What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 4)

by Selena Kitt

  Mike hoped he’d find his father. This wasn’t a good place to go missing. Then again, this was the old man’s property and he’d lived here for decades. He probably knew every rock and tree in the area. Positioned in the rocks and hills as their camp was, the sun had long disappeared behind the greenery, throwing lengthening shadows and weird fingers of light through the area.

  Straightening he stretched out his sore back and shoulders. Lord he was tired. Long day. Long week actually. He double-checked the temperature and the lock before heading over to lock the lab trailer.

  Time to leave.

  Emile slipped around the rocks, watching as the old man left the smaller trailer. His mouth still smarted from the sour retchings of his stomach. How could any people work in there? Touching the dead, violating their bodies, their souls. He shuddered.

  How wrong could life get? He’d thought things had been bad after that big earthquake. He’d seen things that still gave him nightmares. He’d watched things people had done to each other in the name of survival.

  Survival also had little to do with some of what he’d witnessed. Predators had preyed on the dead, the living and those caught in between. He’d seen thieves empty pockets, steal shoes, grab anything that could be removed and run to the next body, alive or dead. It hadn’t mattered.

  The things he’d seen in town had been unbelievably difficult. And none of it touched on the horror of what he’d found later. Something so awful, so terrible he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it since. He’d had to clean up the mess and doing something to protect another had seemed right at the time – until he’d been seen.

  His stomach dry heaved with the painful memories.

  He hadn’t been the same since.

  Then the horror had turned to fascination and that scared him even more. The very idea had settled into his psyche and rooted, spouted into another horrible concept, only this time he was a part of it.

  He shuddered.

  He couldn’t do that to a woman.

  He shouldn’t do that to a woman.

  But he would – if he got the chance.

  With one last look at the empty lab trailers, and the place he’d find two unprotected women, he refocused on finding his old man.

  Damn him, anyway.

  The beautiful evening and cool breeze blowing over Jade’s heated skin made warmth blossom inside. She sighed happily. Her hotel room held a lightness that she enjoyed and it certainly beat the afternoon mugginess that had settled in today.

  She’d spent all week in a state of nervous anticipation. Listening for vehicles, checking out every unusual sound and doing lots of heavy sighing. Much to Meg’s amusement.

  For tonight, she’d chosen her one decent sundress and a light sweater just in case a wind came up. Sandals and a little light makeup too. Why she’d brought makeup when she almost never wore it, she didn’t know. She’d been thinking ahead obviously. Plus she thought it was a good sign that she wanted to look special for Dane…and that made her smile.

  She missed the closeness, the specialness that came when she was part of a loving twosome. Even if it had been a long time ago. Even if it hadn’t stood the test of time and trauma.

  At the same time, trust and confidence were now bigger considerations for Jade before entering a new relationship.

  Dane made her heart warm; she’d be happy to see where this went. Actually, she’d be more than happy to help it along. He did make her hormones pay attention. She’d always enjoyed sex. She hadn’t missed it because she’d been so busy being mad and hurt. Now however, a part of her was raring to make up for lost time. How contrary could she be?

  Still the butterflies in her stomach wouldn’t calm down, and honestly, she was starving again. She hoped he’d planned for a decent meal. She took a deep breath and walked downstairs to the lobby.

  Dane walked in the door as she reached the front desk. The sight of him stopped her in her in her tracks. Damn. He looked beyond good. Black jeans and a white cotton shirt with stand-up collar. Only it wasn’t the clothes that caused her breath to hitch. It was the way he wore them.

  She sighed. All that casual muscle and grace. Like a lion roaming his territory. He knew how he looked, was proud of it, and didn’t need to show off to be appreciated.

  “Hi.” Dane stopped in front in her, a warm welcome on his face. His eyes ran appreciatively over her.

  Yeah, he was good for her self-confidence. “Hi. You didn’t tell me what we were doing or where we’re going and I only have a limited wardrobe with me, so––”

  “You look great. Come on. Let’s get out of here.” He put an arm over her shoulder and walked her out to his truck. “We’re heading to a place my brother told me about.”

  “Perfect. I haven’t been anywhere here so it will be new and different.”

  “Good. I like an adventurous spirit.” He opened the truck door and helped her up to the passenger seat. After walking around to the other side, he hopped in and started the engine.

  She buckled her seat belt and settled in for the drive. “Adventure is nice. Life has been a little depressing lately.”

  “We can fix that. That’s one thing I learned in my time here. Every day is a gift. Haiti has been through so much that sometimes we all need to work a little harder to find the good in the bad.”

  Jade glanced at him. He drove the same as he did everything else. Capably and with restrained power. Sexy.

  She sighed. Lord she had it bad. When she’d decided to move on with her life, she’d done so with a vengeance.

  “Problems?” He frowned, glancing over at her quickly.

  “No. I’ve been thinking the same thing about Haiti. Everyone here has been through so much; it makes our lives back home look easy in comparison. It’s been good coming back here. I needed to see the progress.”

  “Coming back? Were you here before?” He turned the truck around the next corner and headed for one of the main roads.

  “I was here in the aftermath of the big earthquake. Did a three-week stint with a mortuary team then. It was brutal. Emotionally and physically.”

  He whistled softly and gunned the truck forward. “Then let’s show you some of the better sights of Haiti and replace those more painful memories with beautiful ones. Help you to put these old memories where they belong – in the past.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  The quiet dignity of the small restaurant surprised her. As if it were proud to be standing after all these years. Old, distinguished and family run, the bulk of the seating area was under the open sky on decks of different levels. Jade and Dane sat on an outside edge, surrounded by brightly colored hanging lanterns. Several other tables full of diners were discreetly placed throughout. Small screens offered privacy while allowing almost everyone a view of the sleepy harbor. The tang of salty ocean mixed with the heavenly smells coming from the kitchen.

  Beaches were everywhere here – gorgeous blue water, smooth sand, with the locals working their boats from one side of the bay to the other. Not the typical resort beach but a working, living, breathing part-of-the-people beach.

  Now that work had settled into a routine, Jade would like to take a day off every weekend and explore. Going out on a date, like tonight, was a wonderful way to start the new plan.

  While they watched, the sky slipped through a rainbow of colors. The sunset shifted and changed so quickly, she couldn’t take her eyes off it. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful,” she murmured. Warmth wrapped around her heart. She wasn’t lying. Right now everything felt perfect. She smiled, turned her face up to the evening sky and closed her eyes.

  “Neither have I.”

  Startled, she turned to face him. “Sorry?”

  “I haven’t seen anything so beautiful either.”

  Only he was staring right at her. Heat swamped her cheeks as she blushed like a schoolgirl. “Wow, thanks,” she gave a light laugh. “I’m not used to flattery.”

  “And why is that?” His
curious gaze studied her face. “You’re seriously gorgeous, you know.”

  Flustered from his sincerity, she answered with a soft smile, “Thank you again. I haven’t been out much in the last year and I’ve forgotten how to accept a compliment.”

  “Nursing a broken heart?”

  Her fingers tapped a tempo on the table as she tried to sort out the best thing to say. “Not quite. Started that way. Now it’s a matter of not allowing my history to dictate my future. In other words, not to see my ex and his deficits in every man.”

  “Ouch.” He winced.

  A giggle escaped. She clapped a hand over her mouth, staring at him in astonishment. He gave a shout of laughter. When her merriment calmed, she said, “Sorry, I was trying to be honest, only maybe that was too honest. I’m not judging you, and if I were, you’ve already got him beat by a mile. So, let’s change the subject; this evening is too nice to ruin.”

  Deep blue eyes gazed into hers. He reached across the table and clasped her hand in his. “Nicely put. And you’re right. It is too nice an evening for such conversation. However, I am sorry about the bad experiences.”

  “Everyone has them.” She smiled down at their hands. His so rough and strong, working man’s hands. Hers so soft and small – she lived in surgical gloves. Yet, their hands fit together like interlocking puzzle pieces. She stroked the long line of his thumb, loving the instant response as her hand was captured between both of his.

  “I don’t know… My life hasn’t been filled with drama or heartache.”

  His tone held no suggestion of anything dark in his history. No censorship either. She searched his gaze. “No bad breakups?”

  Dane frowned and stared down at his plate, his fingers clenching automatically.

  Her fingers, of their own volition, squeezed back. She didn’t want him to be alone with bad memories. Like she had been. “Yeah. That’s what I mean.”

  He looked at her in surprise. Then understanding lit the depths of his gaze. “Not me. My brother. He’s the reason for whatever you were assuming. He’s been through some seriously bad periods in his life. I thought he’d found better times.”

  “John?”

  Dane nodded. “There’re just the two of us left, so I tend to keep an eye on him, although he’s an adult.” Dane shrugged self-consciously. “Family. You can’t let them wallow.”

  Jade laughed, a warm smile blooming across her face. “Isn’t that the truth? You sound just like my brother Duncan. I’m here because of him. He convinced me to come back.”

  “It was that bad?” Dane searched her face. “John won’t talk about it much.”

  “It’s not easy. Duncan wanted me to spew everything too. Only talking about it actually made it all come alive again. I had to relive stuff I’d rather not see again.”

  He leaned back, though his index finger gently stroked the back of her hand. “I’m sorry. Sorry that so many people suffered. I never considered the impact on volunteers and rescuers.” He stared off at the sunset. From the look on his face, Jade didn’t think he was enjoying Mother Nature’s artwork. “John has slipped back to someone I barely recognize. The things he’s doing or, rather, not doing…” He shook his head. “It’s hard to stand by and let life happen to those you love.”

  “Duncan basically said the same thing.” She studied their interlocking fingers. That felt right somehow. She hadn’t expected to feel anything in Haiti except pain and anguish. She’d been wrong and Duncan had been right. She’d have to remember to tell him that. “I’ll call my brother tomorrow and tell him that he’s the best brother anyone could have.”

  Dane chuckled. “See, that’s the difference between having a little sister versus a little brother. John would die before saying something like that.”

  “That’s a guy thing. Duncan pushed and prodded me for months now. He deserves to know that I’m healing.”

  “Absolutely. What does he do?”

  She gave him a quick rundown, turning the conversation to more general issues. Several hours later, after they’d worked through many topics, dinner and dessert, Dane looked at her and asked, “Are you wanting to go back to the hotel now or would you like to walk down by the water?” He pointed out a path that led to the beach via the side of the restaurant.

  “Oh perfect. I’d love to go for a walk. I’m in no hurry to return.”

  She waited by the path as he took care of the bill. When he walked over, he slipped an arm around her shoulders, and led her down to the water’s edge.

  Tonight was about magic. About possibilities. About the future.

  They spent a sensual hour in the moonlight, with water lapping at the shore as they walked close together, discussing anything that came up. By the time they came to a small wooden bench, Jade realized how much she’d learned about Dane and his character. The more she learned, the more she liked and respected the man. He reminded her of Duncan.

  She sat down on the bench, tugging him down beside him. “I’m having a wonderful evening tonight. I know we have to leave soon, but this is truly special.”

  He grinned. “Glad you’ve enjoyed it. Maybe we can do it again.”

  “Absolutely.” She’d love to repeat this evening – several times if possible.

  “If you don’t have any plans for tomorrow, maybe we can go for coffee or take a walk. Something simple.”

  She smiled. “That would be lovely.”

  Parked outside her hotel twenty minutes later, Dane studied her fine-boned features, the delicate blush of color. She didn’t have the same suntan that most of the other team members sported. He loved the relaxed peacefulness he read on her face tonight.

  Jade often looked like life was a serious business…that reaped few rewards. He wanted to show her how much fun life could be. How good relationships could be. How good the two of them could be. If she gave them…him, a chance.

  But he didn’t want to scare her off.

  Somewhere in all of this he needed her to feel comfortable with him. For her to move at her own pace. For her to be in control.

  He leaned back, turned slightly to face her and opened his arms, waiting to see what she would do.

  When she smiled shyly, it made his heart melt.

  She slid across the bench seat and snuggled close. She grasped both sides of his face then stretched up, slowly oh so slowly and put her lips against his. In a kiss so gentle, so special, it almost broke his heart. Gently stroking her arms with one hand, the other moved soothingly down and across her back and tucked her closer against his chest.

  He felt a shiver slide down her back so drew her in closer, warming her slowly beneath his caressing hands. He wanted her. Had wanted her since he first laid eyes on her. And a little cuddling in the truck was a great prelude, except he was no untried kid. He wanted so much more. And not in the truck like two crazed teenagers. She deserved a soft bed and all the trappings that were possible for their first night together. And him? Well he deserved time. Time to savor her, to explore, to enjoy. He moaned softly against her lips.

  She pulled back slightly and smiled at him. “That’s your good night’s kiss.”

  He smiled slowly, wickedly. “Good, then here’s your good night’s kiss,” he whispered, caressing her lips with his breath. His warm hands slid up her back to comb through her silky hair, anchoring her in place. Then he lowered his head. He didn’t ravish; he didn’t take. He coaxed, soothed and enticed. When she sagged against him, he pulled back slightly, dropping his forehead against hers. “If you’re going in alone, you need to go now.”

  She smiled and nuzzled against his face and chin. “And if I don’t?”

  “Then you’ll be going in with company. And I don’t want to cheat either of us by rushing you at this stage. If you need time, I’m happy to move slowly, well as slowly as we can go when we’re short on time.” He laughed self consciously.

  She laughed, a soft joyous sound that enchanted even as he questioned it.

  “What part was funny?”r />
  “Slightly slow is good, but I’m finding I’m much less affected than I thought I was.” She dropped a kiss on his chin.

  His breath caught. Damn. Images ripped through his mind. He almost groaned aloud. “Meaning?”

  “I might be okay with quick, but there is this voice of reason telling me to slow down slightly.” She retreated, a regretful smile on her face. “Have to say, I’m not comfortable with sex on the first date. No matter how tempting.

  He kissed the tip of her nose before she retreated out of reach. “Tempting? So how about dinner tomorrow? The next day? The day after?

  Her gaze widened.

  He rushed into speech. “I want to spend as much time with you as I can. To find out what we have. So think about me. About there being an us. And if a weekend away appeals, give me some dates that work and I’ll set it up.”

  She laughed. “So I get to decide?”

  “Absolutely. I can get away any weekend. Your schedule is a little different. I’m serious about seeing you after we return to the U.S. too, but I’d like to spend as much time as we can together here.”

  Dane’s cell rang, interrupting the intimate moment. Jade slid back slightly to give him room. She’d been snuggled tightly against him and he hated the immediate coolness that drifted into the space. He wanted to tug her back, but the moment was lost.

  He pulled his phone out, wondered at the number on display and answered it.

  Dane twisted on the front seat of his truck and clicked a button on his phone. “I’ve just put it on speaker. It’s Bruce. Something’s wrong.”

  Jade’s eyes widened and she cast a glance out her window toward the hotel. “Bruce, what’s up?”

  “Have you seen or heard from Dr. Mike?”

  The anxiety level coming through the phone made Jade’s stomach knot and her throat catch. “Not since lunchtime. I worked in the office all afternoon. I don’t think he’d returned by the time I left.”

  “Right. He’s not answering his phone. He’s got one of the SUVs and we don’t know where he is.”