Freaky Hearts Read online

  “Yes.”

  “I know it’s none of my business, but … did you and Raven … um … ?” I couldn’t bring myself to finish the question.

  Kade immediately started shaking his head. “I’m not interested in Raven. I never was.”

  “But she’s very attractive and she’s been throwing herself at you. You were in her trailer early the other morning.”

  “I am in control of my libido, my actions last night notwithstanding,” Kade pointed out. “I was in her trailer because she claimed there was something wrong with her shower, which wasn’t true. She was trying to seduce me, but I didn’t let her.”

  “Oh, well, that’s good.”

  “I also knew that if I took a tumble with Raven that I’d lose my chance with you forever.”

  “How do you figure that?”

  “You told me.”

  “Yeah, but that was before I … you know.”

  “I do know.” Kade let loose with a heavy sigh. “I need you to let it go and not keep bringing it up. If you apologize over and over again it’s going to drive me crazy. If you tiptoe around me, it’s going to drive you crazy. The only thing I want to drive both of us crazy is … this.” He gestured toward the bed.

  “Dirty sheets?”

  “Very cute.” Kade gripped my hips and rolled me on top of him. “Can you do this? Can you let the past go, tell the truth from here on out and enjoy the ride?”

  “Can you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then I can, too,” I said, pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth. “So … all is forgiven?”

  “Where you’re concerned, yes. Where Max is concerned, no.”

  “I understand. If you need to talk about that, by the way, I’m here to listen.”

  “I might take you up on that,” Kade said. “For right now, though, I want to focus on the bigger problem. Once we change venues things may ease up and allow me to give the Max situation the attention it deserves. What’s happening here is more important.”

  “Whatever is out there stalking people. Right.”

  “No, that’s the problem for after breakfast,” Kade said, tightening his arms around me. “The problem for right now is this.” He planted a firm kiss on my lips.

  “That doesn’t seem like much of a problem.”

  “I haven’t finished showing you the problem yet. Just wait.”

  And just like that, my anxiety evaporated. All of the weight I’d been carrying around for almost two weeks disappeared. All I was left with was a floating heart and giddy feelings.

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  20

  Twenty

  “Are you ready for this?”

  Kade linked his fingers with mine when we emerged at the top of the trailer stairs, his expression unreadable as his eyes drifted to the communal dining area. We were fresh from the shower, hair damp. After considering hiding away for the rest of the day we opted to face the inevitable gossip and innuendo instead.

  Everyone was about to find out about our reconciliation – including Luke – and it was bound to be a loud morning.

  I followed his gaze, noting the hustle and bustle as everyone prepared for a busy day, and nodded. “Raven is going to be angry.”

  “I’m well aware of that.”

  “She might curse you.”

  Kade arched an eyebrow. “Can she do that?”

  I nodded. “She enjoys it.”

  “Can you save me?”

  I pursed my lips to keep from laughing at his earnest expression. “I’ll do my best.”

  “Then let’s do this.” Kade squeezed my hand and then led me down the steps. No one looked in our direction for the longest time – which was pure torture because I was ready to announce our new coupledom and get what I assumed would be extremely loud freaking out over with – and then Nixie finally caught my gaze.

  “Oh, my.” Nixie elbowed Naida, who turned quickly and grinned.

  “Well, well, well,” Naida called out, her voice melodious as she walked a line between amusement and teasing. “It’s about time.”

  “What’s about time?” Nellie asked, his head popping up from beneath the grill. He had grease on his face, which led me to believe that he was fixing something … or perhaps cleaning something. The fact that he opted to do it in a satin evening gown – with matching shoes, no less – was something to file away for mental perusal later. “As I live and breathe,” he teased, his eyes sparkling. “I see you finally made a move, security stud. From the look of those smiles, it was an impressive move. It’s about time.”

  “I was just thinking that myself,” Kade said dryly. “What’s for breakfast? I’m starving.”

  If he thought they would let it go that easily, he was about to be bitterly disappointed.

  “What happened?” Luke asked, appearing at my elbow. His gaze was busy as he took in our glowing skin, sparkling eyes and linked fingers. “Oh, I see little Timmy finally fell down that well. Did you save him, Lassie?”

  I frowned. “Did you just compare me to a dog?”

  “Lassie is pretty. You should take it as a compliment.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” I muttered, shaking my head. “Stop staring at me.”

  “Oh, I can’t do that,” Luke said, his eyes darting to Kade. “I’m looking for bruises.”

  “I didn’t hurt her,” Kade snapped, his happy demeanor slipping. “Why would you think that?”

  “Because I’ve met her,” Luke replied simply. “She can derange a relatively calm man without putting much effort into it. I should know.”

  “I’d never hurt her.”

  Luke opened his mouth to argue, but Kade cut him off.

  “I would never physically hurt her,” Kade corrected. “I would never purposely hurt her feelings either. We’ve talked things through and … we’re good.”

  “Speaking of that, do you want to tell us what you were fighting about in the first place?” Nixie asked hopefully. “We have a rather lucrative pool going and we’re dying to divvy up the money.”

  The corners of Kade’s mouth tipped down. “You have a pool regarding what we were fighting about?”

  “I believe it’s because you need Viagra to do the deed and Poet isn’t keen on drugs, but I’m not sure things will go my way now that you’ve clearly done the deed,” Nixie answered. “Naida thinks it’s because you have large hands – and we all know what that means – and maybe you frightened Poet when you dropped your pants. She might’ve had to work herself up for it … you know, swallowed some liquid courage and attacked that beast with a drunken mind.”

  “By the way, if I win, we’ll need proof,” Naida interjected, winking.

  “I’m pretty sure it’s neither of those things,” Kade said, glancing at me. “Right?”

  “I’m pleading the fifth.”

  “Don’t encourage them,” Kade whined, rolling his eyes.

  “You’re in big trouble,” Luke said, wagging a finger in my face. “You promised to tell me when you finally let him grease the loaf pan, and now it’s as if I don’t even exist. I was left out of the entire decision-making process. I’m hurt.”

  “Don’t ever use that one again,” I warned.

  “Why? I thought it was original.”

  “It’s also a really odd visual,” I shot back. “As for the other … I didn’t have time to discuss the situation with you. You know that.”

  “Oh, I know nothing of the sort,” Luke countered. “We’re going to have a long drive to the next venue where you’ll be able to make up for that. I expect details … and perhaps diagrams … and maybe even a real-time reenactment.”

  Kade let loose with a low growl. “What makes you think she’s going to give you diagrams?”

  “Years of friendship,” Luke replied. “Don’t worry. As soon as she gives me the lowdown I’ll book a date with you to discuss improving your moves before the next time you hit the ‘upvote’ button.”

  Kade scowled. “You
’re going to be trouble, aren’t you?”

  “You’ll learn to love me.” Luke patted Kade’s arm. “So, I’ll bet you guys are starving. Need some protein to bulk up after your joint session of Congress? Let Uncle Luke fix your breakfast, and then I’ll tweak the mechanism of your coupling. Everything will be great after that.”

  Kade was incredulous. “You’re going to tweak the mechanism of our coupling? What does that even mean?”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Luke answered, making a clucking sound as he shook his head. “I’m sure you’ll be able to muddle through on hormones over the next few days. I’ll start lessons once Brigham City is in the rearview mirror.”

  “I can’t wait,” Kade muttered, leading me toward the table.

  I ignored the curious stares as I settled in the spot next to him, whispering something suggestive about ordering a la carte from the menu and making him smile. It was a cozy feeling, and I knew we wouldn’t be the center of attention forever. A few weeks – a month at the most – and things would return to normal. I was almost sure of it.

  “Well, I guess I should’ve seen this coming.” Raven slammed the book she carried on the table when she caught sight of us, causing me to jolt.

  Kade slipped his arm around my shoulders to calm my nerves. “Good morning, Raven,” he said evenly. “How are you?”

  “Oh, I’m just great,” Raven shot back, her voice off tune given the faux song she sang. “I’ve never been better. I mean … last night I went to bed thinking we were getting closer and this morning I find out you two are back together. Why wouldn’t I be positively thrilled?”

  “Maybe we should talk in private,” Kade suggested.

  “Maybe you should bite me.”

  “I think I’ll pass.” Kade’s demeanor was calm in the face of Raven’s fire. “As for the rest … well … I don’t know what you want me to say. You know darned well that we weren’t getting closer. I told you I wasn’t interested in anything you had to offer.”

  “You said the words, but I knew you meant something else,” Raven argued.

  “Isn’t that the defense of date rapists the world over?” Nellie queried.

  “Shut up, little monster!” Raven snapped, her cheeks flushing. “Nobody asked you!”

  “Listen, big harlot, I’m as much a part of this group as you are.” Nellie wasn’t one to back down from a fight, even if he couldn’t use his favorite weapon. Axes aren’t really allowed when it comes to the War of the Snark. “If you didn’t know that Kade was pining for Poet over the past two weeks, you’re either willfully blind or incredibly naïve. I don’t think you’re either.”

  “Shut up!”

  “He’s right,” Luke said, pretending to make a noose and hang himself with it as he rolled his eyes in my direction. “We all knew it would happen. It’s been written in the stars since they first looked at one another … and Kade explained to Poet that she wasn’t his boss and she had a meltdown because she likes being bossy.”

  I arced out my arm to smack him, but he easily sidestepped the move.

  “I was nothing but upfront with you.” Kade opted to be pragmatic despite the obviously snowballing situation. “I told you from the beginning that I thought you were a nice woman and I was fine with friendship. You also knew I was attracted to Poet. I never led you on, no matter how you might’ve fooled yourself.”

  “Yes, but you two had a falling out,” Raven argued. “You had a falling out and said it was over.”

  “I don’t believe I said that.”

  “You said that you weren’t swimming in the shallow end of her pool any longer.”

  “I know I didn’t use those words,” Kade snapped. “I said that we had an issue and were taking some time apart. You decided that meant something more and turned it to your advantage.”

  “Which you encouraged,” Raven challenged.

  “I never encouraged it,” Kade countered. “I told you that even if Poet and I didn’t work out – and I wasn’t certain about that – that you and I wouldn’t end up together.”

  “Because of her?”

  “Because of everything.” Kade’s temper flared. “I’m not attracted to you. I’m sorry if that hurts your feelings, but there it is.”

  I didn’t miss the sudden intake of breath from the assembled Mystic Caravan workers. Those were fighting words in Raven’s world. She believed everyone was attracted to her, including gay men, lesbians and whatever royalty she happened to brush up against.

  “You lie,” Raven scoffed. “You were attracted to me. You only decided to throw Poet a bone – apparently a literal one – and chose her because you knew my fire burned too bright for your piddly pile of wood.”

  “I … don’t even know what to say to that,” Kade murmured, glancing at me. “Your turn.”

  “How is this my problem?”

  “We’re a couple now. My problems are your problems.”

  “I’ll remember this next time Luke has a nightmare about an errant mole appearing on his lip and crawls into bed with us,” I grumbled, exhaling heavily as I stared at Raven. “You know what? You’re right, Raven. Kade knew you’d burn too brightly and thought it would be easier to make something work with me.”

  “That’s not true,” Kade protested, hissing when I gripped his knee under the table and gave it a vicious squeeze. “Ow!”

  I ignored him. “You can’t blame him, Raven. He didn’t want to risk a broken heart. You’re too wild to settle down, and he prefers a quiet existence after all of the war he saw when he was in the military.”

  Kade’s mouth dropped open in disbelief. “What?”

  “Well, at least you admit it,” Raven said primly. I knew her ego would only accept a scenario in which she came out on top – even if deep down she knew it wasn’t true. “I have to give you credit for recognizing your position in the pecking order.”

  “Thank you for the delightful compliment,” I deadpanned. I kept my smile in place until she moved to the far end of the picnic table, seemingly dismissing Kade and me. Then I risked a glance in his direction and balked at the overt glare. “I did it for simplicity’s sake.”

  “I don’t believe we should have to base our life decisions on her delusions,” Kade argued. “I don’t like you talking down about yourself simply to avoid an argument with her. How did that even happen?”

  “Life in a small town.”

  “This isn’t a town.”

  “It’s close enough.”

  Kade sighed. “Fine. You win. If it means she’ll leave us alone, I’m willing to play the game.”

  “Great.”

  “For now,” he added, narrowing his eyes when Percival shuffled in our direction. “Oh, geez!”

  I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing when Percival extended his hand toward Kade.

  “While I’m unhappy with the outcome – and feel a bit buggered at the entire thing – I guess the best man won,” Percival announced. “I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to pursue my relationship with Poet, but I’m sure you’ll have a bright and sparkly future.”

  “I … um … okay.” Kade shook his hand. “Why are you still using the accent even though we know it’s fake?”

  Percival ignored the question. “I shall accept my defeat with the grace of my people, remain strong in the face of defeat, and retire to the opposite end of the table. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable … or threatened.”

  “Yeah, thanks for that,” Kade said dryly, his eyes flashing as they locked with mine. “This is like a reality show I never signed up for.”

  “You’ll get used to it.”

  “Or I’ll beat everyone else into submission.”

  “That’s another possibility,” I agreed, grinning.

  Kade poked my side. “This isn’t funny.”

  “After the past ten days, everything is funny.”

  “I guess I can’t argue with that.” Kade pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Things do feel better, don’t they? Other
than the fact that some essence-sucking demon is probably running around.”

  “They do feel better.” I rested my head against his shoulder, basking in his warmth until I heard the unmistakable sound of someone clearing his throat behind us. I glanced over my shoulder, my eyes going wide when I recognized Max. “I … uh-oh!”

  “What?” Kade turned, his body stiffening next to me. “Oh, well, great! And here I thought this morning couldn’t get any more awkward.”

  “That will teach you to count your naked Poets before they hatch,” Luke said.

  “You’ve got that right.”

  21

  Twenty-One

  “Max!” That came out way squeakier than I’m comfortable with. I should’ve seen it coming, though. I hadn’t been this happy in a long time. Of course, the worst possible thing would happen to ruin it. That’s apparently how I roll.

  “Poet. Kade.” Max bobbed his head, his eyes bouncing between Kade and me. He clearly didn’t miss the dismissive mask that descended on Kade’s face, and wisely focused his attention on me, which made me incredibly uncomfortable.

  “What are you doing down here?” Nellie asked. “I had the fact that you and Poet had an affair behind Kade’s back in the breakup pool. If you’re trying to play nice, I guess I lose.”

  “I … what?” Max cocked a sparkplug eyebrow, confused. “What breakup pool?”

  “The one where Poet and Kade suddenly stopped speaking to one another two weeks ago and no one understood why because they were clearly still hot for one another,” Nixie supplied, oblivious to the angry eye daggers Kade lobbed in her direction. “We started a pool because … well, that’s what we do.”

  “Ah.” Max forced a smile. “Who won the pool?”

  “We still don’t know,” Naida answered. “They’re not talking, even though they made up and are all Dawson-loves-Joey again.”

  Max rubbed his chin. “Who is Dawson and why does he love Joey?”

  “It’s a television show,” I supplied. “It was all about angsty teenagers. She meant it as an insult.”