BURNT (The Wild Flames #1) Read online

  “I need to stay motivated and push through this work,” he murmured, grabbing the book and opening it back up. He read through another page on North American animal life. He absentmindedly tapped his pencil as he read. His thoughts were interrupted by the doorbell.

  Kevin waited for a minute, expecting Jake to get it. However, when it rang again, he got up. He glanced up the stairs and saw no sign of Jake coming down. He was surprised opened the door and saw Tara. She was the last person he was expecting to see. Why was he so relieved to see her?

  “Hello Kevin,” she said before he could greet her. “Am I interrupting anything?”

  He had to admit...she was determined. He did his best to not let on how badly he missed seeing her beautiful face.

  “No,” he replied. He hesitated before opening the door enough to let her in.

  She graciously accepted the subtle invitation.

  “It’s getting colder out there.” She pulled her coat tighter around her body and entered the foyer. “What were you doing?”

  “Just studying,” he replied. “How have you been?”

  As much as he disliked what she said, he cared for her desperately, and needed to know she was alright.

  She smiled, but it was strained. “It’s been okay right. I heard you’re taking some time off work.”

  He nodded, but did not say anything else. She looked around the house.

  “Anyone else home?” she asked.

  “I think Jake’s upstairs. Haven’t heard him for a while though,” he replied with a stern look.

  He wished he could show her how glad he was to see her.

  “Oh...” she replied. Her body language stiffened up. “I don’t have to stay, I...”

  Kevin didn’t like knowing it had come to this. One of his biggest fears if they ever got into a relationship was that things could get awkward if they ever had an argument. He saw the change first hand and it bothered him. It was worse because the reason for the argument was his own flesh and blood.

  “You don’t have to run off. You obviously came here for a reason.”

  “I did,” she admitted. She glanced toward the stairs and his eyes followed. “Can we sit down to talk?”

  “Sure.” They headed into the living room, further away from the stairs, and took a seat on separate chairs.

  The strain was palpable. Kevin hated how it made him feel.

  “I just want to say I’m sorry things turned out the way they did,” Tara said. “I’ve done a lot of thinking and I do understand why you feel the way you do.”

  He sighed. “We don’t have to agree on everything as a couple, but this is a pretty big thing.”

  “I know,” she stated.

  He wanted to grab her into his arms and hold her close to him, convince her everything would be all right, and just let fate take its course. He wanted love to be enough, but knew it was foolish to get caught up in his emotions.

  “Where do we go from here?” she asked.

  He silently thought about her question. He would have given anything to get her to believe that Jake was not a cold-hearted killer. Yet, she expressed her doubts, and he couldn’t force her to change her mind. He had an obligation to support his brother; and would defend him to the bitter end. A relationship with Tara would only jeopardize things. It wouldn’t have been good for either one of them...or, that’s what he kept telling himself.

  “I can’t lose you as a friend, Tara” he finally stated. “I don’t want to lose you.”

  She smiled. “I don’t want to lose you either. We’re best friends. Our friendship should never change.”

  A rush of air escaped him. The thought of never holding her in his arms again caused a pain to shoot across his chest. She felt so right in his arms. He was sure they were meant to be. All the logic of staying at his brother’s side was momentarily cast aside, in favor of his Tara.

  “Good,” he smiled, leaning in and kissing her cheek.

  It was a sweet gesture, but sent his mind to places he shouldn’t go. Visions of the two of them making love surfaced and with her right beside him, he could barely control his growing erection. He noticed her looking over at his books scattered across the couch and on the floor in front of it.

  “Want to help me study? It hasn’t been the same without you.”

  She laughed. He embraced the sound of her laughter.

  “I would like that.” She turned from him and headed over to the couch. It would to be like old times again. “What are you studying?”

  “Right now, I was going over the raccoon.”

  She scrunched up her nose.

  “Interesting,” she said with a soft laugh. “Well, if that’s what you’re studying I guess we can’t do anything about it.”

  He grabbed a book and sat down next to her. Tara passed him the book so he could get back to making notes, and she went over the summaries he had written on index cards, just like he had done with her before. They were so engrossed in reading that neither one of them noticed Jake entering the room. Kevin wasn’t sure what caused him to look up. There was a subtle sound of shuffling feet, and Jake may have dropped a book on the floor. They looked up at Jake in synchrony.

  “Sorry,” Jake mumbled. He turned to Tara and nodded. “Good to see you again, Tara.”

  Kevin saw Tara smile when she answered. “Good to see you too, Jake.”

  He was happy to see there wasn’t tension between them. She certainly didn’t look scared that something bad would happen around him.

  “I won’t bug you. I was just coming in for another book to read,” Jake offered, stepping up to the bookcases.

  He turned and smiled at them after he pulled one from the top shelf.

  “See you both later.”

  “See you later, Jake,” Tara answered.

  Kevin turned to Tara when Jake left the room.

  “So where were we?” They went back to studying and it was like nothing had happened over the last week. The only difference was he felt Tara would be better off if they were just friends. He would have to try and make it work.

  ***

  Tara thought things might be awkward between the two of them. However, it was the opposite. For a while, they easily went back to being friends as if nothing had ever happened between them. She had only slipped up a couple of times, almost kissing him some nights before she left after their study sessions. It was a habit they had to break quickly.

  Kevin came back to work. His high grades were still intact, and even Jake started hanging around more often. At first, she didn’t know how comfortable she would be with it, but slowly found it wasn’t that bad. She felt bad she could ever have had any doubts about him.

  Jake had never struck her as being the type of person you should be afraid of. His Schizophrenia diagnosis was not something that invoked any fear in her. Jake was always just Kevin’s little brother and not someone dangerous. Still, she didn’t discuss it with Kevin. Her sudden epiphany probably wouldn’t sit well with him.

  The police didn’t announce any more suspects either. At least, not publicly. There were also no reports of new murders in a couple of weeks. It felt like things were getting back to how it was before. She hoped the chaos and tragedy were over. She looked forward to the next few days. The coming Halloween revelry would take her mind off everything.

  ***

  Halloween came quickly. That evening, Tara raced home from work. She would wear a costume to entertain any trick-or-treaters who came to their door. As she hurried into the house, she spotted a folded piece of paper sticking out the door. She grabbed it and went inside, assuming it was from her mother. She quickly climbed up the steps, taking two at a time to get to her bedroom.

  Tara had been so excited that morning that she laid out the Cinderella costume she planned to wear that night. She put down the note and grabbed her costume. The note could wait. Halloween was the holiday she enjoyed the most. She never missed a chance to get dressed up and act like a kid again. She thought back to
all the wild costume parties she would attend during her college days. As she was back home this year, she didn’t get invited to any. Passing out candy was the next best thing.

  She quickly dressed in her costume and pulled her hair back into a ponytail. She wrapped a blue bow around her hair and glanced at her reflection in the mirror. She felt like a kid again, all dressed up. She loved it. She applied a bit of makeup in the bathroom, and went back to the full length mirror in her room. Gosh, I look like a dork, she thought, and twirled around to admire the blue dress on her.

  Tara was about to leave her room when her eyes went to the note. She had nearly forgotten about it. She grabbed the piece of paper and took it with her downstairs. She walked back down the stairs, made sure all the candy was ready, and walked over to relax on the living room couch. It had been a pretty busy day at work and she could have just crashed on the sofa and watch TV. Except it was Halloween. It was exciting for her. Adrenaline pumped through her veins on Halloween. She sat on the couch and opened the note to start reading. It was not from her mom.

  Dearest Tara:

  As we have spent more and more time together over the last couple of weeks, I have come to realize my love has only grown stronger for you. You’re the woman for me and every day I want to spend it with you. I can’t fathom what life would be without you in it. Your radiant smile and your gorgeous eyes are enough for me to get lost in each day.

  I hope you feel the same way I do.

  With love always.

  She stared at the paper, flipping it over a couple of times in her hand. It wasn’t signed, but it had to be from Kevin. It was obvious to her. It couldn’t be anyone else. Her thoughts were interrupted by the doorbell. The first trick-or-treater was already here. She put the note down and headed to the door. Her mind was racing with so many questions. Did Kevin really feel this way? Why didn’t he just tell me?

  She opened the door and saw a little Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtle standing on her doorstep.

  “Trick or treat!” the kid said, holding out his bag.

  “Why hello there.” She reached into the bowl and pulled out a couple of pieces of candy and put it into his bag.

  “Thank you,” he said, behind his mask.

  “You’re welcome,” she replied, smiling as he ran back to his mother.

  Tara thought about the letter and started to shut the door but it wouldn’t close. There was a shoe blocking it. She looked up and saw a taller person standing at the door. She could tell his shoulders were broader, so it wasn’t just a tall child.

  “Oh...” She chuckled. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there.” He was dressed like the Grim Reaper. It startled her briefly, however it was Halloween.

  “Trick or treat,” he said. It was a husky voice. She reached in and put some candy into his bag.

  “Thank you, Cinderella!” he said, causing shivers to go down her spine.

  “Tell Prince Charming he is a very lucky guy,” he added before leaving the door.

  Tara stared after him, and a strange feeling lingered in her belly. She closed the door and thought about his words. How weird, she thought, and shivered like she had been hit with a cold chill. She was about to head back to the living room when the doorbell rang again. She wasn’t expecting this many trick-or-treaters already. She opened the door and a smile crossed her face.

  Kevin stood there, dressed like Prince Charming. It made her laugh. She had told him she was going to be Cinderella, but she had never expected him to remember, let alone show up at her house as her Prince.

  “Hi Kevin. What are you doing here?”

  “I thought Cinderella could use some help dishing out the candy,” he snickered.

  She looked over Kevin’s outfit and thought about what the guy in the Grim Reaper suit said.

  “Did you...” she started to ask whether Kevin knew anything about the guy who was just there, but left it alone.

  “Did I what?”

  “Ah, nothing,” she answered. It was Halloween. Probably just a coincidence.

  “So can I come in for my candy?” he asked.

  She nodded. “You better believe it.”

  They laughed as she pulled him in the house and shut the door. She briefly considered mentioning the note, but the thought was replaced by pure desire. If he wanted to admit it was him, he would. For the time being...she was so happy to see him.

  Chapter 14

  The letter wasn’t the only special gift Tara received over the next few days. She received a box of chocolates, a bouquet of roses, and finally a charm bracelet. The bracelet had charms from various things she enjoyed most. There was a star, a horse, a ball of yarn, and a heart. She wasn’t sure what the heart showcased, but as she assumed it was from Kevin, it made sense. The notes all read:

  I’ll always love you!

  When the bracelet arrived, Tara had no more doubts. She just didn’t understand why Kevin couldn’t give it to her openly. She had to admit though, his secrecy actually thrilled her. The extra attention was exhilarating. Still, she missed him terribly. They saw each other to study and the friendship was back to normal, but not being able to hold him or be with him every night was torture. Love had never left the equation for her. Her feelings had never been stronger.

  Tara played with the dangling charms on her bracelet, trying to gain extra confidence for what she was about to do. They needed to talk. His gifts sent one message, yet he never talked about it or made any moves to get them back on track. She needed to hear Kevin say what he felt. No, she needed him to show her.

  She was brimming with joy when she drove into the parking lot at work that afternoon. Kevin’s car was there. She looked down at her bracelet and smiled. With any luck, they would be back in each other’s arms. She couldn’t wait. Looking in her rearview mirror, she practiced.

  “I love you, Kevin. Nothing else matters. I’m sorry for everything, from doubting Jake’s innocence to letting you slip away. I don’t want to waste another minute without you.”

  She took a deep breath and exhaled before stepping out of her car. Kevin wasn’t in the front area when she entered the building. He was probably already working. She did her best to keep her cool, going behind the desk and clocking in, and then putting her purse away. The words she wanted him to hear passed through her mind again and again. It had to go well. She needed him. As she went out the back door, she was practicing her words so much she didn’t even notice Kevin walk in. She nearly bumped into him when she looked up.

  “Hey.” He smiled. “You look so deep in thought about something.”

  She found herself running her fingers along her charms as she nodded.

  “Guess you could say that,” she answered nervously.

  She looked around the backyard. There were a few employees working and several customers, but she needed to talk to him and didn’t want to wait until later.

  “Busy?” she asked.

  “Well, I was going to clean out the pig pen. You could join me.” The way he wiggled his eyebrows made her chuckle. “I know you just can’t pass it up.”

  “It does sound appealing,” she replied, snickering. “However, I was hoping we could step away for a moment.”

  He cocked his head. “Everything all right?”

  “It will be.” I hope, she thought.

  “Okay. After you.”

  Tara didn’t know where they could go so they wouldn’t be interrupted, but after looking around, they stopped behind the horse stables. She turned face him. He was staring at her with intrigue.

  “I’ll make this quick,” she replied, feeling her palms were already sweaty. She looked up at him and everything she wanted to say to him was lost.

  “I...I...” she started. The flood of emotions made her breathing so light, she could barely speak. “So, you see...I have done a lot of thinking...and I have come to one conclusion.”

  He appeared confused. “Which is?”

  “I love you,” she blurted out. She bit her tongue. It came o
ut in a rush, but by the shock on his face she couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

  “You have been the one constant in my life and even over the past few weeks, I know I have been foolish. Jake is a good guy and I shouldn’t have doubted him. I shouldn’t have doubted your faith in him. I don’t want that or anything else to come between us. You’re my forever and I want to be yours. I love you.”

  As she finished, she felt relief. A weight was lifted from her shoulders. Tara didn’t mention the bracelet, flowers, or other gifts as he moved closer to her.

  “I love you too, Tara,” he answered.

  Kevin lifted her into his arms, embracing her body completely. He turned her around and around, making the rush of emotion all the more giddying. Tara laughed. This was exactly what she had hoped for. As he slowly lowered her to the ground, his lips went to hers. His body pressed tightly against hers, leaving little room to doubt his forgiveness. Had they not been on the clock, their clothes would be on the ground and they would be making passionate love behind those stables. She was breathless from the intensity of his kiss. She had been craving him for so long.

  As he pulled away, their eyes locked and he smiled. “I’ve needed you these past few weeks. You have no idea how much.”

  She bit her lower lip so hard she was afraid she would draw blood. The desire to kiss him again, press him against the back of the horse stables, and let nature take its course was raw and salient.

  “I’ve needed you, too.” She thought about it and smiled. “Tonight...pick me up at eight?”

  “It’s a school night,” he teased, acting appalled she would suggest it.

  “Well, then I suppose we could wait three more days.” She shrugged. “No biggie.”

  She started to move past him but he grabbed her arm and pulled her back into his arms. The devilish grin on his lips was inviting. She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him so tight, locking lips with him. There was no way either one could wait another night– they both knew it.

  ***

  Kevin was whistling as he got ready for his date with Tara. He was stoked about the way the day had started out. Tara had said everything he had been thinking about. He couldn’t wait to be with her again.