Storm Front (The Charistown Series) (Volume 2) by Lisa N. Paul Page B

disrespected her in any way, ever again, he’d have to
learn how to play bass with his toes.”
    Even though they both laughed at Leo’s comment, Ryan knew
that Leo was in no way joking, and he guessed that Jayson probably knew it as
well.

 

     
     
    …As a Friend
     
     
    “HEY, ASH, WAIT up.” Ashley heard
footsteps behind her as Scott quickened his pace to reach her just as she was
leaving the high school and heading for the parking lot. “I can’t believe we’re
heading into another hurricane. Jesus, this is one of the worst seasons I can
remember.”
    He wasn’t wrong. They’d had ten hurricanes and tropical
storms that year in Florida—eight of them major. It was the last week in
October and the season should have been winding down but according to the
Weather Channel it was set to get worse. It looked like October and even
November might be filled with tropical storms and hurricanes.
    Yuck. Ashley hated being home alone in her big house when
the violent weather hit. While she knew she should be used to the creaky sounds
the old house made when the winds hit the siding and the leaves on the trees
blew angrily, she’d never gotten over her fear of being whipped away by the
gale force winds, or drowned by the surge of angry water.
    She’d seen so much devastation as a result of the hurricanes
over the years and since big storms meant big damage, her parents usually rode
out the storms at the hospital, waiting for victims to be brought in. When she
and Leo were young, they had nannies and caretakers watching over them. Once
they were old enough it had been just the two of them, holding on to each
other, waiting for the driving rains and wicked winds to pass.
    This season, it had been just her in the house. Alone. On
the nights that Leo’s band wasn’t performing, he’d stayed on the phone with
her, whispering comforting words in her ear, and then she’d return the favor if
and when storms had hit wherever he was on the coast. They weren’t physically
together, but they weren’t worlds apart. She warmed at the thought, completely
forgetting that Scott was walking by her side.
    “You’re shivering, Ash. Do you want my jacket?” She could
see the sincerity in his eyes and watched as he slid out of his rain slicker.
“We can’t have you getting sick. You have a long shift at the restaurant
tonight and don’t forget you’re covering for me tomorrow,” he said with a grin.
    “Thanks for the jacket, Scott.” She pulled the sides closer
together and quickened her steps to move closer to her car. “I’ll see you in a
few minutes over at the restaurant.”
    “You know, Ash, on the days we’re both working, we really
should just drive over together.”
    His suggestion sounded logical but she knew that it would
look bad to anyone that cared to look into it. So she just shrugged her
shoulders and got into her car. The sky was a deep gray and thick low clouds
sat in wait, ready to crack under the pressure of the water tucked away inside
of them. She quickly called Ryan’s cell phone as she walked through the kitchen
to the staff room, and frowned when his voice mail picked up.
    “Hi, honey, I’m heading into work and just wanted to call
and tell you that I love you. I can’t believe it’s been over a week since I
last kissed you. I miss you. Call me after your show. Bye.”
    Turning her phone on vibrate, she put her things in her
locker and got ready for her shift. Standing by the mirror, she swept her long
golden tresses up into a messy bun and fastened it with a clip.
    “Your hair always smells like the beach,” Scott whispered
into her ear from behind her, sending a gasp whooshing from her body. She
hadn’t even noticed him standing there until he’d spoken. Placing his hand on
her shoulder, he rubbed his thumb lightly along her shoulder blade. “Shh, calm
down Ash, I didn’t mean to startle you. I was just putting my stuff away and I
saw you standing here and, well, you just looked so