Winter Harvest (5 page)

"Yeah. What in hell is going on with you?"

"Same thing that's happening with you." She slid her hand over his leg again, this time reaching higher.

He jumped and pushed her away from him. "Button your shirt."

"We could go somewhere more private."

"Damn it, Victoria. Get it through your head -- this is not happening." He fumbled with his keys before managing to shove them into the ignition.

Victoria scooted closer to the door. "You were into it as much as I was. I know you want me. Sooner or later, we'll be together." Her head hit the headrest as he backed out too fast. "Damn it, Traye. Take it easy."

"How many times do I have to say it? There will never be anything between us either sexually or romantically. Not ever."

"I don't believe you."

"Then believe this." He slammed on the brakes and brought the truck to a stop on a side street. His nostrils flared as he grabbed her shoulders and yanked her close. "It'd be easy for me to spread your legs and drive into you, then push you aside like it meant nothing but a quick release. Only I'm not that kind of a jerk. That's all it'd be, not some damned love story you've dreamed up in your head."

"Let go of me." She shook off his hands and beat her fists against his chest. She scooted back and glared at him. "Take me home, you ass."

"Victoria…" Hating himself for letting this get out of hand, he stilled his breathing.

She folded her arms. "Drive, or I swear I'll call my father to come get me."

"Fine."

He pulled back onto the main road and drove in silence. The trip home was the longest hour he'd ever spent inside a vehicle. Victoria refused to look at him, and he could have sworn she was crying. Her rigid body hugged the door. Maybe now she'd get it. He only wished he hadn't had to be so ruthless. He'd wanted her, all right, but he could never touch her again. Next time, he might not be able to stop himself.

When they pulled up in front of the house, she acted as if she might jump out before he came to a full stop. He grabbed her arm.

She still refused to look at him.

"Victoria?"

"I get it, okay? I repulse you. Although your lips and hands tell me otherwise."

"We have to settle this before we talk to your father. He'll know something is wrong."

"Don't sweat it. I started this, so I'll finish it."

"Fine. I don't want things to be awkward between us."

"Everything will be fine. Now, let me go."

He released her, and she jumped out of the truck. Then he shook his head. No matter what she'd just said, nothing would be fine between them ever again.

Chapter Four

Victoria teased her hair one more time before spraying it with hair spray. She'd rather pull it back into a ponytail, put on her flannel pajamas, and crawl into bed alone for another pity party. Abbey would kill her, though, if she bagged on her. Her friend was more into this
manhunt,
as she called it, than Victoria was. Her anger at Traye had worn off, leaving only a dull ache. His words had pounded through her brain until she thought she'd scream. Of course, she'd hidden her torture from Traye. Even through his silent treatment, she'd sworn his love for her glittered in his eyes whenever their glances clashed.

She put the finishing touches on her makeup and slipped into her knee high black boots. She wobbled on the spike heels for a second. Taking one more deep breath, she tried to bury her heavy heart and pretend to be ready for a night out on the town.

Abbey's horn bleated outside, so Victoria grabbed her leather jacket and walked to the door. Both her father and Andrew were out, so she didn't have to tell them where she was going.

Victoria slid into Abbey's two-seater. "Okay, let's go."

"Really?" Abbey looked at Victoria. Her eyes were heavily made up, and she pursed her ruby red lips. "You're dressed to kill, but your sad eyes don't scream 'I want a man tonight'."

"We're going to Jerry's." Victoria smiled for the first time in days. "Only a slim chance of finding anyone of interest there."

"Stupid snowstorm." Abbey turned the car around and started for town. "I'll be so mad if it doesn't come, and we stayed in town for nothing."

"Doesn't matter. I don't need a man."

"Hey. Why are we doing this if you don't want a man? We're going out so we can erase that jerk from your mind."

"I wish it was that easy."

"So you're not even going to try?"

"I'll drink."

Abbey gave her a curt nod. "That's a start."

They arrived at Jerry's too soon for Victoria. Abbey maneuvered her car between a truck and an SUV with ease. They stepped inside the door, and loud music competed with the hum of conversation. The women cased the joint before pushing their way to the bar. They each ordered a vodka and cranberry juice and turned to face the crowd.

"Well? See anything you like?"

"Nope." Victoria took a sip from her glass and grimaced. The drink had more vodka than cranberry juice. "They all look like kids."

"What's wrong with them being young?"

Victoria shook her head. "Nothing, I guess."

"There has to be someone here who makes your heart beat hard. What about the cute dude by the pool table over here? He looks like fresh meat. And look… he's staring at us."

"He looks more like your type. Tell me the truth, Abbey. We're here for
you,
aren't we?" The boy her friend had her eye on had a crew cut and a muscled body. The man next to him stood a head taller, with dark hair. He wasn't drooling at them like the other one.

"He's waving at us." Abbey waved her manicured hand back.

The gesture was enough to make him run over to them. His friend followed with less enthusiasm. At least he didn't look like the type to pounce like the blond body builder. Neither one could match Traye's rustic look.

"You ladies look lonely. May we join you?" The body builder slithered next to Abbey.

She shrugged. "Sure. Why not? You live in Russet Grove?"

"No, we live about thirty minutes away. We were snowmobiling and came in here to eat and relax. What brings you ladies out tonight?"

Something about this guy bugged Victoria. Could be his arrogance, or maybe the way he looked at her and Abbey as if they were pieces of meat. His buddy held back, telling her he was just along for the ride.

"We're out looking for a good time." Abbey ran a finger down the body builder's chest. "What's your name?"

"Ron, and this shy guy with me is my buddy Luke."

"I'm Abbey, and this is Victoria."

Victoria could tell Abbey had already claimed the arrogant Ron as her own. To be honest, that didn't hurt Victoria's feelings in the least. Her friend could have the cocky dude. He tried to act as if he had game, but Victoria didn't see it. She figured Abbey must be desperate. Then again, he was her type.

"Luke, let's go sit on the other side of the bar." Victoria pulled at his arm. She was eager to get away from Ron before she ruined Abbey's good time with her new boy toy.

By a small miracle, they found seats at the corner, and Victoria hoisted herself up onto one of them. She loved her boots, but she couldn't stand in them for very long.

"Don't you want to stick close to your friend?" Luke leaned on the bar. He had gentle eyes. If she hadn't been so hung up on Traye, she might have given him a chance. She could relax and be herself with him.

She shook her head. "Nah. She has other things on her mind, just like Ron does. You can keep me company until Abbey gets him warmed up."

Luke smiled. "You don't like Ron?"

"I don't know him, but he doesn't give off the best first impression. He seems to like himself enough for both of us."

"He can be a little crass."

"How did a nice guy like you get stuck with him?" Victoria stirred her drink.

"Oh, come on, now. He's not that bad. Besides, your friend appears to be willing to use him and toss him aside, too."

"True."

Victoria had no intention of getting horizontal with any male at Jerry's, but as the evening wore on, the drinks went down nice and smooth. Why not let Luke keep her company while Abbey reeled in her prey? She enjoyed Luke's company. He kept his hands to himself and made sure her glass stayed full. Every once and a while, an acquaintance would stop to talk, and she'd introduce him, making it very clear she wasn't chasing him. However, if word she was spending time with Luke got back to Traye and made him jealous, she wouldn't mind at all.

"So who's this Traye you keep mentioning?"

"I've been talking about him?" The alcohol had made her chatty, but she hadn't realized she'd been talking about Traye all night.

He pursed his lips and nodded. "Constantly."

If she wasn't so hung up on Traye, maybe she and Luke could've worked. After all, she couldn't deny he had the most gorgeous dimples when he smiled -- or did she think that because of the numerous drinks she'd sucked down? Trying to focus and clear her bleary vision, she shook her head.

"Traye is a guy I've had my eye on since I was a teenager. He's helped me through a lot of shit. He claims he loves me like a sister, but that's a lie, and he won't admit it."

"Wow." Luke nodded. "That explains it. Did he jilt you? I get the feeling that although you're crazy about him, you're a little bitter."

"Is it that obvious?" Victoria softened.

Luke bobbed his head.

She blew out a breath. "He threw me away."

"Really?" Luke drew his eyebrows together.

She nodded. "He told me on no uncertain terms that he wants nothing to do with me, yet he kissed me hungrily, devoured me with his eyes, and--"

"Okay, stop," he broke in. "I don't need to hear any bedtime stories."

Victoria ducked her head, and Luke laid a hand on her arm.

"I think maybe you should switch to soda." He took the almost empty glass from Victoria and waved to the bartender.

"I'm sorry. The last thing you want is a woman crying in her drink over a guy that threw her away."

"It's okay. I think Ron has other ideas for your friend, anyway."

Victoria looked across the bar and tried to stand, but swayed and almost landed on the floor. Luke caught her and placed her back onto the stool. The room spun before she located Abbey across the bar. She and Ron had their hands all over each other.

"Great. What are we going to do? We'll never get out of here."

"Why? You ready to go?"

The room tilted, the noise grew louder, and the air turned stifling hot. Luke had been right. Victoria was wasted.

"I think I could use a soft bed
." Or Traye
. Except for the last few days, he'd always made her feel better.

"I could take you home," Luke said.

Victoria perked up. "You have a car?"

"A truck."

"And you're sober?"

"Completely."

"I think I'd like to go home now." She could have him drop her off at Traye's, and no one would know. Luke wouldn't even know she didn't live there. She couldn't leave things the way they were with Traye. She'd give him one more shot before she walked away on her terms. Traye had hurt her. Now it was his turn. She wasn't vindictive at all.

"I need to tell Abbey we're leaving. Not that she'll care."

"Tell you what. You work on that soda, and I'll tell them. I'll be back. Don't move."

"I won't." She wasn't sure she could without help, anyway. "Make sure Abbey is okay to drive. Otherwise, take her keys, and I'll pay for a cab for her."

"You amaze me. Drunk on your ass, and you're still thinking of your friend. That guy Traye would be crazy to give you up."

Victoria grinned, and Luke patted her thigh before making his way across the room. Victoria tried hard to sit up straight and sip her soda as he talked to Abbey and Ron. Abbey looked over Luke's shoulder, and Victoria waved.

With a worried frown, Abbey walked over to her. "Are you sure about this? Luke is right. You're wasted, girl. Do you think he's trustworthy?"

"I do. I know I'm drunk, but he hasn't made a move on me all night. I think he wants to get home, too. I'll be fine. What about you?"

"I'm fine." Abby grinned, her eyes lighting up.

 Victoria groaned. "Are you going to get lucky tonight?"

"I think I might."

"Be careful." Ron's egotistical aura rubbed Victoria the wrong way, but for some reason Abbey loved his type.

"I will. You too. Call me tomorrow or if you have any trouble."

"Okay. I just need to sleep this off. Tomorrow will be hell."

Luke and Ron came up to them, and Ron latched on to Abbey. Was he afraid Victoria might take away his prize? Abbey helped Victoria onto her feet and into her jacket. Then her friend handed her over to Luke.

"You hurt her, and I'll kill you," Abbey warned.

"Don't worry. She'll be safe." He smiled.

Victoria glared at Ron. "That goes for you too."

Ron laughed. "Yeah, sure."

"Just because I'm drunk, don't think I can't do it."

"I'll be fine." Abbey turned Victoria around and pointed her toward the door. "Now, go with Luke."

"Okay." She let Luke lead her out into the cold. Stinging snowflakes hit her in the face. "The storm has started."

"Looks like it." He led her to his truck. "Good thing I'm leaving. I can make it home ahead of the storm."

Victoria crawled into his truck, laid her head back, and closed her eyes.

"Don't fall asleep on me, sweetheart. I need directions, or you'll never get home."

Home? No. She wanted to go to Traye's place.
She straightened. "I'm awake."

She led him out of town to her driveway, and then directed him past the house down the bumpy lane.

"You sure this is right?" he asked with a frown. "I can't picture a pretty girl like you living down this way."

"Yep, it's right. Just follow this lane to that cabin. My parents live in the big house, and I live back here."

The snow was already increasing in intensity when Luke pulled up in front of the cabin. Victoria hoped Abbey wouldn't wait too long before leaving the bar.

He started to open his door, and she stopped him.