The Swede

by Maureen Smith

  “We tried to warn them,” Logan howled.

  “Sure did. They wouldn’t listen.” Swiping at his watery eyes, Reid stood and stepped into the aisle so Viggo could take the window seat.

  He plunked down, unzipped his duffel bag and crammed the stack of confiscated magazines inside as Reid dropped back into his seat.

  “Poor Svea,” Logan lamented from across the aisle. “She’ll probably catch hell from Leif and Rikard, too.”

  Viggo grunted darkly. After talking to Svea, he’d exchanged a flurry of texts with his brothers. They weren’t too happy about Svea’s racy cover either. Although all of them were proud of the success she’d achieved as a supermodel, it was maddening to think of all the pervs who would be whacking off to her picture. Millions around the world, including many on this damn bus.

  “I’m just glad I don’t have a sister,” Logan joked. “Really dodged a bullet with that one.”

  Reid and Hunter grumbled.

  Viggo shoved his duffel bag under the seat in front of him, then sat back in his chair and took out his earbuds. Maybe listening to some music would help calm his nerves. Too bad he couldn’t handle listening to Off The Grid. It was too soon. Way too soon.

  As the bus pulled away from the hotel, Logan went back to swooning over his Sanaa Lathan selfie. “I need to watch Something New again. It’s been a while.”

  Hunter grinned at him. “Isn’t that the movie where she falls for that Australian guy? What’s the actor’s name again?”

  “Simon Baker. Lucky bastard.” Logan sighed. “That movie’s a classic.”

  Reid chuckled. “Sanaa’s a total babe, but isn’t she old enough to be your mom?”

  “So what?” Logan retorted with a wolfish grin. “I may be young but I’m ready.”

  Everyone burst out laughing.

  A lovesick, wisecracking Logan Brassard was far better company than the dark, destructive force of nature who sometimes surfaced, bearing battle scars from a fucked-up childhood.

  “Now if you gentlemen would excuse me.” Logan pulled out his iPad and plugged in his earbuds, then slumped comfortably in his seat and began watching Something New.

  Hunter, sitting beside him, went back to his book.

  Reid looked at Viggo. “So…”

  Viggo knew what was coming. “Not now, man.”

  “…have you called Scarlett yet?”

  Viggo glowered at him. “Seriously?”

  “Have you?” Reid prodded.

  “No. I haven’t.” He was so pathetic that he’d saved her only message, the one where she was singing that old breakup song. It gutted him every time he listened to it, which was more times than he cared to admit. But at least he wasn’t creeping her on social media.

  Well, not every hour on the hour. He had a life…sort of.

  Reid was studying him. “So how long do you plan to keep punishing her?”

  Viggo glared at him. “She fucking played me. What part of that did you not understand?”

  “Oh, I understood perfectly,” Reid said, keeping his voice low so the whole bus wouldn’t hear him. “I think what you overheard that day was pretty fucked up, and I don’t blame you for feeling pissed off and betrayed. But you didn’t even give her a chance to explain—”

  “What’s there to explain?” Viggo growled. “She and her bandmates needed a Sugar Daddy and they found one.”

  “Nah, bro,” Reid argued. “It wasn’t even like that. Nadia told me the context of the joke, and it’s not as bad as it sounded. But even if her bandmates were serious about finding a rich benefactor, Scarlett has never tried to use you and you know it. Hell, you told me yourself that she’d rather ride around in your truck than the Lambo or Bugatti. Has she ever even asked to drive one of those bad boys?”

  “No,” Viggo mumbled, lips twitching.

  “Does that sound like the behavior of a gold digger?”

  Viggo scowled. “I never said she was a gold digger. I know she’s not. I just thought her loyalty to the band might have clouded her judgment and made her do things she wouldn’t normally consider.”

  “Well, it didn’t,” Reid said unequivocally. “What else you got?”

  Viggo’s lips twisted bitterly. “She said we should take a break until the season’s over.”

  “She thought she was doing you a favor, getting out of the way so you could focus on hockey.”

  “I never asked her to do that,” Viggo grumbled.

  “She was trying to be selfless. And your psycho stalker planted the idea in her head.”

  Viggo felt a fresh surge of fury. The day after his devastating fight with Scarlett, he’d gone to the GM and told him to put Audrey on a leash, or he’d get a restraining order. McCaskill was genuinely embarrassed by his niece’s behavior and promised to have a word with her.

  “You know what I think?” Reid’s voice was still low, but now there was a steely undertone. “I think you’re running.”

  Viggo shot him a glare. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “We’ve been friends and teammates for six years. You think I haven’t learned a thing or two about you? I’ve watched you get up in the middle of the night and go running to shake off a nightmare. I’ve watched you wrestle with memories of what that sadistic old bastard did to you. I know how it changed you and made you afraid to let other people get too close, because you didn’t trust them not to hurt you and fuck you over in some way. I don’t think you expected to fall so hard and fast for Scarlett, and it scared the ever-living shit out of you. You’d been waiting for her to give you a reason to push her away, and she finally did. So now you’re back on the run. Even though you know in your heart she’s the one, you’re still running. But sooner or later you’re gonna regret it, but by then it’ll be too damn late. And I’m telling you right now, bro. I don’t wanna see you moping around my house like a sorry sack of shit when she comes to visit me and Nadia with her husband and kids.” Reid jabbed his finger at Viggo. “Stop. Fucking. Running.”

  Dead silence followed for several moments.

  Then Logan drawled from across the aisle, “Drop the mic, son. Your work here is done.”

  “Indeed.” Hunter gave Reid an approving nod. “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

  Jaw clenched tight, Viggo turned his head to stare out the window, brooding over Reid’s words.

  Even before the ass-chewing he’d just received, his resolve to stay away from Scarlett had been weakening every day. He’d found himself driving by the studio and her job, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. He’d passed her parents’ neighborhood a few times, but the security gate deterred him from entering because he didn’t want to be caught on camera acting like a stalker.

  He didn’t know how much longer he could keep his distance from her. It was unraveling him, eating away at his very soul.

  The thought of her moving on with another man…getting married…starting a family...

  He’d die a thousand deaths if that ever happened.

  Every word Reid had spoken was true. He knew that. So there was really only one thing left for him to do.

  Staring out the window, he realized it was the first time in weeks that he looked forward to going home.

  Chapter 37

  Scarlett

  Hate That I Love You

  * * *

  “Listen up, everybody,” Traeger announced, his voice cutting through his bandmates’ laughter and banter.

  They were in the backyard setting things up for the wrap party they were having that evening. It was supposed to be held inside the house, but once the weather turned unseasonably warm, they moved the party outdoors. Seventy-five degrees in February was a rare occurrence in Denver. It felt like a good omen.

  When Traeger spoke, all eyes turned to him. He was standing by the long wooden patio table. He’d uncorked a bottle of champagne and filled five plastic wineglasses.

  Scarlett wagged her finger at him. “We’re supposed to be saving the bubbly for th
e party.”

  “Quit your nagging, woman. We’ve got plenty of booze. We won’t run out.” He grinned. “Now get over here so we can do a better toast than the half-assed one we did last night at the studio.”

  Scarlett laughed. “Half-assed? It was almost midnight and we were exhausted.”

  “I know, right?” Gage chimed in. “It was a long day.”

  “Excuses, excuses. Just get your asses over here.”

  Laughing, Scarlett and the others headed over and picked up a glass of champagne.

  Traeger grinned at them. “I’d like to propose another toast. We did something amazing yesterday. We completed our third album, which I happen to think is our best one yet. A lot of bands don’t make it this far. But we did, and I’m feeling pretty damn grateful.” His eyes met Scarlett’s and softened. “It’s been one helluva journey filled with many ups and downs that tested our faith, our fortitude and our friendship. But we got through it, stuck together and made rock ’n’ roll magic.” He raised his glass. “To Off The Grid.”

  “To Off The Grid!” the others roared.

  They enthusiastically clinked glasses and chugged down their champagne, laughing when Zander gagged and swiped his hand over his mouth.

  “Blech. I hate the taste of champagne. I don’t know how you guys drink that shit.”

  “Aww, poor Zandy,” Ryu teased, patting his scruffy cheek. “You can grow a beard but still can’t handle grownup drinks.”

  “Fuck off,” Zander retorted.

  Everyone laughed.

  Traeger poured another round of champagne, skipping Zander. “We have some news for you, Scarlett.”

  “Yeah? What?”

  The guys exchanged smiles before looking at her and announcing, “We’re staying in Denver.”

  Her eyes widened. “Holy shit! Seriously?”

  “Seriously.” They were all grinning.

  “Yay!” she squealed ecstatically, sloshing champagne as she jumped up and down.

  They laughed, enjoying her reaction.

  She put her glass down on the table and beamed at them. “What made you guys decide to stay?”

  “Besides the heated pool?” Traeger joked.

  Everyone laughed.

  “Seriously though,” Traeger went on. “As much as we love Boston, we were ready for a change of scenery, and it worked out great that our lease is almost up. We really like Denver. The mountain views, the nightlife, the chill vibe, all those breweries.” He grinned. “Plus this house is fucking awesome and we’re already making friends—”

  “Hot next door neighbor,” Ryu coughed into his hand.

  The guys laughed as Scarlett rolled her eyes.

  “We also enjoy living close to your family,” Gage said warmly. “They’re really fun to be around, and your mom and dad have always been like our surrogate parents.”

  The others smiled and nodded in agreement.

  “But most of all, Scarlett,” Traeger said quietly, putting his hand on her shoulder, “we decided to stay because of you. Like I’ve told you before, you’re the heart and soul of our band. When you came to Boston in December for our Black Kross show, we realized just how much we missed having you around on a regular basis. After you left, the house felt empty as hell. We all noticed and commented on it. So being here this past month made us finally decide: ‘If the mountain won’t come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain.’” He smiled softly. “So you’re stuck with us.”

  Scarlett’s throat tightened and tears stung her eyes. “Thanks, guys,” she whispered.

  “We love you, ScarWar,” Gage said solemnly. “We hope you never forget that.”

  “I won’t.” She swallowed hard, looking them each in the eye. “I love you guys so much, and I’m thankful to have you in my life. We’ve got a lot to celebrate, and the best is yet to come.”

  “Hear, hear!” the others agreed.

  “Group hug!” Zander called out.

  Scarlett laughed as the boys tackled her, wrapping her up in a boisterous bear hug that gave her the biggest case of warm fuzzies. They held one another, basking in the love that flowed between them like musical notes coalescing into the perfect harmony.

  After the hug ended, they took a group selfie and posted it to their social media accounts, letting fans know that they’d completed their album and would be dropping new music soon.

  “One other thing.” Traeger grinned at Scarlett. “We all have new jobs.”

  “Really?” She stared at them. “All of you?”

  “Yep.” Traeger looked adorably proud. “I got a gig at a tattoo shop.”

  “I found another bartending job,” Gage said.

  “I’ll be working as a craft beer brewer,” Zander bragged.

  “Nice.” Scarlett grinned at him. “You love craft beer, so that’s right up your alley.”

  “Totally.” He beamed.

  “And what about you, Ryu?”

  He grinned a little sheepishly. “My parents hooked me up with a sweet gig as a translator for some Japanese conglomerate.”

  “Wow!” Scarlett exclaimed. “That’s awesome!”

  “It’s pretty cool.” He made a face. “I have to wear a suit and tie, but the pay’s good and they’re not making me cut my hair.”

  “Thank God.” Scarlett winked. “The ladies love your hair, Ryu. We can’t break their hearts.”

  “I know.” He ran his hand through his jet-black locks and gave her a sexy wink.

  When she pretended to swoon, the others laughed.

  She grinned broadly at them. “Congratulations on your new gigs. I’m super impressed.”

  Traeger chuckled. “Don’t forget we all had day jobs back in Boston. We might not be rich and famous yet, but we pull our weight—”

  “I know.”

  “—and we never want Viggo to think we’re just a bunch of freeloading slackers living in the house he bought us.”

  Scarlett’s mood instantly clouded at the mention of Viggo.

  Realizing his mistake at once, Traeger winced. “Shit. I’m sorry, Scar—”

  She waved him off. “It’s okay. You guys don’t have to walk on eggshells around me. I mean, yeah, I miss him and I wish he could have been there last night to celebrate with us since he’s the one who gave us the money to record our album. But he wasn’t there, and that’s okay. I mean, he was at an away game, but he wouldn’t have come to the studio even if he was home because he still hates me and thinks I played him. Which I didn’t, of course, but—” She shut up when she realized she was rambling.

  An awkward silence fell over the group. Gage, Traeger and Ryu clenched their jaws and exchanged frustrated glances.

  “Hey, Traeg,” Zander blurted quickly to change the subject. “Tell Scar your other good news.”

  “Oh yeah.” Traeger grinned wryly at Scarlett. “Remember the one-night stand I told you about? The rando who claimed to be pregnant?”

  Scarlett frowned. “Of course I remember. The last time I asked about her, you told me she was going to her first prenatal— Wait. Did you just say ‘claimed’? What happened?”

  Traeger’s grin broadened. “Turns out she’s not pregnant.”

  “What! How do you know?”

  “One of my friends caught her at the store buying tampons. When he confronted her, she started stammering and claiming that the tampons were for her sister. But the thing is, she told me the night we met that she was an only child. So my friend called me right up and put her on the phone. She knew she was busted, so she started crying and screaming at me. I told her to get some help and hung up. And that was that.” Traeger grinned harder, bouncing on his heels. “Didn’t I tell you she was probably lying?”

  “You did.” Scarlett smiled wryly. “I know you’re relieved.”

  “Fuck yeah. That broad was crazy. Dealing with her would have been a nightmare.”

  “No kidding.” Zander snorted and shook his head. “Bitches be scheming.”

  Right at that mom
ent, Scarlett’s phone beeped with a new notification. Someone had DM’d her on Twitter. When she opened the message and saw that it was from Audrey, hot anger flashed through her. Speaking of scheming bitches!

  Audrey’s DM read: I promised my uncle I’d leave you and Viggo alone. But I just thought you’d want to see this pic of Viggo on a cozy date. It was taken by my friend who works at Elway’s at the Ritz-Carlton. After dinner Viggo and his date went up to her room. Looks like he’s already moved on. So sorry…

  Scarlett’s heart plummeted when she saw the picture of Viggo enjoying a romantic dinner with a beautiful woman who had long brown hair and a wholesome smile.

  “Scarlett?”

  She looked up to find her bandmates frowning at her.

  “Everything okay?” they asked.

  She jerked her head in a nod. “You guys go ahead and finish setting up for the party,” she mumbled. “I have to use the bathroom.”

  They exchanged dubious glances as she strode inside the house and slammed the back door. Her hands were shaking as she tapped out her reply to Audrey: Thanks for your concern. As you noted, Viggo and I aren’t together anymore, so he’s free to date whoever he wants. But I know one person he won’t be dating: YOU. He doesn’t want you, Audrey, and he never will. Get over it and move on. Anyway, it’s been fun but I’m blocking you. That should free up your time so you can go find yourself a man.

  Firing off that message should have felt more satisfying. But the pain twisting Scarlett’s insides made it hard to enjoy having the last word. As she stared at the picture of Viggo and his date, she wondered how he could have moved on so quickly when she still got weepy every time she saw a bag of Swedish Fish.

  Sucking in a shaky breath, she deleted Audrey’s poisonous message and blocked her on Twitter. She was about to put her phone away when it rang.

  When Viggo’s photo popped up on the screen, her knees almost gave out.

  She stared at the ringing phone, telling herself she should ignore his call. But she didn’t have the willpower. So she stabbed at the phone and brought it to her ear.