Stormy Satisfaction (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 11)

“How far is this steakhouse?” Sylas asked as the limo crossed the Silver Spoon Bridge.

“Not far. Just out of town. Fifteen minute drive from the city limits, which we are passing now.”

The driver turned left onto Highway F. They rode in silence for a few miles. Had she been wrong about them? Was their civility just a mask for the angry storm to come, a storm she had seen firsthand back in Chicago? How am I going to make it through the rest of this evening?

She was about to break the silence, but didn’t have to when Nic did it for her.

“Sylas, did you know the O’Learys before coming to Destiny?”

“No. You saw them at the diner. They came in after Ashley left.”

“The older folks? The two men and woman?”

Sylas nodded. “After you left they asked to join me. Terrific people.”

“Yes, they are,” she said.

“What I’ve seen so far about this town,” he went on, “it seems everyone is ready to welcome newcomers with open arms.”

She grinned. “That’s why I love it here so much. I’m sure you both will too before long.”

“I agree, don’t you, Nic?” Sylas leaned in closer, his arm grazing hers, sending a spark up and down her body.

Nic’s eyes never left hers, making her warm and want to squirm. “I sure do. I can’t wait to get settled in.”

“We’re here.”

The limo parked in front of the entrance. Nic and Sylas exited the vehicle. Sylas held the door for her as Nic came around. Gone was the belligerence between them. They were no longer combative, each trying to win more of her attention. They seemed to not only be getting along but were actually working together to make sure she had a good time. Don’t fool yourself into hoping for the dream again. It’s never going to happen.

She got out of the car, taking a deep breath of air. “Shall we?”

“We shall.” Sylas offered her his arm.

Nic seemed unmoved by the gesture. How was this possible? Had they changed so much since she last saw them? She took Sylas’s arm and then gestured to Nic that she wanted his as well.

He smiled and offered his arm.

She walked into the Colorado Skies Steakhouse between the two men who not only held her arms but her heart as well. She needed to resist opening up to them. She should be stronger, tough even. But she couldn’t find it in herself to put up her walls again. They were acting civil. More than that, they seemed to be actually enjoying each other’s company. Was it really true? Or was it just a delusion of her own making?

“Nice place, Ashley,” Nic said.

“It sure is.” She glanced around the spacious place. Its high-end décor didn’t intimidate but actually was inviting.

Warm earthy tones and exceptional lighting welcomed them. A long wall of floor-to-ceiling glass allowed diners to see the mountain range behind the restaurant.

A young woman wearing a black dress stood behind a desk.

“Welcome to Colorado Skies. What name is the reservation under?”

“Reservation for three,” Ashley told her, “under Vaughn.”

The woman looked down at her computer screen. “Yes. Here you are. Vaughn, party of three. Excellent.”

A waiter walked over.

“If

you’ll follow Adam, he will take you to your table. Enjoy your dinner.”