TEX (Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance) (Holiday Heat Book 2)

by Hailey Storm

  A heavy silence saturated the air between us. I wasn’t sure what Tex was thinking, but I wanted to know. It was strange how in such a short amount of time I seemed to care so much about his opinion. It wasn’t that I wanted him to feel sorry for me; it was more that I wanted him to praise me for my decision. It was in the praise offered by another I was able to get the boost of confidence I needed that helped to put another layer of scar tissue over my old ones and distance myself further from the wounds of my past.

  “Did you ever regret your decision? Have you ever thought about going back?” Something dangerous and dark ignited within his eyes that frightened me. I tore my gaze from him to look at the cupcake I’d pushed away. Tex slid it toward me and I picked off another small bite. “Sorry, maybe that was a little intense. Hell, I might have crossed the line in asking. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

  The same sensation I felt stem from him before, the one that ran deeper than curiosity, lingered between us again. I felt like I had to answer. It was important. Not for me, but in some strange way for him.

  “No, and no. Not only am I better off for leaving him, but so is our daughter. I want to raise her in an environment where she knows it’s not okay for someone to hurt her or for someone to talk down to her. I didn’t want her to see a woman who she thought was broken when she looked back at her childhood one day and thought of me. Instead, I want her to see a woman who she thinks is strong. Strong enough to say enough is enough and strong enough to leave.”

  “She will,” he said with more sincerity in his eyes than I ever thought possible for someone who’d never met my daughter and who had just learned my story. “She’ll always think of you as the strongest woman she’s ever met because of what you did. If you hadn’t left, you’re right, she would’ve always viewed you as weak.” His last words seemed to turn bitter on his tongue before they fell from his lips.

  “You sound like you might have some expertise in this area.”

  His eyes locked with mine and a slow smirk spread across his face. “Perceptive.”

  I finished the rest of my red velvet cupcake while waiting for him to elaborate.

  “My father was abusive. Not only to my mother, but to me as well. She never left him. She was never strong enough. She talked about it, but she never would follow through. No matter how much I begged her. No matter how much my siblings begged her.” He took a big swig of his coffee. It had me wondering if he was trying to wash away the bad aftertaste his childhood memories left in his mouth. “That’s why I left the second I was old enough and never looked back. I was stronger than my own mother, and I’ll never forgive her for it.”

  “Wow.” I didn’t know what else to say.

  “Yeah, now that I’ve officially killed the mood of the night…”

  “No, you didn’t. Remember I was the one who started it.” I finished the remainder of my coffee and glanced at the clock behind the counter.

  “I did; you’re already looking at the clock.”

  “I promised my daughter I’d call her tonight. When I get back from doing that, do you think maybe you might want to go out for a grown-up drink to lighten the mood of the night?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Great, give me a second to call and check on her. I’ll be right back.” I fished my cell from in my purse and slipped out of my seat.

  I maneuvered my way through the crowd congregating inside the coffeehouse and headed toward the exit. Cold air blasted against my face as I stepped out from the warmth of the café into the night air, making my eyes water. As I scrolled through my contacts for Erica’s number, I wondered if it might snow. Thoughts of snow made images of Izzy’s happy face lighting up with excitement as we bundled up to build a snowman flash through my head. She loved snow. Me, I hated it. I wasn’t into anything cold and wet, but I would play in it for her.

  I dialed Erica’s number and wrapped my arms around myself to keep in as much of my warmth as I could.

  “Hey! How’s it going?” she answered on the fourth ring.

  “Good, it’s going good.”

  “Just good? Not great or fantastic? Are you guys hitting it off or is he a dud?”

  I stepped farther away from the entrance so a young couple holding hands could shuffle inside. “We’re hitting it off. He’s definitely not a dud. I’m actually having a good time. I just wanted to call and see how Izzy is doing?”

  “Yay! I’m glad you’re having a good time! And, Izzy is fine. She and the girls are winding down now. I’ve got them set up with a Barbie movie and some popcorn.”

  “She loves Barbie.”

  “So do my girls. Are you still okay with her spending the night or were you calling to tell me I should gather her stuff up because you’re going to be here in about an hour?”

  “I’m still good with her spending the night as long as she’s not causing you any grief.”

  “Of course not. She’s a great kid.”

  “Thanks.” I shifted on my feet. It was so cold I could feel the tip of my nose growing numb already. “So, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow morning? What time do you want me to pick her up?”

  “How about you text me in the morning when you get up?”

  “You sure? I don’t mind coming and getting her early if you guys have things to do.”

  “Nah, we don’t have anything planned.”

  “Okay, well thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Now go have some fun, you deserve it.”

  “Thanks, I will,” I said as I gripped the handle to the coffee shop.

  I hung up with Erica and headed back inside quickly, unable to handle the chilly temperature any longer. The warmth from inside stung the tips of my fingers and my nose as my skin adjusted to it. Tex was still sitting at our table, sipping his coffee. From where I was, it looked like he was people watching. This surprised me. If given a free chunk of time most people would whip out their cell phone and cruise around social media, text someone, or check their email. Not him. Tex was different. He was more laid-back and mellow than most people. He was observant, cautious, and careful. It made me feel safe being his presence, which was something I wasn’t sure I’d ever felt around a man I’d dated before. Even before Bret put his hands on me, I never felt a sense of security or safety being around him. Not like I did with Tex.

  Maybe that should’ve been my first sign things between Bret and me wouldn’t work out.

  I shook thoughts of Bret from my mind as I slipped into the seat across from Tex. A smirk twisted onto my face as I took notice again to the way he was people watching.

  “What’s the smirk for?” he asked.

  “You’re not like other men. Or people in general, for that matter.”

  “Should I take that as a compliment?”

  I laughed, realizing how my words had sounded. “That didn’t come out right. Sorry. What I meant to say was you’re not like other people; you’re different but in a good way.”

  “How so?” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the tabletop.

  “Normally people are quick to fill chunks of their time with mindless tasks that pull them out of the moment like checking social media or email, but not you. You’re always in the moment. Always present. I envy that.”

  A slow smirk twisted onto his face. “You ready to get out of here?”

  “Yeah, sure.” I grabbed my purse and gathered my trash, wondering if I’d made a fool of myself.

  Tex took my trash to toss it in the trashcan as we passed by. Another jolt of electricity sparked across my skin from where his fingertips made contact with mine and I heard myself gasp again for air. It was a strange sensation. I didn’t understand it, but I didn’t fear it either. It was almost as though it was supposed to happen, like touching Tex should always feel electrical.

  My eyes lifted from my fingertips to find him staring at me. The same sexy smirk from earlier had twisted onto his face as his golden eyes fixated on me. He’d felt it too. I could tell fro
m the way he was looking at me.

  “Strange, isn’t it?” he asked, his eyes never wavering from mine.

  “Yeah.”

  Tex reached out and grabbed my hand, twisting it until it was facing palm up. With his other hand, he smoothed his fingertips in a lazy pattern across my palm. Electric sparks fired off, causing another gasp to push past my parted lips.

  There was something magical happening between the two of us, and I couldn’t wait to see where it led before the night was through.

  Chapter Ten

  Tex

  Lilla wasn’t afraid of the chemistry igniting between us. She wasn’t afraid to see where it led either. I could smell her excitement.

  I interlaced my fingers with hers and placed a soft kiss on the back of her knuckles. A tiny moan escaped her, causing my jeans to tighten across my shaft as I wondered what other beautiful noises I could get her to make. When her teeth sank into her bottom lip and her green eyes hooded with lust as her sweet scent shifted to something with heavier hints of arousal, I imagined tonight having a better outcome than either one of us dreamed possible.

  “Ready to have a real drink?” I asked even though that was the last thing on my mind.

  She nodded, but didn’t utter a word. I placed another kiss on the back of her knuckles, hoping for a reaction similar to the last to spur past her lips. It didn’t. She remained mute, but her eyes ignited with something that spoke louder than words—desire.

  My wolf howled at the sight, but my man knew it was too soon to seem victorious about anything. Nothing had been won … but nothing had been lost either.

  I held the door open for Lilla and ushered her toward my truck. Once we’d climbed inside I cranked the engine. Music crackled through my speakers as cold air flowed from the vents.

  “Good grief, it’s cold!” Lilla wrapped her arms around herself tight as she bounced her knees while her teeth chattered together.

  I fought against the desire to pull her close and wrap my arms around her. Instead, I turned the heat on low and gripped her hands in mine. While my truck continued to idol, I rubbed her hands between mine, creating enough friction to warm them.

  “Better?” I asked after a minute or so had passed.

  “Yeah.”

  “Good, it shouldn’t take much longer for my heat to warm up.” I released her hands and shifted into reverse, knowing if I didn’t let her go then and focus on something else I might not be able to.

  I watched her from the corner of my eye as she tucked her fingers beneath her thighs and chewed along her bottom lip. God, this woman was sexy as sin. And the best part was, she didn’t seem to know it.

  It took us ten minutes to get from the coffeehouse to the bar. The place was packed. I figured it was single people looking to get some action or couples looking to get drunk and do the same.

  Loud music pumped through speakers hidden in the ceiling and the sound of laughter and chatter mixed together. The scent of alcohol and arousal permeated the air. I scanned the bar, hoping to find two seats close together. When I spotted a couple of stools at the far end, I placed my hand on Lilla’s lower back and guided her through the thick crowd toward them.

  “What’s your drink of choice?” I leaned in, brushing my lips against her ear. A tiny shiver slipped through her body, exciting me more than it should in such a public place.

  “I’ll just have a beer.”

  “You sure?”

  “What are you having?” she asked as she slipped onto one of the barstools.

  “My usual, whiskey on the rocks.”

  “Okay, then I guess I’ll have a rum and Coke.”

  I situated myself on the stool beside her and got the attention of the bartender. Once we’d been served our drinks I turned so that my knee touched hers. I enjoyed the sparks flying between us too much. Lilla was quickly becoming my favorite drug of choice. I couldn’t keep my hands off her.

  “I take it your daughter is okay wherever she’s at?” I hoped the question hadn’t sounded out of the blue, but I had to know if there was a time limit on our night.

  “Yeah, she’s with my friends Erica and Matt. They have two little girls, so she’s in Barbie heaven right now. It’s actually her first sleepover that isn’t with a family member.” Nerves shifted through her tone.

  “I’m sure she’ll be fine. Kids love spending the night at a friend’s house.”

  “Yeah, I’m not worried. I guess I just can’t believe I’ve already reached this point with her. She’s spending the night at friends’ houses instead of staying with my mom or another relative. It means she’s getting older, and that’s hard to accept.” She fingered her braid and attempted to flash me a smile. It was forced and unnatural.

  “I don’t have kids of my own, but I’m sure that’s a hard pill to swallow.”

  “Have you ever wanted kids?”

  Her question surprised me. “I don’t know that I’ve ever thought about it.”

  “Really? I always knew I wanted at least one. Three would be my max, but at least one.”

  I took a swig of whiskey and stared straight ahead. “I guess I’ve always associated being a dad to being a dick, considering that’s what mine was. I never wanted to be that guy.”

  The raw truth to my words stung. I tipped back my drink again, washing it away.

  “Just because your dad couldn’t handle the pressure of being a family man doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be able to. It’s not hereditary.”

  “I know it’s not.” I cracked a smile. “And now that you’ve got me thinking about it, I guess I wouldn’t mind having a kid of my own.”

  “Izzy is one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. There’s something fulfilling about being a parent.” Lilla took a sip of her drink and then shifted her gaze to me. The same passion I’d noticed in her eyes when she talked about painting was reflected in them now. She loved her little girl. That much was clear. “Okay, enough about all that. So, tell me what’s kept you from dating so long. Actually, tell me how long it’s been.”

  I scratched at the side of my neck, uncomfortable by the swift change of subject. Also, I didn’t care much for being the center of attention.

  “Work, work has kept me from dating.” It was a cheap shot, sure, but it was all I could think to say. I didn’t want to go down the dark path that led to memories of Beth. Not tonight. Not with this beautiful woman sitting beside me.

  No one mattered before her. This woman was it for me.

  Lilla took another swig from her drink, her eyes locked on me. “You have to give me more details than that.”

  “There isn’t much more to tell.” There was, but I wasn’t about to delve into it.

  The song playing ended and a country song came on next. In an effort to kill the current conversation, I did something completely out of the ordinary and asked Lilla to dance. I wasn’t a dancer, but at this point I’d do about anything to not talk about my past with the woman I wanted to be my future.

  “You sure you want to dance with me? I’m not kidding when I say I might end up breaking your foot. Dancing is not my forte.” She scrunched up her nose.

  “It’s not mine either, but I’m willing to risk it.”

  We finished off the rest of our drinks before heading out to the dance floor. It didn’t take long to realize no matter what she’d said, dancing was definitely Lilla’s forte. The woman had some seductive moves and I wasn’t the only one who noticed. There were quite a few guys checking her out.

  I gripped her hips and moved her body closer to mine, making it clear who she was with. It seemed to get the message across. Once others eyes were off her, I was finally able to lose myself to the music and the moment with her. Never in my life had I enjoyed dancing, until Lilla came along.

  We danced for five songs before finally deciding to take a breather.

  “I need to use the restroom. I’ll be right back,” she shouted over the song that was now blasting through the speakers.

  �
�I’m gonna order another drink. Do you want one?”

  “Sure, I’ll take one more.”

  I watched as she disappeared toward the restrooms before making my way back to the bar. By the time I ordered our drinks, Lilla still wasn’t back. My wolf began to pace as I stared into the area where I’d last seen her. There were too many people blocking my view of the restrooms. I took a swig of my drink and then made my way through the crowd, figuring I’d wait outside the restroom for her. When I grew closer, I could hear her voice. She was talking with someone, but she didn’t sound happy. It took only a second to pick out the voice of the man she was talking to and about half a second more to figure out who he was.

  Bret leaned against the wall, blocking Lilla’s exit from the hallway the restrooms were tucked in. Even though his backside was all I could see, it was clear how agitated he was. Tension rolled off of him in thick waves and his movements were jerky.

  “I asked you who’s sitting with our little girl while you’re out partying your ass off?”

  “A friend,” Lilla snapped. Her arms folded across her chest as she held his gaze. “That’s all you need to know.”

  While I was proud of her for not backing down against him, I couldn’t deny how pissed I was seeing him here. It seemed as though she couldn’t get away from him and this irked me unlike anything I’d ever experienced.

  My wolf growled, praying I’d set him free so he could make Bret leave Lilla alone for good.

  I ignored him and instead pressed forward, making my way through the crowd toward the two of them.

  “What friend?” Bret demanded. “I have a right to know.”

  “Yeah, right. You haven’t been in her life since we split.”

  “And whose fault is that?”

  “Do I really need to answer that for you? Is it not obvious?”

  Bret’s free hand balled into a fist at his side. The muscles in his neck grew visibly tense as Lilla’s words seemed to wash over him. When he reached his arm back in preparation to hit her I nearly lost control of my wolf in front of everyone. I shoved the drinks I’d been holding into the hands of a girl standing beside me and lunged forward. Lilla shrank back, preparing for the blow from Bret, not having seen me. All I saw was red. I reached Bret just before he made contact with her face, gripping onto the collar of his shirt and jerking him backward. He flew back, landing on his rear end with a loud thump. The drink he’d been holding splashed all over him during his fall and a string of curse words flew from his mouth.