He leads me from my private car at the front of the train, through the first-class compartments, then into coach, where the corridors narrow and the noise level rises. We pass families with crying babies and college kids with backpacks. The further back we go, the more the train rocks and sways. Bruce fumbleswith a staff door at the very end. Metal groans as it opens, revealing a small platform with safety rails. Cool air and the clatter of wheels hit me immediately.
He shifts from foot to foot, his eyes darting between me and the door like he’s calculating how much trouble he’ll be in if I fall off the train.
“I’m fine out here.”
“I—”
“Alone.”
He nods and retreats back inside without another word, leaving me with the night.
I close my eyes. The wind screams and the wheels clack along the night landscape. The May air carries the scent of blooming dogwoods and fresh earth as we speed through the countryside. The combination soothes me.
Until the door screeches open.
“Bruce, leave me alone…” The rest of the reprimand withers in my throat like wildflowers in a heatwave.
Instead of the porter, an extremely attractive woman steps out. She’s petite, barely reaching my chest, so maybe five feet. Yet, something in her steady gaze makes her larger-than-life. Her hair is dark brown, and the long, thick strands are flowing wildly around her in the wind. Her dark eyes hold a defiant glint, and I’m suddenly desperate to know their color.
She twists around to close the door, and I take in the sundress that stops just below her knees. It isn’t tight, but the light fabric drapes over her curves in the best way. When she faces me again, my gaze drops briefly to her chest. Quickly enough to notice how the soft material dips between breasts that are the perfect size for my hands.
“What are you doing out here?” I demand.
Her left brow lifts and she tips her chin down at me. I have to laugh. It’s nearly identical to the look I gave the porter lessthan ten minutes ago. “I should ask you the same question,” she replies. “I don’t remember reading in the train’s brochure about an outdoor viewing area for the passengers.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her I’m not like the other passengers, but I put my cocky ass attitude on silence. “I know people.” I can’t help the small rusty smile that twitches my lips. “Do we know the same people?”
Her smile spreads on her perfect mouth. “Nope, I just know how to follow people who know people and snatch up a good opportunity.”
She moves closer and I catch her scent. It’s earthy but expensive. Patchouli maybe, mixed with something softer. It’s unexpected and intoxicating, much like her arrival. “So don’t rat me out. I can be quiet and we can enjoy this together.”
“Aren’t you cold?” I ask. Less than arm’s length away, I can see her dress is a coral color. Bright and alive, just like her.
“I can handle it if you can.”
I drop my gaze to her legs, move to her hips and waist, before returning to her face. “Oh, I can manage.”
She lets out a dainty snort. “If you’re openly checking me out, then I am free to do the same. Why don’t you remove that jacket so I can see if the broad shoulders and strong arms are from a well-made suit or you?”
A jolt of something I’d forgotten existed shoots through me. Anticipation mixed with genuine interest. For the first time in years, I’m awake instead of just existing, alive instead of merely surviving. The sensation is so foreign I almost don’t recognize it.
I face her, and neither of us break eye contact as I slowly unbutton my jacket. I damn well know my body looks good. Since I’ve mostly quit drinking and gambling, my new addiction is swimming and boxing. The sport is popular in Quebec, and punching the shit out of others is great for my body and mind.
Her gaze lingers on my chest and my arms in my fitted button-up. I let her take her time, and when she finally makes her way back to my eyes, I ask, “What’s your name?”
“Ivy.” She licks her lips, and I can’t look away.
“Like poison ivy?”
She laughs. “More like Devil’s Ivy. Beautiful, nearly indestructible, and I thrive in almost any environment.”
I take my time looking her over again. “I could see that.” Leaning against the metal railing, I shift closer. “Where are you headed?”
“Tonight? Or on this train?”
My gaze locks on her lips. “Both.”
“I’m going to Kentucky.” She steps closer. We’re close enough now that I can see that her eyes are the color of my favorite bourbon. “As for the rest of the evening, I haven’t decided.”
