Page 26 of Storm Warning
“I said don’t call me that.” She says it like I ruffled her feathers, but this time it’s a bit more lighthearted. She hesitates to speak, freeing a slow, steady breath, and though I’d love to peek at her as she contemplates her words, I keep my eyes forward as instructed. “I remember you,” she whispers, almost like it’s a secret she’s not sure she wants to share.
I think back to months ago when I first saw her. She glanced at me from across the bar, and for the first time in a long time it wasn’t a look filled with lust or a need to get close to me because of my title or the buckles I wear. Not an ounce of desire for the limelight I constantly found myself in. Honestly, she looked pissed. Pissed at the guy near her, pissedat me, heck, pissed at everything, and something about that excited me. Mostly because it wasn’t a facade focused on fame. She didn’t want me, and for whatever reason, I liked it even then.
And it’s unclear why, but I’ve carried that moment with me since.
“I remember you too.”
15
KAYLEE - JUNE 25, 2004
Why doesit shock me that Rhett remembers seeing me?
His sudden reserved demeanor is a stark contrast from his usual larger-than-life self. I’m confused by his silence, but what really gets me is why I suddenly have interest in his opinion at all. Given my current state of intoxication, I’ll be chalking this burst of curiosity up to a drunken stupor and choosing not to overthink it.
“Is that so?” I reply coolly. I’m indifferent to the answer, at least, I tell myself I am. Or maybe I do want to know what he has to say. I wait for his reply, the world around me feeling as if it’s spinning off its axis.
“Yeah, it was at…Gator Ray’s, wasn’t it?” He hesitates, but finds the bar’s name fast. I don’t mean to overanalyze, but to me that says he knew he just wanted me to think he didn’t. The night after the PABRA event. Ya were talkin’ to some asshat who claimed to be my friend… He wasn’t by the way.”
No shit. Had he been, the entire thing would have probably been less weird.
“Just another day you thought being a superhero looked fun, huh, Casanova?” I blow out a breath, my words not asharsh as I intended as I say, “You know, not everyone always needs saving.”
Truth is, Ihadneeded saving that night, but I’d be damned to admit that to him. His ego is already big enough.
He grunts at my remark as if it’s a physical blow.
The light from my duplex glows on the sidewalk a few feet ahead of us, and my relief becomes palpable. Oh, thank God. With each step I take, the vertigo makes me feel like I’m walking on a tight rope, only seconds away from crashing to the ground. I want nothing more than to change out of my clothes and get into something comfy before I pass out.
Despite being uninvited, Rhett trails up the stairs behind me.
I turn toward him, my frustration with his forwardness pushing me to my limit. “You can stop right there, Cowbo—” I barely begin my statement as I tumble forward down the stairs, directly toward him. Two big hands save me from planting face-first into the concrete. Unfortunately, those hands don’t stop me from falling face-first into his.
His warm chocolate gaze stares back at mine. And I can’t help but melt into it. It’s like my body and brain have stopped communicating. He’s attractive, nice and funny, even if he’s the most cocky man I’ve ever met. It would be easy to fall for him. Too easy. Which makes him dangerous, because I know his type all too well. Ever the gentleman. How many other girls has he walked home in the past in the hopes of getting invited in? The realization is like a slap to the face. I’m just drunk and he’s just another man doing what men do.
Stepping my foot back, I try to physically distance myself from him, but his hands keep me still. He leans forward and I hold my breath, meeting his eyes once more. His face is only inches from mine and I can feel the heat rush to my cheeks.
“Guess I saved the day, again,” he whispers so closely that our lips almost touch. My eyes nearly flutter shut as I contemplateclosing the remaining distance between us. Trying my best to reject my desire to seize this moment for what it is, to take him in with my lips and ignore all the reasons I shouldn’t act on impulse. Releasing me, he turns away. I open my mouth to protest what he just did, but no words come out. He takes each step two at a time. Glancing back over his shoulder, he adds, “Have a good night, Angel.”
And before I can speak, he’s gone.
16
RHETT - JUNE 25, 2004
Well,now I know I’m fucked up. I nearly kissed a girl who would rather cut my dick off than ride it, and as fun as that sounds I think I’ll pass—indefinitely. Am I really so caught up in needing a thrill, that I think that any of this is a good idea?
Despite her clear disinterest, there’s an undeniable pull toward her. Rather than deterring me, it only seems to fuel how attractive I find her. Maybe I should find that concerning, but instead I find it thrilling. Good God, the boys would have a field day with this one if they heard about me fawning over someone who would rather see me hit by a truck than spend the night with me.
It’s possible she’s protecting herself though. She seems the type to push people away, keep them at a distance instead of letting them in and potentially hurting her. Maybe I just notice her coldness toward me most because I planted myself in her path. But why? Do I remind her of someone? An ex, maybe? I’ll probably never know because asking her seems like a risk and pushing people away is more her style than letting them in.
I chuckle to myself. Here I am, walking down the street,basically bickering with myself about someone who could care less if I exist or not. Clearly, I need to call it a night, because at this point I’ve lost my mind.
Just as I turn the corner, I glance back to see her still on her porch. I rub my eyes, hoping it will clear my vision.
“Rhett.” Her shout slices through the air.
Instinct takes over, and I find myself halfway to her without realizing my steady pace. My heart hammers within my chest, each step closer forcing my curiosity to rise.
