With Travis sitting shotgun, he and Meems spent the drive home discussing the property records he wanted her to research to see if there was any connection between the owners of the club and the house. Maybe see if the owners had any other property in their name that might lead them to where Darcy was being kept. But Meredith was barely listening to them. She was too exhausted and numb, the taste of disappointment still bitter in her mouth.
She had been so certain they were going to find Darcy tonight. Bring her home.
With Meems’s promise to get started right away, Travis and Meredith made their way to her front door and inside.
Meredith’s damp, wrinkled clothes clung to her skin, and she clenched her teeth from the chill in the house thanks to the low setting she’d left the thermostat on this morning. She had to get out of her clothes. Shower and warm up.
Wash away the horror from that horrible house.
“I’m going to shower,” she said and slowly headed up the stairs. Defeat making her feet feel like they each weighed fifty pounds.
Underneath the showerhead a few minutes later, she closed her eyes. Letting the water run down her face, along her back, washing away the filth and the stench of death that clung to her. Soothing her with its constant rhythm.
She didn’t know how long she stood under there, but Travis’s knock on the door pulled her out of whatever trance she’d been in.
“You okay?” he called.
He opened the door when she didn’t immediately respond, something she’d normally rail at him for. Right now, she didn’t have the energy. She was still considering his question.
Was she okay?
The question touched on something that she’d been ignoring for too long.
No. She sure as hell wasn’t okay.
Even before Darcy had stepped into that club and disappeared, throwing Meredith’s carefully ordered life into chaos, she hadn’t been okay.
No, she’d been lonely. And if she was honest, filled with self-loathing. Unable to stop the course her life had taken, starting as far back as… God. She didn’t even know anymore.
But she did know that as of this moment, she wanted—no, needed—to be a different person. A person people liked. Wanted to be with. Someone worth caring for. Someone whom Darcy would be able to love and care for.
And, being honest, maybe even someone whom a man like Travis would find worth caring for.
She took in a deep breath. “I’m okay, Travis.” Or she hoped she would be.
“We need to talk when you’re done.”
She turned her head, letting the water pound against her neck and shoulders. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
She opened her eyes and saw Travis’s silhouette through the steam and the frosted glass of her shower door. He was facing her, and for a moment she wondered how much of her he could see. Before she could turn away in modesty, though, he was gone, the door quietly clicking behind him.
And she was alone again.
Only now, instead of the sadness and defeat she’d been reveling in, she was driven with a new emotion as she lathered up, washing her hair and body, and finished her shower. She needed to know what Travis’s plan was. Their plan. How they were going to find Darcy.
Quickly towel drying her hair, Meredith wrapped her white terry robe around her and opened the door. Travis was seated in the teal upholstered chair next to the window seat, a laptop opened in front of him.
He looked up as she entered. His face was cautious as he studied her. “You’re sure you’re doing okay?”
“Considering everything we’ve been through tonight and that I still don’t know where the hell my daughter is, I would say I’m doing pretty well.”
She crossed the room and perched on the end of the window seat. Now that the numbness had finally worn off, she had questions. Lots of questions, but first she started with the most important one. “Do you think Darcy’s okay?”
He nodded, and for the first time she noticed the bruise swelling under his eye, the raw and puffy knuckles on his right hand. The dark shadows under his eyes. “From what I gather, she’s too valuable to risk any injury. She should be safe—at least until this sale.”
She stared at her toes, the dark fuchsia paint that was chipped in a few areas. Travis had already explained to her about the so-called sale, or auction, that was coming up tomorrow—or tonight, she supposed was more accurate, since it was already, technically, early Saturday morning. And that the only reason they hadn’t found Darcy downstairs with the others likely had something to do with the fact she was inexperienced. A virgin.
Thanks to men like those the police had hauled away tonight—either to the police station or under police escort to the hospital—and kids like Matt and countless others, young girls were treated like nothing more than property. Like animals.
“I could kill that kid. And every one of them.” She thought about how the moment she’d entered the club, she’d felt like a piece of meat. Watched. “And that club we went to? It wasn’t much better. Tonight, upstairs, there was a guy near the back in a black suit. Gave me the creeps. The way he watched me was unnerving.”
Travis nodded. “His name’s Ayman. He’s involved, but from what Matt explained, he isn’t in charge. We’ll have to see what Meems uncovers for us in the morning. Maybe a name or a corporation. Something. Because those guys already told me everything they know, I’m sure of it.”
In the morning. If she could sleep, that was.
“There’s something more I need to tell you, Mer. Something one of the guys confessed.”
He set the laptop down on the ottoman and leaned forward to face her.
It must have been the fatigue that was breaking down her usual resolve not to look at him too closely over the past couple of days. Knowing that feeling anything more than tolerance for him was dangerous and would only lead to pain when he, like everyone else, walked out of her life.
Because right now…she was almost hypnotized, unable to help but appreciate the defined six-pack so visible even through that shirt, the strong lines of his shoulders and arms, his hands he flexed and then flinched, undoubtedly because of the ripped, bloody skin on his knuckles.
“You should get ice on that.” He didn’t answer, and she looked into those deep green eyes, watching her so oddly. “On your hand. And…” Unable to stop herself, she touched the swollen area under his eye. He flinched again but didn’t move away. “Does this hurt?”
He still didn’t respond, just studied her with those green eyes with the specks of brown that now seemed softer, somehow. She couldn’t look away as much as she tried. Drawn to this one man despite knowing she was the last person he’d ever want to be with. The last person she should want to be with.
And yet, he was the only one she wanted.
She’d already risked so much tonight, what was one more thing…
She moved closer, watching the dawning on his face as he processed what she was about to do, and she held her breath as she waited for him to turn away in rejection. Only he didn’t, and she brushed her lips against his, sending that same tingling coursing through her body, her every nerve.
Salty. He tasted salty, but it was wonderful, and she sensed him tensing, maybe considering pulling away, but just as quickly he was leaning forward, bringing her to his lap. Cradling her face with his hand as he deepened the kiss. His smell so masculine, so…Travis…surrounding her.
No one was watching them now. They were completely alone, and she was aware of his hand in her robe, grazing the skin with his palm until he reached her breast. She sucked her breath in, savoring the sensation. She moved closer.
Needing his touch. And so much more.
…
Somewhere in the back of his brain, Travis knew that what they were doing was a mistake. That anything more than a business relationship with the homecoming queen was suicidal. But she was so soft, smelled so fresh and sweet and feminine, her body so quick to respond to the slightest touch that he w
as helpless to stop.
Just another kiss. Another taste.
She wiggled on his lap, her hand tightening her grip on the nape of his neck as he caressed her breast, knowing he was driving her senseless with desire.
Driving himself senseless.
Something seemed to sink in then.
Neither of them was really thinking. And after everything that Meredith had been put through tonight, the last thing she needed was someone taking advantage of her vulnerability.
She couldn’t be in her right mind.
That was finally enough to still his hand, to pull his mouth from hers, shaking as he did so, his need for her so intense.
“Mer. This is a bad idea…”
Her eyes opened, and it was like he’d thrown a bucket of water on her. She came to her feet, bringing the folds of her bathrobe tighter around her.
“Don’t get me wrong. If this were any other time, if you weren’t my client and you weren’t dealing with the disappointment and terror of tonight, I’d have you laid out naked on that bed. But it’s just not right. Taking advantage of you like that.”
She smoothed her hand down her damp hair that was looking rather wild around her shoulders. “You’re completely right. I can’t understand what overcame me. I—I’m sorry.”
Returning to the window seat, she sat a few inches farther away from him than before. She looked completely unaffected now by what had taken place between them. He couldn’t believe that just a minute earlier his hand had been on her breast as his tongue teased hers.
He, however, was still feeling the effects. He shifted in his seat, hoping she didn’t notice.
“Hey, no need to apologize. We were just through a lot. It can make people do things they wouldn’t ordinarily consider.” Like kiss the computer geek. “Anyhow, I wanted to share something with you. Something else I heard. One of the guys mentioned that this auction was delayed from the usual time. Because the boss had some big party he had to attend first.”
It took only a few seconds for her eyes to widen as she put it together. “A big party. Tonight. Like…the gala.”
He nodded. “I’m not familiar with the social calendar of events in the valley. Have you heard of any other event they could be referring to?”
“I suppose there could be, but the school’s centennial is pretty big. We’re expecting the mayor, the Salt Lake bishop, a few state senators, and several preeminent businessmen and women.” She paused. “It’s got to be it.”
“Yeah. That’s my bet, too. I said as much to the officers who took my statement, but I don’t know whether they agreed with me. They weren’t exactly sharing their game plan. Think they might have been a little pissed that we risked ourselves and the other girls going into that house tonight without at least giving them a tip. So is it going to be impossible to wrangle up another ticket for me?”
For the first time, she managed a slight smile, and he noticed the reddened skin around her mouth caused by their kissing. Kissing that he’d almost give a leg to continue. “I might have some connection with the broad that’s running the thing.” Another thought seemed to occur to her. “But this auction,” she nearly spit out. “How are we going to figure out where this is and stop it?”
“All we can hope for, for now, is that Meems finds something in her search and the police do as well. Meems is relentless and brilliant and doesn’t give up. I wouldn’t put it past her to have a strong lead or two by morning.” A shadow passed over her face at the mention of Meems, but she didn’t say anything. “For now, you need to get some rest. You’re exhausted.”
Which was true, because even the healthy glow their make-out session had given her couldn’t hide the dark shadows of fatigue under her eyes.
She rose almost reluctantly from the window seat and headed to her bed. “You’re right. I should probably try and sleep.” She pulled her covers down as Travis grabbed his laptop and headed to the door. “What are you going to do?”
“Shower and then try and get some sleep myself.” A long cold shower.
Her thoughts seemed to have wandered a moment, and she suddenly cleared her throat. “Let me know if you need anything. There should be fresh towels in the bathroom linen closet.”
“I’ll manage,” he said at the door. “Good night, Mer.”
And even though every freaking inch of his body wanted nothing more than to turn around and pull that robe off so he could kiss and worship that body, kiss away the sadness and fatigue in those pretty eyes, and finish what they had started, he kept going, shutting the door behind him.
…
He’d rejected her. That was all there was to it. Not that she could blame him, exactly. She had been horrible to him all those years ago, and since seeing him again she hadn’t behaved any better. It was enough for her to cover her face with the pillow and groan in frustration.
She looked at the clock again. Quarter after three. This was ridiculous. Her daughter was God knew where and she and Travis had until tomorrow night—scratch that, tonight—to find her before she was lost forever.
And Meredith was worried that Travis didn’t like her.
It was shallow and selfish, but knowing this didn’t make the humiliation any easier to bear. She’d thrown herself at the man, and he’d kindly said no.
That was it. She sat up. At this rate she wouldn’t get any sleep, which would make her not just useless later but possibly a threat to her daughter’s life if she made a wrong step. She still had a bottle of Ambien downstairs in the kitchen with the rest of the household medication. She’d been prescribed it after her ex-husband told her he was leaving for some college girl. She’d spent too many sleepless nights wondering why she’d let herself think—even for a moment—she could have a happily ever after.
But she’d only taken one pill before she realized she wasn’t going to start medicating herself to forget. Instead she began yoga and came to the realization that she wasn’t designed to be anyone’s mate and that her destiny was to be happy…alone.
Outside Travis’s room, she paused. But his deep, even breaths told her she didn’t have to be afraid of disturbing him.
Clearly the effects of their little rendezvous hadn’t given him a moment’s pause. Hadn’t kept him up for the past hour, sick with embarrassment.
She shook her head. Men.
She slipped by the open doorway and made her way to the stairs, careful to avoid the creaking third step. At the cabinet, she dug out the bottle and poured a glass of water. She turned, about to toss the pill in her mouth, only to find Travis’s hulking body in front of her.
A scream tore from her mouth followed by the sound of shattering glass. Cold water splashed at her feet.
“Don’t move,” he said and stepped forward enough to grab her by the waist and lift her into his arms to carry her past the broken glass. It happened so fast that it took her a moment to realize that she was being held in the warm arms of the very man she’d come down to try to forget.
The thumping of his heart under her hand made her aware she had braced her hand against him.
And that he wasn’t wearing a shirt.
Immediately she wanted to run her fingers across the smooth expanse of skin, to see if he’d tremble at her touch. She shook her head. Madness.
She should move her hand. There was no need to brace herself for anything now that they were completely still. But she was loath to remove it, the intimacy so comforting and heart-stopping at the same time. She looked up to see he was watching her, his mouth quirked in the slightest smile. So rare it made her stomach twist—not uncomfortably.
“I heard you on the stairs.” Of course he had. “Wanted to make sure you were okay. Did something happen?”
Other than realizing she’d completely lost her mind where this man was concerned? No. Nothing had happened. She shook her head.
True to his word, he had showered, and he now had a clean soapy smell, stronger than the more musky and sweaty scent of earlier, but neither less
nor more appealing.
“Are you going to speak anytime soon? Because in the entire time I’ve known you, you’ve never stayed silent this long.”
How could she form words when it was taking every ounce of control she had not to press herself against that hard chest, to nuzzle his smooth skin with her mouth?
“If I set you down, you’re not going to faint, are you?”
Okay, now that was ridiculous. She’d never do anything so foolish. “I think I’ll manage,” she said, her tone more imperious than she’d intended, but at least she’d spoken.
He released her legs first, and she slid down his body. His smile disappeared.
“What were you doing?” he asked and stepped around her. He grabbed some paper towels from the counter and managed to cover the spill and sweep it and the glass into a pile. She was a little disappointed that he’d slung his jeans on before coming down, but the moment he bent down, giving her a different angle of his butt and quads than she’d previously seen, she was contrite.
“I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I might take something.” She tilted her head, trying to get another angle just as he came to his feet and tossed the towels and broken glass into the trash.
“Was that what that little pill was? I’m afraid I couldn’t salvage it. It’s in the trash.”
She ran her hand through her tangled hair. “It’s okay. I think I’ll just go back up.”
They stood there, staring at each other. Neither one moving yet.
There was something she wanted to ask him, and it had been running through her head on a loop. Wondering the answer.
“Travis?” Now or never. “Do you think that, if you weren’t who you are and I wasn’t who I am and I hadn’t done any of that stuff to you in the past and we were just meeting for the first time now…would you have said no to me earlier?”
Love You Madly Page 13
