Page 49 of Under Pressure

He takes a turn, and I have to stifle my gasp when we enter Coal Harbour. I recognize it immediately because I used to take the bus through the area all the time when I was in high school. The towering skyline condo buildings send my heart racing, and I don’t even notice the lack of traffic as we creep deeper into the neighbourhood.

We turn onto a long, pristine road with buildings of glass on either side. The streetlights are on and bright, painting the empty sidewalks and tall, bright green trees. I bite the inside of my cheek when I spot docks nestled behind the buildings. The boats tied up there look expensive because they are. I can’t even guess what the cost to store them here is.

I’ve rolled down my window to get a clearer view of the dark water of the ocean when Beck makes a turn and we reach the entrance to an underground parkade. He digs around in the console for a beat before pulling a fob out and pressing it to a giant panel outside the car. With a beep, the overhead door rises.

“For some reason, I assumed you lived in a giant house on the beach or something,” I say, still a bit shell-shocked to be here.

“Nah. That’s Wes’ jurisdiction. He lives on a big-ass hill overlooking the ocean, though. I’ve heard too many stories about him getting sand in his ass, so I do know he loves the ocean.”

“Yeah, he has the only surfer thing going for him.”

“Is that your type?”

“Surfers?” I almost laugh.

“If they are, I’ll have you know that I can surf.”

“Are you lying right now?”

He pulls into a parking spot near the back of the parkinggarage and turns the car off. When he twists my way, his eyes are sparkling with humour.

“Will you spank me if I say yes?”

“More like kick you in the ass.”

“I’ll take it,” he blurts out, smirking.

“You’re insatiable. Do you know that?”

“It’s one of my best assets.”

I drop my gaze and unbuckle my seat belt. “Enough flirting. We need to get some sleep.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He salutes and doesn’t hesitate to grab my overnight bag from the back seat.

We make our way to the elevator, and I inspect the other cars down here. A few cars have covers that hide them from greedy eyes like mine, but most of them are uncovered. A cherry-red Lamborghini two spaces down from Beck’s car glimmers even in the shitty lighting down here, but it’s the Jeep Gladiator with the doors off that holds my attention.

“I’ve always wanted a Jeep,” I admit, cheeks flushing.

Beck pushes the button for the elevator before facing me, letting his arm brush mine. “Yeah? Why’s that?”

“Why not? It’sthesummer car. I’ve yet to watch a single rom-com where the sexy heartthrob isn’t driving around in one. Especially with the doors off.”

“You’d love Kellan, then. He’s got this mint-coloured one with matching interior stitching. I don’t think he’s put the doors back on since he got it.”

I itch with the desire to see it for myself. “What does he do in the winter?”

“He stores it until the weather warms up again.” He stares at me for a beat, his eyes stroking every inch of my face before he adds, “If you want, I could show it to you. Have him let you drive it around for a bit.”

My eyes bulge. “You can’t just volunteer your friend’s car for me to use.”

“He’d do just about anything for a pretty girl, Quinny. Letalone one who looks like you. I promise you he wouldn’t put up a fight.”

The blunt compliment causes my heart to trip over itself. My pulse skips when I stare at the elevator doors just in time to watch them peel open.

“Which one of your friends is he? He’s come into the coffee shop before, right?” I ask, desperate to contain my reaction to him before he points it out.

“He’s about the same height as me but is far less handsome and has a buzzed head. And as he likes us to clarify on his behalf, it isn’t because he can’t grow it out, but because he can never settle on a style. The balding rumours are a farce.”