Copyright © 2008 Adelle Laudan
All rights reserved, Wild Child Publishing.
This excerpt contains some strong language and disturbing content. We do not recommend it for those under 18 years of age or for any one who is bothered by violence or profanity.
The sounds of industry and traffic grated on his nerves. How the mainlanders overlooked the noise as commonplace baffled him. Although Tia would never say so, the dark circles that marred her flawless, honeyed complexion told of her unhappiness at being so far from her mountain home.
"I think we're too far from the mountains," said Shane as he poked their small campfire with a stick. "What do you say we start heading back?"
The fresh ocean breeze carried her sigh of relief.
"I'd say what took you so long?" Tia tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
"We'll start back first thing in the morning."
At times like this, he became fully aware of the differences between her and his beloved Kelly. Kelly would have shrieked in delight and flung herself at him, giggling and smothering him with kisses. Tia now tended to a simple meal of fish, the corners of her delicate mouth turning up as she hummed a happy melody. A youthful glow returned to her cheeks.
Tia placed the foil-wrapped fish in the embers and stood. She removed a clean shirt from the saddlebag and disappeared behind a tree. She raised her t-shirt over her head, baring perfect breasts before she turned her back to him. A very sexy back. His body responded to the sight of her flesh, aching to find out if it was as soft as it appeared. Shane shifted his weight to compensate for the sudden tightness of his jeans. A low groan escaped his lips, and he coughed to mask his desire.
As she gazed at him through lowered lashes, a sexy smile played on her moistened lips.
Shane jolted. "Ouch!" The branch he used to poke the fire singed his fingertips. "Shit!"
Laughter bubbled out of her, and she pulled a long-sleeve shirt over her head. "Are you okay?"
More embarrassed than anything, he waved away her attempt to see his injury. "I'll be back in a minute," he snapped, instantly sorry for his abruptness. He'd deal with apologies later. Right now, he needed to put a little distance between him and the lovely Tia.
The overgrown foliage hindered his escape. Evidence of previous campers littered every open space he encountered. It seemed they were the only ones here. At least he'd thought so until he heard laughter filter through a cluster of bushes. He parted the gnarled branches. There, in one of the large camping spots, sat a brightly painted panel truck.
He'd seen the same truck at the fall fair in Langley. In a swirl of red, the name Madame Sylvia arched above a rendering of an exotic woman leaning over a crystal ball. What are the odds of running into a Gypsy caravan in the middle of nowhere?
"Can I help you?"
Shane spun around. A bear of a man stood in front of him, his thick black hair pulled back in a high ponytail. A billowy white shirt, laced up at the neck, gave him a pirate-like appearance. A gold tooth flashed in his wide smile.
Warily, Shane offered his hand. "The name's Shane."
The stranger readily accepted, pumping it enthusiastically. "Tito."
"I don't mean to intrude. I noticed the truck on my way by. We've set up camp for the night," he pointed, "just through those trees."
The big man chuckled. "You must come and share a glass of wine by our fire." He wrapped a heavy arm over Shane's shoulder.
"I'll have to ask, um...my, er, friend, but I'm sure she'd love to come."
The man slapped him on the back nearly knocking him off balance. "Good! Come by whenever you like."
Shane made his way through the thicket of trees, grateful it hadn't grown too dark or he might have had a hard time finding their camp. Tia sat turning the fish in the fire. She looked up at him, her brow creased.
"You're not going to believe who I just ran into." He leaned against his bike, Belle, to catch his breath. "There's a caravan of Gypsies just through those trees," he jerked a thumb over his shoulder, "and they've invited us to share their fire tonight."
She stood and wiped her hands on her jeans. "Do we have time to eat first?"
Shane shielded his eyes as he looked toward the setting sun. "I'm not sure if I can find them in the dark. We don't have to stay long. Give me a sec to change my shirt and we'll ride over."
"Ride?"
"Why not? It beats trying to walk through the woods at night."