Chasing Sunset

by Missouri Vaun

  “Oh, shit.” She took a step back and bumped into Iris.

  “What? What do you see?”

  “It’s a black bear.” Finn tried not to alarm Iris. “Let’s move away, back up—”

  She turned and attempted to shoo Iris toward her cabin.

  “Ow! Ow!” Iris urgently whispered as she lifted her foot. Pain was evident on her face. “I stepped on something.” She hopped on one foot, holding the other.

  The bear was curious now. He tipped the whole trash can over. It fell against the can next to it in a clanging, clattering, chain reaction of falling garbage.

  “Hold this.” Finn handed Iris the flashlight.

  “What…what are you doing?”

  “How much do you weigh?” Finn slipped one arm under Iris’s knees and lifted her up.

  “Never ask a woman that question, even in an emergency situation.”

  “Noted.” It had been a rhetorical question anyway. Iris was petite and looked as if she weighed a hundred pounds soaking wet. Finn could bench press that on a bad day.

  Iris wrapped her arm around Finn’s neck as they made haste back to her cabin. The door was still open. She slipped sideways through the door and kicked it closed with her foot. She angled toward the small sofa in the sitting area and set Iris down.

  “Sorry, I just…I didn’t mean to assume…” She realized she’d sort of acted on instinct and now she’d delivered Iris, spooked and barely dressed, to her secluded cabin in the woods.

  “It’s okay.” Iris seemed a bit shaken.

  “Here, let me see your foot.” Finn knelt in front of her and gently explored with her fingertips.

  Chapter Seven

  Iris felt as if she’d fallen into some strange fairy tale. A maiden in distress saved by a dark-haired chivalrous stranger. Finn was kneeling in front of her, gently probing her injured foot.

  “I think this is what got you.” Finn held up a small sharp shard of a leaf. It looked like a broken dead leaf off a holly bush.

  “Thank you.” When Finn brushed her fingers along the edge of her foot, Iris shivered.

  “Are you cold? I could get you a blanket.”

  “No, I’m fine.” Iris swallowed. Her throat felt dry. “Could I possibly have some water?”

  “Sure.” Finn got to her feet and returned with a glass of water, but then hesitated. “Wait, can I trust you with this?”

  “I promise only to drink it.”

  Finn smiled as she handed over the glass.

  Iris studied her in the warm glow from a nearby lamp. Finn seemed so real, in a very perfect, unreal sort of way. She was wearing dark, slim-fit dress pants and a tailored light blue shirt, untucked, cuffed to her elbows. Her skin was golden brown, probably from time in the sun, and when she looked up, her eyes were most definitely blue. Finn’s eyes were stop-you-in-your-tracks bright blue. A shade so intense that if she’d seen Finn on film she’d have assumed they only looked that way onscreen because of some post-production magic. The intensity of Finn’s direct eye contact stirred her insides, unsettled her, as if something unexpected and carnal might happen at any moment if she stayed too long.

  “Thank you.” She took the glass from Finn and couldn’t help feeling just a little twinge in her stomach from Finn’s direct eye contact. She probably should apologize.

  While Iris sipped, Finn slid a kitchen chair over and sat down across from her.

  “Was that your girlfriend? The woman you were with at the diner?” Iris regretted blurting out the question almost immediately, but she was dying to know. Fate had obviously thrown them together for a reason. Now she had to find out why.

  “Ashley? No.” Finn shook her head as she reached for her unfinished beer and then glanced at Iris. “Would you prefer a beer?”

  “I’m fine with water, thanks.” She waited for Finn to fill in a few more blanks.

  “I drive for a limo service, and Ashley was half my fare for tonight.”

  “What happened to the other half?”

  “I left him with a bloody nose on the sidewalk for being a dick.”

  “So that’s why Ashley was crying?”

  “Yeah, when her boyfriend drinks he apparently becomes a handsy asshole. I felt compelled to eject him from the car.” Finn had a far-off look in her eyes as she sipped her beer.

  Iris found herself drawn to the small bit of smooth skin exposed by her open collar.

  “I’m sorry I threw that drink in your face.” She was aware she was in a very short nightgown and robe. She tugged it closed and angled her knees to the side. “I had a very bad day and…and I jumped to conclusions when I saw her crying. I’m sorry.”

  “Apology accepted. I’m sure from where you were sitting things looked different.”

  “Yes, but I still shouldn’t have done that. I honestly don’t know what came over me.” Iris swept her fingers through her hair and looked away, taking in the room.

  “So, you had a bad day too?” Finn’s question was soft, kind.

  “Yes. The worst.”

  “Would it help to talk about it?”

  For some reason, Iris didn’t really want to talk about what had happened with Finn.

  “Not really.”

  “I’m a good listener. And besides, you don’t want to go back to your cabin until our bear friend leaves, right?”

  Iris’s heart rate spiked. She’d been so distracted by Finn that she’d forgotten about the bear outside her cabin.

  “Maybe I will take that beer after all.”

  “You’ve got it.” Finn rummaged in the mini-fridge and returned with a beer for each of them. “Drink it slow. These are my last two.” Finn smiled as she sipped. “I wasn’t expecting company.”

  “Do you live here?” Iris realized there was actual food on the counter in the kitchen, and the rustic space had a definite lived in vibe.

  “Yes, for now. It’s kind of a temporary thing that’s turned out to be, well, not so temporary.” Finn looked around the room and then back at Iris. “My folks own this place so I’ve been renting this cabin for a little more than a year.”

  “It’s cute.”

  “Speaking of this place…how is it you ended up here? Don’t take this the wrong way, but you don’t really seem like the woodsy type.”

  Iris laughed.

  “I mean, maybe you’re the best sort of woodsy type and I have no idea what I’m talking about.” Finn fidgeted in her chair.

  “No, you’re not completely off base. It’s been a long time since I spent any time in the woods. I didn’t feel like staying in the city. I wanted to get away, and Hideaway Haven came up in my search. I just took a chance that this would be a nice place. The reviews online were all really good.”

  “So, Iris…I didn’t get your last name.”

  “Fleming.”

  “Iris Fleming, what brings you to my neck of the woods, pun intended.” Finn grinned.

  Finn was definitely flirtatious, but in a friendly, non-aggressive way. Iris felt at ease in Finn’s company and they’d only just met. Finn was so not from the Hollywood scene. Her openness, her realness was refreshing. She wasn’t trying to impress Iris or make herself seem more than she was. Finn wasn’t trying to sell herself. Iris decided she liked Finn. She also found her good looks and easy confidence attractive. When Iris had first seen Finn at the diner she’d compared her to Kent, but she realized after a few minutes of conversation that Finn was nothing like Kent.

  “What’s funny?”

  “Why do you ask?”

  “You were smiling.” Finn cocked her head and regarded Iris with curiosity.

  “Oh, nothing. In answer to your original question, I was in Atlanta to audition for a part in a new series.”

  “You’re an actor?”

  “Yes.” Finn obviously didn’t recognize her. Iris felt more at ease.

  “That’s great. Did you get the part?”

  “I don’t know, and even if I did I’m not sure I’ll take it.”

 
“I’m sensing this is all part of your very bad day?”

  “Yes. The director is an ass. I’m not sure I can work with him.”

  “That’s too bad.”

  “Yeah, it is. I really wanted to be part of the series.” Iris smiled thinly and sighed. “Enough about me, tell me more about you. You drive a limo? Out here in the woods?”

  Finn smiled broadly, and the cutest dimples appeared on each cheek.

  “I can see how that might look, but actually all my clients are in the metro area. I just don’t care to live in the city. Plus, I was trying to save money to get to LA.”

  “Really? Why?” She had a hard time picturing Finn there.

  “Well, I really want to be a stunt driver, and the best schools for stunt driving are in LA.”

  “My ex-boyfriend was an actor and a stunt driver.”

  It was almost as if Iris said the word in slow motion as Finn focused on her lips. The B word, ex-boyfriend echoed inside Finn’s head. She’d had the distinct feeling that Iris was attracted to her. Maybe she was, despite the boyfriend thing. Finn usually had pretty good instincts about when a woman found her attractive.

  “A stunt driver, really?”

  “Kent Kenny.”

  “You dated Kent Kenny?” Finn sat forward in her chair. Kent wasn’t just any actor. He was a damn good driver and did almost all of his own stunts, or so she’d read. If someone was going to have a boyfriend he’d be a good one to have. What were the odds? This was definitely some weird twist of fate.

  “You know him?”

  “Anyone who follows stunt driving in movies knows who he is. He’s good.”

  “And he knows it.” There was a hint of frustration in Iris’s statement. She glanced up at Finn. “Sorry, not your fault, but I’m not a fan of stunt drivers.”

  “Unless they save you from a bear.” Finn tried to lighten the mood.

  “Maybe.”

  There was obviously more to this story.

  Finn had seen photos of Kent. He was super good-looking. He probably could have any woman he went after. Iris was definitely his equal in the looks department. She didn’t know Iris, but a knot settled in her stomach that someone, even Kent, would treat her badly. Was every guy an asshole? Today it seemed they’d had more than their share of rich party boys gone wrong.

  “Do you think he’s still out there?”

  “Who?” Finn had been lost in thought.

  “The bear?”

  “Oh, yeah, the bear.” Finn had been conspiring some way to win her over, but Iris probably just wanted to get back to her own cabin and go back to sleep. Unfortunately, now Finn was wide-awake, despite the lateness of the hour.

  Finn opened the door and stepped into the dark with the flashlight. She didn’t have to take too many steps to realize the bear was still foraging. His back was toward her as his entire head was inside an overturned trash can. She was definitely going to revisit the subject of bear-safe trash bins with her father.

  She trotted back to the doorway where Iris waited, hugging herself.

  “Is he still there?”

  “Yep.” Finn was determined to cheer Iris up. “Maybe we should just plan to hang out here for a while. Want to watch a movie or something?” Getting her mind on something else would probably help Iris feel better.

  “You don’t have a TV.” Iris scanned the room.

  “But I have a laptop. And I’ve got Netflix.” Finn smiled.

  Finn motioned with her thumb toward the bedroom, as if she were trying to hitch a ride.

  “Come on, we can lounge in here and watch something until Mr. Bear finds somewhere else to forage.” The look on Iris’s face told her she’d gone one step too far. “Hey, I didn’t mean anything by that.”

  Iris looked at her with piercing brown eyes that shot right through her.

  “I just meant the bed is easier for lounging. That sofa is pretty small. And uncomfortable.”

  “Are you sure I’m not keeping you from sleep…or something else.”

  “No, seriously. I never have company here.” She realized she was possibly revealing more than she’d meant to. “I mean, it’s nice to have company.”

  “What? Do you have trouble coaxing women back to your cabin in the dark woods?”

  “Um, well…” The truth was she didn’t bring women to her place because she was next door to her very nosy and opinionated mother. That was just plain asking for trouble in all kinds of ways that Finn had no intention of dealing with.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to give you a hard time.”

  “You didn’t, really.” Finn waved her off. Her usual charms seemed to have no effect on Iris. It didn’t matter. Why was she trying so hard? Because Iris was beautiful? Finn had been with beautiful women before, and they were a handful—needy, self-involved, high-maintenance.

  Finn tamped down her enthusiasm. She was simply trying to help Iris out, not make a move. She waited to see which way the wind was going to blow, but she wasn’t going to beg her to stay over. Especially when she knew this had nowhere to go.

  “Well, maybe I will stay for a little while. If you’re sure you don’t mind.”

  “I wouldn’t have offered otherwise.”

  Iris followed her to the bedroom. Finn pulled the covers back on one side.

  “Here, you can get under. You must be cold. And I’ll sit on top.”

  “Such a gentleman.” Iris joked as she slid under the covers.

  “I try.” Although she felt like it was probably all going to waste on a straight girl.

  Finn balanced her laptop with one hand and logged in with the other before handing it to Iris.

  “Pick whatever looks good. I’ll see if I have some chips or something to snack on. And how’s your beer?” Finn was in full I don’t care mode now.

  “I still have some left, thanks.” Iris didn’t seem to notice.

  Finn stepped into the kitchen. Why was she suddenly in a bad mood? There was an exceptionally attractive woman in her bed right now. How had such a bad night taken such a spectacularly good turn? Probably best not to ask the fates too many questions for fear they actually might answer. She returned with a bowl of chips along with what was left of her drink. She kicked off her shoes and sat next to Iris, her legs stretched out in front of her. She was determined to enjoy the view, regardless of the evening’s outcome.

  “What’d you find?” Finn dipped her head toward the screen.

  “How do you feel about watching a classic?”

  “Whatever you want.” Finn actually meant it. She’d have a hard time watching the movie with Iris next to her anyway.

  “A classic it is then.” Iris hit play and settled the laptop between them. “Doris Day always cheers me up.”

  Iris smiled as she reached for a few chips. One of those smiles that made Finn’s stomach somersault. She’d do her best to look at the screen and not Iris, but that was going to be difficult. Who was she kidding? She did care, at least a little.

  * * *

  Finn found it strange to be in bed with a woman she hadn’t even kissed. Well, not really in bed in the traditional sense of that phrase, but still. An hour into the movie, she’d sensed Iris settle, and then after a little while she was asleep. Finn let the movie run on her laptop even though she’d long since stopped watching it. She rolled onto her side, propped on her elbow, and studied Iris.

  So serene. The room was dark except for the glow of the screen. It cast Iris’s delicate features in subtle highlights. Wow, Iris was so beautiful.

  Was it bad form not to wake Iris? She was sure the bear had moved along by now. Finn considered it for a moment and decided she wouldn’t disturb her. Iris had mentioned that she’d had a rough day, so Finn decided to let her sleep.

  Sleep was tempting Finn as well. She closed the laptop softly and rolled onto her back, leaving the computer on top of the blanket in the center of the bed. She wasn’t sure how long she lay in the dark contemplating the ceiling when sleep finally found her.


  Chapter Eight

  Iris woke with a jolt. Where was she? She blinked, her chest rose and fell rapidly making the crisp sheet rustle. Oh, right, the cabin. The room wasn’t completely dark. A pink hue edged in through the partially open drapes. She moved her hand beneath the covers and bumped the corner of something hard. Finn’s laptop was on top of the blanket between them. She must have fallen asleep watching the movie.

  The laptop was closed, so at some point, Finn must have closed it and decided not to wake her. She turned her head just enough to see that Finn was asleep, still fully clothed.

  Iris rubbed her eyes and tried to figure out what time it was. She didn’t relish the thought of traipsing from Finn’s cabin to hers in her nightgown and robe. She slowly sat up and rotated her feet over the side of the bed, careful not to wake Finn.

  Iris stood at the foot of the bed for a moment. What was the protocol in a situation like this? It hadn’t been a date, but somehow it felt a little like one. And surely Finn had rescued her from a fearful, fitful night had she been left to wait out the bear in her own cabin. Maybe she should leave a note. She looked around the bedroom but didn’t find anything readily available to write on, and sifting through a stranger’s dresser drawers seemed like a bad idea.

  Finn was sleeping soundly. Iris stepped nearer and looked down at Finn’s relaxed features. She looked so innocent. All of the swagger from the previous night was missing from her face. In sleep, Finn’s guard was down and Iris thought she was adorable. Sexy even. There was an alluring serenity in her expression that made Iris want to reach over and tenderly stroke Finn’s face.

  Instead, Iris moved the laptop to the dresser and pulled the unoccupied blanket from her side of the bed over to cover Finn. Then she quietly let herself out into the crisp just-now-dawn air. Dew clung to every leaf. Large droplets pelted her from the broad leaves overhead as she scurried to her cabin. This time she was careful to avoid the ground near the holly bush as she passed.

  It was still very early so as soon as she was inside, Iris tossed her robe onto a chair and burrowed under the covers in her own bed. She’d sleep a couple more hours, find coffee, and figure out what was next. After all, today was her birthday.