by V. Vaughn
The leather of the Louboutin is smooth in my hand, and I gaze up at Berch. My pulse quickens in the intensity of his stare. “You did?”
He grabs me by the hips and hoists me onto the seat like he did earlier. This time he slides his hands down the edge of my thighs slowly and leaves them by my knees. The fabric of my Chanel skirt doesn’t protect me from their heat. “You broke my heart when junior prom came and you were dating Parker.”
“Berch.” I reach up and place my hand on his cheek. “I would much rather have gone to prom with you. Why didn’t you ever ask me out?”
He shrugs. “It wasn’t our time.” Berch removes my hand from his face and kisses my palm. I inhale sharply, and he says, “But now might be.”
Wait. Why is this happening? I shake my head. I glance over his shoulder. “Amber isn’t watching us. I don’t get it.”
He drops my hand and reaches for my foot. “Do you have a boyfriend?” He slips off my sneaker.
“No. But I don’t live here, and...” Berch’s massaging my arch, and the combination of his strength and warmth makes me moan. He chuckles at my reaction and slips my pump on. “Why now?”
“Why don’t you let me take you out to dinner tomorrow night, and I’ll explain.”
“Fine.” I may be confused, but I’m not stupid. “I mean. Yes. I’d like that.”
CHAPTER THREE
By the time Berch and I walk back into the Elks Club, I think everyone knows we left together. I’m uncomfortable with the stares and excuse myself to go to the ladies’ room. Kayla must have noticed, because she comes in after me.
She speaks through the stall door. “Great shoes. Louboutin?”
“Yes.” I try to sound casual, but deception is weighing on my conscience.
“I thought so because of the red soles. Was that all you went to get?”
“Uh-huh. But I got more.”
She squeals. “Sweet!”
I don’t want to yell, so I don’t talk until I’m at the sink. The soap dispenser clicks, and pink gel lands in my palm. “He asked me out.”
Kayla and Amber were my best friends, and both were aware of my lifelong crush on Berch. Jessie comes in and smiles at us before entering a stall while Kayla says, “Finally. What did it take? A thousand shooting stars, single headlights, and fifteen or so wishbones?”
I grin at her. “Something like that.” I cut my eyes to where Jessie is and say, “But I don’t understand why now. I haven’t even talked to him since high school.”
“Maybe he didn’t know how much he cared until you were gone,” says Kayla.
I crank down a paper towel, and Jessie joins us at the sink. I say, “I doubt it.”
Jessie says, “He’s afraid you won’t come back next time.”
I glance over at her. “What?”
“You’ve been in love with Berch since we were playing in sandboxes. You were meant to be together, and he took it for granted. This time, he’s not going to.” Jessie speaks as if she’s sure what she said is true.
The door squeaks as Kayla opens it for us to leave. I say, “Maybe.”
Once we’re out of the ladies’ room, Kayla and I raise our eyebrows at each other over Jessie’s words before Amber accosts me. “How the hell did you get a date with Berch?”
Her fingers dig into my arm, and I’m reminded of how our friendship was based on her convenience. I shrug. “He asked.”
She glares at me. “That’s a pretty crappy thing to do to a friend. You knew I was after him tonight.”
Kayla laughs and says, “You’re joking, right? You finally noticed what we’ve known all along, and you think you can call dibs on Berch?”
Amber snorts, “Girl code. Read it.”
Kayla says, “Sue me. Have you forgotten Raven’s been in love with him since birth? Because Berch belongs to Raven. End of story.” She grabs my arm. “C’mon.” We walk away, leaving Amber to sputter and stomp her feet on her own.
I link my arm with Kayla’s. “I’ve missed you. And why didn’t we dump her sooner?”
“Because she always had a car, remember?”
I do. Kayla and I got close freshmen year when we both made varsity soccer. When Amber made the team sophomore year, she decided we were the three musketeers. Neither Kayla nor I was assertive enough to push her away, and we encountered a lot of needless drama because of it.
When we get to the middle of the room, Kayla and I scan the crowd. A group of guys is laughing loudly, and I assume the alcohol has been flowing freely for them. Kayla says, “I don’t see anyone else I need to talk to. Do you?”
“Not really.” My stomach growls. “Want to go get cheese fries?”
Her eyes light up. “Yes.” She glances past me for a moment and says, “Someone’s looking your way.”
I turn to find Berch’s gaze on my legs. I bend a knee in a pose that shows off the Louboutins. He grins and looks up to wink at me. I wink back and turn to Kayla before he sees my flush.
She asks, “Should we invite him along?”
I notice Berch is talking to Ergan and remember the crush Kayla had on him all senior year. “Only if we invite Ergan, too.”
Kayla pulls me toward them as she says, “I like how you think.”
When we get there, Ergan’s gaze takes in Kayla, and I nudge her as he says, “Hey, ladies. You’re looking lovely tonight.”
I say, “Thanks. Hey, Kayla and I are thinking about ditching and going to the Diner. Do you guys want to come?”
Berch answers for them. “Great idea.”
He takes my arm and starts to walk before Ergan has a chance to say anything, and I hear Ergan chuckle. I glance back to see him offer his arm to Kayla as he says, “Sure. We’d love to.” Kayla grins at me.
The Diner on the edge of town is a popular spot for Winter Valley High students. It seems ridiculous, but we take four cars to the diner because it’s not on anyone’s way home from the Elks Club. Bright light reflects off the silver aluminum of the building as I pull in beside Berch’s truck. He walks over and opens my door to help me out. The warmth of his hand holding mine travels all the way down to my toes. I’m still trying to come to terms with him being so attentive to my needs.
“I could get used to the charming version of you,” I say.
Berch hasn’t let go of my hand and tugs me closer to tuck my arm in with his. “I’m glad it’s working.” He scans the parking lot as if he’s watching for someone, and a tiny shiver runs through me at the way he seems protective.
Ergan and Kayla were ahead of us, and we all meet by the door of the Diner. Ergan picks a table in the back for us, and the turquoise vinyl seat is slippery as I slide in with Berch right by my side. Kayla is across from me, and she kicks me under the table in a silent squeal. It’s like we’re living out a high school fantasy.
Conversation flows easily as we reminisce about our high school years, and Ergan manages to flirt with Kayla in a way that tells me she might end her night with a date, too. We’re reliving a football story from Ergan when a boisterous group enters the diner. Berch and I have our backs to the entrance, but I don’t need to turn around to know who it is. The loud voice of my high school boyfriend, Parker, is forever ingrained in my memory. And not in a good way.
I hunch down a little in reaction, hoping he won’t see me. Berch places a hand on my thigh, and it offers me a sense of security. I’ve never thought of Berch as my protector, but something about his manner tonight makes me think he knows more about my relationship with Parker than I would like.
Parker was the football star, the guy every girl wanted to date. I thought I had scored big when he asked me out junior year. And for a while, I had; he was sweet and charming. Like most teenaged boys, he was also desperate to lose his virginity. As our relationship progressed, so did the pressure to explore sexual relations. Intimacy with Parker left me wrought with guilt, because whenever he convinced me to go a little further, it was still not enough. The day after we finally went all the way, he
dumped me—and spread the rumor it was because I was a terrible lay.
Parker’s voice carries over to us. “Ergan, my man!”
Ergan stands up to greet him, and I paste a smile on my face. Ergan says, “How’s Dallas treating you?”
Parker’s gaze falls on me, and he answers, “Fantastic. Million-dollar house, Porsche, I’m living the dream.”
I’d heard he was a professional football player, and the rumblings of our classmates were wondering if he would show tonight. Berch’s hand tightens on my leg, and I place mine on top of his.
Parker says, “Raven, next time I’m in New York, we should get together.” He winks at me, and I swear Berch lets out a low growl.
A female voice I recognize as one of Parker’s high school groupies calls out, “Parker, we’re hungry over here.”
Parker glances at her and then back to us. He waggles his eyebrows. “Clearly I’m needed. Good to see you all.”
The moment he’s gone, I let myself relax and lean into Berch. Kayla says, “God, he’s still an asshole.”
Ergan says, “You got that right. But at least we won’t have to see him for another five years.”
Berch acts as if nothing has happened and says, “I’m having dessert. Anyone want to join me?”
I smile at him. “Blueberry pie.”
Kayla lets out a sigh. “Cherry for me.”
After we order, I excuse myself to the bathroom. Parker shook me up more than I care to admit, and I need to take a moment to collect myself. The lock on the bathroom door clicks as I slide it, and I turn to the mirror to finger comb my hair and get a grip. It’s not that Parker ruined sex for me, because I had a wonderful college boyfriend who taught me how amazing an intimate relationship could be. No. It’s the way Parker made me feel insignificant, and those emotions came rushing back when he acted as if I would want to be with him again.
The cover to my lipstick snaps off, and I slide a layer on. No matter. Berch Lindholm, the man I’ve wanted all my life, is finally interested. I smile at myself in the mirror before I make my way out of the ladies’ room.
The restrooms are down a small hallway, and when I exit into it, Parker is leaning against the wall. My stomach clenches as he speaks softly. “Raven.” His gaze gives me the once over, and I move to walk by.
Of course he doesn’t let me, and I sigh as he stands in my way. “Let me by, Parker.”
He walks toward me, and I step back until I’m against an employee-only door. Living in the city, I’ve been trained in self-defense, and I say, “I’ll scream if you take one more step.”
He frowns. “Have I ever hurt you?” He puts a hand above my head and leans in close. “I want to apologize. I never should have shared what we did. I was a stupid boy. But I’m not like that now.”
“Glad to hear it. Now I’d really like to get back to my friends.” I place my hand on his chest to push him out of my space, and he grabs it. “We were so good together, baby. I’d like to try again.” The heat of his skin sears me.
“You can’t be serious.” I try to pull my hand back, but he grips tighter and I say, “Let me go.” I’ve raised my voice, and panic sends adrenaline to my bloodstream. I’m close to stomping a stiletto though his foot.
Parker’s body is suddenly yanked back as Berch says, “She said let go.” His voice is laced with steel, and something flashes in his eyes.
Parker glares at him, and a low, almost canine rumble sounds from both of them. Berch steps close enough that Parker has to feel his breath. After a moment, Parker throws up his hands. “Hey, man, we were just talking.” He backs away and winks at me. “I’ll be in touch.”
Air whooshes out of my mouth when he turns the corner, and Berch pulls me against his chest. “Did he do anything to hurt you?”
I wrap my arms around Berch’s waist and inhale his scent. “No.” I pull my head back to gaze up at him. “I’m not sure what he wants with me after all this time.”
“You have no idea, do you?” I crinkle my brow at him, and he says, “Don’t worry about him, Raven. As long as you’re with me, nobody can hurt you.”
His voice reverberates through me as if to brand the statement in my mind, and I wonder why both Parker and Berch are so interested.
CHAPTER FOUR
My mom drapes a violet silk scarf over my shoulder. “See how gorgeous this makes your eyes look?”
“Oh, it does. Thanks, Mom.” My eyes are a warm brown, and the purple brings out the golden flecks.
I inhale my mother’s familiar lavender scent as she expertly ties the scarf for me. “Berch Lindholm. Haven’t you been in love with that boy forever?”
“Uh-huh. And he’s not exactly a boy anymore.”
My mom steps back to appraise my outfit. “No, I suppose not. And you’re not a little girl, either.” She smiles at me and her eyes are glassy. “You’re stunning.”
“Thanks.”
I rummage through my makeup bag as she sits on my bed and asks, “Heard back from any firms yet?” Before I came home for the reunion, I applied to almost every investment firm I could find in the New York City area. I refuse to give up.
I sigh. “No. This is getting kind of depressing.” My makeup brush taps as I remove excess powder.
“Don’t let it, honey. I’m a firm believer in things happening for a reason.”
I glance over at her to roll my eyes, and she says, “Like Berch asking you out. Maybe it’s fate telling you to come home and find something here.”
I recall Berch saying that maybe now is our time. “Could be.” I squeeze the eyelash curler and turn to her as I maintain the pressure. “Or it could be that someone wants a roommate.” My father died a couple of years ago, and with my younger sister off at college, my mom is all alone in our big house.
“Busted.” She offers me a sheepish smile.
The mascara wand is smooth in my hand as I focus on applying it without poking myself in the eye. “I feel like it’s failing if I move back home.”
“Happiness isn’t about a location.”
I think about how lonely I’ve been in the city and the fun I had last night with three people who have stayed in Winter Valley. But I’ve got more important things on my mind. I’m going out with Berch tonight. I take one last look at my makeup and turn to my mom.
“What do you think?”
“Nailed it.”
***
Knowing I’d have to climb into Berch’s truck, I wore a dress in stretch fabric along with another pair of stilettos. It’s still not very practical, but at least I won’t rip out a seam. And let’s be real: Berch likes my legs, and I’d be a fool not to work that angle.
The doorbell rings, and my heels click as I make my way to let him in. I open up to Berch holding a bouquet of lilacs. The scent always reminds me of the day he saw me with the purple blossoms I’d stuck in my braids and told me I looked like a princess. I was seven and have held on to the memory all these years. “Thank you, these are beautiful.”
I lead him to the kitchen, and he says, “Lilacs make me think of you. I remember how you liked to stick them in your hair.”
He does? I melt a little on the inside as my mother greets him. “Berch, how wonderful to see you again.”
“You too, Mrs. Lynch.”
A cabinet clicks as she opens it and retrieves a vase. “How are your parents?”
“Very well, thank you.”
Water rushes as I fill the glass container for the lilacs, and my mom says, “Good to hear. I look forward to working on the town gardens with your mother again this year. She’s got a good eye for landscape design.”
I raise my eyebrows at my mom for not telling me she’s working with Mrs. Lindholm. Berch says, “And she tells me you’ve got quite a green thumb.”
“I try. But our success is because we have a good team.” She takes the flowers from me, and the vase thumps on the kitchen table where she places it. “You two have a lovely evening. And Raven, don’t worry about when you g
et in. I won’t wait up.”
Berch takes my arm. “I’ll take care of your daughter, Mrs. Lynch.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I glance over my shoulder at her to send a quick glare. She winks at me, and I wonder what else she hasn’t shared.
When we get to Berch’s truck, his eyes crinkle with a smile as I pause to decide if I should hike my dress up or chance stretching it as I step on the running board. He asks, “Need me to lift you in again?”
“I—” I gasp as he grips my hips and hoists me into the seat before I can answer. His touch makes me tingle as I slide back on the cool leather. “Okay, then, I guess that wasn’t really a question.”
Berch shrugs, and the seat belt hums as he pulls it across my lap to click it into place. “I’m trying to encourage more dresses and skirts.” His grin is sly as he shuts my door, and it makes me chuckle.
After he gets in and the engine roars to life, I ask, “Where are you taking me?”
“My place. I’m cooking for you.”
If this were a first date with any other guy, I’d be uncomfortable about going to his house, but not with Berch. “That sounds wonderful. What’s on the menu?”
“Fish, wine, and a confession.”
“Confession? That sounds ominous.” The sun is beginning to set, and the orange glow is bright on the horizon, making me squint as I flip down the visor.
Berch reaches over and takes my hand. “It kind of is.” He turns the steering wheel easily with one hand as we exit my street to the main road. “What do you know about the wolves at Silver Lake?”
One of the favorite ghost stories told when I was growing up was about werewolves who live in our town, and I always wondered if there was some truth to it, because kids were warned against going to the lake after dark. “I’ve heard they’re dangerous at night.”
“Do you believe it?”
“I don’t know. But you live on the lake, so what do you think?”
Berch doesn’t answer right away, and I glance at him to study his face. He squeezes my hand and brings the warmth he generates to the forefront of my mind. “Some of them are. But most are not.”
