Fall (Seaside #4)(11)
Author: Rachel Van Dyken

“Awesome. A cursed pig. What a great night,” I grumbled.

“Be thankful the condo’s fully furnished,” she fired back.

“Counting stars.” I looked up and took a deep soothing breath. “Thanks Lyss.”

“Anytime. Stay safe. I’ll keep my phone off silent just in case you need anything alright?”

“Yup.”

“Love you.”

“You too.” I pressed end and walked slowly back to Smith, where he was leaning against the car, his arms folded in a way that basically made his biceps look like giant rocks.

“So?” He smiled. “All set?”

“Yeah.” I nodded. “They’re expecting me.”

His eyes narrowed but he said nothing. Instead he walked over to the paramedic truck and opened my door, helping me up into the seat. His hand hovered over the seatbelt, I could feel the heat blaring against my leg. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

His eyes pierced into mine. If I wasn’t so traumatized I might even have given out one of those girlish sighs. He was gorgeous. “Yeah, I’m good. Promise.”

He gave a curt nod and slammed the door shut.

The ride to the condo was deathly silent. I wasn’t sure if I’d done something to upset him or if he was just one of those drivers who liked silence when they drove.

“Right up there.” I pointed to the end of the street.

“Do you have the key code?” he asked, rolling down his window. I’d forgotten that the community was gated. Crap!

My text alert went off. Lyss was officially my favorite cousin.

“Yup, it’s 1234.”

He snorted and typed it in. “Rich people.”

His comment made me want to lash out. Demetri worked his butt off to have the career he had, both he and Alec were not your typical party-hard rock stars, at least not anymore. And I highly doubted a condo on the beach was going to be that extravagant.

The truck pulled up to the condo. They had the corner condo, which was right next door to a gigantic beach house that looked like it belonged on TV.

“Thanks.” I jumped out of the truck and slammed the door.

“Wait!” Smith left the truck on and jumped out to follow me. “I don’t feel right about leaving you here.”

“I told you, they’re expecting me.”

“Oh yeah?” He smirked. “Who?”

“My cousin,” I said evenly. “She just got engaged to Demetri—”

He held up his hand and cursed. “That jackass? Really?”

“He’s not a jackass,” I said lamely. “He’s actually pretty cool.” Wow, someone give me a medal for my lawyer skills. Lame.

“If you say so.” He shook his head and shoved his hands into the front pocket of his pants. “Can I have your number though, just in case?”

I laughed. “Just in case what? I burn the condo down too?”

He didn’t laugh.

He looked pissed.

“Listen.” He grabbed my hands. “I’m just worried about you, okay? It doesn’t even look like anyone’s home. Give me your cell number and text me in the morning so I know you’re alright.”

“Wow,” I joked. “Paramedics sure make the job personal, don’t they?”

He flinched. “As a friend.”

I sighed and fired off my number as he put it in his cell. “You want my number because you want to be friends?” My heart hammered in my chest.

He shook his head. “Hell no. I rarely have to fight the urge to kiss my friends.”

I took a step back.

He took a step forward.

The skin on my back touched the cold brick wall of the condo as he placed his hands above my head and leaned in.

Was he going to kiss me?

His lips were a breath from mine.

I waited.

He stared.

I was afraid to breathe.

His lips brushed against mine, but then he pulled back. “See you later, friend.” With that, he got in the truck and drove off, leaving me with my mouth gaping open at the taillights.

Chapter Nine

Jaymeson

Spots of sunlight broke through the curtains, landing firmly on my right eye. I turned the other way, only to have that same sun burn a freaking hole in the back of my head.

Cursing, I threw off the covers and walked to the kitchen to make myself some coffee.

It seemed to take forever for the stupid machine to brew. Never a good sign when you actually sit in front of the coffee pot and watch it brew. I might as well put my head underneath the drip so the caffeine went directly into my mouth.

Finally, it beeped. I grabbed a giant mug and shuffled over to the large balcony that overlooked the beach.

Church.

The last time I was in church was when I did a commercial for fruit snacks. The entire thing had been filmed in an old Catholic church. All I remembered was the cross in front and the fact that I got a giant stomachache from eating so much.

Great.

The crisp ocean air hit me full force as I stepped through the sliding doors and leaned against the railing.

I lifted the mug to my lips, closing my eyes as I took a long soothing sip. I groaned in ecstasy. Screw tea, I just needed coffee in my life. Only coffee.

I knew I should probably be getting ready for my day in Hell. Groaning, I turned to go back in the house, only to be stopped by the air actually leaving my lungs and refusing to go back in. Breathe, idiot! Only I couldn’t, because I was actually hallucinating, and I was awake, which meant my whole nervous breakdown theory? Totally freaking accurate.

Priscilla.

Next door? She was out on the balcony, and she looked like hell. Her face was smudged with something dark and her pajamas looked like they’d been playing with the fires of hell.

“Are you alright?” I blurted without thinking.

She screamed.

Then I screamed.

She tripped.

I dropped my coffee mug over the ledge, thankfully missing anyone who might be combing the beach for shells.

“Stop screaming!” I lifted my hands into the air in peace.

She nodded, and then her eyes narrowed. Aw, shit I knew that look. Every woman has one. It’s the look that says, “You. Evil. Bastard.”

“Jaymeson?” Her voice was low as if my name actually made her growl.

“Yes?” I said in a higher pitched voice, hoping to even the playing field.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m not stalking you.” I laughed lamely, only stopping when her eyebrows narrowed even more. Crap! I needed to get my shit together and fast.