FIVE

TESSA

It’s been a week since the incident. That’s what I’m now referring to his call as. Sneaky bastard. I still debate whether I should have talked to him instead of hanging up. At least then I wouldn’t be stuck here wondering why he was calling me in the first place. Does he miss me? Did he realize his mistake? Was he going to confess his undying love? Not likely, but a girl can dream.

I’m walking through the park pondering my life choices when suddenly I find myself flying through the air and landing firmly on my butt. I’m looking up at fluffy clouds in a beautiful blue sky and praying no one saw me slip.

“Holy shit, are you okay?” A deep voice asks before his face comes into my frame of vision. I blink several times hoping he will disappear and leave me to be embarrassed by my lonesome, but as usual my luck is nonexistent. He reaches down to help me up and I know my cheeks must be bright red.

He frowns, concern showing in his eyes. “Are you alright? You really took a tumble there, love.” I blink again and clear my throat trying to coax my voice into sounding somewhat normal.

“I’m fine.” I sit up dusting myself off a bit and take his offered hand. “Sometimes I just like to lay down and cloud watch.” Please believe my bullshit.

He chuckles, “so you want me to believe you fell on purpose?” He pulls me up and suddenly I’m staring into midnight blue eyes as he steadies me in his arms. His hands are warm and strong and leave goosebumps in their wake.

“Mhmm. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.” I’m blushing furiously, but hopefully he will just think it’s because of the heat.

“You’re adorable. But I’m not convinced. Do you want to grab a drink? There’s a pub right around the corner. Maybe you’ll be able to sway me.” He flashes me a dazzling smile, nodding in the direction I was already headed and runs his hand through his luscious sandy blonde hair. I can’t help but imagine what it would be like to do the same. My eyes trail down his body, muscular and tan. A real life Ken doll. I haven’t gone out with anyone since Tyler and I briefly debate with myself what he would think about this. Then I remember that Tyler is featured in photos with new women nearly every night. Fuck what Tyler thinks. Last night, he entertained a gorgeous woman. She had the prettiest shade of pink hair and legs that went on for days. I’m sure they were wrapped around him at some point.

Normally at this point I’d politely decline. I’d make up some kind of lame excuse like I have to work or I need to feed my goldfish. However, I came here to get over Liam and maybe that involves taking a chance. Maybe that chance is the handsome stranger who helped me up at the park.

“That sounds like fun.” The words leave my mouth before I have a chance to chicken out. “I’m Tessa,” I say flashing him my sultriest smile. I offer him my hand and instead of shaking it as I expected, he lifts it to his mouth and places the gentlest kiss on it. Just like they do in the movies.

“I’m Drew,” he smiles flashing his perfectly straight white teeth before gently placing his hand on the small of my back to lead me away. From what I can see, Drew is just the kind of distraction that I need.