Page 140 of Meant to Be

“Good idea,” Harley replies.

Inching the volume up, I rest my head back. Harley reaches over, placing a warm hand on my thigh. He grips it softly and I watch the veins protrude from his arm.

I must have dozed off because what seems like a few minutes later, we are pulling into a carpark and my eyes are drooping. I rub them and yawn. I stretch out and run my fingers along the base of Harley’s neck.

“Hey sleepy,” he says with a smile.

“Sorry,” I say sheepishly. “I was going to drive halfway.”

“Yeah, sure you were,” he snickers, rolling his eyes. “Let’s get some food.”

I almost cry in relief when I step outside of the car. There’s a cool breeze that washes over my skin.

“We’re not in Fern Grove anymore.” I grin, reaching for his hand.

“We certainly are not.”

The neon sign flashesRaise A Glass, casting a purple glow across the carpark. It’s bustling with people, but we manage to find a table near the back that’s not too close to the speakers.

It’s crowded and the music is so loud, it’s hard to hear myself think. Empty cocktail glasses line the bar, with a few littering across the floor. Despite how many people are here, it doesn’t feel stuffy or overcrowded.

“Drink?”

“I’d love one,” I answer.

“Vodka?”

“Surprise me.”

Harley disappears into the crowd as I plop down onto the cool leather seat. It’s dark in here, the only lights are golden drop-down lightbulbs that swing over the top of our head.

I was worried about being underdressed in my yoga pants and high-neck white crop top, but it seems like it matches the vibe of everyone else here. I slide my leather jacket over my shoulders, loving the fact that it’s cool enough to wear a jacket.

Browsing over the menu, I try to figure out what I feel like, when Harley slides into the booth sitting opposite me.

“Thank you.” I smile, taking the drink and having a sip. It’s cool and crisp on my tongue, making me dive back in for a second and third sip before I place the glass back down.

“This place is really cool,” he says, nodding towards to the centre of the room. “Check it.”

I glance over, seeing a band setting up. This, right here, is the type of bar I’ve always wanted to come to. There’s nothing even remotely similar to this at Fern Grove, and when I was partying in the city with Elliot, it was much more upper class than this. I wouldn’t even be allowed in, wearing what I am right now.

“What do you feel like eating?” I ask.

Harley’s eyes darken slightly as they travel over my chest and down to my exposed stomach. The corner of his mouth twitches.

“You.”

A blush burns its way across my cheeks and down my neck. I smirk back, leaning forward, tracing my finger around the rim of my glass.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. Right now.”

I clamp my thighs together. Shit. This boy sends me wild.

“I’m going to finish my drink,” I say, slowly pulling my lip against my lower teeth. “Then I’m going to the bathroom.”

He swallows as I drain the remainder of my drink. I push myself out of the booth and strut towards the dim light that has an arrow flashing towards the restrooms.