"Tania, it's me," Noah called out in a low raspy voice, cautiously approaching her.
As he came closer under the street lamp, she was able to identify him. He looked worried and ruffled up. The of ends his long-sleeved shirt hung over his pants with the first few buttons undone. It looked like he was about to get undressed, but then had changed his mind.
"What are you doing out here? I thought we were supposed to meet in lobby. I was getting ready to leave."
"I'm glad you didn't. I had to leave. I'm so sorry," he said.
Tania sighed. "No need to apologize. Thanks for your tip, by the way."
"You deserved it." He grinned.
"Why'd you leave though? What's going on?" she asked, detecting the uneasiness around them.
He pulled her aside. "I can't stick around here," he said nervously. "Cops are swarming the city."
"Have you done something wrong?"
He frowned. "No, not me. Not this time. One of my cousins came down from Timber Rock to get me. He was staying with me until I was ready to go back and then he got into some trouble." He rolled his eyes, sighing. "Now it seems that we're both wanted for questioning."
"So, you're not in trouble then?"
"Not now. Just put it this way, if I'm caught I'll either have to lie for him or give up his location."
"And let me guess…you don't want to do either?"
He shook his head. "No, not if I don't have to."
Tania was silent for a moment as she connected the pieces. So, he was the one the cops were after. Him and his cousin.
"Look, I know how this might seem to you, but I promise you, it's not what it looks or sounds like," he said.
"Then tell me. What kind of company do you keep?"
He looked confused for second and then he replied, "I'm not exactly innocent either. Like you, I walked away from that life. That's why I started working for my…for a good company back in Minnesota. I don't need to do the things my cousin does anymore to get by."
"And you came back here despite the risks of getting picked up by the police?" she commented.
"I couldn't leave you hanging. Not like that," he said.
"I thought you stood me up," she said. "I would've been fine. We would've seen each other again."
"No, I said I would wait and I did."
"So where does your cousin take the cars?" she asked out of the blue, causing his eyes to widen in surprise.
He ran his fingers through his hair. "You're a smart one."
"I told you already," she said. "I'm not that innocent either. I just never got caught."
"We need to talk about this more," he said. "About your non-innocent past."
She shook her head. "No, we don't. That's in my past."
"I understand. Wish I could separate myself completely from my past too. It's not always easy."
"It can be done. But in your case, separating yourself from your cousin probably isn't an option."
"Tell me about it. But that guy is like a brother to me. We started flipping our finds for cash as kids. One of us still prefers quick, easy money."
Tania shrugged. "Who could blame him? But I'd really hate to see you running from the police for the rest of your life."
"Yeah…I'd hate that too," he said under his breath.
"You still have to leave town anyway right?"
"Yeah…just sooner now that this has happened. It was only supposed be for a few months. I'm done with my assignment and I have to report back."
She sighed.
Why the thought of him leaving town made her feel sick to her stomach was beyond her. She'd just met him. Why did the thought of him walking out of her life so soon shatter her heart to pieces?
"I was supposed to be in Minnesota two days ago, but…"
His gaze leveled with hers instantly and he assessed her slowly.
"Oh…your jacket." She thrust his leather jacket at him.
He chuckled. "No. I stayed behind to see you again, not to collect my jacket."
She blushed, causing her to forget that she was standing out in the cold with the most handsome stranger she'd ever met.
"Look, I wish we'd met under different circumstances. Sooner maybe…" He ran his hand through his hair again. "I never wanted it to look like I'm running or something."
"Sometimes you've gotta do what you've gotta do," Tania said. "I wish I knew more about your problem. I wish I could help. You're a nice guy."
"You can help…if you come with me."
Tania gave a short laugh. "You're kidding, right? We've known each other maybe a day. If you've gotta run, you've gotta run. I'll catch you later. You don't really need to leave town now, do you?"
He nodded. "I do. My…this company has strict compliance standards."
"You could get fired. I understand," she said.
"Yeah."
He reached up and glided his fingers through a lock of her hair. She let him. In fact, she felt no need to step away from him. Men had invaded her personal space before like this, but were shot down instantly. In this moment, she felt comfort in his touch, even when his fingers lightly brushed against her cheek.
He narrowed his gaze. "Where have you been hiding?"
"I haven't been hiding. I just don't get out as much is all."
"I feel like I know you already," he said.
"Then what's my birthdate?" she shot back at him.
Noah laughed. "You're funny."
"It's November 29."
"Not too far away," he said. "What about a vacation for your birthday? You told me back in the cafe that you were using your tips to move away from Aspen Valley soon. Why not now? You can come with me and see how you like it where I'm going. Aspen Valley and Timber Rock are alike in so many ways."
Tania shook her head. "I can't come with you, Noah. As much as I want to leave, I don't think I'm ready. Not financially and I don't want to run into any trouble in another place where I'm not familiar."
"I get that. I work. I've got good benefits and I'd take care of everything," he said.
She smiled. "I'm sure you would, but right now isn't the right time."
"There's no expiration on my offer if you want to get away," he reassured her.
"So, is this it? You came to say goodbye."
"I don't want it to be goodbye, but I don't always get what I want right away," he said. "Have you got a pen?"
She dug into her apron and handed him a pen. He took a folded receipt from his back pocket and wrote something on it.
"This is my phone number and the name of the place where I'm going. Timber Rock, remember that. I'm not that hard to find. Folks know me there."
Noah placed the paper in her palm and then took her hand in his, not letting it go. A wave of tension moved between them, heating the air. A loud blare of a police siren startled both of them.
"Will you be okay, Noah?" she asked. "I've got an apartment just off of Rosewood Ave. You can chill out there if you need to."
"I appreciate that. I'll be okay. We're looking to leave tonight. My friend just needs a little help and a push in the right direction. We promised our Alp—" He looked down and appeared to have lost his train of thought for a moment. "I promised my boss I'd be back first thing in the morning."
"I understand." She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "You go help your friend. My offer still stands too. We can go on that date you talked about when you come back and when things have settled down for you."
"Sounds like a plan. Now let's get you on your way. It's too cold out here for you," he said, guiding her toward a group of parked cars.
"I don't know how you manage without a jacket," she said. "Here. Put it on."
"Naw, I'm okay. You keep it for me. I'll get it when I come back for you."
Noah walked her to her car and opened the door for her.
"Call me tomorrow," he told her.
"Are you going to be settled in that fast?" she asked.
"Probably not, but we should still talk."
She smiled. "Okay."
"Okay." He lifted his hand as if he were going to touch her again, but then stopped himself in mid-air. "Take care."
She only waved because she couldn't bring herself to tell him goodbye. Fortunately, this wasn't goodbye. She'd talk to him again and hopefully see him again.
He turned and began his roguish gait through some cars. She hated to see him go.
"Wait," she called out softly.
She wasn't even sure that he'd heard her. The command just seemed to drift on the breeze and mingled with all the other sounds.
But he stopped. He actually stopped, turned around, and walked right back to her. This time he closed the distance between them, leaving nothing but mere centimeters between them.
"Yes?" he breathed.
"I um…I just wanted to do this…"
She took him by the collar, rose on her toes, and kissed him. The kiss started light and gentle at first. Just lips, slightly parted. His hands found their way to wrap around the small of her waist and she leaned into him. He angled his mouth on hers, deepening the kiss. Their lips parted and their tongues were fully engaged in the most sensual kiss she'd ever shared with anyone in her life.
He was so hot. She was feeling so feverish, despite the chill hanging in the air. Heated pulses traveled through her body and electric tingles moved across the surface of her skin.
Tania parted from the kiss, pushing lightly at his chest. Her breaths came in pants until she was able to speak again.
"Sorry." She blushed. "I don't know why I just did that. I just wanted to give you something to remember me by."
Noah grinned. "You don't have to be sorry. I've been wanting to do that since I first saw you."
"Good to know. I normally don't come onto guys that fast."
"Me neither. I don't come on to guys at all, so there. We're just about even," he said.
They laughed.
Noah cut off her laughter with a long, roving kiss that had her feeling like she was on cloud nine. Soft stubble from his three-day-old beard prickled across her skin as he pressed light kisses along her jawline, near her ear and halfway done her throat. He smelled amazing—like expensive exotic cologne that was both hearty and subtle at the same time.
"Yes…this…I'll remember," he spoke softly into her ear.
If she went with him…
No. She couldn't.
She was an adult now. Twenty years old. She had to make adult decisions for herself. For the kind of future she wanted. She couldn't mess this up. She wouldn't let anyone mess this up for her.
"Okay, I really have to go now."
"Be safe."
Chapter 6
The very next morning, Tania dragged her feet getting the day started. She had an ass-load of errands to run to the post office and the bank, but last night's shift at the cafe had really did a number on her. She was off today, but she still had a full schedule ahead.
She made a quick bagel with cream cheese and some scrambled eggs and had her morning coffee before heading back to her room to get dressed.
Eliana passed her in the hallway and handed her a basket of clothes. "I washed a load of clothes. These were in the dryer this morning."
"Thank you." Tania set the basket down and entered the bathroom, frowning the moment she saw her unkempt hair in the bathroom mirror.
"You slept in later than usual," Eliana said, leaning against the doorframe.
"We were packed last night at the cafe. Oh my God, I'm so glad I've got the day off. It was insane," Tania exclaimed.
"You know…anytime you want to come back to LIVE, you can. Brenda's been asking about you. She's all salty and shit about how you left without much notice, but you know how she is about selecting her girl's. Her clients have been asking about women with long black hair. Pretty and innocent. She needs you."
Tania rolled her eyes. "Just dye your hair black. They'll never notice."
"I like being a red-head, thank you very much," Eliana shot back.
"Well Brenda can forget about it. I'm never stepping foot back in that place."
Eliana shrugged. "More dough for me."
"Hey, works for me. We've all got bills to pay."
Eliana started backing away while saying, "I picked up the dirty clothes you left in the bathroom last night and threw those in the washer too."
Tania narrowed her gaze. "Hmmm, sounds like you want something from me."
Eliana grinned. "You know me well. I'm in no position to go out today. I'm going to sleep in. While you're out and about, can you pick me up some new eyeliner. The liquid kind, not the pencil."
"Okay. What time are you leaving tonight to go in?"
"Nine, but I should be back in around five next morning."
"Works for my schedule. You can take the car. My shift tomorrow doesn't start until eleven."
"Cool."
Tania's looked "Hey, did you wash my cardigan? I remember leaving it here before going to bed. It was lying right hair next to the sink."
"I think so…you mean the white one?"
"Yes, that one." Tania had stuff the note with Noah's phone number down into the pocket.
"Yeah, there in the washer now."
Tania groaned. "It wasn't dirty, Eliana. There was something important in the pocket."
"I'm sorry. Was it money? That won't get damaged in the wash. Trust me, I know. I just fold them out to dry and they're as good as gold. The bank will still take them."
"No, not money. A receipt I needed to keep," Tania said, placing her hand against her head. "Did you take anything out before you put it in the washer?"
"No, I didn't think there was anything in it. I didn't see or feel anything."
"Shit…"
"I'm so sorry. I was just trying to help you out since you washed my stuff last week. I can go check, but I'm pretty sure it's in there on the rinse cycle."
That's okay." Tania sighed again. "Don't worry about it."
When Eliana was gone, Tania brushed her hair, glancing at her reflection in the mirror. Was this a sign? Was she ever meant to talk to Noah again? He was probably long gone by now. Or was he waiting by the phone waiting for her to call? No. Couldn't be. He didn't seem like the type of man to wait by the phone for a woman to call him.
Yet, Tania could still hear the sound of his voice…
Timber Rock…remember that.
Chapter 7
Tania said she’d never step foot back in LIVE nightclub again, but she did it anyway. After running all of her errands, she swung back around and headed out to her former employer. The parking lot was nearly empty when she got there. She expected that no one was there, but she spotted the owner's Ford truck as it rolled up in his designated parking space. He was occupied with getting some boxes onto a little trolley when she pulled up.
She took a deep breath and got out of her car. Having never said a word to the man in all of the seven nights she'd worked there, she approached him nervously.
He took one look at her and then proceeded to haul more boxes onto a trolley.
"Hi Leo."
"If you're looking for Brenda, she's not here yet," he mumbled under his breath.
For a guy in his late forties, he looked great and he kept his physique up well. Salt and pepper streaks ran through his shoulder-length hair. Despite the chill, he too had on a short sleeve like the cold didn't bother him. However, Tania already knew he was a shifter. In that moment, she remembered that she never asked Noah if he was human or like Leo. Not that it mattered. She still wanted to hear his voice again.
"Um…no, I'm not looking for Brenda. I'm actually looking for you," Tania said.
That got his attention and he stopped what he was doing. "Do we know each other?"
"I used to work here. My name's Tania Fischer."
"Fischer. That's sound familiar," Leo said. "If you need me to cut you a check or front you some money, you'll have to wait a few minutes…if that's okay with you."
"No, I'm
not here for money. I was looking for a guy—"
"Oh no…not today." Leo showed her the hand, halting her mid-sentence. "We get this all the time. Girl hooks up with guy here. They get to fuckin'. Girl can't handle the separation or girl gets pregnant and comes looking for guy. I ain't got time for that today. Like I said, I'll front you some cash but I ain't gettin' into it."
"You've got me mixed up, sir. I haven't slept with anyone. I met one of your bouncers and I lost his number. He said he was from Timber Rock. I was hoping you could help me."
Leo adjusted his baseball cap and narrowed his gaze while looking at her. He must have decided Tania was wasting his time, because he dropped his gaze again and then rolled the trolley toward the door. She followed him.
"His name is Noah. He said he was going back to Timber Rock and I lost his number. I was hoping you had some contact information for him."
"As much as I want to help you little miss Fischer, I can't go giving out contact information. Like I said, I've seen this a dozen times. Either the gal is pregnant or she's sprung. I can't go comprising folks’ locations like that, but Noah's a good guy and I'm sure he'll do what's right by you."
"I'm not pregnant or sprung, sir, so don't go saying anything like that. I was just hoping you could help me."
"I'll give him the message. Any message you want. How about that?"
She smiled. "That's better than nothing.
Leo took out a notepad from the front pocket on his shirt and handed it to her. "Here you go. Write your information on here."
She wrote her name and phone number on the notepad. "And I'm sorry to bother you. Thank you for your help."
"No problem." He looked her up and down. "You said you used to work here, little miss Fischer?"
She nodded.
"What happened?"
"I was a dancer. I worked the main floor. It wasn't for me so I went back to waitressing," she said.
"But it was for you before…?"
"I only did it a week, and I needed the money. Your club was one of the only places that was hiring at the time. And plus, I have a bit of a juvenile record and I hesitate to apply to some of these places because of that."
Aspen Valley Wolf Pack (The Complete Series) Page 71
