Three Times a Hero

SHADOWSFORGE 1: THREE TIMES A HERO by Jena’ Galifany WHISKEY CREEK PRESS www.whiskeycreekpress.com Published by WHIS...

Author: Jena' Galifany

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SHADOWSFORGE 1: THREE TIMES A HERO by

Jena’ Galifany

WHISKEY CREEK PRESS www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Published by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS Whiskey Creek Press PO Box 51052 Casper, WY 82605-1052 www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Copyright © 2006 by Jena’ Galifany Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

ISBN 1-59374-552-4

Credits Cover Artist: Shawn Ryan Editor: Louise Bohmer Printed in the United States of America

Dedication To Joyce, Brandi, Maria, Samantha, and Jennifer: Thank you for keeping ShadowsForge alive. Technical Advisor—Jonathan McMillan

Chapter 1 Tonight’s concert had been perfect. The fans were great, absolutely, and the concert rocked. It just “happened”. Just the way it was supposed to. Every move, every note, everything, was just right. As if it were choreographed moment by moment. Now it was over, and Ty Synclair needed to get away. To get some air, some quiet, some peace. Some time to think. ShadowsForge—British rock band on the US leg of their world tour—were finished for the weekend, something that rarely happened. A weekend off. They weren’t expected to be anywhere until Monday afternoon when they were to board the ShadowsForge jet at Los Angeles International Airport and travel north. Their immediate plans included heading down to Los Angeles or Hollywood to relax for a couple of days. The next show wasn’t until Tuesday night. The stage and equipment were on the way north by truck and would be set up by the time they arrived Monday night. One night of rehearsal, followed by the next afternoon’s sound checks—all the usual procedures that went into the pre-show set-up. Then—house lights go down—cheers rise—applause explodes—thunderous music screams to life—and that barrier called a curtain would disappear, signaling that the two plus hours of hammering workout had commenced. Ty Synclair couldn’t wait to get out of the sweat-soaked black waistcoat and black jeans he had worn onstage. He had 1

ShadowsForge 1: Three Times A Hero

to peel off the saturated material that had become a second skin, before he could enjoy a refreshing and well-earned hot shower. His chest-length curly hair was plastered to his neck and framed his face, having lost most of its fullness beneath the scorching stage lights, as if it had melted to his skin. As he stood in the pounding spray, his hair grew with the weight of the water, creeping down his back and chest nearly to his waist. His trademark. It was straight now but that wouldn’t last long. As soon as it dried, up it would kink, losing almost half its length in the process. He could have stayed in the shower for a few hours, but he had plans. He slid into a pair of blue jeans and his slashed yellow athletic shirt, wearing a solid black shirt beneath it. He thought about the buffet of food and selection of so called “ladies” that would inevitably be waiting in the main room of the suite. Each woman was competing; hoping that one member of the band would claim her for the night or maybe two. Ty didn’t want to claim one. More to the point, he didn’t want one to claim him. To some of them, one night constituted a lifetime commitment that nobody in the band had any intention of honoring. Some of these women couldn’t see themselves for what they really were: a night’s entertainment. They cheapened themselves in what they offered so that was the way the band accepted them. Ty smirked at the thought, then quickly pulled on his socks and a pair of short black boots, planning to escape as soon as he could. Ty pulled on his denim jacket, flipping out his now damp, quickly curling hair from the collar as he picked his way through the crowded suite toward the door. He tried not to look around at the two—and three—people groupings around the room. Yeah, the lads had already chosen their “entertainment” for the night. There were a few selections left 2


over. Ty shook his head in annoyance. He had arranged to borrow a car from one of the local stage crew and only wanted to get out for a quiet drive about the hills surrounding the valley. He was still amped from the performance, but wanted to be alone while his body calmed down from the adrenaline high he always experienced after a live show. Looking down at the floor, hoping not to catch anyone’s attention, Ty threaded his way to the door, pulling it open in anticipation of freedom. “Hey, Ty.” A loud voice hailed him before he made his getaway. Geoff Richards, front man and the voice of ShadowsForge, called from across the room. “Yeah?” Ty stopped for a moment, not looking at Geoff, but instead noticed a young—very young—blond wearing more makeup than material, sitting on the arm of the sofa, seductively eyeing him as if he were a bar of chocolate.

Bet she’s not even sixteen. Dangerous!

“Where are you going?” Geoff swaggered up with a petite but large busted brunette tucked under his arm for support. Ty moved his gaze from the blond, who began tracing her lips with the tip of her tongue. He stepped into the hall before she could invoke the reaction he was trying to avoid. Before he could pull the door closed, Geoff parted from the brunette and followed him. “What’s up?” Geoff followed Ty to the elevator. “Nothing. Just want to get some quiet.” “With all those women in there, you want quiet?” Geoff’s eyebrows shot up as he leaned against the wall beside the silver doors. “You know, you’ve been skipping out of these after show parties for a while now. We have a rep to uphold and you’re not doing your part. What’s happening with you, mate?” Geoff eyed Ty with concern. “Y’know, that little blond can be real quiet, I bet, if you put something in her 3


mouth.” He grinned. Ty rolled his eyes. He punched the elevator button with the side of his fist. “Yeah, and she looks like if her daddy shows up in the middle of your party, you can be a guest of the golden state of California for a very long time—for free. A ten by ten room with three meals a day. What a holiday. Geoff, don’t you ever get tired of them?” “Groupies? Hell no. Not enough of them.” He shrugged. “What else is there?” “There are real women; women who care about who they are and what they do. These girls don’t respect themselves, and they sure as hell don’t respect us. They only care how big your—name is. They don’t think anything more of the guys they sleep with than a famous name in their black book. Most hope to make the bucks off the books they’ll write when they get too old to party with the bands. ‘Yeah, I shagged Jagger, Elliott, and some guy named Synclair twenty years ago, and that’s my claim to fame. I even tried to pin a kid on which ever one I could get to take the fall.’ Or worse, it is your kid so you get to support her for the next eighteen years. Pretty high price for one night.” “You’ve handled your share of them.” Geoff straightened defensively. “Two at a time as I remember—back when we started out. Before Elsbeth?” “Yes, I did, and that’s why I want something better now,” Ty explained, wondering why the elevator was taking so bloody long. “Don't you ever want to find that one?” “What one?” Geoff turned to look up and down the hallway. “I’ll take any one.” Ty shook his head, relieved to end this conversation as the elevator door opened. “When you find the one, you’ll know what I mean. I’ll see you later.” 4


“You’ve been spending too much time alone, Ty. Um, I’ll keep the blond quiet for you.” Ty smirked as the doors closed. “Yeah. You do that. Give my regards to her daddy,” he muttered, buttoning the lower half of his jacket. **** Alexis Rivers quickly buttoned her jeans before she slipped her heavy cloth coat on as quietly as she could. She didn’t bother to pull her waist-length black hair out of the collar. A moan caught her attention, causing her to freeze, holding her breath. She closed her dark eyes tight, offering up a silent prayer.

Lord, don't let him wake up now.

She stood perfectly still until she could once again hear the deep rhythm of his breathing. She grabbed her boots and made her way to the front door. She flung her bag over her shoulder, and slipped outside before she pulled on her boots. She retrieved gloves from her pockets, sliding them on as she crossed the snow-covered yard to her Nova. The heavy clouds dropped thick snowflakes on her as she went. Alexis shivered as she climbed into the car. She wasn’t sure if it was because of what she had done or from the snow. Either way, she would be happy to get to the cabin, light a warm fire and enjoy her new freedom. She took the car out of gear, allowing it to roll down the driveway, as well as some distance down the hill, before she started the engine. Once she was on her way, she smiled, letting out a breath that she hadn't realized she was holding. In three days, she would be in Oregon. Les would never find her there. She had rented a small, furnished apartment in Salem, sight unseen, trusting that she could always move after she found a job and got herself established in her new life. She was only taking what she could carry in two suitcases so it 5


didn’t matter where she found herself as long as it was away from here. She had carefully scraped together about a thousand dollars that he didn’t know about and before leaving, transferred from his wallet to her pocket another five hundred that she could live on until she found a job. Hopefully. It didn’t matter. Oregon broke was better than Mirada shattered. Everything was set, and now she was on her way. The cabin five miles down the road had been rented for two weeks. She would only be there until Monday, when she would head to Los Angeles International Airport, desert her beloved but unreliable Nova and disappear. Les Roberts had bounced her off of the walls for the last time. She’d had enough of his physical violence and mental abuse. It was time to get on with her life. If he survived the drugged sleep, he’d be raging furious. Alexis sure didn’t want to be around for that. Since he was still breathing when she left, she was reasonably sure he would survive. His kind always did. All she had to do was lay low until Monday. She wanted to leave him when she could be gone the next day, but the opportunity came with a three-day gap in it and she had to take it. She was happy that she had had the foresight to rent the cabin. Otherwise, she would have been sitting at L.A.X. for three days, and most likely, Les would have caught up to her before her flight.

Only a little way to go.

**** Ty hoped that the heater in Jack’s car was working. He stepped out the rear entrance to the hotel into the frozen night air, heading across the snowy parking lot. The motor started immediately as well as the heater, warming the interior of the Honda in less time than it took Ty to traverse the slippery parking lot, and turn west on the traffic deficient street. Ahead he could see the distant hills. 6


He drove carefully, leaving behind the hotel complete with his four band mates, the band’s road manager, several business people, and far too many women. No thanks. Not tonight. He had too many things on his mind. The last thing he wanted to do was to conform to the rock-star image, get sloppy drunk or chemically altered, and then be expected to “perform” phenomenally between the sheets for some loving chippie without being hung over, or throwing up the next day while they traveled. Whoever designed that bullet-proof lifestyle couldn’t possibly have lived long enough doing it to have enjoyed it. It was a killer. The night sky was unusually clear, he noticed as he left the city behind, crossing the five-mile expanse of desert flatlands before beginning the climb into the snow-covered hills. But that’s California. Snow on the ground and a sparkling night sky above. On the horizon in all directions were billowy clouds, creating a frame to provide support for the starstudded tapestry stretched over the valley floor. They perched atop the surrounding hills, waiting for the slightest breeze to push them out over the valley to drop their frozen burden. Ty was hoping to find a vantage point where he could look out over the valley. He liked to see the city lights from the distant hills whenever it was possible. It was calming and helped him to relax and to think. Ty tried to identify the inner turmoil intruding on his life recently. It was getting crazy. Be here—be there—run. You can’t sleep now, do it later. Some unknown, unidentifiable— something—lurked at the back of his mind. Something he was unable to pinpoint making him uneasy about his lifestyle. He wanted to change it. Staying away from the after show parties was a step in the right direction, he was sure. Cutting out the hit and run lovemaking was a big step toward changing his ’80s rock star mentality. He was pretty sure that it was an im7


provement also. Now if he could only convince his body of it. Some nights that was the difficult part. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy the shows, the travel, the adulation and excitement of being a part of ShadowsForge. Hell, he was one of the founding members. The other guys were great mates. Geoff was a little crazy; the perfect incarnate of the rock star image. He was a bit off, but he was Ty’s best friend. They had grown through the teen years together and now through the difficult climb to the top. Ty seemed to be the only one in the band looking for more though, planning for a future beyond ShadowsForge. Yes, the money was good; great, in fact, and being carefully socked away, invested, for his “retirement”. As much as he could, considering the high taxes of his homeland. He wanted to purchase a home someplace where he could go when and if the popularity and stardom fell away. As fickle as the music industry was from year to year, it could happen quickly and without warning. They had enjoyed six great years so far so it could happen any time or not for another twenty-five years. Who knows? He found himself thinking about it a lot lately. He wanted a place to live where he could sit on his own porch with an acoustic guitar in the evening, writing songs or playing something soothing for an audience consisting of his wife—his kids. He smiled. Yeah, he wanted kids. A lot of them. But what Ty didn’t want was to have his children with someone who would only be there as long as the tours went on, or the parties; as long as the money rolled in by the truck load, and the unit sales stayed in the gold and platinum range and beyond. As long as his good looks held out. All the surface stuff. Not another Elsbeth—his first wife. What a mistake she had turned out to be. No, this time the woman had to be special. She had to 8


be—the “One.” If only he could find that one woman out there who was real. Who loved him for himself. Not his name and not his money. Him. The one who, up to this point in his life, completely eluded him. If he could just find the one… **** Alexis came to the final curve in the treacherous drive down hill. She was almost overcome with joy. “I don’t ever want another man, as long as I live. I won’t be owned again.” She nodded in determination, her heart arguing with her mind, and breaking at the decision. The fantasy of a sensible, responsible man to love her and take care of her had been shattered too many times against the floor or a wall. Les Roberts had taken away all of her dreams and left her with only the desire to be left alone. Completely alone. From now on. “I’ll live my own life, my way, doing what I want, when I want,” she said, trying to convince her self that this was what she truly wanted. She outran the clouds that were dropping snow on her escape and was grateful that she would be at the cabin before they caught up with her again. She hated to drive in the snow, especially through these hills. Over the last three years, countless people had been injured or killed trying to traverse the shortcut from one valley to the next in the snow, instead of taking the freeway that went around. She knew that it was now or never if she wanted to be a free woman. Her headlights played off of the white hills in the distance as she approached the last curve before her turn. She stepped lightly on the brake, attempting to slow before she reached the actual turn. The back of the car slipped. Alexis turned the wheel, trying to control the skid. Something flashed ahead of her as she reached the curve. She stepped harder on the brake, 9


too late realizing that it was the wrong thing to do. Headlights glared in her eyes.

10


Chapter 2 Driving along a quiet road winding its way through the snow-covered hills above the frosted valley, Ty found himself confronted by an oncoming car sliding out of control. It was coming head-on and Ty had nowhere to go to get out of the way on the two-lane road. The sloping embankment dropped off at least fifty feet into a gorge on his side. In a small car that would be one hell of a dangerous ride. Ty hugged the side of the road, tapping the brakes carefully. He braced himself for the impact. The Nova suddenly corrected itself, but not quite enough. The heavy car crunched across his rear quarter panel as it passed. He overcorrected, slamming through the wooden guard rail as if it were made of toothpicks, down the hillside, coming to rest on a fairly level ledge, with the nose of the car buried in a snow drift against a small grouping of pine trees. Those trees had kept him from continuing his dive into the gorge another thirty-odd feet down. They were sturdy, though, and didn't look like they would give way under the weight of the small car. Ty sat in stunned silence for a few moments before determining if he were injured in the short but wild ride he had so unexpectedly taken. Nothing seemed to be broken. His knees ached from being banged against the dashboard, and his 11


chest hurt from the locking seat belt that he had to unclip so he could breathe. The motor died during the ride and he found himself surrounded by an unnatural silence; the kind of silence that only snow can create. He buttoned up his jacket to his throat and climbed out of the car, looking up at the roadway. It took a little exertion to climb the sloping embankment but the adrenaline rush from the descent sustained him. So much for calming down after the show. As he reached the road, he searched for the other car. The area was dimly lit by a single streetlight reflected by the white that covered the hills surrounding him. Ty jogged through two hundred feet of calf-deep snow at the side of the road, to where tracks went over the side. The Nova had continued its uncontrolled slide off the road, dropped about fifteen feet, and slammed dead center into a fair sized pine tree. The front end hugged the tree, keeping the vehicle from falling into the gorge. It was on a greater incline than the Honda with only one lone pine to hold the much heavier vehicle. Ty couldn't see anyone moving or trying to get out. Not a good sign. Ty lowered himself carefully down the hillside to the driver’s door and found a dazed young woman behind the wheel. Blood trickled down the side of her face from a cut across her forehead. Her lap belt was snug around her heavy lavender coat. She was looking around, quite confused. “Bloody hell,” Ty exclaimed, at the sight that met his eyes. With the fender pushed back over the seam of the door, it took several tries to get the door opened. Ty wedged his boot against the edge of the fender, gripped the door handle, and pushed as hard as he could. The metal screeched in protest before it crumpled out of the way. Ty was thankful that 12


he found the strength, thinking it had all drained from him in tonight's performance. He searched through her car, trying to locate something to press to her bleeding forehead. Seeing nothing, he unbuttoned the bottom of his jacket long enough to rip the tail from his yellow shirt. With the door open and the windshield broken, the warmth from the interior was quickly escaping. Ty unbuckled her lap belt and gently moved her over. He slid in beside her, pulling the door closed to preserve what heat he could. She proved to be very light as he settled her, getting her to lean her head back. He carefully brushed a few strands of blueblack hair from her delicate face and pressed the cotton material against the cut, trying his best to remember what to do for a head injury. Her eyes searched the ceiling of the car, wandering aimlessly. “Do I look like a bleedin’ Boy Scout?” Ty spoke to himself, attempting to calm the anxiety that was creeping up, trying to overwhelm him. “They’re always prepared. I’m not. Come on, Synclair, stay calm.” He moved closer to her. “Miss?” Ty hoped to bring her back to coherence long enough to find out who she was or where she was coming from. Hopefully she didn’t live too far away. If he could get his car up on the road, he could at least get her some help. Or walk there if it wasn’t too far. The mobile phone.

Duh.

He quickly searched his jacket pockets with one hand. Gone. Must have fallen out when he hit the trees. Have to check when I get the bleeding stopped. He pressed firmly against the material held to her brow. A moan escaped her lips, startling Ty from his thoughts. 13


He shook back his thick hair, placing his mouth close to her ear. “Miss?” “Oh, Lord.” She turned toward him. “You’re up already?” The girl stared at him with deep, brown eyes. But in those dark pools, Ty saw something he didn’t like. Terror. She gave a startled cry, sliding from his touch, pushing his hand away as she grabbed the handle of the passenger door, tugging franticly. Her knit gloves would not allow her to get a good grip on the handle, her hands slipping continually from the metal lever. “Calm down, lady.” He tried to hold her, fearing she would hurt herself further as she pulled with futility at the door handle. “Don’t hurt me, Les.” She screamed in breathless terror, using the last of her strength to pound her fist on the glass. Panic quickly overcame her. She slipped from consciousness. Ty heard a crunching sound. The car lurched to the side, swinging around the tree about a foot before it stopped. It was obvious that the car had no intention of staying where it was for very long. Ty caught the girl as she slumped against the door, leaning her against his chest. He had to get her out of the car before it decided to give in to gravity. Ty grabbed her bag from the floor, placing it on her lap. Carefully, he pushed himself backward to the door, gently pulling the girl along by her coat. He tried to move as smoothly as he could, not wanting to make any jarring moves that might set the vehicle into motion.

Pretty daft of me to climb in here in the first place.

Her struggle had apparently upset the balance of the vehicle and he had no intention of making it worse. He reached behind his back, pushing the door open as slowly as he could while holding on to her. 14


With the angle of the car, it was difficult to push the door open. After several tries, he turned, giving it a shove. When he did, the door sprung all the way open. He jammed his boot against it to keep the door from rebounding closed again. He cursed as the car shifted again, another foot toward the gorge. Ty held his breath until he felt the car stabilize. He slid out of the Nova, planting his boots as firmly on the snowy hillside as he could. Now that he was standing, he dragged the girl across the seat. He grabbed her bag and threw it behind him while holding on to her collar. Once he was sure of his footing, he tugged gently on her jacket, sliding her slowly out. She was dead weight and he didn’t know what injuries she might have, so he feared moving her too quickly. He had her upper body clear of the car when there was a creaking sound and the snow beneath the tires crunched in protest as the heavy vehicle began to slide in earnest. Ty wrapped his arms under hers, leaning uphill away from the car, digging his heels in as he tried to pull her clear. Her booted foot caught on the steering wheel as the Nova gave in to gravity. Ty felt the car pull her along but fear or panic made him give her a hard jerk. He landed on his back, the girl held tightly to his chest, as he watched the car swing sideways on the hill, release its hug on the pine tree and begin to roll. It thundered down into the gorge leaving a trail of parts, landing on its roof with the sound of shattering glass. Ty lay breathless trying to will his heart to stop pounding. He slipped from under the girl, throwing her bag on his shoulder. He grabbed her jacket collar as he began to struggle up the hill, pulling her along behind him. When he reached the road, he sat down against the light pole, pulling her up to lean against him. Her wound was still bleeding, prompting him to rip another piece from his shirt. He returned the compress to her forehead, glancing up and down the roadway. He 15


sat with one arm protectively around her small frame in an attempt to keep her warm while he caught his breath. He had been on this road for twenty minutes, at least, and hadn’t seen one other car before she came sliding around the curve. There would probably not be another car along any time soon at this late hour. He couldn’t remember passing any dwellings of any kind. He had to get to his mobile phone and get her some help. He glanced down at the Nova lying on its lid and shivered at what could have happened. Not just to him but to the girl as well. Pulling his eyes from the wreckage, he glanced at his watch. Twelve- thirty-eight. This was probably a really bad time to wonder what the name of this road was. Ty looked around hoping to find a street sign. None were within the scope of his vision. He thought it ironic that this was the only light pole he had seen along the way. One pole in ten miles and she had come within inches of hitting it. What were the odds of that? More than he was willing to bet on. No matter, at least the light was shining. Ty held her for nearly five minutes while he thought about their situation. It was getting uncomfortably cold. When he was sure that the bleeding had subsided, he dropped the compress, struggling to his feet. Ty hung the girl’s bag on his shoulder before lifting her carefully in his arms. Her head lolled against his shoulder, her breath mingling with his as it puffed away in the frosty night air. He looked into her young face for the first time, noticing that despite the trail of blood down her cheek, she was lovely. Her skin was olive, and her dark lashes rested on her high cheekbones. She had a small mouth, with delicate pink lips, though she wore no makeup. She had a natural beauty that Ty had rarely seen. He wished he’d met her under different circumstances. He trudged along, looking up at the clouds that 16


were now obscuring the clear night sky he was enjoying only ten minutes ago. “Great. How about some more snow out here? Brighton has a bloody sight more than this about now.” He yelled sarcastically into the night, trying to release some of the tension that he felt. He hunched his neck down into his collar, wishing he had gloves as he heard his voice echoing back. As if God had answered his request, small white flakes floated down, clinging to their jackets, face, jeans and nesting in his dark blond curls. “Oh, that’s precious. Thank you ever so kindly,” he said more calmly, squinting upward. At least his hair kept his neck and ears protected from the increasing snowfall. The two hundred feet to his vehicle where quickly covered by the strides of his long muscular legs, re-using the footprints he left the first time he made the trip. My boots are

for running about on stage, not for cross country skiing and hill climbing. As he slipped a time or two, he thought about

his snow boots back in Brighton. Ty was amazed that the girl seemed to weigh little more than his heaviest bass guitar. Her chin was tucked down and he could smell the light floral scent of her hair as he carried her to the edge sloping down to his car. He placed his feet sideways on the slope, hoping for a better footing as they descended. The girl groaned once, and he feared that she might come around and begin struggling before he could get her out of the cold. What on earth was he going to do when she did come around? Pray that she would see he wasn’t Les, whoever he was.

Les must be a very unpleasant person to cause such fear so deep in her eyes.

Her eyes. Wow. No doubt that Ty could get lost in those eyes. He glanced down as he continued his descent, taking an17


other long look at her face. Those long lashes. The blue-black hair framing her delicate features. “If I had one more tumble with a groupie, I could deal with it being her. It’s been more than a month. Kansas City, I think. Yes, I could get used to waking up next to this face.” A smile touched his lips. He lost his footing, falling backward on his rump, sliding down the remainder of the incline on his back. The girl had been shielded from the fall by his body, her head landing comfortably on his chest, her body held tightly to his by muscular arms. She barely jolted when he met the snow-padded ground with a muffled thump. “Okay.” He looked up at the sky with his delicate cargo securely on top of him. “I take it back,” he groaned, letting his head fall back onto the snowy ground as he caught his breath, his thick hair pillowing his head. It was warm with her body atop his for a few moments—until the snow began to melt through the seat of his already saturated jeans. “Aaugggh.” He cried out, trying as quickly and as gently as he could to stand up. It took him a minute, but he was able to get to his feet and to the passenger door of the car without dropping the girl. Ty wrapped one arm around her torso to hold her upright and let down her legs. His six-foot build allowed her five and a half foot frame to dangle against him. Once he was sure that his hold was secure, he reached down and quickly pulled the handle. His frozen fingers slipped from the handle as it snapped back. “Locked?” he gasped. “Who the bloody hell locked the door?” Kind of a dumb question, he reminded himself, since he had borrowed the car in the first place, and hadn’t had any reason to check to see if the passenger door was locked. Why 18


would he? He was only going for a quiet, relaxing drive. Yeah. Right. Okay, the keys. In the ignition. DAMN. Once more he turned his eyes skyward. “I didn’t ask what else could go wrong, did I?” In answer, a large snowflake blew into his eye. He jerked his head down blinking wildly, grabbing the end of his jacket sleeve with stinging fingertips, trying to wipe away the cold. Ty placed his painful fingers in his mouth, breathing hard on them to stop the burning sensation that the door handle had inflicted. He thought about laying the girl down in the snow and running around to unlock the door but quickly dismissed that idea. Even if he carried her around he would still have to put her down to reach across. “Note to self.” He leaned against the car, hoisting the girl into his arms again. “Never—NEVER—borrow a Honda Accord again. Next time, something with a bench seat if they still make them. Or even something with four doors. Center console with a stick is no good. Next time something like her car, with an automatic. That would work.” Realizing how ridiculous he sounded, he smiled and looked tenderly at the girl. “Don't worry, love. We’ll be all right.” Ty made his way around the car and suspended the girl once more. When he opened the door, he smiled. “Small blessings,” he said to her, as if she could hear. “Electric locks.” He gave the button a flick and heard the passenger door click. “Cool.” It took Ty only a minute to move back to the passenger side, nudging the car hard a few times to test its stability before tucking the girl in. He took time to assess the damage as he shook the snow out of the back of his jacket that he had scooped up on the slide down the incline. The damage wasn’t bad; a scraping across the paint mostly at one end. It was 19


pretty superficial. Jack shouldn’t be too upset. If he were, Ty would buy him a new car. He’d probably do that anyway. That guardrail must have messed up the front end. He trudged to the front but found it buried in the snowy drift, hiding any damage from view. Couldn’t be too bad, though, as the air bag had not deployed in his face, he reasoned. Ty shivered, deciding to get out of the snowfall. He shook his head, releasing what felt like three pounds of snow from his thick locks. It had caked in his hair and cold, wet tendrils slapped him across the face like a cat-o-nine-tails. He rolled his eyes in annoyance as he slipped into the car, pulling the door closed to the cold, white downfall that had already covered the windshield and back window. It was cold in here as well. He turned on the dome light, searching the floor for his phone. There it was. Unfortunately, it had shattered with the impact. After an unsuccessful, thoroughly frustrating moment of trying to press the pieces together with his chilled fingers, he surrendered and shoved the pieces into an inside jacket pocket. Ty took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Strike that idea. Move along.” He leaned forward, banging his forehead purposely against the steering wheel in aggravation. “Next brilliant idea.” Thud. Thud. “Any time soon.” Thud. “Heat would be good.” He reached for the key, hoping that the car would start. As he said a silent prayer, he turned the key and was rewarded by the sound of the motor trying to turn over. It took a second and third try, but finally the car started and the heater blasted to life. He welcomed the warmth, taking several minutes to rub his frozen hands before the vent. He couldn’t chance his hands being frost-bitten. They were his career. Can’t play without fingers. It took a few minutes to get them warm. He glanced into the mirror, finding his hair resembled 20


a poodle in the rinse cycle. When he was a bit warmer, he eased the car into reverse, hoping he could get it to back up the incline to the road. He eased out the clutch, feeling the car shutter as it tried to grab traction. The tires broke free on the icy snow, moving the car only about two inches before it slipped back into the drift as if it wanted to keep its nose hidden.

That’s all right. I don’t want to drop another car into the gorge tonight.

It was evident that Ty wouldn’t be successful in getting the car out but at least they would be warm until help showed up. If the petrol held out. He glanced at the gauge. Less than an eighth of a tank. Oh, hell. Ty fought a mental battle against wondering what else could go wrong. He was afraid to find out what would happen if he asked.

21


Chapter 3 Ty unbuttoned his jacket before he pulled the bag from his shoulder, placing it in his lap. He glanced at the unconscious form beside him before opening the canvas bag. Ty didn’t want her to awaken and find him going through her personal things, but he wanted to know something about her, like—her name. Maybe where she lived. He raked through the relatively small amount of items. Not what he expected to find, or rather, not find, in a woman’s handbag. No money, no credit cards, no mobile phone, which he had hoped she would have. Only a small bottle of perfume, which he took the liberty of smelling, a set of house keys, and her wallet with only a driver’s license. “Ah,” he exclaimed quietly, once again eyeing his silent companion. “Alexis Rivers. Five foot five inches.” He took a moment to eye her up and down. “Right. One hundred three pounds. A bit more than me bass but not much.” He absently rubbed his shoulder, his eyes never leaving the document in his hand. “Eyes, brown. Oh, yeah. Hair, black.” He eyed her once more, committing her image to memory. “And an address that tells me nothing because I wouldn’t know where it was anyway.” He dropped her wallet back into the bag, slipping it to the floor by her feet. He turned out the light and looked out 22


the side window at the falling snow. His thoughts went back to the hotel, wondering what Geoff and the rest of his bandmates were doing now.

Never mind. I know what you’re doing. No thanks.

Ty was thankful that he wasn’t at the hotel, but he wasn’t thankful that he was in the middle of who knows where with an injured woman, not knowing what to do for her but knowing that he had to get her out of this cold. He eyed the gauge that dipped closer to empty. He turned back to Alexis. “What’s a beauty like you doing out here alone?” He quietly questioned her. In answer, she rolled her head slowly toward him, opened her eyes, and looked around. Ty held his breath, hoping that she wouldn’t start screaming and swinging at him again. “Who are you?” she asked, not bothering to look at him. There was a frightened note to her voice but she remained calm. “Taylor Synclair, but you can call me Ty.” He answered in a soft voice. “What happened, Mr. Synclair?” She spoke meekly, reaching her shaking hands toward the vent. “Your car slid into mine before it hit a tree. Lucky you weren’t killed,” he offered. “You took a pretty nasty bang on the head. I stopped the bleeding.” “You’re British.” It was a flat statement. “Guilty.” He smiled. “What are you doing here?” She had a puzzled look on her face. “Well—” he began. Wait. She didn’t recognize him or his name. That’s good. She doesn’t know who I am. “I’m an international spy?” Alexis nervously smiled but still did not look at him. He wished that she would give him another glimpse of those strik23


ing dark pools. She closed them instead and leaned back in the seat. “My head hurts—my eyes,” she stated, pulling off her glove to touch her forehead lightly with delicate fingers. She traced the cut about two inches long from the center of her forehead to where it arced over her left eyebrow. Ty watched the way she moved. There was grace in each motion of her hand, fingers and body as she shifted in the seat. “I’m not surprised considering the slice on your forehead.” Ty turned the mirror her direction. “Here, take a look.” She waved a dismissive hand. “No, that’s all right. I just want to rest my eyes.” Ty adjusted the mirror and sat back, thoughtfully. “So, what’s your name?” He assumed she hadn’t seen him in her bag. “Alexis Rivers.” “Nice,” he commented, trying to draw her into conversation. “Thank you. But really, Mr. Synclair, what are you doing out here at this late hour?” She turned his way, keeping her eyes closed. “I was out for a drive. I wanted some time in the quiet— to think. Be alone. The group that I travel with can get noisy at night.” “I apologize for interrupting your solitude. I remember hitting some ice.” She stroked the seat. “How did I get to your car?” “Yours had a tree sticking out of the middle of the motor, and I couldn’t get the heater to work. It was getting cold so I carried you over here.” Ty turned sideways in his seat so that he could lean back against the door and look straight at her. He didn’t want to frighten her with the details of her car’s 24


demise just yet. “Thank you. Is your car drivable?” “It probably would be if we weren’t about twenty feet down the side of a hill. I tried but can’t get the car to back up the slope. Too slippery.” “Well, I thank you anyway for what you’ve done.” “It was nothing. I couldn’t leave you there to freeze, could I?” “You should have left me there to die.” Her words came in an exasperated whisper. Ty was shocked. “To die?” He debated whether or not to tell her how close she had come to doing just that. “Why would you want to die?” “Oh, no reason.” Alexis’ voice began to waver, the emotion of the situation trying to overtake her. **** Alexis listened to his voice. She was sure she heard her name as she came around. She had heard his voice earlier but this time, she was sure it wasn’t Les. It sounded musical, gentle. There was that accent. She wanted to know who he was, but she saw nothing but black once she opened her eyes. Logic told her, Whoever he is, I can’t let him know I can’t see. Alexis had decided she wouldn’t take any more of Les’ drunken abuse. She had planned her escape for months. She found a way to rent the cabin, and stocked it for the few days she might need to stay before flying to Oregon. She took great risk in sneaking out after Les passed out from his drinking or drug binges to move things to the cabin. Tonight, she drugged him with sleeping pills in his food to assure he wouldn’t wake so that she could sneak away. Now her car was all but useless, if what Mr. Synclair told her was true. How would she get to L.A.X.? Why couldn’t she see? Her eyes began to burn. She put her hands over her 25


face as the tears made their way from under her dark lashes. “Oh, no, lady. Don’t cry.” She could sense Ty leaning toward her. He tried to place his arm around her. When his hand brushed her back, she cringed fearfully away from him. Ty pulled away. “I’m sorry.” “It’s all right.” She was angry that she had shown fear as she regained control of her emotions. She didn’t want to explain the whole situation to this stranger. Why would he care, anyhow? He was just another man. “Programmed response.” “You don’t look much like a lab rat. Who programmed you?” “Les Roberts,” she stated. “Do you have any tissues?” Alexis listened as she heard him searching around in the car, tensing when she felt him leaning close again. She could smell his cologne. It had a warm spicy scent that soothed her. She heard the click of the glove compartment opening and closing. He let out a sigh. He moved about for a moment before Alexis heard something rip. “What did you tear?” Alexis was quite sure that it was material. “My shirt.” “Why would you do that?” she asked, astonished. What a strange thing to do. She lightly fingered the material he pressed into her palm. “Well, it really is kind of torn up anyway. It was made that way, to look all torn up. Sort of like—uh, rock performers wear. I already took off a couple of pieces when your head was bleedin’. Another piece won’t make any difference. It was clean when I put it on about an hour ago.” She dabbed at her eyes gently with the material, warmed a bit more by the scent of his cologne. She was surprised at the tingly feeling she felt at the spicy aroma. She tried to clear her mind as she thought about his unusual behavior. 26


“I’ve never met anyone like you. Thank you.” She folded the material into her palm, holding it as if it were something to treasure. Alexis hoped he’d turn out to be as kind a person as he seemed to be, but she certainly didn’t want to be obligated to this man for anything. She wasn’t starting out very independent so far. “A lady as pretty as you, I’d think, would have gents all over her. I’ve done nothing special. Just trying to help.” “I’ve seen no gents in years. Les wouldn’t allow other men around me. That’s why we moved up here.” “You live up here? Good. It’s still snowing a bit but if it isn’t too far, and you give me directions, I can walk there and get someone…” “NO.” She panicked, her hand flying out to grab his arm. She grabbed him harder than she had intended. He flinched. She composed herself before continuing. “No, you can’t go there. There’s—no one there.” She turned away from him, but continued to hold his arm, feeling reassured by the touch. Ty patted her hand gently. “All right. I’ll stay here. I just hope the petrol holds out to keep the heat running.” As if on cue, the motor began to sputter and, in less than a minute, it coughed and died. **** “Strike three. Well.” He spoke in resignation. “Which way is the nearest living person? You can stay here and I’ll try to get us some help.” He pulled up his collar beneath his semidry hair, preparing to set out on foot to—somewhere. “Mr. Synclair.” She hesitated, turning to look his way, finally opening her eyes. She looked past him. “Can I trust you?” There was a note of fear in her voice. “Well, I tell you this. I don’t see that you have a lot of choice. I can be considered more trust-worthy if I’m your friend, and friends call me Ty. Mr. Synclair is my father.” 27


She turned her eyes on him. “All right—Ty.” He felt an unusual rush at the sound of his name when she said it. He’d never felt that before. He’d heard thousands of females speak or, more often, scream his name, but it never had quite the same effect as when she said it. “You can call me Lexy.” He mulled it over. “No,” he answered. “Not good enough for a lady like you. I like Alexis.” He hissed out the end of her name, enjoying the sound of it.

Yes, the old flattery is coming out. Just like autopilot. Knock it off, Synclair; you don’t have to impress this one.

No, he didn’t have to impress her, but he wanted to. His mind wanted to know more about her and his body, well; it was having its own ideas as well. But that was the kind of thinking he was trying to get away from. A lady like her could be the one that he was searching for. At least he’d like to think so. He had a feeling about her that he couldn’t quite explain. There was an overwhelming desire to protect her, to do things for her. She seemed shy, soft spoken and polite. And she didn’t know who he was. Perhaps a relationship could grow untainted, by all that he possessed, if he could keep his identity a secret. It was a possibility that he wanted to pursue. But if she knows who you are and wants a tumble, his body tried to suggest. He quickly suppressed the thought before it had the opportunity to become evident. “Fair enough. I’ll tell you, Ty. My cabin is very near here.” “Wonderful,” he exclaimed. “How far is it?” “Well, it’s about a mile as the crow flies. A little farther if we stay on the road.” “Call me “crow,”” Ty said, buttoning up his jacket. “Are we going up hill or down?” “Down. That’s where I was heading.” 28


“And Les is there?” “Lord, I hope not.” Alexis shivered, tucking her hair securely into her hood while carefully pulling it close around her face. “How deep is the snow now? Can you tell?” She obviously changed the subject. Well, if she didn’t want to talk about Les, no problem. Ty didn’t really want to hear about him. “Shouldn’t be too deep.” “Good. My ankle is a little painful. I must have twisted it in the accident. You may have to help me along the way. Do you mind?” “Don’t mind at all,” he commented, looking forward to helping her. “Are you ready?” “Ready as I’ll ever be,” she said, pulling on her glove before reaching for the door handle. “I need my bag from my car.” “It’s at your feet,” Ty said, surprised that she hadn't noticed it. “Hang on, I’ll get the door.” “Oh. Thank you.” Alexis took one more quick smell of the material before pushing it into her pocket. Ty pulled the key from the ignition and tucked it into his pocket before getting out of the car. He hurried around to get her door and helped her out. As soon as she stood up, they both knew there was a major problem. Her ankle would not support her weight at all and was swollen, stretching the top of her boot. The muscles in her jaw worked hard as she shook in frustration, obviously becoming overwhelmed by the steadily worsening situation. “Listen, Alexis,” Ty began, hoping to console her before she became hysterical. “If you show me where to go, I’ll carry you. Would that be all right?” “Good grief, Ty; do you realize how far it is to be carrying me in the snow?” she reprimanded him. “Why do you have 29


to be so helpful?” “I could leave you here to freeze now, woman. How about that?" he shouted sarcastically. His voice echoed back from the gorge, taunting him. Even in the dim light, he could see her cringe at his outburst, closing her eyes tightly. “Look,” Ty said, feeling like an ogre as he gazed down on her small frame. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. I just want to get us out of the cold.” “It’s all right. We’re both getting frustrated.” She placed her hand lightly on his chest, looking up suddenly as if she realized he was quite a bit taller than she. “Okay, but if you carry me, could I keep my eyes closed? They really hurt.” “That’s fine as long as you tell me where we’re going.” Ty smiled at her. “Fireman’s carry okay with you?” Alexis glared in his direction as he locked the car. “Or not. What ever you want, love. Come on up, then.” He took her in his arms, lifting her effortlessly. It felt good to hold her body to his again. There was shared warmth between them and she was easier to manage now that she was conscious. It took well-placed steps to climb up the slope once more before continuing down the road. At least it wasn’t as steep here as where the Nova had gone over. **** Alexis couldn’t believe how Ty effortlessly lifted her. She felt quite secure in his arms. He must be terribly strong to carry her along as though she weighed nothing at all. She could feel the warmth radiating from his body against her as he walked, and she wondered what lay in store when they arrived at the cabin.

He’d better not be expecting anything just because we’re stuck with each other. But, oh, does he smell good.

She was enjoying the change from “Essence of Ninety Weight” motor and gear oil that Les always smelled of. She 30


hoped that this man turned out to be the gentleman he appeared to be. It seemed that they might be together for a while. “All right, boss lady, which way?” he said. “I hope this won’t be a very long walk.” “Can you see, down the way, a sign that says Lower Shake?” “There’s a sign down that way,” he said, heading thankfully downhill. “From here all I can see is snow on it.” “That’s it. Turn up the road there to the left and follow it up into the grove of pine trees. Or you could head north cross-country to the grove. Once we get through the trees, it’s a bit farther.” Ty looked across the gorge toward a distant grove. “I think we should stick to the road. Too many steep hills between here and the trees.” “Whatever you want to do,” Alexis commented. She couldn’t see what he was talking about, so she was forced to trust his judgment. After all, it was his back if he wanted to take the long way. **** She placed her arm around his neck, which brought her face close to his. He could feel her breathing on his skin, and he enjoyed the warmth on his neck and the chills that traveled up and down his spine. The snowfall slowed but was stirred around them by a breeze as they turned up the road toward the grove. The untrammeled snow was easier for Ty to keep his footing on and they made very good time to the grove of trees, about three quarters of a mile away. The breeze was slowed by the thickness of the grove, making it a little warmer as Ty carried Alexis along. He was quite surprised that he wasn’t totally exhausted. He had been on the go since early this morning, having slept the night be31


fore only on the Ethereal jet to Los Angeles from Denver, Colorado, and in the limo from the airport during the twohour drive to Mirada Valley. The day was filled with set up, sound check, rehearsal, a radio interview, and a two and a half hour show with barely enough extra time in there somewhere to eat once or twice. He had thought that any energy he had this morning had been completely drained away. “Would you like to take a break?” Alexis asked, as if she had read his mind. “Not really,” Ty answered. “I’d like to get there before the weather turns nasty again. Then we can rest. My fingers are getting frozen about now, though,” he said, with some concern. “Put me down for a few minutes anyway, if only to get your hands warm,” she insisted. She could tell they were in the grove as the breeze had suddenly died down. “You’re the boss,” he said. “How about at that log over there?” he asked, noticing a fallen tree about another forty paces up the road. “Good,” she said, not bothering to look. Alexis laid her head on his shoulder, feeling his hair sweep lightly against her face. “Mmm.” The sound she made caused Ty to grin. “Are you comfy?” he asked. “Your hair,” she said, nuzzling her face up close to his neck where his hair was dry. “My mane? What about it?” he commented, as he stopped at the log. He was reluctant to put her down while her face was so close to his. “It’s warm on my face.” “Feel free to burrow if you like,” he said, lifting her higher up on his chest. “The dry stuff’s underneath.” Alexis’ nose bumped lightly into his jaw as he raised her 32


upward. She lifted her head and laughed. What joy Ty saw in her face for the first time. She seemed to light up with happiness. “Put me down and let’s get your hands warm first,” she said, quickly nuzzling behind his ear. Reluctantly, Ty placed her gently on the log, pushing his hands deep into the warmth of his pockets. It was almost painful, as the heat tried to replace the cold in his slender fingers. Denim might look good, but it wasn’t very warm when it wasn’t lined. Especially when it was wet. He thought briefly of his heavy denim with the sheepskin lining that was hanging at home in Brighton. He hadn’t thought he’d need it on this leg of the tour. Next time, he decided, it’s coming along regardless. “Here,” Alexis said, pulling off her knit gloves. “Put these on,” she instructed, holding them out to him. “Your hands will get cold,” he protested. “No they won’t. I have a way to keep them warm, and we’re almost there,” she said. “Take these.” She shook them at him. “They’re too small,” he noted, taking the seemingly dainty gloves from her. “They stretch. You’ll be surprised.” She pushed her hands into her coat pockets. Ty was surprised as he pulled them on; surprised at how far they did stretch and how warm they were from her hands. “Oh, yeah,” he said. “Much better.” “Sit by me,” she instructed, patting the log beside her. Ty brushed the snow from the log and sat down. His jacket was only waist length where as hers was long enough for her to sit on, keeping her backside from getting frozen. His was already frozen from sliding up and down hills. “Give me your hands,” she directed, as she groped for 33


them. Ty placed his hands in hers and she rubbed them vigorously, effectively warming more than just his fingers. This was getting complicated, Ty thought, as a war raged within him. Back down, Synclair. He closed his eyes as he clenched his teeth. She’s a lady. Treat her like one. She doesn’t look

the type for a casual bump and grind. Anyway, I can’t bloody well throw her down in the snow and have my way, now, can I? Well—actually I could. A tempting thought but—we’d both freeze to death.

“Your eyes,” he said, trying to take his mind off of her touch. “They really hurt bad?” “Yes. Even the moonlight is too bright,” she said, shoving her hands back into her pockets. Ty looked around, noting that the sky where he could see it was nothing but clouds. If there had been a moon, it would have barely been able to penetrate the grove of snow-laden pine trees that surrounded them. “Yeah, okay. Let’s get on our way, then. Up you go,” he said, standing and taking her hands to pull her up. She leaned against him as she steadied herself. Ty carefully lifted her as she slipped her arms around his neck. “How are you going to keep your hands warm out of your pockets?” he asked. “Like this.” She placed her hands beneath his thick mane. She brushed her fingers through his hair a few times pulling the dry underside down, stroking the silky tendrils as they wound around her hands. “Is this all right?” she asked, laying her head on his shoulder, nuzzling her face into his curls. Control, man, Ty told himself. “Oh, that’s um—very clever. That’s fine,” he answered, as he began walking briskly up the road.

I’m going to have to throw myself naked in a snowdrift 34


before this is over. I know it.

He took a deep breath as he trudged on toward the distant hill behind which lay a cabin and hopefully a hot cup of tea—and a cold shower.

35


Chapter 4 “This place is terrific,” Ty exclaimed, as they rounded the hill. Before him lay an “L” shaped cabin, larger than he had expected it to be. The front window was large, which allowed a full view of the clearing surrounding the front of the cabin and the roadway leading up to it. The front door was in the crook of the “L.” “Tell me you have something hot to drink,” he added, as he crossed the clearing toward the front door. “I should have something that you’d like. Coffee. Tea, I think. Some soups,” she answered, leaning her face closer to his neck. “I really owe you so much for this.” She regretted her words as she said them, suddenly afraid of what he might want in return now that they had arrived. “You owe me nothing. Well, maybe a back rub.” He laughed, suppressing another shudder caused by her warm breath on his ear. Well, maybe the back rub’s not a good idea,

either. That might lead to—

Alexis hugged him before she thought about what she was doing, relieved at his words. She thought about placing a light kiss on his neck. What on God’s green Earth am I doing? She decided that the odd sensation running through her must have been brought on by their closeness over the last half hour of walking, coupled with that warm cologne, the strength of his arms—Whoa. She assured herself that it would pass as soon as 36


he put her down and they put some space between them. As much as she hated to admit it, she was becoming attracted to this mystery man. Her heart was winning over her mind on the subject of wanting to remain alone. As he stepped up on the raised porch, Alexis raised her head and untangled her hands from his hair. She dug into her bag and pulled out the keys, fumbling with them as Ty leaned against the doorframe to hold her where she could reach the lock. Her fingers were finally able to push the key into the slot, and she pushed the door open. Ty stamped his feet, trying to dislodge as much snow as he could from his boots before he carried her through the door, pushing it closed behind him with his hip. Alexis reached out and flicked on a switch by the door. The lamps at each end of a sofa brightly glowed. The living room was furnished with an overstuffed couch, decorated in a floral pattern of green and lavender, with matching chairs at each end arranged in a semi-circle facing a large fireplace. A dark wood coffee table sat in front of the sofa. The floor was hardwood beneath a dark brown braided rug that covered most of the furnished area. In the corner of the room stood an acoustic guitar in its stand. Ty smiled. At the far end of the cabin, separated from the living room only by a table with two chairs, was a kitchen. The sink, stove, and small refrigerator stood on the right side of the back door with a washer and dryer on the left. Two small windows framed the back door—one over the sink, and the other over the dryer. A door on the right wall probably led to the bedroom, Ty decided. Perhaps as large as the cabin looked, it had two bedrooms. Good. “You could put me on the sofa,” Alexis suggested, reminding Ty that he was still holding her. “Right,” he said, moving across the room to the sofa. He 37


carefully sat her down, pulling a quilted afghan from the back of the couch and wrapping it around her. He turned to survey the fireplace. “Do you have any wood, kindling, something to burn? The furniture looks too nice to break up.” He pulled off the gloves, laying them on the hearth. “Outside the back door to the left you’ll find the woodbin,” she instructed, as she pushed down the throw and unbuttoned her jacket. “You might want to keep that on until I get a fire going. It’s terribly chilled in here,” he commented, as he moved to the back door. Just as she had said, he found a huge firewood box outside the door. The top opened like a chest and he retrieved a couple of logs, some smaller sticks and there was a stack of old newspapers at one end. “Okay, Synclair, remember how to make a fire. I don’t think this one has a gas starter in it.” He closed the woodbin and returned to the house. He walked in to find Alexis pushing off her coat. Beneath the thick cloth coat had lurked the curvy frame of a model, well shaped if not absolutely perfect. Ty stopped at the sight, one arm stacked with wood, the other hand griping the doorknob. Temptation rears its ugly head—again. He couldn’t take his eyes from her. Alexis looked toward him, their eyes meeting briefly before she looked down, picking at the afghan. She was wearing a v-necked lavender sweater that enhanced her figure and complimented her coloring. Her black hair was straight, thick, and reached nearly to her waist. Ty closed the door as he watched her drop her coat on the floor before pulling the afghan up around her shoulders, concealing her figure once again. She leaned back on the sofa, silently staring ahead. When the door clicked closed, she turned his 38


way with a start. “I found the wood,” Ty said, moving to the hearth to place his burden in the brass woodbin there. He began crumpling up the paper, making a good-sized bed for the kindling and one small log. Once these caught, he would add the larger logs. “All right, all we need is some fire and we’ve got it, I think.” “On the mantle,” she instructed. Ty stood up, looking along the wide mantle. He found the butane flame wand and in a matter of a few seconds, had the small fire crackling. He replaced the lighter and held his hands out to the blaze. “I haven’t done this in years. It’s fun. Can you feel it over there?” he asked, turning to face her, hoping the seat of his pants would dry fairly quick so he could sit down. “Not very well,” she said, hugging the afghan closer around her body. “Well, how about we get you a bit closer?” he suggested. He stepped around the table, scooping her up in his arms. He carried her around the table and set her, afghan and all, on the rug, not more than three feet from the growing flames. “Is that better, love?” He tucked the afghan snuggly around her. “Much better, thank you,” she said. What’s he up to? He’s being too kind now. She was startled by his sudden nearness and touch. Alexis decided that she would have to get her fears under control if she was to keep her defenses up. “Now, how about we check that ankle,” he said, kneeling at her feet. He gently lifted the injured foot, carefully trying to remove the boot. She grimaced as the tight boot came off, but breathed a sigh of relief once it was removed. Ty checked her ankle over, gingerly moving her foot up and down. “Can you move it at all?” “Only a little bit. Do you think I broke it?” Alexis bit her 39


lower lip in uncertainty. Great. I can’t even outrun this guy if

I need to.

“Naw. I think you just banged it a bit. Give me your other foot.” “Why?” she asked suspiciously. “Might as well be comfy while you sit here.” He pulled off the other boot and set them on the hearth to dry, before tucking the afghan down around her socked feet. Once the small log had caught fairly well, Ty stacked several more logs around it before he picked up her coat from the floor. Removing his as well, he hung them on the chairs at the table. “Now, where’s the phone?” he asked, looking around the room. “Don’t have one,” she stated. That’s why we’re stuck here together. “You don’t have a phone? I thought everyone had a phone of some kind—usually more than one.” Ty was astonished but not really upset about being stranded with Alexis. “It wasn’t something I thought I would really need.” She shrugged. I’m not going to be here that long. “Ah. Well then. Something hot to drink?” he said, heading for the kitchen. “In the cabinets. Just look around,” she answered over her shoulder. Ty found the light switch and searched several cabinets before he found coffee and a coffee maker. He set up the pot, turning to lean against the counter, watching Alexis as she brushed her fingers through her hair. He kicked his boots off and set them by the back door, hoping that his feet would thaw out soon. A hot bath would be a pleasure right about now. He leaned against the counter again, folding his bare arms across his chest as he continued to watch her. Or maybe 40


a cold shower. He smiled.

Ty retrieved a washcloth he had seen in a drawer when he was looking for the coffee maker. He wet it with warm water before he returned to the living room, cloth and a towel in hand, kneeling on the floor beside her. “Here, let me get some of the blood off your face,” he offered. “It’s on my face?” Alexis said, surprised. “I must look frightening,” she added, suddenly self-conscious. “No. Not too scary,” Ty said, as he cupped her chin in his hand and lightly dabbed at the streaks on her cheek. “I don’t think you’ll give me nightmares.” Daydreams maybe, but not

nightmares.

“Thank you,” she said, allowing him to finish the task. He returned to the kitchen, rinsed the washcloth and dried his hands. When the coffee was ready, Ty found a cup and poured out the steaming liquid. Turning, cup in hand, he watched as Alexis pushed down the afghan once more to her hips, pulled her hair around her shoulder and began to separate it. The movements of her hands transfixed him as she worked her thick hair into a long cable. He moved to the sofa, amazed at her graceful motion and dexterity. Alexis sat silently in front of the crackling fire. She could hear the sound and feel the heat from the blaze. Her world was dark and a bit scary, though it was somehow comforting to know that she wasn’t alone. She listened to the sounds around her, trying to identify each one. The wind was blowing harder outside, causing the trees to creak as the branches bent to the will of the powerful gusts. There was a whistling somewhere as the wind had found an opening to explore. “Ty,” Alexis called out. “Right here.” His soft voice came from very near, making 41


her jump slightly. “I didn’t know that you were in here,” she commented, turning toward his voice. She finished the plait and tied the end of her hair in a knot. “You move very quietly.” “I came in just now. I left my boots by the door. I was admiring your hair in the firelight. It’s beautiful,” came the compliment. Alexis absently stroked her braid. “Thank you,” she said, suddenly feeling shy. His compliment warmed her, though it put her on her guard. She had not heard such praise and tenderness in so long; she hardly knew how to react to it. This was something she had longed for. She could easily fall prey to this Englishman’s will if she didn’t watch what she was doing. But for some strange reason, the thought of it didn’t really alarm her as much as it should have. Though this was no way to be independent. **** Ty didn’t know what to do with himself. What it was doing to him, watching her with the fire behind her, dancing lights reflecting blue on her hair, and her figure framed in flames. He pictured himself falling to his knees before her, taking her in his arms, pulling her body hard against his—

Whoa, boy. Don’t go there. It’ll be a long, lonely walk back.

She appeared to be shy, but Ty wondered, briefly, if she knew exactly what she was doing to him. Perhaps the shyness was an act? Perhaps she really did know who he was. Maybe not. He hoped she wasn’t the kind of person who would purposely seduce someone she had only met an hour ago. That was the kind of woman he was trying to get away from. But he reassured himself that she didn’t know who he was and that was a big part of the attraction for him. He was tired of the endless parade of women from one town to the next that 42


wanted to be around him, with him—under him—simply because of whom he was in the entertainment industry. As much as his body was still attempting to maintain the rock star mentality when he looked at her, he knew he needed someone real, and he was beginning to hope that that someone could be Alexis. Even her name caused his breath to catch in his throat. He could hiss it very sensually, and Ty imagined what it would be like to whisper it softly, slowly, in her ear as they made love before the fire. Ahhlexsssisss. Ty gripped his coffee cup tightly. This is getting bloody

well painful. It’s a good thing she’s not looking at me. She’d certainly know what I'm thinking. He felt the heat rising

throughout his body as he shifted uncomfortably. “Ty, is that coffee I smell?” she asked, snapping him back from the dangerous fantasy he was picturing in the flames around her. “Uh—yeah. I couldn’t find any tea,” he answered, a light quiver in his voice. “Are you all right?” she asked, a concerned look crossing her face as she turned toward him. She reached out a delicate hand in his direction, as if she could touch him from where she sat. “You sound—strange. I’m sorry. I didn’t ask you if you were hurt in the accident.” Great. She can hear it in my voice. He rolled his eyes. “I’m fine. Really. Just warming up—uh—thawing out,” he answered, rising from the sofa, nearly spilling the hot liquid in his lap. “I’ll get you a cup. What do you take in it?” “Nothing. I just need something warm in me,” she said. Ty closed his eyes tightly, taking a deep, slow breath to choke back a groan as the mental picture faded. “Be right back,” he ventured, as he headed across the room in a rush.

Girl, what you’re doing to me. 43


Chapter 5 Ty realized that he hadn’t eaten anything tonight. Eating before bouncing about on stage, under those hot lights, could do evil things to your system. Ty had learned that the hard way some years ago. He had been in such a hurry to get away from the hotel tonight that he had bypassed the lavish buffet that was set out in the suite, planning to get back to it later. “Alexis?” he called out, as he poured her coffee. “Yes?” “Are you hungry?” Ty carried the steaming cup in to her. He knelt beside her, holding out the mug. “Could you put it in my hands?” she asked, holding out her hands toward him. Ty took one of her hands and placed the handle of the cup in her fingers. “Got it?” When he was sure that she had a hold of the mug, he stood. “Thank you. I could eat,” she answered, after a sip of the hot liquid. “Can you cook as well as you make coffee?” Ty smiled. “I make better tea, actually. What do you have?” He headed back to the kitchen and started a second search of the cabinets, not waiting for her to answer. “Hmm—something quick.” Ty decided on soup. Quick and easy at this late hour. Not to mention warming. He pulled out two cans of chowder 44


along with a loaf of Shepherd’s bread he found in a cabinet and some cheese that was in the refrigerator. He had the soup warming as he sliced the bread and cheese, placing them on a plate. “Hey, I have the bread and cheese, all we need is the wine,” he called jokingly, over his shoulder. “Sorry, don’t keep alcohol,” Alexis answered. “Oh,” Ty said, carrying the bread and cheese to the table in front of the sofa. “We don’t need it anyway.” He glanced at his watch. “It’s nearly two in the morning. A bit late to start drinking.” “I’m glad you think so,” Alexis said, with a smirk on her face. “What’s wrong?” Ty asked, noticing the look. “Alcohol has been a major source of trouble in my life. That’s why I don’t keep it.” Alexis tugged the afghan closer around her shoulders. She pulled her knees up, hugging her legs to her chest beneath the afghan. “No problem. It’s a real troublemaker; I agree,” he said, returning to the stove. He thought about how toasted Geoff and the others would probably be by now—if they were still conscious at all. “Soup’s about ready,” he called over his shoulder. “Do you think it would be easier in a mug?” “Definitely,” Alexis agreed. **** Ty finished washing the dishes and returned to the living room floor, sitting down beside Alexis after adding the last logs to the fire. “Well, this isn’t how I expected to spend the night, but it’s not bad,” he commented, looking into the fire. “I was planning to spend it quietly—alone,” she said, wondering what would happen next. Ty stretched his legs out. He looked around at the room, 45


his eyes coming to rest on the closed door behind them. “So, how many bedrooms does this place have?” he asked casually. “It only has one, through that door. There’s a large bathroom off of the bedroom.” Alexis had wondered how long it would take him to ask about the sleeping arrangements. Well, he was welcomed to the couch or the floor in the living room. Unfortunately, there was no lock on the bedroom door. “Oh. By the looks outside, I thought there would be two. So you share it with Les?” “Why do you keep bringing him up?” Alexis asked suspiciously, not really wanting to even think about Les, much less talk about him. The thought occurred to her that Ty was trying to find out how secluded they really were; if someone would show up to—interrupt them. She felt vulnerable for a moment, but the feeling quickly faded. She reasoned that no matter what happened with this man, it would be an improvement over what she had lived with for the past three years. And besides, if she planned to live the rest of her life alone, this would be her last sexual encounter. But only if she decided she wanted him. She wouldn't allow herself to be goaded into anything. Mystery man. One night stand. What a thrilling prospect. Besides, he’ll find a way out of here tomorrow morning anyway. Maybe I’ll put the moves on him before he starts anything. Show him who’s in control here. “When I was trying to stop your head from bleeding in the car, you shouted, ‘don’t hurt me, Les.’ I guess you thought I was him. If he’s that dangerous, I’d like to know if he’s going to show up here, that’s all.” “Mm. Well, Les is from my past. A really unpleasant exboyfriend,” she remarked, staring toward the fire with some relief at his explanation. 46


“Did he hurt you?” Ty asked hesitantly, turning to watch the firelight dancing on her face. It served to deepen her olive tone that cried out to be caressed. “Too many times.” She spoke quietly, a sadness marring the beauty of her eyes. “He was awful to live with.” Ty noticed her looking at the flames. “Your eyes are getting better, are they?” “Yes, a little,” she bluffed, closing them again. “The pain is mostly gone.” “That’s great,” Ty said. “So, he doesn’t live here.” “Right. He never did. You have nothing to worry about,” she assured him. “Great. That makes me feel a lot better. Don’t want a jealous husband finding me tending to his wife, y’know? Could be dangerous,” Ty said with a laugh. “Makes me break out in big ugly bruises.” “Does that happen to you often?” she asked, wondering if he were some kind of womanizer. “No. But I don’t want to start a new habit.” Alexis smiled. If only Ty knew what would happen if Les caught up with her—them—right now. It would not be very pretty, she was sure. Ty would probably run all the way back to the valley and she wouldn’t blame him if he did. If Les showed up, she’d go with Ty out of self-preservation. “Hey,” she said. “Why don’t you move over here and let me give you that back rub.” **** Ty thought about her hands on his back, wanting to feel her touch. He wondered if it could make him feel any worse than he already did. This was turning into a major new lesson on self-control. “You don’t have to do that,” he said, reaching over and patting her on the leg. 47


“I know I don’t have to—but I want to,” she answered. “After all you’ve done, I have to do something for you. It’s only fair.” Ty shrugged before moving closer to her. “Here. Turn a little this way so I can sit beside you. I don’t want to block the heat from the fire.” Alexis turned toward him and reached out, lightly stroking his hair at first before pushing it aside to run her palms down his back, feeling the slashed shirt. As she began the massage, her hand caught in the material. “This thing really is torn up, isn’t it,” she commented. “Just a minute,” Ty said, pulling what was left of the shirt over his head, tossing it on the sofa behind them. “There, try that.” She reached out again—expecting to touch flesh— surprised but relieved to feel the muscular contours of his back through another layer of material. She pictured in her mind his broad shoulders tapering into the narrow waist as she worked her way down his body. She kneaded his shoulders and neck gently, feeling him relax under her touch. Her hands moved expertly across his shoulders and down his bare arms. “You’re cold,” she commented, taking note of his strongly contoured upper arms. No wonder he had carried her so securely. “Yeah, well, the temperature’s rising in here, though,” he said, feeling as if fire rushed through his veins. “I mean, I was in the kitchen. It’s getting warmer now—by the fire.” She briskly stroked his arms a few times, feeling goose flesh rising suddenly on him as she did. “You seem to be pretty chilled,” she noted. “Are you sure you’re getting warmer?” “Believe me, Alexis, I’m getting very warm,” Ty assured her, as she returned to his shoulders and continued down his 48


back once more. “Ty?” “Hmm?” “Is there someone waiting for you where you’re staying? Someone that would be worried?” Someone to keep you from trying anything? She thought it only fair to find out if he was taken—just in case. “Probably, but I’d still rather be here,” he said, leaning forward, suppressing a groan as she worked on his lower back. Man, does she have talented hands. “Your—wife?” “Don’t have a wife—anymore,” he confessed. “Oh? What happened to her?” “Couldn't deal with the life I lead. She had a vision problem.” “What sort of vision problem?” she ventured. “She was short-sighted. She couldn’t see me past my money,” he said, turning to see Alexis’ reaction once he realized what he had confessed. “Oh, then you’re—wealthy?” “Sort of.” Ty cringed slightly at the slip. He didn’t want the fact that he had money to sway her opinion of him but it was too late to change the story now. “My job pays pretty well. But it’s a lot of night work and travel. She hated it and kept herself happy with the money. I found out she was spending it on someone else, though.” “I’m sorry,” Alexis said, with genuine compassion. She resumed working on his shoulders, as they seem to have tensed up again. “I’m not. She wasn’t the one,” he commented. “The one?” Alexis echoed. “I believe that somewhere out there, for every person, there is that special one. The one that sees only the person 49


they profess to love. Not what they own, what he or she could do for them, or what he or she does for a living. Someone who will see me for who I am,” he said, staring into the flames as he shared his philosophy. After a few moments of silence, Ty turned to look at Alexis again. She sat still, staring at him. “You all right?” “That’s beautiful,” she said, closing her eyes and wishing she could see his face, to know the measure of his sincerity in what he had just said; to know if it was just a line or if he truly felt what he had just professed. “I’ve never known a man could feel that way. I thought all men wanted a harem or something like that. You’re really different.” Ty smiled at her reaction. “I guess I am. My mate, Geoff, thinks I’m nuts.” “Well, Geoff doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” Alexis reached out for his back again. “Your girlfriend’s a lucky girl.” “Don’t have one of those either.” Alexis felt a nervous excitement building within her. “That’s all right, love,” he said, turning around to catch her hands for a quick moment. “Thank you. That was great.” He kissed one hand before letting go and getting to his feet. “Get you more coffee?” “Sure,” she said, folding her hands in her lap, enjoying the lingering feel of his lips on her skin. He had kissed her hand, catching her off guard, and a butterfly had fluttered somewhere in the vicinity of her dinner. That had never happened before. She wanted to learn more about this unusual man. “I want to move to the sofa, though. This floor is getting a little hard and the room is warming up now. I did enjoy the picnic, though.” “It was fun,” Ty agreed as he gathered her in his arms and lifted her from the floor, settling her on the sofa. He took 50


both cups, heading to the kitchen to refill them. “We should do this more often.” “What, wreck our cars and take a midnight stroll in the snow?” She teased him to take her mind off of his intriguing ways. For having only an hour or so ago decided that she never wanted another relationship as long as she lived, she was becoming more and more interested in this unusual man. “Well, we could skip that part. It wasn’t my car.” “A rental?” she asked, settling in comfortably. “No. I wish it were. I borrowed it from a road—uh, a guy that helps set up our meetings.” Close. Almost blew it,

again.

“Ty, why don’t you open the bedroom door on your way back," Alexis called out. Ty fought down a familiar sensation flooding through him. “Why?” he called back, hoping that he sounded innocent in the question. “So that some of the heat can get in there,” she replied. “Yeah, good idea.” He grinned, leaving the cups on the counter to fulfill her request. He pushed open the door, taking a moment to flip on the light and look around the room. There was a double bed on the left wall, a large window covered by heavy curtains matching the living room motif on the far wall, a closet, and the bathroom door on the right wall. A small dresser with a mirror sat directly to his left as he stood in the open doorway. Cozy. “Mind if I make use of the facilities?” he asked. “What if I said no?” Alexis teased. “I’d be in trouble,” Ty answered, not waiting for her reply. Alexis sat on the sofa pondering the situation. It was go51


ing to be really tricky getting to bed tonight. Ty seemed to think he had to keep carrying her, even from the floor to the sofa. What would happen when she wanted to go to bed? Her mind wandered to that far off world of fantasy. Over the past three years, the world of fantasy had been the only place she could go for a kind word or tender touch. Ty had brought that world into existence in the past hour, in a few small ways. She closed her eyes, letting go of reality while she sat alone, enjoying a little side trip to Paradise. Let’s see. When she was ready to go to bed, how would it happen? Hmmm. Ty would lift her; carry her toward the bedroom door. Should she turn the light on or not? Umm. Leave it off. The flickering of the fireplace in the living room would dimly light the bedroom. He would lay her gently on the mattress, stroke her cheek lightly with his soft fingers, lean down to kiss her goodnight on the cheek—all the while intending to be the perfect gentleman. She wished that she could put a face to the voice and the hair, the strong arms and chest. As he would begin to rise to walk away, Alexis pictured herself grabbing a hold of his shirt and giving a sharp tug that would bring him— “Hey,” Ty said as he returned to the living room. “This is really a nice little cabin.” He retrieved the cups from the kitchen counter. “I’ve been looking for a place like this. Would you be interested in selling it?” “Not mine to sell. I only rented it,” she said, snapping back from her fantasy so fast; she could feel the heat rising in her face as she heard him coming closer. Ty noticed that she was plucking nervously at the afghan that she had pushed down around her hips as she settled herself. He eyed her shape, outlined by the snug fitting sweater. “Ty?” “Yeah?” he answered, setting the cups on the coffee table 52


and taking a seat facing her from the far end of the sofa. “I have to tell you something.” “You’re the international spy, and you planned all of this just to drill me for information on British Intelligence? I confess—we have none,” he joked, wanting to see her smiling again. She opened her eyes, looking directly at him. Ty felt that he was being drawn into those dark orbs. Amazing eyes. “No. I have a vision problem, too,” she said, smiling at his remark. “You want my money?” he asked in mock surprise. “Hey, you’ve got it,” he added earnestly. “What’s your account number? I’ll transfer the funds tomorrow. How much would you like?” The smile broadened. “No.” she said, laughing. “Are you ever serious?” “Not unless I have to be,” he said, pleased that he had achieved his objective. He reached for his cup and took a drink. “Sorry. What kind of vision problem?” “I can’t see.” Ty sat stunned. “You mean now—or ever?” “Now,” she said, surprised at his comment. “You think I would have tried to drive—in the snow, yet—if I couldn’t see in the first place?” “That was a dumb question, wasn’t it,” he said, setting his cup on the table. “That’s why you’ve been keeping your eyes closed?” “Yes.” “And I thought it was my looks. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” he said tenderly, suddenly more concerned about her head injury. He knelt beside the couch in front of her, taking her hand in his as she followed his voice with her eyes. “I was afraid.” “Of what?” he asked, his voice compassionate and sooth53


ing. “Me?” “I don’t know who you are. You seem to be a kind person but I didn't know that at first,” she explained. “I still don’t know you. But I felt I needed to be truthful with you after all you’ve done. Les was kind at first, too, but he turned out to be brutal. He kept me in these hills so nobody would see what he did to me when he came home drunk. I was afraid if you knew I was blind, you’d—” she blurted out the words before she knew why. Something about the tone in his voice compelled her to trust him, confide in him. Trust. There was an emotion that had become a stranger to her in recent years. “What a bastard,” he said, stroking her cheek with the back of his fingers. His hands were soft, smooth, and gentle. “Men like that aren’t men. They’re worthless wimps. You’re right. You don't know me—yet. But, I can tell you; I’ve never mistreated a woman in my life. I’m twenty-four years old and I’m not going to start now, I promise you. Besides, women usually try to take advantage of me—not the other way around." “Really? Why?” she asked, catching herself closing her eyes as she leaned into his touch, feeling a slight twinge of guilt at her previous thoughts. “Well—” Ty had to think fast. “Because I’m—uh, ‘cause I’m just so damn cute, I guess.” He stood up abruptly. “I’ll get more wood for the fire.” Ty tugged on his jacket and boots before heading out the back door, pulling it closed behind him. He wandered around the clearing for a few minutes, collecting his thoughts and cooling off a bit. He was angry at what she had told him about Les. And he was feeling extremely protective all of a sudden. And quite attracted to Alexis; all of which together warranted a walk in the cold. The snow had begun to fall again and it was coming down heavier than before. 54


“Okay, I’m here with her. I need to do this right,” he said to the clouds. “She could be the one. I’d really like her to be the one. I need to get out of the ‘Rock-Star, take what you want and move on’ mentality.” He drew in a deep breath, thinking how soft her skin was, how she had responded to his touch without knowing who he was. “But, damn, she’s got me on fire.”

55


Chapter 6 Ty carried in another armload of wood, placing it in the brass bin. He shook his head, scattering a little of the snow that had collected there during his walk. “It’s really coming down out there. Can’t be homesick for Brighton in this,” he commented. He pulled off his jacket, returning it to the kitchen chair and kicking off his boots by the door. “I can feel the cold that you brought back with you,” Alexis said. “I could smell it when you walked by.” “You have a very keen nose if you can smell cold,” he commented, as he stacked a couple of logs onto the fire. “There. That should keep us warm for a while.” He walked over and sat in the chair at the end of the sofa, briskly rubbing his bare arms to warm them. He brushed his fingers through his hair to help it dry. “What do you look like?” Alexis asked. Ty stopped with his silver pinky ring snagged in his curls. “Right now, string art gone awry,” he offered. Alexis smiled. “No, really. I want to know what you look like.” Ty gave up on his hair and shook it thoroughly, pushing it back out of his face. “Well, I have blue eyes—” “Light or dark?” 56


“They have been described as crystal,” he said, quoting a fan magazine he had seen once. “Sounds beautiful,” she commented. Ty felt the heat rising in his face a bit as he continued. “My hair, y’know, is very thick, very curly, and lots of colors, from blond to medium brown—all mixed up. I’ve been known to add purple or blue streaks to it now and then. But none right now.” “Could you come sit by me?” she asked hesitantly. Ty thought about it for a long moment. This might not be such a good idea. The way he was beginning to feel about her, being too close might lead to being—too close. And he didn’t want her to end up like every other one-night-stand that he’d experienced in nearly every stop they’d made when they toured over the years. Every morning, he woke up feeling empty and lonely, although he seldom slept alone. He wanted Alexis to be someone special. He hesitated. “Please?” she persisted. Unable to resist her plea, he walked over, standing silently beside her. “All right, love.” Her delicate hand reached out toward him, touching him lightly on the hip. He took her hand gently and sat beside her as she turned to face him. “Now that I’m here, what can I do for you?” he asked, ignoring what his body wanted him to do. “Put my hands on your face. I want to touch you. I want to see if I can get an idea of what you look like. When this is over, I want to be able to recognize you on the street.” “I don’t think that will be a problem,” he murmured. He placed her hands on his face, closing his eyes. Her fingers were cool and he could smell the scent of her perfume as she caressed his cheeks, his eyes, and the bridge of his nose, his forehead. Her fingers brushed lightly through his hair and 57


down to his ears and neck. He leaned into her tender touch. She gently traced the shape of his lips with her fingertips. He found it impossible to resist taking hold of her hand, and he kissed those fingertips that were feeding the hunger for her growing deep inside of him. Her eyes widened with surprise, then drifted nearly closed as he kissed each finger. The emotion evident on her face only served to encourage him. She reacted as if each touch, each sensation, were completely new to her. He continued placing light kisses on her fingers, palms, to her wrists, before placing her hands on his shoulders as he moved a bit closer, lightly caressing her jaw line with his fingertips. Alexis leaned toward him, her unseeing eyes taking in the contours of his face, searching for what they wanted to see. Ty moved carefully toward her. **** Alexis stroked the back of his neck lightly, her hands now buried beneath Ty’s hair. Here it comes. Lord, how maddening this is. As he moved closer, she contentedly slipped her hands over his shoulders, encouraging him to move closer still, until she could hear him breathing slightly above her. She wondered about the strange sensations coursing through her. “Ty?” Her voice, like her emotions, wavered somewhere between excitement and fear. “Hmmm?” he answered, sure she was going to stop him, knowing that she should. “Why do I feel this way?” Her dark eyes searched the face they could not see. How she wished she could see him, look into his eyes, to know what he was thinking by his features. Alexis hoped he didn’t think her a complete idiot, never having experienced this emotion, this gentleness, before. His tenderness was new and exciting to her. Ty wasn’t sure what to say. “What way do you feel?” he 58


ventured, leaning forward to touch his forehead carefully to hers. “For the first time in my life, I feel—wanted. Cared for. Not just owned. Not just used,” she stated, with a trembling smile.

Oh, girl, you are definitely wanted.

He asked, “Has no one ever made love to you before?” “Made love? Is that what this is? I thought making love was—um—well…” “Alexis, if I may,” Ty said, feeling slightly awkward. “There is the physical thing, having a good shag—having sex—hit and run, no deeper meaning to it than selfsatisfaction.” He paused before lightly kissing her forehead, then her eyelids, stroking her cheek gently with the back of his fingers as she responded to his touch. He placed her palms against his chest so that she was sure to feel the beating of his heart, stroking her arms tenderly. “Then—there is—making love.” His velvety voice and light touch sent a warm sensation through her. Alexis shuddered, drawing in an excited breath as she felt him brush his lips along her throat, placing feathery kisses as he moved. She hadn't expected it and it frightened her a bit. She could feel his thundering heartbeat through his shirt. She wondered if he was as aroused as he was making her. His warm breath on her neck was awakening responses that she didn't know existed. Half of her emotions were screaming for more while the other half where trying to throw out a grappling hook to stop her from falling right into his hands. So

much for being in control.

“No one has ever touched me like this before. Ty?” she said breathlessly. “Would you…” “Whatever you want,” Ty whispered, answering before 59


the question was asked. His fingers explored the curve of her jaw, caressing her throat, feeling her quickened heartbeat. His chest pounded as if he were a schoolboy waiting for his first kiss, and he realized that he was falling into his own trap. “Would you kiss me?” Alexis asked hesitantly, looking hopefully into his face. Her emotions were winning, and if Alexis didn’t do something fast, she would succumb to this man’s will, whatever that might be. She had no idea why she asked him to kiss her if she needed to stop. All she knew was that the desire was strong to fully explore the mystery that was Ty Synclair. “Are you of consenting age?” Ty asked, laughing nervously, trying to stop, or at least slow, the soul-stirring roller coaster that he was on. That walk in the cold had been a complete waste of time. And if he didn’t do something, this was going to end up the same as most other nights. And, damn it, he didn’t want that to happen. If that was all he wanted, he could have stayed at the hotel. Alexis smiled. “Would it make a difference?” she asked, lightly dragging her nails across his shoulders, causing him to shudder. Without another word, Ty turned Alexis, laying her back in his arms. He saw a frightened, yet anticipating look in her eyes as he hovered above her. “Are ya sure ya want me to be kissing ya?” he felt compelled to ask, using an Irish accent. “Ya don’t know where ‘ah been,” he confessed. Alexis smiled. “No, but I know what you’ve done,” she said, lightly brushing her hand up his arm, across his shoulder and lacing her fingers through his mane. Ty leaned forward, lightly touching his lips to hers, testing her reaction. Alexis’ hand caressed from his throat to his chest during the short duration of the kiss. Ty found it difficult 60


to leave it at that. He leaned down once more, pressing his mouth firmly over hers, knowing she could feel the pounding of his heart. He quickly realized that they were both caught in the tide of rising passion.

Damn. It’s getting bloody hot in here.

He ended the kiss reluctantly, holding her to his chest, dropping his head back on the sofa to stare at the ceiling, trying to control his desire, trying to understand what was happening. He pulled in a deep breath and let it out slowly. What was this woman doing to him? He had had countless women during four of the six-year climb to stardom; a new one in nearly every town for a while. The two-year break was when he had been with Elsbeth. Even before, in his teen years he had had his choice. But none had invoked the strong desire that he was experiencing as he looked into Alexis’ dark eyes. He was twenty-four years old feeling like a thirteenyear-old virgin on his first date. Not even his ex-wife had brought to the surface such feelings in him throughout the years that they were together. He wanted to slow down. If this could become a relationship, he wanted it to be one that would last. But things were quickly getting out of control.

I’ve got to stop this NOW. This can be no hit and run relationship. I won’t allow it to be.

“That was nice,” Alexis finally said with a shiver, her fingers playing absently down his ribs as she lay cradled in his arms. “That was a bit more than nice,” Ty commented. “Are you cold?” “I seem to have gotten a chill all of a sudden,” she said, snuggling closer to his chest. Feeling secure in this man’s arms was a new experience that she couldn’t get enough of. “Why are you being so kind to me?” Ty blinked at the ceiling, not sure how to answer. “Why 61


shouldn’t I be kind to you?” “Well, most men would be pretty unhappy if I ran them off the road in the middle of the night when it was snowing, and then had them carry me for over a mile in a blizzard. And then make me dinner. Not your everyday make friends kind of activity.” Ty smiled. “I guess your right. I’m not just being kind, though. I really care about what happens to you. You’re easy to be around.” “You say nice things,” she commented, as she thought about the mental picture of his face that she had gleaned. He was fairly good-looking, she was sure, though it didn’t really matter. What was more important was that he was a special man with special thoughts and feelings. That he was definitely “experienced” with women was evident, but Alexis didn’t care at this point. She only cared that he made her feel special as well, and that was something that hadn’t happened in a very long time. Maybe he’s a professional gigolo. That would explain the slashed shirt, the firm, muscular body, and the knowing just how to touch her. She toyed with the thought. That would also explain the night work, good money and the travel, but not the wife. Toss that idea. How about a male model? Hmm. Ty was puzzled. That was the second time she had referred to him as nice. Am I nice? Not the first impression most people would get from a rock musician. “Nice is not what my Mum would say,” he commented. “Your Mum raised a gentleman,” Alexis said, not really understanding how she had so soon come to be lying content in the arms of another man when five miles up the hill, Les lay in a drug induced sleep, which had allowed her to gain her freedom. Now she was growing quickly attached to a voice that was hauntingly familiar, a touch that was thrillingly addic62


tive, and a man that was strangely—attractive, for lack of a better word. In the morning, he would walk away, she was sure. She would never see him again. If her eyes didn’t improve, she would never see him at all. And that would be all right, she decided. She would enjoy him while they were here. Maybe he would change her opinion about men. She would find a way to get to L.A.X. and be in Oregon by Monday night. She would make a life for herself, and she would always have the sweet memory of Taylor Synclair, her hero in the night who rescued her from the blizzard. A gentleman? Ty wondered what she would think if she knew what had been going through his thoughts only a minute ago, and even now whispering at the back of his mind. And several other times over the course of the night when he had had thoughts that were not exactly platonic. No gentleman would be thinking what he had been thinking.

Have I been womanizing so long that I can't look at a lady without wanting to throw her down and take her? But—how long has it been since one looked at me without wanting it. He began to rationalize. But she doesn’t have that look. She’s—different.

He looked down at the lady lying across his lap and lightly stroked her face. She smiled and caught his hand, tenderly pressing it to her cheek. “How’s your head feeling,” he asked, eyeing the cut that had turned one quarter of her forehead a dark purplish color. “Actually, not too bad,” she said. “I think you made it all better.” “Nothing I did,” he said. “You did. You took away the fear, the anxiety, and the pain.” “How did I do all of that?” he asked, surprise in his silky 63


voice. “By being you; my hero in the night,” she said. “Thank you. You make me happy.” Ty gave her a light squeeze. They sat wrapped in each other’s arms in silence for some time. The only sounds were the crackling of the fire and the howling of the wind. Ty pulled the afghan up and spread it over Alexis who in turn wrapped it up around his shoulders as she nestled against his chest. They enjoyed the quiet, the simple nearness of each other, and before they knew it, they had both surrendered to sleep.

64


Chapter 7 Alexis awoke. Her vision was blurry, but she could see. She looked around, confused. Where was she? Then it all came thundering back. The accident. The man. Warm arms were wrapped around her. And she remembered. She was lying on her side on the sofa, staring across at the smoldering embers in the fireplace. The room was cold although her back was warm where she lay pressed against Ty. She could feel his deep breathing, his chest rising and falling against her in a slow, regular rhythm. The cushions from the back of the couch were tossed on the floor, allowing them the added space to sleep together. The afghan was over them both, but provided only a little warmth. She wondered if she could get up without disturbing him. Her head was pillowed on his arm. His other arm lay comfortably over her and she briefly pondered how they had gotten into that position. She carefully slipped to the floor, and sat on a cushion; she rubbed her eyes and looked around the room until her vision cleared. After standing up and successfully testing the ability of her ankle to hold her weight, she tucked the afghan around Ty. His thick curls covered his face, and the way he looked made her smile. Carefully she brushed his mane aside, looking for the first time upon his sleeping face. She gasped as she recognized him. He was Taylor Synclair 65


from ShadowsForge. I knew I recognized that voice. She quietly sat down in the chair, stunned, watching him sleep. She searched his face, matching what she saw with what she had envisioned the night before with her hands, as she had carefully tracing the contours of his visage.

I knew he was attractive, but I would never have guessed that it was him. I should have known the hair. She giggled quietly. But if he wants to keep his identity a secret, I'll let him. Now I know he’ll be gone as soon as he can be. She grinned. I was right. A gigolo.

So many things that he had said, and did, the night before made a lot more sense now. Of course, she would recognize him on the street. Watching his sleeping form, she understood why women tried to take advantage of him. Well, she had no intention of taking advantage of him, but she would enjoy his company while he was here. She wanted to count him a friend, but that was enough. For now. She noticed something yellow peeking from beneath the edge of the sofa, and reached carefully to retrieve it. It was what remained of his yellow shirt. Yes. She had seen him wear this on a television appearance at one time; the same show where she had first heard his speaking voice. But he hadn’t had another shirt on under it that time. Alexis had taken notice and commented on it to Les, then spent the rest of the night cringing in fear from the jealous tirade it had unleashed. Alexis bunched the material to her face, inhaling the spicy smell of his cologne. She wanted to remember that scent for the rest of her life. Reluctantly, she folded it, placing it on the table. Alexis grabbed her coat and flung it around her shoulders as she opened the back door. She retrieved a few pieces of firewood, kindling and some papers. She stirred up the coals before adding paper and kindling. As the kindling caught, she 66


stacked a couple of logs around the small blaze, hoping to get the room warm without waking Ty. She had known that there was a concert in town last night. She didn’t know who was playing but it didn’t matter. It had given her the opportunity to get away from Les. He and several of his buddies were planning to go to that concert. She had hoped that maybe he wouldn't be able to get back up the hill in the snow, but she had his food ready for him when he got home, just in case. “You rescued me twice last night, Mr. Taylor Synclair,” she whispered, as the fire began to crackle. “For that I will be forever in your debt.” Before she returned her coat to the chair, she retrieved the tear-stained scrap of yellow material from her pocket, once more enjoying the scent. Alexis made a pot of coffee before she limped to the bedroom, slipping the material under a pillow on the bed. She continued on to the bathroom to inspect her injuries. She cringed at the purplish area that covered so much of her forehead. The cut wasn’t so bad but the bruise was big. She turned on the shower, hoping that the pipes hadn’t frozen. She was pleased to see the steaming water, before she grabbed some clean clothes from the closet and closed herself in for a much-needed shower. **** Ty was sure he smelled coffee. It smelled pretty good considering he had always preferred tea. He rolled on his back, stretching his arms upward. He checked his watch as he blinked away the last of the sleepy haze. “Whoa.” he said, sitting up. “Twelve forty-five.” He looked around, not sure at first where he was. You would

think I’d be used to waking up in a different place all the time.

He saw the fire burning; a vision of Alexis braiding her hair came to the forefront of his mind. He saw the steaming coffee 67


maker on the counter but he was alone. Ty unwrapped himself from the afghan, retrieving the cushions from the floor to make up the sofa. Folding the afghan, he tossed it on the back of the sofa before he moved to the front window. The snow was coming down fast and thick. He could barely see the hill that separated the cabin from the pine grove. He moved to the bedroom door. It was half closed so he knocked lightly before he peeked inside. He could hear the shower running, and thought how good that would feel right now. Hopefully, there would be hot water left by the time she was finished. Ty saw a radio on the nightstand, next to the far side of the bed, that he hadn’t noticed the night before. He crossed the room, sat on the bed, and flipped the radio on. He hoped that it was a local station and he could find out about the weather. Luckily, the station was in the middle of the news broadcast: “The snow is down to the twenty-three hundred foot level, and blizzard conditions are expected to continue until tomorrow morning. The fourteen freeway is closed to traffic to or from the San Fernando Valley. Cars that were caught in the sudden downfall are being escorted through by the Highway Patrol. Highway One-Thirty-Eight is open, but it is not advised to travel if you don’t have to. “Next up. Bass guitarist Taylor Synclair of the British band ShadowsForge has been reported missing after last nights sold out performance. Ty was last seen leaving the parking lot of the Mirada Hotel, heading west in a ’89 Honda Accord that he borrowed from a local stagehand. The car was found this morning up in the Mirada Canyon area as snowplows cleared the road. “He apparently lost control and plunged twenty feet from the roadway on an icy curve. The car was found on a ledge 68


that kept it from falling more than fifty feet to the bottom of Shakers Gorge. Due to the heavy snowfall throughout the night, there were no tracks to indicate which way he might have gone on foot or if he was possibly picked up by a passing motorist. It is believed that he could be seriously injured as two blood soaked scraps of the shirt he was last seen wearing were found a short distance from the car. “Once again, bass guitarist, Taylor Synclair, presumed lost in the Mirada Canyon area during this unexpected blizzard.” Ty wondered why there was no mention of Alexis’ Nova. Unless the blizzard was so bad that they hadn’t seen it down in the gorge. The news finished and the DJ came on. “This one goes out to Ty, where ever he may be. One of ShadowsForge’s biggest hits that was written by Synclair, himself, “Make Mine You.” We’re looking for ya, Ty.” Ty listened as Geoff's voice began the familiar words. For all the times I let you down, you stayed right by my side The times you knew I failed, I lost, I cheated, sinned and lied You chose to see the best in me, what little that was there Your vision blurred by bitter tears I gave you without care.

Ty realized that the shower was no longer running, and he wondered how long it had been off. In answer to his unvoiced question, Alexis opened the bathroom door. “Oh.” she said, walking out in a pair of light blue jeans, a powder blue sweater and thick white socks. Her hair was wound up in a towel. “You’re up. Did I wake you?” Ty was slightly self-conscious about being found in her room. “Uh, no. I just—woke up. I was trying to find out about the snow,” he said as he reached to switch the radio off. “No,” Alexis protested, limping over to sit beside him. “I love this song.” She turned up the volume. “It’s “Make Mine 69


You.” Have you heard it?” she asked, looking into his blue eyes for the first time. “Yeah, once or twice.” If life is full of choices we make from day to day And every choice will bring a debt, one that must be paid I’ll gladly pay the debt I owe to find one love that’s true Based on this, sealed with a kiss, I choose to make mine you. My dreams are only wishes that come true so late at night The time when I correct my sins, the choices not made right I made you walk away from me, I feel like such a fool I’d give it all for one more call; I’d choose to make mine you. I can’t replace your loving face, your precious trusting heart I knew it then but chose the sin; a choice that made us part. Now I stand a broken man, with nothing left inside Knowing times I gave you pain, you stayed, forgave, and cried. If life is full of choices we make from day to day And every choice will bring a debt, one that must be paid I’ll gladly pay the debt I owe to gain your love so true Based on this, sealed with a kiss, I choose to make mine you. My dreams are only wishes that come true so late at night The time when you forgive my sins, my choices not made right. Come back to me, I’ll let you see, I’ve changed, we’ll start anew I’ll live for us, rebuild the trust, I choose to make mine you.

**** Ty was relieved when the song was over. He switched off the radio before another announcement could be made about him. 70


“So, what have we got for breakfast?” He stood, leading her by the arm out of the room. “You must be very hungry,” she commented, stopping and gently lifting his hand from her arm. She looked right at him, batting her eyes, waiting. Ty wondered why she was staring at him. Then it dawned on him. “Hey, you can see,” he said, a sudden fear tightened his chest. “Observant. You really are,” she commented. She stepped back and extended her hand. “Alexis Rivers. Nice to meet you, Mr. Synclair.” At first, Ty wasn’t sure if she realized who he was or not. He took her hand, not sure what he should do. Alexis shook his hand before limping on to the kitchen and pulling two mugs from the cabinet. “Okay, it’s my turn to serve. Coffee?” “Yes,” he said. “Please.” He watched as she poured out a cup and sat it on the table. “Cream? Sugar?” “Sugar.” Alexis placed a spoon on a saucer and the sugar bowl on the table. She poured out a second cup for herself. Without looking at him, she said, “You can sit down. Unless you’re planning to grow taller or something. Bacon and eggs okay with you?” “Sure. Are you all right to be standing on that ankle?” he asked, as he moved to the table. “It’s not as bad as it looks. I checked it in the shower. It’s bruised, but not too painful today. The swelling has gone way down. Thanks for asking.” Ty slid into a chair, spooning sugar into his cup and stirring it absently as he watched her. “You know, you don’t look like what I had pictured last 71


night,” she said, as she retrieved the eggs and bacon from the fridge. “Not what you expected, huh?” Ty relaxed a bit as he watched her preparing the food. Her attitude hadn’t changed toward him, so perhaps he was still anonymous. “No.” “Worse?” Ty ventured. “Oh, no,” she said, turning to face him with a skillet in her hand and a sly smile. “Much better. I guess I don’t see very well with my fingers.” She grinned at him as her eyes traveled up and down his six-foot frame before turning back to the stove. She felt ridiculously happy this morning. And a bit mischievous. She fully intended to have some fun before he decided to walk out of her life. She would never get this chance again and decided to make the most of it. Ty watched, quietly sipping his coffee as she pushed up her sleeves to her elbows and placed several pieces of bacon into the skillet. They began to sizzle. The smell of the food and the coffee made his stomach growl. “Y’know,” he said, looking back at the bedroom door. “Would you mind if I took a quick shower?” “Oh, no problem,” Alexis said. She turned the fire down under the bacon, using a fork to move the strips around. There was a loud pop and Alexis jumped back from the stove. “Ouch,” she cried, grabbing her wrist as the fork clattered to the floor. “Did it get you?” Ty asked. He was by her side in an instant. “Yes,” she said, looking at her wrist. “I really hate that.” “Here, let’s have a look,” he said, taking her arm and turning it over. “Oh, the breakfast meat that fought back. It wanted to get in the first bite.” He hurried to the back door and stepped outside. When 72


he returned, he held a handful of tightly packed snow. “Come here, love,” he said, holding the snow over the sink in his hand. “This’ll fix it.” He laid her wrist on the snow until it had melted, which took a minute or two. By the time the snow was gone, so was the pain. “Thank you—again,” Alexis said, finding herself looking directly into his eyes. He was right, she thought. Crystal blue. Flecks of snow had blown into his hair when he had stepped out the door, making it sparkle under the fluorescent light. Alexis was entranced. Ty looked down into her dark eyes, finding it hard to look away with her so close. He still held her arm, which was now dripping. The popping of the bacon drew their attention. “No problem,” he said, taking a towel and carefully patting her arm, hand and wrist. “Should be all better.” Ty dried his hands before laying the towel on the counter. “Little trick my Mum showed me.” “I think I love your Mum,” Alexis said, getting another fork from the drawer to turn the bacon before it burned. She retrieved the fork from the floor and placed it in the sink. “You better get that shower if you want your food hot.” “Right,” he said, heading for the bedroom. I should

probably use lots of cold water, too.

**** Ty had started the water and undressed when he heard a tap on the door. Looking around franticly, he grabbed a damp towel from the rack. “Whoo, cold.” It barely wrapped around his hips. He had to hold it, leaving most of one thigh exposed. He cursed himself for not checking to see if there were any dry towels before he undressed. He opened the door an inch or two and peeked out. “Were you expecting someone else?” Alexis said. She had 73


towel dried her hair, and it hung in a tangled disarray that Ty found very alluring. He tried not to think about it with only a towel for a barrier between them. “Not really. Are you alone?” He looked down at her with a grin. Alexis watched his hair fall over his shoulder and brush across his smooth chest. The curls looked so soft, needing to be caressed, toyed with, and threaded around her fingers, as it had been the night before. “I brought you some things,” she said, pushing her way firmly into the bathroom that was beginning to steam up. Ty moved back out of necessity, remaining half hidden behind the door as he allowed her access. He looked down, realizing that he should have wrapped the towel around the other way so the opening would have been on the side behind the door. With the exception of about half an inch, if Alexis had cared to look, she would have seen flesh from head to toe. He tried desperately not to think about it. Alexis placed a light gray pull over sweater, a pair of black jeans, and a thick pair of socks on the counter with two fresh towels, a washcloth, and a razor. “I don’t know if you can get into my jeans or not. You’re welcome to try.” She paused to stare into his eyes, almost daring him to say something, before she continued. “The sweater and the socks should fit you all right, though. The razor is new. Do you need anything else?” “Uh—no,” he stammered, holding the door with one hand and his towel with the other. He wondered if she even realized what she had just suggested, and struggled against the grin that was threatening to spread across his lips, and the warm sensation that was spreading everywhere else. He did notice that she had not once taken her eyes from his face after 74


she had turned toward him. “Well, if you need anything else, just call,” she said, picking up her brush from the counter before walking out the door. Before Ty could push it closed, she had turned back and stopped it with her hand. “And,” she added, pressing her body against the door, her face a meager six inches from his, only the thickness of the door separating them. She stared into the depths of his eyes as he peeked around the edge. Her hand slipped from the door to his chest, lightly caressing down his ribs while they stood nearly nose-to-nose. “I’ll take this.” She grinned. Before Ty knew what was happening, her hand had slipped down to his hip and she jerked the damp towel from his grasp. He leapt behind the door. She glanced beyond him as she turned and walked away, having no intention of looking down at his exposed body. After the initial surprise had passed, Ty found himself snickering. Once she reached the kitchen, Alexis succumbed to an attack of the giggles. She had realized at the last minute that the freestanding mirror was behind him. She hadn’t thought about that until she had pulled his towel from his body. She had only meant to tease him a bit. Without thought, she had averted her eyes to preserve his modesty, only to catch the full glory of his misty reflection in the steam-fogged glass. She had returned to the kitchen with the damp towel in her hand, and a case of the hysterics. Once she had recovered herself, her eyes tearing from laughter, she stood looking out the back window at the snow that continued to fall heavily before returning to her cooking. “I’m a bad girl,” she reprimanded herself. “But if I had to be snowed in with someone, I guess I don’t mind being here with him. I’ll probably never see him again after the snow stops anyway.” 75


When the bacon was cooked, she began to brush out her hair. “Might as well enjoy him while I can. He’s not so bad. He’s different from other men I’ve known. Maybe some day, I’ll find a Ty Synclair of my own.”

76


Chapter 8 Ty was surprised that the jeans actually fit. Something in common. Same size jeans. Cool. After he shaved, he quickly toweled his hair as dry as he could and pulled on the socks and sweater. He glanced in the mirror, wondering what he was going to do with his mop. He didn’t have his comb, or “pitchfork” as Geoff called it. “Well, it’ll have to do,” he said to his reflection. He gave his head a good shake, hung up the towels, and headed for the kitchen. “You don’t know how great that shower felt,” Ty said, stepping up behind Alexis, catching the clean scent of her hair as he looked over her shoulder. He inhaled. “Then again, maybe you do. And the food smells great, too,” he added, as he watched her placing an omelet oozing with cheese on a plate. After sprinkling more cheese on the top, Alexis handed Ty the plate with the eggs. She reached over to hand him another plate piled with bacon that sat next to the dish of grated cheese. “Sit down, I’ll be right with you,” she instructed. Ty watched her beat two more eggs, pouring them into the pan, before he placed the plates on the table, sitting down to watch her flitting about the small kitchen with the grace of 77


a butterfly. Alexis opened the oven and retrieved a pan of fresh biscuits, setting them on the counter. She pulled a basket from the cabinet, lined it with a fresh towel before placing the biscuits into it, and folded the towel over the top to keep them hot. She added the basket to the table; then she passed by the stove to sprinkle some cheese on the eggs, grab the pan, folding the eggs over the cheese with a flick of her wrist, before continuing to the refrigerator to get the butter. On her way back, she grabbed a fresh coffee cup and the coffee pot. Ty sat watching her, amazed at her performance. “What? You were a short order cook in another life?” he asked. “No. I was just expected to have everything right there— right now—with no mistakes, for far too long,” she explained, pouring him a fresh cup of coffee. Alexis glanced at Ty as she set the cup before him. His hair was not quite so curly and hung in long wavy tendrils around his shoulders and down his back. She almost forgot what she was doing as her breath caught in her throat at the sight of him. His bangs hung low on his forehead, nearly concealing his eyes, giving him a sensuous, “just got out of bed” look that she tried very hard not to dwell on. The last thing she needed right now was a—romantic interest. Especially someone that obviously wouldn’t, couldn’t, stay with her. But the way he looked right now would make great fantasy material for later, she decided. She tried to return to her mindset from the night before. She was not going to be owned again. Ever. She was going to Oregon to live her own life. She forced her gaze away from his face with some difficulty. She took the cold coffee cup and placed it in the sink, returned the pot to the warming plate, and slid her omelet on to a plate before it burned. Alexis returned to the table with her plate; her heart thumping heavily 78


in her chest. She wasn’t quite sure if it was from her exertion cooking or from her observations of Ty. As she sat down, Ty applauded. “Bravo,” he said cheerfully, which brought a smile to her face. How he was beginning to love to see her smile. “I eat in restaurants nearly every day and I’ve never seen service like this. How would you like to travel with me?” he asked, his eyes sparkling. Alexis felt the thudding in her chest double, knowing Ty must be able to hear it. If only he meant it. She smiled. “You’d get tired of me very quickly. It’s a short performance.” Ty chose a crisp piece of bacon, toasting her with it before taking a bite. “I would just have to get fat eating more often.” “That would be bad for your career.” Alexis said, absently taking a biscuit. She buttered it and offered it to Ty. “My career?” he asked, his hand closing on hers as he took the roll. Oops. “Yeah. Whatever it is that you do—oh, international spy, I think. I don’t think being fat would be good for you,” she covered smoothly, as his fingers lingered on hers. “Besides, you said you have others with you. They would probably not appreciate a local moving in on them.” “The guys I travel with wouldn’t mind at all, I’d say,” he commented. Geoff would be on you before you set your

suitcase down. I would have to beat him off of you with my bass. Probably damage a good friendship and ruin a great guitar. “But you might not want to put up with them.” ShadowsForge all to myself? I’ve read that Geoff Richards thinks he’s a real ladies’ man, but I think I could handle him. If he thought I would give in to him just because he’s famous, he’d be in for a real education. Working for five guys…I wouldn’t be owned by any one of them. Hmm. Could be fun. “Are you offering me a job?” 79


Ty thought about it. “Do you need an job?” “Yes, but I don’t think I would fit in,” she concluded, pushing her eggs around nervously. “Besides, you told me yourself you’re only serious when you have to be. Eat your food before it gets cold.” Ty smiled at her. I’m more serious than you think—I

think. Not necessarily about the job—but taking you with me is starting to sound pretty good.

**** Alexis dried her hands, draping the towel over the dishes in the drainer. She had sent Ty with a fresh cup of coffee to the sofa while she cleaned up. He offered to help her but she wanted some time alone. She stretched, walking over to push the curtains open on the back windows, facing a heavy snowfall from a cloud covered sky. It was light outside even though no sun could be seen. The wind drove the snow sideways. It whirled in flurries near the back door. Ty sat on the sofa, cup in hand, relaxing after a great breakfast with a great girl. It wasn’t often that he got to enjoy home cooking of any kind. He watched her as she cleaned up the kitchen. She would make a great wife, I’m thinking. Bet she will be a wonderful lover once she’s taught how. Ty thought back to the reaction he had seen in her from a simple caress; the satisfied look on her face after he had merely kissed her. He imagined her after an afternoon of making love; she would positively glow. He felt—comfortable with her. There was no pressure to perform, like there had been for years. A bad performance, even in the bedroom, would quickly make its way into the tabloids. Not good publicity. Being with Alexis felt natural, real. She fit so well in his arms. He noticed that the first time he carried her. More than that, he felt that if he wanted to sit by the fire and hold her in his arms all night, nothing more, 80


that would be enough for her as well. He could be content with someone like that. After all the time he had spent thinking about it over the past few months, he finally came to the root of his turmoil. Pressure to perform. Not what he did on stage. No. That was his pleasure, his fun and his livelihood. It was the performance for the media, the public, in his private life and between the sheets—to be someone he wasn’t; to fulfill the image that the management had designed for ShadowsForge; a wicked attitude on stage and a savage attitude between the sheets. Rock music’s British Bad Boys. He no longer wondered why it was so hard to find someone who would love him for himself. It was because no one had really seen the true Taylor Synclair in years. He came to a decision as he watched Alexis.

I’ll just be myself and see what she thinks. See if she likes what she sees. See if she’s what I been looking for. Cooks and cleans, too, not that she would ever have to. An old fashioned girl. Mum would like that.

Ty turned back to the fire, his eyes falling on the guitar in the corner. He sipped his coffee before setting the cup on the table. Wonder if she’d mind if I borrowed her guitar? With

what we have here, that’s the only thing missing.

He turned toward her nearly calling out before realizing what he would happen if he played. He’d end up playing the wrong song and she might realize whom he was. Not willing to take a chance, he dismissed the idea.

Well, I’ve got to do something instead of sitting here while she works. He stood, walking in socked feet to the

kitchen where she was looking out the back window. **** “Excuse me, Miss.” Alexis heard Ty’s smooth voice. She turned to find him standing close behind her. “Could I get 81


some firewood for you?” “Oh, I can get it,” Alexis said, reaching for her jacket on the chair. “Oh, come on,” Ty said, laying his hand on hers to stop her. “Now you’re infringing on my masculinity. Last night you called me a gentleman. Now you want me to sit here drinking coffee while you bring in the firewood?” “I did, didn't I?” Alexis commented. “All right, sir; you may fetch the wood.” She bowed and backed away from the jacket. “Thank you, m’lady,” he replied, with a low bow. Alexis watched as he sat to pull on his boots. He stood, heading to the door. “What about your jacket?” Alexis lay her hand on his denim coat. Ty shrugged. “It’s not like I’m going far. It’s just outside.” He looked out the window at the snow blowing nearly up to the door. A drift was building at the outer end of the wood box; the top was frosted white from the swirling flakes. “Well, you never know.” She turned to head into the bedroom as Ty went out the door, pulling it closed behind him. **** Alexis crossed the bedroom, clicking the radio on. She moved around the room, collecting her clothes from the night before as she listened to the news flash about the blizzard. They would be trapped here until tomorrow, at least. She went into the bathroom, collecting Ty’s clothes, which she was surprised to find folded on the counter and the damp towels that were on the rack. She dropped them all into a stack on the foot of the bed.

Might as well get these washed up. He’ll need his things when the snow stops, and I’ll need mine when I leave Mon82


day. Maybe he can give me a lift to the bus station to get to L.A.X. I hope so. One of us will have to walk out to the road to flag down a ride. I hope he wants to go. I don’t want to be standing out there if Les goes by. Especially with Ty.

“Make Mine You” began to play once more. Alexis turned the radio up a bit as she opened the drapes to let light into the room, hoping it would cheer her up. She was a bit nervous about getting out of the area before Les caught up to her. If he found her car on the main road, he might start looking around and it was a little too close for her. The last thing she wanted was for Les to find her with Ty. Hopefully Les would not want to venture out in the blizzard and would stay at home until it was over. Before she knew it, she was softly singing the words, joining Ty’s velvet voice supporting Geoff Richards’ lead. The voice behind the voice. She lay back on the bed, listening until the song was over, hoping that Ty wouldn’t come in and catch her. As the song ended, she realized that it had lifted her mood. “My dreams are only wishes that come true so late at night. Late last night, as a matter of fact. If I could, Ty, I’d choose to make mine you.” She smiled to herself, switched off the radio and stood up, scooping up the laundry before heading out of the room. As she walked toward the washer, she realized that Ty wasn’t in the living room. She glanced at the back door, and saw him standing outside with his arms loaded with wood, shivering fiercely. “Ty.” She dropped the laundry on the floor and rushed to open the door. “B-b-b-out t-time,” he chattered, rushing to the fireplace, dropping the wood into the bin. He huddled close to the fire, shaking violently. Alexis closed the door, following him. The 83


back of his sweater and his hair were caked with snow. “Lord, why didn’t you knock or something?” She tried to briskly rub his back, but only succeeded in knocking snow on the floor and freezing her hands. “I d-d-did. You were in the b-bedroom. You didn’t hear me.” Radio. “I’m so sorry. Here.” She pulled up the back of his sweater, holding it to catch the snow as she brushed it from his hair. “Give me this.” She pulled the sweater over his head, careful to trap the snow inside of it. “That’s not going to get me warmer.” He wrapped his arms across his bare chest. He tossed his hair back from his face and gasped as ice fell on his skin. “Aaugggh.” “Oh, stop being such a baby.” Alexis dropped the sweater onto the laundry on the floor. She grabbed the afghan, wrapped it tight around him, and made him sit on the carpet before the hearth. She stacked a few logs on the fire, stirring up the coals to generate more heat. She knelt behind him, claiming the yellow shirt from the table to knock the rest of the ice from his hair. She tossed the wet material onto the pile and began rubbing his back again, trying to warm him. “I told you to take your jacket.” “You don’t look like my mother but you sure sound like her.” “Oh, you didn’t listen to her either?” Ty turned around to smirk at her as she knelt behind him. “Who locked the bloody door?” he asked, narrowing his eyes. “That’s the second locked door I’ve had to deal with since I met you, y’know.” “So? What are you going to do about it?” She grinned. “Fire me?” Ty raised his eyebrows. He threw back the afghan, grabbing Alexis, hauling her around his body and across his lap. 84


“No,” he growled playfully. “I’m going to take my revenge.” He proceeded to tickle her. Alexis was on her back, completely helpless. She laughed so hard she couldn’t defend herself. His hands were so quick she couldn’t catch them. She hadn’t laughed so much in years, and she enjoyed every second of it. “OKAY. Okay. I surrender.” She tried, but not too hard, to get away. Ty stopped, allowing her to catch her breath as she lay across his legs; her head on his calves. He leaned forward and shook his hair, sprinkling Alexis with a cold mist. He offered his hand, pulling her up to sit beside him. They were almost hip-to-hip, facing one another. She stroked his hair away from his face as he smiled devilishly. “You surrendered. Now I have to come up with a penance for you. Rights of war, you know.” He spoke with a thicker than normal, regal British accent. It had been a long time since he was able to “play,” and he found it invigorating. Not to mention just plain fun. He looked at her for a long moment, making her a little nervous. “Ah. I know. A kiss. That is the tribute you must pay for your freedom or I’ll be forced to tickle you mercilessly until you submit.” Alexis blushed a little, hating the fact that she could feel her face warming. He’s going to think I’m such an idiot. “A kiss?” she repeated. “Umm, yup, a kiss. Gimme.” He sounded like a spoiled child. Alexis laughed at him, sitting with the afghan around his hips, bare chest, noticeably cold, with an attractively evil look on his face. Not knowing what else to do, she agreed. “As you wish, m’lord. Do your worst.” “Ooh, that could be dangerous. Don’t tell me to do that.” He gave her a suggestive raise of an eyebrow. 85


“All right, how about your best?” “Now you’re really getting into treacherous territory. My best takes hours.” “Are you bragging or complaining?” She tried to keep the smile on her lips from growing into an expectant grin. “Bragging, of course. How about this; I’ll take what is due to me and we’ll leave it at that.” “Fair enough.” Alexis was not sure what she had just agreed to. Ty reached for her. She willingly leaned into his embrace. He moved her around, cradling her in his arms as he slowly leaned closer. Alexis felt the heat rising in her as he hovered above her. “You’re nervous.” His low tone made her heart race. “How come?” “I don’t know.” Her throat suddenly went dry. “You weren’t that way last night. What’s changed? Is it my face?” There was a devilish sparkle in his eyes. Alexis grinned, despite the way she was feeling. “You could say that. Last night, I couldn’t see it coming. Today, I can and it’s a lot better looking than I thought.” “Ooh, a compliment. But flattery won’t save you,” he said, closing the gap between them to about two inches. “Tell me no,” he whispered, continuing to hover an inch away. “No,” she breathed, mesmerized by the nearness of his crystal blue eyes. She slipped her arms around his body, feeling intense heat radiating from his flesh. Still he hovered. “No, what? No, don’t kiss you,” he asked, barely brushing his lips across hers. “Or, no, you won’t tell me no?” Alexis felt the feather light touch, no more than a wish. He was there, so close, yet had he, or had he not, kissed her? Still he hovered. Her mind raced through indecision for a split-second. If she said no, would he not kiss her? Did she 86


want him to? Oh, I don’t know what I want. She looked directly into his eyes, searching for her true desire in the chaos of her thoughts. “Too late,” he said, suddenly. He gave her a quick peck on the lips and sat her up facing him. Alexis was stunned and not sure what had happened. She went quickly from confused to aggravated. “What was that?” she asked, poking him in the ribs. “Did you really think I would kiss you if you didn’t want me to?” he said, covering his side, showing Alexis that he was ticklish as well. “What kind of man do you think I am?” He put on a face, looking wounded. Alexis couldn’t help but grin at him. “You, Mr. Synclair, are a regal pain in the…” Ty pressed his finger to her lips. “M’lady shouldn’t use bad language.” He moved his finger and pecked her lips once more, grinning. “OOOHHH.” Alexis stood up as Ty pulled the afghan up around his shoulders and settled himself contentedly before the fire. “Well, I’m warmer now,” he said, watching the flames, looking rather pleased with himself. “Not for long,” Alexis commented. She returned with the sweater, yanked down the afghan, and shook the snow from it over his back. Ty screamed.

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Chapter 9 Alexis dried Ty’s back after allowing him to fuss for a minute or two. She started the wash and returned to him with a dry black sweater and a large toothed comb. Then she spent some time sitting on the coffee table, combing out his hair as it dried. She enjoyed working her way through his trademark feature, once more reveling in the silky texture of it, knowing that not many others would have the opportunity to do what she was doing. She knelt before him between his legs to comb out the front, feeling the closeness of him as she groomed his tresses gently. She took many opportunities to look into his face, his eyes, hoping that what she found there was pleasure in what she was doing for him. It felt good to do something for him out of pure desire to please someone who admired her. She could see his appreciation in the way he looked at her and it warmed her heart. Yes, this was all she really wanted: someone to do things for and to be appreciated by. She was sad when she finished, and thought momentarily about tousling his hair fiercely so she could begin again. Now they sat at separate ends of the sofa, facing each other with their legs semi-entwined as they shared the afghan. Alexis made two mugs of hot cocoa for them to enjoy as they lounged. There wasn’t really much else they could do. 88


Ty shared his experiences with Elsbeth, his ex-wife; how she has been channeling his money into her private account, and when he’d been traveling—working—she would throw parties with several of her “close” friends. He had come home unexpectedly early one morning to find his house in London a complete wreck, as if a thrashers party had gone on in his absence, and Elsbeth asleep on the floor of their bedroom. The bedclothes had been yanked on to the floor, and Ty found her cocooned in them with some guy named Jake. Being painfully wounded by what he had found, Ty had been able to leave the house before Elsbeth could escape the cocoon. He didn’t want to talk to her, and he sure didn’t want to talk to Jake. He had gone to Geoff’s place and stayed there several weeks, until Elsbeth had moved out. He sold the house, and didn’t even want to go back for his personal things. Geoff arranged to have Ty’s belongings moved, and the house was sold. Ty bought a new place on the outskirts of Brighton. He didn’t want to stay in London at the risk of running into Elsbeth with Jake. “We were young. I was only nineteen and she was a bit older than me. About a year older. You can live with someone for a long time but not truly know them,” Ty said, settling more comfortably. “Elsbeth. Lived with her for over two years, but I didn’t know how she could be until the end, when it all came out. I didn’t see the warning signs, as they say. I probably didn’t want to.” He dropped his gaze to the afghan. “We were happy. I had my wife, a home, and a successful career. She had my money, a home, and Jake.” He shrugged it off, but when he looked at her, Alexis could see the hurt in his eyes. “Did you see her again?” He shifted uncomfortably before he answered, averting his gaze to the fire as he spoke. “Only when we settled things, 89


signed the papers. I didn’t even want to look at her. I just wanted to sign and get the hell out of there. Um—Geoff had to go with me to make sure I went. I didn’t want to. I wanted the divorce, but I didn’t want to see her. Thank God we didn’t have any children.” He told her about his new house—six bedrooms, four baths, master suite that covered the entire second floor. He had an indoor hot tub surrounded by a tropical garden that thrived in the steamy glass enclosed room, which looked out over the grassy (or snowy depending on the time of year) countryside of Brighton. “I saw what was going on with Les, but I didn't have any way to get away from him. He started out nice enough. Really sweet. But he liked his drinking and—his drugs—too much,” she said, peering at Ty over the top of her cocoa. “He handled all the money. I had to scrape to afford anything that I wanted. I would hold back a few dollars each week from the food money he gave me. It wasn’t easy, because he would hardly ever let me go down the hill alone. He was probably afraid I wouldn’t come back. I was kind of stuck with him.” “Why didn’t you pack up and leave?” Ty asked, reaching for his cup on the table. “No one packs up and walks out on Les Roberts. He owns what he owns, and that included me.” Alexis looked past Ty to the back window. The snow was falling sideways. The wind was blowing harder than she had ever seen it. “So how did you finally ditch him?” “Do you really want to know?” Alexis asked, not knowing how he would feel about what she had done. It might change his opinion of her and she was afraid of that. “Yes. How does a lovely lady like you get away from an ogre?” He smiled, his eyes sparkling once more. “Well,” she began, leaning to set her cup on the table. 90


“What I did was, I waited for a night when I knew he would be drinking or doing drugs—probably both. I knew when he got home he would be starving. So I made a big pot of stew, and got some sleeping pills. Those things from the store? I told him I was having trouble getting to sleep, so he would let me buy them. I crushed up about six of them in his stew. I figured that between the drinking, drugs, and the pills, he would be pretty well out long enough for me to leave.” “Whoa,” Ty said, raising his eyebrows in surprise. “You drugged him? You don’t look the type.” “Pretty bad, huh?” Alexis felt her face warm. “That wasn’t bad, love,” he said, reaching down to pat her gently on the calf. “That was brilliant.” He laughed. “I’d say the guy had it coming from what you’ve told me. You should have knocked him out with a skillet.” Alexis grinned, feeling relieved. “I thought you’d think me evil for what I did do. What would you think of me if I had hit him with a skillet?” “That I wouldn’t want to make you angry—ever . Naw. You did what you had to. I’m proud of you.” He left his hand on her socked foot, caressing it absently as the conversation continued. “Tell me, have you ever been married?” Alexis thought about it before answering. “You know, I use to think that marriage would be a wonderful thing. I wanted Prince Charming to carry me away to the castle and live happily ever after.” “Prince Charming?” Ty puffed out his chest. “That would be me.” Alexis grinned. “And what makes you think so, Mr. Synclair?” “Well, I showed up in a shiny auto—sort of like armor— rescued you from the accident, carried you away to the castle.” He paused to wave his hand around the room to illus91


trate. “I even carried you over the threshold like a bride. I didn’t even do that for Elsbeth.” “Why not?” Alexis asked, surprised. “I didn’t want anyone to get hurt. I was really drunk from the reception and we decided that if anyone carried anyone, she would have to carry me,” he explained sheepishly. “Anyway, I think in this situation, I qualify as the prince.” “You don’t look a thing like Prince,” she deadpanned. Ty pulled a sour face. “THANK HEAVENS.” Alexis couldn’t help but giggle at his reaction. “Would you really let someone like him carry you away?” “No. You’re right. Not the prince I was looking for. You make a better example, I think.” She tilted her head, studying his features. “I think the hair makes the big difference. You know what? I’ve seen someone else with hair like yours.” Ty shifted uncomfortably. “Really?” “Hmm. Who was it?” Alexis narrowed her eyes in deep concentration. “I know. He was on the television one night, some singer. I only saw him once, but he had hair like yours. His group was—uh—Shadow something—I think.” She puzzled a little longer, watching Ty go through a multitude of emotions. “Well. I hope he has better luck with his hair than I do,” he said, pushing his mane back from his face. Change of subject. “Anyway, have you?” “Have I what?” Alexis decided he had squirmed enough— for now. “Been married?” “Oh, that. Only in my dreams—which is a good thing since I was with Les. If I was married to him, it would have been a lot harder to get away from him.” “You’re probably right.” Ty took a long sip of his cocoa. “If you could marry someone—anyone—what kind of man 92


would he be?” Might as well do a little fishing. See what I

come up with.

“Umm. Not an easy question,” she said. “I don’t know if I could marry a man who was always in the public eye. Don’t know if I would like to share him with the world.” She paused, thoughtfully. “But, you know, if I really loved him, I don’t think it would matter what he did for a living as long as he made a living—honest and respectable. No male stripper types, y’know? What did you say you do?” “Uh—international public relations,” he sputtered, taking a drink as he tried to hide behind the mug. “Oh,” Alexis said, surprised. “With your hair and the way you dress, I would have thought under cover for Interpol, or a gang member—” she paused, waiting for him to take another drink. When he did, she continued, “Or a rock star or something.” She watched with amusement as Ty choked down the cocoa. “I have to dress this way to keep in touch with people. You know, be what they expect you to be?” he countered, once he was able to speak. “In my business, they don’t listen if you don’t look the part.” And, man, was that the truth. “I don’t know much about that sort of thing. Anyway, I don’t think it would matter what he really looked like, either. I do kind of like long hair though, and it wouldn’t hurt if he were sexy looking, although he doesn’t have to be. It’s what’s in the heart that counts. Bright eyes would be good. He would have to have a good heart. He should be kind and gentle, but able to stand up for himself and his family. Loyal.” “I think you just described an Irish setter,” he said, with a broad grin. “Don’t know about the sexy part, though.Personal preference, I suppose, if you go in for that sort of thing.” Alexis smacked him playfully on the leg. “Ooh, hurt me, baby. Hurt me good.” Ty growled in a 93


deep tone, before he’d thought about it. He stared at Alexis’ shocked face with devilish eyes before they both broke out in hearty laughter. “I hope that was a joke,” she said, tears escaping the corners of her eyes. “It was,” Ty assured her, slightly embarrassed. “Just use to making sarcastic comebacks. Sorry.” “Don’t be. It was a look at the real you. I like what I see.” “Okay, back to the subject at hand. What about money? Would he have to have a lot of it?” Might as well state the ob-

vious, find out how much it means to her.

“You know, Les had money. It didn’t make him a good man,” she stated flatly. “Money is nice, but it doesn’t make the man or the relationship good. If it does, if that’s what’s important to a person, then they have no business being in the relationship. I’d be happy right here in this cabin with the right man.” Ty felt his heart lift. Even though he had been joking around with her, she told him what he wanted to hear, and she was sincere. With each subject, she had endeared herself to him more. He was nearly convinced that she was the one. “All right, Ty, now it’s your turn. What’s your dream girl like?” “Ooh, tough question,” he said, leaning his head back, staring up at the ceiling while he thought about it. “Well, she wouldn’t have to be a model. But she would have to care about herself. What she looked like, y’know? Keep herself dressed nice, not sloppy. Nothing fancy; jeans would be fine, but nice fitting. She would need to be loving and caring— um—” Ty looked at Alexis, searching her face for a clue of how to describe what he wanted. He had never really thought about it this directly before. “This isn’t easy, is it?” “No, it isn’t.” She smiled. “I think it would just have to 94


happen. I don’t think it’s possible to really plan whom you want. Do you believe in love at first sight?” “Maybe infatuation. True love takes a little longer. First sight means that you’re basing your love on looks. That’s kind of superficial. Looks can change over time. Or even in an instant.” “You’re right. I never thought of it that way. You’re pretty clever,” she said, amazed that he felt that way. “Oh, she would have to love music, want kids, and not want to work. I’d like her to be at home with me and the kids.” “You sound like you’re retiring already.” “Well, in my line of work, I could retire early if I plan things right. Make some investments. That kind of thing.” “Really? You’re—what—twenty-four, and looking to retire already? Good money in P.R., huh?” “Uh—yeah,” he said, wincing a bit. “She would have to let me do for her, too. I don’t like a woman too independent. I guess I need to be needed.” He shrugged, hoping she would understand what he meant. That kind of line had offended certain women over the years. “I want to be needed; to have that special someone depend on me for more than just money.” “Like what?” Alexis wanted to know specifically. “I don’t know. Like move furniture around for her. To carry in the shopping. To do things around the house. To bring in firewood?” He nodded to the fire, noting that it was getting low again. “Like I should be tending to that, while you sit on the sofa eating bon-bons once in a while. For example.” “Well, that would be nice for a very short time, but I like to do some things for myself. The fire can be your job if you like it,” she said, following his gaze. “Although I’m fresh out of bon-bons.” 95


“Want me to walk down to the store to get you some?” he offered. “Oh, would you?” she quipped, with a hopeful lilt to her voice. She batted her eyes at him playfully. I love it when she does that with her eyes. “If I thought I could get there and back in a split second, I’d do it,” he said earnestly. “But I don’t want to be away from you that long.” His words surprised her, leaving her at a loss for a response. The long silence that followed was filled with exciting possible scenarios, left dancing through her imagination. After a short trip to fantasy, she forced herself back to reality. “I would never ask you to do that,” she said, locking eyes with him. “That would be something a spoiled brat would ask of you.” “I wouldn’t mind spoiling the right brat,” he commented, returning her gaze. He searched her face for a readable reaction, seeing a sparkle in her dark eyes. Finding his reply had pleased her, he tossed back the afghan and set his cup on the table. “I’ll tend the fire anyway.” Alexis watched as he stoked the blaze, adding more wood. “Oh, I forgot to ask. What do you think about my car? Can it be fixed?” Ty was glad that he was looking at the fire and not facing her. “Well, I really don’t think you’ll be driving it anymore.” "What? How bad is it? I thought you said that I hit a tree? That's only front end damage, right?" Having no tactful way to tell her, Ty forged ahead bluntly as he replaced the poker and turned to face her. “Alexis, your car is at the bottom of the gorge.” Alexis was shocked. “How on earth did you get me from the bottom of the gorge to your car? That’s pretty steep.” “Well, the Nova wasn’t at the bottom when I got you out of it. If you had been in it, you wouldn’t be here. It landed 96


there after we got out of it—barely.” “We?” “I got in to stop your head from bleeding. You thought I was Les and started struggling. It kind of threw the car out of balance on the tree that stopped you on the way down. I had to pull you out when the car started to slip. That’s how your ankle got hurt. It caught on the steering wheel, and I had to jerk you free of the car or you would have gone with it.” Alexis was shocked, sitting in silence as the picture formed in her mind. He had pulled her out of the car as it rolled down the hill. What a brave and foolish thing to do for someone you didn’t even know. “So if it rolled down, it can be pulled back up, right?” she asked, hopefully. “It rolled, but not—on its wheels. It was more—on its sides. It landed on its lid.” Ty watched as tears began to fill Alexis’ eyes. “Whoa, now, what’s that about?” He knelt beside her. He pulled her close to lean on him. She reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck, hiding her face in his mane. “You’re safe. That’s what’s important. I know it’s not the same, but I can get you another car, babe.” “It’s not so much the car—well, it is.” She spoke into his neck; a shiver at what could have happened ran through her. “I loved that car. But it’s you.” “Me? What did I do this time?” He hugged her a little tighter. “How many times do you have to rescue me? You don’t know what you’ve done.” “As many times as it takes,” he answered. “I’m getting to like it, y’know? Kind of like Union Jack? He’s the British Superman type.” Ty could feel her smile against his neck; he was happy that he could be a comfort to her. “So, what kind of car do you want?” The seriousness on her face when she looked up at him caught him by surprise. 97


You can’t give me what I want, Ty. I want you.

Alexis couldn’t believe the thought that had just crossed her mind. She was touched by his offer. But another car was the last thing on her mind, even if he could easily afford it. That wasn’t the point. He was the prince that could carry her away. If all he had done, if all he had said was true, if he really was the person he appeared to be when they were together, he was exactly what she wanted—although she hadn’t known it until now. She couldn’t believe how quickly she had gone from wanting to be alone, to wanting this man for a lifetime. But how could she confess it to him? Who he was to the public had nothing to do with the way she felt. It wasn’t gratitude that drew her to him. She was grateful but it was something more. She felt that perhaps he was disillusioned with love just as she was and, between them, they could change that. She didn’t care if he was an entertainer—wealthy— whatever. None of that mattered. He was Ty Synclair; a real man with real feelings and a good heart. All that she ever wanted in a man. And he had in just a few short hours changed the way she felt about men in general and himself in particular. “Ty, with all that you have, you can’t give me what I want.” “And what would that be?” he asked, questioning her cryptic words. “I’d like the Prince to take me away. I’d like him to take care of me for the rest of my life.” She felt caught between reality and fantasy as she spoke. Her feelings were a painful reality, and kneeling beside her was her perfect fantasy. “I want to be safe and secure—always. No one can give me that.” She hugged his neck again, hiding her face once more. Ty wasn’t sure how to respond to her. Was she so inse98


cure? So scared of life? But then, who wouldn’t want to be sure of that kind of security? Ty would be thrilled to find a lady that he could love—who would be his for life—with no fear of separation. If he could be on the stage and know that she was waiting faithfully for him, that she didn’t care if he was famous or rich tomorrow, he could feel that same security that she was looking for. It would be perfect. If she could love him if he were a plumber or an electrician then she would be the one that he was looking for. “What makes you think I can’t give that to you?” he asked, genuinely intrigued. “You have a life somewhere else. You’re only here until you can get away: until the snow stops. There’s no commitment here for you. I know that.” She spoke into his hair before releasing her hold on him. She took a deep breath. “But I’m happy you’re here now,” she added, with a winsome smile. “I’m really happy you plowed into me, too,” he said, hoping to lighten the mood. “It was a pleasure banging into you.” “You’re crazy, you know that?” she said, trying to regain that happiness she had felt as they had spent the day talking. “Yeah, I know. I’ve been told many times,” he replied, standing. “But I’m good at it. It’s an art form for me.” They had talked about everything from kids, to dogs, to dreams of the future. For the very first time, he found he could speak of the hurt and emptiness that he lived with after his divorce. She told him about the years of physical and mental abuse she had endured with Les, feeling better to be finally telling someone about what she had lived with for what seemed an eternity. They had been good for each other today. Before they knew it, it was getting dark outside. “Y’know, Alexis, I could sit here talking with you endlessly,” Ty said suddenly. He had truly enjoyed it. When was 99


the last time he had been able to have a real serious conversation with a lady? He couldn’t remember. Alexis seemed genuinely interested in what he thought on so many subjects. It was wonderful to be able to talk without the fear of what he said being twisted for a gossip column or tabloid. He felt that he could share his deepest thoughts and emotions with her. He had even faced his true feelings about Elsbeth for the first time. Alexis had helped him face it at last and he felt relieved of a burden that he had carried for almost four years. She had made it easy for him to be himself. He hoped that she was pleased with the real Ty Synclair. No one had seen him in years. “I think I could be very happy in a cabin like this with the right woman. I’ve been looking for a place like this,” he repeated. He looked around the room, taking in each detail. His eyes came to rest on her once more. “Yeah, just like this, that’s what I want.” The conversation drifted into silence. Alexis became nervous under his extended gaze. She wasn’t sure what she was seeing in those crystal pools. There was the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. Employ defense mechanism number one for avoiding involvement with the man or an uncomfortable subject. “Are you getting hungry?” she asked.

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Chapter 10 Alexis looked through the fridge, trying to decide what to have for dinner, not that there was a lot to choose from. There were two steaks that she had bought in celebration of her escape, one for Saturday night and one for Sunday. The radio said that the snow was expected to stop sometime Sunday morning, so Ty would probably be gone long before tomorrow evening. The thought made her heart heavy. She glanced over at the man stirring up the fire, watching as he added wood to the flames. Ty had stirred a fire in Alexis as well. She had spent the day listening to him as he cleverly avoided any definite hints of his true identity. He spoke of how incomplete he felt with the life that he had. Apparently fame and wealth did not give a person all that they desired. It was evident that Ty was missing something in his life; although on the surface, he had everything a man could want. One steak dinner, coming right up. She would eat soup tomorrow night after he had gone. Hopefully, she would be able to find a ride to L.A.X. before Monday. Maybe she would ask Ty if she could ride with him into town tomorrow, or if he could arrange for a ride in before he left town. Whatever happened tomorrow, Alexis wanted tonight to be special for Ty and for herself. Perhaps, someday he would 101


remember the girl he had rescued in a blizzard in California. Hopefully the memory would bring a smile to his face when he was in some far away place—maybe when the snow was falling in Brighton. She liked that idea. She knew that she would never forget the weekend that she had spent with Taylor Synclair. Ty. Not the wealthy rock star, the hit songwriter, or the famous bass guitarist. The loving, caring, tenderhearted, joke-making, sensuous, lonely man. And she believed that their time together had been as pleasurable for him as it had been for her. “Looks like we’ll have to have steak,” Alexis called out. “Is that all right?” Ty finished stoking the fire and came into the kitchen, leaning against the counter, his arms folded across his chest. “That would be fine. Is there anything I can do to help?” he offered. “You can set the table, but it will be about an hour before we eat. I’m going to throw a couple of potatoes in to bake. How about a little greenhouse salad?” she asked, remembering what other food she had secured from the house before her flight. “Sounds like we’ll be dining very well this evening,” he said, turning to collect plates and silverware from the drainer. “Knives?” “In one of the drawers,” she said, turning on the oven as she prepared the potatoes. Ty opened several drawers before he found the knives. During his search, he found a white tablecloth that he spread on the table before he set the dishes. That’s an improvement. Ty leaned against the counter again, watching as she put the potatoes in the oven. She had to walk around him to get to the stove, then again to get to the sink to rinse her hands. He folded his arms as he watched her, wondering how long it 102


would take before she told him to get out of her way. Much to his surprise, she continued to move around him, going about her business. She made a small green salad, tossed it with dressing, and then placed it back in the fridge. Alexis enjoyed having Ty stand beside her as she prepared dinner. She knew deep inside that she would miss him terribly once he was gone and she wanted to have him as near as possible for as long as she could. Why does it have to stop snow-

ing tomorrow? Couldn’t it keep going for another week—or more?

Alexis had fought with her emotions but came to realize that she was in love with this man. Not his money or his status. She loved Ty, the man. He had sounded so lonely as he told her about his time on the road and his failed marriage. He was funny, loving, and caring. He had taken care of her when she needed help, showing her his compassionate heart, something the media neglected to report that he had. Alexis wanted to pull him into her arms and hold him, love him, let him know that she was there for him as he had been for her. But once the snow stopped, she knew he would no longer be there for her to love, to hold. And she resigned herself to the fact that there was nothing she could do to change it. Each time she brushed by him, the longing that was building inside of her grew stronger. It was as if sparks flew through the air, a magnetic attraction that wanted to pull her into him. She realized that she wanted to be pulled in. It felt so good, so comfortable, in his arms. So secure. She hoped to find herself there at least once more before tomorrow. If only they could stay here, together. No fear of Les finding her, no responsibility of Ty returning to ShadowsForge. Just the two of them together in their cabin in the hills, loving each other. Making music—and babies. What a lovely dream it was, 103


Alexis decided, as she placed the salad in the fridge. “Well, we just have to wait for about fifteen minutes to start the steaks and everything will be ready.” “Teamwork,” Ty remarked. Alexis rolled her eyes at him. “Like you did so much?” “Shall we sit for a few minutes? Might as well be comfortable while we wait,” Ty asked, ignoring her remark as he swept his hand toward the sofa. Alexis lead the way to the living room, looking at the crackling fire. “I would think you’d be tired of sitting here listening to my boring life story.” Ty quickly slid on to the sofa beneath her when she sat down. She landed on his lap, slightly off balance. He caught her firmly by the waist with strong hands, steadying her. “Well, that’s a bit forward of you, m’lady, don’t you think?” He grinned as she turned to look into his face. “Who’s being forward here?” she asked, laughing. How every thing he did gave her joy. The little things endeared him to her more and more. How much it was going to hurt to see him leave. “Who’s sitting on whose lap?” “Do you do this sort of thing often, Ty?” “What sort of thing? I just sat down.” His hands, resting on her waist, slipped cautiously to her hips as they stared into each other’s eyes. Alexis thought, for a brief second, of taking control of the situation. She longed to kiss him. His face was so close and so deliciously handsome; she could barely refrain from caressing his cheek. She struggled against the desire to stroke his soft mane. His smile melted in the heat of the moment, replaced by a sensual expression as they sat in silence. She felt his hands on her hips, burning through the material of her jeans. How could he be so hot in the middle of a blizzard? It must be that 104


spark—that inner fire she had felt drawn to as they stood close in the kitchen. She wanted to fall into the blue ice of his eyes to cool down. Her heart was beginning to race, anticipating her impending surrender. Ty felt her body waver on his lap. If she leaned any closer, he would have to kiss her; he was sure of it. If he did, he wondered if she would slap him? He didn’t mind being slapped if it was the price of one more taste. Her lips were so soft, so full, so—close. The feel of the curve of her hips in his hands, and the fire that was growing inside of him, told him that this had not been a good idea after all. He must have done too good of a job with the fire. Man, was this room getting hot. And her eyes were so dark, so serious, and inviting. “Ty?” “Hmm?” “I don’t want to sound presumptuous, but if I don’t get off of your lap, those steaks won’t get cooked and the potatoes will burn.” “Is that such a bad thing?” he asked. His heart raced at the insinuation of what could happen. How fiercely he wanted to take her right now. By her own words, he knew she was feeling it, too. That knowledge only served to fuel the desire blazing within him. Alexis bit her lip in indecision as she watched the dancing flames reflected in his eyes. Fire in ice crystals. Is it a bad

thing? It would be a wonderful thing. But that’s what other women want from you. I want you, too, but I want your heart before I have your body. Without your heart, I’m only another one-night stand. No matter how badly I want you right now, I refuse to be used by you. “Mr. Synclair, we have a limited supply of food, and I don’t think it would be wise to burn any of it—just in case the snow lasts longer than we think it will.” What a dumb thing to 105


say. But if I tell him what I really feel, I know I’ll give in.

“You’re right, Miss Rivers. Absolutely. We have to save the potatoes,” he said quietly. Geez did that sound stupid.

Save the bloody potatoes? When I’m in hormone hell?

Alexis reluctantly stood up, wanting to say something more but at a total loss as to what to say. She stroked his cheek lovingly before retreating to the relative safety of the kitchen. Ty watched her go, before dropping his head back to stare at the ceiling. He slumped down, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, willing his heart to stop pounding.

That was so close, Synclair. If she’s the one, don’t force her into becoming one of them. She’s better than that. Get a grip and stop thinking like Geoff. Not every woman is there for a hit and run. The encounter had caused a physical ache in

his body that he had to ignore. Once his pulse had slowed and he had the chance to cool down a bit, Ty followed Alexis to the kitchen. “Alexis, I owe you an apology,” he said. She continued seasoning the steaks, not looking at him as he spoke. “I shouldn’t have done that, and I’m sorry.” “Don’t be,” Alexis answered in a low whisper, not looking up as she pounded herbs into the meat with a fork. “I’m not ready for you to—” Her voice trailed off. She bit her lip. “To what? To love you?” The words stunned Alexis. It was difficult for her not to look at him, but she didn’t want to find his words were only a cruel joke. Her heart wanted it to be true. She adjusted the oven for the steaks. Placing them beneath the flame, and sliding the broiler closed slowly, bought her some time to think. “Or to fully make love to you?” he added, when she hadn’t answered. His words struck her hard. Alexis had to see his eyes. She 106


turned to confront him, searching for some hint of mirth on his face, in his gaze. She found only sincerity. “How could you love me?” she blurted out in shock. “You’ve known me less than twenty four hours.” “How long does it take for a heart to know its soul mate?” “You said love at first sight is only superficial. Based on looks. Is that what this is?” How much she hoped that it was more. She spoke quietly, trying to keep her emotions from slipping out of control. “Or is this an attack of male hormones, cabin fever, something to do while you’re trapped here?” She suddenly felt scared and defensive. “I know that’s probably what it seems like, but, Alexis, I believe I’m in love with you and I’m willing to love you on your terms. Whatever way that you’ll let me love you. I know the time has been short. I want to know you better. Sitting here talking all day was great. I want more of that. I want to know all about you. I’ll do anything you want. You tell me what you want from me and, babe, it’s yours.” He carefully placed his hands on her shoulders, caressing her lightly as she stared up at him. Love me on my terms? Alexis didn’t know what to say. The look in his eyes told her that he was completely sincere. “You say you’d love me on my terms. What does that mean?” she asked, bewildered. “Body, spirit, heart, soul. Take your pick. They’re all yours if you say yes.” “My only terms would be that you love me with your heart, not only your body. I don’t want to be another onenight stand for you.” She regretted it as soon as she said it. “Is that what this sounds like?” he said, dropping his hands in resignation. “I’m sorry if it came out that way. I didn’t mean for it to.” Alexis felt horrible. The pained look on his face broke her 107


heart. She had to ease the strained mood that hung in the air like a thundercloud. This was not the way she wanted this evening to be. She wanted it to be enjoyable. Memorable. For both of them. “Hey, your heart is looking for a soul mate? Good looking as you are, you could find someone better than me,” she said, stroking his chest lightly. “Someone who wouldn’t wreck your car.” The remark broke the tension. Ty gave her a slow smile. “I can’t find someone better. I’ve tried. Besides, it wasn’t my car.” "Or make you act like a pack mule in the snow.” His smile broadened as she grinned up at him. “I needed the exercise. And I got to hold you.” “Lock you out in the blizzard with no coat?” She tried once more. Ty’s eyebrows rose. “You did that on purpose? I knew it.” “No, I did not. But it was getting too serious in here. I had to please you somehow.” “You please me every time I think about you,” he said, taking her hand, lightly kissing her palm. “All right, let’s relax a bit here. Do you have a dress?” Alexis’ eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You want to wear a dress? That could change our whole relationship, you know.” Ty rolled his eyes at her. “Not me. I thought maybe you would. I’d like to see you in a dress for dinner. Do you mind?” “I don’t have a dress, but I have a skirt. I’ll go put it on if you watch the steaks.” Ty bent to open the broiler, grabbing a fork to check the meat. “Deal.” 108


Alexis nodded and headed into the bedroom. She closed the door, sitting on the edge of the bed, thankful for the opportunity to think. Could Ty really love her, or be in love with her? What a wonderful fantasy come true that would be. Especially when she was feeling the same way. She wanted to take care of him, to be with him always. Do for him. Serve his meals. Wash his clothes. Make him smile. Sit with him in the quiet of the night. Love him. Make love with him. Her stomach knotted at that last thought. **** Ty watched as the door closed. He turned the meat over and closed the broiler, laying the fork down as he leaned against the counter. What had he started? He was sure that he was in love with her, but it was a little too soon to have thrown that tidbit out into the relationship.

She’s right. Sounded like a line. No wonder it scared her. What can I do to make her understand what I’m feeling?

**** Alexis rummaged through her closet for a few minutes before she found her black denim skirt. She pulled it on and zipped it. Kind of snug. She turned several times before the mirror, checking her reflection. Not too bad. The tight material covered less than half of her thighs. She had no stockings, but her olive legs were attractively long and evenly toned. She thought that the thick white socks were a little silly looking with a skirt but they were warm. Hope he doesn’t mind them. She brushed her hair before taking a deep breath and reaching for the doorknob. She let it out slowly as she opened the door. Alexis clicked off the bedroom light before she realized that the living room was dark. It took a few seconds for her eyes to adjust to the dim light of the fireplace. Looking toward the kitchen, she saw Ty standing beside the table in the 109


glow of two candles. He had placed the steaks on the plates with the potatoes, the salad on the table, along with everything they needed for the meal, and now he was setting a mug of coffee at each place setting. His features were softened by the candles’ glow, which provided the only light other than the fireplace. “Oh,” Alexis exclaimed. “Ty. This is really romantic.” Ty found he was having trouble taking his eyes from her form as she walked toward him. His gaze traveled from her narrow waist, down the curve of her hips, pausing to linger on her thighs before continuing down to the white socks. “Whoa.” Alexis grinned. “What do you mean, “whoa?”” “A vision of beauty, she stalks the cold night, push back the darkness with her radiant light, seeking to share her love of the day, making my heart wish to hear and obey. You look very lovely, m’lady.” He pulled out the chair for her, seating her before taking his place across the table. “Thank you, sir. Did you just make that up?” “You have inspired me. I especially like the socks. They add a certain—homey touch.” “I’m glad you like it. It’s too cold to take them off.” “Perfect,” he commented. “Where’d you find the candles?” she asked, admiring how well he looked in candlelight. His curls looked a thick mixture of light and dark, framing his face. “Saw them in a drawer when I was looking for the knives. I wanted this to be a special night. I’m sorry for scaring you earlier. Forgive me?” “You’re forgiven," she answered. How could she not for-

give him? Had she not thought about using him last night before she knew who he was? How could she condemn him for having the same thoughts? “Ty, I can’t tell you that I don’t feel 110


the same way about you. I think you know that already. You’re wonderful and I could easily get used to having you around. You make me absolutely happy, happier than I’ve ever been. But the snow should stop tomorrow.” She found it difficult to continue, but she had to explain what was in her heart. “Earlier, what I should have said was, I’m not ready for you to make love to me, get my hopes up, only to have you walk away. I don’t think I could take that.” “Let’s not think about leaving tonight. Let’s just have a nice meal and talk some more. How about that?” “Sounds very nice. I’d like to know more about you, too.” Alexis said, picking up her fork and knife, relieved to put the subject of leaving aside for now. “I’ll bet you have some wonderful stories to tell.” “You probably do, too. Where’s your family? You didn’t mention them all day.” “I don’t have any. I was found under a rock and raised by gypsies.” Alexis grinned. “You were not.” Ty chided. “You’re right. My mother died three years ago. Cancer.” “I’m sorry.” “Me, too. That’s when I fell in with Les. I guess I didn’t want to be alone.” She shrugged. “Okay, so it was a bad move.” “What about your father?” “My what?” she asked, a puzzled look on her face. “I don’t think I had one. If I did, I never met him.” “Oh.” “See? Nothing spectacular about me.” “Except your personality, your eyes, your hair—” He paused, purposely leering, one eyebrow raised. “Your legs—” Each compliment made Alexis’ smile grow. “You aren’t going to give me a break, are you?” she asked. 111


“From what?” he said, innocently. “All of this sugar is going to make me a diabetic, you know.” “It’s purely selfish. I like to see you smile.”

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Chapter 11 Ty pulled on his jacket and boots to restock the firewood while Alexis folded the clothes from the dryer. After a long, romantic dinner, they had reluctantly blown out the candles and turned on the lights to clean up the kitchen. She had washed and he rinsed. They decided that the dishes could dry themselves. Ty watched through the window as he filled his arms with logs. Alexis was lovely, even when she was folding their clothes. He smiled when he saw her pull what was left of his yellow shirt out and, after folding it; caress it reverently, laying it on the stack. Her eyes were sparkling as she finished her task. Ty enjoyed watching her when she didn't know it, although it was bitterly cold and still snowing outside. As she had put it, it was a look at the real her. When she had picked up the folded clothes, his included, and headed into the bedroom, Ty came in, depositing the wood in the bin. He stirred up the fire a bit before adding a couple of logs. Ty watched the flames dance, much like his heart had been doing throughout the day. Yeah, I could get used to this life, right here, with the right woman. He glanced over his shoulder toward the bedroom where he could hear Alexis moving about. M’lady, you’re the one. I’m sure of it. He went to the back windows and pulled the drapes 113


closed to preserve the heat. They had been open, allowing in the light throughout the day and a bit of a draft but also allowing Ty to watch Alexis when he was getting firewood. He knocked on the bedroom door that stood half closed before pushing it open. “Alexis—” Alexis had pulled the drapes in the bedroom closed before rummaging through her clothes quickly for the silk nightgown she had ordered from a catalog and hidden so Les wouldn’t find it. If Ty wanted to see her as a lady, she was happy to oblige him. The gown was lavender with white lace trim. It was fitted at the bodice, flaring out to a quite full floor-length skirt. She had wanted it “just because,” but now decided that she would wear it for Ty. She pulled her sweater over her head, dropping it on the foot of the bed. Her long hair cascaded around her as Ty walked in. She gasped as he entered, grabbing her gown, clutching it to her chest. Ty was stunned, unable to do anything but stare. What he saw on her back and shoulders through her hair silenced him. Alexis turned to face him quickly. “T-Ty,” she stammered. “I didn’t expect you.” She looked at him with frightened eyes, dropping into silence. “What is that?” Ty was finally able to get the words out. “What?” She hurried to get her gown on. Ty rushed toward her, stopping her before she could get the silky material over her head. He took her by the shoulders, searching her face for an explanation of what he had discovered. Alexis watched his eyes grow cold with anger. It frightened her. “Please, don’t hurt me,” she pleaded, more out of habit 114


than the panic that she felt. She struggled to get away from him, but the same strong arms that had carried her effortlessly for over a mile last night were too powerful for her. She closed her eyes tightly as he turned her body, brushing her hair gently aside. She could feel the tears burn in her eyes as she heard him inhale sharply. “I’d never hurt you. How did this happen?” he asked, his voice deep and menacing. Alexis tried again to raise the gown over her head. Ty grabbed the material, pulling it firmly from her grasp and tossing it on the bed. Alexis covered her bra with her hair and arms, hot tears breaking free and rolling down her cheeks. “Alexis, who did this?” he demanded. “Les. His belt buckle,” she said quietly. “It was my fault. I broke—” “There is no excuse for this,” he snapped, cutting off her explanation. “He should have his bloody head broke. And I’d like to be the one to do it.” She flinched as she felt Ty’s callused fingertips lightly trace the scars that crisscrossed her back and shoulders. Ty turned her gently to face him, pulling her to his chest. He wrapped his arms protectively around her. She could feel his heart pounding as he held her. Her panic subsided in the comfort of his embrace. “What kind of man would do something like this? I don’t understand it.” Ty shook his head. “How pitifully stupid is he? I’d like to do the same to him—and a whole lot more,” he added, venom in his words as he tightened his hold on Alexis. She looked up into his compassionate face. He saw her frightened look had disappeared. He was sorry he had rushed at her. “I’m sorry I scared you. When you told me about him, I guess I didn’t really understand. I didn’t expect this. Alexis, 115


would you—let me take care of you?” “You already have,” she said, feeling once again secure. “No. I mean from now on. No matter what; no matter where. I want to be the one to take care of you.” “What are you saying?” Alexis asked, laying her head against his chest.

What am I saying? Am I ready to take the chance again?

Ty wondered. He held her pressed tight against him. “I don’t want anything to happen to you again—ever.” “Would you stay with me?” Alexis ventured. “Yes.” “Even after the snow has stopped and you can get out of here?” “Yes.” His answers thrilled her, warmed her, made her happy at the prospect, if only for a minute or two. The joy quickly subsided as she thought about who he was. Taylor Synclair, international, wealthy, adored by women everywhere, famous, rock star. He belonged to the world, not to Alexis Rivers; a nobody who was heading for Oregon to get away from a vicious ex-boyfriend. How could she expect him to give up all that he had, all that he was, to stay with her? The answer was all too clear. He couldn’t. Alexis sighed in resignation. “Let’s be realistic, Ty.” She spoke softly. “I can’t think of a better fantasy than you actually staying with me—forever. But that’s what it is—a wonderful fantasy. You have a life— somewhere else. You have a career. Responsibilities. Obligations.” She looked up into his pained eyes and shrugged, resigned to the reality. “You can’t stay with me. And we both know it.” She bit her trembling lip, leaning her cheek against the warmth of his chest. Ty thoughtfully caressed her back as he listened. There had been no hesitation in his answers. He meant what he said. 116


He wanted to stay with her. He wanted to take care of her. He wanted to take care of her bumps and burns, and her heartaches and sad times. He also wanted to give her happy times, loving memories, whatever she wanted. If he couldn’t stay, he wanted to take her with him. He wanted to look down from the stage and see her smiling up at him. He wanted her to be the one waiting for him just off stage at the end of a show; to be the one he would spend the night with, every night. He wanted to give her whatever would make her smile, make her happy. She was so beautiful when she was happy. Ty never wanted the smile to leave her face. There was only one way he could think of to give her the security that she craved. Ty retrieved her gown, gathering it in his hands. He turned her away from him, placing it over her head from behind, helping her to dress without exposing herself to his eyes. As she adjusted the front of the gown, Ty pulled her hair free, allowing it to spill slowly though his fingers. He turned her around and took her face in his hands, tilting it up. “There’s a way.” He kissed her lightly, adding, “I’m going to get the rest of the wood for the night.” He left the room, pulling the door partly closed behind him. **** Ty checked the lock on the back door before closing it and stepping out into the flurries of snow. He eyed the woodbin before walking past it, around to the front of the cabin. He needed to be sure about what he was contemplating. He wanted to be absolutely certain. The cold air stung his lungs as he breathed in deeply. He buttoned up his jacket, shoving his hands deep into his pockets. Deep in thought, he wandered toward the main road.

Why am I doing this? What’s the real reason? Do I feel sorry for her or do I really love her and want to take care of 117


her? I have to be completely sure that she’s the one. I can’t make the same mistake again.

**** Alexis pushed back the drapes, looking out the window thoughtfully. What did he mean, there was a way? What way? Unexpectedly, she saw Ty walking across the clearing toward the main road. He was leaving. She backed from the window heart sick, not able to bear the sight of him walking away. She felt cold, abandoned. She resigned herself to the fact that she would never see him again face to face before the pain set in too deep. She couldn’t help hurting, knowing that she would never feel his arms around her or taste his kiss again. His tender words would be reserved for someone else – somewhere else. She had to be sure, and returned to the window. She watched until he rounded the end of the hill, moving out of sight before pulling the drapes closed again. Hearing his vocals would not be enough after the time they had shared. What hurt the most was that Alexis had forfeited the opportunity to feel his body against hers, to experience all he had been willing to give. She ached, knowing that she would never hear him speak her name again. She shimmied out of the skirt, leaving it abandoned on the floor, and then turned off the light before she crawled into the bed. She held the covers tight around her; a mock embrace to replace the emotion-stirring touch that she had allowed to walk out of her life. Her hand found the scrap of material under her pillow. She once again inhaled the scent of his cologne as she dried her tears.

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Chapter 12 Ty turned his face upward into the falling snow. He closed his eyes, allowing the crystals of ice to land on his skin for a few paces. He pulled his hands from his pockets, walking faster toward the grove. The colder he became, the faster he moved, until he reached a flat out run, heading toward the fallen tree where she had warmed his hands the night before. He sprinted past the log, pacing himself now that he had burned off some initial energy, anxiety, or whatever it was that he was feeling when he left the warmth of the cabin. He continued to run, finding he had come over half way to the main road before he slowed to a walk. The exertion felt good after sitting all day, something he was not in the habit of doing. He could see the road stretching away toward the valley. He could see the distant lights on the valley floor, diamonds sparkling through the heavy white curtain and he stopped, leaning with hands on knees, catching his breath. When his chest stopped burning, he stood up, looking toward the lights. He stood in the intense cold allowing his thoughts to carry him back to that last encounter with Elsbeth. He hadn’t told Alexis the whole truth about it but then; it wasn’t something that he really wanted anyone to know about. Not even his band mates knew of that last meeting. The 119


pain and humiliation were too real, even after all of this time. El had left Ty knowing—without a doubt—that he would never trust any woman enough to give away his heart again. He decided then that one-night relationships would be enough to sustain him. What did he need with a permanent relationship? He had all the women he wanted, whenever he wanted. Hit and run, take them and leave them. No promises for them and no pain for him. Perfect. But the emptiness when he woke up each morning with a nameless warm body beside him gnawed at him, his heart aching to find something better. Someone better. He blinked at the flurries surrounding him; his eyes locked on the far away blanket of lights, remembering that wonderful, horrible event four years ago. **** So, here we are, he thought as he stepped into the hotel room. The king sized bed was covered by a black and gold spread; a nightstand on each side which held gilt angel lamps filled the room with bright light. Against the far wall stood a bar, complete with a variety of alcohol, two glasses, and a bucket of ice. The gold brocade drapes were closed, blocking out the rising glow from the city eighteen stories below. The air conditioning made the room tolerable in the intense heat of Las Vegas in August. Outside it was barely livable, but in this room, the heat was not what made it hard for him to breathe. It was the moment. What he had come here for. One more chance. It was not easy for Ty to get here, to move unnoticed through the casino and up the elevator. He had hurried to the room, wearing a large brimmed hat down to the top of a pair of glasses, attempting to hide his trademark hair from the fans that would invariable notice him when he tried to go any120


where. But without his band mates, and the ShadowsForge entourage, he had made it unnoticed. He glanced down the hall before he pushed the door closed behind him and tossed the card key on the bureau along with the hat and glasses. He shook his hair out, combing his fingers through it. Why the bloody hell had he agreed to see her again? He still didn’t know. Or didn’t want to admit to himself that he still loved her. But love wasn’t a switch to be turned on and off in a moment, no matter what that moment brought. Ty set his watch alarm for noon—just in case. He had a sound check at two tomorrow. Who knows? He could still be in this room by then, but he couldn’t be late for that sound check. He hadn’t told anyone where he was going. Ty decided to keep this meeting a secret until he knew what it was all about. He moved silently across the plush black carpeting to the window to inspect the view. With one hand he drew back the drapes, looking down on the busy street so far below. All of his troubles could be over quickly, he thought. How easy it would be to open the window and— He heard a card sliding once more into the lock, but dared not turn to watch as she entered. It was difficult to see her again, and yet, he needed her, desired her, more than anything he had ever wanted in his life. She was the one thing that he couldn’t have. The forbidden fruit. Swallowing against the lump that formed in his throat, he turned as the door clicked closed. Her back was to him. The black dress that she wore was nearly transparent in the bright light of the room. It only served to make this more painful, as he could see the outline of her perfect, precious form through the dark veil of material. She stood silent for a long time. Perhaps she was having 121


the same feelings he was. Or she was having doubts about having come here. At length, he heard the dead bolt click. She turned to face him. Her blond hair was a mass of curls piled up, held in place by two silver combs that he had gifted her with a year ago. Her glittering eye shadow drew attention to deep blue orbs framed by a dark multitude of lashes. She wore a wan smile as she placed her bag and the card key on the bureau beside his things. She moved past him to the bar. He could smell her perfume when she walked by. It strengthened the desire to pull her to him and smother her with a deep, long forbidden kiss. Instead he turned back to the window, watching the rain that began to patter lightly against the glass. Each drop became a jewel as it caught the multicolored lights from the street below. He always liked to walk in summer rain. It smelled good, clean, renewing to his soul—as if God were trying to wash away all of the filth that had come into his life. A life that was no longer his, but belonged to ShadowsForge, the managers, the promoters, the fans, the record company— Enough self-pity. Time to get on with things, to what he—what they came for. Turning from the window, but leaving the drapes open, he watched as she downed a full measure of bourbon then poured out another. Their eyes met. He could feel his throat tightening, and he forced it to relax before he tried to speak. She held her glass toward him in a silent toast before closing her eyes, once more downing the golden liquid. Is it that difficult for her? he wondered as he watched.

She never drank hard liquor before.

She sat the glass down, moving to the side of the bed with her cat-like gait. He loved to watch her move. She could slink from one place to another in such a fluid motion, floating instead of walking. 122


“Turn down the lights while I turn down the bed,” she said in a controlled voice, completely lacking emotion. He was surprised by the suggested future events, fighting down the excitement that threatened to overpower him. “Elsbeth—” “Shh,” she shushed him, with one finger to her full lips. “There is nothing to say.” She turned to the bed, throwing back the spread, not caring that it slipped to the floor. She turned down the black sheets and fluffed the matching pillows, tossing them against the headboard. “We need to talk—” he tried again. “What about?” She turned on him with rage swimming in unshed tears. Her voice was a venomous whisper. “You want to talk about the past? What happened to us? What happened with—that girl? Or how many others?” She waited silently for him to speak, yet he couldn’t find the words that he needed. She shook her head, mournfully. “I just want to have silence, to turn down the voices in my head. I hear women calling your name. They scream out what they want from you. Can you hear them?” He shook his head slowly. “Of course, you can’t. You hear it so much you’re immune to it. Your fans. They came between us.” Her voice broke. She tried to cover the sob that escaped her trembling lips. He moved around the bed to her, taking her in his arms, trying to comfort her while searching for the strength to reinforce himself against the pain they both shared in that moment. “It was your choice. You chose Jake,” he corrected gently, trying to hold her. Ty was still wounded at finding his wife and some guy named Jake together in his own bedroom. She leaned against him, using him for support before 123


pushing him away, returning to the bar with him right behind her. “How could you know what I was going through? What I was feeling? You were working,” she conceded softly, pouring a third glass. As she raised it to her lips, he reached around her, covering the top of the glass with his hand. He took it gently but firmly from her, setting it down. If they were going to talk, get things settled, she had to be there mentally. “Come here,” he said, turning her. His eyes searched her face, realizing how much he missed her. He knew he was wrong to try to convince himself that he never wanted to see her again. Tears fell from the blue depths of her eyes, spilling from her cheeks to his black satin shirt. He held her pressed to his chest, thinking how appropriate it was that they had both worn black. She nestled there, regaining control of her emotions. She wrapped her arms around him, stroking his back lightly at first, then dragging her nails so hard across his shoulders that he thought his shirt may have been cut to ribbons. He realized that the material was the only thing that kept him from bleeding along her trail from his shoulder blades down to his black jeans. She knew what that did to him. He could see it in her eyes. She pressed against him with a seductive smile. He pulled the combs from her hair, tossing them onto the nightstand. Her golden tresses tumbled around her shoulders and down her back. El’s hair shimmered in the light, taking on the glint of gold against the black backdrop of her dress. She shook her head lightly, sending glowing ripples of light through her hair before she once more backed away from him, slipping out of her shoes and sliding onto the bed, reclining against the great pillows. She patted the sheet beside her, inviting him to join her. 124


He turned down the lights before he sat down, kicking off his boots. He leaned casually against the headboard, not too near, not wanting to rush her or himself. He waited for a signal, some encouragement that what he was doing was right before he made any move. Much as he wanted to throw himself at her, take her, make fierce love to her, he also wanted this to be the longest night of his life. He was filled with silent joy when he heard her whispered voice. “Lay down with me, Ty. Don’t try to tell me that you love me. Just hold me for a while. I want to remember what it was like,” she cooed. Ty slipped down beside her, gathering her in his arms. She turned toward him, putting her head on his shoulder. He could feel her breathing on his neck, while she unbuttoned his shirt to slowly stroke his smooth chest. She drew up her leg, laying her thigh across his, stroking his calf with her foot. He reveled in her touch, her warmth, the scent of her hair; its softness against his cheek. “It was picnics in the sun,” he said softly; his eyes closing as he drifted back. “It was warm. Exciting to be with you.” “Shh,” she chided, gently this time, pressing her fingertips to his lips. He kissed them before she resumed caressing his chest. “Give me my moment.” He held her close, stroking her arm with his free hand, staring at the raindrops that collected on the window. They lay together wrapped in each other’s arms, watching the raindrops, each hoping for a memory that they could take from this room at morning’s light. A memory that would be only theirs for eternity, long after this night had ended. Too soon, it would be over. **** The silence lasted for so long; Elsbeth lay so still, that Ty began to think that she had drifted off to sleep. He was con125


tent to have her beside him. After watching the rain for some time, he closed his eyes, floating somewhere between this place in time, and the events that had commenced the ruin of his life. As an entertainer, he had to endure certain annoying habits of his fans. He had to endure the demands of those who “owned” him in one-way or another. He had a very hard time convincing Elsbeth that some things were beyond his control. Most of the time, she would bite her lip and concede, leaving Ty feeling that he had let her down. That was something that he hated to do. He had nearly lost her once before by not being there for her, although it was not his choice. He never wanted that to happen again. But it had. It had ended so badly, so horribly wrong. The really pathetic thing was that he was not at fault, but could do nothing about it. Try as he did, he could not convince Elsbeth of his innocence. Elsbeth endured much due to his profession. The fans got out of hand, getting past security now and then back stage and in the hotels. He had been dragged from a low stage on one occasion. They had torn his clothes and his flesh. Some lucky girl had actually made off with what remained of his shirt before security rescued him and his guitar. Some flashed him and the band from the front rows. Hugging, touching, and kissing him. Even the things they would scream out during the performances were unbelievably graphic at times. Elsbeth had to share him with a world that didn’t care if it shared him with her or not. The final offense had come in the form of a shedevil named Breanna. Though he could understand it, it was hard for Ty to accept El’s decision to leave him and return to London. He never wanted it, never felt comfortable about it. It was one more aspect of his life that he had no control over. He would 126


wait, praying that when he got home, they could talk this over, make some kind of arrangements so she would travel with him once more. He kept his wedding ring on his hand, not wanting to make that mistake again. He had taken it off once at the request of the management for the image of the band. Elsbeth noticed and thought the worst. She decided that there had to be someone else in his life. He never contemplated another woman. Elsbeth had been the only one he wanted. Young, he was blind in love. When he had come home and found her with another man, his hope of talking things out was shattered. He turned around and headed to Geoff’s place. He told himself and everyone else that he never wanted to see her again, no matter what. Deep down he knew he was lying to himself to keep from hurting. He still wanted her, foolish as it was. When the trust was gone, so was the foundation of their marriage. He was only twenty. He didn’t want to be divorced and endure “I told you so” from his band mates who had warned him against getting married in the first place. He felt that his prayers had been answered now, two months later, when he received a message from Elsbeth, asking him to meet with her; the card key delivered to his hotel suite soon after ShadowsForge arrived. She had to be following the bands itinerary, knowing that he would be in Las Vegas, but he’d be free this night. The thought gave him hope. Slim and fragile, but hope all the same. ShadowsForge had been on the road for over a month. Elsbeth wanted to talk. Ty’s hopes rose that maybe they could work things out. Eagerly, Ty had agreed, knowing how much he hated being apart from her. He had arranged for two months off when they married, just to be alone with her before ShadowsForge went on tour; the newlyweds soon endured the hardship of 127


living with four band mates and no privacy. Early on in the U.S. leg of the tour, El’s mother had taken seriously ill, causing her to return to London for some weeks. Ty could not put his personal desires before El’s mother, as much as he wanted to. He knew that. So arrangements were made for Elsbeth to fly home, while ShadowsForge and Ty traveled throughout Florida, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas. They planned to meet up again in Nevada. Nigel Patton, hard working manager that he was, at the last minute added one more stop to the itinerary; a one-night engagement in Flagstaff, Arizona, on the way to Nevada. Ty had been more than a little irked at that last minute change, as he was looking forward to meeting up with Elsbeth in Reno. It had to be postponed two days because of Nigel and his plans. Ty called El and explained to her what had happened. He could tell that she was biting her lip on the other end of the phone. Right then, he wanted to shove Nigel out of the highest window of the hotel. She assured him that after a month, two more days would be fine, and she would be in Reno shortly after he arrived. When he hung up the phone, Ty set his mind to thinking of something that he could get for her that she would really like, something to make up for her disappointment. The following night, he was in Flagstaff, sitting in a fairly nice dressing room, waiting for the equipment to be set up so that they could have a late night rehearsal. The next evening, he wanted to get the show over with and move on to Reno. He wanted to be there when El’s plane landed, surprise her with armloads of roses, carnations, daisies, and a new wedding ring that he had found at a shop in New Mexico. It was a heart shaped diamond set in the center of a cascade of smaller diamonds. His heart floating in the sea of her love, he thought, when he had seen it in the display case. 128


The rehearsal went well, although they were all tired from the traveling and set up. But they sounded good. Ty felt good about what he heard in rehearsal and was ready for a bite to eat and a good night’s sleep. The band went to the hotel restaurant. After they had eaten, Geoff and the rest of the band members decided to go out for a few drinks. Gary Felding, Ty’s assistant and bodyguard, escorted Ty upstairs and retired for the night after he was sure that Ty was secure in his room. At this late hour, not many fans would be roaming around, but you never knew. Gary checked throughout the suite before leaving Ty to himself. Ty had made some tea at the kitchenette and watched a little television before deciding he had given this day enough of his time. The sooner he went to sleep, the sooner it would be tomorrow and he would be one day closer to seeing Elsbeth. That was something he could hardly wait for. He undressed and crawled into the king size bed, though he could hardly sleep due to the anticipation of soon seeing his wife. He closed his eyes, envisioning Elsbeth, which made it all the more difficult to fall asleep. **** Elsbeth slipped the card key into the lock, hoping that Ty had not engaged the dead bolt to bar her entrance. Excitement welled up in her as she anticipated waking him with a good morning kiss—to begin with. She found that she couldn’t wait two more days to see him. She had caught the first flight that she could get to Phoenix, and had driven the rest of the way to arrive in Flagstaff early in the morning so that she could be with Ty. She missed her husband so much it hurt. Elsbeth was thrilled that she could spend some time with Ty before the concert tonight. She opened the door quietly and slipped inside. The room was cool and dim. She was in an entry with a closet on the 129


left. The foyer opened into a large room with a kitchenette to the right. The couch faced away from the door, making a barrier in the middle of the room, facing an entertainment center in the corner and a glass door to the balcony. To the left, a door stood slightly ajar. Elsbeth moved softly to the door, dropping her bag on the couch. She heard rustling as the covers moved and hoped that he wasn’t already awake. She so wanted to surprise him. She waited until he was still before pushing the door open enough to gain entrance to the dark room. She stepped inside, turning to carefully close the door. Before she could turn back toward the bed, the light clicked on. It made her jump as she faced a smiling but drowsy Ty, sitting up against the headboard in a nest of blankets. A sheet barely hung on his hips, revealing the smooth, muscular body she hungered for. His thick curls were tousled from sleep, and hanging down on his chest. “Elly,” he said, surprised. “You’re here.” He was thrilled to see her, although his plans to surprise her would not happen the way he had wanted. He held out his arms to her, entranced by the way she crossed the room with her cat-like saunter. She crawled across the bed. He pulled her to sit on his lap, his mouth quickly claiming hers. When she at last could speak, Elsbeth explained, “I couldn’t wait. I had to see you.” “How’s your Mum?” he asked, nuzzling her neck, wrapping his arms around her waist. “So much better. Now, I’m the one that needs attention Do we have a few hours to get…uh, re-acquainted?” The hungry anticipation on her face was equal to his. “You’re kind of overdressed for the occasion,” he said, spilling her over backward, grabbing for the buttons on her blouse. She giggled, trying to push his hands away. “Stop.” She laughed. “I didn’t come all the way from 130


London to get mauled by a sex-crazed bass player.” Ty stopped; a look of indignation on his face. “I’m not only a bass player,” he quipped. “I am an entertainer. Want to get entertained?” He resumed the attack on Elsbeth’s blouse. “But you are sex crazed, Mr. Synclair,” she choked out, between trying to wriggle away across the bed. He was a lot stronger than her, making it impossible for her to get away, although she really didn’t want to. “No. Sex-starved,” he corrected. “I wanted to wake you up.” “I thought you did,” he said, looking surprised. “Didn’t you take a shower when you came in?” He stopped his attack, helping Elsbeth up to a sitting position. He thought how wonderful she looked with her golden hair tossed from wrestling, and her blouse hanging halfway open. “But if you took a shower, you wouldn’t have dressed before you woke me up, would you?” “No,” Elsbeth answered, equally puzzled. “You really do look great like that,” he said, his eyes roaming from her face to her exposed cleavage. “You look pretty good in sheet, too.” She returned the compliment. “I’m sure that I heard the shower.” He gathered the sheet around his hips and stood up, leaving Elsbeth sitting in a tangle of blankets. He reached for the bathroom doorknob, and then decided to knock. The door was pulled opened to reveal a young lady wrapped in a towel, her long dark hair dripping. She flung her arms around Ty’s neck, covering his mouth with hers. Ty nearly lost his sheet as he tried to push her away. She held on to him, abruptly ending the kiss. “What’s the matter, lover,” she said, looking up into Ty’s panic stricken face. “Couldn’t you wait for me to get to the 131


bed?”

132


Chapter 13 Ty jolted awake, painfully aware that he was alone. He leapt from the bed, hoping that he had not blown his chance with Elsbeth by falling asleep. Her purse was on the bureau; that fact gave him some comfort. The door to the bath was closed so he sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for his heart to stop pounding. He heard the shower and wondered if Elsbeth were all right. He tapped on the door, which creaked open when he did. “Elly,” he called, through the narrow opening. “Are you all right?” “Yes,” came a voice that was weak and shaking. “Just great.” “Could I come in?” he ventured. She sounded too weak, too unsteady, to be alone. When she didn’t answer, Ty pushed the door open to find her standing in a cold spray, fully clothed and shivering. The black veil of material didn’t hide much from his view now, and she shook violently. Ty shut off the water and, taking a large towel from the rack, wrapped her in it. He helped her from the stall. She sank to the floor, and Ty sank along side of her. “What are you doing?” he asked, tenderly as he could. “I’m not sure,” she replied, through chattering teeth. Ty held her close, rubbing her arms and back through the towel 133


to warm her. “Did I get to you that excited that you needed a cold shower?” He was rewarded with a smile that quickly faded again, and was replaced by a serious stare. “Ty, I don’t know what I’m doing anymore. Half of me wants you back so bad,” she said, making Ty’s heart sing. “But the other half keeps seeing that girl in the towel kissing you.” His joy faltered. “I didn’t know she was there,” he defended himself. “You never let me explain. You ran back to London and your friends.” “I didn’t want to think about it much less talk about it,” she said. “But you never had a peace about it,” Ty said, pulling her closer. “That’s what tore us up. The not knowing; the no longer trusting.” “I wanted to trust. I didn’t want to know. I wanted to forget the whole thing ever happened. I couldn’t help but wonder how many other times it had happened when no one was there to stop you.” She shook her head as if to dislodge the thought. “I wanted to trust you, but how could I trust them? And when would it happen again?” “Come on,” he commanded. Standing up, he pulled Elsbeth up beside him. “Get your dress off.” He took the towel away, turning her to unzip the dress, noting that she wore nothing beneath it. She looked around at him, half annoyed, half fearful. “To get warm,” he explained, leading her back to the room. “Do you have anything else to put on?” “No,” she answered. “I didn’t think I would need anything else.” “What did you ask me here for, Elsbeth?” Ty unfastened the remaining buttons on his shirt. He pulled the tail from his waistband, letting it hang while he 134


pushed down the sleeves that were rolled up below his elbows. Elsbeth gave him a puzzled look as he tugged the shirt off. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to rape you,” he said, tossing the shirt to her. “Put this on.” He pushed her toward the bathroom and sat on the bed to think while she changed. It took only a minute for her to return. She was rolling up the sleeves, which were considerably long on her. The shirt covered more of her thighs than her dress had. “You should wear my shirts more often,” he remarked. “It looks great.” She granted him a smile. “And that makes you look even better,” he added, hoping to encourage her. After a silent moment, she walked past him. He thought she was heading back to the bar, but instead she sat on the bed beside him. “When did you start drinking hard liquor?” he asked. “Um. Let me think.” She looked up at the ceiling. “About—oh, an hour ago.” “You threw it down pretty good for an amateur,” he commented, with brows raised. “Yes, well, while you were dozing, my stomach threw it back.” She looked down, searching the floor. When she looked up, Ty had to smile, and Elsbeth found herself smiling as well. The more she thought about what she had done, the more foolish she felt, and she began to laugh. Ty wrapped Elsbeth in his arms, holding her as they fell over on the bed enjoying a good laugh together. He kissed her hair and hugged her tight. “I know you told me not to, but I need you to know how very much I still love you,” he said. “You are the only real person in my life. The only one that I can have fun with. And happiness. Someone that doesn’t only want something from me. No one else can give me what you give me.” 135


The mood turned suddenly serious. He could not see her face, as it was tucked under his chin. He weighed his thoughts carefully before deciding that he had to speak now; while she was listening, while he was holding her, while they could not see each other’s face. It gave him courage, not seeing the look in her eyes. Ty was afraid to see a lack of love there. “Elsbeth, do you think that there’s any chance for us? Because, I can’t make you love me if you don’t. I know you can’t make your heart feel something that isn’t there. I’ve decided that this has to be the last night of wondering. What you decide will set the direction for the rest of my life. I’m laying my heart down for you. You can pick it up and we can go on.” He paused, frightened at the words he needed to say. He hugged her a little tighter and kissed the top of her head before he continued. “Or you could walk away.” He swallowed hard against a lump in his throat. “You don’t have to answer now. Let me love you one more time. And by morning, I…” His throat was dry and his voice faltered. Elsbeth raised her head from his chest, propping herself up on one elbow to look into his face. She brushed his mane back. She pressed her fingertips to his lips. “By morning, you’ll have your answer,” she said. “I promise.” Pulling her fingers away, she planted a brief kiss on his lips. He lightly caressed her back. “But you need to do something for me.” “What’s that?” he asked. She bit her lip until she realized that he was looking at her with a slight frown. He could tell she was nervous, which made him worry. Her full lip slipped from between her teeth as she smiled at him. “Sorry,” she said. “No problem,” he answered. “I’ll do anything for you, m’lady.” 136


“You need to tell me about that girl.” Surprise registered on Ty’s face. A furrowed brow replaced his shock as he thought back. “You sure you want to talk about it?” He wanted her to be absolutely certain before he began. She bit her lip and nodded. He smiled and put his finger to her lips. “Okay,” he said. “After you left the room, do you remember?” She nodded again, thinking back to that day. **** All Elsbeth could think about was getting away from the scene she had witnessed. She wanted to get away from the girl. She wanted the girl to get away from Ty. But, mostly, she wanted to get away from Ty, not knowing why but needing to be alone. “I got to the elevator before I realized my blouse was open,” Elsbeth said. “Well, you left me with Breanna.” “Breanna?” “Yeah, that was her name. As soon as you left, I headed for the phone to call house security. When she saw me reaching for it, she grabbed for me. I guess she misjudged the distance and she pulled my hair and clawed down my back. Maybe she meant to leave me marked. Anyway, I was able to reach the phone but before I could call security, I guess you leaving, slamming doors on the way, woke up Gary across the hall. He came in and pulled the girl off me. I guess she realized that the only thing she could hold on to was my sheet. She was kicking at Gary and screaming and before we could do anything about it, she lost her towel.” Elsbeth swallowed hard, envisioning what had gone on. Jealousy rose in her, but she suppressed it to listen to the rest 137


of the story. Ty kept a serious look on his face, watching Elsbeth’s reaction. He knew that if he smiled about the situation, showed the slightest amusement in it, it would not help win his wife back. After all, Elsbeth was still his wife. She hadn’t filed for divorce and he had no intention of doing so. He had feared that divorce was the reason she wanted to see him tonight. But so far, his fear had not been realized. “She was pulling on my sheet and Gary was pulling on her. I had a death grip on that sheet. Gary was only wearing his trousers. Actually, looking back it was probably an amusing thing to see. If the press had gotten one picture of that scene, my reputation would be as bad as Geoff’s. I can just see the caption: ‘Bass Player Fights Body Guard Over Groupie’.” He looked at Elsbeth. The look on her face was not happy. “Well, maybe not that amusing.” **** Gary had a hold on the girl under her arms, trying to remove her from Ty’s room. “Was that Elsbeth I just saw heading for the elevator?” he asked. Ty groaned as he yanked, trying to remain on his feet while fighting to get his sheet from the girl. “Yeah. And guess who she met coming out of my shower,” Ty said, his voice colored with anger while he clutched his only covering, trying not to be dragged across the floor by Gary. “Let me think,” Gary said, through clenched teeth. Through out the tug-o-war, the girl kept shouting, “Ty, you need me. I’ll do anything for you. You don’t need that other girl. How did she get in here? I love you.” Blah, blah,

blah, blah, blah.

“Oh, come on, girlie,” Gary exclaimed, exasperated. “Let—go—of—the—sheet,” he grunted, emphasizing each word with a jerk. The intruder lost her grip on the material 138


and she and Gary went out the bedroom door, landing on the floor behind the couch while Ty stumbled backward, falling beside the bed in a heap. Ty collected himself, securing his sheet, before grabbing a blanket from the bed, tossing it through the door, covering the girl. Gary was having a tough time getting out from under her and off the floor without losing his grip on her wrist. She was screaming and fussing, making a hell of a racket while swinging a fist at Gary. Ty felt that he had done his part in providing the cover and slammed the bedroom door, locking it. What he heard going on in the other room while he called hotel security was beyond belief. Glass was breaking. Things were hitting the walls, and Gary was cursing and generally pleading with her to control herself. There was some mention of a lamp, just before a thunderous crash hit the bedroom door. Gary was definitely earning his pay this morning. **** Elsbeth lay with her chin in her hands, listening intently to Ty’s narrative. Her eyes began to brim with tears and he stopped. “Hey, now, are you all right?” he asked, sitting forward suddenly when he noticed. “Oh. Yeah. I’m fine,” she said, sitting up Indian-style beside him, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hands. “I feel kind of guilty.” “For what?” he asked, totally confused. “I saw those scratches on your back that night. I thought she…Well, that you, uh…I know what that does to you,” she stammered, the tears slipping past her lashes. “I never thought that she might have attacked you.” “It only does something to me when you do it. I never gave them a thought after Gary wrestled her out of my room. 139


Is that why you wouldn't look at me that night?” “I closed my eyes so I wouldn’t see—that you didn’t love me anymore, even though you could make love to me. I didn’t want to feel like one of those girls.” He reached out taking her firmly by the shoulders. He was not angry but his eyes sparked with passion beneath the thick curls falling across his forehead. “First of all, I don’t shag groupies any more. Gave that up when I met you. Secondly, I don’t make love to you. I make love WITH you, because there’s no love without you. It’s not a solo performance. It takes us both. I can only make love with you, Elsbeth. Only with you.” He held her gaze, hoping she understood, before caressing her arms lightly as he relaxed against the pillows propped up at the headboard. His countenance softened. “I’m sorry,” he said, as he caught the look of surprise on her face. “I can’t tell you enough times that I don’t want any one else. Especially groupies. No thanks. If that was all I wanted, I wouldn’t be married.” Ty held up his hand, displaying his ring to her. “Which I am.” “You still wear it,” Elsbeth said, reaching out to stroke his hand, her fingers lingered on the band that she had placed there almost a year ago. “I would have thought that Nigel talked you out of it by now.” “He tried.” “What did you do?” “I held him out of a fourth floor window by his legs until he changed his mind. I told him if he didn’t change his way of thinking, the cement would.” Elsbeth looked surprised at her usually passive husband. “I thought it was just an image. When did you get so violent?” “When he started trouble between me and my wife,” he answered. Elsbeth grinned. “Nigel sort of brings that out in all 140


of us now and then. Besides, they designed the image. I only use it when it suits me.” “I kind of like the way you talk to him.” “Yeah? Me, too.” Elsbeth began biting her lip again. “What’s wrong, Elly,” Ty questioned. “Um, would you mind if we called room service? My stomach is a bit empty from the bourbon bomb.” “Good idea, that, but only one problem.” “You forgot your wallet and I have to pay for it?” Elsbeth asked sarcastically, with a sparkle in her eye. “Hey, just because I did that on our first date doesn’t mean that I would let it happen twice,” he protested, reaching into his pocket. With a fallen look on his face, he patted all of his pockets. No wallet. Elsbeth burst out laughing. “I was in a hurry to get here, all right?” “That’s all right,” she said. “I’ve got it covered. So what’s the problem?” “I don’t want anyone to know that I’m here. You know what happens.” “All too well. I’ll call down, and when it gets here you can hide.” Elsbeth crawled across the bed, lying across Ty’s lap to reach the phone. “Roast beef for you?” “Fine. And something to drink.” He would have agreed to eat nails and glass right now with her lying on her stomach across his lap. He weighed the thought of slipping his hands under the shirt while she was on the phone, but decided that it might get him into trouble. It took a great deal of will power to keep his hands to himself. “Spring water?” “Perfect.” **** Ty and Elsbeth sat at the bar, pushing the booze to the far 141


end so that they could sit together to eat. It hadn’t taken very long for the steward to bring up the tray. At the knock on the door, Ty slipped quietly into the bath, closing the door so that he could not be seen but could watch through the crack. He felt more than a little jealous about Elsbeth answering the door wearing nothing more than his shirt. It looked a little too obvious. And a lot too sensual with her thick hair tousled around her shoulders. It was all he could do to keep quiet as he watched the guy eyeing Elsbeth while she retrieved some money for a tip from her purse on the bureau. The young man’s eyes seem to be drinking in every portion of her body while Ty glared helplessly. But while he watched, he realized what Elsbeth must go through every moment when they went out in public, when he was on stage, when she went anywhere with him. He began to understand how she must feel. He knew what he would do if some man had done to Elsbeth what Breanna had done to him. He wouldn’t have walked away. He would have been up on charges—of anywhere from assault to murder one. But now, they sat side-by-side, enjoying sandwiches. Ty continued to enlighten Elsbeth about the ordeal with Breanna. “The formal apology I got from the management of the hotel explained that Breanna had been employed about two months earlier as a maid. She was dismissed, because all she ever did was stare at the male guests and proposition them. She had been let go when she used her passkey to get into the room of a groom-to-be the morning before his wedding, which was to be held at the hotel. Just like she did to me. Needless to say, when the bride walked in on them, it got pretty messy for the management.” “Apparently, the groom wasn’t very faithful if Breanna could make him cheat on his wedding day,” Elsbeth observed. 142


“True, but he probably thought that no one would ever know and decided to have one last fling. Some lads are like that,” he said, taking another bite of his sandwich. “Are you like that?” Elsbeth asked, wiping her lips with her napkin. “Um, let me think. I had platinum ready to be mine forever, and was surrounded by free tin. All I could handle and more. Could I have indulged in a last minute bump and grind and gotten away with it? Probably several,” he confessed, and then took another bite, chewing thoughtfully. Elsbeth grew uncomfortable with his silence, as he feigned great effort to think back. “But why would I have?” he finally concluded, after he had let her stew for a few minutes. “Why would I have taken a chance on losing the Platinum?” He put his sandwich down and took her hand. Looking into her eyes earnestly, he continued. “Elsbeth, I’ve had no desire for any other female since the day I started dating you. The only one that I have had contact with is my mother. Women may have touched me, but I have not initiated it. Or welcomed it.” Elsbeth smiled. They finished eating in relative silence, each in their own thoughts. **** The distinct sound of a truck pulled Ty back from the memory of that long ago night. Without thinking, he crouched low in the snow, watching the road as the wind whipped huge snowflakes deep into his hair and hard against his face. A tow truck, with “Robert’s Wrecking” painted in large red letters on the door, crept slowly into view. Ty watched it climb up the road at walking speed. It wouldn’t have taken much for him to get the driver’s attention. All he’d have to do was stand up and shout. Sound 143


traveled well in the snow. He could flag the guy down. Slow as the truck was moving, Ty could probably have walked up and knocked on the window. He could get back to the hotel. Back to his life—

A life of travel—alone. Making music—for other people in love. A large fancy house—without a wife to share it with. Anything that money could buy—but without Alexis Rivers.

He watched the truck maneuver past the turnoff to the cabin. It negotiated the curve that Alexis had not been able to. He watched the tail lights disappear into the distant snowcovered hills. He stood, smiling, uncontrollably happy in the middle of the blizzard. It was time to love again. He ran as fast as his boots would allow him back through the grove, back to the cabin, back to Alexis. Ty collected an armload of firewood, shook what felt like a few pounds of snow from his hair and went inside. He looked around for Alexis, expecting her to have been on the sofa or in the kitchen. He placed the wood in the bin, noticing the bedroom door open. The room was dark when he looked in. As his eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, he could see her huddled form on the far side of the bed. Her back was to him. “Alexis,” he whispered. No response. Had he been gone that long? **** Alexis heard Ty come in the back door, and felt overwhelmed that he had returned. When she heard him call her name softly, it was too much. The tears began. She didn’t want him to see her cry although they were tears of joy. He had come back, but for how long? How could she hope to keep him? How could she dare to believe there would be a future for them? She could always pray for the snow to continue forever, but that was not very realistic. 144


Alexis didn’t want realistic. She admitted to herself that she wanted Ty. Not Taylor Synclair, the international superstar. Ty, the hero. The man who had rescued her—twice. Who had tended her injuries. Who had fed her and kept her warm. Who had been there when she needed him. Who had not abandoned her. Who had touched her soul. She wanted him too much. Alexis closed her eyes, surrendering to emotional exhaustion and restless sleep, knowing what would happen if she were to find herself in Ty’s arms tonight. **** Ty returned to the fireplace, stoking up a roaring fire before peeling off the wet coat and sweater and laying them in front of the fire to dry. He shook his hair out again, running his fingers through it a few times, pushing it back from his face, recalling the amount of time Alexis had taken to comb it out for him. He removed his boots, setting them by the blaze before settling on the sofa. He looked around the room. Only old newspapers from the woodbin to read. Nothing to watch. Nothing to do. He thought briefly about the guitar but dismissed the idea. It might wake her up. He sat on the sofa, staring into the flames. Once more, Elsbeth Synclair intruded on his thoughts. They had shared an incredible night of love that last night together. He felt sure that he had reclaimed her heart as well as her body—sensing, hearing, feeling her respond to his touch, their shared union. They slept as the sun rose, both exhausted from the physically taxing, emotion-charged night. It was the first time Ty had slept well in months, since this whole bloody situation had started. He fell asleep with Elsbeth’s sweat soaked body wrapped in his arms. His tangled hair mingled with hers, plastered around them both, adding to the heat of the night. They were together and that was all that mattered to Ty. He never wanted to be without her again. 145


His joy had been short lived. He awoke to the chiming of his watch on the nightstand. He had sound check at two for that evening’s performance. The chime intruded on his peaceful slumber, bringing him fully awake—alone. He sat up, looking around the room, unwinding himself from the tangled bed sheet. Her bag was gone. His shirt hung on the bar stool, his jeans were folded there as well. Lying atop his jeans he saw a sheet of hotel stationary and an envelope. Fear gripped his heart as he stared at the paper. After what seemed an eternity of denial, he convinced himself to read the note.

Ty;

You will always mean so very much to me, but this can’t work. You’re wonderful, an incredible lover, but it isn't enough. I need all of your attention. I can’t have that. So I give you back to your public, and hope that you find happiness there. The envelope has papers for you to sign. Please mail them back to the solicitor at the address on the enclosed card. Jake has asked me to marry him. He’s not you, and never will be, but I know where he is and what he’s doing. I need that kind of security. I can’t share any more. I do love you, El Ty felt like he had been kicked in the stomach. All he could do was stare at the envelope. It was then that he decided he would let his solicitors deal with it. He couldn’t bring himself to even open the envelope. Not his problem anymore. That’s what solicitors were paid to do. He tossed the envelope on the bed. 146


He showered, scrubbing away at his flesh, trying to remove the memory of her touch, trying to use anger to build a wall against the coming pain. He returned to the bedside wrapped in a towel. He took his time dressing, staring blankly at the wall, waiting for the hurt to invade his being. So far, he only felt numb, lost in a bad dream. He wasn’t sure what to do. He had to get back to the band for that sound check in about an hour and a half, but he couldn’t convince his body that he needed to get moving. He left his shirt hanging open, sitting on the side of the bed rolling the sleeves up, trying to gather his thoughts and feelings from the mass of chaos that crowded his mind. He looked around the room again, wondering how she could have left him this way. Why did she have to make love with him last night? Why did she have to make him think he had a chance? Why did she have to leave him so painfully empty? Ty struggled to pull his wedding ring from his finger as his eyes fell on the silver combs. He took them, watching them glitter in his palm along with his ring. He frowned, throwing them, hearing the metal rebound off of the wall and the bar. And it was enough. Enough to break down that wall he had so carefully constructed. Enough to bring the realization of what was happening. Enough to bring tears. He cried, allowing all of the emotions that he held captive inside for months to boil to the top and over and out. Ty tore the sheets from the bed, ripping them in anger. He shredded the pillows, throwing them, toppling both lamps. He threw the bottles of bourbon and scotch against the wall above the bed, shattering them and knocking pictures off the wall. He collapsed, with his back against the wall beside the window, and his knees drawn up. He wasn’t sure how long he sat there, drowning the pain in salt water. He settled into a 147


blank, unfeeling nothingness for a while, letting it all melt away. Once he’d cried himself out, he returned to the bathroom, combing his fingers through his hair in a half-hearted attempt to get it under control. He splashed his face several times, until his misery was interrupted by a light knock on the outer door. He grabbed a towel, pulling himself together as he started for the door. Before he reached it, it opened, admitting the call of a female voice. “Housekeeping.” The voice belonged to an attractive young lady, perhaps nineteen or twenty years old. Her medium length blond hair was tied into a ponytail. She wore a uniform and held an armload of towels. “Oh!” She jumped when she came face to face with Ty. He smiled at her, amused at her reaction. “Come on in.” He pulled the door open for her. “I’ll be leaving in a minute. Sorry, I’ve made quite a mess.” He finished drying his face and neck, noticing how much he needed a shave as he returned the towel to the bathroom. “I could come back later.” She stared at Ty, clearly recognizing him. “No. No reason for you to run off.” In the middle of the devastation of the room and his life, he found comfort realizing he had the love of strangers, even if he didn’t have the love of his wife. “What’s your name, babe?” “Louise.” She was not sure where to move to when Ty closed the door behind her. “Louise. How are you?” “I’m fine, sir.” She regained some sense of professionalism. “Not old enough to be a sir. Call me Ty.” He sat carefully on the bed, avoiding the shards of glass while he pulled on one boot. The other one was nowhere to be seen. Ty knelt on the 148


floor, searching beneath the bed. He heard Louise giggle. “Taylor Synclair, right?” Louise watched him, starryeyed. “Right. Hey, if I lift up the bed, could you see if my other boot is under there?” “Sure.” She set the towels on the bureau. Ty gripped the foot of the bed, lifting it waist high. Louise moved to his side, kneeling down. When she stood with his boot in her hands, she smiled. He let the bed down, looking deep into her sparkling eyes, finding adoration there. “Thanks.” He held out his hand. She gave him the boot, dusting off her knees and pulling her skirt straight. “Is this yours, too?” She held up his ring. Ty felt a stab somewhere deep inside. “Yes. Thanks again.” He took the ring, dropping it into his pocket. “I won’t ask how it got all the way under there.” She eyed the thrashed room before retrieving the towels and moving off into the bathroom. “You can if you like,” he called, pulling on the wayward shoe, deciding not to button his shirt. “I’m not sure if I could tell you, though.” He moved to the window, looking down on the street far below, wondering again if he could take that step. He poured himself a double shot of vodka instead, pleased that he had only attacked the other two bottles before losing interest in breaking things. He gulped the liquid in one shot, returning to the window. “I read magazines about you and ShadowsForge. You have a reputation.” Her voice echoed from the bathroom. “I figure you had a lady in here last night and got—out of control?” Ty smirked, then laughed. “Yeah, some lady.” “Was she a groupie?” Louise stepped around the corner, genuinely curious. 149


Ty loved the thought. “Sure, only some round-heel. A real class act. How about you? Ever think of giving it a go?” He eyed her suggestively, leaning against the wall beside the window. He resurrected his famed devilish half smile, raking both hands through his hair, devouring her with hungry eyes. Louise tried to appear shocked at his suggestion. She glanced at the door, licking her lips as she swept her eyes down the bass player’s firm body. Ty absently ran one hand slowly down his chest and abdomen, pushing his shirt open. With two fingers, he popped the button of his jeans open before he hooked his thumb in the waistband, waiting for her decision. He was amused and aroused by what he saw in her eyes. He still had it. Geoff Richards may have the voice, but Ty Synclair had everything else worth having or sharing. ShadowsForge’s number one bad boy was back in circulation. It would be sweet to have his return engagement in the same bed where he’d taken his wife for the last time. The idea appealed to his sense of revenge. He glanced at his watch. One-thirty. He could use a tumble right now to reinforce his self-esteem, but unfortunately there was glass all over the bed and he simply didn’t have the time. “I’m sorry, Louise,” Ty said, disappointment ringing in his voice. “You have too much class to lower yourself to being used, right?” “Yes, sir—Ty,” she said, mirroring his disappointment. “Good. I like that in a woman. Know what you’re worth and don’t ever accept anything less.” He shook out his hair as he stepped away from the window. “Well, it’s been nice talking to you but I’ve got to get going.” “I hope you have a great day.” Her spirit wilted as the opportunity passed. She opened the door for him. “If there’s anything I can do for you while you’re in town, let me know. I’m here until four. It was a pleasure meeting you.” She held 150


out her hand. “Is that all you want, a hand shake?” Ty smirked, taking her hand. “How about an autograph or something? Front row seats to the show tonight? DNA samples?” He laughed. “Damn, not enough time for that one.” “That would be taking advantage of my position here at the hotel.” Her cheeks tinged slightly pink as he moved close to her. “What’s a job for if you can’t get something out of it besides a paycheck?” He stroked her hair. “Do you have a marker and a pillow case?” “On my cart.” She tore herself away from his touch, moving into the hall to retrieve the pen and a light blue pillowcase with silver piping. She handed them to Ty and followed him to the bar. Ty spread the pillowcase out. Taking a seat, he spoke as he wrote:

My Dearest Louise, You put a sparkle in my days and dreams in my nights. With Love, Ty Synclair “There you go. Tell your supervisor to send the bill for the damages and the pillowcase to Nigel Patton. I’ll send two tickets to the front desk for you, too. I’ll be looking for you. Don’t bring your boyfriend. Maybe we can hook up later.” He handed her the marker and pillowcase as he stood, retrieving the envelope from the bed, stuffing it into his back pocket. “You’re a special man, Ty Synclair.” She hugged the pillowcase as he started toward the door. “You’re a special lady, Miss Louise.” He returned to her, 151


looking down into her eyes. He stroked her hair, leaning down to kiss her, savoring her taste. He was amazed at how quickly she surrendered to him. “Oh, if there was only time,” he groaned, running his tongue slowly over his lips. “Since I can’t have you, you can have this,” he added, with a wink. Ty reached into his pocket. Taking Louise’s hand, he cupped his hand over hers. He dropped something into her palm, grabbed his hat and glasses, and left her standing in the room alone. Once he was gone, she looked down. She held a silver ring set with a sparkling heart shaped diamond in a cascade of smaller diamonds. That was his last encounter with Elsbeth. He had his wedding ring cast into the ShadowsForge logo he wore around his neck; a silent declaration that he was married to the band. He returned to his old ways that night, beginning with Louise, having security pull her from the audience at the last encore. He hoped if he kept enough different women around, he wouldn’t fall for any one hard enough to get hurt again. He liked it that way—for a while. It took just over three years for the loneliness to return and he knew he had to find the one. His decision was made. He had to wait until the right moment presented itself to share his decision with Alexis, hoping she would accept him even after she found out who he was. He reclined on the sofa watching the flames as he thought about the woman, hopefully his Lady Synclair, sleeping in the next room.

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Chapter 14 The church doors opened, and Alexis looked down the long aisle stretched out before her. Bundles of white rosebuds hung at the end of each pew. Silver, lavender, and gold ribbons streamed from one to the next along the way. Silver stars were scattered on the white carpeting that created the path to the altar. She glanced to her right, catching her reflection in a fulllength antique mirror. Her sparkling white gown glittered in the light. The high lace collar and full skirts were Victorian in style. White satin with a silvery lace overlay. Her heels were white satin as well. At her throat, she wore her mother’s gold cross, as she had promised she would. Her hair was a mass of curls piled high, with the exception of one long ringlet that hung beside her face, calling attention to her dark eyes. Tiny silver stars hung in her hair along with silvery ribbons and baby’s breath. In her hands she held a cascade of white roses and carnations with silver, gold, and lavender ribbons streaming nearly to the floor. How long she had waited for this day. The day she would finally marry her prince. There he was. She could see him waiting for her at the end of the long aisle. Her heart began to beat hard against her bodice as she moved forward, closing the 153


distance between them as quickly as she could. Ty stood tall, looking deliciously handsome in a white traditional tuxedo with tails and top hat; his hair cascaded freely around his shoulders, down his back and chest, as it always did. His smile was bright, and his eyes sparkled with cool fire. He turned to receive her as she reached his side. He took her hand to lead her up the steps to the altar where the minister waiting for them. The minister opened his Bible and led them in their vows. Ty spoke his vows, his eyes locked on hers. He held her hand in his as he recited his part. Alexis was so happy she could hardly repeat the words that would end with her becoming his wife. Until death do us part. The tokens were given to the minister; the rings that would forever signify their never-ending union of love. Two simple, silver bands. After being blessed, they placed each ring on the others hand. The pronouncement was made. Man and Wife. Kiss the bride. Alexis waited anxiously as Ty lifted her veil from her face. He draped it down her back, moving closer to take her in his arms. Before he could bestow the binding kiss, the church doors burst open. A crowd of loud, angry men rushed down the aisle toward the couple. Alexis watched helplessly as they approached. She recognized them as friends of Les Roberts. Several of them carried his lifeless body, laying it on the steps at her feet. “You did this, Lexy,” one accused. “You killed him.” “No.” she shouted, looking to Ty for help. “No, he was alive when I left him. I swear it.” “You killed him, Lexy,” the man repeated. “You killed him so you could marry this Englishman, didn’t you?” 154


“No. That’s not true,” she cried, tears blurring her vision. “This man is responsible for you now. He’ll pay for it.” The men left Les’ body and crowded around Ty, lifting him up above their heads. Ty struggled, but was unable to free himself. Alexis screamed, “Put him down.” Her cries went unheeded. They carried Ty toward the doors. Alexis tried to follow, but stumbled over Les’ body, falling on the white carpet, her flowers shattering from the impact. She struggled to her feet, lifting her gown, running down the aisle. She burst through the doors, finding herself in a courtyard. In the center was a large tree. One of the members of the mob produced a rope and tossed it easily over a branch. The others bound Ty, with his hands behind his back and a scarf over his mouth. He continued to struggle but to no avail. He was pushed up on to the back of a white horse. “No. You can’t do this to him. He didn’t do anything. I did it. I did it!” she screamed, running across the courtyard. As she pushed her way into the center of the mob, she was caught, held by her arms between two large men. Her struggles were useless as she watched in horror. The leader of the mob faced her as another man knocked Ty’s hat to the ground. He placed the noose over Ty’s head, pulling his hair through the rope. He cinched the knot down at the side of Ty’s neck, behind the ear, to insure the proper snapping of his neck. “Anything you want to say to him, Lexy, before we send him on his way?” ‘You can’t do this to him,” she pleaded once more. "Let him down, please.” “You should have thought of that sooner, before you murdered Les, Lexy,” he replied, without emotion. He looked Alexis in the eyes as he raised his hand. 155


“Ty, I love you. I’m sorry. I was the one. I should be up there.” She fought to get free of the hands holding her. “Ty. TY.” The man dropped his hand. A shot was heard, startling the horse so it bolted, leaving Ty swinging from the tree. Alexis tried to scream but found she had no voice. The mob dissolved away, the hands released her, dropping her to her hands and knees. She knelt, looking up at the swinging, white clad body. Laughter. She heard laughter. Les stood at the edge of the courtyard, his evil eyes sparkling with delight. “Congratulations, Lexy. Have a wonderful marriage.” He walked away, leaving her alone with the corpse of her prince. Alexis put her hands to her face, covering her eyes as she wept. This couldn’t be happening. It couldn’t be real. Taking her hands from her eyes, she looked up at the tree once more. Her prince was there, suspended between heaven and earth; the creaking of the rope against the branch was painful in her ears. “NO,” she shrieked. “I didn’t kill him. I didn’t kill him, Ty.” As she reached toward him, she saw blood spots appearing on her white gown. Her hands were crimson, dripping. Alexis sat up in the bed screaming.

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Chapter 15 Ty rolled on his back, opening his eyes to blink at the ceiling. He stretched his arms high above his body before letting his hands drop to his chest. He realized that he was still in the bed. He looked over to the window, seeing bright light filtering in around the thick curtains; sunlight that he hadn’t seen in two days. He smiled; he wasn’t alone. Alexis was sleeping, curled up against him. He folded his pillow under his head, rising up a bit. He was in no hurry to leave the bed. It was warm and cozy, and he was quite content to watch her sleep. She had suffered a fitful night. Ty had heard her before he fell asleep on the sofa. She moaned and whimpered several times throughout the late evening. Ty went to the door to look in on her several times, deciding that she must be dreaming. He wanted to wake her up but was afraid to startle her. How would she feel if she woke up with him hovering over her? She might get the wrong idea. After she had been silent, settled for a while, Ty built up the fire, shut off the lights, pulled the afghan around him, and closed his eyes. Sometime in the middle of the night, Ty was awakened by a terrified scream. He had come off the sofa so fast, with his legs wound in the afghan, he fell face down on the floor. He had to crawl to the door, kicking his way out of the afghan 157


as he went. He pulled himself up by the door frame and flipped on the bedroom light. Alexis was sitting straight up in the middle of the bed. With glazed eyes, she was staring at her hands held out before her, shaking, and her chest was heaving. Ty waited, standing in the doorway, not wanting to frighten her more by rushing to her. When she had acknowledged his presence, she looked at him wild-eyed, and the tears fell. She made no sound; only streams running down her face as she called out to him with her gaze. Ty walked slowly across the room, creeping carefully on his hands and knees across the bed to her side. He leaned up against the headboard, and it was cold against his flesh. Ty persuaded her to lay her head on his chest, neither of them speaking a word. She hugged the covers to her as she turned to lay her cheek against his skin. She softly cried, and Ty felt the wetness of her tears on his bare chest. He stroked her hair, wrapping one arm around her, pulling her close. He had pulled the covers up over her back, tucking her in securely, and was content to hold her all night if need be. She stroked his hair that lay near her face, seeming to find comfort in it. Now, she slept peacefully with him comfortably beside her. Ty wondered what would happen now that the sun was shining. Their excuse to stay together—alone—had come to an end. He tucked one arm behind his head, thinking once again about the decision he had made. He smiled, knowing that he had made the right choice. I could get used to waking up next to this face, he remembered thinking. He looked cautiously around the room, expecting something to fall on him, then relaxed when nothing did. He had a humorous thought.

I have to marry her now. She’s the first girl I’ve ever slept with two nights in a row and not made love to. That’s 158


got to mean something. He grinned, closing his eyes once

more.

**** After having a shower and dressing in his own clothes again, Ty sat at the table, watching Alexis repeat her breakfast ritual. Thankfully, she neglected to burn herself this time. Ty waited for an opportunity to talk to her, to let her know his decision, how his feelings had truly grown for her over the past thirty-some-odd hours. He wanted to tell her he felt he couldn’t leave here—this cabin, this valley, and definitely not this state—without taking her with him. He needed to tell her that if she would have him, he would be that loyal, protective, someone that she had described. She finished her performance and dropped into the chair opposite him. He applauded. “That absolutely fascinates me; the way you do all of that.” “Well, you’re easily amused, aren’t you,” she stated, holding out the biscuits to him, returning his smile. “Actually, no. I’m not.” Ty took a biscuit before looking out the back window thoughtfully. “Alexis, now that the snow has stopped, what are we going to do?” Alexis let out a long sign. Damn the clouds for running out of snow. “I suppose we should go out to the main road and try to flag someone down.” She stared into her plate, her hunger suddenly gone. She had been thrilled to wake up beside him this morning. It felt right. This is the way it should be every morning. She thought about kissing him awake when she found him beside her. The fear of that horrible nightmare was chased away by his presence, his soft breathing, and warm body. She didn’t know when he had climbed under the covers with her during the night, but was pleased that he had. After the last two mornings, the thought of waking up tomorrow without him 159


beside her gave her pain. Life was unfair. “I suppose we should,” he agreed. Their gazes met, speaking volumes of what they both felt. “You need to get to a phone—let someone know where you are,” she said, the words almost choking her. “Tomorrow,” he said, suddenly. “Tomorrow,” she echoed. “I don’t have to be anywhere until tomorrow afternoon. It can wait.” Another decision well made. **** Ty and Alexis walked around the hill, out toward the main road, talking as they went. Ty wrapped his arm around her shoulders as if it were an everyday occurrence. Alexis responded by wrapping her arm around his waist, hooking her gloved thumb through his belt loop. Before they knew it, they had reached the grove of pine trees. Not wanting to get too close to the main road, Alexis halted their walk by taking a seat on the fallen log. She could see that if they were to stand out on the main road to catch a ride, if Les happened by, there would be no place for her to hide. She couldn’t bear the thought of Les seeing Ty, especially with the memory of that nightmare fresh in her mind. She shuddered. “Let’s stop here,” she said, patting the log for him to sit beside her. “Can’t sit there,” he said, noticing how dark her hair looked with the white backdrop of snow. “We’ve slept together for the past two nights. Are you afraid to get too close now?” she teased. The cold air did nothing to cool her desire for him. “No. I don’t want to freeze my ass. You have a longer coat than I do.” Alexis laughed, scooping up a handful of snow, absently 160


packing it into a snowball. “Good point.” She stood up, looking out toward the main road. She walked past Ty a few steps, looking up and down the road as far as she could see. “Hey, your car is gone.” she exclaimed. “I should be able to see it from here. There’s the guard rail you broke.” “I noticed that last night when I took a walk. You were asleep when I got back.” He looked to the distant guardrail that was now marked by two flashing yellow caution beacons. Alexis turned to him. “I have to tell you. I saw you leaving and didn’t expect you to come back. I can’t tell you how much that hurt.” “Did you think I could just walk away? After what I said last night?” He moved face to face with her, pulling his hands from his pockets to place them lightly on her padded hips. This might be the moment he had waited for. “It wasn’t a line. I really meant what I said, you know.” “Well, the snow has stopped now. Do we dare to get back into that frame of mind? Someone out there is sure to be looking for you. I don’t think your friends would have moved on without you. Do you?” “I wouldn’t care if they did. I’m happy right here,” he said, leaning down, coming ever closer to kiss her. Alexis wrapped her arms around his neck in complete surrender. He kissed her softly at first, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened. Alexis met and returned his kiss, finding herself falling right back into the pool of desire that had nearly drown her yesterday evening. Before things could get too heated, she decided to cool it off. She crumbled the snowball she held in her hand and, sliding it up under his thick mane, she shoved it down his collar. Ty gasped at the sudden cold down his neck and back, stepping away from Alexis. She burst into laughter as she sprinted back through the grove. Ty tried to dig the snow out 161


of his collar and shook his hair. He scooped up a handful of white powder, packing it quickly, and threw it hard as he could. It hit Alexis in the center of her back, sticking in her hair. “Don’t think you’ll get away with that, lady,” he shouted. “How fast can you run with a bad ankle?” He took off after her, running quickly but carefully. “Faster than you can in those slick boots. So I can probably make it back to the cabin before you do,” she yelled over her shoulder. “If you don’t hurry, I’ll lock the door.” “You think so?” he called, closing the gap between them easily with the long strides of his legs. Before she had gotten very far, Ty was within arms length of her. He was reaching out to take her by the arm when she turned, climbing up the hill that lay between them and the cabin. “Oh, no, you don’t,” he said, skidding to a stop, nearly losing his balance before following her up the slope. He closed the gap once more and, as they reached the crest of the treeless hill, he tackled her. They both went down, their fall pillowed by the deep powder. She was laughing, as Ty lay breathlessly clinging to her knees. “I told you,” he panted, climbing her body until he hovered above her. “That you wouldn’t get away.” Her black hair was splayed out over the snow. Her dark complexion, and eyes, seemed even darker with the white background. Their breath puffed away in cloudy plumes. “Did you know that you’re beautiful?” Ty asked, spontaneously. Alexis smiled slightly. “Do you always give compliments when you tackle a girl?” “Don’t think so. You're the first girl I’ve tackled, now that I think about it. It was fun,” he said, enthusiastically. “I might make it a habit. Are you getting a cold backside laying there?” 162


“A little,” she said, looking up at him, noticing how the clear blue sky above him seemed to shine through his eyes. “Let’s get off this hill then,” he said. He grabbed hold of her and flung himself sideways, rolling down the hill, taking her with him. Alexis screamed as they rolled over each other a dozen times on the way down. They slid to a stop in the clearing in front of the cabin. “You’re crazy,” Alexis shouted, lying breathlessly on her back again. Ty had landed beyond her, looking up at the cloudless sky while he caught his breath. “I’ve been told that before,” he panted. “But, never by someone so beautiful.” He looked at her for a moment before dragging himself over along side of her. “Are you all right?” he asked tenderly, brushing the snow from the hair framing her face. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” “I’m fine,” she told him, reaching up to knock the flakes from his curls. “Never better.” The familiar warm sensation flooded his chilled body again, as she pushed his hair back from his face. He took her hand as he looked down on her, fully expecting to see a cloud of steam from the snow melting beneath him. “It’s the most amazing thing.” “What is?” “Whenever I’m near you, it gets bloody hot, even in the snow. That’s a bit weird, that.” “How would you explain it?” Alexis was amused and intrigued as to how he would answer that one. “Chemical reaction,” he replied calmly. “Alexis?” “Yes?” “May I kiss you again?” I can’t believe I asked that, he thought, as he waited for her answer. “Do you have to ask?” she said, her eyes shining. 163


“Only if I don’t want a snow ball stuffed down my collar,” he said, with a wry grin. Ty leaned forward, gently claiming her mouth. He pulled her body to his as the kiss deepened, rolling her on top of him. He wrapped his arms around her bulky coat, holding her tight as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Ending the kiss, he pillowed his head on her arms, looking up into her face. “You know something, babe?” “Hmm?” “I don’t want to be rescued,” Ty proclaimed. “I want it to snow for another six months, at least, with a one year option, and I want to stay here with you.” “You don’t really mean that,” she said sadly, laying her head on his chest. Ty held her as he looked up at the blue sky. “How can I make you believe I truly mean that? I don’t have to please anyone but you and myself here. Back in the real world, I have to please everyone except myself.” He squeezed her lightly. “Please, lady, could I stay here with you?” Alexis saw the sincerity in his face, even though he sounded like a child. “I wish we could stay here, Ty. I really do.”

164


Chapter 16 The fire was crackling as Alexis sat on the sofa with her back against Ty’s chest. His arms were around her, their fingers entwined across her stomach as they watched the flames. This would be their last night together. Alexis didn’t care what happened tomorrow. She would completely surrender to her emotions. She wanted to feel his body mingled with hers. She would deal with the pain of losing him tomorrow. It wasn’t going to stop her from loving him tonight. Ty gave her a light squeeze. “You know, this is probably the best weekend I’ve had in years,” he said, interrupting her thoughts. “Really? I would have thought that you had great weekends all the time, traveling as you do. International P.R. must be exciting.” Ty shifted a little, deciding he should tell her the truth. He’d have to eventually. Evening had come; it was getting dark. They had spent another wonderful day together, walking in the snow, sipping hot cocoa, and talking about everything and nothing. Simply enjoying each other’s company. She had even combed out his hair again this morning. They didn’t have much time left to be alone. Now was as good a time as any. “Alexis, I have to tell you something.” 165


”Oh, my,” she interrupted, looking around at him. “You’re really an international spy, and the British really are intelligent?” Ty smirked, giving her a quick hug. “No, love. Nothing that exciting—well, maybe—I wanted you to know me for who I really am, not for how the world sees me.” “Now you really have me curious, Mr. Taylor Synclair.” “Ty, please.” He paused, trying to think of the best way to tell her. “Here, let me up a minute.” “All right.” Ty retrieved her guitar from its stand in the corner. She watched him with a puzzled look, surprised that he had not picked up the guitar at all during their time together. He smiled, sitting down beside her. “You need to listen, okay?” “All right,” she agreed, settling back on the sofa to watch him. He looked up at the ceiling, deciding on what he should play. His fingers danced lightly across the fret board, playing the opening melody of “Make Mine You.” She watched him and smiled. “You play that really well,” she said, closing her eyes and listening. “I should,” he commented. “I wrote the bloody thing.” She wasn’t surprised when she heard his velvet voice as he sang the words. For all the times I let you down, you stayed right by my side The times you knew I failed, I lost; I cheated, sinned and lied You chose to see the best in me, what little that was there Your vision blurred by bitter tears I gave you without care.

It thrilled her to hear his deep voice, usually heard in the background, singing the words. She grinned to herself before she sat up, staring at him in wide-eyed surprise, reaching out 166


to stop his hand on the frets. “You—” “Yes,” he said, setting the guitar carefully aside. “Me.” “You’re Taylor Synclair from ShadowsForge,” she exclaimed, with mock realization in her voice. After a long pause, she added, “Well, it's about time you admitted it.” “You knew?” “How could I not know? I was surprised when I opened my eyes yesterday and saw who you were. I kept trying to give you openings to tell me, but you didn’t seem to want to. I figured you had your reasons.” “Sometimes, I don’t want to be me.” Alexis moved close to him, stroking his cheek with the back of her fingers. She searched his handsome face with her eyes. “Why would you not want to be you? You have everything. Talent. Money. Fame.” “That’s exactly why. I can have anything money can buy—but I don’t have love. I don’t have you. I know that you’re the one.” Their eyes locked. His sincere words touched her heart. She didn’t know what to say. “Alexis Rivers," he said, slipping from the sofa to one knee before her, pulling the thin silver ring from his finger. “Would you do me the honor—” He paused to grin at her. A shy smile crept across her lips; the anticipation of what he was about to say built within her until she thought she would burst. Ty slipped the ring on her finger. It was a little big, but no matter. They would replace it as soon as they could. Ty laughed lightly, taking both of her hands in his. “Of becoming—” A gunshot blast shattered the front window, making the curtains fly inward briefly, catching most of the flying plate 167


glass. The shot was aimed high, thankfully striking the ceiling. “Lexy.” A rough voice shouted, somewhere outside. “Bloody hell. Now what?” Ty grabbed Alexis, pushing her to the floor, covering her with his body. She screamed in panic. Ty covered her mouth, trying to keep her silent. “Shh. They’ll know where we are. Who’s mad at you?” Alexis swallowed back the fear that consumed her. She was lying on her stomach with Ty over her, glad that she could not see his eyes. “I have something to tell you, too.” She bit her lip, wondering what he would think of her now. “That’s Les out there.” “What’s he doing here? I thought you said he was in your past?” “Well, he is. Just not my—distant past,” she confessed. “How did he find me?” She banged her forehead purposely on the floor a couple of times before Ty stopped her. “Don’t hurt yourself like that. You’ll start the bleedin’ again, and I’m fresh out of yellow shirt. How long ago did you leave him?” Ty asked, eyeing the window suspiciously, watching for movement. “Friday night.” A long silence followed, making Alexis sure that Ty would retract his offer. When she couldn’t stand the quiet any longer, she rolled over to look up at him. He cocked his head to the side, looking at her oddly. “You know, you look really good on the floor. I might get rid of all my furniture when you come home with me. Fancy living in Brighton, do you?” “You don’t hate me?” she asked reluctantly. “How could I ever hate you, love? You’re my one. The one I’ve been waiting for.” Alexis threaded her arms around his neck and hugged 168


him. He gave her a squeeze before pushing her down again. “Stay here. I’m going to try something” He belly-crawled across the floor toward his jacket. Great. First a Boy Scout,

now a Marine.

Another blast tore through the curtain, reducing it to antique lace. Ty covered his face with his arms, feeling a sprinkle of glass against his skin, hearing the shot striking the back wall. He pulled down his jacket and retrieved the pieces of the mobile phone. Hope I didn’t lose any parts rolling down the hill. He’d had no desire to be found until now. He hoped that he could get it to work. “Alexis, what’s the name of the main road?” he whispered. “Mirada Canyon Road to Lower Shake,” she called back. “Why don’t you come out now, Lexy. I know you’re in there,” Les commanded, in a slurred voice. It didn’t sound like he had come any closer. **** Ty lay on the floor on his stomach propped up on his elbows. He fumbled with the battery, wedging it into place and pressing the tiny circuit boards as close to their rightful place as he could figure. With nimble fingers, he held everything together. As soon as he heard a dial tone, he pressed the speed dial. “It’s ringing,” he announced, trying to hold it together, lifting it to his ear. It rang once—twice—three times. “Come on, Geoff, put down the girl and pick up the bloody phone, will you.” “Geoff’s not here,” answered the familiar voice. “Geoff! Damn, what took you so long to answer?” “Ty? Where the hell are you? Do you know what we’ve been going through here?” “Shut up and listen or you’ll be looking for a new bass 169


player, mate,” Ty commanded, as quietly as he could. Another spray of buckshot broke the latch on the front door. It creaked open. A tow truck, with “Robert’s Wrecking” imprinted on the door, sat close to the hill. Ty carefully rolled over behind the chair, out of sight. “What the hell was that?” Geoff shouted. “Listen, Mirada Canyon Road to Lower Shake. About a mile up the turn off around behind the hill. Cabin. Bring the police. There’s some nut with a shotgun—” Ty’s fingers failed him; the phone fell to pieces on the floor. “Damn. I hope he got it.” He crawled to Alexis. She lay on her back as he covered her body with his. “If he got it, they should be here in about twenty minutes. Do you keep any weapons?” “No. I didn’t think I’d need any. I was only going to be here until tomorrow.” Her body trembled as he settled over her. “Really? Where are you going tomorrow?” he whispered in her ear. “I have a flight to Oregon. I have a place up there. I didn’t think he’d find me this soon.” Ty stroked her hair. “I’ll take you to Oregon,” he said. “If that’s where you really want to go.” He felt his chest tighten. “I thought I’d go to Brighton instead, if the offer still stands,” she replied shyly. Ty hugged her, giving her a quick kiss. “Thank you,” he breathed, feeling a deep sense of relief. “Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife as soon as we get rid of the loony out there?” “Oh, boy.” Alexis laughed nervously. “This has got to be the strangest proposal on record. Of course, I will, Ty. I don’t know if it’s really an honor, considering—” “Trust me. It’s an honor.” He pecked her on the lips. 170


“I’ve been with you for two days and you haven’t tried to seduce me. In my line of work, that means something.” “Hey, Lexy. Get out here, girl. You’re coming home with me now. Enough of this crap.” Les shouted. Ty and Alexis heard the windows in the bathroom shatter with the next shot. He had to be walking the perimeter of the clearing. The bedroom window went next, spraying the room with shattered glass and shot. When he had reached the back of the cabin, he called out again. “I found your wreck of a car yesterday. You’re lucky the cops didn’t find it yet. I figure you ran over that longhaired dude they’re looking for. Did you?” Ty smiled at the remark. “Sure did. She hit him right in the heart.” He winked at her. She gave him a weak smile. “How can you make jokes?” she reprimanded. “Oh, do you want to see me cry?” He puckered up his face as if he would burst into tears, making her shake her head. “Oh, pulleeaase.” She pinched his lip lightly. “He probably ran off the road stoned, and when he was walking you ran him over.” Les continued his slurred narrative. “That’s why the bloody pieces of his shirt were on the snow where your car went over. What’d you do with his body? Is the rest of him under your car?” The back door was hammered with a blast from the shotgun. The window shattered, but thankfully the door remained closed. “No, the rest of him is on top of her at the moment.” Ty did a slow grind against her, making Alexis gasp. “Should I tell him what I’d like you to do with my body?” Alexis shook her head emphatically. “Not when he’s been drinking. What bloody shirt?” “My shirt—your blood,” he answered. “The first two 171


pieces off my yellow shirt were for your head, remember?” Alexis nodded, ducking as another blast ripped through the front window. Les had made a complete circuit. “This is getting annoying.” Ty looked around for anything he could use as a weapon. Glass was scattered all over. “Your landlord is going to be pissed. I don’t think you’ll be getting your deposit back.” The whoop, whoop, whoop of a helicopter came closer. Ty looked up, listening, hoping it was the police. It sounded as if it were hovering above the clearing. “This is the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department. Put your weapon on the ground and lay face down with your arms out,” the P.A. system blared. “Thank God,” Alexis said. “Geoff got it.” Ty breathed a sigh. “I’ve got to talk to Les.” Alexis jumped up, heading for the door. “Alexis. No.” Ty scrambled to his feet. Alexis turned and held him back by the shoulders. “No, stay here. If he sees you, he’ll get crazy.” “Like he’s not already?” Ty felt panic rising in his chest. “Trust me. I need to talk to him. Please, stay out of sight, okay?” She was so serious, Ty agreed, despite an overwhelming feeling of dread. Their gazes locked for several heartbeats. She kissed her fingertips and pressed them to his lips before she went out the door, leaving Ty feeling empty. He pressed his back to the wall beside the front door, straining to listen. He carefully peeked around the doorframe. “Les, how did you find me?” Alexis shouted over the noise of the helicopter. The snow was whipped up from the surrounding trees and ground by the blades as the helicopter hovered twenty feet above the clearing. 172


The shotgun lay on the ground. Les stood with his hands above his shoulders as he turned to face her. He was watching the helicopter until he heard Alexis call out. “You stupid woman,” he hollered. “You left the rental agreement in the kitchen cabinet. It wasn’t hard. I told you that you didn’t have the brains God gave a goat.” Ty heard the words, and found it very hard to keep quiet.

What an ass.

Alexis cringed. “You can’t talk to me like that anymore,” she called out. Ty could hear the pain in her voice. He vowed she’d never hear words like that spoken to her again. “I can talk to you any way I want to. Now get your ignorant ass in the truck. We’re going home. Wave this chopper off me.” He staggered a little as he eyed the police hovering close by. A four-wheel drive Sheriff unit came around the hill, skidding to a stop in the clearing. Two officers leapt from their vehicle with Geoff jumping out behind them. More distant sirens could be heard coming from the main road. Ty blew out a nervous breath. “I’m not going anywhere with you.” Alexis pushed her hair from her face as the helicopter moved closer, lighting the clearing with a spotlight. Ty had heard enough and stepped out the door. The icy evening air stung his bare arms, but he continued to the edge of the porch. “She said she’s not going, Les,” Ty called out. “Who the hell are you?” Les demanded, shocked at the appearance of Ty. “You that missing singer they’re looking for?” “That would be me, yeah,” Ty answered, stepping off the porch to stand several paces from Alexis. “From what Alexis told me about you, your best move would be to turn round 173


and leave. We won’t press charges.” Ty could see anger building in Les’ face. Alexis turned to Ty, fearful. “Ty. Get back inside.” She attempted to push him toward the door. “I don’t think so, love. I don’t much appreciate the way he talks to you. If he wants to push it, I owe him a beating. Maybe several.” Ty stood his ground, not taking his eyes from Les. “Love?” Les scoffed. “Did you call her “love?” Lexy? You’ve been meeting him here, haven’t you?” Alexis fumed at the accusation. She turned, taking a step toward Les. “No.” She screamed in anger. “I ran into him—I ran him off the road Friday night. I was hurt.” She pushed back her hair, revealing her bruised forehead. “He carried me here—I swear it.” “You don’t have to tell him anything,” Ty said calmly, taking her by the arm to pull her behind him. “Let him think what he wants. It doesn’t matter.” “Sir,” one officer called, standing behind Les. “I think you better come with us for now.” The officer moved to about ten feet to the right of Les; his hand on his sidearm as he spoke. Les stood close to the rifle on the ground, putting the officers on their guard. “You little tramp.” Les sneered, paying no attention to the officer as he dropped his hands. “And you, scum—come here, stealing my woman.” He turned on Ty with wild anger in his eyes. “He wasn’t scum when you went to his concert Friday night,” Alexis pointed out, moving around Ty. “That was before I knew he messed with my property,” Les shouted back, red-faced. 174


Ty watched as Les pulled open his jacket, revealing a handgun. “NO!” Ty heard his own voice resounding from the hillside as he scrambled for Alexis. Les drew, pointed the weapon straight at Alexis, and pulled the trigger twice. She froze at the crack of the gunfire. Ty grabbed her, placing himself between her and the gunman. He felt a searing pain as a bullet clipped his left shoulder. It continued on to graze the right side of Alexis’ neck. Alexis screamed, jerking at the impact. She fell away from Ty. He heard the buzz of the second bullet as it passed him, finding its mark in Alexis’ right shoulder. Ty grabbed her, trying to steady her. They collapsed together in a heap on the snow-covered ground. “You’re next, rock star.” Les staggered forward. Ty covered Alexis with his body. Several shots rang out. Within seconds, Les lay silent in the snow, both officers frozen with spent weapons drawn on the lifeless form. Geoff stood by the truck, his mouth hanging open. Alexis stared at Ty, shock registering on her face. He gathered her in his arms, pressing his fingers to the wound on her neck. She clutched at her blood soaked sweater, her shock giving way to confusion. She pushed his hair from his face, trying to smile. He clasped her hand when she suddenly focused on it. “He shot me,” she gasped, in panicked realization. “It’s okay, love. We’ll get you to the hospital. You’ll be fine," he assured her, pulling her body on to his legs to get her off the cold ground. “We have to get married, you and me. You don’t want to miss that, do you?" Ty kissed the ring on her hand and was rewarded with a trembling smile. He fought to keep the fear from his voice. “We need to get you a real pretty ring—some flowers. A real dress. Whatever you want. 175


We’ll invite the Queen if you like.” “Ty,” she whispered. “Tell me you love me.” “You know I love you. You’re the one, Alexis. I need you.” His eyes searched her face, panic gripping his chest as she gasped in a harsh breath. He shouted at the officers. “Get an ambulance. Or that chopper!” He felt every beat of her heart as it pumped the life from her body beneath his fingers. One officer moved toward Les to kick the gun away. The other officer knelt beside them. “There’s not a big enough clearing for the helicopter to land this side of the pine trees. An ambulance is on the way.” Alexis stroked Ty’s hair with a blood-streaked hand as they heard the approaching siren. She swallowed hard, shivering violently. “Why am I so cold?” Her eyes never left his face. “I’ll keep you warm, my lady.” He lifted her higher on his chest. He leaned his cheek on hers, tucking her face into his neck while letting his mane fall around them. He could feel her stroke his locks as he held her against his body; his fingers began to lose her pulse that had been so strong only seconds ago. “I love you, Ty Synclair,” she said. “You make me happy.” He rocked her gently as he whispered, “I love you, Alexis Synclair.” Ty felt her smile against his neck. He looked up at the helicopter. “Get the chopper to the other side of the grove,” he shouted to the officer. “I’ll get her there.” Ty pressed Alexis’ fingers to her neck in place of his. “Keep them there tight,” he instructed. He bundled Alexis in his arms, lifting her, heading across the clearing toward the road. The ambulance pulled into the clearing but Ty walked past it. “Sir,” the officer said. “Get her to the ambulance.” 176


“Not quick enough.” Ty didn’t waver from his destination. An EMT ran up behind him and threw a blanket around his shoulders. Ty hurried on; his vision blurred by fear and determination. It took him only a few minutes to traverse the distance to where the two-seat helicopter set down. He kissed Alexis. “I’ll meet you there. Hang on—for me.” He bundled Alexis into the arms of an officer, throwing the blanket over her. “Don’t let her die. She’s going to marry me.” The officer nodded as Ty closed the door. He stepped back, afraid to let her out of his sight. The snow whipped into a fury around him as the helicopter powered up and rose into the night sky. It headed toward the lights of the valley floor. Ty staggered as he watched it disappear, finally feeling the full impact of the situation. Ty fell to his knees, scooping up a handful of snow, feeling the burn as he pressed it to his bleeding shoulder. He held it there while the ambulance pulled up behind him. Two EMTs, and Geoff, appeared beside him. He welcomed the warmth as a blanket was wrapped carefully around him. “Ty.” Geoff knelt before him. “Who’s the skirt?” “She’s the one, Geoff. She’s the one.” “Can you stand?” one EMT asked. The two helped Ty to his feet, as he searched the sky for the distant lights that carried her away. “Let’s get you over here,” he was instructed. Feeling unusually weak, it took Ty a minute to turn toward the ambulance and start walking. He was guided on each side as he moved. They helped him into the ambulance, and he gladly collapsed on the gurney. “Let’s check your shoulder. There’s so much blood here, I can’t see what’s what.” Whatever it was that the EMT poured on his wound burned worse than the snow had. The melting snow made the 177


wound look worse than it actually was. His arm was blood streaked from shoulder to hand. Ty lay on the gurney in complete surrender. Geoff climbed in and, as Ty closed his eyes, the siren blared.

178


Chapter 17 Alexis slowly opened her eyes, trying to focus in the dim room. The sound of machines could be heard beeping and humming all around her. Her first thought was to brush her hair from her face, but when she tried to raise her hand, she found that it was restrained. Panic set in as she found that she couldn’t move either hand; her right arm was wrapped firmly to her body. She began to stir, a low whimper of fear escaping her lips. Suddenly she felt a strong hand close lightly on her calf. The touch, and the restraints, brought a new sense of panic washing over her. She couldn’t see who was there. She inhaled sharply as her heart pounded in her ears. “Who’s there?” she asked; her voice raspy and her throat sore. She licked her dry lips, wondering what had happened to her. The last thing she could remember was Ty placing her in the arms of the officer. Before they had arrived at the hospital, she had lost consciousness. “Alexis.” The voice was a soothing tone from the dark. “How do you feel, babe?” The light shining over her bed illuminating the man as he stood, moving closer. Her eyes followed the leather-clad arm up to the shoulder, and face of the man she loved. Ty stood smiling down on her, brushing wisps of hair from her face, 179


and stroking her cheek lightly. He leaned down, gently kissing her. He was dressed in a black jacket over a red dress shirt— the top three buttons hanging open, and the gold ShadowsForge logo shining against his skin. The shirttail disappeared into the waist of his black trousers. “What happened?” she asked, her voice betraying the dry throat she suffered. “Would you like some water?” Ty asked, not waiting for her answer, but turning to a bedside table that held a pitcher and a cup. He poured her a small amount before reaching for the control to raise the head of the bed so that Alexis could drink. “Why is my hand tied?” she asked, confused. “Because I like you that way.” He smiled at the surprise on her face. “Not really. You’re a feisty one, girl.” He brought the cup to her lips. She sipped the water, feeling it soothe her dry throat. “You kept trying to pull your bandages off.” “When did I do that?” “Early this morning. I can get you loose if you promise not to touch,” he said, setting the cup on the table. Ty detached the gauze band carefully from her left wrist, kissing her hand before dropping the railing on the side of the bed, taking a seat next to her. She carefully touched the gauze that wrapped her throat, feeling a thick compress on the right side. He took her hand from the bandage. “Don’t touch,” he commented lovingly. “What time is it?” she asked. “It’s around ten in the morning,” he said, caressing her arm. “Could you turn on the lights or open the blinds.” Alexis watched as Ty moved to the windows. She scanned him from head to boots, noticing how sensual he looked in soft black leather. He opened the blinds to let in the bright light of day. 180


It stung her eyes a bit, but it was a welcomed sight to see the snow covered mountains in the distance and the blue sky. Ty hurried back to her. “You’ve changed,” she commented, placing her hand on his chest to stroke the soft material of his shirt. What she really wanted was to assure herself that he was real. She hadn’t dreamed the wonderful weekend they had shared. “Did you get some sleep?” “Not very much. I had something important on my mind,” he said. Alexis decided that the drowsy look in his eyes only served to make him more attractive. The smile melted from his face as he looked at her. He dropped his eyes; a silent tension hanging in the room. Alexis could sense that there was something on his mind. It worried her that he had averted his eyes. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “I had to make a decision this morning. I didn’t want to but I had to,” he said, taking her hand. He looked everywhere except at her. “Damn Nigel.” “Nigel?” Alexis asked, seeing Ty was struggling to tell her something. “Our road manager. He’s this squirrelly little bloke that runs around in a panic about everything,” Ty explained. “He’s in charge of getting ShadowsForge from one gig to the next without losing anyone.” Ty dropped into silence again. “And?” Alexis prompted. “And we have to be in Las Vegas tonight, Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, Portland on Friday, and Seattle on Saturday.” Alexis felt the words as if they were arrows to her heart. Las Vegas tonight. That meant that Ty was leaving. He would have to go and she would be left behind. At least the threat of Les Roberts was ended, she rationalized. But she had nowhere 181


to go. She had no money with her. All of her clothes were at the cabin, and if she remembered clearly what had happened, they would be full of glass from the shattered windows. She didn’t even have clothes to wear when she left the hospital, whenever that would be. All that she owned was at the cabin, and she didn’t even have a car to get there. “Ty, how long do I have to stay here?” she asked, changing the subject, trying not to think about his leaving. “I don’t know. The doctor needs to see you. He should be here in about an hour,” Ty answered, checking his watch. He stroked her hand for a moment. “Alexis?” His voice was low, apologetic. He laid her hand on the bed and turned away from her, looking out the window. He drew a deep breath before continuing. “I have to leave.” “How soon?” she asked, feeling the pain that she knew would be there, that she had been expecting since waking Saturday morning in the arms of Taylor Synclair. “In about ten minutes,” he answered. Alexis inhaled sharply, as if she had been struck. Ty spun to face her, concern marring his features. “What’s wrong?” he asked, leaning over the bed. “Are you in pain?” Alexis covered her eyes with her arm. “More than you’ll ever know,” she answered, trying desperately to hide the hurt in her voice. “I’ll get the nurse,” he said, reaching for the call button. Alexis stopped his hand. “They can give you something,” he explained. Only if they give me an overdose. Nothing else will help. “I don’t want anything.” “Nigel told me early this morning that we’d have to leave before you woke up.” “What did you tell Nigel?” 182


“I told him to go to hell. I had to be here when you came round.” “Why?” Alexis asked, wondering if it would have been easier to have never seen him again. She would have gone on with her life and slowly gotten over him. She could tell herself that they had shared a wonderful weekend that changed her life and left it at that. It would have been easier to not have to say goodbye. “Alexis, I…” The door was pushed open; a man, several inches shorter than Ty with dark hair falling in his eyes, rushed in. “Okay, Synclair. We have to go now. We’re going to miss our flight time and then…” he said, looking quickly at Alexis while trying to pull Ty toward the door. “Oh, hello.” “Hello,” Alexis answered. “You must be Nigel.” The man stopped pulling Ty, not that he was getting anywhere. He brushed his hair from his eyes, holding out his hand to her before inspecting the bandages on her shoulder and neck. “She can’t shake your hand, Nigel,” Ty announced, with annoyance. “Alexis Rivers, this is Nigel Patton.” Ty grabbed the shorter man by the shoulder of his jacket, dragging him toward the door. “Say goodbye, Nigel,” he added, pulling the door open. “Jon.” Alexis could see a well built, slender man, dressed in blue jeans and a denim jacket with no shirt, leaning against the far wall with his hands stuffed in his pockets. His blond hair hung to his chest, straight and thick. His steel gray eyes responded when Ty called out. “Yeah, wha’cha need, Ty,” he answered, his British accent thicker than any Alexis had heard before. “Here.” 183


Jon pushed lazily off the wall as Ty stepped back allowing him entrance. “Jon Wiles, this is Alexis Rivers.” Jon nodded her way and smiled. “And this is Nigel,” Ty continued, pushing the manager to Jon, who took hold of his jacket. “Nigel is upsetting Alexis.” “Really?” Jon asked, smiling a killer smile. “A might rude of him, I’d say.” “Wiles. Let me go,” Nigel demanded. “Ty, tell her what you have to say and let’s get out of here.” Ty clapped his hand over the manager’s mouth. “Shh,” he said, to Nigel. Then to Jon, he added, “Suppose you can do something about it?” Alexis was intrigued by the conversation the two were having over the top of Nigel. It must be wonderful to have friends like that around all of the time. “Gotcha covered, mate,” Jon said. He replaced Ty’s hand with his own before he turned back to Alexis, paying no attention to Nigel’s mumbling and struggling in his grip. “Good to meet you, Alexis. You’re a beauty, you are. No wonder Ty here didn’t come home.” Alexis could feel the warmth in her face. “I wouldn’t a come back to this bunch if I had something like you waiting either.” “Okay, Jon. This one’s mine,” Ty said, seeing Alexis beginning to blush. “Get Nigel out of here.” Jon nodded again before dragging the struggling manager out of the room. Ty closed the door quietly, returning to the bedside. “I’m sorry about Nigel,” he said, taking a seat on the bed. “It’s his job. That’s what you said,” she answered, looking into his face, wanting to remember every detail. “Yes, and he’s good at it, too. Alexis, I have to leave. I told you yesterday that I didn’t want to, remember?” 184


“When we rolled down the hill,” she said, remembering the feel of his body against her as they lay breathless in the snow. “But you have a life and commitments somewhere else. They still stand, don’t they?” “They do. That’s why I decided that I have to go. ShadowsForge has a reputation for being trouble but not irresponsible. I also need to ask you something else. Could I have my ring back?” Alexis looked down at her hand for the first time, remembering the silver band. She felt like her world was coming to an end. “You want it back?” she asked, in a low voice. Her emotions were in a whirl. It was a good thing she was already laying down or she was sure she would have fainted. “If you don’t mind,” he said. He took her hand and slipped the ring from her finger, pushing it back on his own. He toyed with it a moment before looking up at her. “Thank you.” Alexis didn’t know what to say. She didn’t have the courage to ask him why he’d changed his mind. Probably getting shot at was one good reason. Maybe he thought that if he proposed, she would have given in to him on their last night together. She would have given herself to him last night anyway, if they hadn’t been interrupted. He could have walked away this morning, no commitments, and no regrets—at least on his part. She had been prepared for that. She bitterly wondered how many other woman had worn that ring. She realized that she had been nothing but trouble for him since the moment they met. That overdose of pain pills was sounding better all the time. She turned to look out of the window at the distant mountains, wondering why she couldn’t have just died on that mountain road Friday night. 185


Dropping into the gorge would have been less painful than this. “The doctor told me last night that you would be fine. You only need a few days of rest. I’ve taken care of the fees. You have nothing to worry about.” He stroked her face with the back of his fingers, causing her to look sharply at him. “I’ll be all right. Go before you miss your plane,” she said, forcing a smile, but wanting to be left alone. All alone. For the rest of her life. “We own the jet. We can’t miss it. I don’t feel right leaving you like this,” Ty said, a puzzled look on his face. “Didn’t I tell you that yesterday, too?” “Yes, so you said. But that was yesterday, and a lot has been said and done since then. That was before you got shot at. I understand you need to go. So go rock the world.” She tried to speak in a forceful tone, trying to be strong. She didn’t want him to know how she felt. She sure didn’t want his sympathy. “Before I got shot at? I got hit,” he corrected her. He unbuttoned his shirt farther, pulling it down with the jacket, exposing the bandage that covered his left shoulder. “Luckily it only hit meat. If he hadn’t hit me first, you’d have taken the first shot square in the throat.” Alexis felt horrid. “I didn’t know.” “I wasn’t going to tell you.” He jerked his shirt and jacket back into place, groaning as the material dragged across the wound. “But I thought you’d find out eventually. Do you know how hard it’s going to be to play tomorrow night?” “I’m sorry. I know I’ve been nothing but trouble, and I don’t blame you for taking your offer back. So why don’t you leave and let me get on with my life. Thank you for saving me—so many times. But I really wish at this point that you hadn’t.” 186


Ty looked at her, stunned and puzzled, as she glared back at him. A thousand confused emotions ran between them. Realization finally came to Ty, as he looked deep into those dark orbs he had come to love. “You know something? You’re right. You’ve been a pain in the ass since you ran me off the road. I tore up my favorite shirt for you. I wrecked someone else’s car for you. I cooked and cleaned for you. Washed your face. Built your fire. I carried you about in a blizzard. Froze my fingers, which was risking my career for you.” Ty leaned on the bed with both fists, his face moving closer to hers, as he grew louder with each point. “I fell down a hill on my ass and almost took a ride off a cliff for you. I put my hormones in the freezer about a dozen times in the last few days, and that was near impossible with you there. I put snow on your burn. You put snow down my back. I even sang to you for free. No charge. To top it off, I got shot for you. It will be a cold day in hell, woman, when I walk away from all that without getting paid for it.” Alexis pressed back into her pillow as he came closer, his eyes blazing. He stopped inches from her face. “What do you want?” Alexis asked, meekly. “I have nothing.” With a threatening glare, Ty grabbed a chair, forcing it under the door handle. His anger was apparent as he stalked to the bedside. He grabbed the blanket and sheet that covered her, flinging them to her feet, his eyes sweeping down her body. She wore only a flimsy hospital gown with one arm through it. Her right arm was mummified to her body, making her vulnerable. “You wouldn’t,” she gasped, holding out her left hand as if she could stop him. Oh, God, don’t let it end like this. “In a heartbeat!” he thundered, pulling off his jacket, 187


throwing it on the chair. His eyes bore into hers as he opened his shirt, jerking the tail free before popping opened the waistband of his trousers. “I want what’s due me.” Alexis swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry again. She closed her eyes. If he was determined to take her, what could she do? Tears burned her eyes. She cried out as he grabbed her outstretched hand. He hesitated. Alexis felt Ty push a ring onto her finger. She opened her eyes in total disbelief. She stared at the sparkling diamond, then at Ty. “I also went shopping for you. You said I’d have a wife and that’s what I want. You are going to get better, and then you are going to join me on the road. We are going to get married, and you are going to pay me back for the rest of your life for every little thing that I’ve done for you. Do you understand me, woman?” He leaned forward, giving her a forceful peck on the lips. Alexis wrapped her arm around his neck. With some difficulty, Ty took Alexis in his arms, his mouth covering hers. Before the kiss had ended, Ty had maneuvered himself onto the bed beside her, holding her body firmly against his. “You know, this could get me into trouble,” he said. “I want you more now than I have in the past three days.” “If you’re going to marry me, you better get used to trouble, Mr. Synclair,” she commented. “You should have told me that before I fell hopelessly in love with you.” He searched her face, love shining in his eyes. “I really have to go now. I will be calling constantly, and as soon as you are ready to get out of here, the jet will be back for you. I’ll send you some clothes. Lyla, our wardrobe lady, can come to help you. Whatever you need.” “You’re wonderful,” Alexis said. 188


“I know. Just ask me.” He smiled, taking her mouth again. They didn’t hear the initial tapping on the door. BANG! BANG! The chair gave way and the door flew open. In stumbled two tall dark-haired men. Ty thrust himself from the bed, grabbing the blanket, flinging it over Alexis. He turned to face the intruders with a grin on his face, his shirt and trousers open. “Oh, crap, Synclair. In here?” one man said, looking past Ty to Alexis. “He’ll take it anywhere he can get it, this one. But in a hospital?” The man grinned as he tried to walk around Ty toward Alexis. “I’m Geoff Richards,” he announced. Alexis pulled the blanket to her chin. “Nice to meet you.” She was unnerved by the intrusion. “Jordan Cantrell here.” The other waved, picking up the chair and setting it against the wall. “We heard there was a skirt in here. Had to find out if it was true. Didn’t want anyone taking advantage of Ty, there.” “Out.” Ty buttoned his trousers, tucking in his shirt as he pushed Geoff toward the door. “Jordan,” Alexis acknowledged him. Ty herded the two out, pushing the door closed. He scooped his jacket from the floor as he walked back to her, shrugging. “Might just have to get used to that.” He draped his jacket on the foot of the bed, leaning over Alexis. “No privacy on tour. Do you mind?” “If I have you, nothing can bother me.” She pulled him down to finish the kiss.

189


Epilogue

Seattle, Wash. The Seattle Coliseum was rocked Saturday evening by rock super band, ShadowsForge. The five British boys performed flawlessly before ten thousand fans, keeping the crowd on their feet for more than two hours with a selection of their previous hits mixed well with a sampling of new singles from “Ethereal Edge,” their sixth album, released earlier this year. Seattle welcomed this first class performance from Geoff Richards, Ty Synclair, Jordan Cantrell, Jon Wiles, and Brian Cummings after they have performed two gigs in Nevada and another in Oregon in the last four days alone, before flying into Seattle on Saturday morning. Most of their shows are performed back to back with only travel time allowed in between. ShadowsForge is one of the hardest working, most dedicated, and demanded bands in the music industry. Energy was high and every note was perfect. Geoff Richards was in top form, working the crowd to a thunderous frenzy several times during the performance. Jordan Cantrell and Jon Wiles thrilled the audience with a twenty-minute guitar duel, pitting Gibson against Fender, reaching a new level of sound and technical perfection. Phe190


nomenal riffs were fired back and forth, bringing the crowd to mind-shattering applause, nearly surpassing the maximum DBI levels allowed by law. Brian Cummings pounded out a challenging percussion solo, complete with flying sticks fed meticulously to the souvenir hungry audience. It’s rumored that bass guitarist Ty Synclair was involved in a minor auto accident seven days ago in California, sliding into a ravine on an icy curve outside of Mirada Valley, explaining the bandage on his shoulder during last night’s performance. By the energy that he was seen to expend on stage, he seems to be none the worse for his incident. Ty appeared with a new streak of jet black in his hair, a change from his usual blues and purples. It sparked a run on beauty parlors in the area today to copy his newest look. He was seen bounding all over the stage throughout the show as is his custom, but taking a quiet break, sitting on the edge of the stage, switching to an acoustic bass for “Make Mine You.” Ty made a special dedication during the song to an unknown black-haired lady in the front row with her arm in a sling. He blew her a kiss that she gladly returned. A Synclair kiss to make it better? Lucky lady. Good to have you with us, Geoff and Ty. And thank you, ShadowsForge, for another brilliant show.

191

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jena’ Galifany, mother of three, grandmother of one, has been writing for over thirty years, but has only recently began to seek publication of her works. Jena’ has written several novel length books, short stories, online articles, children’s stories, fan-fiction, and poetry. Jena’ is currently working on completing the ShadowsForge series, based on fictional British rock band, ShadowsForge. These five British Bad Boys travel in the Romance/Adventure genre. Jena’ hopes you enjoy traveling with the boys as much as she does. She also appreciates your comments. You can contact her at [email protected]

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