Intoxicated By You_An Exposed Hearts Novel

by Kristin Mayer

  When the door opened and I saw my mother, my stomach dropped. “Oh no,” I said under my breath.

  “Who is that?” Hollis murmured.

  “My mother.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Alexa

  Hollis and Drake stood on either side of me. I felt like I was being flanked when I was totally capable of taking care of myself. But, at the same time, I was glad they were there.

  Mom dabbed her face with a handkerchief and looked at the clinic as if the mere site of such a place distressed her. There was still no landscaping, but that would come in the next few days or so. Other than that, it looked like a new home. If possible, her nose angled up in the air more than usual, and I felt like she was looking down on us even though we were higher on the porch.

  “Alexa, I’ve been trying to reach you. Can we talk in private?”

  Her entire attitude rubbed me the wrong way. And I was at my limit today. Why couldn’t she greet me with “Wow, what have you done with the place? I’d love a tour.” Or “I’ve missed you so much. What can I do to help?”

  Instead, I got a raised eyebrow. I was tired of this song and dance. Irritation lurked underneath the surface, just begging to be unleashed. “Mom, I’d love to show you everything we’ve done around the clinic. But if you’ve come to lecture me about what happened with Raquel, please don’t. Raquel and I will work it out if she would just grow up.”

  Without paying me any attention, Mom continued, “Seriously, Alexa, I’m disappointed in you.”

  She was always disappointed in me. Always. I could find the cure for cancer, and Mom would still have something to gripe about. I bet even if rainbows shot out of my ass, there would be something wrong with one of the colors. Nothing I ever did was good enough. Nothing.

  Beside me, I could feel the annoyance rolling off Drake in waves. Hollis was more stunned than anything. Even his mom wasn’t this cold.

  I tried again to be pleasant. “Would you like to see the clinic?”

  She shook her head, about to say something, when her phone rang. “Pardon me. Hi, sweetheart. Yes, I know. Oh, please don’t stress yourself out. It’s not good for your singing voice. It needs to be strong for the dinner tonight. There’s a chance Dixon’s friend will go back to Los Angeles and tell someone about your talent. I know Alexa is sorry. She told me so. Yes, I’m on my way.”

  It took everything I had not to roll my eyes. When she hung up the phone, she gave me a tight smile. “Where are my manners? You haven’t introduced me to your sweet Hollis.”

  Drake’s jaw tightened, and his fingers dug into my hip. There was only so much he was going to take before he spoke up. “Mom, this is my friend, Dr. Hollis Fritz. And, of course, you remember Drake. We’re dating again.”

  Mom stood still with the same bland smile I remembered her giving Dad when he would say something she refused to acknowledge. Oh boy. This wasn’t going to end well.

  Drake took a step forward with his hand outstretched. “Good to see you again, Irene.”

  When we’d first met, he called her Mrs. Owens, which hadn’t gone over well. Irene wasn’t much better. Mom preferred to not have any interaction with Drake at all. It was honestly a no-win situation.

  “Drake. How’s Macy?”

  Macy? Who’s Macy? At this point, I’d reached the end of my rope. Dropping her name was most likely a ploy to plant a seed of doubt in my mind. At one time Raquel had done that when Drake had gone out of town hunting. I’d been crushed, thinking he was cheating on me. One thing I’d promised him that night was that I would never doubt him until I’d had a chance to hear him out. But hearing his name associated with someone else sent jolts of jealousy through me.

  He let out a deep breath and shook his head. “I’m sure she’s good. You’d have to ask her. She hasn’t been in the bar for about five months—since I turned her down for a date.” Drake crossed his arms over his chest and took a step forward. “Listen, I get that you’d rather Lex be dating Hollis. I think that picture has been painted pretty clearly. But I’m back in Lex’s life, and I’m here to stay. I’d like things to be civil between us, Irene, but I won’t tolerate you putting doubt in Lex’s mind. Nothing happened with Macy, and nothing will be happening with Macy.”

  I knew it! My fists balled at my side. This was my mother. But no matter how angry she made me, dumping a bucketful of water on her like I had with Raquel wasn’t acceptable.

  A loud truck engine drew our attention to the driveway, and we watched Ike and Amie pull in. Nervously, I glanced at Drake. The last thing I wanted was for his parents to be caught up in this drama. The way my mother treated me was embarrassing. That was why I was never seen with her in town or invited her over to the Fosters’ for dinner.

  With a stiff nod, Mom smoothed her new baby blue outfit into place. Amie got out of the truck in jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt. Our mothers were complete opposites of each other. “Irene, it’s so good to see you. So you’ve heard the news about our kids finding their way back to each other? We’re so glad Alexa is back in our lives.”

  Mom gave a nod. “Yes, yes I heard. And I’m sure you are.”

  Whoa. The tone she was taking with Amie was completely uncalled for. I took a step forward. Mom may not have agreed that it was happy news, but there was no need to be disrespectful to Amie. “Mom, please.”

  She waved me off. “I need to go see your sister. Have a good day, Amie. Ike. Hope to see you for dinner, Hollis.”

  Without another glance at me or Drake, Mom left. She had grown colder to me since Dad died. So much colder. I remembered at the cemetery, I’d wanted her to wrap her arms around me the way she’d done with Raquel to show me that unconditional love only a mother can provide. She’d never once asked how I was doing. Not once. Amie and Drake had held me as I mourned the loss of my father. Not my mother. My mother would never love me like Raquel. And it hurt.

  I watched as Mom drove away, wishing things were different.

  “Ike, why don’t you and Drake show Hollis the plans you drew up for the cabin. I’m going to have Alexa show me around the clinic.” Amie’s sweet voice brought me out of my thoughts.

  Drake looked like he wanted to protest. When Amie raised her eyebrow, he followed his Dad to the truck. I wasn’t sure what to do.

  With an arm around my shoulders, she ushered me to the door. “Come, let’s go inside. I want to see what’s been done since the last time. And I have fabric samples.”

  We’d barely made it into the house when I felt her squeeze me. “I’m here, sweet girl. If you ever need anything, I’m here.”

  Furiously, I wiped at the tears that were coming too fast to stop. “Sorry. Let me show you around.”

  She walked me over to the bottom of the stairs instead. “Nonsense. I just wanted to check on you, see if you needed someone to talk to. I know Drake wants to be everything you need, but sometimes a girl needs another female to talk to. I may not be your mother, but I consider you one of my children.”

  I shook my head as more tears slid down my cheek. “I don’t get why she acts like this. When Dad was alive, I think his presence made her less harsh, less severe. Or not. I don’t know.”

  Amie hugged me, truly hugged me, and I clung to her like my life depended on it. It had been so long since I’d been comforted like this. “Thank you.”

  Pulling back, she gave me a smile. “I’m here anytime you need it. I know Drake is, too. Lord knows my boy is head over heels for you. He has been since the first day he saw you. When he came home that day, I could tell something had changed.” Amie had never told me this before. Gently, she wiped one of my tears away.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Since he was a little boy, Drake had never been afraid of his feelings the way Kane and, to some extent, Hayden were. Drake is more like me in that sense. Even though you guys have known each other since you were kids, the day Drake changed your tire, he saw you. I mean, really saw you. He walked through the front door in a complete
daze. I thought he was supposed to have a date. He told me he canceled it, and he started asking about you. I knew, in that moment, he’d found his other half.”

  I smiled at the memory. “Since I was a little girl, I always thought Drake was so handsome and strong. But he was older, so I never gave it much thought. Then he showed up at my house with flowers the day after changing my tire. I just couldn’t believe he was there to see me. And I nearly ruined it.”

  “It’ll make you guys twice as strong.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I know so.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Alexa

  Amie and I finished looking through the fabric samples she’d brought for the curtains in the clinic and Hollis’s residence that the quilting circle were going to make. I loved this town. They’d welcomed my friend without any hesitation. It wasn’t always that way, though. Sometimes newcomers remained on the outskirts of the community for a while. Chazz had been here for nearly two years, and I doubted he’d received the same welcome.

  There would be a more rustic theme downstairs to go with the furniture we’d chosen. Upstairs, I’d chosen grays and creams to go with Hollis’s furniture, which would be arriving from New York soon. We’d picked it out before we left. Hollis had debated selling his dad’s house, but I thought it might be a little rash until he decided if he wanted to make Skagway his permanent home. Even then, he might want to keep it. I understood needing a fresh start. But doing that without regrets was equally important.

  Outside, the men’s voices grew stronger as they approached the building. I strained my ears to hear them clearly. They were talking about breaking ground. Once Hollis made a decision, it was rare for him to ever back away.

  Amie leaned against me as they laughed. “I like your friend.”

  “He’s a good guy on top of being a great doctor.” But her words meant more to me than she’d ever know. I wanted Hollis to be accepted.

  Drake opened the door cautiously. “Is it okay for us to come in now?”

  Amie patted my leg, and I was able to give her a true smile. She said, “Yes, of course. Did you guys discuss the cabin?”

  The men entered the room, and Hollis said, “We’re going to break ground on my cabin in the spring. I just need to find some land.”

  I laughed. “I’m sure we’ll be able to find you something.” Changing subjects, I pointed to the fabrics spread out on the floor. “The quilting committee wants to make curtains for the clinic. Amie brought the fabric swatch book from Arlene’s shop. Here’s what I think you may like for downstairs and maybe your residence, based on the furniture we picked out in New York.”

  Hollis walked over to the book. “That’s very kind of the quilting circle, but I’d like to pay for their time.”

  Standing, Amie waved him off. “Nonsense. It’s what we do here. This clinic means a lot to all the families in Skagway. We want to be part of this.”

  “Thank you.”

  It was rare, if ever, that people in Hollis’s world did things simply to be kind. I could tell he was touched by everything our little town had done for our clinic. He seemed lighter, happier. He wanted to make a difference. And I knew he would.

  “What do you think of the fabrics?” I said as I pointed to the swatches.

  Hollis leaned forward, and I wanted to laugh out loud. Ike and Drake were like ducks out of water when it came to fabric swatches. “I like the lower colors. For the upstairs, I think I want a change.”

  “What kind of change?”

  “Something more macho. Alaskan macho.”

  I laughed. “But that won’t go with the furniture you ordered.”

  “Ike’s going to make my furniture. I’ll figure out what to do with the furniture I ordered since it’s already shipped.”

  Oh, he’s serious. Offhandedly, I added, “I bet Kane could get you some sort of animal head for your walls or take you hunting to get your own.”

  His eyes lit up like Christmas lights. Kane might kill me. Ha! There was no might about it; he was going to kill me for suggesting this.

  Drake’s smile grew bigger. “I bet Kane would love that. I’ll let him know.”

  “Now we’re talking.” Hollis replied. “He’d probably prefer to leave me out in the woods, tied to a tree. But killing the only doctor in town would not be good. I’ll take those odds to get some beast up on my wall.”

  I gave Hollis a sideways hug. My friend knew how to keep things light. “Very Alaskan.”

  “I thought so.”

  I picked up a different book of fabric. “We can look at these swatches. They’re probably more like what you’re looking for.”

  “I think you have plans to be somewhere right now.”

  Wait. I do? I thought back to my plans for the day—I’d cleared my calendar to finish tidying up this clinic. “No, I don’t.”

  “Yeah, you do.”

  Is he seriously arguing with me about my schedule? “No, I really don’t.”

  “Yes, you really, really, really do. Top three reallys.”

  What’s wrong with him? With a smug smile, he inclined his head toward Drake. On cue, Drake picked me up, and I squealed. “I’m kidnapping you for the day. See you guys tomorrow.”

  Hollis called after me, “See, I was really, really, really, really right.”

  “I guess you were,” I called back. As Drake carried me to the car, I swung my legs ever so lightly, feeling more carefree by the second. “Where are we going? What do you mean you’re kidnapping me?”

  “You’ll see.” Drake looked at me with love and happiness. It was as if no time had passed between us. I wanted him. And by the hunger in his eyes, he wanted me, too.

  He leaned down, and his lips grazed mine. “You’re mine for the night.”

  Those words held a lot of promise. Tingles erupted over my skin, and anticipation pooled in my stomach. He was kidnapping me so we could spend some time alone together. Drake’s eyes darkened with desire and I knew it meant I would have the closeness I craved from him soon.

  He set me in the passenger seat of his truck, and I looked over to see mine still in the clinic driveway. “What about my truck?”

  “We’ll be back tomorrow. Hollis is sleeping here tonight. My parents are going to help him bring in an extra bed from the shop along with a few other pieces until Dad can make his furniture.”

  I felt guilty leaving my friend, but Drake shook his head. “It’s okay. I asked Hollis if he wanted us to stay. He’s good. Promise. And Hayden is getting back today. He’s going to help out.”

  “Looks like you’ve thought of everything.”

  “Let’s hope.”

  There was so much promise in those words.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Alexa

  Drake went around the front of his truck. He looked at the ground as he walked, the look on his face intense, as if he were thinking hard about something.

  When he got in the truck, his eyes met mine. He was definitely nervous about something; his breaths were deeper and slower than usual.

  I wondered where he was taking me, but I knew he’d never tell.

  We needed this time alone. There were moments when it felt like we still tiptoed around each other without saying what we meant. But then another part of me was afraid we were moving too fast. No, we’re not. Fate was correcting a wrong—we should never have been apart. Our souls were meant to be entwined together.

  In town, Drake pulled into the post office parking lot, and handed me my silky pink sleeping mask.

  “Put this on.”

  “Did you get this out of my bag?” I cocked an eyebrow in question.

  He winked. “Maybe.”

  If he’d gotten it out of my gray duffel bag, there was a chance he’d seen my vibrator. Heat surged to my cheeks. I’d never had one when I lived here—I hadn’t needed one. Biting my lip, I asked, “What else did you see?”

  “Nothing.”

  His response was too quick. I knew he’
d seen my vibrator. “Are you sure?”

  In response, I got another wink, and he held out the blindfold. “You ready to get going?”

  With a giggle, I took it and put it on. A few seconds later, I felt the truck move forward. It was time for a little fun. “Can you tell me just one thing?”

  “Depends.”

  “Were you gentle with the bag? There’s something very important to me in there.”

  He paused for a second, and then his voice grew deeper. “How important?”

  “Off-the-charts important. It’s given me some of the best memories ever. Life altering.”

  There was a muttered curse word, and I smiled. Drake was very well endowed, but he was also possessive of my pleasure. When Drake had found out I was a virgin after we started dating, he’d started to take things slower. I thought back to that moment.

  Drake’s lips had grazed mine as he kissed me. I could kiss him for hours. We’d been together two months. And on that day, I’d been allowed to go out to dinner with him. That had been a condition of my dad allowing me to date Drake. I had to be eighteen for dinner dates. Dad had been a little cautious about us dating because Drake was two years older.

  Leaning me back, Drake hovered on top of me. His hand crept under my shirt, and our eyes met. “You are beautiful.”

  Drake’s words warmed me as his hand slid up my shirt. This was as far as we’d gone. When I brought his head down to meet mine, he knew I was telling him to keep going. My nipples hardened, needing to feel his strong hands on me.

  Drake gave a deep rumble of satisfaction when his hands brushed the stiff peaks of my breasts for the first time. I arched my back as the sensations spiraled through me. He rolled one nipple through his fingers.