“Alex, you pick this time,” I say once he returns. I smile and point to the map.
“California! California!” He closes his eyes and laughs. His long finger slowly traces the old paper and at one point ends up in the Atlantic.
“Too far.” I snort. And he tries again.
“Wyoming. Shit.” He frowns when he opens his eyes and sees where his finger ended up.
I found a cute little condo to rent month-by-month; it doesn't take long to realize once we got here that this place is just perfect. It's exactly where I've needed to escape to, to find myself again—to smile again.
It takes a few weeks to somewhat settle in, unpack my clothing and put pictures on the walls. Alex is living out of his bags, which I don't mind, as long as they're not sprawled around the house.
Wyoming is beautiful, and this morning I feel invigorated. I shower and stand in front of the tiny closet, trying to decide what to wear. My hair drips cool water down my back, and I rub the towel through my head, drying it a little.
I thumb through the hangers and finally choose a simple blue cotton dress. It’s got a little bit of a low neckline, but I'm feeling good lately, so why not?
I absentmindedly trace my fingers along the little eyelet patterns all along the bottom. It's one of my favourites. When I slide the closet door shut, the mirror on the front is right there, and I'm forced to look at myself. I stare at the girl in the glass, taking in her features and leaning in close to eye every detail. When I stand back I lift my right arm and look at my ribcage. No more bruises, no more marks anywhere. I remember the pain. I remember every second, and I'm so thankful I don't have anything permanent to remind me daily of the worst day of my life.
“Alex, let's go shopping.”
Words every guy loves to hear, right? He snorts but gets up off the couch anyway. What else does he have to do today?
We stroll down the sidewalk, looking at all the stores, and I stop a few times to window shop. Alex is annoyed, but I don't care. After lunch at yet another cute diner, we continue walking and turn the corner on Oakburn Street. There's a feed store beside the grocery store.
I elbow Alex and point. “Let's check that out. Maybe get Luca something.”
The little door dings, and I smile to myself. Small towns; they're adorable. A big counter to my left has a display of plastic cubes with all kinds of bones and biscuits in them. Some are made with beef, some pork, chicken and lamb.
“The chicken ones look good.”
I look up and see a handsome man with short dark hair and bold brown eyes standing by the end of the counter. He's smiling and very obviously blushing. I smile and thank him for the suggestion, and I choose three chicken treats for Luca.
The guy behind the counter isn't as cute, but he's smiling and kindly tells me how much I owe him. When I hand him the money, his fingers rub mine, almost as if on purpose, and it creeps me out a little. Alex is completely oblivious to everything, still texting who knows whom. He's never without that phone.
“Let's go, Addy.” He taps me, annoyed and eager to leave.
I slide my sunglasses on when we get outside. The sun is even brighter than it was five minutes ago. The warmth feels amazing on my skin, and for the first time since we got here, I feel it was meant to be.
“Hey, look!” Alex taps me again and points to a bake sale over at the grocery store. “Buy your little bro some treats now?” He grins and almost skips over to the stand.
It only takes a minute to buy butter tarts and chocolate chip cookies, but getting Alex away from these raging cougars is quite another. He loudly refers to me as his sister a few times, giving them the clear message that he's very available, and I roll my eyes behind my dark glasses.
Alex starts chatting with some woman in too-skinny skinny jeans and a blouse that doesn't leave anything to the imagination. I turn my back to them and lift my head up to the sky, letting the sun soak me and heat my soul.
The small ding of the feed store door catches my attention, and I see the one guy from the counter walking out carrying a bunch of buckets. He puts them in the back of an old truck, and walks back up the steps to hold the door open.
I have to lift my glasses when I see what walks out next. A man with unruly dirty blonde hair, carrying a big bag of food over his shoulder steps through the doorway and down to the truck. His t-shirt is so tight around his arms that I almost feel a quiver in my knees. The messy hair, the jeans, the boots—he's picturesque. I'm breathless.
Where was he when I was in the store? Then again, I probably wouldn't have been able to stand let alone speak if he had suggested what to get Luca instead of the other guy.
As I'm watching him, I'm quickly pulled out of my little bubble when Alex takes the paper bag of goodies out of my hand and pulls out a cookie.
“I'll see ya around, Chelsea.” He takes a bite and winks at the panting cougar.
I drop my shades back down on my nose and smirk at the woman. I watch the beautiful man climb in his way too big but way too perfect Ford and drive away.
Afterward, I make a nice spaghetti dinner, which Alex gorges himself on. Then, he leaves the table to get ready for his “date” with Cougar Mom. I clean the table off and start the dishes.
“How's this look?” He stands by the sofa and pops the collar of his shirt.
“Oh, very dapper.” I smirk and roll my eyes. “I'm sure it won't take much primping for this one, Alex.”
He snorts and slaps his hands together quickly. “You’re probably right. She's hot and ready.”
“Eww. Really?” Like this is something I want to hear anything about.
I'm up almost every hour with anxiety, and so far, Alex hasn't come home. I know I'm not his mother, but I wish he would at least check in with me and let me know he's okay.
We're so far from Maine, and he doesn't know anyone around. I pray he stays out of trouble. When I finally do fall asleep, it's again short-lived. But this time when I awake, I'm panting, absolutely ravaged from a delicious dream about the stranger in the Ford.
Those arms, and that body…I flutter my lashes, and my eyes fall back in my head. My body sinks back onto my bed. My blood is thumping, and I can't help but smile when I think of him holding me in my dream, gazing at me and touching me in any way.
***
Alex’s whirlwind romance with Cougar Mom lasts only a few days. He comes home, and out comes the phone again.
“Who are you texting all the time?”
“Why do you care? Are you the texting police?” he hisses.
“Pardon me? Don't be an ass; I was just asking.” I hiss back. What a little shit! He acts like the world owes him something.
He doesn't say anything back, just kicks his shoes off and puts his dirty-socked feet on the coffee table.
“I'm taking Luca out. See you later.”
Luca needs updated shots for Wyoming's dog laws. Thankfully, a vet just around the corner had a spot open for this morning, and I'm able to get him right in. I walk him down the street and smile at the people we pass. Everyone is so friendly; it's almost unreal. I doubt they even lock their doors.
Dr. Jenkins D.V.M. is displayed on the large sign above the building in big blue letters. As we walk through the small parking lot, I see a big black truck, and it looks oddly familiar. When I get closer, I realize where I've seen it before, and my heart starts racing again in my ears and throat.
Calm down, girl. I almost fan myself with my hand, trying not to gawk around for the mesmerizing creature of a man that I saw get in that truck a few days ago. Shakily, I grab the long door handle and inhale as I open it. Luca and I walk in, and I exhale slowly.
Oh, my…
* * *
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
There are no words to express the amount of gratitude I have for the following people:
Ross: Your constant support and never-ending encouragement is something I will always cherish. You make me smile…I love you.
Clarissa: I couldn’
t imagine a life without you in it, you are an amazing friend. Your honesty, support and love for romance fueled my heart and made me want to keep writing.
Elena: You read the bare bones of Meadowlarks (and combed it to make it pretty), and you reported back with honesty and amazing words of reassurance. I’ve been blessed to have you in my life for all these years.
My Girls: Mommy loves you. Pure and simple.
Mom: I hope you enjoyed reading your second book ever. I’m glad it was mine.
Ryan: My little brother…You’re just awesome. No one can make me laugh the way you do.
Alex: My second brother. You’re wonderful. Don’t change a thing. We need a martini night soon.
To the rest of my supporters, family and friends: You’re all amazing. I love you, and I’ll always be thankful for you.
Want more?
Read Riley and Alex’s story in
Breathless: Book Two of the
Meadowlarks series!
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshCwrites
Meadowlarks Page 30