Instinctive - By Cathryn Fox Page 0,75

longing, her gaze strayed to her window and her heart leapt. As she focused on the brand-new day, reality came rushing back in a sobering whoosh.

One more night until the full moon.

She leaned over and tapped Sunray on the shoulder. “Time to get up.” Sunray mumbled something about puppies needing a lot of sleep, and rolled back over.

Chilled after shedding her covers, Jaclyn hugged herself and climbed from the bed. When she stood she noticed her sore thigh muscles—a beautiful reminder of her frenzied lovemaking with Slyck. She padded to the bathroom and hopped into the shower. The water helped warm her body but did little to lighten her foul mood. After drying off, and slipping into a pretty formfitting shirt that was high enough to show off her belly ring, and a flirty white skirt, she applied her makeup, put in her silver contact lenses, and made her way to the kitchen.

Her gaze strayed to Slyck’s house and her glance caught his silhouette in the window. Tall. Broad. Muscular.

Hers.

His eyes glistened in the darkened room, and she could only guess that he was longing for her just as badly as she longed for him.

The sound of Sunray moving around in the bedroom pulled her focus. When she heard the shower turn on, she sauntered to the kitchen to whip up breakfast for the two of them. Would the day ever come when she and Slyck could share a relaxed meal together?

After filling their stomachs with waffles, cream, and fruit, the women made their way to the department store. Just before lunch hour approached, Jaclyn spotted a couple near the front entrance. Despite the damp weather, both were dressed in bright Hawaiian shirts and knee-length shorts—which reminded Jaclyn of retired Floridians. They were asking for directions but were receiving only cold, snide remarks from the locals. Obviously, they were outsiders who’d stumbled upon Serene because they weren’t expecting any temporary residents.

But that voice . . . it was familiar.

Jaclyn’s heart lodged in her throat. Surely to God it wasn’t.

A strange sound crawled out of her throat and gained Sunray’s attention. She came rushing over.

“What is it?” Sunray asked, her silver eyes flashing from Jaclyn to the front entrance with unease.

Jaclyn gulped and pointed toward the couple coming her way. “My parents.”

“Oh shit,” Sunray bit out. She pushed Jaclyn behind her. “Quick, go. They can’t see you like this. Run over to women’s apparel and find something appropriate.”

Moving quickly, Jaclyn grabbed a pair of cream-colored dress pants and a matching blouse. She tore the price tags off and rushed to the dressing room.

Once she was satisfied that it was a look her parents would expect and appreciate, she sauntered back to her counter and opened her eyes wide in delight when she spotted them browsing the shelves.

“What a surprise,” Jaclyn said, her voice a little too high as she threw her hands up in the air.

Her mother gave her a peck on the cheek, her short blond hair brushing over Jaclyn’s face. Jaclyn turned to her father and glanced up, taking note of his dark tan and how the sun had lightened his thinning brown hair.

He gave her a wink and went on to explain, “Been on the golf course.” He in turn appraised her. Dark brown eyes opened wide, and a smile broke out on his jovial face when he took in her appearance. “You changed your hair.”

Her hand automatically went to her short curls. She nodded and flashed a smile. “I cut it off. I thought the shorter length looked more professional.” His grin widened, seemingly pleased.

“What kind of contacts are those?” her mother asked, squinting as she peered into Jaclyn’s eyes. “What an odd color,” she commented.

Oh damn, she’d forgotten about those. “I find it gives me a sophisticated look,” Jaclyn said and folded her hands behind her back. She took that moment to redirect the conversation. “So you decided to come along anyway, even after I told you it wasn’t necessary.”

Her mother gave a sheepish, half-guilty grin, and wiggled her fingers with excitement. “I just couldn’t wait to meet this man of yours.”

Jaclyn worked to keep the annoyance out of her voice. “He’s working late, so you won’t be able to meet him.” She quickly changed the subject again. “Have you had lunch yet? Let’s go back to my place, and I’ll make something.”

“We wouldn’t want to put you out,” her father said. “Let’s just go to that nice café we parked by.”

Oh hell.

Ten minutes later Jaclyn