Page 16 of Blue Moon

Chapter 6

Sol

Ispent the next stretch of the drive tugging at my locks, winding the strands so tightly, and biting the split ends. My hair was now tangled, which was ridiculous since I’d just given Sawyer a hard time about having the top down. I was so lame. It should have been a fantasy come true to ride in a convertible with a sexy pilot, but here I was, super worried about my curls. I needed to relax and live in the moment.

I stared at the man in the driver’s seat. He looked so handsome. His sexy uniform and shiny medals made him look like a prince. His huge hand shifted the gear in the car, and I got wet imagining that same hand controlling my buttons.

Unfortunately, I’d already annoyed Sawyer. He’d been short with me, had called me “lady,” and now wouldn’t even make eye contact with me, though I caught him checking me out more than a few times. He probably regretted asking me to join him for the gala. He seemed so raw and authentic, and I was as fake as store-bought salsa.

Had I already ruined this date already by asking to record a story? How stupid was I? Of course, he was pissed—when he asked me out, he’d even told me that he wanted no cameras. I didn’t blame him for being mad at all. I hadn’t been thinking—it was second nature to record everything I did. I hadn’t realized he’d have such a strong reaction to my request.

I hoped I could turn this night around.

My mind raced, and I tried to come up with something to say. Nothing sounded good, so I turned my attention back to my vice—my phone.

Wow. Two thousand views already! My fans loved Sawyer.

Their messages popped up.

Oh, my god! He’s so hot! Is he single?

Good question. I definitely wanted to know about his relationship status. Plus, this would give me a chance to try and smooth things over from earlier. I cleared my throat, and he glanced over at me briefly, arching an eyebrow.

“My fans want to know if you’re single.”

Fans, Sol, your fans do. You don’t care at all, right?

He licked his lips and undressed me with his eyes. “Yeah, as fuck. I don’t have relationships. Ever. You?”

I sucked in a breath. I wasn’t used to men swearing openly in front of me. I was a virginal pageant girl, proper as a princess. To be sitting next to a man so raw and unrefined rattled me. Even so, he sent my fantasies into overdrive. I bet he was a real-life dirty talker. I’d never dated a man with such a filthy mouth. I was such a good girl, but sometimes I wanted to be bad.

“Yup. I’m focusing on my career right now.”

He laughed. Great. He saw my career as a joke. But I expected that, and frankly, I felt like a joke, too. So, I shrugged it off and moved on to the next question.

“Someone wants to know how to become a Blue Angel pilot.”

He smirked. “Be the best pilot in the Marine Corps.”

Wow, modest much? He had definitely acted nicer back on the base, but maybe that was just because it had been a work obligation. So then why had he asked me out on a date if he’d disliked me? Or maybe he’d been interested after the flight but then changed his mind after I filmed that story. Yeah, I’d totally blown it.

I hate myself.

I typed the answer to my followers and then finally put my phone away. I had to find out if there was a decent man under his cocky exterior.

He eyed me curiously.

“You sure you want to put your phone away? We can mount it on the dashboard so people can see our every move. I can sing songs if they like. In fact, I can even serenade you with ‘You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling.’”

Yes! Do that!

But he was clearly mocking me. I couldn’t help feeling a little hurt, but I tried to keep that to myself.

“Funny. But if you’re game, that would make a great story. It would go viral for sure. Let’s do it.” I tried my best to keep my tone lighthearted and fun.

He didn’t laugh. This was so awkward. Like one of those Tinder dates from hell where the guy was super-hot, but you had nothing in common. Time to switch gears. “I read you’re from Iowa. Do you miss it?”

“Sometimes.”