Bossy(35)

It was like watching gorillas beating their chests at each other, except I’ll give the gorillas a break because I think gorilla ladies are into that sort of thing. Me? Not so much.

The only bright spot of the whole evening was seeing the looks on their faces as they tipped right over into the pool. It’d be hilarious if it wasn’t so sad.

Ruining my night was bad enough, but between the two of them, they managed to ruin something that was important to Michael’s parents. Marie won’t want to speak with me ever again, and it bothers me that someone I respect probably thinks I’m nothing but trouble now.

Matching my mood, the skies open up.

I stop and look up, closing my eyes and letting the rain beat down on my face. I’m beyond caring that I’m getting soaked. Thunder rumbles in the distance and I start moving again. It’s a hike to the bus stop, and these heels weren’t made for walking.

A black sports car pulls up next to me and matches its pace to mine. For a second I panic, before the window slides open quietly, revealing Declan with his wet hair slicked back. “Get in the car. You’re going to get soaked.”

Knowing who it is, I don’t slow down. If anything, I speed up. “I’m already soaked. Leave me alone. There are two people right now who I don’t even want to think about, much less talk to, and you’re one of them.” Look at, maybe. Men like him should come with a warning label. Caution: Appearances can be deceiving.

“Oh come on. He started it,” Declan says with all of the maturity of a third grader. “Get in. You’ll be dry.” He shrugs when I give him a look and then raise my dripping arms. “Well, drier.”

“No.”

A car comes down the road, hanging behind him for a short moment before honking and passing with a roar. Water sprays Declan’s car and splashes over the sidewalk as it takes off, barely missing me. I guess that’s one reason to be glad that he’s here.

Declan tries again. “Claire. Come on, get in the car. I’ll take you home.”

“I’d rather walk home in the rain than get into the car with you right now. Obviously, you don’t get how pissed I am.” I speed up, but I can’t outrun his car.

“Fine.” He stops his car suddenly.

Finally, maybe I’ll be rid of him. I tell myself I’m not disappointed he gave up so quickly.

As soon as I’m past the tip of his hood, he throws his Mustang into reverse and then guns it right over the curb to stop with a screech straight across the sidewalk. He pops his door and steps out, slamming it shut behind him. With a click, the car whoops and the lights blink as the lock engages.

“If you’re going to be that stubborn, I’ll walk you home. I don’t want you walking alone.”

“Don’t you have an ambulance to go chase or something?” The rain intensifies, adding insult to injury. “I would’ve thought the pool was enough water for one night.”

He laughs. “A few drops more or less won’t make a fucking difference at this point.” Then he falls into step next to me like it’s the most natural thing in the world. For several minutes we walk in silence, getting poured on.

Sneaking glances at him through the corner of my eye, I can’t help notice how his soaked shirt clings to him. He’s like a superhero, every ridge and angle clearly outlined underneath. His dark hair’s plastered to his forehead and water runs in streams off his slightly crooked nose and his powerful jaw. I probably look like a drowned raccoon, while he looks like he just stepped out of an edgy cologne ad. Is there any time he’s not gorgeous?

I stumble, my heel catching in a crack. His hands are quick as lightning, steadying me almost before I’ve even realized I’m tripping. “Watch your step, babe.”

The heat from his touch burns against my cold, wet skin. I let myself enjoy it, but only for a second. “This is stupid. I’m going to catch a cab. Why don’t you just go back to your car before you get a ticket?”

He looks up and down the deserted street. “And what cab would that be?”

“I can call for one.”

“You could. Or you could just stop acting stupid and come back to my fucking car so I can drive you home.” He rolls his eyes.

“I’ll brave the rain.” Turning my back on him, I resume walking. Today sucks and I really don’t want to deal with it anymore. Or him.

He catches back up. “I’m not letting you walk home alone or risk some skeevy cab driver looking like that.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Babe. White dress? Pouring rain? You might as well be topless.” He gives me a very appraising look. “I approve of going braless by the way. Good choice.”