Waking to heavy breathing in her face, Pepper opened her eyes to see Roxie panting laboriously as if she’d gone for a run. “Hi, sweet girl,” she cooed, petting the animal. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear the dog smiled at the attention.
Touching behind her, the sheet was cold, and she knew Nick had left the bed some time ago. When she woke up the night before, she had been on her way to get a drink when she heard a moan coming from beyond his door. She had only wanted to check on him, make sure everything was all right, but when she saw the sheen of sweat coating his face and neck, she knew he was having a nightmare. Waking him up, she’d been shocked by the torture in his eyes. Hearing his story, she couldn’t imagine the guilt he felt for the families who’d been taken.
Living in a small community, they probably felt safer from the brutality of hardened killers and criminals. Serial killers weren’t nearly as common in Canada as other more populated countries, in fact, they were incredibly rare. For him to have one in his town was a blow to his position of authority within the county.
She felt for him, the pain and anger. She understood it far better than some might. It had been weeks after her parents were killed that she’d found out about the driver’s wife and child. It took her a while, but she’d let go of her anger over the circumstances after that. Choosing to believe, instead, that they were saved because of the tragedy.
Realizing she had just remembered more of her past, of a time period that was particularly painful, she had a pep in her step as she went to shower. Her memories were returning.
Warm water cascaded down her body, and she felt happy, relaxed. The future held promise for her. Nick was right when he told her this was her chance to reinvent herself and be who she wanted to be.
Finished with her shower, she realized she had forgotten to bring fresh clothes into the bathroom with her. Wrapping a large towel around her body, she peeked out the door to make sure the coast was clear. Darting down the hall to her room, she was shocked to see an older man in there putting things in the dresser.
Her scream of fright had him spinning around to face her, shock clear as day on his face. Roxie came darting into the room growling until she saw the man. Then she started whining in excitement, dancing around his legs.
“Well, hi there, miss.” He held out his hand to shake then quickly pulled it back, realizing she only had a towel on. “I’ll go wait in the kitchen while you dress.”
Before she could say anything, he was gone, Roxie hot on his heels. Hurriedly dressing, she searched each room, looking for Ace or Nick before finally making it to the kitchen where the old man was making a fresh pot of coffee.
“Sorry about that,” he apologized, placing a warm mug of coffee in front of her. “I’m Jake Kelly, Nick’s father.”
Still nervous about a new person in the house, especially without one of the guys around. “Umm, I’m Pepper,” she stuttered out, wondering how much he knew about her, or if he knew about her.
?
?It’s a pleasure, Miss Pepper.” His words seemed so sincere. Her silence conveyed her nervousness, so he reassured her. “No worries, dear. The old heart couldn’t handle hurting anyone.” Just like that, they started laughing and chatting like old friends. “I take it the boys never told you I was going to be here?”
“No, they didn’t. I didn’t even know they wouldn’t be here,” she told him, honestly.
“Typical men,” he laughs. “Never tells more than necessary. Nicky said there are some hikers stuck up near Yoho National Park. Shouldn’t be long before they’re back.”
“Does that happen often?” she asked.
“Far more than anyone hears about.” There was laughter in his eyes. “People never listen to the park rangers’ warnings. Always think they know better than anyone else. Nicky likes to give ‘em hell. Casually explain the ramifications of getting lost and being stuck. That boy has a sadistic streak when it comes to stupid people.”
She never would have guessed that, but ultimately, she wasn’t surprised. Nick didn’t seem like the sort of man to put up with foolishness. People believing they knew more than an expert wouldn’t go over well with him.
Looking at his father, she contemplated on whether or not to ask him what he knew about her when he interrupted her thoughts. “Go on, girl, ask whatever’s tearing at your mind.”
“Oh, umm, well. I wondered how much you knew,” he raised an eyebrow at her hesitation, “about me?”
“I know my boys found you near death. I know you ain’t got no memory. And I know both them boys are quite fond of you.”
Silence prevailed after that. It was so awkward meeting the parent before they were even a couple. Which then led her mind into another direction…
Is that what they want with me? To be a couple…or rather a trio?
The way they looked at her with heat in their eyes and need coursing through their rippling bodies would indicate that. It wasn’t as though she didn’t feel the same way. She did. But the whole memory loss situation had really screwed with her. She didn’t feel as if she were in a relationship with anyone. She figured that would be something she’d remember. How could a person forget the feeling of being in love? Or of being loved?
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course, sweetheart.”
Now, how did she ask what she wanted to know without sounding completely insane? “Do they share women often?” Her face flamed red, the heat nearly burning her with its intensity.
His sharp bark of laughter wasn’t exactly comforting. “Neither of those boys have taken a woman alone. They don’t think I know, but I do. What they want with a woman is special. Wholesome. She needs to be strong and able to accept that while they are two separate people, they are also one unit.”
“And you think that type of relationship is one that would stand the test of time?” Could it last forever?