Wanderlust Read online

  Yes, humans would be terrified if they knew not only are they not alone in the Universe, but we are here, living among them, like humans, also.

  I am not human. I am a Wanderer. Yet, in all the eons I’ve roamed, this is the first time I’ve ever felt at home.

  And it’s all because of her.

  WANDERLUST

  Book One in the Story of Us series

  Copyright 2014 Lacey Weatherford/Belinda Boring

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Published by Moonstruck Media LLC

  Edited by Kim Swain, Red Line Editing & Writing

  Cover Design by Lacey Weatherford, Moonstruck Media LLC

  KINDLE Edition

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Amazon.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Dedication

  Lacey

  For my "Aussie" Dad and Mom, John and Christine Bell.

  Thanks for giving me my best friend and allowing her "wanderlust" to bring her to the United States so I could find her.

  I love you both!

  Belinda

  For my wonderfully, amazing parents, John and Christine Bell.

  Thank you for teaching me that all things are possible—that all I needed was to believe in myself! Thank you for being incredible examples of love and support.

  I hope I continue to make you proud. Love you!

  Acknowledgements

  Lacey

  This story was just FUN! Belinda and I have talked for a long while about co-writing a story together someday, and we finally decided to get down to it. Let me say, it was an awesome experience! Writing this story came off a lot like role playing, each of us in charge of a character voice, but both contributing to each chapter as well, so the book became a true blend of both of us. I'm very pleased with the end result, a story that makes me smile, laugh, cringe, and yes, even cry.

  Thanks to Belinda for being awesome and easy to work with! Thanks to our editor, Kim, for her input and helping to push things through quickly. Thanks to Lisa, who is always tirelessly helping to promote both Belinda and myself. And thanks to the beta readers who gave feedback. You all are AWESOME!

  And, of course, thank you to the readers! Without you, I am nothing! I hope you enjoy the book!

  Lacey

  Belinda

  What a dream come true—to co-write a book with my best friend! It’s also pretty fitting considering it was our love of romance and books that brought us together. This has definitely been a wonderful experience, especially seeing our imaginations blend together to produce a story I’m so proud of. I love everything about Ryder and Skylar—the beautiful way they revealed their story to both Lacey and me. It made everything about this project fun and inspiring.

  I wanted to give a quick thank you to those involved behind the scenes:

  To my mentor, partner-in-crime, and soul sister, Lacey, for taking this exciting journey with me. My life has drastically changed since meeting you—into one filled with joy, laughter, and mischief. Fo’ Shizzle!

  To our editor, Kim Swain, for always going that extra mile and helping Wanderlust shine!

  To Lisa, for your never-ending support and teasing. You help keep my life running smoothly and you’re someone I can always rely on. Thank you!

  To my patient husband, Mark, for being my constant rock and cheerleader. I love you, honey, with all my heart. YOU rock my world. YOU show me the stars. Thank you for being my forever.

  And last of all, a HUGE thank you to all the readers that continue to laugh, smile, and celebrate with me. I appreciate all your encouragement and the enthusiasm you show for each book. Happy swooning, everyone!

  Bels

  Prologue

  Ryder

  I am infinite.

  The humans I’m watching right now would have difficulty grasping this concept—they’re so wrapped up in life and death, they don’t see that there is so much . . . more.

  I like the humans, though. They’re an entertaining civilization—so full of themselves and what they deem to be important. Many believe there are other worlds out there—that life might exist elsewhere.

  If only they knew what I knew. The Universe that extends beyond this small planet is just as infinite as I am. Worlds without end populate space, planets bursting with vibrant life—it’s almost too much to take in.

  Don’t get me wrong, though. There is darkness, too—places that bring terror to all who come in contact with it—entire societies hanging on by a heart-breaking thread.

  In fact, that’s what brings many others, as well as me, here to observe this planet. It’s one of the “in-betweens,” bordering somewhere in the middle as far as galaxies are concerned, with equal opportunity to become either great and powerful, or to self-destruct.

  Yes, humans would be terrified if they knew not only are they not alone in the Universe, but we are here, living among them, like humans, also.

  I am not human. I am a Wanderer. Yet, in all the eons I’ve roamed, this is the first time I’ve ever felt at home.

  And it’s all because of her.

  Chapter One

  Skylar

  “Here’s to new beginnings,” I whispered, looking at the beautiful brown cobblestone house into which I was moving. It still seemed too good to be true, like somehow I’d lucked out and my fairy godmother had granted me all my wishes at once.

  There was no mistaking I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Another thrill shot through me, overshadowing the slight trepidation that lingered. It had been hard leaving my family and friends behind to move to San Francisco alone—a place where I didn’t know a single soul. I’d almost chickened out at the last moment.

  But this had been my dream for as long as I could remember—to brave the world and follow my creative pursuits. To be accepted into one of the country’s most selective art schools, a place where I could study from the best instructors and explore my talents.

  I still felt like pinching myself. I was finally here, in Arista, California, getting ready to start my first semester at the Brayson Art Academy. Big things were coming my way—the magic of all the possibilities in store for me filling the air around me.

  Snorting, I hefted the large box in my hands, gripping it tighter as I checked the numbers over the door. I was at the right address. It was time to quit daydreaming and get a move on. My car wouldn’t unpack itself, especially if I didn’t keep my head out of the clouds.

  I called it one of the perks of an artist.

  My mother often teased that it was the result of being easily distracted.

  Either way, I couldn’t keep standing outside, staring at the building from the sidewalk all day. The sooner I made the first step up the stairs and knocked on the bright red door, the sooner I could meet my roommate and get a feel for my new home.

  All it had taken was one glimpse of Arista as I exited the freeway, earlier, and I’d fallen in love. The city was brimming with inspiration and had me itching to find the boxes with my art supplies and leave the rest of the unpacking for later. From the flowers that lined the narrow streets and the lush greenery in the few parks I’d passed by, to the blue waters of the bay, my mind was already exploding with ideas about what to paint first.

  “Are you ever coming in?” An exasperated voice came from the doorway and I inwardly chided myself for getting caught daydreaming. This wasn’t the kind of impression I wanted to make right off the bat.
Judging by the impatient expression on the face of the young woman whom I assumed was my new roommate; she definitely wasn’t thrilled with my dawdling.

  “Sorry, I guess I got distracted.” I smiled as I carefully rushed up the stairs toward her. “I’m Skylar Blue. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I ignored the brief flash of apprehension when she didn’t shake my offered hand. I guessed some people took a little longer than others to warm up to strangers. It couldn’t be a sign that I’d already managed to annoy her, somehow.

  “I know who you are. You’re late,” she retorted, peering around me to the street. “And I wouldn’t leave the trunk of your car open, either. We live in a good neighborhood, but I wouldn’t be so trusting.”

  Embarrassment jolted through me. “I guess I’m still used to doing things like I did back home,” I stammered, not knowing how to fix the train wreck this first meeting had become. Something told me if I wanted to win Heather Prince over, it was going to be harder than I’d hoped.

  “I’ll be inside when you’re ready for the tour.” With no other offer to help, she left me standing on the steps, my face getting hotter by the second and tears threatening to spill.

  I refused to let this rattle me. There was no way I’d let her attitude spoil the excitement of the day. So what if she didn’t like me? Just because she was the only one I knew, right now, didn’t mean it would be like that forever. Once I started the Academy, she could be as snarky as she wanted.

  “Smile, Skylar,” I murmured softly, shaking off the temporary unease. Don’t let her bother you. With the box resting on my hip, I went back to close the trunk before changing my mind. Maybe it would be better to check out my new room and the house before I started bringing things in.

  Keeping my hands free might be a good idea just in case I needed to make a quick escape. Rolling my eyes, I quickly shoved the box back into my VW Bug and locked it. At least I still had my humor to keep me company.

  Everything was forgotten once I stepped inside. The exterior hadn’t done the place justice—the open floor plan instantly drew my gaze and I looked around in excitement. The living room was decorated in a simple palette of browns and creams, with a comfortable couch ensemble facing a gorgeous fireplace. My imagination ignited over how beautiful the flames would dance over the walls, casting shadows and depth when lit.

  With just this one feature, I was already in heaven. I could forgive all the sarcasm in the world for the drawings I’d complete here.

  “Feel free to use this room whenever you want,” Heather announced, coming in from the kitchen. “We’ll be sharing the common areas.” Pointing back in the direction from which she came, she added, “Obviously the kitchen and dining room. The laundry is back there, as well. I simply ask if you make a mess, you clean it up. I’m not your mother or your maid.”

  It was on the tip of my tongue to ask her what had her panties in such a bunch, but I didn’t. For whatever reason, this was my roommate’s dazzling personality and I needed to deal with it. The rent was too good to pass up and, after spending a month searching realtors online, this address had been the best offer.

  “You won’t have any problems from me. I like to keep things pretty neat and tidy.” Ignoring the way she simply stood there and watched me, I smiled. “I love how big the kitchen is. Do you cook?”

  Obviously not, judging by the smirk on her lips. “Your room is down that hall, along with the bathroom. Although you’ll be sharing it with any guests you invite over, it’s all yours.” Not waiting for her to lead the way, I headed in the direction she’d indicated. I was eager to see the sanctuary I’d be creating for myself, here.

  Opening the door, it was everything I’d hoped for. Fully furnished, the large bedroom held a queen-sized bed along the far wall with dark, stained wooden drawers on either side. Although the space lacked color and that certain flare I was often drawn to, it would be easily fixed by what I’d brought from home.

  “This is perfect,” I murmured, already planning the makeover.

  “Rent’s due the first of the month. You’ll buy your own food and we’ll split the cost of the utilities.”

  I nodded absentmindedly, already swept up in my own world, again. “First of the month, got it.”

  “Oh, and under no circumstances are you welcome upstairs. That’s my private living area.” Her glare told me everything I needed to know. She didn’t like me, and there was nothing on this green earth that could convince me to sneak up there—curiosity or not.

  “Thank you, Heather,” I replied, noticing she was already retreating.

  “Whatever,” she mumbled back, leaving me alone to finish exploring. A small voice whispered, in the back of my mind, that I might somehow break through her brusque exterior—that maybe, given time, I’d be able to pull some kind of warmth into our relationship.

  Maybe.

  Flopping onto the bed, I decided that relationship building could wait for another day. Today was all about me finally being on my own and independent. The world was my oyster—mine to conquer and enjoy.

  Which reminded me. My family would be worried if I didn’t touch base with them.

  Hey, mom. Got here safely. I’ll call when I’m settled.

  Okay, hon. Is everything all right?

  I was tempted to tell her about my first impressions of Heather and ask her opinion on how I could make things better. Even with living on two separate floors, there would still likely be plenty of opportunity for us to interact. If this brief introduction was any indication of the future, it was definitely going to be awkward.

  I didn’t, though. I didn’t want her thinking that I was already having trouble.

  Yep. I’m fine. Love you.

  Love you, too.

  Pushing past the pangs of homesickness, I mustered my determination to make this situation work. It had to, because there was no going back to Silver Falls, Oregon. The town was too small for my big dreams. Time to get moving, Blue. The sooner you unpack, the sooner you can check out the rest of the city.

  That was all the motivation I needed. Jumping up, I was out the front door and down the steps before Heather could stop me with another of her crazy roommate scowls. My sunny and positive demeanor would have to be enough for the both of us.

  Sighing as I glanced at my overfilled car, I secretly wished she’d been even the slightest bit hospitable and offered to help me. There was no way I’d be done unloading quickly—the interior stuffed to capacity.

  ”What I need is a friend,” I moaned, choosing to tackle the trunk, first. I still couldn’t believe how I’d managed to make everything fit—the long hours I’d spent playing Tetris paying off. This is going to take forever.

  Piling a few light boxes on top of each other, I didn’t see him until it was too late, our bodies colliding as everything spilled onto the sidewalk. Luckily, the two bottom boxes were taped shut. The smallest of the three wasn’t.

  “Oh no, I’m so sorry,” I exclaimed, dropping to the ground and frantically trying to shove everything back into the slightly mangled cardboard. It was impossible to hide my mortification as toiletries scattered across the concrete, my hair products rolling into the dirty gutter.

  “Here, let me help you,” the deep masculine voice replied.

  “No, no. I’m okay. Really. It’s no bother.” My gaze caught sight of the jumbo-sized box of the last thing I wanted a guy to see. Mom wanted to make sure that I had everything I needed and plenty of it.

  “It was my fault. Please.” And with that offer, I watched the sexiest guy I’d ever seen pick up my tampons before helping me stand.

  The earth needed to swallow me whole. Immediately.

  My face felt like it was on fire and I struggled to think of something witty to say—anything to show that I wasn’t completely unnerved at finding a blue-eyed hottie holding what would forever be renamed the object of my humiliation.

  “Thank you.” I snatched the offending item from him and shoved it back into the opened box. His smile
told me he wasn’t embarrassed at all, which made one of us. It still felt like the blistering rays of a million suns burning my skin.

  “Moving in?” he asked, holding my gaze. I couldn’t stop watching the way his mouth moved, forming each word before his lips curled into a soft smile. My brain registered he’d asked me a question, but my mind was spiraling and still stuck on holy cow, is this guy really talking to me? “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  He lightly touched my arm and it jolted my focus from his mouth to his eyes. I desperately needed to get control before I started looking like an even greater idiot for gawking. “Yeah,” I answered shakily, not sure whether I could trust myself, yet. “Sorry, I guess I’m a little scrambled. I’m just moving in, today. My name’s Skylar.”

  This time, when I extended my hand, there was no hesitation. He shook it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Ryder.”

  His slight accent made my stomach flutter. Sounding a bit exotic, I couldn’t quite place it. It was completely insane the kind of effect he was having on my hormones. I could tell he was the kind of guy who could be dangerous—in a good-bad way. Unfortunately, the reality was that this was just a chance encounter and within the next few moments he’d be gone. I waited for him to say goodbye, but instead, he continued to stand there, holding my hand. As much as I liked it, if I didn’t let go, he’d think I was crazy.

  “Do you live here? I mean on this street?” I asked, willing myself to get a grip and try to start a casual conversation. Talking shouldn’t be this hard. It wasn’t like I hadn’t spoken to guys before.

  Not like this one, a thought echoed.

  “Not here, but I do live in Arista.” He glanced about as if searching for something and then focused on my car. “Is anyone helping you with your stuff?”