6. Violet
VIOLET
My phone connects through the car speakers as I back out of the parking space.
“Geez, Violet. It’s late—”
“Listen, Callie. I have good news. And I have to share it before I burst.”
She huffs out a breath. “This better be worth it. I fell asleep watching ‘Scream,’ and I was dreaming about a threesome with Billy and Stu—”
“I met him tonight. At the bar.”
“Wait. What?” She sounds more alert now. “Billy? Stu?”
“No, silly.” I pause for dramatic effect. “Drew.”
“Holy shit.”
I smile. “I made my move.” I’m giddy as I track his headlights behind me. Every shift and turn. “It was amazing.”
“You... met him?”
“Uh-huh.” I’m smiling so wide, my cheeks hurt. “He’s so sweet. Let me tell you what happened.”
I don’t wait for a response. I just launch into a summary of the entire night, including how sweet and gentlemanly Drew was.
Even though I wouldn’t complain if he stepped out of his comfort zone. Stripped me and used his tongue and hands all over my body. Or shoved his dick inside me—
“You actually met Drew.” Callie sounds stunned. “The one who saved you all those years ago. The one you’ve been obsessing over ever since.”
“Yes. That guy.”
“You’ve been hung up on him since you were nineteen,” Callie says. “Most people forget a guy they met when they were teenagers.”
“Most people didn’t meet Drew Locke.”
Callie sighs. “You’re impossible.”
“Persistent.”
“Obsessed.”
“Details.”
“Violet.”
“Fine. Maybe it’s slightly ridiculous.”
“Slightly?”
“I’m twenty-eight now. I’ve had plenty of time to confirm my initial assessment.”
“You make him sound like a research project.”
“He’s not.”
“Good.”
“Research projects end.” I glance in my rearview mirror. “Drew Locke isn’t a project. He’s the conclusion.”
“Wow, big sis. I’m impressed.”
“You know me. I’m shooting my shot.”
“Eventually.” Callie’s tone is so sarcastic, I can practically hear her rolling her eyes. “You’ve been watching him for months.”
“I had to make sure.”
“You already made sure.”
“I was verifying my findings.”
She ignores me. “You waited long enough. If it were me, I’d have made contact sooner—"
“You know why I didn’t.” I sigh. A momentary wave of sadness rolls through me. “It’s too bad he doesn’t remember that meeting.”
I can’t blame him.
The whole thing lasted less than a minute before the crowd carried him away.
I didn’t think we’d ever cross paths again. Until we did. Only he was too distracted to notice me.
I glance at his lights behind me. “I’ll be home soon.”
“Okay. I was going to go back to sleep and dream about Billy and Stu—”
“Go to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”
I can practically hear her smile. “Have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
That leaves me wide open for anything... and everything.
“Bye.” I end the call.
I glance in my rearview mirror again.
Nothing is off limits.
Not when it comes to Drew.
“Thanks again, Drew,” I call, leaning out my open window.
Since he’s busy staring at my house, I’m free to drink in every inch of his face. I only wish it were daylight so I could see him better.
“T-This is where you live?”
I shrug. “My sister lives here, too.”
“And you’re... in design?”
“Uh-huh. So’s my sister.”
I started a company in college. Now it’s thriving.
Obsidian Design isn’t just a service. It’s an experience. We create covers, branding, and social media for authors. Our products don’t just attract readers... they make them obsess.
I blink at Drew. Kind of like I’m obsessing over him right now. Only this isn’t a book.
But like a novel, I’m going to get my man... no matter what.
But I don’t tell Drew any of this.
He blinks at the house, then at me.
“My parents have money, too.” I shrug, unimpressed. I grew up wealthy. It has its advantages and disadvantages.
“Oh.” He swallows, then forces a smile. “That’s... nice.” He tugs at his shirt collar. “Well, I should go.”
I dig my nails into my thigh so I don’t tell him he’s not going anywhere.
Breathe. He’s not leaving you this time.
This is only temporary.
I put my car in gear. “Okay. I’ll see you soon.”
Sooner than you’d think.
“Yeah. Okay.” He gives me a smile that says otherwise. “Bye, Violet.”
“Bye.”
I wait until he drives away before accelerating and pulling into the garage.
Time for phase two.
I pop my trunk and slip on the black jeans, hoodie, and boots in record time. I toss my dress and heels inside, locking my trunk as I run to my motorcycle. Within seconds, I have it started and my helmet strapped on.
Drew will never recognize me.
I rip out of the garage, closing it using the app on my cell phone. Then I gun it, flying down my driveway. I make sure nothing’s coming and roll straight onto the road, the wind feeling good against my overheated skin.
When I spot his car in the distance, I ease up on the throttle, keeping a safe distance behind him. Just enough to keep him in my sight. Far enough that he still thinks he’s alone.
He slows, his turn signal on. I slow even more, watching him pull into Sebastian’s driveway.
I pull along the street, two houses down. I cut the motorcycle’s engine, watching him park and disappear through the front door.
The house Sebastian—and subsequently Drew—lives in is a renovated historical home. Not much has changed on the outside or what I can see through the windows. Mostly cosmetic and landscaping.
I look at the door Drew disappeared through moments ago.
I start my bike up, a smile on my face.
Next comes access.
People always think danger kicks down the front door.
Sometimes it smiles at them first.