“Jacinta. Jacinta, Wait up!”
CHAPTER FOUR
Jacinta
I could stop.
I could turn and tell him. Tell Kyle as big a story like the one he’s got.
Looking mournfully into the distance…
‘Yes, I was married… but he went away.’
Or maybe he disappeared.
I dunno, it all sounds better in my head than out loud.
But once I hear a guy like Kyle asking if I’ve got a boyfriend, a husband of all things?
Jesus Christ, it’s gotta be a windup.
Maybe he is some TV star and maybe there are hidden cameras, someone ready to leap out of the bushes when I fall for whatever prank he’s playing.
It’s just like college all over again.
If I wasn’t the third wheel with Mel and one of her dates, I was a sitting duck for anyone wanting to make fun of me.
It usually involved a reasonably hot Jock, or sometimes they’d use a nerd under threat of pain, to trick me into falling for the same thing again.
The ‘nice guy’ would make some small talk, then he’d say he wanted a date, or maybe to buy me a coffee.
I’d figure my luck had changed.
But every time it was the same. Even the nerdy boys went along with it all in the end.
I wanna be mad at Kyle, even at my mom for being so nice to him.
But there’s more than just his huge body and amazing good looks.
There’s just something about him…
“Jacinta, wait up!”
Okay. Maybe I’ll see if I can’t catch Mr. Wonderful out. I’ll go along with his rouse. But at least I know how this usually goes.
Maybe I won’t be humiliated.
Maybe I could even turn the tables for once.
On a guy like Kyle?
Yea right.
But it can’t hurt me if I don’t let it.
Hell, even if it is a prank, it’ll be worth it to just spend another few minutes with him. The man smells amazing, as well as makes me wetter than a sea sponge.
“You’re not just gonna leave,” Kyle says firmly.
I stop without thinking and turn to face him. Feeling helpless. Guilty I could even try and be mad at him or think he’s up to no good. But it’s all I know, and even then how can I feel this way about someone I’ve just met?
It doesn’t make sense.
Is that bulge in his pants always like that?
Oh wow.
I thought it was his zipper or something…
I get goosebumps from either the wind or the realization of exactly what it is I’ve been staring at since I met him.
I try to turn away.
I try to keep moving, but I can’t.
It’s like there’s a huge magnet just pulling us closer again, pulling me to him.
“I mean,” Kyle continues, softening his tone. Giving me an innocent half-smile. “I might get lost. I need someone to show me around.”
I flatten my lips to try to keep from laughing.
Something about him is so… disarming. And I quickly forget about my paranoia.
As if a real man like Kyle would have anything to do with something stupid like that.
“Kyle?” I ask hesitantly, and his eyes open wider, full of attention for me. “I-I never got your last name.”
“You want my last name?” he asks, and after a moment gives me a devilish grin.
I feel like I’m missing something but whatever it is has gone right over my head.
“I’m Jacinta Matthews,” I tell him, holding out my hand so we can introduce ourselves properly.
Again.
Smiling wider and taking my hand in his, Kyle bends forward.
So close I swear he’s moving in for something, but he’s just so tall.
I wish he would try something. Anything.
In my dreams…
“I’m Kyle Lundstrom. Pleased to meet you, Jacinta,” he says in a deep, overly polite voice. Making me giggle.
Kyle looks up at me, a little puzzled at my giggle.
“Something funny?” he asks, slightly miffed, and that's when I realize he’s being for real.
“I just— It’s… Never mind. I’m just being stupid.” I blush, hoping we can restart the reintroduction.
But it’s too late for that.
He glances at me before cocking his brow, looking very determined about something for some reason.
“Well, I’m pleased to meet you, Jacinta Matthews. And I really would like you to show me around town.”
His huge hand disappears into his pocket, producing more cash than I’ve ever seen.
“I can pay you,” Kyle says earnestly.
Oh, wow. He’s a god damned bank robber. Typical.
But the way Kyle thumbs the cash. The way he regards the stuff.
I can tell he’s no desperado.
He’s a guy who’s seen and handled more money than I could imagine, no doubt.
“Uh, I don’t think I need your money,” I say politely, wondering which part of my brain has stopped working altogether.
Ummm, the part that says no to money? And for showing a guy around nowheresville?
“Well, suit yourself. But I would like you to be my guide. Over the next few days,” he says all nonchalant.
My eyes widen at his words and my throat goes so dry my words catch.