Lost in Him Read online

  Rune cocks his head, waiting for my next move.

  Low grumbles complain from my gut. Dinnertime came and went with the setting sun. A glance at my watch shows it’s two o’clock in the morning. I often get lost in the task and go all night. This could’ve easily been one of those times.

  “How ‘bout a snack before bed, huh?”

  He bumps my hand again, adding a lick for good measure.

  “Lead the way,” I command with a swat at the door. “Let’s go.”

  Sawdust and ripe musk clog my lungs while I trudge to the exit. Dusty particles cling to my damp flesh like a scratchy coat, evidence from the table I just whipped up from scratch. It’s a beautiful piece—soft pine with subtle details carved in that showcase my signature design. The customer should be pleased.

  I step into the darkness, my eyes straining for several blinks to adjust. The chill greets me with a cool embrace that I pause to accept. Raw silence streams in and does the job of replacing the music I’d been blasting moments ago.

  But not completely.

  There’s a noticeable disruption to the usual calm this slight reprieve should bring. Aside from the chirping crickets and lazy lapping of the lake greeting the shore, I hear a fast beat pulsing through the trees. The hypnotic type that had been pounding into my ears on repeat.

  Irritation is a swift blade stabbing into my exhaustion. I’m suddenly alert with a very specific disturbance to attack. The woman I rented the Monroe lodge to is wreaking havoc on my predictable routine. She should be snoozing with the Sandman, not blasting a song similar to his name. A scoff berates me, the irony not lost in context. But I rarely find peace long enough to dream.

  This stranger is pissing all over what I work tirelessly to achieve. That escape is earned, reaped, and vital. My gaze narrows into a fine point while I tread across the space separating our cabins. Motivation to uncover and neutralize this problem guides me through the pitch black. I don’t so much as catch my boot on a stray rock.

  Rune keeps pace beside me, nose to the ground. The whispered brush from our hurried strides syncs with the booming tempo. That pulsing rhythm rolls a fresh wave of irritation over me. She’s already labeling herself as a nuisance on day one.

  Her reckless behavior is almost a taunt, a blatant reminder that I failed to include a noise violation section in the recently updated contract. It’s never been a problem with previous tenants. They appreciated the quiet surroundings and chose this location for that exact reason. I’ll need to deliver a harsh warning to stop her from ruining my sanctuary further.

  Reality smacks me in the face when her porch appears straight ahead. Tension snaps taut as I slam to a halt. What the fuck am I planning to do? Confront her? Just the thought churns bile in my empty stomach.

  I could knock to gain her attention before blending back into the shadows. Cowardice is inky sludge that clogs my veins. That’s not bound to terrify her or anything. She’s staying by herself in the woods, for fuck’s sake. Although, it might be best for her to leave. Maybe a strongly worded email is more appropriate.

  With these possibilities plaguing me, I shuffle forward on autopilot. That is until the view through her bay window brings my feet to an abrupt standstill. The scene from within steals my breath and I choke on pure shock. A young woman is dancing in plain sight, wearing nothing but her bikini. She twists to the side while shaking her firm ass. That’s when the light exposes her skimpy outfit for what it truly is—a lacy bra and matching thong. I gulp at the gravelly grit in my throat, mesmerized by her bold actions. The strange heat scorching over me is another issue entirely.

  Who is this temptress and what is she doing alone in the middle of nowhere?

  Without any chance for answers, I’m stranded in this trap she set. The vision she presents is too damn intoxicating. I can’t recall the last time I was this close to a woman.

  Hair the shade of golden wheat spills down her slender back. Flawless skin kissed with sunshine holds a tantalizing shimmer of sweat. Smooth, toned legs twirl her across the floor. My blood turns to fire at an alarming rate when she dips and puts her lush cleavage on display.

  Any trace of cold is chased off by the show she’s unknowingly providing me with. Her motions are fluid and free, as if no one is watching, which is probably what she assumes. I drop my gaze as shame crawls over me. A pest she might be, but that doesn’t give me the right to creep on her.

  Rune whines and scoots forward on his ass, more than ready to meet our noisy neighbor. Unlike me, the mutt is overly trusting and enjoys the company of others. His eager insistence to make friends might betray my hiding spot if I continue leering.

  An unwavering conclusion sinks in as I fight to keep my eyes averted. I’ll have to approach this complication while maintaining my distance. The twitch at my upper lip is unexpected. Just one more unwarranted reaction she’s wrenching from me.

  Before I’m caught in a compromising position, I turn on my heel, an alternative course of action already brewing to fermentation.

  My torso expands with a long inhale. The air out here is so fresh, so clean and crisp and rejuvenating, that I get a little dizzy. Energy swells to the surface and I bounce on my heels.

  A morning run is the best way to rebound after a restless night. I had trouble sleeping, which is rather rare. It was almost four o’clock when I finally ended up hitting the mattress. A few miles around the lake will empty the jitters from my mind and get me back on track. Maybe an afternoon nap can be added to the schedule. Lounging in a hammock sounds divine, the potential delivering a lazy smile to my lips.

  But that won’t happen if I don’t get my butt in gear.

  I thrust my arms straight up to alleviate the lingering stiffness. The porch floor creaks beneath my soles as I step forward into a lunge. A central focal point looms ahead during the familiar warm-up routine. It’s almost too easy to get lost in the motions, but this time I have a gorgeous backdrop to admire.

  Vibrant colors bathe the landscape. From leafy green to wildflower purple, I’m surrounded by natural beauty. Countless birds serenade me with a cheerful tune. Another deep breath to complete the stretching phase.

  This is exactly where I’m meant to be.

  That’s when a hear a slight flutter, like paper blowing in the breeze. A glance to my left reveals that’s precisely what the sound is. My forehead pinches into a furrow when I snatch the note tacked to a railing post. My gaze is quick to devour the bold handwriting, sloppy as it might be.

  To the Monroe lodge occupant,

  This is your first and only warning regarding excessive noise disturbance after hours.

  Be considerate of your neighbors, who don’t appreciate being kept awake.

  You’re not the only one on this shore.

  Signed,

  Management

  Fire singes my cheeks as I read over the words again. The hit is formal, direct, and effective. I’ve never been a rulebreaker, and the reprimand is shocking.

  This feels unjust. Unwarranted. My music wasn’t that loud. It’s not like I was having a party. But even if I were, that shouldn’t be an issue. The nearest cabin is out of sight.

  Ingrained teachings from my past demand restraint. It’s been hammered into me since birth to act calm and collected. If I never expose weakness, people can’t take advantage. What a crock of shit.

  I glare at the note as a gloomy shadow attempts to blot out the rising sun, seeming to reflect my plunging mood. It’s difficult to not take this personally. Someone must have complained about me, which is a bitter pill to choke down.

  But I have come too far, both physically and emotionally, to allow a stranger to dictate my newfound freedom. If this person has an issue with me, let them say it to my face. The backbone Elouise mentioned yesterday steels with that notion.

  I widen my scope to the bigger picture and allow clarity to take root. This is a minor blip that I can smooth over. The how might be complicated. Even now, as I stand on this porch, I only have
the owner’s email address as a point of contact. He didn’t provide a phone number.

  Hurried movement diverts my attention from the proverbial slap on my wrist. I crumple the paper in a sure fist while waiting for what’s approaching. Grass rustles and leaves crunch. My breathing accelerates and I picture the worst. But bears aren’t common in this area. The half-hearted research I did months ago suddenly feels less adequate than tissue paper in the rain.

  As if conjured from my heart’s desire, a lone dog jogs into the yard. The fluffy wanderer moves with purpose to narrow the distance between us. Perhaps I should be afraid, but I’ve always been too trusting where animals are concerned.

  I lower to my knees and extend a hand as a peace offering. He—an assumption on my part—doesn’t hesitate to complete the required sniff test. Air seizes in my lungs as his wet nose proceeds to carefully judge me as friend or foe. He ends the thorough inspection with an enthusiastic lick. I giggle at the ticklish sensation and reach to scratch his shaggy ears. A quick peek under his belly confirms my earlier guess. He’s very studly indeed. Another amused tune bubbles from me. My visitor tilts his head to one side in that adorably curious manner.

  The medium-sized pooch is a mash of several breeds—Husky or Shepherd most dominant, if I had to guess. One eye is blue, and not many carry that trait. The other is a brown so dark it appears black against the speckled white fur.

  “You’re a beautiful boy, huh? What’s your name?” I check for a tag on his collar.

  The word ‘Rune’ gleams from a silver disk dangling from the ring. No other information is listed. My focus returns to his eager expression. His tongue is cheerfully lolling to one side of his open mouth, with slobber dribbling free. There’s already a puddle forming on the ground.

  “Where are you from, Rune?”

  A cheerful yip answers me, paired with feverish tail wagging. There’s room for interpretation. Not that I was expecting otherwise. There’s just something about chatting with a pup that comes naturally. Or I’m already desperate for a companion. Either way, it’s a nice reprieve from my inner dialogue.

  He seems all too happy to hang around. With that wiggling butt planted on the ground, Rune nuzzles against me for more pats. I have to admit, I’m not familiar with this situation. Surely someone is close behind or searching for him. I continue lavishing him with attention while waiting for his owner to arrive. There’s not much I can do other than keep him occupied.

  That’s when another visitor crashes through the trees along the wooded path. This one is far louder and… more masculine. I struggle to stand from where I kneel in the grass. My jaw goes slack when the man comes into full view.

  His wild gaze scours the area. A noticeable calm loosens the tension when he catches sight of Rune, who’s quick to welcome him by scampering around his towering height. Rather than stick near the newcomer, though, Rune reclaims his spot next to me. The guy flicks flat disinterest in my direction before refocusing on the dog. My initial glee dims somewhat, which is silly and romantic—and misplaced. I don’t know him, but damn… do I ever want to make his acquaintance.

  This stranger has to be the hottest man I’ve ever seen, and that’s really saying something considering the company I’ve been forced to keep. The highest-paid IMG models would lose their jobs to this guy.

  He’s nothing short of striking. A tall, broad stature with power emanating from his wide shoulders. Hair the color of dark chocolate—my favorite indulgence. But it’s his eyes that steal my ability to concentrate beyond him. Like a cloudless sky and just as endless. Those bright blue depths lull me into a false state of calm, pinned on me or not. He won’t meet my imploring gaze, but I don’t misinterpret that as fear. This guy could probably fight a wolf and win.

  The space between us swells with warmth until moisture pricks my brow. A furious, guttural rumble sizzles off him. He’s probably sick and tired of women drooling over him. I’ve met him for all of two seconds and have already joined the horny harem.

  In the next instant, he clenches his eyes shut. That seemingly insignificant action rips me from the floaty bliss. Then thunder enters his expression and I shiver. Still no words are exchanged.

  I manage to untwist my tongue from its tied position. “Um, hi. I’m Penny.”

  He ignores my greeting and presence entirely. His gaze remains locked on Rune, who’s still planted beside me.

  Unease tickles my throat. “Is he yours?”

  Nothing, not even a nod.

  No problem. I can stumble through this awkward stage for both of us. “He’s only been here for a few minutes. Do you live close?”

  The man flares his nostrils, an indication that he hears me. Regardless of his refusal to exchange pleasantries, he doesn’t flinch or cower. The silence stretches until jitters crawl under my skin. It’s like having a conversation with a tree, albeit an extremely handsome one.

  He still doesn’t look at me. A stab of something mean lodges in my belly. I’m well aware that I’m not in my tip-top form, but acknowledging my existence isn’t too much to ask for. It’s not like I’m demanding a lingering glance that builds into a sultry smolder. The visual is enough to make my imagination melt.

  His blatant disregard decimates my polished demeanor. I tangle my fingers until the knuckles turn white. A downward glance reminds me of the run I was about to take. That will smooth these jagged edges he’s created.

  “Uh, so… is there something I can do for you?” Or to you, I add mentally. Suspicion hints that he wouldn’t appreciate that comment.

  Simmering fury rolls off him in waves as he stands too still. With a snap of his fingers, he beckons Rune to heel at his side. The dog glances between us, somber and hesitant. Conflict whimpers from him.

  “Does Rune belong to you?” It deserves repeating based on his reluctance.

  The man’s blue eyes flash to mine for a mere beat before skittering away.

  His behavior suggests submission, but I’m no fool. He bleeds pure dominance. His lack of eye contact is most likely a snub, or he isn’t comfortable giving it.

  A delayed and startling realization slams into me. Maybe he can’t talk and I’m offending him with this insistent questioning. I’m struck with a fiery blow of alarm straight to my chest.

  As if to soothe my guilt—or stoke my irritation—the man disproves that unspoken theory.

  “Rune,” he states with authority. “Come.”

  The command in his growly timbre makes my knees quake. I fumble to remain upright, fanning the embers erupting across my skin. The fluttering somersaults in my belly aren’t appreciated. I shouldn’t be having such a strong reaction to him. He’s just a man, an extremely surly one at that.

  “Come.” He snaps those powerful fingers again, demanding that his command is promptly followed.

  Rune lifts from his haunches and glances at me, an apology drooping his stance. His mismatched eyes are rimmed with indecision.

  “Go on,” I urge with a shooing motion. “We’re in enough trouble already.”

  The silent brute emits a gruff noise, as if I’m turning his best friend against him. It shouldn’t be that easy. The scolded pooch whimpers again, nearly cracking my heart in two.

  I return to my crouched position and offer the pup a farewell pat. “Feel free to visit whenever, Runey-boy. The cabin gets lonely.”

  The comment is a last-ditch effort to get a rise from the broody stranger who refuses to speak. Sure enough, all I’m met with is chilled silence. Shocking.

  I’ve been in therapy long enough to know this guy is dealing with some sort of… something. That’s as far as I’ll allow the assumptions to wander. His issues aren’t my business. The rudeness might be a defense mechanism, but that’s no excuse to be an asshole.

  Rune dashes back to his owner, bathing his extended hand with overzealous licks. The man bends to accept sloppy kisses on his scruffy cheek. He reciprocates their joyful reunion by treating Rune to a belly rub. Their tight-knit connection and fam
iliarity reflects in each anticipated move. The tender moment softens me to the brute.

  As if just remembering my close proximity, the guy shifts to his feet with jerky motions. He turns to begin a hasty retreat with Rune trotting beside him.

  “You still haven’t told me your name,” I call to his back.

  He visibly stiffens, tossing me a quick glance. No words tumble from those full lips. Just a harsh, menacing stare not quite directed at me.

  “Guess I’ll call you Thorn.” I mimic the act of plucking one from my side and tossing it at him.

  His steely glare intensifies for several sweltering beats. I almost blot my forehead from the intense heat he’s blasting at me. Those blue eyes swirl with the promise of retribution. I’m not much for revenge, but I also refuse to be a doormat.

  Been there, done that, and never going back.

  I wiggle my fingers at him, pasting on a wide grin for good measure. “Until we meet again, Thorn.”

  A pitiful whimper breaks me from the toxic cycle swirling in my brain. It’s a needed relief. My thoughts have become putrid sludge after obsessing all morning. That doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten the responsible party. I glance at my so-called friend, the only being I’ve relied on in years.

  “This is all your fault.”

  Rune releases another sad sound, face dropping between his paws. The sight threatens to weaken my resolve. Dammit, I’m a mess. I rip my gaze away from him with a snarl.

  “You’re not getting off that hook that easily.”

  He blinks those different colored eyes at me. The picture of innocence. Unguarded and pleading. That leads me straight back to another pair I recently got lost in.

  I was so transfixed on everything else last night that I didn’t see them. Now she pummels me with the full force of those hazel depths. Gray swirls with brown, a storm brewing on the horizon. How fucking poetic.

  Penny.

  My boots pound on the cement while I resume pacing. That woman is nothing but trouble. She reminds me of dreams better left forgotten. Optimism, kindness, compassion. More than that, she’s the embodiment of a bright future. But all that’s left for me is darkness and shadows.