From Darkness into Love E-Book

Bartow Sophie

• Herausgeber: Sophie Bartow
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Beschreibung

Enjoy this steamy small-town romantic suspense series, where family bonds run deep, and let the power of love sweep you away.

How many times will you risk your heart for love?
When tragedy tore Jessie’s life apart, Cameron saved her and captured her heart. Just when they thought they had it all, impossible demands sent her running from everything … and everyone she loved.
 
It’s taken years, but Cameron’s broken heart has finally been put back together. An unexpected meeting with someone new gives him a chance to move on. Then, one night, he looks up, and Jessie’s standing there.
 
With Jessie back in town, their chemistry is too powerful to resist. But when the threatening messages return, they must face the fact that someone in Swan Harbor will do anything to keep them apart. Do they let the enemy win and go their separate ways? Or do they risk their hearts and fight for the future they want … together?
 
For a chance at a happy ending, isn’t love worth the risk?

Welcome to Swan Harbor
From Darkness into Love is Book 1 of the Hope & Hearts Series from Swan Harbor. It’s a contemporary romantic suspense, steamy, small town, second chance, sports romance with a guaranteed happy ending. If you’re drawn to sizzling small-town stories filled with close-knit characters and strong family ties, prepare to be captivated by the irresistible allure of this picturesque town. This is Book 1 of a 15-book complete series.
Curl up with a copy of From Darkness into Love and be swept away by the power of love.

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FROM DARKNESS INTO LOVE

A SMALL TOWN SECOND CHANCE MYSTERY ROMANCE

HOPE & HEARTS FROM SWAN HARBOR

BOOK 1

SOPHIE BARTOW

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

i

ONE

PRESENT DAY

QUICK NOTE: If you enjoy From Darkness into Love, be sure to check out my offer for more Jessie and Cameron at the end.

With that, enjoy!

* * *

Swan Harbor

June 4

7:00 a.m.

Princess.

Cameron Hunter stared out over the beach and watched Jessie. Her red-gold hair blew around her shoulders. Her stride was just as smooth as when she’d skated competitively, and, as it had for years, seeing her caused his heart to trip.

What did that mean? He’d given her everything he had to offer, and yet ….

But did you? Did you really?

He brushed back his hair and took another drink of coffee. For the last few nights, he’d struggled to sleep. Waking early each morning, he’d taken a thermos and made his way to the cliff. Located on the edge of his parent’s property, it jutted out over the water. During the day, it was the perfect place to think—and at night, the stars were bright.

Jessie stopped and kicked at something in the sand. When she picked it up and stuck it into her pocket, he grinned. It reminded him of other times when she’d done the same thing.

Suddenly, she looked up. Their eyes met across the distance. His heart stopped, and he almost turned his back on her. Except, he couldn’t. That connection that had always pulled them together was still there.

What are you going to do about it?

Nothing. He wasn’t going to do anything. That was how she wanted it. Right?

Cam took a step toward the path, and once again met Jessie’s gaze, lifting his thermos to salute her in greeting. Then he started down the cliff, hoping to escape the feelings seeing her elicited.

When he reached the house, his brother Gray was standing over the coffee pot, watching it boil.

“Why didn’t you make coffee?”

“I did.”

Gray slanted him a look. “But you didn’t share.”

“Are you going to tell mom on me?”

“It would be a waste of time.”

“Oh?”

“You are the baby, after all.”

Cam ignored Gray and settled at the table with one of the last pastries. He’d thought when she was out of sight, she wouldn’t be at the forefront of his mind. Unfortunately, it didn’t work like that.

“Want more?” Gray asked once the coffee was brewed.

“Nah, I’m good.”

Gray settled at the table across from him. The look in his brother’s steely blue eyes made him uncomfortable.

“What?”

“You know what.”

He did but wasn’t ready to acknowledge that.

“I thought you were going to Boston for a few days.”

“Changing the subject doesn’t change what I’m thinking about,” Gray grunted. “I think you know what.”

“Maybe,” Cam sighed. “I’m just not⁠—”

“—Ready,” Gray muttered. “I’ve heard that a time or two lately.”

“It’s still true.”

“What about⁠—?”

“Don’t bring her into it,” Cam shut him down. “I can’t.”

“Love doesn’t work like that.”

Cam laughed. “Oh? How would you know? Are you in love?”

“No, I’m just …”

“You know what mom would say, don’t you?”

“She would say the same thing to you,” Gray returned. “Listen to your heart—it always knows.”

But did it really? If someone had asked him that same question three years, hell, even four years ago. He would have agreed. Until she ….

“Is that what you’re doing?”

“Low blow.”

Cam studied Gray for a few seconds, then came back with, “I didn’t mean it to be one. Is there a problem between you and⁠—?”

“I don’t know what’s going on,” Gray cut him off. “I’m hoping to figure that out on this trip.”

“And if you don’t?”

Gray shrugged. “I’ll deal with it then.”

He wanted to say, ‘It seems we’re both having issues.’ Except, if he did so, it could lead to assumptions. Ones he wasn’t ready to explain.

Gray pushed back his chair and gave him a pointed look. “While you might want to think our situations are similar, they aren’t. Think about that while you’re at the wedding and everyone is there. I’ll see you in a few days.”

Cam waved his brother off and pushed his ‘what if’ thoughts away. He needed to run an errand while he tried to come up with a plan.

Those thoughts propelled him in and out of the shower and toward town. One of his best friends was getting married, and he needed to pick up several things.

* * *

Sally’s Diner

June 4

12:00 p.m.

“Here you go, Jess.” Sally, the diner’s owner, set a plate of fries and a milkshake in front of her. “Enjoy.”

Jessie inhaled the greasy smell of the fries and sighed with contentment. “I’ve missed these.”

“Is that all you missed?”

It was a question meant to trap her. That was something Jessie knew for sure. The problem came when she tried to answer.

“Of course, I missed Swan Harbor.”

Sally glanced out the window. When she turned back, her blue eyes were twinkling. “I bet you missed some things more than others, didn’t you?”

She moved on, not really expecting an answer. But when Jessie glanced up, she wasn’t surprised to see Cam passing by.

Her heart stuttered for a second before taking off at full speed. He was alone, and there was a purpose in his walk. Was he on his way to see …?

Don’t go there, Jess!

She ate another fry and thought back to her walk on the beach. Somehow, she’d known Cam would be on the cliff watching her. He’d been there for three consecutive mornings. A part of her wanted to think it was intentional. In contrast, the other side wouldn’t listen.

Her life was what it was because of decisions she’d made—or was it? Could she have made a different choice? But that wasn’t an answer she was ready to acknowledge. If she did, then it would mean she’d wasted two years of her life. Two years of their lives?

That thought caused the ice cream to settle heavily in her stomach. Jessie pushed it aside, paid for the food, and escaped into the fresh air.

It was summer and the tourist season for Swan Harbor. By July, the sidewalks would be crowded and the beaches full. Shop owners loved it, but most of the residents couldn’t wait until September.

She couldn’t say if she liked one season more than the other. There were benefits to both. Or at least she’d always thought so growing up. Crowded sidewalks were not her thing.

In an hour, she was expected at the salon, Foxy Lady. There was a wedding tonight, and she needed to be ready. After all, it was the reason she’d returned home.

Was that the only reason?

She side-stepped another visitor and started to cross the road. Suddenly, she was tugged backward just as a bicyclist whizzed past, barely missing her.

It happened in the span of a heartbeat, but she’d known who’d saved her.

Jessie’s eyes flared. She quickly pulled her arm free and moved away from the flow of traffic. Her heart raced from the near miss, but that wasn’t where her attention lay.

“I, I guess I should say thank you.” She met Cam’s gaze briefly before looking away.

“Don’t say it on my account,” Cam’s mocking voice intoned. “I would have done it for anyone.”

His response left a sting behind, and for a moment, she wasn’t sure how to respond. Then, she saw what he was carrying, making it easy to change the subject.

“You must be the one decorating the car. What did you buy?”

Cam smiled, one just big enough to briefly show off his dimples.

“I bought the good stuff.”

“Meaning?”

Almost reluctantly, he opened his bag for her to peer inside. He’d bought markers, balloons, and twine.”

“Who’s bringing the cans?”

Cam shrugged. “That wasn’t my job.”

“Who’s blowing up the balloons?”

“I would assume whoever we can get. Care to blow up a few?”

Jessie’s breath hitched. His voice was intimate—a tone she hadn’t heard in two years. With it, regret once again rushed through her. She’d missed her chance, though. Hadn’t she?

“Anyway, thanks again. I’m due at the Foxy Lady.” Then, as gracefully as possible, Jessie started toward the salon with a different question on her mind. How was she expected to make it through the wedding without falling apart?

* * *

The Lighthouse Inn

June 4

4:15 p.m.

Jessie.

Cam ignored the conversation around him and prepared for the next step. The one that involved walking down the aisle—with Jessie on his arm. Something he hadn’t considered until the rehearsal, which he hid beneath a facade of happiness.

The few times their eyes clashed, his heart raced. When he’d touched her, it caused his fingers to tingle.

It hadn’t affected her, though. Or at least that’s what he’d thought the night before. Tugging her back from the crazy bike rider showed him how wrong he’d been.

As soon as their gazes collided, he saw the shadows in her eyes. He’d noticed how she constantly rubbed her fingers over her arm where they’d touched. Those were nothing compared to what happened when she looked in the bag.

Her breath hitched, just as it had in the past. When she glanced up, a rosy hue was spread across her cheeks. Her voice was husky and a touch breathless.

Behaviors that gave him hope. But could he trust them?

He wanted to think he was happy, but he wasn’t sure he believed it. Wanted to think he hadn’t missed her, but knew he was lying to himself. Wanted to believe Jessie was his past and not his future, but knew that wasn’t true.

With one look, he was back under her spell. Just like always, she mesmerized him. Even after she’d crushed him, their hearts were connected and always would be.

That should have made everything easy. Instead, it brought back feelings he’d worked to hide. Feelings that didn’t involve love—as he was willing to admit he still loved her. The question was, could he trust her with his heart once again?

Finding the answer was put on hold when the minister pulled the groom away. Seconds later, the bride and bridesmaids joined the groomsmen, and almost unconsciously, his gaze drifted to her.

Jessie was fussing with the bride’s dress. She knew where he was standing. That was evident by the number of times she glanced up. How he felt when it happened didn’t help his peace of mind, though.

“It’s about time,” the coordinator whispered. “Men, find the woman you’re escorting down the aisle. Hurry, here comes the music.”

Cam started walking toward Jessie, who gave him the once-over. Her silent scrutiny left prickles of warmth dancing along his skin, and his nether regions stirred to life.

A friend. She’s only a friend. It was much safer.

Nice words, but did he believe them?

“Ready?”

“I think so.”

Cam offered Jessie his arm. When she hooked hers through, he could feel her heat. Could hear the catch in her breath.

He ignored the fact that everyone was watching them. Ignored the heady smell of Jessie’s perfume. Ignored how her arm felt in his and focused on putting one foot in front of the other.

What he hadn’t considered, though, was that when he stood on the groom’s side, she was directly in his line of sight.

“Dearly Beloved,” the minister began. “We are gathered here today …”

With every word, the barriers he’d built around his emotions started to crumble. With every line the bride and groom repeated, Cam’s dreams of the future reappeared. With every crack in his carefully constructed facade fading away, his heart was no longer safe. Was that something he could accept?

He wanted to say no. Wanted to say he couldn’t go through anything like that again. And then ….

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Cam’s eyes locked with Jessie’s. In them, he saw everything he’d ever wanted looking back at him. Was it still possible to protect his heart? Or better yet, did he even want to?

TWO

The Lighthouse Inn

June 4

7:00 p.m.

Jessie’s jaw hurt from gritting her teeth to keep from making a sound. One that would let Cam know he still mattered.

For the past two hours, she’d been sitting next to him on a raised platform. Every time he moved, his leg bumped against hers, and electricity jumped from the point of impact. It brought everything full circle—something she wasn’t sure she was ready to face.

“Jessie?” Cam’s husky voice broke into her thoughts. “Refill?”

“Sure. Thank you.”

“I’ll be right back.”

Once he was gone, she grabbed the table’s edge and fought the need to run screaming from the room. Her head was spinning from Cam’s cologne, and her hands were shaking. Behaviors she should have expected but not ones appropriate for a bridesmaid.

“Jessie, “the groom whispered. “Are you okay?”

“I need some fresh air.”

“Go.” He nodded to the doors behind them. “I’ll cover for you.”

Jessie stepped off the elevated stage and slipped out an open door. The bouquets of pink, white, yellow, and purple flowers still decorated the ceremony area, but her focus was on the cliff several yards beyond. She dropped her shoes on a chair and, bypassing the arch where Cassie and Ryan were pronounced husband and wife—she could finally breathe.

The wind whipped her long hair around her head and molded the periwinkle dress to her body. With the view below, she could easily imagine living in another time. One where she was the princess looking down upon her charges as they readied for battle.

A fanciful thought, yes. But somehow, the analogy felt right. It hadn’t been easy to return home after two years away. However, it had been the right thing to do for Cassie, one of her best friends. Then, once committed, there’d been no running, especially when their other friend, Sadie, got involved. Since returning, Jessie had been forced to admit how much she’d missed them—and Swan Harbor.

Laughter spilled from the ballroom, and without even turning, she could feel him watching her. Cameron Hunter was six feet, two inches, with shaggy blond hair, deep dimples, and eyes that undid her. Whether they sparkled with happiness or were dark green with desire, they’d always made her feel as if he could see inside her soul.

Cam had been a part of her life forever, seeing her at her worst and her best. When her life had been torn apart, he’d given her strength and helped chase the darkness away. She loved him, and at one time, he’d loved her. However, upon her arrival in town, seeing him locked in an embrace with another woman left her reeling.

Her brother, Dylan, had shared the woman’s identity. Eden Fowler was the only daughter of the Chief of Police and several years her junior. But the sight of another woman in Cameron’s arms forced her to be honest with herself. Something she’d been reluctant to do for years.

Cam had always been the one constant in her life, and she hadn’t expected that to change. Somehow, the fantasy image of him meeting her at the town line had stuck inside her head. That he’d be waiting for her to return.

However, seeing him with another woman made her realize it was time to put up or shutup. Except that meant revealing why she’d stayed away for so long. Could she do that? After all this time, could she explain there’d been a reason why she’d left Swan Harbor?

She’d tried to ignore her feelings when they’d been thrown together as members of the wedding party. A get-together at the arcade, a bonfire on the beach, and other moments meant to celebrate Cassie and Ryan’s upcoming nuptials. After every occasion, Jessie sought refuge from her feelings of loss and escaped to Sonny’s. Only on the ice had she been able to outrun the demons that never seemed to be far away.

Had it worked?

She thought so until she saw him on the cliff. Until he’d touched her the previous night. Until she’d held his arm as they walked down the aisle. But then, during the ceremony, their gazes had been drawn to each other. That’s when her heart stuttered, and some of those empty places began to fill.

Then, he turned away, and the moment was broken. His attention was on Eden, causing an ache deep inside. An ache she’d tried to ignore but one that hadn’t completely gone away.

Eden was pretty and kind and devoted to Cameron. Everything he deserved, but ….

Since then, the words, ‘It should be me,’ were on repeat inside her head. They had her wondering if it was too late for the Princess to win the battle for her own happily ever after.

“Jessie?” Cam placed his tuxedo jacket around her shoulders. “Readying for war?”

She frowned. “Why would you say that?”

Cam shrugged. “I don’t know. You just looked so …”

“No war,” Jessie replied. Then silently added, yet. “Did you need something?”

“It’s almost time for the dances. Shall we?”

Jessie retrieved her shoes and returned inside, knowing that Cam and she were being watched. Rather than looking around, though, her entire focus was on the bride and groom. The way they were staring at each other caused her eyes to water.

“You ready?”

Cam pulled her close, and their movements immediately meshed. “There,” he murmured. “That’s not so bad, is it?”

What she’d both feared and desired happened as the pieces she’d been searching for clicked into place. With him—she was home. Ignoring how she felt hadn’t worked. The question was, what now?

That answer didn’t come easy. What if she put herself out there, and he rejected her? If that happened, she didn’t know how she’d feel. It made her nervous—he made her nervous.

Why, though? This was Cam. He’d been a part of her life forever. But the pep talks didn’t seem to do any good, and her heart rate wasn’t slowing down.

“You’re still light on your feet,” Jessie quipped. “I won’t have to worry about my toes.”

“No, Jess,” he whispered against her temple. “You don’t need to worry about your toes.”

His voice was low and dangerous. The unspoken message had her insides waking, wondering what was next. There was much she wanted to say, but the subtle tightening of his palm on her lower back had her resting her head against his shoulder. They would talk … eventually.

“Oh, Princess,” Cam sighed, almost as if it was an afterthought.

Jessie held her breath, waiting … hoping he would say more. When he didn’t, she couldn’t help but wonder if maybe, for the first time in a long time, they were on the same page.

* * *

“Jessie, I,” he whispered. But then, the dance partners changed, and he was looking into the bride’s dark eyes.

“You look beautiful today, Cassie.” He attempted to thwart her questions.

“Thank you.” Cassie’s knowing eyes met his. “But that won’t work, you know?”

“No?” he grinned. “I thought women always enjoyed a compliment … or two.”

She glanced around his shoulder at where he knew Jessie was dancing with her new husband. “When are you going to tell her how you feel?”

“Eden?” Cam let it hang for several seconds. “She knows how I feel.”

“Does she?” Cassie surprised him by asking. “Do you love her?”

“I—” he began but couldn’t complete the sentence and settled on, “I care about her … a lot.”

“Be careful, Cameron,” Cassie warned. “The heart wants what the heart wants.”

“And you don’t think I know something about heartbreak?” he snapped, not caring if he was being unfair.

“I know Jessie hurt you, but isn’t love worth fighting for?”

The question was barely out of her mouth before her new husband whisked her away. It left Cam standing in the middle of the dance floor with much on his mind. That had him heading away from Eden and toward the bar.

“Whiskey, neat,” he requested.

While he waited for his drink, his gaze was drawn back to the dance floor. Jessie was laughing, and the words ‘the heart wants what the heart wants’ echoed inside his head. Damn! The ache in the center of his chest wasn’t what he’d hoped to feel.

Cam reached for his drink and tossed back the entire glass. The liquid burned when it hit the back of his throat. A feeling he relished, though, as he needed something to distract from his inner turmoil. 

“You’re drinking?” Eden’s accusatory tone set his teeth on edge. “You know I don’t like the taste of that stuff.”

“I didn’t ask you.” Cam pulled his gaze away from the dance floor to the petite blonde. “I’m sorry. Dance?”

Eden’s face lit up, but instead of being pleased, he felt unsettled. The feeling persisted on the dance floor. It had him giving single-word responses until she finally gave up and leaned her head against his chest.

He tried to stay focused on the woman in his arms. But the memory of dancing with Jessie was still too fresh in his mind. He’d been told he had a ‘type’ by more than one of his friends. Except for height, he could see the similarities between the two women. Both were beautiful, with delicate features, strawberry-blonde hair, and blue eyes. Eden’s were like the sky. However, it was Jessie’s turquoise ones that lived in his mind. They would twinkle one minute and darken the next, her moods and emotions fully displayed.

The heart wants what the heart wants was on repeat inside his head. Was he ready for the emotional roller coaster? Once the answer was out there, his life would no longer be under his control. Could he trust that this time, what he wanted and what he got were the same things?

* * *

The Lighthouse Inn

June 4

10:00 p.m.

Hours later, Jessie followed her friends into the bride’s dressing room. As soon as the door closed, Cassie pinned her with a pointed stare. “How are you holding up?”

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” Jessie pushed Cassie’s hands aside to help with the wedding dress laces and sought to change the subject. “Did I tell you how beautiful you looked?”

“Oh, Jessie.” Sadie’s eyes met hers in the mirror. “Don’t you think it’s time to talk?”

“Talk about what?” Jessie looked from one to the other and realized her running days were over.

“Well, duh,” Sadie arched one dark brow. “Let’s see … Cam?”

“Cam,” Jessie sighed. “There’s not much to say. He has a new girlfriend, and they appear to be happy.”

“Appearances can be deceiving,” Cassie intoned.

“Eden seems very … sweet,” Jessie forced out between gritted teeth. “It’s just that …”

“You want him for yourself,” Sadie finished quietly.

“Well, yeah. But, if he’s happy, then aren’t I supposed to be happy for him?”

“Cam’s being,” Cassie waved her hand around as if searching for the right word, “safe. He doesn’t love her.”

“You asked?”

Cassie tossed her a mischievous grin. “I asked.”

“Wait, really?” Jessie fired back.

“Yes, really,” Cassie hummed. “He started to lie …”

“But?”

Well,” Cassie went on. “He did admit he cared for the girl.”

“That’s not love,” Sadie jumped in. “Which means you still have a chance. Isn’t he worth fighting for?”

Was he? Jessie wrapped her arms around her stomach and wandered to the window. Her thoughts returned to how she felt during the ceremony when the vows were read aloud. Of how every time Cam was near, her heart felt whole. More importantly, though, of how when she’d been in his arms on the dance floor, she’d realized he was her home. Was she ready for that battle?

“But Eden’s…”

“Not you,” Sadie murmured.

“Well, of course, she’s not me,” Jessie sighed.

“But since he couldn’t have you,” Cassie pointed out. “He picked someone who resembled you.”

“No,” Jessie muttered.

“Come on,” Sadie argued. “Can’t you see it?”

Jessie still wasn’t ready to completely give in. “Her hair’s blonder.”

Cassie rolled her eyes.

“Eden’s short,” Jessie continued.

“She’s also young,” Sadie added.

“Eden’s safe,” Cassie circled back to where she’d started. “He’s waiting for you.”

“Ha,” Jessie scoffed. “I’m not convinced he’s pining for me as much as you seem to think.”

“Well,” Cassie’s dark eyes twinkled. “When you catch my bouquet, let’s see how long he’ll be able to stay away.”

“Me?” Jessie laughed. “What about Sadie? She’s still single.”

“Oh, I know.” Cassie exchanged conspiratorial looks with Sadie. “But she’s waiting for Gray to come to his senses and figures …”

“If I’m with Cam,” Jessie chuckled at their devious minds. “I can put in a good word.”

“Exactly,” Sadie giggled. “Those Hunter men just need a little push.”

Jessie blinked several times to clear her vision. “I missed you guys,” she whispered. “Thanks for being my friends.”

“Hey,” Cassie sniffed. “Don’t make me cry and ruin my make-up.”

“Sorry,” Jessie grinned. “It’s been nice to be home.”

Sadie and Cassie wrapped her in a group hug. “We’re glad you’re home too.”

“Now, remember,” Cassie reminded her. “I’m aiming for you.”

“And if someone gets in the way,” Sadie giggled, “knock them over.”

“Got it.”

It was a plan, Jessie thought. Could she go through with it, though? Could she put her heart out there one more time?

* * *

Cam had a hard time looking away when Cassie, Jessie, and Sadie returned to the room. Each woman was striking on her own, but there was something about the three together that reminded him of Charlie’s Angels. One was dark, one brunette, and one light. They were strong, independent women whose bond had been forged years before. He’d learned a time or two in the past, hurt one, you hurt them all.

“Have you spoken to Jessie?” Ben, his friend, and the other groomsman asked as soon as Eden left for the bouquet toss.

“We danced,” Cam responded defensively, “and spoke briefly.”

“Chicken.”

Cam sighed. He knew his friend was right. But ….

“I need to,” he admitted. “I’m just not sure what to say.”

“You tell her she broke your heart.” Ben hesitated for a beat. “You tell her you forgive her and want her back.”

“I’m dating Eden.”

“Dating,” Ben repeated quietly. “What if Eden catches the bouquet?”

“What about it? That won’t change anything.”

“Won’t it? You know Eden’s going to want more.”

“Why do you think so?”

“Eden graduated from college and is ready to start her career,” Ben reminded him. “Isn’t marriage the next step?”

“So?”

“So, what will you say then?”

Before Cam could answer, a squeal made him look over his shoulder to see Eden push Jessie aside and grab the bouquet.

“Oh, shi …” he barely got out before Eden launched her body into his arms and kissed him.

It took several seconds to regain his wits and create a little distance between them. “Whoa there, Sugar,” Cam drawled, his standard nickname tripping off his tongue. “Where’s the fire?”

Eden mumbled something, but his attention had drifted across the room to where Jessie stood, watching him. He gave her what he hoped was a ‘We need to talk’ look. Before he could move, though, she ran from the room. His gaze sought Sadie’s, but when she sent him an accusatory look, all he could think about was it was time to fix things.

“Eden, I,” he began, giving Ben a Help-me-out expression.

“Cam’s trying to tell you,” Ben turned his charm on Eden, “that I’m driving you home tonight.”

“What’s going on?” Eden frowned.

“Cam needs to take care of something for Ryan,” Ben answered smoothly.

“Oh, okay.”

Eden’s smile dimmed, and for a split second, Cam felt guilty. Then, just as they had all night, the words ‘the heart wants what the heart wants’ floated through his head. They reminded him of what was important. With little more than a buzz on her cheek, he went after what he wanted—a second chance.

As expected, he found Jessie on the ice at Sonny’s. Illuminated by a single light, she skated to music only she could hear. Her movements weren’t as polished as when she’d practiced daily. But as she transitioned from a split jump to an axel and then moved from a salchow to a sit spin, he realized she was lost in her memories.

He watched her for another minute. When he couldn’t stay away any longer, he dropped onto an old bench and slipped into his skates. They hadn’t been worn since the last time he’d been on the ice with Jessie. It hurt too much, making him think about what could have been. Instead, he’d tried to bury those feelings, living only in the present and choosing safe company.

Until four days ago, he’d been successful. Then, Jessie walked into Randy’s Arcade, with Sadie on one side and Cassie on the other. She’d laughed and talked with her friends as if she’d never left.

Every sound had been like a stab to his heart, and every word had caused a sick feeling in his gut. He hadn’t confronted her, though. Instead, he’d paid more attention to Eden. While it had temporarily numbed his pain, he’d felt miserable.

He would admit a part of him hoped she’d come home … to him. Hoped she was ready to give him the chance he’d been waiting for since she was fourteen. However, before they could talk, she’d disappeared. Then, like always, he’d followed, finding her on the ice at Sonny’s.

Those times, he stayed on the outside, looking in. Even when he’d placed his beat-up old skates in his trunk, he’d planned nothing specific.

Tonight was different. After watching two of his best friends pledge their lives to each other, he finally admitted safe wasn’t working. Cam wasn’t sure where things would go. He wasn’t sure how he’d be accepted. What he did know was he had to try. As for everything else, there was always hope.

With that in mind, he stepped onto the ice. Wherever Jessie was, he would find her.

Ten Years Earlier

THREE

TEN YEARS EARLIER

Jessie’s Home

December 27

2:00 p.m.

Most fifteen-year-old girls spent their Christmas break hanging with friends, talking on the phone, and dreaming about boys. But Jessie no longer felt like a typical teenager. Her parents and brother, James, had been killed in a fiery car crash the previous February. Since then, nothing had been the same.

She’d spent the holidays with her brother and the Hunters, their surrogate family. While they’d tried to create a ‘normal’ Christmas, Jessie had felt out of step. Memories constantly bombarded her, and the dreams she’d thought were behind her had returned. They followed her everywhere, unsettling her in many ways.

Thanks to help from her grief counselor, she didn’t dream often. Unless she was lonely or it had been a highly emotional occasion, then they returned. Christmas had been one of those times.

The dreams always began with a mashup of happy memories. Inevitably, though, they morphed into those final moments with her parents.

Jessie stood on the porch, dressed in old sweats, while her mother gave her last-minute instructions. The longer she stood there, the more the wind blew through her thin clothing, causing a chill to race up her spine.

“Hurry, Ruth,” her father honked the car horn. “We’ll be late picking up James.”

Her mother rolled her eyes. “Men,” she retorted. “I’d better go. Remember, we’ll be home late.”

“Okay, Mom.” Jessie shivered, impatient to get inside where it was warm. “Have a good trip.”

As her father backed the car out of the driveway, he rolled down his window. “We love you, Princess.”

Jessie slowly fought her way up through the grief, the memory of just waving at her parents and running inside weighing heavily on her mind. It was the same as every other time she had the dream. She was angry she hadn’t taken the few seconds to return the words.

Whenever the dream appeared, it set the tone for the rest of the day. It brought the darkness that only stayed away when she skated. She tried to fight it. Tried to get involved in listening to the new music she’d gotten for Christmas. While it helped for a short time, eventually … the darkness returned. Finally, she grabbed her skates and made her way to the frozen pond.

The darkness chased her around the ice longer than she cared to admit. Then, little by little, it faded, becoming lighter and lighter until relinquishing its hold. Once that happened, her skating became less hectic and freer, allowing her to practice different moves.

Stopping wasn’t an option. If she did, the darkness might return, and questions would be asked. Ones she’d answered many times before. Ones she was tired of hearing.

Jessie knew Dylan was watching. She didn’t have to see him to know that. He’d come outside and stood on the porch … waiting for her, just in case. While she appreciated he was there, it was easier when she was alone. Then, she didn’t have to behave as if things were fine. On the ice, she could follow her heart. Could listen to the feeling inside and just skate. On the ice, she could just be ….

* * *

Jessie’s Home

December 27

4:00 p.m.

Cam climbed into his old pick-up truck and drove toward the Prince’s home. Their families had been friends long before he was born. Meaning that, for most of his life, he’d grown up thinking of Jessie, two years younger, as just Jessie.

However, the summer she’d turned fourteen, he’d seen her in a bikini top. A female had replaced the tomboy he’d always known. One whose legs seemed to go on forever, and filled out her bikini in all the right places. Suddenly, Jessie was the girl who starred in his dreams. This time, though, in a much different capacity.

The summer and fall before her parents’ death, he’d worked to win her heart. But no matter how much he flirted … she only saw him as a friend. She came to him when she wanted to complain about school, her brothers, her friends, or even other boys. He was stuck in the friend zone, and he didn’t know how to get out.

When her parents and brother were killed, Jessie stayed with his family for a few months. He’d gotten close to her, just not in the way he’d wanted … nor in the way he’d expected. There were nights when he’d been the one to hear her crying. Those were the times he’d offered a shoulder for her to lean on. She trusted him—and he refused to violate her trust.

During one of those nights, he’d decided Jessie needed to be the one to choose what capacity he held in her life. If they were destined only to be friends, he would honor her wishes. Since then, he’d stuck to his plan. He was there if she needed him—whenever she needed him.

In the past, Christmas Day had been a loud and noisy holiday. There had been arguments over sports and pie competitions. Then, once dinner was over, a hockey game on the pond. This year, there’d been none of that. The day had been quiet … too quiet.

When Jessie and Dylan had gone home, the atmosphere hadn’t changed. His parents had gone one way, his brother another, and he’d watched some mindless movie.

It had taken hearing how she spent her days for him to figure out what to do. Especially with the knowledge Dylan was worried about her. They might only be friends, but she was still his princess. She needed to learn that as long as she hurt … so did he.

It hadn’t been a tough choice to volunteer to spend time with her. He loved watching her move, both on the ice and off. Jessie was always graceful. But when she was skating, her beauty took his breath away. The way she glided across the ice mesmerized him, reminding him of a swan in motion. She was a joy to watch, and if they didn’t talk much … he was okay with that. As long as she was happy, so was he.

When he climbed from his truck, Dylan stood on the porch, but Cam’s attention was focused entirely on Jessie. He grabbed his skates and trekked through the snow toward the frozen pond.

Jessie slowed slightly, her eyes never leaving his. The look on her face said she wasn’t upset he’d driven over.

“Hey, Princess,” Cam called teasingly. “May I join you?”

Jessie tilted her head one way, then another, and he wondered what she was thinking. “Tired of reading?” she finally asked.

“Just couldn’t concentrate.”

Her look was knowing, but she didn’t push the issue. Instead, she inclined her head in that regal way of hers and nodded toward his skates. “Think you can keep up?”

“I guess we’ll see, won’t we?” He hesitated a beat. “If you’ll allow me to skate, that is.”

She rolled her eyes. “Put your skates on, Hunter. Then catch me … if you can.”

By the time Cam stepped onto the ice, Jessie had zipped past him several times. He waited for her to get close and then tossed a jaunty “Race you!” over his shoulder before upping the pace. If she wanted speed, he’d give it to her.

With longer legs, he thought he had a distinct edge. However, his princess was hot on his heels, seemingly determined to overtake him. Yet, Jessie’s attention was on other matters, which never wavered.

Even when his brother arrived to pick up Dylan, she said nothing. She had a mission and wasn’t willing to be sidetracked, which was okay with him. It gave him time to observe and be ready for what came next.

The first hour flew by, and he was okay. Halfway through the second hour, he was barely hanging in there. However, when the third hour rolled around, he’d nearly fallen more than once, and it was getting damn cold.

Cam reached a point where only a part of him was focused on her. The other half was working to maintain his dignity on the unfamiliar ice. Jessie was still skating as if the hounds of hell were on her tail, which was why he’d stuck close. If she fell, he planned to catch her.

Their conversation was minimal, with only a word here or there. Finally, her expression softened, and she grinned. Cam’s shoulders relaxed, and he let go of the breath he’d been holding. Somehow, it felt like a new beginning.

After another half hour, his legs were turning to jelly, and the lengthening shadows had him searching for a reprieve. The next time around, he pushed in front of her and turned to skate backward. “Want to rest?”

Jessie’s eyes twinkled, telling him she was on to him. “What’s the matter, Hunter? You a wuss?” She flipped her long hair over her shoulder and took off. “If you can catch me, we can rest.”

The laughter in her voice made his heart do several mini-flips. “Not a problem, Princess.”

Cam dug into his waning energy and skated past her. He set up and executed a perfect hockey stop, throwing snow around them.

“Not bad.”

“Not bad?” Cam huffed. “Did you see how high the snow flew?”

“I said it wasn’t bad, but let me show you how it’s done.” She patted him on the cheek and skated past.

Her hockey stop, as expected, was done perfectly. He winked as he sped past, and the glint in her eye distracted him for a split second.

Unfortunately, it happened in the spot on the ice he’d almost tripped over multiple times. This time, though, he wasn’t so lucky. Before he could catch himself, he face-planted and slid several feet before landing at the base of a mound of snow—much of which fell on top of him.

The thought he should bounce to his feet as if nothing was wrong floated through his mind. Then, a handful of seconds later, his muddled brain registered she was near.

“Cam.” Jessie brushed the snow off his face. “Cam, are you okay?”

He kept thinking he should roll over, but then her warm hand gently pushed back his hair. The feeling it created had the opposite effect, making him want to stay there forever.

“Please wake up,” she whispered. “Cam, please wake up.”

Her voice sounded different, more worried than usual. Unwilling to cause Jessie unnecessary pain, he rolled over and gave her a cheeky smile. “Don’t stop touching me, Princess.” He wiggled his eyebrows teasingly. “I like it.”

Jessie scanned his face for an extra minute. Something told him she was looking for injuries.

“You’re okay? Really?”

“I’m fine, but you appear to be a little too … dry.” Cam rolled over, tucking her underneath him.

“Cam?”

“Jessie?”

He tried to keep his eyes on hers, but as if powerless to resist, his gaze landed on her lips. Her mouth dropped open slightly, giving him ideas he probably shouldn’t be having. It was only the memory of why they were on the ice that had him changing his mind.

The breath he’d been holding fled. Then, before he could second-guess his actions, Cam grabbed a handful of snow and dropped it in the V of her jacket. “Gotcha,” then scrambled several feet away.

“Argh,” she jumped up and tossed over her shoulder, “You’d better watch out, Hunter. Paybacks can be a bitch.”

* * *

Jessie’s thoughts were unsettled as she skated away. Whether it was because of something Cam had done … or something he hadn’t, she couldn’t say. He’d always been that boy she’d watched from afar, never assuming they were destined to be anything more than what they were. Because of the history between their families, he’d always treated her the same as her brothers, like a sister.

Cam was a flirt. At one time or another, every girl at Swan Harbor High had been affected by his glib tongue, sexy green eyes, or dimpled smile. When the girls disappeared, as they always did, Jessie decided, as his friend, he’d always be there. With that decision made, her crush became easier to manage.

Then she turned fourteen, and Cam looked at her differently. He’d made her feel like a female. From that day on, whenever he was around, her traitorous heart had beaten a rapid pitter-pat.

It had only been the thought he wanted what he couldn’t have that had helped her resist. However, it hadn’t stopped her heart from flipping when he flirted. Nor had it stopped the little buzz inside when he called her princess. There was something about the way he drawled the word that sent chills racing up her spine.

The accident, however, changed everything in her life. Cam seemed to understand what she needed and always showed up when she least expected him. It was eerie but also made her feel special.

Even more so, since her parents ….

With that one thought, the darkness was back. It clawed at her, threatening to pull her into its abyss, only letting her go when it covered her. Jessie’s knees started to buckle, and the blackness continued its climb up her legs. She was going down … and then … strong arms wrapped around her, bringing her close to a warm male body.

Cam made her feel safe and secure as he held her, preventing the black hole from consuming her. She closed her eyes and burrowed her face into his shoulder while she waited for the darkness to overwhelm her.

When it didn’t immediately feel as if she’d been swallowed, she peered through her lashes. All she saw were the changing colors of the ice and snow as the sun began to set.

“I’m sorry.” Jessie stepped backward a foot … and then another.

He cupped her jaw and used his thumb to wipe away her tears. “Never apologize for missing your parents, Jess.”

His quiet support took her breath and caused her heart to stutter. She wanted to tell him how much she appreciated his help, but the words ‘thank you’ seemed too insignificant. If she were braver, she’d kiss his lean cheek to show her gratitude. She just wasn’t that brave—yet.

“Think there’s an extra pair of gloves in the box in the gazebo?” he whispered.

It was then Jessie noticed his hands were bare. “Where are your gloves? What would your mother say? Come on,” she fired off each question in rapid succession. Then, not giving him a chance to answer, she skated off, expecting him to follow.

“Geez, Jess,” Cam mumbled. “They’re just gloves. I was in a hurry, okay?”

“Males!” Jessie pushed Cam toward the bench seat and rifled through piles of colorful wool. Several minutes later, she found a pair near the bottom and handed them over.

“They were James’s.”

Cam gave her a crooked grin, then told her about the last time he’d been on the ice with their brothers. While the story was funny and typical, the fact that James would never again be a part of their escapades brought tears to her eyes.

“You alright?” He squeezed her fingers.

Confusion washed over her when, once again, he didn’t behave as she expected. “Why are you here?”

“Why are you?”

The reasons she skated hadn’t been something she’d discussed with many. Her counselor, Sadie, and Cassie, but with the way Cam had been supporting her, a part of her wanted … needed to explain.

“Sometimes there’s a black hole,” Jessie began, “that threatens to engulf me, and I disappear.” She bit her bottom lip and swallowed the tears that wanted to erupt before continuing, “I keep thinking if I skate fast enough, I can outrun the darkness.”

“Oh, Jessie,” he murmured. “Does it work?”

“Sometimes … but not always. Now, it’s your turn. Why are you here and not with Ben or Ryan? Or,” Jessie smirked, “reading Persuasion?”

“You needed me.”

The combination of his simple answer and dimples almost had her missing the look in his eyes.

“There’s more,” she prodded after seeing the slight flare in his green depths. “How would you know if you hadn’t talked to Dylan?”

“I didn’t talk to Dylan, but Gray made plans for your brother, so …”

“Why didn’t Dylan mention his plans?” Then, a light went off, and the date blinked brightly in her head. “Ugh. Today is Dylan’s … and would have been James’ … twenty-first birthday. I’m such a selfish—bff.” Cam’s hand muffled what she’d been about to say. “Where are they?”

“They’re at Swan’s Spirits,”

“He’ll come home drunk, won’t he?”

“Maybe.” Cam paused a beat, and his grin grew. “Okay, probably. But I’ll be here to help you get him into bed.”

“That would be nice.” She jumped up and started toward the bench where she’d left her shoes.

“Jess? Where are you going?”

“To make Dylan a cake. Want to help?”

“Are you making a chocolate cake?”

“Of course. Is there any other choice?”

They exchanged skates for shoes, and on the way inside, Cam raised his brows in question. “Can I lick the bowl?”

“Sure, if you help.”

“I have to earn my keep?” he muttered. “My mother doesn’t make me help.”

“Well, I’m not your mother, now, am I?”

She thought he murmured, ‘Thank goodness for that,’ but when she glanced in his direction, he was washing his hands and looking down.

Her smile threatened to bloom into a full-fledged grin. It made her realize he’d done it again.

* * *

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From Darkness into Love