The Land of Rabbits (Long Shot Love Duet #1) (2 page)

“Brian!” I smack his arm and give him a tight-lipped visual clue to stop the games.

“The name’s Quinn.” His husky voice is lower than my uncle’s. Deep and seductive with a bass to it that fills the car. “And, I know. She’s not the type. Most women coming to the retreat are middle-aged or older. The young oddities like her show up out of curiosity, more than to play.”

“Excuse me? I’m
not
an oddity.”

He winks and steps away from the car, extending his arm toward the road ahead. “Welcome to the illusory world of Afterglow.”

Chapter Two

THE EVENING SUN begins its descent toward the horizon, penetrating the towering pines to leave small spots of shining light in my west-end room.

The retreat’s contemporary architecture is exactly as described on its site. I thought the line—
red cedar and black patina metal exterior, massive windows, and sweeping views of the heavenly mountainous landscape, with a heated pool, hot tub, and two fire pits
—was exaggerated. I was wrong. The spaces are light and airy with wide plank floors, cedar ceilings, and natural elements that include warm, earthy tones. I could see myself living here. The place is a dream.

My legs stretch toward the small spindle log footboard and my arms rise high over my head. Quiet music hums from the pool area outside my window, lulling me into a half-sleep while I wait for everyone to freshen up for dinner. Saying I’m comfortable on the soft grey linens of this king-size bed is an understatement.

I’ve indulged in one dark chocolate that was left on the pillow, set my hair into a bun, and changed out of my tank and jeans into a more suitable black sundress. Now, the waiting game begins. My family and Jess take forever to get their asses in gear, but like my mom used to say, “With age comes flaws that take time to conceal.”

I’ll remember that when I’m forty. God, I miss her... the odds of her killer ever being found are slim. That sucks. But maybe, just maybe someone will find a clue, a lead, anything so I can sleep.

I concentrate on the sounds and succulent scents, hoping they’ll distract me from my past.

Excessive nightmarish thoughts have clouded my mind for months. Visions of what my mom endured the morning she was attacked on her daily jog, then seeing her body in the morgue with the cord mark around her neck... fuck, I can’t stand it. I need a break from my troubled head. I need a diversion.

Finally, a knock... they’re here.

Taking a small purse and sliding into wedge sandals, I open the door and say, “Damn it... I mean, hi.”

“Adlyn.” A shirtless Quinn has his hands placed high on the doorframe in an undeniable attempt to look alluring. Leaning forward, his bare chest sways an inch from my face.

“You’re a walking billboard for this place,” I state. “And I didn’t order a man for the night. I’ve got the five hundred dollar special. What fictional character are you supposed to be, anyway?”

“No character. Just Quinn.”

He stares at my low-cut dress, my below average chest, and down the length of my five-foot eight frame, stopping on my bare white legs. I wiggle my toes, feeling nervous and plain.

“Deliveries don’t start ‘til after dinner and I’ve never been on the main menu. I was sent to fetch you.” He holds out his hand, causing me to fold my arms in defense.

“I’m not a dog who needs fetching or an oddity like you said earlier.”

“Is that so?” he says with a grin. “I’ve been fooled plenty of times by beautiful swans who turn out to have hearts of stone. That doesn’t stop me from stepping back up to the plate for another swing. I can only hope you’re an oddity. Take it as a compliment.”

Fuck, my cheeks are warm. I can’t allow him the satisfaction of making me blush this quickly. Time to put on a show.

“Are you this forward and rude to the women who pay to play for your
services
, or is it just the ones with the cheap rooms who get treated like dirt?”

He acts self-assured and carries on. “As I said, I’m not on the menu. And I’m not rude. I’m socially inept.”

“What?” I slip past him, heading for the stairs to the lobby, hearing footfalls close behind. I turn and see a bright smile. “I can make it on my own. Who sent you anyway? Nadine?”

“Nope.”

“Must’ve been Jess... stop following me.”

“Why? I’m not your type? Not handsome enough? No interest whatsoever? You don’t like men? What?”

“Stop.” My finger lands on his chest, keeping him two feet away. “You’re a prostitute.”

“Nope.”

“And your confidence that any woman would want to be with you is a total turn-off.” I hurry down the steps. “I bet you spend your days walking around half-naked and licking those full lips—”

“You noticed my lip lick?”

“Not interested,” I proclaim, reaching the bottom of the stairs.
Not interested, yet.

“Quinn.” An older woman with caked-on mascara points in our direction, then motions to the hallway leading to the dining area. “You’re water boy tonight. Tyler’s waiting.”

“On my way.” He nods and disappears down the hall.

I brush my hand down my dress, trying to smooth out a wrinkle, while giving her a gracious smile.

“Your friends are seated by the pool.”

“Thanks.”

“Are you happy with your room?” she asks from behind the lobby desk. Her deep-set eyes are mesmerizing, like the unlit cigarette rolling between her two fingers. Wearing a sheer white blouse and moving a strand of dark hair behind her ear, she asks again, “Your room? Is it nice? Is there anything that you need? Anything that’ll make your stay better?”

“It’s stunning. Thank you.”

“Ms. Moore,” she calls out when I start to sneak away. “Are you interested in an upgrade?”

“The room’s perfect.”

“No, do you—”

“My room’s perfect just how it is,” I repeat, aware of what she’s suggesting. She eyes me like a hawk until I reach the end of the hall.

I walk through the indoor dining room and out an open door to a backyard paradise. The smell of grilled chicken, the sight of warm patio lights, and the sounds of horny, boisterous women flood my senses. A waiter carrying a tray of wine dashes past, giving me the opportunity to grab a glass before he’s out of reach. I take a sip to taste, then a gulp. It’s the perfect pep up after the long drive.

“Crisp and sweet like a fresh apple.” Quinn reappears by my side, slipping into a white dress shirt, leaving the front unbuttoned. He raises a finger toward one of the servers, signaling he’ll be right over.

“I hope you’re talking about the wine, otherwise that’s a derpy pick up line.”

He laughs. “Derpy? Did you make that word up? The wine’s Riesling, and included with the cost of your room. Have as many as you’d like. And an upgrade to stay warm tonight will only cost you an extra five hundred, if you’re interested.”

“Is everyone here trained to be this brash? Why so pushy? And why only five hundred, isn’t it five grand?”

“Good, you’re curious... and yes.”

“Yes, what?”

He walks next to me, guiding me around the black iron patio tables. “It’s been eight months since an irregular showed up—”

“Wait.” I stop him with a light touch to his forearm. “First you say I’m an oddity, then I’m in need of fetching, and now I’m an
irregular
?”

“Sounds about right. A fetching, irregular, oddity.”

“That’s not... you just changed the meaning... you’ve a lot of names for someone you just met. Irregular what? Like a pair of jeans you find at an outlet store with one leg shorter than the other?”

His mouth turns upward on one side as he pretends to ponder my comment.

“Not funny,” I say, snaking around guests, moving away from him... only he’s not giving up, staying a foot behind me.

“You’d be brash too if you had just one night to spend with the most striking woman you’ve ever seen. The clock’s ticking.” He taps his watch. “Sixteen hours until you leave and I’m left with a vacant heart and holding your glass slipper.”

“Excuse me? You think sixteen hours is enough time to start a relationship? Sorry, that’s so unrealistic.”

“Addie.” Nadine waves me over.

“It’s enough time to have a night you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Don’t be afraid to get a taste of me while you’re here. This is an enchanting place. Dream a little.”

“I thought you weren’t on the menu.”

“Addie,” she says again.

“I’m not a full-course meal. No sex. I’m an appetizer.”

He gets called over to the bar by another server, his warm breath fading as I continue to the table where Nadine, Jess, and Brian are seated. They’re alive with excitement and look stylish, having bought new outfits for the trip.

“He’s a babe magnet.” Jess beams. “And nice. He wouldn’t take the ten bucks I wanted to pay him to go to your room. Did you kiss him?”

“Sure, we fucked too... what do you think? I mean, seriously.”

“Maybe next time... isn’t this place totally cool? There was a joint on the pillow in my room, a big fatty. I’m geekin’ out over it.”

“Is that what all the grinning’s about? Not because you already got laid?” Brian says with a big laugh. “I was only gifted a bottle of beer, nothing illegal.”

“I got chocolate,” I say. “Nothing illegal.”

“What about you?” he asks Nadine.

She shrugs and takes a sip of her wine.

“Tell us!” Jess demands. “Oh, please. I want to know. Was your gift a lot heavier, like coke?”

“Coke? Of course not. It’s an item for later tonight... a secret pleasure.”

“Oh, come on. Stop being bashful,” Brian says.

“Fine... if my husband insists... anal beads,” she answers in a kittenish voice.

“Ermahgerd.” Jess’s mouth twists before exploding into laughter. “That’s awesome!”

“Shh.” She blushes. “It was because of that question on the form. The one that asked what object, food, or drink is most gratifying to you?”

“I did fill in ‘beer’ for that one,” Brian says.

“Yep, guilty.” Jess nods. “I put down pot.”

The three of us stare at Nadine, shaking our heads.

“Anal beads? Jesus, I learn something new about my wife every day.” He unleashes a mischievous grin, clinking his glass to hers in approval.

They have a fun marriage, not the kind I would ever want, nevertheless, fun. It’s rare for them to argue, and when they do, it’s always the same squabble about never having a kid. Brian wanted one, Nadine didn’t, and now they have a twenty-year-old...
life’s full of surprises.

I can picture my mom saying that in response to the anal bead comment.
Life’s full of surprises.
She used that expression often, but in a different context than the norm, usually when she was upset.

She said it the night before she was murdered... it was the night she caught me having sex in my bedroom... the same night I lost my virginity. God, it was horrible. She walked in on my boyfriend and me, her hands on her hips, a twitching bottom lip, and said, “Well, isn’t life full of surprises.”

She wasn’t supposed to be home for hours, but for some reason she ended her date early. And at that moment, when she walked in, I knew I was in for an earful.

People say you never forget your first time. I sure as fuck won’t. On that summer night, my mom went to bed angry and I never saw her again. I shouldn’t have been so foolish to do it in her house. But my first time... I didn’t want to lose my virginity in the backseat of a car or a motel room. I wanted to be comfortable. Now I realize none of that shit matters.

“Addie?” Nadine touches my hand. “Come back to me. You’re daydreaming again.”

“Sorry.” I take a sip of wine and clear my throat, changing the subject. “Is there a chance we could get arrested for being here?”

“Yes,” Brian says.

“No,” Nadine negates his answer. “Have you ever heard about mystery dinners?” she asks me. “Sometimes they take place on a train, where you have a meal while being part of a play? A crime occurs that you help solve and the lines are blurred between the actors and the participants. You become part of the show.”

Jess cracks up. “Yeah, the mystery tonight is finding our vaginas.”

“Shh,” she hushes.

“Nadine, hun, bad comparison. This is a brothel for the rich. We’re paying for sex. Be frank with her.”

“We’ve already discussed what it is,” I reply. “And I don’t care what you call it or if you guys are interested in prostitutes. I won’t think less of you if that’s what you’re worried about. Personally, I have very different feelings about it, but to each his own. What I am curious about is if the cops could raid the place and arrest us during our stay. Should I sleep with my clothes on, just in case?”

“You’d be the only one,” Brian jokes. “But it’s unlikely that’ll happen. The retreat’s online site and password to apply aren’t easy to get your hands on. This wasn’t a place I came across on my own. You have to be referred by someone who’s already visited. Then, after your parties’ names have been checked out, you get a password to enter their site and fill out a reservation form and questionnaire.” My uncle glances at the other tables and waves us forward for privacy. “It’s for the elite,” he whispers. “And that includes the police chief’s wife, who just happens to be two tables away.”

“Really?” Jess turns in that direction. “No way, she’s wearing the same dress as me. I knew I should’ve shopped at Nordstroms for this trip. Leave it to frickin’ Macy’s to make me look bad. At least my ass isn’t as wide as hers.”

“You can’t blame Macy’s...”

Nadine’s voice fades as I zone out on Quinn. He’s touching the guests’ shoulders as he fills their waters, making everyone feel relaxed and welcome. With his shirt still open, I follow his firm body, sparkling under the warm patio lights. He snaps a napkin in the air and places it on a woman’s lap, petting her thigh as he spreads the cloth open. Fuck, what a turn-on.

“You might want to close your mouth and wipe the drool off your chin before he comes over here.”

I toss my napkin at Jess to clam up. “I’m looking. That’s it. There’s no harm in watching the guy.”

“No harm in getting naked between the sheets, either. You should buy him,” she says. “Roxanne said there’s an upgrade.”