by Alicia Rae
“All right, children,” she said, “Miss Hampton is about to start storytime on the other side of the white curtain in just a few minutes.” She pointed behind her to a divided section that I had not noticed before. “So, at this time, please go take your seats.”
Excited squeals filled the room, and the librarian placed her finger in front of her mouth, shushing them with an affectionate expression.
In a matter of seconds, the rest of the library was empty as all the kids flocked behind the curtain. Still checking out the room, I slowly walked over toward the direction where the kids had scurried off.
The librarian peeped out from behind the counter and eyed me apprehensively. “Can I help you, sir? You look out of place.”
“Kinda.” I chuckled softly, earning a probing stare from her. I added, “I’m just here to listen.”
She furrowed her brows at me. “I’ve never seen you before. Do you have a child here?”
“No.” I shook my head.
“Then, I’m terribly sorry, sir, but I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” she stated calmly.
Jeez.
Though, I guessed it was disconcerting to have a strange man walking around the building.
“I apologize if I frightened you,” I offered. I gestured toward the white curtain. “I was hoping to watch Miss Audrey Hampton and speak with her after she’s done reading to the kids.”
“You know Miss Hampton?” she inquired.
“Yes,” I answered. “I can assure you, I’m just here to observe and talk to my friend.”
Her eyes regarded me like a hawk. “All right,” she replied apprehensively. “But one interruption, and you’re gone.”
“Of course. I understand,” I acknowledged.
Hawk Lady motioned me forward, and we slipped through the barrier between the rooms. My eyes scanned the basement area. I was astounded by its vastness since the library appeared much smaller from the outside.
My eyes landed on Audrey. Kneeling down on a teal circular rug with a large book in her hand, she was reading to the little kids. I took a seat as far back as possible, so I wouldn’t disturb her, the children, or the parents. I listened to her animated voice and watched her facial expressions as she perfectly told the story.
All the kids were frozen in their spots, listening attentively, as Audrey continued on about an Indian who had fallen in love with the daughter of a chief from another tribe, which was forbidden.
I really tried to pay attention to the storyline, yet my eyes kept getting distracted. They slowly grazed over Audrey’s face as I memorized each of her distinctive features. I was mesmerized by her lips as I recalled the way they had fit seamlessly against mine while I felt her soft, sensual body pressed along me when she so willingly let me lead her across the dance floor not long ago.
Just thinking of her overwhelmed me, and I was awed someone could make me feel so much goodness.
For the last eight years, I had felt nothing but empty even though I loved my job as a Marine and was honored to serve my country. I remembered all the lives I had taken during my active years of duty while serving alongside my brothers and sisters, but I had done so to protect my family and our freedom, and I would do it all over again.
But staring into the eyes of this woman made me want things I never thought possible, which confused the hell out of me. I leaned forward on the table in front of me and closed my eyes, trying to make all the foreign emotions disappear.
My head snapped up at the sound of Audrey’s voice turning nervous and missing a beat. Her inquisitive wide eyes were transfixed on mine.
I gave her a reassuring, soft smile, praying I could silently coax her into finishing the book. After a few rapid blinks, she dropped her head back down and continued to read the pages in front of her. I stared off at the brick wall to my right, planning to just listen. If I kept my gaze off her, I was hoping that she could finish without any trouble or distractions. A mischievous grin plastered itself across my face at the undeniable edginess that still rang in her voice, knowing that I was able to affect her as much as she did to me.
Back at you, green-eyed beauty. It’s only fair.
Minutes felt like hours before she completed the story. I stood up along with everyone else in the room. Kids wrapped their arms around Audrey, hugging and thanking her. Parents chatted briefly with her. Each of Audrey’s smiles was authentic and benevolent as she greeted everyone who approached her.
When the room was nearly vacant, Audrey ambled over to me. Her face was one of surprise mixed with a hint of shyness. “Hello, Blake,” Audrey said softly, suddenly looking curious now. “How did you find me here?”
“I just thought I’d check out the local library,” I replied, feigning a lighthearted innocence. I grinned over at her. “And it’s quite the cool place.”
“Uh-huh,” she crooned, obviously not buying it. Her upper lip twitched with amusement. “You came to read about princes and princesses, science fiction, or possibly some superheroes down in the kid section, did you?”
“Maybe more along the lines of”—I racked my brain for something I’d enjoyed as a young kid—“swords and dragons. Can you point me in the right direction?”
“Ah, all guy-style then.” Audrey laughed wholeheartedly. “No wonder why we don’t get as many young boy readers to come in on our Saturday readings.”
“That could be,” I agreed, cocking my head over at her. “When I was their age though, I would have still come to court all the cute girls.”
“I could see you doing that back in the day.” Audrey grinned. “So, I guess we should instill a no-boys-allowed policy.”
I laughed quietly. “I’m sure all the fathers who bring their daughters here would be exceedingly grateful for that policy.”
She chortled lightly. “Indeed.”
My eyes were drawn to her smile, reminding me of why I was here. It was time to crack open the lid. “I’m here to see you, Audrey,” I informed her, watching her intently. “I was hoping we could spend the day together.”
Audrey let out a conservative deep breath as if contemplating her answer. The silence was thick as I saw the struggle in her eyes. The green in them never failed to captivate my full attention.
“If I say no, you’re just going to come back next week, aren’t you?” Audrey asked, blinking up at me.
“And every Saturday after,” I answered with determination in my voice.
Audrey started to give me a soft glare, but I gave her a wolfish grin, making her laugh.
“Okay, okay. But I need to stop at home first, so I can help my mother get settled in for my absence.”
“Of course.” I nodded. “What time should I pick you up?”
Her eyes filled with uneasiness. “How about I meet you at your place instead?” she squeaked out.
“Oh, okay,” I answered, deliberating why she would not let me just pick her up from her parents’ house. However, I knew it was not worth the battle since she was going to spend time with me today after avoiding me for five days straight. I would take whatever time she would give me. I added, “I’m in the far left building of the Sierra Vista Apartments, number eighteen-A. Are you familiar with the area?”
“Yes.” She nodded her head. “That is only a few blocks from me, so I should have no trouble finding your apartment.” Audrey looked to be making a mental note. “How about I text you when I’m on my way in an hour or so?”
“Okay,” I said, letting her call the shots. I searched her gaze, trying to figure her out. She was an absolute puzzle to me. “Would you like me to walk you out? Or do you have to stay for a while longer?”
And that was when I got it for the first time today—a radiant, beautiful smile that reached those stunning green eyes of hers.
Damn, I would do anything to see that look on her face more often.
“Yes, thank you,” she responded.
Hawk Lady approached us. “Audrey,” the woman said, staring between Audrey and me, “I ho
pe it was okay that I let this gentleman sit in on your storytime with the children today.” She gave me one of those motherly stares and then returned her attention to Audrey. “He said he knew you,” she continued.
I was not sure if it was a question or if she was trying to rat me out. She was one tough cookie.
Audrey nodded reassuringly at Hawk Lady as I stifled my laughter at my nickname for her. I just couldn’t help myself. She was so…stern and over-the-top with her motherly assertiveness.
“Yes, Mrs. Quinn. This is Blake Johnson, a friend of the family. He’s new to town.”
Audrey set her hand on my shoulder, and for heaven’s sake, her touch felt like the central wire to my heart just as it had when we danced together at the bar.
I kept my head in the game as Audrey continued, “Blake, this is Mrs. Quinn, the director of the children reading programs at El Dorado County Library.”
I extended my hand with a pleasant smile. “Mrs. Quinn, how do you do?”
“Very good, and you?” Hawk Lady replied, shaking my grip with a firm one of her own. Her eyes still sternly assessed me as though she were going to chop me up and serve me to the sharks for dinner.
“Better now,” I responded at the idea of finally having the opportunity to spend some time getting to know Audrey. “Thank you.”
Mrs. Quinn stepped back and glanced at Audrey. “Well, I need to get back to my office now. I have tons of paperwork to do before I leave for the day. Will you be joining us for the Wednesday night tutoring?”
“Yes, of course,” Audrey agreed politely.
Mrs. Quinn acknowledged Audrey’s response with a curt nod and then briskly walked away.
Once I knew Mrs. Quinn was out of sight and sound, I sidestepped into Audrey and whispered down at her, “Is Hawk Lady always so friendly?”
Audrey’s palm flew to her mouth as she held back her laughter. Then, she rotated her head to face me. “Hawk Lady?” she asked, clearly enjoying the nickname.
“Come on,” I huffed teasingly, unable to restrain the low throatiness of my tone. “You can’t say she’s a peach, or you’d be lying.”
Audrey’s chest rose and fell with hilarity. “She’s definitely not the sweetest peach of the bunch, but once you get to know her, it’s clear that she has very good, sincere intentions for everyone.”
“Okay, I won’t let her scare me then—since you said so,” I joked, setting my hand on the small of her back. “Let’s get out of here before she tells me to keep my hands off of you.”
~Blake~
I had been waiting at my apartment for Audrey for almost two and a half hours, and I was beginning to think she was not going to show when my doorbell suddenly rang, ending my worries.
I walked over and opened my front door to see Audrey standing on the opposite side. She was dressed in a long-sleeved baby pink V-neck and a pair of jeans. Her blonde locks were slightly wavy as though she’d let them dry naturally.
Simple yet stunning. My kinda woman.
I gazed up at her, expecting to see her familiar shy expression, so I was confused as I peered into tired, exasperated eyes instead. She must have had a heck of a few hours.
“Everything okay?” I asked gently, not wanting to pry. I wished like hell she would let me in.
I gestured her inside, and after passing over the threshold, Audrey pivoted around to face me, holding her hands together at her waist. Her appearance had shifted already as if a shield had fallen over her eyes.
“Everything is great,” she said with a smile. “I apologize for being late. Things took longer than I’d expected.”
“That’s okay,” I responded, wondering why this woman was such a sealed vault with her emotions. I couldn’t blame her though because I wasn’t exactly the type to pour out all my feelings either. “Any place in particular you’d like to go?”
She stepped closer to me. “Hmm…how about somewhere fun?”
“Fun?” I grinned down at her, racking my brain for something good. Then, I remembered the carnival was in town. Who says you can’t be a kid at twenty-eight? I grinned. “I can work with that.”
“Okay.” Audrey nodded.
I grabbed my keys and my favorite Marines sweatshirt off the small table next to the door. Having everything I needed, I gently reached for her hand. “Come on, let’s go find some fun,” I teased.
Delicately tugging on her bottom lip in deliberation, she stared down at my offered hand before slipping her slender one into it. “You got it.”
It was such a trifling act, yet it seemed to be monumental for her, almost resembling a kind of trust. It humbled me, and without a doubt, I knew I would never do anything to jeopardize what she had just given me.
I shut my front door, locked it behind us, and led her down the flight of stairs. The bright sun was shining down on us as we rounded the corner to my parking garage.
I entered my key code on the side panel of the brown garage door before motioning Audrey forward. Then, I opened the passenger door of my Ford F-250 for her, so she could hop up into the seat. Once I climbed into the driver’s side, I started the truck, and we were off.
Audrey was exceptionally quiet as I drove the short distance to the carnival. Every moment that I could, I would sneak glances at her. I desperately tried to get a read on her about what had happened over the last two and a half hours. Once again, I found it difficult to find any answers. It seemed her armor was definitely made of tough steel. Though, I found comfort in the fact that I would catch her sneaking peeks at me, too.
Parking at our destination, I shut off the truck and made my way over to open her door. When I did so, I was relieved to see glowing eyes peering down at me.
“The carnival?” Audrey asked, her voice full of delight.
I felt myself calm at her excitement over my cheesy idea. “It was that or take you to the shooting range.” I grinned, unable to restrain myself.
Her green eyes bulged. “The shooting range?” she yelped.
“Yeah,” I admitted sheepishly. I thanked the big man upstairs for not quite yet following Gail’s advice of showing Audrey my hobbies. She might have gone running for the hills. “I’m a Marine, remember?” I added in a playful, gentle voice.
“Of course. I remember,” she answered thoughtfully. Then, she slid down the seat, coming to a stop right in front of me. “Good thing I voted for fun first then. It’s going to take a lot of work before you can take me to a shooting range, Devil,” she added with a sexy grin, nearly bringing me to my knees.
My mouth dropped open at her reference to the Marines nickname.
At my speechlessness, she laughed a sweet, mesmerizing sound, and I felt damn near hypnotized by it.
She offered, “My father was a First Sergeant in the Marines for a long time before he was forced to retire when I was in high school.”
“Forced to retire?” I asked, knowing there had to be more to that story.
“Yes.” She nodded.
We started to walk through the grassy field turned parking lot, following the brightly colored flags toward the carnival.
“He had to end his military career when he was injured.”
I paid our entrance fees to the park, and I also purchased a sheet of tickets for rides. Then, we continued onward, passing many booths and the gaming area.
“What happened?” I asked, hoping I would not upset her.
“My father took a gunshot wound just below the backside of his shoulder. It was only a few inches from his lungs, so he was given an honorable discharge.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” I frowned as I tuned out all the background noise of the carnival in an effort to maintain my calmness in the large crowd of people swarming around us. “It must have been difficult on you and your mom as well as your dad.”
“It was. My father was angry that he had to come home and retire his uniform. My mother couldn’t handle his rage and bitterness during the difficult time of his recuperation, so I had to help. Luckily, he re
covered remarkably well, and I was able to leave for college on time.”
As we began to stroll toward the rides, I wondered why she’d kept referring to her father in a detached, tense tone. It made me instantly deliberate over if it had anything to do with her home life. To have such a ranking, her father would have had to devote his life to the Marines.
All I could do was nod and try to keep the overwhelming feelings at bay, so I wouldn’t bombard her with questions. I hated the idea of her being at the receiving end of her father’s bitterness. It made my blood boil. As I tried to block the rage threatening to overcome me, memories of my own military years pulled me in against my will.
At my silence, Audrey tilted her head at me. “What about you? Were you ever injured while serving?”
There are so many worse things to remember than any physical injury I endured. “No. I’ve been very lucky,” I answered honestly, failing to steady my pulse. I inwardly counted to ten.
“Oh.”
I suddenly felt claustrophobic, and I couldn’t breathe normally. It was like I was being suffocated. My eyes rapidly scanned the area back and forth, searching for the closest exit in the confinements of all the bodies surrounding us.
Audrey lightly squeezed her hand around mine, somehow managing to gain my full attention. “Hey,” she crooned, holding my gaze, as she slightly tipped her head to the left. The sound of her voice lowered my anxiety. “Want to go on the Ferris wheel?”
I looked over at the big white wheel lifting well above the crowd. It was the ideal spot to get some fresh air from high above, and I could escape the crowd. “That sounds great,” I responded.
Audrey and I strode over to the short line and waited as people were released from their seats. Others got on in place of them, and the ride started again. We were next in line at the cut off.
Desperately needing to distract myself, I lowered my head toward Audrey. “Tell me something I don’t know about you,” I said out of the blue, yearning to learn more about the mystery woman next to me.
“Hmm…” she breathed, gazing up at me. “I love pizza.”