Fall (Seaside 4)

“Hey.” The jackass held out his hand. “I’m Smith.”

“Jaymeson,” I said tightly, my eyes narrowing as he squeezed my hand a little harder than necessary. I wasn’t ever the type of guy to be violent, but I swear to all that is holy if I’d had a gun, I would have pulled it, no hesitation. The guy just screamed player.

Players knew players. I could spot them a mile away; it was like looking in a mirror that didn’t have the same reflection, just the same mannerisms. And this guy? Yeah, a million bucks said he wanted a quick screw and nothing more.

“How’s the house?” Priscilla asked, clearing her throat.

“Pretty bad.” The Smith guy winced. “We’re lucky the neighbors called when they did. They saw smoke coming out of the basement windows and got worried when the smoke alarms didn’t go off.”

Priscilla’s face went white as a ghost.

I reached out to her but was intercepted by a cold shoulder from Smith as he gripped her hand and squeezed. “Hey, it’s okay, I hope you don’t mind but I’ve already gone through the house and grabbed your purse and keys. You should probably call your parents so they can get hold of the insurance company.”

Priscilla nodded, but I could tell something was off. Her eyes pooled with tears. “Um, how much damage do you think it did? Money-wise?”

Smith whistled. “If I was ballparking it? I don’t know, sweetheart.”

I clenched my fists.

“The electrical needs to be totally redone, the basement has gone to hell, and everything needs to be cleaned from smoke damage. I’d say at least ten grand, and that’s low-balling it.”

Her lower lip trembled. “Okay.”

I watched the exchange with interest, my eyes scanning Priscilla’s face for more clues into why she was freaking out. It had to be the money. My guess? They didn’t have insurance.

“No worries!” Smith smiled. “Insurance will take care of everything.”

“You’re right.” Her smile was forced. “I’ll try not to worry.”

“Great.” He licked his lips and looked between me and Pris. “So can I give you a ride or—”

“I’ve got it,” I interrupted, stepping up to her side. “I’m renting the place right next door to where she’s staying. Plus, I’m kind of responsible for her.”

I felt a sharp elbow to the stomach as Priscilla laughed awkwardly. “Uh-huh, like a big brother. Right, Jaymeson?”

Oh look, my balls, they’re flying away.

“Right.” My nostrils flared so big with irritation that I actually saw them flare, in front of my face.

“That’s so cute.” Smith crossed his arms. Really, dude? Trying to show off the muscles? Too obvious.

“That’s me,” I said crisply. “Cute.”

Smith nodded then looked behind me. “Nice ride. Your dad buy that for you?”

“Thanks,” I said in an even voice. “And no, I work for a living. The last thing he bought me was a toy truck when I was three.”

Wow way’ta make it more awkward.

“So…” Priscilla clapped her hands. “My purse? Keys?”

Smith nodded, not breaking eye contact with me. “In my truck. I just assumed you’d be too shaken up to drive around today so I was going to offer my services, but since you already have a ride—”

“I’d love a ride to the church.”

I opened my mouth to argue but Pris hit me across the chest. “I’d have Jaymeson take me, but I don’t want him getting struck by lightning his first day in Seaside.”

They both laughed.

I, however, invented new curse words while Smith wrapped his arm around something that wasn’t his, and led her toward his truck.

“Thanks, Jaymeson,” Pris called behind her. “I’ll see you later.”

“Yup,” I yelled back. “You sure will.”

I didn’t miss the shit-eating grin plastered across Smith’s ugly face as he opened her door and gave me a small wave.

I flipped him off.

Not a proud moment.

He shook his head and laughed harder.

Game on.

Chapter Twelve

Priscilla

I had to get away from him. Everything about Jaymeson screamed sex, and considering I was turning over a new leaf and trying really hard not to think about him — I had to escape. Even if it meant getting into a truck with a guy I barely knew. At least he was hot. And Smith? He was a sure thing. An attractive local guy who actually looked at me with interest.

Jaymeson would eventually leave.

I couldn’t get close to him. My heart had about shattered when he left last time and we’d only shared one kiss. My mind couldn’t wrap around the pain that would take hold if we shared more than that and he abandoned me. I wouldn’t be able to take it. Some people are built for relationships. They’re strong, they learn from their mistakes, and they move on. I knew myself well — I wasn’t one of those girls. I was a lifer. I was the type of girl that put every part of her heart and soul into something and gave until it hurt. I knew that if I gave Jaymeson an inch, he’d take everything.

And I wasn’t sure if I would ever be the same girl if I took that risk — besides, he wanted a bed partner. I just wanted a date!

“So…” Smith turned down the main road. “You keep pretty famous company.”