by V. Vaughn
My stomach flips as Sophie and I walk across the parking lot toward the door of Pete’s. Music carries to us and intensifies for a moment when a guy pushes his way out. I take a deep breath to calm my nerves. I’m just out with my sister for a night of fun, and I really do need to relax.
Sophie is the kind of person that gets recharged by people and activity. A grin covers her face as she yanks the door open for us and says, “The band is good. I can’t wait to dance.”
We enter into the restaurant portion of Pete’s. High tables make way to a bar, and I follow my sister to it. I glance around to discover pool tables and a dance floor set in front of the band. Sophie wiggles her way in between two men to order us drinks, and money is warm from my pocket when I hand it to her. While I wait, I take the time to check out the guys. A large number of them are big in the way werewolves are, and I wonder if this is one of their hangouts.
A guy notices me, and his gaze travels up my body slowly before he smiles. I decide to be bold and check him out too. His jeans are snug, and his T-shirt strains to contain a pair of thick arms. Most definitely werewolf. Sophie presses a beer bottle into my hand, and it’s cold on my palm as I lift it for a sip. I don’t break our gaze and swallow slowly as he watches.
Sophie hits my arm lightly as the guy starts to walk toward us. “You don’t waste any time,” she says.
“He started it.”
A deep voice that seems to wrap around me comes from the man as he asks, “Feel like dancing?”
I shrug. “Sure.”
The man takes my free hand, and I let him lead me to the dance floor. He takes us to a crowded area, and we place our beers on a small shelf that lines the wall. He says, “I’m Derek.”
“Caroline.”
Derek tugs me to a section of the dance floor that is packed, and I think it’s so we have to be close in order to move. I don’t mind, though, because he smells good, and when his hands land on my hips, I place mine on his chest and let the music dictate my motions. After a few songs, we retrieve our beers and move away from the noise.
Derek asks, “Do you live in Winter Valley?”
“Yeah. But I’ve never been here before. It’s fun.”
Derek takes a swig of his beer and says, “Good bands play here.”
I have nothing to add to our conversation and can feel a stupid smile cover my face like I’ve got nothing but air in my head. There’s a long silence, and it’s clear Derek isn’t a conversationalist either. He finally nods at someone behind me, and I turn to a couple guys headed our way.
“Caroline, these are my buddies.” He introduces me to the guys, and they get into a conversation about some game. My mind wanders to Paul, and I wonder what he and his friends talk about. I recall how he was at Trixie’s barbecue. We did talk to his friends, and I was included in every conversation.
I search for Sophie. I notice her talking to a blond, and by the way she’s shifting from foot to foot, I guess she’d like to be saved. I touch Derek’s arm. “Hey, thanks for the dance. I’m going to go see my sister.”
He turns to me and places his hand on my lower back. “Can I come find you for more?”
His touch is nice, and I say, “Sure.” I might need another test to make sure Paul’s isn’t better.
When Sophie sees me, she waves madly, and I grin as I approach her. I say to the guy that’s monopolizing her time, “Hey, I’m going to steal my sister for the ladies room,” and I pull her away before he can object.
When we get out of earshot, Sophie says, “Thank you. Poor guy was dumped, and he needs a shoulder. Not what I had in mind.”
“Yeah, well, while my guy was hot, we couldn’t carry a conversation. Apparently he’s as bad at this dating thing as I am.”
“So?” Sophie waggles her eyebrows at me. “Sometimes when they don’t talk, it’s best.”
“Stop.” I brush by another hard male body. “One-night stands are so last century.”
“Damn it. Someone forgot to tell me.” Sophie’s grip is firm when she grabs my arm and changes our direction. “Let’s try the bar and see if we have better luck.”
The farther we get from the dance floor, the better I feel as the noise level lessens. I spy a couple leaving a table, and we quickly grab it. Once I’m sitting, I sigh. “This is better.”
A waitress comes over and places two napkins down before us. “What can I get you?”
I say, “Two cosmos please.” When Trixie was a toddler, Sophie would visit and turn me on to the latest drink. We’d stay up late drinking too much, and I’d live vicariously through her stories of sexual adventure. I turn to Sophie. “Don’t say a word.”
“What? It sounds awesome to me.” She lets out a small laugh before she controls herself. “I’m fine with embracing the fact that we’re getting too old for this.”
“Good.” I notice two men headed our way, and I groan. “Incoming.”
Sophie tilts her head and says, “Leave it to me.”
“Ladies, is there room at this table for us?” asks a dark-haired guy with a close-cut beard.
Sophie makes a show of checking them out and asks, “How old are you?”
The guy says, “I’m thirty-two, and Josh is pushing forty.” Josh frowns, and I guess he’s probably not that old, but he stays quiet.
“Hmm,” says my sister. She looks at me. “The age is good. What do you think?”
These guys are average sized, and I think they’re human. Right now, that’s appealing to me. I ask, “Do you have entertaining stories we might like to hear?”
Josh says, “Definitely.” He hits his friend lightly in the chest with the back of his hand. “And Evan will even buy your drinks.”
I shrug as I glance at Sophie and say, “Okay by me.”
“Have a seat, boys,” says my sister.
We discover that they both work as consultants and travel for work. Sophie tells them about her new job, and then the conversation turns to golf. The guys convince us we have to try it.
We continue to talk, and I find I’m actually enjoying myself, even though we have to speak loudly to be heard. But when our drinks are gone, I’ve had enough and decline Evan’s offer to get me another.
Sophie says to me, “It’s too noisy in here for you, isn’t it?”
I nod, and she turns to the guys. “Gentlemen, thank you for the conversation, but we’re going to go.”
Evan stands to pull out my chair, and when our hands brush, I miss the zing I feel with Paul. I sigh.
The moment we get out the door, the quiet is like a soothing blanket. Sophie and I don’t speak as we walk to the car. The lot is now so full that our spot a few rows from the door has become coveted, and a truck that has just pulled in stops to wait when they notice the lights flash from me unlocking the door by remote.
When we get in the car, I ask, “When did going out dancing stop being fun?”
Sophie’s seat belt snaps shut. “When we became the oldest ones in the bar.”
“Right. I guess we can cross Pete’s off our list.” I think about how tonight was supposed to help me figure out if my crush on Paul is valid. I did discover I’m attractive, but none of the men in the bar made my heart skip a beat. I think it’s safe to say my crush on Paul is real. Now I have to figure out what to do about it.
21
As I drive Sophie and myself home from Pete’s, I glance at the clock to discover it’s not even eleven yet. I say, “We can’t go home. It would be too pathetic to quit before midnight.”
“Okay. Where to?”
I recall a dinner I had a while back with one of my editors that was passing through town. We went to the Winter Valley Inn, and it has a wonderful bar in a large room with leather couches, thick carpet, and a fireplace. I say, “I know just the place. There’s a lovely hotel bar downtown, and I bet it’s quiet.”
We drive past dark storefront windows and an occasional car parked along the main street before we get to the inn. The horseshoe drive glows in yell
ow light, and I move past it to park in the guest lot. I tug my coat around me to ward off the chill as we walk to the door. The bellman greets us as he holds it open, and we enter into a spacious lobby that is lit by an enormous crystal chandelier. Sophie says, “Wow. This place is spectacular.”
Our feet barely thump on the thick carpet as we stroll over to the lounge. A man is playing the piano, and the music is soft as we move past him toward the sofas. Businessmen in suits are at the bar, and a woman in a cocktail dress walks by us. I whisper, “I didn’t think about what we’re wearing.”
Sophie says, “We’ll just sit tall and pretend we’re chic anyway.”
The cotton of my shirt is soft in my hand as I yank the neckline up higher. “Right.”
A baritone laugh carries as we sit, and it makes me smile before I realize why. It’s Paul.
How is it I go months without seeing the man and now he seems to be everywhere? I turn toward the sexy werewolf’s laughter and discover Paul’s sitting a few couches over with a man that is almost as attractive as he is. I turn away quickly and notice Sophie is already engrossed in the drink menu. She didn’t see him.
My sister says, “All these drinks sound so good. I’m not sure I can choose.”
My fingers shake when I take the small leather book she offers me. “What are you leaning toward?” The fire across from us radiates heat, and shadows dance around us as the flames flicker.
“The coconut one looks yummy.”
“It does,” I say. “Let’s get those.”
After the waitress takes our order, I say to Sophie, “Sorry Pete’s wasn’t our kind of place. I think my research was faulty.”
“I wouldn’t call it a total waste. Derek and Evan were nice.”
“They were, but you’ll notice nobody got any numbers.”
“True.” Sophie glances past me to scan the area as if she’s just remembered we’re supposed to be looking for men. Her gaze hones in on something as her lips turn up in a smile. She’s seen Paul.
“Well, well, well,” she says. “I believe we might have found our place.”
Martini glasses rimmed with sugar thump down on the coffee table before us as the waitress serves them. I ignore my sister’s comment and reach for my drink. “This looks decadent.”
“You saw him already, didn’t you?”
I sip my drink and savor the sweet flavor on my tongue before I answer. “Yup.”
Sophie squints her eyes at me. “Ten bucks says he’s going to come over, and you’ll be the one he notices first.”
I never apologized for my actions last night, so I say, “Look I’m sorry I pushed you into a date, okay?”
Sophie bites her lower lip as she gazes at me, and I recognize her expression as the one she gets when she’s up to no good. “Oh, no,” I say. “Whatever you’re thinking right now, stop.”
She shrugs. “Fine. I’ll give you a choice. I can go over there and set you up with Paul’s friend, or I can cancel tomorrow night.”
I frown at her. Not only don’t I want Sophie to go out with Paul, but I definitely don’t want to be there with her as someone else’s date. I let out a dramatic sigh. “Cancel. Go ahead and ruin your chance at true love.”
Sophie’s smile gets bigger as she whispers, “Guess who’s on his way over.”
A warm hand lands on my shoulder, and Paul’s voice seems to flow through his fingers into me as he says, “Caroline.” I gaze up at him, and he doesn’t break eye contact with me as he continues. “Sophie, what a pleasant surprise.”
My insides tremble at our connection, and I hope my voice doesn’t waver when I say, “Hi, Paul.”
Apparently I’m not successful, because Sophie hides a snort with a cough before she says, “I’m so glad to see you. I’m afraid I’m going to have to cancel our date tomorrow night.”
Paul looks at her as he says, “Well, that’s too bad. I made a reservation at one of my favorite restaurants.” He returns his mesmerizing stare to me. “I don’t suppose I could convince you to take your sister’s place?”
I open my mouth to answer, but Sophie speaks first. “That’s a fantastic idea. Caro has almost finished her book, and I’m sure she’ll be done in time.”
Heat rises to my cheeks as Paul’s eyes twinkle with what I guess is suppressed laughter. I find a bit of composure. “I’d be happy to fill in.”
“I’ll be by at seven.”
I smile back. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“Me too,” he says. “Enjoy your evening, ladies.” I watch Paul walk toward the man I saw him with earlier who is waiting by the door. The man dips his head when Paul speaks to him, and I wonder about their relationship.
I let out a small sigh at the way Paul’s wide shoulders taper down to trim hips and firm butt. Sophie says, “I bet I know who your next hero will be modeled after.”
I reluctantly turn my gaze to my sister. “You’re pretty proud of yourself right now, aren’t you?”
She nods. “I am, because this was inevitable. Paul and I would have spent the night talking about you anyway.”
I lift my drink and take a sip as I hold in my desire to squeal in happiness. When I swallow, reality hits me. Oh my god! “I have a date.” I stare at Sophie in shock. “I haven’t gone out with a guy in almost twenty years.”
Sophie asks, “Whatever are you going to wear?”
I groan, and it’s met with Sophie’s chuckle before she says, “Don’t worry. I’ll help you.”
I roll my eyes at her, but I’ll be taking her up on the offer. I say, “Thanks, Soph. I don’t know how I’ve managed all these years without you.”
She says, “Me either.”
22
“You’ve got to invite him in,” says Sophie. “Otherwise he’ll be wondering if you’re a hack author.”
She’s talking about the fact that I live in a trailer park. I fiddle with my bracelet, and the metal is smooth in my fingers as I say, “I don’t think Paul is that judgmental.” I glance at my sister in the mirror as she curls my hair.
“Come on, Caro. Everyone is.” She lifts the hairspray and blocks my eyes with her hand to apply it. The perfumed scent is strong. She’s probably right, considering the whole point of choosing to live here was to hide my success. She asks, “How about I answer the door as if you’re not ready yet?”
“I suppose that would work.” I take in my appearance. After our night out on the town, my makeup looks subdued in comparison. But it’s more my style, and I smile as I finger comb through my hair to make it fall naturally. “You’ve worked your magic yet again.”
“Yes, I have,” says Sophie. “You look fantastic.”
“Thanks.” I wipe my damp palms on my lap before I stand. My sister dressed me in an outfit similar to what I wore to the country club but glammed it up a bit with heels and a belt. I say, “I really have to stop wearing yoga pants all the time. I forgot I like clothes.”
My doorbell chimes, and I take in a deep breath as Sophie says, “Relax. This will be fun.”
“I know.” I feel like a teenager, the way my stomach flutters with nerves. I glance around my bedroom as if I’m going to find a boy band poster on my wall, and I listen as Sophie greets Paul.
Embarrassment heats my face as she goes on about how successful I am. I step out to interrupt before she gives my pen name away and I have to deal with Paul reading my books. I say, “Sorry about the wait.”
Paul is in dress slacks and a button-down shirt open at the neck. I take in his broad shoulders and mouth that begs to be kissed. “Not a problem,” he says. He glances around the room. “I like your place.”
“Thanks.”
I grab my coat, and the leather of my purse is cool in my hand as I say, “Shall we go?”
Paul holds out his arm for me as he nods. I take it as Sophie says, “Have a good time, kids.”
“We will,” says Paul. “Don’t wait up.”
The muscles of his forearm flex under my hand as we walk to hi
s Jaguar, and I recall the way he looked in a T-shirt last summer. As Paul opens my door, he says, “You surprised me, Caroline.”
I slide over the smooth leather and settle into the comfortable seat as Paul makes his way over to his side. When he gets behind the wheel, I ask, “How so?”
“You have the nicest trailer I’ve ever seen, and one would never expect it from the outside. I have a feeling there’s a lot you hide from the world, and I hope I get to see it.”
“Oh. Well, you have to understand, when we moved there, I was protecting Trixie from what I do. Can you imagine the gossip that would have surrounded her if the parent-teacher association discovered I was writing what people love to call lady porn?”
Paul glances at me as he drives. “But that’s not what you write.”
“No, it’s not.” Did he Google my genre? “How do you know that?”
“Romance is about relationships. And erotic romance focuses more on the sexual journey.”
We’re driving toward Silver Lake, where I know most of the werewolves reside, and the roads are lined with thick forest. An earthy aroma wafts through the vents of the car. “I think someone has done a bit of research.”
“I’m interested in you, Caroline.”
I think about how I peppered Trixie with questions about the Silver Lake Wolves after I first met Paul. I ask, “Was the man with you last night your beta?”
“Yes.” Paul’s teeth shine as he smiles, and I imagine what he looks like as a wolf as he says, “I’m not the only one who does their research.”
I’m not sure if it’s the fact that Paul let me know he likes me or if I’m giddy about being so close to him, because I say, “I’m interested in you too.”
Paul reaches over and takes my hand. The electricity I crave zings through me, and I want to grab onto his fingers so he won’t let go. “Then tonight should be fun.” He glances over and says, “Maybe sometime you’ll tell me why you tried to get me to go out with Sophie instead of you.”
I close my eyes and sigh. “I might as well confess right now.” Paul squeezes my hand as if he’s encouraging me, and I open my eyes again. “I haven’t dated anyone since Trixie was a toddler, and I think it’s stunted my relationship maturity. I got scared of rejection and acted like a teenager.”