Diamonds Are Forever - Brooke St. James Page 0,24

said, pointing at my little Honda hatchback.

Drew pulled up behind me. His Bronco was lifted up on these high tires, and it seemed like we could just drive right over my car and clear it. It wasn't even close to that, but I still smiled at the thought.

"What?" he asked, glancing at me.

"I was thinking of driving over my car," I said. "You know, just making a tunnel over it. I imagined us being tall enough to do that."

"You imagine a lot of things," he said.

"Yeah," I said, laughing a little at how true that statement was. "You imagined I was Stuckey's, though," I said.

He was in the middle of laughing at that when I reached for my door handle.

"I know you need to rush back, but thank you for everything. Thanks again for inviting me. That was fun-n… no, actually…" I stared at him with wide eyes when I remembered something.

"What?" he asked.

"Can I change right here in your truck real quick before I get out? This is so much bigger than my car, and I should probably be wearing jeans when I get back to Evelyn's. Would you stand right outside and look that way for just a second while I do this really quick? Is that too much to ask?"

"Of course not," Drew said. He got out of his truck. He left it running with the front headlights on, and he went to the front of the truck and turned the other way where the light was shining on his back. I glanced at him a few times while I changed, but he never looked back, and I was done quickly.

I folded the skirt carelessly and shoved it back into my purse before heading outside to say goodnight to Drew.

Chapter 9

"Thank you," I said.

"That was quick," he said. He turned to look at me, smiling when I came into the light. "Nice jeans."

I smiled and did a goofy pose where I made finger guns. "Thanks." I kept smiling at him, but I was walking, going to my car.

"Oh, you're leaving that fast?" he said.

"I was just trying to let you go. I figured both of us need to get back to our stuff."

"Okay, well, can you come say goodbye to me? If we're going to finish our fake date, we might as well have a fake goodbye."

"Okay," I said, feeling suddenly nervous.

I walked over to him, and he reached out and hugged me. It wasn't awkward at all. He was confident and happy, and I couldn't help but smile as we hugged. Just then, I saw headlights coming down the street. It was not a busy road, so I took two steps back from Drew instinctually.

Thank goodness I did, because seconds later, I noticed that the approaching vehicle was my dad's truck. He pulled up quickly, and he stopped near us and got out. We were standing in the light, and I had broken the hug in plenty of time that I didn't think my dad had even seen us. There was nothing to hide, but I couldn’t help but feel like I'd been caught.

"What are you doing?" Dad asked, coming around the front of his truck.

"I went to Drew's dad's birthday party. This is my friend, Drew. Drew Klein," I said, gesturing to him.

Dad hesitated, giving Drew a once-over before thoughtfully sticking his hand out for a handshake. "Daniel King," Dad said. "I'm Lucy's father."

They shook hands like gentlemen, but neither of them was smiling.

Dad looked at me. "Mom and I didn't know where you were."

"I didn't mention it because I didn't want you to worry. But I'm fine. I worked it out with Evelyn watching Mac. I was just about to go over there and get him."

"Okay, well, we put the pieces together and figured this was where you'd come. I just wanted to come over here and make sure you are okay." Dad seemed like he was going to leave us be, but he was still taking in my surroundings.

"I'm fine," I said. "Thank you for coming here. Thank you for checking on me. I'm sorry I didn't mention it."

"All right," Dad said, nodding and backing off while still checking out Drew. "Are you coming home now?"

"Yes sir. I have to stop at Evelyn's and pick up Mac, but I'll be home after."

"Okay, then," Dad said, walking toward his truck again. "Good to meet you Drew Klein," he added.

He drove away, and I waited to make sure he was out of possible earshot before