TORCHED (The Wild Flames #2) Read online

  “You don’t have to. You should be getting home.” She leaned over, kissing him on the cheek before stepping out of the car.

  “Talk to you tomorrow?” he asked.

  “Definitely,” she answered. “Good night, hon.”

  She didn’t look back as she ran up to the house. When she got inside, she fell back against the door with a breathless sigh, relieved she’d kept her stress to herself. He needed her to be strong and she couldn’t let him down.

  “Tara? Is that you?”

  She groaned, closing her eyes. She decided not to tell her mother what was going on, because she would only meddle. She didn’t need her words of wisdom.

  “Yes, Mom!” she called out.

  “Come to the living room.”

  It wasn’t a request. It was an order.

  She moved toward the sound, reluctant but obedient. Her mother was sitting on an armchair surrounded by piles of papers on the floor.

  “What’s that?” Tara asked.

  Her mother looked up. “I’m trying to work on budgeting, but it’s nearly impossible. Did you know since you’ve moved in, we’ve more than doubled the amount of groceries we buy?”

  Tara frowned. “I hadn’t really thought about it.”

  “Well, it’s true,” she mumbled. “All the utilities have gone up. I’m working extra hours so I can keep things running smoothly, but it’s getting to the point even the extra hours aren’t going to be enough.”

  “What can I do to help out?” she asked.

  “Well, for starters...you could help out with the bills. You could pay rent...anything would be helpful.”

  “I can help a little,” she agreed, “but the petting zoo just closed for the season, Mom, and I’ve been saving up for when I go to Montana next year. Can I help out in any other way?”

  “You know,” her mother confessed, “I had been thinking of selling this place and getting something smaller. Like an apartment.”

  Tara wasn’t surprised. She could tell her mom was unhappy.

  “It’s been really hard, being here without your dad,” she continued.

  “I miss him, too, Mom,” Tara said.

  She sat on the side of the armchair and held her mom for the first time since she had moved back home. It was probably just as uncomfortable, and no longer a place either of them felt they belonged.

  “How about if I pay what I can, and if you’d like, I can help you hunt for an apartment or condo.”

  “Like old times, when we’d go window shopping on the Fridays that your dad worked late,” her mom answered, with a hint of a smile.

  “Yes, Mom, just like old times.”

  “It’s a date!”

  It was a relief to see her mom feel better. Tara had not stopped to think about how hard her life must be without Dad. She had Kevin to lean on when her father died, but her mom had no one. Selling the house was probably something she should have done a long time ago. Still, there were at least six months until she and Kevin were going to leave for Montana. Tara would have to figure out some living arrangements. God, I wish I could just move to Montana right now! She couldn’t wait that long, and the sooner she and Kevin could return to their original plan, the better.

  Chapter 7

  Kevin walked into the living room. His parents were sitting in the same spots on the sofa. The television was turned to a news channel, where the anchormen discussed the string of murders. A picture of Jake flashed on the screen with the word WANTED above his face, and his mom unraveled. Her sobs turned to full blown weeping, and even his dad couldn’t soothe her.

  They had not noticed him there, so he cleared his throat as the television program went to commercial. They looked up and his dad turned the television off.

  “I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Kevin said, sitting down on the soft blue armchair.

  “That’s all right. We shouldn’t be watching the news anyway,” his dad said. “I know I can speak for your mother and me when I say we’re in shock there’s a manhunt for Jake.”

  “You’ve got that right,” his mother muttered in between loud sniffles.

  “I’m sorry I had to be the one to tell you.”

  Kevin looked between his parents. His mom’s red face and his dad’s sad eyes were something he wasn’t used to seeing. They always seemed so carefree and nothing bothered them.

  His dad leaned back against the couch.

  “When you left, your mother and I started talking. We know we’ve not been the most vigilant of parents, but we really tried. I guess we didn’t try hard enough.”

  “You can’t blame yourself,” Kevin insisted.

  While he believed in his words, it was easier said than done. Deep down, he also blamed himself for his brother’s actions. He blamed himself for being an alibi when he didn’t know any better.

  “This isn’t anyone’s fault. Jake is sick. The doctors said he has schizophrenia, and things can happen. It’s no one’s fault.”

  “We lost so much time with Jake, and now we might never get that back. We don’t want to do the same with you,” his mother said.

  Kevin didn’t know what to say. He wanted to make things right in their relationship, but it amazed him that his parents were finally admitting something was amiss.

  “I’d like that,” he replied, perking up.

  “Great!” His dad smiled. It had been a while since Kevin saw that sign of emotion in him. “So, how’ve your classes been going?” he asked.

  Kevin settled back in his chair, prepared to answer anything. “Really well. I’m finally getting a good grasp on this Zoology course.”

  “That’s good to know,” his mother chimed in. “We couldn’t help but notice things seem to be different between you and Tara. We haven’t been around to talk about it, but there’s definitely something different.”

  Kevin looked at his mom. It seemed odd to discuss his relationship with them, but he didn’t want to lose the connection they were building. It was an effort he had not seen in years.

  “Actually, things couldn’t be better. We were in denial for years about how we really feel for each other. And now...it’s all changed. I’m happy about that.”

  “I can tell,” his dad replied. A small smile brought up the corners of his lips. “You both seem happy and we’re happy for you.”

  It was like a cloud moved out from over their house that night. They were talking, listening, and being so open. When he noticed the time, it was midnight, and as tired as he was, he didn’t want to stop. As they had just come from out of town, they needed their rest. Kevin stood up first.

  “I’m glad we could have this talk, Mom, Dad,” he said.

  His parents both hugged him tight. He stood there in shock for a moment, his body tense because he couldn’t remember the last time his parents had held him. Soon, he relaxed into the embrace.

  “We love you, son,” his dad said.

  “I love you both so much,” Kevin replied, feeling choked up. When his mom pulled back, he saw her tears. Watching her cry made his chest ache; he hated to see her in pain.

  “Goodnight,” he said, quickly making his getaway before he broke down completely.

  He hurried up the steps and went into his bedroom to phone Tara. As it rang, he hoped she wouldn’t already be asleep.

  “H...hello?” she answered.

  He paused before saying anything. He heard her sniffling, and cringed at the sound. “Tara...what’s wrong?”

  “I’m fine,” she whimpered. “Just thinking about us... and Montana.”

  If Kevin felt bad to see his mom cry, he felt ten times worse knowing Tara was hurting. It was as if a vice had clamped over his chest, just knowing she was in pain. And he knew it had to be about everything that had happened with Jake.

  “Please don’t cry, Tara,” he pleaded.

  She said nothing, but he could hear her breath catching as she whimpered softly. He hated being the cause of Tara’s anguish.

  “I feel horrible you’re cryin
g...and I was thinking. Maybe...maybe I should take a step back and let you get on with your life. It’s too much to ask for you to stand by me, when my brother has done unspeakable things.”

  “Kevin...stop,” she blurted out. “I’m not crying because of Jake. I talked with my mom and she’s selling the house. We had a really good talk, but she’s been hurting since dad died, and the place reminds her of him every day. She’s going to find a smaller place, and I’m going to move out.”

  “Moving out?” he questioned. “When? Where?”

  Tara’s heavy sigh echoed through the phone.

  “Whenever I can find a place. I don’t know where, and the reason is...I should have never moved back in here. She isn’t the same since Dad died, and I knew it from the start. She needs a fresh start. It’ll be simpler if I move to my own place.”

  Even though she sounded certain, she still sobbed. “Is there anything I can do?” he asked.

  “Help me go apartment hunting. I can’t have a long lease, because we won’t be here for much longer.”

  “I’ll do what I can,” he promised.

  “Thank you.” She sounded relieved. “So, how’d tonight go with your parents?”

  He swallowed hard. He chose to keep the update to a minimum. Tara had enough on her plate.

  “It will fine. It will be a big adjustment, but in the end they’ll get through it...we’ll get through it,” he corrected himself.

  “I’m glad to hear that. We’d better get some sleep. I’m exhausted and I’m sure you are, too.”

  He hadn’t given it much thought, but he was.

  “Okay. I’ll call you tomorrow after I get the car back from the shop. If you’re up for it, we can go out and look at apartments.”

  “I’d like that. Goodnight, Kevin.”

  “Goodnight, Tara.”

  He stared at his phone after the call disconnected. There could be some benefits to Tara having her own place. Setting the phone down, he found some pajamas and prepared for bed. This had been a long day. Before he fell asleep, his mind wandered to his parents. It had taken a tragedy to unite them, and he hoped that, together, they could find a way to get Jake the professional help he needed.

  ***

  The next day, Tara sat on the front steps waiting for Kevin. He was supposed to pick her up at noon, and it was only eleven-thirty, but she needed to be outside. There was a chill in the air and she loved it. The fresh air was invigorating, and it gave her some time to think about everything.

  She realized she had been selfish when it came to her mom. Tara was all she had, and it never really dawned on her that her mother might have needed her after her dad passed. She was glad they were able to find a connection to each other again, even if it meant she needed to get her own place in a hurry. That was part of growing up and taking responsibility. As she began to think about Kevin, she saw his car turning onto her street.

  When he picked her up, he seemed quiet and reserved. He didn’t explain what they were going to do, but he said he had some surprises for her. She would’ve been happy just being with him, so his extra efforts were a nice bonus.

  “Where are we going?” she asked, as he zigzagged his way through town.

  “You’ll see,” he replied. A smile danced on his lips, and she was relieved he had relaxed somewhat after last night. She watched the scenery as it passed by, and soon, they turned into the parking lot of the petting zoo. There were no other cars around.

  “Remember this place?” he asked, glancing at her.

  She nodded. “Kev, we were just here yesterday. Why are we back at the petting zoo? I’m sure even Marge isn’t around.”

  “Lucky for you, that’s exactly why we’re here.” He laughed. “Come on, I’ll show you.”

  They walked up to the entrance and Kevin unlocked the door.

  “Where did you get keys to the petting zoo?” she asked.

  “Marge,” he answered proudly. “I told her I needed a quiet place where you could help me ace my Zoology course, and she was excited to help. She said we can use the break room whenever we want, except Mondays. She does her paperwork then.”

  “Well, this is good news!” Tara exclaimed. “We’ll have a regular study spot for at least a few months.”

  “Right up until they re-open in April. And you know what’s nice about the break room?”

  “Tell me.”

  “Free coffee, to begin with. And that sofa in the corner is actually a sofa bed,” he bragged, raising an eyebrow. “We’re going to have the most fun study breaks.”

  “I bet we are,” she agreed.

  “Hey. Wait here, okay? I’ve got to get a few things from the car.”

  Kevin was only gone for a minute, and when he returned, he had a picnic basket in his hand.

  “Courtesy of my mom,” he announced. “She made us lunch. Nice, huh?”

  “Definitely.”

  Tara followed him into the staff room and they sat down to eat. She sat at her favorite spot. It was one of the lunch tables near the window that looked out on a small park adjacent to the building. She enjoyed it because the window could open and let in the fresh, cool air, and she swore she could smell the pines in the wooded area of the park. Her eyes widened as he unloaded each item—chili, turkey sandwiches, and a thermos of hot chocolate.

  He looked up at her smiled. “Are you surprised?”

  “Pleasantly,” she said.

  “This is just the beginning of surprises for today,” he said as they ate. “We have an appointment at six o’clock this evening. So, we’ll have plenty of time to do whatever we choose before then. I’ve a few things up my sleeve.”

  It was a welcome reprieve from the upheaval of the past weeks, but in the back of her mind, she reminded herself she had one main priority to take care of.

  “What are you thinking about?” he asked.

  “Reading my mind, huh?” she asked with an edgy laugh.

  “I can tell there’s something on your mind and I’ve a pretty good idea what it is,” he replied, taking a drink of his hot chocolate.

  She absentmindedly studied her bowl of chili. The steam continued to filter through the air.

  “You made all these plans, when I’m supposed to be out hunting for an apartment.”

  “There’ll be plenty of time for that. Don’t you worry.”

  She didn’t admit it, but she was worried. The day was supposed to consist of looking for apartments, not having picnics and whatever else he had planned.

  “How’s the food?” he asked.

  “Everything’s great,” she conceded.

  “That’s what I’m talking about.”

  Kevin ate until there was nothing left, and went to the sofa to stretch out.

  “Want to join me?” he asked.

  “Sure,” she answered.

  “You don’t sound too excited.”

  “I’ve just got a lot on my mind.”

  “I’ll take care of that.”

  Chapter 8

  Kevin stood up took Tara by the hand, pulling her down to sit beside him. “How’s that?” he whispered against her ear and rubbed her shoulders.

  A chill ran through her body. Just hearing his voice and feeling his touch caused her stomach to clench and heat to pool between her legs.

  “Hmm...mmm...much better.”

  She closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder. All thoughts of apartments and moving disappeared. She opened her eyes and looked around the deserted room.

  “I remember a time when this place used to be hopping with activity.”

  “I have to admit, I don’t mind being alone in here with you.”

  She craned her neck to stare up at him.

  “You’re right. It’s nice having it to ourselves.”

  She turned back around and collapsed against him. Her mind drifted back to the previous night.

  “How are your parents today?” she asked, enjoying his touch as he caressed her hair.

  “They’ve b
een better, but...”

  When he didn’t continue, she pulled herself up to face him. The distant look in his eyes bothered her.

  “Never mind,” he added. “They’re better.”

  “What? Come on, tell me what you were going to say.”

  He still had that same faraway expression on his face, and she wouldn’t be able to focus if he had something important on his mind.

  “I feel bad saying this, because he’s my brother.” He averted his eyes, and her concern deepened. She didn’t push him to express what he wanted to say. It’d happen naturally. “Things between my parents and myself actually improved last night.”

  Her eyes widened. “Really? Meaning what?”

  “They were more attentive to what’s going on with me. They actually asked questions about school, the petting zoo, you...” He paused, smiling. She hoped it wasn’t a bad thing that she’d been a topic of conversation. Yet, his smile showed she had nothing to worry about. “It was nice and it left me wondering. Maybe this isn’t such a bad thing. Maybe it’s a good thing Jake is staying away. It lets everyone get back to their lives.”

  “I guess I haven’t thought about it that way.”

  “Neither had I, but it felt good to talk to my parents.”

  Sadness overcame her and she was struck with mixed emotions. She was happy for Kevin, but at the same time she was reminded that soon she and her mom would be living apart.

  “I hope it continues to improve with them,” she said, getting past her own situation.

  “I do, too.” He placed his hand on her face and moved his thumb in circles around her cheek. “You know what I want to do?” he asked, grinning at her.

  “Here?” she asked. “Don’t you think Marge might show up?”

  “She won’t. She only comes in on Mondays, remember? The place is deserted and we can tidy things up after.”

  He moved his hands back to her hair and pulled her head back, leaning in for a kiss he seemed to be saving from the night before. He claimed her lips, and his tongue parted them to invade and conquer her. Soon, she forgot why she’d objected in the first place.

  ***

  Jake shifted himself as he watched every move Kevin and Tara made. Hidden in the small wooded area in the park beside the lunch room, he didn’t miss anything.