Chapter 4
4
ELLE
W ho the hell is that?
I wake up early to the sound of my phone buzzing from a text. I blink open my eyes, wondering who has lost their damn mind before the crack of dawn, then groan and throw my head back against the pillow when I see the message.
Peter:
It’s finally Thursday! What time should I pick you up?
Of course, it’s Peter. That sexy lunatic’s been texting me almost nonstop since I gave him my number a few days ago. He’s always sending me stories about his day or little comments about the weather. Yesterday, he even sent a picture of the cat that wanders around the boardwalk. Her face was scrunched up in a glare and the photo was a little blurry, like she was trying to run away from him. A feeling I know all too well. However, when he wrote: This you? I couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up from my chest, and my fingers were already typing out a response before I could stop myself.
I wish I was as cool as Saltwater Sally. She’s a true town icon.
Responding at all turned out to be a mistake because then he bombarded me with so many GIFs and emojis that I had to put my phone on do not disturb .
My cell buzzes again and my hand snakes out from the warmth of my covers to grab it.
Peter:
Are you still sleeping or are you ignoring me?
I can practically see his big, brown, puppy-dog eyes through the phone.
I’m sleeping. Like every other normal person at 5:30 in the morning.
I respond and slam my pillow over my head. It does nothing to silence the buzz of my phone, and my eyes spring open when the sound continues, letting me know I’m getting a phone call.
Peter, that madman, is calling me before the sun is even up. I click the red decline button and get a few blissful seconds of silence before my phone vibrates again. Sighing, I resign myself to the fact that I’m awake now and hold my cell to my ear.
“What?” I growl into the receiver, my voice still thick and gravelly with sleep.
“Good morning, sleepyhead!” Peter sings, sounding way too chipper and awake.
I’m in no mood to play games and cut right to the chase. “It’s five thirty in the morning, Peter. What the hell do you want?”
“Actually, it’s five thirty-six.”
Ugh. I refrain from screaming out loud. “Peter, I swear to God and all that is holy, if you called just to correct me, I’ll spend the rest of my life giving you a swift kick to the balls every time you ask someone what time it is.”
There’s a pause, and for once I think I finally have the upper hand, that I put him in his place. But then he replies, in an almost-sensual voice, “So what you’re saying is you want to spend the rest of your life with me?”
My core flutters from his words, but I ignore it. “I’m hanging up now.”
I’m already pulling the phone away from my face, but stop when he sputters, “Wait, wait! It’s our D-Day, pretty girl. We can’t start it off on a bad foot…”
“It’s our what day?” I ask, almost hating how he can amuse me even when I’m grumpy from just waking up.
“Our D-Day. It’s Date Day.”
It’s ridiculous, but kind of cute, and he sounds so proud of himself that I can’t hold back a breathy laugh. I hear him clear his throat on the other end of the line, suggesting he may be a little embarrassed.
“You probably shouldn’t call it that,” I tell him, my voice finally clearing up. “It’s not even a real date, anyway. I’m just showing you around town.”
“Semantics, Ella Kate. Sounds to me like you’re being overly technical,” he replies, his voice lower than before. It sends a shiver through my body.
I’m just cold. It’s definitely not his voice turning me on.
“I’m being realistic,” I correct.
He hums, as if he’s pondering my words. “Call it what you want, but I get you all to myself today, and I’m not wasting a second of it. So forgive me if I want to get an early start. I’ll be there in forty minutes to pick you up, okay?”
It’s hard to argue with a sexy man who wants to spend time with me, even if he’s crazy, makes terribly lame jokes, and calls you before sunrise.
“Okay.” I sigh, before raising my arms above my head, quietly moaning as I stretch my muscles.
Peter swears something under his breath, then clears his throat again. “Scratch that. I’ll be there in half an hour.”
“Huh?” I rub the sleep from my eyes.
“Nothing,” he mutters. “I’ll see you in a bit, beautiful. Be sure to dress warm.”
“Wait… What—” I start, but he’s already hung up. I pull the phone away from my ear and stare at it.
What have I gotten myself into?
I get ready for the day by quickly brushing my teeth before throwing on a chunky navy-blue sweater, fitted jeans, and my favorite pair of Doc Martens. After running a brush through my thick hair, I pull it into a high ponytail at the crown of my head. For a second, I debate whether or not to put on makeup, but ultimately decide against it.
It’s not like this is a date or anything, right?
It’s just two people going around town, trying to find spots that’ll attract new tourists. It’s purely platonic. Well, not even that, considering we’re not actually friends.
With a few minutes to spare, I tiptoe down the stairs, careful not to creak any floorboards so I don’t disturb my parents. There’s no reason for all of us to be awake before the sun is up. I’m about to stop by the kitchen to make myself some coffee when I see headlights approaching through the living room window. I crack open the front door and poke my head outside, the chill from the cool morning air making me shiver.
“Peter?” I whisper-shout, being mindful of the neighbors at this early hour.
He vacates his vehicle and stands with his right arm resting on the roof and a charming smile on his face. “Hey, Sunshine. You ready to go?”
I check my watch and groan. “This is too early. I need to make coffee first.”
“Already got it covered.” His voice is just as cheery as it was on the phone and it’s maddening.
I purse my lips and jut my chin out. “You don’t even know how I like my coffee.”
Without missing a beat, he replies, “Not yet, I don’t. But I stopped at Deja Brew and got a vanilla latte, a caramel cappuccino, a cinnamon chai, and a black medium roast with various sweeteners and creamers on the side.” My mouth drops open. “And just in case you don’t like coffee, I also grabbed an Earl Grey tea.”
I try to find fault with his actions, but when I can’t, I sigh in defeat. So I lift my cross-body bag from the hook, put it over my shoulder, and lock the door behind me. Hopping in Peter’s car, I try to remain annoyed at his very existence, but ultimately find it very difficult when his body is turned completely toward me and he’s holding the coffees out like an offering to a goddess. His smile is soft and sincere, and the slowly rising sunlight kisses his cheekbones, making my stomach do weird little flips.
Feeling nervous under his full attention, I quickly grab the latte and stare out the window, muttering a quiet Thank you before taking a sip. I can feel the weight of his stare burning the side of my face for several moments before he sets the coffees down on the floor of the backseat.
“You’re welcome, Ella Kate.” I inwardly roll my eyes at his use of my full name.
“What are you planning on doing with the rest of the drinks?” I ask, looking at him from the corner of my eye.
He gives a sheepish shrug. “Actually, I didn’t think that far ahead. I just wanted you to have a good morning.” Why does he have to be sweet?
I tap the lid of my cup a few times as I think. “Okay, I know where we can go first. It might not be an actual tourist hotspot, but I’m pretty sure you haven’t been there yet.”
“Fine by me. Take me anywhere you wanna go, beautiful. I’m all yours.” I lift a single eyebrow at his double entendre, but say nothing.
He shifts the car in gear and we pull out of my driveway. He perfectly content following my directions as I lead us through town, not once asking where we’re going until we get there. The sun is coming up as we pull into the parking spot of our destination.
“A hospital?” Peter knits his brows together before he unbuckles himself when he sees me doing the same.
“Yeah, specifically the emergency department.” I step out of the car and retrieve the coffees from the backseat before heading toward the entrance. When Peter falls in step next to me, I continue. “Third shift is getting off soon, so I’m sure they’d appreciate a little pick-me-up for the end of their shift.” He simply nods his agreement as we walk through the automatic doors.
My friend Ashley is sitting at the patient intake desk and waves at me as we get closer. “Elle! What are you doing here?” she asks cheerfully before her smile drops. “Is something wrong? Are you alright?” She rises from her seat and gives me a once-over.
I wave off her concern. “I’m fine, girl,” I assure her. “It’s just, um… My friend here… he ordered too many coffees and thought you guys would like some.”
Her gaze slides over to Peter before she looks back at me with a wiggle of her eyebrows and a curl of her lips. “ Friend , huh?”
“Shush, it’s not like that,” I hiss, carefully placing the drinks on the counter. “Do you want the coffees or not?”
She laughs at my discomfort. “Of course, we’ll take them.” She grins at me, then glances at Peter. “And thank you…” Ashley lifts her eyebrows and tilts her head forward, extending her palm in his direction.
“Peter,” he replies, stepping forward to introduce himself.
“Peter,” she draws out his name. “Well… It’s certainly nice to meet you. I’m Ashley.” She bats her pretty blue eyes, and a tiny pang of jealousy stabs at me.
Where did that come from?
They cordially shake hands and she leans on the counter. “So, Peter, what are you and my bestie doing so early in the morning?”
He looks at me with a dazzling smile. “We’re on a dat?—”
“AHH!” I shove Peter to the side and speak over him. “He works at the resort, and I’m helping him put together a list of local attractions in town. You know, trying to improve the marketing, increase tourism, blah, blah, blah.”
Ashley suppresses a smile as her eyes dart between me and Peter. “Mhmm, sure. Tourism, huh?” She briefly narrows her gaze at me before she continues. “Well, whatever you guys are really up to, just stay safe, alright? I mean, we have some condoms I can give you?—”
“Oh my God!” I cry, covering my flaming red face with my hand. “It’s not like that.” I grab the cuff of Peter’s jacket and start dragging him toward the door. “Enjoy the coffees, worst bestie ever! And make sure Bonnie gets the tea!”
Ashley throws her head back in a laugh, then gives me a wave. I flip her off just as we walk through the sliding doors.
“Jeez, the assumptions some people make,” I huff. “We’re just two people spending the day together while I show you around town. There’s nothing romantic about it. Now, c’mon. Lots to see today.”
Suddenly, I realize my hand is a lot warmer than it should be, and I look down to find I’ve subconsciously threaded my fingers through Peter’s, allowing his much larger palm to engulf mine.
When did I do that?
My head snaps up, and he’s knowingly grinning from ear to ear. I drop his hand like a hot coal and cross my arms over my chest with a pout.
“You’re so fucking cute,” he declares with a chuckle, not at all offended at my actions or my words.
“Wha—?” I sputter, before tightly pressing my lips together. “Stop that. Don’t call me cute, don’t call this a date, and stop looking at me like that, Peter.”
“Looking at you like what?” he questions with feigned innocence, his head tilted slightly to the left, his eyes hooded, and his lips curled into a smirk. This man is the literal embodiment of trouble. The kind of trouble I don’t have time for. The kind of trouble that’s difficult to resist, no matter how hard I try.
“You know what,” I mumble, looking down to watch my foot kick a pebble across the sidewalk.
Gentle fingers touch my chin and tilt my head up until I’m being sucked in by a pair of kind brown eyes. “You’re sweet, you know that?” His voice is as soft and slow as honey.
“No, I’m not,” I disagree, partially to be a contrarian, but also because the way he’s looking at me is making my heart beat faster in my chest and I’m too scared to like it.
He nods, brushing his thumb along my jaw, causing me to inhale a shaky breath. “You are nice. You always think of others first. You brought drinks to your friends in the ER, you work at your parents’ cafe, and you’re helping me with my new marketing project. Face it, Elle. You’re a nice person.”
He’s eating me up and swallowing me whole right here on the sidewalk. He’s staring into my eyes, gazing at me like I’m the only person in the world who matters, and no one else exists but the two of us. He forces out all my other thoughts, making me think only of him and the way his stare holds me captive. The way his delicious, masculine scent envelops me like a warm hug. The way he makes me feel small and protected when he tilts my chin up to look at him. And how his touch makes my nipples hard and my core clench.
Being around Peter is overwhelming. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt before, both freeing and intoxicating, and it’s… too many things all at once.
I’m frozen in place when he leans down and slowly brushes the side of his nose along mine. My chest expands with a sharp inhale and my breasts press into him, feeling the warmth of his body.
“You’re beautiful and you’re nice and you’re kind.”
My eyes close when he presses a chaste kiss on my cheek.
“All that sass can’t hide who you really are.”
And just like that, the spell is broken. He’s wrong about me and he’s wrong about what I want. I snake my hand up and palm his face, pushing him away from me. I feel his soft lips part into a wide smile as I exhale.
“Enough of that. We have stuff to do, yeah? Better get moving.” I walk past him, briskly heading toward the car while ignoring the fluttering in my chest and the dampness of my panties.
“Whatever you say, pretty girl.” Peter laughs from behind me.
Before pulling out of the parking lot, he gives me a cocky grin with that damn teasing glint still in his eyes.
This man is gonna worm his way into my heart. I just know it.