by Chiah Wilder
Scarlett drew his hand to her mouth and kissed it. “Your mother sounds like she was quite a woman.”
“She was.” The raw ache inside him twisted brutally.
“My mother’s love has always been conditional at best.” Her voice trembled slightly.
Shadow pushed aside the pain and laced her fingers with his. “I was lucky. So … are we good here? What do you need from me right now?” He stroked her knuckles with his thumb.
“To hold me,” she whispered.
In less than a heartbeat, Shadow was at her side, drawing her into his arms. Scarlett tilted her face toward him, and dipping his head down, he pressed his mouth to hers and kissed her gently.
“We got differences, babe, but we can either work with those or not,” he said against her lips.
“I know. What … uh … do you want to do?” she whispered.
Shadow laid her head on his shoulder as the question echoed in his mind. What the hell did he want? The truth was that he’d never felt this way with any other woman, but he wasn’t sure if Scarlett was on the same page. Warren had been surprised to see her with him and that pissed Shadow off a bit. Hadn’t Scarlett said she was going to tell the jerk it was over? She obviously didn’t say shit. Is she playing both of us? But in his heart, he didn’t really believe that. When they were together, Scarlett was with him all the way; unless she was a cold-hearted manipulator, he didn’t think she could fake the warmth and passion that emanated from her every time they were with each other.
“It isn’t a trick question,” she said.
Her voice brought him out of his thoughts, and when he looked down at her, tenderness and love shone in her eyes, and a pink flush accented her chin and cheeks. A crazy mix of emotions tore through him—an alchemy of possessiveness, tenderness, and something else that made him uncomfortable. Shadow’s world had crashed the night he’d lost his mother, and since that moment, he’d put up barriers around his heart … his feelings. Scarlett was weakening those barricades, and she threatened to knock them down, but he wasn’t ready to let them go … he wasn’t ready to open his heart all the way.
“We’re just getting to know each other. Let’s just roll with that,” Shadow said.
Scarlett broke away from his embrace and scooted away until she plastered herself against the wall. “That’s a noncommittal answer.” A dry laugh fell from her lips.
“That’s the best one I’ve got right now,” he replied as he slid out of the booth and resumed his seat across from her.
The waitress came over to the booth.
“Who gets the enchilada?” she asked.
Shadow pointed at Scarlett. The server set the plate down in front of her.
“And the steak sandwich must be for you,” she said, putting it down in front of him. “Anything else?”
Shadow shook his head as he reached for the steak sauce, and she glanced down at her food. She ate in silence, the only sound coming from her fork scraping the plate softly.
“I want you to know that you’re the only woman who has stirred some feelings inside me.” He took a bite of his sandwich and chewed while thinking about what he was going to say next. “What I know is, that I like you, a lot, and I want to keep seeing you. I got some dark shit from my past eating away at me most of the time, but when I’m with you, I feel good … happy. I just don’t know if I can give you what you deserve. Until I can get straight with my past, I don’t know if I can let …” Shadow didn’t finish the sentence because he didn’t want to admit to Scarlett that he was already falling for her and it scared the hell out of him. The thought of losing her made him resist opening his heart to her.
Scarlett met his gaze for a moment and then looked down at her plate.
“Okay … I’ll considered myself warned.” She smiled weakly, then took a bite of her dinner.
Shadow squirted ketchup on his fries then sprinkled a generous amount of salt on top of them. “Did you decide to get the apartment?” he asked.
“I did. I wished you could’ve seen it.”
“The pictures you sent me looked totally cool. It’s the right decision.” He popped some fries into his mouth.
“I told my dad that I decided to move. He wasn’t too happy about it, but he understood. My mom has been trying to guilt me over it, but I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to sign the lease tomorrow morning.”
“Do you think that jerk’s gonna tell your parents about seeing us?”
“No, but he’ll tell his father, who will then tell my dad. I should be moved out before the fireworks go off.”
“What’s going to happen when they go off?” He sucked in a breath.
“A lot of threatening to cut me off.” She laughed. “It worked years ago when I tried to stand my ground and stay in Italy, but this time I have some money and I’m going to get a job.”
“Can you handle the deep freeze your parents will put you in?”
“If you’re with me, I can handle anything.” The corners of her mouth turned up.
He exhaled slowly as a relieved feeling washed over him. I’m in so fuckin’ deep. “I’m here for you. When are you moving in?”
“This Saturday. My dad’s going to New York City on business and my mom’s going with him to do some shopping. They leave tomorrow morning.”
“I can help you—I’ll get some of my buddies to help out too.”
“I doubt if they’ll want to spend their Saturday moving my crap. I don’t have that much, but even so …”
“If I ask them, they’ll do it—we help each other out. Although, I’m not gonna say they won’t grumble about it.” Shadow took the last bite of his sandwich.
“It’s wonderful to have such good friends. I know I can count on a few of my close ones too. Tell the guys I’ll have pizza and beer.”
Shadow laughed. “Then, for sure they’ll come without bitchin’. Hell, they’ll do just about anything for pizza and beer.”
Laughing, she reached over and grasped his hand. “You’re too funny.” Her green eyes sparkled like a forest stream in the morning sun. “I like spending time with you.”
“That’s good to know since I plan on seeing a lot more of you.” He glanced at her empty plate. “Are you ready to go?”
“Uh … yeah.” A flash of disappointment flickered on her face.
“I thought we’d go for a ride.”
Beaming, she nodded. “I’d love to go for another ride.
“Cool. Riding a bike at night is completely different than during the day.” Shadow waved his hand, gesturing to the waitress for the bill. “I enjoy the isolation of riding at night. Without the chaos of daytime traffic, I can really focus on the ride. There’s nothing better than a night sky studded with stars and a bright moon shining down on the mountain tops and evergreens.” He paused as the images filled his mind. “And the lakes and streams look like glittering pools of silver. It’s the best—fuckin’ awesome.”
“That’s so beautiful. You make it sound exciting and special, but I have to say, I’m a bit scared. It’s so dark out and I worry if cars will be able to see us.”
Shadow picked up the bill and scanned it. “You’ll be with me, so don’t worry. I’m not one of those crazy fucks who ride the way they do during the day. We’ll be on the back roads so there won’t be many cars, if any. The biggest thing with night riding is that visibility is down and deer and coyotes dash across the road. I’m experienced, so all you gotta do is trust me, hold on tight, and enjoy the view.” He placed the money in the bill plate, slid out of the booth, then gripped Scarlett’s hand and she followed suit.
Soon, the warm night air swirled around them as Shadow rode around curves until he finally stopped at Inspiration Point—one of the highest points near the town. It offered a great view of the town, and from the high vantage point, the vista to the northwest was spectacular: layered scenery of the mountains and fields.
“I love it up here,” Scarlett said. She whirled around as if trying to take in the
different views all at once.
“It’s kickass,” Shadow agreed as he took out a Navajo print blanket from one of the saddle bags. “I love coming up here—it’s not far from town, but you feel like you’re a million miles away.” He put his arm around Scarlett and led her to a grassy area then spread out the blanket.
“I’ve never been here before, and it’s so close to Pinewood Springs,” she said as she sat down next to him.
“You’ve lived a sheltered life, baby. I used to come up here with Eli and some other buddies to drink beer and smoke pot when we were in high school. Even then, I appreciated the strength and wonder of the universe.”
“Did Eli and your other friends feel the same way?” She leaned her head against his shoulder.
Shadow laughed. “Fuck no. They just came here to booze and smoke without getting caught. The badges hardly patrol this area.”
He lay down, taking Scarlett with him, then hovering over her, he kissed her deeply, enjoying the feel of her soft body pressed against his.
The breeze blew warm around them and carried the aroma of pine trees and fragrant wildflowers. The solemn hooting of an owl in a nearby tree and the distant rush of waterfalls echoed through the valley.
Shadow rolled on his back, tucked her into the curve of his arm, and held her close. Scarlett snuggled her face into his chest, draping an arm across his waist.
“It’s so beautiful here,” she murmured.
“Yeah.” He stroked her hair with his hand, kissing the top of her head.
Against a perfect black velvet, the stars hung above them as if strung in the air by invisible thread.
“I like being here with you,” he whispered. She was so soft against him, and she smelled incredible. Damn. He let his hand drift down to her tit, but she gently pushed it away then burrowed closer to him.
“Can you just hold me?” she said.
“If that’s what you want,” he replied.
“I just want to absorb all this with you. Does that make sense?”
“Uh-huh.” And it did, even as it blew his mind.
They lay in silence gazing up at the starry sky. When was the last time he’d held a woman without fucking her? Never. Damn …
Clutching her tight in his arms under the nighttime sky was all right. No … it was …
Perfect.
Chapter Fourteen
“I love your place,” Kiara said as she looked around the room.
“Thanks,” Scarlett replied. “What I love the most about my condo, besides the fact that it’s all mine, is all the light.”
“I agree—the wall of windows is stunning.” Kiara picked up her glass and took a sip. “You make a mean sangria. It’s so perfect for such a hot day.” She groaned and fell back against the floral couch cushion. “When is it going to get cooler?”
“I know—too damn hot this summer. Thankfully, fall is not too far away.” Scarlett picked up her wineglass.
“Oh … isn’t that awful what happened to Warren? He looks terrible—like something out of a scary movie.”
Scarlett stiffened, then slowly put the glass back on the coffee table. “What happened to him?”
“How could you not know? When he was water-skiing last week, he fell in the lake and one of the skis landed right on his face.” Her friend visibly shivered. “Ouch—I can’t imagine how painful that must’ve been. I can’t believe he didn’t tell you. I bumped into him at the grocery store and he seemed embarrassed by the whole thing. Silly, huh?”
“Yeah,” Scarlett said as guilt wove through her. I wish Shadow would’ve let me handle the situation without resorting to using his fists on Warren’s face, but … Warren was being an ass, and Shadow did warn him.
“So I guess Warren’s been laying low since the accident.” Kiara picked up a piece of cheese, stacked it on a wheat cracker, then popped it into her mouth.
“I haven’t spoken to him in a while. We’re not with each other anymore.” Scarlett looked away to avoid seeing the pained look on her friend’s face.
“Oh, Scarlett. I wish you would reconsider. I thought you two made a great couple.”
“Appearances are deceiving.” She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. “I was never in love with him, and I doubt that he was in love with me. It seemed like we were together to please our parents and that never works out. Anyway, I’m seeing someone else.”
Kiara’s hand froze in midair. “Who?”
“You don’t know him,” she replied as she watched her friend stuff another cheese and cracker into her mouth. “My parents don’t know … yet.”
Kiara’s eyes twinkled. “He must be someone who’ll meet your parents disapproval. Tell me his name—I might know him.”
“Believe me—you don’t, and my parents are going to flip out.” Scarlett crossed her legs. “His name is Shadow—it’s sort of his nickname. I mean … his birth name is Steve, but he’s gone by Shadow ever since he was in high school.”
Her friend nodded before taking another drink of wine. “Okay—a bit strange, but okay. What does he do? Where did he go to college?”
Scarlett licked her lips. “He’s from here and he never went to college. He runs an online business and owns some storage rentals, and I met him at Brooke’s party.”
“When? I don’t remember you telling me about meeting someone that night. Wait … you were with Warren that night.” She laughed and shook her head. “You’re bad.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever see him again, but then he ended up being one of the guys working on the tennis house, and the rest is history.”
Kiara’s eyes widened. “You’re with one of the workers?” She clapped her hands. “Your parents are going to shit a brick. I have to hand it to you—when you fuck up, you go all out. Remember Marcello?”
“Yeah, but this is different—I’m older and I’m keeping my feelings in check with Shadow.” I’m such a liar.
“And how does Shadow—it sounds so weird to call someone that—feel about you?”
Scarlett picked up her glass, leaned back in the cushy chair, and took a drink. “I know he likes me a lot, but I also know he’s confused and scared shitless about his feelings for me.”
“That sounds promising.” Kiara smiled.
“It is, because he’s done things with me that he’s never done with any other woman. He’s taken me to places that are special to him and shared them with me. We go out to dinner, we went to a movie the other night, we watch the stars, swim in the lake, and go on long rides on his motorcycle.”
“You on a motorcycle? I can’t believe it.”
“The first time I climbed on behind him, I wondered if I was insane, and now I can’t imagine not riding. It’s so much fun—so freeing and exhilarating. And the best part of all is that I get to hold him tight.”
After a short pause, Kiara slumped back. “You’ve fallen for him.” She put her hand up, cutting Scarlett’s protestations off. “Don’t deny it … not to me. I know you, remember?”
She quirked her lips. Yes, Kiara knew her, sometimes better than Scarlett knew herself. “I didn’t want to,” she whispered. “I fought it, but …”
In the beginning she knew she should’ve walked away from Shadow, but the excitement and the rush of being with him had made it impossible for her to give him up. She craved him, and after she had her fix, she always wanted more. As she’d gotten to know Shadow, his humor, his quiet strength, and his tenderness captivated her in ways no other man ever had. Scarlett’s insatiable appetite for him wasn’t just for the sex, but for the whole confusing mix of physical and emotional feelings. And now, not having him in her life was not an option.
“He must really be something,” Kiara said.
“He is.” Scarlett covered her face with her hands. “I’m toast, aren’t I?”
“With your family … yes, but with him? I guess it depends if he’s in love with you. If so, then you’re lucky as hell. We only have one life, so why not be happy? I’m just mad at you for
keeping him a secret for so long.”
“I didn’t mean to. I really didn’t think it would go anywhere past a summer fling, but I should’ve told you. I guess I thought you’d disapprove. I didn’t want to hear what I’d been telling myself over and over—that I was crazy to be involved with him.”
“Do you still tell yourself that?”
Scarlett shook her head. “Not anymore. I’m just letting myself live in the moment and be happy.”
“I want to meet him. I bet he’s gorgeous. Does he have tattoos?”
“Yes … He’s so sexy and buffed and hot. I still melt every time I see him. It’s like I’m thirteen all over again and just discovering guys.”
“Let’s go on a double date this weekend,” Kiara said.
“Do you think Conrad would be cool with that? He and Warren are on the same soccer team.”
Kiara laughed. “Conrad can’t stand Warren—he thinks he’s an arrogant blowhard.”
“I didn’t know that.” She giggled. “You and Conrad have been spending a lot of time together since you guys started dating a few weeks ago.”
“He’s awfully sweet. Time will tell if he’s my Prince Charming.”
“Every time I’ve seen him at the club, he can’t stop talking about you. I hope it works out for you guys.” Scarlett knew how anxious her friend was to settle down and have her own home and family.
“We’ll see. How do you like your job?”
“So far I love it, but it’s only been three days,” Scarlett said. “I’ve always loved the history and Victorian architecture of the Palace Hotel, so to be working there now as a public relations assistant is just amazing.”
“Maybe a full-time slot will open up soon.”
“I’m good with working part-time because I still want to stay active in the Sheridan Center for Children. I’ve been asked to join the board, and I’m seriously considering it.”
“That’s great.” Kiara snatched another cracker and nibbled on it. “Hey”—she snapped her fingers—“why don’t you bring Shadow to the pool party?”