Too Far 01- Fallen Too Far

smirked and glanced out over the water, “I bet you do.”
    I paused and thought about that comment then asked, “What is that supposed to mean?”
    Rush let his gaze trail down my body then back up. I was regretting not putting my tank top back on. “You know what you look like, Blaire. Not to mention that damn sweet smile of yours. The male golfers are paying you well.”
    He was right about the tips. He was also making me breathe funny looking at me like that. I wanted him to like what he saw but then I was also terrified of the outcome. What if he did change his mind about keeping his distance? Could I keep up?
    We sat in silence for awhile as he stared straight ahead. I could tell he was thinking about something. His jaw was clenched tight and there was a frown line creasing his forehead. I thought back to what all I’d said. I couldn’t think of anything that would upset him.
    “How long ago did your mom pass away?” he asked turning his gaze back to me.
    I didn’t want to talk about my mom. Not to him. But ignoring his question was rude. “Thirty-six days ago.”
    His jaw worked as if he was angry about something and his frown line got deeper. “Did your dad know she was sick?”
    Another question I didn’t want to answer. “Yes. He knew. I also called him the day she passed away. He didn’t answer. I left a message.” The fact he never returned my call hurt too bad to admit.
    “Do you hate him?” Rush asked.
    I wanted to hate him. He had only caused pain in my life since the day my sister had died. But it was hard. He was the only family I had. “Sometimes,” I replied honestly.
    Rush nodded and reached over and hooked his pinky through mine. He didn’t say anything but at that moment he didn’t have to. That one small connection said enough. Maybe I didn’t know Rush well but he was getting under my skin.
    “I’m having a party tonight. It’s Nan, my sister’s birthday. I always give her a party. It may not be your scene but you’re invited to attend if you want to.”
    His sister? He had a sister? I thought he was an only child. Wasn’t Nan the girl who had been so rude the night I’d arrived?
    “You have a sister?”
    Rush shrugged, “Yeah.”
    Why had Grant said he was an only child? I waited for him to explain but he didn’t elaborate. So I decided to ask.
    “Grant said you were an only child.”
    Rush tensed. Then shook his head as he finger left mine and turned to look out at the water. “Grant really has no business telling you my business. No matter how damn bad he wants in your panties.” Rush stood up and didn’t look back at me as he turned and headed back to the house.
    Something about Nan was off limits. I had no idea what it was but it was definitely off limits. I shouldn’t have been so nosy. I stood up and headed out to the water. It was hot and I needed something to get my mind off Rush. Every time I let my guard down a little around him he reminded me why I needed to keep it firmly in place. The guy was strange. Sexy, gorgeous and delicious but strange.

    I sat on my bed listening to the laughter and music in the house. I’d changed my mind about attending this party all day. The last time I had decided to go I’d put on the only nice dress I still owned. It was a red dress that hugged my chest and hips then hung in a short baby doll cut around my mid-thigh. I’d bought this dress when Cain had invited me to Senior Prom. Then he’d been nominated for prom king and Grace Anne Henry had been nominated prom queen. She’d wanted to go to the prom with him and he’d called and asked me if it would be okay if he went with her instead. Everyone had said they would win and he thought it would be cool if they were there together. I’d agreed with him and hung my dress back in my closet. That night I’d rented two movies and made brownies. Mom and I had watched romantic comedies and eaten brownies until we were stuffed. It was one of the last times I remember her not being so sick from chemo that she could actually eat treats like brownies.
    Tonight I had pulled the dress out of my bag. It wasn’t expensive by these people’s standards. It was actually pretty simple. The red material was soft chiffon. I glanced down at my mom’s silver heels that I’d kept. They had been the ones she’d worn the day of her wedding. I had always loved them. She never wore them again but they were kept in a box wrapped up tightly.
    I risked a big chance of going out