by Lee Rose
“Hey, sexy.” He heard a feminine voice behind him. He turned to see the waitress from the Blue Fish, a local bar. What was her name? Kelly, Kylie?
“Why haven’t you called me?” She pouted. She wore tight black shorts and a black workout bra. “I gave you my number, handsome.”
Noah grimaced. He had gone out with Sam, one of his deputies, about a month ago. He had taken the number, but he never intended to call her. He just hadn’t wanted to hurt the redhead’s feelings. She had flirted with him all night, but he was still not over Alana. Now he knew he never would be.
“Sorry, been so busy with work.” He lied. She was sexy but not for him. Alana was the only woman he wanted in his life and in his bed. He would never again try to hide from that.
She gave him a look that told him she knew it was an excuse. “I heard your ex-girlfriend got hurt a few weeks back. Are you not over her yet?”
He nodded and decided to be honest. “She did, and it made me realize how foolish I was to let her go. I am trying hard to win her back. I love her. I’m sorry, Kelly.”
She rolled her eyes. “It’s Kylie. That’s okay, Sheriff. I get it. She is very lucky.”
Noah sighed with relief that she had not made a scene. He grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat off his face.
He spotted Ray coming inside and looking around. Noah’s stomach tightened up with tension. Had something happened to Alana? He hadn’t heard from her since the day he ordered lunch from her. That was four days ago, and the festival was over. He had resisted the temptation to hang out at the restaurant every day. The last thing he needed was to be called a stalker by her family.
He met Ray halfway. “Is everything okay?”
Ray looked angry and worried. He was wearing casual clothes, so Noah figured it was his day off.
“I need to talk to you, Noah.”
The gym was pretty empty since it was early morning. A girl with headphones was running on the treadmill, and two men were lifting weights. Kylie had gone into the women’s locker room.
Noah pulled Ray to an empty corner. “Is Alana okay?”
“Physically yes, she is so much better. Working a few hours a day at the restaurant makes her happy. Mentally no. That bastard called our house last night.”
Noah felt anger and shock sweep through him. Then worry immediately followed. He had been sure the guy was long gone.
“What did he say?”
“My father answered the phone. He said he was an old friend of Alana’s checking up on her. When Alana got on, she screamed and dropped the phone. It pisses me off,” Ray said through clenched teeth. “She refuses to talk about it. She cried most of the night. I was hoping you could talk to her. Whatever your feelings for her are, I am starting to believe you at least care.”
Noah swallowed down his heavy emotions. His mind was whirling with questions, but most of all he was scared for Alana.
“Give me five minutes to shower. I smell.”
Ray sighed with relief. “I have to get back to her. I shouldn’t have left her alone, but I knew you were my last hope. She can’t continue to bottle this up inside of her. She is wound tight.”
Noah hurried through his shower at warp speed. His gut was swirling with anger. Alana was just starting to recover. It wasn’t fair. How had this guy found her? Why would he call her? He got her money, so what else did he want?
He called his secretary, Helen, to let her know he would not be in. He asked her to contact Drake and Sam to run things in the office. Alana came first. He parked in the Garcia driveway and practically ran up the stairs. Ray opened the door and let him in. Noah saw Alana lying on the couch, under a blanket.
She looked up, and he saw her swollen red eyes.
“Oh, sweetheart,” he groaned. He heard Ray walk out of the living room. Noah didn’t hesitate. He swooped Alana into his arms and sat on the couch with her. She curled into his arms like a baby kitten. She made him feel every emotion deeply, something no other woman did.
He buried his nose in her neck and just held her. He rocked her back and forth until he heard her sigh softly. He wished she would cry and let it all out.
She looked into his eyes. “Ray told you?”
He nodded. Her voice was still raspy from crying the night before.
“Want to talk about it?”
She shook her head no and looked away from him.
“I have to know so I can be prepared. I will not let him get to you again, Alana.” He made his voice firm and hard so she knew he meant it, and he did. If he had to stay awake twenty-four-seven, he would.
“He said he wasn’t done with me yet.” She whispered the words, and he could feel the tension in her body. He used his hand to soothe her and rub her back. “I don’t get it, Noah. I thought it was a random act of violence, so why is he calling my home and acting like he knows me? I thought he was just a vagrant passing through.”
“I don’t know what is going on, but I will find out,” Noah said with anger. He was just as confused as she was. “If he thinks he can harass you, he can think again. We stick together, baby.”
Ray walked into the room with a bottle of water and handed it to her. Noah opened it and made sure she drank it.
“He’s right, Sis. We will protect you. You have family and friends.”
“The whole town will close ranks, and he will have nowhere to hide.” Noah brushed her hair out of her face. “Now you are going to shower and dress. We will stop at the station so I can inform my men. Then you and I are going to spend the day together.”
She gave him a curious look as if she didn’t understand his words.
“Sitting here worried and scared does you no good,” he insisted. “Adam is off today, too. We’ll fire up the grill, eat, and watch movies all day.”
“Sounds like a plan, Sis.”
Noah looked at Ray with surprise. He had expected Ray to nix the whole idea. He looked at Ray and saw that look in his eyes. He was trusting Noah not to hurt Alana again.
Alana sighed and got up. “Okay. I don’t want to be alone. Are you sure, Noah?”
Noah kissed her lips lightly and nodded. “I’m here for you because I want to be.”
She turned toward her brother and hugged him. She whispered her thanks for his help. Noah and Ray watched her go up the stairs until she was out of sight.
Noah leaned forward feeling his stomach swirl with tension and fear. “This guy pisses me off. If he has the guts to come back to Red Hook, he will be one sorry asshole. I hate men who prey on women for whatever sick reason that goes through their heads.”
Ray nodded in agreement. “She was doing so well this last week. This new situation has scared us all. She has a good point. If it was random, how did he find out her name and number? This is surprising, and I can admit I’m so scared my gut is clenching. “I’ll find him, and I will protect her, Ray. I wasn’t just spouting words to comfort her.” He wanted Ray to know his doubts were gone. He was one hundred percent sure of what he wanted. Alana.
“I’m still pissed off at what you did, but my mom lectured us all. She told us it was Alana’s decision and she clearly still loves you,” Ray said. “I’m trying to understand. Kari fucked with your head, and she wasn’t worth it. She came on to half of your friends, including me. You were so enchanted we all knew you would never believe us. I understand your trust issues. I should be glad you didn’t sleep with Alana, then dump her like you do with your blonde bimbos.”
“I don’t dump anyone,” Noah said through clenched teeth. Did everyone in town think he was just some brainless Romeo? He couldn’t even remember the last time he had sex. “They all knew the score. I don’t do relationships, and I don’t lie to women.”
Ray chuckled, annoying Noah even further. “Whatever you say. I have to get back to work before the lunch rush starts. You sure you don’t mind spending the day with her?”
“No. I have been wanting to spend time with her,” Noah admitted. “I just figured she would say hell
no. I want to be her friend, and when she will let me, I want more. This time I won’t fuck it all up.”
“I am trusting you with her, Noah. She is very fragile, so make sure you don’t lead her on for no reason,” Ray said seriously, shaking his hand.
Noah shook Ray’s hand and promised him this time he would do things right. He heard her footsteps upstairs as she walked to her room. He wanted to take things slowly with Alana. He wanted to show her he wasn’t a complete asshole. And as scary as it was, he wanted to open up his heart to her and see where that road took them.
* * * *
Alana sat at the picnic table in the Blakes’ backyard. The sun was shining, and she felt so much better. The heat warmed her skin, and she was glad she had worn a short-sleeved yellow T-shirt and black cotton shorts.
Adam was grilling sausages and hot dogs and arguing with Noah over the correct technique.
“You put out fires, dummy, not start them,” Noah argued. “I’m telling you the flames are too high. You’re going to burn our lunch.”
She laughed out loud at their bickering, and they both looked at her. She put her hands up in surrender. “I know nothing about grilling. I leave it to you men.”
Noah left Adam to it and sat down next to her. She had put her hair back in a ponytail. It was another hot day. They had spent the morning talking to Drake and the other three deputies. All the deputies knew to be on the lookout for strangers asking questions about her, or someone with the tattoo on his wrist. Extra patrols would be going by her house and business until this guy was caught. No one could understand why he was doing this. He had basically gotten away with the crime. Now he was calling her family’s house and threatening her. It made no sense. Alana didn’t understand either. She had thought it was over and she could move on.
Although it embarrassed Alana for everyone to know what had happened to her, she knew it was the smartest course of action to warn the occupants of Red Hook. The more people aware, the safer they would be. She would hate to think he hurt someone else because she wanted to hide from what had happened.
“Doing okay?” Noah asked softly. His gentle tone sent a feeling of warmth through her body.
Alana nodded. “Much better. You were right.”
He grinned and patted his own shoulder. He turned to Adam. “Alana just admitted I was right, Adam.”
“About what? The flames?”
Noah looked at Alana for the answer. She laughed. “Being home alone and worried was doing me no good. I am getting better, and I will not let him ruin that for me.”
“Good for you,” he said proudly, patting her leg.
Alana was wearing shorts, and she felt the tingles travel to her leg and in between them. Noah was the only man who affected her physically by just the smallest of touches.
Noah was so handsome, and his smile did funny things to her body. She knew he saw her as just a friend. Ray probably asked him to keep her company so he could work. Part of her wanted things to be different between them, but part of her was still scared. She was still a basket case. Sudden movements made her jump. She remembered the fear of being robbed and the pain. Now it was going to start all over again.
Adam joined them. He had overheard Alana. “Attitude is everything, Alana. Don’t let him win by breaking you. He better not have the nerve to show up here.”
“I won’t,” she promised. “Now hurry up and cook. I’m starving.”
Adam laughed. “Geez, woman.”
The three of them had lunch outside. Liam joined them on his lunch break for an hour. The three of them were such delightful company that she was able to relax and just enjoy the sun and the day.
After Liam left they picked out a comedy to watch. Noah sat next to her and held her hand. Such a simple gesture, yet it made her feel all mushy inside. Halfway through the movie she yawned and let her head relax on his shoulder. She felt so relaxed she wished she could stay here all night, too.
Alana enjoyed her time with Noah. It was bittersweet. She remembered better days from the past and the current nightmare she was stuck in.
Be glad he is your friend, and forget about more. You don’t need the heartache men bring.
“Thanks for today, Noah. I had fun,” she told him when he was taking her home. She had not wanted their time to end, but her eyes were burning from lack of sleep. Spending time with him only made her long for things that couldn’t be.
“Me, too. You could have stayed for dinner. I make a mean pork chop with gravy.” He had that teasing quality in his voice she remembered, not the “let’s not upset Alana” she heard from everyone else. It made her feel normal again.
Alana laughed and ruined it with a yawn. “I’m so tired. I think I can sleep now.”
He reached over and grabbed her hand. She linked their fingers together and felt a sense of contentment. She was not going to overanalyze it. She was going to enjoy it.
“I’m glad. Thank you for trusting me again, Alana. It means a lot to me. Losing you made me realize what a jerk I was being. Do you forgive me?”
“Yes, Noah,” she whispered. Even though things between them had ended in anger and pain, she understood where he was coming from. He had been hurt by someone he once loved. It was hard to trust again. Wasn’t that her current dilemma? She loved Noah, but he had broken her heart, and she had no desire to experience that again.
He pulled into her driveway and turned off the ignition. He turned toward her, and she could see his smile in the moonlight. The times they had made out in the truck when he drove her home popped into her head. Suddenly her clothes felt tight, and she rolled the window down to let the cool night air in.
“I’m glad we’re talking again, but you know what would make me happier?” His voice was ragged and deep, making her tummy tingle.
“What?” she whispered, hearing her own heartbeat thunder at the wicked gleam in his eyes. She wiggled in her seat, feeling the heat between her legs start. Her breasts felt heavy and swollen with an ache to have his hands on them.
“For you to go out on a date with me.” He interrupted her lusty thoughts.
She was so shocked she opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She cleared her throat and blinked a few times. She had not expected that.
“Why? We tried that and failed miserably. I can’t go through that again, Noah.”
Noah caressed her cheek with his palm. He brushed her hair away from her face in a gentle caress that surprised her. “You did nothing but be beautiful. I was the insecure ass. There is an attraction between us, has been for years. I was a stupid, blind fool, but those days are over. I did make a date with Cora, but I never kept it. I haven’t slept with her in years. I could have lost you, Alana. I was terrified. I couldn’t live without touching you again, without knowing how your body feels pressed against my bare skin. Or without the knowledge of knowing how it feels to hold you in my arms all night long. That knowledge guts me every day. I am appreciating every single moment we are alive because it can end in the blink of an eye.”
Alana thought she moaned at his words and the touch of his fingers exploring her skin. His hand stayed on her shoulders and neck while he talked, caressing her with light touches. She felt the fire burning hotter between her legs, and she was surprised how intense it felt. They had never made it to the bedroom before their big blowup. A few dates and a few steamy kisses were all they had. She had regretted that. He leaned forward and put his thumb on her lip. She closed her eyes as his lips touched hers, softly at first. Then she felt his tongue demanding access. She opened up to him, and the feel of his tongue exploring her mouth sent delightful shivers all through her body. Her belly quivered with excitement. Her breasts felt heavy, and she ached for him to touch them like he had in the past, but she was too shy to ask. She closed her eyes and let the desire wash over her body. It was familiar and exhilarating.
“Wow. I forgot how hot it is to kiss you,” she whispered when they pulled apart. He laughed, sounding happy.
; “Is that a yes on the date? We can take it slow. I won’t pressure you into anything you don’t want.”
She nodded, feeling dazed at his sudden turnaround. Should she trust him this time? What if he changed his mind again? She couldn’t handle any more stress right now.
“Okay, but I need slow, Noah. A date. I won’t be able to handle it if you give me hope, then snatch it away again. It hurt,” she explained, hoping he understood. Months away from him had done nothing to change how she felt about this complicated man.
He looked pained but understanding at her words. “This time I am sure of what I want, Alana. I know it will take time for you to trust me again. I’ll pick you up Friday at six. We can go to Morehead and eat. Get away from town for a while,” he suggested.
She nodded feeling excited yet nervous.
“You pack quite a punch, Alana.” He grinned. He leaned his head against hers. “I need a cold shower just from your kiss.”
She blushed, glad the truck was dark. He was used to dating older, mature women who didn’t blush. In the past she had tried to pull off sophisticated, worldly woman, and it had not worked. She still had lost him.
“I say it’s you, but thanks for the compliment.” She reached for the door handle to get out. Noah insisted on walking her to the door.
“I’ll call you,” he promised, kissing her lips in a light, barely there touch.
She felt like she was in a fog. The lights were on, and she knew at least Alicia would be home. She used her key to get in.
Her mom always waited for her dad to close before coming home. Alana had not been brave enough to work the night shift yet. She was usually out of there before the evening hit.
She leaned against the door until she heard his truck pulling out of the driveway. She waited for a minute until her breathing and heart rate returned to normal. Was he asking her out just to keep an eye on her, or was he finally serious? She didn’t want to get her hopes up too high yet. It hurt to be let down. If she kept her distance from Noah, she would regret not giving it one more chance. Hope was tough and often refused to die. She headed upstairs to her bedroom. Hopefully Alicia wouldn’t ask too many questions. She was not a big fan of Sheriff Romeo.
