by Tess Oliver
“Yep, I’d rather stay here. What does that say about us? Still want to talk things out?” Bolt’s tiny meow came from under the bed. “Lower your voice. You’re scaring my cat.”
“Good. Keep that walking ball of dander away from me.” He flopped onto the bed and pulled a pillow over his face to blot out the small amount of light peeking between the curtains.
I pulled out the empty ice pack the hospital had given me from my purse. “I need to get some ice. I’ll be right back.” I stepped out onto the cement pathway that ran along the entire stretch of rooms. The manager, Mr. Kinon, an extremely grumpy man with a long, stretched face and yellow teeth was standing in the office window watching me as I headed to the ice machine. I smiled and waved, but he didn’t return the greeting.
I filled the ice bucket and made a quick turn back to my room. I heard the office door open and shut behind me but ignored the footsteps. It would have been impossible for him to miss the six-foot-two man climbing out of my car at a snail’s pace. I hurried inside the room and even knowing Mr. Kinon with his long face was behind me, I startled at the sound of his knock on the door.
Ryan lifted the pillow and looked across the room.
“That’s the manager. You’re going to owe me some money.”
I opened the door and splashed a wide smile across my face. “Afternoon, Mr. Kinon.”
He leaned to look past me, but he wasn’t focused on the tall man stretched on my bed. His eyes went to the pet food dish I had next to the chair. “I see you have a cat.”
“No, I—I use that to spit out the shells of my sunflower seeds.”
“No.” His stretched face bunched up into an angry crumpled expression. “I saw a kitten, an orange kitten right here on the ledge of this window.” He pointed to the front window. “I’m afraid you’ll have to either put the kitten out or leave.”
“I’ll be gone in the morning.”
“Not good enough. You signed a contract. No pets. So, get the cat out, or you’ll have to pack up tonight.”
“Fine. I’ll pack.” I slammed the door shut. “Damn it. Guess we’ll head to your place.”
“You mean our place.” Ryan dropped the pillow back down on his face. “You can’t bring the cat,” he mumbled.
“You just referred to it as our place. The cat is going with me, so there’s an end to that part of the conversation.” I filled the ice pack and handed it to him. “Here, put this on your head while I pack.”
I walked to the closet and pulled out my bags. There was another knock on the door, and this time I was in no mood for my sour-faced landlord. I walked to the door. “I told you I’m leaving,” I said as I yanked it open.
“But I just got here.” Slade flashed that smile that I was already far too crazy about.
“Slade.” I moved into the center of the doorway. “How’d you find me?”
“Well, this was the only pay by the week motel in the area, and I know how you like to stay in the really crappy ones.” He looked around. “Yep, this one really fits the bill. I wanted to—”
Slade stopped and looked at something behind me. I didn’t need to turn around to know that curiosity and the need to be a cocksure, possessive asshole had pulled Ryan out of bed.
“Who the hell are you?” Ryan’s snide tone came over my shoulder. I wanted to melt into a puddle and disappear into a crack in the cement.
Slade shot him a cold look. His jaw twitched with anger, but his dark green eyes showed something much deeper. It was hurt. “I’m a friend,” he answered, and the flicker of emotion in his face made my chest tighten as if someone was pressing against it. “Who are you?”
“I’m Britton’s husband.”
Slade’s hard gaze landed on my face. I nodded to let him know it was true.
“Fuck.” Slade turned and walked away. I ran after him, pulling the door shut in Ryan’s face.
“Slade, I can explain. We’ve been separated for four months.” I stood behind him as he faced his car.
His tense shoulders strained the fabric on his t-shirt. He reached up and slammed his hands against the top of the car before spinning around. “When were you going to fucking mention it, Brit? Seems like you’ve had a lot of opportunities. Long before you let me start to feel this way about you.”
“I was going to tell you, but—”
“But what?”
“But I thought you’d get upset. Like this. Like you are now. We were having such a good time—” I sucked in a shuddering breath. “I loved every second I spent with you, Slade. I just didn’t want to ruin that yet.”
“It would have been a hell of a lot easier hearing it from you than from him. I came running after you because you left so suddenly today, and now I feel like the biggest fucking chump in the world.”
I grabbed his arm. “Please let me explain.”
The door to the motel opened.
“Britton, let’s get going,” Ryan said from the hallway. I didn’t turn or answer him.
I looked at Slade through my tears.
His face changed, and his harsh gaze softened some. “Are you in any kind of danger?” he asked. “Will he hurt you?”
His concern made my heart ache that much more. Slade was everything I needed, but I was losing him. I’d never made smart life decisions. Ryan was proof of that, but he had never laid a mean hand on me. “He’s a terrible husband,” I said quietly. “But I’m in no danger. Please—”
“Britton?” Ryan called from behind.
Slade reached back and opened his car door. “You get your life puzzled out first, Britton.” He climbed inside and looked up at me before closing the door. “Trust me, Tink, it’s not fucking easy driving away from someone like you.” He shut the door and took off.
Chapter 23
Slade
Cleveland was standing on the stoop holding a six pack in each meaty hand. “Get your sunbonnet, buddy, we’re going out for a boat ride.”
“Not in the mood.” I turned around.
He followed me inside. “Come on, dude, you’ve been boring as shit for two weeks. Never thought any girl could suck the life out of Slade Stone.”
His words were especially irritating because they were true. I hadn’t talked to Britton since I’d found her sitting in a motel room with her husband, a discovery that had knocked the wind from me. I’d fallen hard for a girl who seemed to be more mirage than real. She hadn’t tried to call me since, and I wasn’t all that surprised. I’d always figured the attraction was more from my side than hers. Didn’t make it any easier, but at least I knew never to put my heart out there for the taking again. My brothers could be the saints. I didn’t need to tie myself to anyone.
I flopped on the couch. “Ah fuck, now you’re just going to stand there and whine, aren’t you? Whose boat?”
He hesitated, and that was all I needed. “Shit, not your clownish pal, Stewie and that rusted bathtub he parades as a fucking boat.”
“Yeah, that’s the clown and the tub. But there’s a plus side. Remember his sister, Melonie, with the really big—” Cleveland stuck the beer cans against his chest for a visual in case I didn’t know what he was referring to. “She leaves for college next week, and one of her hot little college friends is staying with her for a few days. So, there’ll be college coeds on board.” He held up his beer prop again. “Beer and college cuties and big tits. Sounds like a perfect day on the water. Besides, you have to come.”
I walked to the window. In the distance the promised storm was waiting to roll onto shore. I looked back at Cleveland. “Weather is supposed to get rough. And why do I have to go along?”
He glanced around the room, avoiding eye contact. “Cuz, I promised the girls,” he muttered quickly, obviously hoping I wouldn’t really catch what he said.
“You promised them what?”
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He grunted. “Look, Melonie and her friend are only coming because I told them you’d be there. Fuck. There. Humiliating as shit to have to tell you, but Stewie and me weren’t enough to get them on board. Oh, I think Stewie has a thing for the friend, so don’t pour on the Stone charm too much.”
“You’re fucking certifiable, do you know that?” My phone rang. I picked it up off the coffee table. I didn’t recognize the number. “Hello.”
“Yes, is this Slade Stone?”
“Speaking.”
“Hello, this is Captain Trentworth from Alaska. You interviewed for a greenhorn position on my boat.”
“Yes, how are you?”
“I’m good, thanks. Just wanted to let you know I spoke with Captain Dell, your current boss, and he had great things to say about you. Said you were as tough as they came, and you never complained. I’d like you on board for the king crab season if you’re still interested.”
“Yes, absolutely. Just let me know when and where and I’ll be there.”
“Great. I’ve got your email, so I’ll be sending you the paperwork and list of things you’ll need.”
“Looking forward to working for you, sir. Thanks.”
“Take care and I’ll see you in October.”
I hung up. “I got the greenhorn position. Couldn’t have come at a better time.”
“That’s fucking awesome. I’ll be heading up there for fall too so we can room together. Damn. Now you’ve got to come celebrate.”
I was stoked. After feeling completely sideswiped for the last two weeks, the captain’s timing was perfect. “You know something, Cleve, I’m in a good enough mood that I can even put up with Stewie for a few hours.”
Hunter’s motorcycle rumbled in the driveway. I could hear Amy laughing about something as they walked up to the front door. She walked in first. “Hey, Cleveland, did you get this couch mushroom up off his ass?” She glanced at the beer in his hands. “Ah, I see, you used the traditional bait as a lure. Good thinking.”
Hunter walked inside. “Where are you two off to?”
“We’re going out on Stewie’s boat.” I grabbed my shirt off the arm of the couch and pulled it on.
“Shit, that floating deathtrap? Supposed to be a storm later,” Hunter said.
“We’ll be back long before that.” Cleveland looked at me. “So, you going to tell them, or what?”
“Getting to it,” I said. “I got the greenhorn position up in Alaska this fall.”
“Nooo,” Amy said in her best whiny voice. She threw her arms around me and squeezed me. “You can’t. It’s too dangerous. Don’t want you to go.”
I turned my face to her. “You and Hunter will have the place to yourselves for two months. No couch mushrooms.”
She kissed my cheek and dropped her arms. “When do you leave?”
“Thought you might see the bonus side of me going. Even if I will be risking life and limb.”
Amy threw her arms around me again. “Nooo. Don’t say that. I’m already worried.”
Hunter sat down on the couch. “You’re sure about this?”
I nodded. “I am. In fact, I need this.”
Chapter 24
Britton
I hung up the last picture, a picture my mom had snapped of Perris and me two winters ago when we’d traveled home together for the holidays. It had been our last trip together, and one I would never forget. I knew then that Perris was being dragged downhill fast by Damon, but we’d both agreed to not speak of Damon or Ryan for the entire trip. It had been the best six days ever. We went skiing, baked cookies with Mom and helped Dad pick out the perfect tree. It had been a fun and carefree trip. Even though we both knew that we’d eventually be heading back to relationships that were hardly worth the effort, for those few days we were able to forget all the crap and reconnect as the two sisters who’d grown up inseparable.
Bolt wriggled around my ankles letting me know it was time for food. He approved of the new place too. He no longer had to hide out all day in a dark motel room like some illegal contraband. He was free to roam the house, climb the curtains or even sit out on the back stoop overlooking our postage stamp yard if the urge to venture outside overcame him.
My phone rang. It was Mom. As much as I’d hated to do it, I’d finally broken down and asked my parents for a loan. Two days under the same roof with Ryan had reminded me what a thoughtless boob he was and how badly I didn’t want to spend another minute of my life with him. I’d borrowed enough to put a deposit and first month’s rent on a small house. I used the rest of the money to start the divorce process. Ryan and I hadn’t accumulated much in our four years of marriage, so the lawyer had told me it would be quick and easy. Aside from the major slice of heartbreak I felt about Slade, I finally felt like I was getting my life back on track. I’d also spent a long time on the phone with both parents talking about how Perris’s last days had sent her to eventually take the pills.
“Hey, Mom, how are you?”
“Good, Britty. Are you all moved in?”
“Yep, Bolt and I are doing great. Thanks again, Mom.”
“I’m just glad we could help.” She sighed sadly.
I sat on the stool at my kitchen counter. “What’s wrong? Is Dad all right?”
“He’s fine. A little indigestion but then who wouldn’t have that problem if they downed two chili dogs at the baseball game.” She said the last part loud enough, apparently, for my dad to hear. “I’m just feeling a little down. You know. It happens every once in awhile. I just keep thinking about when you girls were younger. You were always bubbly sunshine compared to Perris’s rainy day. I should have been more concerned about the difference. My gosh, you two were so alike even I occasionally had trouble telling you apart. But Perris was always more apt to cry or become upset. She was obviously struggling with depression. Guess I just didn’t want to accept it.”
“Mom, I was guilty of the same thing. No one was closer to Perris than me, but, honestly, during the last six months of her life, I was dealing with my own problems. And Perris was good at hiding a lot of what was happening in hers. What I do know is Perris would never want us to blame ourselves. So we’ve got to stop.”
Mom’s soft sniffles came through the phone. “I’m just glad you are cutting yourself loose from Ryan. Britty, why don’t you come home? You’re all alone now.”
“Mom, I promise if I can’t make a go of it here on my own, I’ll come home. But I’ve got to try.”
“All right, dear. You’ll find someone again. Someone who you can be happy with.”
“Yeah, I will. Well, I’ve got to feed the cat. Give Dad a kiss for me. Bye.” I hung up. Bolt made an attempt to jump into my lap but fell short of the stool by several feet. I laughed. “Think you need a few more inches on those legs, cutie.”
I reached down and lifted the kitten into my lap. It took me back to the day that I’d found her. Slade had grabbed me from the rushing water just like he’d saved me from getting pummeled in a bar. There hadn’t been one minute with him that wasn’t memorable. He’d made me laugh. He’d made feel completely desirable. He’d made me feel safe. He was perfect, and I’d screwed it up by not being more open with him.
I carried Bolt to his bowl and filled it with food. I straightened and looked around at my tiny house. It was a place of my own, and for the first time in months, I felt like both my feet were on the ground. Happiness was long overdue, and I was going to help it along.
I grabbed my keys and purse and headed out the door.
Chapter 25
Slade
A good hour into our little ocean excursion on the Sea Empress, I was ready to head back in. Stupidly, I’d forgotten how annoying Stewie could be, especially in the small world of a fourteen foot boat deck. Cleveland always managed to sink
to Stewie’s level of lameness whenever he was with the guy. Melonie and her friend, Kristy, were equally irritated with the boat captain. The three of us had planted ourselves on the seat running along the stern in an attempt to put the most distance between us and Captain Stewie.
Melonie and I had gone to school at the same time. She had been a cheerleader and a straight A student and an all around good girl. So, she’d never been anywhere near the circle of people that I’d hung with. Her friend, Kristy, was cute but didn’t have a lot of personality. But after a few hours with Stewie and Cleveland, I preferred boring to clownish.
“I know what I was going to ask you,” Melonie piped up from behind the glass of wine she’d been nursing for the entire trip. “Is it true that Colt has a steady girlfriend? What with me always being on the east coast, I miss all the juicy gossip.”
“Yep, Colt is a taken man.”
“Oh my gosh, I’ll bet there was a simultaneous, long sigh of disappointment in town when that happened.” She turned to Kristy. “Colt is Slade’s younger brother, and oh my god, is he gorgeous.” She smiled and reached over to pat my arm. “Like you, of course.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m the guy who walked in Colt’s glowing shadow all these years. Save your baloney for someone who believes you.”
“I’m having a hard time believing that your brother is even more handsome than you,” Kristy added politely.
“Thank you for your nice attempt at saving my honor, but Colt looks like he was created just to be on magazine covers.”
Melonie laughed. “I’ll say. That boy would walk down the hallway, and every girl, even the female teachers, would be sneaking glances around lockers and office doors. He was only a freshman when I was a junior, but I still had to steal glimpses. It’s good that someone finally netted him.”
“Yep. And Jade is amazing.” I looked out at the clouds that were closing in on us quickly. I turned back. “Hey, Stew, let’s get this thing moving again. That storm is closing in on us.”