Chapter 5

Chapter Five

Autumn

W hen our shift is over, the three of us walk to Bookers to grab a few adult beverages before going our separate ways for the day.

The long bar top stretches the length of the place. Booths line the walls, and tables and chairs are spaced perfectly in the dining room. Large TVs take up most of the space between the floor and ceiling. In the back, there's a game room that gets rowdy on the weekends when the sun sets. This is one of the few establishments that stays packed no matter the season. The food and drinks are great and so is the service.

Blaire leads us across the room toward an empty booth and we slide into it.

“Need menus?” a server asks but knows better. We visit often and Julie’s curse jar always pays for it. Those morning shift fucks have come in handy.

“Nah, we’re having strawberry margaritas for lunch,” I say with a laugh. I have leftovers at home that I don’t want to waste.

“Frozen or on the rocks?”

“Half and half with sugar,” I say. “I'd like a shot of Patrón on the side.”

“Oh, it's gonna be like that.” Julie's eyebrow quirks upward and they order the same.

When we’re alone, I glance between my two best friends who sit across from me. They’re wearing shit-eating grins.

“Why are you both looking at me like that?”

“What happened at Hollow Manor four days ago?” Blaire bluntly asks, leaning forward and interlocking her fingers together.

“Not much.” I shrug, knowing I can’t talk about it. It would lead to the IOU and the number that was added to my contacts. Not to mention the text message I haven’t sent just because he wants me to. I’ve recently learned that I like to please people, but on my terms.

Julie and I haven’t talked about the incident and I’ve successfully avoided the conversation. After Alex showed up in the coffee shop this morning, I should’ve predicted they'd want to discuss it.

“If you hadn’t texted me when you did, I would’ve called the police. I think we deserve to know the truth. You've been weird as fuck.”

September by Earth, Wind, & Fire plays on the radio and I’m sure I’ll hear it at least a thousand more times this season.

“Why does this strangely feel like an interrogation?” It could be the light that’s hanging over our table, or maybe it’s how my friends are glaring at me.

Our drinks are set in front of us, and I immediately knock the shot back to loosen up. I want to change the subject, but they won’t allow it. They’re too committed, but this is the only exciting thing that has happened to any of us in far too long.

“Because it is. You’ve been weird, not like yourself lately,” Blaire says, swirling her straw around and mixing her margarita together.

“I know.” I inhale deeply. That man is to blame. I know it and so do they. He pushes me off-axis.

“Tell us,” Blaire lowers her voice to an almost whisper. Julie nods.

I trust them with my life and know they’ll take this information with them to the grave. “I’m sorry, I promised I wouldn’t discuss it.”

“Can we guess?” Julie asks, glancing at Blaire. They know I won't break my word, but they also know I suck at lying.

“No,” I say. They can read me too easily and know how to back me in a corner.

Julie rests her chin on her hand and stares at me. “If I had to guess, I’d say Mr. Dreamy was at Hollow Manor.”

“Pfft.” I tuck my lips inside my mouth and avoid her gaze.

“Holy shit,” Blaire whispers. “Alex lives there?”

My face burns and I gulp down more of my drink. Ordering margaritas on an empty stomach was a terrible decision, but we did it anyway.

“Did you go inside?” Blaire asks and I cover my face.

“Fuck. Was he pissed?” Julie asks.

I stay quiet remembering how he grabbed me with his strength and pinned me in place. His touch made every inch of my body spring to life. Having his hot breath on my skin and hearing his deep voice in my ear was exhilarating.

“No wonder he looked at you like that today,” Julie says.

I try to ignore her words but I know what she’s referring to.

When our eyes met earlier, the intensity nearly pulled me under and it took all the strength I had to look away from him. I refused to steal another glance because it was too much.

The confidence he exudes isn’t like anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s like he knows exactly what he wants and will get it, no matter what. And being attracted to a man who carries himself that way says more about me than him.

“He looks at you like he plans to unravel you,” Blaire says.

Shit, I guess she saw it too.

Julie nods in agreement, glancing past me. “Speaking of, he’s co? — ”

“Come on, guys. You’re as bad as the fairy godmothers. He’s an asshole. Rude . Orders prick drinks. Total dickhead. And if I never had to see him again, great.”

Julie makes a face and opens her mouth, but I hold up my hand and continue. The tequila has worked its way through my bloodstream.

“Men like him are used to getting whatever they want and never have to work for anything in their life. I’m tired of it, to be honest. And don’t you dare try to tell me how hot he is. Maybe he is, but it doesn’t erase his shitty attitude. As soon as he speaks, it’s a complete turn off. I’m sure he enjoys it when women fall to their knees for him, but I refuse.” I lick the sugar from the rim.

Julie nervously chuckles and the energy in the room undeniably changes. When I look up at my friends, they aren’t paying attention to me, but to whoever is behind me.

I close my eyes tight and shake my head.

He takes a step forward and stands at the edge of the booth. I immediately smell his cologne, his skin, everything about him. His brown hair is messy, and he’s wearing the same faded Beatles T-shirt that he had on earlier.

“I’d love to hear more about how women fall to their knees for me,” he says, amusement in his tone.

“No,” I say, not daring to meet his eyes because it gives him too much control over me. No way I’m drowning in those baby blues again.

“Please, join us,” Blaire and Julie offer in unison.

I glare at them as Alex sits beside me in the booth, scooting his warm body against mine. I don’t move, so we sit closer than I’d like.

“Thanks for the invite,” he states, sweetly.

My temperature rises and I blame the margarita swimming through my bloodstream, but deep down, I know it’s him.

“Don’t try to win over my friends,” I say, twirling my straw around in the empty glass. He shouldn’t be here right now, not when these drinks were supposed to help me forget he exists.

“I don’t have to try ,” he says with a cocky-as-fuck attitude. The server offers him a menu, but he doesn’t take it. “I placed a to-go for Alexander.”

“Sure, I’ll check on that for you. Would you like a drink while you wait?”

“I’ll have what they’re having and let’s have another round for the table.”

“With the extra shot of tequila?” The server asks.

I nod, wanting to numb whatever is swimming inside of me.

“One for everyone,” he announces, and she walks away.

When I’m not able to take his closeness any longer, I scoot away, creating much-needed space. I can’t sit that close to him, I’ll internally combust. It’s short-lived because he moves toward me, not allowing me to escape him that easily.

Asshole.

Honestly, I could use five more drinks now that he’s here.

When the fresh margaritas arrive, I gulp down my shot, not waiting for anyone else.

Julie and Blaire are giddy as they glance at us. They don’t have to say anything, we’ve been friends long enough for me to know what they’re thinking.

“Stop,” I say, not wanting them to play matchmaker. I don’t need the extra pressure. This beautiful bastard has already put enough on me by forcing an IOU out of me.

“Did you tell your friends how you broke into my house and gave yourself a tour?” Alex asks in his velvety voice, glancing at me.

Julie and Blaire’s eyes widen, their assumptions confirmed.

I remember how tightly he held me against him. I swallow hard and so does he, as if he’s replaying it too.

“Actually, she said she couldn’t talk about it,” Julie tells him.

I kept my promise to him, even though I don't believe he deserves it.

I groan. “He left the door unlocked.”

Blaire meets Alex’s gaze. “You know that house is haunted, right?”

“Autumn warned me. How many ghosts are there again?”

“Three,” Julie confirms. “Apparently, what happened there was horrific.”

“Yeah, and I vaguely recall the boy and girl who lived there,” I admit. My blood feels as if it’s bubbling. “I met them one year at the pumpkin patch.”

“How long ago was that?” Alex asks.

“Over twenty years. I was ten going on eleven,” I say.

It’s what started my obsession with Hollow Manor. Sometimes, I think I imagined meeting them.

He narrows his eyes and we stay locked in a trance together.

Julie clears her throat and I glance at her, realizing I was lost in him. Damn it.

I change the subject. “So did anything happen last night during the new moon? Apparently, that’s when spirits haunt.”

“The only peculiar thing that happened since I’ve arrived at Cozy Creek was finding you inside my house,” he says, taking his tequila shot. He licks the rim and places the lime between his lips. I’ve never been so jealous of a fruit in my whole life. I try to pretend he doesn’t exist.

“I’m surprised you didn’t have her arrested,” Julie mutters, watching him. She’s trying to unlock him as she studies his mannerisms. After this meeting, I’ll get her full opinion on him because she is never wrong about anyone.

“Autumn convinced me I shouldn’t,” he tells her.

“How’d she do that?” Blaire asks.

He glances at me. “By being herself.”

“Aww,” Julie says, and I shake my head.

“He’s playing games. Don’t fall for it.” I’m not wowed by his ability to woo them. It’s obvious he’s been trained to be charming, especially with looks like his.

Beautiful people are not caged by the same rules. It’s clear Alex writes and plays by his own.

“You wound me,” he says. His arm brushes against mine, causing goosebumps to pepper my skin. Each time he gently grazes my skin, a spark of electricity jolts through me. There isn’t enough room to escape him. He made sure of that.

The server pulls his attention away and hands him food in a paper bag.

“Everything they order on my bill, please. Would anyone like anything else? Another round?” Alex asks everyone.

Julie and Blaire shake their heads.

“I’ll have mine on a separate check, please.”

“No, not necessary,” Alex insists. “I will tip you very well if you ignore her request.”

They exchange a smile and she walks away grinning. He's naturally charismatic without even trying, like he commands rooms for a living. It’s not lost on me that he has that effect on those he comes in contact with. Even me.

Alex’s focus is back on me. “I’d like to talk to you.”

“No thanks,” I tell him.

“We were just heading out,” Blaire offers and Julie agrees as they chug their drinks.

“Thanks, Alex. So nice to see you again,” Julie tells him, glancing at me.

I sigh as they slide out of the booth. “I hate it when y’all do this. You’re seriously leaving me?”

“Yep, we’ll see you in the morning.” Julie shoots him a wink and I shake my head.

“You’re both traitors,” I mutter.

“Text us,” Blaire says to me, then glances back at Alex. “Join us anytime.”

“The invitation is appreciated,” Alex offers, then they walk away.

Once we're alone, he shifts his body toward me with a brow lifted. I swear he sees straight through me.

“You’re feisty as fuck,” he says.

“Tequila,” I tell him, knowing the liquid courage has set in.

“I do want to speak to you,” he admits. “I was serious about that.”

“Not in here. I need fresh air.”

“Sure,” he says. The server returns with the bill. Alex signs the slip then he stands, allowing me out so I can lead the way.

When we’re outside, I inhale the sweet scents of the churro food truck that’s parked across the street. It makes my mouth water.

We step to the side of the entrance and I turn to him. “I’m not fooled by you.”

He studies me. “Oh, you think this is an act?”

“Absolutely. The fake charming thing. I can see your true colors, Alex Alexander.”

He chuckles. “Yeah? What color am I?”

“Red like fire. A raging flame,” I state, without missing a beat. “I’m convinced you’re the damn devil.”

“A flame? That's interesting.” A bark of laughter releases from him and I hate his perfect smile. It makes him look younger, carefree, even. It's light and contagious and he nearly breaks me. I have to stay annoyed with him. Right?

“May I drive you home?” he asks.

“No, thank you. I live a few blocks away,” I say, shoving my hands into my pockets.

“May I walk with you?”

“Why?” I glance at him, needing to escape his presence.

“Because this conversation isn’t over. You never texted me.” He sounds disappointed.

“I find it hilarious that you thought I would, like you can tell me what to do. You get one IOU, Alex. One. If you want to use it on me texting you, I’ll do it right now so we can end this game. Then you can bounce back to living in a world where I don't exist.”

“We're past that,” he confirms. His words are confident, like he knows something I don't.

I look at him like he's insane.

“What are you afraid of?” He narrows his eyes. He's serious.

“Pfft.” I try to blow him off.

His expression doesn't change and my heart rate ticks upward.

The door to Bookers swings open and a few regulars from the coffee shop pass by. Some of them slow and I know they're listening. This conversation shouldn’t take place here. The last thing I need is for rumors about me and him to spread around town. Several people already noticed he joined us for drinks and sat with me. Not to mention our little exchange at the coffee shop weeks ago.

“Not here. Come on,” I say, and he follows. We walk across the street and he unlocks his Jeep with wide tires. It’s a dream on wheels. He sets his paper bag of food in the passenger seat, then returns to me.

I lead him to a sitting area that overlooks the pumpkin patch, that will open this weekend for the first official day of autumn. He sits next to me and his leg touches mine. He relaxes and places his arm around the back of the bench like he doesn’t have a worry in the world as he watches people.

“Why are you so determined to be close?” The smell of his soap and cologne pulls me under.

“I enjoy watching your heart rate increase,” he admits.

Denying it is impossible. I wish he didn’t notice what he does to me.

When his fingers brush against the outside of my arm, I stop breathing. My body betrays me. I remind myself that he’s rude and men like him are used to playing games.

Alex stares out into the open field.

The grass was cut this morning and the fresh scents linger in the air.

Five minutes pass and I wait for him to start the conversation, but he doesn’t.

I turn to him, wanting to get this over with so I can go home. “What does the man who has everything want from little ole me?”

“Friendship.”

It's the last thing on Earth I thought he'd say. Laughter escapes me and it bounces off the building across the way. I glance at Alex, waiting for the punchline, but he's not smiling.

My heart lurches forward, and it’s not lost on me that, at this moment, I’m the asshole.