The Hotter You Burn (The Original Heartbreakers 2)

She pushed his hand away and leveled a smile at Dorian. “So. How did you and Beck meet?”

“Same foster home.”

“A good one, I hope.” What had these boys endured over the years?

“It was one of the best.” Dorian smiled fondly. “I was happy for the first time in my life and didn’t want to leave.”

She placed a hand over her heart. “Do you realize you just opened up to me and revealed a little about yourself? Are you a unicorn-shifter?”

“I don’t know what a unicorn-shifter is.” Beck expertly turned a corner. “But I open up all the time.”

“Yeah, but I have to use pliers.”

They reached the restaurant, a quaint little Italian place just outside city limits, and Dorian exited to hurry around and open her door. Street lamps surrounded the parking lot, chasing away most of the night’s shadows. The parking lot was surprisingly empty considering an open sign flashed neon red over the entrance.

“Thank you,” she said.

“What about my door?” Beck asked as he emerged.

“Why don’t you stay in the car?” she suggested. “Enjoy a little peace and quiet.”

“That’s the thanks I get? After I rented out the entire restaurant?”

Dang him, she melted. He’d put her comfort— Wait. I’m falling for this? She was on a date with a man he’d selected for her, for goodness’ sake. “I’ll send you a fruit basket tomorrow.” She raised her chin. To Dorian, she added, “Sorry about this. I’m being rude, ignoring you, but—”

Dorian chuckled as he drew her several steps ahead of Beck. He leaned toward her, whispering, “Look, I know there’s something going on between you two. West called me earlier and told me you belong to Beck and I’m to keep my hands off you while helping him realize the terrible mistake he’s making.”

West was rooting for her?

“Speak up so the rest of the class can hear.” Beck trudged in front of them, opened the restaurant door.

Giddy, and feeling just a little evil, Harlow leaned her head against Dorian and petted his arm. “Isn’t it obvious? We’re getting to know each other better...and maybe even falling in love.”

* * *

ROUND ONE DID NOT end in Harlow’s favor, and she pouted the entire drive home. Besides the three of them, there had been two other people in the restaurant: their waitress and the chef. Both happened to be females. Of course. Beck had claimed the table across the room, and when he hadn’t been flirting shamelessly with the waitress, he’d been in back flirting shamelessly with the chef.

Without the pressure of having to rebuff Dorian, Harlow was able to relax and enjoy herself, doing a little flirting of her own, hoping to fan the flames of Beck’s jealousy. He’d hardly seemed to notice, and as the night had worn on, he’d only become more charming with the staff.

Now, with the evening coming to a close, Beck parked in the driveway of the farmhouse. Dorian helped her out, saying, “I’ll walk you to your door.”

Beck got out in a hurry and patted him on the shoulder. “There’s no need for that, my friend. I’ve got it from here.”

“How kind of you,” Dorian said.

“Isn’t it? We had a great time, by the way.”

Harlow glared at Beck. “Will we be calling him for another date?”

Beck flashed his teeth in a grin utterly devoid of humor. “We’ll discuss it.”

Dorian tried to mask a laugh with a cough. “Well, I certainly hope you do, Harlow Glass. I don’t remember the last time I’ve had so much fun.”

She flipped her hair over her shoulder, the ends slapping Beck in the face. “You are a man of great taste. Unlike some people I know.”

Beck gave the guy a push toward a cute little ’65 Nova. “I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know the verdict.”

“Please do,” Dorian replied.

“Actually, bypass the middleman. You have my number,” Harlow reminded him, and he winked at her before sliding into his car.

“You gave him your phone number?” Beck thundered.

Shouldn’t grin. “Do you have a problem with that?”

At first he offered no response, watching as Dorian’s car roared to life and meandered out of the drive. When the taillights at last disappeared around the corner, Beck whirled on her and shouted, “Hell, yes, I have a problem with that. I shouldn’t have to tell you this, pumpkin, but he’s not right for you. I could tell within five seconds. Why couldn’t you?” He wrapped an arm around her waist and led her toward the RV. “I did you a favor, sending him away. He would have tried to kiss you at the door.”

Maybe, but only for Beck’s benefit. Even if she hadn’t been enamored with someone else, she and Dorian would not have been right for each other. Beck nailed it. They’d lacked chemistry.

“Did you ever stop to think I might want to be kissed?” she asked.

“Baby, you should fall to your knees and thank me for being here to save you from yourself.”

She stepped in his path and placed her hand on his chest, stopping him. It was then she felt the barely suppressed tension in him, the knotted muscles and the swift pounding of his heart.

“A kiss isn’t a big deal, Beck. Is it?”

Glowering, he said, “It certainly should be.”

I’m getting somewhere with this man. Have to be. “Has it ever been a big deal for you?”