was wearing sweats and an oversized t-shirt. He insisted on picking her up from work—even though she knew he strongly disapproved of how she earned a living—because he was worried that she would get hurt or find trouble.
He was kind, considerate, and caring. He listened to her when she told him things, even if they weren’t important things. It didn’t even matter. She would talk, and he would listen. She would tell him about what she did at work, about the bills she had to pay, about her past relationships, about her likes and dislikes, and about what she wanted to do with her life. Everything seemed to matter to him. There was nothing she was afraid to tell him. Somehow. After relying on her brother for many years, and then suddenly losing the only person who ever treated her like a human being, she had felt completely lost and unmoored.
Then, Chad walked in. Chad, with his gorgeous smile, charming eyes, and wisps of hair that never managed to stay where they were supposed to, had somehow weaseled his way into her good graces. She loved the way he just stepped in and decided to be her supporter and her champion, standing behind her and supporting all her decisions and goals.
However, he seemed to be bipolar. Sometimes he would seem to be really happy about everything, and he would do romantic or sweet things. Then, the next day, he would be distant and aloof—but not for very long. In just a few hours he would be back to what she considered his usual self.
She felt completely crazy. Every thought she had—waking, sleeping, eating, breathing—was about him. She thought about his timid smile, his deep laughter, the way his voice vibrated a little when he said something he was serious about.
He made her stomach twist in knots and fill with butterflies. He made her heart sing and colored all her thoughts with joy and happiness. She couldn’t remember being this excited and pleased about her life. Things like this just didn’t happen to someone like her.
When he told her about Shadow Souls and their desire to kill him for a crime he didn’t commit, everything about his strange behavior made more sense. He wasn’t just a nervous person, he was trying to look out for her. He cared about her and only wanted what was best for her. He was trying to keep her safe from all the chaos in his life. Sierra knew that he was a dear.
They were curled up on the couch late one night, watching a movie.
Sierra paused the movie and turned to him. “Hey.”
“What?” he asked, pushing his lips to her hair.
“Let’s just leave.”
“Leave?” he asked, confused.
“Yeah, let’s just take off, get out of here, and leave it all behind. Leave behind all the worries about everything and everyone. Let’s just get out of here.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yeah!” Sierra said, sitting up. “What is actually here for us?”
“I mean, I dunno. I guess nothing. Your job and condo and all that.”
She waved her hand in the air, dismissing him. “So what?”
“So, I wouldn’t want to uproot everything in your life.”
She laughed. “What life? I’m a stripper in Vegas with a two room condo. I have no friends. I only know you and only for two weeks. So. Yeah. Such a life.” She grinned and straddled him, her thighs pressing against his. She ran her fingers through his hair, pushing it back. “We could go anywhere. Do anything.” She brought her face down to his, their lips almost touching. Then, she kissed him, pressing her body closer to his.
He ran his hands over her back, feeling her curves. “Mmm,” he said, “I guess we could.”
“You guess ?” she asked in mock shock and hurt.
“Yeah, I guess.” He pulled her back to him and kissed her.
Chapter Three
Another week with Sierra brought all new changes for Chad. Suddenly , they were in a car driving around the Southwest, loving each other in every way.
Dean Wesley Smith, Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Martin A. Lee, Bruce Shlain