Footprints

by Nicky Jayne

  “Riley. Please, come with me. You’re soaked and by the looks of it you two have some issues to resolve. If I were you, I’d do it before you uncle finds out.”

  As she mentions my uncle, she looks at Tanner. I have a feeling there’s something there that I don’t know. She begins to walk away from me, but I’m still frozen to my spot.

  He’s staring at me and it’s then that I get a better look at him. He’s tall, with stubble lining his jaw. His shoulders have that one-too-many-duffel-carry’s slant to them. The thing that draws me to him the most, is his eyes. A dashing green glow comes from them, his white are bright. Paired with the green that fills the center, they’re simply intoxicating. They’re beautiful.

  We seem to be at a stale mate. He’s staring at me and I’m staring at him, neither of us are moving. I can feel my chest expand and my heart race within my chest. There’s something about this boy, I’ve already figured that out, but standing here at my father’s graveside. It feels so much more intense.

  My dad’s memory drew me here, but right now, there’s one thing that forced me here and I can’t seem to keep my eyes off of him.

  Marcie’s voice breaks me from my thoughts.

  “Riley!” she bellows

  One step at a time, Riley, one step at a time. Turning back, I smile at the brilliant marble.

  “I love you, Daddy. Thank you,” I murmur softly and start to walk towards this strange pair.

  His head lowers when I get closer. He seems nervous as he pushes his hands back into his jeans pocket.

  “Riley, this’s Tanner. Tanner this’s Riley,” her voice is laced with sarcasm, that both me and this strange boy seem to pick up on. Turning to look at her, almost in unison, we both scowl.

  “What? You two have some issues to resolve, I see,” she waves her hand in front of my truck.

  His hand extends to mine and I’m stunned. I just look at him like a damn fool. What the hell, Riley, snap out of it already.

  “Riley, is it? Well Riley, I’m Tanner Barker.”

  “Sgt. Tanner Barker,” Marcie barks in her two cents.

  His face’s a picture and he looks annoyed by her input. Huh, well, would you look at that. I’m curious to know more.

  “Yes, right, Sgt. Barker…thank you, Mar. I took some pictures of the damage. There isn’t much. We can get it fixed as soon as possible. I’ll cover the cost. I was in the wrong, after all.”

  I can feel my mouth open to object, but no words come. I’m too wrapped up in him. His voice, his eyes and the way his body moves as he talks. I still find myself staring and nodding like a damn fool.

  Apparently, I’m amusing him, because a smile creeps across his face as he talks. Oh lord, look at that smile.

  “Okay, you two. Can we do this somewhere else?” Marcie clips in.

  I nod and he agrees. My eyes are locked and I just can’t stop staring. Marcie hands me my keys and I walk back to my truck, never letting him out of my sight for long.

  My body has become weak with the events of today, so getting into the truck is a little harder than it should be. Pulling myself up on the running board, I grip the handle and drag my weary body into the driver’s seat. Marcie and Tanner are still outside, talking about god knows what. She’s talking his ear off about something and I have to laugh a little as I watch her become animated though, not once do I see a face that I should be concerned about. His head nods up and down, agreeing with whatever comes out of her mouth. She locks eyes with me and I blush, feeling like I’ve been caught staring at something that I shouldn’t. She gives me a quick wink before I drop my head in embarrassment.

  The sound of her little, beat up car starting startles me a little. The sound of crushing gravel under her tires as she turns her car, prompts me to start the truck. Here’s to hoping that I don’t flood the damn thing this time. I knew exactly why it didn’t start back at the lane, I flooded the damn engine. I was in such a hurry to get out of there, I pumped her too hard and too many times.

  She starts with a little rumble, but she starts. PHEW! Marcie sits in her car signaling for me to wind my window down.

  “Meet back at the café, okay?” she smiles with her question.

  I give her a small nod. Deep down my stomach begins to churn. I’m having a hard enough time being in the open with this guy and now I have to sit in the same damn room as him. The thought of just going back to my dorm and dealing with all of this another day is very appealing when it flickers across my mind. Until Uncle Crass’ face jumps in my mind. GAH! If I don’t have this fixed-or at least a plan in place, I may end up hanging on his wall with that deer he knocked off last year.

  Sucking in a refreshing breath, I flip the car into drive and make a sharp turn out towards the road. Tanner’s just made it to his truck, I try to keep my eyes off him, but I can’t. I could sit and stare at him for hours and from the look he keeps giving me, he may feel the same way. He turns just when he gets in the truck and stares for only seconds, before he graces me with that gorgeous smile of his.

  I’m only twenty, but damn, that boy’s good looking. I feel my insides warm up with the thoughts of what he’d look like with very little on. Hmm, the feeling is warm and my pulse is pumping, hard and strong.

  With each mile that passes to the café, I think of how my body would feel encased in his big strong arms, but I’m shocked back to life when I remember his stance. His name. His rank.

  Dammit! Why can’t life be simpler?

  I try to rationalize my thoughts. Maybe he’s retired? No, he couldn't be, he’s too young…maybe he is getting out? No, he can’t be, he’s too young. Maybe that was an old decal? No, why would he have such a thing on the back on his truck? Over and over the questions pile into my head and every time I have some sort of discouraging answer.

  I’m overwhelmed, not just by the events of today, but by him. He’s invaded my brain, my mind.

  Following Marcie into the back of the cafe, I stop and stare at her. She’s cooking something in that head of hers. I can see the cogs working overtime. I really want to have a second with her and figure out what the hell she’s up to. Actually, if I’m being honest, I’d love to have a one-on-one with her and find out about this boy...this man, this guy. I don’t know what to call him.

  She said that he was gone when my dad passed, so he has to be in his twenties, possibly thirties. Nah, that can’t be right, he doesn't look any more than twenty seven.

  “Riley, darling, take the booth in the corner, I’ll bring you both something to drink.”

  I nod and smile at her and don’t miss the smoke that steams from her ears, damn those cogs of hers are working hard today. Pushing the door open, I see him. Sitting in the corner booth. Head between his hands, eyes closed. Oh my, would you look at those arms.

  I’m frozen again just staring at him. A slap on my ass makes me jump. I turn to growl and snap at whoever it is, but I don’t see anyone. Well, not my height anyway.

  I look down and James is standing right behind me with a chocolate covered smile and a strawberry jelly covered nose. James is Marcie’s grandson and he’s the cutest thing ever, but he’s also a little demon. Always getting into things that he shouldn’t and by the look of it, he’s hit the pantry again.

  “James Days…get your little tush over here, you sneak!” she calls, from across the room.

  I smile at him and his cute as a button smile turns into a wicked one, before he bolts in the other direction. I laugh quietly just a Marcie comes back in the room, growling under her breath. Pushing the door again, I enter the main cafe, in an attempt to dodge the brunt of her rage. That little boy’s in for a world of hurt.

  Just as I turn, I remember why I was hesitant to come in. The ruckus in the kitchen has made him look up and he’s smiling right at me. I feel the flush of heat rain across my face as I smile back at him.

  Come on, Riley, I say to myself. He isn’t going to hurt you. Go introduce yourself and fix the truck issue. Be friendly.

&nbs
p; With a small smile, I walk over, sliding my body into the booth.

  My knee knocks his as I slide in and our eyes meet in shock. I don’t know what just happened. It must’ve been static or something because I swear, that I felt a zing of electricity run through my body. I must’ve zapped him, too. He looks confused, like he’s surveying me, but his eyes don’t leave mine. He isn’t doing a once over, no! He’s fixed on my eyes.

  There’s that damn feeling again, why am I so drawn to this boy? It’s all so confusing.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Tanner

  She’s a strange one, I’ll give her that, but damn what was that? I felt a jolt of something when our bodies touched. It can’t be static, we are too wet from the rain for that.

  My eyes bore into hers while I watch hers flicker back and forth. She has some sort of crazy eye thing going on and I kind of like it. Damn it’s cute.

  I love that smile. Oh man that smile, it could stop traffic. It’s definitely stopped my heart a few times. There’s something about this girl and I want to know more.

  I know the connection between the families. My father laid hers to rest. We spoke about it many a time, how he lost one of his best friends. It took a lot for my dad to overcome it.

  That’s our link. The only thing that binds us. The fact that he buried her father, I wonder if she knows. If she’d be able to move past that fact. I know what she’s faced in her life and can only imagine how heavy her heart is, but damn. These strange feelings that are running through me, are telling me to just go for it.

  I watch as she corrects herself in her seat. Marcie has come and gone. Hot, steamy coffee sits in between us, but neither of us move for it. We’re just too damn busy looking at each other. We’re here for a reason, but neither of us seem all that bothered by it. Until the door swings open and the ban-chi like cry makes me cringe.

  “Tanner!” she hollers.

  My eyes turn low, but Riley's face beams. She knows Annie, I forgot, damn it! This isn't going to go down well, I can feel it now. Annie needs to keep her damn mouth shut. If I have any chance with Riley, she can’t know about me and her.

  “Annie!” Riley calls.

  “Lady-Bug!” I hear from the ban-chi.

  Something makes my eyes snap up in front of me. Her face has gone white and she looks like she may be sick. Riley’s eyes have dropped to the floor and the girl headed towards us looks pleased with herself. Either that, or she has no idea her words have hurt or offended the girl in front of me.

  “Tanner, baby what are you doing with my Lady-Bug?” she pronounces the words slowly. I watch while the once white face in front of me turns almost green. Her eyes fill with tears as she processes the words.

  “What do you want, Annie?” I snap.

  I want nothing to do with this girl in the first place. I’ve already given her the marching orders this morning already and whatever she’s playing at right now obviously has upset Riley.

  “Annabelle Jacobs…get your little white ass in my kitchen right now.”

  Annie stops dead in her tracks when Marcie snaps at her. There’s something that you have to know about Marcie, she doesn't take crap from anyone. She has many “adopted” children, in case you can’t tell. The highlight to her mothering skills, I guess, is that every one of these children respect her and every one of their parents understands what happens within her walls is her business. I’m not saying she goes about beating them or anything, she’s not that kind of person, but damn, if you mess with her or anyone in here, you’ll get a tongue lashing or two.

  The child in me rears his head, I’m so tempted to do the whole nah-nah- nah, you’re in trouble speech and possibly a little jig. It’s just so damn tempting, but the look on Annie's face is too much for me. She has been caught and she knows it. Riley’s face has changed color for the better slightly, but her eyes are still fixed low on the table. I wonder if it’s the girl who made her choke up or the words…I’m betting on the words. Riley seemed pleased to see her when she first came in. Annie has a vicious streak in her and will do anything to get what she wants. I wonder if Riley knows this, or if she just learned it the hard way.

  I reach for her, touching her hand gently. That shock wave hits me again, making my heart skip a beat or two. She doesn't move, but I can see from the shape of her face she is smiling. She feels it, too.

  “Are you okay, Riley?” I ask quietly, my head lowered to the table.

  Her head nods slightly. My hand doesn't move from hers. Sitting this close to her, I can see her, I can smell her. She’s beautiful. I mean drop-dead, lock-up-your-daughters beautiful. There’s a natural glow to her. Her hair is soft and shiny. What I wouldn't give to run my hand through it right now. To feel the small strands weave in and out of my callused fingers.

  I move my hand, grabbing my coffee. Anything to take my mind off the not-so-gentleman-like thoughts that begin to roam through my head.

  As I take my first sip, I freeze, the hot cup stuck to my lips when I feel her fingers laced between mine. I look down at her hand and then up to her face. In that minute, I may have fallen in love with this girl.

  “I’m sorry, Tanner. She just, umm, well, no one calls me Lady-Bug other than my uncle and my dad. I guess it hit me hard, you know, after today.”

  A smile creases her face as I listen to her sweet soft voice. I’m pulled to the flicker of her eyes, goddamn, that’s so cute that I could watch them all day.

  “It’s okay…you know her right?”

  She nods and grabs her coffee, never letting go of my hand. I want to say it feels weird that we’ve known each other for maybe three hours, but this feels so right. Her hands are just as smooth as I’d thought, but somewhere deep down, I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak. When will she realize that I’m not who she thinks I am. Part of me wants to end this, but the other part of me wants to push past my fears and see where this goes.

  After what I saw today, I’d guess that she’s as broken as I am.

  “Yeah, we grew up together. She knows you?”

  See, I knew that was coming. How do I explain the relationship I have with Annie? Hmm, think Tanner, think. She doesn't need to know everything. Anyway, it’s not like there’s anything to tell. What, she has a crush on me. She wants what I won’t give her and she’s a complete bitch.

  “Yeah, she’s friends with my sister Eloise. We, uh, had a little thing, but nothing came of it. Seems she’s grown quite an unhealthy attachment.”

  Now would be a really good time to shut the fuck up, Tanner. Her soft facial expression has changed to one of shock. Nice going!

  “Riley, sorry that sounded worse than it should’ve.”

  She puts her finger up telling me to shut up and her face changes again once she swallows the hot coffee. She’s fucking laughing at me. Dammit. She had me all worried over here. Seriously, my stomach is somewhere at the bottom of my boots.

  I scowl at her because she knew what she was doing. I like this side of her. It’s a side that I’m assuming, many people don't get to see very often. Her giggle is intoxicating. She’s exaggerating it though, which is funny. You know the kind, hand on chest, whole full belly laugh. Her fit is interrupted, when Annie comes storming out of the kitchen all types of worked up. The look I just got was priceless. If she could kill with looks, I’d be six feet under right now.

  Best to keep that joke to myself.

  “Funny am I?” pulling her back to me, with my words. She turns and smiles.

  “She’ll get over it,” she says, with a shrug.

  “Are you sure about that? She looks pissed,” I retort.

  The look on her face is priceless. She has the whole ‘right, like you care’ look and she would be right, I don't care. Not one little bit. I just hope she doesn't affect this, whatever this is between Riley and myself.

  “So, let’s talk trucks,” I deadpan.

  I’m trying to wrap my mind around anything else other than her naked. Damn, where the h
ell did that come from? Trucks, Tanner, trucks. Shiny silver fenders, lifted arches, large bed. Man, I’d love to see her sprawled out on mine. Focus! Chrome detailing, extended cabs for more back seat room. Perfect for a make out session. Goddammit…Goddammit! Even thinking of trucks make me think of her. Riley on the back seat. My hands winding around her body, making her eyes go crazy. Holding her tight, making her smile.

  “Tanner…TANNER!” Riley yells.

  I jump out of my seat as she yells my name. The whole cafe has gone silent and is looking right at me. Smiling, I lift my hand to let them all know there’s nothing to see here. A few of the older couples chuckle. Yep, have a guess who’ll be hearing about this next. Cue to the cell phone ringing off the hook. The need to get out of here has grown very great. I hate being watched and with how my body is heating up right now, I’d rather not create a scene, if you get my drift.

  “You okay?” she asks, smiling.

  “Yeah, I’m good. You wanna go check out the damage?”

  There’s that smile again. She doesn't speak, she just nods. Moving from the booth I offer her a hand, but she doesn't take it. The judging eyes that seem fixed in on us are probably swaying her off.

  Walking past the crowd of seated onlookers, hushed words are spoken. Her name of course and her dad’s name, have come up a few times. I’m trying to keep my eyes fixed on the door because I know they’re commenting on her, how her father died and me. I can’t look up. If I do, I know I’ll be drawn to that picture that sparked my interest earlier today.

  Pushing the door open, leaning my back against it, she passes by me, with a small smile and a nod. I swear on everything that if she curtsies, I’ll pin her sweet ass up against that wall. Lucky for her, she doesn’t.

  My thoughts are running rampant. All I can think about is her.

  I know if I’m going to pursue this, I need to take it slow, but there’s just something and I’m helpless against it.

  Opening my truck, I pop the glove box and a folded paper falls out. I think nothing of it until I unfold it and there in black and white are my leave dates. I know right then, that this may not work. What Riley doesn't know, neither does my dad. I’ll be leaving for a mission as soon as I get off leave. The parameters are unclear, but unlike most of my missions, I have a feeling this one isn’t going to go right. I don't know, call it paranoia or whatever, I just have this feeling. It’s one of the reasons I pushed so hard for leave.