Page 11 of No One But Us

I think about that. In some ways, it’s a good problem to have. I wouldn’t mind having parents who cared so much about my outcome that they were actually paying attention to what I did. But at least this way I’m choosing a future for myself instead of letting someone else dictateit.

“If you’re not doing what you want, then you’ll always disappoint yourself. And if someone’s going to wind up disappointed, make sure it’s not you because you’re the one who has to live with theconsequences.”

He raises a brow as he rises. “Yet you’re here hiding out instead of getting another internship because it’s what your parentswanted.”

He goes inside for a refill, and I remain in my seat, thinking how wrong he is. I’m not here hiding out because my parents told me to. I’m here because I want to be a reporter, but there’s another thing I’ve always wanted just asmuch.

In fact, I think, watching him hold the door for someone as he walks back out, I’m pretty sure I actually want himmore.

* * *

When Edward calls that afternoon, I know for a fact that my obsession with James is eclipsing everythingelse.

“Elle,” he says heavily when I pick up. “I’m glad I caught you. Are youhome?”

He sounds so normal, so adult. It once again seems absolutely impossible that he was hitting on me, in spite of the way things look. I want to be angry at him, but I just don’t have it inme.

“No, I’m at the beach. My parents wanted me to make myself scarce while things settledown.”

“That’s excellent advice,” he says. “I’m sorry about this. I know how crazy it must seem toyou.”

What I want to hear him say is that none of this is how it appears, and that he plans to tell everyone that, but of course that’s hoping too much. He’s going to wind up with some carefully crafted statement designed to minimize the impact on him, and I’m collateraldamage.

“Give it a few days to blow over,” he says. “Once this dies away, I’ll make it up to you, Iswear.”

I agree, hoping his plan to make it up to me doesn’t somehow involve his penis. But after we hang up, I realize I’m hoping it doesn’t workout.

Whether he’s marrying that girl or not, I’m not ready to give up on James justyet.

Chapter 7

JAMES

I’m working the bar,and no matter where I stand, all I seem to see are long legs and a perfect, pouty mouth. There is always a moment when I forget that this is Elle. Elle who is only 19, and who would be off limits no matter what her age. My physical reaction to her always comes first, followed far too late by the part of me that’s disgusted byit.

She did not have the easiest childhood. I wanted to protect her then, and that part of me still exists. That other thing—the part that shouldn’t be there—is something I’m praying will just goaway.

She comes up to the bar needing a drink order. Her shorts are riding up along her inner thighs, and for a single moment I’m transfixed by the idea of it—the softness of her skin there, how it would feel like velvet under the pad of a single finger. My mouth pressing to her neck, her gasp against my ear as my handrises.

I swallow hard and flinch before I look towardher.

“Did I fuck up another order?” she asks, watching myface.

I shake my head, sliding the drinks her way. “No. It was fine. Roughday?”

“If byroughyou mean fucking up right and left. How did I ever think I was going to anchor a broadcast, James? I can’t even manage to get people silverware before their meals arethrough.”

“It’ll get easier.” I smile at her, and my eyes snag where they should not. “I told Brian to get you a biggershirt.”

“Hedid.”

“It doesn’tlookbigger.”

“Leave her alone, James,” says Kristy, coming up on Elle’s left. “Her shirt’s just fine. I bet she’s getting better tips than the rest of uscombined.”

This pisses me off, far more than it should. Everything where Elle is concerned is pissing me off, including Max. He’s been my best friend since college, but I also know how he is with women. Ginny is so much younger than him, I’ve never really had to worry about the two of them together. But if I’m capable of thinking the things I am about Elle, he istoo.

* * *

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