Elemental Reality (3 page)

4

Veiled Darkness

I couldn’t peel my eyes off him until he rounded the corner. I turned around, and my friends stared at me. Ady quirked an eyebrow, and Emery folded his arms over his black button-up shirt.

“What?” I asked defensively. Ady winked at me. Amused, I shrugged and smiled shyly.

Now that Cayden’s warmth was gone, the cold air chilled me too the bone. Winter was just around the corner, and it wasn’t the date or the temperature that let me know that. I could sense it, just like I could sense water molecules gathering together in the sky to form rain clouds. Once in the parking garage, we navigated our way to the Range Rover. We clambered in and slammed our doors, rubbing our hands together to heat them. Electricity zinged between my palms, and I shoved them between my legs before they noticed. My heart raced at the sight, as did my breathing.

“So,” Ady said as she turned around to look at me. My eyes snapped up to hers, startled. “Why didn’t you dance with that first guy instead of whatshisname? He seemed more your type.”

“His name is Cayden. And that first guy seemed like a creeper,” I said.

“You were totally digging him
before
Cayden got in your way,” she said with a shake of her head.

“It’s a good thing Cayden did get in the way. Who knows what that other guy would have done. Did you see the way he stared at me when I was dancing with Cayden? He was all intense like”—my accent went Romanian for effect—“I vant to suck your blood.”

“I did see it. There was nothing creepy about him,” argued Ady. “It was Cayden who went all Dracula on you. It was like you were entranced.”

“You must not have watched Creeper long enough then,” I said with a frown. “And why were you paying such close attention to me?” My voice came out accusatory, though I didn’t mean for it to.

“To make sure you weren’t going to dance with a sleezeball waiting to feel up your goodies. Someone like, oh I don’t know, Cayden perhaps?”

“He didn’t feel me up. We were just dancing. It was really nice. I enjoyed it a lot,” I admitted. “He has a nice body.”

“Okay then,” she said, signaling the end of our conversation for the duration of our drive.

A few minutes later, we pulled into the parking lot of The Greasy Spoon and found a spot right up front. Cayden was already sitting on a bench outside. A smile curled up his lips when I hopped out of the Range Rover.

“Hey,” he greeted with a lilt to his tone. A sexy lilt.

“Dude, how’d you get here so fast?” Emery asked, shutting his door and locking the vehicle with a
beep, beep
.

“I know a shortcut.” Cayden shrugged. He held open the door to The Greasy Spoon. “Ladies first.” He gestured with his hand.

Walking past him, I grinned at his gentlemanly gesture. He followed behind Ady and Emery, his stride full of the same confidence he had on the dance floor. I knew this had to be awkward for my friends. Inviting a guy out to eat after clubbing wasn’t my style. An exchange of numbers, sure. But this? Never. Hopefully my nerves didn’t show on my face. My friends would voice something to me about my discomfort later. And then they would tease me relentlessly for weeks afterward. It was as if my brain had two different personalities: the sensible one and the lovesick teenager who followed her crush around like a lost little puppy.

He took my hand as we followed the other two to a booth in the back corner. Woof, woof—might as well admit where I lay in the spectrum between sane adult and lost puppy. My heart thudded at the touch, seemingly different now that we weren’t in the dark. More intimate somehow. Oh yeah, definitely woof, woof.

As we got situated in the booth our server came bounding over to us as if she had way too much coffee. “Hello. Welcome to The Greasy Spoon. I’m Tammy, and I’ll be your server tonight.” She was way too chipper. Even her ponytail bounced along with her. “What can I get you guys to drink?” she asked so fast all the words came out together. She held her notepad up, her pencil with a fury little critter on the top poised over the notepad to take our order.

“We already know what we want,” informed Ady. “The two of us are going to share the Grande Fries and a large Reese’s Cup milkshake.”

“Great.” Our server smiled from ear to ear, wildly ecstatic over their choice in food. Someone please take the coffee away from this woman. She turned to Cayden and me. “And you two?”

“We’re going to share the Cardiac Attack with extra jalapeños and a large Oreo milkshake,” Cayden said, then turned to me. “If that’s okay with you?” he added, more like an after thought.

All eyes landed on me. “Um, sure. That’s fine.”

“Thanks guys. Comin’ right up.” Our server bounced away.

Cayden nonchalantly rested his arm around my shoulders, and I slid closer to him as if we were polar opposite ends of magnets and he was pulling me into him. Cayden smiled down at me, giving my shoulders an affectionate squeeze. Oh my. He made me tingle in all the right places. My cheeks heated at my inappropriate thoughts.

“So where are you from, Cayden?” Ady asked bluntly. “Where do you go to school? Do you have a girlfriend? Married? Do you work? Where? What’s your M.O.? Have you been to prison?”

Way to go Ady! Take charge girl. Ask the questions I clearly couldn’t because I was still all woof, woof over here.

“Do you like sports? Which ones, and who are your favorite teams?” Emery questioned before Cayden could answer Ady’s long list.

Cayden chuckled at their interrogation. “I’m from around here. I don’t go to school.” He glanced sideways at me. “I’m one hundred percent single.” He turned back to my friends. “I work at Keaton Industries, though it’s a lot like hell. I’m twenty-five. Only been to prison once. Manslaughter charges. Oh, and I like contact sports. Go Steelers.”

“What?” Ady gasped, shocked. It didn’t even faze me. “Manslaughter?” she stuttered.

Cayden grinned smoothly. “Oh yeah. But he totally deserved it if you ask me.” He touched his chest importantly, indicating himself.

Emery looked like he was about to snatch Ady from the booth and flee.

“I’m just kidding.” Cayden chuckled, pleased with the reaction. “I’ve never been to prison, I swear. Unless you count my job. Sometimes it feels like prison.”

My friends continued to bombard him with questions. I let them have their fun as I scrutinized this new person who had literally whirled into my life. It was as if a tidal wave had crashed into me, and my emotions were tumbling around under the water. I was finally able to take in his appearance now that it wasn’t so dark. He had a scar on his forehead that ran from the end of his right eyebrow and ended just above the left in a slant. Deep-set aqua green eyes surrounded by short lashes, a long, straight nose, and pouty lips made up his face. He smiled when he spoke, and I noticed one of his front teeth was a little crooked, but it didn’t take away from his otherwise charming smile. If anything it gave it more personality.

Our server approached our table with a tray of food. She placed everything on the table and tucked the empty tray under her arm.

“If there is anything else I can get for you, just holler,” she chimed before skipping away. Literally.

I was worn ragged with all the dancing, and my brain and body were not cooperating. I should have been diving into the food, but I was close to sleep. Even the conversation had eluded me.

“Callie? Are you okay, sweetie?” Ady asked nervously, reaching over to pat my hand.

Cayden glanced down at me and gave me a tiny squeeze. I shook my head slightly and blinked my eyes. It felt like a hypnotist had snapped their fingers, finally waking me from my hypnosis.

“Just tired,” I said and gave Ady a small smile. Then I dug into my Cardiac Attack.

We were all pretty tired, so we shoveled food into our mouths without saying much. Emery, being the gentleman, paid the bill, and Cayden left the tip. I took it up to our energetic server, ready to crash for the night. When I turned around, Cayden and Emery were immersed in conversation while Ady watched me curiously. I motioned to her that I was going outside, and she responded with a nod. We were great at reading each other’s mime routine.

The cold air rushed at my body when I stepped outside. I took a deep breath, and the smell of rain danced in my nostrils—it had never smelled so liberating. I could feel the tension on my mind weaken a fraction. I wondered if Tall, Dark, and Sexy at the club had somehow drugged my drink, just waiting for me to stumble toward the bar for another one. My drink had been unattended for who knows how long when I was facing away from the bar when we first arrived. Regardless, it felt unbelievably good to be able to have some of my own thoughts back.

An arm snaked around my shoulders. “Hi, Cayden,” I said, relaxing into his body.

“Hey babe. You okay?”

I nodded. “Just needed air.”

My friends exited the diner, and the four of us walked to the truck. Ady and Emery climbed in.

Cayden removed his arm and held my hand. “I’m intrigued by you, Callie. I’d really like see you again, if that’s okay with you?”

I didn’t really know this man, but I had to admit he also intrigued me. What was it about him? “I’d like that,” I said.

“Great.” A smile spread across his face. “Can I have your number?”

I opened the back door and fished around the seat pocket until I found a pen. I stepped closer to Cayden, took his hand, and wrote my number on his palm. “Don’t make me wait three days, or you’re out of a date,” I teased, starting to feel normal again.

His grin widened. “Don’t you worry; I won’t even wash this hand. Call you tomorrow?”

“Sure, that’d be great.” I gave him a tight hug and kissed his cheek. My lips began to tingle and it escalated into tiny, heated pinpricks. Shocked, I pulled away, my fingers pressed against my lips. I jumped into the back seat and gave him a small wave.

As we drove away, the events from the night unraveled like a spool of thread. It unnerved me to think Cayden had some kind of love-sick-crazy-girl spell on me. Or maybe he was a hypnotist and that was how he was able to mesmerize me as fast as he had. How was I going to approach him when or if he called me? With a woof, woof probably. I’d have to deal with it when the time came.

The drive home was not a quiet one. My best friends felt it was appropriate to tease me about our night. I loved them for always looking out for me and, okay, for their constant joking. I knew they only did it because they loved me too.

“What was that about?” Ady asked, concern in her tone.

“What? He’s cute. I really like him.”

“He’s nice. A bit sarcastic, though. And he’s definitely
not
twenty-five.” She chuckled.

“He probably just looks young for his age,” I defended.

“Um, he’s probably not even legal.” Emery laughed. “You’re a total cradle robber, Kylie!”

“Oh whatever guys,” I said, playing into their jokes. “So I might be a cradle robber. Big deal. Cayden’s cute, I like him, and I can’t wait to see him again. Damn. I should have gotten his number so I could text him right now.”

“Slow down, crazy. Even if you had his number that’s the last thing you should do. Don’t scare him off. Let him come to you,” Ady suggested.

“Woof, woof,” I barked.

“What was that?” asked Ady.

“I just said ‘good idea.’ ”

She had a point. I couldn’t let him think I was easy or desperate for his attention. Not that I’d complain if all his attention was focused on me. When he decided to call, I had to be smooth and play hard to get. Make him want me more. I stared at all the gated houses we passed and realized we were in our neighborhood. We turned into my gate and drove up the long, wide driveway to the house. Emery came to a stop and put the Range Rover in park. Before I climbed out, I gave Ady and Emery a kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks for everything, guys. It was actually really awesome. Much better than any of my other craptastic birthdays. Tonight kind of made me forget what happened. You two are the best, seriously. You always know how to brighten my day. Cayden was just the proverbial cherry on top.”

“Don’t mention it, Cali-girl,” Ady trilled. “We just wanted you to enjoy this day for once.”

“Mission successful,” I said with a genuine smile. “All right, I’ll give one or both of you a call tomorrow. Thanks again.”

I hopped out of the back with my umbrella in hand, shut the door, and strolled up the front steps. I turned around and waved goodbye as they drove away. I turned back and picked up the faux rock to retrieve the house key from the hidden slot underneath. As I stuck the key into the lock raindrops landed on my head, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. My back heated up immensely as if a fire had sprung to life directly behind me. Suddenly paranoid, I turned cautiously and scanned the yard. It was empty.

There’s nowhere for anyone to hide, you goof, I thought. I hurtled over the threshold just as the rain poured down and bolted the door behind me. Once inside, I decided to find a new hiding place for the key. Just in case. Paranoia will make you do strange things.

5

Fear and Wanting

Ding-dong
. The doorbell echoed through the quiet house. I groaned and opened one eye to peer at my clock. It was eleven forty-five in the morning, which meant Dad was already at work and probably halfway through his lunch meeting. Since I had the day off work, I was able to sleep in.

The doorbell sounded again, and this time I jumped up. I scurried out of bed, slipped on my duckie slippers, bypassed my mirror—not even caring what I looked like—and trudged to the front door. I yanked it open, ready to sign for a package or yell at Ady. Instead my jaw went slack and my eyes grew wide at the sight in front of me. A dam cracked in my brain and the memories from last night flooded back in full force. Standing before me was Tall, Dark, and Sexy. Wow. Stalker much? Fear crept up my spine, but I couldn’t let him know that emotion was taking over. Wasn’t it a known fact that stalkers smelled fear? That they fed upon it? I knew what not to do: run up the stairs where there would definitely be no escape.

Tall, Dark, and Sexy cleared his throat, and I stumbled back into reality. I smoothed out my hair, which was in disarray, and checked him out. Dammit, why didn’t I brush my teeth before I answered the door? He had on a grey long-sleeved thermal shirt, and vintage-worn in jeans that were faded and frayed. A leather chord necklace where four weird, unfamiliar symbolic charms dangled from it. His hair was disheveled and looked as if he had been pulling at it in worriment.

The minute my eyes locked with his emerald green ones the nervousness that splayed across his face was washed away, and he gave me the biggest smile ever. My insides tingled from both fear and want. My body was confused. Stupid girly hormones.

“I, um, where . . . how . . . uh . . . hi?” I stuttered. I was no Princess of Shakespeare that was for sure.

“G’day,” he greeted all charmingly, smile firmly in place. “I’m Oli Drayke, your new neighbor. Well, not really new. I’ve lived next door”—he pointed to his left—“for a couple weeks, but I’ve been too shy to come over. But I saw you at 1982 last night—at least I think it was you—and decided to come over and say g’day. I didn’t wake you, did I?”

He had this mesmerizing Australian accent, and I swore my legs went all kinds of floppy. His voice was deep. No, silky. No, no, it was smooth. Ah hell, who was I kidding? It was all three at once.

What about Cayden? I mentally chided myself. That’s who I really wanted. Right? Not some silver-tongued Aussie with his velvety words and rock-hard body. I wiped my mouth to make sure I wasn’t salivating.
We’re afraid of him, remember?
I internally yelled at myself.
You want Cayden!
I wanted them both. It was so hard being a girl.

“Yes, that was me,” I squeaked. “Hi, I’m, uh, Callie Pierce. I can’t believe you remembered me.” Oh sure, be flattered. You’re already playing into his hands, I scolded myself.

“How could I forget a beauty like you?”

Fine. Wax poetic, Aussie boy. See if it affects me. “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you.” I gave him a shy smile as my cheeks flushed, outing my embarrassment. Okay, maybe his words did affect me. So what? “Would you like to come in for some tea?” The words tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them.

“It’s very nice to meet you too,” he said, looking like some Aussie God. “It’s a little early for a cuppa tea isn’t it?”

“What?” I asked, confused. “It’s never too early for tea.”

“Oh.” He chuckled. “Sorry, I keep forgetting I’m not home anymore. When someone invites you over for tea in Australia it means supper. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to these Yank customs.”

“I’ll teach you.” I smiled. “Come on in.” Hell, I’d be his personal tour guide to the U. S. of A. if he’d let me. Ugh. What was he doing to me? It must be the accent, because last night he had been staring daggers into my skull.
You don’t want him. You fear him.
I wanted him
.
No.
Yes.
Stop!
Admit it.
We’re done.
The mental war in my head was about to turn bloody.

He followed me into the house and into the living room. Once he was settled, I went to the kitchen where I filled the teakettle and placed it on the stove. Because our dining room, living room, and kitchen were one big open area, I could see him standing by the wall shelf looking at family pictures. Every chance I got I peeked at him to make sure he wasn’t going to pull a knife or kidnap me. The images of his furious expression the night before flashed over and over in my mind. Hopefully he wouldn’t tie me up.
You’d like that.
Shut up!

“This is a really great place you’ve got,” he called out. “It’s the four of you living here?”

After I grabbed mugs, I approached him warily. “No, it’s just me and my dad. My sister comes home occasionally, but she lives at school.” He gave me a questioning look. “My mom left us twelve years ago.”

“Oh?” He looked confused and horrified. I didn’t understand the former emotion, or why it sat so strongly on his face. “I’m sorry I brought it up.”

“It’s fine.”

Mind your own business!
I’d tell him anything.
He’s collecting information so he can stalk you easier.
No, he isn’t.
Yes.
No.
Next he’ll ask if your bedroom is on the ground floor.
Shut up! Why wasn’t Cayden calling? It was official: Callie Pierce has gone all personality disorder. My brain was exhausting me.

Our conversation seemed to take an awkward turn, and that wasn’t something I wanted to happen. I changed course. “So what part of Australia are you from?” I asked politely.

“Tasmania.”

Like the devil; it’s a sign.
Shut up! Ignoring my insaneness, I had to admit I was intrigued. “Is it much different than here?”

“Heaps. Right now Tasmania is in its spring season instead of fall. We thrive off the natural environment. It’s dirty here, no offense.”

“None taken,” I said. “Just wait until summer when you can smell the closest dump.” I mockingly pinched my nose.

He made a face, chuckling. “Back home there are some great lakes, and there’s this one awesome waterfall. I bet you’d love it.”

“Sounds beautiful. I’d never want to leave.” Especially if he was there.
Don’t think that’d be a problem; he’d probably keep you as a prisoner.
Oh shut up.
You know I’m right.
Bite me.

“I miss home, but I can see this place growing on me.” He gave a small smile.
It’s a predator’s smile—don’t let him fool you
. No it’s not; he’s charming.
Stalker
. Charmer, I mocked back.
Whatever.

“It was my tenth birthday,” I started. Why I decided to divulge this information was beyond me. I noticed him staring at me from the corner of my eye, but I focused on the aforementioned picture. “My sister Lola and I are three years and a day apart. Today’s her birthday, actually. We used to share my birthday when we were younger. It was easier that way.” I never talked about that day, not even with my best friends. Yet, for some reason, it just tumbled out of me like word vomit. “We dressed up in our favorite birthday dresses and came down to show our mom. Our dad took us out for ice cream, and she stayed home because she wasn’t feeling well. When we got home, she was gone. None of us knew why, either.”

The kettle let out a whistle, notifying us it was ready. I jumped. I couldn’t believe I’d spilled that story to him. Oli’s green eyes were glued to my face, unflinching, as if he could read my mind. It made me shiver.
Because he’s creepy.
No, I yelled at myself. His gaze was like a tender caress.
Like that’s any better.
Get lost.

“Come on.” I motioned with my head. “Tell me more about you and your Australian slang while I pour the tea.”

“As long as you tell me more about yourself,” he said with a smile.

I gave him an uneasy smile. “Sure.”
Kick him out.
No.
He’s trouble.
Shut up!

I removed the kettle from the burner and placed it on the heating pad on the island. I placed an assortment of teabags on a plate and set it on the table. “Do you take anything with your tea?”

He nodded as he picked up the kettle and poured us both a cup. “Yeah, just sugar.”

I slid the sugar bowl over to him. “Do you like pumpkin? I have some homemade pumpkin muffins with cream cheese filling I made the other day.”
You want him to leave.
I wanted him to stay.
Don’t let the accent fool you.
Screw you.

“I love pumpkin, mate!” he said excitedly.

Mate? I wasn’t his mate, but I wanted to be.
No you don’t
. Really, I do.
Argh
. The voices in my head were driving me mad. Mad I tell you. Mad!

“Great.” I walked over to the fridge, glancing over my shoulder occasionally to make sure he wasn’t going to attack me from behind, and pulled out two muffins. I handed him one when I returned to my seat. “So, what brings you here to Ardmore?” I asked as I picked at my muffin.

“I moved here with my oldies—I mean my parents. They just wanted a change of scenery, but don’t ask me how my mum found this area.” He laughed. “It’s definitely a lot smaller than Tasmania by a couple hundred thousand or so.”

“Wow, your mom must have done her research.” I smiled and caught him staring at my mouth. “Do I have cream cheese on my face?” I asked, embarrassed.

“No, not at all. I was just looking at the diamond studs in your lip. They’re called snakebites right?”

I nodded.

“Did that hurt?” He mock-cringed.

“Nope. I got both sides done the same day. My lip was already kind of numb from the first piercing so I was like ‘what the hell, let’s do the other side.’ I was so nervous I almost put holes in the chair’s armrests from gripping too hard. Dave, the guy who pierced me, wasn’t too happy about it.”

His lips curled up into the smile I was starting to adore. “How old were you?”

“Nineteen. And on my eighteenth birthday I got my tattoo.” I pointed to my left arm.

“That was my next question.” He chuckled. “Does it have any meaning?”

“Actually, it does.” I turned my back to him and pulled the cut sleeve of my shirt to the side to show him my tattoo.

Why was I being so friendly with this stranger? I shouldn’t be divulging all this personal information to him. On second thought, I
had
learned an awful lot about him in the past five minutes. That’s more then I could say about Cayden. The internal battle ceased as the side that voted against Oli resigned. Thank God. I didn’t want to explain to anyone why I had gone all
Girl, Interrupted
.

I turned so he could see the rest of the tattoo. “The girl on my back represents me, and the things pouring from her head are the things that represent who I am.” I turned back to face him and scooted my chair closer so he could get a better look. He gently cupped my bicep in his hand and traced my ink with his thumb. I shuddered. His touch was electrifying. He ran a finger over my key-to-my-heart tattoo, and the contact jump-started my heart into overdrive. That was it. He had me.