Beautiful One (16 page)

****

I was singing and practicing at the piano when the grasp of warm hands made my shoulders tense. I continued to play as Aidan slid in next to me. When I finished the song, he leaned in and gave me a kiss.

“That's the first time you didn't stop singing.” He smiled.

“It's getting easier.” I couldn't help but think of Spencer, knowing he was the reason behind my confidence.

“Just wanted to say goodbye before I left for work.” Aidan got up and held out his hand. “Walk me to my truck?” he asked.

“Sure.”

I got up and followed Aidan out. He leaned against his truck and pulled me in close. His lips enveloped mine, owning me. When I opened my eyes, Kyle was chatting with Mason in the garage. Kyle's eyes met mine again. My eyes widened at Aidan.

“Did you do that on purpose?”

“Do what? I'm just kissing my girl.” His mock innocence was insulting.

“I know what you're doing, Aidan. You'd better knock it off.”

“I don't know what you're talking about,” he protested.

Aidan smiled and hopped in the driver's seat of his truck, but before he closed the door, he leaned over and yelled goodbye to Kyle and Mason, making sure he got one more quick kiss in before Kyle looked away. He shut his door while I stood next to the curb with my arms folded in front of me. Aidan flashed me a patronizing grin and blew me a kiss through the window before he drove away.

After he left, I just wanted to clear my head. The best way for me to do that was running. It was still hard for me to believe that I enjoyed running. Feeling the need to pump some positive endorphins through my veins, I put on my usual attire and ran out the door. No Maggie today, just me. When I was overweight, I had heard of
runner's high
and thought it wasn't real. But, here I was, experiencing it and loving it.

The sweat rolled down my face, and my back was wet with perspiration. I had run hard today. My mind seemed to be clearer, until I made my way up the street toward home.

Spencer's garage door was open, and he was piddling around inside. The thought ran through my mind to ignore him, but when he glanced my way, we made eye contact. He motioned for me to come over. Like a moth to a flame, I couldn't resist. I adjusted my ponytail and wiped the sweat from my forehead with my arm.

“Let me get you a towel. How ‘bout some water?”

“That'd be great. Thanks,” I breathlessly answered.

Spencer went in the house while I stood in the garage. All his camping gear was out. He was back within a few minutes. He handed me a small hand towel and a bottle of water.

“Thanks.” I wiped my forehead and the back of my neck then guzzled the water until it was halfway empty. Spencer grabbed a couple of camping chairs and opened them up. He sat down and patted the chair next to him.

“Take a seat.” He smiled. A smooth voice was crooning in the background
.

“I like this song,” I smiled.

“Me too. I find his music soothing.”

After I finished the rest of my water, Spencer motioned for me to hand him the empty bottle.

“More?” he asked.

I shook my head no. He tossed the empty bottle in a nearby recycling bin.

“Have you always been a runner?”

His question made me laugh.

“What's so funny?”

“I started running about eight months ago.”

“The way you run, I would have guessed you've been doing it for years. What got you interested?”

I wasn't sure I wanted to tell Spencer about my past, so I hesitated for a minute. Then I blurted it out. “I was sick of being fat.” I shrugged.

“What?”

“Yep. Lost a little over forty pounds last year.”

“I don't believe it.”

“Trust me. I have plenty of pictures to prove it.”

“I would have never thought that. I look at you and always think you're a health nut.”

That made me laugh.

“Far from it. I love to eat. That's the problem.”

“Well, that's good. I hate when girls don't eat.”

“Yes, but would you ever date a fat girl?” I lifted an arched eyebrow at him.

“Actually, I have dated a bigger girl.”

“I find that hard to believe. What happened to her?”

“It just didn't work out.” He shrugged.

“Hmm… okay.” I scanned his face.

“What? Do you want proof?”

He started to rise from the chair, but I grabbed his arm.

“No, no that's okay. That's nice to hear. Most guys aren't like that. Seems they'd rather date someone with beauty on the outside rather than the inside.”

“You're lucky then. You've got both.” He smiled.

My cheeks felt flushed, and I knew I was red. I wanted to get off the subject, so I glanced around the garage.
“Are you going camping?”

“Yeah, I'm taking Shawn and Simon Friday. We're going to San Clemente for a night.”

“It's so close. Seems funny you'd go there.”

“I know. It's only because school is such a grind, and I can't get away. The boys don't care. They're just happy to sleep in a tent and eat s'mores.” He laughed.

“My favorite.”

“You should come by, and we'll make you some. In fact, I'll bring my guitar, and we can practice a bit. Ya know, sing songs around the campfire. The boys would love it. You impressed them with your mad football skills. Especially Simon.”

“Um… I'll think about it.” I began to chew on my thumbnail.

“Oh, that's right. Boyfriend.”

“Probably not a good idea.” That was a no brainer. Aidan would freak for sure. Sensing the shift in Spencer's demeanor I decided to change the subject.
“I never told you this, but I was close friends with the woman that used to live here.”

“You were?”

“She was good to me, kind and so full of life.”

“What happened to her?”

“She passed away… cancer.”

“I'm sorry,” he whispered.

“She always used to tell me that my life was before me… a blank canvas.
‘Paint it every color, Lizzie, and have no regrets.'
I loved her so.”

“Wise words,” he said.

I nodded.

“Is it hard for you to be here… in my house?” Spencer's eyes softened with concern.

“No. I love coming here, it feels like… home.” My eyes lingered on his.

Spencer squeezed my knee and smiled then leaned his body toward mine. His eyes slid to my lips then back to my gaze, causing me to sheepishly look away.

“I should probably get home.” I stood up. “Thanks for the water,” I nervously muttered. “I'll see ya tomorrow.”

Spencer rose from his chair, and I handed him back the towel.

“See ya,” he answered.

I jogged down the driveway. I didn't want to look, but I couldn't help myself. I glanced back over my shoulder. He was standing in the same spot watching me as I jogged away.

Walking up the street to Spencer's house,
I
realized
I
was beginning to look forward to our practice times together. I found myself thinking about him more than I should and longing for him when we were apart. I forcibly pushed the thoughts out of my head, dismissing them as a stupid infatuation.

Spencer was in his driveway washing his jeep when I walked up to his house. When he saw me, he glanced up in surprise.

“Crap! I lost track of time.”

“Don't worry about it. Do you want some help?” I picked up a sponge from a bucket full of soapy water and started washing down the jeep before he could answer me.

“Thanks.” He smiled.

We made quick work of scrubbing the jeep and hosing it off. Within twenty minutes, we were drying it with some old towels. Spencer's stomach growled.

“Did you hear that?” He laughed.

“How could I not?”

“You want to grab some dinner?” Spencer picked up the towels, walked into the garage, and tossed them next to the washing machine. I followed him with the empty bucket and placed it on the floor.

“Okay.”

While walking toward the jeep, I let my hand glide across the seat of the motorcycle. Spencer stopped in front of the sleek, black-and-chrome machine.

“Do you want to take the bike?” he asked.

My eyes grew wide, and a smile spread across my face.

Spencer laughed. “I'll take that as a yes.”

I was relieved I didn't have to answer. At that moment, all the saliva had left my mouth.

He glanced at what I was wearing. “You'll need a jacket.”

“I could run home.” Adrenaline was pumping through my veins as I started down the driveway.

“No, no, come back. There's a jacket in the house you can wear, but I need to change.”

I followed Spencer in the house, sat on his couch, and waited. A few minutes later he emerged from the hallway with his leather jacket draped over his arm.

“Thanks.” I adjusted my ponytail as we made our way back to the garage.

Spencer held out his jacket, and I slipped my arms inside. I was immediately hit with the scent that was uniquely his. The sleeves hung past my hands, and I felt tiny, surrounded by his much-too-large jacket. Spencer smiled and he zipped it up while I wrestled with the sleeves.

He pushed the bike onto the driveway and jogged back inside and grabbed two helmets before he closed the door. He handed me one, and I slipped it over my head.

“Ladies first.”

He held
the
handle
bars
steady as I hiked my leg up and over. He put his helmet on and straddled the seat. He shifted the bike up straight before snapping the kickstand back with his heavy boot and started it up. The growl of the engine startled me. He glanced back. “You okay?”

“It just scared me, but I'm fine.” I spoke above the roar of the engine, so he could hear me.

The thought of the bike speeding down the street made my heart beat faster.

“You're gonna have to hold onto me.”

He reached back and grabbed one of my arms and placed it around his mid-section. My other arm followed suit.

“And if you get scared, just yell in my ear, and I'll stop.”

“Okay,” I yelled over his shoulder while I tightened my hold around his waist.

“Pizza?”

“Sure.”

Spencer slowly rode out of our neighborhood and headed toward Pacific Coast Highway. When we'd made it to the coast, he gunned it. I held on tight and tucked myself behind his shoulder. The scent that clung to his leather jacket consumed me.

Speeding down the highway should have been scary, but I found it exhilarating. The wind was whipping past us so fast I imagined the feeling was that of straddling a rocket. The sun was setting over the ocean as we rode through Dana Point and passed Capistrano Beach. We weaved our way through the streets of San Clemente and ended up at Donny's Pizza.

Spencer parked the bike and leaned it to the side then forced the kickstand into place. He dismounted first, removed his helmet, and held a hand out to help me off. I couldn't help but notice his hair still looked good.

“So, what'd you think?”

Before answering, I took off the helmet and handed it to Spencer. Hoping my hair had fared as well as his, I removed the hair band and gave my head a shake, while he anxiously watched. “It was amazing!”

The hesitation on Spencer's face morphed into a dimpled smile. “Awesome! I was a little worried… you were holding me pretty tight.” He clipped both helmets on the bike and guided me toward the restaurant.

“Sorry about that, it's just… we were going so fast.” I unzipped his leather jacket but kept it on.

“Actually, we never went above the speed limit. It just feels faster.” When we entered the doors, Spencer leaned in close to my ear. “I would never put you in danger, Elizabeth.” His breathy words sent a chill down my spine.

When the hostess got a look at Spencer, she quickly approached us and smiled at him. She batted her eyelashes and asked if we preferred to sit inside or out.

Spencer looked at me and I shrugged my shoulders.

“Out,” he answered.

She led us to an outside patio with dark wood beams, surrounded by white twinkle lights. I had eaten here with my family several times. Donny's was a favorite with the locals, and I was happy he had chosen it. The hostess sat us at a small table for two. Spencer pulled out my chair, and I took a seat. He sat across from me. The hostess handed us our menus and asked if we wanted a drink, all the while keeping her eyes focused on Spencer.

“I'll have a root beer please.”

Finally, she noticed me.

“That sounds good. I'll have the same.”

Spencer smiled up at the hostess, and I could have sworn I heard her gasp. We read over our menus for a minute before I looked back at him.

“What would you like?” he asked.

“Do you want to split a pizza and maybe get some pasta?” The garlicky aromas from the kitchen made me realize how hungry I was.

“Perfect. How about a cheese pizza and spaghetti?”

“That sounds good. Do you mind if we get angel hair? It's my favorite.”

“Angel hair for an angel.” He sat back in his chair and smiled.

His comment embarrassed me. He chuckled at my reaction and stroked the stubble of his chin with one hand.

“It's hard for you to take a compliment, isn't it?”

I shielded my face with the curtain of my hair, looking everywhere but at him. “I guess I'm just not used to it.” My face still felt warm.

“I didn't mean to embarrass you. It's just…”

I was thankful when the waitress interrupted our conversation and arrived with our drinks. She introduced herself as Jessie and gave Spencer the once-over while he rattled off our order. I sipped my soda and watched as she shamelessly flirted with him.

He kept his attention focused on me and ignored her. He picked up his root beer, and my eyes glanced over at the script written on his ring finger.

It was so tempting to ask him about the delicate tattoo, but I decided against it. We were having such a good time. I remembered how he'd closed himself off the last time I'd asked, so I thought I'd keep my mouth shut. The food arrived. Spencer divvied up our pizza, while I dished out the pasta.

“I love their pizza.” I smiled and took a big bite.

Spencer folded his slice in half and took a bite.

“Do you always eat your pizza like that?” He glanced at his slice and then back to me.

“Lance taught me to eat it this way. He called it the fold-hold, less mess.” He shrugged and took another bite.

“I wonder how Lance is doing? I sure miss him.”

“I'm sure he's doin' great.” He took another bite.

The waitress came back and refilled our sodas while I twirled the pasta around my fork. Spencer finished his pizza and grabbed another slice. My cell phone chimed from my pocket. I hesitated, not wanting to be rude.

“You can get that, if you need too.”

I reached in my pocket and pulled out my cell. It was a text from Melissa.

“Boyfriend?” he asked.

“No. Friend.” I shut off my ringer and stuffed the phone back in my pocket. There was an awkwardness that surrounded our table after that. Spencer finished up his pasta and the last of the pizza as I placed my fork across my empty plate. I was thankful when the waitress came back and asked if we would like anything else.

“Would you like dessert?” Spencer asked.

“We could split something.” That answer seemed to lighten the mood.

“I like your style.” He smiled.

“See. Told you. I like to eat. I'll have to pay for it tomorrow, but it's worth it… How ‘bout the tiramisu?”

“A girl after my own heart.” Spencer glanced up at the waitress and said, “One tiramisu, two forks.”

A few minutes later, the waitress returned and placed the dessert between us. We both dug in at the same time. My eyes grew wide while watching Spencer wrap his mouth around the moist cake. The way his tongue slid across his lips and the throaty groan that escaped him made me inhale sharply. My fork hung midair. I was so caught up in watching him I hadn't even taken a bite.

“Mmm… That's good.” He suggestively licked his fork.

I had to shake my head to free myself from my wayward thoughts. Finally, I took a bite. Delicious. I savored the taste as I chewed the creamy cake.

Spencer's eyes were transfixed on my lips. When my tongue darted out to retrieve a crumb, he took a deep breath and swallowed. The atmosphere surrounding our innocent dinner was becoming something more. I could almost feel the surge of electricity between us.

To break the spell closing in around us, I put my fork down and grabbed my drink, avoiding the scrutiny of his gaze. Spencer sighed before he looked away.

While sipping my soda, a boisterous laugh caught my attention. It sounded familiar. The laughter turned into a voice I knew all too well. I glanced behind me. My heart began to pound as I shifted in my chair, placing my drink on the table.

Derek.

“Are you alright? You look pale.” Spencer picked up on my anxiety. He reached for my hand.

“I'm fine.” I withdrew my hand and stood up. “We should go.” Adrenaline pulsed through me, and my eyes darted around the patio. The side exit to the parking lot was blocked with patrons. The only way out was the front door.

“I'll meet you at the bike.” The distress in my tone made my words sound curt. But at that moment, I didn't care how I sounded. Getting out of the restaurant was my only concern.

The hostess came through with a party of four. I took advantage of the opportunity, concealed myself behind the group, and walked swiftly past them. My breath escaped me, and I sighed with relief. Within seconds, I was out of the restaurant.

Thankfully, Derek hadn't seen me. If he had, he would have let me know it. What was I thinking? Going out with Spencer? That was the problem. I wasn't thinking. I'd been so caught up in the moment I hadn't even thought of the consequences, if Aidan found out. The thought made me shudder.

A few minutes later, Spencer walked past me as he exited the front door.

“Spencer,” I called out. The confusion was still apparent on his face. He took a few steps toward me.

“Why'd you run out?” His voice was full of concern.

I hesitated before I answered.

“I saw someone. Someone, I didn't want to run into.”

“Who?” he asked.

My eyes shifted to a group of people exiting the restaurant. I started walking toward the bike with Spencer at my side.

“A guy that's in Mason's band.”

Spencer peered straight ahead. He seemed tense around the eyes.

“With your boyfriend?”

“Yes,” I whispered.

“I see.” Spencer was quiet until we reached the bike. His sudden mood change made me feel like I should apologize. He grabbed the helmets.

“I'm sorry for running out,” I said. “It was stupid, but I didn't know what else to do.”

He nodded, but his vague expression made me feel uncomfortable. I pulled the hair band out from my pocket and twisted my hair back.

I pulled the helmet over my head. Spencer put on his and straddled the bike then leaned forward, allowing me to get on. The engine growled to life, and I latched my arms around his firm middle. It upset me when his body tensed from my touch. He slowly rode out of the parking lot onto the street.

In an attempt to shield myself from the wind, I tucked my head behind him. The hum of the engine and the coolness of the night helped distract my jumbled thoughts.