by K. C. Wells
“I thought you hated me,” he finally said.
“Never. You remember when Tawny went into heat the first time? How she got all crazy with the purrs and kept scent marking anyone who would stand still long enough?”
Dayton laughed and turned back around. “Yeah. She was a maniac! And then she’d get so mad if she couldn’t touch someone she wanted to.”
“Exactly. Now imagine not being able to touch the one person you wanted, no matter how much you longed for it. I had to padlock myself in one of the cages to keep from coming after you.”
Dayton looked up, his gaze traveling over Hart’s face. What message he tried to read there, Hart didn’t know. He didn’t seem happy with what he found. “I didn’t know. You were always so abrupt with me, harsh even.”
“I know. I’m sorry for that. And so much more. We were so young. I was eighteen, you were sixteen. What could I do? Neither of us were in a position to do anything about it, and when Dad kicked me out, well, I decided I would make a name for myself and come back for you.”
Dayton ran his soapy hands over Hart’s chest. “But you never did.”
Hart flinched, the words hitting closer to home than he wanted to admit. He hated his own cowardice, but he’d been afraid Dayton would reject him. “No, I didn’t.” What else could he say?
Dayton stepped back and rinsed the soap from his body. He huffed out a breath and turned his back to Hart. “I don’t know how to process this, but if you’re thinking that we’re going to fall into bed and live happily ever after, you need to think again. I don’t work that way.”
The animal inside Hart roared its disapproval. “You don’t want me?” He heard the disbelief in his own voice, the slight twinge of anger he couldn’t hide.
“Not like this.” Dayton stepped out of the shower and grabbed one of the black towels hanging on the rack.
Hart quickly rinsed himself off and followed.
“What do you mean, not like this?”
Dayton put the towel back and picked up his clothes. “I deserve better. Yeah, you’re hot. You’ve got to know that I’ve thought that for a long time. It’s one of the advantages to having all those extra senses, isn’t it? Well, I don’t have those senses, Hart. Yeah, I got caught up a bit here with all the good touching going on, but I can’t just… I just can’t.”
Hart watched him struggle to put his shirt back on. It took every ounce of self-control he had not to rip it back off.
“This isn’t how I thought this would go,” he finally confessed.
“Yeah, I get that. And I’m sure you and Tawny had some big romantic plans that I would show up here, smelling like the pride, and you’d ravish me and make me yours. That was the plan, wasn’t it?”
Hart shook his head. “It wasn’t a plan, Dayton. I didn’t know you were coming.”
“Right. But Tawny knew. And she knew all along how you felt. I’m the only one who was left in the dark. Did you think I’d leap into your arms and be oh-so-happy to be there? It doesn’t work that way. Maybe it does for you guys, who can sniff out your mate from a hundred yards away, but to us poor little humans, we need more than that.”
Dayton finished dressing and eased his arm back into the brace. “Now, thank you for the shower. I feel a lot better now. But I’m going to go home, where my best friend is going to get a huge piece of my mind.”
Hart grabbed his slacks and slipped them on as Dayton walked out of the bathroom. “Dayton, wait. Don’t go.”
Dayton shook his head. “You know, even though I half hated you for how you treated me, a part of me always admired you. You got out, made your way. Became this high-powered attorney, rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. Me? I just stayed right where I was. Got my degree and came home to teach at the high school I went to. I’m happy there. I don’t fit into your world.”
He turned around, and Hart stepped close. He reached out his hand and cupped Dayton’s jaw. “You won’t even try?”
Dayton lifted up on his toes and pressed a kiss to the corner of Hart’s mouth. “I don’t know that I can. I’ll think about it. That’s all I can promise.”
Chapter Three
DAYTON CURLED up on his couch and tried to relax. His cat, Cookie, curled up on his chest and purred. As much as he hated the little pity party he had going in his mind, Dayton decided to allow himself to wallow in it for long enough to shake the funk. He hoped by morning he’d be back to his normal cheerful self.
The sound of the lock turning in his front door reminded him he had more problems than just the liger he’d left behind. Cookie stared at the door and kneaded his chest. He petted her fluffy fur as he waited for the inevitable.
Tawny opened the door and turned on the imitation Tiffany lamp Dayton kept on the entry table. It filled the dark living room with light. She turned around and jumped when she spotted him lying on the couch. “What are you doing here?”
Dayton glared. “Well, it is my house. I’d ask what you’re doing here, but I think I have a pretty good idea. What? Did you figure I wouldn’t be home tonight? Maybe thought you’d be a good best friend and come feed my cat for me? I appreciate it. But I’m here and Cookie’s fine. So am I, by the way.”
Tawny grimaced, her golden eyes not meeting Dayton’s.
A guilty conscience would do that to a person.
She came over to the couch and pushed him over. Cookie grumbled and jumped down in a huff. His best friend lay down beside him and threw her arm over his chest. “I’m sorry.” She sniffed him, and Dayton used his good arm to push her head away.
“Don’t.”
“Sorry,” she said again.
“I’m really pissed at you.”
“I know. I can tell.”
“Uh-huh. So don’t go sniffing to see if I smell like your brother, okay?”
She laid her head down on his chest, her bright blonde hair covering the brace on his arm. “Am I hurting you?”
“Not my arm,” he answered.
She sniffed and tightened her hold on his chest.
“Do not cry,” Dayton demanded. “You did this. I have no idea what you were thinking.”
Tawny raised her head, and he could see tears filled her eyes. So far, none leaked out onto her cheeks, but Dayton knew they would. “I wanted to help. I wanted you to both be happy. He’s carried a torch for you for years and would never do anything about it. You know those e-mails he sends me every once in a while? He always asks about you. He knows he’s not supposed to be in touch with me, but I wanted to know how he was and he needed to know you were okay. I thought maybe if I could give him a little push….”
“Uh-huh. You manipulated me.”
She took a shaky breath and nodded. The first tear fell over her cheek. “I just wanted to help.”
“Well, it was a shitty way to do it, Tawn. You know me better than anyone in the world. What did you think I was going to do? Throw my legs in the air and let him make me his man?”
She chuckled and buried her face in his chest. “I hoped.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t work that way, and you know it. I’m really hurt.”
“I know. I guess I didn’t think it through.”
“You guess?” Dayton shook his head but raised his right arm and ran it over her hair.
“Damn it. I want you both to be happy. Is that so wrong?”
Dayton gave her hair a little tug. “No. But trying to manipulate me was.”
“Damn it. I hate it when you’re right. So what happened?”
“Exactly what you thought was going to happen. He tried to be all ‘I am liger, hear me roar’, but I’ve spent way too much time with you guys to fall for that crap.”
She sighed. “I thought—”
“Sweetie, you thought he’d ravage me and make me his mate. I’m not stupid. But all that would have gotten me was a sore ass and a broken heart. Yes, your brother is gorgeous, and you know I think he’s overly droolworthy. Yes, he’s wealthy and successful. He’s all those things
on the checklist of a perfect man. But you know what he’s not? Mine. And I don’t just give myself to anyone. I learned that lesson a long time ago.”
The dating gods hadn’t been kind to Dayton over the years, and Tawny knew it better than anyone. “Well, that jerk John needed to be disemboweled.”
“Probably so.”
“If Hart knew what he’d done to you….”
“Yeah, well, he doesn’t. And that just proves my point. Hart doesn’t know anything about me other than the fact that, apparently, I smell really good. Oh, and he doesn’t like that I smell like the pride.”
Tawny chuckled. “Yeah. I might have made sure you had lots of lion scent on you before you went for your appointment.”
“Might have? You’re such a goose. I wondered why half a dozen of you guys showed up over here to hug on me before I went. Thought you all had lost your minds. It was just an appointment.”
“Well, I didn’t tell them about Hart. I just said you were going to have your arm checked. My family loves you. That isn’t a lie.”
Dayton hugged her closer. “I know. But if you do something like this to me again, I’m chopping your hair off in your sleep.”
She gasped in horror. “You wouldn’t dare!”
“Oh yeah? Try me!”
She poked him in the side. “I promise, D. I won’t.”
“Okay, so tell me what’s going on with you. Any progress with the golden god?”
Tawny groaned. “He’s still doing his ‘I am alpha-wannabe, hear me roar’ nonsense. Why are men so complicated?”
“Because it’s our mission in life? Because we love making you crazy? There are really so many good excuses.” Dayton grinned and, for the first time since he arrived home from Hart’s, felt a sense of peace.
HART LEANED against the wall and eyed the glamorously dressed attendees at one of his work parties. The event, hosted by one of the labels he represented, had several big-name pop stars and more up-and-comers.
Both men and women had tried to get his attention, but he couldn’t get Dayton out of his mind long enough to enjoy even a casual flirtation. He’d played his cards wrong.
Hart never miscalculated. Cautious by nature, and guarded from lessons learned in the pride, he never dove in the deep end without a life jacket.
Seeing Dayton again, smelling him, had reminded Hart of what he’d been missing in his life. He hadn’t had a plan for claiming his mate, and that was his first mistake. Hart made plans for his life and followed the paths he created step-by-step until he reached his goal.
That method had worked well for him. Until Dayton. His mate had taken off before Hart could formulate enough reasons to convince him to stay. With a huff of frustration, he adjusted the Armani tuxedo he wore and pushed away from the wall. Being a wallflower wouldn’t do him any good. He had clients to impress tonight. And a mate to win over come morning.
A passing waiter balanced champagne flutes on a silver tray. Hart snagged a glass and took a sip. Champagne wishes and caviar dreams. That old slogan had become his life lately. Many of the people in this room had more money than they knew what to do with and constantly craved more.
He spotted one of the industry executives he needed to connect with and headed the man’s way. Everett Clark wined and dined with several of the biggest names of the business. The couch he lounged on included the newest pop princess sensation as well as two members of a local boy band trying to make it big.
Hart couldn’t tell which held Everett’s interest. Until the man spotted him. His eyes began to darken with lust. Nothing like a horny executive. Hart smiled and winked, all too familiar with playing the game. Everett motioned him over to an occupied chair next to the couch, and with a sharp word, the twink sitting in it jumped out of the way. Hart took the seat and crossed his legs.
“Good evening, Mr. Clark.” Hart let his voice go deep and husky. Hell, whatever worked.
Everett grinned. “Why yes it is, especially now that you’re here. Sydnie Knyght, have you met Hart Sherman?”
The sweet-looking little blonde shook her head and turned her pouty lips Hart’s way. She adjusted her legs, and her impossibly short skirt rode farther up her thighs. Hart had no doubt as to what she wore beneath it. The little scrap of pink lace was clearly visible. He fought to keep from rolling his eyes. What she had to offer wasn’t on his menu.
“Nice to meet you, Sydnie. Need an attorney?” He winked again, and she batted her lashes.
Everett chuckled.
“There’s nothing this young lady needs, Hart. I’ve got her taken care of.”
“That’s too bad, Everett. The deal we worked for Velcro Roses certainly seemed to work in their benefit. And yours.”
“Very true, very true. We’re working on her first album now. She’ll be my next star.”
Hart smirked. Maybe, if she could keep her legs crossed long enough. “I have no doubts. We need to have lunch next week, Everett. Get caught up.”
“Absolutely. Have your assistant call mine.”
Hart nodded and stood. “Happy to.”
He walked away and brushed off the sleeve of his coat. Nothing rested on the smooth material, but Hart felt dirty after dealing with Everett. Always had. But the man was a star maker, and he knew it. Hart had done well for several of his clients and hoped to work his way to becoming the sole counsel for Everett’s talent firm.
Next up came one of his current clients. Maxter J’s last album had made them both a ton of money, but he was shopping for a new label after a bar fight gone bad. The negative headlines had hurt them both but not in the wallet. The album had already gone platinum before the scandal.
“Max, good to see you!”
“Hart! Hey, man! Got any news for me?”
“You’ll be the first to know. I’m working my magic for you. Have no doubts.” Hart stared down at the bright green drink in the young man’s hand. He lowered his voice. “You holding up your end of the bargain?” He’d agreed to remain Maxter J’s counsel if the kid gave up the booze.
Max nodded. “It’s a fake. Gotta keep up appearances. Don’t worry. I learned my lesson. I’ve worked too hard to let booze ruin me.”
“Good. You still working with the counselor I set you up with?”
“Yeah. You were right. The money went to my head. I needed some perspective. I had a planning meeting last week for the children’s shelter. That was a great idea. You were right. I needed to give something back.”
Hart patted his shoulder. “You did. Sometimes the best thing we can do is remember where we came from.”
The lesson reminded Hart of his newest goal. Maybe the answers for winning his mate were right under his nose.
Chapter Four
“SURE,” DAYTON muttered to himself. “Mow your own lawn. No problem.”
He sat down in the grass with a groan and dropped onto his back. “Basketball is evil. Lions are evil. Grass is really evil.”
Tawny had gone home late the night before, after their talk. Dayton had needed the closeness, so he hadn’t minded. Getting up this morning was a challenge, but his yard really needed some work. Unfortunately, the vibrations from the mower rattled his arm to the point where Dayton saw stars every time he tried to push it.
Maybe he could pay one of Tawny’s younger cousins to come out and give him a hand. It was their fault he was in this mess anyway. Least they could do was help him out. Dayton heard the rumble of a car engine and realized the vehicle had pulled into his driveway. He climbed to his feet, still grumbling under his breath, and made his way to the front of the house. Maybe Tawny was back and ready to do some yard work? Yeah, right. In his dreams.
Instead he found Hart climbing out of his sleek black BMW. He stopped at the corner of the house and stared. This was the Hart he remembered, fancy car excluded. His dark jeans fit just right, hugging his ass. Hart turned around, and Dayton grinned at his red T-shirt with the cartoon bulldog. He’d give him hell for the show of team spirit.
; Hart shut the door, and his gaze found Dayton immediately. He smiled, and Dayton’s stomach fluttered. Damn, the man was gorgeous.
Dayton forced himself to walk over to the car and Hart. “Morning,” he said.
“Thought I’d show up and see if I could convince you to spend some time with me today.”
Dayton tried to read Hart’s expression, but he couldn’t make out anything behind his carefully blank face. “Well, I’m trying to mow the yard. And failing miserably.” He laughed. “But I could make us some breakfast?”
Hart grinned. “That would be nice. And why are you failing miserably?”
“This damn arm. The vibrations from the mower hurt like hell. I’m going to see if Tawny will have one of the cousins come help me out. Come on in, and we’ll see what I can put together.”
Dayton’s heart pounded a bit as Hart followed him into the house. It wasn’t sleek and modern like Hart’s apartment. His little house wasn’t much at all, but it was all his. The entry opened straight into a long and narrow living room. His couch was a beat-up mess, with piles of disorganized pillows.
He’d gone for a Moroccan-themed decor. Purples, reds, golds, and even turquoise. Lots of patterns and textures. Dayton wanted to straighten the couch cushions from where he and Tawny had mussed them all up the night before, but he walked past it.
Two built-in bookcases formed a room break between the living room and dining room. They were jam-packed full of books and trinkets. And dust. Damn, he really needed to do some cleaning. He looked over his shoulder at Hart, who glanced around the room but kept his expression blank.
How could he do that? Every thought Dayton had flowed across his face. No one ever had to wonder how he was feeling. Just take one look at him, and you knew.
His kitchen was one of the tamer rooms in his home. He’d painted the walls a slate gray to accent the dark wood cabinets. Nothing too crazy in here. At least he didn’t think so. Dayton opened the fridge and stuck his head in. Eggs, cheese, bacon, and some veggies.