Chapter 7
SEVEN
SAVANNAH
As soon as I found out my father had plans for the night and I’d be alone, I had texted Harley to see what he was doing. If the reply I got was anything to go by, he jumped at the chance to meet up with me, which gave me all kinds of fluttery feelings.
We’re meeting at the pier again, and as soon as I head past that godforsaken Ferris wheel and head towards the sea, I see him straight away.
The sun is setting, but the lights from the attractions bounce around, lighting up Harley’s silhouette. It’s busy with families gone home and teenagers and adults now occupying the place. It’s somehow even louder than during the day, and I kind of hate it.
Maybe it was a bad idea to come here, maybe I should have stayed home so I won’t—
“Hey, sexy,” Harley says with a grin, suddenly standing right in front of me, and I wrinkle my nose.
What’s with him wanting to find a nickname for me? And why do I find it kind of… endearing?
He sighs dramatically and rocks back on his heels, his hands in his jean pockets as he gives me a crooked grin.
“You’re not gonna make this easy for me, are you?”
I avert my eyes before darting my gaze around me, nervousness filling me once more about being around too many people. Too many eyes that could see and recognize us. Last time, I managed to relax and I just hope that’s the case this time too.
“Hey,” Harley murmurs with a concerned frown. His hand gently clasps my elbow, and I realize I unconsciously wrapped my arms around my middle. “Are you okay?”
My breath stutters at his closeness, but I put on my public mask and nod.
He raises a brow, and I instantly relent, giving him a half-truth. “There are too many people and it’s too loud. It’s too much.”
Harley regards me for a minute, realization dawning in his eyes before taking my hand loosely and pulling me back through the throngs of people.
His hand isn’t holding me tightly, and I realize he’s probably worried about me not wanting to hold onto him after admitting everything was a bit too much.
So, instead of dropping his hand like I should, I grip him tighter and let him lead me to wherever it is he wants to go.
I don’t know what he has planned, but I’m intrigued enough to find out.