Chapter Four James

Icouldn't believe my luck as I followed the cute guy back to his vehicle. Was I being a little pushy about helping him? Yeah. But did I have an ulterior motive that was completely selfish? Also yes.

Ever since running into him at the grocery store, I'd been kicking myself for not getting at least his name. Something about that moment when we touched stuck with me and I felt this weird sort of connection. It was unlike anything I'd experienced before, and I wanted to know what it was. I knew full well that it might just be lust or even some weird infatuation. After all, I was a sucker for straight guys, and this dude definitely looked straight. But I still wanted to know.

And I couldn't stop myself from hoping that he might be a little hetero-flexible. I mean, what gay man doesn't have straight boy fantasy? And this one, despite his surly disposition, was probably the cutest guy I'd seen in a while. Plus, I thought the whole grumpy facade was adorable. It just made him sort of irresistible.

"It's such a beautiful day, isn't it?" I asked as we walked. "I couldn't stay in the house more than an hour after I woke up. I just had to get out and get some of this sun."

"It's okay," he replied. "Kinda hot."

"That's why I keep close to the treeline," I nodded, still grinning from ear to ear. "I can jump back and forth between the two and get the best of both worlds." I looked up at him. "Ever been to Hardwood Beach before?"

"No."

"Are you a tourist?"

"No."

"Do you live around here, then?"

"No."

Wow. This guy was extra grumpy today. But I wasn't going to give up.

"I grew up here," I said, trying to carry the conversation as we neared the parking lot. "Or well, my parents moved here when I was seven and it's just where I ended up staying. It's pretty nice and definitely busy during the summer when all the tourists show up. But I don't mind. They bring a lot of good business with them, and that keeps this little town ticking for the rest of the year when it's a bit colder."

I paused for a moment, realizing I was rambling.

"So, if you're not from here but you're not a tourist, are you new in town or something?"

Another sigh. "I guess you could say that. My friend is letting me stay in his cabin while I get some things figured out."

"Well, that's nice of them!"

"Yeah."

I didn't want to pry too deep. Obviously, whatever was going on with this guy was personal, and it wasn't my place to question him about it.

"So… you're out here alone, then?"

He lifted an eyebrow in my direction. "Yeah. I guess."

"Sorry," I laughed, patting him on the shoulder. "That probably sounded really creepy! I just wasn't sure if you'd come out here with family or a partner or something!"

His face fell. "Nope. Just me."

I knew I'd touched a nerve, so I quickly changed the subject. "My name is James," I said, holding out a hand. "James Hart."

"Rowan," he replied, giving my hand a quick shake.

"Rowan?" I couldn't help a grin. "That's a unique name!"

"Yep."

"Your parents must have had high hopes for you," I added. "Rowan trees are a symbol of power and wisdom. They've got a pretty long sacred history."

"I'm not religious," he replied simply. "And my parents are dead."

My heart sank. "Oh… I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I didn't know them."

"Oh… uh…"

"This is my car," he said, not waiting for me to make a recovery from the awkwardness I'd suddenly thrust our conversation into. "I should get going."

"Right," I nodded, handing his bag over. "Uh… I'm sorry for being awkward."

"It's fine."

He started to turn away, but I couldn't let him go just yet. Not without at least one attempt.

"The truth is… when I saw you yesterday at the store. I… well, I thought you were really cute."

He stared at me blankly.

"And I thought maybe I could give you my number."

I reached into the tiny pocket in my trunks and pulled out a piece of paper that I'd already written it down on, hoping the universe would bring us together again. With a shaking hand, I pushed it into his, laughing mostly out of nervousness.

"I'm not gay," he said flatly, staring at the paper.

"Oh… well, I mean, we could just be friends, right?" I offered, trying not to show how heartbroken I was. "You're new in town and I could show you all three of the cool places to hang out if you want. But no pressure."

He stared at the paper a moment longer. "Thanks," he muttered. "I'm leaving now."

"Right," I nodded, trying to act cool. "It was good to meet you, Rowan."

"You too, James."

His tone made me think otherwise, but I just gave him a nod and headed back toward the beach.

"Have a good day!" I called in one last-ditch attempt to seem like I was totally unbothered by his rejection. "Enjoy your book!"

God… why did I have to be so fucking awkward? I was as cool as a cucumber around all the other guys, but there was something about this one that got me all flustered. And it was driving me crazy that I didn't understand why it was happening.

But it was probably for the best that he'd rejected me right off the bat. At least that way I wouldn't have to go out with him for a while, finally drum up the courage to let him fuck me, and then watch him ride off into the sunset with nothing but a shitty text message.

No, this was probably for the best.

However, I couldn't help looking back over my shoulder as I walked away, watching him pack his gear into his SUV and climb in. Even from a distance he was intensely handsome. I could see the sun glinting off those strong shoulders of his. His tank top was tight enough across the chest for me to imagine how hot he'd look without it on at all. And even though he was wearing baggy swim trunks, I still caught a hint of that bulge here and there while we were walking. In fact, I thought I'd caught him staring at my ass. But I suppose I was probably making that up considering his reaction to my advance.

When I got back to my towel, I was happy to see that nobody had run off with my backpack or my phone that I'd completely left lying out in the open. I turned back toward the parking lot, watching the SUV with Rowan in it head toward the exit. A quick glance down at my phone showed I had no missed messages or texts awaiting my reply. I let out a long sigh, the smile fading from my face.

I'd most likely never hear from or see him again.