Relentless (2 page)

"What did he want?"  Hannah's usual pleasant demeanor had vanished.

Lily shrugged.  "I don't know.  I nearly collided with his dad as they came out of that store.  I guess he just wanted to introduce himself."

"Of course he did.  Cute new girl in town.  Fresh meat for him."  The anger in Hannah's voice surprised her. 

"Whoa.  What's with all the hating?" 

Her friend narrowed her eyes as Lily put the car in reverse.  "He's like the biggest jerk in Aspen.  You think your ex was bad for cheating with your sister?  This guy is ten times worse.  He's the biggest player in town, and he's broken every heart in the valley."

Lily raised her brows.  "That bad?"  He was certainly cute enough to break a million hearts.    

Hannah nodded, visually upset. 

"I'm guessing you were one of those victims?"

"I should have known better, you know?  He'd already dated most of the girls in the county before he asked me out.  I’m a couple years younger than him.  But he finally noticed me, and when Luke Winchester has his sights on something or someone, he's relentless in his pursuit.  But I didn't mind.  I'd convinced myself all those other women weren't right for him.  I would be the one he'd fall for."  She snorted, flinging her hand.  "Nope.  I was just another conquest."

"He sounds like a real jerk."  Which disappointed her.  "Did you sleep with him?" 

"No."  Her friend shook her head.  "But only because I was smart enough not to.  I'm pretty sure he's been with just about everyone else.  He's the screw 'em and leave 'em type."

"Wow."  Those were some pretty strong words, and she hated people who took advantage of others.  "I wonder how he'd like it if someone did that to him.  Maybe he deserves a taste of his own medicine."

Hannah drew her brows together in a frown.  "He'd certainly deserve it, Lily, but not from you.  It's better if you stay away from him." 

"Yeah."  She sighed.  "Probably so."  It's not like she would have actually followed through with her threat anyway.  Getting a new job was her priority for now.  She stared out the window, a gray cloud of emotion settling over her as the small town faded away and they were swallowed by more fields and barbwire fences.  She'd experienced some major chemistry with Luke, but from what Hannah said, it seemed he had a way of bringing about that feeling in a number of women.  Figures.

As cute as he was, Luke Winchester had just been added to the "do not touch" list.

*        *        *

Luke watched until Lily Chandler’s Honda Civic disappeared from sight, a fresh spark of hope growing in his chest.  Here, he’d thought there would never be another woman in the small town of Aspen that might give him a chance.  Not after how Hannah Morgan had shredded his reputation.  But he’d caught the look of interest in Lily’s deep brown eyes.  She'd taken a long look at him, and apparently, she'd liked what she’d seen.  He hadn’t realized how much he missed flirting with a woman who didn’t regard him with wariness. 

He’d enjoyed looking at her, too, with her soft blond curls reaching past her shoulders, and those smoldering brown eyes.  Damn.  He hitched the bags higher on his shoulder and headed for his truck.  Today was a good day. 

Now, he had to figure out a way to see her again before Hannah could damage any chance he might have with Lily.

*        *        *

Lily's spirits lifted as Hannah directed her to turn off the main road and onto a gravel-paved lane that wound toward a small, red brick house flanked by weeping willows and a sprawling two-story white home that lay beyond.  Near the big house stood a large, wooden barn, with several farming implements off to the side.

"Home sweet home," Hannah announced, as Lily's car bumped over the rough road.

"The big house or the little one?" Lily asked.  If they were staying in the smaller house with her brother and parents, things were going to be very cozy.

Hannah laughed.  "We'll stay in the little one, but everyone else is in the main house."

"We get our own place?"  That was a nice surprise.  It wouldn't feel like she was intruding so much that way.

"We lucked out.  My cousin and his wife had been living there until a month ago, but now they have their own home.  And this way, I won't be forced to live under my father's thumb and my mother's ever-present criticism."

Lily frowned.  Hannah's mom had always seemed so nice on the phone the few times she'd talked with her.  Coming home seemed to bring out her friend's dark side.  "I'm okay with whatever.  I’m just glad to have a place to stay."

"That's what I'm hoping for, too.  This place has zero nightlife.  Stay here too long and it will choke the life right out of you." 

Lily parked next to Hannah's old blue truck that was piled high with all of her friend's belongings and some of Lily's.  On the other side of her vehicle sat a newer model Mazda.  Lily wondered who it belonged to.  The sporty little car looked out of place in the small farming town, which was exactly how Lily felt.  But she supposed if the sports car could fit in, so could she.

"The place is kind of small," Hannah said as she led the way inside. 

Lily walked into what would be her home for the next little while and was met with a quaint, homey feeling.  "It's adorable."  She loved the old-fashioned, hand-carved shelving built into the walls.  The lace curtains blowing with the afternoon breeze bespoke tranquility.  Maybe that’s what she really needed at this point in her life.  A chance to regroup before she moved forward.  "Besides, I think it has more room than our apartment."

"I do believe you're right."  Hannah dropped her purse on a worn brown couch.  "This is the living room.  The kitchen's behind it, with two bedrooms to the side.  The bathroom is at the back of the house.  It was added on after the house was built."

"Seriously?"  The house really was from another period, but it had character.

They found Hannah's mom putting away towels in the bathroom.  She was exactly how Lily had pictured her.  A little overweight, strong hands, and a warm smile that matched her fading auburn hair.  Not at all the difficult person Hannah had described.

"You poor girls."  She hugged Hannah, but after a second, her friend pulled away.  A hurt look flashed in her mother's eyes, but she quickly buried it behind a couple of blinks.  "Both of you losing your jobs like that.  It's a shame the way people live their lives.  Do they not realize their choices affect others besides themselves?"

Hannah rolled her eyes.  "Don't worry about it, Mom.  We're fine.  We won't be here long enough to bother you."

Her mother frowned then.  "You know it's not a bother."

Lily stepped forward, wanting to diffuse the uncomfortable undercurrents.  "Nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Morgan.  Thank you so much for allowing me to stay with you."

Hannah's mom shooed away her thanks, a pleasant look settling on her face.  "Please, call me Sondra, and don't even worry about it.  Despite what Hannah thinks, I’m glad she's home, and any friends of hers are always welcome here."  She lifted a stack of sheets sitting on the counter.  "I brought down fresh bedding from the house.  I figured you'd both probably packed yours and might not get to it right away."

"You didn't have to do that," Hannah answered.  "We can take care of ourselves." 

Lily didn't know what had spouted her friend's unkind attitude, but it wasn't typical of the Hannah she knew.  She took the stack of sheets.  "Thank you.  This is very kind." 

"No problem."  Sondra smiled at Lily.  "I'll let you get to unpacking.  Tyler left your truck here, Hannah, and went up to the house to get some lunch.  He'll be down later to move any unwanted boxes and extra furniture into the barn.  I put some sandwiches in the fridge for you."

Lily followed her out into the living room with Hannah coming up right behind her.  "Before you go, Sondra, I wanted to ask Hannah's and your opinion.  I saw a help wanted sign back in town, and I was thinking of applying.  It's at the real estate office, but I'm not sure if I'm qualified."

"Oh, yes, that's right.  Betty
is
looking for a part-time receptionist to handle calls in the afternoons and on Saturdays.  I doubt she'll be able to pay what you were making in Salt Lake."

"That's okay."  It was more than okay at this point.  "I'd just like to be earning some kind of a wage while I search for something more in the marketing field." 

Hannah gave her a sideways glance.  "You could take a little break first, you know."

"No."  Lily shook her head.  "I insist on paying my way while I’m here, and if I can save a little too, that's even better."

"Smart girl."  Mrs. Morgan opened the door, letting in sharp rays of afternoon sun.  "If you'd like, I can call Betty and give you a good reference."

"That would be wonderful.  She might be hesitant to hire someone who isn't local.  Thank you so much."  Already things were looking up.

*        *        *

By the time Lily and Hannah had eaten the required dinner with the family, Hannah had progressed from irritated to agitated.  She and Lily had returned to their house and unpacked a few more things, but it was obvious something was wrong.

"You okay, Hannah?"

"Ugh."  Hannah haphazardly tossed silverware into a kitchen drawer.  "I'd forgotten how stifling this town can be.  No wonder I left."

"It's not that bad."  Sure, things moved at a slower pace, but the air was fresh and the people seemed nice.

"That's because you didn't grow up here.  I spent the first eighteen years of my life not knowing what the real world was like."

"In case you haven't noticed, the real world isn't all that great either.  People, noise, pollution."

Hannah rolled her eyes.  "Like I said, I'll give you two weeks, and then you'll understand."

"Your parents seem like great people."

"Of course.  Everyone loves them.  But they drive me insane with talk of husbands and babies.  There's more to life than that."

Lily didn't know what to say.  Her parents
had
asked Hannah when she intended to settle down, so Lily could understand her friend's irritation.  But Lily could also see how much her parents loved Hannah and wanted to see her happy.  Hannah apparently did not share her viewpoint.

She'd seen her friend in this kind of restless state before.  Only in the past, it had resulted in a major shoe shopping spree or a wild night on the town.  Both of those didn't seem to be an option here.  Maybe getting out of the house would help.  "We could go check out that outfitter store." 

"Ha, ha."  Hannah leveled a piercing gaze at Lily.  "You and I are going downtown to get a drink."

"Downtown?"  There really wasn't much of a downtown in Aspen.  Okay, there was none at all.  "Where?"

"Sparrows."  She grinned.  "It ain't much, but us two city girls are going to show this town how to party."

Lily laughed at her friend's sudden jovial mood.  "I don't want to spoil the moment, but in case you've forgotten, we're pretty much broke."

"Doesn't matter."  Her friend waved away her excuse.  "Up here in the back country, the men aren't afraid to buy a lady a drink."

The thought of letting off a little steam appealed to Lily, but she wasn't sure she wanted to make her mark on this town quite the way Hannah seemed to.  "I don't know if this is the best idea.  I might not be from a small town, but I’m pretty sure if we go in there guns blazing like we've been known to do in Salt Lake, people are going to talk."

"Don't worry, Lily.  This town could use some good gossip, and it's not like we're staying for long."  She navigated her way between packing boxes and headed toward her bedroom.  "I'd suggest a short skirt and some high, high heels, honey."

In the end, Lily hadn't worn her shortest skirt, but Hannah had.  However, Lily had redeemed herself in her friend's eyes by wearing her signature hot pink high heels.  Together, they looked like they were going clubbing, not heading for the local bar and grill.  Lily couldn't escape the sinking feeling Hannah's plan had disaster written all over it.  But this was her friend's town.  She knew the people and what was acceptable, so she'd let her make the call.

Lily insisted on driving, knowing there was a good chance Hannah would over indulge.  When they arrived at Sparrow's, the parking lot was full.  That didn't say much though, because the gravel lot held thirty cars max.

Lily had to be careful that her heels didn't sink into the gravel as they made their way to the front door.  Just outside the doors, two men in their fifties stood smoking and drinking bottles of beer.  That wasn't a sight she'd find in Salt Lake.  The smoking, yes, but public drinking would certainly mean a ticket or a night in jail, depending on how intoxicated a person was.

Just as Hannah reached for the door, one of the men whistled his appreciation. 

"Are you kidding me?" she whispered to Lily.  "Give me a second." 

She approached the men.  "Hey, your last name is James, isn't it?"

"Sure is pretty lady.  Do I know you?"  He shifted his stance, glancing at his friend with a grin.

"I think so.  I'm Hannah Morgan.  Remember me?  I went to school with your
daughter
."

The other man choked on his beer as the cocky grin dropped from Mr. James's lips.  "Hannah?"  He wiped his mouth, looking guiltier than sin.  "I'm sorry.  I didn't realize you were so grown up."

She smirked.  "I'm the same age as Kaylee, old man.  And much too young for you."  Hannah swiveled and stalked toward the front door.  Lily was sure she'd swung her hips a little more than was necessary.

"
Really
?  Perverts," Hannah said as they walked inside together.

Lily wanted to remind her they probably looked more like hookers than young women as far as the residents were concerned, but apparently Hannah had something to prove to the town that had raised her.  All Lily could do was support her.

Inside, there were more people than Lily had seen all day.  It seemed this was a work hard, play hard kind of town.  The lights had been dimmed, and a row of customers filled the barstools.  Eighties rock music blared from a hidden stereo system. 

Most of the tables were taken.  Some of the customers had burgers or steaks in front of them, but everyone else was happily consuming tankards of beer along with shots of whiskey.

Lily followed Hannah, who still continued to over-shake her booty, to a wide table occupied by her brother and two other guys, one with blond hair and a big smile, the other with dark hair and somewhat of a seductive, interested look.

Hannah stole an empty chair from a nearby table and squished her way between her brother and the blond guy wearing a Steeler's t-shirt.  "Who's buying us our first drinks?"

All three of the men seemed a little shell-shocked by her attitude, but the blond found his tongue first.  "Hey, Hannah.  I'd love to buy you a drink."  His startlingly blue-eyed gaze slid down her body before returning to her face.  "You're looking pretty hot these days."

Tyler lifted his chin.  "Watch it, Milo.  That’s my sister you’re talking about."

Hannah ignored her brother’s comment.  "Thank you, Milo.  For the drink and the compliment."  She gave him a flirtatious wink as the dark-haired guy scooted over and pulled up a chair for Lily.  She thanked him and sat down.

"Has Mom seen what you're wearing?"  Tyler raised parental eyebrows.

"I'm twenty-five years old.  I don't need my mother's approval on what I wear or what I do.  Got it?"

"Shit."  He laughed.  "You know she's going to hear about it."

"I don't care."

Lily had to wonder if this was more about proving something to the town or to Hannah's parents.  She really hoped it wasn't a family thing.  Her mom and dad had been so nice and welcoming.

The waitress came, and Hannah ordered them both a shot of tequila.  Lily cringed.  Tequila nights were never mellow.

"Are you going to introduce your friend, Hannah?" the dark-haired guy sitting next to Lily asked.

"Sorry, boys.  I forgot my manners."  She grinned at Lily.  "This is my best friend, Lily.  We shared an apartment and worked together in Salt Lake.  Until our lame ass boss fired us." 

The guys mumbled their regrets.

"Lily, you already know my brother.  These are his friends, Milo and Scott."  Scott with the dark hair had the biggest build out of the three, and sported a goatee.  All of them were pretty cute, and she had to admit she kind of liked their rugged appearance.  It was much more appealing than her metrosexual ex-fiancé and his friends.

The tequila arrived, and Hannah downed it and ordered another before the waitress could walk away.

"Take it easy, Hannah," her brother warned.

"If you're going to be my mother, Tyler, I'll go sit somewhere else."

He rolled his eyes and turned to Lily.  "Anything else for you?"

She was about to say no, when Luke walked through the door, looking more than sexy in a cowboy hat and a button-down plaid shirt that outlined his chest and clung to his biceps.  She ducked her head slightly.  "I'll have a beer."  She was already feeling the effects of the tequila, but she had a suspicion she'd need a little more sustenance to get through this night.

"Dance with me, Milo."  Hannah stood and tugged him to his feet. 

"Okay, okay."  He placed a hand on the small of her back as she led the way to the dance floor.  She threw her arms around his neck and plastered herself against him as they swayed to the sounds of Styx.

"What's gotten into her?"  Tyler directed the question at Lily.

"You tell me.  She’s been antsy since we arrived.  Worse after we ran into Luke Winchester, and she was awful to your mom when we got to the house."

Tyler grimaced.  "Always the same old shit.  She and mom didn't say more than two words to each other at dinner."

Lily hadn't realized they’d been that chilly to each other.  Tyler and Hannah's dad had distracted her, plying her with a million questions about her life.  She was about to state just that when Tyler lifted his gaze over her head and the other two guys followed suit. 

"Speak of the devil." 

The hairs on her arms stiffened as a shiver rolled over her shoulders.

"Got any extra room for me?"

"Sure, man," Scott answered and scooted closer to Lily, creating space for Luke between him and Tyler.  "We haven't seen you here in a long time."  Scott relaxed against his chair and casually rested an arm across the back of Lily's seat.  She almost laughed out loud at his none-too-subtle marking of territory. 

"Yeah.  Been busy."  Luke noticed Scott's move, too, and didn't seem very happy about it.  That was exactly why she let Scott leave his arm where it was.  After what Hannah had told her, Lily didn't want to give that bad boy any encouragement.

"So you know my sister's in town?" Tyler said to Luke.

He nodded.  "I know.  I saw her earlier."  His gaze flicked to Lily as though he was waiting for her to say something.

She did her best to give him a vacant, uninterested look and turned away.

Their next round of drinks arrived, and Scott picked up the tab for Lily's beer and Hannah's shot.  Hannah must have had her tequila radar turned on, because she and Milo arrived back at the table shortly after the waitress left.

She scowled when she noticed Luke.  "Ugh.  Who let you in?"

"Be nice," Tyler warned.

"You're going to have to forgive me sometime, Hannah," Luke said.  "It's been eight years."

She flashed him a brilliant smile.  "Never."  She downed the contents of her glass, slammed it on the table and latched on to Scott's hand.  "Your turn."

Scott flicked a quick glance between Lily and Luke, and Lily knew without a doubt, he was worried Luke would move in on what he thought was his turf.  Too funny.

"Yeah."  Lily nudged Scott's arm with a finger, coming into contact with some serious muscle.  "Go dance with her now, and then I get the next one."

"Deal."  He visibly relaxed, and Hannah snagged someone's bottle of beer as they walked away to the dance floor.

Luke immediately moved into Scott's vacant chair.  "Can I interest you in this dance?"

"Uh…I don't think so."  She shook her head, earning herself a wounded look from Luke.

"Ah," Tyler exclaimed, palming his chest.  "The poor guy is shot down."

"Sorry, bud," Milo chimed in.  "That really sucks."  He turned to Lily.  "But she's already promised this dance to me, right?"

"I did."  Lily exhaled and stood, grateful for the save.  She needed to keep as much distance between her and Luke as she could.

"Oh, come on," Luke called after them.  "I don't believe that for a second." 

She snuck a glance backward, her lips twisting into a grin at Luke's mock disappointment.

"I think he likes you," Milo said, as he put a hand on her waist and took her hand with his other.  The music was more fast than slow, and back in L.A. or Salt Lake, they would have been much farther apart.

"Don't say that."  She dared another glance at Luke, and sure enough he was staring directly at her.  She turned away.  The man's gaze was more than a little disconcerting, and she was having a seriously hard time ignoring the sizzle he sparked inside her.  Not good.  It must be that whole forbidden-fruit theory.

"Why not?  He's an all-right guy."

"That's not what Hannah says."

Milo laughed.  "That's because Hannah can carry a lifetime grudge."

"She said he's something of a womanizer."

He nodded.  "Yeah, I guess he did sport a wild reputation a few years ago, but he seems decent now.  Maybe he's changed."

That was the problem.  She wasn't interested in a "maybe".

Milo stopped dancing, and Lily collided smack into him.  "Girl, I don't know what kind of dance moves you think you're doing, but here in Aspen, the men usually lead."

Lily widened her eyes in surprise and laughed.  "What?"  She knew her moves hadn't synced well with Milo's, but she hadn't known it was
her
fault.  "I thought it was you."

He grinned.  "Let me show ya."  He took her hand again and made very deliberate moves.  "You go one-two, one-two-three.  One-two, one-two-three.  It's called the two-step." 

She followed his moves, letting him lead her around the dance floor.  "Okay."  She laughed.  "I think I've got it." 

She had to admit, his more formal style of couple dancing was fun, and Milo was such a good sport for pretending not to notice when she missed a few steps.  The other couples were pros, moving as one over the sawdust-covered wooden floor.  Even Hannah, swigging a beer and draped over Scott's arm could keep up with the rhythm of the music.  Lily refused to meet anyone's eyes, not wanting to know if they were laughing at her or not.  It didn't matter, as long as she and Milo were having fun.

She wondered why this style of dancing had given way to modern moves in most of the dance clubs.  She enjoyed the intimacy of it, like they were talking with their bodies as well as with their voices.  It was a G-rated version of sex. 

She continued counting off the steps in her head, enjoying the feel of a man leading her around the floor. 

Then Milo turned them, and she found herself looking across the room, straight into Luke's captivating eyes again.  She knew she should turn away, but something glued her in place.  Maybe she felt some sort of protection, being in Milo's arms.  Either way, she was playing with fire, but she couldn't make herself look away this time.  Fascinated, she watched as Luke turned his sensuous lips into a smile.  Shit.  This wasn't good.  Her thoughts tangled and her feet followed suit.  She stepped hard on Milo's boot again. 

He half-laughed and half-groaned, the sound of it dragging her back to the present moment.  "Oh, honey."  He shook his head.

She covered her mouth with her hands, trying to hold back her laughter.  "I'm sorry.  I really suck at this."

"No.  You just need another drink to loosen you up, and then we'll try again."

She could live with that.  "Okay."  She let him lead her back to the table, a giggle hovering on her lips.  She was making a fool of herself, but enjoying every minute of it.

"Warning for ya, fellows," Milo announced.  "This girl cannot dance."

"What?"  Lily laughed, enjoying Hannah's friends.  "I can dance, just not"—she twirled her finger in the air—"this kind of dancing."  Luke stood and slid a chair out for her.  His chivalry sucked away some of her merriment and replaced it with an intense awareness of him.  "Thank you," she said as she sat.

"My pleasure," he said close to her ear and sat back in Scott's seat.

"I stand by my statement."  Milo picked up his beer and held it out for a toast.  "Here's to pretty women who can't dance."