Vote Then Read: Volume III

by Aleatha Romig

  “But what?”

  “Just that. He loves to flirt. And sure, he might be a fan of no-strings sex, but he doesn’t get around as much as I think people think he does.”

  I had so many questions but elected to keep them to myself. I was confused enough about my own feelings and why I was even letting this play out. Except for the times when I was tangled up in Dawson and caught up in the rush of desire between us, doubts crowded out almost everything else in my mind.

  Back in high school, when I was having a hard time after my twin sister died, and I truly felt as if half of me was dead, I was the awkward one. While everyone else focused on fun, I felt out of place, insecure, and sad. That girl still lived inside my heart, always ready to remind me that guys like Dawson—handsome, sexy, teasing, and popular—couldn’t be interested in me.

  Plenty of time had passed, yet the aftereffects of those formative years were hard to shake loose. I was definitely getting the sense that I hadn’t looked past the surface with Dawson.

  Dani’s phone rang, but she didn’t answer. After another lengthy pause, she drummed her fingers on the desk. “Dawson’s a nice guy,” she said softly. “He’s been through some stuff.”

  “Huh? What do you mean?”

  The phone stopped ringing. “That’s for him to tell you.”

  “Dani! You’re my friend. This is a girl thing. You have to tell me something.”

  Dani bit her lip, looking conflicted. “I know, but he’s actually a pretty private person. You might as well ask him about his family, seeing as you two are getting close.”

  Her phone started ringing again. This time, her eyes flicked over to look at it. “It’s Jackson. I should get it.”

  “Fine. I need to go anyway.”

  Standing, I gave a little wave as I turned to leave her office. Slipping the rubber band over my wrist, I snapped it lightly as I walked down the hall, wondering just what Dawson had been through.

  The night I found him up at the rock, I’d sensed something was bothering him, but he didn’t let on to whatever it was. He’d been gone for three days now on a guided hike through the mountains.

  I missed him.

  14

  Dawson

  I leaned back in my chair, rolling my shoulders in a futile attempt to ease the tension bundled there. Jackson caught my eye, and I sensed his concern, so I looked away. I wasn’t up for Jackson trying to read my mood because it wasn’t great.

  I would always be thankful Candy had told me about this job. I’d needed something to get me out of my hometown. Between working at the lodge and being on the first responder team, the variety kept me from feeling restless. The team here was rock solid.

  Sometimes I wondered if I needed to dance along the edge of risk to keep me sane. I respected the hell out of Jackson. He was a good guy and a great boss. Every now and then, though, his perceptiveness grated on me. He knew that night still bothered me. I suspected he knew why even though we’d never had a specific conversation about it.

  I kicked those thoughts to the curb and focused on the training. By late afternoon, Jackson and I were the first people on the Stolen Hearts Valley Emergency Response Team trained to administer naloxone on-site when we responded to opioid overdose calls. It was our best hope to stem the tide of accidental deaths occurring at a shocking rate across America. The rest of the crew would rotate through the training over the next two weeks.

  After we climbed into Jackson’s truck, his gaze slid sideways. “Lunch?”

  “Of course. I’m fucking starving.”

  “Any requests?”

  “Candy’s Diner if I get to pick.”

  Although Evie was the first woman I’d ever brought to Candy’s, whenever I came to Asheville with any of the guys, I always suggested it. Not only was the food fucking awesome, but I also wanted to give Candy the business. Even though she wasn’t hurting for it.

  Jackson flashed a grin. “As if I would say no to Candy’s. That was going to be my suggestion, anyway.”

  I chuckled as he started the engine and rolled out of the parking lot. We were on the far side of town, and the first few minutes of the drive were quiet. Jackson finally spoke, going straight to the heart of the matter.

  “I know that night still bothers you. Wanna talk about it?”

  “Uh, no.”

  I was staring out the window, but I could feel Jackson’s eyes shift my way. “Well, you gave me a kick in the ass about Shay more than once, so I’m going to return the favor. The guy’s fine. Sometimes we’re going to run into stuff that might hit too close to home.”

  I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. “I know that, man. I guess I can stop wondering if you know what happened to my dad.”

  “Dude, I am not trying to lecture you about any of it. I’ve seen my own share of stuff that comes back to haunt me every now and then.”

  The tension that had started to tighten in my chest eased slightly. “I know. I’m fine. I guess it’s good that the first time I had a call that was almost a fucking repeat of what happened to my dad, the guy survived. Sometimes, they won’t.”

  “Yeah, and sometimes we’re not gonna be the first people there. That was a fluke.”

  “It fucking sucks. You know?”

  “Yeah, I do know. This opioid shit is insane. Never seen anything like it.”

  “It pisses me off. Because I don’t think my dad was trying to kill himself. That shit kills people too easily.”

  “Exactly.”

  Quiet filled the space again, and I was relieved Jackson didn’t feel the need to say more. He was a good friend, and he knew when to let things stay quiet.

  “Just so you know, I’m okay. It did get to me, but I’m okay.”

  “Good to know. If you ever need to talk, I’m here.”

  Candy paused beside our booth, glancing back and forth between Jackson and me. “You boys all done?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Jackson replied with a wink. “I could use a top off for my coffee, though.”

  Candy quickly refilled both of our coffees. “Where’s the bill?” I asked as she began to turn away when another customer lifted their coffee mug to get her attention.

  “There is no bill.”

  “Candy, I swear—” I began.

  She waved me off with a laugh. “That’s the only way I can keep you from paying.”

  “Still won’t work,” I called.

  Jackson took a few swallows of coffee before saying, “I’m gonna use the men’s room. I’ll be back in a few.”

  After he walked off, I nursed my coffee while Evie sashayed straight into my thoughts. It had been four long days since I’d seen her. I’d led a three-day hiking trip into the mountains before Jackson and I met in Asheville for this first round of training. I was beyond ready to get back to the lodge and see her.

  The problem was, we hadn’t defined anything between us. I knew what I wanted, and I didn’t care if it was crazy. I just didn’t quite know how to sweet-talk Evie into realizing it.

  “So where’s your girlfriend?”

  Candy’s voice nudged me out of my thoughts, and I glanced up. “Well, she’s obviously not here.”

  “Smartass,” she parried with a grin.

  I shrugged. “Just finished leading a hiking trip, and Jackson met me here for the training. Trust me, I’d love for her to be here with me.”

  Candy was quiet for a moment, the teasing glint fading in her eyes. “You really like her.”

  “I do.”

  Her smile unfurled slowly. “I thought so. I think she really likes you too.”

  “I sure hope so. She might not have the best impression of me, though.”

  Candy rolled her eyes and sighed. “Right. Because you’re Mr. Flirt-with-everyone routine might bite you in the ass. Far as I can tell, Evie is giving you the benefit of the doubt, so you’ll just have to show her who you really are. You heard from your mama?” she asked, shifting topics quickly.

  I too
k a slow breath and nodded. “We talk every few weeks at least.”

  Candy’s gaze became somber. “Make sure you take time to go see her, okay? I had my reasons for telling you about that job. I knew you needed to escape the long ass shadow your dad cast over you, but your mama loves you.”

  My throat tightened, and I took a sip of coffee, swallowing through the pain. “I know she does. And I love her. Don’t worry. I make sure to get there to see her every few months.”

  Jackson came out of the restroom, striding toward us. Candy turned when he reached the table. “Always good to see you, Jackson. I need to get into the kitchen. I’ve got orders to serve,” she said as a little bell rang from the back.

  Jackson leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks for lunch, Candy.”

  Candy gave me just enough time to give her a quick hug before hurrying off. I walked beside Jackson on the way out. “We’re paying something, right?” he asked as I paused by the register.

  “Oh, hell yeah. I stuff money in the cash drawer when she tries to keep me from paying.” Chuckling, I leaned over the counter and popped open the drawer, dropping in two fifty-dollar bills.

  I ignored Candy calling after us as we walked through the door.

  A shaft of moonlight fell across the bed, illuminating the bare curve of Evie’s shoulder in the darkness. My breath came in heaves, and my skin was slick with sweat. Evie was warm and soft against my side. I could feel the point of one of her nipples pressing into me, and that alone sent another jolt of desire through me.

  I could not fucking get enough of her.

  Luck had shined down on me after I got back to the lodge. When I was walking through the trees, I saw her up ahead and caught up to her right quick.

  The moment she turned, and said, “Hey, Dawson,” I’d kissed her.

  My heartbeat gradually slowed, and I fell asleep tangled up with her.

  Hours later, I felt her shift against me and opened my eyes. Sunshine fell at an angle across the bed in a splash of white-gold light.

  Evie’s blue eyes blinked open. After a moment, she cleared her throat. “Good morning.” Her voice was soft and frayed from sleep.

  I sifted my fingers through her silky hair, enjoying the subtle sensation of it sliding through my fingers. Although my cock stirred to life and I wanted her with a piercing need, I was quite content to simply rest here with her.

  I was beginning to realize I’d missed out with my stupid rule to never sleep with a woman. Although, deep in the corner of my mind, I knew it was specific to Evie. Waking up like this with anyone else held no appeal.

  “Mornin’,” I replied, my voice coming out raspy.

  Evie rose on her elbow, glancing at the clock on the nightstand beside my bed. My eyes followed hers to see it was not quite seven a.m.

  “Are you working this weekend?” I asked.

  Evie’s gaze slid back to mine as she shook her head.

  “I need to go to the coast for a few days, and I was wondering if you wanted to go with me.”

  My words strolled out before I thought them through. At all. Taking Evie with me to visit my family was fraught with potential complications, but instead of dwelling, I dismissed them all in my mind.

  Evie’s eyes widened slightly, a subtle flush cresting on her cheekbones. I could feel her heartbeat kick up slightly. She was resting against my chest, and I felt it thudding hard and fast against my ribs.

  “Sure,” she replied slowly.

  Since I didn’t have words for how good it felt that she said yes, I leaned forward slightly and pressed my lips to hers.

  When I drew back, her flush deepened, and she announced, “I have to pee.”

  Grinning, I loosened my hold, and she slipped out of bed. A moment later, I heard the toilet flush and rolled over to see her walking back. Evie was a sight. Her dark hair was mussed, and her body a little flushed with the imprint of the sheets on her skin. When her crooked smile unfurled, my heart gave a resounding thump.

  “When are we leaving?” she asked.

  “As soon as we get ready.”

  “I’m gonna hop in the shower then.”

  She turned, giving me a nice view of her delectable ass. I swung my feet to the floor and followed her into the bathroom. She had already turned on the shower, and steam was filling the room.

  When I stepped in the bathroom, Evie glanced over. “I’m joining you in the shower,” I explained.

  She shrugged and slid the curtain back to step inside. This was another first for me. With my unspoken rule of not sleeping with anyone, I’d never showered with a woman.

  The moment I was in there with her, all I wanted was her. A wet, soapy Evie was a temptation unlike any I’d ever encountered. Stepping in front of her, I slid my hands down over her bubbly sides. Her eyes opened, and she sputtered slightly, lifting her head.

  “Dawson …”

  “Mmmhmm?” I murmured as I dipped my head, pressing a kiss on her shoulder and sliding my tongue along her collarbone before making my way to her breasts.

  “If we’re driving to the coast,” she began, pausing with a gasp when I sucked one of her sweet nipples into my mouth. I let it go with a light pop. She continued on the heels of a low moan. “Don’t you think we should go soon?”

  I lifted my head, brushing a kiss over her lips. “We can make this quick,” I replied against her mouth, loving that I could feel the curve of her smile.

  Reaching between her thighs, I found her hot and slick. Turning, I shifted her back so she was against the wall and slightly out of the water raining down around us. Lifting her against me, I loved how easily her legs curled around my hips. I didn’t know what it was about Evie, but she just did it for me. In every way.

  I let my cock slide through her slick folds, watching her face as her head fell with a thump against the tile. She bit her lip as a little cry escaped.

  As I started to draw away, she squeezed her legs tighter. “Oh, no,” she said, her eyes flying open, “you don’t get to tease me like that and then go away.”

  My chuckle turned into a groan when she rocked against me. Water rained down against our legs. With Evie wrapped around me, my heart squeezed hard. “Just trying not to rush too much,” I said, gritting my teeth to hang onto my control when I felt her soaked pussy glide over my cock again.

  “Please,” she gasped. “Don’t make me wait.”

  Whatever Evie wanted, she got. Easing back slightly, I adjusted the angle of my hips, the thick crown of my cock pressing against her entrance. For a beat, we both held our breath, and then I slowly slid inside her. I let out a groan, my forehead falling to hers.

  She felt so good, so slick and snug, a silken sheath around my cock. She shifted her hips just barely, rocking into me. It was fast and messy for several deep strokes, and then her pussy was clenching around me, and my release poured into her. I came with a rough cry, my mouth hot and open on her neck as I held on tight.

  Afterward, we actually used the shower for its intended purpose. I walked with Evie over to her cabin while she got some clothes together for the weekend. As she slung her backpack over her shoulder, she caught my eye. “Dani knows about us.”

  I shrugged. “Were we keeping it a secret?”

  Evie’s cheeks flushed pretty and pink, and she rolled her eyes. “I don’t know. I don’t know what this is, and now you’re taking me somewhere for the weekend.”

  I sensed her confusion, and I wanted to tell her not to be confused.

  You’re mine was what I wanted to say.

  But I sensed that might be pushing things too far and too fast. As certain as I was about my feelings for her, I was equally certain that I was no expert at navigating the tricky terrain of a relationship and anything that involved the heart.

  One step at a time was what I told myself.

  “I need to let Dani know I’ll be gone for the weekend just so she doesn’t try to call me in for any shifts. Seeing as she’ll know we’ll be gone together, that me
ans everyone’s going to know something,” she explained, her cheeks getting brighter with every word.

  “Okay. You just tell me what to say.”

  Evie sighed and grumbled something under her breath as she eyed my backpack. “You have hardly anything.”

  “Three T-shirts and three pairs of jeans,” I said with a chuckle.

  Evie twisted her lips to the side as she stuffed a few more things into her quite full backpack. As we walked out, she glanced over. “I’m just going to text Dani.”

  Not much later, she rode beside me in my truck with her gaze aimed out the window as we drove through the mountains. I didn’t quite know what prompted me to invite her to come with me, but I knew with certainty I wanted her right here with me.

  15

  Evie

  Dawson’s brother, Chad, stared at me, his gaze considering. “Nice to meet you.”

  Chad looked remarkably like Dawson, albeit a younger, less hardened version. I couldn’t believe I was even considering Dawson hard, but as I’d gotten to know him, I’d learned there was an edge. His brother was softer, his humor less of a reflex.

  “You too,” I replied.

  Looking around, I took in the space. We were in a big square building, some sort of a construction worksite. Chad brushed an unruly lock of blond hair out of his eyes; a gesture that reminded me a little bit of Dawson. “Do you want to grab some dinner?”

  “Of course. We’re here for the weekend.”

  Chad cracked a smile. “Mom know you’re coming?”

  “Yeah. I texted her. How’s she doing?”

  The undercurrents were running strong and fast here, and I didn’t know how to read them.

  Chad shrugged. “She’s okay. She’s comfortable, and I suppose that’s all that matters. How about we go see her first?”

  I sensed a slight hesitation in Dawson, but he nodded, his gaze level and a subtle tension gathering at the corners of his eyes and mouth. “Sounds good to me. You need to go home first?”