Derailed (Clayton Falls #1)(33)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

“Thanks.” I buckled my seatbelt, careful to keep my focus on the scenery out the window rather than on him.

I watched the passing houses as we arrived in his neighborhood. He lived in one of the newer, townhouse-style units they’d put in along the waterfront.

He parked out front. “This is me.”

“Cool.” I hopped down.

He came around my side just as I reached the ground. “I could have helped you with that.”

“I managed just fine.”

“You shouldn’t ever just manage. Do you have problems letting someone take care of you?”

“No, I just don’t need help getting out of a car.”

He laughed deep in his chest. “Even a big one?”

“I’m not that short.”

“No, but your dress is…”

I shook my head. My dress was no shorter than what anyone else would be wearing.

He went around back, opening the hatch to pull out a case of beer. I noticed several other cases underneath, as well as bottles of various liquors.

“Wow, think you got enough?” I grabbed a case myself, waiting for him to lead the way in. I was pleased when I saw the look of consternation cross his face when he noticed what I was carrying. Luckily, he was smart enough to keep his mouth shut. He did shake his head before climbing up a set of stairs and unlocking the front door, shifting the weight of the beer against his chest so he could turn the key.

I followed him inside, glad to relieve my arms of the beer when we reached his kitchen counter. He lived in a loft, something I never expected to see in Clayton Falls. “Nice place.”

“You like?” He watched my reaction carefully.

I took in the high ceilings, exposed brick and piping, and the huge windows overlooking the water. My first thought was how could he afford all of it on his salary? Real estate was cheap in town, but not at all cheap on the water. I decided to keep that particular thought to myself. Maybe he’d made the money playing baseball.

“It’s nice. Very modern.” I also edited out the part about never wanting to live in a loft. I’d given Adam the unedited version. He’d wanted a loft apartment while I craved the character and coziness of an older home—we used to joke we’d end up in a 1980s cookie-cutter suburban place just to find a happy medium.

“All right. I’m going to get some more from the car. Here are some bins, and there are bags of ice in the freezer. Want to start on that?”

“Sure, not a problem.” I was glad to have an assignment to pull my thoughts away from Adam.

By the time we finished setting up the drinks and snacks, it was almost time for everyone to arrive. I tried to discretely slide the cards onto the counter.

“Is that the truth or dare game?” Gavin asked.

“Yes. The only time I’ve seen them used was with all girls, so it will be interesting to see how it works tonight if we decide we need them.”

“I’m sure they’ll be entertaining.” He had changed out of his uniform into a polo shirt and khakis and came to stand right in front of me.

“So, people are coming at nine, right?”

“Uh huh.”

It was hard to think with his face looming so close to mine. He leaned over, placing a hand on either side of where I stood pressed against the counter.

“Thanks for helping me set up.”

“Not a problem. It’s my job too.”

“Yeah, very true. I think we make a good team. Maybe this won’t be the only party we co-host.”

I forced a smile, ready for him to move back.

“Look, I really like you, Molly. You’re—”

“Gavin—”

He placed a finger on my lips. “Shh. Just let me finish.”

I nodded.

“You’re exactly the kind of woman I’ve been hoping to meet. You’re smart, beautiful, and a lot of fun. I really think we should make a go of this.”

“What happened to waiting for me to finish my rebound?” I swallowed hard. Gavin had such a bad habit of dropping things on me at the beginning of an evening.

“I’m not as patient as I thought. Why should I wait for you to mess around when I can offer you so much more? You deserve more. You aren’t the kind of woman who should ever settle for being someone’s late night hook-up.” He watched me warily, like he wanted to say the words, but he was afraid of taking it too far.

“Not to burst your bubble, but I’m not settling as someone’s ‘late night hookup.’ I’m the one setting the terms, not Ben.”

“Either way, it’s beneath you.”

“Ouch.” I didn’t try to hide how much his words bothered me.

“You know I’m right.” His eyes challenged me to disagree.

“What if I don’t want more? I’ve had more, and it didn’t turn out so great.”

“Yeah, you got burned. I’m sorry, but it’s better you broke up before the wedding, right? At least it wasn’t a divorce. You can’t let it keep you from trying to find a real and meaningful relationship again—especially one that could be so good.”

I was so focused on his words about the break up with Adam—on it being better than a divorce—if he only knew the truth—that I didn’t prepare myself for what was so obviously coming.

Gavin’s lips hit mine for a moment before I could respond by turning my head. “Stop, I’m sorry, but this isn’t going to happen.” I pushed my hands firmly into his chest.

He stepped back slightly, giving a frustrated sigh. “It can’t happen if you don’t give it a chance. Don’t I get at least one kiss—one real kiss to convince you?”

“No. Come on.” Even the split seconds his lips were on mine made me feel like something was wrong. There was only one set of lips I wanted.

He backed away, hands out in front of him in defense. “A guy has to try, right?”

“I guess.” I saw a space and moved, willing the doorbell to ring, announcing guests.

I turned when I felt his hand on my shoulder. “Hey, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’ll be good, okay?”

I forced a smile. “Okay.” I was so happy Ben was coming.

After a few awkward seconds, the doorbell finally rang, and the first guests flowed in. I smiled politely at a couple of guys who’d graduated with Tom and my sister, but was pulled away by Katie and a guy I recognized from the class above mine.

“Hey, can you believe Kelly is getting married so soon?” Katie gushed, holding on to the arm of her date. Her red manicured fingernails stood out against his black t-shirt. She had quite a grip on him.