Page 17 of Fall I Want
The attraction is intoxicating, and when I meet her eyes, poison bubbles in my blood. “You won’t let it go.”
“No, absolutely not.”
“Tell me why you can’t accept that it tasted like shit?” I state, taking a long pull of my beer.
“I thought someone like you, with your tailored pants and designer shoes, would’ve had a more refined palate and appreciated the greater things in life. I guess not,” she says. Her phone buzzes in her leggings pocket. “That’s probably my boyfriend checking on me.”
“Fuck him. Right now, you’remyentertainment, Autumn.”
She swallows hard.
“Now.” I cross my ankles, leaning against the counter. “We’re negotiating.”
“Negotiating?”
“Yes, do you know what that word means?”
She scoffs. “You’re an asshole.”
“Thank you.” I give her a sarcastic grin. I’m glad she believes that’s who I am. It’s best for both of us if she stays away from me. Broken people break people, and I don’t want to do that to her or anyone.
“What can I offer the man who clearly has everything?” She lifts her arms and glances around the space.
My eyes rake from her eyes to her mouth and I study how hertongue darts out and licks her plump lips. The connection streaming between us is undeniable.
“I want an IOU,” I state, matter-of-factly, testing her boundaries.
“I already told you, I don’t give those,” she says, staying firm in her decision.
“And that’s exactly why I want one. I want to be your exception.” I pull my phone from my pocket and unlock it. Then I scroll through my contacts and click on the person I’m searching for.
“Mr. Alexander,” he says.
Her face contorts.
“Hi, Jerry. How are you, sir?”
He has been the chief of police for the past thirty years. All I’d have to do is snap my fingers and Autumn would be picked up in a patrol car, handcuffed, and put in jail for the night. Everyone would hear about it because the locals are in each other’s business.
“Fantastic. I was given word that you’d be staying until January. Is that correct?”
“Yes, sir. That’s right. So, I wanted to chat with you about something...”
“Okay,” she whispers. “Fine. You have an IOU.Fucking asshole,” she seethes.
“I’d love to have lunch one day while I’m in town,” I say.
“That would be great. Please let me know when you’re available,” he tells me.
“I will. Thank you. Have a good evening.”
I hang up and stare at her with a smirk.
“Your name is Alex Alexander?”
“You can call me whatever you’d like.”
“Are you trying to make me hate you?” she asks.
