She tilted her head and scanned his face, trying to figure out if his words meant what she hoped they did. “I would love to.”
His lips slid into a smile. His eyes glittered in the dull glow of the overhead streetlight. “Letʼs go.”
Sara snatched his arm to stop him as he started toward the parking lot. “I need a couple of minutes to say good-bye to Brent and Nicky.”
“Okay. Iʼll wait for you in the parking lot. And Sara?”
Sheʼd started to walk away but stopped and turned around to give him a questioning look.
“I canʼt wait to be home,” he said, his voice low and suggestive.
Barely managing a nod, she willed her shaky legs toward the dance floor, where sheʼd last seen Brent and Nicky. Max Lacrod was talking to Doc and the mayor by the cotton candy stand but left both of them and strode toward her as soon as he saw her. Taking a deep breath, Sara braced herself to meet his furious gaze.
“Just what do you think youʼre doing?”
“I donʼt know what youʼre talking about, Sheriff.”
“Donʼt play dumb with me, missy. What were you thinking, bringing Turner here?”
“Now, thatʼs none of your bus―”
“The hell it isnʼt! Heʼs a murderer, and youʼre helping him!”
“Jack is not a murderer! Heʼs confused and hurt. Youʼre all treating him like a leper, accusing him of something he doesnʼt even remember…” Her words broke off in a gasp as he snatched her right arm, squeezing it hard.
“Jesus, girl, wake up! How can you be so damn naïve? Just because Turner says he doesnʼt remember killing J.T., it doesnʼt mean heʼs innocent!”
Sara yanked her arm free. “And just because you want to believe heʼs guilty, that doesnʼt mean he actually killed a man, does it?” she retorted, lifting her chin up defiantly. “Jack already stood trial years ago, Max. For heavenʼs sake, he was detained for years. Isnʼt that enough already? Why canʼt you all just leave him alone?”
The sheriff shook his head, his eyes a few shades darker. “The only reason heʼs not in jail right now is because he was too damn smart to leave any evidence behind. Everybody in town knows heʼs guilty, we just canʼt prove it,” he snarled in a disgusted tone. “But we donʼt want him here, Sara. We never did and never will. And your acting like a love-struck ninny is not going to change that.”
She saw red, yet she held her breath and squared her shoulders, deciding that Max wasnʼt worth an ounce of her anger. “Well, luckily thatʼs none of your business, either. Have a good evening, Sheriff.” Her smile was pure sugar when she turned around and walked away.
“Youʼre playing with fire, Sara.”
She heard his hissed words but didnʼt stop. All she wanted was to get the hell out of there and go back to Jack. Unfortunately, Brent and Nicky seemed to have vanished. Noticing David next to the drink stand, she hurried toward him.
“Sara,” he greeted her with a cheerful smile.
“Hey. I was wondering if you knew where Nicky and Brent might be.”
David pointed at the dance floor, where her friends were dancing together. “They look pretty busy to me.”
Saraʼs eyes popped wide. A smile spread on her lips, despite her agitation. “I wanted to tell them good-bye, but Iʼll definitely leave them alone.”
“Are you and Jack leaving already?”
“Yes, weʼre exhausted.”
David glanced at his watch and pouted. “I guess Iʼll be going soon, too, since youʼre all abandoning me.”
“Laylaʼs still here,” she reminded him with a mischievous smirk, pointing her chin toward the woman, who was totally immersed in an intricate dance.
Davidʼs horrified face made her burst out laughing. “God, no―my poor headʼs hurting just looking at her! Plus, I have to swing by the clinic and check on Mr. Pearsonʼs very pregnant dog.”
“All right. Have a good night, then.”
“You, too.”
Oh, I hope so. Sara stepped on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek, then turned around and headed back toward the parking lot.
***
“Jack, can I talk to you for a sec?”
Standing beside his motorcycle, he stiffened and bit back a curse at Charleneʼs hesitant voice. “Iʼm about to leave.”
“Please. It will only take a few minutes.”
He blew out an irritated sigh, whirling around to face her. He was tired, his head was throbbing, his knee was screaming, and he just wanted to go home. With Sara. “What do you want?”
“I…would like to apologize for what happened the other day at The Cove,” he barely heard Charlene say―but the hurt and uncertainty in her voice were impossible to ignore.
“Thatʼs all right; donʼt worry about it.” He said that as nicely as he could, then turned to the bike, hoping she would get the message and leave him alone.
She didnʼt.
“Iʼm serious,” she insisted, grabbing his arm. “I was so surprised to see you after all these years that I reacted like a scared little girl.”
“You donʼt need to apologize, Lene. I caught you off guard.”
“Well. In that case, maybe you should be the one apologizing.” In a flash of movement, she took a step forward and leaned sensually against him.
Jack frowned. “Now, wait a―”
“You called me Lene. Thatʼs what you used to call me when we were together.” She tried to wrap her arms around his neck. He shrugged her away.
“Knock it off. Youʼve been avoiding me the whole night; now I have no time for this bull.”
“Oh, honey, I havenʼt been avoiding you. I was just waiting for the right time to be alone with you.” Charlene looked around, as if making sure nobody was there, then leaned forward again. She heaved a dramatic sigh as he jerked away again. “Isnʼt it what you wanted?”
“No. I just wanted to talk to you.”
“There are much better things the two of us could do instead of talking.” Her gaze locked with his as she ran her fingertips across the side of the Harley. “Donʼt you remember what it was like between us, Jack?”
“No. And I donʼt care to.”
Her hand slipped to his chest. Her fingernails trailed along it the same way theyʼd done with the bike. “Well, I do—and I want it back. I want you back.”
“Really.” Jack yanked her hand off. “And where the fuck were you during the last ten years?”
“Hey, you canʼt blame me for leaving you! You were accused of murder, for Godʼs sake! What was I supposed to do?”
“Believe in me? Stand by me?” He scoffed a sarcastic laugh. “For better or worse…ainʼt that what loveʼs supposed to be all about, honey?” When she didnʼt answer, he took a deep breath. “Look, Charlene, Iʼm afraid youʼve misinterpreted my intentions. I have no interest in getting back with you. The only reason Iʼve been looking for you is because I hoped that you could talk to me about my past, maybe tell me something that might help me remember. But itʼs clear that youʼre not going to do that, so thereʼs no reason for me to insist. Now, if youʼll excuse me, I really have to go.”
He saw the spark of anger that flashed across Charleneʼs eyes before he turned his back to her, but he didnʼt care. He just wanted her to leave.
“What, are you in a hurry to go back to your latest conquest?”
“Thatʼs none of your business.”
“Puh-lease! Everybody knows youʼre messing around with Sara now.” Jack whirled around again. She ignored his menacing glare and shook her head with disgust. “Youʼre screwing her, arenʼt you? I saw how you kissed her earlier.”
“Good night, Charlene.”
“Whatʼs gotten into you?” she screamed in frustration, but he didnʼt even flinch when she shoved him in the chest with both hands. “What are you doing with somebody like her when you can have me?”
“I donʼt want you.”
“And you expect me to believe that you want her?” She shook her head, a sarcastic grin on her face. “Go ahead, Jack, keep fooling
yourself. But you wonʼt fool me. You know that little dweeb could never satisfy you like I can. Like I have. Youʼll get tired of her, and then youʼll come crawling back to me.”
“Donʼt hold your breath.”
“She doesnʼt give a damn about you!”
Jack halted on his way to straddle the Harley. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Oh, come on.” Charleneʼs laughter was cold and sharp. “Open your eyes, will you? Do you really think she would have given you a chance if you guys had met under different circumstances?”
Inhaling sharply, he took a step closer to her. Fine. If all she wanted was his attention, she got it now. “What are you talking about?”
“The only reason sheʼs interested into you is because she pities you. Oh, poor, misunderstood Jack! Nobody likes him, nobody gets him!” she said in a mocking tone. “Face it, hon: In Saraʼs eyes, youʼre the underdog, and she always sides with the underdog. Trust me, weʼve all seen the pattern before.”
Every muscle in his body tensed at her words. Damn, but that hit close to home. Too close for his comfort and closer than he cared to admit―even to himself. His fists tightened. A storm raged inside him, but he fought against it. “If you have anything important to tell me, Charlene, do it now because my patience is running out. But unless itʼs something about J.T.’s death, then you and I are done.”
She flinched, evidently taken aback by the sudden change of subject. “Would you stop bringing that up? I told you I donʼt know anything about that!”
“Were we together the night J.T. was murdered?” he urged, stepping closer to her “According to the police reports, I arrived at the ranch when J.T. was already dead, but I have no idea where I was before that. Was I with you?”
“No.” She swallowed hard. “Look—”
“How come we werenʼt together?”
“I donʼt know!” she burst out, exasperated. “We were supposed to meet later that night, but you never showed up! Happy?”
“And where were you?” He knew he’d hit a sore spot the instant he saw the color drain from her face.
“I already told the police that.”
“As you eloquently pointed out the last time we talked, Iʼm not the police. So, where were you, Charlene?”
She took another step back. “Stop it.”
“Just answer me, and Iʼll never ask again.”
Charleneʼs gaze darted around again. She raised her arms in frustration. “Fine! I was with Layla Lacrod. You might not remember, but she and I were best friends—still are. We spent the evening together at her place before I left for my date with you. If you donʼt believe me, ask her or her father. He was there, too.”
Jack tried to swallow his disappointment, but it was evident in the way his face hardened. His eyes darkened to a stormy emerald as he gave her a long look—so intense that Charlene had to drop her gaze for long seconds. She sighed deeply before being able to look back at him. “It was so long ago, Jack. Why donʼt forget about the whole thing once and for all? Why donʼt you put it all behind you and move on? The two of us could start over and—”
“Maybe because Iʼm not an idiot,” he scoffed coldly. “I know youʼre hiding something, Lene, and I wonʼt leave until you tell me what it is.”
She backed away so fast that she nearly stumbled. “Stop saying that! I told you I donʼt know anything.”
He took a step forward and put both hands on her shoulders. “Why are you lying to me? What is it youʼre afraid of? Or should I say whom?”
“Iʼm not afraid of anybody but you right now!” Her voice shook as she tried to jerk free of his hold.
“Charlene…”
“Let me go!”
This time she screamed so loudly that many heads turned to look in their direction.
“Son of a bitch! What the fuck do you think youʼre doing?”
Jack frowned at the enraged voice behind him and turned around in time to see a tall, dark-haired man striding toward them. Before he could react, the man jumped on him and punched him hard in the gut.
Pain hit him like fire, radiating from his midsection to his entire upper body, knocking the breath out of his lungs. His hands flew to his stomach as he doubled over with a grunt, gasping for air and struggling to regain control. By the time he managed to straighten back up, he was so furious that it was all he had to not fight that asshole back. But because he didnʼt want to complicate the situation any further, he swallowed his anger and said, “Back off, buddy. Charlene and I were just talking.”
“Hell will freeze over before Iʼll be your buddy, Turner.”
“Heʼs lost his mind, Ronnie,” Charlene sobbed. “I was trying to be nice, and he jumped on me like a mad man. I tried to push him away, but he wouldnʼt let me go. I was so scared.”
Jackʼs eyes widened with incredulity at the absurd accusation. “What the hell?”
“Itʼs okay, baby. Iʼm here now,” Ronnie said, wrapping a protective arm around her shoulders before turning back to Jack. “You dirty coward. Why donʼt you take it out on someone your own size for a change, huh?”
“I did not―”
“Jack… Whatʼs going on?”
Saraʼs anxious voice froze him on the spot.
She gave him a confused look as Jack turned slowly toward her, a muscle pulsing in his clenched jaw. She had no idea what had happened, but Charlene was crying and glaring at him, and Ronnie Wilder, Starvilleʼs mechanic, seemed to be ready to jump on him any minute. To make matters worse, dozens of curious people were already crowding around them.
Ronnie also turned toward her, a sarcastic grin on his face. “Well, well. Would you look at that, Turner. Your little slut is here to save your—”
His words were cut off abruptly as Jack hurled himself at him, throwing him completely off balance. There was a furious gleam in his eyes as he shoved the man hard against the wall and twisted his arm behind his back. “Apologize to her. Now.”
Sara had never heard his voice like this before. It sounded like a vicious growl—so ferocious that the crowd around them immediately went silent, and a few people took instinctive steps back.
“Go to hell, Turner,” Ronnie hissed through clenched teeth, trying in vain to jerk out of his iron grip.
Sara stepped forward. “Let him go, Jack. Please. Heʼs not worth it,” she said in a conciliatory tone, though her voice was weak and shaky.
He seemed to hesitate for a moment, but then his grip around Ronnieʼs arm tightened until the man groaned in pain. “Apologize to her.”
Ronnie gasped for breath. “S-sorry. Iʼm sorry, Sara. I didnʼt mean to offend you,” he finally choked out without looking at her.
Jack released him with a jerk. “Snakes canʼt help but slither.”
The man threw him a hateful glare as he rubbed his sore arm. Then he turned around and rushed away, humiliated, pushing through the crowd.
Without a word, Jack took Saraʼs hand and started toward his bike.
“You havenʼt changed.” Charleneʼs disgusted voice stopped him in mid-step. “You were and still are a sick, violent jerk. I hope youʼll spend the rest of your life rotting in a cold, dark cell, because thatʼs where you belong.”
He stiffened but resumed walking—only this time, Sara was the one who stopped him. Gasping in outrage, she yanked her hand from his and whirled on her heels to face Charlene. “How dare you? How dare you even think something like that?”
“Whoa.” Charlene raised both arms and forced a nervous laugh. “Take it easy, girl.”
Jack slid an arm around Saraʼs shoulders. “Letʼs go home,” he whispered in her ear. They had just started to walk away when he suddenly stopped again and turned around.
“Itʼs not over, Lene. Itʼs not over.”
Chapter 17
The ride back home wasnʼt nearly as exciting as the one to the fair. Both Sara and Jack were lost in their thoughts, and all she wanted to do was get home, close her eyes, and forget what had just happened.
“Yeah.”
But he wasnʼt. Sheʼd never seen him like this before, the agony in his eyes was past bearing. Her heart ached as she watched him dig into his pocket, pull out a couple of the pain-killers, and pop them quickly into his mouth. Jack had always refused to take them before. If he was taking them now, the pain he felt must be excruciating. She started toward the porch but stopped with a frown as he didnʼt follow her. “Is something wrong?”
“No, I… I think Iʼll go for a walk, if you donʼt mind.”
“Do you want me to come with you?”
Jack shook his head. “Iʼd rather be alone. Sorry.”
Sara gave him a wary look. She wanted to hug him, kiss him, comfort him. Instead, she forced a nod. “I understand.”
“Iʼll see you in the morning.”
“Jack?” she called as he walked away. “Please, donʼt worry too much about what happened tonight. It was just a misunderstanding.”
He gave her a weak a smile. “ʼNight, sweetheart.”
“ʼNight.”
Sara watched him walk away until he disappeared into the night. Only then did she go up the steps and into the house with a heavy heart. Darn Charlene! Darn Ronnie, darn stupid fair, and darn stupid town! Sheʼd hoped for an entirely different ending to the night, but here she was again—alone, while Jack was dwelling in solitude about the disastrous happenings.
Almost robotically, she let Lance out and fed the cats, then went upstairs, removed her makeup, and slipped into her favorite T-shirt. She was exhausted by the time she dropped into bed and closed her eyes.
***
Sitting on a tree stump, Charlene absently watched the still water of the lake glittering in the moonlight. She shoved back the curls that kept falling over her face and took a deep breath, trying in vain to calm down.
Sheʼd screwed up.
She knew it, as well as she knew that she would have to pay the consequences for it. Sheʼd lied and put Jack at the center of the attention of the entire town…which was the last thing she was supposed to do.
Bound to the Past (Starville Series Book 1) Page 17
