Flynn (The Love Family Series Book 3)
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Authors: Kate Allenton
FLYNN
Kate Allenton
Copyright © 2015 Kate Allenton
All rights reserved.
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This book is a work of fiction. Names, character, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or use fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locals or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
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Published by Coastal Escape Publishing
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mia stepped off the elevator into the dimly lit concrete parking garage, the dark and dingy concrete space not the best choice she’d ever made, but it was convenient. Her quick trip to the mall, for last-minute items for the Island, had seemed like a good idea at the time. She hadn’t expected it to take so long; the delay was all in part to one register being down and a lady hogging the other. Goosebumps rose on Mia’s arms while scanning the breeding ground for potentially unseen problems. Gas fumes and leaked oil permeated the air. The atmosphere had her clutching her purse close, and she drew in a deep breath, forbidding herself to tremble. The metal from her keys dug into her palm as she poised her finger on top of the pepper spray dispenser, ready to fire. Her gut clenched, and her heart raced. Her assailant was here. First the break-ins at her apartment, and now, here in the shadows. Her skin crawled, unsure if he was waiting and watching in the shadows.
She held the pepper spray against her heart with her finger on the trigger, straining to listen for clues to his hiding spot. This game of cat and mouse left her drained, keeping her off balance and instilled with fear. She had one week left, and she’d be able to breathe again. The muscles in her shoulders tightened as she prepared, ready to fight.
“I can do this,” she whispered, lifting her chin with confidence while ignoring her trembling hands.
The elevator doors slid closed, and with it, the ability to flee to the warmth and security the building offered.
Fog rolled in through the concrete opening, blocking the picturesque water from her view. The sunny afternoon sky was replaced with clouds and darkness. The dampness chilled her skin and seeped into her bones.
“I know you’re here,” she hollered and listened as her voice echoed through the building. “You might as well come out.”
She strained, listening to the silence that surrounded her. The sound of an oncoming car engine had her stepping back when it appeared from around the corner and continued down the concrete ramp.
“Get a grip,” she whispered to herself and placed one foot in front of the other heading toward her parked car. Fear coupled with anger propelled her determination. “I’m losing my mind.” The thought that it was all in her head left her feeling more confident with each step. She clicked the unlock button and reached for the door.
Mia spotted a movement out of the corner of her eye, turning moments before pain exploded in her head, radiating throughout her body. She fell to her knees as her vision blurred and she felt the purse being yanked from her arm. Her eyes rolled in her head as she slowly succumbed to the consuming darkness.
****
Mia woke to the sounds of Trent’s voice. Her tight throat and thick tongue stifled her attempt to speak. His comforting hand squeezed hers, and she fought to open her eyes. Pain seared her head from the bright overhead light, making her turn away. Her stomach rolled with the jerky movement.
Within seconds, his hand slipped free from hers and she heard the faint click of the light switch in the room. The light seeping into her lids vanished.
“I turned it off,” Trent whispered, taking her hand again.
She opened her eyes again and turned her head toward the beeping sound of the monitors attached to her body.
The hospital?
The smell of antiseptic and cleaning supplies stung her nose. She sighed in resignation. Her quick trip had cost her.
“What happened?”
“You got mugged and knocked unconscious.”
She squeezed her eyes closed. “What did they take?”
“Your purse.”
She opened her eyes and turned toward her brother before reaching for her neck, which was bare. “Did they take my pendant?”
He gestured with his head toward the table. “It’s in the bag with your belongings.”
Thank God for small miracles. The pendant contained the backup drive for her research. She never left home without it. Her brows dipped as she held his gaze. “If I didn’t have any ID, how did the hospital know to call you?”
“Your ex-boyfriend, the detective, was in the ER when the ambulance arrived. He called me.”
She gave a slow nod. Detective Stan Richards knew everything about her case with the break-ins and threats. He was the one she’d called when her life had turned into a creepy case of
CSI
. She had dated the man for six months, and he was the only cop that knew what she was going through. Their parting had been as inevitable as her move.
“I guess he’ll be happy I’m leaving town,” she teased, trying to lighten the mood.
“I didn’t tell him.” Trent pressed his lips together. The air in the room turned thick with his concern. “The fewer people, who know you’re moving to the Island, the better. Are you sure I can’t talk you into staying with me and letting Bruno be your bodyguard?”
“My research is too important. My breakthrough is just around the corner. I can’t quit now.”
“You can’t blame me for trying.”
“And you can’t blame me for wanting to go.” She smiled and squeezed his hand. “Just look at it this way. I’m leaving my problems behind and getting a fresh start. No rat bastard exes, no threats, no one gunning for me.”
“Since they took your car keys and have your house key, you’ll be staying with me until we can get you out of here. Arguing is futile.”
“Okay.” The words slipped from her lips as the pain in her head intensified into a migraine. “I’m ready to enjoy life again, without being scared.”
Flynn leaned back against the bar and lifted the beer bottle to his lips. The amber liquid was refreshing and everything he needed as it slid down his throat. Several groups were on the dance floor of the Double D, swaying to the enticing rhythm. The vibration rattled the wooden bar behind him. He wasn’t there to get drunk, just to blow off aggravation caused by a long week of planning.
A brunette caught his gaze from across the room. Her black dress clung to her body, leaving little to the imagination. Her hair was in that messy style that made a woman look sultry. She licked her red painted lips, and he watched the sway of her hips with each step she took. With a single wink, she slid up next to him at the bar and lifted her hand, ordering two shots of vodka. She slipped her bills on the bar and picked up both shots, turning to face Flynn.
“Flynn Love.” Her voice purred as she held out the shot.
Hearing his name on her lips brought him up short. His brows dipped as he took the glass from her hand. “What are celebrating, baby?”
Her lips twitched, and her eyes sparkled. Stepping between his parted legs, she slid her hand up his chest. “Freedom.”
Leaning her soft body into his, she held her lips a mere inch from his as her fingers toyed with his hair, heating his body with pure unadulterated lust.
“What are you free from?” he asked, trying as he might to figure out if he’d seen her before.
“The past,” she answered with humor in her eyes. “You don’t remember me, do you?”
Flynn hated moments like this. Not that he’d had many, but in his younger years, he might have had a one-night stand or two where the woman left his bed before he even remembered her name. Flynn turned his head and downed his shot, placing the glass and his beer on the bar behind him before resting his hands on her waist. “We haven’t met.” He grinned. “There’s no way in hell I would have forgotten a woman as beautiful as you, even if I’d been three sheets to the wind.”
Her smile grew as she placed her glass to her lips and tossed back the shot. She wrinkled her nose as she swallowed. Her tongue eased between her lips and she licked the remaining drop of alcohol. His cock hardened against his zipper. He might not have known this woman before she approached, but he’d soon rectify that.
“You sound so sure of yourself.” She leaned around him and placed her glass on the counter before resuming her position and entwining her arms around his neck.
“That’s because I am.” He pulled her closer to his body. The floral scent of her perfume drifted to his nose, teasing and taunting him.
His body tingled, and not because of their proximity. He could feel the premonition coming on fast, like a ticking time bomb, and he was unequipped to stop it. Without fail, his gift would turn into a curse at the most inappropriate time. He closed his eyes, trying unsuccessfully to block the images about to ruin this moment.
Visions of the woman in his arms flashed behind his lids, only they weren’t in a bar. They were in a thick of trees, and he was holding her from behind while gripping a gun in his hand
.
The scene cut off as fast as it hit. Opening his eyes, he tried to calm his rapid heartbeat. Her brows dipped, the teasing smile gone from her face. “Are you okay?”
Flynn eased her back, reclaiming his personal space. “Who are you?”
She dropped her arms to her sides. “Just a girl who was told you knew how to have a good time. I guess they lied.”
She shrugged and swiveled on her high heels. He shot his hand out and grasped her arm, stopping her before she disappeared.
“You’re wrong about one thing,” he whispered in her ear and moved to stand behind her. He lifted the hair on her shoulders out of his way and placed a kiss on the nape of her neck. His hands caressed her side. “I definitely know how to show a girl a good time.” She tilted her head, giving him easy access to her neck. He kissed his way up the ivory path, holding back his grin when her moan slipped free. “I just don’t play games.”
She lifted her arm and ran her hands through his hair, holding him to her as he nibbled on her ear.
“That’s not what I heard.” She turned in his arms and pressed her soft, supple breasts against his chest as she worried her bottom lip between her teeth. “I heard you liked to play games and make bets and you lost one a while back.” She flashed him a smile. “Five dollars to be exact.”
The mystery woman winked and slid out of his grasp, heading for the door. Five dollars? He racked his brain, trying to remember where and when that might have been, trying anything to find a clue that would lead him to her identity.
Flynn brushed the thoughts aside and strolled out into the parking lot. He glanced both ways, looking for any sign of the woman whose neck tasted of strawberries and champagne. She’d disappeared.
****
The next two days flew by while he finalized the touches of the corporate event he’d been planning to help ease his brother-in-law’s new employees into Island life. Thoughts of the mystery woman plagued his mind as the days had passed. The party planning had done little to keep his thoughts occupied. Visions of her and the premonition weighed heavy on his mind.
Luke had opened a new lab on the Island within the last year, bringing scientists and staff from the mainland office with him. Flynn’s job was simple. Team building in a way that showed the new residents what their Island had to offer. He was a glorified tour guide, getting paid to play.
Women and men filled the pool area of the hotel and the beach. They were all enjoying the afternoon sun with drinks in their hands, talking and laughing amongst themselves. He glanced at his watch. He still had twenty minutes before the volleyball game started.
Scanning the crowd, he tried to pick out the employees that might not share his enthusiasm for the games he had planned. His gaze landed on the mystery woman from the bar. Her face lay hidden beneath a wide brimmed hat as she sat in the shade, but her body was undeniable. Those were the curves he’d memorized that night. A sarong attached at her waist covered half of her bikini from view. Her chestnut hair hung in a braid down the side over her shoulder. She stood, slipping off her hat and glasses, giving him a glimpse of the porcelain skin.
There you are
.
“My mystery woman.” He placed a lazy smile on his face, trying to draw her in with his charm. “I’m afraid you left without telling me your name.”
“Did I?” She grinned and slid past him to walk away.
He jogged to get in front of her, stopping her in her path. “You’re just going to run again without giving me a hint?” His brows dipped as he studied more than her body this time.
“I didn’t run.” Her lips quivered as if suppressing a smile. “I just didn’t feel the need to tell you nor did I have a reason to stay.”
“At least tell me how you knew mine.”
She gestured to his body. “Athletic build. You’re a jock. A cocky grin from the bar told me that I was not only right but you’re a player too.” She let her gaze go down his body again. “You’re the whole package, bronzed and beautiful, which makes you better than the average bachelor.” She let out a sigh and pointed to his hand. “No wedding band or tan lines from removing it tells me you’re not married and most likely have commitment issues. With your bone structure, height and looks, I’d guessed early on that you’re one of the Love boys I’ve heard so much about. The fact you were at the bar told me which one.”
“What do you mean you’ve heard?”
“I’m afraid I was part of your bet.” She grinned. “I’m Amelia Stewart, Trent’s sister.” She smiled and patted him on the chest. “But don’t worry. You don’t have to babysit me. I’m sure I’ll find my way around the Island without your help.” She wiggled her fingers and stepped around him, heading back into the hotel.
Luke patted his back. “Looks like you crashed and burned.”
“Yeah.” Flynn let out an aggravated breath. “I never even made it out of the hanger.”
“As I recall, you made a promise to her brother, Trent, saying you’d watch out for her.” Luke’s grin widened, and Flynn’s mouth parted.
“That is not the woman Trent described. He said she was timid, nerdy. I imagined her short, wearing thick glasses. I did not imagine that woman.” He pointed toward the hotel entrance where she’d disappeared.
“Actually, she is all those things. She’s my top analyst. Scored better than I did in college, and she’s learning to excel at turning down men.” Luke handed Flynn a beer. “I think Trent might have mentioned that she attracts scumbags.” Luke chuckled and patted his back. “Have fun with that.”
“Sounds like she’s got your number.” Flynn’s brother, Declan, teased as he approached with his arm around his new wife, Olivia’s, shoulders.
“Bite me.” He didn’t know whether to be amused she’d figured him out, or outraged that she considered him so shallow.
“Aw, Flynn.” Olivia rubbed his arm. “Don’t take it personally. Not all women can swoon at your feet. There are a few of us left that still have functioning brains in our head.”
Flynn tsked. “I remember not too long ago that you came needing my help.”
“Momentary lapse in judgment.” She grinned, even though her cheeks flushed pink. “But don’t worry. We’ll invite her to family lunch on Sunday and you can win her over at the dinner table and keep up the Love men tradition.” Olivia winked.
“Oh no.” Flynn threw up his hands. “That’s my personal sanctuary. No woman I date will ever breach those walls.”
“We’ll just have to see about that.” Declan took a swig of his beer. “I think it’s time to return the favor for the hell you put me through with Olivia. As I seem to recall…you turned Trent onto Olivia just to make me see the light of day.”
“Well, it worked, didn’t it?”
Declan kissed Olivia’s head. “Even still… a promise is a promise. Time to pay the piper.”
****
Mia stepped out onto the hotel balcony overlooking the pool and rested her elbows on the railing, watching her coworkers having fun. The hotel offered a temporary solution to her home problem while she was house-hunting. Her boss, Luke Tanner, and his new wife, Skylar, had insisted she stay at the family-owned hotel until she found a more permanent place to lay her head. Flynn was standing right where she’d left him. Only now Luke, Skylar, and another couple clustered around him at the pool. That night at the club, she’d made a spontaneous decision after seeing a picture of the man she’d been told to trust. What she hadn’t been expecting was that, in person, sex appeal oozed from him in waves. His testosterone levels were off the chart. It was a shame she couldn’t run tests. She built her theory and tested him, teasing and flirting, feeling much more relaxed being away from her nightmare on the mainland. For the first time since she could remember, she’d gone out with her co-workers to experience the Island nightlife. She had a gut feeling, if he was anything like what her brother had described, she’d run into him quickly in that atmosphere and she’d been right. She’d spotted Flynn at the bar.
“Typical guy. Five more minutes and I’d bet money that he’d be trying to get up my skirt.” She shook her head as her phone vibrated on the table nearby.
She glanced at the caller ID and answered, pressing the phone to her ear. “It’s been less than a week.”
“I know,” her brother, Trent, said. “But you should have expected my call.”
“I did.” Mia smiled as she sat in one of the balcony chairs. “I’m surprised you didn’t come with me.”
“If I could have found a way out of training camp, you know I would have been there until you got settled.”
“I guess that’s the price you pay for being a hotshot quarterback.”
“Have you met Flynn?”
“Yep, sure did,” she answered as her gaze fell on the sexy man leading some of her co-workers down to the beach while tossing a volleyball up in the air and catching it. “Skylar has already invited me to her parents’ for lunch on Sunday. She wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
“Good. The Loves are good people, and I trust them.”
Trust wasn’t something that either Trent or she found easy. Not with the crap they’d been through during their life. She could count on one hand the people she trusted, and it was no wonder, considering all she’d endured in her short life. She turned her back to the ocean and stepped back into her room. “I’ll be fine, quit worrying. I haven’t had any incidents since I stepped foot on the Island.”
“Let’s hope it stays that way.”
“I’ve got to shower and get changed. My meeting with the realtor is in forty minutes. I’m sure you’d like somewhere to sleep when you come to visit.”
Trent chuckled. “Make sure it’s got reliable security. If not, you’ll need to install it.”
“I know,” she answered in resignation. “Solid doors, tight security, lighting, safe neighborhood on the Island. You’ve drilled it into my head.”
“A safe room would be nice.”
“I’ll add it to your wishlist, although I’m not sure anything like that exists on this Island.”
“It wouldn’t hurt to ask.”
“I’m hanging up now. I love you.”
