Page 53 of Shadow's Surrender
“Not really … at least not consciously—that was Marcelo.” His brows raised slightly and she cocked her head to the side while looking at him. “I’d met him during my junior year of college when I studied abroad for one year in Rome. We had a fiery and romantic relationship, and he’d asked me to stay after my year was up. I’d fallen hopelessly in love with him, so I told my parents I wanted to finish out my studies in Rome and live there. They didn’t agree with me, but I did it anyway.”
“But it didn’t work out?”
“No … it was a disaster after about three months. My dad cut the money flow, so I couldn’t afford the tuition. Marcelo didn’t think it was too much fun going to school full-time and working, and honestly, I was miserable. I came home with my pride wounded.”
“I bet your dad had a field day with that.”
“He never mentioned it. I just went back to my university and life went on. It changed me, though. It made me realize that I’m not a survivor. It was a somber experience.”
Shadow grabbed her to him and nestled her head on his shoulder while he stroked her arm. “We’re all survivors when we have to be. Staying in Rome wasn’t your life or death moment. Whenthatcomes, you’ll meet it head on. You’re a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
“I don’t know. I’m still living at home in a 1950s bubble.”
“You’re used to the pampered life, but if you want something bad enough, you’ll do it even if you’re scared.”
Scarlett licked her lips and burrowed deeper into him. “I am scared,” she whispered.
“Fear is good—without it, we get too fuckin’ cocky and that’s when life kicks us in the ass. The thing you gotta do is feel the fear, but do it anyway. Like you were looking at apartments today, but that doesn’t mean shit until you take the first step—sign a lease.”
“I know, but I don’t even have a damn job.”
“Your dad wouldn’t go for you having your own place?”
“Nope—two sets of rules in my house—one for my brothers and one for me. I’m to get married and have babies and continue with my charity work—which I love doing, by the way.”
“Then get a job. Hell, I could use some help at the warehouse. You wanna work for me?”
He laughed.
She looked up at him. “Warehouse? I thought you worked for Smokey.”
“I’m just helping him out. I own several storage rentals and have an online business where I sell shit. I started the online business a year ago and it’s really picking up now. I could use someone to help keep track of the inventory. I got a few guys working for me who pack the shelves, and prepare the stuff I sell for shipping, but I do all the books and shit myself too. I’m just saying …”
“That’s so cool that you have your own business and own some property. I’ll think about the offer, but I’d really like to work in marketing or public relations—that’s what I studied in college.”
“Then go for it. You must know a ton of people—ask around and make a case for yourself. Shit, baby, if you don’t fight foryou”—he lightly tapped his finger on her upper arm—“then no one’s gonna do it.”
Scarlett squeezed him and kissed his neck. “It sounds like you know this from experience.”
“Damn straight,” he said in a low voice.
A comfortable silence stretched between them as they lay intertwined on the blanket for a long while. The sounds of nature swirled around them, and Scarlett thought the soft rustling of branches sounded like trees whispering to each other.
“Let’s take a dip in the lake,” Shadow said, breaking the quietness. “I’ll get another blanket from the saddle bag.” He gently untangled her from him, then stood up.
Scarlett turned her head so she could watch the muscles in his delicious ass flex as he walked away. His butt was so nice and perfectly rounded that she wanted to chase after him, tackle him to the ground, and alternately squeeze and bite those muscular cheeks.Yeah … a dip in the lake is definitely what I need to cool me down.The truth was that she simply couldn’t get enough of him. She just wanted to be in his presence: they didn’t always need to have sex, or even talk, just as long as he was around her. That thought scared the hell out of Scarlett because she didn’t want to give her heart to him only to have it broken.I couldn’t handle that.
“Ready, baby?” His voice cut into her thoughts, and when she looked up at his grinning face, her insides melted.
Nodding, she ambled over to him.
The water was refreshingly cool and a wonderful juxtaposition to his hot kisses. After a half hour of fooling around, splashing each other, and laughing like a couple of demented hyenas, Shadow wrapped her in a large blanket, then led her back to where their clothes laid crumpled in a heap.
Scarlett slipped on her bra and panties, then tugged the sundress over her head. Shadow quickly dressed, then sank down.
“Come here,” he said patting the empty space beside him.
She plopped down and he yanked her into his arms.
