Free Wrecked by H.P. Landry Page A

now? It was bad enough she had wormed her way into my life, but now she was the resident freak in my dreams.

Mylie

    “Mylie, you coming?” Xavier asked, as I watched Malory and Rhonda drive away.
    I nodded, and we walked through the lit parking lot. The ocean breeze always relaxed me, and I had a genuine smile on my face.
    “What has you so happy?” he asked.
    I turned to see Xavier watching me. Normally it would have freaked me out, but the look in his eyes was pure amusement.
    “The beach. I love the aroma of the ocean, ya know what I am talking about?”
    “Of course, that is why I have a house on the beach, and I drive to Pointe Hope every day.”
    “Seriously? I am so jealous. I love the ocean. It must be relaxing to sleep there.”
    “Why Mylie, is that your way of asking to stay the night?” he teased, but there was hope in his eyes.
    Men!
    “Mr. Bane, what would the neighbors think? And just imagine what your momma would say?” I used my best impression of a southern belle. He roared with laughter, and I felt relaxed.
    “Mylie, you know, I would have offered you a guest room, but you are right, it was presumptuous of me,” he smiled weakly. I lightly shoved him, but my heel got caught in a crack sending me sailing into his strong arms.
    “Easy there, are you okay?” He held me close, and I felt safe as he searched my face for confirmation.
    “Yeah my heel– oh no, it broke! Son of a fucking shit! Mother fucking fucker,” I yelled out.
    “Whoa, sailor, I thought you wanted to be a lawyer?” He winked, and I covered my mouth.
    “I am so sorry,” I said sheepishly.
    “Oh calm down, I’m just teasing you,” he kidded, and I laughed for the first time tonight.
    Lord knows I need to.
    “How do you like being the prodigal child of Lucas Bane? Is it all it’s cracked up to be?” I watched his face, and there was a slight crease between his brows.
    “I don’t really speak to my father anymore. After he left and I took over, he left everything to me due to medical issues.”
    He shrugged, and we walked toward a very flashy sports car. Not really sure why I was surprised. I stared at the sleek design and flashy exterior.
    “Car enthusiast?” he asked, as he walked past the car in question to a flat black Chevy lifted pickup truck.
    “Uh… no.”
    Oh my goodness, it wasn’t his car . Shit! Will I keep making a fool of myself in front of him?
    “Admit it Mylie, you thought that was my car!” He was roaring with laughter.
    “I did no such thing– aw, damn,” I shook my head because I knew I had been caught. “Yes, I did, but knowing your family’s history I kind of assumed—”
    He smiled and opened the door, but I couldn’t lift my leg with my tight dress. Not good.
    “Aw, crap Mylie, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize this would be an issue. Do you mind if I help you?” He looked completely embarrassed for the mishap, and I couldn’t help but giggle.
    “Mr. Bane, are you sure you’re not trying to have your way with me?” I teased.
    He shook his head with a slight grin while his firm hands wrapped around my waist. He pulled me close to his body. His body heat shot a thrill through me, and with all the ease in the world, he lifted me into the seat of his truck. I was starting to believe that Xavier could be the solution to all my problems.
    We drove silently, and I drifted off to asleep. I heard Xavier quietly waking me, and my eyes opened to see the sign, “Welcome to Pointe Hope.” My home, which always welcomes people to the fragrance of orange blossoms, had always been calming, but tonight I couldn’t fight the lingering thoughts of the night’s events. I was so confused.
    “Tonight was crazy,” I finally said, more to myself than to Xavier.
    “What’s crazy is that I can’t wait to see you again, and I am actually prolonging asking you where you live,” he said solemnly.
    Everything in my body was screaming release from the stress of today’s events, but my heart was