Read Online Hidden Scars by Amanda K. Byrne - Free Book Online Page A

Virginia’s center.
           Back and forth, up and down the court, the noise level rising and falling depending on the action below. Sara’s hand slapped down on his thigh more than once, and she caught his fingers and strangled them during a particularly fraught battle for control. The warm pressure of her hand on his imprinted on his brain, and he shifted her grip so he was more comfortable, waiting to see if she’d notice. She didn’t, merely squeezed and relaxed, squeezed and relaxed, as the intensity of the game kept her on the edge of her seat. She craned her neck when he edged past her and returned ten minutes later with two bottles of water. She smiled her thanks as she took it from him before giving her attention to the court.
           As focused as she was on the game, she didn’t catch him sneaking glances. He’d remember this for certain. Little Sara Andrews went nuts for WVU basketball. The way she lit up, her guard completely down, the pure joy on her face had him thinking of more ways to bring that out. Maybe they’d take in a Timbers match. He’d never been to a soccer match before. He wondered if her enthusiasm extended beyond college ball to other sports.
           Only one way to find out.
           Her energy level remained up after the game. “Want to grab a drink?” he asked.
           When she tried to talk, though, she winced, and he was right there with her. She’d screamed most of the game and her voice was shredded. “Ow,” she whispered. “Fuck fuck fuck ow .”
           He chuckled. “Hot tea. Hot water, at least. I’ve heard it’s what Hawks fans drink after games.” Or drank once they’d left the bar for the safety of their own homes. The decibel level in the Rose Garden was nothing compared to the volume at the CLink, home of the Seattle Seahawks. He’d gone to his first game the previous fall, and his buddy and tour guide had been mute by the time the game was over.
           Outside, a mist had settled over the city, dampening the streets. There had to be a quiet bar or cafe where she could get a cup of hot tea before he drove her home for the night.
           Hand at her lower back, they picked their way through the crowd and headed away from where most of the fans had congregated. It grew quieter as the blocks passed, the fans streaming in the opposite direction. Up ahead, glowing lights highlighted an awning. By unspoken agreement, they headed for the lights.
           It was a tiny bar, less than half full. He waited until she’d climbed up on stool at a high table in the corner and went to the bar. “Terminator and a cup of hot water with lemon.”
           The bartender nodded and busied himself filling the order. Taylor took the opportunity to scan the space. Very much out of the way. No one they knew would see them here. It was the kind of place they could carry on an intimate conversation without the possibility of being caught by anyone they knew. Too bad her voice was shot. It was an otherwise excellent opportunity to learn more about her.
           “Five bucks.” There was a
thunk
as the pint glass was set on the bar, and he dug some bills out of his wallet. He carried his beer and the hot water over to the table.
           Her whimper at the first sip froze his hand to his glass. He could instantly imagine a hundred other scenarios where she’d make the same noise. All of them involved her at least partially undressed. Straddling him. Wrapped around him. Molded to him as he took her mouth, slow and deep and thorough.
           The beer did nothing to chase the images away.
           “Thanks,” she rasped out when her glass mug hit the half empty point. She winced at the words. “Scratchy as shit.”
           “Probably will be for a while. Sleep should do the rest.”
           On impulse, he covered her hand with his, curved his fingers around it. She stared at their hands, her