Hypnotized (3 page)

“From the coffee shop when you got a drink.”

“Oh, yeah.”

He reached out and brushed a lock of hair from my face. My breath caught when his fingers lightly touched my skin, and I swear every nerve was on end.

“I like a good challenge.” He walked away, leaving me standing there, speechless. I was in trouble when it came to him. I wanted to know him, but had a feeling the talk was true. He was bad news. That fact alone made me that much more attracted to him.

As I went down the stairs, walking away from the girl who had caught my attention, I had the desire to go back, grab her by the hand, and whisk her away. She captivated me.

“Dude, where’d you go?” my friend Erik asked.

“Bathroom.” I glanced around. “This party is lame. Want to get out of here?” Parties always seemed to be lame when you really weren’t into this type of scene anymore.

Erik pulled his phone from his pocket, looked at it, then shoved it back into his jeans. “Sure. It’s a bit too packed.”

Packed? Yeah, that was for sure. The party was full of younger kids just getting out on their own. It was loud; surely the cops would be showing up before long. I didn’t need to get mixed up with that. I’d worked hard to turn my life around. I’d been one of these kids once, and the path I had chosen had been the wrong one. It had taken walking away from almost everyone I knew in order to get back on the straight path.

At the door, I turned, feeling her eyes on me. Sure enough, there she was with another girl. She watched me. I could almost see the wheels turning in her head. She was as intrigued by me as I was her. I took a moment to take in the blouse and tight jeans she had on, saving the image to my brain.

I nodded at her slightly. A small smiled crossed her beautiful face as her cheeks reddened, and she gave me a tiny wave. My night had been made.

“Dude, you coming?” Erik asked.

Taking her in a moment longer, I turned to him. “Yeah.”

“Who’s the girl that’s caught your attention?”

I rubbed my hands together as we crossed the green lawn, seeing her blue eyes in my mind. “I don’t know. Something about her has spiked my curiosity.”

“Is it that she’s innocent?” Erik chuckled, annoying me.

Somehow I’d gotten a bad reputation. I blamed that jerk, Pete, for it, but I suppose I was just as guilty in it. Some parts of the rumors were true, but for the most part, they weren’t. I didn’t intentionally date innocent girls and steal their virginities.

“Yeah, she has a sweet face, but we know that means nothing.” I thumped him on the shoulder.

I climbed into the passenger side when we got to his car. I didn’t ride in vehicles often, most of the time I was on my bike. But I sure as hell wasn’t going to ride around with Erik on the back of my bike.

“Where to now?” Erik asked.

I had no idea. “We could go see a movie.”

Erik started the car and laughed. “When did you get to be such an old man?”

I smirked. He had a point. I worked so much, I didn’t really go out and party the way a typical single twenty-three year old guy did. What would happen next? I’d fall in love?

***

Paisley had been haunting my dreams since I met her. What was it about her? Ever since laying eyes on her in the coffee shop, she’d been on my mind. I hoped I’d see her again. Stupidly, I didn’t get her number. I’d left the ball in her court, but I had a feeling I’d see her again. She was as drawn to me as I was her.

I just wasn’t sure about that guy. He was possessive of her. However, she said he wasn’t her boyfriend, but I wasn’t so sure.

“Gabe, honey.” My mom, when she wanted to play the part, stood at the edge of the table I sat at in the coffee shop. “Will you do me a favor?”

I shrugged. “Depends.”

“We’re out of milk. Could you run out and get some?”

“Yeah, okay.” I closed my laptop and got up.

I’d go by the market and get the milk she needed and when I got back, I’d pack up my things and get out of there. Mommy dearest was in the mood to be nice, but could flip at any time.

I hopped on my bike, strapped on my helmet, and didn’t look back as I rode through town. Damn traffic was backed up, but it would be worse once school started with college kids galore. Maybe Paisley would be attending school.

Seriously, what was wrong with me? I’d seen her twice in my life, and I was already obsessed with her. Her sweet nature appealed to me. I’d always been attracted to the more sweet girls and it seemed to pour from her. However, since I liked this type of girl, I’d created a false reputation for myself. I couldn’t say the rumors weren’t completely true, but I’d changed. It seemed no one wanted to believe that, though.

I parked at the grocery store. It was time to get in and out. As I walked down the cold aisle to get milk, I heard someone walk up to me.

“God, I always hate seeing your face.”

I turned to see Pete with his sister—my ex—Kelly. Fuck, as big as this town was, why did I have to run into him? I’d just seen him the other night giving me problems. “I don’t like seeing you either.”

“Hi, Gabe.” Kelly smiled. “Remember me?”

“Yeah.”  Even though I wished I didn’t. Getting involved with her got me tied up in Pete’s life and started my downward spiral into drugs and alcohol. Not a person someone wants to get mixed up with.

“I saw you making eyes at Evan’s girl, Paisley.” Pete crossed his arms. “Stay away from her.”

“You sure she’s his girl?”

“Well, not yet, but he’s working on it.”

I wasn’t looking for a competition, but with Pete, everything was. “Paisley is a grown woman and I’m sure she will decide who she wants.”

“It won’t be you. Got it? You’ve already screwed up enough girls’ lives, let that one be,” Pete snapped.

Like Pete was one to talk. I’d never seen him with the same girl twice. “Whatever, man.” I grabbed the milk and started to walk away.

“Gabe,” Kelly called.

“Yeah.”

“Call me sometime.”

I nodded and walked away. I heard her brother snap at her that I was a jerk, but whatever. I wasn’t on this earth to please them, or anyone.

Maybe getting involved with Paisley wasn’t a good idea if it meant I’d have to deal with Pete, or even Kelly, again.

Who was I kidding? I couldn’t wait until she walked through the coffee shop door again. Even if it brought drama, I needed to know her.

Now, to wait until the day she sought me out.

“I’m running out for a bit.” I picked up my keys and purse from the table by the front door.

“Okay, sweetie. What time will you be back?” my mom asked as she wiped her hands on a dish towel.

I rolled the key ring around on my finger. “Not really sure. Why?”

“Dinner. I need to know if I’m feeding you or not.”

“Don’t plan on me.” Pushing the front door open, I turned back. “Where’s the key to my place? Think I might stop by.”

She winked and returned a moment later with the key dangling from her fingers. “Here you go. I figured you’d want to check it out before long. Don’t forget, I want to take you shopping for some kitchen furnishings on your next day off.”

This was getting more real. “See ya later. I’ve got my cell on me if you need me.”

I closed the door behind me. After climbing into my small sedan, I began to drive toward downtown. My parents lived about forty minutes from Athens.
My parent
s…wow, perhaps I was finally beginning to consider moving out.

My phone buzzed on the console. When I came to a red light, I checked to see a text from Evan.

Party tonight. Want to go?

I set the phone back down. No, I didn’t want to go. It had been a few days since the last one, and the reminder of Evan puking in my backseat still lingered in the air. Since my car was equipped with Bluetooth, I asked her to dial Evan.

“Hey,” he answered right away. “Get my text?”

“I did. Not tonight.”

“Why?”

I tightened my grip on the steering wheel to get my frustration out. “I’m heading to Athens right now, actually, to check out my place.”

“At least let’s eat while you’re here. We need to move you here ASAP. I don’t see why you’re taking so long.”

Because it meant I had to grow up. Spread my wings and fly. “I think I’m just about ready. By the time classes start, I’ll be moved in. Mom’s taking me shopping soon for stuff.”

“Call me when you get here. I’ll come over.”

“Sounds good. See ya.” I pressed the
end
button on the steering wheel.

Athens was still a ways off. Cranking the radio up, I cruised along and enjoyed the ride. I was used to it, since I worked in town, but before long, the only time I’d make this drive was when I visited the parents.

By the time I got into town, I was yawning. I hadn’t slept well the night before. All these upcoming changes in my life had my mind running a mile a minute. I took the first parking spot I found. I didn’t have too far to walk, thankfully. Locking up the car, I set out for my new home. But on my way, I saw
the
coffee shop. This time I took note of its name. Blue Mountain.
His
bike was out front—in a parking space. I smiled, wondering if what I’d said had anything to do with him being off the sidewalk.

I needed to keep walking. Stopping would be a mistake. Gabe wasn’t the guy for me—or at least according to Evan and Pete. So why did I want to see him so badly?

Coffee was on my to-do list before I went to my apartment. Maybe he wasn’t even in the main area. Perhaps he was in the back doing stock or something for his parents. I pushed the door open and entered the cool shop and couldn’t believe I was here again.

My gaze darted around the room and then I spotted him. Immediately, he glanced up.

“Paisley, I’ve been waiting for you.” He stood and came over.

“You have?” Had he been serious at the party about me knowing where to find him?

“What do you want?” He motioned toward the chalk board. “It’s on me.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Please. It’s part of the perks of my parents owning this place. Probably the only one.”

He had a point. “An iced hazelnut coffee.”

He grinned, showing me a glimmer of his teeth. His smile made me melt. “Coming right up.”

I watched as he told the barista what I wanted. She got busy preparing the drink and Gabe sauntered back over to me, looking deliciously sexy, once again.

“Do you live here in town?” he asked.

I didn’t want to tell this guy I was home with my parents. I wanted to look like a cool college kid. “Soon. I’m going to check out my place after I get coffee.”

“Oh yeah?” He raised an eyebrow. “Maybe you’ll take me up on that walk.”

My mouth opened, but nothing came out. Go somewhere with him?

“You’re cute when you’re flustered.” He winked and went to the register to get my drink. He handed it to me and headed for the door. “Come on,” he called over his shoulder

“Uh.” Did I want him to know where I was going to live?

“We could ride my motorcycle over.”

I was positive my eyes were wide open. Ride on that hot hunk of metal. Could I?

“On second thought, let’s just walk. When you’re ready, I’ll take you for a ride. Besides, you’ve got the drink.” He opened the door and stepped out, not giving me any other choice but to follow him.

Taking a deep breath, I followed. As I joined him outside in the sweltering heat, I knew for sure I wouldn’t be having Evan meet me there.

“Which way?” he asked.

“That way.” I pointed.

As we walked, I half expected him to offer his hand, arm, something, but instead, we simply strolled along together. I took a moment to check him out again. He wore a yellow polo shirt with khaki shorts. I could see the tattoos around his biceps. They were typical guy markings—tribal, or something like that. I don’t know much about them, but man, they were hot on such a clean cut guy. I wondered if he had ink hidden anywhere else.

Was that what attracted me to Gabe so much? The fact he was a walking contradiction?

“Which way now?”

I hadn’t realized we’d stopped. “My new place is right there.”

My apartment was above a clothing shop. An older place, but right by campus. All I had to do was step out in the morning and walk across the street. The more I thought about, the more excited I got about being on my own and being responsible for myself.

Gabe let me go up the stairwell first, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he was checking out my ass in my small, white shorts. At the door, I dug my keys out, my hands shaking the whole time. After I finally calmed my nerves enough, I inserted the key into the lock. The door was tight and needed an extra shove to get it open. But once it did, it swung open, practically making me fall into the place. Thank goodness it was spacious. I needed room to breath after being in such close quarters with Gabe.

“Nice place.” He walked around the open area.

Nice? I found it old and dated. I’d begged my parents for a newer place, but they insisted on this one—which was more expensive. This place still had some wood paneling for heaven’s sake.

“It’s livable, I suppose.”

“Your mommy and daddy paying for it?”

I was taken back by his comment. Something in the tone of his voice I disliked. “I have a job, but yes, they are taking care of it as long as my grades are good.”

“I didn’t mean anything by it.”

“What about you? I assume your
mommy and daddy
let you work at the coffee shop.”

He snickered. “Wrong.”

It dawned on me now. I knew nothing about him, but I was alone with him. I’d shown him my apartment, and didn’t know his age or what he did for a living. Was he in school, too? Was he a serial killer? They always said they were attractive men who lured the women with their charm.

I moved across the room away from him. He leaned against the wall, staring at me like he always did. His eyes were dark and a shiver ran through me.

“I don’t know anything about you,” I blurted out.

“Do you want to know me?”

All I could do was nod because I did. And why the hell did I? Getting mixed up with a guy right now wasn’t the smart thing to do. Classes started soon, and I needed to focus. But everything in me screamed it wanted Gabe. Why?

“I want to know you, too.” He came toward me and I stepped back. Gabe smirked. “What’s the matter?”

My heart pumped so hard I could hear the beating in my ears. “We should go.”

“You had a reason to come here.” He was close now. Only inches were between us. Was he going to kiss me? And if he tried, would I let him?

Our gazes were locked on one another, and it was then I noticed he had the bluest eyes I’d ever seen. I think I wanted to kiss him. Get it out of my system. I blinked. This wasn’t me.

My cell phone blasted music from my pocket, breaking our staring contest. I’d never been so thankful for the interruption. Pulling it out, I saw it was Evan. “Hey.”

“You in town yet?”

“Yup. Got here a bit ago.” Gabe stood with his back to me and looked out the window.

“Thought you were going to call me?”

“I was. I got side-tracked.” Which wasn’t a lie.

“Where you at? Want to eat still?”

“Sure. Yeah.” I rubbed my temple. “Let me finish up at my place, and I’ll call you.”

“Why don’t I just come over?”

“No!” Oh yeah, way to sound like nothing’s going on.

“Pais, you okay?”

I sighed. I couldn’t tell him Gabe was here. He’d flip out. “I’m almost done. I’ll meet you at that Italian place we like. Sound good?”

“See ya soon.”

The call was disconnected. Gabe turned back around and cocked an eyebrow. “Boyfriend?”

I grunted. Evan wasn’t my boyfriend. Though he sure as hell was acting like one lately. Or was he? Perhaps I just felt guilty I’d withheld information from him.

“I take it you’re meeting someone for dinner?”

“Yes. A friend.” My hands clasped in front of me, my fingers nervously toying with one another.

“I’d hoped to take you out before I had to work tonight.”

He worked nights—minus the night of the party. Finally, I knew something about him. “Maybe another time.”

He raked a hand through his dark hair. “I don’t want to play games. Just tell me now if you want me to go away.”

“I don’t.” Or at least I didn’t think I did.

“Then can we go out on a real date soon?”

My head answered for me, because words simply wouldn’t form. This incredibly sexy guy I knew nothing about wanted to go out with me.

“Friday seems so far away.” He was close to me again.
When did that happen?
He lightly brushed my hair from the side of my face. I loved when he did that. “Tomorrow?”

“I have to work.”
If you ask, I’ll call in sick.

“Nothing’s ever easy with you.” He grinned, and I couldn’t help but smile as well. “When are you free?”

God, I wished I hadn’t agreed to go meet Evan. I wanted to stand here all day with Gabe. Feelings went off inside me I’d never really felt. Good ones, and I liked it.

“Are you going to answer me?” He laughed a little.

Yikes, how long had I been staring at him like a love struck school girl? “I’m free tomorrow morning.”

“We can do breakfast, but I might not be the best company. I’m not much of a morning person.”