Chapter 18: Chapter Eighteen

Aubrey

Just my luck!

I am trying to get away from here, away from Everett, but my car has decided not to start. How typical! I groan, trying again for the fourth time, and finally, the stupid thing starts. I look up, making sure I am clear to pull out. When I do, I get the fright of my life. I squeal at the figure standing in front of my car. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust and realise it is Everett. God damn it! I was hoping I could get away before he showed up.

He rests his hand on the bonnet of my car, refusing to move. I huff, resting back on my cheat and glaring at him. He motions for me to get out of the vehicle. I shake my head. I refuse to go out there. He stands up straight and comes around to the driver’s side, tapping on the window. Everett crosses his arms over his chest and waits for me to get out. I glance back and forth, wondering if I could safely drive off without hitting him or crashing. No matter how badly I want to get away from him, I wouldn’t put either of us in danger over it.

I sigh, knowing my only choice is to step out because he isn’t going to leave and let me drive off. I unlock the doors. He wants to talk; he can come into the car. It is too cold to hang around outside of it. He rushes around to the passenger’s side, climbing inside. I refuse to look at him, but I can feel his eyes burn into me.

“What the hell, Aubrey? Why did you run off?”

“Because it was the best thing to do. I know you said it was fine, but I didn’t want to stay and seem like I was a tease because I am not.” I whisper, staring out of the window.

“Aubrey, look at me.”

The firmness in his voice is him telling me, not asking. I draw in a breath and slowly turn to face him. “Yes?”

“I meant what I said. It was fine. You have obviously been through a lot, and because of that, your guard is up. I would never push you on that. I will be the first to admit I am a complete douchebag, but I would never force myself on someone or force them to do something they aren’t ready for.” He says softly and places his hand on my knee.

I ignore the way my body shivers under his touch. I hate that I want him! I shouldn’t want him. I am not ready for a man in any way, sexually or emotionally, and I won’t be for a while.

“I didn’t say you would. Everett, whatever is going on here, it is best we stop. It won’t end well. I am not what you want or need, not really. I honestly believe you are bored, and that is why you are hanging around me.”

What other reason would a man of his stature, reputation and looks be interested in me?

Everett runs his hand a little further up, taking its place on my thigh. “I am not bored. I am intrigued. There is a huge difference.” He smirks.

I bite on my lip to stop a moan from escaping. “I intrigue you. Why?”

“Because you are forbidden to me. You can brush me off, which doesn’t happen very often. You are shy and mysterious. I can’t help but be curious about you.”

I should have known that the forbidden part would be part of his reason. It seems to get him off.

“And you can’t find someone to be curious about?”

I am sure he meets gorgeous women every day that he could focus his attention on.

“Maybe, but they wouldn’t pique my interest as much as you seem to do.”

I roll my eyes at his attempt to charm me with his words. “Bullshit.”

He squeezes my thigh. “It is the truth. Will you please come back inside? It is cold out here. I promise to keep my hands and lips to myself unless you ask me otherwise.”

I should say no and go home, but instead, I find myself nodding. “Okay, but if you break your promise, I leave, and you let me.”

He draws his hand away from my thigh and offers his hand to me. I take it, and he shakes it. “Deal.”

I hope I don’t end up regretting this. Everett climbs out first, and the temptation to take off crosses my mind again, but I fight it. He appears at my door, opens it, and helps me out.

“What is wrong with your car? Why didn’t it start straightaway?” he asks as he leads me back inside.

“No idea. I am still working it out since I just got it. It is just my luck. It is a good job that I was not trying to get away from some serial killer, or I would have been screwed.”

“Yes, you would have. Maybe it was fate’s way of making you stay.” He chuckles.

“Could you be any cornier?” I giggle.

“It was very corny.” He agrees with a chuckle.

We make our way back inside, retaking our seats.

“Do you want some more wine?” He asks.

I shake my head. “No, not when I need to drive. The half glass from earlier is more than enough.”

“You can stay here if you like. I have a spare room.” He suggests.

“I probably shouldn’t do that.”

“The offer is there if you want it.”

I smile and nod. I am not staying the night. I will be heading home soon before it gets any later. I am not a big fan of driving in the dark. I am not a big fan of the dark in general. Everett pours himself another glass of wine and rests back on the sofa, taking a sip. He stares at me but doesn’t say a single word.

“W-w-why are you staring at me?”

“You are very beautiful; do you know that?” he smiles.

I blush and break eye contact with him. “I am not.”

He scoots closer and places his hand on my knee. “I think you are. You should take the compliment, sweetness.”

My face heats even more. “Thank you,” I whisper.

Everett chuckles. “You are cute when you blush.”

I hide my face with my hands. “Stop, or I will leave,” I whine.

“Sorry. I promise to behave.” He replies.

I would like to believe him, but somehow, I don’t think it is true. I am beginning to think I should have gone home after all.