Erik shifted in his seat, foot planted on the floor as the train slowed for a railway crossing. “Another thing on my bucket list. We didn’t travel much either. Like yours, my mom was a single mother for a while but she had a strong support system.”
“My mother was an orphan and never knew her parents. When I found J.J., I met my grandfather. Grandpa Hank let me live with him while I went to college. He didn’t have much but he shared what he had.” Belle had been thrilled to meet him. He’d never questioned her claim of who she was, but accepted her as his own. “He died last year, so J.J. lives with me now.”
“You have your brother. My sister is special to me. She came late in my mother’s life.” His voice softened and a hint of vulnerability flashed across his face before he adjusted the mask back in place. She’d sensed he was holding back but she wasn’t sure if it was wishful thinking on her part or a reality.
The train stopped and a cool breeze blew through the car. “Looks like the train is about to start its upward climb to the falls.”
“Have you been to the falls?” she asked. Time to change the subject to him. What had he looked like as a boy? Blond for sure. She’d have to ask for some pictures. Why? She had no need to delve deeper into his past.
“Ask Erik about his uncle,” Darius said in her ear.
Ask him about his uncle? She searched her mind if she’d read or heard anything about the man but it came out blank. Instinct said not to do what Darius asked but she was curious. Turnabout was fair play. She had no doubt that Darius pushed Erik’s line of questioning. She had a bad feeling that she was about to stick her nose into areas where it didn’t belong.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
“Do you have a big family? Any aunts or uncles? Oh wait, you said you had cousins.”
Belle’s question was only natural after what Erik had asked her. How much to admit? Chances were, Darius had stirred up this hornets’ nest. His past wasn’t exactly a secret but a single second of publicity for his grifting uncle was a second too much.
“Yes, my mother has a brother. He owns a sports memorabilia shop in Mississippi and now he sells his stock on TV” And his bookie services on the side. The guy was a conman, the family’s dark secret.
“Sports memorabilia? I know there are a lot of collectors out there.” She arched her neck, the long gold earrings she wore brushing her bare shoulder. The sun was setting but the temperature remained warm enough that neither one of them wore a coat. “Does he sell them on a local channel or national?”
“Yep.” He pressed his lips tight, not happy with the turn of the conversation. “Uncle Tank is an interesting character.” And not in a good way. He’d been grifting for as long as Erik was old enough to remember. He ground his teeth, wishing to get off this subject and fast. Tank had done some bad things like almost losing his parents’ farm and railroading Erik’s career.
“I’m definitely interested.” Belle crossed her leg, the dress pushing up higher on her thigh. She had nice legs, long and toned. He’d explored those legs with detail and knew from personal experience they were smooth to the touch.
The train began to sway as it picked up speed. Originally the railway car transported livestock. It had been refurbished with paneled walls, a few hay bales, and animal tack on the walls to give it an old-fashioned flare. It reminded him a bit of the barn at home. “There’s not really much to tell, other than he’s been known to stretch the truth.”
She clasped the pendant on the necklace she wore all the time, a small heart on a silver chain. “Like brag about his very talented and cute nephew?”
“Yes about bragging. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him call me cute.” He flashed a reluctant smile at her teasing. “But you can.”
“Thanks.” She still held his hand, and gave it a squeeze.
“He was the high school football coach but before I was even on the high school team, he worked with me on the football field. When my dad died in the fire, he kind of stepped in to help my mom. Back then, I thought he was the best uncle ever. That changed in college.”
“As children, we often put attributes on people that aren’t necessarily realistic. I’d always dreamed that my dad would come find me one day. That never happened. I used to resent him. I don’t anymore. He has a drug problem and needs help. But, because of him, I now have J.J.” There was a shimmer of understanding in her eyes.
“In my case, it wasn’t until I started to get noticed on the field that I found out he was a bookie. He was placing bets on the games which is a big no-no for sports.” It wasn’t even the gambling that was Erik’s biggest gripe. The nail in the proverbial coffin was Tank’s request for Erik to throw the game. “The college put me on probation, erring on the side of caution. They lifted it soon after determining I did nothing wrong.”
“That could have been a game changer.” Belle’s lips thinned, the seriousness of her expression speaking to the gravity of what could have happened if Erik had given in to Tank’s demands. “You would have been blackballed from professional sports.”
“Yes.” It had been a rude awakening. He could have forgiven Tank had it been an isolated incident. It wasn’t.
“Belle and Erik, we’ve arrived at Snoqualmie Falls,” Darius said through the ear piece.
The train stopped and Tim and a second camera crew were waiting on the platform.
Erik rose to his feet and helped Belle stand. He tucked her arm into his and went to the entrance. The ground was a good twelve inches below the steps. “Hold on.” He released Belle and hopped down to the gravel track. Reaching up, he met her inquisitive stare before clasping her waist. She placed her palms on his shoulders. He lifted her down, allowing her body to slide along the length of his. At eye level, he allowed his gaze to drift to her mouth until her feet found the ground.
She put a hand between them and pushed back. “Remember what I said?”
He lifted a brow, willing his dick to let his head have control. What had she told him? “I remember everything you said. Can you be more specific?”
“Apparently I didn’t get my point across.” She stood on her toes until her mouth was a mere inch away. “No commitment, no kiss. It’s either them or me. Time to make your choice.”
She twisted out of his embrace and walked to the guardrail overlooking the falls. The spring runoff was heavy this year and the falls were in their full glory. So was Belle.
