“Okay then, I was just wondering if we could do something tomorrow,” Amber asked, an overly perky tone to her voice. I looked closely, trying to gauge her intent.
“What did you have in mind?” I could feel the stares of others as our conversation started drawing attention.
“I don’t know. Maybe go shopping in town? We could go into Woodside Hollow, and I thought it might give us a chance to talk,” She looked at me earnestly, “I feel like I have a lot to make up for, and this is a good step toward showing my support of you both. Despite everything, I do want Mason to be happy. From what I’ve seen so far, he is.”
Suspicion warred inside me, telling me to laugh at her attempts to win me over. But I didn’t, honoring my decision to befriend her and see what I could uncover.
“Sure, if it means that much to you, we can go to town. Sounds like … fun,” I plastered a smile on my face.
We made arrangements for the next day, and I escaped into the house. I didn’t encounter anyone as I arrived inside my room, and leaning back against the closed door, I let out a huge sigh and groaned.
A day of shopping with Amber—heaven help me.
Chapter Eight
“So where did you want to go first?” I asked, pressing the remote to lock the car before pocketing my keys. I stepped onto the sidewalk and looked up and down the street.
Woodside Hollow had a lot of cute boutiques that brought in a constant stream of tourists, but the area was pretty quiet right now with only a trickle of early shoppers. Hopefully it meant this trip wouldn’t take long, and we’d be able head back. The drive here had been awkward at first—both of us offering the customary inquiries into each other’s day. There’d been an extended period of silence, and we’d let out a soft sigh when we finally approached town.
“I guess we can pick a direction and head that way first. In fact,” Amber paused as she peered over my shoulder, something catching her attention. “Why don’t we try walking down there?”
Shrugging, we began, occasionally stopping to peek into a shop’s window display. I tried not to think about the argument I’d had earlier with Mason about coming today. He didn’t like my plan of trying to gain more information by spending time with Amber, even though I thought it couldn’t hurt. The investigation was in full swing now, and even I knew every little detail counted. I’d asked him to trust me, giving him the promise that if it proved a waste of time, I’d agree to keep away from her. It’d taken some effort to convince him, so I mentally crossed my fingers, hoping I could uncover something—anything to help. A few hours of sacrifice was easy to make if it meant we could get rid of Amber once and for all.
“So, are you looking for anything in particular?” I asked, after we had gone into what seemed liked the hundredth shop and leaving empty handed. Coming to town with Amber had seemed like a good idea at the time, but I wasn’t learning anything new.
“Well …,” she paused, avoiding my eyes. She released a sigh and stopped walking. “I am. I wanted to get you and Mason something as a mating ritual gift. I saw you were starting to get deliveries this morning, and it gave me the idea.”
I crinkled my brow. “Don’t you think that’s inappropriate?”
“I know what it might look like, but I really want to do something to show I support you both. I can’t change my past, but this would be a good start,” Amber explained.
“Then I’d save your money, because there’s no way Mason would ever accept it.” I kept my answer short, ignoring the look of hurt that flashed across her features.
“But, I thought if he saw how well we got along today… if you could tell him how truly sorry I am … he would.”
There it was—the whole reason behind the invitation. Here I’d thought I was keeping a closer eye on her, but she was actually trying to use me as a way to get access to Mason. The fact I hadn’t realized it sooner infuriated me.
“Is that what this was all about? Make nice with Darcy and you get closer to Mason? I hate to break it to you, but there’s no way he’ll ever trust or forgive you for what you’ve done. I can see I was an idiot to even think you were worth believing.” Scanning her expression, I shook my head and murmured. “Same game, different tactics.”
“I honestly wanted …,” Amber stuttered, trying to explain, but I wanted no part of it.
“Save it for someone who cares. I think it’s best we go our separate ways from here.” I noticed her glance back in the direction of the car. “Is there someone who can come get you?”
“Please, Darcy.”
“Enough. I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt, but you’re a fool if you thought getting us gifts was the right thing to do.” I raised my hand for her to stop when she opened her mouth to interrupt. “I’d say shopping has been fun, but it hasn’t.”
Turning around on the spot, I ignored her for a brief moment. “You may as well come out now. I know you’re there,” I called. I heard the sound of someone jogging behind me, their footsteps loud as they came up beside me. My eye also caught another movement, and looking to the left, I could see Jonas crossing the street to join us.
“So, how long have you known we were there?” Daniel asked with a sheepish grin on his face.
“I knew the moment Mason said okay, and we left the property. I would’ve mentioned it then, but I didn’t want to spoil your fun.” I laughed, bumping shoulders with him. “It’s not every day you both get to play stealthy ninja after all.”
He chuckled and stuck his hands in the front pockets of his jeans. “Mason thought it would be better if we kept a slight distance—close enough to watch and reach you, but enough to give you a semblance of privacy.”
Jonas finally reached us, catching the tail end of Daniel’s comment. “Well, this is embarrassing. What gave us away?”
“Nothing, guys, I promise. You were doing a pretty good job, but I ran into a problem here with Amber, and we’re parting ways. I know the terms of the asylum say she needs to be protected at all times, so can one of you go with her, and the other come with me? I still have shopping to take care of.”
Jonas and Daniel glanced at Amber, who hadn’t spoken a word since they’d joined us. She appeared annoyed, but I didn’t care. The sooner we could decide the security detail the better.
“If one of you could just take me home, I’d appreciate it,” Amber spoke, staring at the ground in front of her. Her fingers tightly gripped her bag, and she’d stopped trying to catch my attention.
“I’ll take you. There are things I need to get done back at home anyway.” Turning to me, Jonas patted his jean pockets. “Can I use your car? I drove with Daniel, and he’ll be staying with you.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I added, and I tossed him my keys. “Amber knows where we parked—it’s only about three or four blocks away.” I pointed down the street, and without a goodbye, Amber pivoted on her toes and stormed off in the direction. Taking that as his cue to leave, Jonas jogged away to follow after her.
“Looks like I’m all yours.” Daniel grinned, and I let out a sigh of relief. Maybe the trip to Woodside Hollow was salvageable, now that I had him with me, and I didn’t have to worry about secret agendas.
We began to walk, and rounding the corner to take a different street, I pulled out my phone to call Mason.
“Hey, sweetheart, you surviving?” he asked, picking up after the first ring.
“You were right.”
“What happened?” I could hear the worry in his voice. “Are you okay?
I laughed for the first time since coming to Woodside Hollow. “Yeah, I’m fine. Amber and I had words, and we parted ways—Daniel’s staying with me, and Jonas is escorting Amber home. I was just calling to say you were right about not trusting her.”
I told him about our conversation, and her wanting to purchase a mating ritual gift. It had irritated me how even though I’d accused her of playing games, she was still adamant about having changed.
“It was a long shot, Darcy, b
ut the good thing is you can steer clear of her now. You coming home?” His voice was hopeful. “I’ve been busy in my office all morning, and I could use the distraction.”
“Actually, I’m thinking of checking out one more store and then having lunch. Why don’t you come join me?” There was the sound of papers moving, and then a small moment of silence over the phone.
“I can be there in an hour. Meet you at our usual place?”
“Of course. I love you.”
He replied in the same manner, and ending the call, I pocketed my phone. I stood there briefly, the sun starting to warm the air, and I smiled. I couldn’t think of a better way to make up for the lousy start to this outing than to have a lunch date with the man I loved—that and visiting my favorite store.
“So I gather the phone call went good?” Daniel moved beside me as we walked. “I thought you might give him an ear full about being followed.”
I patted him on the shoulder and laughed. “I knew he’d send someone to watch over Amber as part of his responsibility, and with the potential danger surrounding her, he’d also want to keep me safe.”
“Yeah, he also doesn’t trust Amber. He doesn’t want to take any risks—not with you,” Daniel replied.
“I understand, that’s why it doesn’t bother me. In fact,” I paused as I caught sight of an approaching store sign. “There’s something I want to show you, and then you can tell Mason all about how brilliant your stalking was.” I grinned, and I tugged on his hand to follow.
Lace & Sparkles Boutique was a newer store, and it stocked some of the most gorgeous dresses I’d ever seen. Everything a girl could want, when planning her perfect wedding, was sold there, and I’d spent many hours wandering through the establishment trying to decide what I wanted for the mating ritual. There were so many exquisite items to choose from—elaborately designed gowns, with expensive beading and lacework, to simple yet elegant shifts with endless reams of sheer material. I had my eye on a few, and I was giddy about being able to finally show someone.
My stomach did a series of excited flip-flops as I entered. The inside was like a wedding wonderland, and I found myself pulled into the soft embrace of the owner, Harmony. When she released me, I noticed a blush across her cheeks, and wondered what it was from.
“Hello, Daniel,” she spoke, her voice coming out a little breathy. I raised my eyebrows and grinned. Her eyes held a twinkle, and the corner of her mouth curled into a shy smile.
“Well, isn’t this my lucky day?” Daniel flirted, and before I could blink, he reached for her hand and kissed the back of it as if he was some fine gentleman.
This caused poor her face to flush even stronger, and I gave Daniel a sharp kick to the leg to stop. At this rate, all it would take was a few more words—I was positive she’d have a heart attack or at the very least pass out.
“I just thought I’d stop by while I was in town,” I mentioned, and tried not to laugh when she had a hard time dragging her stare away from Daniel’s. I knew it was a difficult thing to do, because I’d seen Jasmine act the same way. Harmony finally seemed to gather herself to together, and turned to face me.
“I wondered when you’d return. It’s only a few weeks away, and you’ll need just the right dress for the ritual.” She smiled, getting back to the matter at hand. “Do you want me to go get it? I’ve been keeping it in the storeroom on the off chance you’ll change your mind and take it home.”
The dress—the one I favored above all the others. I felt another flutter of butterflies as I nodded. Even though I’d been debating back and forth over a few gowns, the one Harmony returned with was undoubtedly my favorite. It was the thing made of dreams, and I’d nicknamed it my princess dress because of how it made me feel.
“Please tell me you’re not going to make me sit and watch you try on countless dresses,” Daniel said, letting out a tortured sigh. His fingers were busy playing with the laced edge of a nearby veil. He grunted when he caught himself, immediately dropping his hand as if he’d been burned. “I love you and all, but this is way too girly for me.”
“It didn’t stop you from making puppy dog eyes at Harmony, though,” I teased. “I didn’t realize you knew her.”
“I know all the pretty girls, Darcy,” he drawled, cocking his eyebrow in a roguish manner.
I rolled my eyes, ready to offer him a snarky comment, but Harmony returned before I could continue.
Daniel forgotten, I rushed forward, and lifted the gown into my arms. Swirling around, I faced one of the wall mirrors, and held it up to my body. It was just as I remembered. I heard her chuckle, and chewing on my bottom lip, I looked at her in silent question.
“Go ahead, you know you want to,” she replied, laughing as I practically skipped toward the dressing room area. Stripping out of my clothes, my hands shook a little as I released the zipper and lowered the dress so I could step into it. It didn’t matter how many times I did this, it always felt like the first.
A knock at the door revealed the storeowner again, and she helped with the rest, making sure not to pinch my skin as she fastened the back. Fluffing the material and smoothing it out with her hands, she lead me to the special area she’d built which housed floor to ceiling mirrors in a circle. There was a platform in the center, and as I stepped up, careful not to tread on anything, my breath hitched when I caught a glimpse of my reflection.
The dress was in the color of the softest cream, and it seemed to make my skin glow. With small straps that gathered on my shoulders, the gown was an A-line cut, and I adored the way the material fell to the floor. It was made with two different kinds of cloth—the bodice and underskirt the softest of taffeta while over the top was tulle that made a swishing noise as I moved.
Everything about it was beautiful, especially the way the light reflected off the tiny glass gems someone had painstakingly sewn to the netting. It sparkled, and it was one of the things that had drawn me to the dress. But my favorite part was the intricate beadwork at the top of the bodice. With a combination of the same glass beads and pearls of different sizes, it came down into a V-shape over my chest. It was the perfect embellishment.
“Are you taking it home today?” Harmony asked, as I tried to catch the different angles in the mirrors. It was a good question—one I asked myself each time I came in. I didn’t know why I was so hesitant. My heart had decided the second I’d first put the dress on.
“Yes, she’ll be taking it,” Daniel interrupted—reminding me he was still in the room and had seen the absolute joy on my face over the dress. I looked at him, and he held up his hand to shush me. “One look at you and Mason will forget his name.” His voice seemed to hitch, the emotion thick in his tone. “You look beautiful, Darcy.”
I glanced over Harmony, and let out a sigh. Nodding to the storeowner, I told her I was ready to buy it. Exhilaration filled me as I carefully undressed, my hands trembling faintly as I gave one more caress and handed it over to be placed into a garment bag.
I had my mating dress, the reality of the ritual one step closer. After making arrangements to have it delivered within the next few days to the house, Daniel and I left to meet with Mason for lunch.
I was pretty sure I floated to the restaurant—hope for the future overflowing in my heart.
Chapter Nine
I could spot Mason from a mile away.
Standing outside Suza’s, he was leaning up against his car, legs crossed while scrolling through his cell phone. He must’ve sensed me coming, because the moment I was within calling distance, he looked up and a wide grin instantly covered his face. I hurried forward, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“Miss me much?” He chuckled.
“Only a little,” I replied, leaning forward to kiss him. “Guess what?”
He paused slightly, studying my features. “I’d say by the look on your face, and the way you practically bowled me over, you were trying on a certain dress.” He brushed the side of my cheek with his finger, causing tingles to f
lare through my body.
“And I bought it.” I giggled, unable to hold it in any longer.
“You did? Wow, I figured I’d have to twist your arm more before you finally caved. What made you change your mind?” He stooped to peer into my eyes.
“Me,” Daniel added, approaching the two of us. “You’re going to flip when you see her in it, Bro. She looked amazing … made me want to whisk her away from you so I could marry her.” I swatted him hard, as he placed his hand over his heart, smiling.
“Not a chance, jerk. Find your own woman.” Mason offered his friend a good-natured shove.
“Women … he has women, apparently.” I rolled my eyes, ignoring the sounds of laughter that followed.
Mason stepped forward and pounded Daniel on the back. “Your love life aside, it looks like I have you to thank. From everything I’ve heard of this dress, Darcy is going to dazzle everyone.” He grabbed hold of my hand and squeezed. “Is there any chance of getting a private showing before the ritual?”
“No way, mister. You’ll just have to wait like everyone else,” I teased, pulling him in the direction of the restaurant.
Suza’s was our all-time favorite joint to eat at—not to mention it was the restaurant where we’d had our first date. There were other great places to go to, but we always seemed to gravitate back here at least once or twice a month. The food was to die for.
Finding the booth we wanted to use, Mason slid in beside me while Daniel took the opposite seat. The waitress handed out the menus and took our drink order. The room was relatively quiet for the time of day, and I was grateful we’d missed the lunch rush. This way we could sit and visit without the scrutiny of others.
“So I’m guessing since you two are together, you let Darcy know you were following her,” Mason stated, casually flipping through the menu before settling his gaze on Daniel. Catching the guilty look, he turned to me. “Did you see him?” When I shook my head, he nodded. “Well, at least you were discrete. What gave him and Jonas away?”
Forget Me Not (#2, The Mystic Wolves) Page 6