Lawson

by Anna Joung

  “Kayla?” I answered, “Everything okay?”

  “Everything is fine. Cillian has been at the garage again today, business is really picking up for him. Beltline Fad is doing really well too, especially after a purchase from a particularly beautiful woman this morning.”

  I sighed wearily, “Get to the point, Kayla. I just got home and I’d like to get the fire started before I have to use Thor as a fur coat.”

  She laughed, “If you lived on the grid like the rest of us then you wouldn’t have this issue. I never understood why you planted yourself out there in the mountains. We miss you back here in Chester. This was always your home.”

  Chester. My home. More of a prison. All the memories, all the pain. No matter how far I try and run, I’ll always end up back here. But why?

  I swept my thoughts away to formulate a response, “I come into town for my weekly shop, you can see me then if you’re feeling nostalgic. Otherwise, I really had better get going. I’m getting hungry.”

  “Wait!” she shouted, “I’ve got you a customer. The woman that came in this morning wants to go rock-climbing. I told her to come in tomorrow and I’ll give her directions to your house.”

  A woman? How I miss the touch of a woman. I mustn’t let my emotions take control. All that ever ends in is pain.

  “Does she have any rock-climbing experience? Why is she all the way out here, in Chester?”

  “In answer to your first question, I’m not sure, she didn’t mention anything. In answer to your second question, she came out here on the pretense of a romantic vacation. Turns out her fiancé tricked her and went hunting with his buddies. Now she’s looking for something to do and I pointed her in your direction, it even got me a sale. I know you need the work and it would be good for you to have some female company up there. The girl clearly is unhappy in her relationship and I’m sure someone like you could help her…”

  “I’ll stop you right there,” I interrupted, “I’m not some charity case you need to work your magic on. I gave you the leaflets to put in your display, I don’t need you to be my personal saleswoman. And for that matter, I also don’t need you to play cupid. Now, Kayla, goodnight.”

  I hung up before she could say anything. I tossed the phone onto the couch, glaring at the empty fireplace as I did so. A scowl worked its way up my face as I started the fire. It wasn’t until I was making dinner that thoughts starting to invade my stubbornness.

  I really could do with the business. It wouldn’t be the worst thing to earn a couple extra bucks. It would take my mind off my mom. Plus, Kayla said the woman had been hurt by her fiancé. Wouldn’t it be the honorable thing to help a woman in distress? Maybe this Spring Break will bring something interesting after all….

  Chapter 2

  Hailey

  The bell over the doorway tinkled as I stepped into the shop. The now-familiar musty smell hit me as I delved in deeper until Kayla burst out from the backroom. Her face lit up upon seeing me and I couldn't help but feel drawn to her cheerfulness. As I headed towards the counter, I absent-mindedly ran my hands along the fabrics.

  “Hi, how are you today?” she beamed.

  “I’m good, thank you. Better now I know I have something to do for the rest of this vacation. Did you manage to get in touch with Mr. Camden?”

  Please tell me you have. I can't bear another minute stuck in that cabin having to listen to those boys drone on about their hunting. Every lifeless touch from my fiancé is driving me to the brink of despair.

  She nibbled at her lower lip for a moment before nodding enthusiastically, "Yes, of course, he'll be happy to see you. Silly me, I forgot to print the directions! Be right back!"

  I tilted my head in confusion, watching as the bizarre woman rushed out of the room. She looked like she was trying to hide something.

  But what? Is this man as safe as she said he is? Am I going to be walking into a trap? Maybe it’s some game the locals play with tourists?

  Anxiety took over and I felt myself huddling into the long row of dresses. It wasn’t until I felt a silk evening dress brush over my cheek that I started to calm myself, the panic attack subsiding.

  I’m being irrational. I’m just not used to being out in the country. Look at Kayla, she’s the sweetest woman. There’s no way a mother would ever hurt someone intentionally. I’m just being silly.

  I had just clambered out of my makeshift hiding spot when she came hurtling back into the room, waving the document. Plastering a fake smile on my face, I headed back to the counter where she was waiting.

  “Here it is,” she slammed the paper down, pointing as she did so, “Lawson lives up here in Memphis Valley between The Iron Peaks. It’s about a forty-five-minute drive from town to his. All you have to do is make a couple of turns and then you’ll be on the road. This road here will lead you directly to his house, just don’t turn off anywhere and you’ll reach it. It’s the lonely looking building in the middle of nowhere. You’ll know when you see it.”

  I accepted the map gratefully, folding it as I tucked it into the back of my jeans. Before I left, she grabbed hold of my hands and stared into my eyes intently, as though looking for something.

  "Lawson is a bit different to the rest, a real diamond in the rough. He may come across as intimidating at first but I'm sure, once you've broken past that initial barrier, you'll get along with him just fine. I have a good feeling about you."

  Nodding, I backed away slowly, the look in her eyes mysterious. I knew there was some misted meaning behind her words but what it was, I couldn’t tell.

  “Thank you, Kayla, for all your help. I’ll let you know how we get on.”

  I waved goodbye as I left the shop, the bell once again tinkling about the door. I stared at Matthew’s car, parked outside next to the sidewalk. I had waited until he had left early in the morning with the boys before sneaking the keys from his coat pocket and going into town with it. I was hoping they would be back late so he wouldn’t notice, he loved his Range Rover and would kill me if he found out I had done anything to it. Despite having my license, he never trusted me to drive his cars, claiming that women shouldn’t be behind wheels.

  Chauvinistic pig. If only my father bothered to see past his alliance and realize the position he’s putting me in. The man he is asking me to marry is no Prince Charming.

  Clambering into the car, I held my hands on the wheel for a moment, staring out at the road ahead. After pulling the map out from my jeans, I placed it on the dashboard, examining the route before starting the engine. As I followed the path, the buildings ebbed away and once again I was crowded by whispering trees overhead and towering mountains shadowing the road. I was about twenty minutes out of town when I heard my phone ringing. I had hooked it up to the Bluetooth in the car and answered hands-free.

  “Hello?”

  “Hailey!” the voice squealed, “It’s so good to hear from you. It’s been a nightmare trying to find some time for myself lately. I’ve been meaning to call you for a while now.”

  “Margot?” I asked, the excitement of hearing my sister’s voice evident, “How are you? How was the vacation with Charles?”

  She snorted, "I might as well be invisible. I'll never understand why my father hooked me up with such a bland man. Bora Bora was stunning, I spent most of it being pampered on the beach whilst Charles stared at all the young girls in their skimpy bikinis. We all know I'm just an accessory to show around at parties."

  “Don’t say that,” I cooed, “I’m sure he loves you. Mom is still asking when she’ll be expecting grandchildren. Any news on that front?”

  “You really have to come down to earth sometime, Hailey. Our kind doesn’t marry for love, it marries for fortune. And mother puts a heavy burden on me for the grandchild front. I know circumstances aren’t good for you but can’t you and Matthew adopt when you’re ready? I’ve heard he’s after some heirs to carry on his name. Have you told him about your condition yet?”

  I breathed deeply,
the thought of telling Matthew that I wouldn’t be able to conceive crushed me. He may not be the most loving man in the world but it would drive him away if he found out I wasn’t capable of giving him a son.

  He'll consider me half a woman if that. Am I? Shouldn't every woman be able to bring life into this world?

  No matter how many times I beat myself up about it, I still couldn’t bring myself to tell my fiancée. Not to mention I was under special instruction.

  “Dad said I wasn’t to tell Matthew until after the wedding. You know how he is with Mr. Pemberton.”

  “Lord Pemberton,” she corrected, “They do things differently in Britain. It’s a hereditary title which means, once you’re married, you’ll be Lady Pemberton. At least you have that going for you. I know Matthew isn’t your favorite person. Mom told me that he’d taken you on a romantic vacation for Spring Break, where are you now?”

  I emitted a sharp laugh, “In the middle of nowhere, some town called Chester. Right now, I’m Lady Country of the mountains.”

  We both chuckled. A warm feeling settled over me at being able to speak with my elder sister again. Ever since she had gotten married and moved out of the family house, I had rarely a minute to speak to her. I knew she was under constant watch by her husband, Charles Langford, a rich politician that dad had seen fit to make the connection with. As we exchanged pleasantly, it made me miss having her around, even when we used to get into petty arguments. It wasn’t until I had passed through the mountains and entered the valley that I drew the conversation to an end. The ramshackle house came into view, just as described, covered in moss and various other vegetation.

  “Listen, Margot, I have to go. Look after yourself, okay?”

  “You too… I love you, Hailey.”

  “I love you too.”

  A felt a single hot tear run down my cheek as I ended the call. I was pining for my childhood when I was free to live my life without the pressure of marrying for social politics.

  I miss being in control of my life.

  I pulled up outside the house, the tires crunching on the rocks below. It was then I heard a bark before a fluffy brown wolf burst from the house, yapping at the window. I cowered into my seat, wondering what my next step was going to be when a silhouette appeared in the doorway. It wasn’t until he stepped into the light that my mouth dropped open. He had long curly hair falling almost to his shoulders, framing his carved face, complete with untamed stubble aligning his jawline. His thick eyebrows were planted over his dark brown eyes and his mouth twitched at the corner, bordering between an amused smile and a disapproving frown. I could see the muscles pulling against his shirt, even from the car. The attraction was magnetic; all I wanted to do was touch him, run my hand through his hair, trace his stubble with my fingers.

  Kayla forgot to mention the mountain man was so damn hot – this can only mean trouble.

  Chapter 3

  Lawson

  “Who are you? What are you doing here?” I shouted at the car over the sound of Thor’s barking.

  The light reflection from the window obscured my view of the driver and I was unable to make out any discerning features. I heard a voice answer inside but it was muffled by the sound of the dog.

  “Thor! Go inside,” I commanded.

  He looked at the car, reluctant to go inside until I gave him a shove with the side of my leg. Once he was inside the house, I closed the door and gestured for the driver to exit the car. After a minute, the door opened and out clambered a woman. She was the most stunning creature I had ever laid eyes upon.

  Wow. What’s a goddess like this doing out in these mountains? Is she here to see me?

  Whilst she was climbing out, it gave me time to gain composure before she stood directly in front of me. Her eyes narrowed as she surveyed me but there was something out than assessment in her eyes, there was a form of hunger I hadn’t seen in a woman before.

  “Can I help you?” I asked gruffly.

  “I came about the rock-climbing experience. Kayla from Beltline Fad told me about it. She said you were expecting me.”

  Damn it, Kayla!

  “Did she now?” I blew the hair from my face, “Well, she lied. Sure, she gave me a call yesterday but I specifically told her I’m not taking any more clients right now.”

  The woman placed her hands on her hips, looking about her, “Any more clients? It looks like you haven’t had any clients in a while. Listen, I don’t need to be here if I don’t have to. I need something to fill the time and I’m willing to pay.”

  I watched as she gave me her diva pout. I could tell from a glance that she was a woman used to having her way, no matter what. If it wasn’t for a certain look in her eyes, I would have chalked her up to being a typical whiny rich kid.

  That look of hunger, that look of need. But what does she want? It can't be me… can it?

  “Do you have any experience in rock-climbing?” I asked.

  “No…” she began.

  “Well then, I can’t take you,” I shrugged, “These mountains aren’t for beginners, especially at this time of year where the weather is unpredictable. I don’t think your daddy would like you coming home all scratched up and I don’t fancy a lawsuit because you need some entertainment. Now, if you don’t mind, get off my property.”

  I could feel the agitation building inside of me. I could see the look on her face, as though looking down on me.

  Just as it was at school. Everyone knew about my mom. Everyone judged the kid with the druggy mom. Even the teachers wanted nothing to do with me. I was bad news before they even knew me. And now here she is, judging me like them.

  I was ready for her to jump back in her luxury car and head off but then she did something unexpected. She sat down on the ground and started to cry. I didn’t know what to do, confusion over the change in temperament leaving me bewildered. After a moment, I shuffled over to her and crouched down to her level.

  “Are… you okay?” I asked, shifting a strand of her inky black hair to the side so I could see her eyes.

  Those eyes.

  Now I was up close to her, I could her sparkling crystal blue eyes. I could see the pain in them, the hopelessness, the loss. And then it hit me.

  She isn’t like the kids from school. She’s me.

  “Please just take me up the mountain,” she begged, gripping onto my shirt.

  After prying her fingers loose, I nodded, “Okay, I’ll take you. But I’m doubling my usual amount and I’m charging you for the gear too. I can only presume you don’t have any rock-climbing gear of your own?”

  She shook her head, a watery smile planted on her face. Everything inside me screamed at me to reach out and hold her, tell her everything was going to be okay. I hadn’t felt these emotions before and they were worrying me. I began to wonder if I was going mad. Luckily, she stood up before I let my feelings take control.

  “I’ll be back here, first thing tomorrow morning.”

  “Tomorrow?” I asked, taken aback, “That gives me very little warning, I should really check the climbing conditions…”

  “Tomorrow,” she interrupted, her tough girl act reappearing, “I won’t take no for an answer.”

  Knowing better than to argue I nodded, “First thing tomorrow morning, I know you rich girls don’t usually wake up until midday but I’m leaving this house at 8am sharp. You’re still entitled to pay the full amount even if you’re not here, do you understand me?”

  “I’ll be here,” she growled.

  Something about her fierceness lit a fire in the pit of my stomach. I wanted nothing more than to bend the rich girl over the hood of her car and ravage her, right there and then. Claim her ferocity as my own, assert my dominance over her.

  What has come over me? This can only lead to trouble. Is it too late to pull out now?

  “Give me your details just in case I need to contact you. You’ll need to message me your shoe size and measurements for the equipment.”

  She look
ed like she was about to protest handing over her personal details before biting down on her lip and taking the phone I was offering. I watched as she keyed in her information, her hair falling over her shoulder like a black waterfall, so silky and tempting to touch. As she stood there, I admired the profile of her body, the curves, and swells of her silhouette. Every inch calling out to be caressed.

  “Here,” she thrust the phone back at me, “I’ve taken the liberty to text myself so I have your number on my phone.”

  I scanned the name she had entered into the caller ID.

  Hailey Beaumont.

  “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, arrive as early as you want. The earlier the better so I can check the equipment on you. Remember, I’m leaving the house at 8.”

  She waved her hand dismissively, “I got it the first time. See you tomorrow Lawson.”

  I watched as she jumped back into her Range Rover, the engine starting almost immediately after. As she pulled away, the glare on the screen disappeared and I could once again see the broken woman within.

  Despite your attitude, Miss Beaumont, there’s something deep inside of you. Some beautiful sorrow waiting to break free. I may not be ready to open up my vault but maybe you are.

  It wasn’t until the car disappeared into the distance that I finally noticed the pawing at the door. Opening the door, Thor bounded out, growling at first before jumping up and licking my face. I bent down and wrapped him in a hug as I ruffled his fur.

  “Good boy,” I laughed, “You were ready to eat that mean lady up, weren’t you? No worries, she’ll be here tomorrow for an adventure. You had better be on your best behavior, I want to give a better second impression.”

  That night, as I surveyed my closet for the best-looking items, all I could think about was the woman from this morning. Hailey had been running through my mind all day and now I couldn’t help but feel drawn to the mysterious rich girl who had wound up at my door. When I finally settled into bed, it had turned into an obsession, something about her was driving me wild. I just knew something was different. As I finally fell asleep, one thought kept running through my head.