BURNT (The Wild Flames #1) Read online

  She tried to think back and when the name connected with the face, she gasped.

  “Wow....I guess I blocked him from my memory.” She couldn’t imagine two guys by that name in their town.

  “We haven’t seen him since graduation,” Kevin said. “It has to be him. If I remember correctly, I was always there to defend you when he picked on you.”

  Tara could barely remember.

  “Maybe that’s why I kept you around,” she teased.

  He laughed. “Whatever it takes.” He paused then and snickered. “I used to think maybe he had a crush on you. It would explain why he picked on you so much. Wow, if that’s him...I can’t believe he was murdered.”

  “Yeah...” she admitted, hoping he would change the subject. She definitely needed something to take her mind off of what was going on in town. It was gruesome.

  “So where do you want to go to study?” Tara asked.

  “How about the park? Good place to start, right?” Kevin suggested.

  “Sounds good,” she replied.

  They walked out the front door and Tara locked up before getting in the car. As they drove toward the park, the conversation went back to middle school and Gregory Prescott’s murder.

  “I wonder if it was a robbery gone wrong or if he knew the killer?” Kevin asked.

  Tara looked out the window, still in disbelief over the news. “Well, like you said...maybe he wasn’t the nicest guy. Maybe he had enemies.”

  She turned back to him and he nodded.

  “It was a long time ago, Tara,” he noted. “Who knows what really happened. No one deserves to have their throat slit like that.”

  “Let’s not talk about it anymore,” she replied, feeling sick to her stomach over it. “It’s too early in the day to be talking about this gruesome stuff.”

  “Agreed,” he answered.

  “So how’s your brother been?” she asked.

  He laughed. “That is changing the subject.” He glanced at her. “Sometimes he seems fine and other times...a little off.”

  “I haven’t seen him much since we’ve been back in town. I was just thinking about him.”

  He smiled. “Nice. I’ll let him know you asked about him. He’ll appreciate it.”

  She smiled. She didn’t know a lot about Jake, and had not interacted with him much over the years. The few times they had talked when she was over at their house, Jake wouldn’t make eye contact and was shy to make conversation with her. Kevin’s family had a hard time dealing with him. He had been diagnosed with a mental illness and it’s all she was ever told. It seemed their whole family was saddened by it, including Kevin.

  Kevin parked the car and they got out. He grabbed his books from the backseat and she took a blanket. They both headed in the direction of a large tree. It gave enough shade they would be comfortable. She laid out the blanket and they sat down to get started. Their study routine was more or less fine-tuned. He would read, make long notes, and then summarize them on index cards. She would knit and crochet while he took notes, and would stop to quiz him from the index cards. They settled nicely into study mode.

  ***

  Halfway through their park study session, Kevin nonchalantly looked up at Tara as she rattled off another term. He tried to think of the answer, but his eyes fell to her sexy long legs stretched out beside him. He groaned, hoping not to have another slip up like what happened at the movies the previous week. It wasn’t supposed to happen that way, but he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Her lips were delicious, her body was succulent, and the way she melted against him when their bodies were pressed together was like nothing else.

  “Kevin?” she called out. He hung onto his name on her lips, until he realized she was actually speaking to him. “Earth to Kevin...”

  “Huh?” He quickly snapped back to reality.

  “You zoned out for a minute there,” she replied with a grin.

  He wanted to point out he couldn’t focus because she took his mind to places he never thought he would go, but couldn’t say it. He didn’t think she would understand. He tried to explain away in his mind what happened at the movie was simply a lapse in judgment. He was sure it had meant nothing to her, and he was trying to come to terms with it.

  “I’m sorry, what were you saying?” he asked, putting himself back in the moment.

  “I was asking you to give me everything you know about Iron Horse State Park, Kevin.” She lifted her head to look at him, and smiled.

  Just hearing the name brought back old memories.

  “I don’t believe it’s anywhere in my books.” He laughed, lifting himself up so he could look at the pages.

  She held the book back.

  “Maybe it’s not, but you have been studying so hard. I thought maybe I could ask about something else. So...tell me what you know about it.”

  He leaned back against the tree, resting his legs close to hers. “I know it has provided hours of entertainment and it has given me some of my greatest memories.”

  She smiled. “That’s a good start.”

  Kevin’s mind wandered back to their camping trips to the park. After they had passed their driving tests and got their parents’ old cars to drive, it had not taken either of them long to escape for weekend camping trips together. They spent a lot of time at the Iron Horse State Park, which was just over an hour’s drive away.

  “Well,” he started, “you can go biking, hiking, horseback riding, and spend countless hours in front of the fire. You can even go rappelling down a mountain, if you’re the adventurous type.” He winked at her, knowing it was not something she would ever want to do. He couldn’t count the times he tried to convince her.

  “It’s the best place to view wildlife,” he continued, feeling nostalgic. As he processed the information, a smile crossed his face.

  “I have the perfect idea.”

  She closed the book and looked at him. “I’m listening.”

  “Well, what do you say we go next weekend?” He couldn’t imagine being more excited. He was like a little boy on Christmas morning.

  “Go where?” she asked.

  He sighed. “Go to Iron Horse. It’s only an hour drive and we have a three day weekend coming up. We can bring the books along and we’ll be in the headquarters of wildlife. Besides, you can’t tell me you wouldn’t like to get out of town for a little bit. Leave on Friday and come back on Sunday. What do you say?”

  Tara was hesitant about the idea. “I don’t know...” she replied suddenly.

  “Tara, we used to go there several times a year and take a tent and just enjoy the outdoors. You can’t tell me you wouldn’t enjoy it.”

  “True, but...”

  He moved closer to her, placing his hand on hers. A confused look arose on her face. He could see it, but didn’t want to pull his hand away.

  “Do you have better plans for the weekend?”

  She slowly shook her head.

  “Good, then it’s settled. Next weekend we’re going to have a mini vacation like the ones we had always planned. You won’t regret it.”

  She finally smiled, nodding.

  “You’re right. I could use this.” She frowned. “I just hope I can find my tent.”

  “We’ll be fine with one,” he answered. “I’ll use my dad’s old two-room tent.”

  As much as Kevin daydreamed about being close to Tara again, he had to keep things on a friendship level. They were going to study and enjoy camping in nature. Nothing else was in the cards.

  ***

  Tara wondered why she had agreed to go camping with Kevin. Deep down, she felt they were about to make a big mistake. As the week wore on, she rounded up supplies to take along, wondering if she should cancel. They were being foolish if they thought they could spend a platonic weekend camping together. The sexual tension had been building between them.

  “I can’t do it,” she said aloud, and sighed. “He’ll understand.” She stared at herself in the mirror the morning before th
ey were supposed to leave. She needed to tell him at work today, but didn’t know how she would broach the subject. I think I’m coming down with something. The cold air won’t be too good for my lungs. I don’t want to get you sick. Each excuse she came up with made her feel worse. He was so excited about going, which made the thought of ruining his plans agonizing. Still, she had to be honest with herself. She grabbed her stuff and headed toward the door. “Mom, I’m going to work,” she called out.

  “Bye,” her mother called back. She ended up telling her mother what she was doing for the long weekend, because she was frantically looking everywhere for the tent. Tara wondered if she could just go hide out at a hotel, as her mom knew she wouldn’t be home anyway. This way she could still enjoy a mini vacation.

  She slammed the door behind her and got into her car. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she started the car and thought, He’ll understand. He just has to. The short drive to the petting zoo was no less worrisome. As she arrived and parked, she saw he had not arrived yet. It was only temporary relief. She would have to deal with it on their break or after work. She walked toward the building, nearly running into Amy at the main doors.

  “Oh, sorry.” Amy laughed. It was another awkward moment between the two. Although it had been a couple weeks since the date between Amy and Kevin, she couldn’t help but notice Amy was doing everything to avoid her.

  Tara smiled, and started to move past her.

  “Hey...Tara?” Amy called out.

  “Yes?” she replied, turning around to face Amy.

  Amy looked down at the floor as if collecting her thoughts. “I just wanted to tell you there are no hard feelings.”

  Tara lifted one eyebrow. “Okay, about what?”

  “Well...I have been kind of holding a grudge against you, ever since Kevin and I went out.” She smiled timidly. “Nothing happened, and I blamed you for that.”

  Tara rolled her eyes. “I told you there is nothing going on between us,” she replied, looking toward the door to make sure Kevin wasn’t walking in.

  “It’s not entirely true. There’s something between the two of you. Call it what you want, but it’s strong.” She shrugged. “I get it now, but things have changed since that night. I’m actually dating someone now,” she said and smiled.

  “Really? Congrats, Amy,” Tara replied.

  They both noticed Kevin walking up to the entrance.

  “Good morning,” he said, turning his head back and forth between the two.

  “Hello,” Amy said, smiling and walking away.

  He glanced at Tara and raised an eyebrow. “Did I miss something?”

  She shook her head.

  “No.” She thought about the camping conversation replaying in her mind. It was as good a time as any to tell him what she was going to say.

  “Actually, I do have something I need to tell you.”

  He nodded. “Is it about tomorrow? I have mapped out an itinerary and I know you’ll love it as much as I do.”

  She stepped back and he instantly noticed something was wrong.

  “Sorry. What do you want to tell me?”

  Standing there, she didn’t think she could do it. “Um...” She dropped her gaze. “I just wanted to tell you I found my tent,” she replied.

  “Perfect,” he answered, and walked with her to swipe in for their shift.

  She wasn’t sure perfect was the word she would have chosen, but she couldn’t let him down. Kevin was looking forward to it too much. She would just have to look past any doubts and try to have some platonic fun.

  Chapter 6

  “I’m leaving, guys!” Kevin called, rushing down the stairs two at a time. He was already thirty minutes late picking Tara up.

  “Where are you going in such a rush?” Jake asked, stepping in front of the door.

  “I told you already, Jake,” he answered. “I’m going camping this weekend. I’ve got to run or I’ll be really late.”

  “Late for where?” he asked, pressing his buttons.

  He heaved a sigh. “Late picking up Tara.”

  “Oh...” he said. He looked down at the floor.

  Kevin felt bad for his brother. He was a smart man, but at times appeared to have the mentality of a child.

  “You can come the next time,” he said, trying to console him.

  When Jake had first found out about the camping trip, he spent several hours trying to convince Kevin to let him go. Kevin wouldn’t hear of it. He needed the down time with Tara and he didn’t feel it was too much to ask.

  “Come on, Jake. Let me through.”

  For a moment, as Jake looked at him, Kevin wondered if he would move. The distant look Jake had in his eyes caught him off guard.

  “Do you promise I’ll be the one going next time?” he asked. His voice was soft but demanding and ominous.

  Kevin nodded. “I swear. I just need this time alone,” he said.

  “You won’t be alone,” he said, almost accusatory. “You just said Tara will be there. Are you lying to me?”

  “What? No!” Kevin said, trying to keep his annoyance at bay. “I just meant... this has been a crazy summer. Tara is going solely to help me study.”

  As he said the words, he heard how irrational it sounded. If he truly wanted to be alone, he would have gone alone. He wanted Tara there, because he liked having her around. It was simple enough.

  “I could help you study,” Jake mumbled, but moved away from the door.

  Kevin was tempted to ask something sarcastic, but thought against it. It was already late.

  “Have a good weekend, okay? I’ll see you in a few days.” He glanced around and saw Jake wasn’t even looking at him.

  “Bye Jake,” he shouted.

  “Goodbye,” Jake mumbled and went upstairs.

  Kevin hesitated for a moment, and turned to leave. Jake would understand eventually and everything would be fine. He got into the car and headed toward Tara’s house. As he pulled in front, she was already heading out of the house. Her bag and tent were perched on the bottom step of the porch. He got out of the car and opened up his trunk to help her load up.

  “Sorry I’m late,” he said.

  “No worries,” she said, smiling. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she looked ready for the outdoors in her hiking boots, stretchy blue jeans and a white t-shirt under a lumberjack vest.

  “Why’d you bring your tent? I brought my dad’s two-room tent, remember?” he said, confused.

  “I think two tents are always better than one,” she answered, not wanting to get into their recent intimate moments. She tried to change the subject.

  “Do you have the itinerary?”

  He pulled it from his pocket and handed her a copy. “Yep. This is yours. I came prepared.”

  She laughed. “I’m impressed.”

  Tara got into the car and he shut the door behind her. When he got into the car with her, she had to say something about the itinerary she was reading.

  “Um...I think you are delusional.”

  He turned to her, before driving away. “About what?”

  She pointed to a spot on the schedule. Kevin wasn’t surprised as he looked down at her finger. He looked up and smiled at her.

  “Nope, I’m pretty sure it isn’t a mistake.”

  “I don’t know how to break it to you, Kev,” she started. “I’m not rappelling down a mountain at six o’clock tonight.”

  “Why?” he asked, unable to break away from her stare.

  She groaned. “Does it matter? I told you over and over this wasn’t happening. I thought you understood.”

  “I do, but if it’s a fear of heights thing...I can help you overcome it.”

  She sighed, looking upward. “It’s not a thing. Tell it to my shaky legs.” She let out a soft laugh.

  “Can I think about it?”

  He nodded. “Of course. I don’t want to pressure you to do anything. Everything will be your call. I promise.”

  Kevi
n saw her try to smile, but knew she was terrified. It wasn’t worth it if she was that scared. He would just take it in stride and they could decide later.

  ***

  The tents went up shortly after they made it to their campsite in the park. Tara was excited to be in the same spot they had camped in so many times during high school. It already felt like old times. Her eyes went to him, watching him as he warmed up the pre-packaged chicken, flipping it on the grill they placed over the campfire. Some things had changed. He had matured. He would usually tease her, telling her she needed to do the cooking, but was eager to start cooking this time.

  “The chicken smells wonderful,” she called out to him, drinking bottled water as she waited.

  He looked up and smiled. “I hope it tastes half as good as it smells,” he said, then laughed. “We’ll have just enough time to eat and get to the mountain for our rappelling adventure.”

  She rolled her eyes. She had no intention of doing anything like rappelling down a mountain. “You tell me how it goes for you,” she remarked sarcastically.

  He looked up, staring at her. “I’m not doing it without you.”

  She shrugged. “Then...you’re not doing it.”

  “We’ll see about that,” he mumbled.

  “What did you just say?” she asked, although she heard him clearly.

  “I said...supper’s ready.” He put the chicken on a tin plate and handed it to her. She raised an eyebrow, but didn’t let on she had heard him. “You better eat up, before it gets cold.”

  She grabbed the plate and headed to the picnic table, with Kevin following right behind her. Neither of them mentioned the itinerary during the meal. They just took in the peace and quiet of the wilderness.

  “I’m glad you insisted we come here, Kevin. It’s really beautiful here,” Tara said.

  Kevin nodded. “You can say that again.”

  He took in the view around the camp and then looked back at her.

  “We should come back here more often.”

  “We’ll see how the weekend goes,” she said, taking a bite of her chicken and nodding. “This is even better than it smells.”

  “What do you mean?” he asked, startling her.