Cold Hearted Bachelor

“I shut off the lights and locked up.” He laughs a little, and it pisses me off more.

He hits the keyfob, and I hop inside without a word.

Intent on leaving him alone, I tug my phone out of my purse as Vaughn slides into the driver’s side and starts the engine. There’s a text message from Gwen, asking me what Vaughn thought of the house. I actually don’t know. I don’t think he ever said if he loved it or not. Doesn’t matter. Who cares what he thinks? Although, I should, because the adult part of me needs to know if he thinks it’ll be an easy renovation job.

“So, what do you think?” I finally ask after we’re a few miles down the road.

“Nothing, really.”

“I didn’t ask you what you’re thinking about right now. I asked you what you think about the job? Think it’ll be a huge ordeal?”

“Ordeal?”

“With money and expenses.” I sigh. “And time.”

“Oh,” he scrubs a hand down his jaw, “it shouldn’t be too bad.”

“Really? I’m worried about going over my budget.”

Vaughn glances over at me, his eyes meeting mine. “I’ll personally guarantee we stick to your budget.”

“Thank you.” He still didn’t give his opinion on the house. “Do you see the potential like I do?”

Even in the semi-darkness, I can see his body tense. “It’ll be nice when it’s all finished,” he says. But his voice lacks conviction, like he doesn’t truly believe it’ll be nice at all.

“I want it to be homey. Like how my house was growing up.”

“Your house always did feel like home.”

I smile. “Yes, exactly. I want everyone to feel welcomed all the time.”

“I’m positive you and your friends will all love it. And your boyfriend, Cody?”

“Colby,” I correct him.

“So, he is your boyfriend?”

I shake my head. “No, he’s just a friend.”

Vaughn pulls onto the interstate, and I turn to stare out the window. The cloudless sky showcases all the twinkling stars. I spot a shooting star and make a silent wish that I’ll be able to work with Vaughn and not regress back to the teenaged girl who had the major crush on him in high school.

Since there’s nothing to look at in the darkness, I plan my life. I want the fairytale—house, kids, and a great husband. I already have the house, so I’m one third there.

We reach my parents’ house in what feels like record time.

I swing my door open. “Thanks for the ride,” I say, hopping out of his truck and making my way toward the front door.

“Wait.” Vaughn is out the truck and races to catch up with me. “You forgot your sweater.”

“Thank you.”

He doesn’t let go when I reach to take it from his hands. Instead, he gives a slight tug, and my hand lands on his chest.

“So this dress you’re wearing…” His eyes meet mine, and the intensity nearly crushes me. “Do you remember that night, Pea?”

“Barely,” I lie.

“I’m sorry I hurt you back then.”

I suck in a deep breath, unable to form any words. Finally, I say, “It’s ok.”

“It’s not,” he breathes out, his eyes glowing with something I can’t turn away from. Most likely it's the spell he’s trying to pull me under with.

His eyes land on my mouth, and I wet my lips. He mirrors my action, and steps closer.

He raises his hand, his fingers touching lightly to a strand of my hair. “I’ve always liked your hair.”

He’s so dang close to me, I can’t breathe. It’d be so easy to raise up on my tiptoes and kiss him. But, I can’t move as his eyes caress my hair.

“You’ve got great hair, Pea.”

He’s got great everything. I gaze at his face, following the cut of his jaw with the soft stubble there, wondering what it would feel like against my heated skin.

I lean in, wishing on every single star in the sky for a new wish. I wish he’d kiss me instead.

I should back away, run inside and slam the door.

He closes the distance, tilting his head just a bit.

And then, I see the exact moment Vaughn decides against kissing me. Just like the last time I tried to kiss him.

He backs up, dropping his hand. “I’ll get with Spencer and we’ll be in touch.”

I feel like I’ve been slapped back to reality. “Great, thanks.” I twist the handle, opening the door, and head inside, not letting Vaughn see what effect he’s had on me.

Seriously, I will never try to kiss him ever again.

Six

Vaughn

* * *

Fuck. I almost kissed her. What the hell was I even thinking? I can’t kiss Paisley Watts. Ever. But, damn, I wanted to. I wanted it so badly.

Is that so wrong? One kiss?

Scratch that itch?

I went back and forth over it, telling myself to indulge in just one kiss and then never let thoughts of touching her ever cross my mind again.