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“Not at all.” He doesn’t seem convinced, so I change the subject. “I’m curious; how does being an environmentalist fit into your lifestyle?”
“Lifestyle?”
I finally face him. “You have a private plane.”And you’re a millionaire,I think, but I don’t share that. He doesn’t need to know how much time I’ve spent researching him online.
“Thecompanyhas a private plane.”
“Which you’re the CEO of,” I say, and we’re out of the dim parking lot, the smooth speed of the Tesla driving away.
“Look, I don’t pretend to be perfect. If I did, I’d be vegan.” He rolls his eyes. “We only use the plane for important business meetings or events. Everything else, I use technology.”
“So you care for the environment?”
He cocks his head. “Is that so hard to believe?”
Somehow it feels like we’re talking about something completely different. Like I’m asking him if he’s capable of caringfor someone. He must sense it too, because his jaw clicks tight, and I know not to push my luck.
We ride back to work in a comfortable silence. Unlike with Harv, this one isn’t filled with hate or miscommunication. No, rather it’s filled with curiosity and wonder.
And that’s a deadly combination where the heart is concerned.
Almost Four Years Ago . . .
I meet Harvey close to the condo I share with Layla. Despite our hometown being about thirty minutes away without traffic, my dad wanted us to have the whole college/roommates experience.
Doing it with Gia by my side until she married and moved in with James was even better.
I study all day before Harvey begs me to meet him tonight. I figured I needed a break so here I am, taking the helmet he hands me while I eye his Harley-Davidson, my fingers palming the top of the leather seat.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll go slow.”
“Don’t.” That gets his attention. He’s putting on his helmet eyeing my ripped jeans, leather jacket, and Harry Potter T-shirt like he wants to learn a few magic tricks of his own. “Street 500,” I say, walking around the bike to inspect it.
I don’t expect the deep laugh that ensues. “If you’re telling me you ride, it’s a done deal—I’m marrying you.”
I clip the helmet, throwing one leg over the bike. He hands me a bandana that I wrap around my neck. It’llbe useful for the wind. With my sport bike, I don’t need one since there’s a visor inserted into the helmet.
“Then get on your knees, Harvey.”
He takes me paintballing.
I’m running through the forest behind a tree, paintball gun in hand. Even though it’s dark, it’s easy for us to spot other players due to the neon bracelets we’re all wearing.
I’m leaning against the tree as I steal a glimpse around it. The night chill makes me grateful for the jumpsuit and equipment I have on.
I’m breathless, my eyes darting around my surroundings, fogging up the visor of my helmet. My adrenaline kicked in as soon as we started running. We won a few rounds each but now it’s been a while since I’ve spotted Harvey.
I look around.
Where is he?
“Bang. Bang. You’re dead,” Harvey whispers, pushing my chest against the tree I was peeking around. He pulls off my helmet, his words taunting me. The warmth of his lips circles my neck, sending particles of anticipation all over my body.
The nose of the gun disappears from my back, and he kicks my feet apart using his military style boot.
I drop my gun on the ground, and he does the same. His hand reaches for my chin, tilting it up sideways as he presses closer to me.
I turn around to face him, his helmet pushed up to the top of his head. Not even the darkness could tame his giveaway smile.
