Page 33 of Someone Exactly Like Me (Wounded Hearts 1)
I stamp out my cigarette in the large round concrete ashtray.Help me, Dad.
Taking our time, we tour the grounds of the observatory, learn from the exhibits, and marvel at the sky through the telescopes.
“What did you think?” she asks.
“Absolutely fascinating. The sky is magnificent.” I look up into the clear blue sky.
“I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Are you ready for our hike?”
“Lead the way.”
I’m looking forward to our hike so we can talk. I want to learn more about her and her life. She takes the lead and I follow beside her.
“Have you always lived here in L.A.?”
“Yup. Born and raised.”
“Did you ever want to live anywhere else?”
She tilts her head up and twists her lips to the side. “Actually, no. I love living here. I also love experiencing different cultures and countries. Even though my parents both have demanding, successful careers, they always made sure we went on vacation once a year and traveled to wonderful places. I don’t travel as much now as I’d like to, but maybe someday I will again.”
“Have you ever been to Italy?”
“No.” She shakes her head. “It’s definitely one of the places I want to visit. It looks breathtaking on Google and Pinterest.”
“Pinterest? What’s Pinterest?”
My question elicits a laugh from her as she tucks a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. “It’s a visual platform where you create something like a virtual vision board. I use it for my business and to share my inspiration with my readers.”
“Interesting. Will you make one for the book you’re writing about me?”
She pulls her lips in like she’s suppressing a smile. “Yes, all my books have boards.” She pauses. “Speaking of the book, should I interview you during one of our days together? Let me know what works best for you so I can be prepared with my questions.”
“We’ll figure that out.”
“Okay, just let me know.” She takes a few long steps in front of me. “It’s a little narrow here and gets a bit steep. Be careful.” For being tiny, her legs are long. The sexy indentation between her quads and her hamstrings shows her dedication to fitness. I’m aching to touch her tight body again. Candi having me put my hand on her inner thigh the other day was a brutal fucking temptation.
“I will.” I move cautiously. “So, you’re not married and I know you haven’t found your soul mate. Is there a boyfriend?” I know it shouldn’t matter, but something inside me wants to know. And that something is hoping she says no.
She looks back at me as the path opens wider. Already winded, I quicken my steps to walk beside her again. “No. Not officially anyway,” she says looking forward.
“Not officially? What does that mean?”
“There’s a guy I have dinner with from time to time. It’s nothing serious.”
“No? You just eat meals together?”
She chuckles. “Yeah, pretty much.”
“There’s nothing physical?” What kind of relationship is this?
“I think he might want there to be more —”
I cut her off. “Of course he does.”
She snaps her head toward me, her questioning eyes dart back and forth.
I stop walking. She stops. Taking a step in front her, I gaze down into her breathtaking blue eyes. “Destiny.” I drag my finger softly across her cheek, tucking the hair the wind blew across her face behind her ear. Her lips part slightly. “You’re beautiful.” She’s beyond cute or pretty or sexy. She’s all of them plus being kind, compassionate, and caring. I know I’m only scratching the surface of who this captivating woman is. And I want to learn more. I want to learn everything I can about her.
