Jamie (25 page)

Scott had a habit of driving the deserted back roads a couple of times a day. He liked to ensure that all stayed secure. Jamie suspected he might also make the drive to check up on him, although Scott would never admit it.

Jamie kissed Faith's forehead, and wanted to go on kissing her, everywhere. He found it impossible to keep his hands off her, a fact that made him feel weak and strong at the same time. “I'll be back before you can miss me.”

Shaking her head, Faith said, “Not possible, because I miss you already.” Then she hugged him tight. “But I won't be a baby about it. As long as I know you're coming back, I'll be fine.”

“I live here,” Jamie reminded her. “Where else would I go?”

Shrugging, Faith moved away and kept her gaze averted. “I don't know. But since you are coming back, well then, it's no big deal, right?”

Jamie frowned. Before giving that cavalier retort, Faith slammed the door on her thoughts. He hadn't been exactly reading her, but when she shut him out, Jamie felt it like a chill down his spine or a cutting insult. He didn't like it. Was she up to something?

Probably. Why else deny him access to her thoughts?

Unless she simply didn't want him to know how much she'd miss him. Maybe Faith felt the need to protect her heart as much as Jamie did.

If he had her beneath him, if he had her aroused, she wouldn't be able to shut him out. Jamie glanced at the clock and saw there wasn't enough time for what he wanted. Once he started, he'd need at least half an hour. Maybe more. Resigned to waiting, he decided he'd seduce her later.

Or maybe he'd let her seduce him.

Faith pasted on a bright smile that made his suspicions grow. “So,” she asked with annoying cheerfulness, indicating the bags on the table. “What's all this?”

Jamie spent the next few minutes showing Faith the things he'd bought her. She oohed and aahed over several feminine T-shirts, grinned over a pair of funky jeans that would fit her ass like a glove, and laughed at the sexy, barely there panties he'd chosen. To Jamie's surprise, her enjoyment, even over a pair of soft white socks and plain sneakers, seemed genuine.

Because he'd never had anyone to buy for, he'd never experienced the pleasure of giving gifts. It awed him that the gesture affected him as much as it did Faith.

While Faith shimmied into the panties and jeans, Jamie settled back in his chair to enjoy the show. “It'll all fit,” he told her.

Picking up a T-shirt to go with the jeans, Faith said, “I think so.”

“No,” Jamie corrected, watching the jiggle of her breasts, glad that he hadn't bought her a bra. “I wasn't asking. I'm telling you—it will fit.”

“Oh.” Faith laughed, tugged the shirt over her head, and came to sit on his lap. Arms looped around his neck, her rounded bottom right where Jamie preferred it, she asked, “You knew my size?”

Jamie kissed her forehead. “It's here, inside you. All I had to do was take the information.”

“Well, thank you. I love surprises.” Laughing, she added, “I feel like a kid at Christmas.”

The expression she wore prompted Jamie to place her palm flat on his chest. He wanted to see what Faith described, but she still had him blocked, denying him. “Let me in, Faith. Let me see what Christmas is like.”

Faith went still, her eyes big and full of disbelief. “Oh my God. Jamie ... you've never celebrated Christmas?”

“No.” He held her wrist, keeping her hand over his heart. “Why would I have?”

Sadness filled her gaze, and her bottom lip quivered. Jamie squeezed her close. “No, baby, please don't. I don't like it when you cry.” Seeing her sad hurt him, too.

Faith's hold was so tight and her feelings so strong that when she opened herself, her vivid memories slammed into Jamie, rocking his composure.

Festive lights, scents of pine and cinnamon. Brightly colored packages, swirling ribbons. Singing and laughter. Storybooks and anticipation. Jamie drew a shuddering breath, overwhelmed with it all, but determined to take in everything that he could.

He saw Cory, warm and sleepy from her bed, still dressed in a flannel gown with fuzzy slippers on her feet. He saw her hair tumbling around her small face and her eyes full of excitement. He saw Faith, sitting to the side in a yellow robe, her contentment and love tinged by melancholy. And he felt the hugs, from Faith's mother and father, from her brother and Cory, and from Faith herself.

“We have big dinners,” Faith whispered against his throat. “It's not formal in anyway, more like an eating frenzy with everyone talking and laughing at once. So many desserts, you feel sick afterward. We sing silly songs, like ‘Rudolf and ‘Frosty the Snowman,' and religious songs, like ‘Away in a Manger' and ‘Silent Night.' We have snow fights and ice-skating with hot chocolate and cinnamon sticks. And there are gifts galore. Nothing too expensive, but presents full of caring. There are holiday cartoons and movies that make you laugh and cry. And lots and lots of love.”

Experiencing it all through Faith, Jamie nodded. What she'd had, and what she shared with him now, contrasted sharply with the composed cycle of his life. Being honest, Jamie admitted, “I didn't know there was something so special that I'd missed.”

He'd known only that isolation was necessary, so he'd accepted it. The thought of how much
living
he might have wasted made Jamie sick at heart. For only a brief moment, he indulged the impossible and wondered what it'd be like for him to share the holidays with Faith and her family.

As if she somehow knew of his cravings, Faith slid her hands up to cup his face. She kissed his chin, then his mouth. Her forehead to his, she asked, “You never thought about a family gathering for the holidays?”

Jamie shook his head, but then he did consider the various families he knew. He pictured Joe and Luna on Christmas morning with Willow and Austin—and to his surprise, his vision of Luna showed her big with child.

“Oh shit.”

Faith half laughed at his strangled curse. “What is it?”

Jamie shook his head. “I just realized something.” He concentrated again, this time on Shay and Bryan, and sure enough, Shay wore maternity clothes. Jamie wondered if the husbands knew, but accepted right off that they didn't. He laughed, imagining their reactions when they found out.

In the middle of that vision, a gun blast sounded, echoing through Jamie's system, chasing away the more pleasant images and jarring him back to the present.

Heart pounding, Jamie realized that the cabin was as silent as ever. The gun played into the future, the very near future, and he had to move now to ensure no one got hurt.

He lifted Faith off his lap. “I have to go.”

As he went to the door and pushed his feet into his boots, Faith kept on his heels. “Is everything okay?”

“It will be. But I have to get moving.” Jamie opened the door, started out, and then paused long enough to turn back to Faith, lift her up to her tiptoes, and kiss her silly. “I'll be back as quick as I can.”

Her smile trembled. “All right. Be careful, please.”

To Jamie's surprise, having a woman worry about him didn't feel half bad. He nodded, kissed her again, and left before he wasted too much time.

Lingering could jeopardize the people he cared about. And Jamie would never do that.

Chapter Fourteen

Driving the winding roads by rote, Scott considered his suspicions that Knute might be dealing some dope. He'd certainly been high when Scott had last visited him, and he'd been more antsy than usual about anyone getting near his house. But, Scott reasoned, Lamar couldn't grow enough marijuana in his house to make it profitable. And if he wanted only a buzz, he'd likely stick to his whisky.

Scott wanted to check out Lamar's land, but to do it right, he'd need a search warrant. He doubted he'd be able to make a good case for that, so maybe he'd do a little discreet snooping first—on the side.

Even to his own ears, that plan sounded unethical.

Damn it, sometimes his conscience was a pain in the ass. Not that he'd let his conscience stop him. Not this time. Not when he badly needed
something
to distract him.

Pushing that black thought aside, Scott mentally composed the questions he planned to ask Jamie. He'd wait until Lamar left for the bars, as he always did before dinnertime, and after he checked out Lamar's place, he'd visit with Jamie to confirm or disprove his role as a vigilante.

That plan brought his thoughts full circle, back to Alyx. In order to find Jamie's cabin, he'd probably need Alyx to give him directions. That would at least give him a good excuse to get in touch with her, to spend time with her. To ... damn.

She'd played on his mind all day. He wanted to marry her, but she wanted freedom. He'd bought her a ring. He'd been ready to propose.

Watching her walk away from him had burned like acid in his guts.

Then iron determination had taken over.

For months, Alyx had chased after him, running him to ground, then stealing his heart. It was time for her games to end—because he was through playing.

One way or another, Alyx Winston would understand that she belonged with him.

Scott turned the bend in the road, close to where he'd found Alyx after her last trip to see Jamie. To his surprise, a stranger emerged from the trees. A thousand possibilities ran through Scott's mind, none of them pleasant. He braked hard, shoved the car into park, and reached for his gun.

Fear for Jamie sent his adrenaline surging.

Then the man lifted his hand in a gesture that seemed far too familiar. Cautiously, Scott stepped out of the cruiser. He kept the car between him and the other man, his gun in his hand, his instincts at the ready.

The stranger's gaze connected with his.

Like a kick to the lungs, realization dawned, making Scott wheeze.
Jamie?

No way. Scott left the dubious safety of the side of the cruiser and moved forward with the numbness of a zombie. He couldn't blink. He couldn't speak.

“Don't swallow your tongue,” Jamie grouched, and he ran a hand over his much shorter hair.

Scott's leaden feet finally drew him to a halt. He couldn't stop staring. “It's ... incredible.”

Full of sarcasm, the new Jamie said, “Yeah, who knew I was human under all that hair?”

Disbelief turned Scott's voice raspy. “You're a good-looking guy.”

Jamie smirked. “Yeah, so Joe already told me, and he sounded about as thrilled as you do. What'd you guys think? That I'd grown the beard because I was hideous?”

“I don't know.”

Jamie rolled his eyes. “Get over it, will you? We have to talk.”

Finally, Scott gathered his scattered wits enough to grin. “You know, I just wasn't prepared. Even though Joe mentioned all the changes, I didn't expect—”

“Yeah, whatever, ”Jamie said. He folded his arms over his chest. “And the changes are why you think I might be overstepping myself.”

Chagrined that Jamie already knew, Scott lost his humor and frowned. “Sorry, Jamie. I hate to accuse you of anything, but the circumstances are such that I have to ask.”

“I know.”

Right. Jamie always knew. It was the part of his personality that annoyed Scott most.

Jamie propped his hands on his hips. “It's not me, Scott.”

“Okay.” Scott accepted Jamie's word on it. “How long have you known?”

“About the
guy
who wears a mask and is attacking some of Visitation's not-so-sterling citizens, all in the hopes of luring me out?”

“So that's the motivation?”

“I think so. But I haven't known all that long. In fact, it's still a bit confusing.”

Something in Jamie's tone warned Scott that he wouldn't be enjoying this conversation. He put his gun away and lounged back against the hood of the cruiser. “I suppose you know who it is?”

“I know someone who's involved.” Tense and evasive, Jamie paced away. “The thing is, I'm not sure how you're going to react.” He glanced at Scott. “And that's strange, because normally I would be. So maybe you don't even know how to react.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

Jamie locked his gaze on Scott's. “Maybe you know what I know, and you just don't want to admit it to yourself.”

The short hairs on the back of Scott's neck stood on end. His stomach bottomed out. His lungs squeezed tight.

Only one person had ever had that devastating effect on his system.

Straightening away from the car, Scott stared at Jamie in growing horror. Praying that Jamie would deny it, Scott shook his head. “Not Alyx.”

But Jamie didn't change expression.

Tall. Dark hair. Able to kick ass ... “Ah, shit,
no.
” Tunneling all ten fingers into his hair, Scott knocked his hat to the ground. “Couldn't you be wrong?”

Jamie gave him a pitying look. “I've seen her there.” He tapped his forehead. “Up here, I mean. But other than that, I haven't put it all together yet.”

For the love of ... Scott started breathing hard, on the verge of hyperventilating with fear, exploding with anger, or both.

Every muscle in his body contracted as he faced the horrible truth, a truth he hadn't even wanted to consider.

Alyx was the vigilante.

Anger won.
“What the hell is she thinking?”

As enigmatic as ever, Jamie shrugged. “Like I said, I'm not certain yet. But maybe she wants to help you. Maybe she wants to tempt me off the mountain so that she can help me, too. Maybe she just wants to help ... everyone.” Still holding Scott's gaze, Jamie drove home his point. “Just as you and her brother have done time and again.”

Scott howled. He put his head back and let out a furious animal roar of frustration that echoed around the mountains. It didn't alleviate one iota of his rage. What would he do with Alyx? When he got hold of her, should he arrest her, hug her—turn her over his knee?

“I wouldn't try that,” Jamie said, half smiling.

The smile was enough to stump Scott, because it sure as hell wasn't what he usually got from Jamie.

But then Jamie pondered aloud, “Alyx respects you and her brother more than anyone. And while you both care about her, neither of you acknowledge her capability. Alyx is actually damn good at anything she does.”

Scott gave him a blank stare.

“Even fighting, ”Jamie explained.

Scott shook his head. “She's a woman.”

“Yeah, uh, I'm glad you said that to me and not her. Alyx would castrate you if you disregarded her just because of her sex.”

When Jamie stepped closer, Scott had the faint suspicion he enjoyed himself. Especially when he said, “Alyx is not your ordinary female.”

And this was news?

“No kidding, Jamie. I figured that out about five seconds after meeting her, when she knocked me into a pile of mud.” Scott rubbed his face, angry, sick with the realization of what could have happened to her, and insulted that Alyx thought he needed help.

Jamie made a sound of disgust. “She knows you don't
need
help, Scott.” He narrowed his eyes and added, “But she doesn't know that you need
her
.”

It wasn't easy to admit the truth to Jamie, but after watching Alyx walk away from him, Scott figured he could use a little help. “I love her.”

“Yeah, I know.” Jamie's mouth twitched with yet another smile.

“I tried to tell her, but . . . it didn't go well.”

“I know.”

Thinking he maybe liked Jamie better when he wasn't so damn jolly, Scott glared. “Is there any fucking thing you don't know?”

To Scott's surprise, Jamie's expression darkened, and his smile faded. Turning away, Jamie whispered, “You have no idea.”

Scott realized that he'd stepped in it. And honestly, Jamie's distance had always pained him. As the deputy, Scott wanted to take care of everyone in his town, but more often than not, that duty had fallen to Jamie.

Now Jamie might need his help, and Scott wanted him to know he could count on him. Clasping Jamie's shoulder, Scott said, “I'm sorry. Alyx has me half nuts.”

Jamie nodded in acknowledgement of that. “You didn't tell her you loved her.”

“What?”

Locking gazes with Scott, Jamie said, “You didn't tell her. You just told her that you didn't want to live with her.”

“I want to marry her.”

“But you didn't tell her that.”

“I ...” Scott frowned. “She doesn't want to commit.”

“No, she doesn't want to do anything to drive you away.

Scott just blinked, totally confused.

“She's chased you since she met you.”

“I've always let her catch me.”

“Big of you. But don't you think she'd like to be chased once? Alyx isn't used to loving anyone but family. She's feeling a little vulnerable and out of sorts. And all you did was tell her you didn't want to live with her. ” Jamie shrugged.

“Oh, shit.”

“Yeah.”

“She loves me, too?”

“Yeah.”

It was an awkward moment. Scott didn't know if he should shout, laugh, or give Jamie a bear hug.

“No hugging,” Jamie warned.

“Right.” Fighting a smile of pure happiness, Scott said, “Thank you. I should go now. I need to find her.” He hesitated. “Listen, Jamie, if there's anything, anything at all that I can do to help—”

“I know, ”Jamie said again.

Scott couldn't help it—he laughed.

With a crooked half smile, Jamie said, “I guess I need some new punch lines, don't I?”

“I have a feeling you'll soon have plenty.”

Jamie's expression sobered Scott, sending his humor away as quickly as it had appeared.

“What is it?” Scott asked.

“Nothing. Something. I'm just not sure.” Jamie dropped his head forward in thought. “I sort of feel ... threatened.” He looked up at Scott, and for once, appeared helpless, maybe even bewildered. “That's damn unusual, even though Faith said I might need her help. I'm used to sensing the menace toward others. It's different now, though.”

Scott went rigid. “I'll call Clint. We'll find out what the hell is going on. We'll stick close. No one is going to get a chance to hurt you.”

Visibly ill at ease, Jamie frowned. “Yeah, as to that ... Alyx has gone to see Knute.”

And just that quick, Scott's blood ran cold.
“What?
”

“She's snooping for you. She hopes to find out about the pot.”

“The pot?
Shit.”
So there was marijuana, and Alyx had beat him to the draw.

“I can take care of myself,” Jamie assured him. “You need to see to Alyx.”

Scott had already turned away, driven by a blind urgency to protect Alyx before she got hurt. He reached the driver's door in three long strides and jerked it open.

“You have just enough time,” Jamie called after him. “Go in quiet.”

Go in ... Did that mean Knute would find Alyx in her stupid disguise?
Oh God.

Jamie said. “He'll find you both. But it should be okay. Just don't waste any time getting out there.”

Through the open window, Scott shouted, “Damn it, Jamie, you could have said something sooner instead of just chewing the fat.” He turned the key, and the engine roared to life.

Jamie snatched up the hat Scott had forgotten, stepped back and gave a careless wave as the spinning tires of the cruiser kicked up rock and dust before gripping the gravel road. Stepping on the gas, Scott spun the car around to head to Knute's.
If that drunken idiot hurts one hair on her head ...

He raced for Knute's house, all the while praying that he'd make it in time. He needed Alyx. To argue with, to make love to, to share his days and his nights.

Life wouldn't be right without her.

And once he got her safe, he'd make her understand just what she meant to him.

 

 

Jamie waited until the cruiser was out of sight. Slapping Scott's hat against his thigh, he concentrated, searching for the odd threat that he'd felt.

Before he could locate it, a twig snapped. Jamie jerked around, startled that anyone had snuck up on him but prepared to fight if necessary. His muscles bunched and his adrenaline shot into overdrive.

He came face-to-face with Faith.

Seeing him in attack mode, she froze, guilt, embarrassment, then annoyance showing clear in her blue eyes. She went on the offensive, thrusting her chin into the air and propping her hands on her hips.

“Don't you look at me like that. I know you said I should stay in the cabin, but I couldn't stand the wait. So I followed you. Sort of.”