Hammered

by Cathryn Fox

  Officer Walker comes sauntering out of the place, and he stops before us. “Boys,” he says. “Shouldn’t you be home enjoying Sunday dinner?”

  “Just finished,” I say. “Out stretching our legs.”

  “Is that what you’re doing?” he asks. I nod, and he says, “This movie is bringing a lot of folks to town for a glimpse. Good for the economy. Winchester’s is busier than usual on a Sunday night.”

  “Yeah, much busier than usual,” I say, and add, “Maybe we should bring in extra security too.”

  Walker, the sly son of a bitch with a grudge against the Owens boys, says, “You think that’s necessary?”

  I give a casual shrug of indifference. “I’m just thinking you wouldn’t want any trouble in your town, Officer.” That seems to get his attention.

  “You expecting trouble, Tyler?”

  “Just saying. If this goes well, other production companies might want to film here. Like you said, it’s good for the economy.”

  He scrubs his chin, and before he walks away, he says, “Have you noticed anything unusual lately?”

  “No, but we should all be diligent and keep our eyes open,” I say, and he stares at me for a second before walking away. I didn’t straight up tell him about the stalker, but at least I put a bug in his ear, and since he prides himself on keeping crime low in Blue Bay, he won’t want any kind of trouble.

  We head inside, and at the door, all eyes turn to us as my cousin scans the establishment looking for the kid. I consider what everyone sees. Two tough-ass bikers looking for trouble. A few eyes shy away, and we head to the bar. Our buddy Beck, who owns the place, comes from the back.

  “What’s up, guys? Not used to seeing you here on a Sunday night. Looking for trouble?” he asks, only half teasing.

  “Just looking for a guy, about this tall, shaggy brown hair, thin, and kind of strung out.”

  Beck snorts and leans toward us. “You just described half the kids who summer here with their wealthy parents. Bored, buying drugs, trying to get lucky with the local girls.”

  “Yeah, you’re right,” I say, and spin on my stool. I crack my knuckles, anxious to introduce my fist to whoever is harassing my girl.

  My girl?

  Fuck yeah, she’s my girl, and I’d love to put a call into her brother to fill him in on what’s going on. Not with me sleeping with her, but that someone, maybe even one of his enemies, could be after her. Again, that would be breaking trust, and I can’t do that.

  I check the clock on the wall. “I have to go,” I tell my cousin, and we both head back outside. In less than half an hour, Haven is going to get the surprise of a lifetime. Before that happens, I have to make a quick trip to Benny’s to pick up the one thing that will make tonight extra special for her. I can’t wait to see her face when she sees her big surprise.

  15

  Haven

  While I’m having a great time chatting with Summer, Kylee and Gram, my gaze keeps roaming to the hallway leading to the front door, not that I can see who’s coming and going from my seat on the sofa. But I’m anxious, having no idea what Tyler is up to or where he’s gone, and while he was trying to play it cool earlier when he kissed me goodbye, he looked a little edgy, like he was itching for a fight. The others might not have noticed it—or maybe they did. They are, after all, family. For me, while I’m only pretending to be his girlfriend, after spending so much time with him, I’ve learned a few things about Tyler and have come to understand his body language a little bit better.

  Honestly, I’ve never considered myself a good judge of character. I usually just err on the side of caution and assume everyone has their own best interests at heart. Tyler, however, is proving to be so much more, a man of character and integrity. Solid and dependable. I’ve let my guard down with him more than any other man. Which is probably why I have a string of bad relationships behind me, and no, they weren’t all with my leading man. That’s just a stupid rumor.

  The front door opens and closes with a thud, and my heart slams right along with it, hoping, praying it’s Tyler, and he’s okay—that nothing bad happened to him. I mean, he’s a big guy, a dangerous looking man who could frighten anyone, but a stalker? They’re unpredictable. Irrational.

  I listen for the sound of his boots on the floor and when I hear his heavy, assured footsteps—easily able to pick them out now—relief rolls through me. Tyler constantly says I don’t know him, and he was right, at first. The more time we’re together, the more I realize he really is one of the good guys. I wish my brother could have seen this side of the man he hates. Not that it matters, really. They don’t need to be friends. Not for my sake anyway. I’ll probably never set eyes on Tyler once we’re done filming. God, I wish that thought didn’t leave me with a sour taste in my mouth.

  “Looks like the guys are back,” Gram says, pulling my thoughts back as her all-knowing eyes stray to me. I force a smile as she pushes to her feet and smooths her hands over her dress. I have a feeling nothing gets by her, but I’m not about to drag her into my troubles. I shouldn’t have involved Tyler, but was vulnerable when he asked me what was wrong. He was just so open and honest, so easy to talk to, I ended up spilling my secrets.

  Gram snickers. “That boy is probably hungry again.” She shuffles off to the kitchen, and muffled voices reach my ears as she speaks to Tyler.

  “I guess I should get going.” I lean in to give Devon, and a sleeping Jesse, a kiss goodnight.

  Kylee smiles up at me when I stand. “Don’t forget, Friday night, my place.”

  “I won’t, and I’m bringing a homemade dessert.” I pull a face and consider my talent in the kitchen. Not that there is anything to consider. But I want to bring something nice to the barbecue. I love the way they’ve all brought me into their circle, the way they’re treating me like family. It’s insane how much I want to be a part of this loving clan, but Tyler and I aren’t a real couple. My smile falls as another thought hits. Could I be putting this family in danger? My God, if anything happened to anyone of them, I’d never forgive myself. Maybe I should just forget this movie and get out of Dodge.

  “Are you okay?”

  Tyler’s voice comes from behind, and his hands land on my arms, rubbing away the sudden chills racing along my flesh. I turn to face him, and my heart goes a little wild. His eyes narrow in on me, his gaze dark and probing as he assesses my face.

  “Fine, just tired,” I fib. I also forgot my purse in my trailer. Can we swing by.”

  “Sure. You ready to get out of here?”

  I nod. “If you are.”

  He puts his hand on the small of my back, and the sun is low on the horizon as we say our goodnights and walk to his truck. As that uneasy feeling creeps back, I glance around to see if anything is out of the ordinary. I’m not sure what I expect to see. It’s just that I have no idea where Tyler was, and it’s making me a bit anxious. Inside the truck, I buckle up and glance at him. He doesn’t say much, just starts the truck and buckles himself in.

  “Is everything okay with you?” I finally ask. Obviously, he’s not about to tell me anything.

  He grips the steering wheel and stares straight ahead for a second. “Carter saw some punk hanging around your trailer today.”

  I stiffen. “You went looking for him?”

  “I did, but I didn’t find him.”

  His hands tighten on the steering wheel until his knuckles turn white. I link my fingers together on my lap and peer into the night. With my gaze straight ahead, a blur of trees in my vision, I concentrate on my breathing.

  “It might be nothing, but it could be something,” he says.

  “You told Carter,” I state, my throat tight, accusation clear in my tone.

  A beat of silence and then, “No. Carter and Jared are on the set, so I just asked them to keep their eyes out for anything suspicious.” I turn when I hear the disappointment in his voice, and his gaze is dark and hard as it meets mine. He glares at me, and I can’t help but think a su
cker punch would have less impact on my gut. “They don’t know about the letters. I’d never tell them that, Haven. I wouldn’t betray your trust like that.”

  My stomach clenches, and I hate myself for accusing him. “Sorry, Ty,” I say quickly, wishing I could take my words back. “I always go straight for the worst.”

  “Why do you do that?” he asks, the hardness gone from his voice. He peels his hands from the steering wheel, and shakes them, like he’s trying to loosen the tightness and tension.

  “The environment I grew up in, I guess. It’s pretty cutthroat. No one is really your friend. Everyone wants something from you, and if you don’t give it, they find a way to take it.” As the words leave my mouth, I shake my head. Why on Earth am I still in that kind of environment? Oh, probably because it’s the only way of life I know. Being here with Tyler though, learning about his way of life, is something this girl could get used to.

  What’s between you two isn’t real, Haven.

  Tyler blows out a breath, his features softening as he captures my hand. “Things are done differently here. I told you before, and I’ll tell you again. You can trust me.”

  I nod, hating that I jumped to conclusions like that. Tyler is just trying to protect me, and it’s sweet that he asked his family to help without really involving them.

  “Okay,” I say, and close my hand over his.

  He puts the truck into gear, and gravel crunches beneath the tires as we make our way to the main road. He drives me to the trailer, and I’m about to jump from the vehicle, and rush inside but he comes with me. His strength and presence calms me. I grab my purse and he guides me back to the passenger side. Once I’m buckled in, he circles the truck, climbs in and starts it. As we head to the cabin, I turn to him.

  “Tell me more about your gym, and how you want it designed,” I say.

  “Look in there,” he says and gestures to the glove box. I pull it open and find a notebook filled with ideas and designs and equipment, and the names of the distributors and prices associated with it.

  “You have it all figured out,” I say. “I’m impressed.”

  “I hate that I’m taking up space at the old fire station when Jace wants it. It’s the perfect location for him. I really need to find a place so he can buy the place.”

  I put the notebook full of his dreams and aspirations back into the glove box, safe and sound. I hope he does get to fulfil it. I’ve seen him with the kids, and he’s a natural. The respect and adoration on their faces filled my heart with warmth. “I really love how you guys all care for each other so much. You’d all sacrifice to make the other one happy, wouldn’t you?”

  “Isn’t that what family does?”

  I nod, thinking of my brother as I stare out the window. A comfortable silence surrounds us as he drives. After a few minutes, he turns down the road leading to the cabin. Our little home for the time being. I smile as I consider the way we’re playing house, our evenings fishing on the lake, and nights falling in bed together, our mornings around the small breakfast table. It’s straight out of a Norman Rockwell calendar, and everything I expected in this small town. I angle my head and take in Tyler’s handsome features in the dashboard light.

  He glances at me. “I hope you’re not too tired.”

  Assuming he has sex on the brain, I say, “Never too tired for you, Ty.”

  His soft chuckle warms me from the inside out, and I look forward when we drive past an abandoned car along the gravel road. “Whose car is that?” I ask.

  He doesn’t speak, instead he looks straight ahead and I sit up a bit straighter. What the heck is going on and why isn’t he answering me. As we approach the cabin, I spot two more vehicles. My nerves leap, and Tyler reaches for my hand again.

  “It’s okay, Haven. This is just your surprise.”

  My gaze jerks to him. “What are you talking about? What surprise? You never said anything about a surprise.”

  “If I did, then it wouldn’t be a surprise, now would it?” He stops the truck and puts it in park. He rests his hand on the back of my seat, and lightly runs his fingers through my hair. “Remember you said you never had a sleepover as a child, no s’mores over the fire.” He reaches behind the seat and produces a paper bag. I glance in and see a s’mores kit.

  “Tyler,” I say, my heart crashing against my ribs, and when I hear my name being called and turn to see the kids from his gym all standing by the cabin waiting for us, tears pound behind my eyes. He did this for me? He set up this surprise because I missed out on it as a child. I resist the urge to pinch myself because guys like Tyler, they’re too good to be true, right? Once again, I wait for the ball to drop, for something bad to happen. It’s in my nature to worry when things are going too well.

  “Hey, I thought this would be fun,” he says, misreading my reactions for the very first time. “But if you don’t want to it’s fine…I mean, the kids love you, and like you said, they’re sort of my family, and since my family is your family when you’re here—”

  I hold my hand up to stop his worried ramblings. “I love this.” I sniff and shake my head. “I just can’t believe you arranged this. I’m just a little overwhelmed here. No one has ever done anything like this for me before. You’re the sweetest guy.”

  “There you go again,” he says, to lighten my mood, no doubt.

  “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”

  His grin is wide, but there is loving concern in his tone when he asks. “You ready or do you need a minute?”

  I swipe the tears about to spill and take a breath. “I’m ready.”

  I grab my purse and when we exit the vehicle, and the kids come running over. “Haven, come sit by me,” Amber says as Tyler hands her the s’mores kit. “I have this soft blanket we can sit on.”

  “Just give me a minute to get changed,” I say and under the guise of slipping into something more comfortable, I disappear inside to gather myself, while Tyler takes a moment to chat with the parents who’ve dropped them off. I’m being rude. I should be out there making an appearance, saying hello to the people trusting me enough to hang out with their kids, but I just need a second.

  I hurry to the loft, and open my purse, in search of a bit of lipstick and blush. When I do, and my gaze lands on another note, I suck in a fast breath. Who the hell was in my trailer, rifling through my personal belongings? Anger and fear present at the same time, and adrenaline begins to flood my body. I take a few more fast breaths, my heart crashing in my ears.

  Coming for you soon.

  I grab the paper, and my first instinct is to tear it up, but I can’t. I need to keep them in case we need them for evidence after...after someone hurts me, or someone close. My God, I can’t let my thoughts go there. Could the guy who’d been lurking earlier don’t this? I crush it up, and toss it onto the bed, and work to slow my racing heart and get control over my emotions and tears. I don’t want to look like I’d just come from the rinse cycle when I see Tyler. He’s gone to great lengths to set tonight up and I don’t want to ruin it.

  I slip into my yoga pants and hoodie, and my heart nearly stops when another thought hits. What if whoever put this in my purse is close by? What if the kids are in danger?

  “Haven?” I spin at the sound of Tyler’s voice, and his gaze drops, takes in the paper crunched up on the bed. “Fuck,” he says. He crosses the room. “Let me see.”

  He smooths out the paper, and as he reads it, I say, “Do you think that guy lurking did this?”

  “I’ll find him.”

  “Do you think…the kids are safe?”

  “You know what, Carter and Jared have always enjoyed a bonfire. How about they join us?” I shake my head and he cups my face. “I’m not worried about tonight. Whoever did this, whoever is trying to scare you, I doubt they even know where we are, or that they’ll try anything with so many people. I want you to feel safe though, so let me call the guys.”

  “I don’t want to put them out.”

  “S
’mores, Haven. They’re not going to say no to s’mores and really, we could use a few more adults here, just to make sure there is no tent swapping later on.”

  That pulls a smile from me. “Yeah, Liam looked like he had a thing for Jessica the other day.”

  He laughs. “Liam has a thing for you, but yeah, we need more supervision for the overnight hours.” Backing up to allow me to change, he pulls his phone from his pocket. I assume he’s asking those two because I’ve been around them on the set, and those are the guys he’s asked to watch out for something suspicious. I hurry into my comfy clothes, and Tyler ends the call.

  “They’re on their way.”

  “Are you sure they won’t mind?”

  “It’s how it’s done, Haven.”

  I put my arms around him, go up on my toes and press my mouth to his. “Thank you, Tyler.”

  “Go on,” he says, giving my backside a slap. “They’re all waiting for you.”

  “You coming?”

  “Yup, lead the way.”

  We hurry outside, and a new sense of lightness washes over me when I take in all the big smiles, and the fire already started in the pit. A few parents linger, and I make my way over to introduce myself before I settle in next to the kids. After I say hello to the three parents, two women and one man, who’d obviously brought all the kids, a pretty woman who looks like she might be in her early forties gives me a warm, motherly smile. She sort of reminds me of Shannon.

  “It’s so nice of you and Tyler to do this,” she says. “I hope it’s not too much for you. They can be a handful.”

  “This was all on Tyler,” I say. “A surprise for the kids and me.” I give her a wink, and say, “I think Tyler has everything under control.” I glance over my shoulder to see him interacting with the kids. Honest to God, that man needs kids of his own.