“That’s awesome.”
I was kind of stunned she didn’t ask more questions. Like for one, why was Conor’s car on the edge of town.
“We figure it will just be a day trip or so. I’m pretty pissed at my parents right now though, and since I’m legally an adult now, there is not much they can say or do. I guess I’ll just figure out what to do when I get there.”
“Wow, Kylie this is very bold of you. I’m proud of you. Although a little bummed you didn’t ask me to take you on this excursion.” Lexie’s mouth formed a small frown.
I shrugged. “I thought about it, but I didn’t want to get you into trouble. Your parents would eventually realize you were gone, at least I think they would.” I stopped and we both laughed at her parents, not really funny, lack of parental skills. “When they did they would get mad. Then there’s school. You can’t afford any more absences if you want to graduate.”
“Yeah. I guess you’re right. Damn you for always thinking about my best interest.” She said playfully as she glanced at me then returned her focus onto the road. “You better hurry back, Kylie. Only a day right? It better not be more. I will miss you way too much.”
My heart ached, but I smiled. “I’ll hurry. You won’t even know I’m gone, and I promise to keep in touch.” She seemed satisfied by this. Once again I was surprised how easy this was, it reminded me of my conversation before dinner with my parents and my convincing Lexie to go home last night.
We chatted a bit more and way too quickly made it to the car. It was a bit off the road and hidden by trees.
“I love you and all, Kylie, but I am not getting my paint job scratched up to give you curb service.” She parked a safe distance off the road but not too close to the dense overgrowth of trees. “Well I guess this is it.”
We got out of the car. Lexie walked around to my side and gave me a giant hug.
“Be careful, Kylie. And snap a picture of your mom and text it to me. I am dying to know what she looks like. She has to be beautiful to have created this.” She motioned to all of me. I laughed. “I’m serious.”
And I could tell she was.
“That or your dad was smokin’ hot. Probably both because, damn girl, you’ve got some good genes.” She smiled as she spoke.
My cheeks warmed. I never did take compliments well and her saying this in front of Grant made it that much harder. “Seriously, Kylie, you’re beautiful. Everyone sees that but you.” She gave me a big hug again and whispered, “And I mean everyone.”
She pulled away and glanced at Grant. I looked over at him too. He stared right at me and my cheeks burned even hotter.
“Okay, stop. You’re crazy, Lexie...and of course that’s why I love you.”
Conor seemed anxious to head out so I said my final goodbyes to Lexie and she said hers to the boys, lingering a bit on one. Conor smiled, but truly seemed sad to leave her. Their bond fascinated me.
Eventually, she walked to her car and before getting in, called out to me. “Oh and Kylie.” I faced her. “You better call or text. I want details...about everything.” She shifted her gaze to Grant as she drew out the word everything.
My eyes widened. “Stop,” I mouthed to her. She laughed and hopped into her car. I shook my head and turned to find Grant watching the whole thing. If I thought I couldn’t be any more embarrassed tonight, I was wrong. I immediately looked down, unable to make eye contact.
I climbed into the backseat behind Conor, who was driving. Grant climbed into the passenger seat, buckled up, then turned around.
“That was a good idea, having Lexie come pick us up.” Conor started the car and pulled into the road.
“Yeah, that walk would have sucked,” I replied. Grant laughed. “Although it went a lot better than I expected. I thought Lexie would be cool with it, but it’s crazy how easy it was.”
“Well you were fantastic,” Grant said sincerely.
Conor jumped in, “No kidding. You may only be half-Fae but you definitely got all the charm.”
I wrinkled my nose. “What do you mean?”
“You know. Faery charm.”
I furrowed my brow. Grant watched my reaction.
“You don’t know, do you? I suspected it from watching you at school.” My heart fluttered. He watched me at school? “I thought you seemed to get people to see your way but it was hard to tell. It’s so subtle I couldn’t decide if it’s just the fact you’re naturally appealing or if it was some of the Fae charm.” And I’m appealing. Now my heart raced. “But after it worked last night, I knew, it’s definitely Fae charm. I wasn’t sure how strong it was but tonight you proved you can charm just as easily as a full-blooded Fae. Not that you aren’t always charming.” He winked. “But, you know, it’s just an extra boost.”
If I were to pass out right here in the back of the car, I wonder what he would think? I was pretty sure I might hyperventilate. He had no idea what hearing things like that come out of his mouth did to me, and then the wink. Forget it, I was gone.
“Oh for sure,” Conor cut off my dreamy thoughts, “that was charm. Haven’t you ever noticed you can persuade people and you make friends easily?”
I considered that. “Well, sometimes I feel like I can be persuasive, but who can’t be when they want to? Although tonight with my parents was a bit too easy and this whole thing with Lexie is crazy. She should have asked more questions last night and tonight.”
Grant laughed as he watched me process this. “Now that you know, go easy on us. Okay?” He winked again. After my heart started working again, the new information sunk in. Could I persuade them to do whatever I wanted? I chewed on my lip as I imagined the possibilities. This was surreal.
Conor spoke up as he watched me through the rear view mirror. “Although we aren’t as susceptible to it. It works best on humans.” He smiled, obviously guessing my thoughts. Grant laughed again and shifted to face forward.
As we drove, I mulled over the things I’d learned, replaying everything and trying to make sense of it. It seemed like the conversation that had started this had happened days ago, when in reality it had only been a few hours. The car slowed, and I snapped out of my reverie. Conor had pulled into a twenty-four hour gas station.
“I have to fill up real quick. We have a lot more driving to do.”
“I’m going inside to get some drinks, want anything?” Grant asked.
“Actually, I’ll just go in with you.”
We both got out and said nothing as we walked side-by-side toward the brightly lit store. Grant held the door open for me and as I stepped in, the clerk, who looked only a few years older than me, immediately sat up.
“Hi there. Can I help you with anything?” He wore a polite smile but his eyes raked my body in a not-so-polite manner.
“Um, I’m okay thanks.” As I said this Grant moved in beside me. Seeing my very tall, well-built companion, the gangly guy at the counter sat back down and slumped his shoulders.
“Well, let me know if I can be of any help.”
Grant stared at him but said nothing. The guy eventually glanced down and went back to reading the magazine spread on the counter.
We headed over to the drinks. Grant reached for several sodas and looked at me. “What would you like?”
“I’d actually love some water.” He pulled out several bottles of water as well.
How long was this road trip going to be?
“Want some snacks?” He headed over to the chips. I spotted the sign for the restroom, and not wanting to be that girl who made them stop so she could go to the bathroom, I figured I might as well go while I had the chance.
“Um, just grab me whatever you’re getting. I’ll be right back.” I pointed in the direction of the bathroom.
“Sure,” he said, then returned his attention to the chip selection.
I walked up to the girls’ bathroom door and turned the handle. Locked. I noticed the sign.
Please see attendant for key.
Are you kid
ding me? I rolled my eyes and went up to the clerk. As I approached he perked up again.
“What can I do you for?” He asked, once again not looking at me, or at least not at the parts he should be looking at. I crossed my arms over my chest.
“I need the bathroom key.”
“Sure, let me get that for you.” He reached down and produced a giant rectangular block of wood with a key dangling from it. I took it, mumbling, “Thanks, I’ll try not to lose it.” Which, in turn, made him laugh, a bit too much.
Geez, it wasn’t that funny. I walked back to the bathroom, finally able to get in. When I finished, I washed my hands and splashed some cool water on my face. All that walking earlier had left me sticky and grimy. I toweled my face and hands dry. At least they were clean. I lugged the humongous key ring back up to the guy. Grant stood at the counter getting ready to pay, and I was grateful I wouldn’t have to deal with the clerk alone again. I slid the block of wood across the counter avoiding eye contact.
“Did you need anything else?” Grant asked me.
I shook my head. “Nah, I’m good. Looks like you have enough junk food to last me a few hours.” He laughed as did the creepy store employee–loudly. I looked up at the clerk and found him looking right at me. My gaze shifted back to Grant. The muscles in his arm flinched and his jaw tightened, probably resisting the urge to strangle this seriously annoying guy.
The clerk rang up and bagged our items. Every now and then his eyes would wander back to me. I tapped my fingers on the counter, growing very impatient. This boy irritated me, and I wondered if he was going slowly on purpose. Finally he finished. Grant paid and the clerk handed him his change. He never once looked or spoke to Grant, but his eyes followed me as we left.
“You have a nice night, and come back anytime.”
I walked out quickly. What a creep.
“You sure seemed to brighten his day,” Grant joked, but his voice had an undercurrent of something. Jealousy?
“It was probably just the faery charm at work.” I shrugged.
He opened my car door and I hopped in. He slid into the passenger seat. Conor motioned he would be right back and headed into the store. Grant turned around.
“That was no faery charm.” He studied me for a second. “You don’t get it, do you?” My forehead creased and I tugged at my lip with my teeth.
“Lexie was right. Everyone sees it but you.” He spun back around. My heart skipped a beat. “Especially Mr. Wandering eyes in there.” His voice oozed sarcasm. He opened a soda and took a drink.
I sat there shocked. Did Grant just tell me, in an extremely roundabout way, I was beautiful? That was what Lexie said, everyone saw it but me. Just then Conor opened the door and slid in. He started the car and reached for a soda.
“Well, that was interesting.” I heard a fizz as he opened his bottle. “When I went in to get the bathroom key, that creepy guy in there asked me if my friend was single, and I’m going to assume he meant Kylie because if he didn’t, this just got awkward.”
“What?” Grant and I asked in unison. I was mystified as to why a complete stranger would ask that. Grant didn’t seem surprised, but instead outraged.
“What did you tell him?” He asked.
“I said, ‘I guess.’ Then the creepy guy handed me a piece of paper with his number ‘for my friend.’ It was weird.” Grant narrowed his eyes. “So, uh, if anyone’s interested.” Conor waved a piece of paper and then tossed it onto the dashboard. Grant reached for it, gave it a once over, and then, with a disgusted sound, balled it up and chucked it.
“Mental note, never go back to that gas station,” I said out loud. Conor laughed, but I sensed Grant’s agitation as he glanced back over his shoulder.
“See, I told you.”
“He doesn’t count,” I said, trying to lighten his mood. “He probably checks out every girl who comes into that store. I’m just going to make a guess here, but I’m pretty sure the ladies are not lining up at his door. And anyways, he never specified which friend he was talking about.” I wiggled my eyebrows at Grant. “Maybe he has a thing for otherworldly creatures that can warn of danger.” I spoke dramatically, earning a chuckle from Conor. Grant stared at me a moment longer, finally caving. His mouth tugged up and he faced forward.
“You’re clueless, Kyla.” His usual sweet demeanor was back.
Chapter 13
Grant pushed open the hotel room door, and we were greeted by a blast of cool air. It soothed my hot, clammy skin. Now, all I needed was a shower. We had driven all night and most of the day. Grant and Conor agreed we should get some rest. They also needed time to reassess our situation.
When they first came to find me, they’d never expected The Rite to be so close on my trail. We had no idea how much information these people were able to gather since discovering me. Ultimately, it was decided it wasn’t safe to use the originally planned portal. So we ended up in this small town, at a cheap hotel, trying to figure out what our next step should be.
Grant tossed the small bag I packed for myself onto the bed, along with his and Conor’s bags that had been stashed in the trunk of the car. I stared at the hideous floral bedspread and saw nothing but a soft, inviting bed. I wanted to throw myself down on it and drift off to sleep. My exhausted body begged for just that, but remembering the layer of grime covering me, I decided a shower came first.
Conor and Grant began talking strategy or something to that effect, so I grabbed my small bag and headed for the bathroom.
Grant looked up from his conversation and smiled warmly at me. “Is there anything we can get you? Are you hungry?”
I melted into his blue eyes, but instead of just standing there like a love-struck idiot I forced myself to answer his question. “I just want a shower...and a bed. Looks like I have both, so I’m good.” I smiled.
“Okay. We’ll be right out here, just let me know if you need anything.”
I closed the bathroom as he and Conor resumed their conversation.
* * * *
The hot water massaged my skin. I let the steam fill the shower around me. Slowly the tension in my shoulders relaxed. I picked up the tiny bottle of hotel shampoo and squeezed some into the palm of my hand. It had a floral scent, reminding me of rose and lavender.
“Not bad for a cheap hotel,” I murmured.
I lathered my hair, scrubbing away the grubbiness. Once satisfied it was clean, I positioned my head under the hot water, letting it stream down my head and back. I repeated the process with the conditioner.
After I finished washing with the ridiculously tiny hotel bar soap, I debated whether I should get out. The steamy water was magnificent, but the bed called to me. Now clean, the bed won. I turned off the shower and toweled myself dry. I reached into my bag and pulled out one of the tee shirts I had managed to grab. Unfortunately, I had absolutely no pajama pants or shorts to wear. With reluctance, I tugged back on my jeans, thankful I was tired enough that I didn’t even think uncomfortable jeans would prevent me from drifting off into dreamland.
I combed my hair and brushed my teeth, happy I’d at least had the foresight to pack those items. I studied myself in the still slightly fogged up bathroom mirror. My wet hair hung around my face and down my back. My smooth complexion looked paler than usual and my eyes looked tired. I finally get to spend time with Grant and this is what I look like. I sighed. Nothing I could do about it now. I repacked my bag and left the bathroom.
Conor and Grant were still involved in an intense conversation. Seriously, how much planning did we need here? It started to make me a bit worried. Grant listened to Conor, his gaze intent on the other guy’s face, when I set my bag on a chair. My movement caught his attention. He casually flicked his eyes in my direction and did a double take. Something in his eyes stopped me in my tracks. They roamed my body, my thin tee shirt felt very revealing.
The way he looked at me caused waves of heat to roll inside me. The intensity gave me chills–the good kind. We locked gazes
and my stomach fluttered under his stare. He seemed to regain his composure and abruptly turned his attention back to Conor. Now self-conscious, I made my way over to the bed and sat.
Grant spoke, but avoided looking in my direction. “You should probably get some rest.” His voice carried so much affection but being denied his eye contact left me lost. I folded back the covers and slid in.
“Aren’t either of you going to get any sleep? I feel bad taking the bed. I know you’re tired.”
Grant finally looked in my direction and his eyes were affectionate again, the smoldering heat had gone. “Don’t worry about us. We actually don’t need as much sleep as you do. And if we get tired we can take turns on the couch.”
That didn’t help the guilt. Obviously sensing I was about to argue, he cut me off, “Really, sleep. You need your energy for tomorrow.” With a look at Conor, Grant said, “What I would love is a shower. Do you think you can handle watch alone while I take a quick one?”
Conor waved his hand. “No problem, man. I got it.” He gave me a sly grin. “That’s if Kylie left you any hot water.”
I faked a scowl. “There some left.” Conor chuckled as Grant picked up his bag and made his way to the bathroom.might be
“Maybe I need a cold one,” I heard him mumble, and my jaw went slack. I quickly looked over at Conor to see if he heard anything, but he had walked to the front to peek out the heavy curtains. I glanced back in Grant’s direction just as he closed the door.
I shook my head. His comment brought back the arousal his expression earlier had stirred in me. Conor settled onto the couch. I lay down and as soon as my head hit the pillow I was reminded of my exhaustion. As tired as I was, I figured I would fall right to sleep, but my mind kept racing with thoughts of Grant.
Conor stood and flipped off the big overhead light, leaving the room dimly lit. I snuggled into my pillow and willed myself to sleep. My body slowly relaxed, and the drowsiness of sleep came on. My lids were drifting shut when Grant came out of the bathroom.
Gossamer Page 13