Red Ochre Falls (33 page)

CHAPTER 32

When mom saw my note the next day, I’d been gone for hours. I told her
I’d be doing a class project at the library, so she wouldn’t try to reach me
(no phones allowed), and to not expect me until dinner. I knew hiding was
cowardly, but I’d talk through all this with mom after I got things done.

Sun peeked out from
behind the grey hanging above, but the temps stayed cool. Since so much stress
gripped my shoulders and chest, I planned to stop by the old gym Garrett had
showed me, to shake off some bad energy.

Before I could go
there though, I needed to take care of a couple things. As much as the Hellcat
and I had bonded, she sacrificed a front-end to save me from a tree, it was
time to get my car back.

I apologized to
Dawes for the damage the Hellcat sustained—including the crumpled side
door. He told me repairs kept him in business, and offered to let me visit her
once she was restored to her original glory.

Bianca gave me the
side-eye when I turned in the keys. She couldn’t have been jealous of my Honda,
but she sure acted like something was up.

Dawes shook his
head when I left. I think he felt sorry for me, but he understood reality. And
reality was I’d been through the ringer and I didn’t drive an expensive muscle
car with leather interior and 700 horsepower. I drove a crappy old rust bucket.
One that had been fine tuned by a great mechanic, but still sounded like a
dying chicken whenever I hit the gas, or turned, or tapped the brakes. So,
after I saved the world, I’d get a good job, and maybe someday, I’d get a nice
car.

Wind pushed my
junker around the entire way to the Ellis house. Dread filled my gut, but I
knocked on the door anyway.

I sat with Mrs.
Ellis and told her everything. Someone brought coffee, cocoa, and cookies. We
sipped, talked, and cried.

Knowing Chloe had
not committed suicide brought her some relief, but with it came great pain.
Nothing could bring Chloe back. We helped each other embrace the anger and
sadness, and promised to stay in touch.

As much as punching
stuff relieved stress, there was still residual anxiety even after my workout.
It didn’t help that I’d read Chloe’s note.

In it, Chloe
thanked me. She made sure to explain the silver etched necklace reminded her of
our friendship—before Tab, when things became unbearable. She knew just
what to say to make me feel better, but I cried anyway.

I toweled off,
touched up my lips and eyes, and then changed into curve hugging jeans and a
V-neck sweater. I got more looks on the way out than I had in my sweat pants,
but no one said a word. It wasn’t the kind of crowd that would have whistled or
anything, but even if someone was tempted, the look on my face was enough to
them keep quiet.

Garrett leaned
against my old car as if it was a sports car. Lucky car.

“Ready to
negotiate?” Garrett’s thousand-watt smile beamed. My anxiety melted away. The
poison was gone and he’d be fine.
 

“Are you ready?” I
faced him with my hip near the driver’s side door.

He turned to me.
“I’m always ready.”

Of course you are.
“You look good for having been poisoned and all.”

“Thanks, I think.”

“You know what I
mean.”

“I do. Just making
you squirm a little. Trying to get a tactical advantage. You look pretty good
yourself.” Garrett gently kissed my cheek. The heat between us made me want to…do
so many things.

My heart pounded
out of my chest as he moved closer. His lips brushed my neck softly and tingles
surged through my entire body.
 

“I just want you to
know I’m sorry.”

A wave of emotion
choked me up, but I managed a “Thank you.”

“It’s never easy to
lose someone. I’m available anytime you need to talk.”

“That means a lot.”
I tried to smile.

“Looks like I’ll
have to stick close to you though. Cal said Sultan and Ruggiano are cleared,
and Thibodeaux is back in Louisiana letting his lawyer handle things, but I
don’t trust any of them to leave you alone.”

I shook
involuntarily. Garrett put an arm around me. His expression changed. “Do you
want to go see her? She’s good as new.”

“What?” It was
difficult to figure out what he meant.

He nuzzled my ear.
“I’m talking about the Maserati.”

I lightly punched
his arm. “You’re in big trouble. I thought your car exploded yesterday.”

“It did. Dawes gave
me a loaner. I should drive though, since you’re so hard on cars.” He laughed
then looked at me earnestly. “Chloe was lucky to have you as a friend. You’re
smart, determined, and beautiful, and I want whatever trouble you’ll give me.”

He didn’t pause to
let me think or even respond, he just pulled me into a steamy kiss, and I knew
we were both in big trouble.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristen Gibson
is an author and freelance writer. Her work has appeared in numerous print and
online publications. When not writing, she is most likely playing, biking,
reading, or goofing off with her husband and children.

Visit the
author online at

www.kristengibson.com

@KGwrites