Until Alex by J. Nathan Read Free Book Online Page A

mine, an unfathomable expression on her face. “I didn’t tell you?”
    I turned down the music and shook my head. Why was she so surprised? She hadn’t told me anything. 
    “Austin.”
    I spotted Remy’s truck in Baxter’s parking lot. Nope. Not going there. He’d have Alex in tears in seconds with his vulgar mouth, blunt assertions, and foul sense of humor. “You like it there?”
    I shot her a side-long glance , instantly noticing her moist eyes. Shit . My attention flew back to the road, unequipped to deal with whatever the hell this was.
    “I did,” her voice was soft, sad.
    Even with the weight of her stare, and the underlying meaning of her words, I didn’t dare look back. I knew how it felt to harbor secrets, ones you didn’t want anyone else knowing. But I also knew how it felt to have people around who didn’t give a damn.
    Fuuuuck.
    “So whatever brought you here sucked pretty bad, huh?” I peeked over to gauge her response.
    Her eyes dropped to her lap and she nodded.
    “Well then tonight’s exactly what you need.”
    She didn’t look at me, but a small smile tipped her lips. “I sure hope so.”
    Great . I still had no clue where to take her.
    The further I drove, the further away from town we got. Maybe that had been my plan all along. Get her away from my demons.
     
    ALEX
    I glanced over at Hayden. His left hand relaxed on the steering wheel while his right hand played the beat of an old Pearl Jam song on the seat between us. God. I wished the old song didn’t send me into such a tailspin. I’d been lost in my head for most of the ride, memories of my dad overtaking my thoughts from the first note. 
    I wondered how Hayden did it. How he always appeared so cool and collected. Was he really? Or was it just a front to keep others out? 
    Without warning, he whipped the steering wheel to the left. My body slammed into the passenger door with an unceremonious thud as he pulled to an abrupt stop in the gravel parking lot—the one that appeared out of nowhere. “ Christ . Who taught you to drive?”
    Hayden’s laughter filled the cab as dust billowed around us. But I wasn’t laughing. Especially once he killed the engine and the dust settled. Because outside the window, I stared at a building with the neon signs in the windows.
    He turned his body to face me, his dark brows bouncing. “So, you ready?”
    “I probably should’ve mentioned this before…” According to the parking lot sign with the unlit E, we were at Jake’s Pub. “I’m only twenty.”
    One corner of his mouth tipped up. “Yeah. I figured.”
    “You figured?” I crossed my arms. “Well how old are you ?”
    Genuine interest flickered in his eyes. “How old do you think I am?”
    “If we’re here, at least twenty-one.”
    Hayden smiled, neither confirming nor denying.
    I glanced out at the old pickup trucks and motorcycles occupying the parking lot. “Well, I don’t have my fake ID. I left it in Austin figuring I...” My voice trailed off, realizing what I almost divulged. I met his eyes. “Do you have one for me?”
    He shook his head.
    “Is it eighteen-and-over night?”
    Again, he shook his head.
    I heaved a sigh. “I didn’t realize I signed up for charades when I asked you out.”
    Hayden threw open his door with quiet laughter. I took that as my cue, pushing open my door. Before I could step out, Hayden blocked my way, his proximity overwhelming me. 
    He leaned in closely, hovering by my ear. His warm breath tickled my neck. His crisp aloe scent invaded my senses. “They don’t card,” he whispered, sending shivers rushing through me.
    Then, as if he hadn’t just purposely sent my body buzzing, he stepped back.
    Bastard.
    * * *
    Stale beer and badly sung music assaulted us upon entering the crowded bar. High-top tables filled the area between the door and the glossy oak bar that ran the length of the back wall. Though the room was small, the mirror behind the bar gave it a larger feel.
    To the