“I need to speak to Alan Leman. It’s important.”
She nods slowly. “Okay. I’ll buzz him to come out.”
And have him come out here for me to grill in front of everyone? Causing a scene isn’t my intent. I shake my head. “Take me to him.”
She moves her hand back from the phone and again, nods slowly. Her lips press together for a moment and I wonder what she’s thinking. Too bad this Goddess deal doesn’t come with mind-reading powers. I’d really like to know if this woman has been trying to move in on my friend’s man.
She motions for me to follow as she walks. I pass other tellers on the way, some serving customers. There are a few gasps and murmurs. I’m glad the people in these towns are so polite. If this was L.A. I wouldn’t be able to do this. I’d have to have security guards flanking me, protecting me from all the entitled assholes in the room.
The woman opens a section of the counter and lets me through. I follow her down a short hallway and she knocks on the door of Alan’s office before she opens it. She doesn’t go inside, she just peers into the room. “You have a visitor, Mr. Leman.”
She steps back and I go into the room. It’s dark, the lights are out and the blinds are drawn. He stands as I close the door. He’s just like I remembered. Average height, slight build. Black hair in a short, no-fuss style. Piercing blue eyes. A smattering of freckles across his nose and cheeks. His mouth opens and closes, before he clears his throat and pulls himself together. I smile. He’s the kind of guy who gets flustered over nothing.
“Hi, Alan. Long time, right?”
He nods. “Eden. How are you?”
“I’m good. How are you?”
I come closer and sit down in one of the chairs across from him. There are a few little metal figures on his desk. Warcraft, maybe. That was one of the geeky things he was majorly into when Sasha started dating him. I doubt that has changed. He sits down and I see the frown cross his features as he switches on the lamp on his desk. He doesn’t answer the question.
“Sorry it’s so dark in here. I was feeling sick,” he tells me, though it sounds like a lie. I hear the faint lisp I’d forgotten he has. Sasha always found it cute. Right now, I doubt she would. “So what can I do for you?”
I look him over. There are bags under his eyes. He hasn’t smiled once since I got into the room. He’s sitting here in the dark. Something is definitely off. Do I really want to know what it is? I take a deep breath. I’ve never used the goddess light on a guy I’m not interested in before. It feels kind of weird to try this. I lean in. “Why are you doing this to Sasha?”
His frown deepens. “Doing what?”
I touch his hand. He looks down for a second, and I know he’s ready to pull it back out of my grasp. The light rushes through him and he doesn’t. His gaze lifts to meet mine. “I’m shooting blanks.”
“Um, what?”
“I can’t face telling her. She wants to have kids. I want to give her that but I can’t.”
Well, that makes sense, even if he has gone about this whole thing like a complete idiot.
“You almost lost her because of what you’ve been doing.”
“She deserves a man who can give her everything she wants.”
“You were trying to push her away?”
He nods, slowly, and breathes out a long sigh. “I love her, but I she deserves more than that.”
“Have you slept with someone else?” I’m not sure it’s even important, but I know Sasha would want to know if he had.
He shakes his head. “I don’t want anyone else. I couldn’t do that to her.”
I sigh. “Alan, she almost slept with some stranger because she thinks you’ve been fucking around. She was ready to send you divorce papers. You need to wake the hell up and tell her the truth.”
“How can I?”
“Do you want to lose her?”
“No,” he whispers.
I let go of his hand. “I’m going to get her.”
“She’s here?” He stands up.
“Out in the car.”
He moves quickly to the door and leaves the room. I go after him. Fingers crossed this goes how Sasha wants it to. I’ve done all I can do. When I get outside, I stay near the door to the bank, finding hottie Sheriff standing there, inches away from me, leaning against the wall. I give him a frown. What the hell? He left the bank just to stand outside it? He doesn’t look at me, he’s watching them.
I turn my gaze on Alan. He’s going straight to the car. Sasha gets out and is watching him approach, her arms crossed. He stops close to her, and takes her hands in his. She looks miserable to start with, but I see the moment when he tells her the truth. Shock hits and drains away into sympathy. She nods and they embrace. It’s a sweet moment. I’m happy for them both.
Until they come over and announce their plans.
“I’m taking a half day,” he says, turning to Sasha and kissing her hand before he darts into the bank.
“Thank you so much, Eden,” Sasha gushes. “This never would have happened if it wasn’t for you.”
“He explained everything?”
She nods. “I mean we have some stuff to work out, but that’s nothing. I love him. Everything’s going to be okay.”
“I’m so glad, Sasha.”
A few seconds later, Alan comes back out of the bank, a bright smile on his face. “Ready?”
She nods and then grimaces. “Um, Eden kind of came here with me...”
Alan looks at the Sheriff. “Elias can escort her home.”
The look on the guy’s face when it sinks in is one of horror. He quickly covers it up, but too late. I saw that. What the hell, sexy Sheriff? I’m not going to bite. At least, I don’t think that’s what I want to do to you…
Elias raises an eyebrow at Alan. “I can?”
I’m lost for words as Alan gives him a mildly threatening stare. This guy’s going to take orders from a bank manager? He doesn’t look like the type to take commands from anyone. A long sigh pulls from his lips, drawing my attention to them. What I wouldn’t give to run my tongue along that seam. Preferably while his naked chest is pressed up against me. I stop that little daydream before it can run away from me. He’s not a potential lover, he’s just a drop dead gorgeous stranger.
“Whatever,” Elias mutters as he pulls away from the wall.
I stand right where I am for a good few seconds, wondering what the hell to do. I could argue with Sasha, but where would that get me? I don’t really want to be a third wheel on the two hour drive back to Rapture. Watching them being all sickeningly sweet to each other in the front seat. They’re one of those couples who devolve into baby talking. I’ve heard it before and I have no desire to hear it again. On the other hand, I get to sit in a cop car with a hot Sheriff for a couple of hours trying not to flirt with him. Ugh. There’s no choice here.
Hot Sheriff starts to walk away, then turns. “Are you coming or what?”
Shit. Sasha frowns at me.
I smile at her. “Glad it worked out. I’ll see you later, Sasha.”
“Wait!” Sasha goes straight up to the sheriff. “Take her to the library and don’t leave her until she’s with Asher. And don’t be a dick to her, Eli. She’s a friend.” She pokes him in the arm before she walks back to Alan. I’m still a little conflicted so it takes me a minute to make my feet move.
“My car’s parked across the street.” He leads the way.
I follow, trying not to let my eyes drop to his ass. What the hell is wrong with me? Nothing, Eden, my thoughts start to argue against my guilt. You’re a Goddess of Love. You’re supposed to fall in love with many different men. Don’t be so hard on yourself.
Talking love already? Isn’t that jumping the gun? I look at him and wonder. It doesn’t take much to imagine falling for this one. Ruggedly handsome men in uniform have always been a turn on.
He stops at the car and looks me over before he opens the back door. “Your carriage awaits, Princess.”
Princess? Why does that sound so pleasing from his lips? I hate pet-names, especially when they’re derogatory. He clearly thinks I’m a spoiled brat, or an entitled rich cow. I’m not sure which assumption bothers me more.
“It’s just Eden,” I tell him, raising an eyebrow, “and I am not getting into the backseat of a cop car.”
His lips twitch into a smile. “I can’t let you in the front.”
“Then I can’t take a lift from you.”
“Well, my friends want me to escort you home safely. So you’re not leaving me much of a choice, Princess.” He produces handcuffs and butterflies burst to life in my stomach. The fun we could have… He leans in and whispers the rest, “Come quietly, or I’ll have to do this by force.”
Holy fucking hell. I get into the backseat and he closes the door. That’s it. I’m locked in. Probably just as well. If I was in the front seat I’d be too close to him. Touching would be an option.
He gets in front and starts the car, leaving his hat on the passenger seat. I frown at him as he pulls away from the curb. “Did you make me sit back here so your hat could ride up front?”
He laughs, glancing at me in the rear view mirror. “No, I made you ride back there because I can’t legally let you ride up front.”
“Because I’m not a cop.”
“Exactly.”
“And who gives a shit about those rules out here?”
He shrugs. “If there are no rules, chaos wins.”
I lean back in the seat. Two hours in the back of a cop car might sound fun if he was back here with me. He’s interesting as well as good looking. I think I can tell he’s going to be one of mine. I don’t need Cupid to confirm it.
“So, Elias, what’s your story?”
“My story?”
“We have two hours to kill, you might as well get talking.”
He laughs and the car accelerates. “It might be a two hour drive for most. It’s an hour and a half maximum in this car.”
“Whatever. Get talking.”
He’s quiet for a moment before he looks at me in the mirror again. “Why does Sasha want me to take you to her brother?”
Thoughts of Asher snap me out of my curiosity over this guy. I know he’s having a hard enough time accepting Nick. What am I doing even thinking about Elias as if he might be one of mine? I clear my throat as I let some of the guilt sink in. “Asher’s my boyfriend.”
“And yet, you’re flirting with me. I knew you were dangerous the moment I laid eyes on you.”
“He’s not my only boyfriend.” I curse the words the moment they slip from my lips. I shouldn’t have said anything. It’s not public knowledge. Keeping it to myself is the only way to control that. I don’t want it coming out. I’m not ready for the world to know. I don’t know how to deal with the fallout from a secret that big.
He meets my eyes again in the mirror, holds my gaze for longer. My heart is racing. I don’t know what he’ll make of my confession. I only hope he’ll keep quiet about it.
“Like that, is it?” He puts his gaze back on the road. “Does he know you have others?”
“He knows. They both do.”
“You’re something else, you know that?” He shakes his head.
“You owe me a story, Elias. I just told you my biggest secret.”
He’s quiet for a while. I know there’s something and it’s big. He won’t tell me. Not now. We’ve barely known each other for five minutes. It’s disappointing, but I understand.
“If this thing about you having two boyfriends gets out, you’d have a media storm on your hands.”
“I guess I would,” I tell him.
“Half the world would be slinging mud. People don’t like what they don’t understand.”
He’s right. I know my life would be made hell. “What are you trying to say, Elias?”
“Call me Eli. All my friends do.”
“Okay, Eli. Where are you going with this?”
“You just told me a secret. A big one. Yet, you barely know me.”
“I get the feeling you’re trustworthy.” Cupid had told me to trust my instincts, and they told me I was right. Eli isn’t a rule-breaker. He doesn’t shy away from flirting, but he doesn’t like it when someone tries to do something bad, like, say, break up a marriage.
“You’d be right. I’ve got no interest in gossip. I just like to know things. It comes in handy. But I have no interest in making life hell for someone when they’ve decided to place their trust in me.” He pauses, but I sense there’s more before it comes, “I have secrets of my own. Some of them weigh heavier than others. Mine are darker than yours, and I don’t know if I’ll ever share them. I appreciate that you shared with me. I won’t tell a soul, Eden. I promise you that.”
Oh, I could so fall for this guy. He’s incredible. “Thank you, Eli.”
I’m still a little disappointed he didn’t share something with me, but I know he will eventually. This isn’t the last time I’ll be seeing him.
“Are you still recording songs?”
“I’m working on a new album.” Thanks to Asher and Nick. My muse has returned. It’s going slowly, but that’s better than nothing. I’ll be able to tell my manager something. She’ll be expecting to hear from me soon. A tour is off the table, but a new record is in the works. That should be enough to keep her happy.
“Glad to hear it.”
“You’re a fan?”
His smile is broad. “Who isn’t?”
“I wouldn’t have thought that when we met in the bank.”
“When we met in the bank I thought you were looking to hit on my married friend.”
“Do you always think the worst of people?”
“It kind of comes with the job.”
I guess it would. “What else comes with the job?”
I’m thinking about the handcuffs. He’ll use those on me if we sleep together. I know it. I wonder what he’s into, exactly. Something dark, and a little bit dangerous, would be my guess. The thought makes me shiver in anticipation.
“This car,” he says, going for the mundane, “A gun, and a whole lot of paperwork.”
I laugh. “Paperwork?”
“I know, right? You would think it was all car-chases and shoot-outs. The damned radio hardly ever puts out a call. Half the time my deputies are just going around lifting cats out of trees or helping old ladies get home when they forget where they live or something. Haleton isn’t exactly a hotbed of criminal activity.”
“Sounds exciting.” I smile at him in the mirror.
He gazes back. “You think you might ever be looking for a third boyfriend?”
“Are you asking me out?”
“Maybe. I’m thinking about it.”
“I’ll be in L.A. for a week starting tomorrow.”
“Yeah, you’re probably too busy to fit me in.”
It’s a joke, but he has a point. When the hell am I supposed to find time for any other guys? Asher’s already going to miss me when I’m with Nick, and I’m not even going to be gone that long.
“Maybe we should see how being friends works out first.” I don’t want to get into something with him unless it’s more than lust. It wouldn’t be fair to Nick and Asher.
“That sounds fair,” he says. “Make sure you come to town when you’re back from L.A. There’s a beer festival in a couple of weeks. I’m not working that weekend. We can have some drinks. Work on that friend thing.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
We get to Rapture and he lets me out of the back seat. I look up at the library.
“I hope I see you in a couple of weeks,” he tells me as he walks with me into the building.
“You will.” It’s a promise. I want to see him again.
Asher comes out from behind the front counter and walks over to us, frowning at the Sheriff.
“Eden, is everything okay?”
“It’s fine. I just took Sasha to talk to Alan. They’re working things out. Eli offered t
o bring me home.”
I watch Asher glance at him and back at me. He’s wondering something. Does he sense something’s going to happen between us? Maybe some of my goddess instincts passed to him when I saved his life.
“Thanks, Elias.” He smiles tightly. Shit. He doesn’t like this. I’m going to hurt him like I hurt Logan. I’ve been lying to myself. It’s not possible to love more than one person at a time. Not without causing pain.
“I should get going,” Eli says. “Another time, Eden.”
He leaves and Asher’s smile brightens. “I’m glad Sasha didn’t just leave you stranded in Haleton, but she might have picked a better escort to bring you home.”
Damn, he really doesn’t like Eli. “He’s a cop, and he seemed nice.”
“Eden, he got off on a murder charge about four years ago. The woman he’d been seeing was found handcuffed to her bed. She’d been beaten to death. They didn’t have enough evidence to convict him. They were his handcuffs. She was his girlfriend. It doesn’t take a genius.”
I knew there was some darkness in him, but I couldn’t believe it was from that. I barely know him, though, and I know Asher isn’t lying. What does that leave? “Sasha and Alan seem to like him.”
“They don’t think he did it.” He shrugs, putting an arm around me. “They were friends for a long time. They don’t want to think the worst.”
“Did you speak to Diana?”
He nods. “I warned her off, but we’re still going to have to be careful.”
He’s right. We have to be careful. I rest my head on his shoulder. “What do you want to do tonight?”
He hugs me to him. “I just want to be with you. That’s all.”
Chapter Seventeen
Asher
The security guards Eden hired are on site and making her nervous. She shivers as we get into the house. I deal with the alarm for her. She uses the code that we used as teenagers to talk about secrets we didn’t want anyone else to know. It’s also the title of a Guns N’ Roses album, a favourite for a while when we were kids.
“No more pool sex, I guess,” I tell her with a wry smile.
Wild Hearts (Rock Goddess Reverse Harem Book 2) Page 6
