by JC Szot
After tonight’s scheduled charade, Drake needed to buckle down and flee from this farce of a relationship. He’d have to suck it up and trudge through the muck to get to the other side. It was inevitable. The faster he cut the noose, the sooner he could breathe again.
* * * *
“Isn’t it amazing?” Nina squealed, clinging to his arm. “I can’t believe I have the highest amount of volunteer service hours in the community,” she told him, her shapely brows raised.
Yeah, that may be true, but some other poor slob did all the work.
“It’s quite a network you’ve built,” Drake replied, forcing a smile. Nina had created the volunteer network herself. The only issue Drake had with it was she never showed her face to any of the people who willingly provided the endless hours of service. The award should’ve gone to the people working the front lines.
Princess Diana used to walk across minefields, for fuck’s sake!
Drake downed his last scotch, needing to slow down so he could make his escape. He wasn’t in the mood to fuck tonight—or was it just that he wasn’t in the mood to fuck Nina? Drake set his glass down on the table.
“I have to go,” he told her, leaning into her, quickly kissing her cheek. Drake reached for his suit jacket on the back of his chair. Nina’s brown eyes went dark, her brow wrinkled. That gleam began to shine through.
Oh no!
“Why so soon?” she asked, rubbing up against him like an attention-seeking pet.
Drake shrugged on his jacket. “I have an early start and a busy day tomorrow. Keith’s in the air, and I’ve got clients coming in.” Drake raised a hand, halting a rebuttal that he knew was coming.
Nina’s pewter-colored evening gown sparkled as she moved, closing in on him. “I’ll walk you out.” She smiled slyly.
Drake felt his body recoil. She’d expect him to fuck her in the backseat of the car if she wanted it that bad, and that glint in Nina’s eyes told him that’s exactly what she was entertaining.
“It’s fine, really. Say good night to your folks for me.” Drake stepped back from her oppressive demeanor.
“Drake!”
That whine sliced through his skin, making him wince. He’d lost so much blood already.
“We’ll talk,” he told her, his lips tight with a forced smile. Drake briefly brushed his lips over hers and spun on his heel, needing to flee before Nina’s parents rejoined them.
Drake buckled in and was relieved when the car started, humming with a smooth idle. The mechanic had repaired the alternator and returned his car before lunchtime.
Drake pulled out of the well-lit parking lot of The Manor, a swanky restaurant in Cypress Hill. He found himself driving through the winding streets that led to downtown Marshall’s Creek, where his car had broken down. What was he looking for? Most importantly, who was he looking for?
Chapter Seven
After a brief stop at the Marshall’s Creek diner, Drake made his way back to where the car had died. He couldn’t recall the place, but it resembled some type of fuel distribution facility. Drake wasn’t sure if she worked there, lived there, but this was where he’d start.
The salty smell of grilled meat and greasy French fries permeated the car, the takeout bag on the passenger seat. Drake finished his turkey club behind the wheel, leaning over the wheel so as not to soil his slacks. There’d been plenty of upscale hors d’oeuvres to choose from at The Manor, but Drake’s gut was often in knots while in Nina’s company.
Seeing the faintly lit sign for Union Gas and Propane, Drake pulled off into the graveled lot and cut the headlights. He let the car roll slowly to a stop, then silenced the engine. This is the place.
Drake grabbed the bag and got out of the car, closing the door as quietly as possible. He walked across the parking area, looking for lights inside the small adjoining building. There were none.
The cool night air pushed through the fibers of his shirt. Autumn’s here. Nocturnal sounds carried through the wooded area that surrounded the lot. When Drake got to the tree line, he stopped. He felt silly, standing there holding a bag as if looking for a stray cat. Had she just happened to be passing by on foot that night?
There was something about this woman. She’d taken up too much space in his head the last few days. Though their chance meeting had been brief, Drake couldn’t stop thinking about her. The fact that he was ready to make a decision about Nina spoke volumes, and that choice had become increasingly clear after the night he’d been here.
* * * *
Kelly was just about to light the fire when a blackened mass caught her eyes through the trees. She lowered down to the ground, shoving the lighter back inside her pocket. She crawled on all fours, hiding behind an immense oak tree.
It’s him, the guy with the fancy car! She squinted, straining to see. He had a bag in his hand. Kelly felt her teeth grit. Great, guess he feels sorry for me. She felt her body sag into the knotty bark.
He was good-looking, way too polished for her. Broad shoulders were draped in black. The satiny trim of his tuxedo gleamed in the darkness as he moved. Kelly shrank back as he started to pace up and down the tree line. What was his name…Dan? She was certain he wouldn’t start trampling through the woods in his formal attire. Her breaths rose up into the peaceful night air, her heart pounding wildly as he pawed at the bowtie around his neck.
He ran a hand through his hair as his eyes skirted around his surroundings. Turning on his heel, he began to walk across the parking lot. His dress shoes crunched on the gravel as his figure retreated. Kelly shivered, wishing he’d just leave so she could start her small fire, get warm, and get some sleep.
She watched his form sharpen as he retraced his steps. Relief raced through her when he bent down, setting the bag behind a large stump. He stood and visually scoured the tree line and parking lot once more before admitting defeat and returning to his car.
* * * *
“Man,” Steve groaned. “This is so fucking good,” he said, rolling his eyes in ecstasy. Drake had left her a bacon cheeseburger, pickles, and fries.
Steve must’ve smelled it from five miles away, having appeared ten minutes after her visitor had departed. The hamburger was massive. Kelly had forgotten how big a portion was to the paying consumer.
“How long has it been since we’ve had a meal like this?” Steve asked, his eyes sleepy, relishing the taste.
“Too long,” Kelly said through a mouthful. She reached for the foiled ketchup packets, tearing them open with her teeth. She drizzled the condiment over the fries before splitting the pile down the middle.
They ate in silence, picking the Styrofoam box clean. When they were done, Steve got the fire going while Kelly went in search of the trashcan. Steve stayed until Kelly got settled in her bedroll. The fire crackled, shooting red-hot embers into the sky like fireworks. Steve knelt down to retrieve his backpack. His blue eyes glowed, the firelight dancing in them, making them electric. A peculiar grin moved across his lips.
“What’s up with you?” Kelly asked, chuckling. The food was settling in her gut, prompting her to sleep.
“You know why that guy came back here?” Steve asked, his tone hushed.
“It’s nothing I need to preoccupy myself with,” Kelly said sarcastically. “Believe me, I’m glad he brought the food, but—”
Steve’s voice rose over hers. “He’s looking for his princess,” he said, smiling.
“Oh, yeah!” Her laughter rang out around them. “That’s the most intelligent thing you’ve said, Steve. Now good night…see you tomorrow,” Kelly told him, shaking her head and rolling over.
“You’ll see. Give the guy some credit. Just because your clothes are a little dirty doesn’t mean he can’t see the lovely woman beneath,” he whispered.
“Good night, Steve,” Kelly groaned.
“I’ll catch up with you later. Thanks for the burger,” Steve said, standing. Kelly listened to his boots trample through the woods, crunching leaves in his path as
he headed back to town.
Chapter Eight
“I’m glad things got straightened out and that your trip was productive,” Drake said. He passed the envelope across his desk that contained Keith’s bonus check.
“Yeah, any time you want me to travel, just let me know. It’s nice to get away,” Keith said, smiling. It was obvious that the trip had more than agreed with him. “I’ll plug those stats in for you before I leave today,” Keith informed him. Drake nodded as Keith closed the door.
He spun around in his chair, tipping back to gaze out the window. The mountainside was beginning to transition, dotting the landscape with brilliant color.
The summer had been terrible, stifled with Nina’s family, followed by a visit down to see his parents in Key West. Drake had surrounded himself with personalities that did nothing but drain him. Tonight that would all change. He’d asked Nina to meet him at the condo.
He’d have a few drinks with her and then drop the bomb. Things with Kelly hadn’t gone according to plan, but he’d try again. There was something brewing. It was only a feeling, but this time Drake was going to listen to his gut. He’d already paid the price dearly for ignoring it in the past.
* * * *
Drake walked in the door through the garage entrance and took off his jacket, loosening his tie. Hearing a car door slam had his eyes darting to the window. Like clockwork, Nina wasn’t far behind him, always punctual.
Drake poured two scotches. He downed his and poured another, leaving Nina’s on the small bar that sat in the corner of his living room. He took a deep breath, trying to exhale all the tension that’d had his stomach tight and twisted all day.
Drake strolled across the glossy, hardwood floor and waited by the door. He gazed around the room, seeing all that he had. Anybody else would probably be thrilled, but fancy objects never met the needs of the heart. He’d been lucky in having the opportunity to learn that. It was ironic that Nina had been the one to show him.
Black leather furniture shined in the low track lighting. The glass-topped coffee and end tables held all the trinkets that Nina would bring back for him every time she and her parents went traveling. A flat-screen with surround sound was mounted on the far wall. Drake leaned on the edge of the foyer’s threshold, exhausted at what lay ahead. An intrusive knocking got his mind back to where it needed to be. Drake relented and opened the door.
“Hi, baby,” Nina cooed, blowing by him, making her entrance into the spacious living room as if there was an audience. “I see you have a drink for me, ready and waiting.” She lifted the glass to her lips as she spun around to face him. Her dark, beady eyes narrowed at him over the rim. Drake slammed the door shut with his foot and sauntered into the room, standing on the multicolored area rug. His feet were cold already.
“How was your day?” she asked before quickly rushing onto the next item on her list. “Daddy wanted me to tell you that he’s planning a golf—”
Drake lifted a hand, halting her pitch. “I have something to discuss with you.” His tone was firm.
Nina’s brows lifted. Her eyes fixed on his as she slowly put her drink down. “What’s wrong? Did something happen at the office?” she asked, closing the space between them.
“Things at the office are fine.” Drake downed his second drink. His teeth caught his lower lip as his insides absorbed the burn of the liquor. “This is about us,” he announced.
Nina’s entire body went stiff, her back up like a defensive cat. “What are you talking about?” Her facial expression tightened.
“I’m talking about you and me,” Drake told her, his tone hardening. “I’m no longer feeling any type of fulfillment from this relationship, and I want out,” he said, lifting his hands.
Her eyes lowered into seething slits, suspicion coating her features. “When did you come to this conclusion?” Nina asked, her hand on her hip.
“Cut the theatrics, Nina. I’m just not feeling it anymore. We’re too different, we don’t connect on the same plane,” Drake explained. His reasons spewed from his mouth like a poison he couldn’t wait to purge himself of.
“We were supposed to get married,” Nina whined. Her face creased, becoming lined with an age she hadn’t reached.
Drake shook his head. “I’m sorry, Nina. Marrying you is something I just can’t do,” Drake admitted, his voice thick. “I’m sorry. It would be a mistake for both of us.”
“Yeah, that’s what you say,” Nina bit back, her tone icy. “How dare you draw that conclusion for me,” she said with glaring eyes.
“I’m sorry, Nina.” Drake shook his head. “The marriage would involve both of us…I guess that’s something you’re not thinking about.”
“Fuck you, Drake Larson!”
“Your daddy might be able to give you everything you want, but that doesn’t mean everyone else can, or will,” Drake told her, thrusting his chin at her. The slight blade of guilt he’d felt scoring into him the last few days turned to anger.
“This is just great!” Nina yelled. Her eyes skirted around the room. Drake stepped back, thinking she might throw one of her many souvenirs at him. “How dare you embarrass me?” Her tone went cold, freezing him to the bone, that last chill he’d feel.
“You don’t need me to do that,” Drake said. He chuckled dryly. “You do that all by yourself.” He couldn’t contain the grin that tugged on his lips. He’d never been malicious, but it was getting to be quite entertaining. “I’m being honest. Please don’t crucify me for that,” he told her, his tone softening around his words. “This is really for the best. You’ll thank me later.”
“Fuck off,” Nina seethed. She spun and grabbed her purse off the bar and stormed past him, asphyxiating him with one last gust of her pricy perfume.
Chapter Nine
The hot water rejuvenated her as it ran in torrents down her body. Kelly lathered her hair until the suds stuck out of her head like meringue. Steve was washing their clothes. Aside from a much-needed shower and clean clothes, it’d been an uneventful day.
The air held an unfamiliar daytime chill, the sky a clear, iridescent blue. Last night still plagued her thoughts. Steve’s words kept swimming around her brain. What would a man like him want with me? It was all absurd.
Kelly reluctantly turned off the taps and toweled off. She could’ve stayed in the steamy stall all day. After tugging her clothes back on over moist skin, Kelly was just finishing drying her hair over the hand dryer when she heard Steve whistle for her. She combed her fingers through strands of hair that felt deliciously clean and then tied it back into a high ponytail.
Rounding the corner out of the communal bathroom, Kelly saw Steve sitting on a bench with their sack of laundry between his feet. His blond hair was wet and slicked back. The sun’s rays hit his smoothly shaven cheeks. Steve had that glamorous edge to his looks. With the right hair products and clothes, he’d look great on the runway alongside Kate Moss.
“Felt great, didn’t it?” Steve asked, grinning.
“Oh yeah,” Kelly laughed. “I was tempted to tell you to just leave me here.” She elbowed him playfully.
“Not a chance. We gotta get down to the consignment store. I saw a two-man tent there a few days ago,” Steve said, his eyes lowering to hers. “Amy told me if she didn’t sell it, she’d give to me. You’re gonna need some type of shelter soon.”
“What about you? How do you prepare for the winter?” Kelly halted her footsteps, needing to see his eyes. Steve rubbed his silken cheek, avoiding her probing stare.
“Don’t worry about me.” Steve waved a hand. “This is old hat for me.” He smiled.
“No.” Kelly’s voice grew loud. “I’m tired of all this vague crap. Stop making me your project,” she shot back.
Steve’s hand rested on her shoulder, his tone soft. “Kel, I got places I can go, places with heat, but it’s like the arrangement that you and Sam have…I can’t bring anybody else in,” Steve explained. “Now we’re getting you that damn tent, so k
nock it off with all the independent, womanly heroics, will ya?” He frowned.
“I think if it gets really cold, I may have to sleep in the restroom on the floor,” Kelly admitted, her tone lowered.
“At least you’ll have heat,” Steve told her, staring straight ahead.
* * * *
“This is a North Face, one of the best,” Steve said, tying the twine into the stakes. He pushed the stakes into the damp ground and then stood, shoving them into the earth with his foot. Once the tent was spread and staked, Steve directed her to the opposite end. They raised the nylon structure, pulling it tight.
“This is cool. Amy hooked us up,” Steve said as his eyes roved over the tent, pleased with himself.
They set up the tent further away from the tree line. With the leaves ready to fall, Steve wanted to make sure that Kelly’s presence was concealed. Steve walked deeper into the woods, looking for additional firewood.
Kelly opened two cans of stewed tomatoes and beans with Steve’s small can opener that hung on his keychain. There were two keys on the ring. Kelly wasn’t sure if he was hanging onto something from his old life or if they were actually linked to something he had access to. Kelly didn’t like to pry too much.
You had to be a survivor to make it on the streets. It was like becoming part of a jungle. There were lots of predators, and if you appeared weak for one second, you were prey—chased, hunted down, and consumed.
Steve had shared that a lot of women got into drugs and prostitution just to survive. He’d seen many women used and abused. “That’s not happening to you,” he told her more than once. A shiver moved over her, recalling how she’d scolded him for making her his project. She was fortunate to have him. Steve didn’t deserve that, and the fact that he’d asked her for nothing in return was beyond noble.
