Wild Fire (The Fairy Tale Match Series) Read online

  “I will think on what you’ve said. Thank you for spending so much time to talk with me. It’s been a while since I felt like I had a real friend. I’ve missed it.”

  “Your welcome.”

  “I should get going.” Dan turned to leave, then spun back. “Laura?”

  “Yes?”

  “Do you think Kerry could ever forgive me?” He paused a moment. “And Jake?”

  Laura couldn’t help but wonder if the fact he’d asked after Kerry first was very telling. Maybe he did have feelings for her. She was determined to find out.

  “Maybe, given the right circumstances.”

  He smiled looking brighter than he had since she’d met him. Nodding his head, he walked quickly away. Laura’s heart ached for him. She hoped she was right and that whatever had caused all this hurt and pain wasn’t so big that it couldn’t be overcome.

  *****

  “How the heck do you know Dan Walker?”

  Laura jumped, narrowly missed chopping off her finger at Jakes angry shout. She looked up from her dinner preparation to find Jake baring down on her with a scowl that would terrify the stoutest of hearts.

  “Don’t scare a person wielding a knife like that!” she gasped, clutching her hand to her chest. “I could have lost a finger!” She waved her hand in his face to emphasise her point.

  “Don’t change the subject!” he growled, ignoring her hand completely. “Just answer my question. Since when did you know Dan Walker?”

  “I met him yesterday when I was in Martha’s diner, if you must know. Why? What’s the problem?” Laura put down her knife, her hands going to her hips ready for the battle she sensed was coming. Normally Laura wouldn’t get involved with any kind of confrontation, but this was something she felt she had to do if she was ever going to help Kerry, Dan and even Jake himself.

  “You looked a little too cosy just to have met him yesterday.” Jake looked at her suspiciously. “In fact, you looked real friendly with him. Did you decide to hunt down another guy, since things didn’t work out with me? Your scraping the barrel with that one, I assure you, but then you seemed quite happy with Walter too. Not real picky are you?” He knew he was being mean, but somehow he just couldn’t help himself. The sight of her with Dan of all people had stripped his better judgement clean away.

  “Oh! You are so insufferable.” Laura could hardly believe her ears. “You make me sound like some desperate, love starved crazy woman. Just because I joined a dating agency, it doesn’t mean that I’m willing to grab any man I happen to come across.”

  “That’s not what it looked like to me. It looked like you were going all out to win him over. First me, then Walter and now Dan. Have you kissed them both too?”

  The sound of the slap echoed around the room. Jake rubbed his cheek where the imprint of Laura’s hand was already showing red on his skin. Laura stood frozen in place, shock holding her immobile. She’d never hit another person before in her life. Shaken up, she refused to back down.

  “How dare you speak to me that way?” Her voice was quiet, controlled. “I have only offered friendship to both Walter and Dan. Not that you deserve it, but you are the only man I have kissed.” She leaned forward, so she was nose to nose with him. “Even if I was interested in one of them, you have nothing to say about it. You decided you weren’t interested in me, so you can’t dictate who I see or why.”

  “I won’t have anyone in this house having anything to do with that man!” Jakes face looked as if it had been carved from granite. His whole body seemed to have taken on an immoveable force, pushing his will upon her. He leaned forward, matching her glare for glare.

  Laura wouldn’t back down. “Why? What’s wrong with him? He seemed a perfectly nice man to me.”

  Jakes expression darkened even further. “I don’t have to explain my reasons to you. If you’re staying here, you abide by my rules. It’s that simple!”

  Laura’s lips thinned as her anger rose. “If you want me to follow your stupid rules, you’ll jolly well have to tell me why!”

  His nostrils flared as he grabbed hold of her arms and hauled her against him. He glared down into her startled eyes, giving her a slight shake. “You will not have anything to do with him or you’ll pack your bags and get out!”

  “Let go of me this instant!” Laura ground out as she pushed against his solid chest. “You’re nothing but a big bully. You think you can just push your weight around and everyone has to follow your orders. You have to control everything, don’t you?”

  “Not everything, but in this I won’t be disobeyed. Dan Walker is not welcome here. Not now, not ever!”

  “I didn’t bring him here. I spoke to him in a free public place! So I ask you why I should stop speaking to him if I see him in public. As long as I don’t bring him here, what’s the problem?”

  “So you admit to seeing him?” Jake glared at her.

  “That’s not what I meant!” Laura shouted back.

  Jake wasn’t listening to her. He pulled her closer to him, so his breath fanned across her face, his lips tantalisingly close to hers. “Tell me Laura, does he make you feel the same way I do?” His eyes lowered to her mouth, making her heart beat faster in her chest with excitement. Her eyes glazed over in desire as he drew closer to her.

  “Does he cause the same wild fire that happens when we kiss?” He didn’t wait for a reply. His mouth crashed onto hers, kissing the breath right out of her. He drew her body flush up against him, wrapping her legs around his waist, as he lifted her so she was seated on the counter, knocking the vegetables she’d been preparing to the floor. His fingers plunged into her hair, loosening it from the bun that held it. He angled her head so he could deepen the kiss, his tongue thrusting into her warmth, plundering her mouth and her senses.

  Her arms wrapped around him as she kissed him back with everything she had. She could feel his solid strength under her hands as she stroked the muscles on his back. She wanted more, needed more. She moaned deep in her throat, her blood fired hotter at his answering groan.

  His hand glided up her side and cupped her breast, teasing her nipple to an excited point. She groaned again, pushing her body closer to his touch, feeling his arousal at her aching core. She rubbed herself against him, driven wild by her need for him. Her hands pulled his shirt frantically from his jeans, running her fingers up his hot skin, kneading the muscles at his shoulders. She began pulling at the buttons, wanting to feel his skin against hers, when he suddenly pulled back breaking her hold on him and breathing hard. Laura nearly fell from the counter at the loss of his support. She felt dazed and confused. Why did he constantly set her body on fire, then turn off like he was a tap? How could he keep doing this to her?

  He moved away from her, turning his back to her, taking deep shuddering breaths. “That shouldn’t have happened again.”

  “But it did. It means something Jake. You can’t deny it!” Her frustration bubbled over, making her tone harsh.

  He glanced round at her, then instantly wished he hadn’t. She sat before him, the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen. Her hair scattered around her shoulders, her lips looking swollen with his kisses. Her eyes were still glazed with passion, her clothes mussed. She looked sexy as hell. He closed his eyes, but it was too late. Her image was burned on his brain.

  He hadn’t meant for this to happen again. He’d simply wanted to confront her over what he’d seen in town. He’d felt sick to his stomach at the sight of her with Dan, talking with him so sweetly, smiling at him with such warmth. He hadn’t been able to hear what they were saying but he could imagine. He’d almost walked up to them to confront them, but realised he couldn’t. He in no way wanted to connect with Dan.

  So he’d waited to catch her alone at the house. Instead of the calm questioning he’d planned on with the firm insistence she have nothing to do with Dan, he’d lost his head. He didn’t want to admit he was jealous, but couldn’t quite push the notion out completely. He’d been driven by the mad
urge to brand her in some way so that she wouldn’t involve herself with Dan or Walter.

  But the kiss had been a mistake. It had nearly consumed him. He should have known that he would be unable to stop at one simple kiss this time. She was weaving her way into his blood, into his heartbeat. It scared the hell out of him that he couldn’t keep control of himself around her. Maybe he should use her association with Dan to get her out of the house.

  In his heart though, he knew it was too late for that. She’d already branded him. He knew he’d end up seeking her out wherever she went. Sighing deeply, he ran his hand through his hair, wishing he’d never gone into town that morning. Some things were best left in ignorance.

  He heard her get down from the counter, her soft steps approaching him. Her hand gently touched his back. He stiffened. Her touch causing his body to harden again. He caught his breath, trying to will his arousal away without much success.

  “We have to talk about this Jake,” Laura insisted.

  “There is nothing to talk about.” Jake wanted to get as far away from her as he could. He began to walk towards the kitchen door, but Laura darted round him to block his exit.

  “Oh no you don’t! Stop running away.” She placed her hands on her hips, her body in a battle stance. He almost smiled. It would take very little to pick her up and move her. “There is something between us, Jake Carter. Can you deny it?”

  “Just stay away from Dan!” He crossed his arms over his chest, unwilling to discuss the mad passion they seemed to have for each other.

  “Why Jake? Truly, he seems like a mixed up, unhappy man. Can’t you let whatever happened go? Do you have to make him suffer every day of his life for something he clearly regrets, whatever it is?” Laura tried to plead with him. She didn’t believe Jake was an unreasonable or unkind man, even if he did sometimes resort to throwing insults at her when he got angry.

  Jake’s face hardened again, his eyes turning dark with his resurfacing anger. “Why should he get to leave it all behind?” he snarled, bitterness colouring his words. “I have to see the reminder of his actions every day in the mirror!” His hand rose to indicate his scar. Laura gasped at the meaning of his words, her eyes filling with tears.

  “Jake, no! Are you saying Dan is responsible for your scar?” she whispered brokenly.

  “You bet your big green eyes he is.” Jake gently pushed her away from the door. Still stunned, she didn’t resist him. He opened it, turning back to look at her distraught face. “And that’s just one reason why I’ll never forgive him.” He walked out, leaving Laura dazed and empty.

  *****

  Laura sat in one of the porch chairs gazing out at the lush countryside around her, but she didn’t really see much. Her mind was turned inwards on the events of that afternoon. She had somehow let Jake walk away from her again, without dealing with the very real connection they had between them. He’d managed to turn the conversation back on to Dan and avoid the soul stealing kiss they’d shared…….again!

  And then there was his revelation. Dan was the culprit behind Jake’s scar. The question was whether Dan had meant to do it or had it been an accident. She wished Jake or someone would tell her. It was like trying to do a jigsaw puzzle without all the pieces or the box to show you what the end picture was. She had no idea what to make of it all.

  She heard her name being shouted and glanced up, burying the groan of dismay as she saw Walter heading her way. He ambled up on to the porch, smiling his ever charming smile at her.

  “Do you mind if I sit?” he asked.

  “Of course not.” Laura wished she could say she did mind and would he please go away so she could think, but she simply couldn’t be that rude. Walter moved a chair so he was seated opposite her. He leaned forward, resting his arms on his legs.

  “How are you today? I’ve been round a few times to check on you after the incident with Daisy, but you’ve been out each time I came.”

  “I’m fine Walter, thank you.” Laura felt guilty about wanting him to leave. He seemed so earnest in his concern for her wellbeing.

  “Laura, can I talk with you about something?” Walter looked uncomfortable. It wasn’t something she’d ever thought to see with the over confident man.

  “Of course. What is it?”

  “It’s rather awkward, I’m afraid.” Walter looked down at the floor, flushing a deep red. “I wouldn’t want you to think I was prying or overstepping the mark, but we are friends are we not?” He looked at her.

  Laura nodded and indicated for him to continue. “Well, the thing is, I did stop by this afternoon to see you. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop or peep, but I couldn’t help but observe things between you and Jake.”

  Laura felt her face flame. Oh God, what had he seen? She thought of the passionate clinch and wanted to die. She put her face in her hands, wishing the floor would open up and swallow her whole.

  Walter put his hand on top of hers, gently pulling them away from her heated face. “I don’t mean to embarrass you in any way. I only mention it because I feel it only fair to warn you that Jake will never be able to give you what you want.”

  “What do you mean?” Laura suddenly felt cold, a creeping sense of doom stalking through her at his words.

  “I mean he is incapable of a relationship,” Walter told her bluntly. “I would have thought you would know that. Surely you know what happened two years ago?”

  “Not really,” Laura said faintly. Her mind was reeling. “I’ve heard some reference to it, but nobody has really said what happened. Do you know?” Would she finally get the answers she sought?

  “I don’t know everything,” Walter told her, his voice soft with understanding. He took her cold hand in his, squeezing it gently. “I had only just started here shortly after it all happened. I know that Jake was engaged to be married to a woman named Victoria.”

  Laura closed her eyes. The woman she’d known had to exist suddenly had a name and Jake was going to make her his wife. He must have loved her a great deal to still be tormented by her loss. A sick empty feeling filled her and she suddenly didn’t want to know anymore.

  “She was very, very beautiful,” Walter carried on, oblivious to the fact his words were like knives through her heart. “I saw her a couple of times on distance before she moved away. She was the kind of woman no man would ever forget.”

  Laura looked at him. Walter’s eyes had taken on a far off dreamy look, as he pictured the absent Victoria. Laura felt her heart shatter. What had this woman been like to make a man like Walter, who loved all women, have an expression like that on his face? How could she have been so foolish as to think Jake could ever be interested in her? After all, when he’d first seen her, he’d said she was plain. How could she have forgotten that? She’d let herself be caught up in a dream that wasn’t really based on reality. She should have known better than to think a man like Jake would want her.

  Walter seemed to collect himself, shaking off his memories of the beautiful Victoria. “Anyway, from what I was told, she was in love with both him and his best friend Dan Walker. Jake had no idea. He only found out on the eve of his wedding to her. I believe he found them both together although nobody quite knows what happened that day, except for Jake, Dan and Victoria. Somehow, Dan and Jake fought and Dan hit Jake with something, I don’t know what, but it broke and scarred his face. The two haven’t spoken since. Sad really, considering people said they were like brothers before all that happened.”

  Walter patted her hand, still held in his own. Laura didn’t even notice. Her face had gone chalk white.

  “I am sorry, Laura.” Walter leaned closer to her, his breath fanning her cheek. He looked deep into her stricken eyes. “I am only telling you this because I care for you deeply. I don’t want you wasting your time on someone who is still in love with another woman….” He broke off at Laura’s sob.

  “I’m sorry Walter. Please excuse me.” She jumped up from her seat, pulling her hand from his and fled into the house.
She didn’t see the triumphant smile on Walters face. He couldn’t believe how well things had gone.

  Walter would admit it had rattled him to see the two of them when he’d come to the house earlier, but a plan had formed in his mind to win his way into Laura’s bed by turning things to his advantage. A woman hurting was easy prey. Jake had unwittingly primed Laura as an easy target.

  Walter would be there to comfort her and listen to her troubles. He would be a sympathetic shoulder for her to cry on. When the time was right, all that electrifying passion he’d witnessed would be all his! Whistling a happy tune, he got up and walked swiftly from the house, narrowly missing stepping on a slug in his path.

  *****

  Lotta lunged for Flo’s arm as she raised it a second time to take aim at Walter. “You can’t turn him into a slug Flo!” she yelled, narrowly avoiding the wand that waved in agitated fury.

  “But he’s ruining all our plans!” Flo fluttered to the nearest chair, collapsing on it with a small huff of annoyance. “Didn’t you see the way he’s manipulated her? He is trying to keep Laura and Jake apart. Where will that leave my Kerry and her Dan? Nowhere, that’s where!”

  “Calm yourself Flo.” Lotta waved her wand over the slug Walter had nearly stepped on and turned it back into the bird it was supposed to be. It chirped angrily at them before taking off into the nearest tree, still complaining loudly. “We can still turn this situation to our advantage. We just need to keep our heads and think.”

  “Well, I think you should have let me turn him into a slug. He’s already slimy enough to be one!” She crossed her plump arms over her rounded belly, pursing her lips in frustration.

  “Be that as it may, we are not allowed to do that sort of thing and you know it. We must be smarter than that.” Lotta thought long and hard. “This could be the push needed to get Jake to start pursuing Laura. If she backs away from him, it could push him closer to her. Walter may help us yet.”