by Karen Lynch
“He’s not picking you up?” My gut hardened at the thought of her with Scott Foley, of all people. He might be a different person now, but I found it hard to forget the old Scott.
“He offered, but I wanted to drive myself. It’s not a date, and I wanted to be able to leave without pulling him away from the party. I’m not really a party person.” She toyed with one of the new brushes she’d laid on her worktable. “I’m glad you’re going.”
I wasn’t sure what pleased me more: her not going on a date with Scott or her saying she was glad I’d be there.
“I should be there around eight. I can pick you up if you’d like. I’ll bring you home if you want to leave.”
She smiled. “Thanks, but I like riding the Vespa.”
“I guess I’ll see you there.” I chuckled as a thought occurred to me. “You know, Sara doesn’t like parties either. Are you sure you two aren’t really sisters?”
The sadness that flashed in her eyes took me aback, and I wondered what I’d said to cause it.
“No, but I love her like one,” she said softly. She set the brush aside. “Would you like something to drink?”
I almost said yes, but I needed to get to the garage if I wanted to go to the party tonight. I’d planned to work on the Chevelle this evening before I’d heard about the party.
“Thanks, but I should get going. Have to get a few hours in on the Chevelle before tonight.”
“Let me get your mother’s dishes for you before you go.”
I followed her to the kitchen. “Did you like the shepherd’s pie?”
“It was delicious, and so was the apple pie.” She picked up the casserole dish and pie plate from the counter and gave them to me. “Please, tell your mother and grandmother I really enjoyed them. I don’t get to eat much home-cooked food.”
I snickered. “As soon as I tell them that, they’ll be on the phone asking you to dinner.”
“I’m…not sure I’m ready for that.” She swallowed then rushed to say, “I don’t mean meeting your family. I mean being around so many…”
“Werewolves?” I asked gently, seeing her discomfort. She nodded, and I gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s nothing for you to feel bad about. You and I are good though, right?”
Her face brightened. “Yes.”
“Good.” My chest warmed with pleasure, and I had a sudden urge to hug her – and not as a friend. My breath quickened when I remembered her soft body pressed against mine on the scooter a few days ago.
I left before I did something that ruined our new friendship. I liked Emma too much to get involved with her, knowing it couldn’t go anywhere. It wouldn’t be fair to either of us. Not that she’d want a werewolf anyway.
I sighed bitterly as I walked down the steps to my car. It figured that I’d finally start to fall for someone and I could never have her.
* * *
It was close to nine when I pulled into the parking lot by the lighthouse, and I sat in the car for a minute before I turned it off and got out. I wasn’t sure I should be around Emma so soon after admitting to myself that I wanted her as more than a friend. But she was expecting me to be here, and I wouldn’t let her down.
Pocketing my keys and phone, I scanned the crowd for Emma as I walked toward Dylan’s white van, which was blaring music through two large speakers. I didn’t spot Emma, but I’d seen her Vespa in the parking lot so I knew she was here somewhere.
“Roland! Wasn’t sure if you’d be here.” Dylan waved me over. “Haven’t seen you around much lately.”
I joined him near the van. There was no sign of his bandmates in the group of people with him, but I saw a lot of familiar faces.
“Been busy. Working at the lumberyard and Paul’s garage now.”
“I heard. Pete told me you finished the Mustang. You driving it tonight?”
I pulled out my keys and dangled them from my finger. “What do you think?”
His eyes lit with interest. “Let’s go. I want to see it.”
He and a few of the other guys followed me to the parking lot, where they spent a few minutes oohing and aahing over the Mustang. I answered all their questions and laughingly turned them down when some of them asked to take her for a spin.
“You want a beer?” Dylan asked when we went back to the van.
“Can’t. Driving.” I looked at the glow from a fire down on the beach. “I’m going to walk around and see who’s here.”
I spotted Pete as soon as I walked away from the van. He and Shannon were leaning against the lighthouse, making out. A year ago, that would have been me with one of the many girls I’d dated. I had a two-date rule when it came to girls, and I’d certainly made the most of my time with them. Just because I couldn’t get attached to them didn’t mean we both couldn’t have fun.
Leaving Pete and Shannon to their business, I continued to the edge of the bluff overlooking the beach. Below, a large fire blazed, surrounded by about a dozen people. I found Emma, sitting on a log with Scott, and my jaw clenched at seeing them together. I couldn’t have her, but I didn’t want her with him either. The fact that it was none of my business who she dated didn’t even enter into it.
I took the path to the beach and walked over to the fire. People I knew called out to me, and Emma smiled when she saw me.
“You made it.” She shifted closer to Scott and patted the log on her other side. “You want to sit with us?”
“Sure.” I took the offered seat and immediately regretted it when my arm brushed hers, sending heat through me. It probably wasn’t a good idea to sit so close to her, feeling as I did, but I stayed.
I looked at the guy on her other side. “Scott.”
“Roland.” He eyed me warily, no surprise considering our history.
Emma looked at me, and I smiled to let her know we were good.
“Did you get your work done on the Chevelle?” she asked me.
“Most of it. I’ll probably spend tomorrow at the garage.”
Scott’s eyes widened with interest. “You’re working on a Chevelle? Didn’t you just finish the Mustang?”
I nodded. “The Chevelle isn’t mine. It’s for a guy Paul knows in Portland. He’s paying us to restore it for him.”
“Sweet. What year?”
“Seventy.”
He let out a low whistle. “Bet she’ll be something when you’re done. That’s one job I’d take over working in the diner. No offense, Emma.”
“None taken.”
I don’t know if he or I was more shocked when I said, “Drop by the garage sometime to see what we’re doing with her.”
His smile was probably the first real one he’d ever given me. “I might do that. Thanks.”
Pete and Shannon chose that moment to join us. He gave me a questioning look when he saw me sitting with Scott, and then he introduced Shannon to Emma and Scott.
“Nice to meet you.” Shannon held out a hand, and I was glad to see Emma take it without hesitation. Did she think Shannon was human, or was she becoming more comfortable around us?
I stood. “Shannon, have a seat.”
She flashed me a grateful smile and sat beside Emma, who didn’t even flinch.
“Are you from here?” Emma asked her.
“My parents and I are visiting for a few weeks,” Shannon replied. “We’re staying out in the Knolls.”
Emma’s eyes met mine, and I saw the realization dawn in hers. I gave her a small nod, hoping she wouldn’t be spooked by being in the company of three werewolves. She looked a little tense for a moment before she relaxed again.
“Emma moved here a few weeks ago,” Pete told Shannon.
“Don’t you just love it here?” Shannon asked Emma. “I’m from Buxton, and I love coming to the ocean.”
A strong breeze off the water made the fire dance crazily and tossed the girls’ hair around.
Emma rubbed her arms. “I do love it, but I need to remember to bring a sweater with me next time.”
“
I think I have one in my car,” Scott said. “I’ll get it for you.”
Before he could stand, I pulled off my light sweater and handed it to Emma. “Here.”
She took the sweater. “Won’t you be cold in just a T-shirt?”
“I’m pretty warm-blooded.” I gave her a secret smile.
She stood to put on the sweater, and it was impossible not to stare when she raised her arms over her head and her shirt rode up, flashing her bare stomach. Luckily, Pete poked me with his elbow to snap me out of it before she caught me ogling her.
“Better?” I asked her when she sat again.
“Much better.” She laughed softly. “Although, this is probably long enough for me to sleep in.”
The image of her in bed, wearing nothing but my sweater, flashed in my mind and sent heat straight to my belly.
Fuck. Don’t think about that. All I needed was to give her a full salute in front of everyone. Emma would probably never look at me again.
“I think I’ll go grab a Coke,” I said, deciding distance was the answer to my problem. “Emma, Shannon, you want one?”
Shannon held up a bottle of water. “I’m good, thanks.”
“I’ll have one,” Emma said. “Would you like me to go with you?”
“You stay here by the fire where it’s warm. I’ll be back soon.”
I fled before she could decide to come with me after all. It wasn’t until I was almost to Dylan’s van that Pete caught up with me.
“What’s up with you and Emma?”
“Nothing.”
He snorted. “You were staring at her like she’s something to eat. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you had the hots for her.”
I scowled at him. “She’s beautiful. Any guy would stare at her.”
“Yeah, but she’s also Sara’s cousin. You can’t mess around with her like you do with other human girls.”
“I know that,” I shot back. “Why do you think I left just now?”
He held up his hands. “Whoa. Don’t chew my head off.”
“Sorry, man.” I raked a hand through my hair. “I know Emma’s off-limits, and I’m not going to do anything to hurt her. We’re friends.”
“Hate to break it to you, but you don’t look at her like a friend.”
I groaned. “Shit. Do you think she noticed?”
“I don’t think so, but I don’t know her well enough to say for sure.” His eyes narrowed. “I know you’ve been to see Emma a few times since she moved here, but I didn’t think you were interested in her. I’ve never seen you get worked up over a girl like this. Did something happen today?”
I rubbed my face. “I’m not sure when it started. I think it was that first night I went to her place after Lex and Julie scared her. All we did was talk. Nothing happened today either. I always thought she was pretty, but the more I get to know her, the more I like her.”
“Ah, man. That’s…”
“That’s life. She’s human and not for me. Unless you know a way to stop my wolf from imprinting, I’m out of luck.” I stared at the sparks flying from the fire that was out of my sight. “She probably wouldn’t want a werewolf anyway, so it’s a moot point.”
“I don’t know. She looks happy around you.”
“Not helping, Pete.”
“Sorry.” He waved at the van. “You should get her Coke and go back before she thinks you ran off.”
We started toward the van when a group of people walked up from the parking lot. I swore softly when I recognized Lex, Julie, and a redhead named April with Paul and Dell. What the hell were they doing here? My night had just gone from bad to worse.
Pete put a hand on my shoulder. “You know, maybe this is a good thing. You haven’t tried to get to know any of them. You might like them if you gave them a chance like I did with Shannon.”
I stared at him. “Did you miss the part where I said I didn’t want a mate yet?”
He shrugged. “Listen, your wolf will choose, whether it’s now or in five years, and chances are, it’ll be one of the females you meet this summer. Who knows, you might even hit it off with one of them.”
I shook my head. “They’re too clingy, and they’d rather feel me up than have a real conversation.”
Pete barked a laugh. “Did I just hear you complain about girls wanting to make out instead of talking to you? Hold on; let me get out my phone so you can say that again. Sara won’t want to miss this.”
“You know what I mean, smartass. Half of them only want me because I’m the Alpha’s nephew. They think having sex will make my wolf choose them.”
“Then talk to the other half. They’re not all like that.”
“Roland!”
I hid my grimace as Lex locked on us like a heat-seeking missile. The other girls trailed her, followed by Paul and Dell. Paul gave me an apologetic look from behind their backs, telling me that coming here hadn’t been his idea.
“We wondered where you two had gotten to tonight,” said Lex, who was stunning in a short, flared, blue dress that showed off her long legs. Dell was practically drooling over her, and I saw more than one guy following her with their eyes. The other girls were dressed similarly, all looking like they were dressed for a night club instead of a beach party.
“We were going to Portland, but the girls heard about the party and wanted to check it out,” Paul explained.
Lex pouted at me. “I thought you were working tonight.”
“I was supposed to, but I thought I’d catch up with some of my old friends.”
I stuck my hands in my pockets, annoyed that I had to explain myself to them. This was yet another reason I didn’t want a mate. I liked my freedom and not having to check in with someone all the time.
“Where’s Shannon tonight, Peter?” Julie asked, a note of jealousy in her voice.
“She’s down by the fire. We were just about to go back to them.”
Lex’s eyes narrowed. “Them?”
“Our human friends,” I said in a low voice, suddenly worried about Emma. She was still nervous about werewolves, and Lex and Julie had already frightened her once. The possessive glint in Lex’s eyes made me not want to let the aggressive female wolf anywhere near Emma.
Lex smiled again. “Oh, I’d love to meet some of your friends. I might be living here myself one of these days.”
Not if there’s a God, I thought unhappily.
I pointed at their feet. “I don’t think you can walk down there in those heels.”
“No problem.” Lex kicked hers off and picked them up. “I like to go bare.”
The other girls followed suit, and I knew there was no way to keep them away from the fire and Emma.
“Let me grab some Cokes, and we’ll head down,” I said reluctantly.
I led the way to the rough path to the beach, and the girls descended ahead of me. Paul and I were the last to go.
“I’m sorry, Roland. I tried to get them to go to Portland.”
“No need to explain. I know how determined Lex can be.”
I followed the others and caught up to them before they reached the fire. Lex and Julie’s eyes widened in recognition when they saw Emma, but they didn’t say anything. She didn’t know them because they’d been in wolf form the last time she saw them.
I made the introductions, and the moment I said the girls were visiting for a few weeks, fear flickered in Emma’s eyes. I could see she was becoming overwhelmed being surrounded by werewolves, but I couldn’t go to her without drawing attention. I caught her eye and smiled to let her know she was safe.
“So, you and Roland went to school together?” Julie asked Scott. “You must have some good stories about him.”
“Roland and I never hung out much in school,” he said.
“How about you, Emma? How well do you know our Roland?” Lex asked Emma, placing her hand on my arm in a clear display of ownership that annoyed the hell out of me. I wanted to push it off, but I didn’t want to make a scene.
“
We met a month ago,” Emma replied.
Lex put a finger to her lips. “You look awfully familiar. Have we run into each other before?”
Emma’s brow furrowed. “I don’t think so.”
Julie snickered, and I growled just loud enough for her and Lex to hear. They were walking on thin ice, and this time they wouldn’t get off with a mild scolding.
Lex stiffened, and Julie cast a nervous glance at me. Message delivered.
“How long will you all be in town?” Emma asked politely, though I saw she was still uneasy.
“I’m here until the end of August,” said April, one of the nice ones Pete had mentioned. “Maybe we could get together sometime.”
“I…sure.”
“Great!” April gave Emma a friendly smile, earning her points in my book. “Do you like espresso? I can’t get enough of it.”
Emma returned her smile, looking more comfortable. “I love it.”
Shannon piped in. “Peter took me to a place called The Hub. We should go there. The coffee was amazing.”
“How about tomorrow?” April asked.
Emma shook her head. “I’m working tomorrow. Monday?”
Shannon grinned. “It’s a date.”
April looked down at her black dress and sighed. “I’m all dressed up to party, and we’re just standing around the fire. Who wants to dance?”
“I’ll dance with you.” Paul stepped forward to take her hand. “Let’s go.”
Pete held out a hand to Shannon. “You up for a dance?”
“You bet.” She took his hand, and he pulled her to her feet.
Scott nudged Emma with his arm. “You want to show them how us diner folks dance?”
She nodded, and he helped her up, sending another stab of jealousy through me because he had the freedom to do what I couldn’t.
“Excuse me,” Emma said to Lex as she moved around her.
Lex inhaled sharply, and her grip tightened on my arm. “Why are you wearing Roland’s sweater?”
Emma recoiled at the bite in Lex’s tone. “I was cold, and he loaned it to me.”
“You don’t look cold now,” Lex stated frostily.
“No.” Emma’s gaze flicked to me, and she pulled the sweater off before I could say anything. She held it out to me. “Thanks.”
