Chapter 6—Darian

I was a fucking coward. I wanted Heather in a way I’ve never wanted another woman, and the second she showed interest, I ran. But not until after I kissed her. And shit, what a kiss that was. I never realized how much passion she had bottled up inside of her, but God damn, I wanted to find out. I wanted to unleash every desire and fantasy she had. But instead, I’d pushed her away, gave her every excuse I could think of as to why we shouldn’t be together when all I wanted was to claim her.

I sat at my desk and stared at a stack of invoices. It was late Wednesday evening, and I’d been staying in the shop until I knew Heather would be asleep. Then I’d sneak into the loft, catch a few hours of sleep, and be back down here before the sun rose. I knew I couldn’t be near her and not kiss her again. Or change my mind about being with her. It was just easier this way.

My cell phone rang, and I groaned at the name on the screen. Noah. He’d left me four messages today. I knew I couldn’t avoid him any longer, so I forced myself to answer. “Hey, Noah. What’s up?”

“Have you seen my daughter? I called Nathan, thinking she’d be with him, but he said he’s not even home.” Noah’s tone was frantic. “She texted me late Sunday night to say she was somewhere safe, but I’ve called all of her friends, and no one knows where she is. And she’s not returning any of my calls or texts.”

Sighing, I rubbed my forehead, stood, and paced. I’d promised Heather I wouldn’t tell Noah she was here, but I could hear the worry in his voice. “Calm down, Noah. She’s here with me.”

There was a long pause. “She is?”

“Yes. Her car broke down and it’s in my garage right now. I’m replacing the motor, and I told her she could crash in Nathan’s room until he got home.”

“Oh, thank God.”

My stomach knotted. He wouldn’t feel that way if he knew the things I wanted to do to his daughter. He’d probably drive down here and kick my ass.

“Did she tell you why she took off?” he asked, a bit of hesitation in his voice.

“Yes. And like I told you before, it’s not my business.” Although, if anything more did happen with Heather, knowing Noah was involved in the same type of relationship could only help my case. “She’s pretty upset, though.”

“I know.” He sighed heavily. “She didn’t give me a chance to explain. Has she said anything to you about it?”

“A little. She feels betrayed by Corrine more than anything else. And she’s worried you won’t have time for her now.”

He muttered several curses. “I will always have time for her.”

“I know.” Noah was a good father. It was one of the many things I’d always admired about him. “Just give her some space. I’m sure she’ll come around. In the meantime, she’s fine staying here. I’ll keep an eye on her.”

“Thanks, Darian.”

I felt like the worst friend in the world. Here I was, acting like I was watching out for his daughter because I was a good friend when in reality I had much more selfish reasons for wanting Heather around. “No problem. I know you’d do the same for me and Nathan.” We chatted about the expansion project I’d hired his construction company to do for me, and then he reminded me about the grand opening of the botanical gardens his company helped design and build. He and his company were being honored during the event, and I’d promised him months ago that I’d attend. I reassured him I’d be there.

As soon as I got off the phone with him, Nathan called. “Hey, Dad!”

I smiled. “What’s up, kiddo?” I tugged at the collar of my shirt and rolled my neck. Heather hadn’t mentioned talking to Nathan since she’d been here, but then again, I was doing everything in my power to avoid her, so it’s not like we spent time talking. Still, I wondered if he knew she was here. “Um, Heather showed up here looking for you.”

“Yeah, I know. She called me Sunday, but I haven’t had a chance to talk to her. Tried calling her a couple times, but there’s been no answer.”

I let out a sigh of relief. Although I wasn’t sure why. It’s not like I had anything to hide. I had a moment of weakness and kissed her. Nothing more. But still, I’d always suspected Nathan had a thing for Heather, and if he found out I’d kissed the girl he liked, he wouldn’t be happy with me. “How’d the delivery go?”

“Great! The customer was thrilled with the work you’d done. He gave me a hundred-dollar tip.”

I laughed. “That’s great.”

“Yeah, but here’s the bad news. There’s a massive storm moving in. Hurricane force winds. Pelting rain. The mayor has closed a lot of roads and issued a state of emergency, no unnecessary travel.”

I groaned.

“So, looks like I’ll be stranded here for the next few days.”

Shit. That meant more time alone with Heather.

“And according to the weather reports around here, it’s heading your way. I’ll probably be chasing the storm home.” He chuckled.

“Where are you staying?”

“I got a room at the local hotel. Figured I could ride out the storm here.”

“Okay.” I took a deep breath. Regardless of what this meant for me and Heather, my priority was making sure my son was safe. “You used the company credit card, right?”

“Yes, Dad,” he said with a hint of annoyance.

“Good. Text me the hotel information so I know where you are. Stay put and don’t do anything stupid. Call me if you need anything, okay?”

“I will.”

I glanced up to find Rick standing in the doorway. I held up my finger to indicate I needed another minute. “All right, well, call me later to check in.” After making him promise again to be safe, I finally hung up. Tossing my phone on my desk, I rubbed my hands over my face. “What’s up, Rick?”

“Bad news, boss. That storm moving in has stranded a lot of drivers. We won’t be getting any of the parts we need until next week.”

“Fuck.” I laced my hands on top of my head and blew out a breath. No parts meant no work. Every job we had was waiting on something, including the new engine for Heather’s car. “Then I guess you guys get the rest of the week off.”

Rick nodded. “Figured as much. We’re heading down to Keyes for wings and beer. Want to join us?”

“Yes,” I said much too quickly. I normally didn’t go out with my employees, but hanging out with them meant not being trapped in the loft with Heather. “When’re you leaving?”

“About fifteen minutes.”

“Okay, I’m going to grab a quick shower and change. I’ll be back down here in ten.”

“Sounds good.” He walked out of my office, a knowing grin on his face.

I didn’t think any of the guys knew Heather was staying with me, but based on the look on Rick’s face, my secret was out. That wasn’t good. I headed upstairs and walked into the loft. The dark, eerily quiet loft. “Heather?” No response. I walked through the loft, checking each room. She wasn’t anywhere to be found. My heart started to race, and I rushed back to the kitchen. There was a note stuck to the front of the fridge.

“Went for a walk. Be back later,” I read aloud.

She went for a walk? Where? I remembered what she’d been wearing when she walked into the garage a couple days ago, and I scowled. I hoped to hell she wasn’t dressed like that again. I knew the places around here and the kinds of guys who frequented them. It was another reason I wanted to move back to Haven’s Creek. Not to mention, I told Noah I’d keep an eye on her, and now I had no idea where she was. I sent her a quick text asking if she was okay, and I got a reply instantly. I’m fine. Yup. She was still pissed about what I’d said to her. And I couldn’t blame her; I’d been a dick. Tossing her note in the trash, I headed for the shower.

###

Thirty minutes later, I was seated inside Keyes Sports Bar, drinking draft beer, eating wings, and listening to my mechanics hit on women. My nerves hadn’t settled, though. And they wouldn’t until I knew Heather was safe back at the loft.

“Prime pickings tonight, boys,” Rick said. They raised their glasses and toasted with a laugh.

I shook my head and looked around. Keyes was busier than normal tonight. I excused myself to use the bathroom, and as I rounded the corner, I stopped cold. There, near the end of the bar, was Heather. She was dancing with some guy, grinding her body against his, and he seemed a little too damn happy about that. His hands were on her ass, and his face was buried in her neck. That’s when I noticed she had a beer bottle in her hand. I curled my hands into fists and marched over to her.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“Darian?” She turned around to face me and smiled.

“Thought you were going for a walk?” The rage pulsing through my veins was stronger than ever, and I wanted to hit something. Hard. I had no right to get pissed that she was showing interest in another guy, but I was fucking livid.

“I did. And I found this place.” She grinned.

“So you thought you’d come on in and get drunk?” I snatched her beer from her and set it on the bar.

The guy hadn’t moved, his hands still on her body. “This your dad?” He directed the question at Heather, but I didn’t give her a chance to answer.

“Are you the one buying her the beer?” I crossed my arms and took a step closer, my gaze hard and unflinching.

“No. But so what if I was?”

I pulled Heather away from him and guided her to stand behind me. This asshole wouldn’t be able to walk out of here on his own when I was finished with him. “I don’t know what the fuck you think you’re going to get by pouring alcohol down her throat, but think again, you little shit. She’s nineteen.” Taking Heather by the arm, I guided her toward the door. “We’re leaving.”

“No, we’re not.” She jerked out of my hold. “You can do whatever the hell you want, but I’m staying.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Yes, I am.” There was so much defiance in her tone, so much strength and determination in her gaze. God, that was such a fucking turn-on.

“Look, buddy,” the bartender interrupted. “She said she didn’t want to leave with you. Now if you don’t stop harassing her, I’ll call the police.”

I whipped around to glare at him. “Do it. When they get here, I’ll let them know you’ve been serving a minor. And then I’ll personally clean this bar with your fucking face.” I turned back to Heather. “Let’s go. Now!”