Stoking the Embers (New Adult Romantic Suspense): The Complete Series

by Johnson, Leslie

  Gage and Beth both look back. Thank God for the dark tint I had put on the windows to protect against the summer sun. I panic anyway. “Don’t look back!”

  “Are you sure it’s the same car?” Beth asks, still looking behind us, her fingers gripping the headrest of the passenger seat in front of her.

  “I’m not sure; cars have never been my strong suit, but I think so.”

  “Jerome?”

  “He doesn’t have that kind of car, and besides, it’s not techie enough for him.”

  Gage’s degree of concern jumped a few notches. “Jerome? Asshole?”

  “Yeah. Asshole.”

  “Okay, make a quick left on Thoroughbred. Let’s test your theory.”

  I wait until the last possible second, like I’m looking for a street in an unfamiliar neighborhood. “Now where?”

  “Let’s see if the car follows. Keep going straight.”

  “Do you think it could be the detectives?” Beth asked. “Didn’t they say the local police would be driving by regularly to check up on you?”

  “Yes,” I say, “But they didn’t say anything about following me. You would think they’d let me know. Should I call and confirm?”

  “Let’s give it a few more minutes,” Gage offers. “There’s still no one behind us. It could be coincidence.”

  I loosen the grip on the steering wheel. “You’re right. I’m jumping at shadows now.”

  Gage gives my arm a squeeze. “Nobody can blame you for that. You’re in the middle of some serious craziness.” He points ahead. “Just keep going to Equestrian and make a right. I’m on lookout.”

  He sits back in his seat and I notice him and Beth scanning behind and around us. I make the right. “Take another right on Foothill and about half a mile down is Rawhide. You’ll go right there. My house is the third one on the left.”

  I pull into the driveway of a small but very nice stucco home. The setting sun reflects off the large front windows, splashing the house with its red glow. I feel foolish now, sitting in the normalness around me. I wonder if I’m losing my mind, if the panic attacks I’ve suffered from for years will finally overtake me.

  “Nice bachelor pad,” Beth says as she and Gage step out of the car. I stay inside, giving them a moment of privacy, but can hear their conversation through the open door.

  “Thanks. I bought it a couple years ago. Had planned to flip it, but liked it too much. It took an ass ton of work, but it’s home now.”

  I study the house and the landscaping neatly laid out in the front yard and have a sudden longing for a home myself. Apartment life isn’t bad. There’s something to be said for living among a large network of people, but I miss pulling weeds and planting flowers. I miss painting the front door or even having the option to do so.

  I jump when Gage taps the window; I push the button to roll it down. He leans down, his arm resting on the door. “Can you find your way out okay?”

  “Yeah, I don’t think I’ll have any trouble.”

  “Call if you do. Beth has my number. Don’t hesitate to hit me up if you need anything.”

  I feel a rush of affection for him, although I barely know him. He’s always been nice to me the few times I’ve met him. Fun. Sexy, but not in the ‘look at my muscles’ kind of way. I can’t blame Beth for going nuts for him. They look adorable together, both dark haired, dark eyed and olive skinned. Even the twelve-inch difference in their height is sweet.

  “Thanks. I’ll do that.”

  I turn my head as he stands and faces Beth again. I hear her light giggles and his deeper chuckles and see their bodies press together out of the corner of my eye. Then the laughter ends abruptly and Beth’s fingers are digging into his shirt. I turn more fully away, feeling like an intruder, and gaze out my side window at the neighborhood around us. The blue car isn’t anywhere I can see.

  Finally, long minutes later, Beth is back in the car and Gage is leaning down into the window again. “Why don’t you all come by tomorrow? Hit my swimming pool. I’ve got another day off. What do you say?”

  “I don’t want to be a third wheel.” I say, glancing at Beth. “I’ll let Beth speak for herself… not that I don’t already know the answer.” I smirk at her smirk.

  “Come on. Bring Ken. He can sit in the hot tub with his leg hanging out. We’ll throw some steaks on the grill. Good times.”

  “I’m game,” chimes Beth. In the gloom of the car interior, I can’t tell if she’s giving me the ‘please come with me’ or the ‘don’t you dare come with me’ stare. My Beth radar is way off today.

  “Can I call you in the morning? I’ll see if Ken’s up to it. If so, we’ll be here. If not, you two can enjoy a nice day alone.” There. That seemed neutral enough.

  “Deal,” Gage grins and looks back at Beth. “See you tomorrow? For sure?”

  For a moment, I think Beth’s forgotten how to breathe. Finally, a ‘yes’ slips out of her mouth in a whisper. I’ve never seen her like this. It’s fascinating.

  Gage leans further into the window and touches his lips to Beth’s. Witnessing the soft exchange flutters my stomach and makes me miss Ken even more. But as much as I want to get back to him, I don’t want to rob Beth of this moment either. I press my head into the headrest and stare up at the sky through the sunroof, looking for the stars I can never see from my place.

  After what seems like an hour, Gage pulls away and steps back from the car. We both wave and I pull out of his driveway, retracing my path.

  At the end of the street, I turn and Beth is still fanning herself, grinning like a lunatic.

  “Shall I turn up the AC?” I ask and she laughs.

  “I don’t know if it will help. Whew. That man is hot.”

  “I think he thinks you’re pretty hot too.”

  Beth does a little happy dance in her seat. “I know I just met him, but, wow. It’s probably too good to be true…”

  I shake a finger at her. It’s my turn to be the optimistic one. “Enjoy the wow. Don’t think about the past or the future.”

  “Enjoy the wow now? Is that what you’re saying, Miss Philosopher.”

  I lift my nose into the air. “Yes, grasshopper. Much to enjoy. Live well and prosper,” I say, butchering Yoda.

  “Screw hard will I,” Beth butchers him right back and we laugh until her phone buzzes and rings, its strobe light nearly blinding me.

  “It’s him.” Beth happy dances again and then grows still, swiping the screen to answer the phone. “Miss me already,” she purrs and then grows quiet. She taps another button and says, “Okay, you’re on speaker.”

  “Steph,” Gage says over the speaker. “What’s the closest street you see?”

  I look around. “Roan.”

  “Okay, turn right there, then another right will have you back on my street.”

  “What’s wrong?” I ask and have to brake hard to make the turn.

  “The blue car is back. It passed my house, crazy fast, less than a minute after you left. I want you to come back here. We’ll figure out the next step then.”

  “Should I call 911?” Beth asks.

  “No, there’s no law against driving down the street. Just get back here and let me think about this. I know a couple of cops, but they’re way up by the station. Maybe they know someone though.”

  “Gage,” I speak up; “I doubt whoever’s in that car is after you or even Beth. If this is what I think it is, it’s me he’s after.”

  “Doesn’t matter. If he’s after you, he’s after me. Family, Steph. We take care of each other.”

  Beth grips my arm and tears well into my eyes. Family. I’ve not had one of those in a long time.

  “Get your asses back here and we’ll go into my house while we think this through. I have an alarm… and other deterrents.”

  “Okay. I’m almost there.”

  “I see you. Pull into the driveway. I’m waiting.” The line goes dead.

  Gage pulls open Beth’s door the moment I put the car in
to park. “Go inside,” he orders, but he’s looking up the street to his left. There are headlights, but they’ve stopped. A car is sitting in the street. I can’t tell if it’s blue, but it must be. It’s just sitting there. Waiting.

  Beth pulls on his arm. “No, come with us,” she says as Gage starts to walk in the direction of the car. “Don’t, please.” Gage stops and looks down at her and then at me.

  “Okay, let’s get inside.”

  “I need to get back to Ken,” I say, suddenly afraid for him. Silly, I know. I punch the number to call him, but it goes straight to his voice mail. I hang up, worry worming its way through my stomach.

  Gage ushers us into his house and I glance around, taking in the clean lines and tile floors. “Here’s what I think. I’m not leaving you two alone. Let me grab a change of clothes and ride back into town with you. Can I sleep on someone’s sofa?” He asks both of us, but he’s looking at Beth. She hesitates only for the slightest moment and nods, a grin splitting her face. He grins back. “Cool.”

  An idea hits me. “Hey Beth. Remember when I won the overnight stay in the guest suite of the Bellagio? I’ve not used it yet. It has two bedrooms…” I look at Gage pointedly… “and a couch. We could all stay there tonight, if they have a suite available, of course. I don’t know about you two, but I’d feel safer in a huge hotel right now.”

  By the look on Beth’s face, I can tell she’s in. I look at Gage and he shrugs. “A couch is a couch. I’m in.”

  I search for the hotel’s phone number and tap ‘call’. A few minutes later, I’ve booked the room, surprised they’re letting me use it on such short notice. But it is a weekday.

  Gage packs an overnight bag—including some type of gun I notice–and we head back to my car. The blue car is nowhere to be seen at the moment.

  As I pull onto the freeway, my phone rings and I grab for it, hoping it’s Ken calling me back. It’s not. Unknown caller.

  “Don’t…” Beth begins from the backseat.

  Against my better judgment, I hit answer, pissed for being afraid. “What do you want?”

  “I was just remembering when we went to Shark Reef.” Jerome. He’s tone is casual as a Sunday afternoon.

  “Yeah, so.”

  “I did some work for MGM a while back and I forgot about the passes I have. Why don’t you meet me there? I’ve got some news for you too.”

  He’s got to be kidding. Beth lays a hand on my arm and leans forward, whispering, “Keep him talking.”

  “Won’t your new girlfriend be jealous?” Beth squeezes my arm. I can’t tell if it’s a ‘great question’ or ‘what the fuck question is that’ squeeze. I don’t have time to figure it out; I’m going on instinct.

  “But babe, you know there’s no one else but you. That girl… she’s nothing. She’s into the shit I’m into, but it isn’t the same. She’s too into it, you know? She likes it too much. It’s not as exciting. Besides, you look way hotter.”

  I ignore him, not rising to the bait. “You said you had news for me. What is it?”

  He laughs, louder and longer than necessary. I grit my teeth as he prolongs the agony of his answer. Finally, he says, “Meet me and I’ll tell you. Promise.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “Me? You don’t believe me? That’s pretty funny, babe. The little whore calling me a liar.”

  Rage infuses me. “Fuck off. Leave me alone and don’t call me anymore.”

  “What’s wrong, babe? We used to be so tight. I don’t recognize you anymore. You act like you hate my guts and I’m just trying to help.”

  “Help?” I lash out. “Oh that’s right… your millions.” I sneer the last word.

  “You got it, babe. Be rational, put away that extra x chromosome and use some sense. You know I’m right. I’m always right.” He pauses, then adds, “I’ve not given up on you yet.”

  “Well, I’ve given up on you and I don’t need your fucking money.”

  Jerome laughs. “Little Steph is growing a set. It’s kind of sexy, you know. Come on, let’s meet. You know you still love me.”

  “No. I don’t.”

  “Sure you do. More than that, you need me. Look at how your life’s fallen apart since you kicked me out. It’s karma’s way of telling you that you made a terrible decision. This is all on you, babe.”

  He’s blaming me; how surprising. I hesitate before I finally channel my inner Beth. “I’m going to the police. Don’t contact me again,” I say as I hang up.

  There’s silence in the car for the longest while. Then Gage says, “Man, he’s really fucked up.”

  I jump as my phone beeps. It’s a text message. I’m still driving so I hand it back to Beth to read the message.

  “It says: Whatever you want babe. It’s your life.” Beth’s voice is low as she reads it. The phone beeps again, not thirty seconds later.

  “Shit,” Beth says, blowing out a breath.

  “What does it say?” I have to know.

  “It says: Don’t call me in ten years when the father of your kids divorces your bitch ass.”

  It beeps again. Gage says, “Fuck.”

  Beth reads the message: You’re dead to me now.

  Chapter 12 – Ken

  The key turning in Stephanie’s lock is the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard. I turn to the door, cursing as I step too hard on my bad leg. The past hour has been brutal. I’ve spent the past twenty minutes pacing. My leg hurt like hell, but I ignored the crutches. I didn’t need them. Adrenaline spurred me on.

  By the time the door opens, I’m there, wrenching it open. Steph’s eyes grow wide and she jumps backwards, nearly knocking down Beth and Gage, who are immediately behind her.

  “What the hell, Steph? Where have you been? Why didn’t you answer my calls?”

  She looks at her phone and then back up to me, and shakes her head. “I tried calling you too; it kept going straight to voice mail. She turns the phone’s face toward me, but I don’t even look at it. I shouldn’t be surprised. Jerome playing games again, I’m sure.

  I soften and pull her to me, her arms snaking around my waist and holding me tight. “Sorry I yelled at you. I was really worried.”

  She hugs me tighter while Beth and Gage squeeze around us. “Why are you up walking?” She looks up at me and I kiss her forehead.

  “Worried, like I said. God, I’m so glad you’re okay.”

  Gage pipes up. “Been a rough hour for us too. We were followed; that’s why I’m back.” He loops an arm around Beth’s shoulders. “We’re going to get out of Dodge for tonight.”

  I look down at Steph again and she nods. “I won a night’s stay at the Bellagio a couple of months ago. I haven’t used it yet. We can go there tonight. I called and they weren’t booked up.”

  Steph’s eyes are red, but she’s not crying. Her desire to be brave made the decision for me. “Bellagio, huh? Sounds like fun. I haven’t been there since I first came to town.”

  Beth grabs Gage’s hand and pulls him behind her. “Come on, bodyguard. I need some things from my apartment.” She calls out, “Be back in a sec,” and closes the door behind them.

  “They’re cute together, aren’t they?” Steph asks, and I nod. I’m a little concerned. Gage is almost as big a player as me. Never dates anyone for more than a month. I’ve grown attached to Beth. I don’t want to see her hurt.

  “What’s wrong?” Steph asks and I realize I’m glaring at the door.

  “Nothing. Gage is a good guy, not much of a relationship type though.”

  Steph laughs and rises onto her tiptoes, pressing her lips to mine. “Like you?”

  I kiss her back. “Yeah, exactly like me.” I kiss her again. “No girl’s gonna tie me down.” I nuzzle her neck. “No sir, I’m a free spirit.”

  She giggles and pulls away. “Okay, Mister Free Spirit. Let me pack a bag and we’ll go free spirit together in luxury.”

  I slap her ass as she walks around me. She turns and slaps mine right back.
I pull her to me, wincing when I put pressure on my gimpy leg. “You okay?” She bends down to check my bandage, I guess to see if it sprang a leak. She’s kneeling in front of me, head bowed, then looks up and is face to face with the tent in my shorts. She smiles and nuzzles her face against my crotch. I groan and grip fists full of her hair. Her hand slips up my leg and under the cuff of my shorts, going higher as she continues to trace the outline of my erection with her nose. Her fingers slip under my boxers and she touches my cock.

  “Mmm,” I groan and the softness of her finger tips move up and down my shaft. I look down at her, into those gorgeous bright green eyes filled with lust and wanting.

  “I can’t wait to be inside you,” I tell her and she bites her bottom lip, sucking its fullness into her mouth. Damn, she’s sexy as hell. “I can’t wait to taste you, suck on your clit.” She wiggles. “You’re getting wet for me right now, aren’t you?” She wiggles again and nods.

  I groan as her hand tightens around my cock and she begins to stroke. Her thumb passes over the tip and I feel her spread the wetness she finds there. Her green eyes never leave mine.

  “I want you in my mouth,” she says and traces her tongue up the path of my zipper. I pull her head away, hands still gripping her hair.

  “Come here,” I tell her and she lets go of my cock, slips her hand from beneath my shorts and stands, her breasts pressing up my legs, over my shorts, up my abs and to my chest.

  “I’m here,” she says once she’s fully standing. I pull her to me, hard, my hands slipping down her back and cupping her ass, grinding her sex into mine.

  “God, I want you,” I whisper against her lips and take them again, sucking her tongue into my mouth, grazing it with my teeth. She moans and her arms tighten around my neck as her tongue twirls around mine and then flutters against the roof of my mouth.

  Damn, I love when she does that. I raise a hand to her breast and squeeze, then pinch the nipple. She gasps and bucks her hips against me. Mmm, she loves when I do that.