“Why?”
“It’s classic abusive behavior—manipulate and isolate. He made sure he was the only man in Skye’s life. As soon as you came along, he got rid of you. I have no doubt in my mind that he hired someone to spy on you to see if you’re hiding Skye.”
Trent looked at Granger and then Peter. “What do I do? How do I protect her?”
“The change in hair color and clothing helps,” Peter told him. “But we need to hide her better. We don’t think the man found anything or else there would be someone attempting to either take her or Lenny would be driving into town already. I think they’re still trying to find her. It’s actually classic law enforcement and military procedure. He arrived without anyone knowing. If he’d been a tourist and asked if any famous people ever came here, the town would have picked up on it and called Granger.”
Trent agreed.
“What you do first is get the lay of the land. Coming and going from the park was the best strategy. He could watch the entire downtown. Gauge how many people were tourists and how many people regularly came and went during the day. Once he surveyed the town, he could determine how best to blend in. Since he wasn’t walking down the street trying to observe anyone, I don’t think he reached that point. Now the question is, will he come back to get eyes on you and your property?” Peter looked as if he already knew the answer.
“You think he will.”
“I do,” Peter confirmed. “He has a job to do and he’s going to do it.”
“That’s why I asked Ryker to allow you to stay at his house for a couple of nights. While this alien is looking for you, Kord and I will be looking for him.”
Trent took a deep breath and began shutting down and cleaning up his shop. “Okay. So I’ll get Skye and take her to Ryker’s guesthouse.”
“No. Miss Winnie is going to drive her. No one will be looking for her in Miss Winnie’s car. Edie is taking Karri to Tinsley’s. It’ll be hard, but I think we need to alter her appearance too.”
“Why would it be hard, Peter?” Trent asked.
“Because she’s so beautiful she kind of stands out.” Peter stopped and cleared his throat. “I mean, her hair is dark and that’s hard to change. You know?”
Trent and Granger smiled, letting him know they didn’t believe it for a second. The all-business FBI agent was into Karri.
“Okay, what do you want me to do?” Trent asked finally.
“Pack a bag and all of Skye’s stuff. I’ll drop you off at Ryker’s. You have a smart house, right?” Granger was already looking back at the house and Trent could see him thinking of something.
“Yes,” Trent confirmed.
“I want you to turn on and off the lights from your phone to make it look as if you were home. In the morning I want you to sneak back on the property and be very visible through the day. Then get tucked in at night and sneak back to Ryker’s. I’m hoping the man will check you out, see you working alone, and then see the house appear to have just you in it. If he thinks everything is normal here, he’ll leave and Skye will be safe.”
“I can do that. Give me thirty minutes and meet me at Tinsley’s for pickup. Ryker has a fleet of ATVs. I can use one to come and go the back way.”
Trent closed down his shop and headed inside while Peter and Granger left in separate cars. His guess was Peter wasn’t really gone, but securing the area. Trent showed himself in the kitchen, but then made sure to close the blinds. He turned on the television and all the lights on the first floor while he went upstairs to pack. He packed a large duffle bag with a few of his things and all of Skye’s things. He made sure the spare room looked as if no one had been in it.
He headed back downstairs and turned off the kitchen light and waited. He looked outside and didn’t see anyone. He scanned the trees, his shop, and then slid into the shadows. He had disappeared into the woods in under ten seconds.
The darkness of the night didn’t bother him as he made his way to Tinsley’s. It was a hike, but one that wouldn’t take more than fifteen minutes. He made sure to be as quiet as possible and stopped every so often to listen to the night. He never heard anyone following him so he picked up his speed until he got to Tinsley’s.
Trent was standing five feet back from the end of the tree line as he watched Tinsley’s house. He saw Granger’s car parked in the drive, but Granger wasn’t in it. A shadow passed by the house and Trent narrowed his eyes. He recognized the cowboy hat and slipped from the tree line.
“Granger,” Trent said quietly when Granger almost disappeared around the side of the house.
“I was getting worried. Come on, let’s go. Peter said everything looks normal on the street. I have Kord kayaking the river right now to see if he can find any boats anchored out of sight nearby.”
The drive to Ryker’s house had been something Trent had done more than a thousand times, yet this time felt different. Everything looked suspicious. The gnome in a garden, the palmetto flags that flew, and the deep shadows of the night all seemed malicious.
When they arrived at the gate that enclosed Ryker’s property, Trent had to hop out of the car and enter his specific code. The heavy gate slid silently open and immediately closed behind them.
Don’t drink my cognac.
Trent looked down at the text that had just come in from Ryker and shook his head. I didn’t know you kept any of the good stuff in the guesthouse.
Ryker ignored the text but sent a temporary code with Skye’s name on it. Trent thanked him and then sent it to Skye with instructions. The code would open the gate and the guesthouse door.
Granger pulled up to the guesthouse, which was just as big as Trent’s home, and parked. “I’ll check in on you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Granger.” Trent grabbed the large duffle bag and walked toward the guesthouse. Lights automatically turned on as he approached. The keypad lit up and Trent punched in his code. The thick locks slid free and he opened the frosted glass and steel door.
Inside a tablet glowed on the wall. It controlled the entire house. Trent pressed the icons that turned on the lights and then the gas fireplace. There was a master bedroom downstairs and three bedrooms upstairs. Trent set the bag down in the living room and walked to the back of the house. He unlocked and pushed open the entire wall of sliding glass doors and walked out onto the patio.
He took in a deep breath of the cool air rolling in from the river and waited for Skye. Everything in him wanted to run to her, but he knew it was best to let Miss Winnie bring her to him. His girlfriend—he’d called her that with Aunt Morgan and Skye hadn’t protested the title he’d given her.
Trent listened to the river rolling by in the distance. There was so much to say yet it seemed as if it were too soon. Protect Skye. Get her career back on track. Then, maybe, it would be time to discuss their relationship. He didn’t like it, but that’s what needed to be done.
Trent saw headlights shining through the front windows and knew Skye had arrived. Trent went to open the door but found Dare instead of Skye. “What are you doing here?”
“I used Harper’s code. I’m ten seconds in front of Skye. I wanted to talk to you.” Trent held open the door and Dare stepped inside. “Look, you’re the best friend I have here in Shadows Landing. You’re like my brother.”
Trent was touched. It had always been Trent and Harper as best friends, but when she began seeing Dare, Trent knew he was being replaced. Or at least being pushed down a rung from best friend to runner-up. And while that may be true, he’d gained Dare as a friend.
“Thanks. Is something the matter? Is Harper okay?”
Dare looked over his shoulder and saw the headlights from Miss Winnie’s car in the distance. “Harper’s great. It’s about you and Skye. She fits, bro.”
“Fits?”
“Here. In Shadows Landing. She and Karri belong here. She’s tougher than she looks, but she also feels more deeply than she shows. I wasted so much time when I got together with Harp because I thought it was
the wrong time for a relationship. Don’t make that mistake. That woman is in it for the long haul. Bro, she came to knitting club!” Dare said as if that explained it all. “Also”—Dare reached behind him and pulled out a 9mm— “take this. You see an alien getting too close, shoot him.”
Trent took the gun and slapped Dare on the shoulder. He was a good man. “Thanks. How did you know I needed the gun and the advice?”
“That’s what friends are for. Call me if you need anything. I’m good at undercover work.” Dare winked at him and then left. He waved to Miss Winnie and Skye before driving off.
Trent looked around and opened the narrow entry table drawer to hide the gun. By the time he made it outside, Skye had already thanked Miss Winnie and was waving at the taillights headed back down the drive.
It was so natural to wrap his arms around Skye and pull her to him. He leaned back just enough to look into her face. “How are you?”
“I take it they told you about the alien?”
“Yes. We have a game plan on how to make it appear that nothing is out of the normal. Hopefully, he’ll see I’m alone at home during the day and then leave us alone.”
“Just let Miss Ruby show him the alien penis she knitted for him and he’ll go running back to L.A. or wherever he came from.”
“Alien penis? What kind of knitting class was that?” Trent asked with laughter as he led Skye inside.
“This month’s theme was erotic knitting. I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun. Also, when this is over, I’m totally taking Miss Mitzy and her grandson to a movie premiere. Her mean daughter-in-law can suck it.”
Trent burst out laughing. Dare was right. Skye fit—fit in his life, in his family, in his town, and in his heart.
“So, I’m your girlfriend, huh?” Skye looked up at him and batted her eyelashes. “Does that mean we’re going steady? I already feel as if we’re sneaking around. What if someone catches us making out under the bleachers?”
Trent tamped down his smile and played along. “I had my class ring all ready to give you, but if you don’t want it,” Trent shrugged. “And I wouldn’t have made out with you under the bleachers. I was thinking of the bedroom where I’d slowly strip each article of clothing from your body. With each newly exposed area, I was going to kiss, lick, suck, and maybe if you’re a good girl, nibble my way across every inch of your body.”
Trent saw her chest rising and falling quicker as her eyes dilated with desire. “However, I’m a gentleman and would never dream of doing that to someone I wasn’t involved in a relationship with. I’d only do that thing with my tongue and my fingers.” Skye gasped and her cheeks flushed. She remembered the move he was talking about. “As I was saying, I’d only do that with my girlfriend who I hoped to have in my life for a very long time. So, let me show you to the guest room.”
Trent made it two steps before he felt Skye leap on his back. He caught her instantly and hooked her legs with his arms. “What I’m hearing is not only do you want to go steady, but I might be promise-ring material.”
Trent chuckled as he carried her inside and used his foot to close the door. “I’m saying you’re already promise-ring material, but what am I to you?”
He felt Skye’s head lower to rest against the side of his head. He felt her warm breath on his neck and the way her arms tightened over his chest. “You’re the kind of guy a girl dreams about marrying. Does that scare you?” Her voice was a whisper over his skin. The thought of marriage used to have him running. Any mention of it felt oppressive. However, it felt entirely different when she said it. He felt excited for a future with her in it.
“Not with you,” he answered with raw honesty.
Trent carried her upstairs. He felt too exposed to say another word until he set her on the bed. He turned to gaze down at her lying there. All teasing was gone from her features. Instead, she looked just as vulnerable as he felt.
“Don’t be mad, but I have to ask.”
“Ask what, Skye?”
Her eyes locked with his and Trent knew whatever she was about to ask was important. “Do you want to be with me because I’m, you know, ‘America’s Sweetheart,’ because you want to be famous?”
Trent’s answer was immediate. There was no thinking about it. “I like you in spite of it. I don’t want America’s Sweetheart. I want you, Skye. Just you. I don’t care if you ever act again. But I know it’s important to you, so I’ll support you in every way you need me to. Does that answer your question?”
Skye nodded and he felt that he’d passed a very important test. However, it did bring up a lot more questions. Questions that they’d need to discuss sooner rather than later if they were to take this relationship as seriously as they were talking about.
“Trent?”
“Yes, Skye?”
Trent watched as she kicked off her shoes and scooted back onto the bed. She reached down and slowly stripped off her clothing. “Come make love to your girlfriend.”
“You just want me to do that thing.” He smirked at her as he pulled his shirt over his head. He didn’t think she’d realized that she licked her lips as her eyes traveled over his chest and landed on his pants. He worked the button and zipper free and shoved them down.
“Oh yes, but I also have something I want to try.” She licked her lips again and Trent groaned as he reached for a condom and tossed it on the bed for easy access.
“Ladies first.” Trent’s voice rumbled as he leaned down, grabbed her ankles, and pulled her toward him.
Joining with Skye was like coming home. The excitement of knowing you’re near and then the feeling of welcome when you’ve finally arrived. The panting breaths, the sighs, and the tightness all felt like heaven. This was where he belonged. This was who he belonged with. Skye cried his name as she dug her fingers into his back and he was lost in her, around her, with her.
16
The morning sun slipped through the large trees outside and into the bedroom. Skye was used to her blackout curtains that shut out not only the morning sun, but also the world. That was why she found herself up so early.
Trent was asleep on his back and her head was snuggled into his arm with her back pressing against his side. They were both still nude from last night and she knew they needed to talk, but last night had been perfect. A thought stuck in her mind, though, and she wanted to talk it out. She would talk to Trent, but first she wanted to talk to Karri. While Trent was filling her heart and mind, Karri was still like a sister and always would be.
Skye reached for her phone slowly so she wouldn’t wake Trent.
Are you up? Skye texted Karri as she snuggled back against Trent’s warm body.
Yes. No blackout curtains. Although the sunrise is stunning.
Skye almost laughed out loud as she had the same thought about the curtains and the mornings. You know how I talked about wanting a private life?
Karri sent a GIF back of a woman saying, “Duh.”
Skye smiled at her phone and took a moment to just breathe in the Shadows Landing air from the open window. She looked out at the sunrise, heard the birds chirping and the river flowing.
I’m at peace here.
That’s all Skye needed to type. Karri would know what she meant.
Me too. So, we’re doing this? Even if things don’t work out with Mr. Hammer Hottie?
Skye looked at the text and knew right away what her answer was. Yes. The second she hit Send, she felt free. She’d made yet another move to take back control of her life. But things are going to work out. He’s the one. I know that too.
There was a pause, then a GIF saying, “You go, girl!” came through from Karri.
Skye smiled to herself but her heart suddenly felt heavy. She didn’t want to make this decision for them both. What do you want? You don’t have to stay with me. I can take care of myself now. Chase your dreams, Karri.
Skye waited as Karri took a long time to respond. I had a dream last night.
Dreams were very
important to Karri. This could change everything. Skye saw that Karri was already typing so she didn’t respond. Instead, she just held her breath.
Let’s meet for coffee at the diner and I’ll tell you about it. It’s too important for text. Tinsley is heading to her gallery in an hour. Want us to pick you up?
Skye looked over her shoulder and saw Trent silently watching her. “Mornin’,” he told her with a smoldering look that told Skye this was going to be a very good morning.
No. I’ll meet you there. I may need a little extra time.
Skye set her phone on the side table as Trent pulled her on top of him.
“Now this is a way to wake up every morning. I could get used to this.”
“Good. You need to.” She tried not to laugh at Trent’s look of confusion.
“Things will go back to normal. This will be over soon and your life can go back to normal.”
Skye shook her head as she placed her hands on his bare chest. She felt the muscles tense under her fingers. “I don’t want my normal life back. I want a real life. I want privacy. I want love. I want it all. And I want it here, with you.”
“What are you saying?” Trent asked as she began to wriggle against him. She saw Trent fighting to stay in control, but she didn’t want him in control. She wanted Trent underneath her and completely out of control.
“I’m saying that regardless of what happens with my career, I plan on moving to Shadows Landing. Half of my movies are filmed in Georgia anyway. I’ve made my career now. I’ve established my reputation and I don’t need to be in L.A. to pound the pavement for auditions anymore. I do believe Charleston has an airport and maybe Ryker will let me borrow his plane every now and then.”
The smile on Trent’s face left her soaring with happiness. That and what he did next with his tongue. It was good being Trent Faulkner’s girlfriend. She bet being his wife would be even more spectacular and that was something she was beginning to want more than any acting award or role.
Broken Shadows: Shadows Landing #5 Page 13
