Dark Horse

by Melissa Pearl

  He’d been so intense, listening to the traumatized family as they waited for news of their precious son. His voice had been soft and even, applying just the right amount of pressure to get the answers he needed.

  Sally had stood transfixed, falling hard before she even knew his name.

  Her family never understood it. They’d never fully welcomed Nate into the fold, always wary of the man of few words who wore a frown more than a smile. They didn’t get what Sally saw in him, and she’d given up trying to explain. Maybe because it just got too damn hard.

  It didn’t help that Nate always found work excuses to get out of “family time.” It didn’t help that Nate found work excuses to get out of everything.

  The knot in her chest tightened and she blinked to hide her frustration.

  She didn’t want her family knowing how lonely the days could be. How she didn’t know what to say to Nate to make him understand that she missed him, that she wanted to be more important than his work.

  Her parents and siblings didn’t need any more reasons not to like her brooding boyfriend.

  “Should we go sit in the living room?” Sally tugged on Nate’s waist to lead him out of the kitchen.

  “I don’t know,” he murmured. “Will your brother try to kill me with one of his death rays?”

  Sally giggled. “Oh, come on. Just ignore him.”

  It was easier said than done. Emmett was a large, imposing force, which was what made him such a good Marine. The funny thing was, he and Nate were more alike than either of them would admit. They were both quiet, motivated by justice and very protective of the people they loved.

  If only they could see it.

  Nate reluctantly followed Sally to the living room, giving Emmett and Xavier a tight smile before sitting in the corner of the couch. Annabelle placed a plate of pre-dinner snacks on the coffee table and gave Nate a demure smile before tucking the skirt beneath her legs and sitting down.

  Xavier and Emmett were battling it out in a game of verbal banter. Sally shared a grin with Annabelle and sat down to enjoy the show. Threading her fingers through Nate’s, she tried to get a word in edgewise but she didn’t know enough about Warcraft to have any input. That was the one area her brothers played well in—video games.

  “Forever boys,” Annabelle mouthed and rolled her eyes.

  Sally giggled and stole a glance at Nate. He was watching the brothers, scratching the edge of his mouth and looking thoroughly left out. She wanted to nudge him, to encourage him to join in the conversation, but she knew deep down that her brothers would never make room for him.

  It freaking hurt, but she didn’t know how to fix it.

  Besides, Nate wasn’t into gaming.

  The doorbell rang and Sally shot her sister a quizzical look.

  “I don’t know.” Annabelle shrugged while Xavier groaned and tipped his head back.

  Annabelle and Sally let out identical laughs before asking, “What?”

  “It’s gonna be…”

  “Oscar!” Their father’s voice was loud and cheerful as he greeted the guest.

  “Oscar! What is this, Surprise Sally Night?” She grinned, just as her father walked into the living room with his arm around a good-looking man dressed in a charcoal suit and tie. He was tall, elegant and lean—like a slightly older version of Xavier with dark, styled hair and clean-shaven cheeks.

  Oscar Plymouth was one of her dad’s favorite employees. He’d been working at the Chicago office for the past two years, and often flew in to visit the Richmonds. Being from England, he had no other family nearby, and her father had taken it upon himself to look out for the guy. It wasn’t a hard task. Having been raised in a British boarding school, Oscar had the manners of a prince. He was sweet, charming, intelligent and easy to love.

  Which was exactly what the Richmond family had done—loved him, welcomed him, practically turned him into one of their own.

  “Hey!” Sally jumped up to give him a hug. “It’s so nice to see you. I didn’t know you were in town.”

  Oscar lightly pecked her cheek, then acknowledged Nate with a grin. “Great to see you here.”

  “Thanks, man.” Nate nodded, his lips rising into a half smile. “You in town for the whole week?”

  “Actually,” Michael patted Oscar’s chest and the younger man grinned, “Oscar’s moving here. He’s going to help oversee the Richmond Apartments project near the college.”

  The smooth Englishman laughed at Sally’s expression and glided a hand down her back. “I thought your father would’ve told you guys. Xavier knows.” He pointed to Sally’s younger brother.

  Sally glanced across the room. Xavier had been gunning for that project. It had practically been his idea. Richmond Construction had already built one big apartment complex near the community college to provide affordable housing for students, but with AFCC expanding its course offerings, enrollment was up and there was need for more, especially larger units that could accommodate young families or multiple roommates.

  Xavier would have assumed the project manager role was his, especially since he had played such a huge part in getting it off the ground. The poor guy had been desperate for any and all kinds of responsibility since leaving high school, but his father kept pushing him aside, blaming immaturity. Last time they’d had a drink together, Xavier had been sure that this would be the year their father would finally give him a more important role in the company.

  But no such luck.

  “Wow.” Annabelle raised her manicured eyebrows. “Big project.”

  “Oh yes indeed. It’s a little overwhelming, but your father has great faith in me.” Oscar slid his hands smoothly into his pockets and winked at Sally before looking to Xavier. “I think Xave and I will make a great team.”

  “You’re on the project?” Sally’s voice rose with excitement.

  “Yeah.” Xavier gave her a tight, plastic smile. “I’m assisting. I guess you could call me Oscar’s wingman.”

  Their father boomed with laughter, no doubt trying to kill any tension, and Sally’s mother swooped in to peck Oscar on the cheek and ask him what he’d like to drink.

  “Please, take a seat. Annabelle, move over.” Sally’s mother gave Oscar’s arm an excited squeeze. “Why don’t you catch them up on where you’ll be living? I’m sure we’ll all want to stop by and see your little place.”

  “Of course. You’re all welcome.” Oscar’s gaze glided around the room, including Nate in his invitation.

  Sally’s chest expanded with relief. Oscar had always been so nice to Nate. Having him in town for a while would be great. Maybe he could lighten up the rest of her family.

  Oscar beamed her a smile, unbuttoning his jacket as he took a seat next to Annabelle and asked how her salon business was going.

  Sally reached for her wineglass and quietly sipped it while conversation ebbed and flowed around her. She pitched in when appropriate and laughed when the jokes started flying. Even Nate got in on the action, grinning beside her when Oscar started sharing a work mishap that captivated the entire family.

  Yes, having Oscar in town for a while was a very good thing.

  3

  Tuesday, April 24th

  8:15pm

  Having Oscar around definitely eased the tension. Nate grinned as the guy’s story bloomed with hilarity, then ended with a good laugh. Almost immediately, he started up another. Nate sat forward and grabbed a slice of cheese off the platter. He didn’t usually like reaching for food or drawing attention to himself, but everyone was focused on Oscar and wanting to catch up on the big move from Chicago. He played it down, because that was Oscar’s way. He never could acknowledge how accomplished or capable he was. Humility all the way. Nate really liked that about him.

  Draping his arm over Sally’s shoulders, Nate pulled her a little closer, loving the way she snuggled in. They fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. It hadn’t taken him long to figure out how amazing she was.

  That was why he’d
kept finding excuses to pop into the hospital whenever he could.

  Routine questioning could usually be conducted by police officers, but he would often take the job just so he could bump into her.

  They were dating within a few weeks of meeting, and they moved in together before the year’s end. Her family had hated him for it, but Sally could be quietly stubborn when she really wanted something. Her family had had no choice but to go along with her decision. But to them, Nate would always be the unapproved outsider—the man who they never quite trusted to take good enough care of their Sally.

  He glanced up and caught Emmett’s stink eye.

  You better be looking after my little sister, you punk.

  Nate gave him a tight smile, but refused to remove his arm from around Sally. He wouldn’t be put off by the towering Marine. Even if the guy could flatten him in a heartbeat. He was like a freaking WWE wrestler, and the complete opposite of his slight younger brother, Xavier. The family really were chalk and cheese in their appearances. Sally and Emmett had golden blond curls with a slightly rugged edge, whereas Xavier and Annabelle took after their mother—dark eyebrows, chiseled features, dark hair. They looked like supermodels.

  Family genes always fascinated Nate. He didn’t look much like his younger half-brother, Blaine. The guy had taken after his mother. Nate’s insides curdled as he thought of the woman who had infiltrated their home so quickly after his mom had died. She’d brought her son, Silas the Evil, with her as well, and made Nate’s life a living hell. She hadn’t abused him; she’d just ignored him, acted like he wasn’t part of the family. And she’d pulled his depressed, unwitting father right along with her.

  It was almost a slap in the face that the year Nate finally got free of her, she actually abandoned Blaine and Dad, taking Silas back to Los Angeles where they’d originally come from.

  He’d never seen them again, and he was no poorer for it.

  “So, after that, the Chicago office was no doubt happy to see the back of me,” Oscar finished.

  Everyone cracked up laughing while Michael shook his head. “You’re allowed to forget to pay a contractor. It was an innocent mistake.”

  Oscar cringed. “One I shall never make again.”

  “Hey, you handled the resolution beautifully.” Michael pointed at him. “There aren’t many guys out there who can talk big Tommy Filmore out of charging us an extra twenty percent in late fees.”

  “Yes, well I value my head. I’d quite like to keep it attached to my body if possible.”

  “I wouldn’t have taken it.” Michael chuckled. “This time…”

  Oscar grinned. Xavier watched him, his jaw working back and forth before he downed his wine in one large gulp.

  “Thank you for that,” Oscar said, his grin still wide. He raised his glass of Chardonnay in the air. “To no more mistakes. And to a new venture, a great boss, and the nicest family in America.”

  “Cheers.” Yvonne laughed and clinked her glass with his. “It’s going to be so wonderful having you around.”

  “Thank you.” His smile was bright as he accepted words that Nate had never heard…and would probably never hear, no matter how long he stayed with Sally.

  He didn’t begrudge Oscar, he just wished he could be included as well.

  It riled him.

  Not because he needed their approval, but because it hurt Sally. And that sucked.

  Why should she have to fight on his behalf? What was it about him that they hated so much?

  His insides churned with annoyance. He could feel it growing in his belly and scratching at his throat.

  Gritting his teeth, he stood from the couch and excused himself to the bathroom.

  People barely noticed. Except Emmett. He noticed everything.

  Nate’s nostrils flared as he strode away from the family who would never accept him.

  Closing the bathroom door, he grimaced into the mirror. He rested his hands on the vanity and stared at himself. Was it his fault? Should he be making more of an effort?

  Scratching the short blond scruff on his chin and cheeks, he eyed his worn leather jacket and faded jeans.

  Should he be wearing a suit to these occasions? It was bad enough having to wear them to work, but Oscar sure made it look easy.

  Should he be waxing eloquent the way the Englishman did? If Nate tried it, it’d no doubt come off as total bullshit.

  Sally loved him the way he was. He shouldn’t have to shave every freaking day or wear expensive-smelling cologne just to please her family.

  With a thick swallow, he thought ahead to Sally’s birthday. It was her twenty-fifth, and she’d wanted to throw a big party with her family. The idea had turned his stomach and he’d selfishly convinced her to have an intimate dinner with him instead.

  He had to make it special.

  And he knew exactly how.

  But…

  “Knock, knock.” Sally tapped on the door and let herself in. Her smile was bright and beautiful as she closed the door behind her and leaned against the wood. “I didn’t think you needed to pee.”

  He cleared his throat and ran a hand through his fine hair.

  “Why are you hiding out in here? Is Emmett giving you his dreaded stink eye?”

  Nate snorted, capturing Sally against him as soon as she was close enough. He trailed his hands down her familiar curves and gently squeezed her butt. He loved it when she wore her black skinny jeans.

  “I can handle your brother’s stink eye.” He pecked her lips and relished the taste of her strawberry lip gloss.

  Leaning back, he licked the flavor off his lips and gazed down at her.

  She was so incredibly beautiful—inside and out.

  Walking her fingers from his chest to his collarbone, she gave him a playful smile. “You know if you hide out in here too long, my family will think you have gastro issues.”

  Nate chuckled and raised his eyebrows. “Hey, that’d mean I was sick and you’d have to take me home and nurse me back to health.”

  “Don’t even think about it.” She slapped his chest. “How can my family fall in love with you if you don’t spend any time with them?”

  “Come on, Sal. They’ve already made up their minds about me.”

  “They don’t see what I see.” She brushed her fingers through his hair, her eyes drinking him in like he was the most important person in the world.

  He kissed her—deep and hungry—until she released a moan of pleasure. He loved that sound, and he trailed his lips down her neck to try and coax out another.

  She giggled when he hit a ticklish spot and he captured her smile. She tasted delicious, stirring his desire and making his brain jump ahead to when they left. He’d drive like the wind to get her to bed, and then take it slow, peeling off each layer of clothing until she was a naked goddess beneath him, on top of him…whatever way she wanted to be. His blood stirred as he heard her cries of pleasure echoing in the back of his mind.

  And then his phone dinged.

  He immediately pulled out of the kiss and dug the phone from his pocket.

  “Cam,” he murmured while reading the message. “Car accident near the college.”

  “Can’t she deal with that?”

  He slipped the phone away and shook his head. “The driver was in possession of heroin. It might link to the case she’s been working on.”

  “Exactly. The case she’s been working on. This is why the AFPD have two detectives, so that when you’re off duty, she’s on. You know what I mean? Like she can handle it without you.” Her pointed look was kind of cute.

  Nate cupped her cheek and smiled. “You know it doesn’t work that way, babe.”

  “It could.” She crossed her arms and inched away from him. “You two just like to work together all the time.”

  His eyes narrowed. Was she jealous?

  “We make a good team. A good work team, but that’s it. You know that, right?”

  She looked away, dropping her gaze so she was st
aring at the floor. She gave a slight nod.

  “Sally, baby.” He gently lifted her head so he could look into her eyes. “You’re the only woman for me.”

  Her smile was halfhearted as she struggled to hide her disappointment. “I know. I just hate that work always gets in the way.”

  “It’s my job. I’ve got to catch these bad guys.”

  “But there will always be more.”

  “I know.” He shrugged. “That’s why I work so damn hard.”

  She pulled in a breath and nodded, the corners of her mouth turning up just a little. Her blue-gray eyes glimmered with pride, then faltered with a look of sadness. She glanced at the floor and whispered, “I guess you better go, then.”

  He cupped her cheeks, gently forcing her gaze back up to his. “I’ll make it up to you. We’ve got your birthday coming up. It’s gonna be a good night. I’m going to make it perfect.”

  Her smile turned genuine. “You better. I’m forfeiting a party for you.”

  “Believe me. It’ll be worth it.”

  Oh man, he had to mean that. Twenty-five was a big milestone for the Richmond family. It was the day they scored a chunk of their inheritance. If they’d graduated college and proven a sound work ethic, then Michael and Yvonne would give them a nice sum of money to put toward something big. Annabelle had poured hers into starting up a business. Nate had no idea what Emmett had done with his, but Sally planned on paying off their bungalow in full so they didn’t have to worry about a mortgage anymore. They’d also discussed her investing the rest, so she’d have a pretty sweet nest egg when retirement rolled around. She’d be set for life.

  Nate kissed her smile and knew exactly what he needed to do to make her birthday the most important one she’d ever had. A nervous excitement fluttered through him as he thought ahead. He’d been toying with the idea for months, and he couldn’t even explain what was holding him back. But he’d be a fool to deny it. He wanted to give Sally the perfect birthday present, and he had three days to prepare. He could do it.