Page 8 of Fall Wherever They May

“Yep, that’s me.”

Leo nods his head to the passenger seat, where the puppy is resting comfortably. “And who is this little guy?”

“Oh, I found him in the middle of the road about a mile back. If anyone is looking for him, please let them know I have him.”

“Will do.” He hands my license back to me with a bright white smile; his dimples make an appearance. “It’s nice to meet you, Aspen,” he says to me with a wink, then taps the top of my car. “You have a good day.”

“You too,” I call out.

Leo opens the gate for me. Then, to my annoyance, he waves Callan on through without stopping him. I know it’s bitchy, but I was hoping for him to be further inconvenienced.I should have counted to one hundred.

I round the curvy road throughout the beautifully landscaped neighborhood leading to my house. Peeking in the rearview mirror, I see Callan still following behind me. Finally, my sight sets on my house up ahead. Relief that I’m home settlesover me. Maybe I’ll never have to see this asshole’s face again.One could only hope.

I pull into my driveway.

He pulls into the driveway across the street.

I turn off my car, grab the pup, and step out.

He steps out.

CHAPTER THREE

Aspen

My brows tug into a frown of confusion as I face the driveway across the street with my hip leaning against the side of my car. “Are you a creeper?”

“I beg your pardon?” He questions with a smile so big and knowing, his cheeks may hurt.

I throw my free arm out in exasperation. “I asked if you’re a creeper. Are you following me?”

“I know what you asked, but I thought you were being facetious. No, I live here.” He points to the massive house across the street. “Hi, neighbor.” He gives me an exaggerated wave.

No. No. No. This cannot be happening to me. Fuck. My. Life. I’ll tell you one thing: those cookies I was going to bake . . . yeah, I’m not baking them for this asshole!

“So, you’re the infamous frat boy.”

He huffs a laugh. “Yup, guess that would be me,” he says with a shrug, his smile still on display. Why does his smile have to be pretty too? It’s like a weapon of mass destruction.

“You see . . . there, I was being facetious. I know better. You’re too . . .” I wrinkle my nose. “Old.” Is the word I settle with. “But you were acting like one the other day. Mature. Truly.” I rollmy eyes. “Anyway, see you around, Hotshot. Guess you didn’t need my number after all.” I toss up a middle finger as I walk into the house with the puppy in tow.

“Wait!” He calls out, stopping me in my tracks.

I turn around and stare him down. “What?”

“So, you know who I am?”

I step back outside with an incredulous expression. Who does this guy think he is? Jesus? I bet he even thinks he walks on water.

“You called me Hotshot not once, but twice now.”

“And?” My hand rests on my doorknob, ready to make an escape.

“And . . . I’m just saying you wouldn’t have called me that if you didn’t know who I was.” Callan leans against the side of his now beat-up midnight black sports car, with his body facing mine and legs crossed at the ankle. He casually runs his fingers through his hair and scratches the back of his neck.

I study him for a beat, feigning surprise. “Oh. My. God. You’re Callan Fucking Miles! Wow! I can’t believe it!” I exaggerate a gasp and bring one hand up to cover my mouth. He nods his head with a smug smile on his face. He seriously thinks I should know who he is, doesn’t he? I know he’s not an actor. If that’s the case, he’s definitely not a good one or one with the big name he thinks he has. “I know exactly who you are!” I bring my hand up to my chest, mocking excitement with a huge smile. “You’re the Callan Miles!” The smile and mock surprised expression fall from my face as I drop my hand. “A self-absorbed, egotistical, pompous prick who just hit my fucking car then treated me like complete shit!” I yell.

Letting out a chuckle, then a sigh, his head tilts back contemplatively. He crosses his arms tight against his chest, giving me another spectacular view of his huge biceps. Blowingout a big puff of air, he lowers his head, and his hazel eyes lock with mine.

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