Page 2 of Chasing the Flame
It was pure coincidence—kismet, or so I thought.
I went out with my girlfriends to celebrate my new promotion. I had just landed the job of my dreams at Golden Light Publishing House as Chief Editor, one of the most prominent firms in New York. Luke crashed our gathering, claiming he’d overheard our conversation and wanted to buy us a round of drinks. I was immediately smitten with his charming personality, enthusiasm, and take-charge attitude.
Looking back...I realize the game for what it was.
He reeled me in, then flipped the switch. That charming personality leaves me iced out, hit, spit on, and often talked down to—like a father scolding his child. His enthusiasm? Only for projects that are important to him. Only for his goals, never mine. That take-charge attitude? It’s a control freak mentality that often leaves me wondering how I ever believed he was simply ambitious.
Thinking about our past brings up a lot of mixed emotions—some of which I’ve never dealt with. It’s been five years of ups and downs that I never saw coming, the last year especially trying. The first year was bliss, and a lot like a fairy tale. Then, something shifted. Luke wenton a business trip, and when he came back…everything changed. It’s been a spiraling descent into darkness ever since.
A knock on the front door startles me out of my dark thoughts, a shiver running up my spine. I wait momentarily, wondering if Luke hired the carpenter after all. Another series of knocks sounds, and Luke hollers through the house, his voice carrying down the long hallway that leads to his study. “Aren’t you going to get that, Averie?”
I scowl, tossing my coppery-auburn curls over my shoulder and practically stomp toward the door. My hand grasps the knob, and I swing it wide open, only to find a massive-looking man on the other side. His dark brown hair is shaggy, longer than Luke's cropped hairstyle. His eyes are the perfect mixture of blue and green, slightly furrowed, with tiny brown flecks that capture me wholly.
He’s tall, and the scowl on his face mirrors mine. His hand moves to his chest, fingers clenching around a rectangular shaped pendant. A dog tag, perhaps? The mystery man sucks in a sharp breath, lips parted slightly as he rubs the metal between his fingers.
We still. The wind picks up, blowing strands of my hair in my face. Though, neither one of us move, our breaths deep and measured, eyes locked on one another despite the torrent of wind raging around us. I’m lost in his eyes, dazzled by how they meld together in a symphony of vibrant color.
Then, footsteps sound behind me, reminding me I’m not alone. Heat flicks across my cheeks and skates down into my neck and chest, embarrassment lodging like a stone in my stomach. “Forgive my manners, and please come in. I believe my husband is expecting you,” I say, my throat suddenly feeling like sandpaper.
Just as the stranger enters the house, Luke comes into view with his hand outstretched, “Jettson! It’s so good to see you, man. How’s Uncle Elliot?”
My mouth hangs open, and this information surprises me. Jettson—this mysterious mountain man—is Luke'scousin? No—no, that can't be true.
“If you’d call more, you’d know.” The timbre of Jettson’s deep, rumbly chuckle fills the room, sending a delicious shiver down my spine.
I shouldn’t be focusing on that. Instead, I better pay attention and be the perfect wife, especially if the chilling smile on Luke’s face is any indication.
“You know how it is, man. My wife and my job in the company keep me busy.” Luke’s voice slices through the tension, edged in warning.
Ihatehow he talks about me like I’m not even here.
Luke’s gaze catches mine, and I quickly mask my expression into one that should please him: the doting, silent wife, standing prim and proper, ever the lady of his kingdom.
Jettson snorts, clasping Luke’s hand, “I’m sure. What did you need, anyway? Your call was a bit vague.”
Luke comes toward me, possessively sliding an arm around my waist. He pulls me in for a side hug, and I fight to keep the grimace off my face. “Averie, baby, why don’t we all go into the kitchen? You can pour us some lemonade, and we’ll discuss our plans to restore Carson Plantation.”
I nod, knowing damn good and well he wasn’t asking. Jettson’s expression darkens momentarily, and another wave of nervous energy flutters through my belly. Something about this man unnerves me. Almost enough to make me want to stop the act—to let my mask fall.
I don’t.
Instead, I follow demurely behind my husband and head straight to the refrigerator. A fresh batch of lemonade is already made, so Ipull down two glasses, filling them up with ice and the sickly sweet lemonade I can never stomach. It's Luke's favorite, though.
Setting the glasses in front of both men, I return to the refrigerator, browsing through the snacks and meal items I know Luke is responsible for—lots of healthy options. And not a single bottle of damn wine in sight.
I almost snarl, frustration ebbing in my mind. Grabbing a veggie tray, I lay it on the counter and grab several paper towels. I quickly scans the cupboards while I work, trying to remember where we keep the dishes and silverware.
There they are—on the highest shelf, naturally—and just beyond my reach. Jettson and Luke are discussing my plans for the home, and I don’t want to bother them, but I need some damn assistance.
Without a word, Jettson comes to the counter and gently moves me out of the way. He reaches toward the top shelf and pulls down several paper plates before putting them on the counter.
I don’t speak. I’m not even sure I breathe. He moves away before I can say anything, and as I turn, I lower my gaze to the ground. Knowing that I didn’t encourage his gentlemanly behavior won't matter to Luke.
All that mattered was he saw me, helped me, and was kind—right in front of him, a direct hit to his ego.
When I lift my eyes from the floor, Luke’s icy gaze stares back at me. His shrewd attention doesn’t miss a thing. My palms sweat, and my heart races as I bring the plates to the island, where they’re both perched on a stool.
“Thank you, love,” Luke says before rising from his spot. He stops by my side and wraps his arms around me in a grand display of affection. He nuzzles into my neck before sliding a hand down my stomach.
