Page 67 of Heartbeat Girl
In a too loud voice, I asked, “Catch me doing what?”
Steve latched onto my arm. I was about to say something, and then my heel caught the edge of the sidewalk and I nearly tripped. “Careful,” he said. Instead of removing his hand, he pulled me closer. “Liam isn’t the only one that would—”
“Steve.” Liam's voice, from behind us, was thunderous.
With a slight chuckle, Steve released my arm. “Don’t sound so murderous.” He glanced over his shoulder. I wasn’t that brave. Liam’s voice sounded so unlike the smooth, haunted one I was used to. “I wouldn’t be a friend if I didn’t aggravate her.”
But as Steve faced forward, his smile waned. He lowered his head as he tucked his hands in his jeans. His actions didn’t match the upbeat tone he’d given Liam.
“Where do you want to take us tonight?” Liam’s hand settled against my back.
His touch was like a shot of electricity. I tensed. Not out of fear. It was what he made me want that froze me in place.
“Huh?” I murmured.
His shoulder bumped into mine as he grinned. “You’re feeding us, right?”
My nervousness died at the mention of Liam having to bite a new woman. “Oh, right.” His gaze slowly hardened as I pushed his hand away from my back, putting distance between us. I sniffed. “I’m sure there’s a clean bar where we can find somecleanwomen.”
Pete laughed behind us. “Don’t worry about that. We’re undead. We’re immune to any diseases humans carry.”
When I turned to Steve, his focus was on me pushing Liam away. If I had to watch him with someone again, I needed the distance. Steve’s lips pursed before he looked away. I stared at him. What? No funny remarks about me running? Strange.
“So, our meal will be in a bathroom stall?” Liam asked.
I grimaced. I hadn’t figured out the details yet. “Does it matter?”
“Not as long as you’re there.”
What did that mean?
“There’s something we need to discuss tonight, though.” Liam glanced at Steve and then Pete. They all shared the same heavy sigh.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Give me a few more hours to figure that out,” Liam said as his palm flattened against my back.
As quickly as I had gotten away from his touch, somehow, I’d gotten right back beneath his palm. I shivered, and my stomach bubbled.Why did this future conversation feel so serious?What else could they have to say?
“Come on.” Liam guided me forward. “Let’s get you the privacy you love so much.”
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I glanced at my reflection. My dress was a dark purple. The material tightened around my chest, pushing up my breasts before flaring over my hips. I spun around, admiring how cute the dress was. The knee-length garment was comfortable, stylish, and perfect for the summer.Okay. Good to go.
Before I turned the doorknob, I had a suspicion Liam waited for me on the other side. I confirmed it when those azure eyes raked over me as I pushed opened the door. The corner of his lip twitched when his gaze went to my hair. “Always with the bun.”
I touched my head. “What about it?”
Over the years, I styled my frizzy brown hair the same way, until I found something that worked well with my round face. To me, I always looked more capable, more boss bitch, with my hair slicked back.
“No one will ever take advantage of you around me, Jayne,” he said so earnestly that my soul ached.
A throbbing sensation settled in my chest.
“You can let your hair down and unwind. You’re free to let go with me.”
He offered his hand to me. Rubbing my neck, I swallowed and placed my palm against his. That spark came to life between us again, and my arms broke out in goosebumps.Did he sense that desire flooding my body every time he touched me?Did he see how he terrified and exhilarated me?