What do you think?
Rate this book
Driven Women #3
Clever Girl
Her desires stay under the hood. He vowed never to date a friend. But when desire hits the redline, will love make it to the finish line?
Mia St. James loves putting her brilliant engineer’s brain to good use with high-performance race-cars. Looking for a fresh start after her lying ex stole credit for her work, the talented professional joins a women-led team as stock racing’s only female crew chief. And still feeling the sting of betrayal, the last thing she needs is to move in with the drawling charmer who turned his back on their college friendship.
Gus Quinlan buries his guilt deep inside. So when the mechanic beauty who’s always challenged his thinking moves in, he’s amazed by the overwhelming protective urges and heart-stopping attraction she sparks. But his lifelong resistance to romance has left him without a toolbox for dealing with their fiery kisses and growing intimacy.
Unwilling to become another victim of his like-them-and-leave-them lifestyle, Mia draws a line in the sand over their future. But when Gus goes into an emotional tailspin, his explosive need to blame someone for his pain could send their dreams up in flames.
Will their chance at forever crash and burn, or can they shift into happily ever after?
Clever Girl is the banter-filled third book in the Driven Women contemporary sports romance series. If you like intelligent ladies, steamy roller coasters, and touching moments, then you’ll adore Laralyn Doran’s snarky fun.
Buy Clever Girl to take a passion-fueled pit stop today!
- GenresRomance
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2023
4 people are currently reading
970 people want to read
About the author
Laralyn Doran
4 books166 followersA multi-award winning contemporary romance author who appreciates slow-burn, snarky stories.
Her trilogy, Driven Women, is about three women navigating non-traditional careers and finding romance with men brave enough to chase them.
Ms. Doran lives in Maryland with her family and three dogs. She also devotes her time to advocating for autism and dyslexia awareness and education.
Her trilogy, Driven Women, is about three women navigating non-traditional careers and finding romance with men brave enough to chase them.
Ms. Doran lives in Maryland with her family and three dogs. She also devotes her time to advocating for autism and dyslexia awareness and education.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 20, 2023
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
Clever Girls is the third book of the Driven Women series that combines romance with fast driving and stock car racing. Mia St James is a woman in a field dominated by men; she is great in her field but after her last boyfriend stole credit for her work and spread rumors about her, she is a bit distrustful and her confidence is shaken. Gus, on the other hand, has all the confidence in the world when it comes to cars and women. He knows Mia would be a great fit for Merlo racing and puts her name in the hat to be an engineer for the female racing team. Little did he know how much she was going to rev his engine.
Mia, well I totally liked Mia. She is a smart woman who just needs a little more confidence and belief in herself. This racing team is a great fit for her as they help to lift her up and make her believe in herself. She ghosted Gus when she shifted universities and he might not know why but it is strange to have him back in her life again. He was always charming and sexy but she was the smart girl, not the sexy girl and let's just say he played the field in college. She liked Gus and he hurt her, which is one of the reasons they didn't speak after she left, but being this close to him again, living in the same house is almost torture.
Gus is broken. He has some big daddy issues and some wrong ideas about love and his capacity for it. Mia has always been cute but now she is everything Gus wants and doesn't think he deserves. He driving himself crazy with her in the same house and getting to finally know someone on a deeper level than the distance he normally keeps in his relationships. As the two become better friends, how is he going to move them out of the friend zone and into a zone where they are more to each other? He needs to figure it out fast; Mia is a desirable woman and another man has noticed and is about to make a move.
It took me a minute to get into the story, not sure if that was because it was book three and I needed to catch up a little to who all the characters were, or it just takes a minute to build. Overall it is a good story building on the sexual tension well. I got a little tired of Gus not getting out of his own way and regressing anytime things got serious. I always liked Mia but Gus, I don't know if I would forgive him for all the stuff he did in this book. I don't think I've read a story with racing as the backdrop; it wasn't overdone so it was part of the story but not so technically in the story that I didn't enjoy it. I'm not a race watcher and I enjoyed the backdrop of the story. Overall there were some really cute and great moments in the story but Gus might have crossed too many lines for me to really love him as the lead.
Review copy was received from Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
Clever Girls is the third book of the Driven Women series that combines romance with fast driving and stock car racing. Mia St James is a woman in a field dominated by men; she is great in her field but after her last boyfriend stole credit for her work and spread rumors about her, she is a bit distrustful and her confidence is shaken. Gus, on the other hand, has all the confidence in the world when it comes to cars and women. He knows Mia would be a great fit for Merlo racing and puts her name in the hat to be an engineer for the female racing team. Little did he know how much she was going to rev his engine.
Mia, well I totally liked Mia. She is a smart woman who just needs a little more confidence and belief in herself. This racing team is a great fit for her as they help to lift her up and make her believe in herself. She ghosted Gus when she shifted universities and he might not know why but it is strange to have him back in her life again. He was always charming and sexy but she was the smart girl, not the sexy girl and let's just say he played the field in college. She liked Gus and he hurt her, which is one of the reasons they didn't speak after she left, but being this close to him again, living in the same house is almost torture.
Gus is broken. He has some big daddy issues and some wrong ideas about love and his capacity for it. Mia has always been cute but now she is everything Gus wants and doesn't think he deserves. He driving himself crazy with her in the same house and getting to finally know someone on a deeper level than the distance he normally keeps in his relationships. As the two become better friends, how is he going to move them out of the friend zone and into a zone where they are more to each other? He needs to figure it out fast; Mia is a desirable woman and another man has noticed and is about to make a move.
It took me a minute to get into the story, not sure if that was because it was book three and I needed to catch up a little to who all the characters were, or it just takes a minute to build. Overall it is a good story building on the sexual tension well. I got a little tired of Gus not getting out of his own way and regressing anytime things got serious. I always liked Mia but Gus, I don't know if I would forgive him for all the stuff he did in this book. I don't think I've read a story with racing as the backdrop; it wasn't overdone so it was part of the story but not so technically in the story that I didn't enjoy it. I'm not a race watcher and I enjoyed the backdrop of the story. Overall there were some really cute and great moments in the story but Gus might have crossed too many lines for me to really love him as the lead.
Read
February 21, 2023Swoons & delicious build up in this friends to lovers romance.
February 21, 2023
I really thought this was a wonderful book! Exciting, entertaining, with pace but also with depth in the story. The characters are realistic, human and flawed.
Gus and Mia have known each other since high school, and meet again after being apart for many years. As you read on, you find out why they haven't been in touch for years. Anyway, now they renew their friendship, but neither of them realizes that they are secretly developing feelings for each other. Besides, Mia thinks she's not his type, that Gus will never be attracted to her. And Gus thinks Mia just sees him as a superficial womanizer. At the same time, the idea of the other person in a relationship is not something that makes them happy. So what will happen next?
This book is very well written, with details about how things sometimes go in everyday life (which we all recognize from our own lives), like stumbling out of a car in a very unladylike manner…
_I just barely managed to get my luggage secured in the back of the cab before using the running board along the side of the truck to launch myself into the front of the truck. My brother chuckled as I resembled a toddler trying to get in a chair unassisted. Once I righted myself, I threw him a glare and reached to put on my seatbelt._
…to apologizing to other people without reason.
_“Don’t apologize. Own your worth,” she said, before putting the pita in her mouth. And then took a bite as if she hadn’t uttered five words I had always needed to hear. Those words would have probably saved me a lot of heartache if I’d only taken them to heart sooner._
The most beautiful scene was the description of the atmosphere at CJ and Davy's wedding, you could just feel the love, but what is so great that this book goes further than the superficiality of just being in love.
_“I came across this excerpt from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and thought it really fit these two and the advice I would give them. It spoke of love not being like a volcano of emotion but the intertwining of roots that could never be untangled and furthers the depths of passion.” Sadie continued, talking about love being what is left when the romance of love—the glory and fever of it—has disappeared._
The secondary characters are also great. I love Gus’ mother; she secretly tries to play matchmaker, which made me laugh. There are several characters from the previous books but that isn’t a problem; this book can be read as a standalone. But I will definitely get the previous books because this writer is amazing! And I hope the next book will be about Shaw!
The storyline of the racing world is very original, well defined and makes the story exciting. I found it refreshing, interesting and fun to read. It is a very good read and I can highly recommend it!
Gus and Mia have known each other since high school, and meet again after being apart for many years. As you read on, you find out why they haven't been in touch for years. Anyway, now they renew their friendship, but neither of them realizes that they are secretly developing feelings for each other. Besides, Mia thinks she's not his type, that Gus will never be attracted to her. And Gus thinks Mia just sees him as a superficial womanizer. At the same time, the idea of the other person in a relationship is not something that makes them happy. So what will happen next?
This book is very well written, with details about how things sometimes go in everyday life (which we all recognize from our own lives), like stumbling out of a car in a very unladylike manner…
_I just barely managed to get my luggage secured in the back of the cab before using the running board along the side of the truck to launch myself into the front of the truck. My brother chuckled as I resembled a toddler trying to get in a chair unassisted. Once I righted myself, I threw him a glare and reached to put on my seatbelt._
…to apologizing to other people without reason.
_“Don’t apologize. Own your worth,” she said, before putting the pita in her mouth. And then took a bite as if she hadn’t uttered five words I had always needed to hear. Those words would have probably saved me a lot of heartache if I’d only taken them to heart sooner._
The most beautiful scene was the description of the atmosphere at CJ and Davy's wedding, you could just feel the love, but what is so great that this book goes further than the superficiality of just being in love.
_“I came across this excerpt from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and thought it really fit these two and the advice I would give them. It spoke of love not being like a volcano of emotion but the intertwining of roots that could never be untangled and furthers the depths of passion.” Sadie continued, talking about love being what is left when the romance of love—the glory and fever of it—has disappeared._
The secondary characters are also great. I love Gus’ mother; she secretly tries to play matchmaker, which made me laugh. There are several characters from the previous books but that isn’t a problem; this book can be read as a standalone. But I will definitely get the previous books because this writer is amazing! And I hope the next book will be about Shaw!
The storyline of the racing world is very original, well defined and makes the story exciting. I found it refreshing, interesting and fun to read. It is a very good read and I can highly recommend it!
February 20, 2023
Quick Summary: A friends to lovers in the fast lane romance
My Review: Clever Girl by Laralyn Doran was a top-notch read. With likable characters, a great emotional arc, and realistic conflicts, it was a hit with this reader.
About the Book: After facing a betrayal of the very worst kind, Mia St. James needed a change. When a friend from her past name drops her to some very important people, unbeknownst to her, she's granted an opportunity that she cannot pass up. When she arrives at her new life destination, she is greeted by none other than August Quinlan.
Gus Quinlan was happy with the life he'd carved out for himself. He had his dream job. He was surrounded by people who loved him as is. Still, something within him was unsettled. Something was missing. After hearing about the situation his old friend found herself in, he knew he could help. The question was what did he want to get out of the situation he now found himself in?
What I Loved About This Story:
- I loved the friendships and family bonds that were represented in the lives of both Mia and Gus. The love, loyalty, and protective natures were evident.
- I loved the fact that Mia and Gus were able to reconcile their friendship, even after not having had closure from what happened in the past. (Time, growth, experience, and communication are critical with cherished friendships.)
- I loved that Mia and Gus, quite obviously, felt an attraction for each other. The slow burn heat between them was palpable.
- I loved being able to see the strength and yet the vulnerability in Gus. It made him more endearing. It showed that he was imperfect, even as he was genuinely a caretaker to the special women in his life.
- I loved that Mia was intelligent, skilled, and capable in her field. I appreciated that she did not need a man to prop her up. Also, I loved that she didn't back down from speaking up when needed.
- I loved Gus' mom. She had goals.
- I loved Shaw. He has to get his own story! He was... He stole my heart. I want to know about the one who got away.
- I loved all of the other couples.
The Scenes That Took My Breath Away: (Coded to avoid spoilers)
- The Sighting
- Car Love
- That First Kiss
- Daytona
- The Bachelorette Party
- Auntie's Gift Bags
- Wild Horses
- All of Me
- Books, Water, and Memories
- The Asinine Mistake
- Fighting for Forever
My Final Say: This romance gets a hidden gem rating. It started a little choppy with a tell vs show approach, but the author quickly found a show not tell rhythm that allowed the story flow to smooth itself out. Readers should definitely give this book a chance.
Other: Although this story can be easily read as a standalone, it is actually the third installment in the Driven Women series.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Chemistry: 🌶🌶🌶
Status: 💎
I voluntarily read this title via NetGalley. The words I have shared are my own. Appreciation is extended to the author and to the publisher, who provided access to this work in exchange for an honest review.
My Review: Clever Girl by Laralyn Doran was a top-notch read. With likable characters, a great emotional arc, and realistic conflicts, it was a hit with this reader.
About the Book: After facing a betrayal of the very worst kind, Mia St. James needed a change. When a friend from her past name drops her to some very important people, unbeknownst to her, she's granted an opportunity that she cannot pass up. When she arrives at her new life destination, she is greeted by none other than August Quinlan.
Gus Quinlan was happy with the life he'd carved out for himself. He had his dream job. He was surrounded by people who loved him as is. Still, something within him was unsettled. Something was missing. After hearing about the situation his old friend found herself in, he knew he could help. The question was what did he want to get out of the situation he now found himself in?
What I Loved About This Story:
- I loved the friendships and family bonds that were represented in the lives of both Mia and Gus. The love, loyalty, and protective natures were evident.
- I loved the fact that Mia and Gus were able to reconcile their friendship, even after not having had closure from what happened in the past. (Time, growth, experience, and communication are critical with cherished friendships.)
- I loved that Mia and Gus, quite obviously, felt an attraction for each other. The slow burn heat between them was palpable.
- I loved being able to see the strength and yet the vulnerability in Gus. It made him more endearing. It showed that he was imperfect, even as he was genuinely a caretaker to the special women in his life.
- I loved that Mia was intelligent, skilled, and capable in her field. I appreciated that she did not need a man to prop her up. Also, I loved that she didn't back down from speaking up when needed.
- I loved Gus' mom. She had goals.
- I loved Shaw. He has to get his own story! He was... He stole my heart. I want to know about the one who got away.
- I loved all of the other couples.
The Scenes That Took My Breath Away: (Coded to avoid spoilers)
- The Sighting
- Car Love
- That First Kiss
- Daytona
- The Bachelorette Party
- Auntie's Gift Bags
- Wild Horses
- All of Me
- Books, Water, and Memories
- The Asinine Mistake
- Fighting for Forever
My Final Say: This romance gets a hidden gem rating. It started a little choppy with a tell vs show approach, but the author quickly found a show not tell rhythm that allowed the story flow to smooth itself out. Readers should definitely give this book a chance.
Other: Although this story can be easily read as a standalone, it is actually the third installment in the Driven Women series.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Chemistry: 🌶🌶🌶
Status: 💎
I voluntarily read this title via NetGalley. The words I have shared are my own. Appreciation is extended to the author and to the publisher, who provided access to this work in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2023
Clever Girl
3 Stars
Clever Girl is a well-written book, but not to my taste. I'd compare this book to a full-blown automobile collision, where my feelings are the collateral damage. I'm left feeling bruised and unsatisfied with the HEA. You can only put one's characters through so much trauma and drama. So, when I closed the book I was completely done.
My biggest issue with this book is the pacing. It took so long for the plot to move in any direction. Because of this, I almost gave up reading it several times. I personally feel this would have made a better novella. I'm positive this book is very long. Think Lord of the Rings, the movie version, where it could have ended 3 times. I noted several places where a better ending could be had. That said, I feel there's a group of readers that will love it; Netflix binge watchers, for example. For that reason, I'm listing Pro's and Con's to Clever Girl.
Pro's
If you love high drama shows, this is the book for you
Our female lead is funny, intelligent, and independent
It's not predictable
An all ladies race team.
Go Girl power!
I learned something new about stock racing
The love interest shares great chemistry and banter.
This book definitely evokes emotions.
Mild Spicy
Gus finally got his head out of his ass. (Much too late IMO)
Con's
Pacing issues… So, So slow.
Gus and Mia don't have a mature relationship.
YA may be a stretch for Gus.
I didn't like the manipulation of friends and family pushing these two together (Gus's mom, his friends)
Gus is a child throwing a tantrum.
Gus, Gus, Gus ~I didn't like him.
I didn't connect with a few key characters.
Overall, everyone's mileage varies. I prefer more mature relationships. Clever Girl isn't that! Our couple isn't even in a relationship for over half of this book. Their "just" friends seeing other people. I'm too old for commitment-phobic guys. Lastly, if a man ever spoke to me the way Gus did with Mia in the hospital. He would be missing his front teeth.
Thank you, NetGalley and Caffeinated PR, for an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3 Stars
Clever Girl is a well-written book, but not to my taste. I'd compare this book to a full-blown automobile collision, where my feelings are the collateral damage. I'm left feeling bruised and unsatisfied with the HEA. You can only put one's characters through so much trauma and drama. So, when I closed the book I was completely done.
My biggest issue with this book is the pacing. It took so long for the plot to move in any direction. Because of this, I almost gave up reading it several times. I personally feel this would have made a better novella. I'm positive this book is very long. Think Lord of the Rings, the movie version, where it could have ended 3 times. I noted several places where a better ending could be had. That said, I feel there's a group of readers that will love it; Netflix binge watchers, for example. For that reason, I'm listing Pro's and Con's to Clever Girl.
Pro's
If you love high drama shows, this is the book for you
Our female lead is funny, intelligent, and independent
It's not predictable
An all ladies race team.
Go Girl power!
I learned something new about stock racing
The love interest shares great chemistry and banter.
This book definitely evokes emotions.
Mild Spicy
Gus finally got his head out of his ass. (Much too late IMO)
Con's
Pacing issues… So, So slow.
Gus and Mia don't have a mature relationship.
YA may be a stretch for Gus.
I didn't like the manipulation of friends and family pushing these two together (Gus's mom, his friends)
Gus is a child throwing a tantrum.
Gus, Gus, Gus ~I didn't like him.
I didn't connect with a few key characters.
Overall, everyone's mileage varies. I prefer more mature relationships. Clever Girl isn't that! Our couple isn't even in a relationship for over half of this book. Their "just" friends seeing other people. I'm too old for commitment-phobic guys. Lastly, if a man ever spoke to me the way Gus did with Mia in the hospital. He would be missing his front teeth.
Thank you, NetGalley and Caffeinated PR, for an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 25, 2023
Thank you Goodreads giveaway for the arc ebook copy. It was an enjoyable book that had friends to lover story.
dnf
March 19, 2023DNF @22% I received a copy of this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway.
This book was just moving a little too slow and I didn’t really like or feel invested in the characters.
This book was just moving a little too slow and I didn’t really like or feel invested in the characters.
February 22, 2023
The hero and the heroine have a past connection that dwindled after a certain delegation of their relationship. Yet such a connection is renewed years later when the hero and the heroine shared hearth and the professional racing world. Both are attracted to each other, and their relationship changed with one sizzling kiss. Yet will the couple have their happy ending when one misstep brings this new romance to an indeterminate future.
This is the third in the Driven World series. It features strong women and the men who loves them. Each book can be read by itself within the series, though to get a better image about secondary characters in this book that were mentioned in the previous books, readers should basically read the whole series. I enjoyed the information about the racing world, and how the women in this world are faring. As for this couple, I liked the heroine more than the hero, but their journeys towards becoming who they are at the end of the book was an entertaining journey to read. I also enjoyed a lot of the secondary characters that were mentioned in this book, especially when they are helpful in the main couple's journey towards their happy ending. Overall, I found this an engagingly entertaining romance book and I look forward to reading more Laraylyn Doran books in the future.
** Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own. **
This is the third in the Driven World series. It features strong women and the men who loves them. Each book can be read by itself within the series, though to get a better image about secondary characters in this book that were mentioned in the previous books, readers should basically read the whole series. I enjoyed the information about the racing world, and how the women in this world are faring. As for this couple, I liked the heroine more than the hero, but their journeys towards becoming who they are at the end of the book was an entertaining journey to read. I also enjoyed a lot of the secondary characters that were mentioned in this book, especially when they are helpful in the main couple's journey towards their happy ending. Overall, I found this an engagingly entertaining romance book and I look forward to reading more Laraylyn Doran books in the future.
** Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own. **
February 9, 2023
This is the 3rd book of Driven Women series, it can be read as stand alone. My first in this series and this book is good. Gus and Mia know each ther for long time. Gus has feeling to her but he is in denial, ignore his feeling and think Mia just friend, deep down he feels not enough for her. Once Mia hear Gus said she just friend and not think more than that, its broke Mia heart make her leave without saying good bye. Years past Gus still thinking about Mia and recomend her to Harper team (Harper from Driven Women book 2, Boss Lady). Their reunion so sweet, Gus still in denial and Mia scare her hewrt broke again. With Gus mother meddling they have to share house for a while.
I love how Gus want to open up to Mia, his jealousy so sweet, and he taking care of Mia. I understand how confuse Mia is, not blame her to put distance between them. Shaw finally who push Gus to make a move, now i curious about Shaw story!
Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.
#CleverGirl #DrivenWomen #LaralynDoran #CaffeinatedPR # #ARCProvidedbyVictoryEditing #VictoryEditing #NetGalley #NetGalleyCoop #ARC
I love how Gus want to open up to Mia, his jealousy so sweet, and he taking care of Mia. I understand how confuse Mia is, not blame her to put distance between them. Shaw finally who push Gus to make a move, now i curious about Shaw story!
Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.
#CleverGirl #DrivenWomen #LaralynDoran #CaffeinatedPR # #ARCProvidedbyVictoryEditing #VictoryEditing #NetGalley #NetGalleyCoop #ARC
July 22, 2023
Gus Quinlan still goes to the competition garage is the other Merrick, Harper the daughter who left her father’s team. Gus still works for the father and when they are talking he gives her a name for an engineer he knows Mia St. James. He met her in college and has not stopped thinking about her. When she takes the job she moves in with Gus because her house is not ready. They both have feelings for each other but Gus has issues with his past because of his father. After he and Mia kiss they realize something is there he must work it out now. A good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com
July 6, 2023
This is the third book in the Driven Women Series, a Sports Romance. I like this Series sets in the Women Racing. I loved Mia and Gus's story. Well written, and engaging. I loved to see again the characters from the first books. I enjoyed it.
Currently reading
February 22, 2023Excerpt from Clever Girl out now!
I parked the truck, and we sat quietly for a moment as I tapped the steering wheel with my fingers.
“Well, I think you’re really going to fall in love with this.” I turned to smile at him. He had his elbow resting against his door and his head resting against his hand, studying me with an unreadable expression.
He briefly closed his eyes and reached for the door handle. “Yes, I think...” he opened it and began to step out. Looking over his shoulder, but not at me directly, he said, “I think I may.”
I stepped out of the truck. I had to hop out because there was a bit of a drop. Gus anticipated my predicament and was standing there with a hand out to help me down. I got caught in the seat belt, and he ended up catching me, his hands resting on my waist.
He held me up for a moment as if he knew my knees needed a moment to stabilize. “Thank you for coming by and seeing it. I promise you can have a turn with it down on the sand.”
My t-shirt had risen just enough for me to feel his hands on my midriff. Just the barest movement of his thumb on my abdomen and I was frozen.
It burned me.
It branded me.
Son of a bitch. I had a date…ugh. I didn’t need to leave thinking about this skin-on-skin
contact.
His hands were still on my hips, and I couldn’t look up at him. Because if I did…I knew he was staring at me, and he’d see everything.
Don’t be ridiculous.
I wasn’t going to let my farfetched imagination get away from me.
I stepped back as if it were nothing. I tucked a piece of wayward hair behind my ear, then shoved my hands into my jeans pockets, thereby guarding any exposed midriff skin against further contact.
Why were there butterflies dancing around inside me? Damnit.
“Okay, well, the truck is amazing.” I pointed at him. “I’m sure you will enjoy it.” As I stepped backward toward my car, I said, “Have a good evening.”
“Hey, Mia…” Gus said.
One-liner declarations of love and lust, pivotal romantic moments, heart-melting scenes of first kisses—all the things my romance novels were full of—flew through my mind as I turned to him and studied the face I tried so hard to keep out of my dreams.
He ran his hand over his neck, pulling on it, and then down over his face, grimacing slightly. “Have fun…”
That was it. Of course, it was it. He’s not into you. Get it through your head, idiot. Friends. Not even friends with benefits. Just friends.
“Um. Okay…” I stared into his navy-blue eyes.
I parked the truck, and we sat quietly for a moment as I tapped the steering wheel with my fingers.
“Well, I think you’re really going to fall in love with this.” I turned to smile at him. He had his elbow resting against his door and his head resting against his hand, studying me with an unreadable expression.
He briefly closed his eyes and reached for the door handle. “Yes, I think...” he opened it and began to step out. Looking over his shoulder, but not at me directly, he said, “I think I may.”
I stepped out of the truck. I had to hop out because there was a bit of a drop. Gus anticipated my predicament and was standing there with a hand out to help me down. I got caught in the seat belt, and he ended up catching me, his hands resting on my waist.
He held me up for a moment as if he knew my knees needed a moment to stabilize. “Thank you for coming by and seeing it. I promise you can have a turn with it down on the sand.”
My t-shirt had risen just enough for me to feel his hands on my midriff. Just the barest movement of his thumb on my abdomen and I was frozen.
It burned me.
It branded me.
Son of a bitch. I had a date…ugh. I didn’t need to leave thinking about this skin-on-skin
contact.
His hands were still on my hips, and I couldn’t look up at him. Because if I did…I knew he was staring at me, and he’d see everything.
Don’t be ridiculous.
I wasn’t going to let my farfetched imagination get away from me.
I stepped back as if it were nothing. I tucked a piece of wayward hair behind my ear, then shoved my hands into my jeans pockets, thereby guarding any exposed midriff skin against further contact.
Why were there butterflies dancing around inside me? Damnit.
“Okay, well, the truck is amazing.” I pointed at him. “I’m sure you will enjoy it.” As I stepped backward toward my car, I said, “Have a good evening.”
“Hey, Mia…” Gus said.
One-liner declarations of love and lust, pivotal romantic moments, heart-melting scenes of first kisses—all the things my romance novels were full of—flew through my mind as I turned to him and studied the face I tried so hard to keep out of my dreams.
He ran his hand over his neck, pulling on it, and then down over his face, grimacing slightly. “Have fun…”
That was it. Of course, it was it. He’s not into you. Get it through your head, idiot. Friends. Not even friends with benefits. Just friends.
“Um. Okay…” I stared into his navy-blue eyes.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews