Loving Lies(19)

“Thanks,” I say, opening the door for her. The scent of chai tea fills my room and for the first time in hours I smile. Chai tea is my favorite and I realize it’s the small things in life that truly matter.

I finish my tea and eat all the sandwiches and then head to my new developing room. It’s already four o’clock. I must have slept a good five hours. Guess my night with Blake wore me out. That thought doesn’t make me smile.

Unlocking the door, I switch the light on and make my way to the back room. Roger’s left all my supplies lined up by the door which will make it easier for me to arrange the space the way I want to. Grabbing the broom, I start with sweeping the floor. The last thing I’ll do is tape up the small window and change the light bulb. I’m not sure how long I’m at it, but before I know it the place looks like my idea of perfect. The two small sinks will work perfectly for the solutions. I’ve hung up a small clothesline so I can hang my photos and I’ve stacked the other solutions and paper I’ll need for developing. Who knew I’d like doing all of this? I get a sense of satisfaction when I look at what I’ve accomplished.

Now that I’m done my mind wanders to Blake. And like I’ve conjured him up with my thoughts he appears at my door.

“I thought I’d find you here.”

I hate my body’s reaction to him. His hair looks slightly messy and he’s changed from the dress slacks and dress shirt he had on at breakfast time to form hugging, faded jeans and a black t-shirt. I’m immediately enveloped in memories of last night and feel butterflies form in my stomach.

“You don’t look happy to see me. What’s up?”

Just the opening any other person would take to ask about Carol, but I can’t. Instead I grab an empty box and begin to dismantle it to add to my pile of garbage.

He steps forward and take the box from my hands. Heat fills me instantly as I recall what his capable fingers did to me.

Blake tilts my chin up so I’m forced to look into those soft brown eyes. Why can’t he be ugly? Why can’t he wear a tat on his forehead that says loser?

“What’s up?”

“Nothing. I’ve just been busy,” I answer.

“I looked all over for you today. Where were you?”

“Around.”

He releases me and gives me much needed space.

“This place looks great. I bet you’re excited to get started.”

I’m thrilled he’s changed the topic. “I am. But I don’t have many photos yet to develop.”

“Well, let’s fix that. I’m dying to go for a hike tomorrow, why don’t you join me?”

That’s too tempting. “Can’t, I’ve got to work.”

“What time are you done?”

“I’m working the early shift so I should be done by two.”

“Well, we’ll go for a small hike to a place the locals call the Squaw Trail.”

“Squaw Trail? Where on earth did you hear about that?”

He moves closer and the scent of him—outdoors, cedar and leather—crackles through the air making me hyper aware of everything from the heat of his skin to the light dusting of hair on his arms.

“I actually had a tour of this place the other day from the owners and they mentioned it’s a two hour hike. I’ll order some food from the kitchen and we’ll have a picnic supper.”

I find myself grinning. He’s trying so hard it is positively endearing.

“You can bring your camera and take some pictures.”

And just like that I’m caught—snagged by the promise of what my magic lens might capture. I’m also nervous. I work alone and like it that way. I’m fastidious when it comes to capturing the perfect light for my pictures.

He hauls me back to him so that we’re now hip to hip. “I promise not to get in the way.”

He’s more in the way than I should like. I let his warmth cascade through me, hating myself for feeling safe in his embrace. You’d think I’d know better by now. There is no safe place when you’re on the run and hiding from everything you once held dear.





CHAPTER SIX





Blake





She’s as skittish as a stray dog and I’m wondering what the hell happened. Less than twenty-four hours ago Alyssa looked confident and passion was clearly written all over her face. Did I do something wrong? Christ what if she’s found out why I’m really here? Worse, what if she talked to the owners? I knew I shouldn’t have gotten involved with her but I can’t seem to help myself when it comes to sexy passionate women. It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask her what’s up. Instead, I keep quiet. I did just wrestle a yes to a hike from her and I get the feeling that it cost her.