A warm palm covered mine. My eyes popped open. Michelle’s warm smile greeted me. “Are you ok?”
“Yeah.”
I choked back the tears. “What’s been up with you ladies?”
“Kip asked me out on a second date?” Michelle squealed.
“Yay, that’s awesome.”
“Michelle, that’s great. I am so happy for you. Kip is a good guy.” Chrissy smiled wide.
I glanced at Chrissy. “What’s up with you?”
“This week has been absolutely crazy at the Vet hospital. One of the staff members forgot to lock the snake cage.”
My eyes grew the size of baseballs. I scanned the floor. “Are they on the loose?”
Chrissy laughed hysterically. “No. I should have told you they were because the look on your face is priceless.”
“Not fucking funny. I can handle spiders but snakes no way.”
Chrissy hugged me. “It’s ok. I know how you are.”
We sat in the same spots at the four-top table every week. Michelle and Chrissy sat at either end, and I sat between them.
“Um huh,” I grimaced, as I gulped down my drink.
“Let’s do a couple of shots of Tequila.”
Chrissy’s dark eyes lit up. “Yes, let’s do it.”
Shelly arrived and placed two baskets of lemon pepper wings and a basket of fries on the table.
“Shelly, please bring us six shots of Tequila with limes,” Chrissy smiled.
“Be right back.”
We each grabbed a wing from the basket. Pulling the smokey meat between my teeth, I savored the lemon flavor on my tongue.
“These are to die for. I am going to miss these wings.”
“I can’t believe you’re really leaving.” Michelle's smile dropped.
“I doubt I’ll be gone for more than two weeks.” I shook my head. “Chrissy’s right he’ll send me packing.”
Chrissy’s jaw slacked like she’d seen a ghost.
“Hello, ladies,” I heard the familiar voice to my left.
Fuck, I knew he heard what I said.
I peeked up at him. He wore a slight scowl, and his cheeks were red. Could have been from the cold.
“Hi, Collin,” the ladies chimed.
“Hey, you made it.” My smile didn’t quite meet my eyes.
“The wings smell great.”
“Would you like to join us?”
“No, I’ll sit at the bar.”
“Ok.” Butterflies teetered in my tummy.
He leaned over, braced his hand on the table and chair, passionately taking my lips for all to see. I pressed my hand against his muscled chest.
Collin pulled his perfect pink soft lips away, standing to his full height. My body heated. I no longer wanted to hang with my friends. I only wanted to be under him. I sensed he was upset with me though.
His thumb slid across his lower lip as his dark eyes bore into mine. “I’ll take care of your tab, ladies. I hope you all continue to enjoy each other’s company.” His eyes never left mine as he spoke to us.
“My college football game will air in five minutes.” He didn’t linger a second more. Collin sat in one of the high-back chairs in the middle of the long bar.
“Maybe I should go talk to him.”
Chrissy grabbed my arm, halting my abrupt movements.
“No, he’ll be fine. How does he expect you to feel? He’s a rich guy who can have any woman he wants, and he chose a beautiful woman from a small town. Right now, he reminds me of the big bad wolf, stealing our friend and taking her to the big city,” Chrissy sniffled.
I wrapped my arms around her. “I’ll be back to visit. I promise.”
Releasing her, I turned to Michelle and hugged her too. “You guys are my best friends.”
“We don’t want to rain on your parade.” I pulled back and peered into her blue eyes.
“Not sure what you did to that man, but I have a feeling he’s serious. You have to ask yourself; will you be willing to stay in L.A. permanently.”
Her words hit me right in the gut. My nerves were now shot.
“I need that drink now.”
We raised our shot glasses.
“To our best friend making big moves. We love you,” Michelle stated.
Our glasses clanked. Quickly, we licked the skin close to our and sprinkled salt on our hands. We licked the salt off our hands, then tossed the tequila to the back of our throats. I slammed my fist against my chest as I sucked on the lime.
“Woo,” I shouted.
An hour later, the liquor was heating up my body. My friends and I sang our favorite songs. I glanced across the room. Garrett, Eric, and Jack poured into the bar.
They spoke amongst each other. I’d never seen them huddled together before. Peter joined them and they talked amongst themselves, then their eyes fell on me. What the fuck was going on here?
They stalked over to Collin. My eyes widened. “Oh, shit.”
“What’s wrong?” Michelle followed my line of sight.
“I think they’re about to pick a fight with Collin.”
I shot out of my seat. Too fast, I might add, the room was spinning.
Bracing my fingertips against the table, I collected my bearings.
“This can’t happen.”
Chrissy stood. “Wait, what are you going to do?”
“Put an end to this macho shit.” I cut through a crowd, lingering around the standing room only bar.
“What’s going on here?” I growled at the four guys huddled around Collin.
“Kara, go sit down,” Eric ordered. “We only have your best interest at heart.”
Collin smirked around the mouth of his beer bottle. He appeared cool as a fan.
“And you Jack, what’s your excuse?”
He raised his hands as if he was surrendering. “I’m here for moral support.” He winked.
If he laid a hand on Collin, I’d kick him in the balls. He had it coming after all these years.
“You can’t come here on your fancy jet and decide you want to date her for a little while. She should be with one of us. A man on her level. Not some fancy city slicker playing action and adventure. We live this life every day.
There’s no way we can allow you to take Kara from the only home she’s ever known,” Eric bit out.
“Allow?” Collin chuckled, sipping his beer.
“She’s a grown woman. I’m not dragging her by her hair onto my jet.”
“You think this shit is funny, playboy?” Garrett growled.
“Actually, I do. She didn’t want to settle down with any of you guys.” He pointed at them.
“She told each of you that in the nicest fucking way possible. You assholes still can’t get a hint. Kara belongs to me. That’s the end of this discussion.” He turned back to the TV.
I belonged to him. What was I, a pet?
Peter shoved Collin. “She doesn’t belong to you.”
Collin gripped the bar, stumbling a bit.
He stood, towering over Peter and Jack. Garrett and Eric were as tall as him.
Collin slammed his palms into Peter’s chest. He tumbled to the floor.
“Stay the fuck down. Now I want to hear from the rest of you. What’s your deal with me? Lay it all out.”
Eric’s eyes narrowed, and he puffed out his chest. “You come here, set your sights on the prettiest woman in town, and decide to take her back to the big city where she doesn’t belong.”
Collin’s brow arched as he peeked at me. “By the way, how did you know she’s moving to L.A.?”
“This is a small town. News gets around fast,” Garrett huffed.
Collin fisted Eric’s flannel shirt. “I don’t give a shit about any of you bastards. Kara’s my woman. She made her choice. Accept it. You all are hung up on the same woman. Get a fucking life. Make peace with the fact that she chose me.” He pushed him back.
Eric reared his fist back, then threw a punch. Collin ducked.
Coll
in threw a jab, landing across Eric’s jaw.
Garret and Jack pushed Collin.
“That’s enough,” I shouted.
They ignored me. Their fists slammed into Collin’s body and face. I pried between them.
Jack picked me up and sat me in a chair. “Stay down.” He pointed.
Collin threw punch after punch. Jack grabbed Collins arms, holding him back. Peter threw a punch, then Collin slammed his foot into his stomach, knocking him to the floor again.
I stood on top of the chair. “It’s over,” I roared.
Nick, one of the local, shoved the guys apart. Collin and the guys met my gaze.
“I’ve lived here all my life. No one asked what I wanted. Eric, Garrett, and Peter, you all have been nice to me over the years. But you guys just can’t take no for an answer. I am not romantically attracted to any of you guys.” I glanced at the floor, then back at them.
“I don’t want to be with any of you. I’ve let you down over the years, but apparently, I have to be blunt. I will not ever be with you, Garrett, Eric, or Peter. And Collin, yes I chose you.”
His bloody lip ticked up.
“But I am no one’s property. You have no right talking about me like I’m an animal.”
“Kara, listen,” Collin pleaded.
I placed my hand up. “No. The way you all carried on today, hurt my heart. I’m a human being. None of you deserve me.” Tears leaked from my eyes.
I stormed toward the exit. My name left each of their lips as the door slammed behind me and the crisp air smacked my bones. Clutching my shivering arms, I trudged down the snow-covered sidewalk toward our shop. I hoped no one came after me. Time alone was what I needed. My shaky cold fingers swiped at the tears before I dug into my jeans pocket. I didn’t carry a purse. I turned the key in the lock, then dipped inside.
The shop had always been my place of refuge. I didn’t need light to find my way around our humble shop. The map display’s, jackets, and hats lined the four aisles. You’d never believe how many tourists arrived ill prepared for the cold weather. It used to surprise me, not anymore. We had everything a tourist could need. Binoculars, hand warmers, top of the line cameras, sim cards. We were a tourist shop of the future. I smiled as I reached the counter and turned on my heels. I’d miss this place. Sinking to the floor, I hugged my legs. Tears smacked my knees. Was I making the right decision? A recent memory warmed my heart. Collin and I rode the ski lift in Anchorage, sipping hot chocolate.
Flecks of amber sparkled in his brown eyes. “I won’t ever forget how much you love hot chocolate.”
I smiled so hard my facial muscles hurt. He was the boyfriend I never had. He wrapped his arm around me, scanning the slopes.
My entire body quaked against him. That was the moment I fell in love with Collin Daughtry.
Pushing myself up off the floor, I continued to the office. I reached inside the ancient wooden chest, where my dad kept my pillow and blankets. Every day after school, I grabbed my favorite blanket out of the chest and took a nap on the cot. Those were the days, kindergarten through third grade. All I wanted to do was play. Dad said naps were important. Playtime came later. Sitting on the cot, I untied my boots, then snuggled into my pillow under the blanket.
I didn’t know what obstacles I’d face once I arrived in L.A.
But I damn sure wasn’t backing down.
CHAPTER SEVEN
COLLIN
Kara shut down all the bullshit. I was proud of her. Even when she told me I didn’t own her. She was right; I didn’t. I never meant it in that way. Behind closed doors, Kara moaned she belonged to me. In front of half the town, that probably didn’t sound sweet and endearing. My thoughts kept flipping back to the part where she said she chose me. Those words made my heart swell a thousand times. She was the one. As cliché as it sounded, there was no other way to explain how much I’d grown to love Kara in a short period of time. I had no problem ripping those assholes apart. I still meant it; Kara was mine. All the torch holding for my woman was fucking over. Those clowns deserved every time my fist met their fucking faces. I was happy to bleed for what was mine.
Kara stormed out the bar, never looking back. And without a coat. That was a good indication she was beyond pissed. One by one, the band of assholes and I called out to her.
Blood dripped from my lip.
“Collin, here.” Michelle stood beside me, holding a napkin in hand.
“Thank you.” I dabbed my busted lip.
Again, I stared at the door. Not sure why I waited to go after her. I guess I was trying to give her a minute to breathe, due to all the bullshit that just transpired, but after five minutes, I panicked. I ran out the door, scanning the streets and behind the building. Her truck was still in the parking lot. I cupped my hands on the window and peeked inside. No Kara. Where could she have gone? I darted back inside the bar. The chatter halted. I grabbed my coat and shrugged it in route to Chrissy and Michelle’s table.
“Kara’s truck is in the parking lot, but she’s gone.”
Chrissy clenched her coily black locks. “If she was dressed properly, she’d drive to the lake where she ice fishes.”
“Is there anywhere nearby.”
Michelle tugged her lip. “No.”
I grabbed Kara’s messenger bag and coat. “I’ll look for her. Where does her father live?”
“About fifteen minutes down the road to your left,” Chrissy’s dark brow’s rose.
“Here’s his address. You’ll probably see her walking as you drive in that direction. What’s your phone number? I can call you if she returns or you can call me if you find her.”
I rattled off my number.
My cell pinged. I glanced at Chrissy’s number on the screen.
“Thanks. The moment I find her, I’ll call or text you.”
She nodded.
I didn’t give Kara’s fan club a second look. My woman was all that mattered.
My silver Yukon Denali rolled over the freshly fallen snow and past the closed shops in downtown Talkeetna.
How could she walk out the door without her cell? Shit, not that she’d answer my call at the moment.
I scoured the streets looking for any one sitting outside in the cold. The diner’s open. I sighed as I parked in a space. She had to be here. After hopping out of the truck, I yanked the diner door open. The bell chimed overhead.
“Katy, that fine specimen of a man you have the hots for is back. Looks like he was in a scuffle.”
The short brunette’s blue eyes roved over me.
I scanned the dining room. No sign of Kara.
My eyes fell on the waitress’s name tag. “Hello, Mandy.”
She popped her gum and stared at me. “You all right, hun?”
“Fine thanks.”
“Where would you like to sit tonight?”
I smirked in an effort to be polite. “Nowhere, I’m actually looking for my girlfriend, Kara. Have you seen her?” I peeked at my watch. “In the last eight minutes?”
“Kara’s your girlfriend?” a woman said from behind.
She stepped beside Mandy.
She palmed her chin, resting her elbow on the podium. “How did she get lucky to get a handsome man like yourself? Even with a busted lip and bruised cheeks, you’re gorgeous.”
I was two seconds from biting their heads off. Through barred teeth, I framed a smile. “Thanks. I’m the lucky guy.”
Their jaws slacked.
“Have you seen Kara?”
“Nope.” Katy continued staring.
“Thanks for your time.” I ran out the door, peering down the low-lit streets lined with decorative black street lamps.
“Where are you, baby?”
I climbed back into my truck and drove toward her father’s house.
My heartbeat thudded my ribcage. I had to find Kara.
The sexy, rugged woman owned my heart. I didn’t know if she owned heels, let alone knew how to walk in them. California would be a cultu
re shock to her. Between me and my assistant Ruby, we’d get her settled in to her new life.
I parked in Mr. Riley’s long driveway. One light was on in the house. She had to be here. His truck must’ve been in the garage. Don’t tell me she walked here.
I stood on the porch and rang the doorbell.
Another light popped on before the door opened. “Collin, what are you doing here? Come in.”
I stepped inside and closed the door behind me. “Sir, have you seen Kara?”
His eyes widened as he ran his hand over his brown and blond hair. “No, she’s not. Who did you get into a fight with? I’ll grab an ice pack.”
“I’m fine, Mr. Riley. Eric and the other guys who have a thing for Kara approached me at the bar.” I swiped my hat off my head.
“I was in my first bar brawl.” My first in the U.S. The other happened in Dublin, Ireland.
“Have a seat.”
I sat on the sofa across from him. He sat on the arm of the chair, wearing flannel pjs.
“Kara was upset. Said a few choice words and left the bar without a coat or a phone. Her truck is still in the bar parking lot.”
“Kara, knows not to stand out in the elements too long without outerwear.
Her house is too far.” He rubbed his brow.
“She’s somewhere warm near the bar.”
“I checked the diner. She wasn’t there.”
“I’ll change. I think I know where she is.”
“Ok.”
Twenty minutes later, he unlocked the front door of his shop. He flipped on a low beam light. “Follow me,” he whispered.
We strolled down a long hall into an office.
He grabbed his heart. “There’s my baby.”
I exhaled. “Thank God,” I stated, in a low voice.
My beautiful Kara was in a deep slumber, almost buried under her blanket, only her closed eyes poked out.
He patted my shoulder and motioned for me to follow as he closed the office door.
“She must’ve had her keys on her. Kara’s a smart woman.”
“You truly raised her well, Mr. Riley.”
“Have a seat, Collin. Would you like a bottle of water or coffee?”
“Coffee would be great.”
He tinkered with the thermostat. “There. Not sure why she didn’t turn on the heat.” He shook his head.
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