St. Elmo

by Skye McNeil

  Within five minutes, his friend nodded to the door, and the two left, but only after Spencer promised to buy the first round of drinks later in the evening.

  “You going to tell me what’s wrong?” Spencer asked when they reached the curb.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he replied, picking up his pace. It was foolhardy since his friend’s legs were longer.

  “Aw, come on, man.” Spencer teased. “The whole tour you were moody as hell and acted like you’d just lost your favorite snuggle toy.”

  They reached a crosswalk and Spencer nudged the button as they waited. Perfect white snowflakes landed on them while the cars zoomed past. “It’s the girl, isn’t it?”

  The light turned in their favor. “I want to say no—”

  “But it’s not true,” his pal finished.

  Reaching the other side of the street, Jared took in the New York City buildings. It wasn’t home, but it wasn’t like he stuck around somewhere long enough to establish roots. All of a sudden, he wanted to; craved it even. He didn’t want to hop from one place to another. Not alone at least. Never felt this way before Bobbi.

  “Well, damn, she knows, right? Please tell me you soldiered up and told her.”

  Jared winced. “Not exactly.”

  Spencer snorted. “Idiot.”

  “Excuse me?” Jared stopped in his tracks, people milling around their stationary bodies.

  “You’re a tool if you don’t see this out. If she’s special enough to make you act like a grumpy ass then either go get her or…” Spencer let the rest hang out there. They both knew his alternative method included drunk girls and cheap hotels.

  “Since when did you get so mushy?”

  The other man shrugged. “Since never. I don’t like seeing my best friend miserable, is all.” He frowned. “Not saying a relationship would help in any way. Those usually just fuck everybody up.”

  “Yeah, yeah, you’re the reigning relationship Scrooge, I got it.”

  They began walking again, though Jared wanted to run back to Asher’s apartment. And do what? She’s a thousand miles away.

  “You should surprise her?” Spencer suggested as if reading his mind.

  “What?”

  “Oh, you know.” His friend smirked. “Fly out there, knock on her door, and kiss the living hell out of her until she can’t say no to you.”

  Jared rolled his eyes at the imagery. “Aw, I didn’t realize you were an expert in romantic gestures.”

  An odd expression crossed Spencer’s face but was quickly replaced with a cunning grin. “I’ve been reading up on the subject. Helps pass the time.”

  “Uh huh, sure.”

  “So, what do you say?” Spencer asked. “You’ve got plenty of airline miles for a free ticket.”

  It was true. Whenever Jared was in between jobs, he’d travel all over the world. Thinking it over, he couldn’t predict how Bobbi would react. She may slam the door in his face for all he knew. This was the second time he’d used his profession as a buffer with her. The odds were against him for a third chance.

  “She’s moving to New York City pretty soon. Hell, she may already be here. No reason to fly across the country when she could be in the same city.”

  Spencer dug his phone from his jacket pocket. “What’s her number?”

  “Um.” He probably should’ve memorized it. She was the most important person in his life after all.

  “Forget it.” Spencer held out his hand. “Give me your phone, and I’ll find it.”

  Jared reluctantly handed it over. “She won’t answer.”

  “Shh.” Spencer held up his index finger. “Hello? Is this Bobbi? Uh huh. Okay. Is she there? Great, thanks.” He hung up and tossed the phone back.

  “Well? What happened? Was it her?” he asked, his throat dry for some reason. He could barely contain his questions.

  “Calm down.” Spencer cracked his neck. “It was her roommate. Bobbi was in the shower.”

  “So, she’s home.” The thought of Bobbi made his heart jump in excitement. She was it; the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Well, at least he hoped so. He couldn’t guess her reaction.

  “Yep.”

  Stomach jittery and nauseous at the same time, Jared held up an arm to hail a taxi. One stopped within moments of his gesture. “Come on, love expert,” he said, opening the door. “You got me into this, so you’re coming too.”

  Instead of resisting, Spencer jumped into the front seat. “Let’s go win a girl’s heart.”

  Jared couldn’t agree more.

  »»•««

  Bounding up the slippery steps, Jared raised a tentative fist up to the door. His heartbeat thrummed out of control, but he rapped three times nevertheless.

  “Jesus, man, I know you’re excited but damn. Wait for a brother next time,” Spencer complained, now at his side. It wasn’t his fault entirely. Jared all but sprinted out of the rental car when they confirmed the address. He had to see Bobbi as soon as possible, and he wasn’t about to wait for his buddy to hurry up.

  Jared knocked again, this time with more force. It was all he could do not to kick down the door. He eyed his friend but didn’t respond. He couldn’t do anything except wonder why the hell it was taking so long to open a door.

  “Maybe she’s at work,” the taller man suggested after the third round of knocks.

  “No, she has to be here.” Jared pounded both fists this time, rattling the windows inside.

  “Whoa, calm the hell down, Jare. You’re here to woo her not scare the shit out of her,” Spencer reminded.

  Finally, the light above them flipped on, and the door wrenched open. Jared’s heart dropped at the man clad only in candy cane boxers at the entrance. His thick brown hair was mussed, and a sheen of sweat shimmered on his muscular chest. The guy was any girl’s prince charming and the underwear did little to hide his…excitement.

  “Can I help you?” boxer guy asked, narrowing his eyes.

  “Holy fuck,” Spencer chuckled, taking a step backward. “She really knows how to rebound.”

  Jared’s glare silenced his friend, but he wasn’t wrong. The man in front of them was spectacular. He turned a grim stare to the shirtless wonder. “I’m looking for Bobbi Davis. Is she here?”

  Boxer boy smirked. “What’s it to you?” He raked a hand through his hair and leaned against the entryway. “She didn’t mention a boyfriend.” He nodded to Spencer. “Or should I say, two boyfriends?”

  “Look, is she here or not? It’s important I talk to her.” Jared took slow breaths to calm his rage. If Bobbi was screwing this prick, heaven help him. He’d lose his mind. The image of her lying in bed, cheeks flush with desire, set him into a tailspin when the practically naked man replied.

  “Bobbs isn’t expecting anyone, so I think you both should leave.” He adjusted his boxers, the cold not bothering him in the least. “Now would be good. I have a few things to finish up if you catch my drift.”

  Those were the wrong words. Jared’s serene behavior snapped like a twig in the winter. In one swift move, he pinned the cocky man to the brick wall beside the door and held his throat. Rage swarmed him, and his body reacted like it was a normal day on the job. Bobbi deserved more than some douche like this, and if he couldn’t have her, then he’d make sure this little asshole couldn’t either. “I swear to God, if one hair on her head is harmed, I’ll—”

  “Jared?”

  Glancing to the door, he spotted a pretty woman wrapped in a flower-speckled kimono. Her attentive brown gaze shot to him. Instantly Jared loosened the hold on the man’s neck. “Yes?”

  “And who, pray tell, might this gorgeous darling be?” Spencer asked with enough sugar to cause a cavity.

  Typical Sasquatch, Jared thought with a roll of his eyes. His friend was notorious for being a ladies’ man, no matter where they were.

  The woman crossed her arms over her chest. “Clara, Bobbi’s roommate.” She pointed to the man
in Jared’s grip. “And he is my boyfriend, Chad. Will you kindly drop him? I still need him for a thing or two.”

  “You’re sure?” Spencer chuckled, eyes glazing over her dainty clothing choice.

  Clara’s right brow rose. “Yep.”

  “Bummer, I could’ve made your night ten times better if you know what I mean,” the taller man promised.

  “Spence, stop hitting on her.” Regret flashed over Jared. He unclenched his hand and took a step back. “Sorry, I thought…” He couldn’t finish. He’d been so overwhelmed with anger he didn’t put all the pieces together before jumping to conclusions. He reacted instead of gathering intel. His C.O. would make him run five miles for such a mistake.

  Chad rubbed his neck and then grinned once he reached Clara. “It’s okay. I’d do the same if I were you.” He shrugged sheepishly. “Sorry I was a dick. Bobbi’s a sweet girl, and I didn’t know who you two were.” He looped an arm around Clara’s waist.

  “Come on in,” she offered when they were at a stalemate in words.

  “No, thanks. If she’s not here, we should check into a hotel for the night.” Jared looked to Spencer who didn’t seem sure what to do next. He swiveled on his toes and headed to the car.

  “She’s gone, Jared,” Clara informed.

  The soft voice sliced through the chilled air. “What do you mean?” He turned to face her.

  Clara stepped to the edge of the small patio. “Bobbi. She went to New York City early to look for you.”

  “She did?” He swallowed hard at the thought. If he meant that much to Bobbi, then he wasn’t on some wild goose chase. She had genuine feelings for him.

  “Yeah. Technically, the movers don’t come until tomorrow to get her boxes and take all her stuff out there.” Clara paused and grinned. “You two missed each other in the air. Aw, it’s kind of romantic when you think about it.”

  “And expensive,” Spencer added, bringing Jared back to reality. Always a specialty of his.

  “Then I should go back.” Jared shook his head once, already conjuring a meet-cute. “Thanks, Clara, and I’m sorry for the confusion.”

  “Wait, no, no, no!” Clara called, jogging after them. Jared noticed then there wasn’t a shred of clothes on beneath the sheer kimono. A fact Spencer wasn’t lost on either.

  “No? I need to find her and tell her how I feel.” He couldn’t let Bobbi think for a moment he wouldn’t have met her in New York if he knew she was coming.

  “Look, if there’s one thing I know about Bobbi,” Clara began. “She’ll come back if she doesn’t find you.”

  “Why? Where to? Are you sure?” He peppered off the questions then bit the inside of his cheek.

  “Calm down, soldier.” Clara laughed. “She won’t come back to me, so no camping in my living room.” She eyed Spencer warily then continued. “But she usually goes to the mountains. It’s part of her healing process. She did it after the failed engagement last year.” The roommate filled in. “She’ll head up to Timberline for some time alone before returning to society. I’m pretty positive that this time will be no different.”

  Jared let out a breath and reviewed his options. “She won’t go to Timberline,” he affirmed with a nod.

  “No?” Spencer and Clara said at once.

  He slapped Spencer’s shoulder. “She’ll go to St. Elmo. I’ll bet my retirement on it.”

  “How can you be so sure?” Clara asked as the two men high-tailed it to the rental.

  Jared opened the driver’s side door. “I just know.” He smiled and did his best to contain his excitement. “Do me a favor and don’t tell her I came to see her. I want it to be a surprise.”

  Clara’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Damn, the magazine did work.”

  He shook his head. “No, Bobbi works. She’s the reason I’ve clearly lost my mind.”

  Bobbi’s roommate beamed a smile at him. “Well, go find it at St. Elmo, Mr. Romantic. I’ll steer her up to Timberline.”

  Nodding once, he ducked into the sedan and started the engine. He had one hell of a plan to figure out before she got her boots knocked off by him. Dialing his brother’s number, Jared opted to run the idea over the romantic in the family. Well, the published one at least. He was in the running now with a girl like Bobbi. He’d be her book boyfriend if it killed him. And, if she didn’t love him too, it would.

  »»•««

  The heated steering wheel did little to warm up Bobbi’s icy hands as she drove through the Rocky Mountains. He was gone. Sometime between her departure of Colorado and arrival to New York, Jared left. No one knew where he went which further frustrated her. Not even Asher, which stunned her when she rang the doorbell on the old bachelor apartment. It was one disheartening visit after the next for an entire day.

  Bobbi took a right and turned toward Mount Princeton. The giant loomed ahead as did her pity cabin, as she dubbed it. She went to the rental log cabin whenever tragedy struck. Thus far, it was the third instance she was using it. Horses galloped in the field to her right, the long foothill covered in snow in the background. She wasn’t entirely sure why she was headed to Timberline so late in January, but the urge overwhelmed her. Well, and when she spoke to Clara, it sounded like she and Chad were using the apartment as their own personal love nest, and Bobbi didn’t want to endure creaking bed rails while she cried in the next room.

  The hot springs flew by on the left, but she kept her path. Right then, she missed the warm sunshine and hiking the mountain paths. A long soak in the hot springs was in order, but she doubted she could convince the owners to open shop just for her. Tears threatened to fall, but she resisted the urge. She wouldn’t allow herself to fall apart until she was safely in the cozy cabin. A children’s camp whizzed by on the right side of the road. It was abandoned for the cooler months but boasted full tenants in the summer.

  She slowed the car when she reached the large dip in the road and thought back to New York City. She managed to track down a few of Jared’s Ranger buddies, yet they weren’t much assistance since they were three sheets to the wind. She gathered they saw Jared earlier in the day at a barber shop and he left with Spencer. She knew the name well, and it churned her stomach. The trail went cold after the bar meeting. She’d visited Jessie and Asher once more before returning to the airport, since her apartment wasn’t quite ready for her move yet.

  “It was a foolish waste of time,” she griped, slowing as the road switched from pavement to gravel. For some reason, she felt the desire to drive all the way to St. Elmo and look upon Timberline from above. It was also as close to Jared as she’d get. Though she wouldn’t be stepping a toe in the general store, a bit of ambling the streets would do her good.

  The road curved its way up the mountain, the frozen river on the right. “I don’t know why I thought I could track him down. It’s New York. Way too many places to go.” She let out a steady breath as the turnoff to Timberline disappeared in the rearview mirror. The magazine riding shotgun seemed to jeer at her. It was cliché she brought it at all, but she deserved some kind of closure. “Don’t worry, when I get to the top, I’m ripping your pages out,” she promised, the elevation rising higher as she drove.

  Jessie tried to convince her to stay a few days longer, but Asher urged her to take time for herself. It seemed odd even now that he wasn’t hunting down Jared. He wasn’t one to leave romance dangling. Then again, with a newborn due, it made sense to shoo her out of town.

  The sign for St. Elmo appeared, though snow almost covered nearly every inch of it. She parked the rental Jeep at the end of the road. Getting out, she pulled on her hat when snow began to fall. She hadn’t thought ahead to layer her clothes, so all she wore were the jeans, hooded sweatshirt, and light winter coat she threw on hastily earlier in the day. At least the boots are sort of warm. She shrugged as the knee-high black boots sliced through the shoveled snow.

  Tire tracks running along the snowy path gave her pause, since she didn’t see anyone else in the vic
inity. The select few who lived in the mountains year-round were known for trying out their new snow toys. Bobbi smirked at the donuts made in the snow. Stomping to the general store, she peeked into the window but saw no one inside. She sighed in relief, not wanting a repeat of last time anyhow.

  Snowflakes tickled her nose as she tromped up the path to the barn full of license plates on the southern side. Seeing all the different states reassured her in a funny way. It was always a safe place when she was younger, and it appeared to extend to adulthood. Closing her eyes, she listened to the quiet forest around her. A light tink sound make her eyes pop open. Never one to be wary of exploration, she trudged in the deep snow toward the noise on the other end of the building. She turned the corner and glanced around the area. Curious, she noticed the license plates nailed on the side of the barn. They weren’t there before, were they?

  Studying them closer, Bobbi’s pulse quickened. In the various plates was a message. She took a step closer and read aloud. “Bobbi, you’re the best person I’ve ever met. I’m a fool without you in my life. I love you.” Obviously, the words were shortened, numbers used and completely void of an idyllic, grammar-filled statement, but it was all there. Each syllable rang true in her heart.

  She spun around and stifled a cry when she spied Jared at the tree line. “Jared? What’re you doing up here? What is all this?”

  His footsteps quickly covered the distance to her. “It’s the truth, Bobbi. All of it,” he said in a rushed voice. He took her hands in his. “When I was on assignment, all I could think about was you. Your laugh, your smile, your sassy attitude.” His green eyes dipped to her lips. “The way you make me feel alive when we kiss.”

  Bobbi felt her cheeks burn, but he didn’t allow her a chance to speak.

  “But what I missed most about you was you.” He shuffled his boots to touch hers. “You make me feel as if I can conquer the world. I didn’t have that until I fell for you.” He smiled. “And not once either. Twice. I never thought I’d fall in love with a woman more than once, but with you, it happens every time I see you.”