomorrow, I won’t be free until later,” I say regretfully.

  Carter steps close and wraps his arms around my shoulders. “I can help you with the banging, baby.”

  “I’m sure you could, but I don’t think I need your type of banging, Larue. When do the cheesy lines stop?”

  “Never. They’re for you, only for you.” He bends down and kisses my forehead before walking me to his car and opening the door.

  It’s a quick ride back to my car, and I’m happy to see the street has been cleared up. “I hope your friends got out of here in one piece.”

  “Yeah, we have security that intervenes if filming gets dicey. I have to say, in the three years we’ve been filming the show, I’ve never been physically assaulted before.”

  “I’m sorry about that. Not that it happened because you were being a dick, but because that guy isn’t really you. I wouldn’t have punched the real you.”

  “Tomorrow you say?”

  “Huh?” I ask unsure what he’s asking.

  “You said I can try a different date tomorrow.”

  “Yup, even though this date turned out pretty great. Like I said earlier, I have some work to do during the day, but I’ll text you when I’m free. Do you have any… I don’t even know what you call it. Shoots, skits, scenes?”

  “Nope, I’m free as a bird baby. I’ll be waiting by the phone all day for a beautiful goddess to call me.”

  “Oh lord.” My cheeks heat. I get out of the car when he pulls up next to mine, and I’m surprised when he does the same. He sees the confusion on my face and makes my heart race when he explains.

  “I’m walking you to your car like a gentleman. If I somehow get to steal a kiss, so be it.”

  Shit just got real. A kiss? Something tells me there’s no turning back the second his lips touch mine and I’m not sure I’m ready for that. I guess it's going to be a game-time decision. I desperately want to find out firsthand if his lips taste as good as they look, but… I just don’t know yet. You’d think I’m a sixteen-year-old girl on her first date rather than a twenty-three-year-old woman.

  Carter walks me the three steps to my car as I’m digging my keys from my purse. “Thanks for tonight. Remember, I’m a no-frills girl, you don’t have to impress me.”

  “What if I want to impress you? I need to make my mark, so all the other guys trying to stake their claim on you don’t have a chance.”

  I want to laugh and say what guys, but before I can prepare myself, his face descends upon mine after he pushes my back up against my Jeep.

  Then his lips meet my cheek, I’m completely embarrassed my reaction is to thwart his kiss. I look at him with bulging eyes unable to believe I just stopped a kiss from a man as gorgeous as Carter Larue. A man that’s lips call to me every time he speaks, or his tongue moistens his lips. A man whose lips feel so soft on my hand I’m kicking my own ass over stopping what was sure to be the perfect first kiss.

  “Well, I can’t say that’s ever happened before.” He takes a step back and runs his fingers through his hair.

  “I’m sorry, it’s just… I don’t really know you yet.”

  “Hey, I get it.” He sounds disappointed, and the look on his face hurts my heart.

  “Listen, it wasn’t because you don’t affect me. It’s because you do, too much, and I know when we reach that point, well, then there will be no going back.”

  His expression shifts as he cages me in with his arms on either side of my head. “Have a good night Lexi.” He kisses my cheek extremely close to my mouth, and I almost give in, but he pulls back and walks to his car.

  I jump in my Jeep still in a daze and turn when he calls my name.

  “You’re not the only one affected.” Carter winks then pulls out of his parking spot.

  I’m waiting for him to leave so I can do the same, but he backs up pretty far, and I realize he’s left me enough room to get out of my spot first.

  I can already tell Carter Larue’s going to do a number on my heart. The little pitter-patter I’m experiencing must be a new murmur, it has to be. I keep repeating that to myself all the way home, that it has nothing to do with the man that’s set on winning me over.

  Chapter 5

  Christ, how does he expect me to get any work done? I’m complaining, but secretly hoping it’s Carter calling me again. I’ve sat down to work on my jewelry a few hours ago and have been interrupted several times by the man trying to convince me to let him come over. I know if he does I’ll never get these earrings done and they’re a special order for a wedding and due in a week. I hate doing things last minute, so I need to get them done today.

  When I look down at the phone, my mom’s picture greets me. I was waiting for her to call me last night and give me the inquisition. I’ll give it to her, she has willpower, especially since this brand of prying involves my love life.

  “Hello, Mom.”

  “Well, how’d it go?” I hear the smile in her voice, and for once when talking about my dating life, I end up with a smile on mine as well.

  “Awful, horrible, the worst date I’ve ever been on.”

  “What’s wrong with you? Were you traumatized by a past boyfriend?”

  “No, why would you ask that?”

  “Because Carter’s a gem and he’s a celebrity. He’s a total catch.”

  “Oh yeah, because the only criteria that matters is money.” I roll my eyes, not that she can see.

  “I didn’t say it was all that mattered, but it certainly helps.”

  “God, I can’t believe you told him to impress me with money.”

  “He told you that?” I hear her say in disbelief. “Those weren’t my exact words, honey.”

  “Do you realize that if Carter were the man of my dreams and let me stop you before you read too much into that, I barely know him and don’t know what’s going on with him or us as a unit yet. But if he was, you basically called me a gold digger.”

  “Crap, sorry honey. I got excited when he showed up explaining who he was. I really wanted Carter to pull out all the stops for you, you deserve it.” That’s why I never get too mad at my mom. In the end, she ultimately wants the best for me. “Did it really go terrible?”

  “He rented a yacht to take us for a cruise in the water while we ate dinner.”

  “A… boat?” she asks hesitantly.

  “Yeah, I went on, called him pretentious, and we left.”

  “You what?”

  “Don’t worry, we got back on, and it was a really great night. Please, Mom, don’t ever tell a guy to impress me with money. I’m not Angela.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with your cousin Angela marrying for money, I think she’s quite fond of Kevin.”

  “Fond isn’t what I want to marry. I want to walk down the aisle to a man that thinks I’m his whole world.”

  “I knew you wanted to get married!”

  “Wait…” She’s already hung up and probably ordering my wedding dress. God help me.

  For the next few hours, I diligently work, completely in the zone. It’s so easy for me to lose myself in my work, I actually enjoy what I do. My phone remains silent letting me get everything I need done, and when I finally look up from my table and check the time, I realize it’s almo
st six, and my phone wasn’t silent the entire time. I was in the zone and didn’t hear my text notification.

  Carter: Your times up. I’ll be by to pick you up at six.

  I scramble to get up and ready, but the doorbell goes off.

  Damn.

  I walk to the door and pull it open, so he doesn’t have to wait outside while I change. “Sorry, I just got your text.” I usher him in. “Just chill, and I’ll go get ready.”

  “I’m kind of liking what you have going on right now.” His eyes roam over my body as my cheeks heat.

  I’m wearing a loose racer back tank with a bralette on display underneath with a pair of short cotton shorts. They’re probably classified as booty shorts to the world, and I’m suddenly feeling self-conscious. I’m proud of my body, I’ve worked hard to keep myself beach-ready all year round, but under Carter’s scrutiny, I wonder if I’m his usual type. Screw it, he wouldn’t be pursuing me if I wasn’t what he wanted.

  “Very funny. I’ll be right back.”

  I look over my clothes for a brief moment and remember he’s keeping it simple tonight. After throwing on a pair of cut-off jean shorts and a black tank, I slip my feet into my favorite pair of flip-flops and opt to keep my hair up in a messy bun. I spritz some of my favorite perfume on my skin and leave my bedroom.

  I find Carter at my dining room table checking out my jewelry. The click-clack of my sandals alerts him I’m there and when he turns around his eyes latch onto my legs.

  “God, you’re gorgeous.”

  “You don’t look so bad yourself.” I wink and finally scan him. People say cargo shorts aren’t in style anymore, but I don’t care. He rocks them and rocks them well. His well-defined arms are on full display in a navy-blue tank top. He’s not hugely muscular, but he definitely works for what he has.

  “I’ve never been happier to be checked out by a woman.”

  I pull myself out of my tattoo daze and look him in the eye. “Why?” I laugh.

  “It means you’re interested.”

  “Hmmm. Maybe. Maybe you’ll have to wait and see.”