The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set (6 page)

Joel squeezed my hands to make me look at him again. “Hey, you could have come with me. Why didn’t you say anything? I could have gotten you a ticket.” His eyes stared deep into mine, looking genuine enough. But he was only saying it to make me feel better. No way in hell would he want me around while he hit on all the half naked girls there.

“Yeah right, you wouldn’t want me tagging along, cramping your style.” I pulled my hands away, but he held on tighter.

He drew me in farther so we were barely inches apart. “As if! I would be the one holding all the guys back from hitting on you.”

Was he seriously taking the piss?

I looked at him in disbelief. “Joel, take a look around, it’s not like I’m fighting them off.” I laughed at the sheer thought.

How absurd! 

Then snorted again.

Oh god.

I cringed with embarrassment and leaned my forehead down onto the cold wooden bar in a pathetic attempt to avoid his gaze.

I knew he was grinning wildly.

Snorting once I could excuse.

But twice?

Yep, just kill me now.

He slowly released my hands and tickled the back of my neck. I twitched slightly with the contact. Oh his fingers felt amazing gliding over my skin. I wondered what it would feel like tickling other parts of my body?

I really wanted to find out.

I knew he was waiting for me to sit back up, but I needed a moment to clear my head. Especially after that last thought.

My cheeks were burning only imagining how good it would be. The blush slowly subsided, and I slowly lifted my head back up so my eyes met his, and he smiled. His hands grabbed mine once again, holding them tight.

“Iz, do you not realise in the short space of time you’ve been here, two guys have been checking you out?”

He was so wrong, what a complete wind up merchant. He was just saying it to try to make me feel better. I didn’t need his pity. He certainly didn’t have to go to the extreme of lying to make me feel good about myself. But I was still enjoying the handholding. Maybe a little too much.

“I’m not making it up. Look over there to your right.” He nodded his head in the direction for me to look. I scowled a little at him, no longer enjoying his joke. His lips pulled up into a grin, motioning with his eyes again.

I did my best discreet over the shoulder glance, and sure enough two guys were smiling back. I snapped my head back around so fast I almost got whiplash.

Oh god, he was right.

I instantly frowned. “Joel, don’t you dare leave me. I’m not interested in them,” I pleaded with him. My eyes relaying my desperation as I clung onto his hands even tighter.

“Hey,” he soothed. “I’m not going anywhere, and if they cause any trouble I’ll pull out the gun behind the bar.” His smile almost split his face in two. Which was probably more to do with the look of horror spreading across mine.

Did he really have a gun?

Wow, my very own action hero.

Well, he did have the looks and body for it, and he’d look amazing in a dirty white vest.

I leaned forward in my stool, checking either side of me before I spoke. “Joel, you don’t really have a gun behind there, do you?” I whispered, scared in case anyone else heard.

A quick scan of the room told me everyone was too wrapped up in their own little conversations to worry about Joel having an illegal weapon behind the bar.

He laughed, stroking my hand as a huge grin spread across his face. “Izzy, your face is a picture. No, I don’t, but it sounded good.” He shook his head bemusedly, shooting me a cheeky wink. “Hey Iz, next time the Foos are in town, we’re going to see them. It’s officially a date.”

Date?

Wow, my heart stuttered at the very word. But what if he backed out? I needed to make it official, legally binding, in case anything else cropped up before then.

“Pinky swear?” I smiled, holding out my little finger.

He chuckled, looking at it bemusedly before wrapping his around mine. “Pinky swear.” He grinned, his eyes shining with delight.

“There’s no backing out now, you are tied to take me. You can’t go back on a pinky swear. Those are the rules.” I laughed at his expression, he had never done a pinky swear before in his life.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, my word is my honour.” He bowed down and kissed my hand as if to seal the deal.

He did not just do that!

I was never washing my hand again.

One kiss and I was suddenly transported back to a Jane Austen film. The gesture was so sweet and innocent, I was almost about to swoon. My hands gripped the bar in case my body decided to lose all control.

For the next hour we sat chatting. To my delight Joel made me another hot chocolate, fuelling my sugar cravings further. This one had less cream, so the risk of sporting a cream moustache had been reduced to almost minimal chance of embarrassment. I talked about college, and I regaled all my many hilarious Elijah stories, which prompted the biggest smile on his face.

To my relief, I managed not to snort again for the rest of the afternoon. A third one would have been beyond embarrassing, actual social suicidal.

It was strange how everything felt so natural, like we’d talked countless times like this before. He was such a different person to the Joel I had always known, the Joel I’d spent a lot of time loving and loathing.

The one thing that remained the same was he still drove me wild with his intense, lingering looks. His eyes sparking something deep inside as his touch sent a shiver throughout my body. The way he lovingly held my hand and his sweet words; I’d never get tired of hearing his voice.

I felt the addiction running through my veins. I was completely hooked, and Joel was my only choice of drug. I knew I was falling hard, caught up in his spell. I just hoped that it was a good thing as I no longer had the strength to fight it.

My eyes dropped down to the hot chocolate I was mindlessly stirring. I watched as the dark liquid swirled around the inside of the mug, slowly becoming hypnotised by the vortex it made.

“Are you looking for lost treasure?” Joel asked. I sensed the joking tone but the panic inside overshadowed the humour.

“What?” My eyes snapped up to meet his concerned blue.

My whole body flinched, and I quickly licked my lips. I knew my twitchy behaviour hadn’t gone unnoticed. I’d caught lots of prying eyes watching me warily. I was no doubt giving off the strange vibe. The fact I’d practically leapt out of my seat every time the door banged shut was a slight giveaway.

“Hey, are you okay?”

I quickly placed the spoon down and swallowed slowly, trying to regain some composure. I had to try to act more natural, well, as natural as I possibly could manage in this moment in time.

“I’m fine,” I managed to croak out, though it was pretty obvious I was far from it.

“Penny for your thoughts?” he asked smiling as he casually leaned over the bar, staring deep into my eyes. His close proximity only resulted in sending my anxiety levels through the roof.

My throat grew even tighter; I could barely choke out the words. “They’re not worth that much,” I whispered. My teeth took my anxiety out on my lip, and I immediately tasted blood. I sucked it in to try to conceal it. I didn’t wish to arouse his suspicions any further.

He frowned at my reply, and his eyes held a look of concern. “I’d love to know what you’re thinking right now.”

“Trust me, you don’t.” I feigned a smile to convince him to drop it. I knew I’d already failed when his eyes continued to watch me closely. I dropped mine down, purposely locking them on to the beer mat in front of me. I twirled it around in my fingers as a distraction and avoided staring into the eyes I knew would break me.

He hesitated, drumming his fingers against the bar. I knew he wanted to ask more questions, ones I just wasn’t ready to answer.

A large crowd of students bustled in catching Joel’s attention. The room filled with a general buzz helping to drown out the voices in my head. I was grateful for the reprieve; they’d be a big enough distraction in keeping him busy.

My stomach clenched once again at the thought of rejection. What if I’d just built this entirely up in my own head?

I was all set to confess my feelings to him today, but sitting here at the bar the execution part seemed far less appealing. I was quickly becoming lost in a cyclone of negative thoughts, the fear taking hold once more.

My insecurities won out in the end, and I turned ready to leave. Then I felt a pair of eyes watching me from across the room.

I glanced over to a bunch of cute guys in suits. One smiled directly at me, while the others continued talking. I snapped my head around so fast my neck cracked, making me yelp.

Shit!

Major whiplash.

The pub began to fill up rendering my conversation with Joel a non-starter. I sighed, annoyed at my cowardly self.

Maybe ignorance was bliss?

Yeah right.

Stepping down from the stool, I reached over to grab my belongings only to find the cute guy heading in my direction. I contemplated grabbing my things and hightailing it out the door. But he was barely meters away. So I went with my only option, quickly sitting back down and pretending to sip my drink.

I smelt him before he reached the bar. My head filled with a rich intoxicating aroma of what I had no doubt was an overly expensive aftershave.

“Can I buy you something stronger?” he asked, his voice confident and husky. He’d obviously practiced his routine several times on the ladies.

I sat clutching the hot chocolate like my life depended on it. My eyes slowly turned towards him. “No, thanks. I’m happy with this for now.” I gave him a weak smile before turning back.

Just take the hint and leave.

The uncomfortable silence grew by the second, and the air became so stifling I could barely breathe.

He shifted slightly, his hand rested on the bar bringing the attention back to him, forcing our eyes to connect once again.

This time I noticed his gorgeous green eyes; they twinkled as he spoke. He really was a handsome guy. His short blonde hair totally complimented his naturally chiselled, tanned face. His green eyes only accentuated his look further, but I just wasn’t interested.

“So I’m Scott, I didn’t catch your name?” He smiled, flashing a set of perfect white teeth.

Errr yeah, I never gave you it.

I loathed being put on the spot. Situations like this left me cold. I didn’t want to be here a moment longer, but I was sat frozen on the stool. My body felt disconnected from my head, it wouldn’t move no matter how much I willed it.

“Izzy, well Isabelle really, but all my friends call me Izzy.” Oh hell, why was I acting flustered and rambling on like an idiot? I wasn’t even interested, but after that little display he probably thought I was.

I inwardly berated myself for not acting more composed. I couldn’t be cool if I tried. I really needed Elijah to give me lessons. I was certain he’d be only too willing, after all he had now became my personal shopper.

“Isabelle, what a lovely name, well Izzy, can I ask if you’re single?”

Shit.

The guy was no holds barred, straight to the point. How the hell do I get out of this one? I needed an excuse, but my brain was no longer cooperating. It wasn’t the best time for it to malfunction.

“Wow, you’re very direct.” I laughed, in a slightly annoyed way. Irritated he had the balls to be that forward. My head was screaming for me to leave but my legs still weren’t co-operating.

“Well I see a beautiful girl sitting alone at the bar, and I want to know if I haven’t got my hopes up for nothing. I’d love to take you to dinner.” His smile grew wider, and I blushed at his compliment. His body inched closer, and I frowned at his proximity. I hated the direction the conversation was heading, taking more of an uncomfortable turn by the second.

I needed to go right now.

I glanced over at Joel, who was still busy serving the students, chatting away. He was thoroughly engrossed in the conversation, no doubt football related. I wanted to scream to catch his attention, but no words left my lips.

I turned back to Scott who was waiting almost expectantly for an answer. “Yes, I’m single,” I murmured begrudgingly, shuffling my feet in agitation. I was not that good of a liar to pull it off. My face was always a dead giveaway.

“Really?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “I thought a gorgeous girl like you would be snapped up.” His voice was laced with a level of excitement that sent a mixture of unease right through me. He smiled like I was a certainty to say yes. Yeah, he was definitely a smooth talking charmer, but his words just left me cold.

My eyes flicked away from Scott’s instantly feeling Joel’s stare burning right into me. The intensity sent shivers throughout my body.

Hallelujah.

It had taken him long enough.

I wanted him to charge over and rescue me like a white knight. Judging by the intense looks he was shooting my way, he’d only be happy to help. Just one signal from me and all my prayers would be answered. But I had to know how deep his feelings went.

A smile crossed my lips. This would be the perfect opportunity to gauge his response. Flirting with another guy could give me what I wanted, but I was going to have to be cruel in my quest to find the answer.

“So where would we go for this meal?” I asked smiling, my fingers twirling the ends of my hair. I was now in full on flirt mode, hoping I was putting on quite a show with my little performance.

“Well I would take you to this lovely Italian bistro, that’s near here . . .”

I stopped my eyes mid roll, I had to remember to appear interested, but my curiosity got the better of me. I quickly glanced over to check Joel was still watching, and he was and this time our eyes connected.

From his tight clenched jaw and the way his blue eyes pierced into mine, he definitely wasn’t happy.

My plan was actually working.

Turning back to Scott, I nodded and smiled in all the right places. Feeling happy Joel’s eyes were fixed on me. He remained glaring behind the bar, but I knew I would have to take it to the next level to achieve the reaction I wanted.

Preferably before I fell into a coma.

God, this guy was boring.

Scott, I was certain wouldn’t take much convincing. He was more than enthusiastic for the both of us. I needed to see the full extent of Joel’s jealousy to know if he harboured any feelings for me.

“Ow,” I said overdramatically, batting my lashes.

“What’s up?” Scott asked, immediately frowning as he came even closer.

I pretend pouted for dramatic effect. “I have something in my eye.” I fluttered my eyelashes, carrying on the charade. I knew Joel’s eyes were still locked on me, and I was glad. I wanted his full attention.

“Let me have a look? It’s probably just an eyelash.” Scott closed the small distance between us and gently cupped my face, lifting it up towards the light.

I opened my eyes wide and his thumb grazed my cheek. His face was barely inches away. I felt his warm, soft breath tickle softly against my skin as his sparkling green eyes stared deep into mine.

Oh god.

Abort the plan. Abort the plan.

“Something wrong, Iz?” Joel snapped loudly. The cold, hard edge to his voice made me jump with fright.

I spun around fast to find him standing in front of me. His jaw was tight, and I watched the muscle twitch when he glared at Scott. He looked like he wanted to kill him.

I got my reaction then.

I bit back the smile threatening to take over my face. Quickly slipping back into my little actress role. “Well, Scott here was helping me with an eyelash, which thankfully he’s managed to get out,” I replied, hoping my innocent little act was doing the trick.

Scott grinned acting like the big hero, lapping up the praise. Despite the fact he’d never even touched my eye. Joel stood seething, with his fists curled up in rage, his eyes dark and dangerous.

My plan had definitely worked. I had got the response I wanted. Now I needed Scott to leave, but it looked like he wasn’t going anywhere.

Shit.

Major flaw in the plan.

I guess I was the one leaving then? Before the toxic triangle got anymore awkward.

“Well I’d better be going, that essay won’t write itself,” I said breezily, trying to act natural. I quickly gathered up my coat and bag, ready to make a sharp exit.

“Hey, can I have your number or give you mine?” Scott asked, looking hopeful as he flashed me another blinding smile.

Seriously?

The guy never missed a beat.

Plus a girl would need sunglasses to date him. I think he really should tone down on the whitener.

I watched Joel’s hands grip the bar tightly. I was afraid to look up into his face; I knew it already would be dark and thunderous.

Scott reached into his tailored jacket, which had to be expensive. The cut on his body was amazing. I could tell he worked out by the definition of his chest through his expensive shirt. He really was a catch, any girl would be lucky to have him. But I just wasn’t interested. The only guy I wanted was standing burning a hole into me with his eyes at this precise moment.

He pulled out a flashy business card, handing it over. His finger deliberately grazed against mine. He grinned with obvious delight when my eyes grew wider, clearly enjoying my reaction.

I really had to get out of here now.

“Well, it was really lovely to meet you, Scott,” I muttered through gritted teeth. I felt like my face was about to crack if I kept up this expression for a moment longer.

He smiled giving me a cheeky wink, bringing a hot blush to my face. Which made him smile even more.

I glanced over at Joel. A look of pain flashed across his face and his eyebrows scrunched together. His eyes remained sad, questioning my actions. I knew I’d hurt him. It was obvious from his reaction he was jealous. I felt like a complete and total bitch. My only consolation was I finally had the reassurance I needed. I knew things were about to change, and for the first time in a while I couldn’t wait for that to happen.

* * *

The next day I tried and failed to speak to Joel. I wondered if the gods were sending me some sort of sign to just leave it and move on already. Was it seriously worth having a nervous breakdown over? But then I was gifted the perfect opportunity. My mother was leaving to stay at my aunt’s for the next five days, and Mike was given the unenviable task of running her to the train station.

She lectured us all on our behaviour before she departed, but I knew Mike would get the brunt of her nagging during the car journey, which made me smile even harder.

Waving the final goodbye, I watched with a smile on my face as the car drove off into the distance.