HazardsDare (24 page)

“Welcome to Dare,” Hazard said, taking a liking to the
sisters. “What do you do?”

“I’m a key grip at the local TV news station, WDRE.”

“Tell us more about it at dinner,” Travis suggested,
stepping up beside Mara.

“Can’t wait to hear it,” Hazard said, following the quartet
inside and turning to close the door.

* * * * *

Avery was blown away by Jaxon Wynter’s house and decorative
taste. The house was as large in scale as any mansion she’d seen on Southern
plantations, though the abundance of oak and pine made it feel like a ranch
house.

According to Hazard, there were multiple guest rooms,
playrooms for those into light bondage and dungeons for those genuinely into
the dark world of BDSM. Where those rooms were, it was impossible to tell,
because the party primarily took place in the dining room, great room and a
game room situated on the other side of the kitchen.

The game room was really cool and had a poker table, a
foosball, a pool table and a wall of board games, including Monopoly, Life and
Risk. No one played games before dinner, but there was talk of a mini-pool
tournament between the men and the women.

Avery liked Travis Ross the second she met him. He was
incredibly easygoing, very much a cowboy and his descriptions of riding
bareback broncos were fascinating. He admitted he left the rodeo due to too
many injuries. During his career, he’d broken his collarbone, separated his
shoulder, tore ligaments in his ankle and broke his femur.

He shared her love of horses and they talked through dinner
about the breeding program Sawyer Hamilton wanted to build on. They focused on
Appaloosas and quarter horses, though it was a possibility that the ranch would
look into rescuing draft horses and rehabbing them for gentle saddle horses for
kids or the disabled.

At one point, Gabriel mentioned his fascination with Gypsy
Vanner horses. Accordingly, he’d said his paternal ancestors had been Gypsies
who’d emigrated from Europe and came to America. His maternal ancestors came
from Spain and the Caribbean. It’d been his Jamaican grandmother who taught him
the love of storytelling through magic.

Now that she knew a little more about Gabriel’s genetic
heritage, she found him all the more fascinating. And those sapphire-blue eyes
could warm the coldest of hearts, except for the times when he looked down
toward the kitchen where Taylor Anderson, his limo driver, resided for the
evening.

After a scrumptious catered dinner, Jaxon invited his guests
to the great room to relax before dessert was served. The great room was her
favorite area. The window was every bit as grand as she’d imagined and the
furniture was casual enough to allow visitors to relax without being
overwhelmed by the grand size of the house.

“You all right, baby?” Hazard asked, claiming her hand as
they sat down in a plush brown loveseat.

“I’m fine, just fascinated by Jaxon’s house.”

“Perhaps he’ll let us stay for longer than a dinner party
the next time we visit,” Hazard said.

“That’d be fun,” she said.

Gabriel and his dates took over the bigger couch, though he
didn’t really touch them in any way that was inappropriate. He treated them
with respect and kept them entertained. Any romantic interest was purely on the
side of the three lookalikes.

As it turned out, they were pretty nice and social, though
occasionally Marcia Sanchez sent speculative looks toward the kitchen area of
the house whenever Gabriel’s attention went in that direction. Avery was aware
that Taylor Anderson had kept well away from the partiers and offered to help
the caterers.

The great room itself was truly the largest Avery had ever
seen. Gleaming wooden floors, vaulted cedar ceilings with slowly revolving
paddle fans suspended from beams, tan throw rugs, brown leather furniture, an
extensive entertainment system and A-frame window were only a few initial
touches she’d noticed.

Jaxon was playing the consummate host, though not once
treating his catering staff as peons. He remained true to his clothing style,
adding a multicolored gray vest, narrow tie and dark-gray fedora for the
evening, which he politely removed during dinner.

As conversation continued in the great room, Avery saw
Gabriel look off toward the kitchen. He really was preoccupied with Taylor
Anderson, so much so that the women with him kept glaring in that direction.

Thinking she’d like to seek out Taylor and make her feel
welcome, Avery leaned over to let Hazard know. “Honey, I’m going to take a walk
to the kitchen.”

“Want me to come with you?” Hazard offered.

“No, stay and socialize. I want to make sure Taylor’s okay.”

“Okay, shout if you need me.” He kissed her cheek before she
stood up and left the great room.

It took but a minute to reach the kitchen. Most of the
Fiestaware dishes were already cleaned and put away by the catering staff. A
few desserts sat on a bar that looked as if it belonged in a saloon.

Avery was tempted to look at the chocolate fondue station,
cheesecakes and éclairs, but voices drew her toward the game room, where she
found Taylor and the catering staff playing poker.

As soon as they saw her in the doorway, they all scrambled
to assist her.

“Don’t get up,” Avery insisted. “Enjoy your game. Ms.
Anderson, may I talk to you for a moment?”

Taylor looked at her poker hand, pursing her lips in a
moment of indecision. “I fold,” she declared, resting her cards on the table
and stood. “Is there something you need, Ms. Grant?”

“Call me Avery, please,” she said, inviting Taylor to follow
her to the kitchen. They took seats at the bar, ignoring the desserts. “I
wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Taylor had taken off her cap. Atop her head was a crown of
braided fiery red hair.

It was difficult to tell how long it was. Like her own hair,
Taylor’s was thick and wavy. It’d probably taken awhile for her to twist it all
into a braid and keep it neat beneath her cap.

“I’m fine, Avery,” Taylor answered once she was comfortable.
“I shouldn’t have overreacted to Mr. Krystiyan’s request. He’d gotten a little
bossy and I took exception to it. I’m so over important, controlling men.”

Taylor lowered her sky-blue eyes to the countertop.
Something wasn’t quite right. When she moved, a shadow of a scar became visible
along her left temple to her jaw. It had a fine, surgical pattern and looked
recent, though the pinkness of the delicate skin should fade and become nearly
invisible in a few months.

“Is something else going on, Taylor?” Avery asked,
concerned.

Taylor sighed softly, automatically rubbing at the scar in
an effort to erase it. “It’s been a stressful day for my family. I’ve only been
in Dare for three months and still establishing my business.”

“What sort of business are you in?”

“I took over my dad’s auto shop in town,” Taylor admitted,
drawing Avery back to the conversation. “He’d wanted to retire and I needed
work.”

“You’re a mechanic?”

“Yes,” Taylor said proudly. “My dad used to be a stock car
driver. A bad accident forced him from the sport and he began rebuilding cars,
teaching me everything he knows. I went to a tech college after high school,
earned a degree and went back to school to obtain a degree in education to
teach the way my dad taught me.”

“That’s a great idea. Maybe you can teach here in Dare too.
Do you have any siblings?”

“I’m an only child. My parents both work for Mr. Krystiyan.
My mom’s his housekeeper and my dad takes care of his extensive car collection,
and even though he’s retired, he enjoys driving for Mr. Krystiyan.”

“Is the big Hummer limo outside your father’s or Gabriel’s?”

“My dad’s. Along with the auto shop, he started a limousine
service. He has the Hummer and a typical stretch Cadillac.”

“It sounds to me like you get along with your mom and dad.”

“Definitely, I adore my parents. I’ve always had a roof over
my head growing up. They taught me to treat others with respect and to be
open-minded.”

“You said you moved here recently?”

“Three months ago. I’d been teaching auto mechanics at a
technical high school in Arizona, but funding was cut and I couldn’t afford to
stay in Prescott on a part-time salary. Moving was my best option.”

“Are you missing Prescott?”

“It’s a very nice town, very quaint. Mostly, I miss the students
I worked with.”

Maybe Prescott was a beautiful place to live, however, Avery
picked up on something. Taylor wasn’t missing her life in Arizona.

“I’m sure you were a great teacher. When Hazard and I visit
Dare again, we’ll have to go to a movie or shopping.”

“I’d love that. I’ve been so busy at the shop, socializing
has been difficult.”

“You know, you should talk to Gabriel. He’s a nice guy. I
think he was genuinely concerned about you earlier. He may have overreacted or
gotten bossy, but he does want to apologize. Maybe you two can become friends,
same with Jaxon and Sawyer.”

“Mr. Wynter and Mr. Hamilton have welcomed me. They’re on
the town council and they helped with the legalities of taking over my dad’s
business. Mr. Krystiyan makes me nervous.”

Taylor spoke easily about all the men except Gabriel. Saying
his name made her blush. She was really pretty, with a fair complexion and a
light dusting of freckles across her nose and cheeks.

Gabriel’s dates were all dark-skinned and exotic, their
clothing chic.

Taylor was a fresh-faced, All-American woman.

“Give Gabriel a chance, Taylor. You don’t really work for
him.”

“It’s best if I remain professional. I don’t want anything I
do to reflect poorly on my dad. He really needs the distraction that working for
Mr. Krystiyan provides. My decision to invest in the shop should help with his
and my mom’s expenses, but medical bills are tough, even with decent
insurance.”

“Medical bills?” Avery repeated, recognizing when a daughter
was concerned for her parent. Gabriel had said when he arrived that Taylor’s
dad was sick. “Are you talking about your dad’s illness?”

Taylor glanced around. “He’s been out of breath lately, not
feeling well. During his doctor’s exam today, his blood pressure was
dangerously high and he went right over to see a cardiologist for a stress
test. They’ve admitted him. Tomorrow morning he’ll have a catheterization and
will probably have stents put in.”

“My goodness, you must be so worried!”

“He acted like it was no big deal. Mom’s a nervous wreck.”

“I can imagine. My father was very ill recently. He’s doing
much better, but when our parents are sick, they tend to keep it to themselves
so as not to burden anyone.”

“That’s so true. My dad’s my hero. I want him to get well
and follow doctor’s orders to the letter.”

“No wonder you were upset when Gabriel first saw you. Does
he know?”

“Mr. Krystiyan?”

“Yes.”

“My dad would prefer to get the procedures done first.
Everyone took their cars to him because he told elaborate stories while waiting
for oil changes or minor maintenance. But as sociable as he is around town,
burdening Mr. Krystiyan with this is not his way.”

“Ms. Anderson, I’d like to talk to you,” Gabriel said behind
them, coming in so quietly that neither of them was prepared.

He walked up as casual as you please. His dates weren’t with
him and his focus was entirely on Taylor. Hmm, interesting…the expression on
Gabriel’s face was similar to the one Avery had seen on Hazard’s face when she
first walked into the Truth or Dare Club.

“I owe you an apology,” he stated confidently, not at all
bothered by owning up to his error earlier.

“It’s not necessary, sir,” Taylor said. “I am sorry for not
accepting your offer. I’m licensed to drive almost any type of vehicle, but
have never been a chauffeur. It’s possible that I’ll stand in for my dad more
often and I wanted to do what he would have done.”

“Would he have come inside?” Avery asked.

“Unlikely,” Taylor said.

“I admit it. I was worried about you being alone outside,”
Gabriel admitted.

“There was no need. We’re a good distance from town, there
are good locks on the doors of the Hummer and I know how to defend myself.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Gabriel declared. “I’m responsible for
you now.”

“If you’d prefer me not to drive you and your guests again,
I’ll understand.”

“Where in that did I say you wouldn’t be my driver again?
You’re more than capable of fulfilling those duties, especially given your
father’s procedure. Please tell him that both he and your mom will remain in my
employ. That includes you, Taylor.”

“Can we change the subject?” Taylor requested.

Taylor hadn’t been kidding when she said Gabriel made her
nervous. Avery watched closely, noticing that Taylor wouldn’t look right at
Gabriel and automatically covered her scar with her left hand.

“Before we move on, I sensed something was wrong when you
arrived at my house. You could have told me your dad wasn’t just down with the
flu,” he said.

“Is that what he told you?” Taylor asked.

“Yes. I like you father very much. If medical expenses are a
problem, I want to help.”

Taylor shook her head, smiling slightly. “He’d never let you
do that, Mr. Krystiyan. He has insurance. It should cover most of the hospital
expenses and procedures. I’ll cover anything else.”

“My offer to help remains.”

Gabriel walked closer with a quiet grace that must have come
from his time as a dancer and the choreography he used in his shows. His manner
was completely relaxed as he moved in a hair shy of Taylor’s personal space.

“Let’s start over. I’m Gabriel Krystiyan,” he said, pronouncing
his last name as Christian. “Thank you for agreeing to drive that monster of a
limo of your father’s. You are a very good driver and we were in excellent
hands.”