Don't Change The Way You Think Of Me

Sunny Days Can Lead to Dark Nights

Paisley's POV
It wasn't right and it shouldn't have happened, but I had to admit our night together was the best time I have had in years . The sex was incredible and we had such a natural rapport together. It was hard to believe, given our first reaction to each other. I was serious about having sex, no matter how much we both liked it or wanted it.

The day together was delightful, he was a wonderful tour guide and we just clicked together so naturally. Huntington Beach was so beautiful. After touring the downtown and doing some shopping, we headed to the beach. We walked along the beach where people were enjoying the beautiful day under the California sun. At one point, Brian held my hand, he looked at me clearly waiting for my reaction. I just smiled at him and decided to enjoy this innocent moment. He smiled back, "I think Huntington Beach is where you belong, it seems to relax you and you look even more beautiful."

"Thanks, I think?" I said as I laughed. "I do feel a natural ease here, it helps having a handsome tour guide." Just as the words left my lips, I realized that we were still holding hands and without meaning to be so bold about it, I jerked my hand away from his. He looked at me with a sly, self satisfied grin. "Like you said, you feel a natural ease here." He chuckled. "Thanks for the compliment too."
"Don't make me take it back." I said making a face at him and then laughing in hopes the whole incident would fade away. "I'm starving, where should we have lunch?"
"Ruby's Diner, it's right here and you will love it." He said.
"Sounds great." He put out his elbow to escort me. "Shall we?"
"Stop it Haner!" I playfully smacked his arm. "Let's go, I'm starving."
On our way my cell phone rang. The news was good, the van could be repaired for $300.

Brian's POV
"I'm buying lunch." I told her as we were looking at the menu.
"That's silly, I'll get it."
"I just want to buy for once." It was important to me, although I was a little worried it would be more than the $30 I had in my wallet since Paisley insisted on paying me back for the tip to room service.
She thought for a moment. "Okay, you get lunch and I'll get dinner for everyone."
"Everyone?" I asked, realizing I didn't want to share her.
"Yes, the rest of the guys and us. We need to meet and talk about the van and discuss strategy."
"Oh, I thought it was just us hanging out today." I said, My disappointment more evident that I wanted it to be.
"It is just us for the majority of the day. I think we're in a good place now, we are friends, right?" She asked. I again attempted to mask my disappointment.
"Yes, but we could be friends with benefits." I said raising an eyebrow and smiling at her.
"That would be fun, but you know we can't." She said, with a bit of sadness.
The waitress took our order. Paisley called Matt while we waited for the food and he agreed to have everyone meet at the Hotel at six. Apparently, they all had crashed at Matt's after leaving Johnny's.
We ate lunch while chatting about our lives. I about my parents, step-parents and siblings.
"So what about your family, where did you grow up?" I asked.
"I'm from Paintsville Kentucky, my father owned a very successful construction company."
"So is that the inheritance you talked about?"
"I said it was like an inheritance and my parents are alive." She laughed a little but it was a bit forced.
"I don't want to overstep here, but what is this sort of an inheritance? Did you rob a bank or something?" I tried to make a joke, it was clear that she wasn't laughing.
"It's something I don't talk about. It wasn't anything illegal, I promise you." She said with a small grin.
"What happened when you were married? Is he Rich?" As soon as I asked, I could tell by the look on her face that was a bad question.
"Yes, but I don't like to talk about that either."
"Okay, I seem to be asking all the wrong questions. Tell me something about yourself."
"I have four brothers and three sisters and I am the oldest."
"Holy crap! That's a big family!"
She laughed "Holy crap, it is! Unfortunately, once I went off to college and married Jeffrey, I severed ties with my family without even meaning to." Suddenly, she looked sad.
"Maybe someday you can reconnect." I said, touching her hand resting on top of the table for just a moment making her smile.