She’d been part of it, and had gotten burned by it. The last thing she wanted was to stay there. People always looked at her like she was some kind of victim, or like she was going to snap at any minute.
Living with her real father had been a nightmare as he had a guard with her at all times just in case she wanted to try something. There was nothing she ever wanted to try. All she really wanted to do was live her life and forget about the past.
“It’s really hot today,” he said.
“Yep. Last days of summer.”
She sipped at her drink, more aware of him every passing second that he stayed by her side. Biting her lip, she tried not to think about how good it would be for him to hold her. He didn’t frighten her. She didn’t know his life story, and to be honest, she really didn’t care either. If her own experiences had taught her anything, it was that people only saw what they wanted to. They rarely looked for the truth.
“You have a lovely home,” he said.
She smiled, turning to look at him. “Is that why you’ve not left yet?”
“You could just kick me out. Nothing stopping you from doing that.”
“Nope, you’re right. Nothing is stopping me from doing that, but then I’d have to mow my lawn, and fix the few roof tiles, and paint the porch. I don’t suppose you’re trying to earn your keep, are you?” she asked, nudging his arm.
“Not at all. Just trying to be useful, and it looks to me like you could use a man around this place.”
Her smile died a little, and she averted her gaze. No man would ever want her.
Gripping her glass a little tighter, she watched as her dog lay out, rubbing his back along the grass.
“What are your plans for when the winter comes? Snow falls, and you can be trapped up here for weeks, Ryker. It’s not a good place to be if someone is hunting you, or if you want to get as far away from here as you can.”
“I didn’t make plans for what would happen after.”
“Who framed you?” she asked.
“My boss.”
“And you really know how to clear your name?”
“Yep, and all it will take is a visit to a safety deposit box.”
“In a bank?” she asked.
“That’s the one. I got one opened, and that’s where I placed the security tape with my name on it.”
She frowned. “Why didn’t you tell anyone else about it?”
“I didn’t have anyone on my side. He made sure that my case was rushed through, and that they had all the necessary ‘evidence.’”
Scarlett rubbed her temple. “Do you have any plan on how you’ll clear your name with this tape?”
“Yes. I intend to upload it, and show the world that I’m innocent, and while that is happening, I’m hoping my name will be cleared.”
She sipped at her drink, and thought about it. “You’re going to need help.”
“Yep, I am, but I can’t go straight away,” he said.
“Why not?”
“It’s right in the center of the city, and if I’m caught, my ass is thrown straight back into jail, and I’ll do even more hard time for leaving.”
“What do you want to do?” she asked.
“Whatever I have to. I need to stay here for a couple more weeks, a month, maybe two. Enough time for people to think I’ve skipped the country, and then by the time they realize I’m still very much here, I’ll unleash the video, and I’ll be free.”
“I’ll help you,” she said.
“You will?”
“Yes. I don’t like it when people’s lives are ruined by the actions of others.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “I’ll help you, Ryker.”
When he wrapped his arm around her, and she felt so safe within his arms, she closed her eyes and hoped she didn’t lose herself in the process.
Chapter Three
They found a routine together. Ryker shared his meals with her, did odd jobs around the house, and at night, he sat with her watching television while she read, or vice versa. He loved her books, but he just loved spending time with her.
Scarlett was a nice woman; a gentle woman. In the few short weeks that he’d been with her, he found himself caring about her more and more. There was no way to hide from the feelings she evoked within him, from her smile to watching her sleep, and he did watch her sleep as they shared a bed.
Of course, she spent most of their time together ignoring him. She either read a book or just curled up and went to sleep.
That was how he found himself one Sunday morning; watching her sleep. When they fell asleep, she was always turned away from him, but she must have moved in the night. Her hands were clasped together, resting beneath her head, and she looked so peaceful. Reaching out, he pushed a small curl off her face and simply watched her sleep.