Read Wrecked (Clayton Falls) for Free Online Page B

Clayton Falls.
    “You’re nervous, huh?”
    “Very. It’s been forever since I’ve been on one.”
    “You’ll do fine. But what are you wearing? Please tell me you dressed cute.”
    “That yellow sundress and strappy sandals.”
    “Perfect. It shows a little cleavage but not too much, and yellow looks awesome on you.”
    “It doesn’t show cleavage.” I looked down self-consciously.
    “You’re checking out your girls, aren’t you?”
    I laughed. “Are you sure you don’t have a camera in my car?”
    “No, not yet. Tell Jake I said hi, and call on your way back.”
    “I will. Have a good lunch.”
    “I’d prefer the lunch you’re having, but what can you do?”
    I moved into the right lane so I could exit. “I don’t even know where we’re eating.”
    “Em, I meant Jake. I’d prefer lunch with Jake.”
    “Oh. You don’t actually like him, do you?”
    She laughed. “He’s all yours, Em. Enjoy.”
    “I can do this.”
    “Yes, you can. Go get him, girl.”
    “So funny. All right, I’m about to turn off.”
    “Woo hoo, you’re almost to the Falls.”
    “Do people call it that?”
    “No. It just sounded cool.”
    “Bye, Mel.”
    I double checked the house number twice before pulling into the driveway. I took a deep breath. This wasn’t a big deal. It was just lunch. I suddenly understood how guys felt on dates… it was even worse when you were picking your date up. I smoothed out my dress one last time before knocking on the white door.
    Jake pulled the door open as soon as I knocked. “Wow, you look amazing.” He checked me out appreciatively, and I liked it. Everyone needs a confidence booster in moments like those.
    “Thanks.” He looked pretty amazing himself in a light green, collared shirt and khaki shorts.
    “Aren’t you supposed to tell me I look good too?”
    I felt the blood rushing to my face. “Yeah, you look good too.”
    “I’m kidding.”
    “Oh, okay.”
    “So I know I told you to pick me up, but if you like seafood we can actually walk to the place I was thinking of.”
    “That sounds nice.” It was a gorgeous day, and I didn’t mind walking. Maybe the fresh air would calm my nerves.
    “Great.” He locked the door. “It’s right off the beach.”
    I followed him down his driveway and walked alongside him when we reached the street. “I’m really glad you came. I know it’s a little bit of a drive.”
    “It wasn’t too bad. I don’t mind driving.” I regretted the words. He was probably still extremely upset about losing his license. “Sorry.”
    “That’s okay. It’s my fault I can’t.” He looked away.
    “If you don’t mind me asking, how long did you lose your license for?”
    “One year.”
    “Wow, that’s awhile.”
    “It could have been worse. I can get a limited license for work.”
    “Oh, that’s something.” There were so many things I wanted to ask him, like why he’d done something so stupid and risky, but I kept the questions to myself.
    He pulled me out of my thoughts. “I know I probably seem like a total loser, getting wasted and driving…”
    I shook my head. “If I thought that, I wouldn’t be here. Don’t get me wrong, it was a really stupid thing to do, but I don’t believe in judging someone based on one action.”
    He looked at me intently. “That’s a cool attitude.”
    “There’s good in everyone…well almost everyone.”
    “Well, thanks for giving me a chance. I think I took it for granted. I guess pain meds can do that to you.”
    I laughed. “I can’t believe it myself. This is my first date in a while.”
    “Yeah? That’s surprising.”
    “Why?” I picked at my nail nervously. It was a bad habit, but I couldn’t help it.
    “Are you kidding? You’re beautiful and smart. I bet you have guys breaking down your door.”
    “You’d be surprised.”
    He studied me. “How long’s it been?”
    “Since I’ve been on an actual date?”
    “Yeah.”
    “About a year.” That was being