long breath. My stomach tightens, reminding me that I need to pee, so I hurriedly unbutton my pants and do what I came here to do. Once I finish, I stand up, wiggling my tight jeans back over my hips, and zip them before retucking my shirt.
I look at the closed door as I walk to the sink. Is he waiting out there? Oh my God, this is so awkward and amazing all at the same time. What was all that? My stomach flips as I think about the moment, as if a million butterflies took flight at the same time inside of me.
The water runs over my hands as I wash them, biting my lip, lost in my head. I glance in the mirror—damn, I should’ve done my hair cuter—and let out another breath. I swear it feels like he took my breath away. And if that wasn’t one of the most dramatic thoughts I’ve ever had, I might give in to it more. Giggling to myself, I take a towel and dry my hands before tossing it in the basket.
“Okay. Just be cool. It’s fine,” I whisper pep talk to myself. “Super-popular hot guys talk to you all the time. This is standard practice for someone so mint.”
These lies aren’t working. I drop my head with a groan mixed with another laugh because I’m not sure I could be any more embarrassing. It’s stupid, but I almost don’t want to reach for the door handle. But before I can chicken out and effectively move into the bathroom, I twist and open the door, all the noise turning back to full volume. My brows draw together as I step out. After all my bathroom preparation, a dismissive look greets me from some random girl—no Georgia in sight.
I step out farther, as the girl walks around me, and search the room, landing on him almost immediately, but my nose scrunches up as I see him tip his head back and laugh at something Laura says while he hands Caroline a cup.
I hope she chokes on it.
Dammit. It only took a few minutes before my newfound treasure became trash.
Chapter 5
Jackson
I haven’t heard a word anyone’s been saying in the last five minutes. I just keep laughing when everyone else does, because damn if I’m not getting a neck cramp from looking at that bathroom door.
Where is she? Man, she’s pretty. All those angelic curls and plump red lips—she nearly buckled my knees. And so tiny—good for picking up and doing what I want.
“Huh?” I answer to whoever just said my name as my eyes dart to the door again. Two girls walk out, bringing my brows together before I see the front door close. Shit. I look back at the people in front of me. “Sorry, ladies, I’ll be back. Nice meetin’ y’all.”
I hear the giggles and whispers as I leave. Being a Southern gentleman never loses its effect on girls. But I’m unconcerned with them. I want the doe-eyed angel. I maneuver around people, making my way to the front, and rush outside.
The gravel crunches under my heavy footsteps as I jog up behind her. She looks over her shoulder, arms crossed, but turns away just as quickly. Where’s the fire? I thought we’d had a moment.
“Wait up. Come on, girl.”
She whips around and stares at me, zero humor on her face. Dang, what did I do?
“Girl? The accent is all that saves you.”
A smirk peeks out on my face. “Pretty and feisty. I think I’m in love. Tell me your name.”
“No.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “You gonna make me work for it?”
“Absolutely. I’m disappointed you don’t already know it.”
She says it with conviction, but her cheeks are already red. Aww man, she’s secretly shy too. She keeps getting better and better.
“You’re pretty,” I offer and bite my bottom lip.
“You said that already.”
She starts playing with a stray curl, chewing the inside of her cheek while batting those long black lashes at me.
“Doesn’t mean I don’t mean it,” I counter, eyes still locked.
God damn. I don’t ever want to leave this driveway. She blinks at me a few times and waves her hand, playfully rolling her blue eyes.
“I bet you could charm me right out of my panties.”
I take a step closer, feeling the heat between us. “I wouldn’t mind if you let me try.”
She holds her breath as she looks up at me, finally sighing quietly. We stand in more silence, and I watch her tongue wet her lips.