Mars?
I step into the driveway just before the noisy pickup truck stops in front of the house. I see slices of Mars’s handsome face hidden in the shadows and excitement balloons inside of me, ready to pop.
I rush over to the passenger side before he can get out. I clasp my hands under my chin and say, “Hurry, before my dad comes out.” He pauses for a second then reaches over to open the door for me.
“Are you sneaking out?” Mars asks, a smirk playing on his perfect lips.
“No. My dad knows I’m leaving. I just didn’t tell him I was going on a date so…let’s go before he comes out here and makes things awkward.” I laugh a little before clicking the seat belt into place.
My gaze drops to Mars’s hand as he grips the gearshift thingy and puts the big truck in motion. I’m in awe. Not from the fact he drives a stick shift, but from how the muscles in his forearms flex as he wields control of this metal beast.
I run my hand along the space between our seats and smile as the old leather skims my palm. “How old is this thing?” I ask. I marvel at the fine lines stretching out over the surface.
“Oh, uh…it’s about thirty years old. Too old. The second I can, I’m going to get something newer,” he says. His brows fall low on his forehead, and I see thoughts running rampant through his mind. I wish I could dissect them like a skilled surgeon and pluck out everything he hides away.
“Why? I like it,” I tell him. I’m suddenly aware of how nicely he’s dressed. He’s wearing a black dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a pair of black slacks.
Shit.
I’m underdressed.
“Um, Mars,” I say, looking down at my blue jeans and Pearl Jam tee.
“Yeah?” He casts a quick glance at me, and I think he notices I’m not dressed for wherever we’re going.
“You never told me where you were taking me to eat. I feel like I should have worn something…nicer.” I regret putting back the fancy outfit now.
So stupid, Sage.
I bounce my knuckle against my lip and glance out of the window, hoping I haven’t made a fool out of myself.
“Yeah…that’s my fault.” He grips the steering wheel tighter and blows out a frustrated breath. “I should have told you what to wear. I’m sorry, Sage.” He keeps apologizing but all I can focus on is the way he says my name. The way his lips look forming the letters has my throat ready to close up completely.
“It’s fine,” I stammer, shaking my head.
“I thought I’d take you out somewhere nice.” We stop at a red light and the truck rumbles and knocks. The vibrations make my thighs buzz. They buzz more when I look at Mars. “A girl like you deserves to be taken out somewhere nice.” His words are sweet and they spread warmth all over me.
“A girl like me?” I quiz.
“Soft-spoken. Sweet. Beautiful.” His words hang in the air and I want to reach up and grab them. I want to clutch them close to my chest so they’ll be closer to my heart.
“Beautiful? Nobody has ever called me beautiful. Not like that,” I tell him. I can’t pull my gaze away from his perfect profile. His jawline holds the slightest dusting of hair, and my fingers ache to skim across it to see how it feels.
“I refuse to believe that.” His laugh lights up the small space we share and my heart quickens at the happy sound. “I’m sure all the guys in Ashton Hills are beating down your door.”
“Not at all. I’m not their type.” My eyes go wide when Mars pulls in front of Giovanni’s.
“Mars, I had no idea you were bringing me here.” I look down at my clothes and sigh.
“You don’t like this place? It has all five-star reviews on Yelp and…”
I cut him off abruptly and shake my head. “It’s not that,” I say. “There’s a dress code. No jeans. No T-shirts. I’m wearing both.” I feel like such a loser. Embarrassment washes over me. It’s hot and itchy and it makes me squirm in my seat.
Mars lays a reassuring hand on my leg and the embarrassment evaporates. Something else takes its place. Something jittery and incessant. “We can go somewhere else. Honestly, being with you is the only thing I care about.” He stares at me for a few seconds, lingering on my eyes. I wonder what he sees in them because he looks at me like they hold constellations.
“I feel horrible for messing everything up.” I chew on my bottom lip and search for the stone wall. It’s not there.
“Hey.” Mars takes my hand and our fingers interlock.
Whoa.
My pulse jumps to my throat making it hard to breathe. Is this what it’s like to hold hands? Holy hell.