Closing The Gap (Dangerous Pasts, #1)

by Colleen Charles

  Chad shook his head. “Besides what Lake just mentioned, I can verify this mare hasn’t been fed anything but grain, hay and the normal horse treats in the past thirty days.”

  Dr. Baskett glanced between them both. “There were high levels of magnesium in Lily’s blood indicative of a calming supplement. It’s normally used to improve the performance of western show horses that tend to be high strung and nervous before they go into the ring. If high enough doses are given, it can prove fatal. Since we caught it in time and were able to give intravenous fluids to Lily so she didn’t de-hydrate, we got lucky. Had it been much longer, she could have gone into kidney failure and we’d be facing euthanization.”

  Lake clamped her eyes shut as she considered the horrific possibility of life without Lily. How had this happened? Lake had always considered security on the farm to be a top priority. The only thing that made logical sense was a trespasser or vandal. She attended the HFH board meeting with Chuck each Wednesday, the only night that Maria and Juan performed the final barn inspection since it was Chad’s night off. The possibility existed that someone had broken through security without triggering the alarm and given Lily the overdose of magnesium between ten and the time she got home around midnight.

  A sickening dread took hold of Lake’s body in an uncomfortable grip as an idea took hold. No, it couldn’t be him. He was locked up in the secured psychiatric hospital in St. Peter. A court order required the on call doctor to notify her if he left the premises. She hadn’t received any news of him in months.

  Who could hate her that much that they’d try to kill a defenseless animal? She supposed it might be competitors, jealous of her breeding success. She began taking inventory of her horse colleagues and came up empty. Jealousy and politics might run rampant in her industry but it also boasted an underlying commitment to and love of the animal that was undeniable.

  Josh stood beside her and rubbed her back through her thin cotton shirt. She must look like death warmed over. This had turned out to be a horrible vacation for him thus far and she planned to make it up to him before he left for Vegas next weekend. For right now though, her bed called to her since she knew Lily would make it. She felt like sleeping for three days straight. The last time she had glanced in the mirror when she had been inside the house to grab clean clothes and snacks, she didn’t even recognize the reflection due to her gaunt face and red eyes. This had been an ordeal but he didn’t even seem the worse for wear.

  “I have to let you get back to your dad’s house and get some rest.”

  “Totally. I feel like I’ve been squashed by a truck. However, I’d take an eighteen wheeler for you.”

  Lake smiled at the reference. “I’ll drive you back to your dad’s.”

  “No way. The last thing we need is to get in a wreck caused by a drowsy driver. I’ll call my dad right now and have him run over here. It’s just a few minutes away. Let’s both get some sleep and touch base tomorrow. Besides, I got you a gift and I want him to bring it. You can’t open it until I’m with you though so I can see your face.” He looked content and she wondered why he felt like he needed to get her something. Maybe he meant it as a peace offering much like the one she’d extended and he’d taken with both hands. “I’m so glad everything is going to be alright with Lily.”

  “I can’t even tell you how much your support meant to me during this, Josh. I’m feeling really blessed to have you here.”

  “My pleasure. Why don’t you say goodbye to Dr. Baskett and see if she has any final instructions and I’ll see if my dad’s home to come over and give me a lift.” Josh stepped out of the barn into the sunlight where reception was better and she saw him talking so he and Chuck must have connected.

  Dr. Baskett gave her final thoughts for Chad to keep Lily comfortable as she continued to improve and told Lake to consider the possibility that someone wanted to harm her horses. Perhaps she could strengthen security around the farm? Lake thanked her with sincere gratitude for getting to the farm quickly as she walked towards Josh. The thermometer hovered around one hundred degrees again today. The barn and covered arena had a cooling and misting system but that didn’t transfer out into the full Arizona sun.

  “Dad’s going to be here in a few.” Josh grabbed her by the hands and pulled her forward for a goodbye kiss. “I’ll call you tomorrow morning. You should sleep until then and make sure you eat something. You look like you need carbs, scrawny. Let Lance and Maria take care of you.”

  Lake slid her palms on both sides of his face and leaned in to kiss him back. She didn’t want to go another day without being able to look at that face. It felt like coming home.

  “Thanks for being here for me.”

  “Of course, where else would I be?” He gave her a playful swat to her rump and pushed her towards the house. “Go to bed pretty lady. I wish I could come with you, but we need sleep and the only way we’re going to get rest is if we’re alone.”

  Forget would've, could've, or should've.

  Whatever you did, Lake, all of life's elements have already realigned to gain you an advantage, stack the deck, and prepare for legend making...

  Yo! Ho! Ho!

  The Universe

  Chapter Nineteen

  “I still can’t figure out how this happened and who could have done it.”

  Summer had been to the farm to retrieve her Mustang but she’d come each day since to check on Lily. They sat in Lake’s kitchen the following morning where Summer looked confused, and pissed.

  “I’ve run the facts through my mind hundreds of times and I can’t figure it out either. The only thing we know for sure is it had to be deliberate. Dr. Baskett advised there isn’t a common substance that can cause that type of reaction. The blood test confirmed that Lily had toxic levels of magnesium in her body. When I think about what could have happened, I get nauseous. My entire breeding program could have been destroyed Wednesday night.”

  “I can’t imagine anyone we’ve known over the years would intend to harm a horse.” Summer paused and became lost in thought. “You haven’t had any word from St. Peter, have you?”

  “I have to admit that it crossed my mind yesterday when I found out that security had been breached. I haven’t heard from them but I plan to call there sometime today so I can put my mind at ease. I admit it. I can’t stop the irrational thoughts in my head.”

  As she glanced around the kitchen and clenched her coffee mug, Summer noticed the present wrapped in brown packing paper that rested on top of the buffet.

  “What is that?” A tapered finger pointed in its direction.

  “Chuck dropped it off with Maria yesterday afternoon. It’s from Josh.”

  “Is it ticking?”

  Summer made it clear that Josh still irritated her after the outcome of Lake’s charity date and she’d only slightly softened her attitude towards him. When Summer considered Lake’s past, she found any behavior that didn’t honor her sister’s highest good hard to tolerate. Also, she hadn’t seen the way Josh had been towards Lake ever since as he made up for that one minor indiscretion in every possible way.

  “Summer, that’s really not fair. Josh has been incredible ever since he’s been here. He stayed with me for three days while Lily was sick and handled everything he could. He never left my side except to go to the bathroom. How many men would do that?” After Lake stopped for a breath, she realized how much she’d given away as she defended him with so much intensity.

  “I am not happy.” The same fingers that had pointed straight towards the unopened gift now pounded on the kitchen table. “I can’t believe it. You’re already in love with him.”

  “What? That’s ridiculous. Of course, I like him a lot and his physical pull is undeniable but I don’t know him well enough to be in love with him.”

  “It’s written all over your face. I’m certain because it’s a euphoric look I’ve only seen on your face once before, the day you won your first National Championship on Rodney.”

&
nbsp; “I guess I can’t deny I’m starting to fall but it’s still a long way down to the bottom and only time will tell. I’ve thought men were worthy in the past and we know how that all turned out.”

  Summer leaned back and stared at her sister as she bore an imaginary hole with her gaze. “Yes, but you’re wiser now and more in tune with your instincts. I guess you’re right, that time will tell.” She sighed. “I’ll try to give him another chance since I can see how much it means to you.”

  “I would really appreciate that. You’ll approve once you get to know him better.”

  “Please tell me you’ve screwed him long and hard so I can consider him good for something?”

  “Actually, we were right in the middle of it when Chad yelled over the intercom. Summer, I’ve never felt anything even close to how I feel when he touches me. The man has skills. I’d almost crossed the finish line in only a couple of minutes just from just his fingers. I was so mad at Chad in that moment but once I found out there was an emergency, all I thought about was Lily. That little scene is turning into a ‘to be continued’.”

  “That’s good news. At least he has that going for him but he’s had tons of practice. Get it over with so you know one way or the other. There’s no use staying with someone who’s horrible in the bedroom and makes your eyes roll back into your head with his derogatory comments and inferior moves, like someone else who shall remain nameless.”

  “Gross, I don’t even want to think about it. Which reminds me, I need to go call St. Peter.”

  Summer said goodbye, got in her vehicle and drove off towards her townhouse. Lake knew she had another night out planned with friends later that evening. Since she consulted for horse related businesses, she was able to work from home and the flexible schedule allowed her a great deal of freedom over her time and activities. Lake felt fortunate as well because it gave Summer time to help her out with the horses. Blessed that her breeding operation gave her a full time income and had for many years over and above the settlement award, Lake had her mom to thank for it. That woman had a head for business. As she rounded the table, she pulled out a chair and grabbed for her iPhone. She scrolled through her contacts and found the number for St. Peter so she hit the call button and leaned back in her chair.

  When she got a receptionist to answer her call, the woman checked the computer and assured her that things back in Minnesota were as they should be. He hadn’t escaped. A huge sigh of relief escaped her lips. She got up and strode back towards to the barn to check on Lily. She needed to shower and change before Josh came over that evening for dinner.

  ****

  “Damn it all to hell!”

  “Joshua Charles, watch your language.” Josh locked eyes with his dad as Chuck glanced up from his Golf Digest. He knew his dad didn’t care for swearing. Chuck blamed professional hockey and assumed Josh had been beaten down by The Trashman persona. He didn’t have the heart to tell his dad he could stop if he really wanted to. He didn’t want to.

  “What has happened to cause your tone?”

  “I’d planned to have dinner with Lake tonight so she could open up the sketch of Lily. Kevin just called and the network wants us to do PR before the conference next weekend in Vegas. I have to be on the first plane back to Chicago. In fact, they’ve already booked me on the 7:10 PM. I’m not even going to be able to swing by the farm to say goodbye in person. This sucks ass!” Josh found it impossible to reign in his language, even at his dad’s request.

  “She’s a great girl, son. I’m sure she’ll understand. She travels a lot for her work too and knows that these things happen.”

  He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. “You don’t understand. I really wanted to see Lake tonight. It’s important.” The real reason did not need to be divulged to his dad. He’d planned to lick her until she screamed his name, watch her orgasm face multiple times and sink into her tight, wet core over and over.

  “Why don’t you invite her to the conference with you for the weekend? You have free time on the schedule. You could even extend your stay. Lake loves Las Vegas and she gets out there a few times a year. With what happened this week at the farm, it would be a pleasant distraction for you both.”

  Thrilled his dad had brought it up, Josh leaned back in his chair and took a breath. The idea bordered on perfection. His night with Lake would be in a romantic and unique place to mark the occasion with a special memory. The Bellagio was hosting his conference and he’d booked a room overlooking Lake Como where the fountains erupted in all their glory. Now, he’d make sure he got upgraded to a suite. The fountains weren’t going to be the only things erupting. Smiling with anticipation, Josh turned towards Chuck. “Excellent idea, dad. I’m going to call her now, break the bad news about tonight and see if she’s free to join me in Vegas.”

  It's as if everyone has a built-in, happiness-now button, Lake, which can instantly change how they feel, no matter what's going on in their lives.

  But for many, most of the time, they prefer not to push it.

  Go on, push it real good~

  The Universe

  Chapter Twenty

  Lake looked out the small window to Lake Mead ten thousand feet below and tried to quell the butterflies in her stomach. Days ago, she’d imagined a romantic evening where they ate Maria’s famous Enchiladas Verdes and made love for hours starting on the patio and finishing in the hot tub. Then, she’d open Josh’s gift and tell him how much he meant to her. However, this reality might turn out even better than the original fantasy. She loved Vegas and its lusty vibe so it would provide the ideal backdrop for their first time together.

  As her mind wandered to her carry on, she grinned like the cat that got the cream, thankful the first class seat next to her sat empty so she didn’t look like a crazy person. Summer had talked her into a shopping trip to purchase some ‘sex’ underwear and she’d chosen a racy, sheer black bra and panty set with pink piping that left little to the imagination. It had a retro quality like a throwback to a French maids outfit, except far smaller. Since she planned on staying three nights, she’d splurged on a few new bra and panty sets. She wondered how long the expensive underwear would stay on her.

  Jolted out of her daydreams as the plane touched down on the runway, she started to gather up her personal items as it taxied towards the gate at McCarron. She glanced at her watch which read 11:25 AM. Josh had a room at the Bellagio where his conference was being held. He’d called the concierge in advance and added her as a registered guest so Lake needed to show her license to get his room key. Since his plane wouldn’t arrive from Chicago until around 6:00, she’d have plenty of time to prepare. Lance had blown her hair out straight that morning. He said it gave her hair a sexy sheen and if she started to get scared, she could always hide behind it. A hot bath and cherry lotion to make her skin extra smooth before she donned her ensemble was all she would need.

  Lost in her thoughts of the impending evening, she didn’t notice she’d stepped onto the tram with the throng of other travelers until the doors closed. She rode down the escalator and took a quick left towards ground transportation where she grabbed a cab. After fifteen minutes she stood on the curb outside the hotel so couldn’t run away now without looking like an idiot. Lake faced the grand front entrance and steered her roller bag over the marble floors towards the registration desk.

  “Good afternoon, miss. Welcome to the Bellagio. How can I help you today?”

  “I’m checking in to the room registered to Josh Adams. It’s Lake Harrison.” While she spoke, she reached into her wallet, pulled out her driver’s license and handed it over to the young man behind the counter.

  He glided his hands over the computer keys and looked up. “Yes, I see you were added as a registered guest. Mr. Adams has booked one of our Grand Lakeview Suites. In the future, feel free to utilize our Chairman’s Lounge for a private check in. The room number is written right here for your privacy. If you head that way, you’ll see the elevators to t
he tower. Enjoy your stay.”

  As Lake entered the elevator and pushed the button for the thirty sixth floor, she couldn’t hide her excitement. She’d always wanted to stay in a suite at the Bellagio with unobstructed views of the fountains. They were glorious and by far her favorite attraction in Las Vegas. With luck, she might have a chance to watch a few of the performances alone before Josh got up to the room. She hoped they would be too busy after that to enjoy the dancing waters from the windows of their suite. Sliding the key card in the lock, she pushed the door open and trailed her bag behind her.

  The suite was so opulent it bordered on obscene. Cream colored marble adorned the floors and bathrooms. A wet bar with refrigerator had been tucked in the corner. Double doors led to the bedroom and there were also his and hers bathrooms and closets. The gentleman’s bath contained a steam room and the ladies, a Jacuzzi tub. All of the electronics in the room were operated by remote control, including the shades on the floor to ceiling windows which were at least twelve feet tall. Heaven couldn’t be better than this. She’d stayed in a suite the last time she booked a room at the Encore but it paled in comparison. She appreciated Josh and his thoughtfulness, sure this suite had been requested by him and not provided by the conference. It must have cost a small fortune. Since he’d be attending seminars over the next two days, he’d seen to her comfort.

  After putting her clothes away in the drawers and on hangers in her private closet, Lake went down to the casino to grab a bite to eat and do some gambling. She hit a couple of smaller amounts on the penny slots and decided to quit, tired enough to head back up to the suite. Not feeling up to Blackjack, her favorite game, she felt it best to save all her energy and brain power for later. Maybe she’d doze in the tub, which would refresh her. Her watch read 4:00 PM and Josh would arrive in a couple of hours. Just as she ran hot water for her soak in the Jacuzzi, a text came in.