Desperate Strangers

by Carla Cassidy

  “Don’t worry, I’ll take you and pick you up from work. That’s probably for the best right now anyway.” He didn’t want to remind her of the strange and threatening phone call from the night before, but it was obvious that’s exactly what he had done.

  Her bright eyes changed to a midnight blue and she wrapped her arms around herself as if she’d just experienced a deep chill. “I can’t lie. I don’t mind you having my back right now until I remember what I’m not supposed to talk about.”

  “I’ve got your back.” Meeting her family had been a particular kind of torment for him. It had been one thing to lie to Julie but quite another to lie to her entire family.

  She rose suddenly. “I know it hasn’t been that long since I got out of bed but, if you don’t mind, I think I’ll go upstairs and lie down for a little while. I have a bit of a headache starting.”

  He jumped up. “Is there anything I can do for you? Do you need anything?”

  “No, but thank you for asking.” She gave him a warm look that once again stirred a touch of desire that he didn’t want and tried to ignore.

  He watched as she went slowly up the stairs. When she disappeared from view he raced back into the kitchen. He grabbed the rolled-up newspaper and sat.

  His heart pounded as he unfurled the paper and checked the front page. The usual headlines...sports, politics and advertising. Tension pressed tight in his chest as he turned to the second page. And there it was, at the bottom of the page: Northland Man Murdered.

  Nick read the article that reported Brian McDowell’s death. His body had been found by a friend. The news said that he had been killed by having his throat slashed, but mentioned nothing about the strange carving in Brian’s forehead. Apparently law-enforcement officials were keeping that fact close to their chests.

  Nick’s heart nearly stopped as he continued to read. A witness had come forward to report that he’d seen a man dressed in black running away from McDowell’s house. Police were asking anyone with information to come forward.

  Had the witness seen him? Or had he seen the real killer escaping from the scene? If it had been Nick who’d been seen, had it been before or after he’d torn off his ski mask? When had he taken off the ski mask? He couldn’t remember right now with the dread that coursed through his veins.

  As much as he hated it, this act as Julie’s fiancé was the only thing that might save him from a murder charge. He slowly closed the paper. Right now it was in his best interest for Julie not to retrieve her missing memories. But, no matter how it worked out, there was still another victim in this mess.

  If Julie regained her memories, it was possible she would turn him into the police, and her heart would probably be broken by the realization that there was no love, no engagement and no talks of marriage.

  He was sorry as hell that he’d drawn her into all of this. In doing so he’d not only doomed himself, but her, as well.

  * * *

  “SINCE I SLEPT through lunch and you had to help yourself, I was thinking maybe I’d cook a couple of steaks on the grill and we could eat out on the deck this evening,” Julie said hours later when she was awake from her nap. She had gone upstairs and contacted her insurance agent to get things moving on repairing her car, then had slept half the day away.

  “Sounds good to me. Just tell me what I can do to help.” Nick rose from the sofa.

  “You can sit back down and relax. I’ve got this,” Julie replied.

  “Are you sure you feel up to it?”

  She smiled at him. “It’s amazing what a long nap can do. Besides, I want to make a good meal for my man.” And she hoped at the end of the evening her fiancé would at least kiss her. She yearned for some kind of physical interaction with him.

  “Could you turn on the television for me? I wasn’t able to find the remote,” he said.

  “Oh, of course.” She should have thought about it earlier. He’d been sitting on the sofa with nothing to do for most of the day while she’d taken her nap. “I’m so sorry you couldn’t even turn it on while I slept.”

  She walked over to the coffee table where there was a hidden drawer in the center. She took out the remote, turned on the television and then handed it to him. She stood close enough to him she could smell the spicy scent of his cologne. “Feel free to put on whatever you want. I’ll be in the kitchen if you need anything.”

  Within minutes she was working to prepare an early evening meal. As she worked, she thought of the dreams she’d had while she’d napped.

  They had been flaming-hot visions of her and Nick making love. They had been erotic dreams and she didn’t know if they were simple longing or memories.

  All she knew for sure was that they had made her want Nick. She knew he was keeping his distance as a sign of respect for her and her missing memories, but that didn’t stop her from wanting him.

  Maybe tonight, she told herself as she scrubbed two big baking potatoes. She’d make him a good meal and then at bedtime she’d tell him she wanted him in her bed. She’d convince him that her missing memories weren’t important. Whatever her brain had forgotten, she believed her heart remembered.

  Thank goodness the cat was out of the bag where Nick and her parents were concerned. He’d handled them as well as anyone could. Although she had a feeling if her father caught her alone she’d be in for an in-depth interrogation about Nick.

  She’d always had a feeling her parents would be just fine if she never married. That way she could devote all her time and attention to the pawn shop forever.

  Maybe it was good for right now that she couldn’t remember anything. How could her father interrogate her if she had no memories?

  Within a half an hour the salad was made and in the fridge, the potatoes were baking in the oven, and the steaks had been marinated and awaited the grill.

  She returned to the living room and sat next to Nick on the sofa. “I figure we’ll eat in about an hour and I thought it might be nice to sit outside on the deck.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  “What are you watching?”

  He lowered the television volume. “Nothing really. I was just kind of surfing the channels for some local news, but all I’m finding is talk shows and game shows.”

  “Are you a news fanatic?” There were so many things she didn’t remember about him.

  “I wouldn’t call myself a fanatic, but I like to know what’s going on in the community. I want to make sure my kids at the high school don’t get into any stupid trouble.”

  “Oh, Nick, I haven’t even thought about the fact that you’re a coach. Haven’t football practices already begun?” She hadn’t realized about how her neediness might be screwing with his life and work. Normally she wasn’t so selfish.

  “Actually, the practices start the last week of July, so I’ve still got two weeks of relatively free time left,” he said.

  “And hopefully before the practices begin I’ll have all my memories back.” She held his gaze for a long moment. “I can’t wait to remember every single thing about you...about us.”

  “It will all eventually come to you. I peeked outside the window earlier to take a look at your deck. Do you need me to light the barbecue grill?”

  “I can do it.” She offered him another smile. He seemed so sober, so...distant at the moment. “I’m one of those women who doesn’t mind playing with fire if a grilled steak is the end reward.”

  “Then, if you don’t mind, I’m going to run upstairs and take a quick shower.” He got up from the couch.

  “Of course I don’t mind. Despite everything that’s happened, I’m sure you always considered this like a second home and I want you to continue to do so.”

  A touch of warmth lit his eyes. “I won’t be long.”

  She nodded, her heart fluttering unexpectedly as she watched him walk up the stairs. Her racing heart
was simply affirmation that she loved Nick and that she wanted him. And he must want her, too. He was here with her right now and he didn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.

  She got up and started back to the kitchen. She’d only made it halfway there when a vision exploded in her brain. She was alone in the pawn shop with only the security lights on. Her knees weakened. Danger! The word exploded in her head as fear clenched her stomach into a hard knot. Her mouth dried and a cold sweat washed over her.

  Reaching for the back of the chair to steady herself, the vision vanished as quickly as it had appeared, but left behind a terror that tightened up the back of her throat.

  Just a strange vision? Or had it been a flash of memory? Don’t tell. The words thundered in her head as she finally reached the kitchen and leaned with her back against the countertop.

  Had something happened at the pawn shop with one of the customers? Certainly over the years she’d dealt with all kinds of people there. She drew several long, deep breaths until the last of the feeling faded away.

  She grabbed a soapy sponge from the sink and carried it to the door that led out onto her deck, still trying to make sense of the vision her mind had momentarily presented to her.

  At least this was a hopeful sign that more memories would come. Still, she had a feeling if she tried too hard to remember, then nothing would happen.

  She began to clean off the round patio table with its bright red umbrella. The chairs held pads that were red and turquoise. The recliner nearby had the same patterned pad on it.

  One thing she definitely remembered was how much she loved her deck. It was a large space with steps that led to her heavily treed backyard. She was lucky that the property behind hers was a green space where nothing would ever be built and the forest-like area would remain.

  More than once early in the mornings or at twilight she’d seen a herd of deer appear. Right now birds sang from the trees and her anxiety of moments earlier slowly ebbed away.

  This had always been a place of peace for her after a stressful day at work, although she often didn’t get a chance to enjoy it. She did remember how long hours at the shop ate into any free time.

  She’d just cleaned off and set the table when Nick stepped out the back door. “Thank goodness it’s cooled off a little bit,” he said.

  Oh, my, she didn’t feel cooled off at all as she looked at him. His dark hair was damp and slightly tousled. The faint five-o’clock shadow he’d worn before his shower was now gone. He’d changed from his jeans into a pair of black shorts that displayed athletic, tanned legs. His short-sleeved, white-and-black shirt showed off his muscled biceps.

  “Julie?” He raised a brow quizzically.

  She realized she’d been staring at him. She only hoped her mouth hadn’t been hanging open. “Sorry.” Her cheeks flushed warmly. “Yes, it’s nice it isn’t as hot as it’s been. There’s a nice breeze blowing.”

  “It’s beautiful out here.” He walked over to the railing and looked out to the backyard. “I envy you all these woods. This is the best kind of scenery.”

  She picked up the long flame ignitor she’d carried out earlier. “I agree. You don’t have trees in your yard?”

  “Just one, a pretty little redbud tree.” His jaw tightened and he grabbed the lighter out of her hand. “I’ll light the grill for you.”

  He stalked over to the barbecue grill. As he lit the gas burner, his motions were stiff and unnatural.

  “Nick, is something wrong?” she asked.

  He jerked around to face her and, for just a brief moment, his expression was one of deep torment. The tense muscles in his face immediately relaxed into a smile. “Nothing is wrong,” he replied. “Do you want to cook the steaks or do you want me to?”

  “I’ll do it. I noticed there was beer in the refrigerator. Why don’t I bring you one and you can talk to me while the steaks grill?”

  “I’ll grab the beers,” he replied.

  She followed him into the house, wondering if she was losing her mind. Had she only imagined that look of anguish? Was her rattled brain tricking her? Unfortunately, she didn’t have the answer.

  Any concern she had slipped away as they sat at the table to enjoy the meal. The beer was cold and the steaks were grilled perfectly. The baked potatoes were also cooked to perfection and the conversation was light and easy.

  “I think I had a memory a little while ago,” she said.

  “What did you remember?” He leaned forward in his chair, his gaze intent on her. He had the most intense green eyes.

  She picked up her beer bottle and downed the last swallow. “It was just a flash. I was walking into the kitchen and suddenly I was in the pawn shop.” A chill danced up her spine. “And I was terrified.”

  He studied her features. “Did you have any idea of why you were so afraid?”

  “No, it came and went too quickly. There weren’t enough details.” She released a sigh of frustration. “I wish I would have remembered, then maybe I would know what I’m not supposed to tell.”

  “What could be such a big secret at the pawn shop?”

  She released a wry laugh. “Right now, your guess is as good as mine.”

  “I’ve never been in a pawn shop. What kind of people come in to do business with you?”

  Evening was falling and the breeze had stopped blowing. The result was an oppressive heat and humidity. “Why don’t we move inside and have a cup of coffee?” she suggested. “It’s starting to feel a little close out here.”

  “Works for me,” he replied.

  For the next fifteen minutes they worked together to clear the dishes and clean the kitchen. Their previous conversation didn’t resume again until they were both seated on the sofa with coffee cups in hand.

  “You asked me about the people who come into the pawn shop. Some are really nice and I know they’re just desperate for some quick cash to tide them over until their next payday or social security check comes in. These are the people we always hope pay their pawn on time so they won’t lose their items.”

  She paused a moment to take a sip of her coffee and then continued. “Other customers are just a little bit weird, bringing in bizarre items to pawn or sell. But some of the clientele are definitely a bit scary.”

  “Scary how?”

  “I think we have a lot of drug addicts desperate for their next fix. They argue about how much their item is worth, some of them get really angry that we won’t front them more money.” She frowned, remembering how many times she’d been a bit half scared while working.

  “Do you have security in the store?”

  “The only security is a bulletproof glass and a good lock on the office area. But nobody really ever works alone. Dad always makes sure when Casey or I work, one of the men works with us.” She looked at him curiously. “Didn’t we ever talk about my work before?”

  He shifted positions and reached for his cup from the coffee table. “Rarely. You always told me you wanted to leave your work at the store and just enjoy the time we spent together.”

  She nodded, knowing that about herself. “What about you? Tell me about your students and your ballplayers.”

  For the next two hours they talked. He entertained her with stories of working with high school students and it was obvious he loved what he did. In turn she told him about some of the more colorful characters who came into the shop.

  Their shared laughter made her want him even more. He was the man she’d intended to marry, a man she’d dated for a considerable amount of time.

  When had they last made love? The night before her car wreck? The week before? Didn’t he want her? He hadn’t even kissed her since the accident. Maybe she was like Sleeping Beauty and all she needed was a kiss from her prince to bring back all her memories.

  Nick stifled a yawn with the back of his hand. “Sorry,” he
said with a sheepish grin.

  “It’s getting late and I’ve got a morning shift at the store tomorrow.”

  “I still think you should have told your family you needed a few more days of rest,” he replied.

  “I don’t like to make waves.” She leaned forward and placed her hand on his arm. “Nick, why don’t you sleep with me tonight?”

  His muscles tightened beneath her touch. “Julie, I’m just not comfortable with that kind of intimacy when you can’t even remember anything about me.” He rose from the sofa. “We’ll have time for that when your memories return.”

  She also stood. She wanted to argue with him. She wanted him to know that it was okay with her. But he’d spoken his words with a finality that brooked no discussion.

  “I just feel so...so disconnected from everything and everyone.” She held his gaze for an intense moment, longing for his arms around her. “Could you just...just kiss me?” An embarrassed laugh escaped her. “God, I sound so pathetic right now.”

  His features softened as he reached out for her and pulled her into an embrace.

  She pressed into him, loving the feel of his hard, muscled chest against hers and the way his now familiar scent enveloped her.

  “It’s all going to be just fine,” he murmured, his breath a warm caress against her forehead. “You’re going to get your memories back and that will solve the mystery of the secret you know.”

  She raised her face and he lowered his lips to hers. It was obvious he meant it to be a quick, chaste kiss, but she would never be happy with that.

  She raised her arms to his neck and opened her mouth, encouraging him to deepen the kiss. With a faint groan, he complied. His tongue swirled lazily with hers, igniting a flame in the very depths of her.

  She wanted the kiss to last forever, but all too quickly he pulled away from her. Still, she was rewarded by a sweet desire that flowed from his eyes for just a moment. He did want her.

  “Good night, Julie. I’ll check the doors to make sure they’re all locked. You can go ahead and get ready for bed.”