Page 10 of Malibu Heat

With strangers, I just ignore it. They can think whatever they want; it’s not a reflection of me. To my surprise, though, the thought of Ken being harshly judgmental about my aesthetic and appearance stings.

“Did you think I’d be an airhead with a trust fund?”

I’m not sure why I’m being so hostile; it’s probably because I’m looking for a reason–literally any reason–not to be as interested in Ken as I am. He’s not from here–he’ll head home across the country on Monday, leaving me alone once again.

It’s better if I don’t like him.

It’s better if this is just a one-night thing.

As silly as it sounds–because weliterally just met–I’m dreading him leaving.

Seriously, Bailey, you’ve got to get a grip.

I can’t fall this hard for someone I just met.

Can I?

“Definitely not,” he says, the certainty in his voice calming. “But I did expect you to drive something cute like a beetle or a Jeep.”

“Oh, I have a Jeep too.”

“You do?” He sounds surprised. “Is it pink as well?”

I purse my lips and cock an eyebrow in a ‘what do you think’ expression, and he laughs.

“Never mind. Of course it is,” he says. “Your whole house is probably pink, isn’t it?”

The corner of my mouth hikes upward at the thought of taking Ken to see my penthouse. Ihadgone to the party tonight hoping to bring someone home–or better yet, be taken home by someone–so I’m still getting what I want, even if it looks a little different than I imagined.

We’re going to check out my pink house, not fuck.At least, that’s what I tell myself as we get caught at another redlight.

My thoughts suddenly spiral. Do we even have time to go to the penthouse?

Kristie will surely be waiting for me, even though she told me to take my time, and there’s still the strange cupcake phenomenon to worry about. What if it happens again? I’ve been lucky so far, but…

I shift uncomfortably and glance at my phone in the cupholder. Tapping the screen, I see an unread message from Kristie, and I sigh. It’s probably her asking where I’m at and wondering how long before I come back.

I’ve completely lost track of time riding down the streets of Malibu with Ken, and I’ve loved every second of it.

I swipe my thumb up over the screen, and the message box pops open.

Kristie:Don’t worry about picking me up. I’m going to catch a ride with Denzel and Ryan.

Well then. I guess that solves one of my issues.

Now there’s just the cupcake scent to worry about.

The light runs green, and I turn right on Plastic Drive, naturally heading toward my place. It’s not too far, and the traffic has died down a little, considering how late it is.We’d make it in no time…

“Do you want to go see it?” I ask finally. “We don’t have to stay if you don’t want to, but we can.”

I’m putting all my cards on the table–if he’s only in town for a couple of days, there’s no point in trying to draw things out, no point in trying to beat around the bush or play hard to get. If he wants to fuck me in the back of my Volkswagen van or in my enormous pink mountain of a bed, he’s welcome to. I won’t stop him.

He only hesitates for a split second. “Sure. Let’s do it.”

I don’t know why I’m so giddy at his response, but I bite my bottom lip to fight a goofy smile as we roll away toward my penthouse. I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he sees my pink haven.

He definitely doesn’t know what he’s gotten himself into, and that makes it all the more fun.

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