The Woodsman

by Blake North

  I nodded my head. “Exactly. And that's why you love it here so much.”

  “You're right. It is definitely a selling point.”

  “So, did you want to make a day of it?” I asked her, hoping to keep her with me.

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  “Get the rental stuff handled and then stop by Liza's house.”

  “That would be nice. Thank you. Hopefully, everything goes smoothly, and we don't have to rely on your intimidation skills.”

  “Bummer. I was looking forward to it,” I told her with a grin.

  “I'm going to shower and dress. Then, I'll be ready.”

  She leaned up, gave me a quick kiss, and then headed out of the room. I watched her walk away. My mind drifted as I thought about her living here permanently. This tiny cabin was great for me, but I would need to add on if she wanted to move in. I had been mulling over doing that for a long time. My mom had given me the land and the cabin with the hopes I would settle down and have a family here. She said the place was meant to be a home, and she wanted to visit her grandchildren here one day.

  She would never get that chance. My detour in life had stolen that from her. I shook it off. I couldn't let myself get pulled into that den of guilt. I had spent too long in there, and it had nearly killed me. I would only look to the future. A future I hoped included Madison.

  While Madison called, I made a few phone calls. She didn't know the people around town like I did. I called Bob's Towing and arranged to have the car transferred to the rental company's preferred shop. He agreed to do it as a favor since he knew my family. I did have to pay the nominal fee, which I didn't mind doing. I told him to make sure that part was kept between us. Madison didn't need to know. If she did, I knew she would make a fuss about it.

  I let him know we would be at the rental place in about an hour. He agreed to have the car there by then.

  “I'm ready,” she said, startling me.

  I turned and took in the sight of her. She was so gorgeous. I couldn't believe I was the guy fucking her every night. I kissed her.

  “You're so beautiful,” I whispered against her lips.

  “Thank you.”

  I kissed her again, being careful not to get too carried away and mess up her hair that had been piled onto her head in a very pretty messy-bun look. I knew it looked messy and thrown together, but I also knew that look took some time to achieve. She had explained as much the last time I pulled her hair out of the bun in a bit of a sexual haze.

  “Let's go. The tow company will meet us at the rental place,” I told her, grabbing my keys.

  “Really? You called them?”

  I nodded. “Old family friend.”

  She laughed. “Of course it is. I forget you know everybody in town because that's how small towns work.”

  “Yep, and it is a great way to get things done. You call up a person, ask, and things happen. You don't have to talk to complete strangers who have no real interest in helping you.”

  She nodded. “I could definitely see the benefit of having a network of people.”

  “Live here, and I'll share my network with you,” I winked.

  She didn't agree, but she didn't disagree. Progress, I hoped.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Madison

  I was trying to keep my cool, but inside I was freaking out. Apparently, when the branch at the airport upgraded me, they forgot to transfer the insurance. As of now, they claimed I had no insurance on the car, and I was responsible for the damage. As I stood there, waiting for the clerk to pull up my records and track down the insurance forms, I listened to Chase and the guy behind me chat.

  He really did know everyone.

  “I don't see anything on your receipt about insurance,” the clerk said.

  I stared down at the young man dressed in a shirt that was too tight and a tie that was too big for his body.

  “I did buy insurance. They upgraded me,” I repeated for what felt like the tenth time.

  The young man nodded. “I understand that, but you did not have rental insurance on the car you wrecked.”

  I growled in frustration. “Listen, I know you have no control over any of this. So, let's get done what we need to so I can get out of here today. I will deal with your corporate office.”

  He nodded and suddenly looked alarmed. “Yes, ma'am. We have an adjustor who will be out today to look at the car. He’ll give us an idea of what the damage is. Someone will call you within forty-eight hours.”

  “Fine.”

  “Uh, did you need another car while you’re in town?”

  Chase and I both said no, in unison.

  The poor boy looked as if he’d peed his pants.

  “Sorry, but no thank you. I don't feel comfortable doing business with your company any longer.”

  The kid nodded. Chase put a hand on the small of my back and steered me out of the cramped office.

  “Well, that's a clusterfuck isn't it?” the tow truck driver who’d been introduced as Bob said.

  I laughed. “That's one word for it.”

  “I gotta get going. Good to see you, Chase, and glad to see you're doing so well after everything.”

  Chase shook his hand and thanked him.

  We climbed into his truck. I considered asking him what everything was but thought better of it. He was real prickly about the past. I wasn't up for another tense conversation. Especially after dealing with the car situation.

  We drove to Liza's house in silence. I was stewing on my own problems, and I could feel he was tense.

  “Hi, guys!” she greeted in her usual cheery fashion. “Oh, you guys do not look happy. What happened?”

  I quickly unloaded my burden on her. She shook her head and made various noises as I told my tale.

  “I'm so sorry, dear. What a scam! I hope you get it figured out,” she said in a soothing tone. “I know what will make you feel better—food!”

  I laughed. “Food always makes me feel better.”

  We headed into the kitchen, and the smell of bacon made my stomach growl. Bacon was always the best medicine.

  “BLTs,” she announced.

  “Oh my goodness, it smells delicious,” I exclaimed.

  “Let me get out the fixings, and you can all make your own,” she instructed. “I have some fries baking.” She looked at me. “I have to watch my girlish figure. If I'm going to eat bacon, I made a deal I would bake the fries instead of frying them.”

  I laughed. “Sounds like a good deal to me.”

  We dished up, and, as we took our seats at the table, Jayden came in.

  “Sorry, I'm late,” he said, looking at Chase and then back at the spread on the kitchen counter.

  It was a bit of a strange look, but I quickly dismissed it.

  “You're lucky you came in when you did,” Chase said. “These two were going to finish off that bacon.”

  “Hey!” I said, laughing.

  The four of us sat at the table, chatting and laughing and having a really good time. I loved to see Chase with his family. He was a good man. He was kind and clearly loved his aunt a great deal. She loved him as well. The bond between Jayden and Chase was more one of brothers than cousins.

  I wanted to stay here in Colorado, but part of me knew it would be silly to pick up my life and move across the country for a man I just met. Who did that? I'd known him a week. What if it turned out we didn't actually like each other? What if the sex got old and boring, and he tossed me to the side?

  “I ran into Danny today,” Jayden said, looking at Chase.

  Chase froze, his sandwich midway to his mouth. The atmosphere was no longer warm and inviting in the room. It had turned icy cold and silent.

  I looked from Chase to Jayden to Liza. None of them said a word. The looks on their faces were a combination of disgust and anger. I felt like a complete outsider. Clearly, this Danny person was persona non-grata. Danny boy may be exactly who I needed to talk to if I ever wanted to learn t
he truth about Chase. These three people certainly didn't like him, which seemed odd to me considering everyone seemed to like this family.

  “What did he say?” Chase asked through gritted teeth.

  “Not a damn thing. He knew I would beat his ass if he even looked at me,” Jayden spat out.

  “Jayden,” Liza scolded her son for his language.

  He defiantly looked at his mother. Chase looked between them and somehow, without words managed to solve their argument. She said nothing more on the subject. I got the feeling she almost wished her son would have beat the ass of this Danny person. Her face, normally jolly, was tense and had a look of supreme irritation.

  “Ignore him. Stay away from him. He isn't worth your trouble,” Chase said in a low voice. “Don't give him the time of day. He doesn't have anything to say to you, and you don't have anything to say to him.”

  “Bullshit!” Jayden shot back.

  Liza pounded her palm on the table. “Knock it off you two. You may be grown men, but I will beat both your asses if you don't cool your jets. You will not talk like that at my table. I don't want to hear that boy's name mentioned again. Do you hear me?” she said, glaring at Chase and Jayden, wagging her finger at each of them.

  I almost choked on the fry I had put in my mouth. The woman was so sweet and gentle. To hear her talk like that shocked the hell out of me. I guess when you raised boys, a firm hand was necessary. She was not a woman I would want to mess with.

  “He deserves a lot more than a good ass beating,” Jayden mumbled.

  “Jayden Hopkins! That is enough! You are at my table, and you will not get into all of this right here. We have a guest,” she said in a loud, commanding tone. “I will not ask you again. You can take your sandwich and leave if you don't mind your manners.”

  All three of them looked at me. I had no idea what to say or do. I stared at Chase. I had known there was more to the man than what I had learned so far. His family was keeping his secret close to the vest as well, which made me a little nervous.

  “Drop it, Jayden. This is not the time or place to talk about him. Leave it alone.” Chase glared at his cousin.

  Jayden was only a year younger than Chase, but it was clear to see he respected and maybe even admired Chase. He glared back before nodding his head and conceding defeat.

  “Fine, but—”

  Liza shot him a look that had me moving away from her.

  “Who's Danny?” I asked, a little afraid to stir the pot, but what did they always say about the curious cat. Meow.

  They all looked at me before quickly looking at Chase and then at their plates. Obviously, nobody was going to tell me.

  Okay.

  “You don't want to know,” Chase shot out.

  “Obviously, I do want to know, which is why I asked,” I responded in a tight voice. I could be as fierce as the rest of them.

  Chase leveled his gaze at me. “It's really none of your business.”

  I felt as if he had slapped me. I glared back at him. I would not embarrass myself in front of my host, but the moment we were alone, I would let him know how rude and obnoxious he had been.

  I was no longer hungry and didn't appear anyone else was either. Jayden's declaration had ruined the vibe.

  I looked at Chase. “I think I'm ready to go now.”

  I knew my anger was only ratcheting up the tension in the room. I didn't care. Chase had pissed me off, and I wanted to talk to him but not with an audience. I had enough respect for him not to embarrass him in front of his family.

  “I'll clean up,” Liza said, standing and taking her plate to the counter.

  “I can help,” I volunteered.

  “No, no!” Liza said, back to her hostess role. “There are only a few dishes. You are a guest in my home. You don't need to do anything.”

  Chase and Jayden held their seats. Since I wasn't needed in the kitchen, I didn't see the need to stick around.

  “Ready?” I asked in a voice that may have been a little too syrupy sweet given the current tone in the kitchen.

  “Yes.”

  He stood, exchanged another look with Jayden before making his way to Liza and giving her a hug.

  “Sorry,” I heard him murmur.

  “It's okay, dear. I know, it's hard.”

  I watched the two hug and knew there was more to this story. I was intrigued and a little concerned. I walked into the living room, giving them a moment of privacy, already feeling as if I had been a voyeur to their personal family business.

  “Ready?” Chase asked.

  “Yes. Thank you again, Liza. I really appreciate you feeding me all the time. As usual, it was another delicious, filling lunch.”

  “Anytime, dear. Make sure you come by and see us before you leave.”

  I nodded. “I will.”

  Jayden walked into the living room. “Sorry about all that,” he mumbled.

  I shrugged. “Don't worry about it. Every family has its skeletons.”

  I shouldn't have said it, but I did. I was smarting from Chase's rudeness and wasn't feeling all that nice. Jayden must have known what kind of reaction Chase would have to his little announcement, but he’d said it anyway.

  “See ya'.” He waved as we walked out the door.

  Chase glared at him but didn't say a word. I had a feeling they would be hashing it all out later.

  We walked to his truck in silence. He opened the door for me as usual. I climbed in but didn't speak. I had nothing to say to him. Not yet. I needed to figure out how to ask the question. I had asked several times, but either I wasn't using the right words or he just wasn't getting it.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “I'm fine. Are you?”

  He didn't answer. It was a rhetorical question. I wasn't expecting an answer, and he knew damn well I wasn't okay. I was pissed.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Chase

  There was a sense of foreboding in the air when I opened my eyes that morning. I knew my day was not going to go well. It was just one of those things a person could feel in their bones. Madison had been a cold fish since we walked in the door yesterday. I don't know if she said more than five words to me. Last night, she had gone to bed without saying a word. I knew she didn't want me in there, so I stayed on the couch. She never came looking for me, so I knew then my assumption had been correct.

  She was pissed. I snapped at her yesterday, and I shouldn't have. I had apologized last night, but it didn't appear to matter. Initially, I thought she would sleep it off, but as I lay there on the couch, a small kink in my neck, I knew better.

  Madison was not the type of woman who would sleep anything off.

  I got up and made coffee. We didn't have bacon, which made me very nervous. Bacon could be the make or break point with her. I could woo her with bacon. I checked the bread box and decided to whip up some French toast. That had to do the trick—I hoped.

  I heard rustling from the room and decided to bite the bullet.

  “Hey,” I said, popping my head in the door of the room.

  I froze when I saw what she was doing.

  “Madison?” I said quietly.

  She didn't answer me.

  “Madison, what are you doing?”

  Without stopping. “Packing.”

  “Why? Why are you packing? It's Wednesday. I thought you were here until Saturday.”

  I knew I sounded like a petulant child, but I couldn't stop myself. I was panicking.

  “I'm leaving.”

  My feelings and pleas were not going to help here, so I relied on reason and experience.

  “Madison, look outside.”

  She walked to the bedroom window. “Fuck!”

  It had started snowing last night, and it didn't show any signs of stopping.

  “Why are you leaving?” I asked in a soft voice.

  “Because you're a liar. I know you’re lying about something, but you won't tell me. You want to fuck me. You want me to live here in Colorad
o, but you won't tell me what deep, dark secret you have that keeps you up here living like a hermit.”

  I had enough.

  “Madison, why do you think I owe you a complete background history on myself? I haven't pestered you about what you did ten years ago or grilled you about every detail of your life. Can't you accept that in this particular situation, it is just none of your business?”

  She spun around, her hands on her hips and shot me with such a violent glare, I stepped back into the hallway.

  “Really? I am living in your house! You have asked me to stay repeatedly. Do you honestly think I am one of those naive women who shacks up with any random stranger?”

  “No. I don't, but I think you know me well enough to know if you’re safe here or not,” I rationalized.

  “Ha! I'm sure that's what all those women thought before they were murdered in their own beds. I'm sure they probably thought their boyfriend or the hot guy they took home from the bar was totally safe. I am not a victim, nor do I want to be a statistic,” she seethed.

  I raised an eyebrow. “Don't you think you're being a little dramatic?”

  “No!”

  I stood there, not wanting to continue arguing over something so ridiculous. I wasn't an ax murderer or some crazy guy who beat women. She had to know that.

  “Chase, just tell me,” she pleaded. “I want to know you. All of you. There is something in your past, and I think, if we’re going to have a relationship, I deserve to know. If it’s big enough to cause that much drama yesterday, it’s big enough that I need to know. I can feel you holding back. I've not hidden anything about myself from you. I'm an open book. Maybe I'm a little boring, but I have no secrets,” she said, her voice breaking.

  I inhaled and then slowly exhaled. I wanted to tell her. It was killing me not to tell her, but I couldn't. I didn't know where to start or how to explain what I had done. I was terrified she wouldn't understand and leave me for good, never looking back.

  “I can't,” I said in a whisper.

  The look of disappointment and sadness on her face crushed me.

  “I'm going to go for a walk. I need to get more wood, and blow a path in the snow to the woodshed,” I said, anxious to get away from her knowing and hurt gaze.