Book 2 of 2, sequel to Alaska's Illicit.
In which Mikaere returns to Alaska, but upon arriving realizes that she has a new problem: Vaughn, Darren, or should she just stick with Jared?
Vaughn's past and life are revealed, and also a serial killer mi...
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CHAPTER EIGHT: DARREN
"Unbelievable, awful, bad, terrible-"
I talk to myself quietly as I speed walk back to my truck, avoiding everyone's gaze as I move to just get out of this lodge area as soon as possible.
Why do I have to be so awkward?
Usually, I would have rambled in my nervous state, but I...I just couldn't think of anything to even say that wouldn't sound too ridiculous. Nothing I said sounded good enough out loud, because he's even more attractive than I remember. He got a haircut, he's clean-shaven, and he's actually wearing somewhat fashionable clothing. He's gorgeous.
Standing in front of him with my poorly done eyeliner and band t-shirt whose music I don't even listen to, I felt terrified. He's so intimidating in a sort of...comforting way, and I was so shocked by his multiple smiles and grins that my best bet was to just stay silent.
Since when did Vaughn full out just smile at people? Like, genuinely?
He must be happier here. More at ease. Maybe I'm just a reminder of bad memories to him.
But...he did invite me on a friend's trip to a cabin. And I sort of said yes? Without any steady plan of what my life will be like in the future or any set goals?
"Ridiculous."
Getting in my truck, Jared immediately crawls over into my lap, and I spend a good five minutes just sitting there, petting him as I calm down.
I know I should probably just get away from here as soon as possible, but I just need a moment. Even though I didn't do anything really embarrassing, it feels like I did.
After Red has settled back in his own space, I start the car, and he immediately starts crying again.
"Okay, buddy, where should we go next? The dog park, maybe? Is there a dog park here?"
Looking at Google Maps, I find that there is, in fact, a nearby dog park, so I opt to drive over there. After all, it's not like I have anything better to do.
Which is a lie.
I have plenty of different things I could be achieving, but I just don't feel like doing any of them. Going to a dog park just seems so much better than anything else I could be arranging for myself.
Once I arrive and park, Red perks up slightly as he looks curiously out the window at the two other dogs at the park.
One is another golden retriever, the other appears to be a poodle. They're both smaller dogs, but I still wonder how they'll interact with Red.
Putting his leash on him and grabbing some bags, I walk him over to the entrance, and the two owners of the dogs already there both smile at me.
The owner of the golden retriever, a middle-aged brunette woman preoccupied with a large iced coffee, and the owner of the poodle, a blonde man around my age who seems to adore Red.
