Diane (The Town of Pearl 6)

“Hooking up.”

His eyes widened and then a dark, angry expression filled his eyes. She swallowed hard.

“You didn’t want to stay and ‘hook up,’ too?” he asked with an attitude.

She shook her head. Why did she feel like he was reprimanding her and that he would tell her brothers-in-law and they would do the same when she saw them?

Why did his question deflate her whole attraction to the man and make her feel like some wild teenager who was busted by her father? Hell, he was not her father. She didn’t think of him in that way at all. She felt her temper flare.

“Well, thank you again. I could have handled it.”

“You shouldn’t be out late at night like this all by yourself.”

“That wasn’t the plan. I was the designated driver.”

“You left your friends there?”

“They were hooking up and told me to leave. They met some guys and were getting rides.”

“And you didn’t meet any guys who wanted to hook up with?” he asked, again sounding pissed off. Why was he asking her these questions?

“It’s none of your business, Mark. I’m a big girl and can handle myself. I wasn’t interested in anyone there.”

He looked like he was biting the inside of his cheek. “I’m glad to hear that. Be careful driving home. I’ll follow you to your place to make sure you get there okay.”

“That’s not necessary,” she said, and he raised one eyebrow at her.

God, he’s so damn sexy. Holy shit, even my panties are wet and it has nothing to do with the rain.

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She licked her lower lip and then swallowed.

“Can I close the door now?” she asked.

He looked her over again, and this time she felt as if he touched her with his eyes. It was incredible. Once he walked away and she watched him through the side mirror as he got into his sports car, she released a long sigh.

She had a mix of emotions as she started the jeep and proceeded to drive home. Mark seemed angry with her and spoke to her as if she were some naïve child. Like she planned on having a flat fucking tire on the way home. Really?

Then he was all sexy and suave, seemed sort of caring in a hard, cold way, but it was there. The man’s personality was indescribable. She continued to shake as she drove the remainder of the way home. Mark followed her as he said he would and he waited until she was inside her house until he drove off.

She leaned against the door inside her home and closed her eyes.

I could have been more brazen and invited him in. I could have been so mature and acted so experienced as I told him I could put his wet clothes in the dryer. Maybe even asked him to join me in a hot shower? Yeah, right. I am an inexperienced virgin with trust issues and an inability to project any form of assertiveness or expression of desire publically. I’m a scaredy-cat, and unless I’m forced to do something, I opt out.

She pushed off the door and headed upstairs. As she pulled off her clothes and glanced at the mirror in her bedroom, she took a deep breath and released it.

“Someday I’ll feel beautiful and find the right man or men to love me. I’ll have what Melissa has. Love, compassion, and a family.”

She took in the sight of her curves and how she kept her pussy so nicely shaven just in case she had the guts to lose her virginity once and for all. But even as she had gone out tonight and danced with the cowboys who were mighty fine looking, she didn’t feel that connection, or powerful desire she wanted to feel.

Yet, as Mark helped her with the tire, appeared out of nowhere and spoke to her so firmly and with authority, her body spasmed, her pussy throbbed and the thought of asking him into her home flashed through her mind, arousing her more than the touches from those cowboys at the dance hall. I’m obsessed, but because I’m so stupid, I’ll never have a chance with Mark or his brothers. Never.

* * * *

Mark and Drake Santos stood by the concession stand. The park was crowded with so many residents of Pearl. He spotted Melissa Mercury pushing her son in a stroller. Melissa’s three husbands, Hank, Paul, and Willie, were walking along with her.

“Do you see Diane?” Drake asked as his brother continued to look at the scene before him.