“What about you?” he asks, his voice so low and husky it makes my skin tickle. “Any boyfriend?”
I shake my head and embarrassingly let out a little snort. “Gosh no. I’m sworn off men.”
He grunts. “Care to share why that is?”
“I just can’t seem to meet a good one. They’re all ...”
“Jerks?”
I nod.
“Fair enough.”
“I just came out here for my job, and that’s it. I needed to get away from the city. I just ... wasn’t happy,” I admit.
“You got any family or friends out here?”
I shake my head. “No, I don’t. It’s just me.”
“Big thing, to start on your own again.”
“Yeah,” I say softly. “Yeah, it was, but it’s worth it.”
“Takes a lot of courage, good for you.”
“What about you? Do you work?” I ask, glancing at him.
God. His profile. Perfection. He smells incredible, too. The urge to shuffle closer, just to feel more of the awesome head radiating off him is intense. I stay where I am, though, and try not to stare too much.
“Yeah, I fix cars.”
“A mechanic. Nice. In town?”
“Yeah.”
Right.
Awkward.
“What about Ryder? Does he visit his mom or something while you work?”
The look Slade gives me, has my mouth slamming shut. It’s a look that says, do not ask another word. Steph’s right, he doesn’t like talking about it, and from the piercing glare I’m getting right now, that isn’t about to change.
“Sorry, that was rude.”
He looks back into the distance, but the way he’s holding the top of his beer bottle, the way his fingers are going white around it, tells me that I’ve pissed him off. That wasn’t what I wanted to do, dammit. Now I feel terrible.
“Sorry, Slade. I really didn’t mean to shove my nose in your business.”
He still doesn’t say anything.
I think that’s my cue to leave. I stand, placing the beer bottle down.
“Thanks for the beer.”
I walk down the front steps, feeling so stupid my entire body tingles.
“Rachel,” Slade says when I reach the bottom.
I look over at him.
“Goodnight.”
With that, he stands and disappears inside.
I want to shrink away.
I’m such an idiot.
~*~*~*~
Breakfast.
I need breakfast.
The sun is out, it’s a gorgeous Saturday morning, and I’ve decided I’ll head to the local diner and get some breakfast instead of making it at home. After showering and getting dressed, I head out to my car. Ryder is on his way over to my cabin, baseball bat in hand, hat backward on his head. I raise a hand and wave. “Hey, buddy.”
“Morning, Rachel.”
“What are you up to?”
“I was just waiting for Slade to get back so we can play ball, but he’s late.”
He left his kid alone?
I frown.
“Where did he go?”
“Just to the store. He told me not to come outside.”
“Then you should probably go inside,” I point out.
“I wanted to say good morning. He doesn’t mind. He knows I won’t get into trouble when he’s away.”
Hmmm.
“Well, I’m just headed out to breakfast, but maybe we can catch up later?”
“Can I come?” he asks, eyes lighting up.
“I don’t think Slade would like that.”
Ryder shakes his head. “He doesn’t mind at all.”
I stare at the little boy.
“Do you have his phone number so I can ask him?”
Ryder shakes his head again. “No, but I can write him a note?”
What’s the harm? If Ryder leaves him a note, I’m sure he won’t mind me taking the little boy to breakfast. So long as he knows where he is, right? Gosh. I don’t have kids. He doesn’t really know me, either. I ponder it, but figure if I leave a note, and my number, he will be okay with it.
“OK, well, run over and write him a note telling him we’re going to the diner and we won’t be long. Also, write my phone number down.”
I pull out a slip of paper from my purse and a pen, and I write down my number, then I hand it to the little boy.
“I won’t be long!” he cries happily, running back to the cabin.
Ten minutes later, he returns, all ready to go. “Hop in,” I tell him, and open the car door for him.
He hops in and we head out.
“Did you leave the note somewhere he could find it?” I ask.
“Yes, right on the table, and he won’t mind.”
I hope not.
We arrive at the diner, and the two of us head in and take a booth. Marlie is working again, today. She’s hobbling a lot, like she’s sore, poor girl probably needs a break.
“Hi, Marlie!” Ryder calls, waving to her.
“You know Marlie?” I ask him.
“Everyone knows Marlie. She’s famous, you know. She got away from a killer!”
Poor girl. Literally everyone knows her story, even kids.
“Hey, champ,” Marlie says, stopping at our table. “What brings you here?”
“I’m having breakfast with my new neighbor Rachel.”
I wave and Marlie smiles.
“Rachel, nice to see you in here again. How are you settling in?”
“I’m getting there. How are you?”
“Good thanks. What can I get the two of you?”
We order our food and then chat about Ryder’s Pokémon game the entire time we eat. It’s fun, and the more I spend time with Ryder, the more I like him. I was never that great with kids, but I’m starting to see it isn’t so bad at all. I really like the little guy, and he certainly makes me laugh.
When we’re done, and Ryder has filled up on pancakes and a milkshake, we head back to the cabin. I see Slade’s truck out front when we pull up. “Slade’s home,” I tell Ryder.
Ryder jumps out of the car when we get there, and I follow close behind. We’re halfway to Slade’s cabin when he comes storming out. The second I see him, I know, I know even before he opens his mouth that we made a massive mistake. The rage on his face is terrifying. But there’s something else there, too. Fear. Pure, raw, fear.
“Who the fuck do you think you are?” he roars, not screams but roars, at me.
I stop dead in my tracks, and Ryder stops beside me. My heart pounds, my hands start shaking, and my mind spins. No one has ever spoken to me like that before. Not ever.
“Pardon me?” I whisper.
“What the hell were you thinking taking my kid out without permission?”
I blink.
“Slade,” Ryder says. “I asked her to take me and—”
“I didn’t know where he was,” Slade bellows, ignoring the little boy. “I didn’t fuckin’ know where he was.”
Oh, God.
I fucked up. I fucked up in a huge way.
“We left you a note,” Ryder squeaks.
Slade’s eyes swing to the little boy. “Inside. Now.”
“But, it isn’t her fault ...”
“Now. Ryder.”
Ryder drops his head and walks inside. I feel so terrible. Not only is he in trouble, but I made a huge mistake. I shouldn’t have taken him out. I didn’t realize it would be such a big thing. The way Slade is looking at me, it hurts. He was afraid. He was scared something had happened to his little boy. That’s my fault.
“I’m sorry, Slade. He asked if he could come. I made sure he wrote you a note, and left my phone number. I didn’t realize ...”
“You do not ever fuckin’ take someone else’s child without permission. What the fuck is wrong with you?” he barks, fists clenched by his side, chest rising and falling as he pants.
“I—”
“You stay the fuck away from him.
Do you understand me?”
I flinch as he roars the words at me.
He turns and storms into the cabin, slamming the door so loudly it echoes through the trees. My knees tremble, and tears build and fall down my cheeks as I stand there, feeling and looking pathetic. My hands shake and I slowly turn and walk into my cabin. The second the door is closed, I press my back to the door and lower down, crying.
I didn’t mean to make anyone upset, I certainly didn’t mean to get Ryder into so much trouble. I drop my head into my hands and take a few shaky breaths.
Someone knocks on my door.
“Rachel?”
It’s Steph.
I push to my feet, and with trembling fingers, open the door. The second she sees me, she throws her arms around me. I let her. I need it.
“I saw what happened, are you OK?” she asks.
I step back, swiping the tears from my cheeks. “Yeah,” I whisper.
“He had no right to treat you like that!”
“He did,” I say, my voice shaky. “I took his son and he didn’t know where he was.”
“Even so, he had no right to react like that.”
I swallow the thick lump in my throat and try to nod, but nothing happens.
“It’s going to be OK, he’ll cool down,” Steph assures me. “We’ll get you out tonight, forget all about it. That man needs to get control of his temper.”
“Poor Ryder, though,” I say, feeling so terrible for the little boy.
“Yeah, I do feel bad for him. But he’ll be OK, honey. He will.”
“If I had known he’d get so upset, I would have never taken Ryder out. I honestly didn’t think it would be a problem.”
She squeezes my shoulder. “It’ll all be OK, when he calms down you can go over and explain yourself.”
But will that do any good? I’ve seen people get angry in my life, but I’ve never, not ever, seen someone get so upset. I’ve never seen so much fear in a persons’ face. He was afraid, and he was afraid because of me.
I feel awful.
Dammit.
I am just not making a good impression on people around here.
SIX
I adjust the tight black dress and stare into the mirror—it’s a little short, but that’s exactly how I like it. I don’t get out much; I used to go out often with Lara but after she had Bethy, things just got harder, which is understandable. It’s been a while since I’ve just gone out and let my hair down. And after today’s events, I need it.
I run my fingers carefully through my newly-straightened dark hair and double check my makeup in the mirror. Yes, it’s all on point. Before I head over to Steph’s, I want to drop in on Slade and apologize for what happened with Ryder earlier today. I have avoided it all day, giving him time to cool down, but I know I can’t avoid it forever. I need to go and let him know I’m so sorry for what happened.
I grab my purse, spritz on some perfume, and make sure I’ve got everything I need, then I head out and start the slow walk—because I’m in heels—to Slade’s house. There are a few cars out front, and I wonder if he’s got some guests. I hesitate, wondering if I should just leave it until tomorrow, but I know that’s me chickening out.
I walk up the front steps and raise a hand, knocking softly. I can hear music coming from inside, so I doubt anyone will hear, so I do it again, a lot louder. A minute later, the door swings open and Slade appears, wearing a tight black tee, a pair of faded denim jeans, and a red and white checked shirt thrown over his shoulders, unbuttoned. He looks like he should be out chopping wood again.
I take a shaky breath and meet his eyes.
Still angry. I can see it. Dammit.
“Listen, I know what I did today was wrong. I honestly meant no harm. Ryder asked if he could come with me, and I did ask him to leave you a note. I didn’t think, and because of that, I scared you. So I’m sorry. I apologize, and it won’t happen again.”
“Slade?”
A gorgeous, and I mean gorgeous woman appears behind Slade, sliding her arms around his waist, she pokes her head around and stares at me. “Is she here for the party?”
Party.
Huh.
Great.
“No,” he mutters, turning and staring down at the woman. “I’ll be back in soon.”
The woman stares at him, all doe-eyed, and then looks at me, scowling. Magic. Just what I need—her getting the wrong impression. She does as she’s asked, however, and disappears back inside the cabin. Slade looks back to me, and in a low voice, he asks, “We done?”
I blink.
He can’t be serious. It took a lot for me to come over here and say sorry to his arrogant ass, and he’s still going to speak to me like I’m trash.
“I was saying sorry, there’s no need to—”
“Are. We. Done?”
You know what? Fuck this. Fuck him.
This jerk is not going to get away with being such a jackass any longer. Anger bubbles in my chest and I go up on my tiptoes, feeling my anger bursting at the seams, until it spills over and I jab a finger into his rock-hard chest, getting as close to his face as I can. Then, I let rip.
“You know what? I don’t know who the hell you think you are, but when someone sincerely apologizes for upsetting you or doing the wrong thing, you do not continue to speak to them like they’re stupid, or dumb, or a pain in your ass. You accept it like a fucking decent human being.”
I move my finger off his chest, pull it back, and then slam it back down over the wall of muscle.
“And you know what else? You’re a rude, rude man. I don’t know what has happened to you in your life, but you do not take it out on other people. Especially people you don’t know. What have I ever done to you, to deserve your foul treatment? Oh, that’s right, nothing!”
I jab my finger onto him again.
“Now, I’m going out. I came here to do the right thing, but considering you don’t have it in you to accept that, then I have two words for you, buster. Fuck. You.”
With that, I spin around and stomp off down the front steps. Damned jerk, who does he think he is? I was trying to do the right thing, but that’ll be the last time. I walk as fast as I can toward Steph’s cabin and see three female heads peeking over the side of the left railing, watching. When I reach the front steps, they all swivel my way, Steph’s being the one in the middle.
“Oh. My. God!” she squeals. “That was epic!”
“I don’t know you,” an attractive red head says, “but you just became my new best friend.”
“And mine!” a lovely brunette agrees, putting her hand up.
I laugh. “Thanks. I didn’t mean to get so worked up. He just ... drives me crazy. I went all the way over there to apologize and he was so rude.”
“I could watch that over and over again,” Steph sighs, “and never get bored. Anyway, Rachel these are my two friends, Chloe and Patricia. Girls, this is my awesome neighbor, Rachel.”
I wave. “Nice to meet you both, sorry you had to see the worst side of me right off the bat.”
They both laugh.
“It was totally worth it.” Chloe nods, grinning.
“Absolutely,” Patricia agrees.
“Well,” Steph says, dangling her keys, “who’s ready to party?”
“Me!” I say quickly and enthusiastically. “Definitely me.”
“Then let’s roll.”
I glance back at Slade’s cabin.
I’m not sorry. Not even a little bit.
He deserved that.
~*~*~*~
“This is a great bar!” I call over the music.
All four of us girls are sitting in a curved booth in a bar in town. It’s not massive, but it’s full. There are people everywhere, mingling, playing pool, dancing. It’s an old bar, but well taken care of. The wooden style makes it almost Western in appearance, but it has a great atmosphere.
I’m on my third Cosmo, and it can’t hit my body fast enough. I was already wound up enough aft
er the few encounters with Terrence, but adding Slade into the mix just tipped me over the edge. Honestly, alcohol seems like the only reasonable explanation right now, and it’s working a damned treat. I feel lightheaded and happy already.
“These drinks came from the three men at the bar,” a waitress says, placing four Cosmos down on our table.
We all look over to the bar where three men are staring. The one in the middle, a handsome, sandy-blond-haired guy, waves. I wave back without thought and he flashes me a gorgeous grin.
“Oh, my God, Rach,” Steph says, leaning in close. “You should totally go over and say hello.”
“No way.” I laugh, looking back at her.
“Oh, come on,” Chloe encourages. “You at least have to thank him for the drinks.”
“Why don’t you thank him?” I say, and she grins at me.
“I’m a taken lady.”
I sigh, looking to Patricia. She holds up a finger showing me a wedding band. Dammit. I finish my Cosmo and stand, straightening my dress, smoothing my hair, and then I walk toward the three men all staring still. I stop when I reach them, focusing on the spunky blond. He’s better looking up close, with dazzling green eyes, model-type features and a tall, muscled, lean body.
“I just wanted to say thank you for the drinks.” I smile, holding up the Cosmo I brought over for the walk. “We all really appreciate it.”
“No problem, darlin’,” Blondie drawls, and oh, he has a sexy accent. “What’s your name?”
“Rachel, and yours?”
I lean against the bar and his friends start talking amongst themselves, clearly having figured out they’re not getting any attention any time soon.
“Roy.”
Roy. Masculine. Hot.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Roy. Thanks again for the drink.”
“What brings a pretty girl like you here tonight?” he asks, taking a long, leisurely sip from his beer.
“Just a girls’ night out. I’m new to town.”
“That so?”
I nod, sipping my drink again.
“I’ve only been here a few years myself, but I know a few great places to eat and a few great spots to see, if you’re looking for a tour guide.”
I hesitate, not because Roy isn’t gorgeous and sweet, but because I swore off men, and after tonight, I’m even more certain on that, but he is being really kind and I could use a friend ... right?