Dixon laughed. It was deep and pleasant. “I kind of pity him right now. Samone and Jane cornered me earlier. They are quite… forward.”
Yeah, they’re “friendly” with the tourists.
“It’ll make him tougher.”
“Cheers to that.” We clinked our glasses together.
Right then, I sensed Drake before I felt him. Little tingles raced across my skin in anticipation of his touch after being away from him for a while.
“Hey, Lex. Sorry I’m late.”
He kissed my cheek, and I melted into his side. He was wearing jeans and a nice button-up shirt. Extending his hand, he said, “Dixon. Good to see you again. How’d the hunt with Kane go?”
So, they’d met. And he’d been hunting with Kane. That was good to know. From Drake’s demeanor, he seemed to like Dixon. I imagined he’d already had him checked out.
“Fantastic. That brother of yours can track anything through the woods. We found what we were looking for each day. Most amazing guided hunt I’ve had.”
Before Drake could respond, Chazz’s voice filled the room through the sound system. “Good evening, everyone. If you would like to find your seats, we’ll begin serving dinner in about fifteen minutes.”
“That’s my cue. I better join my brother. I think we’re having quail eggs with Haggis.”
This was the oddest menu ever. It was as if Raquel had found the most unappealing sounding foods and served them in one evening. “It was nice meeting you, Dixon. I’m sure I’ll see you around but enjoy your stay if I don’t.”
“Thank you.” Leaning in, he whispered, “I don’t think she’s pregnant. It had something to do with vocal cords.”
My shoulders relaxed. Of course I wanted Raquel to have children, if that was what she wanted, but knowing she wasn’t pregnant helped ease the ostracism I felt. “Yes, the vocal cords have always been a concern for Raquel—and Mom. If you haven’t heard, she’s going to be famous once an agent comes this way and discovers her talents.”
“I bet.” With that he shook Drake’s hand and headed to his table. Once, I’d asked why we didn’t go to LA. Mom responded with, “Only the people willing to go the extra mile will be worth Raquel’s time.” I had given up trying to make sense of their reasoning.
Drake and I made our way to the back of the room. “What was that about?”
I shook my head. “Normal head games from Mom and Raquel. She said something about Raquel’s ‘delicate position,’ and I thought she was pregnant. Dixon doesn’t think she is.”
He sighed, running his hands through his hair. “Well, it looks like the party is a hit.”
The room had already begun to empty as people walked out before dinner was even served. I couldn’t help but laugh. Everyone looked miserable. “What was she thinking?”
He sighed. “It’s been a mess. Last week, she told one of the guys on the board she was changing the menu. He forgot to mention it because, honestly, who would have thought it would be to this shit. He thought she meant changing up a pie or cake. The townspeople aren’t thrilled, to say the least. Since the festival started, we’ve received several complaints, which was why the city council had a quick meeting. This is going to turn into a shit storm. The people of Skagway look forward to the Fall Festival.”
“Well, good news. We’re going to have the quilting circle make moose chili and the church will do the desserts for Hollis’s welcome party. I was hoping we could use the Red Onion next Friday.”
“Done. You just made our lives a hell of a lot easier.” He gave me a kiss. “I knew there was a reason I loved you.”
Hollis walked in front of us and ducked. “I think my ass has been pinched twice by either Jane or Samone. I can’t keep them straight. Ol’ Man Rooster promised his granddaughter a date with me. The Twiner sisters want to do some sort of auction, which included the word bachelor. Alexa, you have to help me.”
I tapped my chin. “I’ll think about it.”
“You have to. I’m serious. Payback is over.”
Drake chuckled. “Good luck.”
Hollis threw his head back and groaned. “Paybacks are a bitch. Even in Alaska.” Then he looked at me. “By the way, is surströmming Alaskan? I can’t believe I saw it on one of the hors d’oeuvres trays.”
My stomach was turning as the smells of the different foods blended together. “I’m afraid to ask what that is.”
“I’ll take that as a no.” Hayden dramatically wiped his brow. “I might have to leave Alaska if it was.”
“What is it?” I asked.
“Fermented Baltic herring.”
Fermented and herring did not sound like a good combination. The bile rose in my throat. “I think I just threw up in my mouth. When in the world did you try that? I might have to defriend you.”
Hollis’s face pinched up. “Some party I attended with my family in New York. It wasn’t a… pleasant experience.”
“No wonder you came to Alaska.”
“The surströmming sent me right over the edge.”
We smiled. Having Hollis here was such a gift. He was a true friend.
The community center grew even more empty. “Want to leave, baby?”
For a second, I almost objected, wanting to support my family, but then I remembered how badly Raquel and Mom had treated me. What’s the point of putting myself through that? There was none.
“Let’s go. Hollis, want to join us for dinner?”
“Absolutely. I’m not staying here by myself.”
As we made our escape, I saw Ike and Amie getting in their truck at the same time Drake’s phone buzzed. He read the text. “Mom and Dad just invited us to dinner. Hollis, too. She’s cooking burgers.”
“Sounds great.” I slapped Hollis’s shoulder. “Hollis, we can talk about how we’re going to get you out of that date with Ol’ Man Rooster’s granddaughter.”
“Wait. What about the auction?”
“You’re on your own for that.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Alexa
The next morning, I spent some quality time lounging on the couch. There was a chill in the air, and Drake had started a fire. I pulled the blanket in closer around me, soaking in this moment of utter perfection. Life was good… more than good, to be honest.
“I poured you a cup of coffee.” Drake’s deep voice drew my attention away from the crackling fire. I took a deep breath and was greeted with the aroma of fresh coffee. Drake was oh-so-delicious in jeans with no shirt.
“You are the best boyfriend ever.” I reached out with gimme hands. He paused before handing me the cup. “What?” I asked.
“Nothing. I just like having you here with me.”
That was a little odd. Not to say that the past wasn’t still fresh in our minds, but he normally never brought it up.
I took a sip. “I love it, too. This place is more perfect than I ever could have imagined.”
“It is.” He motioned for me to lean forward, and then he settled in behind me. I lay back against his chest. The fire crackled, and the wind blew the leaves outside. It was a moment in time I wanted to freeze and keep forever. “This is a perfect Saturday morning. What time do you have to leave?”
At dinner last night, Reeser had called Drake and asked if he could come to Juneau. At the last minute, Reeser had been invited to a business dinner with some influential Alaskan business leaders. Somehow Drake’s name had come up, and they’d asked Reeser to see if he could join them. It was an opportunity Drake couldn’t pass up. They were discussing the possibility of getting a group of business owners together to promote Alaskan-owned-and-operated businesses. Alaskans weren’t typically fans of chains that took customers away from our locally owned businesses. We stuck together by keeping as much locally owned as possible.
He checked the clock. “In a couple of hours. Hayden’s going to fly me there and then come back. One of the guys joining us, Rick, will drop me off on his way to Anchorage.”
“I’m goi
ng to miss you.”
He kissed my neck. “I’m going to miss you, too. Are you going to stay out here tonight or head into town?”
I’d given that some thought. I found the quiet isolation comforting. “Here. I’m going to soak in our huge tub and eat ice cream. Maybe read.”
“I’m jealous of the tub.” His hand crept up my thigh, and my lower stomach clenched in anticipation.
I set my coffee cup down and turned around to straddle his lap. The blanket was discarded behind me. “Well, I feel like I may need a bath now. I’m suddenly feeling dirty. Very, very dirty.”
In a flash, Drake stood and held me to his chest, his arms under my legs. My mouth found his as he walked us back to the bathroom. “I’m going to make sure you’re squeaky clean before I leave.”
His words held promise of what was to come.
* * *
“I’m going to miss you so much.”
A light wind blew as Drake held me in his arms in the circle drive next to his truck. I pulled my jacket more tightly around me.
“Me, too, baby.” His nose grazed mine. “Why don’t we go away somewhere next weekend? After Hollis’s welcome party. Just the two of us.”
“I’d like that a lot.”
Another truck pulled into the driveway. I recognized Jim and waved. It was wrong, I knew, but I dreaded seeing him. Seeing him reminded me of the loss of my dad.
With a white cardboard box in his hands, Jim got out of the truck. “Afternoon. I was in the area and thought I’d drop off your dad’s stuff. I hope it’s okay. I thought it might be easier.”
My chest tightened as I took the box, knowing this was Dad’s. “Thanks, I appreciate it. It is easier. Thanks for thinking of me.”
Jim was a good man. He took a few steps back, probably knowing this was hard for me. “I hate to cut this short, but I’m meeting Ike for lunch.”
Nodding, Drake responded, “Dad mentioned that last night. Have a good one.”
“Tell Mallory we said hello,” I added. His wife was sweet.
“Will do.”
As fast as he’d come in, he left. I was relieved. Maybe next time it wouldn’t be so hard. I realized I’d forgotten to tell Drake about my conversation with Jim from the night before. “This is dad’s stuff. Apparently, Mom never picked it up.”
From his locked jaw, I knew Drake was refraining from saying anything. “You okay?”
“I will be. Promise. If I need company, I’ll call Hollis or your mom. Maybe try to stir up some trouble.”
I could tell Drake didn’t want to leave, but he needed to go. And he knew this. I set the box down and stood on my tiptoes to give him a kiss. “Call me when you get to Juneau. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
His phone vibrated, and he winced as he looked at it. “Hayden’s threatening to leave without me.”
“Go. I promise I’ll be fine. You’ll be back tomorrow afternoon. We’ll hang out before you meet the guys at the bar.”
I sensed he was ready to cancel his meeting. But it was important that we continued moving forward with our lives. I wanted to avoid being stagnant. That was how I’d lived for the last two years. It was something I needed to work on. “No canceling, Drake Foster.”
“You win.” Drake gave me another kiss. “Next weekend, you’re mine.”
“Absolutely.”
He kissed me again. Hard. Then he gave me the gorgeous smile that made me weak at the knees, and he made his way to the truck.
Drake rolled down his window and waved as he pulled out of the driveway. My heart was full. I saw his brake lights, and not two seconds later, I received a text.
Drake: Miss you. Love you, baby.
Me: Miss you, too. Love you lots. Be careful.
At that, I headed back inside with the box and placed it on the table before closing the door and leaning against it. What’s in there? It was full of Dad’s things. Probably some of the last things he’d ever touched. All in all, there wasn’t much of his stuff left other than the few things I’d taken after the funeral and the furniture Drake had managed to save. It felt like I was given a treasure, and a part of me wanted to open it immediately while the other part thought I should savor it—wait for a special time to reveal what was inside.
I stared at the box, unsure.
I grabbed my phone and looked at the time. By now, Drake should be at the airfield.
Me: Do you think I should wait to open the box?
Drake: I think you need to do what you think is best for you.
Staring at the phone, I wondered what to think about it all. Seconds later, another text came through.
Drake: You don’t have to come up with the answer right now. You’ll know when it’s time.
Me: You’re right. I’m going to go soak in the tub.
Drake: You’re making me hard thinking about how you slid on my cock earlier in the water.
Me: Maybe I’ll find my vibrator. It’s water safe.
Drake: Fuck.
Me: Yes, that’s what I’ll be doing to myself.
Drake: Baby, when I get done with dinner tonight, I’m calling.
Me: Oh, I like the sound of that. I’ll be waiting.
And just like that, Drake helped clear the stormy seas in my mind. He was my other half. I wanted to be Drake’s in every way, including his wife. But for now, I left the box on the table and headed back to the bathroom to relax in the tub.
Several hours later, I was back in the living room, sipping a glass of red wine on the couch in front of the fireplace. The box called to me like a beacon. What is in there? Unable to stand it a moment longer, I brought the box closer to torment myself.
I took another sip of my wine. The sun had set about three hours earlier, which made it pitch black outside. Without Drake in the cabin with me, it felt a little eerie, so I drew the curtains. The only light came from the fire as it crackled in the otherwise quiet space.
I wish Drake was here. He’d made it into Juneau safely. Dinner had led to drinks at a local bar. Normally, I wasn’t the clingy type, but everything felt off tonight. And I wanted to talk to him. I knew he’d take my call, but he needed to handle his business. This was an amazing opportunity for him. It occurred to me that not knowing what was in the box may have been the reason I was more on edge.
I kept staring at the white box, telling myself how ridiculous I was. Thirty minutes. If I didn’t open the box in the next half hour, I was going to bed—it was nearly midnight.
Five minutes passed. Then ten.
My phone dinged with an email, and I checked it, thankful for the distraction. Time had slowed to a near standstill. The email was from Morgan, the loan officer.
Alexa,
I apologize for the delay. It’s been a busy week, and I’m trying to catch up.
Per your request, I researched our records for all offers made on your land. In accordance with your instructions, we retained the information but did not pass it along to you. Attached is a list of offers received with the amounts and contact information. To each offer, Ms. Owens declined with no counteroffer.
All the best,
Morgan
The blood drained from my face when I opened the attachment. Milano Incorporated had been offering to buy my land every two months, increasing the price significantly each time. This had to be more than the property was worth.
Out of nowhere, a chill crept over my body.
Who are they? What do they want?
First, they wanted Raquel’s land.
Then the Ewings’.
Then they’d wanted mine.
What other land did they want?
Creak.
I shot up on the couch at the sound coming from the front porch. My heart nearly stopped, and I froze, listening.
Creak.
My eyes were fixed on the curtain. Is that a shadow? My eyes might have been playing tricks on me, but deep down I knew better. The shadow moved closer to the window, as if someone were peering i
n. Time stood still, and my breaths became shallower. I lay stock-still until whoever it was backed away. There was definitely someone outside on the porch. My heart was hammering in my chest, and instinct kicked in. Grabbing my phone, I crept toward the study where Drake kept the guns. To survive in Alaska, you had to be comfortable with firearms and know how to keep your wits about you. The same applied for being a nurse. A level head was a necessity.
I thought about the news over the past week. A bear had been seen in town. Maybe it was a bear on our front porch. A bear would make noise. But a bear wouldn’t peer in the window. Would it? And wouldn’t it be louder? My mind raced as I tried to sort it out.
Remain calm.
Think.
Call someone.
Drake was out of town. I needed someone who was close. I dialed Hayden, knowing his place wasn’t too far.
On the second ring, he picked up. “Hey there. What are you doing? Ka—”
“I think someone is outside on the porch.”
He got serious instantly. “We’re on our way. Where are you inside the house?”
Grabbing a gun and ammunition, I loaded the gun. I crept back down the hallway toward our bedroom. I was a complete mess inside, but I kept my breathing normal. Nevertheless, a slight tremor broke through my practiced calmness. “I’m in the hallway on the way to the bedroom. Let me stop and see if I hear anything.”
“Ale—”
“Shh.”
The revving of Hayden’s truck was loud over the phone, so I pulled it away from my ear. Closing my eyes, I focused on listening. The distinct rattle of the front doorknob brought me up short. “Someone is definitely here. They’re trying to open the door.”
Bears can’t open doors.
“Alexa, I’m with Kane. We are less than two minutes away. Keep going to the bedroom and lock yourself in.”
Intoxicated By You_An Exposed Hearts Novel Page 17
