STEADFAST Read online

  Relaxing, she picked up her own cup. “Guess you’ll have to wait and see.”

  He grimaced. “Please don’t tell me you ordered blintzes with powdered sugar.”

  Lifting a brow, Cara kept her face neutral. “Blanche is bringing strawberries, too. She said it was your favorite.”

  Barking out a laugh, he sat back. “Yeah. I’m allergic to strawberries.”

  Her eyes widened before she saw the glint of amusement in his eyes. “It’s a good thing I have Benadryl in my backpack.”

  Wrath’s face screwed into a scowl. “Damn. I hate that stuff. Tastes like—”

  He stopped when Blanche set down a plate in front of each of them, piled with more food than he’d eaten in years. He cocked a brow at Cara. “This is what you ordered?” When she nodded, he shook his head. “Hell, woman. Where do you plan to put it?”

  Picking up her knife, she spread a generous amount of butter on her pancakes before smothering them in syrup. “I don’t know what you mean.” Cutting a bite, she put it into her mouth, sighing at the taste. “These are great.”

  Chuckling, he tucked into his own meal, enjoying this breakfast more than any meal he had in a long time.

  Forty minutes later, they hit the open road, Wrath leading. From several feet back, she had an excellent view, and not of just the passing scenery. He fit the large, custom Harley as if he’d been born to ride.

  He sat erect, no slumping or leaning forward, his leather cut flying open. The jeans stretched tight over his thighs and butt, as if he’d been poured into them. The black t-shirt strained across his shoulders, revealing the strong muscles of his arms. Unlike Cara, he didn’t wear gloves, but he did have on sturdy black boots, his one concession to safety.

  She knew he wouldn’t wear a helmet. Coming from another state which required one, she hadn’t made the switch, didn’t know if she ever would. Instead, Cara wore her steel gray half-helmet.

  Taking a quick glance up, she saw the sky didn’t contain any of the clouds the weatherman indicated might appear. This could change, but for now it was a beautiful, clear spring day.

  They took several easy turns before heading up a winding mountain road. She’d never been this way before and forced herself to pay attention as they rode through one hairpin turn after another. Her experience on a bike didn’t compare to Wrath’s, a discussion they should’ve had before taking off. Still, Cara didn’t regret the decision to have him lead.

  Slowing her breathing, she did everything possible to keep her heart from bursting from her chest. When Cara thought the last switchback might be one too many, the road straightened, heading into a magnificent hillside town.

  The buildings were old, made of stone or brick, rising out of the hard earth in a formidable display. Cara forced herself to concentrate on the road and not the magnificent structures. Pulling to a stop, Wrath signaled her to come up beside him.

  “This is Jeconah. It’s an old mining town. If you have time, we can park here and walk around. Afterward, I’d like to take you to lunch at the old hospital up the hill.” He lifted his chin to the rock wall behind her.

  Cara’s eyes widened at the sight. Several stories tall, she knew it would have a magnificent view of the valley below. “It’s a restaurant?”

  “A very good one, plus a hotel. The rooms are rumored to be haunted.”

  Her excitement rose. “Haunted? Oh yeah. I definitely want to see it.” She backed her bike into the space and secured her helmet while Wrath backed his bike next to hers.

  “You ready?” He held his hand out to her.

  Staring at it a moment, warmth ran through her when she threaded her fingers with his. “Ready.”

  Cara sipped the beer Wrath ordered, taking in the interior of the Specter, a favorite hangout of locals and visitors. They sat at the long bar, their backs resting against the edge as they both scanned the wood paneled walls.

  Posters, paintings, and mirrors took up much of the space, showing a history spanning years. Several statues stared down from their spots near the tin ceiling. A lone guitar player fiddled with his instrument against one wall, tuning it before his performance.

  “This place is amazing. I’ll bet it’s hard to find a free spot at night.” She felt his hand rest on her thigh and squeeze. His touch felt good. Very good.

  Finishing his beer, he slid the glass away. “Standing room only. You ready to head back up the hill to the restaurant?”

  They’d been so busy visiting all the sights, she’d almost forgotten about his lunch invitation. If it hadn’t been for the prospect of seeing a ghost, she might’ve suggested they head back to Liberty Lake.

  Taking the last sips of her drink, she jumped down from the barstool. “I don’t want to miss those ghosts.”

  “Then let’s go.”

  Wrath grabbed her hand. He’d held it almost the entire time they’d been strolling around Jeconah. She didn’t know quite what to make of it, other than she wanted him to continue. Cara hadn’t thought she’d welcome the touch of a man for a long time. But Wrath’s warm grip felt so right, as if they’d known each other for months instead of days.

  It had been three years since learning of Greg’s betrayal, then dealing with his death. She’d been careful to stay as far away from any type of relationship as possible. But Wrath, with his chiseled features, muscled body, and easy smile, made her want more.

  “Have you been to very many places since you moved here?”

  Wrath’s question cut into her thoughts. “I haven’t gone too far from Liberty Lake. Teaching and building my law practice have taken most of my time. The classes I teach aren’t offered during the summer term, so I hope to see more of the state. One of the law professors has offered to show me around.” She felt Wrath squeeze her hand with a little more pressure than usual. “He’s been at the university a couple years and has seen a lot of the sights. Don’t you think that was thoughtful of him?”

  He didn’t look at her as they trudged up the steep path to where they’d parked their bikes. “Yeah. Thoughtful.”

  She thought of Brian Wallace. A nice-looking man, incredibly smart, and much more reserved than Wrath, she knew he’d never be more than a friend. He’d been good company since she met him a few weeks after arriving. They’d shared supper a few times and met at the movie theater more than once.

  “He’s a few years older. Early thirties, I think, and single, so his schedule is pretty open. Where would you suggest we go first?”

  Stopping, he turned toward her, his jaw clenched, features cold as ice. Nostrils flaring, he tugged her between two buildings. Cupping her face with his hands, he leaned into her.

  “I think a tour with any man except me is a bad idea, Cara. A very, very bad idea.” Then his mouth covered hers.

  For an instant, Cara stilled, unprepared for the onslaught of his hungry mouth. Wrath’s tongue traced the fullness of her lips before she opened, allowing him to explore the recesses of her mouth.

  Hands moving up his arms, she settled them on his shoulders, surprised at her own deep sigh. His kiss slowed, softened, setting her aflame. An instant later, it deepened further, his lips warm, strong, persuasive, demanding.

  Circling her arms around his neck, she pulled him down, kissing him back with all the pent-up desire she’d kept hidden. Feeling his hands move to her back, she didn’t resist when he drew her closer, a low growl escaping his lips.

  Raising his mouth from hers, Cara’s glazed eyes held him captive. “Damn, sweetheart.” It was all he said before placing another quick kiss to her lips, stepping away and glancing around. “I almost forgot where we are.” Scrubbing a hand down his face, he let out a ragged breath. “Are you okay?”

  Leaning against the outside of a stone building, Cara took several breaths, doing what she could to calm her racing heart. A tentative smile tilted her lips.

  “I’m better than okay, Wrath. That was, well…” She shrugged, another wave of heat flashing through her. “You sure can kiss.” />
  Throwing back his head, he let out a deep peal of laughter. Smiling, he leaned down and pressed another kiss to her lips before taking her hand to finish their trip up the hill to the restaurant. Walking up the steep steps, Wrath opened the door, ushering her inside.

  Stepping to the hostess stand, he looked around, noting the restaurant was almost empty. A middle-aged woman turned toward them, her gaze landing on his cut. Lifting a brow, she glared at him. He’d seen the look many times before, long ago learning to ignore it.

  “Table for two, please.”

  Crossing her arms, she continued to glare. “It may be a while.”

  Wrath had been through the drill before. “Fine. We’ll get drunk at the bar until a table’s ready.” He tugged on Cara’s hand. “Come on, darlin’.” Turning back to the hostess, he leaned an arm on the stand. “Oh, and tell Marcus Wrath is here.” He mentioned the hotel manager, a man who served with him in the Navy.

  “Wait.” The woman picked up two menus. “We do have a table near the window. Will that be suitable?”

  Cara stepped in front of Wrath. “That would be lovely. Thank you.”

  Pulling out a chair, he waited until she sat down, then took a seat next to her, again placing his hand on Cara’s thigh. It had been a long time since a woman affected him to a point where he’d almost lost control. Wrath needed to be careful. Losing control wasn’t an option, never had been, and certainly not because of a woman.

  Cara took the menu, not opening it. “You know the owner?”

  “Marcus is the manager. His father owns the property. We’ve been friends for years.” He didn’t add they’d gone through BUD/S together, the six-month SEAL training program in Coronado. After enduring Hell Week, they’d been assigned to different teams. Two years later, Marcus lost a leg on a mission.

  “My God, Wrath. It is you.” A tall, lean man approached, his long hair pulled into a queue. When Wrath stood, they gave shoulder bumps, slapping each other on the back. “It’s been too long, man. And who do you have with you?”

  “Cara, this is Marcus Giles, an old friend. Marcus, Cara Mortensen.”

  “It’s a pleasure, Cara.”

  “Same here, Marcus. You have a beautiful place here.”

  He glanced at Wrath, then looked back at Cara. “This your first time in Jeconah?”

  “It is, but I hope to come back soon.”

  Marcus moved behind her chair, resting a hand on her shoulder. “If you decide to come back without this miscreant, let me know. I’ll be glad to show you around.”

  Wrath brushed his friend’s hand off her shoulder. “Get your own woman. This one’s spoken for. Do you have time to join us?”

  Marcus shook his head. “Sorry, man. I’m piled up with interviews for a new assistant manager. I’ll try to get back up here for a drink, but no promises.”

  “You do that. And get in touch with me the next time you’re in Liberty Lake.”

  Marcus gave him a mock salute, flashing a grin at Cara. “Will do.”

  She watched him walk away, noticing an almost imperceptible limp, deciding not to comment. “He’s a nice guy.”

  Taking a sip of his water, Wrath waited until his friend disappeared down the hall. “He is, and a good man. Lost a leg while on a mission in Afghanistan. I’ve never heard him complain about it.”

  She heard the word mission and stilled. Not a deployment but a mission, the same term Greg always used when his team received orders.

  “Mission?”

  Wrath swore to himself at his mistake. “Yeah. He and a few others were on a special assignment.” Picking up the menu, he noticed Cara studying him as if waiting for a better explanation. She wouldn’t be getting it. “Everything is good here. I’m going for their BLT. It’s the best I’ve ever had.”

  Biting her lip, she set down her menu, letting her question go unsaid. “Sounds good to me.”

  After ordering, Wrath sat back, placing his hand on her thigh once again. Picking up his beer, he tilted it toward her, waiting until she picked up her own glass. “Here’s to getting to know you, Cara Mortensen.”

  Swallowing the ball of curiosity growing in her chest, she touched the rim of her glass to his. “And to getting to know you, Wrath.”

  Chapter Seven

  “This is, without a doubt, the best bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich I’ve ever tasted. Better than sex.” Cara froze, grimacing at what she’d said. Chancing a glance at Wrath, she winced at the amused look and lifted a brow. “Well, at least any sex I’ve ever had.”

  Taking a long pull of his third beer, Wrath allowed himself a moment to study Cara. “Whoever you’ve had sex with obviously didn’t do it right.”

  She choked, dropping the sandwich, reaching for her beer. Taking a swallow, Cara felt Wrath gently tap her back.

  “Are you all right?” He leaned forward, concern etched on his face.

  Clearing her throat, Cara picked up her sandwich. “I’m fine. Your comment just sort of shocked me.”

  Leaning back, he held his glass lightly between his fingers. “I stand behind it. If that sandwich is better than sex, you’ve been with the wrong men.”

  Features sobering, a painful lump formed in her throat. “Man. Singular. My late husband.”

  Surprise flashed across his face before a memory of Mike mentioning Cara being a widow sped through him. “I’m sorry. How long ago?”

  “Three years.” She took another bite, chewing slowly, washing it down with a sip of beer. “He’d been cheating on me for most of our marriage. I didn’t find out until the night before he left on another…” Her voice trailed off on the memory and the fact she didn’t want Wrath to know about Greg’s job. “Before he left on another business trip. He didn’t return.”

  Sitting up, he set down his beer, setting a comforting hand on her shoulder. “That’s rough. How’re you doing now?”

  Wiping her hands on a napkin, she thought a moment. “Good. Really good. It hurt a lot at first, but then I finally accepted his cheating wasn’t my fault. What hurt the most was learning most of our friends had known about it for a long time. I lost Greg, but also all our friends.”

  “They dumped you?”

  A bitter chuckle left her lips. “No. I dumped them. The men all worked together. The wives or girlfriends often met for drinks or dinner while they were on their business trips.” Cara winced a little at the continued lie. Then again, being a SEAL was the business he’d chosen. “We’d talk about our work and family. Even though our marriage wasn’t great, I thought it was good enough and better than some. Turns out those women, my closest friends, knew about his cheating and even the names of some of the women involved. Not one ever felt the need to tell me. I don’t know about you, Wrath, but I don’t need friends like them. A few months after the funeral, I sold our house, got the offer for a position at the university, and left.”

  Stunned, Wrath didn’t know whether to drag her into his arms or do nothing, allowing her to work through it out loud. “Did they try to convince you to stay?”

  “They all knew I’d learned of Greg’s cheating, but I never mentioned I’d learned of their betrayals, as well. Instead, I planned my future, sold the house, refused their invitations to get together, and rode out of town without a word to any of them. Afterward, when they learned of my leaving, I sent a letter to each of them and explained my actions. That’s when the phone calls, emails, and texts came. Maybe another woman would’ve handled it differently, but for me, purging them from my life was right. I’ve never regretted it.”

  Lifting her empty beer glass, she signaled their waitress.

  “Another beer?” the young woman asked.

  “Whiskey on the rocks. Make it a double.” Cara shot a warning look at Wrath, who held up his hands in surrender.

  “Make it two,” he told the waitress.

  She looked between them, then shrugged. “I sure hope you two are staying the night in the hotel.”

  Wrath turned to Cara, his gaze
burning into hers, his hand moving up and down her thigh. Pulling out his phone, he shot a text to Marcus. A few minutes later he received a reply.

  Done.

  “Wow, I didn’t realize how dark it had gotten.” Cara wobbled a little on their way down the long corridor, Wrath’s arm around her waist. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to see well enough to navigate the turns going down the mountain.”

  Chuckling, he stopped, inserting the key into the lock. “You aren’t navigating anything tonight, sweetheart.” Ushering her inside, Wrath deposited Cara on the bed before tossing her jacket on a chair. Removing his cut, he folded it, laying it over her jacket. “It’s bed for you, beautiful.”

  She looked around, taking a minute to figure out why she was sitting on a bed. Head spinning, she grabbed his hand, drawing him down to sit next to her.

  “Are you coming to bed with me?”

  Wrath wanted that more than he wanted to draw his next breath. “Not right now. I’ll let you warm the sheets and I’ll join you later.”

  A slight pout appeared on her face. “Okay.”

  His chest squeezed at the almost too enticing expression. He had to get out of there before his self-control vanished. “Let’s get your boots off.”

  She didn’t fight him when he removed her boots, then drew down her jeans, groaning at the sight of her long, shapely legs. Soon, he told himself, gritting his teeth. Holding out a hand, he hauled her up while pulling back the covers.

  “In you go.” Helping her into bed, he pulled up the sheets and tucked the covers under her chin. Leaning down, he kissed her mouth, letting out a groan when her arms slipped around him, tugging him toward her.

  “Hmmm. You taste good.” Her soft breath washed across his lips, causing his body to draw tight as she deepened the kiss.

  Regaining control, Wrath gently tugged her arms from around his neck, tucking them under the covers. “You need sleep, baby. I’m meeting Marcus and will be back up in a bit.”