by Martha Woods
“I’m going to go, Mom.” Yes, it was best if he left before his father or brother decided to start trouble. He didn’t want Leah to see him fight with any of them. He bent down to plant a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll be back soon.”
“And you’ll think about taking over?”
She looked up at him with hope in her eyes and he didn’t have the heart to tell her no. “Sure, Mom. I’ll think about it.”
She smiled. “You’re such a good boy.”
He gave her a slight smile. Yeah, that’s me. A good boy. He was seriously contemplating doing something that he was against just to make his mother happy.
Chapter 5
Skylar paced outside of Liam’s bedroom, waiting for him to come out. It was still quite early, earlier than he usually started working. But the suspense was killing her. Her one week had been up yesterday and he hadn’t said a word about her employment status. Was he waiting on her to ask him? Should she even be the one to enquire or wait for him to say something?
“I’m going crazy,” she hissed.
Maybe it was unprofessional of her to be waiting outside of his bedroom. She paused. Yes, it was totally unprofessional. She ran agitated fingers through her hair and let out a breath. She refused to let him see how desperate she was for the job so she decided on going back downstairs.
Skylar forced out a smile for Farah’s benefit when she walked into the kitchen. The older woman chuckled under her breath and shook her head. Skylar’s eyes narrowed. “Good morning, Farah. And what is so funny?”
“You, child.” She snorted and opened the oven, letting out the delicious scent of fresh biscuits.
Skylar’s mouth watered and her stomach growled. She had been so anxious she hadn’t bothered to get anything to eat before heading upstairs. She watched with hungry eyes as Farah placed the baking pan on the huge island. “What did I do?”
“I saw you run up the stairs earlier and you were mumbling to yourself. For a second I thought, just maybe, hanging around Mr. Conway drove you to insanity. But then I remembered that your one week trial is up.”
Skylar snickered. “His constant silence is maddening, isn’t it? But that isn’t what’s killing me. It’s the waiting. I mean, shouldn’t he have said something yesterday?”
“Relax, Sky. I’m sure you’ve got the job.”
Her eyes widened and she jumped up, gasping. “How do you know? Have you heard something?”
“No, she hasn’t.”
Skylar whipped around and immediately flushed. “Mr. Conway - Liam, hi, good morning. Should I have brought your coffee up? I can make you a cup now.”
“Please, calm down. You look like you’re ready to jump out of your skin. Are you always so energetic in the morning?”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
Liam smirked. “I heard your little feet rapidly pacing in front of my bedroom not so long ago.”
Skylar pursed her lips, embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I’m not a creepy weirdo, I promise.”
“I know. You’re just anxiously waiting for me to tell you that you’ve got the job so you can breathe easy.”
“Yes, I mean I thought you would have said something -” She stopped when she realized his smug expression and Farah beaming. “Wait, I got the job?” Letting out a delighted squeal, she threw a hand over her mouth. “Sorry, too loud. Thank you so much. I would hug you right now but that would be inappropriate.”
Liam let out a laugh and then seemed surprised himself. He cleared his throat. “You’ve been great so far, very efficient, and you work magic with numbers.”
Wearing a broad smile, she held out a hand. When he enveloped her hand with his, her breath hitched. She didn’t have much physical contact with him, but the few slight brushes here and there always cause a catastrophic reaction on her inside.
She ignored her galloping heart and the tingling warmth that spread up her entire arm and said, “Thank you again, sir.”
Liam swallowed, glancing down at their entwined hands. “You deserve it. And this is yours.” He released her hand and handed her an envelope.
Skylar glanced at him with knitted brows before looking inside. “Oh, no, you don’t have to pay me. I haven’t worked a month yet.”
“I thought I should pay you for the trial period, or you can just think of it as an advance. I figured I would pay you in cash this time around. And you haven’t had a day off, so take today.”
“Okay, thanks.” She stared up at him, not sure what to say next and he stared back. Luckily, Farah interrupted the awkward silence.
“See? I told you.”
Skylar’s gaze jumped to her and she pranced toward the woman who had become a friend in just a matter of days. Throwing her arms around Farah, she said, “You’re stuck with me now.”
Farah rolled her eyes playfully. “Oh, no, now I’ll have to suffer through you chatting my ears off every day.” She pinched Skylar’s cheek and returned to preparing breakfast.
Skylar took a deep breath and let it out. Things were coming together. She had a great job, a generous employer, and a new friend. She didn’t feel so alone anymore. Sure, she had her father, but he wasn’t much in the way of company. Glancing at Farah, she grinned. At least now she had someone to talk to. And with her salary, she would pay off her mother’s medical bills sooner than expected.
“Are you alright, Sky?”
She blinked and glanced at Liam. “Huh? Oh, yes, I’m fine. I think I’m going to go into town and celebrate.”
His brows shot up. “That small town doesn’t offer much in the way of celebration.”
She shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. I’m just so excited right now, I can’t keep still. It’s time I explored the town anyway.”
He nodded. “Will you be alright on your own?”
“I’ve gotten used to being alone.”
Liam gave her a strange look. “Alright.”
“I’ll see you guys later.” Skylar turned and ran to fetch her car keys.
* * *
Cayden pulled the police cruiser over and eyed the woman across the street with interest. He’d been in Boulder Junction for a week now and it was the first he was seeing her. He watched her as she chatted with Mrs. Porter, the librarian and biggest town gossip. When the stranger smiled, her entire face seemed to light up. She was gorgeous, petite, and blonde, with legs that seemed endless in a pair of shorts. He knew he shouldn’t allow anything or anyone to distract him from his mission but he couldn’t help himself. How long had it had been since he’d last gotten the opportunity to simply sit and appreciate a female?
He was just looking. It didn’t hurt to look and appreciate from afar, right? Then he found himself opening the car door as soon as she stepped off and waved at Mrs. Porter. He told himself he was doing his job, he had to check out the new arrival in town to make sure she wasn’t a threat. She could be a shifter, witch, hell a damn fairy for all he knew. The possibilities were endless. Cayden froze before he made it across the street and let out a laugh.
What was he doing? Even if the woman wasn’t human, what would he say to her? Just as he was about to head back to the car, he caught sight of a group of four boys watching the newcomer. He let out a sigh. One week he’d been on the police force and he’d seen one or more of those boys in a jail cell at least twice.
“This police gig is a pain in the ass,” he muttered and marched toward the woman who was bent over the driver’s seat placing her bags inside.
Cayden took the opportunity to admire the view and let out a low whistle. Sending the boys a warning glance, he stopped in front of the woman’s open door. She yelped when she straightened and turned around.
“Hi, I’m sorry to have frightened you.” Her eyes dropped to his badge and then back to his face. Cayden looked into clear, blue eyes and was instantly enthralled.
She smiled. “It’s okay, Officer. I’ll live,” she said, clutching her chest.
The motion drew his attention to her lovely cleavag
e but he forced his eyes upward. “You had a few admirers so I thought I would come over.” Her gaze followed his to the group of boys who were snickering as they walked away.
“Oh, goodness, they’re just teenagers.”
He grunted. “Don’t be fooled. You want to avoid those four. They’re trouble.”
She frowned. “Thank you, officer…”
“Benet. Cayden Benet.”
“Nice to meet you, Officer Benet.” She stuck out a hand. “I’m Skylar Moore.”
“Welcome to town, Ms. Moore.”
She giggled. “I guess a new face is noticeable in a small town.”
“I’m pretty new here myself, but I would definitely have remembered seeing such a pretty face.” He regretted the words the instant they spilled from his lips. God, what a lame pick up line. But Skylar didn’t seem put off. She blushed and averted her gaze. Maybe he wasn’t so bad at this after all.
“So how long have you been here?” he asked.
“A week.”
Her eyes widened. “Wow, me too.”
“What brought you to a small town like Boulder Junction? I’m sure it wasn’t the lively party scene.”
Skylar laughed. “No, that definitely wasn’t it.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Work brought me here, actually.”
He shoved his hands in his pocket and rocked back on his heels. He wanted to press for information but didn’t want to appear too pushy or desperate. “I see. I guess that job isn’t in town since I haven’t seen you around.”
“Well I work for a recluse who lives in the woods.” He frowned and she laughed. “This is my first time in town. I came to get some ice cream to celebrate. Nothing like packing on the calories to celebrate a new job, right? Anyway, I should get going before it gets too dark. I’m not used to the roads yet.”
He couldn’t help smiling because her laugh was infectious. “I hope I see you again soon, Ms. Moore.”
“Please, Sky will do.” She paused. “I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
He watched her get into her car and start the engine. Do something, do something. “How about we exchange numbers to make sure that happens?” He held his breath.
Skylar studied him for a few seconds before saying, “Sure.”
Cayden let out his held breath and rattled off his number and then took hers. When she drove off, he smiled. There was no rule in the hunter manual that said he couldn’t have a little fun with a pretty woman while he did his job. Plus something she had said stuck with him. Was she serious about working for a recluse who lived in the woods? It could have been a joke but he would still look into it.
Chapter 6
Liam stiffened and held his breath while Skylar fixed his tie. She had taken him by surprise when she walked up to him with a smile and took the piece of silk into her hand. Her proximity made his wolf claw at his insides, trying to get closer to the owner of the sweet smell that made him go wild. Mine, the wolf growled.
No, not yours. Pipe down. Liam fought for control of the beast and won. The beast hiding under the surface had been clawing to come out since laying eyes on Skylar a month ago. It was getting more difficult with each passing day in her presence. He had convinced himself that she was a distraction he didn’t need and had ignored the way being near her made him come alive. He stared at the top of her blonde head with a frown, which he quickly wiped away when she looked up.
“There, perfect.” she beamed.
“Thank you,” he said hoarsely.
“No problem. So are we all set to go?”
“Sure.”
She whirled around and rushed to the door. “I need to get my purse from my room.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Thanks again for the dress.”
He shrugged. “No problem.”
He’d spent at least two hours yesterday trying to get her to accept the dress and shoes she now wore. She had been adamant that she couldn’t accept such expensive gifts until he had convinced her that it was purely selfish because he wanted her to look nice since she would be by his side. And she was doing him a favor by agreeing to go to the party that one of his business associates kept every September all the way in New York.
Skylar reappeared holding up a small silver clutch purse. “Got it.”
He took another look at her and was robbed of breath just like he was the other hundred times he had looked. She was vision in a red gown that hugged her torso and flared at the bottom, with a deep split that showcased way too much leg now that he thought of it. He would most likely spend the night fending perverts off of his personal assistant. She smoothed her hair that was caught up in an intricate twist with tendrils framing her face.
“Well, boss. Will I do?” She held out her arms and twirled.
Liam cleared his throat lightly. “You’ll more than do, Sky. You look beautiful.” He nearly added “As always” but caught himself.
She tilted her head and studied him curiously. “Thank you.”
As usual, a blush colored her cheeks making her even more adorable. He scowled at the thought. “Let’s go,” he growled.
She frowned, no doubt confused by his sudden change in mood. Liam stifled a sigh. She must think he was bipolar by now. This was how he had been behaving for the past weeks. He had too much to contend with already with his family and work, and it was driving him crazy that he was attracted to a woman he couldn’t have. And he really couldn’t have her because what would he tell her if they got involved? Honey, I forgot to tell you, I’m not human. He chuckled inwardly.
They made their way to the front of the hotel where a limo was waiting for them. “Wow, we’re arriving in style. It must be some party.”
Liam nodded to the driver who held the door open and slid in beside her. “The person throwing it is a bit extravagant. More than a bit. Arriving in style will help us to fit in with the cool kids,” he added with a smirk.
Skylar gasped and clutched her chest dramatically. “Liam Conway, making a joke?” She glanced out the window. “I don’t see any pigs flying.”
“Funny. I wasn’t always a scrooge you know.”
She glanced at him. “No? What happened to turn you into one?”
His eyes flew to her face, easily making out her interested expression in the semi-dark vehicle. “Life,” he replied. His tone warned her not to ask another question. He heard her sigh and then fall silent.
Liam stole glances at her, wanting to get another conversation going. It was surprising since he was a man who appreciated silence. For some reason, he liked hearing Skylar talk, or maybe it was how animated she was when she spoke that appealed to him.
“Have you been to New York before?” he asked.
“I lived here until I was about seven, actually.”
That peeked his interest. Of course, everything about her interested him.
“Oh, you moved to Miami from here at seven?”
“No, my Mom and I moved to Pennsylvania first.”
This was the first time she had spoken of family. He frowned. She seemed to like the type that came from a big, rowdy, happy family. That was what her personality indicated, but maybe he was being stereotypical.
“Just you and your mother?”
She glanced at him with a smile. “Yes, it was just us girls for a while. My dad was - um, he wasn’t really around. My mom and I moved around a lot until we settled in Miami. We were okay there for a while and then she got sick.” Her voice trailed off as she stared out the window. “Sorry, I’m doing it again, aren’t I? Talking too much.”
Liam was staring at her and quickly drew his eyes away. “No, it’s fine.” He wanted to know more. “You’re mother is ill? Is she still in Miami?”
“No,” she answered softly. “She passed away months ago. I was alone after that so I was thrilled to pack up and travel all the way to Wisconsin.”
He nodded. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I wish cancer hadn’t taken her from me so soon, but I appreciate the time I had wit
h her.”
“I’m going to lose my mother as well.”
Her eyes flew to his face and he stifled a groan. Now why had that just slipped out? It wasn’t his desire to share details of his life with anyone and he certainly wasn’t looking for sympathy, but Sky was just so easy to talk to and easy to be around.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
Liam sighed. “She only has months to live. Cancer.” The word hung in the air. She of all people understood the gravity of the single word.
“Oh my, Liam. I’m - well, I suppose saying I’m sorry won’t help, will it? How are you?”
He lips lifted slightly. “You’re the only person to ask me that. I’m dealing with… everything.”
It wasn’t just his mother. It was his entire life that he had to deal with. A small hand covered his and squeezed. He tensed initially but quickly relaxed. When she removed her hand, he found that he missed the contact. They slipped into silence once again, but this time it was a comfortable silence.
* * *
Liam couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. Skylar knew no one but him in the crowded ball room, yet she chatted and laughed easily with everyone. He had come to learn that she preferred a simple life yet she fit right in with the glitz and glamor tonight. People seemed drawn to her and wanted to talk to her. And who could blame them?
He, on the other hand, who should be used to all of this by now, since he had been coming to Alexander’s party for years, felt out of place. He always did. Sure, he had as much money as everyone else in the room, but that didn’t mean he wanted to rub elbows with them.
His wolf raged inside of him. The many cloying scents of expensive perfume and sweat were driving it crazy. There were too many bodies brushing against him, warm blood and flesh within reach. Liam swallowed. When was the last time he hunted raw meat and blood? He’d spent too long consuming only human food, and now he was paying the price. God, he was hungry. His predatory nature was roaring to life and the room was full of prey.
