Chapter 3
THREE
HARLEY
I can’t believe she’s here.
When Dad mentioned throwing this party, I couldn’t stop myself from mentioning how I bumped into Savannah at the pier and how he should invite her and her father.
It was a long shot, and my one and only chance to see her in a way that didn’t have me somehow tracking her down.
But she’s here.
She fucking came.
Thank God for my parents and their need to throw lavish parties.
That’s a thought I didn’t think I would ever have.
I noticed her the moment she stepped into the room—it would be impossible not to—and I bided my time until the right moment to announce my presence to her.
Of course, she would have known I’d be here since this is my house, but I deliberately kept out of her line of sight until I felt I could step into the conversation without being rebuffed.
And now here we are, dancing in the middle of the room filled with old rich fucks. Sure, she’s been quiet so far, but I’m pretty sure I’m winning her over.
Not the best place for a first date, but I’ll take whatever I can get.
Now, I just need to convince her to let me take her on a second date.
And a third.
What the fuck am I even thinking? I don’t date, but she threw me a challenge that day on the pier, and now I can’t help but want to pursue her.
I’m like a dog with a bone, and if she asked me to bark right now in exchange for what I want, then I will.
Fucking woof woof, baby.
“You look beautiful,” I murmur, and fuck, does she ever.
Dressed in an elegant emerald green ball gown with her red hair pinned to the top of her head, the loose tendrils snaking down to frame her face, she looks goddamn breathtaking. She’s so pretty. With barely any makeup, her freckles stand out more, only making me want to count each one.
Who even am I right now?
Even better is the fact I’m wearing a black suit with an emerald tie that perfectly complements her dress.
It was a complete coincidence, but that doesn’t stop the smug satisfaction that if anyone were to look at the two of us right now, they’d automatically assume it was on purpose and we’re here together.
Like, together, together.
She looks like she belongs on my arm.
On my arm and in my bed.
“You look nice, too,” she replies softly, a blush marring her cheeks.
God, she’s so soft and tender.
I love it.
I’m used to girls fawning all over me, so she’s like a breath of fresh air and a good change of pace.
I’ve never really had to work for what I want, but I’m finding it quite exciting.
It’ll make the reward feel all the more satisfying.
“You can admit it, you know. I look hot.” I wiggle my eyebrows.
“You're messing with me,” she says in a hushed whisper, her nose wrinkling. “In public.”
I snort. “Baby, if I wanted to mess with you, I wouldn’t do it in public.”
No, I do it where I had her all to myself.
I’m just about to open my mouth when the song comes to an end and she takes a step away from me, making my arms go limp at my sides.
“Thank you for the dance,” she says ever so politely before turning to walk away, but I don’t let her get that far.
“Not so fast, sweetheart,” I croon and grab her wrist. “You can’t just walk away like that on our first date. Whatever happened to dating rules?”
Savannah’s throat bobs, her eyes flicking over the room and then back to me. “We’re not on a date. We’re both attending a party our parents made us come to.”
“Well, we can’t get to know each other when you keep walking away from me, can we?” I challenge and she lets out a tired sigh.
“What do you want, Harley? Seriously, what are you expecting to get from all of this?”
My brows furrow as I think over the question before finally deciding on just giving her the truth, since anything else right now will only serve to piss her off more.
“Honestly? I have no idea. I just… I want to know you; I want to know what makes you tick and see what I can do to put a smile on that pretty face of yours. And not one of them practiced polite smiles you give when you’re at the side of your father, but a real one.
” I shrug nonchalantly, trying to cover the sudden vulnerability I’m feeling.
What the fuck is going on with me lately?
Her expression seems to soften the tiniest bit before a mask is firmly put in place, leaving me to wonder whether I imagined it or not.
“Nothing can come from it,” she states, almost as if she’s telling that to herself more than me.
“You don’t know that.”
“I do know that. Nothing can come from it,” she repeats, like she needs me to agree.
“Okay,” I say slowly. “Nothing can come from it.” Lie. Probably a lie. Maybe not a lie? What the hell do I know? “But can we at least get to know each other a little? We’re going to be in school together for another four years, there’s no harm in making new friends, right?”
I wait with bated breath as she glances around—for what, I have no idea—before she sighs and holds out her hand.
“Give me your phone.”
I raise a brow, but do as she asks, unlocking my phone and handing it over. Her fingers fly over the screen before she shoves it back at me.
“There, you have my number, but I can’t promise you anything.”
And with that, she spins, and I find myself watching her walk away from me.
Again.