FUCKING NOW!!!!
Finn knew he had a date with Lucy. And Jared trusted the friend who’d launched the online dating plan to leave them alone tonight unless the sky was falling. If all hell had broken lose, or worse, something had happened to Finn . . . goodbye shower sex.
Cursing, Jared started the car, linked up his phone and instructed his cell to play his voice messages.
“I’m sorry, man,” Finn’s voice sounded through the car speakers. “I know you’re with Lucy, but we need to talk. Meet me at your place, and I’ll fill you in. And . . . I’m sorry. So fucking sorry, Jared.”
The message ended. Jared hit stop on the second one. His best friend wouldn’t beg unless he was in trouble. But he hadn’t come this far with Lucy to call her and cancel their plans. He drove over the bridge and headed for the princess lair.
He spotted Lucy standing by the front door, still dripping wet. The overhang protected her from the downpour, but still, she could have gone inside. When he pulled up to the curb and put the car in park, she ran down to meet him. He hit the unlock button and she pulled open the door.
“Lucy, I know I promised you fireworks,” he said as she climbed into the passenger seat. “But Finn texted nine one one.”
Her eyes widened. “Is he okay?”
“If he didn’t call you, it’s about work,” Jared said quickly. “He left a message—”
“You’re sure he wasn’t in an accident,” she said. “He’s not at the hospital?”
He reached out and covered her intertwined hands with his. “He’s at my place. I’d say this could wait, but Finn doesn’t cry wolf. Plus, the sugar deal’s on edge already.”
“Go,” she said firmly. “But text me when you see him. I want to know he didn’t do something stupid like drive his motorcycle in this storm.”
“Finn’s a smart man,” Jared assured her. “I’m sure this is about work. I’ll talk him off the ledge, and if it’s not too late, I’ll call you.”
She nodded. “Take care of him. Don’t worry about me. I can take a rain check until tomorrow night. Plus, I have a big day tomorrow. Two consults for potential parties followed by a hospital visit.”
He leaned across the center console and pressed his lips to one cheek. “Tomorrow night, I’m taking you out. A real date, Lucy.” He kissed her other cheek. “I’ll be your unicorn, whatever the hell that means.”
She laughed. “A creature that doesn’t exist. Like the single, wealthy bachelor with perfect hair.” Her fingertips teased the back of his neck, drawing small circles on his hairline. “Perfect abs—”
“I’m right here, Lucy,” he growled. “I’m not going anywhere except to save your brother’s helpless ass.”
“Thank you. From me, and from Finn. Just in case he forgets to express his gratitude.” She kissed him. Softly. Gently. And then she reached for the car door. “Call me tomorrow, Jared. I want that date.”
She ran into the storm and disappeared into the princess lair.
He closed his eyes. The rain hammered his car as the storm roared around him, driven into a frenzy that felt like a hurricane. It was too early in the season for a monster storm. He could count on the fact that hurricanes hit in late summer or early fall. What the hell had changed?
I made love to Lucy Linden on the beach.
And it had thrown the entire world off course. He’d made love to his friend’s sister, and now there was a damn hurricane raging outside. He couldn’t stop it. He sure as hell didn’t want to drive away. Not in this mess. Not away from Lucy.
He put the car in gear and headed for the bridge. “Finn, you owe me.”
Chapter 17
“What have I done?” Lucy leaned against the front door. She needed to go upstairs and change out of her wet dress. A puddle pooled at her feet. That wasn’t good for the hardwood floors. Ni
cole would be mad. Their landlord would be horrified.
She thumped her head against the door. The floors could wait. She wasn’t ready to release the door handle. Not yet.
I had sex with Jared Mitchell. And then I watched him drive away.
“I should have gone with him. I should have insisted,” she said. “I’m so stupid.”
“Never say that.” Emma peeked her head through the double doorway leading to their office. “No matter what happened tonight, you’re not stupid. It’s just another disaster date.”