A feeling of melancholy washed over him. A strong tug that had him clearing his throat and sitting a little straighter. Could he handle an entire summer in Crystal Lake?
Could I handle seeing Ruby all the time? He rubbed his jaw, which was still sore. Could she handle seeing him? More importantly, was it fair to put her through that?
The thought slid through his mind, and it was one he still pondered an hour later as he laced up his shoes, grabbed his iPod, and hit the road for a run. It didn’t take long for Travis to find his rhythm, to find that sweet spot of quiet and contentment running gave him. Without conscious thought, he took River Road and eventually ended up in town. It was quite the hike, and by this time, the sun was fully up and the sleepy folks of Crystal Lake were buzzing around like bees after honey. Some were on their way to church, others getting ready for a day of family, sun, and fun.
He headed to the main square downtown and grabbed a coffee. Said hello to several of the regulars he recognized, and talked about the coming season with those who cared. Ralph Benedict was concerned about their draft picks, while Mason Smith thought the Red Wings were paying too much for most of their roster, including Travis. “You tell them bigshots in the front office to free up some money and get some young talent onboard. You’re not getting any younger.”
Travis just smiled and said nothing. Old? Hell, he was barely thirty and in the best shape of his life. No way was some rookie taking his position. Not for a good long while.
By midmorning he found himself at the edge of town, near the park that bordered the lake. He took a breather and doffed his T-shirt, hot and more than a little sweaty. He sat down on a bench and leaned back, enjoying the sounds and smells of summer in Crystal Lake.
He closed his eyes and relaxed, and he might have dozed off except a small dog came ripping out of nowhere and barked up a storm. With one eye now open, Travis spotted the little fur ball running madly after a blown dandelion that dipped and turned in the breeze. The fluffy white stems teased the little thing until the dog managed to grab it and destroy it.
Amused, Travis chuckled as the dog turned wildly, barking up at the now-freed stems as they rose higher and higher out of his reach. Judging from the bright pink collar and—he winced—pink bows set behind its ears, the little critter was obviously a female.
The dog spied Travis and ran over, her little tail wagging crazily.
“Hey.” Travis bent over and ran his hands over the top of the dog’s head. “You gonna stop yapping or what?”
The dog sat back on her haunches and cocked her head to the side as if she knew what he was saying. She barked and then glanced over her shoulder, and that was when Travis spied a woman, slowly making her way to him. The sunlight danced around her head, making a halo of blonde hair.
Long. Lean. Curves in all the right places. Ruby.
Travis’s heart sped up on sight, and he sat a little straighter.
She was dressed in running gear. Slim black leggings. Black tank top. All that wavy hair pulled back into a ponytail. Dark sunglasses covered her eyes so he couldn’t get a good read on her, but she held a pink dog leash in her hand as she came to a stop a few feet from him.
Was she annoyed? Her lips pursed slightly, and he recognized the meaning. She was definitely annoyed. Two guesses as to why.
“Tasha, come.” Her voice always got to him. The whiskey-soaked undertone. The way she took her time and rolled her words. Even when they were angry words, they were still sexy as hell.
The dog looked from Travis to Ruby but didn’t move. Ruby inched closer, the dangling leash trailing along the ground. There was color in her cheeks, and she’d gone from annoyed to a level of pissed off that the dog should take seriously. Travis knew this. He’d been on the receiving end of that look many times. She shook her head and tapped her toe.
“I mean it, Tash. Get over here.”
Tasha barked and jumped to her feet. She ran towards Ruby but then ducked and did a few loops around the both of them. Travis wasn’t one for small dogs. He liked them big, a German shepherd or retriever. But there was something about the crazy little terrier. The dog’s infectious joy was hard to dismiss. Once the dog settled, Ruby turned her attention back to Travis.
“You’re still here.” Gone was the whiskey-soaked undertone. Her voice was flat, her words a statement, not a question.
He ignored her comment and got to his feet. “I didn’t think you liked dogs.”
An eyebrow shot up, and she folded her arms over her chest. “Why would you say that?”
He shrugged. “I’ve known you pretty much your entire life, and you’ve never had a dog.”
“My dad could barely keep enough food in the house to feed Ryder and me.” She looked at him as if he were an idiot. Which, now that he thought about it, he was. “We didn’t have a dog because we couldn’t afford one.” She took off her sunglasses, and he saw the old bitterness there. The chasm he’d never been able to bridge.
“I’m sorry, Ruby. I was just trying to make conversation.”
Her mouth dropped open and then was snapped shut just as fast. Her fingers closed over the leash in her hand, and she bent forward, grabbing Tasha and tethering the animal before she could run away again.
When she straightened, all emotion was gone from her face. She slowly put her sunglasses back in place. “We don’t do that anymore, Travis.” She enunciated her words slowly. “Make conversation.”
He clenched his hands into fists. “We could.” He said the words and suddenly realized how much he wanted that back. The friend thing—something they’d been way before they’d been lovers.
“No.” Ruby shook her head and stepped back, tugging on the leash. “We can’t.”
“Why not?” He wasn’t giving up. It wasn’t in his nature, and besides, there was a tug on his heartstrings so strong, it nearly took his breath away.
She glanced over her shoulder, and he followed her gaze, his gut tightening as a sliver of cold grew in the pit of his stomach. When she turned back to him, her blue eyes were clear, that beautiful mouth curved into a bitter smile.
“The list is too long for me to recite right now, Travis, and honestly, I have better things to do with my time.” A small frown touched her forehead. “Do you remember our last conversation?”
“I…” He searched her face and slowly shook his head. The past was something he’d tried hard to forget, and a lot of the bad stuff, he’d buried. He didn’t want to go back there any more than she did. And he sure as hell didn’t want to talk about it.
“Didn’t think so.” She paused as if gathering her thoughts and organizing the right words. “You don’t remember because we never had a last conversation. There was just paperwork and lawyers and cold offices. There were no conversations about anything that mattered.” Her voice dropped. “You walked out the door, and I never saw you again. Not even when…”
Silence followed her words as she regarded him with eyes like chips of ice. When she spoke again, her voice was soft, but there was still an edge there. A sliver of steel that cut to the bone. “You told me you would never leave me. Do you remember that?”
She didn’t wait for him to answer, though he remembered. Hell, it was a night he would never forget.
“It was a Wednesday. The night of the big bonfire, after you were drafted to the juniors. You told me you loved me and that you would never leave me. You said we would always be together.” She paused, her voice lowered. “No matter what.” She yanked on Tasha’s leash and turned away. “You lied.”
She left and didn’t look back.
Stone-faced, Travis pulled his T-shirt back on and watched Ruby as she jogged out of the park and disappeared down the street. He stood there for a good long while, because it took some time for his heart to slow down. For the anger and frustration inside him to abate. It didn’t go away, but it was manageable.
Mouth grim, he set off at a slow jog, heading in the opposite direction. It didn’t take long to reach the
entrance to the old cemetery that climbed up the hill overlooking the lake. He’d only been to this place twice. Once when they’d buried his mother, and the second? Well, that had been last fall, when he’d been home for a few days. He knew where he was going.
The old oak tree still stood, though by the looks of it, some branches were missing. Its greenery shaded a large area, and Travis walked to the south side, where the large Blackwell mausoleum stood, filled with many of his ancestors. His mom, however, was buried outside, a large angel marking her final resting place. It had caused a bit of controversy, he remembered that, but she’d never liked the mausoleum, and his father had, at least, honored her last wishes.
He paused as a fresh wave of pain rolled through him. God, he missed her. What would she think of the mess he’d made of things?
Beside her angel, a small gray slate stone was set in the earth. Fresh blue hydrangeas had been laid next to an old, battered blue teddy bear. A knot formed in his throat, and for a moment, Travis looked away. The guilt and pain made it hard to breathe. When his eyes eventually found their way back, he scrubbed at them and read the simple inscription.
* * *
Nathan Montgomery Blackwell
God needed an angel, and you answered the call. Though your time here was short, you will never be forgotten.
May 1, 2009
* * *
The date stung. It was the date of his birth, the date of his death. Little Nathan. His son.
Chest tight, Travis stood there for a long time. Long enough for his legs to cramp and for the pain in his chest to subside. Long enough for him to remember things he didn’t want to. Long enough to face some hard truths. Among them? His past with the only woman he’d loved. He’d always blamed his youth and immaturity for what had happened between him and Ruby. Hell, he’d grabbed at the sad dynamics of his family and used them as an excuse too. He’d acted like a selfish bastard who decided to run from his problems instead of dealing with them. He’d taken the easy way and left Ruby behind, convincing himself it was for the best. He told himself they weren’t good for each other. That they wanted different things. It was all bullshit.
He hadn’t wanted to deal with any of it, and he’d used hockey as a way out.
There was no doubt that he and Ruby should have waited to marry. They were kids, and growing up would have helped a lot. But that didn’t negate how he’d behaved. How he’d embraced a new life without her and left her here to deal with the pain of losing a child. Alone.
He swore and shook his head.
Conversation? He remembered their last conversation vividly. It had been over the phone when she’d called to tell him their son had been born and then died within hours. She’d calmly told him the name and that she would look after all the details of the burial. She’d asked him not to come home. Not to call. Ruby told him she didn’t need anything from him.
He’d sent flowers.
“Fuck,” he muttered, turning away. It had been years since he’d felt like this. Thoughts muddled and confused, he didn’t feel his cell vibrate, and when he did, he absently pulled it from his shorts. It was his pal Marcel, wanting to confirm the deep-sea diving trip.
Travis ran his hand through his sweaty hair, his gaze drawn to the blue slate stone. Drawn to little Nathan.
“Trav? You in? Dave’s got everything looked after. House. Booze. Women.”
“I think I’m gonna pass,” he murmured.
“Pass?” He heard the disbelief in Marcel’s voice. “You sure? Dave and the guys will be disappointed.”
Travis slowly shook his head. Maybe it was time he dealt with his past. Maybe it was time he put some old ghosts to rest. Made things right. Or as right as they could be.
“Yeah. I’m sure.”
He stood there under the glaring hot sun until he noticed a couple watching him a few rows over. Travis pocketed his cell, slipped his earbuds back in, and headed for home.
Chapter 4
“I’m heading down for lunch, Jaylene. Don’t forward any calls unless someone is dying.”
Ruby scooped up her cellphone (just in case someone was dying) and walked past her assistant’s desk. She eyed the private elevator but headed for the stairs instead. She’d slept in—missed her five a.m. workout—and could use the exercise.
Her office suite was bright and airy. It overlooked the lake and let in an incredible amount of sunshine. Today, the soft hues of blue and cream swam in a swath of light, a perfect foil for the simple and elegant furnishings and décor. Normally, these things calmed her, but today? Well, today, nothing seemed right.
“Not even if it’s Ryder?”
Ruby paused at the top of the stairs and scowled. “Especially if it’s Ryder.” She was still annoyed with her brother and didn’t feel like caving so early. And she would cave eventually. When it came to Ryder, she always did.
Less than five minutes later, she walked into the Blue Elephant, the upscale restaurant located in a huge pavilion near the water. She’d partnered with an Indian chef she’d met in London, and the result was a renowned eatery featuring a lush tropical décor with an international cuisine hard to come by in these parts. Raj was an award-winning godsend whose culinary skills were as legendary as his temper. Somehow, he and Ruby clicked, and she counted him among her closest friends.
Raj greeted her at the door, his small, delicate frame dressed impeccably in white Gucci. His thick black hair was slicked back, and a mischievous glint lit his dark eyes. He winked and grabbed her hands warmly into his, lips grazing her cheek as he murmured into her ear.
“You’re having dinner with Mr. MacDougal, no?” His crisp British accent resonated softly as she pulled away with a nod.
“Yes.” Puzzled, she glanced over Raj’s shoulder. “Is he late?” She scanned the restaurant, which, at half-past twelve, was nearly full.
“No. The bloke has been here for nearly twenty minutes,” Raj replied with a smile. “He’s already seated at your private table.” Raj’s smile widened. “I was curious, though, as to who the gentleman is over there. I heard him asking after you.”
Ruby followed Raj’s gaze, and her heart stopped. Literally stopped. She had to take a moment because she couldn’t speak. Her ex-husband was chatting with another man, someone she didn’t recognize, but he was definitely an athlete. She knew the type. Tall. Broad shouldered. Long arms. Muscular thighs. The guy was either into hockey or football.
“He’s got a really nice ass.”
“Which one?” she quipped lightly, though her stomach had fallen like a stone. She angled for a better look. The other guy definitely had a hockey butt.
“The fellow who was asking after you.”
“That’s Travis,” she replied with a scowl. What was he doing here? Why was he still in Crystal Lake?
Raj’s smile vanished in an instant. “Oh. Well.” He shrugged. “His butt’s not that nice.”
“Yes,” Ruby said, tearing her gaze from Travis and settling it on Raj with a frown. “It is.” She paused. “You said he was asking after me?” That surprised her, considering their run-in at the park.
Raj slowly nodded. “He asked Mira if you had your lunch in the restaurant, and she told him no, not usually, but today you were lunching in. We haven’t seated them and can certainly turn them away.”
“No.” Ruby cleared her throat and attempted a smile even though the thought was tempting. But that would be rude. And childish. She had no idea why Travis had decided to come out to the spa for lunch, but she certainly didn’t care. “Tell Mira not to seat him anywhere near my table.” She cocked her head to the side. Her chef had Mondays off, and in fact was on holidays until the weekend. “What are you doing here anyway? I thought you took off with…” She frowned and thought hard. “Johnny?”
“Frankie.”
“Oh. What happened?”
Raj sighed. “He’s much too much of a drama queen for me. Second day in and all he did was whine and complain. The thread count on the bedsheets
didn’t meet his standards. The food was too heavy. The wine too continental. The bloody bloke is a gym rat. What the hell does he know about wine?” Raj swore under his breath and smiled at a customer as she walked by. When she passed, he shrugged. “I decided to catch up on some paperwork and try a few new recipes once the lunch crowd is finished.”
She kissed him once more, aware that Travis’s eyes were fixed on her. She didn’t have to turn around to know this—she felt his gaze like a hand against her cheek. She hated that he still pulled a reaction from her. Hated that her weekend had been filled with thoughts of him, of their past and all the pain and heartache that went along with it.
He didn’t belong in her life anymore—he’d walked away. She had to focus on that. She had to remember that. She had to not care.
And she didn’t. Not one bit. She was going to forget he was here and have a nice lunch with her perfectly lovely boyfriend.
Ruby headed for the alcove near the back of the restaurant and spied Chance perusing the lunch menu. He’d already ordered calamari, and she kept a smile in place even though she wanted to scream. She hated calamari. The taste. The texture. The smell. Even now, her stomach rolled.
Chance glanced up from the menu as she settled in across from him. They hadn’t talked since their argument over Travis, and he seemed a bit quiet. Fine. She got that. Her gaze dropped. She knew she should relax and work to smooth things over. But calamari?
His eyes followed hers, and he swore. “Damn. I forgot.”
“It’s okay.” She pasted a smile on her face. She could do this. She was a big girl. A grown-up. She could ignore the plate in front of her.
“I’ll ask the waitress to take it away.”
“No. I’m fine.” She reached for the glass of pinot grigio. At least he’d gotten that right. Inwardly, she winced. What the hell was wrong with her? Since when was she so damn petty? Chance was a great guy. Everyone said so. Sharon at the bakery gushed over him. Janelle at the dry cleaner asked Ruby every week to let her know when and if he was available. Heck, even her brother didn’t mind him, and he minded most people.
You Rock My World Page 3