Page 7 of Outlaw Heartstrings
Okay, this is a little crazy. But I really enjoy checking out nice homes and daydreaming about what life could have been. Really, it’s no different than window-shopping at the expensive stores I can’t afford.
Still, I’m sure that if anyone saw me right now, they’d think I was a lunatic. Or a strangely-dressed peeping tom.But the houses out here are nicely spread out, and there’s no one in sight. Whoever is renting the place probably hasn’t even moved in yet.
I hold myself on the top of the wall, gazing adoringly at the house. Wow—it’s even more beautiful the closer you get.
This is the first time I’ve ever seen it after sunset, all lit up by the fancy lights set up around the property.
I frown when I notice a car in the driveway that I didn’t see before. A really cute car.
I lean even further over the wall, trying to get a better look at the car’s license plate. If I could just see what state it’s from, maybe I could—
Movement catches my eye. I glance over toward the sliding doors at the far end of the ground floor. My breath catches when I see a tall, muscular,shirtlessman staring at me with what looks to be a startled expression. It’s hard to tell from way over here.
Before I can decide whether to flee or wave, I lose my balance and suddenly spill over the wall—face down, ass up—in my awful fairy outfit.
I scream.
3
ALBA
“Oh my freaking…Ouch!”
I wince, practically hanging upside down for several moments before I hit the ground. My wrist hurts from trying to catch my fall, and I’m caught in a tangle of itchy bushes. On top of everything else, judging by the breeze I’m feeling, it’s clear that my ass is completely exposed.
I scramble to right myself, getting scratched by thorns and tiny branches. Before I can free myself, I feel a presence looming over me.
I freeze, panicking as I realize I’m kind of, sort of trespassing.
I can’t go to jail. Who’d pay for groceries for my mom and Jagger?
“It’s not what it looks like. I was just…well…window-shopping and I fell,” I mumble out in a rushed string of words. “I just…It’s all a misunderstanding. I promise.”
As I fumble through a nervous apology, I manage to adjust my skirt, pulling the material down enough to cover my pale, naked cheeks.
But I still haven’t dared to look up at the stranger who’s going to send me to prison. Partially because I’m terrified. Partially because I can’t even see.
I lost my glasses when I flopped over the wall, and now I’m frantically searching for them in the bushes. Which is really freaking hard to do, because I can’t see shit without them.
Then—while I’m still down on my cut-up hands and knees, covered in dirt—a blurry hand appears in front of my face. My glasses! The stranger is handing me my glasses. I put them on in a rush, not bothering to wipe the new smudges.
I’m ready to thank my savior before they haul me off to the police department. But my breath catches in my throat when I glance up into a face I never thought I’d see again.
Easton Raines…
I blink up at him, wondering if I happened to hit my head during my little tumble. But he’s really here, looking as handsome as ever, even with the tall, gray crutches tucked under his arms.
Easton’s face—one that’s changed over time, with a stronger jaw and more stubble than I remember—is twisted with shock. I imagine my expression probably mirrors the same surprise.
Of all the ways I thought I might run into Easton again someday, I can guarantee, this was not one of them.
Like, did he just see my whole ass?
Of course he did.
He extends a hand to help me up to my feet. Despite my apprehension, I take it. It beats hanging out down here in the prickly bushes.
As soon as I’m steady on my feet, I get busy, tugging down my skirt and making sure my boobs aren’t hangingout of my outfit. Tucking and adjusting and rearranging like a crazy lady.
