The Hotter You Burn (The Original Heartbreakers 2)

“Still harping on the cage.” Beck heaved a weighty sigh. “Perhaps it’s time for you to get over it, considering you were never actually invited inside it.”

“Who’s in a cage?” Jase demanded.

“Besides, maybe I’ve been a good little schoolboy,” Beck said, ignoring his friend. “Maybe I’ve learned a lesson.”

“What? That feelings aren’t so bad?” she asked.

“Hardly. If I’m going to feel, I have to make damn sure she does, too.”

Brook Lynn leveled an evil grin on him. “I’m looking forward to the day you realize your cage has been filled with all of us all along.” Before he could reply, she added, “Now I’m changing the subject, and you’re letting me. Are you going to the Berryween Festival tomorrow?”

“Yes.” His next official date with Harlow.

“Jase and I are going as Adam and Eve. What about you and Harlow?”

“We’re going as Beck and Harlow.”

Brook Lynn snorted. “Be serious.”

“I am.”

Horrified, she said, “Wow. I know you guys are new to town and everything, and you have no idea how things actually work around here, but seriously. I had no idea you sucked such giant donkey balls.”

Beck glared at his friend. “Are you going to let your woman talk to me that way?”

“Yes” was Jase’s only response.

Laughing, Brook Lynn kissed the guy on the mouth. “I love you.”

“Not as much as I love you.”

Beck’s chest constricted with some unnameable emotion. Disgust—had to be disgust. “Let’s shut up and watch TV.”

“Let’s!” With a bubbliness that irritated him, Brook Lynn clapped and said, “I’ve been storing episodes of The Walking Dead. We can marathon, and I can teach you how to survive the coming apocalypse.”

* * *

ANOTHER FEW HOURS passed before Harlow finally rounded the corner. Beck had to shake his head to clear away images of blood and gore from the TV show, and the clenching he’d experienced earlier returned, only worse, his heart curling up like a fist and banging against his ribs. Definitely wasn’t because of disgust. Splatters of paint marred Harlow’s lashes, arms and clothes, her skin flushed a lovely rose.

Her gaze skittered to him, an almost shy smile lighting her face.

“All done?” he asked.

“I am. Want to see?”

“Me! Me!” Brook Lynn jumped to her feet and clapped, waking the dog. Sparkles barked as his mommy rushed forward and grabbed Harlow’s wrist. “I do!”

“The paint is still wet. You can look, but don’t touch,” Harlow said.

Currently the story of my life.

Brook Lynn raced past her and into the hall, where she squealed like a little girl who’d just found the present of her dreams underneath the Christmas tree.

Harlow, who’d remained in place, released a relieved breath, twin spots of pleasure darkening her cheeks. “I wasn’t sure she’d like it. I mean, I know she asked for zombies on the wall, but I thought she’d realize her horrible mistake when she spotted all the blood and guts.”

Jase smiled, his affection clear. “My girl is weird.”

“You’re just jealous I have a plan for the zombie apocalypse and you don’t,” Brook Lynn called. “Now I have the perfect wall for practicing expert slaying techniques.”

“You’re right, angel. I’m jealous,” Jase called back. “Twenty more points?”

Harlow met Beck’s gaze as he straightened. Her pupils expanded as she took a step toward him. “You ready to go?”

He held out his hand and, without a moment’s hesitation, she twined her fingers with his.

He nodded to his friend on the way out, then helped Harlow into the car. Night had long since fallen, the moon half-hidden by clouds with no stars in sight.

Trees whizzed by as he sped down the road. “We need to talk, baby.”

“I know,” she replied softly.

“We haven’t been honest with each other, and it’s putting a strain on us both.”

“You’ve lied to me?”

“No. Absolutely not.” He frowned at her. “You should know better.”

Her shoulders hunched in, and she rubbed at her face. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

Better. “If this relationship is going to work, you have to tell me when you’re scared about something. And I have to tell you the same. We have to rely on each other, Harlow, not on outside parties.”

“Yes. You’re right, again.” She peered down at her hands, twisting the fabric of her skirt. “I wanted to be with you last night, so badly I nearly couldn’t breathe.”

“Why did you stop me?” He knew the answer, but he wanted to hear her say it.

“I was so afraid we’d have sex and the talking and sharing I’ve come to love so much would stop. And I worry the lack will be the death knell of our relationship.”

“In case you haven’t noticed,” he said, tenderness welling in his chest, “I’ve enjoyed the talking and sharing, too.”

“Really?”

“Really. You are ridiculous and weird, frustrating and challenging.”

“Hey,” she said with a frown.

“But you are the most entertaining person I’ve ever met and everything I learn about you makes me lo—like you more.” No damn way he’d almost dropped the L bomb.