Read Online Heart Shaped Rock by Laura Roppe - Free Book Online

work at Sheila’s,” Tiffany explains, ticking each item off on her fingers. “And a billion other questions I can’t even remember. Gonzo smitten, like I said.”
    “You didn’t tell him... about... my whole sob story, did you?” I ask in a low voice. “You know... about... my mom?”
    “Oh gosh, no,” Tiffany gasps, as if it’s an outlandish question. “I’ve learned my lesson on that one. You’re just a normal girl.” She shoots me an exaggerated wink, like we’re actors in some old black-and-white movie.
    I’m relieved. And anxious at the same time. Why do I care what Jared knows or thinks about me?
    “He’s a total jerk,” Tiffany says matter-of-factly.
    “He is?” I ask, surprised. He didn’t seem particularly jerky to me.
    “No, he’s not,” Kellan retorts. “Jared’s a totally cool dude. Why would you say that, Tiff?”
    Tiffany pouts. “I’ve seen the guy, like, fifteen times down at Sheila’s and he doesn’t even remember me, and he lays eyes on Shaynee all of once and he’s ready to tattoo her face onto his chest.”
    “Whatever,” Kellan says. He motions toward the water. “Hey, you girls wanna take a walk?”
    I know he’s really only inviting Tiffany to walk along the ocean. I wouldn’t dream of joining them. “Nah,” I say. “I’m kind of tired. I think I’ll just sit here for a little bit. Is that okay? I’m a little... over-stimulated, I think.”
    “Are you all right?” Tiffany asks.
    I nod.
    “Come on, babe.” Kellan grabs Tiff’s hand. “Let’s go suck face.”
    “Are you absolutely sure?” Tiffany asks me, resisting Kellan’s pull on her. She looks into my eyes, trying to read my sincerity.
    “I am one hundred percent positive,” I reply. And I am. I’d actually prefer to be alone for a moment. I’ve had far too much social interaction for one night. “Please, go suck Kellan’s dopey face. The boy looks desperate.”
    Kellan adopts an expression of extreme desperation, and Tiffany laughs.
    “I can’t stand to look at him anymore,” I say. “Please, go.”
    “Okay,” Tiffany relents. “But why don’t you move a little closer to the fire, so you’re not sitting here all alone? You look like a creeper or something.”
    I laugh. “Roger that.”
    Kellan and Tiffany grab each other’s hands and walk across the sand toward the water. I follow Tiff’s advice and move quite a bit closer to the bonfire, where I can feel the heat wafting over me. It feels calming.
    A log in the bonfire falls, and the entire fire crackles and pops and sizzles. A wave of thick smoke envelops me for just a moment with the shifting of the breeze. I begin to cough and wave the air with my hands to clear a clean patch to breathe.
    “Looks like you’ve picked a dangerous spot,” a voice says. I turn, expecting Jared. But it’s not Jared. It’s some guy I don’t know.
    Wow, yet another Casanova. Do I have “PLEASE TALK TO ME” stamped on my forehead? What’s going on tonight?
    I don’t reply to his pick-up line. I mean it’s pretty lame.
    “Is this seat taken?” he asks, motioning to the sand next to me.
    I shrug.
    His voice seems really familiar to me. But I can’t place it.
    He looks to the fire for a moment, and the flames dance across his face. Wow, he has the most alluring collection of features I’ve ever seen. Well, in person, anyway. I’ve seen movie stars and rock stars rival this guy, but I’ve never seen such perfection up close. He truly is a work of art. His hair is dark. His cheekbones are high. His nose is sculpted. His lips are... wow.
    “I’m Dean,” he says, extending his hand.
    I put my hand in his and immediately feel a current of electricity jolt through my body. I jerk my hand away.
    “I’m Shaynee,” I say, sounding more confident than I feel. “I recently learned I’m supposed to say my name when someone says theirs. So, there, I did it. I said my name. It’s Shaynee.” Oh God, I’m rambling.
    He laughs a masculine,