by Robyn Grady
“Safety and the law. I see. And if my conscience began to niggle, perhaps I should drop the Mountain Ridge Sheriff a line to report the driver who left the scene of an accident a couple months back.”
Her arms unraveled. “You have no way of knowing what will happen with this tomorrow. Next week. Next month.” She leaned forward. “You’re speaking too soon.”
He sawed into his steak. “No. That’s your specialty.”
“If you bring Tate here, I won’t be around and I’ll let Teagan know in advance.”
He smacked down his cutlery. “Fine. Go ahead. Alert the whole town. You’re good at that.” When she flinched, he rubbed his temple where the mother of all headaches had started to throb. He tried to level the tone. “We’re not playing small-fry Monopoly here. We’re playing with individuals’ freedom. In case you’re forgetting, mine included.” He groaned out a weary breath. “If you could give me your support, I’d appreciate it.”
A waiter appeared and refilled both wine glasses while they stared at each other in the shimmering candlelight. When her eyes began to glisten, she seemed to gather herself enough to look around the five-star room as if she were waking from a dream.
“You’re right. I’m not taking my own advice. I should step back,” she said. “I might not have all of the answers but I know when I’m licked.” She pushed to her feet; the movement sent the silver drop crystals on her cocktail dress rustling.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“Home,” she replied.
He gestured toward the waiter. “Let me fix up the tab and—”
“I mean home to Mountain Ridge.”
His stomach muscles kicked. She was bluffing.
He tried his best to smile. “I’m not the bad guy here.”
“Dex, although I’m really not looking, you’re not the only guy, either.”
As she strode out, he glanced around at the filled tables and scores of curious faces. It seemed that Shelby Scott had done it again. She’d drawn the attention of a crowd. If he weren’t so floored, he’d give her a standing ovation.
Fourteen
The next morning, after spending the night back in her little apartment, Shelby took a seat at Connor’s Café and buried her head in a menu. Soon Lila strolled up, ready with her order pad.
“Would you like me to go through the specials?” Lila asked in a friendly but routine voice.
“I’d like coffee and a big hug.”
When Shelby drew the menu down from her face, Lila stalled then jumped in excitement. With a squeal, she wrapped her arms around her friend and squeezed until Shelby could barely breathe. Finally slipping back, Lila cast a cautious glance over her shoulder toward the kitchen.
“If he saw us talking,” Lila said, “Connor wouldn’t be pleased.”
Shelby wanted to say, screw Connor. But she knew Lila had to be careful. Money was money. Everyone had to eat and pay rent. But they weren’t causing any harm. Other patrons appeared to have their orders and were seated far enough away from Shelby’s table that any private conversation wouldn’t be overheard.
“Shelby, you look amazing. But you always did. Guess working for a handsome hotshot is pretty cushy.”
Shelby thatched her fingers on the table. “I’m not working for Dex Hunter anymore.”
“He didn’t fire you?”
“I quit.”
Without going into much detail, Shelby explained that it hadn’t worked out. She didn’t mention that, if his little brother were somehow hurt because of the mess Dex was mixed up in and she simply stood by and let it happen, she wouldn’t be able to live with herself.
“He did give me a great severance pay,” Shelby said, wrapping up. “The whole amount owed to me for six months. When it popped into my bank account, I rang and told him I didn’t want it. He said if I felt that bad, I could come back and finish my contract.”
“Couldn’t you work something out?”
“We’ve gone past that. But it’s not all bad.” Or that’s what she kept telling herself anyway. “I’ve decided to go home.”
“Oh, Shelby, you’re sure about that? All that business with the jerk who dumped you for that friend when you were sick. You were so cut up about all that when you first came here.”
“I’ve been back since and I handled it better than I thought I would.”
Of course, that was in large part due to Dex’s presence, his support, and she’d always be grateful for that.
Sitting up straight, Shelby smiled for her friend. If she thought too much about Dex, she’d get misty. “Now tell me, what’s happening with you?”
Lila surveyed the area again. The other customers were still busy enjoying coffees and meals. Connor was nowhere to be seen. She tipped closer.
“I did it,” Lila said. “I got accepted to college.”
With a squeal, Shelby jolted up and hugged her friend harder than the first time. “When do you start?”
“I’ll give notice in a couple weeks. This is an expensive town to live in. I need the income. Then, when everything’s square, I’m going back to Nebraska.”
“You’re going home. And you’re giving me a hard time.”
“Guess sometimes moving forward means going back.”
“And sometimes flapping your gums means a dock in pay.”
The women’s attention snapped around. Connor was glowering, his mouth a tight, mean line. Striding up, he kept his voice low so the other costumers wouldn’t hear.
“You have work to do.”
“All the tables are cleared.” Lila straightened her apron. “Everyone’s orders are filled.”
Connor eyed Shelby. “That little chat cost your friend an hour’s wage.” Then he said to Lila, “And if you want to go to the union and whine about it, be my guest.”
Shelby got to her feet. “We were talking two minutes, tops.”
Connor shrugged. “Costly two minutes then.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Lila said. “Two minutes or sixty. I won’t go to the union. I won’t need to.” She tugged the apron strings at her back. “I quit.”
Connor blinked then slowly bared his teeth in a smug grin. “You need this job. I know your situation. Bills up to your eyeballs. Join the club.”
“Her situation is that she’s enrolled for a college degree,” Shelby stepped in, “and was going to resign anyway.”
“College?” His grin slipped before returning even wider. “You haven’t got the brains.”
Shelby had taken out her purse. Remembering Dex’s rebuff weeks ago, she slid a few big bills out. She had plenty in her account and this was one very good cause.
Seeing the cash, Connor’s bulbous nose twitched. He crossed his arms. “It’d need to be really worth my while to keep her on now.”
Shelby cocked her head. “Oh, this isn’t for you.” She grabbed Lila’s hand, slapped the notes in her palm. “For your impeccable service in the past.”
Lila’s stunned expression morphed into a wide smile. She dumped her apron on a chair and returned with her handbag in a flash.
“Shall we go?” she asked Shelby.
“You can’t leave me in the lurch like this.” Connor held on to the back of a chair as if he might collapse. “You’re the only one here till Evie clocks on.” He pulled back his shoulders, his Hawaiian-print shirt going taut across his belly. “This is illegal. Obstructing me from earning my living.”
“You could ask Lila about that.” Shelby nudged her friend. “Tell him what you’re studying at college.”
“That would be the law and business.” She winked as they walked off. “Catch you in the fast lane.”
* * *
Shelby took Lila out to lunch at a swanky place so she could enjoy being the one waited on
for a change.
Then they took a stroll, window-shopping mainly, although Lila bought a “Welcome to Hollywood” glass stein for her father and an I ♥ Hollywood snow globe for her mother. At a bus stop, they hugged again and said of course they’d keep in touch. They even made plans for a reunion. Lila was another reason she couldn’t regret coming to L.A.
Shelby arrived back at her apartment juggling an assortment of emotions. She was jazzed about Lila’s situation and having a chance to show up their old boss. And she was proud of herself for having the courage to jump on a Greyhound and come to L.A. on her own in the first place.
But now she was also pleased that she would soon be headed home. After her trip back, she realized how much she’d missed the open spaces and fresh air and that sense of familiarity. Hers was a story that would come up from time to time, but people were so focused on their own lives, who truly cared about Shelby Scott’s public moment of misfortune? They had their own triumphs and tragedies to dwell on and overcome.
Most of all she felt down that her parting with Dex had been so unpleasant. Neither had seen the other’s point of view…although she could admit that her personality did tend toward wanting to direct situations. Be in control. Clearly at times that had worked against her. If she were less outspoken and more the retiring flower like her mother had been…
Shelby flopped into a dining room chair and looked around. Not so long ago she’d felt as if she were living in a dream. Now she was wide-awake. But she’d always have memories of her time spent here. Snatches of conversations. Recollections of his kiss. His smile.
Digging inside her tote she brought out her cell phone. With a couple of clicks, a list of photo albums appeared on the screen. One was taken that first night with Dex. Flicking through the pictures, she remembered the shop facades and fairy-lit trees. She also remembered how a wind had whipped that old photo out of her bag. A split second after that, Dex had saved her from hitting the pavement. In that moment, as he’d gazed into her eyes, something had passed between them…pulsating and pure.
The next album showed images of that magnificent Beverly Hills Hotel suite. Then there were plenty of snaps of little Tate and Teagan when they’d visited Disneyland. That day she’d known the connection between herself and Dex was real. Little Tate seemed to have known it, too.
When she came across the batch taken on their visit to Mountain Ridge, a knot filled her throat and bittersweet emotion stung her eyes. She pored over the shot of her and Dex standing outside that real estate office window. She remembered feeling protected. Happy. When her fingertip brushed his smile now, her chest tightened so much, she needed to gulp down air.
Dex sailed through life, making a movie here or there, having a good time when he could. Never taking life too seriously, if he could help it. And if she printed this shot off to keep in a drawer or in her purse like she had that other one—
The thought brought her up short. She shook her head. She’d left that old photo of herself and Reese back at the suite on her dresser. Now she’d have to contact Dex to see if he could forward it.
Or was it time to let that go, too?
When she got back to Oklahoma, she and Reese were bound to bump into each other, but the damage done there could never be repaired. Even if she missed Reese’s laugh so much, even if for all their lives Reese had been like her other half.
Sliding her cell onto the table, she emptied the few things still left in the fridge. Tying a trash bag, Shelby headed for the door. She’d put this bag outside, get her things together and book that bus ride home. Keys could be dropped off tomorrow on her way out.
No loose ends.
She opened the door—and nearly jumped out of her skin. Dex stood on the other side of the threshold. His hair went a step beyond being stylishly mussed. The circles under his eyes said he hadn’t slept the night before. Instantly she wanted to go to him, comfort and assure him. What had happened today when he’d spoken with the police?
“You left something behind,” he said.
As he handed over the repaired photo, she was careful their fingers didn’t touch.
When his gaze continued to penetrate hers and she began to feel herself weaken, she dropped a glance over her shoulder and diverted the energy.
“I’m just tidying up.”
“I need to speak with you,” he said.
“Did you talk with the authorities?”
He nodded.
“Did Joel?”
He shook his head then gave a twitch of a contrite grin. “They told me I should make sure I’m available for further questioning.”
“Is Tate still coming to stay?”
“Yes. But after Joel turns himself in.”
Shelby released that breath. She was sorry that his former friend lacked the guts to do the right thing but she wasn’t surprised. She was relieved that Dex understood he couldn’t bring Tate back here with that lunatic still on the loose.
And this minute, dressed in a plain white T-shirt and soft blue jeans, Dex looked more handsome than she’d ever seen him. She longed to reach out and feel the rasp of his stubble beneath her fingertips. She wanted to kiss him, have him kiss her back and in that slow, steamy way that always left her sighing for more.
But when he sensed her weakness and stepped forward, she stepped back.
“I’m not going back with you, Dex,” she said.
“I thought you liked Tate.” When he stepped closer, his fingers touched hers. “I thought you liked me.”
When his head lowered over hers, her heart contracted and she rotated away.
“I like you, Dex. That’s not the problem.”
His big hands curled around her waist and brought her close, her back to his hard front. She felt the warmth of his breath on her hair… She closed her eyes and sighed as tiny brushfires ignited through her blood. Her breasts suddenly felt fuller, the tips hardening against her bra.
His lips brushed her temple. “This doesn’t have to be a problem. I told you. Just trust me.”
She wriggled to break free but he held on. While her feminist side didn’t approve, her body delivered its own response. Liquid heat streamed through her veins, pooling low in her belly, between her thighs. Where they touched, her skin felt on fire.
Carefully, he urged her around to face him. But she couldn’t meet his gaze because even if she did succumb to him now, that wouldn’t change how she felt about anything else.
His lips grazed her brow. “Stay.”
She felt confused. Exhausted. “Dex, what do you truly want?”
A sultry smile tugged at his lips. “Honey, I want you.”
That delicious ache spread until she felt almost too weak to stand. “When I told you last night I was going back to Mountain Ridge, I realized that was exactly what I want to do. I want to enjoy time with my dad while he’s alive. I want to ride every day if I please. I don’t need to run away anymore. L.A. has been an adventure. I’ll never regret getting involved. I’ll always cherish those memories.”
“Particularly in that barn.” He cupped her cheek. “We need to visit again. Whenever you want.”
“Dex, someday I want to get married and have my own family and I don’t want them to grow up in Hollywood.”
His head slanted. “We were discussing marriage?”
“I’m trying to say that we’re different people. We’re destined to disagree, and about the big things. The things that keep two people together or tear them apart.”
He looked as if he didn’t know whether to be relieved or offended. “So, you don’t want to marry me.”
“It’s far simpler than that.” She tried to smile, be kind. To them both. “I’m saying you need to stay, Dex, and I need to go.”
* * *
A week later, Dex was back at work, sitting behind
his desk and staring at the awards lining the opposite wall when his assistant buzzed through.
“Rance Logins here to see you.”
Dex tapped the end of his pen against the polished timber. He’d locked himself away this past week. He didn’t particularly care to speak to anyone now. But he’d put Rance off a couple times already.
“Tell him to come in.”
The scriptwriter sauntered in looking like he’d finished a jam session. Black grunge T-shirt, matching jeans, bright sneakers the same color as his frames. Halfway through the door, he pulled up.
“Good God, man, you look like hell. Being a pseudo dad taking its toll?”
Dex wouldn’t bother to tell Rance that his house had been burned down, that the police were tracking down the perp. “Tate’s still with his sister in Seattle.”
“So what of the delectable Shelby Scott?”
Dex flicked away his pen. “I thought you were here about business.”
“Sometimes the boundaries get a little blurred.”
Dex deadpanned, “I’m not in the mood.”
“I got that from the red-rimmed eyes and snarl on your lip.”
Dex fell back in his chair. “What did you want to see me about?”
“Ill-tempered. Lethargic, which isn’t the same as relaxed. I swear I’ve never seen you this way. Anyone would think you were heartsick.” He swung a leg over the corner of the desk. “Not that I’d blame you. Shelby is one in a million. Bright, beautiful and with that certain nurturing quality that, frankly, does a whole lot for my—”
Dex shot to his feet. He didn’t need to hear any more.
Raising a curious brow, Rance backed up toward the pinball machine. “You really are in a bad way.”
“You’ve got two minutes.”
“That script. Where’s casting at? Anyone read for it yet?”
“I have it in hand.”
“And this new idea… If you’re not interested, I’m happy to go spec.”
“I’m interested. Just…you know.” He sank into his chair again. “Busy.”
“All work, no play? Don’t believe it.” Rance leaned against the machine. “There’s a theater event tonight. Good food, nice company—”
