by Ruby Shae
His smooth, bare chest was wider than it was at twenty, and so were his huge, tree trunk thighs, but his once warm, dark brown eyes looked nearly black, cold and soulless. He had a tiny scar over his right eyebrow, something that looked like a stab wound on his right shoulder, and a three-inch slice-looking thing on his left side. His once short, dark, blue-black hair was long and uncombed, and he’d grown a dark, bushy, untamed two-inch beard.
The thigh-hugging jeans he wore were unfastened, and she noticed the head of his thick, hard cock peeking out of the open waistband. Upon closer look, she noticed several fresh, bright red scratches down his chest, and he smelled like alcohol and coffee.
She wasn’t a prude, but the old Reid would have never opened the door wearing next to nothing, and though he hadn’t been old enough to drink, he wouldn’t have been half-wasted before dinner. If his appearance hadn’t already convinced her she’d made a mistake, what happened next sealed the deal.
“Jillian,” he whispered.
The word sounded reverent, and for a moment she believed he was happy to see her. She opened her mouth to respond, but a woman’s voice cut her off.
“Whoa! You like fat girls, too, Reid? Good for you. I’m all for a threesome, hot stuff, but I’m not into fatties. I’m sure we can find someone we both like tonight.”
Jillian looked past Reid to the woman sitting on his couch. She was facing the door with her skirt bunched around her waist, and her legs spread wide open. She wasn’t wearing a shirt, and her pert breasts were thrust forward, framed by her wrist-bound arms.
Stupid, stupid, stupid!
Riley had been right. Reid had changed, and it wasn’t good.
Though she wanted to run, she forced herself to look him in the eye.
“I’m sorry,” she croaked, wincing at how weak she sounded. No wonder he hadn’t wanted her. “I should have called first.”
“Yes, you should have,” Reid growled.
“Maybe I’ll see you later,” she mumbled.
His angry glare nearly broke her heart, but she held her head high as she turned and slowly descended the stairs. Tears filled her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
She held them in as she rounded the corner, walked to the rental, and drove to the motel. Each obstacle became a greater challenge, but she managed to hold it together until she was safe inside her room.
With the Do Not Disturb sign on the door, and the deadbolt locked, she grabbed a pillow, curled up on the bed, and allowed herself to let go.
The painful, muffled sobs were for Reid—the man he used to be, and the man he’d seemingly become—and for herself.
Seven years.
She’d wasted seven years hoping for something that didn’t exist.
She no longer believed in the perfect man.
***
Reid stood in the doorway, glaring down the stairs, long after Jillian disappeared around the corner. His bear roared and paced, desperate for him to chase her, but his feet felt like they were incased in cement.
He knew about Fred’s passing, but a scenario involving her return had seemed unlikely, and finding her on his doorstep had never crossed his mind. He’d honestly thought he’d never see her again.
Fuck!
He looked down at his now limp dick falling out of his open jeans, and thought about the naked woman on his couch. A glance over his shoulder revealed what he already knew. Jillian had seen all of the woman, including her bound hands, and she knew exactly what they were doing before he opened the door.
Worse, he hadn’t said anything when the woman opened her mouth. She’d not only insinuated he engaged in threesomes, but she’d insulted his mate while he stood silent.
Rage swamped him.
Seven years hadn’t been long enough to douse his attraction to her, in fact, if possible, she’d grown more beautiful. The last time they’d stood face-to-face she’d been a cautious, plus-sized, teen, but the person who’d just walked away was a grown, confident woman.
As expected, she’d gained a few pounds, but she’d gained them in all the right places, and he desperately wanted to get acquainted with her new, ample curves. Her honey brown hair, the same color as her eyes, was the same length it had been in high school, but she’d grown out her bangs, parted it on the side, and added several layers to accent her natural waves.
He still wanted her, and the realization, though obvious, sent a myriad of emotions coursing through his veins. Fury was the easiest to understand and manage, so he held on to it and buried everything else.
He slammed the door and stomped toward the woman.
“I’m glad you got rid of her,” she said, “she was gross.”
“Shut the fuck up,” he roared.
“Oh, please. You know it’s true.”
He grabbed her wrists, untied the knot holding them together and threw her shirt at her bare chest. She didn’t move, and the soft material tumbled to the floor.
“Get dressed and get the fuck out of here.”
“Aww, don’t be like that,” she said, reaching inside his pants and wrapping her fingers around his soft cock. “I’ll help you forget about her and you’ll be hard again in no time.”
He grabbed her shoulders and pushed her away.
“I don’t want to forget about her,” he barked.
“Right,” she sneered. “If you can’t get it up anymore, just say so, but don’t pretend you have a thing for that whale.”
“Walk out, or I’ll throw you out,” he said. “It’s your choice.”
“Whatever,” she snapped. “You’re no fun anymore.”
She picked up her shirt and righted her clothing, grabbed her purse and strolled toward the door as if she didn’t have a care in the world. She pulled open the barrier and turned back to face him.
“I’ll be back in the bar tonight. If you get that cow out of your head, come find me.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” he retorted.
“We’ll see.”
She smiled, stepped outside, and pulled the door closed. He half expected her to come back, and he stared at the wood a full minute before crossing the room to lock it.
He glanced at the clock, and then started the shower again.
His family had a lot of explaining to do.
***
Reid pushed open the door to Polar Bliss, and quickly scanned the little shop. Most of the medium sized crowd hovered around the pick-up counter, but the line to pay was growing. Riley stood at the register taking orders, and Ridge worked the machines, quickly filling them.
The smell of coffee filled his nose, and for a moment, the past came flooding back. He nearly smiled. Polar Bliss was almost always packed, and after high school, he’d spent nearly every afternoon working side by side with Ridge, as Ryker worked the register, and Riley and Jillian sat near the window doing homework. Though they’d all been faced with great tragedy, at the time, his life had seemed perfect.
He’d been fourteen when a hunting accident caused him and his siblings to become orphans, but their family had stayed together thanks to Ryker. His oldest brother had only been eighteen, but he’d fought hard to gain guardianship of him, Ridge, and Riley. The house had been paid off, but when he’d needed to provide a stable income, he’d used his inheritance to open the shop. They’d worked and lived together, loved each other, and laughter had always filled their home and the tiny shop.
Riley’s laugh floated across the room, and he frowned.
Jillian was Riley’s best friend, and his sister had failed to warn him about his mate’s return. The strong bond they once shared had been gone for years, and though it was his fault, he pushed away the memories and allowed his wrath to return.
He stormed behind the counter and used Riley’s surprise against her.
“Reid,” she smiled. “What are you doing here?”
He could see the hope and love in her gaze, but he didn’t care. Anger and betrayal flowed through his veins, and he wanted to make her feel a
s bad as he did.
He stood in front of her, and used his intimidating size to force her backward until she bumped against the counter behind her. Her brown eyes flashed, reminding him of a fierce warrior, but a second later fear took over and she cowered.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he seethed.
“Reid, please,” she whispered. She pushed on his chest, and tried to look around him, but he’d caged her in and he didn’t budge.
“Please, what?” he mocked, his voice low. “Please don’t make a scene? It’s too late for that little sister. Why didn’t you tell me about Jillian?”
“Let me go,” she pleaded, pushing on him again. Her eyes filled with tears, and her breathing was erratic, but he ignored her bogus distress. He knew too many women who could cry on cue, and he refused to be manipulated.
“Not until you answer my question,” he demanded.
“I—”
“Leave her alone!”
Ryker’s arms encircled his upper body, and swung him away from Riley. His sister bolted through the kitchen door, and Ridge glared at him with something akin to hatred. Everyone in the shop quietly stared at the drama unfolding, but he didn’t care.
“Get the fuck off me,” he roared.
He struggled against Ryker’s vice-like grip, but his brother didn’t budge. Ryker was only an inch taller than his six-foot, one-inch frame, but the man had more bulk and had always been the strongest Holland brother.
Ryker dragged him through the same door Riley had used to escape, but he didn’t stop there. He pulled him all the way through the kitchen and out the back door, and then shoved him toward the pavement.
Reid stumbled, but quickly righted himself.
When he turned to face Ryker, the man had taken an offensive stance, ready to attack.
“Relax, asshole,” Reid growled. “I’m not going to fight you.”
“Why not? You came into my shop looking for a fight, didn’t you? Or do you only fight women now?”
“Don’t be a dick,” he snapped. “Of course I don’t fight women.”
“Right, you just use your charms and force them to give you what you want.”
“I don’t have to force anyone to give me what I want,” Reid said, proudly.
“Right,” Ryker scolded. “That’s why your sister is crying in the bathroom and half the town is talking about what a dick you are. How could you, Reid? After everything she’s been through…how could you?”
His brother’s disappointment was palpable, and shame swamped him as he remembered glancing at the scar on Riley’s face and disregarding it. He hadn’t found out about the scar, or Riley’s ex boyfriend, until everything had been over and dealt with, and even then it had been from a mutual acquaintance. He’d been alone for a long time.
Silence stretched between the two men, until Ryker spoke again.
“I’m guessing you saw Jillian?”
“Yeah, she surprised me at my apartment about an hour ago,” Reid said. “Why didn’t you guys tell me she was coming?”
“Tell you how? We never see you and you don’t return our calls,” Ryker reprimanded. “Unless we go to the bar, you completely avoid us, and even then you barely acknowledge us at all.”
Reid thought about protesting, but Ryker spoke the truth. Ever since Jillian left, he’d been slowly pulling away from his family, and now he basically avoided them as much as possible.
“By surprised, I’m guessing you mean the reunion wasn’t good,” Ryker stated.
“Yeah,” Reid confirmed.
“If we had known, we would have tried to tell you,” Ryker said. “She just got into town today, and we had no idea she was coming. Riley was going to take her to the bar tonight, but I seriously doubt that will happen now. She’s staying all week though, so maybe in a few days. I’m sure she’ll want to see what you’ve created for yourself before she goes.”
“Okay, thanks,” he nodded. “I’m going to go.”
“We miss you,” Ryker warned, “but the next time you come here looking for a fight, you’re going to get one.”
“Understood.”
Ryker nodded once, silently turned, and reentered the building.
As much as he hated to admit it, he missed the man. Hell, he missed them all, especially Riley, but it was too late. He was too far gone to change, and they definitely deserved better.
Most of his anger toward his family had dissipated, but he still felt on edge, anxious and angry. He couldn’t wait for Jillian to see what he’d built for himself—in both the bar and his reputation—and how successful he’d become. She might not come tonight, but she would come, and he would be ready for her.
His bear slammed against his insides again, and growled. The animal urged him to run into the neighboring trees and shift, but he silenced the creature and ignored the constant, monotonous pacing.
Their first meeting may have shocked them both, but in a few days Jillian would leave town again, never to return. This time, he’d make sure she knew exactly what kind of man she’d left behind.
Chapter Four
Jillian sipped her Polar Kiss and looked out the window of the nearly empty coffee shop. A flurry of snow fell from the sky, but the residents of the town ignored the tiny fluff and continued to their destinations.
Polar Bliss had a prime real estate location in the center of town, and there were always passersby. It was one of the things she loved about the window seat she’d warmed so many afternoons all those years ago. In between homework, talking with Riley, and flirting with Reid, she passed the time studying the people on the street.
The shop door opened, and a blast of cold air whooshed around her, causing her to shiver and silently curse. She’d worn a pair of snug, dark-washed indigo jeans, and a shimmering red sweater set, but only the cardigan had long sleeves. Although they would be inside most of the night, the decision to leave her coat in the car had been a bad one.
“Jillian?”
She looked up, and immediately recognized the tall, curvy beauty standing near her table.
Jane Hart.
Jane was two full inches taller than her five-foot, nine-inch frame, and the woman’s dark, auburn hair fell to the middle of her back in large, loose curls. Her light green eyes sparkled in the twinkling lights from the window, and though they’d been four years apart, and little more than causal acquaintances, Jillian was happy to see another familiar face.
Jane had been born and raised in Longmeadow, the same as the Hollands, and she was Ridge’s best friend. She hadn’t hung out in Polar Bliss often, which explained why Jillian didn’t know her well, but the two friends had spent nearly every spare moment together when they weren’t working in their respective family’s businesses.
Jillian had been sure the pair were mates.
All these years later, it was disappointing to see she’d been wrong. They were still best friends, but nothing more, and it didn’t seem like that status was ever going to change. On the plus side, if Ridge found his mate one day, Jane wouldn’t be cast aside like an old girlfriend would be.
Like you would have been if you’d stayed with Reid.
She pushed the truth away and focused on her friend.
“Jane!” She stood, and gave the woman a hug. “How are you?”
“I’m doing well,” Jane said. “I’m sorry to hear about Fred’s passing. I know the two of you weren’t close, but…are you doing okay?”
“I am,” Jillian smiled. “I haven’t spoken to him since I left town, but my mother loved him and he provided me with a home and an education when he didn’t have to. I’ll always treasure his generosity.”
“That’s a good way to look at things,” Jane agreed, though her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Sometimes you have to search harder to find the good in someone.”
Jillian nodded and thought about Reid.
Their first meeting hadn’t gone well, and after talking with Riley, she wondered if he had any redeeming qualities left. At the end of
the night, she would either be surprised or disappointed, but she had a feeling it would be the latter on a very large scale.
Three days ago, on her first night in town, Riley had shown up at her motel an hour early and proposed a new plan. Instead of visiting Reid’s bar, her friend suggested a girl’s night in, and Jillian had eagerly agreed.
As it turned out, they’d both had enough of Reid that day.
They’d ordered room service, visited a convenience store sometime after midnight for ice cream, and stayed up most of the night filling each other in on every big, and not so big, event from the last seven years.
By the end of the night, she’d learned about Riley’s painful past, and Reid’s evolving path to destruction and desertion from his family.
Both stories had been incredibly painful to hear, but while Riley had her love and sympathy, she felt nothing more than frustration and relief when she thought about Reid.
If she’d stayed, it would have been a huge mistake.
Riley bounded up to the table wearing a pair of dark jeans and an oversized sweater.
“Are you guys ready to go?”
“Where’s Ridge?” Jane asked.
“He’s changing,” Riley said. “He’ll be out in a minute.”
In an effort to save time, Ridge had worked until closing, and then showered and changed in the back while Riley had left an hour early and gotten ready at home. Ryker wasn’t going to the bar with them, but it had been his night off, and it seemed all of the Hollands still preferred to open the shop rather than close it.
She’d laughed out loud when Riley and Ridge had tried to switch shifts with Ryker at dinner the night before. Apparently, everyone hated cleaning the machines and performing the closing duties, and each sibling guarded their nights off with unabashed, possessive determination.
In the end, the schedule had stayed the same, and they’d decided to go out an hour later, but she’d loved listening to their banter. Reid hadn’t been the only one she’d missed, and it was wonderful feel like part of a family again.
A few minutes later, they left the warmth of Polar Bliss, and Ridge drove them all across town to The Dirty Bear. The gravel parking lot was packed with cars, and music from the jukebox filled the air every time someone opened the large metal door.
