“Get in, Ry.”
“Fuck you, Blackwell.”
He kept pace with Ryder. “You really want to get caught in this storm?”
Ryder stopped and laughed. “Why the hell do you care?”
He put the truck in park. “I don’t. But Ruby does.”
“You don’t care about anyone but yourself, Blackwell.”
“Kind of like you?”
Ryder’s face darkened. “You don’t know shit.”
Lightning arced across the sky, and an ominous roll of thunder followed. Ryder stumbled again, and Travis gritted his teeth. He should just head back to the Coach House and forget he’d run into Ryder Montgomery. Some guys would. Hell, a few years ago, he would have been one of them.
Except Ryder looked like hell and the sky looked even worse. Regardless of what Ryder claimed, Ruby loved her brother more than anything, and she would kick Travis’s ass if she found out Travis let him wander the streets in the state he was in. The ass kicking, he could take (hell, he would enjoy it), but the disappointment he’d rather not face. He’d been responsible for too much of that in her life, and with the new leaf turning and all, it wasn’t an option.
“I’ll follow you anyway, so why don’t you save us both the time and effort and get the hell in.”
Another roll of thunder sounded, and with a curse, Ryder yanked open the door and slid inside the truck. He sank back in the seat and rested his head.
“Where you living these days?” Travis asked, heading back down the road.
“Where do you think?” he mumbled.
“First Ave?”
Ryder mumbled something else, and Travis took it for a yes.
His passenger was silent as Travis headed down familiar streets that hadn’t changed for years. A heaviness he was becoming familiar with settled in his chest, and it was more than just a case of nostalgia. He pulled into the driveway of the Montgomery bungalow, put the truck in Park, and glanced over to Ryder. The guy was out cold.
By now, the rain was pounding the windshield, small cannons of water exploding against the glass. He stared through it, eyes resting on the house…the simple white boards and faded blue trim. The gray stone planter to the left of the porch. The missing trellis from the side fence.
He rubbed his hand across his temple and frowned, remembering things. Things he hadn’t thought of in years.
Ruby asleep on her red-and-white quilt. Long hair snaked around her.
Sneaking in the back door late at night.
The squeaky last step on the deck.
The smell of lilac bushes in the summer.
This house, God, it had been a refuge for him. Back then, his father had been in a dark place and his older brothers had taken off, leaving him to deal with all of it alone. Ruby had gotten him through, and he’d spent more time here than he had at his own place. If he wasn’t on the ice, he was here with Ruby. Hell, if it wasn’t for Ruby, maybe he wouldn’t have made it to the big league.
Jesus, when had things gone so wrong?
He glanced at Ryder with a sigh and slid from the truck. By the time he reached the passenger side, he was soaked, but Travis didn’t feel the rain. Hell, he didn’t feel anything but regret and something that hit harder. Something that twisted his insides up so damn tight, he could barely breathe.
He managed to get Ryder out of the truck and half carried the man up the stairs. The front door was unlocked, and walking through the entrance was like falling into the past. Creaking floorboards, and the smell of pine. The painting of a sailing ship caught adrift in storm that hung in the hall, still crooked and leaning to the left.
He didn’t stop. Didn’t bother to take off his wet shoes either. Travis headed to the back, and Ryder pretty much toppled onto bed on his own. He groaned and rolled onto his back, eyes sliding open as he did so.
The two men stared at each other for a few long moments, and then Ryder broke the silence.
“Why are you really here?” he asked gruffly, wincing as if in pain. Which, considering the man was on his way to a massive hangover, didn’t surprise Travis.
“I’ve got a lot to make up for,” he replied, surprised as the words rolled off his tongue. Ryder grunted, called Travis a bastard, and then rolled onto his side. Seconds later, he was out cold.
Carefully, Travis stepped back and closed the door behind him. He stood in the darkened hallway, the sound of rain on the roof a melody that fit his mood. After a while, he glanced at the closed door across the hall, and before he could stop himself, Travis reached for the knob.
It slowly swept backward, and he leaned against the doorframe—unwilling to step inside, but unable to look away. Faded pink-and-white wallpaper, torn in some corners and looking just as worn as he remembered. Red-and-white comforter. Small bureau to his left and an antique mirror hung on the wall above it.
He used to position Ruby on the bed, just so, and they’d watch each other in the mirror. Naked. Straining. Sweat-slicked limbs grabbing at each other frantically.
Travis exhaled and looked to his right, to the desk propped against the wall, and he spied a small frame turned over so the picture was hidden. Without thinking, he took a hesitant step inside, and then another. He reached for the simple white frame and scooped up the picture, turning it over quickly before he chickened out.
He stared at the damn thing for so long, his eyes blurred. Lightning streaked across the sky and lit up Ruby’s old bedroom, washing the worn and shabby furniture in a ball of light. The rain still pounded against the house, and there was no doubt the storm had settled in for the evening.
Travis backed out of the room, his mood just as dark and dangerous as the storm. He looked down at the picture in his hand and then closed the door, heading out into the elements and wishing like hell the rain could wash away his hurt and guilt.
He slid into his truck, set the picture down on the seat beside him, and gritted his teeth so hard, his jaw ached. He didn’t deserve forgiveness. He knew that. But he couldn’t seem to help himself. He’d come back to Crystal Lake and somehow managed to set himself on a path that was either going to screw him over, which he deserved, or finally set things right.
It wasn’t lost on him—the complete one-eighty. The old Travis would have cut and run. That guy would have disappeared, using the excuse of not hurting Ruby again. And yet he couldn’t. He couldn’t leave. So what had changed?
He glanced out the window, up at the house once more, and frowned. Did it matter? The pull was just as strong as it had ever been, and right or wrong, he was staying put. He’d deal with the consequences, whatever they might be.
A heartbeat passed. And then another. Eventually, Travis dragged his gaze from the house, reversed out of the Montgomery driveway, and headed back the way he’d come.
Chapter 6
Saturday morning crept across Crystal Lake. Lazy beams of sunlight spilled over the horizon and lit up the town, awakening the heady scents of lilac and honeysuckle. The warmth was tempered by a fresh breeze off the lake, one that made things bearable. Because there was nothing worse than thick humidity on a day when most everyone was outdoors.
And Crystal Lake was crowded. Red, white, and blue greeted the eye as far as you could see. Flags. Banners. Homemade signs. It was patriotism at its best, and the town did it up right. Even old Mr. Ainsworth had been down at the parade, dressed from head to toe in America’s colors, and he was on the wrong end of ninety.
A lump formed in Ruby’s throat. “Get a grip,” she muttered, quickly clearing it. There was no time for nostalgia or sentiment. Not today, anyway.
She scooped up Tasha and glanced at her watch, brow furrowed as she turned in a circle, looking for Ryder. He’d promised to meet her in the main square by the clock tower at ten o’clock and take the dog for the day. That was fifteen minutes ago.
“Don’t do this to me, Ry,” she muttered, pulling her cell from her back pocket. He hadn’t called to say he’d be late. Typical.
She had
maybe another fifteen minutes to spare before she had to leave for the golf course. Sighing heavily, she trudged into the coffee shop, deciding a shot of caffeine would make things better. The place was busy with patrons who’d just watched the parade, and by the time Ruby made her way back outside, her fifteen minutes were nearly up.
Her phone pinged, and she grabbed it again, shifting Tasha to her other hip as she answered. It was Chance. She stared at his name and then, feeling silly, hit the button.
“Hey,” Ruby said. She could hear voices in the background.
“You on your way?”
“Yes. Just getting organized,” she replied, a little breathless as she balanced her coffee and Tasha. “Well, in five minutes or so.”
“No worries. I just wanted to touch base since we didn’t see each other last night.” There was no hint of accusation. No subtle knock on the door. And for whatever reason, that made Ruby feel guiltier than she already did.
“I’m sorry. I just…I had such a bad headache.” Truth. “And I worked late.” Lie. “I would have been awful company.” Truth.
There was a pause.
“I’m just glad you’re feeling better today. I saw Sidney a few minutes ago, and she’s wearing bright pink. You won’t be able to miss her.”
A smile crept over Ruby’s face. “She does love pink.”
“I gotta run, but have a good game. Not sure if I’ll see you until after the tournament.”
Wait. What? “I thought we were golfing together?” She spied Ryder on the sidewalk just across from her and waved, nearly dropping Tasha and her phone. She swore, and by the time she had her phone back to her ear and the dog under control, Chance was saying goodbye and telling her he’d see her at dinner.
Click. The end.
Annoyed, she pocketed her cell and glared at Ryder. Dressed casually in faded jean cuttoffs, sandals, and a plain white T-shirt, he looked good. His hair was on the long side, the scruffy beard on his jaw all the rage, and his handsome face always turned heads. It wasn’t until he got closer that the signs of his addiction became more apparent. He was too thin. His classic features too pronounced. And the dark circles under his eyes dulled the vibrant blue. But today, for some reason, shades of his past were present, and he looked better than he had in a long time.
His smile was wide, but it faded as he reached his sister, replaced by a look that pissed her off even more. He was looking at her as if she were the one with the problem.
“You’re late,” she managed to say coolly.
“You’re pissed.” He reached over and scratched Tasha under the chin, eliciting a soft bark in return.
“You could have texted me. I would have met you at the house.”
“My phone was dead.”
Unbelievable. “And you’re how old?”
“Same as you,” he quipped, a hint of a smile touching his face once more. “Only three minutes older.”
“Are you high?”
His smile immediately vanished. “No.” He took a step back and shoved his hands into his front pockets. “Jesus, Ruby lighten up. I was late because Mrs. Davis’s air-conditioning unit stopped working, and it’s gonna be hot as hell. She asked me to look at it.” His eyes narrowed. “Why are you so grouchy anyway?”
“I’m not grouchy.”
“Yeah, you are. Grouchy is actually too a nice word.” He reached for Tasha again, and this time took the dog. “I’m guessing Blackwell has something to do with your mood.”
Ruby handed her brother the leash and took a moment to consider her answer. “Travis Blackwell is old news, Ry. He’s in the past.”
“Uh-huh.”
“He is.” She stuck her chin out, aware that her voice had risen and several people were now staring at the two of them. Awesome. The Montgomery twins at their finest.
“If you say so.”
Annoyed, she had to stop herself from thumping her brother in the chest. “I’m not discussing Travis with you.” She looked at him quizzically. “Who told you he’s back?”
He gave her a look that said, Really? “It’s Crystal Lake.”
“I just never thought you were one for gossip, is all.” She smiled at Amelia Danforth and her pack of girlfriends as the women walked by. They all said hello, but Amelia’s eyes lingered on Ryder a lot longer than they should have. Her brother ignored the woman completely, and that got Ruby’s mind turning so fast, she saw red.
Jesus. Mary. And Joseph. Would her brother ever learn?
“She’s married,” Ruby said carefully.
“What?” His eyebrows shot up, his blue eyes wary. That was enough for her to know.
“What the hell, Ryder? It’s one thing for you to screw Fiona Winters. I mean, it’s pathetic and wrong. But Amelia? Her husband is nasty, and he’s built like a tank. The biggest tank within one hundred square miles. He’ll run you the hell over if he finds out.”
“Don’t worry about me, kid.”
Ruby clenched her teeth together. She hated when he called her that. Kid. That was something she hadn’t been in a very long time.
“Fine,” she snapped. “Just don’t call me when you’re lying in the hospital, broken to pieces. Because, trust me, Kyle Danforth will hurt you.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t bother you. I can always call Travis.”
She inhaled sharply at her brother’s words. “What the hell does that mean?”
A muscle worked its way across Ryder’s jaw, and he swore beneath his breath. “Nothing. Never mind.” He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “It’s too early in the morning for this shit, Ruby. I just came to get your dog.”
Her cell pinged again. It was Sidney.
Where the hell are you?
She pocketed the damn thing. It wasn’t even eleven in the morning, and she felt as if she were out of gas. Completely drained.
“Go play in your tournament. I’ll see you later.” Ryder turned, and with Tasha at his side, the two of them took off down the street. She watched until they disappeared from sight, and, with her heart heavy, she headed for her car. She needed to shake this cloud of darkness that had settled over her. And she needed to do it fast. Thanks to her boyfriend, Travis Blackwell would be on the course today. No way was she facing him feeling like this. Off-kilter. Weak. Not in control.
If she didn’t get it together, she’d go and do something stupid. With a quick mental shake and a new mindset to go with it, Ruby sped toward the golf course. By the time she parked and ran to the clubhouse to get her clubs, she had barely five minutes to spare before they were to head to their respective holes to tee off.
The carts were lined up and ready to go, and she said hello to several participants, her eyes scanning groups of people as she looked for Sidney. A flash of Pepto-Bismol pink caught her attention, and, with a smile, she spied Sidney talking to a tall, athletic-looking guy. Wide shoulders. Long legs. Ruby angled her head for a better look. Definitely a hockey butt.
It was Travis’s friend.
As she approached them, Sidney turned, and the panicked look on her face made Ruby falter. That was about the same moment she spied Travis, securing his clubs to the cart beside theirs. Her heart sank so low, it felt like the bottom of her stomach fell out. This could not be happening.
On what planet would anyone pair her with Travis in a golf tournament?
The headache that had been threatening all morning erupted in a shot of pain that nearly took her breath away. She was hot. And cold. And dammit, her hands were shaking. Hell, even the corners of her eyes started to sting, and she had to take a moment. She fiddled with her brand-new golf watch, pretended to make sure the GPS was working, and then, with a deep breath, glanced up.
Travis stood beside his friend and Sidney, his dark eyes regarded her in silence.
She froze. Her heart took off like a rocket, and it felt as if the world was closing in around her.
There were moments like this one, when it didn’t matter what her mind thought or what her heart felt.
This moment right here was about her body responding on a level she didn’t quite understand. It had always been this way. No matter how mad or how hurt she’d been in the past, there would always be these quiet moments of realization. Moments of him and her. Moments when nothing mattered, save for the way he cocked his head to the side when he was thinking hard. Or the way his bottom lip curled when he laughed. That male smell that was all him. The thick wave to his hair. The color of his eyes, the taste of his mouth. The way her nipples hardened. The sweet ache between her legs.
All these things slid through her mind as she studied him. Dressed in black shorts and a pale green golf shirt, he looked like he could grace the pages of GQ magazine. His dark eyes were intense, and that pulse to the right of his mouth told her he wasn’t as relaxed as he wanted to be.
She approached them slowly, and for a few seconds, there was awkward silence, and then Travis stepped forward.
“Hey,” he said quietly. “I ah…guess we’re a foursome today.”
“Looks like it,” she replied coolly, gaze swinging to the man beside him. She offered her hand. “Hi. I’m Ruby.”
“Zach Rogers.” The big man’s voice was warm, and his large hand enveloped hers. He smiled widely and openly, and in spite of herself, she did the same.
“You’re a hockey player.”
He chuckled. “My meathead persona give it away?”
“No.” Ruby shook her head. “Your butt.”
He looked surprised, and it took a few seconds for him to recover. “My butt?”
“Yes.” She glanced at Sidney. “That right there is a hockey butt, no?”
Sidney hummed and hawed, then slowly nodded. “I’m going to say……” She bit her lip. “Defense?”
Zach laughed so hard, several heads turned their way. “You girls are good.”
The warning horn blew, and Ruby started to walk past Travis, but he reached for her forearm before she could sidestep him, and when his warmth closed over her skin, her breath caught at the back of her throat.
You Rock My World Page 5