A Heart to Call Home

by Amanda Torrey

  “I wasn’t by myself.” Reed grabbed Simplicity’s hands and removed them from her neck, forcing her sister to stand on her own feet.

  “Were you with mister sour-puss? The hot contractor?” Simplicity fluttered her eyelashes and fanned herself dramatically.

  Reed rolled her eyes and started to walk toward the crowd.

  “This is the longest fireworks performance I’ve ever seen,” Paisley commented, her eyes not leaving the sky.

  “Was that a tone of awe? You actually sound impressed.” Reed teased.

  Simplicity stepped between Reed and Paisley and slipped her arms around each of their elbows, linking them all together.

  “We should all live here,” Simplicity suggested.

  “No,” Reed and Paisley answered in unison.

  “Nice that you’re so open to the idea of welcoming us to your new town,” Paisley said, puffing up her chest and flipping her hair over her shoulder.

  “You would never live here,” Reed countered. “Besides, you were just as quick with your denial as I was.”

  “You shouldn’t be here either.” Paisley pried Simplicity’s hand off her arm and moved to stand in front of Reed. “Go back to the city, Reed. The town has made it clear they don’t want you here. This was a hasty decision you made after a painful divorce. You clearly didn’t think it through. I’ll make some calls—I can probably get you out of the deal entirely.”

  “No.”

  How dare her sister traipse into her town and tell her she should throw the towel in?

  “You can feel free to leave, but I won’t be. This is my home now. This isn’t some sort of post-divorce breakdown. This is a wise investment in my future.” Reed took a few steps, but turned back in exasperation. “Besides, just tonight you sounded like you were finally on my side. What changed?”

  “Girlies, let’s keep this civil,” Simplicity sang. “How about some frozen lemonade? Who’s in?”

  “Since you have no money, I’m guessing not you.” Paisley’s tone was meaner than in had to be.

  Even Reed took offense.

  “You know, if I wanted to be surrounded by negativity, I would have stayed married.”

  The July heat had her sweating as she huffed away from her sisters, darting around vendor booths in an attempt to lose them if they decided to follow. She didn’t bother looking over her shoulder to see if they were tailing her.

  Oohs and ahhs tore through the crowd as the sky lit up with bang after bang of flashing light and color. They had incorporated a laser show with the fireworks, and with the band playing, it truly was the most magical Fourth of July celebration she had ever witnessed.

  Granted, she hadn’t been around fireworks in years. She had always been too busy.

  Working late was her thing, even on holidays.

  The show ended with thunderous applause from the crowd. She couldn’t help it—she clapped and woo-hoo’d right along.

  Though the evening had been strangely reminiscent of an emotional rollercoaster ride, her mood remained light. As long as she didn’t allow herself to think of the bad stuff.

  As she wandered through the dispersing crowd—dodging the dads who tried to carry coolers and chairs all in one trip, moms shaking out blankets to rid them of grass, and kids taking advantage of the dark to run around and wreak havoc—she searched for Rogan. She didn’t know if he planned to drive her home or if she should seek another ride.

  While ducking behind the dunk booth to avoid Simplicity, who was wandering her way, she overheard a conversation that set her pulse on fire.

  She wished she could mute the other sounds in the area so she could hear the full conversation between Paisley and the male voice. She hated that she could only hear fragmented snippets of her sister stabbing her in the back.

  “It was…mistake. I…probably…sell it…original purchase price…work she’s done…town shuts the place down.”

  Mumble, mumble.

  The lower tone of the male’s voice made his dialogue unintelligible.

  Paisley continued, “I’ll… the offer.”

  Reed closed her eyes, took a deep breath, stood up straight, and marched past the conspiring couple. She glared at Paisley for a brief second before taking in the face of the man Paisley had been discussing Reed’s life with—the nasty neighbor who had been instrumental in getting the town to try to deter her from fixing up the property.

  “It’s never going to happen. I’ll be very good to the land, but the heart and soul of that property is in hospitality. I know it would be oh-so-convenient for you to live next to conservation land, but it looks like you’ll have to consider buying property elsewhere if that’s your goal.”

  He opened his mouth to speak, but she marched away before his words could reach her.

  She found Rogan by accident. He was distracted and didn’t see her as he rallied up his kids—one sleeping child rested on Rogan’s shoulder while his other hand drove the stroller. She smiled at the sweet image before allowing her tears to burst free as she tucked herself into the shadows.

  She sniffed and wiped them away with the back of her hand. She wouldn’t pull him away from his family. They needed him.

  She had to get out of there. As inconspicuously as possible.

  “Whoa, where are you going so fast?”

  Reed recognized the kind, emerald eyes of Ava O’Connor. Reed remembered her from the bonfire.

  “You’re upset about something.”

  Reed looked down, trying to summon her inner ice princess, but failing miserably.

  “Oh, sweetie. You’re going to make me cry right along with you.” Ava put her arm around Reed’s shoulder—no small feat since she was many inches shorter than Reed.

  Her warmth and compassion toward a woman who was practically a stranger was Reed’s undoing.

  She couldn’t count on her own family to have her best interest at heart, but here she was being comforted by the most soothing voice she had ever heard.

  “Did you fight with Rogan?”

  “No,” Reed shook her head. “Well, kind of, but I think we’re okay now.”

  “Is there something you want to talk about?” Ava asked, rubbing Reed’s shoulder and studying the side of her downturned face.

  “No.” Reed’s throat convulsed as tears threatened to drown her.

  “Come on, let’s go sit somewhere.”

  “I can’t. I’m sorry, but I have to get home.”

  “I’ll walk you to your car,” Ava offered.

  “It’s too far.” Reed’s sobs escaped as she tried not to relay the dire reality of her situation. “I came with Rogan, but his family needs him.”

  “Well then it’s settled—I’m driving you home.”

  “No, you don’t have to do that.”

  “I insist.” Ava pulled tissues from her pocket and started drying Reed’s cheeks. “Occupational habit—I always travel with tissues. I’m a kindergarten teacher.”

  “Th-thank you.”

  “Okay, I’ll just quickly text Cole to let him know I’ll be back for him, and you and I are going to have a nice ride. I’ve been wanting to get to know you better.”

  “Why? Why would you want to know this mess of a person?”

  “You’re not a mess, Reed. You’re new to town. I’m sure you’ve got baggage—we all do. But you are fascinating to me. So elegant. So beautiful. So confident.”

  Reed guffawed.

  “Yeah, I’m feeling all of those things right now.”

  “Don’t doubt yourself. You are acting more human right now, but I assure you—that only makes you even cooler in my book.”

  “How did you get to be so nice?”

  Ava’s round, sweet face lit up.

  “Must be the fresh New Hampshire air.” Ava laughed. “Trust me—I’m not always nice. But Cole looks past my moodiness and my flaws. I’m sure Rogan will look past yours, whatever they may be.”

  “Oh, you’ve misread—”

  “Hush, hush. Don�
�t ruin my fantasy of a soon-to-be happily-ever-after. Besides, I can see things that you can’t.”

  “Really now?” Reed smiled as she studied Ava’s wishful face.

  “Yuppers. That man is falling head over heels in love with you. It’s funny how I can see it so clearly in him, but I totally missed it in Cole. I should have listened to my elderly friends. They could see it.”

  Reed tightened her jaw. Did the elderly in this town have special sight? Could they truly see things that the people involved couldn’t?

  “I’m parked right over here…” Ava clicked the button on her key fob. The lights went on, illuminating their path.

  “Are you sure Cole won’t mind?”

  “I’m positive. He’s helping Jake take down his beer booth. I’m sure he’s doing his part in making sure Jake doesn’t have to lug too much back to the bar.”

  With her open, kind, easy manner, Ava was able to get Reed talking about everything that had been troubling her—Rogan issues, sister drama, and her fear of the town taking away her property. Reed didn’t even notice that Ava had pulled over to the side of the road a mile or so before Reed’s property until the radio went off and the lights dimmed.

  “I’ve just unloaded my entire life to you, haven’t I?” Reed laughed.

  “Not your entire life, but that is my goal. To get it all out of you.”

  “This is so strange. Don’t think I’m crazy, but I haven’t had a female friend in a very long time.” Reed paused, thinking back. “Actually, I can’t say I’ve even had a male friend. I really am a pathetic human being.”

  “No way. Not pathetic. But I imagine you must be lonely.”

  “I didn’t think so, but maybe you’re right. In the corporate world, it was hard to trust anyone. Someone was always vying for my position. They wanted to bring me down. Especially the guys. They hated that I was so successful. I can’t tell you how many ‘jokes’ I endured about how I should have been home having babies.”

  “That’s terrible, Reed. But seriously—men can be so threatened by a successful woman. I don’t deal with it a lot, but I know exactly what you’re talking about.”

  “Thank you for driving me. And for being so nice. I feel like I have no one to trust. I’ve never needed to lean on anyone before, but I’m out of my element here and it’s nice to have a friendly face.”

  “Anytime. Matter of fact, I’m introducing you to my BFF. Karly is awesome. She’ll have you tearing your way out of your shell in no time. You can’t get through life without girlfriends.”

  Ava leaned forward for a hug.

  “Come here, you. I’m sorry, but you’re gonna have to get used to hugging. I’m a total hugger.”

  Reed smiled into Ava’s hair.

  Maybe she could get used to this small town life after all.

  Chapter Eighteen

  She’d never get used to this small town life.

  Ava had dropped her off at her nice, quiet, remote home seconds before Public Enemies One and Two showed up at the door.

  She had tried to kick them out, but they wouldn’t budge. There were no hotels for them in town, anyway.

  She didn’t want to involve the police, since she was still working on building her reputation.

  There was no real public transportation, so Reed found herself hugging her pillow and walking down the dark road by herself.

  Driven from her own home.

  She could have taken her car—should have taken her car—but Paisley had grabbed her keys and refused to give them back when she realized Reed planned to take off.

  Paisley had tried to explain her side of what had happened earlier, but Reed wasn’t buying and wasn’t listening.

  Simplicity had cried when Reed stormed out of the house. She had even followed Reed down the driveway. Reed had her anger and frustration to use as fuel, not to mention much longer legs, so she was able to get ahead enough that she could hide behind the trees when Simplicity tried to find her.

  Simplicity gave up and ran back, crying. The slightest twinge of guilt had Reed pressing her palm to her chest, but she quickly rationalized it away. Sure, Simplicity hadn’t been involved in the betrayal. But she was family, and by extension, evil.

  Headlights barreling up the road a short while later forced Reed to drift back toward the tree line. She wasn’t about to drag herself through the muddy brush again, but she also didn’t want to get run over.

  The vehicle slowed and dimmed the high beams.

  Then came to a complete stop.

  “I thought I’d be a Good Samaritan and see if I could offer you a ride, but I think I can offer you even more.” Rogan faked a southern drawl as he gestured for her to come over.

  She didn’t hesitate.

  She craved his company. She yearned for his touch. She needed to feel close to him.

  “You have no idea how happy I am to see you.”

  “Aww, shucks.” He leaned across the vehicle to push the door open for her. “Hop in.”

  She did as directed, allowing the pillow to flutter to the floor as she lurched forward for a kiss.

  Her passion ignited his, and for a second she was lost.

  Until he slammed his foot on the brake to prevent the rolling…

  “Ouch.” She laughed as she rubbed her lips where his teeth had crashed into them.

  “Sorry. My bad. You caught me off-guard. My foot slipped.”

  “I’ll forgive you if you take me somewhere. Anywhere. Someplace private. Where we can park.”

  He didn’t question her. He simply shifted into gear and gunned the engine, turning onto a tiny dirt road a few miles away.

  He parked the SUV on the side of the pitch-black road, then wasted no time in shifting his body toward hers. She climbed onto him, laughing into his mouth as her ass beeped the horn.

  His laughter warmed her. His hands burned her hips as he moved her off the horn. His shoulders pressing against her upper body as he positioned himself over her on the seat incinerated whatever doubt she had about their relationship.

  “I have to tell you,” she panted. “I was never a fan of bench seats, but I think I’m officially signing up for the street team.”

  He laughed into her mouth, then tangled his tongue around hers as he lifted her lower back, grinding her hips into his.

  “Pretty roomy, too.”

  He paused in his kissing to glare at her.

  “You want to keep talking about the car?”

  “Not really.”

  She pulled his head down so she could nibble on his lower lip. Her hands played in his hair, rubbing his neck as she kissed the corner of his frowning mouth.

  She couldn’t resist a little more teasing. “I bet the gas mileage is a killer, though.”

  His growl vibrated down to her toes, and she couldn’t deny that she enjoyed the erotic aftermath.

  She allowed herself to be pulled into the fantasy world of Rogan’s kiss. Rogan’s touch. Rogan’s aphrodisiac scent. Rogan’s salty skin on her lips.

  Rogan knew exactly how to touch her to bring her to the most intense, powerful orgasm of her life.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bite you.”

  He answered by kissing her harder, until she felt lightheaded from the lack of oxygen.

  She didn’t care.

  What was breathing when she could have this passion with Rogan instead?

  He tore her shirt off to gain access to her breasts, sending buttons scattering all over. Thoughts of her list fluttered through her mind, but when his lips moved over her sensitive skin, she realized she couldn’t care less about any arbitrary rules.

  But she could still tease him.

  “I’ll have to steal your shirt again.”

  He looked into her eyes as he tantalizingly licked around her nipple, blowing warm air on the stiff peak.

  “Maybe I like you in my shirt.”

  She shivered and gasped when he took her fully into his mouth. And when his hand moved to her damp curls, she knew sh
e’d never walk on the ground again.

  Three orgasms later, she thought she’d die from the rapid succession.

  The contrast of the cold air conditioning blowing on her fevered skin added to the crazed sensations.

  “There’s so much I want to do to you, Freedom Starshine.”

  A pinging sensation jolted her chest at his words.

  She shoved against his shoulder, then pushed him down on the bench seat. He didn’t fight her.

  “My turn to drive.”

  She unzipped his pants, smiling when his erection waved at her, seemingly thanking her for the release.

  “Going commando, huh?” She licked her lips, wanting to taste him.

  He started to sit upright, but she reached out to shove him back down.

  “Oh, no you don’t. I’m in charge now.”

  She lifted his shirt so she’d have access to his sculpted chest. She allowed her hair to dance over his skin.

  He jumped when she moved down his body, gathering him in her mouth and tasting him fully.

  She ignored the cramps in her legs—he was worth every bit of pain and contortion.

  Seconds later, he pulled her back for another powerful kiss. She mounted him, taking him in inch by decadent inch.

  He filled her in ways she had never imagined she needed to be filled. And not just sexually.

  Her hands pressed against the roof of the SUV as his played with her nipples.

  “Oh my god, Rogan.”

  His hands moved to her hips, urging her closer and closer to release.

  “I love you! Holy shit, I love you!” She cried out, whipping her head back and forth as the orgasm of a lifetime eradicated her verbal filter.

  They finished together, sweating and panting and crying out in pleasure.

  Reed collapsed on Rogan’s chest, burying her face in his neck and inhaling his sweet scent.

  “I certainly didn’t see that coming tonight.”

  Rogan’s tone of awe made her giggle.

  He brushed her hair away from her cheek ever-so-gently, kissing the top of her head at the same time. She watched as his muscles rippled with every movement.

  “Are you complaining?” she teased.

  “Does this look like the face of a complaining man?”