“I’m sorry,” she said. “I don’t know where that came from.”
“Did you mean it?”
How did she answer? It wasn’t fair to lay that at his feet. She was bitchy, neurotic and a target.
“River?”
“Truth?”
“Nothing but.”
This time when she stepped back, his arms fell to his sides. She gazed up into his eyes and, not for the first time in her life, she wanted to run. The reason may be different, but the urge was there. She stood her ground and kept his gaze.
“I don’t know. I know I feel different with you. I want to be near you. Knowing you will be leaving hurts, like a splinter in my heart. If that’s the definition of love, then I guess I’m there.”
“You don’t seem very happy about it,” Kevin’s eyes were narrowed as if he were straining to see through to her soul. His lips formed a line as straight as a carpenter’s level.
“I can give you a hundred reasons why,” she answered, “but I think we’d best save this conversation for later. I need to stop by the police station before I see my aunt. I should also check to see if there is any additional information on Dan’s memorial service. She’ll want to know.” River paused. “Can we talk tonight when I’m not as rushed, and my mind is clear? Hopefully clear, I should say.”
His answer was a kiss. It was deep, demanding, and giving. She responded with the same vigor and enthusiasm. Her center warmed. The bedroom was only a few feet away. A few more steps and they would be there—then Kevin broke away.
“Go take your shower,” he said, turning her by her shoulders so that she faced the bathroom. “I’ll fix us something to eat.”
River slipped from the bath to the bedroom wrapped in a large towel. Kevin had to rein in the primal instinct to follow her. Instead, he broke several eggs into a bowl and began to scramble them, doing his best to distract himself from the knowledge there was nothing beneath the towel but the body he was beginning to know simply by touch. She’d asked for some time. He’d give it to her, but his carnal and emotional needs battled inside him. He wanted her love because he’d come to the realization he was in love with her. Bad timing on both their parts.
As soon as he’d exited the bath this morning, he’d caught sight of her through the living room window as she stood on the porch. The urge to yank her back inside and away from any possible harm had him rushing toward the door, but he’d stopped. The wistful way she’d stared at the sculpture touched his heart. It wasn’t possible to be her protector forever—nor would the tough woman want him to be. In addition, what sort of relationship would they have if he didn’t trust her to make her own decisions?
So, he’d watched her, and the area beyond, as he gave her some time alone with her family. She had a deep connection to this place—one that would be hard, if not impossible, to break. There was the obvious beauty of the mountains along with the memories of her mother, father and little brother. It wasn’t possible for him to imagine the pain of losing her entire family the way she had or of being the one who’d been left behind. How often did River feel alone in this world—even deserted? Based on their conversations, Dan and her aunt had tried to fill the void, how could anyone ever take the place of a loving parent, let alone two?
When his heart and his nerves told him she’d been outside alone too long, he hustled her inside. The confession of love had surprised them both. He wanted to delve into the revelation, but she’d been right. Her plate was full this morning. Tonight would be soon enough.
Speaking of plates, he found her small stash of dishes. Nothing fancy, but they served their purpose. The microwave pinged as River exited the bedroom.
“Something smells good,” she said.
“Eggs and sausage. Troy and Colt left some provisions, but not a large variety.”
“Sounds great. I’m hungry. Last night’s soup didn’t fill much of a hole.”
“How’s the head?” he asked. “I expected a bit of a hangover this morning.”
“I wasn’t lying when I said I can hold my liquor. No aftereffects. I think I was just tired and worn out. The bourbon added a punch.”
“Your body needed it,” Kevin commented as he dumped the eggs in the hot skillet. “You were in there a while,” he said, indicating the bedroom. “Did you call your aunt?”
“No, not yet. I did call Dan’s son, Jacob. The memorial is the day after tomorrow. Would you go with me?”
“I’d be honored to pay my respects.” Kevin had already planned to go. It was going to be rough on her. She’d need support. Besides, you never knew who might show up. It would be a good idea for Colt or Troy to also be there. They’d be extra eyes watching for anything unusual.
“So, you still have to call you aunt?” Kevin asked, cutting into a sausage link.
“Yes.” River rubbed the bridge of her nose.
“Are you nervous about calling her?”
“A little. She’s going to be surprised I’m here. I didn’t tell her when I was coming.”
“I’d think she’d be happy you’re back.”
She puffed out her cheeks. “She would be—if I wasn’t staying here. I told you, she’s always been against my moving into the cabin. Knowing Dan was killed here, she’ll think I’m nuts. I expect that to be a point of contention.”
“You’re an adult. You’re free to make your own decisions.” He reached across the table and took her hand. “Are you concerned she’ll be upset I’m here?”
“She’ll be fixated on my staying at the cabin. You’ll only be a blip on her radar.”
“I can understand her aversion. She lost her sister here. As I said, you’re an adult. You have the right to be here and, if you’re happy here, then she should be happy for you.”
River pushed back from the table. “She is happy for me, but she can’t get past her hatred of this place. She claims the property is jinxed or evil.”
“Could she have a point?” He joined her at the sink.
“Huh?” The skin across her forehead rippled. Her eyes were wide.
“What I’m asking is there something here that draws evil, for lack of a better word, to this place? Is it possible there’s something of value on this land? Something that would make it worth the campaign of harassment to get you off of it?”
Shaking her head, she ran water in the sink and added dish soap. “I lived here for years before the gaslighting started.”
“Maybe they were in jail or out of the country.”
“You must read too many thrillers,” she said. “Even if it were the case, they would have gotten what they wanted when I left for Florida.”
“I’ll ask Troy and Colt if either of them checked the property.” He dried the dish she’d handed him. He smiled at her exaggerated eye roll.
“Knock yourselves out,” she told him.
River gave him the details of Dan’s memorial then went to her office to call her aunt. Kevin noted the changes in River’s demeanor when she spoke about her aunt. There was the obvious affection for the woman who helped raise her, but there was also an underlying anxiety. Was it guilt? She’d mentioned a number of times that she felt she’d interfered with Amy’s personal life when she’d been saddled with a teen to raise. Kevin was looking forward to meeting Amy and getting his take on her. She’d made major changes to her life to take on an orphaned niece. She deserved kudos for that alone. The alternative would have been the social services system for River. For a young teenage girl, the results could have been disastrous.
Kevin took the time to text Colt and Troy then waited for one of them to call him back. He didn’t have to wait long.
“How are things there?” Colt asked, skipping the niceties.
“Quiet. River is talking to her aunt now. If Amy isn’t tied up, we’ll head over there when they’re finished.” Kevin glanced at the closed door. “I assume Troy has watch duty since you’re the one who’s calling?”
“He took over this morning. No movements last nigh
t,” he reported.
“I’ll send a text with the information for Dan’s service. I’ll go with River, but if one of you is free, I’d like another set of eyes.”
“Whoever has the cleanest shirt will be there.”
“Did you search the property for anything unusual or out of place while you were here?” Kevin asked.
“We walked it. Didn’t notice anything. Why? Something off?”
“No. I had this hairbrained idea that River might have been chased off so someone would be free to search the property at will.” It did sound crazy when he said it out loud.
“You’re not thinking buried treasure?”
“Nothing that exotic. Why would anyone go to the trouble they did to chase her away? Was there something here they needed time to find?”
“I think you’re reaching. We’ll go over the grounds again, but remember she’s been gone for months. If your theory has merit, they’ve had plenty of time to find whatever it was they wanted. By now, nature would have covered their tracks.”
Kevin huffed. “I’m grasping at straws, I guess. You still think Roxbury is our best lead?”
“Right now, it’s all we have to go on. It’s a good lead with a connection to the Engleharts.”
“Did Rick get anything from the prison yet?” The door to River’s workroom opened. She leaned into the doorjamb waiting for him to finish. He didn’t think he’d ever get tired of the sight of her.
“I talked to Rick last night. He hasn’t spoken with the warden again. He’s pushed as hard as he thinks he can without severing that tie altogether. The guy’s radar is up. Rick thinks he’s a straight shooter and won’t let the matter drop. We’re going to have to wait for him to get back to us.”
“Thanks, Colt. Call if anything turns up. And get some rest.”
“Are we ready to hit the road?” Kevin asked River as he pocketed his phone. She gave him a small smile. He was becoming familiar with her body language and facial expressions. In this case, they told him the conversation wasn’t as stressful as she’d expected.
“Looks like,” she said. “Aunt Amy is home. She’s prepping for an event tonight. Don’t be surprised if we wind up being taste-testers.”
“I think I can handle that.”
“You just had breakfast.”
“So?” He grinned at her raised brows. Those blue eyes glinted from the sunlight streaming through the windows. He was surprised how easily they still robbed him of his breath.
32
Kevin had insisted on driving even though she could have made the drive with her eyes closed. Now she wished she’d argued the point. If she’d been behind the wheel, her mind would be occupied with something other than the admission she’d blurted out earlier.
River gave him points for not pushing the subject. His singular response to her declaration of love had been the searing kiss that almost had her stripping him bare where they stood. What had possessed her to give voice to her feelings? It didn’t matter. She’d said it and she’d promised to discuss it tonight. At the moment, she had no idea what would come out of her mouth, but she’d be honest with him. He deserved no less.
They made the final turn onto Mill Creek Road. She’d warned her aunt she was bringing a friend. During the call, Aunt Amy had peppered her with questions. River had put her off. What had surprised River was her aunt hadn’t said a single word about her staying in the cabin. Perhaps she was distracted learning River hadn’t returned alone.
Like most of the properties in the area, Aunt Amy’s home sat on a couple of acres of land. People liked their open spaces out here. She lived close enough to Asheville to service her customers, but far enough away to avoid most of the tourists who flocked to the area.
Kevin pulled into the driveway and parked near the front walk. “She’s not going to be surprised by my presence, is she?” he asked.
The drive had been made in silence. Both of them internalizing their thoughts. Now that they had arrived at their destination, it would seem their minds were focusing on the current issue.
“She knows I’m bringing someone with me, and she knows about most of the shit that went down in Florida. I left out a few details—like getting shot at. Do not tell her. She’ll freak out.”
“Anything else I should veer away from?” he asked, opening the driver’s side door. “Does she know you were accosted twice?”
“Yes. I think I told her everything, but the events surrounding the shooting since it wasn’t connected to this end of things. I didn’t see any point in worrying her,” she said slipping off the seat.
“And us? Does she know you and I have a relationship?” Kevin took her by the elbow as they made their way up the walk.
“She’ll figure it out quick enough.”
The door swung open as they stepped onto the porch. Aunt Amy stood in the front door of the old farmhouse with a dish towel thrown over her shoulder. River smiled. Some things never changed. There was always a dish towel.
River stepped into her aunt’s open arms. As soon as they locked around her, she began to cry. “Dan’s gone,” she said. “Why? Why did they have to kill him?” As her aunt squeezed her tight, River opened the flood gates and bawled. Dan had been a huge part of her life. Like Aunt Amy, he’d been there when she needed him.
With one last squeeze, River took a step back and met the eyes of the tall woman she hadn’t seen in eight months. She smelled of spices, something lemony and home. She’d altered the direction of her life to step up and take in a frightened fourteen-year-old girl. River was old enough to realize she’d been a handful—a teenager filled with guilt, anger and grief—but Aunt Amy had done exactly that.
She hadn’t changed much while River had been gone. She’d kept her pixie hairstyle, a style that suited her both in features and career—no hair to get in her way while preparing her catering jobs. River noted the gray streaks in her dark brown hair. Had it been there when she’d left, or had the last year been particularly hard on her aunt? She was forty-eight years old but looked older. A sliver of shame engulfed River. Had she been so wrapped up in herself that she hadn’t bothered to pay closer attention to her aunt?
“This is Kevin Slawter,” she said, grabbing his hand and pulling him to her side. “He’s the man who came to my rescue on the beach when I was attacked.”
“Nice to meet you, Ms. Scott,” Kevin said, extending his hand.
“Did you follow her here to protect her or for another reason?”
“Aunt Amy. It’s none of your business.” River hadn’t dated much when she’d lived with her aunt and there was never anyone special in college. She’d never brought someone to meet her aunt.
“I’m here for moral support,” Kevin told her.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to be short. This is all very upsetting besides being so rushed at the moment. Why don’t we get in from out of the dampness?” Her aunt stepped into the entry hall. “Do you mind if I work while we talk?”
River relaxed a bit. She remembered her aunt was on a deadline. It wasn’t unusual for her to be tense when she was pushed.
“I warned Kevin we’d probably wind up taste testers,” she smiled. “I’ve missed your cooking.”
“Sadly, you didn’t inherit that gene.”
“No, I lean more to the artistic side,” River teased.
“Hey, I’m artistic, too. I just do it with food.”
“Good thing. I don’t think there would be a lot of demand for your stick figure seating plans.”
Her aunt laughed as she entered her kitchen. This was her comfort zone. She was always happiest in the midst of cooking.
“I think I have an hors d’oeuvre or two to spare.”
The room hadn’t changed since River had last visited. The kitchen had been enlarged years before to accommodate restaurant-size double ovens, cooktop and sink. A humongous worktable filled the center of the room.
“What’s the venue?” River asked, pulling out one of the stools from under the counte
rtop.
“A nice-sized book club in South Asheville,” Aunt Amy answered.
“Biltmore Forest?” River asked, grinning. Only a book club in Biltmore Forest would have their gathering catered. It was the wealthiest neighborhood in Asheville, sitting next to the famous Biltmore Estates. “That’s fantastic.”
“It’s not a big deal,” her aunt commented as she piped filling into small phyllo shells.
“You should be excited. There’s a lot of old money in that neighborhood. This might turn into something bigger.”
“You know I don’t do big events. I’d need a bigger kitchen, have to hire help—I’d need more of everything. I’ve put what I can into this business. It’s a Catch 22. I would have to cater bigger events to grow, but I can’t grow unless I get bigger events. The other option is to gamble—to take out a loan, move to a commercial location, and hire staff.” Her aunt shrugged. “This is fine. I’m happy with this set-up. I do a good business. You know that.”
“I do. I didn’t mean to touch a nerve.” River couldn’t blame her aunt for not wanting to go through the hassle of a loan and the debt that would hang over her head. Aunt Amy had always said she was happy with the way things were. River hadn’t pushed. Perhaps it was time they talked about it. River was flush, thanks to the trust and portfolio left to her by her parents. She’d make time to sit down with her aunt and discuss her business after the current crisis passed.
“No nerve touched, sweetie.”
Two small plates appeared on the countertop in front of River and Kevin. A half-dozen hors d’oeuvres adorned each piece of china.
“These look delicious,” Kevin said, complimenting her aunt.
“What are these creations?” River asked.
“You should remember most of them, but these two are new,” she said, pointing out two items on the plate. “The puffed pastry is stuffed with quail and a Boursin cheese and the bacon wrapped item is rabbit rumaki. I was lucky to get my hands-on fresh game this late in the season. Now, you didn’t come here for recipes,” her aunt said. “When is the memorial?”
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