Echoes in the Wind Read Free Page B

a nearby window. Darla let out a short scream and whirled back to Eric. He’d leaned a hip against the deck rail with a cigarette clenched between his lips. His drink sat on the banister while he concentrated on the lighter underneath, clicking twice before a blue flame appeared. He inhaled deeply as the flare licked the tip.
    He removed the cigarette, exhaled, lifting his eyes to Darla. “Why are you going inside?”
    “I need to find my friend. We’re together. I can’t leave her.”
    He sucked in a long drag, blew out a hazy stream, and shook his head. “It’s not safe.”
    “But I have to go back for Stephanie.” Darla took another step toward the door. “What if she’s caught up in that? She might get hurt.”
    A small table soared through the same window. Quickly, she jumped to the side to avoid the flying wood. The fixture smashed into tiny pieces on the ground next to her.
    Eric nodded at the mess. “So could you.” He took another puff. “She was talking to my friend, right?”
    “You mean the shorter guy? Yes, she was with him.”
    “Blaine Stewart. He’s a good man. He’ll make sure she’s okay.” He shoved off the rail. “You need to leave b’fore this gets any worse.” He motioned to the street in front of the home. “Is your car over here?”
    “No. I walked. I live a few houses down, so I’ll go back the same way.” She stepped to the stairwell which led down to the beach.
    “Let me finish my smoke, and I’ll come with you.”
    Darla spun around and shot up a palm. “Oh no, that’s not necessary.”
    “Don’t get excited.” Eric grinned and gestured down the shore. “My home is that way too.” He picked up his drink. “Neither of us needs to get caught up in this shit.” He lifted her wineglass and held it out to her. “Don’t forget this.”
    Darla extended a hand for the glass. Their fingers grazed. She resisted the urge to tremble and wished for the courage not to care what he got caught in. She wanted to tell him she’d rather walk alone, which wasn’t true, although she needed it to be.
    “Do you think it’s okay if we take our drinks?”
    “Can’t see anyone will notice. Let’s move away from the line of fire.”
    He nudged her from the party’s tense atmosphere and to the side of the home, closer to the water. She relaxed against the banister, enjoying the secluded darker area. A salty fragrance filled the air as echoes of the breakers floated through the winds and a soft hum of waves synchronized with the final stages of dusk. Eric leaned on the rail next to her, his gaze fixated on her.
    Darla took a tiny sip of her wine, hoping he didn’t notice her hand shake. “Are these parties always this wild?”
    “Sometimes they’re worse. That usually brings in the rag mags. One of the reasons I want to get out of here. I’d prefer not to make the front page of the tabloids.”
    “What a treat.”
    He chuckled. “Been in news enough. Believe me, there’s no pleasure.”
    A chilly blast of wind lifted sand particles from the beach and stung her skin. Nevertheless, the coolness was refreshing. Darla’s nerves began to settle. Perhaps her new composure originated from the security of the darkness, the wine, or because of the nearby ocean’s gentle hush.
    Not that any of those factors overshadowed the vibrant presence of the man next to her. His nearness kept her senses on high alert. Yet, she was glad her nerves were no longer in knots, and a tiny part of her could enjoy the excitement of spending the evening with the gorgeous Eric Boyd.
    “I guess you have experienced some sensationalist journalism attacks. You were in a band, right?”
    “I was. Fame came sudden. Didn’t handle it well. I paid the price. I’ve done much better since we broke up. But there was a time my name seemed to be in the headlines every day. Vicious.”
    “Lots of lies, huh?”
    “Not exactly.” The dim reflection of light revealed a small curve of his mouth. “They’re