Page 4 of Light My Fire Three Times
I can feel Jesse’s presence beside me, every movement he makes pulling my attention like a magnet. The scent of his cologne, woodsy with a hint of smoke, is oddly comforting, and I find myself fighting the urge to glance at him too often.
“So…” I start, the silence becoming unbearable. “Coyote Glen is quiet, right? I remember when I was here before…”
Jesse looks over at me, one eyebrow arched. “Yeah. Small town charm. You thought Coyote Glen was a hotbed of activity?”
I snort. “Well, maybe not hotbed, but, you know, something more than a handful of people in flannel and boots.”
“I think you’re confusing us with Aspen, Livvy,” he says with a chuckle, eyes never leaving the road. “We’re a little more… chill.”
“Chill?” I shoot him a teasing look. “Is that what you call it when people are in bed by nine p.m. and the most exciting thing that happens is a deer getting caught in someone’s garden?”
He smirks, lips twitching. “If you’re looking for a party, maybe you should head to a bigger town. But if you’re looking for peace and quiet, Coyote Glen’s got you covered.”
I lean back against the seat, trying to get comfortable, but my mind keeps racing. “I’m here for peace and quiet, though I’m not sure how much I’m going to like it. I’m used to more noise. Drama, at least.”
“Drama, huh?” His eyes flick over to me, then back to the road. “Well, don’t worry. You’ll find it. Just takes a little digging.”
“I’m sure,” I say dryly. “Probably in the form of an awkward encounter with a local or something. Maybe I’ll accidentally challenge someone to a duel over coffee.”
He grins at that. “I’ve got a funny feeling you’ll fit in here.”
“Funny, peculiar, or funny, ha ha?” I ask, side eyeing him.
He’s got that smile on his face again, the one that makes my stomach do little flips I’m trying very hard to ignore.
“Both,” he says, the grin widening. “You’ve got the vibe of someone who’s always looking for the next disaster.”
“Disaster?” I chuckle. “I prefer to call it… adventure.”
He throws me a side glance. “Adventure, huh? I think I’m starting to understand why you fell flat on your face back there.”
I laugh, rolling my eyes. “You keep saying that, but I’ve got balance, you know, I’m just a little off today.”
He lets out a dramatic sigh. “Well, I can’t have you falling all over the place while you’re inmytown. If you’re gonna go, at least do it with some grace.”
“I’ll have you know,” I say, trying to sound serious, “I am the picture of grace when I’m not slipping on ice. Maybe you have to give me another shot.”
By the time we pull up outside the restaurant, my heart is hammering. I don’t knowhowthis night will go. But since it’s dinner with my best friend’s brother, IknowI’m going to have to behave.
CHAPTER TWO
Jesse
OCTOBER 24TH
I’ve knownOlivia Quinn for a while now, primarily through my sister, Ivy.
She’s the kind of person who lights up a room without even trying, always ready with a sarcastic quip or a witty remark, and even though I’ve been around her a few times, I’ve never really gotten to know her,reallyknow her.
Not one-on-one in this way. And I must admit, she’s kinda cool.
She’s not what I expected. She’s quieter than I thought she’d be, but still sharp as hell, her eyes darting around the place, taking everything in.
When she glances at me, I feel that familiar pull in my chest, a weird knot tightening in the pit of my stomach. I shouldn’t feel this way. This isLivvy, my sister’s best friend, for goodness’ sake. But tonight feels different.
“So,” she says, breaking the silence as she picks up the menu, glancing over the drink list. “I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting this place to be so… rustic.”
I grin, leaning back in my seat, watching her. Her hair falls around her face in messy waves, and there’s a quiet confidence about her.
