Turning off the water, she grabbed a towel, tucked it about herself, wet hair streaming down her back. Wrenching open the bathroom door, she prepared to scream blue murder at Cade for defiling her pristine bed set. Instead she got an eyeful of him sat on the edge of the bed, not naked as she expected, but wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt that stretched across his chest, cocky grin in place.
"Knew that would get you out," he said, laughter in his eyes. "Didn't have you pegged as a perv though. You should have said you wanted to watch." He got to his feet, adjusting his belt as he skipped out of her way, laughing as he retreated from the bedroom. With one last glance over his shoulder, he said, "Breakfast in ten minutes. Come as you are."
And with an infuriating wink, he was gone.
Chapter Nine
Clara's hike finished with her scrambling up the small hill that bordered the edge of her property. At the top of the grassy mound she spun around taking in the peaceful scenery. In a fit of silliness, in a homage to the burst of freedom she felt here, she opened her arms wide and spun until she was dizzy, finally collapsing in a heap. After lying still long enough for the dizziness to dissipate, she rolled onto her stomach, pushed herself up on her elbows and glanced around.
The house was far in the distance and looked empty, even though she knew Cade and Luke were around there somewhere. They had wanted to come on the hike after a breakfast where none of them said anything about the earlier events, but she insisted that she wanted to be alone. What she didn't tell them was she came out here to talk to Colton. They would probably think it was silly, but she wanted to talk to him out loud, even if it would be a one way conversation.
There was something about the open air, the land that stretched for miles, the land they both loved that made her feel more connected to him here than anywhere else. They'd often walked out this way, taking a picnic and, on a couple of memorable occasions, making love in the open air knowing there was no one else around for miles to witness their bodies joining.
"Colton?" she whispered, then a little more loudly. "Colton, are you there?"
The breeze lifted her hair, tickling the nape of her neck. Of course, he couldn't answer but he could listen. Hell, she had some talking to do.
"Colton," she started again, not quite certain what she wanted to say. Instead she picked at blades of glass, plucking them and letting the wind catch them from her fingers. "I miss you so much," she whispered to the air. "I love you and that will never stop, but I'm so lonely and I don't want to be. I don't want to be miserable my entire life just because I don't have you. I gave up when I lost you. I was angry and hurt and sad and...I still am, sweetheart, I think a part of me always will be but...I think it's time for me to move forwards.
"Colton, I've been given a second chance and...I think I want to take it. Cade loves me. I know he does. I know he always has. Pushing him away hurt me more than I think any of you knew...Maybe things will work this time. Maybe if I'd accepted him before, if I tried to love him, things wouldn't have been so hard when you were taken away. And he's offering me a second chance."
The breeze rushed through the grass, lifting leaves with it that caught in her hair. She picked the little grassy pieces out as she spoke. "I'm attracted to him. My wolf wants him. And I...I don't want him to go, okay? He's my mate and I care for him. I feel the same way about him now that I used to with you, right at the beginning when we started dating. The butterflies, the nervous feeling in my blood when I'm waiting for him, the anticipation. Having him around makes me happy. I'm actually happy with him.
"There's Luke too," she continued, feeling stronger, more certain as she spoke. "I like him a lot. Tons, really. He's so patient and kind and there's feelings there, feelings that are growing." She rolled over, lay back on the grass, her fingers shredding a leaf that planted on her chest, right over her heart. "Why am I telling you this? I guess because I don't want you to think that I'll ever forget you, even if I fall in love again. I will always love you, Colton. Always."
The breeze seemed to stop and lay a cold kiss at her cheek. She froze, closing her eyes, remembering the last time Colton kissed her goodbye, the love that shone in his eyes as he told her he would see her soon.
She lay there for a long time, just watching the fat white clouds in the blue sky roll past long after the afternoon sun started to dip.
Cade and Luke were probably wondering where she was. She hoped they weren't worrying, perhaps imagining she'd fallen and hurt herself. Actually, they idea of them worrying about her was heartwarming. Hadn't they come because Cade had worried about her?
It seemed to take her forever to climb to her feet, but she felt peaceful now. Talking to Colton, the thin air, whatever, had made her feel better.
Skidding down the hill, she stumbled to a halt at the roses flowering on the bushes near the base. Smiling, she picked one red bloom, dispensed it of thorns and tucked it behind her ear. As she walked back to the house she noticed how many flowers bloomed; roses of all colors, wildflowers of many varieties. As she plucked a bouquet to take home, she had the strangest feeling that maybe Colton had been with her after all.
***
"Guys," Clara called as she stepped off the deck into the house. It was strangely quiet, though the doors had been wide open. For a brief moment, she had a horrible flash of panic that they'd given up and gone. They wouldn't leave her would they? She couldn't bear it. Not now she'd found the strength to offer something of herself to them. "Hello?"
"Hey." Luke stuck his head out of the kitchen and she had to blink at the sight of his shirtless body. "I was fixing some pipes. There was a leak," he explained, holding a wrench up for her inspection.
"Thanks," she said. "I appreciate it. Listen, I..."
"Hey, it's no problem. Did you enjoy your walk?"
"Mmm, yes." She followed Luke into the kitchen and rooted through the cabinets for a vase.
"This what you're looking for?" Luke asked, reaching for a glass vase from a shelf she could never reach. When she nodded, he ran water and took the flowers from her, popping them in the vase before handing them back. "Not quite as pretty as you, but almost," he said, his usual cockiness gone.
"Thank you." Blood crept to her cheeks and she had to turn away before she blushed. "Sorry I was so long. Maybe next time, you could come too?"
"I'd like that. Cade says you guys used to swim on the lake. Is that the way you went?"
She inclined her head towards the doors and he followed. On the threshold she pointed into the distance. "No, I went that way today. The land inclines upwards and there's a pretty view across the neighboring properties. Not that you can see their homes though. It's like you're completely alone. The lake, well, it's more of a pond really, is over that way." Clara turned to point west, realizing that the movement made her press her back to Luke's front. When she didn't move, he snaked an arm around her waist. Trembling slightly, she placed her own arm over his, her hand curling under his elbow. "If it stays as warm as it has been, we could go swimming. I haven't been in forever."
A light tap on the top of her head told her Luke rested his head there. With her body pulled against his, it was warm, more than companionable. Again, she felt that ache to be wrapped around a man's body. She inhaled deeply, pulling his scent deep into her lungs. With surprise, she realized he was doing the same. Scenting her. The first part of the mating bond. Yes, they were definitely checking to see if each other was available, responsive. Her wolf gave a low whine at the feelings that surged through her. Though she'd never met a tiger shifter before him, their reputation was well known. Strong, loyal, almost undefeatable, he had the traits that would make him a prime mate. With his personality, she knew he would be warm and funny, a good companion. She suspected he would be passionate too, could only imagine his strength.
"What are you thinking about?" Luke's voice was a warm burr. "Your scent..."
She frowned at his hesitation. Where was his bawdy comment? "Yes?" she encouraged softly.
"You're aroused," he murmured. "I like your scent when you're aroused."
She opened her mouth to comment but then Luke stepped away. Frowning she turned around, then her ears caught the sound. Footsteps. A moment later Cade appeared around the side of the house. "There you are," he said, a smile spreading across his lips as he leapt onto the deck.
"We were talking about going swimming," Luke said, almost unnecessarily, but if Cade thought anything odd, he didn't say.
"About damn time. Man, this heat is something else. But you know what I want more than a swim right now?"
Probably, thought Clara, a laugh bubbling in her throat as Cade leaned in. "I want to go into town and have an ice cold beer at The Mill."
"The Mill?" Luke asked as she stepped around them both, putting a little distance between them before Cade caught the scent of her arousal and asked Luke what was going on. Not that anything was going on. Except…something had definitely shifted between them.
"Our old stomping ground. Soon as we could legally get a drink, that's where we all started hanging out. You still go there, Clara? The crowd still hang there, right?"
They followed her to the kitchen waiting as she played with the wildflower stems, tweaking them this way and that. "I haven't been there in...heck, I don't know. More months than I have fingers to count on. I guess everyone still hangs there."
"Let's go. Tonight. They have bands, Luke, and if I remember rightly, Clara is an excellent dancer."
Clara laughed. "Am not. Why don't you guys go. I'll curl up with a book. We can catch up after."
Cade took the vase, moving into the living room to position it on the table.
"It wouldn't be any fun without you," said Luke. "Besides I only know two people in town and if you don't go, I'll have a whole fifty percent less people to talk to."
"I doubt that. You'll have girls around you all night."
Luke leaned over her, and whispered in her ear, just loud enough for her to hear, "But none of them would be you."
"C'mon Clara,” Cade pleaded, his eyes sparkling, “put on a pretty dress. I'll drive."
She rocked back on her heels, looked up at the two men staring hopefully down at her. Hadn't she sworn she would change her life? To be happy again? "Sure," she agreed, before she could change her mind. "Let's go. It’ll be fun."
***
"That was easy," remarked Cade, a note of surprise in his voice. "I thought she'd take a lot more persuading."
Luke looked at the empty doorway and closed his eyes, imaging Clara's scent. He didn't know what had changed but for the first time since they'd met, she'd been truly aroused for him and unafraid to show it. Not the burst of primal excitement he'd gotten from her initially, not the occasional sexual interest she'd tried, and failed, to disguise; this time it had been different. She had been receptive, had willing touched him and been held by him, however briefly. He could still feel the shape of her body against his, the soft swell of her backside pressing against him. It had taken some surreptitious angling to keep his erection from pressing hard into the small of her back because he didn't want to alarm her.
No, her scent had definitely changed, like she was actually considering him for a mate. Not only that, but allowing him to gauge how receptive she would be. Very receptive apparently, if he wasn't wrong. The realization had made him harder than hell, then hesitant, and now he was just plain determined.
Clara was going to be his, and soon. She wanted him. He wanted her, and he knew he would give her anything she wanted, would gladly commit to her right now, even though he'd never lain with her. That would be something else he would gladly rectify, preferably as soon as possible.
"What's gotten into you, man? You've gone all moon eyed."
"Nothing," Luke said gruffly. "You really think taking her out is a good idea?" He had a much better idea. Cade could go out and leave him and Clara alone. He'd cook, they'd drink wine, they'd talk and when the time was right he would kiss her, hopefully even take her to bed where he would spend all night loving her.
"I promised her family I'd get her out more."
Knowing that her family knew what was best for her didn't stop Luke adding a mental ‘probably’. Damn it, if he was to be her mate, he would help her all he could, at her pace. He wanted to protest but didn't want to come over possessive. After all, he realized with annoyance, when it came to Clara he was pretty much last in line. The idea chafed at his heart. When it came to her, he wanted to be first. He wanted to love her, adore her, protect her and hear her loving words whispered to him.
"Think I'm going to take a shower," Cade said. "That barn is dusty."
"You reek too."
"Thanks, man. Can always count on you to keep it real. Get ready, okay? We'll grab something to eat in town then work on putting a smile on Clara's face."
Luke couldn't be certain, but he was fairly sure he had a good shot at putting a smile on Clara's face. Not that he would rub it in, but if she chose him, he would work every day to bring happiness to her life. But even that didn’t push back the realization that Cade was thinking exactly the same thing.
To hell with it. He’d find a way to cope. Anything for Clara.
Chapter Ten
As Cade drove into the parking lot, Clara firmly wedged between him and Luke on the bench seat, she couldn't recall why she had agreed to this evening out. For that matter, she couldn't even remember when she'd last been into town for an evening, never mind cared enough to want to. Her nerves were shot to pieces. Clearly she’d been a hermit for way too long.
She and Colton went out all the time, more so before they got married, but that all seemed so long ago now. There were always parties, and bars to go to, and evenings at the movie theaters or hiking and other places with their friends. Of course, some of that tailed off after they got married when all they really wanted was each other, and tailed off a little more when they bought the farm and were working hard. That said, they'd still managed to host barbecues and picnics and movie screenings in the comfort of their own home. Like so many things, that had all ended when she lost Colton and lost the will to live.
For a moment Clara closed her eyes and just breathed, counting silently to herself, a coping mechanism she employed whenever she felt panic overtake her. A squeeze of her hand just as she reached number nine reminded her who she was with. Cade and Luke. They'd protect her. They wouldn't let her flail among their friends.
"You okay?" asked Luke as Cade pushed open the door and climbed out. "Don't panic," he added before she could answer as if he could read her mind. "I'll be right beside you. I promise."
"I'll be fine," Clara replied softly, sliding across the seat to place her hands on Cade's shoulders as his hands settled on her waist. He lifted her gently and set her down.
The parking lot was already half full, despite it not even quite eight, and she could hear laughter and music coming from the bar. A quick scan of the long windows confirmed she recognized a dozen or so people in there.
This won't be hard, she told herself. They're your friends. It'll be okay. It's only a few drinks then you can go home.
"Come on, baby. Time to say hello." Cade slung an arm around her shoulder and waved a hand in reply to a couple of guys inside who banged on the window to get his attention. She knew the moment they realized she was the woman with him. She could already see the whispers passing between their friends and the double takes. There's Clara, she imagined them saying, such a young widow. So young. And then people not knowing what to say, which she understood because what did you say in the face of comprehensive loss? It was easier to ignore her.
As they entered the bar, Cade's arm sliding down so he had her firmly by the waist—probably preventing her from turning heel and escaping—and Luke still flanking her, she plastered on her game face and lost count of the hi's and hugs and squeals from her girl friends, all keen to show how pleased they were to see her. That she was over it. Like, finally.
"I knew it was you," sq
uealed Robyn, wrapping her in a warm hug. Clara felt a brief flash of shame. Friends since kindergarten, thick as thieves throughout high school—not just because they were fellow lycans, but because they genuinely adored each other—and beyond, Robyn had been her bridesmaid but she couldn't even remember the last time they saw each other. So much for lycans sticking together. I’m a terrible friend. "And Cade! I heard you were back in town." Robyn punched Cade's shoulder then squealed as he wrapped her in a big hug. "That's more like it, big guy! How long are you here for?"
Cade cut a glance at Clara. "For as long as Clara will put up with us."
"This is Luke," said Clara, tugging Luke forward, so she didn't have to answer any questions at that. Luke had already reminded her he didn't know anyone but them in their close knit town. "He's Cade's friend and they're staying with me."
Robyn winked at her. "Lucky girl. Just wait until the girls here there's new blood in town! Come and sit with me. We have so much to catch up on. I'm sure the conversation will be one sided seeing as you're a hermit now, so just shush me when you get bored." Robyn flicked her hair over her shoulder, grabbed Clara's hand and with that, Clara found herself tugged away from the protective shadow of her guards and deposited in a booth with Robyn and three other women she'd known forever. Each time she tried to look over to Cade and Luke, Robyn blocked her view.
"Tell me this is a new leaf," begged Robyn, waving her hand at the waitress and pointing towards the half drained pitcher on their table, before turning back, her blue eyes hopeful. "You don't call, you don't write," she joked.
"It's been a hard couple of years," Clara replied, again craning her head to see where Cade and Luke were at. Despite her I don't need anybody attitude, Clara felt suddenly vulnerable without them at her side but couldn't fathom why. It wasn't like she wasn't used to doing everything alone. "Uh, Cade insisted Luke was bored stiff and needed to see the local nightlife." That was it, wasn't it? She couldn't remember. Everything was so loud in the bar and there were so many people. She used to revel in it. Hell, she'd be the one making the noise, but now it overwhelmed her.
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