by Rosalie Redd
CATCH ME: A WARRIORS OF LEMURIA SHORT STORY #3
After a cheating boyfriend destroys her trust in men, Emily McCallum hardens her heart. With one too many women after his trust fund, Brandon Chandler buries himself in his graduate school studies. When the two meet up in a grocery store the spark rekindles, but it might take something magical to help them discover their true passion locked up in their past.
CHAPTER 1
Emily pulled into the parking space and killed the engine. Her little pet, Sirius, was out of cat food, and she couldn’t go home empty handed. The red and white letters of the “Safeway” sign blurred together through the raindrops on her windshield and the tears in her eyes. Loosening her grip on the steering wheel, she tried relax her tight shoulders.
She worked the late shift, and her last customer had been a real bozo. One of the company trucks had side-swiped him, and he’d taken out his frustration on her, the underpaid customer service rep on the other end of the line. To top it all off, he’d sounded just like Justin. Her stomach clenched and the tears threatened to spill down her cheeks.
I promised I wouldn’t cry over Justin ever again.
She glanced at the car’s ceiling and blinked several times. Why aren’t my clothes washed? What did you do with my keys? I’m the best man you’ll ever have…
Although only twenty-two, she felt much older, aging in spirit in the two years she and Justin had been together. She’d done her best to please him and thought she was happy until Sirius knocked Justin’s cell phone off the bed while he was in the shower. What she’d found had surprised her—texts and emails from other women, not just one, but four.
When he emerged from the bathroom, she’d shoved his clothes and phone at him, telling him to get out. He’d laughed. “You were never woman enough for me. I planned to dump you soon anyway.”
That was three months ago. She fisted her hands. The anger staved off the tears.
You’re better off without him. Her sister’s words echoed in her mind. Thank goodness Jo came over on a regular basis. They often shared stories of relationships gone wrong over rerun episodes of The Big Bang Theory and a cocktail.
A bath and a Gimlet was what she needed, but Sirius, her long-time companion, needed his next meal. She slumped in her seat. After the day she’d had, the last thing she wanted was to shop, but she wouldn’t let her little pet starve.
Rain pounded the hood of her car, the downpour a constant in Portland, Oregon in late winter. Stealing herself for the race to the store’s glass double doors, she cinched up her coat zipper and threw her keys into her purse. Her hand grazed against something cold and smooth. Jo’s magical vial. She pulled the bottle out of her bag and studied the smooth surface. Light from a nearby streetlamp hit the container, and the glass shimmered from black to blue and back again. Captivated by its beauty, she clenched the small flask to her chest.
The last time her sister had come over, she’d given Emily the unusual bottle. Jo had received the small flask from her friend Cass, who’d found it while hiking in Forest Park. Supposedly, the vial contained a love potion. Jo swore the magical liquid was the reason she and Charlie were together. Emily had laughed at her sister’s gullibility but had accepted the beautiful container anyway. She bit her lip. Maybe deep down inside, she wanted to believe in the bottle’s enchanted powers.
She released the vial and closed her purse. Placing the strap over her shoulder, she braced herself for the cold wind and rain. She stepped out of the car, and a strong gust blew the door shut with a loud slam. Rain pelted her face as she sprinted for the store, the light calling to her like a beacon for the weary.
The doors whooshed open. She unzipped her coat and swiped her wet hair behind her ears. The wonderful fruit fragrance brought pleasant memories of peeling apples with her sister Jo and their Aunt Judy. She shook her head. Focus…focus…cat food.
She headed past the fruit section into the main part of the store. This wasn’t her usual market, but it was on the way home, and thankfully, still open. Close to midnight, the aisles were almost deserted. A few employees stocked shelves, and there were only a handful of late night shoppers like herself. Her chest constricted. The thought of returning to her empty apartment intensified the hole in her heart. Why couldn’t she find a nice, trustworthy guy? Because an honest man is a fantasy…just like Jo’s love potion.
CHAPTER 2
Where were the pet supplies? Emily skirted past the first aisle…bread, the second…chips and snacks. A tendril of frustration wound its way into her gut. Patience was not her best virtue and with her luck, the cat food would be on the last row.
On the beverage aisle, a couple of guys her age glanced her way. One had on a pair of jeans with holes in the knees and frayed cuffs. Wisps of hair that had escaped his short queue graced his rugged features. The other guy wore a grey pullover. His dark eyes peered from beneath his hood. Both had a six-pack of beer in their hands. Their gazes raked over her body, focusing on her legs underneath her pencil skirt. A chill ran down her back. Before they could speak, she continued on her way.
Next up—the baby aisle. She squinted to the far end. Could that be the pet food?
A small couple stood in front of an assortment of rattles, teethers, and sippy cups. The woman was no more than three feet tall, her round body almost too much for her tiny frame. The man wasn’t much taller, and his curly red hair reminded Emily of a doll she used to have as a child. Neither had coats. Odd, given the cold March evening.
“Is this the right one? I’m not sure. No, not at all.” He held up a bag of diapers.
“Of course, nothing else will do for the prin—” The small woman’s gaze tracked to Emily. “…for Anlon.” She gave a slight bow as Emily passed.
“Well, the next item on the list is…a pacifier. A pacifier?” Despite his small size, the man’s voice rumbled from his chest.
“Oh, dearie, come with me. Pacifiers are down here.”
Emily couldn’t help but smile. She turned to peek at the odd couple. The woman gripped a wad of the man’s shirt in her hand, pulling him along.
Emily slowed as she reached the end of the aisle. The pet food wasn’t here. She frowned. Would her tired feet could make it through another aisle or two?
“That is a pacifier.” The woman pointed to a package on a hook. “It’s like a nipple only portable and will soothe Anlon when he cries.”
The little man stared at the ceiling. “Oh my, oh my, indeed!”
Emily stifled a laugh. The banter between the couple was infectious. As a child, Emily had dreamed her life would end up like theirs, filled with love and affection. Tears threatened once again, blurring her vision.
“Are you ok?” The small woman placed her hand on Emily’s forearm.
Calming heat spread up Emily’s arm. She placed her hand over the woman’s. “Thank you, yes, I’m fine. I don’t know what came over me. The two of you seem so happy. It’s nice to see.”
“Aw, dearie, you, too, can have that.” Her eyes sparkled as a smile crossed her lips. “I’ll bet the man of your dreams is just around the corner.”
Emily laughed. “If only that were true.”
The woman patted Emily’s arm. “Dearie, you’re a wonderful young woman. Don’t judge one man by another man’s actions.” With a tug on her partner’s shirt, the two sped down the aisle, faster than seemed possible.
Emily blinked. Strange. It was as if the woman knew about Justin.
Emily shook her head. “The cat food has got to be here somewhere.”
She headed down the aisle and rounded the bend. The smell of dog food permeated her senses. Finally, the right place. Halfway down the row, a young guy hefted a large bag off a cart and onto the shelf. The bag landed with a loud smack, and the smell of dog food intensified. The man had his back to her. The outline of his muscles was visible under his shirt. They tensed as he worked. His dark jeans fit snugly against his tight butt, accentuating his firm thighs. She raised an appreciative
eyebrow.
He turned to look at her…and her stomach tightened. “Brandon…”
CHAPTER 3
Emily tried to swallow, but her throat was too dry. Brandon Chandler had been an all-star Lacrosse player at Liberty High School. They’d attended calculus class together and had often quizzed each other over homework. His good humor had complemented his industrious nature, and they’d fallen into an easy banter.
He’d been on her and her friends’ “must date” list, but he’d been so involved in his sport and his studies, he’d rarely dated. One day he’d asked her to prom, and she’d accepted. His kiss that night was seared in her brain, and her lips tingled at the memory. He hadn’t asked her out again. She’d often wondered why and had gossiped with her friends, but couldn’t bring herself to ask him directly. They’d lost touch after graduation.
A flush of adrenaline flowed along her nerves. He’d been handsome before, but now, he was absolutely gorgeous. Tall and lean as a teenager, he’d put on several pounds of muscles, his fitted shirt molding to his chest. Dark hair framed his cheeks, a few wisps cascading over his forehead. His brown eyes bore into her, and recognition crossed his features. He held a bag of dog food in his arms, and before she could stop herself, her gaze narrowed on his taut biceps. A small thrill made her heart skip a beat. She refocused on his eyes.
He released his grip on the bag, and the dog food landed on his cart. His brow furrowed. “Em…hey, nice to see you.”
Her mouth opened. “Eh…eh…”
Heat flooded her cheeks. Oh, great, way to embarrass yourself, Em. She wanted to turn and run, flee this man she’d once had a crush on, but her feet wouldn’t budge.
He walked toward her, his hands held out in front of him. “Hey, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
The soft tone of his voice burst through her shock, awakening a yearning that surprised her in its intensity. She’d always admired him—his dedication, his focus, his sheer will to be the best at his sport. Aware of his masculinity, her cheeks heated once more.
“Hi…Brandon.” Saying his name brought back all kinds of fantasies she’d used to have of him.
He stopped a few feet away. When he spoke, his voice broke. “You look great, Em.”
She glanced at the floor, and her heartbeat picked up its pace.
He exhaled. “I haven’t seen you in years. So odd to run into you here.”
“I was on my way home and had to get some cat food for Sirius…my cat.” Her hands shook and her words were rushed, jumbled. She wanted to change the topic, get the focus off of her. “You work here? I thought you went to college?”
“Both, actually.” His smile showcased the dimple in his cheek. “I’m a grad student at Portland State, studying mechanical engineering. This is my last term. I work evenings here. It helps me focus on something other than my studies.”
Their passionate kiss on prom night resurfaced, and she couldn’t stop staring at his lips. She wanted to know if he was still a good kisser. Forget it, he’ll be just like Justin…a liar and a cheat.
He came closer. “Em, is something wrong?”
She backed up, putting some distance between them and her butt hit the shelf. The rack shuddered from the impact. Cans of dog food tumbled around her. One beaned her on the head, another hit her on the shoulder, one landed on her foot. Pain exploded along her temple. She flailed as the onslaught continued. Strong hands gripped her arms, pulling her away from the cascading cans. Her foot stepped on a rolling tin, and she lost her balance.
Brandon caught her before she fell. “I got ’cha, Em.”
He drew her to a standing position, his arm wrapped around her waist, supporting her. Refreshing and masculine, the scent of his shampoo infiltrated her senses.
“Are you okay?” Plump and full, his lips were mere inches from hers. His breath smelled of mint and honey, and she had the sudden urge to kiss him.
A drop of blood fell onto the back of her hand. Adrenaline tingled through her.
He brushed her hair away from her eyes. His fingers traced over her forehead, and his brow furrowed. “Hey, you’re injured.” When he removed his hand, his fingers were coated in blood.
Her head pounded in tune with her pulse. She touched her forehead. A tender lump had already formed. Blood seeped from the wound.
“C’mon, I have a first aid kit in the back. Let me help you.” His tenderness and concern touched her, reminding her why she’d crushed on him for so long.
“I’m ok, really. I was clumsy. I’m so sorry.”
“What? You’re apologizing? This was just an accident. C’mon, let me help you get cleaned up. It’s the least I can do…and it’s part of my job. You wouldn’t want me to get in trouble, would you?” The sheepish twinkle in his eye convinced her. She needed to stop the bleeding before it made any more of a mess.
“This way.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. His warmth seeped through her coat and into her skin. A sense of relief washed over her and she felt safe, protected. She bit her lip to steady her voice. “Thank you, Brandon.”
“Em…” he chuckled, “you always were a bit…vertically challenged as I recall.”
Despite the pain in her head, his familiar teasing made her smile. “Good thing you were there to catch me.”
“For you, Em, always.” He helped her walk to the back of the store.
Brandon pushed on one of the rubbery flaps of the double doors and ushered her into the warehouse. The shelves all around them contained stacks of boxes—cereal, soup, juice, and many other items she couldn’t identify. Interesting…they were alone in here.
Brandon nodded to a small workbench. He grabbed a first aid kit from the top shelf and opened the clasp. The contents were sparse, a few bandages, a jar of ointment, but nothing of real substance. He pulled out a small packet and ripped open the end. The pungent smell of antiseptic filled the air.
With gentle care, he trailed his fingers over her forehead, locking a few stray strands of hair behind her ear. A smile crossed his lips, but he remained focused on his task. He patted the inflamed bump on her head and wiped away the bit of blood that had run down the side of her face.
His tender attention and soft touch lit up her nerves everywhere he touched. A part of her longed for more, but she couldn’t bring herself to let down her guard. As much as wanted to forget her past and her mistrust of men, she couldn’t chase the demons away.
He chuckled and tossed the wet wipe into the trash. “You’re lucky your cut didn’t bleed more. I think you’ll live.”
“Thanks for helping me.” She caught a glimpse of the smile that tugged at his lips. The prom and his passionate kiss bubbled up from the past.
He held her gaze for a long moment. Her skin warmed under his scrutiny, heating her cheeks.
He broke eye contact and picked up a bandage. With the same tenderness as before, he placed the plastic strip over the cut on her forehead. “You’re all set now. Oh…and stay away from the dog food cans. I don’t think they like you.”
Her chest expanded at his good-natured humor. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
A slow chuckle eased from his lips, and a familiar smile lit up his face. He lightly gripped her elbow and proceeded to the door.
Brandon pushed one of the flaps just as another employee brought a cart through the other side. The end of the plastic door flipped up and knocked against Emily’s hand. She cried out and lost her grip on her purse. The bag slid off her shoulder, ejecting the little vial. It tossed and turned from the momentum.
The lid opened. Fine droplets sprayed into the air. A cool wetness splashed her face.
Her purse landed in a heap on the ground.
The two guys with the beer stood close by, pawing through the clearance section. One shot a glance at her, and his eyes widened.
The man with the cart stepped back. “Oh, Brandon, sorry! Didn’t see you there—”
“Travis, man, watch where you’re—”
The men stop
ped.
All conversation ceased.
Brandon swiped at his hand.
Travis wiped his lip.
One of the beer guys rubbed his ear.
The other guy touched his nose.
All four men were wet with a strange substance.
She ran her finger along her cheek and a thin line of fluid coated her skin.
Emily peeked at her purse. Her eyes widened. Poking out the top was the vial her sister had given her. The lid closed on its own…
CHAPTER 4
Emily’s heart pounded, spiking the pain in her head. Yet, a strange awareness of the men around her made her long for something unnamed. The door slowly fell away from the cart and flopped into place. The only sound was the heavy breathing from the men around her, coupled with her own.
Brandon’s hand tightened around her waist. His masculine scent… Her head spun and a thrilling warmth spread to her core. She licked her lips, and against her will, a soft moan escaped.
“Hey, pretty lady.” The beer guy in the sweatshirt set down his stash and approached, with a wide grin.
“Not so fast.” His buddy gripped his arm, stopping him in his tracks. “She doesn’t want you. Her eyes are on me.”
Only because he’d spoken. A chill ran down her neck.
“Who’s your friend, Brandon?” Travis’s smile widened, and his gaze raked over her body.
Brandon pulled her closer, and her hand landed on his pec. Even through his shirt, a spark like an electric current tingled over her fingers and up her arm. The sudden urge to kiss him overwhelmed her. Focusing on his plump lips, a haze settled over her mind.
“She’s with me.” Brandon’s voice came out low, controlled, menacing.
His mouth was set, a tic pulsed in his jaw, and his eyes…they burned with an intensity she’d only ever seen when he’d been on the Lacrosse field in the midst of a game. He reacted this way because of her. Emily’s chest expanded. A mixture of trepidation and need welled inside her, both fighting for dominance. The combined emotions made her dizzy.