Captured

{5} Fire Meets Fire

Sara Beth's POV:

Another day at Miller's Hardware shop in Mountain Springs goes off without a hitch and, this time, no ugly encounters with a certain someone. Today was a good day. Let's just hope tonight goes well, too. I take a few deep breaths before finishing my closing checklist. Mr. Miller left me alone tonight as he needed to run some errands as well as pick up a shipment that was dropped off at some place called the pack house. Not exactly sure what or where that is, but none of my business either way.

I finish up a few minutes before 7 pm. I'm grateful for the hours, but now I need to rush home to get ready for the bonfire. I lock the store door and slide into the driver's seat of my car. As the yellow house comes into view, I see my father's truck in the drive. With both of us working, we haven't had much time together. I'm grateful I'll get to chat with him before heading to the party.

I walk in the front door and see him dozing on the couch, a half drunk beer on the coffee table. My dad isn't much of a drinker, but enjoys an occasional beer now and again.

"Hey dad! I'm home."

"Hi sweetie. It's so good to see you." He stands up from the couch and brings me into one of his daddy hugs. I breathe in his cologne mixed with beer scent and squeeze my arms around his waist. "How was work?" He asks releasing me from his hold.

"Pretty easy day today and no drama so it was a good day. Whatcha up to tonight?"

"Oh...just relaxing. Not planning on doing much tonight. You?"

"Well, I've been invited to a bonfire. I met this girl, Leah, at the grocery store and she invited me."

"Scott's wife?" He asks. I am amazed.

"Yeah, how did you know?"

"Scott and I have been working on the new IT system. He works with the town officials. Mr. Turner wants to ensure several people are involved, so we got a team together. I've been working with Scott and Leo's son, Zach on the ins and outs of the system which should be fully operational by next week." I stand shocked that my father has been working side by side with none other than Zach Turner, although I should have put two and two together since my dad's boss also has the last name of Turner.

"Oh...I bet he's been a joy to work with." I roll my eyes and don't hide my annoyance.

"Who Scott?"

"No, Zach, I have an attitude larger than the Grand Canyon, Turner." I say smugly.

"Ah! So you've met him?"

"Yeah, he came into the store to pick up something he ordered through Mr. Miller. He was a total douche." My father chuckles and rubs his hand down the back of his neck.

"Well, sweetie, I'm sure once he gets to know you, he won't be that bad. He was a little tense when we first met, but seems to have relaxed a bit after seeing my work. He just needs time to trust us." I look at my father unconvinced.

"He can kick rocks. Besides, I have no intentions of "getting to know him" regardless of what he thinks about new people. He's rude, arrogant, and a bully. I'll just ignore him and stay out of his way. I prefer to be off his radar, thank you very much!" I explain. "Anywho, I need to go get ready. I'll text you once I get there. I'm meeting Leah and Scott in about 45 minutes."

"Okay hunny. Just relax, have fun, meet new people, and let me know when you're on your way home." I give him a slight wave as I walk through the kitchen to the stairs.

I take a quick shower, blow dry my hair and curl it slightly to make it a little wavy. I don light makeup and now, I'm standing in my closet looking for something to wear. I pick a dark-wash skinny Jean with a green off the shoulder sweater. I put a tan cami underneath for an extra layer of warmth. I pull on my brown leather boots and grab my brown fleece jacket. To finish off my look, I swipe on some mauve lipgloss to give my lips some slight color. I smile at my efforts as I look cute.

I hear my phone ding as I'm sure it's Leah. I check my messages.

Leah: hey chick! We are headed your way. See you in about five minutes.

SB: I'm walking out the door now. See you soon.

I place my phone in my back pocket and go downstairs. Dad is watching some comedy show as his laughter fills the living room. I poke my head in.

"Hey dad! I'm leaving! Love you!"

"Love you, too, sweetie. Have fun and be safe!"

I exit the house through the back sliding door and step out onto the back porch. The night air has cooled significantly, but it is still tolerable. Besides, I'm sure the fire will keep everyone nice and toasty. I make my way down the steps and down the trail until it forks. I take the path to the left as the path to the right heads to the clearing I discovered the other day. I hear some rustling through the trees, but don't pay it much mind. As I reach the bend, I see two dark figures heading my way. I stop to make sure it's Leah and Scott.

"Hey chick!" She bounces over and greets me with a hug. "Let me introduce you to my mate, Scott." I look at her curiously.

"Mate?" I raise an eyebrow, not sure of the term. I see her blush and Scott cast her a side glance.

"She means like soulmate, it's a silly little pet name she has for me. I'm Scott, her husband." I hear Leah blow out a breath in relief.

"Aw! That's so cute! Leah, you don't have to be shy about your nicknames." I try to lighten the mood. She giggles a little before looking at Scott, who smiles lovingly. They are so cute together. I hope one day I find something like this. "Shall we?"

"Yes, let's go. Oh by the way, Sara Beth, I've met your dad. We've been working together this week. I must say he's a genius."

"He told me. I guess that's a small town for you. I'm glad you guys are getting along. He said he hopes the system is up and running by next week, which is quick even by his standards."

"Well, between his brains and Leo's financial support to get all the parts we need and pay for the manpower, things have been running smoothly." Scott boasts.

"That's awesome." I smile and the rest of the walk to the house is a comfortable silence. As we approach, I can smell the smoke coming from the bonfire and hear the music thumping. I stand in the backyard of a huge 3-story house. "You guys live here?"

"Well, actually, a lot of the town administrators live here. A few decades ago, the town officials thought it would be beneficial to have a centralized meeting place where we could host events, hold meetings, provide space for the youth, and offer housing to those in need or guests visiting the town. It seemed silly to have everything spread out." Scott explains. I just stand amazed at how homey this large mansion is while not losing its grandeur. The grey siding flanked with black shutters screamed masculine, which made sense due to most of the town officials being male. But, I did see some womanly touches here and there.

"Oh! Enough about tech and town talk. We are here to have a good time, mingle and meet, and enjoy good food and music. Sara Beth, let me show you inside so we can get a drink." I follow Leah inside and instantly see how wonderful the rooms are decorated. I'm also hyper aware of the number of eyes on me. I start to feel self-conscious, but Leah wraps her arm through mine and leads me to the kitchen. Leah introduces me to her friend group. Alison, who goes by Ally, works with Leah at the daycare center, Chloe, who works at the veterinary office in town, and Penelope, who goes by Penny and she works at the bank. We strike up a decent conversation and are having a good time in the kitchen when an ominous presence enters. I glance up behind Penny's head to see a glaring pair of icy blue eyes. Zach.

Luckily, he doesn't stay long and I breathe a sigh of relief before our conversation begins again.

"Ugh! He's so hot!" Chloe speaks just above a whisper. I internally roll my eyes, but just nod in agreement.

"I know right! But, in a terrifying way," Ally states.

"Terrifying?" I question.

"You know. Always brooding, a scowl on his face like he's ready to murder someone. I mean I've seen him laughing and joking, but when he glared at you," She feigns a shiver. "Terrifying." The circle chuckles at her explanation.

"Oh pish posh, he's harmless. He just gets a little animated." Leah jokes.

"You only say that because you're protected by Scott. Zach knows he can't do anything to you. Besides, you're like his little sister," Penny states. I bite my tongue on my opinion, as I really don't know him all that well and, honestly, don't want to say the wrong thing.

"So, Sara Beth, how are you enjoying Mountain Springs?" Chloe asks.

"Uh...so far so good. I got a job at Miller's until I can get my photography business off the ground." This comment spikes a whole new line of conversation. The girls chatter on about how awesome it would be to have a gallery and buy artwork made by someone they know. I blush at their compliments. For the first time, I feel accepted.

"Oh oh oh!" Leah bounces with excitement. "You should set up a booth at the next farmer's market!" The girls in unison agree.

"Farmer's market? I thought that was for vegetables and stuff." I say, confused.

"Yes, normally it is, but ours is held just outside of town on neutral land, so three other towns can participate. It allows all four communities to share resources, goods, and services without the threat of politics getting in the way," Ally explains.

"Makes sense. But what would I sell?"

"Your work, duh! I'm sure you have pieces you would like to sell to make some extra cash. I can't wait to see them!"

"Huh. You're right, I do have plenty of pieces as well as some new ones I still need to develop. I took some photos the other day. I need to set up my dark room to get them ready. When is the market?" I ask, intrigued by this event. It could really help get my name out there, especially blending with surrounding towns.

"It's the fourth Saturday of every month, which gives you two weeks to get ready. You already have your business cards so now it's just your photos." Leah is definitely excited about this venture. She is rubbing off on me as I might actually be able to achieve my life-long dream of becoming a successful photographer. I'm grinning when Scott enters the kitchen.

"What are you girls all giddy about? You know the bonfire is outside, right? Also, Ally, Chloe, can I get your help on setting up the food?" Scott says.

"I can help, too. Let's go ladies." Penny says, following Ally and Chloe. Leah waits for me.

"I just need to use the restroom." I say shyly.

"Oh sure! Just down the main hallway on your left." Leah points and then follows the girls out of the kitchen. "Just head out back once you're done, you'll see us." I nod and begin walking down the corridor. I wash my hands after using the restroom and open the door to a wall of muscle.

"I'm sorry. Excuse me." I say, before looking into a pair of icy blue eyes. Here we go again. I try to side step him, but he refuses to move. "Excuse me, Zach. I need to get by." Without a word, he begins to circle me like a predator to its prey. He leans down so his lips are just outside of my ear.

"How bold of you to address me so informally? You may have Leah and the girls fooled, but I see right through you. You know we already have a pack slut and don't really need another one, so I suggest you keep your skanky legs closed around my friends. Don't even think about entertaining the idea of dating anyone in this town. Got it?" His words cut deeper than I anticipate. I'm not a slut. Hell, I've never even had s*x. I feel tears threaten to fall as I glance up to face him. I want so badly to slap him in his smug little face.

"Wow." Is all I manage to say. I turn on my heel and speed walk down the hallway and out the front door. I stop at the railing, grasping it tightly with my shaky hands to catch my breath and control my tears. I wipe my wet cheeks of the ones that have already escaped. The audacity! The rudeness! He gets under my skin so easily and I hate it. I hear the front door open and I groan internally. "Can't you just leave well enough alone? You don't like me, I get it."

"Who said I didn't like you?" Scott asks. I sigh loudly. "Leah sent me to find you when you didn't make it back outside. I saw you rushing out the door. Is everything okay?" I wipe my face again, trying to cover my tears. I know it's a moot point, since my face will be red and splotchy.

"I'm fine." I bit my lip and turn to face him.

"Yep. I can believe it. Because girls who are fine have tear-stained faces." He walks toward me and stands beside me looking out over the front drive. "Look, I know he's being a d**k to you and I wish I could change his mind about hu—ahem, new people, but just know he wasn't always this closed off and he wasn't this rude. I don't expect you to understand. At least not now. I'll talk to him."

"Why? Why would you do that for me? I'm nobody. Just the new girl in town. I'm nothing special and I mean nothing to anyone here, especially Zach Turner." I look at him in shock. He grins, but doesn't look at me.

"I've worked with your father for only one week and all he talks about are you and your mom. I know what happened and what caused the move. I also know you've got great aspirations and talent which I look forward to seeing. Leah can't even contain her ball of energy about you. All of these things tell me you are more than "nothing" as you say. I also know Zach better than anyone. He's my best friend. I'm not sure what's going on, but I will find out because I will not stand by and watch him disrespect you or any female." I stand in amazement at Scott's affirmation. My tears are now dry, but my head is full of confusion. What the hell is happening? If he's Zach's best friend, why would he be defending me, a stranger, a nobody, an outsider? What's the deal? As if sensing my confusion, Scott places a hand on my shoulder and lightly squeezes it. "You've got a lot to learn about this town and the people in it, but all will be explained in due time. Now, let's go and have a good time! We won't let one douche ruin the night." Just as we are heading back inside, Leah appears at the door.

"Hey, everything okay?" She can see my face. Her eyes go a little glassy, but she quickly smiles and curls her arm in mine, leading me to the bonfire. The conversation flows freely for a while and some entertain the group with jokes. Unfortunately, Zach soon joins the group and continues to glare at me like I'm an enemy. I guess Scott had words with him. I try to ignore him and avoid his gaze, which seems to only be on me.

The night wears on and drinks begin to flow a little more heavily. I'm only on my second drink and I feel a slight buzz. However, Zach's muffled snide comments to his friends are enough to make my head spin. I quickly whisper into Leah's ear that I'm going home. Her concerned face glances between Scott and Zach. I can't take anymore tonight. I stand and leave.