two | ~ Teak ~
two
~ Teak ~
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“D amn, you couldn’t convince the girls to stay.” Ascher griped at me, when I stepped back inside the room the band was still lounging in. He sat at the table, his hand in a huge bag of barbeque flavored chips.
The rest of the guys were sprawled about on the two couches and two recliners, either on their phones or eyes on the rerun of some baseball game.
Since all of the groupies had vacated, I deemed it safe to return. I wasn’t using a line on Serenity; I didn’t like that part of my stardom anymore. I actually despised it. I wanted something meaningful with someone exactly like her. Well, not like her, with her. But she had shot me down. Fate had dropped her right in my path, yet I was powerless to work it to my advantage. And what were the odds of me running into her again like that and getting a second chance?
“It took me a while to remember Serenity. She was always quiet in high school. She was a great art student and she was really smart. But I remembered Ivy right away. She hasn’t changed much. She still has a bit of a wild streak. I thought it was crazy they were best friends in high school, but I see that hasn’t changed since graduation.” Ascher’s words brought me out of my thoughts and planted a promising idea in my head.
“No, Serenity shot me down. But she was really sweet about it. You don’t by any chance have Ivy’s number?”
“I do happen to have it.” His lips curled into a smirk and his blue eyes danced with mischief. “Do you want me to text her to give you Serenity’s number?”
“No. I would never invade her privacy like that. Because I’m pretty sure Ivy would give it to you to give to me. She is a bit of a fire cracker. But no. I would like you to text Ivy and ask if she could take Serenity for coffee tomorrow at some café and let me know which one and a time so I can rent the place out and then you and her can take off for an hour while I hang out with Serenity. Make sure Ivy knows to keep my being there a secret.”
“I’ll text her right now.”
“We’re heading out to Brews and Cues in a little. You two coming?” Sprawled out on the couch, Nolan glanced up from his phone to look over at us.
“Not tonight. I’m heading home.” I was hoping to have an impromptu date early tomorrow. “I’ll text you guys when I have details on when I’d like to start recording the next album. Although I’m sure I’ll be seeing you guys before then.” At the end of every tour, we always had a little break while I wrote new songs before we would meet up again to record and then start up rehearsals and plan for tour dates. During that time, we would still hang out once in a while, but it was mostly a time for the guys to enjoy a bit of a normal life. Well, except for my bouncer/bodyguards. They were with me year round. Although there were two other temporary guys who filled in when both of them had something else to do. My usuals were both married with young children and I didn’t want them missing out on things. My only requirement was they both attended my concerts and at least one of them was available for other scheduled public appearances. When I was out and about the town pretending to be a regular guy, it didn’t matter who I had with me as long as he was competent.
The door opened and our manager, Quinn Akers, stepped inside. She was dressed professionally in a gray pencil skirt, light blue blouse, and high heels. Her brown hair was back in a high pony tail and her blue eyes scanned the room before settling on me. “I see the groupies headed out a little earlier than usual.” Her lips quirked into an amused grin.
The rest of the guys grumbled under their breath. Maybe they too were growing tired of that scene.
“Well, you guys were awesome out there tonight for your final show. I couldn’t be more pleased. Now you get to enjoy your well-earned break. Let me know when you have a tentative date for the next album, a single release, when you want to start touring. You know the drill.”
“I’ll be in touch. We’re good here. I’m getting ready to head home and I think the rest of the guys are going to a club, so we won’t be here much longer.”
“You guys have a great night.” With a little wave, she strode back into the hallway.
“Ivy texted back and said Lana’s Brews and Pastries at ten o’clock tomorrow.”
I jerked my gaze over to Ascher. “That was quick. Now hopefully Serenity doesn’t catch on to our trick until Ivy gets her there tomorrow. Thanks, man. I owe you.”
He stared at me for a beat, his lips curving into a teasing grin. “You’re smitten.”
“What are you, fifty?”
“Infatuated? Enchanted? Bewitched?” His smirk twisted devilishly. “It doesn’t matter what word I use; the outcome is the same. You’re completely captivated. I caught a glimpse of that earlier when I saw you talking to the two of them. But now it’s confirmed. You’ve never chased a girl.”
“There’s just something about her. I can’t put my finger on it. Like a connection; at least on my end. Besides the fact that she wasn’t fawning all over me. That was the first thing that drew me to her, of course and she was beautiful in a classy sexy way. But I feel like there is so much more there. So, I’m hoping I can convince her to give me a chance.”
About ten minutes later, we packed up our stuff and walked out to the parking lot. My thoughts raced around my head during the drive. Serenity was skittish, but I wasn’t sure exactly of what. I needed to uncover that mystery so I could put her fears to rest. And lucky for me, I did have one thing going for me; she may have left and not given me her number, but she also didn’t run off as soon as we had met. Even though she was guarded, she did give me a little bit of her time. I was taking that as a small win.
After Jasper pulled up to my gate and keyed in the passcode, he continued up the driveway and parked beside his own SUV.
I grabbed my duffel from the backseat and hopped out. “I’ll see you tomorrow at nine. And if things work out for me and Serenity, I’ll get in contact with one of the temp guys since it will be unpublicized outings. But for our first date, I want someone she’s already seen.”
“I think that’s pretty good thinking to help put her at ease. Have a great rest of your night.” Jasper waved before ducking into his car.
My two bedroom was in a quieter neighborhood in Santa Cruz, but I still had a fence with a passcode lock and tall bushes around the perimeter for safety and privacy. That normally deterred fans from disturbing me at my residence.
I climbed the steps and unlocked my door before stepping inside, punching in my code so my alarm didn’t sound, and dropping my bag at the entry way. I’d deal with the contents later. I needed a shower and bed. Trudging toward my bedroom, I passed my kitchen on the left. I could have spent an obscene amount of money on my place, but I just wanted a place to call home when I was done with a tour. My kitchen had all new stainless steel appliances, dark cupboards, white counter tops, and a light wood bar that separated it from my living space, but it wasn’t excessive. My living room had a black leather couch and matching love seat and recliner. A seventy five inch flat screen hung on the opposite wall. My spare bedroom was a decent sized room so it served as storage and my office. I had a small desk I hardly ever used, but my most prized piece of furniture was my gray overstuffed chenille chair. I could flop into that comfortable chair and get lost in my creativity for hours. And since my phone was my preferred device for jotting down my lyrics, it worked out perfectly.
Pushing open my bedroom door, I strolled into the connecting bath, stripped off my clothes, and hopped into the shower. Less than twenty minutes later, I crawled into my king sized bed with a huge grin on my face along with a little nervous flutter in my stomach. I had never met anyone like Serenity. Naturally gorgeous, smart, honest, and real. All qualities I found sexy as hell. I had to find a way to convince her to give us a chance.
The next morning, I called the café and asked to rent out the place for an hour. I wanted our first real opportunity to get to know one another to be quiet and uneventful. Then I pulled a tan pair of cargo shorts out of my dresser and a light blue short sleeved button down from my closet and got dressed. Once I finished in the bathroom, I tugged on a pair of my Chuck Taylors – in case I had to chase her – slipped a ball cap down over my forehead, and slid on a pair of sunglasses before walking out to my car to wait on Jasper.
He was right on time. During the drive to the café, butterflies swirled around in my stomach. The same feeling I got every time I released a new single. My music was a part of me and each time I shared a new piece I hoped the fans experienced the same magnitude of emotion. With Serenity, I wanted her to feel as deeply for me as I did for her. Or at least share that connection.
At the café, I shook hands with the owner. If I had to guess, Mr. Legan was a little older than my father, since his brown hair was starting to gray at the temples.
His blue eyes were friendly and his smile bright. “Alayna will take great care of you and your date.” He gestured to the young girl – with brown hair and brown eyes – standing at the counter, who looked about the same age as Serenity. “You saw the sign, but I couldn’t lock the door otherwise your date couldn’t get in. If someone else comes, your bodyguard would tell them to come back?”
“Yeah, Jasper can do that, politely.” With that settled, all I had to do was wait and hope she showed.
A few minutes before ten, Serenity and Ivy strolled up to the café door and one of them pushed it open.
“The sign says ‘closed be back at eleven.’ That doesn’t mean barge right in.” Serenity’s annoyance made me chuckle.
“Then they shouldn’t have left it unlocked.” Ivy argued.
Serenity’s eyes locked on me and her face scrunched in confusion. “But there is a customer here. Someone in a ball cap and sunglasses.” She tugged on Ivy’s arm. Then her lips pursed as she caught sight of Jasper over in the corner just on the other side of the door. She whirled on her friend. “You are a traitorous bitch.” But her words lacked any venom.
I readied myself to give chase.
Ivy grinned. “No. Well maybe. But I love you. This was some tough love.”
“You have no idea what that even means.” She crossed her arms over her chest.
“Alright, sorry, you were a bargaining chip. I had to deliver you if I wanted to see Ascher this morning. My job is done; I’m heading across the street now to hang with him. See you in an hour.” She blew Serenity a kiss and scurried out the door.
Removing my cap and sunglasses, I couldn’t stop my laughter. Her friend was hilarious.
Serenity turned to face me. I couldn’t read her expression. I wasn’t sure she appreciated my humor at her expense, so I swallowed the rest of my chuckles.
“That was a big fat lie.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yeah.” I shrugged, unapologetic. “I wanted a chance to get to know you and I thought this would be a great way to do it. I didn’t lure you to my secluded lair and Ivy knows where you are. And I know we tricked you, but you wouldn’t give me a chance last night. I was desperate.” I walked up to her and reached out my hand. “Would you have a cup of coffee with me and we can get to know one another?” I held my breath.
When she slid her hand into mine, relief washed over me. One step in the right direction. Yeah, I had tricked her into coming here, but I wanted her to want to date me.
“I can’t imagine you desperate a day in your life. And points for you; you dressed up nice for our impromptu date. If I had known I may have dressed differently.”
Walking us over to a booth in the back, I gazed down at her. She was stunning in a regular pair of denim short shorts and a plain pastel green t-shirt, a pair of flip flops – showcasing lovely dark pink toenails on equally adorable feet – completing the casual outfit. Her lips were curled in a teasing grin.
“No, you wouldn’t have. You would have on ratty clothes and there’s a good chance you wouldn’t have showered either. But, jokes on you, that wouldn’t have deterred me.” When she slid into the seat, I crowded in on the same side, our thighs almost touching.
Twisting slightly, her leg brushed mine. And it shot a bolt of electricity right through me. Then she cocked her head and studied me. “What are you doing?”
“Trying to get to know you. You wouldn’t give me your number last night and I wasn’t going to get it without your permission, so I got creative. It’s a good thing that’s what I do.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m not like that. That’s wrong to invade someone’s privacy like that. I know first-hand what it’s like to have that violated.”
“No. Why me?”
“Because you are interesting, smart, funny, easy to be with, and beautiful.” I tucked a strand of her curly blonde hair behind her ear and didn’t miss the slight shiver that raced over her body. “When I ran into you last night, you were so easy to be with. I could be Teak the guy, not Teak the famous rock star.”
“Let me get this straight. You like being with me because you are comfortable with me?” She raised an eyebrow at me. “I’m comfy like a pair of worn in shoes.”
“Well, no. That’s not what I mean. I like having that bit of – ”
Her lips quirked.
“You’re teasing me.” And I absolutely loved her playful side.
“Can I get you two anything to eat or drink?” Alayna stopped at our table, a nervous smile on her face. “And if it wouldn’t be a problem, could I get your autograph?” She placed a napkin and a pen in front of me.
“That is never a problem for me. Make it out to Alayna or do you have a nickname?”
“Alayna is fine.”
After I signed her makeshift paper, I gazed down at Serenity. “What would you like to drink?”
“I’ll have a caramel latte.”
“I’ll have one of those too. And could you bring one of those huge sticky buns for us to share?”
“I’ll be right back with those.” Giving us a smile, Alayna headed behind the counter.
“Do you often rent out an entire place when you want to meet up with someone to talk ?” Her stunning violet eyes sparkled with her humor.
“I see you have a little bit of wild in you too. Not as much as your friend though. Not that either is bad. I like you the way you are. But is she rubbing off on you or did you always have a little bit of spunk inside?”
“Nice save there. You really are working to impress me. But she is probably rubbing off on me.”
Or it could be the fact she was comfortable with me, so more of herself peeked out. At least that was what I told myself because I wanted that to be the reason. “I don’t normally rent out a place unless we’re having an event for a group. Usually when I go out, I don’t mind signing autographs or getting selfies with the fans. I enjoy meeting them. Groupies not so much. But fans make me able to do what I love. Share my music. And usually once I spend some time with them, they’re happy to give me space to go back to whatever it was I was doing. But today, I wanted uninterrupted time to get to know you and spend time with you without you being overwhelmed with my life. I’m hoping today goes well because I’d like to date you. And then I’d ease you into some of my craziness.”
“I still don’t think it’s a good idea.” She dropped her gaze to the table.
Taking her chin gently between my finger and thumb, I turned her face so I could meet her gaze. “I think it’s a fantastic idea on my end. How about you tell me what I can do to make it more appealing to you.” I hoped it was something as simple as renting out every place we went for a date and doing everything in my power to keep her out of the tabloids. But as I watched the emotions flit across her face, I realized it went far deeper than that. She wasn’t someone who craved attention so would jump at the chance to date a star to gain the limelight. On the other hand, I didn’t believe the exposure terrified her either.
Alayna brought out our drinks and sticky bun. “Just flag me down if you need anything else.”
“Thank you. We will.”
With our connection broken, Serenity stared down at her cup and ran her fingers around the rim. “When Mick York was in town filming for a television series, I met him at one of the local cafés where they were shooting a scene because I was one of the extras hanging out there. He approached me after they were done filming and asked me out.” She took a sip of her latte. “Of course I said yes right away. He was good looking and a star and out of everyone he picked me. We went out for a couple of months and stupid me I allowed feelings to get mixed in with what was apparently just a good time to him.”
I growled low in my chest, but forced it down so that I didn’t rudely interrupt her. But I didn’t do a very good job.
She gave me a small smile. “On what would be our last date, but I didn’t know it at the time, I told him I was falling in love with him. His response was that that was sweet but didn’t I know that commoners shouldn’t fall in love with famous people. Then he dropped some bills onto the table and left.” Her attention returned to her latte and I gave her a moment to collect herself and take another drink.
Then twisting in my seat, I cupped her cheeks in my hands, swiping away the couple tears that had fallen. “He was a first class bastard. The whole reason for dating is for feelings to get involved. If I didn’t have feelings for you, I wouldn’t be chasing you so that I could get the chance to date you. Fuck, what he did to you was horrible. And I promise you I will never work on any project he is involved in. But I’m begging you to give us a chance.” I didn’t know how someone could treat anyone like that, but especially someone as sweet as Serenity. It made my blood boil and I wanted to beat the shit out of him and ruin his reputation. He was a sorry excuse for a human being. “I counted it as a win that you didn’t take off right away last night and you didn’t bolt away today either. But I wore running shoes just in case I had to give chase.”
Leaning back, she glanced under the table and released a short giggle. Then she lifted her gaze back to me. “I did like hanging out with you last night. And I have to admit I like you.”
My face split into a huge smile making my cheeks hurt.
She giggled again and I loved the sound. “You look like a kid at Christmas.”
“I feel like one. I got what I wished for. Does that mean you’ll give me your number and go out with me?”
Her lips were still curled in a smile, but other emotions flashed across her face.
“I promise I won’t ever hurt you. I know that sounds empty, but I hope you believe me. Besides, you could always sic Ivy on me.”
“That is true. She wanted to go after Mick.” She released a long sigh. “Ivy did tell me I needed to get back out there.”
“I know I only talked with her for a few minutes last night, but I could tell she was a smart girl. You know you should always listen to your best friend.”
“You didn’t let me finish. But she said she thought I could do a lot better than you.” Her serious expression only lasted a moment before her lips twitched with her smirk.
Little minx. I ducked my head and pressed my lips to hers for a quick kiss. When I leaned back, her eyes were wide, but I caught a glimpse of heat in their violet depths.
“Why did you do that?”
“I wanted to see what sassy tastes like and it’s delicious.” Grinning like an idiot, I prayed she wouldn’t shove me out of the booth and race for the exit. Because, damn it, it would have been my fault. But I’d still give chase.
“Okay.”
“Okay that you want to give us a try or okay that I kissed you without your permission?”
“Okay to both.”
Thrilled with her response, my heart raced in my chest and I was sure my expression had just crossed over to dork.
“You’ve got that kid at Christmas look going on again.”
“I can’t help it. It’s better than Christmas because I didn’t think I’d be getting this. I didn’t plan on giving up, but I really didn’t think I had a chance. Especially after I found out the reason behind your rejection.”
Her eyes dimmed for a moment before her lips curled into a beautiful smile. “Well, even though you used trickery to get me here, it wasn’t deceitful and if I’m being honest, I found it kinda romantic and sweet.”
“I had to figure something out to meet up with you again. And I was not going to get your number without your permission. I hoped this would work. Is your latte still warm enough? If not, I can get us new ones.”
Grabbing her cup, she took a sip. “It’s still good.”
I took a drink of mine before pushing the plate with the sticky bun in her direction. “You get the first nibble.”
She pulled a piece off and popped it into her mouth. “This is really yummy.”
Ripping off my own section, I shoved it into mine. “I know. That’s why I ordered us one. But if you want something else too, let me know. I wasn’t sure if you ate breakfast before coming here. I didn’t. I was too excited.”
After she had eaten another chunk of the gooey concoction, she moved to lick her fingers clean, but I grabbed her wrist and brought her fingers to my lips and sucked them into my mouth. My dick twitched in my shorts, so while her wide eyes were locked on mine, I covertly shifted the material to hopefully conceal his excitement.
“Hey, why did you do that?”
Shit, maybe I finally went too far. But I just couldn’t resist her. She was gorgeous and sweet and funny and it had been a long time for me and I was going to end up fucking this up. To hopefully distract her from my misstep, I went for humorous. “Well, you know I’m just a dirty rock star.”
“Yeah, well, that was my share of the gooey stuff.” Without warning, she snatched my hand and brought my fingers to her mouth and sucked them into her warm heat, swirling her tongue around the digits.
Not the reaction I was expecting. And a moan crawled up my throat, slipping out before I could stop it. And I was sure I wouldn’t be able to hide my dick’s reaction to that erotic action.
Releasing my fingers, she smirked at me. “You started it.”
I blinked at her, unable to form words for a moment. Then I shot her a devilish grin. “I’m guessing you’re not skittish about sex. Not that I intend to right away tumble you into bed. Although I’m not going to lie; I hope to get there at some point. However, right now I want to get to know you, but I like that you don’t mind some suggestive fun.”
“Not skittish when it comes to sex, just when it comes to my heart.”
“Well, I will use care with both.” I placed a gentle kiss to her lips. “I didn’t give you a chance to answer about breakfast. Did you want anything else?” I pulled another chunk of the bun off.
“I didn’t eat breakfast. Ivy was too busy dragging me out of the house.” She feigned annoyance.
“Remind me to get her a sticky bun before we leave as a thank you.”
“Her thank you was Ascher.” She rolled her eyes.
I chuckled. “I think you’re right.” Then I waved Alayna over and ordered us each a giant banana muffin. “You know what I do for a living. Where do you work?”
“I’m a graphic designer for an online sport’s clothing line.” She took another sip of her latte. “I work remotely, but go in usually once a week for a staff meeting. There isn’t enough space in the building they rent for another office for me and since I work off a computer and we don’t see customers, there was no sense finding a bigger place.”
“That sounds awesome. Ascher said he remembered in high school you were good in art.” And another idea popped into my head. This one not involving any trickery. “Maybe you could create a logo for me when you get a chance. And I could bounce ideas around with you for our next album cover. After I get some songs written and see what the theme is going to be. I think it would be fun to work together on that. Something else we could do together.” When she didn’t respond, I grew concerned. “I didn’t mean it like that. I wasn’t using – ”
“I didn’t think that at all. You’ve got that boy at Christmas expression going on again so I can tell it’s just genuine excitement. I’m just trying to wrap my head around you.”
Good. Maybe I was starting to chip away at the wall around her heart. And yeah, I’d love to wrap myself around her body and have her pussy wrap around my dick. Hell, I was a guy and it had been a while since someone had enticed me and attracted my complete attention. The girls I had been meeting had flat personalities and weren’t looking for anything long term. Except for the few who were only interested in the fame and money that would come along with becoming Mrs. Pierce, rockstar wife. But I wanted all of Serenity. “I’ll give you all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.”
Alayna brought out our muffins, so we dug into those goodies.
“Does Ivy work with you too? Is she part of that clothing line?”
Serenity swallowed her bite of muffin. “No. She’s a pharmacist.”
“They allow her to dispense drugs to people?” I feigned shock as my lips curled into a smirk.
“I know right. Needless to say, I don’t use her pharmacy when I need a prescription filled.” She chuckled before taking another nibble of her breakfast.
“Can I take you to dinner tomorrow night? I’d say tonight, but I don’t want to push my luck. But I’m hoping to get your number so I can at least text you later tonight.”
She pulled her phone from her pocket and handed it to me. “Type in your number.”
After I added my information, I gave it back to her.
She keyed in something and a moment later my phone buzzed.
I pulled it from my pocket. Unknown: I’d love to go to dinner with you
My heart about burst from my chest. I had been worried I was pushing her too fast, but couldn’t help myself where she was concerned. “I need a selfie of us.” Stretching my phone in front of us, I leaned my head against hers and snapped our picture. Staring at the image, my heart squeezed. God, she was so beautiful. She outshined me. Then I added the photo to her profile. “Any foods you don’t like or allergies?”
“No allergies, but I don’t eat sushi.”
I looked down at her in mock horror. “I guess I can overlook that. Since you have so many other amazing qualities.”
“Your amazing qualities have just slimmed down by one.” She raised her brow at me.
Snaking my hand around to her nape, I drew her closer and pressed my lips to hers again. However, this time I slid them along hers for a few moments, savoring the soft feel. And I relished the fact that she not only didn’t pull away, but she moved hers along mine as well, while her hand gripped the front of my shirt.
I pulled away so I wasn’t in danger of devouring her mouth, at least at the moment. “You keep tempting me to taste that sass.” I leaned my forehead to hers. “But I won’t get us in trouble for indecent behavior. Let’s finish our breakfast before they have to allow the masses back in. Not that I’m in any hurry to have us go our separate ways.”
“Despite how you guys got me here, I’m not in any hurry either. I’m having a good time. Thank you for pursuing me because I didn’t have the guts to.”
Taking her face in my hands again, I slid my thumbs over her silky skin. “You’ve been burned and I get that. But don’t think for a moment that makes you weak. I think in a few days you would have found a way to meet up with me using Ivy’s connection to Ascher, just like I did. You just needed a little more time to get to that point. I haven’t been hurt like you have; I just haven’t found anyone worth my time until you. Besides, you running after me; how would that have looked?”
She slugged me in the shoulder. “You’re lucky you still have a few appealing qualities left.”
“I consider myself incredibly lucky that you are impressed enough by them to give me a chance.”
We returned our attention to our breakfast. Then when we were finished eating, I took her hand in mine and laced our fingers. “For dinner tomorrow night, do you want me to rent out the restaurant, just a room, or are you ready to brave the whole ‘fans swarm Teak Pierce’ experience?”
She stared at me for a moment; her expression revealing she was searching for something she expected would be buried deep in my soul. But with her, I planned to always be an open book as far as my feelings and intentions were concerned.
“You want me to see you in your element.” It wasn’t a question. “And I really would like that. Your lyrics and the way you are up on stage show you write and perform from your heart. Would you rent out a room so that fans don’t take pictures of me shoving food in my face? I don’t mind sharing you with your fans, but I don’t want embarrassing pictures of me circulating on social media. I’ll try not to humiliate myself while you’re interacting with your fans.”
“You are actually going to be an incredible allure because you are not only beautiful but sweet, kind, and real. My fans will enjoy seeing someone like you with me, even if they will still be a little jealous of you.”
An endearing blush rose up her cheeks.
“I’m really good with my words, but you also know they come from my heart. Come on; let’s go before I decide I really don’t want to let you go for the day.” Slipping out of the booth, I grabbed her hand and tugged her up to me. Snuggling her to my chest for a moment, I pressed my lips to her forehead. Since I had already squared up my payment with the owner when I called to reserve the private hour, I entwined our fingers and we stepped outside. Jasper followed, walking toward my SUV.
Serenity led me across the street to her car. “If Ivy sees you holding my hand, I’m never going to hear the end of it.”
“Too bad. I like touching you. And I might even kiss you again before I send you off.”
“Does my car look lopsided to you?” Her tone developed a troubled edge as she dragged me to the sidewalk to inspect her vehicle.
Our gazes immediately zeroed in on the two flat tires, which were clearly slashed.
“What the hell! Not again.” Dropping my hand, she yanked both of hers through her hair and released a loud exasperated groan.
My initial reaction was frustration that she had to deal with some punk kid’s mischief, but then her second comment registered. “What do you mean again?” I all but raged.