Bound to Fall, page 23
This is what she’d longed for. She loved feeling his strength like this, loved the sensation of his cock driving inside her, loved the way he moaned against her throat.
She came hard and fast, Darius coming apart in her arms as he joined her. They sank slowly to the floor in a heap, laughing, his trousers around his knees, her dress over her hips, her panties askew.
He dragged her closer, kissed her. “Welcome home. You hungry?”
“Starving!”
Chapter 24
They ordered sushi and plum wine from a local restaurant and ate their dinner sitting on the living room floor with the coffee table serving as their dining table, a fire burning in the fireplace.
Sasha set her chopsticks aside, dabbed her lips, her hair adorably tousled. “Sorry my heels scratched your wall.”
Darius chuckled. “Don’t worry about it. The scratches can stay as a reminder of one of the best fucks of my life.”
“Do you mean that?”
He looked into her eyes so she could see he was serious. “Hell, yes, I do. You blow my mind, Sasha.”
He’d never felt this way for any woman—ever.
She gave him that beautiful smile of hers. “I could say the same about you. How was your day?”
And now they came to it—his news.
Darius had thought long and hard about all the things he wanted to say to Sasha, but the moment he opened his mouth, his brain went blank. “I … I met with the Scarlet Springs Town Council today.”
“The Town Council? Is it about the case?” Sasha tilted her head, clearly curious. Then her eyes went wide. “They’re going to give you and Julia awards.”
Darius chuckled. “I imagine Marcs will get an award for saving my life, but, no, that’s not why I met with them. It seems that Chief Randall is finally going to retire after thirty-nine years, and they offered me the job.”
“They offered you…?” Sasha’s eyes went wide, but her astonishment quickly faded. “You turned them down, of course.”
Darius shook his head. “I’m considering it.”
“You are?”
Darius laughed at the stunned look on her face. “I asked for more information about the department and the job and said I needed to talk it over with you.”
“I’m sorry, but … what?”
He reached across the coffee table, took her hand. “They’ll match my DPD salary, which is a stretch for them. They’ve also put together a budget for upgrades, training, and building repairs.”
Sasha looked worried. “As much as I would love for us to live closer to one another, I don’t want you to give up your job or your life here. You’ll end up feeling claustrophobic and unhappy and resent me, and that could ruin what we have together. I don’t want that. Besides, you hate Scarlet.”
“I don’t hate Scarlet.”
She frowned. “Who are you, and what have you done with Darius?”
Darius poured a little more plum wine into her glass. “After I was exonerated in Becca’s murder, I wanted to disappear. I wanted to live where no one knew me, where nothing from her murder could touch me. Big cities make that easy. You drive into LA or Denver or Manhattan, and you disappear into the throng, one of millions. No one knows you, and no one cares. After that very public ordeal, I needed anonymity.”
She squeezed his hand. “Small towns don’t offer that, do they? That’s what you meant when you said you’d feel claustrophobic.”
“Exactly. I imagined Scarlet being a little town with small-minded people, where every molehill becomes a mountain and everyone meddles in everyone else’s business.”
“Well… I won’t lie. That does happen.”
“What I couldn’t see were the connections between people. You’re not just a bunch of yokels getting in each other’s way. You truly care about one another. The way everyone pulled together to help you… The Team… I’ve never seen that kind of community before. It shows how fucked up I am… or was.”
“You aren’t fucked up. Your life and sense of safety were destroyed by what happened in the aftermath of Becca’s murder. Tempe and the university were your community—and they turned against you when you’d done nothing wrong.”
She started to say more but stopped herself.
“Go ahead. Say it.”
“The first time I stayed here, you said something about the people of Scarlet helping me and how, if you had those kinds of friendships, you wouldn’t want to leave the town, either.”
“I remember. We were in the tub.”
She nodded. “I wanted to tell you then that the people of Scarlet had already adopted you as one of their own, but I was afraid you’d think I was pushing you to like the place. It’s true, though. Everyone who knows you in Scarlet cares about you.”
His pulse picked up, and he steeled himself. He needed to tell her. “Since Becca’s death, I haven’t felt like I belong anywhere. The only place I’ve felt at home was on the job. But when I look into your eyes, a part of me wants to believe I could belong in Scarlet, too. I want to believe I could belong with you, Sasha. I love you.”
His heart thundered in his chest, but he’d said it.
Tears welled up in Sasha’s eyes. “Dare.”
It got easier from there. “From the first moment I saw you in the hospital, something about you broke through the barrier I’d built around myself. You’re the most genuine woman I know, and your smile—it’s a gift. It lights up my world.”
She laughed, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Am I dreaming?”
“Let’s see.” Darius slid his fingers into her hair, kissed her. “Did you feel that?”
“Mmm. Yes.”
“Then you’re not dreaming, angel.” Because he’d said it once, he found it easier to say again. “I love you, Sasha. I love you with everything I am.”
And for the first time in more than fifteen years, Darius felt whole.
Sasha woke to Darius planting little butterfly kisses along her nape, the hard length of his body pressed against hers.
“Good morning, beautiful.” He cupped one of her breasts, teased its nipple.
“Good morning.” She turned in his arms, drew his head down, and kissed him.
Last night’s sex against the wall had been fast and frantic, but there was no hurry now. Hands slid over soft skin, exploring, caressing, the two of them lingering over the tiniest pleasures, each lost in the wonder of the other.
A catch of breath. A whimper. A quick inhale.
Sasha came first, climax washing through her as pure and golden as sunlight, her heart bursting with love at the sight of bliss on Darius’ face as orgasm claimed him, too.
Her man. Her beautiful, wonderful man.
Afterward, they held each other, then showered and made breakfast together, the sky outside blue and cloudless.
As they finished their coffee, he slipped his fingers through hers. “What do you want to do today?”
“I want to climb. I want to spend the afternoon at the rock gym. It’s been two months, and I can’t wait to get vertical.”
He grinned. “I thought you might say that.”
A half an hour later, they were on their way toward Scarlet, Sasha’s bag in the back, Darius with his duffel packed for the weekend. Sasha sent a message to Megs, telling her she planned to climb today, then the conversation turned to the Town Council’s job offer and what it would be like if Darius moved to Scarlet.
“What would you do with your condo?”
“Keep it. Use it as a vacation rental. We can stay in Denver when we want to get away. It’s a lot closer to the airport, so you could stay there before and after you travel and skip the drive up the canyon.”
“Oh, I like that idea. Have you thought about where you’re going to live? I have lots of room at my place.”
“I don’t think we should live together—not yet. Who am I kidding? We’ll probably spend most nights together anyway, but I don’t want to rush this. You’re too damned important to me, Sasha. I want to do this right. I want us to have time to get to know one another. I haven’t lived with a woman since…”
He didn’t have to finish.
Sasha took his free hand. “I understand.”
“If you can still stand the sight of me in six months, then…”
“And if we break up?” Sasha didn’t want to think about this, but it was important. “Would you regret leaving the DPD and moving up there?”
He changed lanes and took the Boulder exit, leaving I-25 behind. “I’ve already thought about that.”
“Scarlet is small. We would run into each other a lot—at Food Mart, Knockers, the climbing gym. People might take sides.”
“I’ve already considered that, too.”
“And?”
Darius squeezed her hand. “I would rather risk it all and fail than miss out on this chance with you.”
Sasha’s heart soared.
They arrived at the climbing gym to find the parking lot full to overflowing, cars parked along the street in both directions.
Darius chuckled. “I guess word got out that you were coming today.”
Megs spotted them and motioned to Darius.
He rolled down his window.
“Bowen and Jake saved you a parking space up front.”
“Thanks.”
Darius drove through the parking lot, astonished to see people walking into the gym with lawn chairs. “You are popular.”
Sasha was all smiles, waving to people as they passed. “This is crazy!”
Darius parked, and they walked inside, the gym exploding with applause. People sat on the floor or in lawn chairs, everyone facing the rock wall. He was surprised to realize how many of them he recognized. Most of the Team was here. Marcia and Cheyenne, too. Hank. Rose. Bob and Kendra. Even Bear, who looked a little lost.
Eric Hawke passed them with Vicki and their two kids. “Hey, Silva.”
“Are we violating the fire code, chief?” Darius joked.
Eric glanced around, grinned. “Twice over, I’d guess.”
Then Bowen hurried over to them, gave Sasha a kiss. “I had our route-setter freshen things up last night. Five-ten through Five-fourteen—they’re all brand new.”
“Thank you, Bowen. I think I’ll warm up on the bouldering wall.”
“You do whatever you want, baby girl.” Bowen gestured to the room around them. “Mi casa es su casa.”
Darius knew Sasha was excited, but he could see worry in her eyes, too. He leaned closer, kissed her cheek. “You’ll do great.”
Bowen shouted to the crowd. “She needs to warm up. Make room, people!”
Sasha dropped her gym bag by the front desk, then stretched, the room silent. “This feels weird, folks. Talk to each other, for God’s sake!”
Laughter.
Megs helped her stretch, the two of them talking together, trying to decide whether Sasha should tape her wrist. Darius found himself grateful that Sasha had Megs in her life. Megs was the only person on earth who could fully understand what it was like to be a woman climber on top of the sport.
When Sasha was ready, she walked over to the bouldering wall.
People turned their lawn chairs, some applauding.
She tested a few holds, moving slowly and deliberately upward, even hanging by her right hand for a moment, with Megs and Nicole encouraging her from below.
“How does that feel?” Megs called up to her. “Any pain?”
Sasha smiled. “No. It feels great.”
She topped out to cheers, then downclimbed and walked over to the big rock wall, people turning their lawn chairs once again. She chose her route and roped in, Nicole tying in to belay her, Megs standing near Nicole like a worried mother.
Bowen seemed barely able to contain his excitement. “She’s going to try to on-sight a five-fourteen.”
Sasha motioned Darius over, and he made his way through the throng.
“Kiss me for luck?”
He lowered his lips to hers. “I don’t think you’re going to need luck.”
Then he stepped back, stood next to Megs.
Sasha shook out her hands, and then she was off, a hush falling over the room as people raised their phones and started to film.
But, hey, no pressure, Sasha.
Darius had never watched her climb in person, and it stole his breath. She moved with a mastery that few people would ever have, part world-class athlete and part artist.
Beside him, Nicole took up the slack, encouraging Sasha. “You’ve got it.”
Megs spoke, whether to herself or Darius, he couldn’t say. “Find the flow.”
Higher Sasha went, now on an overhang, her ponytail pointing at the ground.
“I didn’t know people could do that,” Hank muttered.
She raised a heel almost even with her head, shifted her other foot, reached for a crimper so small that Darius could barely make it out. Then she stretched with her right arm, caught a larger hold, shifting to the right, one leg moving to the left for counterbalance.
“That was the crux,” Megs whispered. “You’ve got this.”
And then Sasha was vertical again, moving quickly, smoothly.
When she topped out, she punched her fist into the air. “Yes!”
“She’s back!” Megs shouted.
The gym exploded in cheers, Bowen clearly beside himself. “Her first day back, and she on-sights a five-fourteen!”
Nicole began lowering Sasha to the ground.
Megs looked over at Darius, a sheen in her eyes. “I won’t cry if you don’t.”
Darius blinked, coughed the lump out of his throat. “Deal.”
The moment her feet hit the ground, Sasha jumped into Darius’ arms, Nicole bear-hugging them both.
Darius held her tight. “How did that feel?”
She beamed up at him. “It was perfect!”
Sasha spent the afternoon climbing, taking turns being on belay with Nicole, Megs, Mitch, and Darius, the crowd thinning as the day waned. It felt so good to move again, to get her heart rate up, to feel the burn in her muscles. Then the party moved to Knockers, the Team table all but full.
Sasha was touched by how welcoming everyone was to Darius, Eric making room for the two of them next to him and Vicki. “Dare flashed a five-eleven today. I filmed it, so I’ve got proof.”
“Dare, huh?” Eric clapped him on the shoulder, grinning. “Not bad for a guy who says he doesn’t really climb.”
Darius looked a little embarrassed. “It wasn’t graceful.”
As Chey took their orders and brought their drinks, Sasha watched Darius talking and laughing with the others. Gone was the man who rarely smiled and kept the world at arm’s length. He joked with Eric and Austin as if they were old friends.
The sight of him so happy and open put an ache in her chest.
Then Megs traded places with Eric and handed Darius a manila envelope. “This is the rest of the information you wanted.”
Darius took the envelope. “My answer is yes—but I’ve got two more conditions.”
Sasha found herself holding her breath.
“When I first got here, I decided Scarlet was more like Mayberry than Vail, albeit Stoned Mayberry.”
Megs nodded thoughtfully, her expression serious. “You’re not wrong.”
“Now, Mayberry had a sheriff, but Forest County already has a sheriff. I’d like to change my job title from chief of police to town marshal. That’s cooler.”
Everyone at the table was listening now.
“Much cooler,” Eric agreed.
Megs nodded. “I’m sure that won’t be a problem. What’s your other condition?”
“I want to wear a cowboy hat as part of my uniform.”
Megs answered in a deadpan voice. “A white cowboy hat, I assume?”
“Of course.” He held out his hand, and they shook.
Megs smiled, turned to the rest of the table. “Hot damn! Folks, we’ve got ourselves a new police chief… er… town marshal.”
Cheers.
Darius and Megs chatted about the details.
“I have to give my notice at the DPD. They’ve been good to me.”
“Understandable. We don’t need you to start until January.”
Then Joe and Rain brought their food, along with a bottle of Joe’s prized McCallan and a tray of shot glasses.
“I hear Sasha crushed it at the gym today and that we have a new town marshal.” A big smile on his face, Joe distributed the glasses to everyone who wanted one and poured liberal shots. Then he and Rain raised their glasses. “Congrats, Sasha. You will always be our champion. And Darius, welcome home! Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
“Welcome home!”
“Glad to have you, chief… er… marshal.”
After they finished eating, some of the Team hit the rock wall, but Sasha stayed with Darius, the two of them talking with Joe about a rental cabin he thought Darius might like. Then the Timberline Mudbugs took the stage, and couples left the table for the dance floor.
“Excuse me.” Darius stood and walked away.
Sasha thought he was just going to the restroom until she noticed him standing beside the stage a few minutes later. When the song ended, the lead singer leaned over to talk with him. Then Darius walked back to the table, his lips curving in a sexy smile when he caught her watching.
“What was that about?”
He sat, took her hand. “I guess you’ll have to wait and see.”
When the following number ended, the band’s lead singer stepped up to the mic. “Listen up, everyone. Quiet! We’ve got a song dedication.”
Sasha narrowed her eyes at Darius. “You didn’t.”
He chuckled. “Listen.”
“We’re all thrilled that Sasha is back to climbing again. Way to make a comeback, girl. You showed them.”
The room exploded into whistles and cheers.
“Hear, hear!”
“Brava!”
“We’ve got a song dedication for Sasha from Darius, who says her smile lights up his world. You boys ready?”
The band broke into a newgrass version of Here Comes the Sun.
Sasha looked into Darius’ eyes, fighting not to cry. “Thanks. For everything.”
She came hard and fast, Darius coming apart in her arms as he joined her. They sank slowly to the floor in a heap, laughing, his trousers around his knees, her dress over her hips, her panties askew.
He dragged her closer, kissed her. “Welcome home. You hungry?”
“Starving!”
Chapter 24
They ordered sushi and plum wine from a local restaurant and ate their dinner sitting on the living room floor with the coffee table serving as their dining table, a fire burning in the fireplace.
Sasha set her chopsticks aside, dabbed her lips, her hair adorably tousled. “Sorry my heels scratched your wall.”
Darius chuckled. “Don’t worry about it. The scratches can stay as a reminder of one of the best fucks of my life.”
“Do you mean that?”
He looked into her eyes so she could see he was serious. “Hell, yes, I do. You blow my mind, Sasha.”
He’d never felt this way for any woman—ever.
She gave him that beautiful smile of hers. “I could say the same about you. How was your day?”
And now they came to it—his news.
Darius had thought long and hard about all the things he wanted to say to Sasha, but the moment he opened his mouth, his brain went blank. “I … I met with the Scarlet Springs Town Council today.”
“The Town Council? Is it about the case?” Sasha tilted her head, clearly curious. Then her eyes went wide. “They’re going to give you and Julia awards.”
Darius chuckled. “I imagine Marcs will get an award for saving my life, but, no, that’s not why I met with them. It seems that Chief Randall is finally going to retire after thirty-nine years, and they offered me the job.”
“They offered you…?” Sasha’s eyes went wide, but her astonishment quickly faded. “You turned them down, of course.”
Darius shook his head. “I’m considering it.”
“You are?”
Darius laughed at the stunned look on her face. “I asked for more information about the department and the job and said I needed to talk it over with you.”
“I’m sorry, but … what?”
He reached across the coffee table, took her hand. “They’ll match my DPD salary, which is a stretch for them. They’ve also put together a budget for upgrades, training, and building repairs.”
Sasha looked worried. “As much as I would love for us to live closer to one another, I don’t want you to give up your job or your life here. You’ll end up feeling claustrophobic and unhappy and resent me, and that could ruin what we have together. I don’t want that. Besides, you hate Scarlet.”
“I don’t hate Scarlet.”
She frowned. “Who are you, and what have you done with Darius?”
Darius poured a little more plum wine into her glass. “After I was exonerated in Becca’s murder, I wanted to disappear. I wanted to live where no one knew me, where nothing from her murder could touch me. Big cities make that easy. You drive into LA or Denver or Manhattan, and you disappear into the throng, one of millions. No one knows you, and no one cares. After that very public ordeal, I needed anonymity.”
She squeezed his hand. “Small towns don’t offer that, do they? That’s what you meant when you said you’d feel claustrophobic.”
“Exactly. I imagined Scarlet being a little town with small-minded people, where every molehill becomes a mountain and everyone meddles in everyone else’s business.”
“Well… I won’t lie. That does happen.”
“What I couldn’t see were the connections between people. You’re not just a bunch of yokels getting in each other’s way. You truly care about one another. The way everyone pulled together to help you… The Team… I’ve never seen that kind of community before. It shows how fucked up I am… or was.”
“You aren’t fucked up. Your life and sense of safety were destroyed by what happened in the aftermath of Becca’s murder. Tempe and the university were your community—and they turned against you when you’d done nothing wrong.”
She started to say more but stopped herself.
“Go ahead. Say it.”
“The first time I stayed here, you said something about the people of Scarlet helping me and how, if you had those kinds of friendships, you wouldn’t want to leave the town, either.”
“I remember. We were in the tub.”
She nodded. “I wanted to tell you then that the people of Scarlet had already adopted you as one of their own, but I was afraid you’d think I was pushing you to like the place. It’s true, though. Everyone who knows you in Scarlet cares about you.”
His pulse picked up, and he steeled himself. He needed to tell her. “Since Becca’s death, I haven’t felt like I belong anywhere. The only place I’ve felt at home was on the job. But when I look into your eyes, a part of me wants to believe I could belong in Scarlet, too. I want to believe I could belong with you, Sasha. I love you.”
His heart thundered in his chest, but he’d said it.
Tears welled up in Sasha’s eyes. “Dare.”
It got easier from there. “From the first moment I saw you in the hospital, something about you broke through the barrier I’d built around myself. You’re the most genuine woman I know, and your smile—it’s a gift. It lights up my world.”
She laughed, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Am I dreaming?”
“Let’s see.” Darius slid his fingers into her hair, kissed her. “Did you feel that?”
“Mmm. Yes.”
“Then you’re not dreaming, angel.” Because he’d said it once, he found it easier to say again. “I love you, Sasha. I love you with everything I am.”
And for the first time in more than fifteen years, Darius felt whole.
Sasha woke to Darius planting little butterfly kisses along her nape, the hard length of his body pressed against hers.
“Good morning, beautiful.” He cupped one of her breasts, teased its nipple.
“Good morning.” She turned in his arms, drew his head down, and kissed him.
Last night’s sex against the wall had been fast and frantic, but there was no hurry now. Hands slid over soft skin, exploring, caressing, the two of them lingering over the tiniest pleasures, each lost in the wonder of the other.
A catch of breath. A whimper. A quick inhale.
Sasha came first, climax washing through her as pure and golden as sunlight, her heart bursting with love at the sight of bliss on Darius’ face as orgasm claimed him, too.
Her man. Her beautiful, wonderful man.
Afterward, they held each other, then showered and made breakfast together, the sky outside blue and cloudless.
As they finished their coffee, he slipped his fingers through hers. “What do you want to do today?”
“I want to climb. I want to spend the afternoon at the rock gym. It’s been two months, and I can’t wait to get vertical.”
He grinned. “I thought you might say that.”
A half an hour later, they were on their way toward Scarlet, Sasha’s bag in the back, Darius with his duffel packed for the weekend. Sasha sent a message to Megs, telling her she planned to climb today, then the conversation turned to the Town Council’s job offer and what it would be like if Darius moved to Scarlet.
“What would you do with your condo?”
“Keep it. Use it as a vacation rental. We can stay in Denver when we want to get away. It’s a lot closer to the airport, so you could stay there before and after you travel and skip the drive up the canyon.”
“Oh, I like that idea. Have you thought about where you’re going to live? I have lots of room at my place.”
“I don’t think we should live together—not yet. Who am I kidding? We’ll probably spend most nights together anyway, but I don’t want to rush this. You’re too damned important to me, Sasha. I want to do this right. I want us to have time to get to know one another. I haven’t lived with a woman since…”
He didn’t have to finish.
Sasha took his free hand. “I understand.”
“If you can still stand the sight of me in six months, then…”
“And if we break up?” Sasha didn’t want to think about this, but it was important. “Would you regret leaving the DPD and moving up there?”
He changed lanes and took the Boulder exit, leaving I-25 behind. “I’ve already thought about that.”
“Scarlet is small. We would run into each other a lot—at Food Mart, Knockers, the climbing gym. People might take sides.”
“I’ve already considered that, too.”
“And?”
Darius squeezed her hand. “I would rather risk it all and fail than miss out on this chance with you.”
Sasha’s heart soared.
They arrived at the climbing gym to find the parking lot full to overflowing, cars parked along the street in both directions.
Darius chuckled. “I guess word got out that you were coming today.”
Megs spotted them and motioned to Darius.
He rolled down his window.
“Bowen and Jake saved you a parking space up front.”
“Thanks.”
Darius drove through the parking lot, astonished to see people walking into the gym with lawn chairs. “You are popular.”
Sasha was all smiles, waving to people as they passed. “This is crazy!”
Darius parked, and they walked inside, the gym exploding with applause. People sat on the floor or in lawn chairs, everyone facing the rock wall. He was surprised to realize how many of them he recognized. Most of the Team was here. Marcia and Cheyenne, too. Hank. Rose. Bob and Kendra. Even Bear, who looked a little lost.
Eric Hawke passed them with Vicki and their two kids. “Hey, Silva.”
“Are we violating the fire code, chief?” Darius joked.
Eric glanced around, grinned. “Twice over, I’d guess.”
Then Bowen hurried over to them, gave Sasha a kiss. “I had our route-setter freshen things up last night. Five-ten through Five-fourteen—they’re all brand new.”
“Thank you, Bowen. I think I’ll warm up on the bouldering wall.”
“You do whatever you want, baby girl.” Bowen gestured to the room around them. “Mi casa es su casa.”
Darius knew Sasha was excited, but he could see worry in her eyes, too. He leaned closer, kissed her cheek. “You’ll do great.”
Bowen shouted to the crowd. “She needs to warm up. Make room, people!”
Sasha dropped her gym bag by the front desk, then stretched, the room silent. “This feels weird, folks. Talk to each other, for God’s sake!”
Laughter.
Megs helped her stretch, the two of them talking together, trying to decide whether Sasha should tape her wrist. Darius found himself grateful that Sasha had Megs in her life. Megs was the only person on earth who could fully understand what it was like to be a woman climber on top of the sport.
When Sasha was ready, she walked over to the bouldering wall.
People turned their lawn chairs, some applauding.
She tested a few holds, moving slowly and deliberately upward, even hanging by her right hand for a moment, with Megs and Nicole encouraging her from below.
“How does that feel?” Megs called up to her. “Any pain?”
Sasha smiled. “No. It feels great.”
She topped out to cheers, then downclimbed and walked over to the big rock wall, people turning their lawn chairs once again. She chose her route and roped in, Nicole tying in to belay her, Megs standing near Nicole like a worried mother.
Bowen seemed barely able to contain his excitement. “She’s going to try to on-sight a five-fourteen.”
Sasha motioned Darius over, and he made his way through the throng.
“Kiss me for luck?”
He lowered his lips to hers. “I don’t think you’re going to need luck.”
Then he stepped back, stood next to Megs.
Sasha shook out her hands, and then she was off, a hush falling over the room as people raised their phones and started to film.
But, hey, no pressure, Sasha.
Darius had never watched her climb in person, and it stole his breath. She moved with a mastery that few people would ever have, part world-class athlete and part artist.
Beside him, Nicole took up the slack, encouraging Sasha. “You’ve got it.”
Megs spoke, whether to herself or Darius, he couldn’t say. “Find the flow.”
Higher Sasha went, now on an overhang, her ponytail pointing at the ground.
“I didn’t know people could do that,” Hank muttered.
She raised a heel almost even with her head, shifted her other foot, reached for a crimper so small that Darius could barely make it out. Then she stretched with her right arm, caught a larger hold, shifting to the right, one leg moving to the left for counterbalance.
“That was the crux,” Megs whispered. “You’ve got this.”
And then Sasha was vertical again, moving quickly, smoothly.
When she topped out, she punched her fist into the air. “Yes!”
“She’s back!” Megs shouted.
The gym exploded in cheers, Bowen clearly beside himself. “Her first day back, and she on-sights a five-fourteen!”
Nicole began lowering Sasha to the ground.
Megs looked over at Darius, a sheen in her eyes. “I won’t cry if you don’t.”
Darius blinked, coughed the lump out of his throat. “Deal.”
The moment her feet hit the ground, Sasha jumped into Darius’ arms, Nicole bear-hugging them both.
Darius held her tight. “How did that feel?”
She beamed up at him. “It was perfect!”
Sasha spent the afternoon climbing, taking turns being on belay with Nicole, Megs, Mitch, and Darius, the crowd thinning as the day waned. It felt so good to move again, to get her heart rate up, to feel the burn in her muscles. Then the party moved to Knockers, the Team table all but full.
Sasha was touched by how welcoming everyone was to Darius, Eric making room for the two of them next to him and Vicki. “Dare flashed a five-eleven today. I filmed it, so I’ve got proof.”
“Dare, huh?” Eric clapped him on the shoulder, grinning. “Not bad for a guy who says he doesn’t really climb.”
Darius looked a little embarrassed. “It wasn’t graceful.”
As Chey took their orders and brought their drinks, Sasha watched Darius talking and laughing with the others. Gone was the man who rarely smiled and kept the world at arm’s length. He joked with Eric and Austin as if they were old friends.
The sight of him so happy and open put an ache in her chest.
Then Megs traded places with Eric and handed Darius a manila envelope. “This is the rest of the information you wanted.”
Darius took the envelope. “My answer is yes—but I’ve got two more conditions.”
Sasha found herself holding her breath.
“When I first got here, I decided Scarlet was more like Mayberry than Vail, albeit Stoned Mayberry.”
Megs nodded thoughtfully, her expression serious. “You’re not wrong.”
“Now, Mayberry had a sheriff, but Forest County already has a sheriff. I’d like to change my job title from chief of police to town marshal. That’s cooler.”
Everyone at the table was listening now.
“Much cooler,” Eric agreed.
Megs nodded. “I’m sure that won’t be a problem. What’s your other condition?”
“I want to wear a cowboy hat as part of my uniform.”
Megs answered in a deadpan voice. “A white cowboy hat, I assume?”
“Of course.” He held out his hand, and they shook.
Megs smiled, turned to the rest of the table. “Hot damn! Folks, we’ve got ourselves a new police chief… er… town marshal.”
Cheers.
Darius and Megs chatted about the details.
“I have to give my notice at the DPD. They’ve been good to me.”
“Understandable. We don’t need you to start until January.”
Then Joe and Rain brought their food, along with a bottle of Joe’s prized McCallan and a tray of shot glasses.
“I hear Sasha crushed it at the gym today and that we have a new town marshal.” A big smile on his face, Joe distributed the glasses to everyone who wanted one and poured liberal shots. Then he and Rain raised their glasses. “Congrats, Sasha. You will always be our champion. And Darius, welcome home! Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
“Welcome home!”
“Glad to have you, chief… er… marshal.”
After they finished eating, some of the Team hit the rock wall, but Sasha stayed with Darius, the two of them talking with Joe about a rental cabin he thought Darius might like. Then the Timberline Mudbugs took the stage, and couples left the table for the dance floor.
“Excuse me.” Darius stood and walked away.
Sasha thought he was just going to the restroom until she noticed him standing beside the stage a few minutes later. When the song ended, the lead singer leaned over to talk with him. Then Darius walked back to the table, his lips curving in a sexy smile when he caught her watching.
“What was that about?”
He sat, took her hand. “I guess you’ll have to wait and see.”
When the following number ended, the band’s lead singer stepped up to the mic. “Listen up, everyone. Quiet! We’ve got a song dedication.”
Sasha narrowed her eyes at Darius. “You didn’t.”
He chuckled. “Listen.”
“We’re all thrilled that Sasha is back to climbing again. Way to make a comeback, girl. You showed them.”
The room exploded into whistles and cheers.
“Hear, hear!”
“Brava!”
“We’ve got a song dedication for Sasha from Darius, who says her smile lights up his world. You boys ready?”
The band broke into a newgrass version of Here Comes the Sun.
Sasha looked into Darius’ eyes, fighting not to cry. “Thanks. For everything.”
