I found her on the bed, reading a book, and rapped twice on the door.
“Hey.”
“Hi,” I said. “Ready to go?”
She put a bookmark in the book and set it on the nightstand. “Yeah.” She settled the strap of her bag across her torso and followed me out. “Where’s the meeting?”
“Deli close to the gig.”
“She’s shooting you tonight?”
“Yeah, but we’re payin’ this time. We need a cover for the demo sleeve.”
“Explains the haircut,” she said behind me.
I reached the first floor. “Yeah.” Ran a hand over my locks. “Saw a barber this mornin’.” It was shorter on the sides with the top left long enough to slick back or spike.
No more bleached tips.
She wore the same jeans from last night and a plain blue tee, her hair pulled back into a French braid. No make-up, no earrings, no perfume—just Beth.
Didn’t make me want her less.
Pushing that thought aside, I opened the front door and walked to the bike, passing her the extra helmet. She climbed on behind me and wrapped her arms around my middle, gripping her arms instead of my waist.
“You can hold on to me, love. That’s how this works.”
“I’m fine.”
I sighed and started the bike. At least after a few times now, she no longer felt terrified behind me, though having her wrapped tightly around me was nice.
We needed to talk later. I hated when it got awkward between us.
Kit was already at the deli. She was around thirty, with tousled ice-blonde hair that grazed her cheekbones. Standing to greet us when we walked in, she was taller than Beth.
“Hey, Jake. Nice to see you’re only—” She checked her watch. “Five minutes late.”
“Traffic.” I nudged Beth forward. “This is Beth Lawson.”
“Hi.” She offered a handshake.
“Kit Vokac. You’re interested in pro photography?” She took her seat and gestured we should do the same.
“Yeah. I’m rarely without a camera these days, but I’ve been hooked since I was a kid,” Beth replied.
Kit nodded. “Well, I’ll say first you won’t get rich by it, unless you’re very, very lucky, so if fame and glory’s what you’re after, I’m not workin’ with ya.”
“It’s not. My mother used to have local gallery showings, but she only made enough to buy new equipment here and there. I’m in it for love and I want to learn.”
Kit shrugged. “Good enough, then. You can observe tonight and we’ll see how it goes.”
“Beth won’t disappoint you,” I said.
“Well, I gotta run, kids.” Kit stood. “See you later.”
Beth kicked my shin when we were alone.
“Ow. What was that for?”
“I can speak for myself. You didn’t need to interject.”
“Sorry.”
She sighed. “What time are you meeting at the club?”
“’Round six.”
“Fine. I’ll see you later.” She stood and started for the door.
I hopped up and caught her arm. “Where are you going?”
“Exploring. I’m on vacation, remember?” Jerking out of my grip, she folded her arms under her breasts.
“You don’t know where anything is, Beth.”
“I have a map.”
Bloody stubborn woman. “Are you really mad enough over one interruption to run away from me?”
She rolled her eyes and turned for the door. “Get over yourself.”
I followed her out to the sidewalk. “Doesn’t take a genius to see you’re still mad about last night.”
“Fine, yes, the whole week has been a lesson in frustration. Happy? I want things to go back to how they were.”
“What things?”
“This.” She gestured around us. “Us. I’m tired of fighting with you and being confused. It’s too much too fast, and I still have to go home.”
“You want me to forget, Beth? I can’t do that.” She was already in my blood, my soul.
“Be my friend, Jacob. Or I’m leaving tomorrow.”
“That’s not fair.”
She turned her gaze away to watch the cars passing by. “It’s what I’ve decided.”
If that was how she wanted it.
“Then I’ll miss you.”
She looked up in surprise, then nodded. “Okay. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Yeah.” I pivoted on heel and walked to the bike before I did something embarrassing or stupid.
Got halfway home before I thought what have I done?
One week…
God, one soddin’ week, and she’d turned my world and my heart upside-down.
If she’d just stop bein’ so damn afraid…