Watercolor (Dragonfly) Read online

  Watercolor

  By Leigh Talbert Moore

  Copyright

  If you are reading this book and did not purchase it or win it from an author-sponsored giveaway, this book has been pirated. Please delete it from your device, and support the author(s) by purchasing a legal copy from one of its many distributors.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Watercolor

  Copyright © Leigh Talbert Moore, 2013

  www.leightmoore.com

  Printed in the United States of America.

  Cover design by Jolene B. Perry.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, photocopying, mechanical, or otherwise—without prior permission of the publisher and author.

  For my faithful readers and friends,

  and for everyone who believes in true love.

  And for JRM, always~

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Copyright

  Chapter 1

  Two nights ago, I stood on the beach in Julian’s arms watching as the New Year’s Eve fireworks exploded in a brilliant finale. I kissed him, and we promised to spend the second half of senior year together.

  Two hours before, I’d stood in a gigantic living room in a mansion on Hammond Island, the most exclusive neighborhood in our town, facing Julian’s mystery father. I’d promised to keep him informed about Julian without ever revealing his identity.

  Tonight, I stood in my bedroom, a cool January breeze blowing in across the Gulf, holding the one piece of evidence that could blow everything—a letter from Julian’s mom to his dad, Bill Kyser.

  I had to get that letter back to Julian’s dad before anyone found it in my possession.

  Winter had arrived in South County at last. My house was too far from the water to hear the waves crashing, but I’d opened my bedroom window and taken off the screen. Standing by my dresser, I closed my eyes and pretended I was out there, sitting on the shore, letting the damp, salty air push my hair around my face. In that moment, I could smell the crisp ocean water, and if I really focused, I could almost taste it.

  Taste carried my mind back to Friday night, when I’d stood on the shore with Julian’s arms tight around my waist. After two years we were officially together, and a little thrill followed closely by a smile hit me whenever I remembered that night.

  He’d run down from his house to meet me at the public beach, and we’d stood on the shore watching the show. At midnight when we kissed, a hint of salt filled my mouth. I wasn’t sure if it was from the running or the briny air or if everything about him was like the best day at the beach ever. It was probably all three.

  In my quiet house, I remembered the other part of that night, and going to my door, I put my ear against it to listen. The only sound was silence. I turned the knob and carefully eased it open. No one was awake. Closing it again, I locked it and went to my dresser. In the top drawer, past panties, socks, and tights, I felt it. The letter. Right beside a little box.

  I was dressed for bed in a tank top and snowman PJ pants. My curly brown hair was pulled into a side ponytail, and I hopped onto my bed holding both items from my drawer. The box contained the dragonfly ring Julian had made for me last semester. I slipped it onto my finger and dropped back on the bed on my back. Holding my hand up, I tilted it from side to side so the crystals would sparkle. It was possibly the best gift I’d ever received in my life, and thinking about officially being Julian’s girlfriend filled my chest with a bubble of excitement.

  Still smiling, I sat up again and grabbed the letter. It was the first time I’d read it since it fell out of Bill Kyser’s private journal. That night, I’d stuffed it under my pillow, and later I’d forgotten to retrieve it before returning the secret books to Julian’s dad. Now it was the only piece of evidence tying me to their story.

  Carefully, I removed the thick paper from the light blue envelope and unfolded it.

  Dear Bill,

  Thank you again for the welding torch. I hope it will help Julian with his scholarship projects for SCAD. I’ll be sure you know how that goes. His art is edgy and inventive, if a bit expensive. Perhaps he got a few developer genes from his father after all. Or maybe all boys like building things and playing with fire.

  Speaking of fire, I also received your message about telling him about you. I understand you want to be in his life more, and I know it’s been a long time. It’s hard to believe thirteen years have passed since that terrible night.

  But I still can’t agree with you that telling Julian is the right thing. I think that would be playing with fire. And it would burn us badly. None of the children would recover from that wound.

  For now, we must continue to keep your identity a secret. Julian has everything he needs, and you’ve always been so generous toward him. I thank you for that. Maybe one day he can know you as his father, but today, I just don’t see how it’s possible. I hope you understand.

  Sincerely,

  Alex

  My fingers slid back and forth across the stationary. The letter was written after Julian’s fifteenth birthday, three years ago. Apparently, Mr. Kyser had wanted to come clean. He’d wanted Julian to know the truth. That his father was the richest and possibly most powerful man in town.

  My lips pressed together as my forehead creased. I’d promised I wouldn’t tell Julian what I knew, but it was getting harder with every passing day.

  Just then I heard a sharp crack! outside my window, followed by a snapping sound. Immediately, I dropped from my bed to the floor, eyes glued to the dark opening where my screen should’ve been. It was 12:30, and I had no idea what I’d do if a squirrel or something worse flew inside. In a blink, a dark head in a grey knit hat appeared. Shining blue eyes met mine, and my lips instantly broke into a smile to match the one on Julian’s face.

  “Anna?” he whispered, still outside. Then he strained to see me. “Are you hiding?”

  My pulse raced. “What are you doing?” He couldn’t see my hands, so I quickly folded the paper and shoved the incriminating letter back in its envelope as fast as I could.

  “Coming to get you.” He straddled my window sill, crossing over, and I slipped the letter under my bed before standing up.

  Then I glanced down at what I was wearing—no bra, but my tank was black. “I was about to go to bed.”

  “Hmm,” his eyes moved up and down my body, and I felt a little charge. “I miss warm weather.”

  “It’ll be back soon.”

  His presence seemed to fill my room, as if he were the only thing there, dressed in dark jeans and a long-sleeved plaid shirt. I ran to him, and my bare feet made him seem even taller
than usual. He pulled me by the waist into a close into a hug, and I shivered as his breath tickled past my ear.

  “My vote’s always for less clothes, but you’re going to freeze.” He straightened up, stepping over to my closet and digging around until he came back with my black hoodie. “Slip this on and some jeans.”

  I took it, not even thinking of putting up a fight. “What are we doing?”

  “Meeting up with the guys down by the water,” he whispered. “It’s the last night before we head back to finish the year, and they wanted to hang out. I wanted to see you.”

  His words made me smile as I scooped a pair of faded jeans off the foot of my bed. He watched me a split second before going back to the window while I finished dressing. I grabbed my shoes and met him at the opening.

  “Do you need help getting down?” He reached for the branch right outside.

  “I don’t know,” I whispered, following him as I buttoned and zipped. “I’ve never done this before.”

  “That makes me very sad to hear. I’m definitely coming back.”

  My nose wrinkled, but I caught the hand he held out. Briefly, I slid my thumb across the tiny dragonfly tattoo he’d inked between his thumb and first finger. With our hands together, it looked like my ring and his ink were flying to each other.

  “You’re wearing it,” he said. My eyes flickered to his, and just as fast, he leaned forward and kissed me, stealing my breath. His lips were warm against mine and sweet like fresh mint. “Mmm. I’d better get you down.”

  He caught my waist, helping me onto the branch. As always, I was surprised by his strength. Julian was tall and slim, but he was constantly lifting and holding up motorcycle parts and assorted machinery, the raw materials he welded into huge metal sculptures. It left him strong enough to take on guys twice his size, not that he needed to. His easy-going personality earned him friends just about every school circle.

  Once across, I caught the branches and scrambled after him, quietly dashing across my front lawn and down the half-block to where his classic T-bird convertible was parked. We both jumped in, and I watched as he turned the key and waited.

  For a second, the car only coughed and then went silent. My eyes blinked to his face, and I noticed his jaw clench.

  “Second time this week,” he muttered, giving the key another turn.

  Still, it didn’t start. He let out a low growl, and my shoulders tensed. “Piece of shit car,” he swore.

  “You love your car,” I argued, hoping to be encouraging.

  My excited mood faltered as he turned it once more, but the car roared to life. I quietly exhaled the breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

  “There,” his brow relaxed, and he shot me a smile. “Good thing. I’ve got zero cash for car shopping.”

  “I’ll pick you up if you ever need a ride to school or anything.” I took his hand. He gave me a little pull, and I scooted across the bench seat, pressing my body into his side.

  “Thanks, but I was hoping to be driving you to school. And we’ve got that art opening in Darplane next week. You still my date?”

  “Wouldn’t miss it.” I rested my head on his shoulder. “I’m just saying, I’ll help you whenever.”

  “My angel.” He pressed his lips against my head. “But I’ve got things I want to do for you now.”

  I studied his profile. “You don’t have to do anything for me.”

  His eyes were on the road. “I want to. After the opening, more stuff should start selling in Newhope. You just wait.”

  I shook my head, watching the road. I didn’t want him to spend the little money he earned on me, but it was no use telling Julian what to do.

  Down by the water, Brad Brennan was waiting with his girlfriend Rachel. He had built a small fire on the beach, and he was sitting on a huge driftwood log with her right in front of him. Brad was the quarterback for our high school football team, and Rachel was head cheerleader. They were the perfect cliché, but Fairview was a small town. They had been together since middle school, and while I never thought I’d be close friends with someone like Rachel, this year had changed everything. We were even planning to be roommates next fall if I got into college in New Orleans.

  Julian and Brad had been inseparable since their near-fatal car crash fall semester, and knowing the history of their dads, I couldn’t help wondering if some humans were destined to be friends.

  Julian held my hand as we walked to join them, and Rachel’s eyebrows rose at the sight of us together. I smiled, feeling my cheeks warm. It was our first public appearance as a couple.

  “Hey, what’s this about?” Brad teased us, nodding my way as he bumped fists with Julian.

  “Yeah, we’re together,” Julian said, sitting and pulling me onto his lap.

  A huge black guy sat nearby on the other side of the fire. He looked vaguely familiar to me, and I tried to remember if he was on the football team with Brad.

  “Cool,” Brad said as we sat. “You know Montage?”

  Julian waved toward the guy. “Hey—Tamara’s little bro?”

  Montage nodded back, and instantly I recognized him. “Hey! Tamara does my hair,” I said.

  He nodded, and I wondered why he was here. Tamara had mentioned her little brother, but he lived in Crystal Shores, the next town over.

  “Mo’s transferring to Fairview to finish out the school year,” Brad said.

  “Kind of late to switch schools.” Julian’s arm went around my waist. My back was pressed against his chest, and it felt warm and right.

  Montage studied the fire, his expression serious. “Stupid shit’s going down at Crystal Shores. I’m moving in with Tamara.”

  Brad glanced at him. “You don’t have to worry about anything happening at Fairview. Coach Wilson keeps a close eye on things, and his uncle’s a cop. First cousin’s the mayor.”

  “The school’s just so spread out,” our new friend said.

  My brow creased. I didn’t understand what they were talking about or why Montage would be worrying about the layout of our campus, but I didn’t like it. His switching schools at the very end of senior year meant it was probably something serious.

  “What’s going on?” I asked. Julian’s arm squeezed my waist.

  Montage shrugged. “A guy at Crystal Shores says I intentionally hurt him last season in a game. Killed his chance at a scholarship. Now he wants revenge.”

  “He made some serious threats,” Brad added. “But it’s all bullshit. This time next year, it’ll be ancient history.”

  Julian’s chin was on my shoulder, so his voice was close to my ear, as if he were speaking just to comfort me. “If the principal and the coaches know, they’ll be watching out for you.”

  “Wait—you think some guy might try and hurt you at Fairview?” Rachel studied Brad and Montage’s faces, her brow creased as well.

  “I’d like to see him try.” Brad’s voice reminded me of his dad’s, all tough swagger and arrogance. It did little to ease my growing concern. “Football’s a tough game. Deal with it.”

  Montage shook his head and looked forward. “I’m just hoping it stays back there.”

  Julian jumped in, giving me a quick squeeze before standing. “I say we don’t borrow trouble. If something happens, we’ll handle it, and it’s more likely nothing will.”

  Brad made a noise of agreement and pulled out a flask from his coat pocket. “Here’s to the last days ahead.” He took a shot and motioned to Rachel. She waved it away, and he tossed the thin silver container to Julian.

  He grinned and took a quick hit. I pressed my lips together, but he kissed me fast before tossing it to Montage. Montage just held it a moment and then shook his head. “I don’t need any more trouble.”

  Brad took the flask back and slapped him on the shoulder. “We’ve got you covered, my man.”

  He took another drink and with that, the guys were talking about senior bowl and who’d be in Sterling in a few months representing the college teams.
Brad had surprised everyone by opting to go to Tulane in New Orleans instead of one of the big state schools that had been after him. I thought about the journals and what I’d read about his dad. The Brennans could be unpredictable fellows. Montage was headed to State, and judging by his size, I figured he’d been recruited just as hard as Brad.

  Rachel’s brow was still lined, and she listened to them talking in silence. I could tell she was as troubled by what the guys said as I was, but they were too busy swapping drinks and talking football to notice. Before long, Julian was back sitting beside me. Rachel was talking about the events remaining for the year. In addition to head cheerleader, she was chair of the party planning committee and senior liaison for prom. They were working on a spring dance, a bonfire to kick off spring break, of course prom… It sounded like she’d be working nonstop as she listed all the social activities they had planned before graduation.

  “We’re hoping the bonfire will be the start of a class tradition,” she said, and I didn’t even realize I was falling asleep until my head dropped forward on Julian’s shoulder.

  “Hey,” he caught my chin, and I felt my cheeks flush. He laughed. “Rachel, you’re putting everybody to sleep. We’re taking off.”

  “No, she’s not,” I said, shaking my head, but Julian pulled me up. I waved, and we all said goodnight. This time the car cranked without hesitation, and before long we were back at my house standing outside Julian’s car.

  “The one bad thing about sneaking out is getting back in,” he said, staring up at the tree.

  My eyes traveled to my window. I was way too tired for climbing. “I’ll get the hidden key and use the door.”

  “Where’s the fun in that?” Julian teased, catching me around the waist and pulling me to him. My hands went to his shoulders. “See you tomorrow?”

  I nodded, threading my fingers into the soft hair just brushing the top of his collar. He leaned down. “Thanks for coming out.”