by Marie Harte
“Want some tea?” Rafi asked.
“Tea? No thanks.”
Rafi shrugged. “You seem to like tea a lot, so I thought I’d ask. Can I get you something else? You’re supposed to be relaxing.”
“I guess I could eat.”
Rafi smiled. “Okay. Go sit on the couch, and I’ll get you a sandwich.”
Oddly comforted by the kid’s presence, because Jordan couldn’t be too mad at him if she let her brother hang around, Cash sank into the couch and rested his arm on a bolster. It helped to elevate it. He turned on the TV and flipped through the channels before settling on some B-horror movie while wondering how next to deal with Jordan.
Rafi appeared with two plates. He set one in front of Cash and kept the other for himself.
“Peanut butter?” Cash asked.
“And jelly. With a side of chips.”
The boy had made two sandwiches for him, Cash was happy to see. “Sounds good.” They ate in silence until Rafi asked if he wanted anything to drink.
“You don’t have to wait on me.”
“You’re an invalid. Besides, I owe you.”
“Well now. You’re damn right you do.”
The boy flinched. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you’d get hurt.”
“You narced me out to my brother and your sister. After you pinkie promised!”
“They broke your arm. I—”
“Hey, Rafi. Pay attention. The injuries are nothing. But Jordan is really pissed at me.”
Rafi paused. “You’re not mad about getting beat up?”
Cash grimaced. “It was one against three, and for the record, I beat their asses. Plus this didn’t happen because of Juan. It happened because three assholes who should have minded their own business didn’t.” Four assholes including him, but whatever. “So yeah, you owe me because your sister thinks I don’t trust her. Where is she, anyway?”
“She’s at Mom and Dad’s. She’s staying there.” Rafi swallowed. “I told her I’d watch out for you.”
“What the hell, man? I thought you didn’t narc.”
Rafi sighed. “I’m sorry I told her about Juan. But after hearing you got hurt, I felt terrible. I need to fight my own battles. The ones I can win at least.” He gave a shy smile. “I did what you said and told Jordan about that teacher. She went to school yesterday and ripped him a new asshole.”
Cash grunted. “Damn straight. Your sister doesn’t play around.”
“It was awesome. She tried to talk to him in private outside the classroom. But he saw me and tried to act like a big man in front of all the students. Then Jordan showed him up, let him have it, curse words included.” Rafi’s smile blinded him, and Cash wished he’d been there to see it shake down. “She told him he was a poor excuse for a teacher and threatened to report him for it. When he tried to pretend it never happened, one kid told us he’d recorded it and sent Jordan the file. She went straight to Simpson’s boss. His ass is out on suspension.”
Cash held up his good hand and contained a wince when Rafi high-fived it, shifting Cash’s ribcage. “Awesome, man.”
“It was so great. Some of the kids told me they felt bad for me and missed me. I guess I thought I was the only loser there, but a lot of them hated Simpson too. Nobody wants to be in summer school.” He chuckled. “Plus they liked I had the balls to call him Homer to his face.”
“That was funny. But you’d better not dis your teachers again or your sister will crush you under her little Army boots.”
Rafi nodded.
“What’s the deal with you moving back home?”
“After she and I talked, we went to see my mom and dad.” He told Cash all about the talk he’d had with Jordan and his folks. “It turned out okay. They do love me, but I’m still not going to that military camp.”
“Your sister is so badass.” Cash loved her more with every story. She stood up for those she loved, never backing down. To have someone like that in his corner… To know that a woman of value could feel like that for a guy like him? It meant everything.
“Yeah. She, um, she’s not happy with you.” Rafi groaned. “I know, I should have kept my big mouth shut. But I overheard her talking to Mom.”
“And?”
“She was talking to Mom about you. And she’s into you, man. Or at least, she was.” Rafi winced. “I think you hurt her feelings.”
“Not more talk about trust. Jesus. I wanted to keep her safe.” He frowned. “And, okay, I should have told her about you and Juan. I was wrong.” Man, had that hurt to say.
“Maybe you could apologize? I’m moving back home, so it’s just you and Jordan in your new big house. I’m pretty sure she still thinks you’re hot shit, even if you are a Marine.”
“Funny.”
“I know. But seriously. She was asking Mom a lot of questions. And some of that was about living with someone who doesn’t value you and if, like, a guy really respects you as a woman if he walks all over you. It didn’t sound too good.”
“Shit.”
“I think you need to make a big apology. Trust me, my sister loves hearing the words ‘I’m sorry.’”
“I was thinking I’d make a big production out of a date. I’ll grovel and beg her to take me back. I look pretty pathetic. I think I can work with that.”
“You do look weak.” Rafi looked him over. “Pretty lame.”
“Smartass.”
The kid smirked. “Hold on.” He left and came back with a piece of paper. “See if you can do this again.”
Cash glanced at the paper and stared in awe. “What the hell?”
“I drew that of you guys after that night I saw you hugging. Remember? You asked if I wanted tea.”
Cash stared. The picture appeared almost lifelike, done in pencil. A rendition of him holding Jordan in his arms and looking down at her like he loved her. “You’re fucking incredible.”
“Ah, that’s just a rough draft.” The boy blushed. “I can do better.”
“No. I like this. You gonna let me have it?”
“Sure. But I really can do better. That lovesick look on your face was pretty unforgettable though.” Rafi watched him with deep-brown eyes just like his sister’s. “You have a crush on Jordan, don’t you?”
“Nope. I love her. That’s much different than a crush.” Each time he admitted his feelings out loud, they became more real, the ache in his heart heavier.
“Oh man. I knew it. But at least if you come to family dinners, they’ll be more fun than dealing with Troy.”
“Mr. Teeth?”
Rafi chuckled. “That’s him.”
“So help me out with Jordan. You know what she likes. I was thinking flowers and chocolates. You know, girlie stuff. But I’ll romance it up. And, no, you don’t need all the details.”
“No, I really don’t. Though looking at you, if you can manage to kiss her without falling down, it’ll be a miracle.”
“You know, even with one arm, I’m pretty sure I can kick your ass.”
“If you’re kicking ass with one arm, that’s probably how you’re losing your fights.”
Cash laughed until he groaned. “You are so like your sister.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
* * *
Jordan hadn’t said so, but work Wednesday felt odd without Cash there. Rumor had it Evan would be stepping in for the next few weeks. Apparently the walking wounded needed time to recover. Yeah, time to put his brains back in and think before he speaks.
She wanted to sock him in the mouth then kiss the sting better. So many conflicting feelings about the Marine. She loved him; she wanted to kick him. She missed him; she wanted to keep her distance and figure out her feelings.
Next to her, Smith worked like an automaton. She couldn’t help herself and had c
ornered him earlier in the morning to ask if he was in fact related to Cash by blood. His blunt “Yes, and it’s none of your business,” uttered so quietly and with so much bottled-up pain, had made her drop the subject then and there.
Hours later, she still couldn’t help thinking about Cash’s strained family ties.
Now, knowing what she did about the relationship, she too clearly saw the similarities. Both big, brawny men. They had similar facial features and coloring, and those killer dark-green eyes under slashing brows. Also, despite Smith’s grumpy nature, he’d never done anything to make her feel unsafe. Even when he’d grabbed her in the bar, he hadn’t done more than annoy her. Just like Cash, making her feel protected.
“Quit staring at me,” he grumbled as he stacked another box. “It’s creepy.”
“Such a lovely manner you have. Did they teach you that in the Marine Corps?”
He bared his teeth in his semblance of a grin.
Next to her, Hector shook his head. “Something definitely crawled into his brain, ate the meat, and left a shit of an attitude.”
She cringed. “Terrific image for me to take to lunch, Hector. Thanks so much.”
He tapped her on the arm. “No problem, Little Army. Now quit flirting with Smith and get back to work.”
“This is why no one likes you, Hector.”
He smiled. “You know you love me.”
The rest of the afternoon passed in a weird lull, with sporadic humor by the team and occasional derision from Smith. But it was as if everyone missed something. Or someone. Without Cash, the party seemed less than it should be.
Her phone rang at the end of the day. “Hey, Rafi. How are you?”
“Good.” He lowered his voice. “Jordan, I think something’s really wrong with Cash. I called Reid, and he came over, but Cash pretends around his brother, and Reid doesn’t see it.”
“He’s a big boy. He can handle himself.” He needed her.
But does he really? Needed her to…what? To accept him running her life because she was too stupid to make her own decisions?
Anger flared.
“Jordan, please.” Rafi sounded desperate. “I’m afraid. And he’s hurt because of me. I think he might not be right in the head.”
She snorted with amusement.
“I’m serious,” Rafi snapped, unlike his recent pleasant self. “I know you’re having some problems with him. I get it. But, Jordan, what if he has some kind of head injury and dies? How are you going to feel about him then?”
* * *
Rafi disconnected and turned to the head case watching him. “She told me she’d be over in an hour.”
“How’d she take it? The head injury and dying part was a nice touch.”
Rafi nodded. “I thought so. Playing on her sympathy didn’t work, but guilt did. Good luck tonight. You’re gonna need it.” Rafi grabbed his jacket and paused by the door when his phone pinged. Reid was waiting for him outside in his car. He read the text and grinned. “Reid said to crawl to her on your knees. Because if you blow this, he’s disowning you. Something about moving in with…Smith?”
“Fuck.” Cash growled to himself then pointed at Rafi. “And don’t you be saying ‘fuck.’ Don’t swear in front of your sister.”
“Got it. No fucks around Jordan.”
“Right.”
Rafi rolled his eyes. Cash wasn’t paying attention to him anyway, no doubt nervous about dealing with Jordan. Rafi could relate. “I’ll pray for you, Cash. Just…if you have to, cry. Nothing freaks out my sister more than some tears.”
Cash blinked then gave him a wicked grin. “Thanks, kid. You’re all right after all. Now get lost before you ruin my night.”
Rafi left the house. How Cash thought he was going to seduce Jordan into a yes looking like death was anyone’s guess. Then again, Jordan seemed to like them big and heroic, so maybe Cash’s war wounds would win him a few prizes.
He met Reid’s gaze and gave him a thumbs-up before getting in the car.
“Has he got a prayer?” Reid asked as he backed up.
“Only if my sister is desperate. But the good news is she’s been hopeless for years. So maybe the big guy has a shot.”
“That’s positive thinking for you.” Reid grinned.
Chapter 24
Jordan knocked and waited then walked inside when she didn’t hear anything. The door to Cash’s home was unlocked, which wasn’t like Cash.
Her brother had left for their parents’ half an hour ago, needing to be home to talk to the educational therapist they’d arranged for him. They were still working with a specialist to diagnose his learning disorder. But now knowing of Rafi’s issues, the therapist could figure out how to help him.
It still amazed her how much better Rafi acted after that big conversation with her and the family. So much tension from keeping secrets.
To her parents’ credit, they’d done better the past two days about communicating. And her mother hadn’t once, in any of their conversations, bugged her about her job.
“Cash? Hello?” Jordan continued into the house and stopped when she saw the kitchen island occupied by a bottle of wine and two glasses. A vase of red roses sat beside it with a card made out to Jordan propped against it.
She looked around. Still not seeing Cash, she opened the envelope.
I’M SORRY.
She liked the apology. And the roses and the wine.
In the living room, she saw a box of chocolates on the table and another card next to a small, wrapped box. I’M SO SORRY.
Hmm. She liked this even better. After unwrapping the box, she found a coupon book of vouchers. One for a backrub. A few apologies on bended knee. Some groveling too. Oh, and of course, a bunch of sex coupons, courtesy of Cash Griffith. The big idiot. Behind all that, at the back and embossed in gold, there was a marriage proposal written in Cash’s bold hand.
FOR WHEN YOU’RE READY, TURN IN FOR AN I DO.
Her heart stopped.
Okay, the rest had been nice. Appropriate and even funny. But a marriage proposal in a voucher? And so soon? “Cash,” she yelled, not so amused by this game anymore.
She found him finally in his bedroom, noticing the neatness and lit candles. And the still body lying on the bed.
Worry set in. “Cash?” She moved toward him with dread, not seeing his chest rising or falling. Hell. What had Rafi said about a brain injury? “Cash, wake up!” she yelled as she reached him and felt for a pulse.
The speed with which he grabbed her wrist surprised her, and she tried to twist out of his hold, yanking him with her so that she fell over his body.
He groaned but didn’t release her and said, his voice groggy, “Jordan?”
She peered into his eyes, now open and glazed with pain. “Oh shit. I’m all over you.” She would have moved back, but he groaned again.
“Don’t move, please.”
She stayed still.
“Sorry. I was sleeping. I meant to be awake when you came, but I think your sneaky brother drugged me with a pain pill to make me drowsy.”
“Oh.” She stayed still but knew she had to be hurting him, lying against his ribs. “Should I get up?”
“Slowly, okay?”
She gradually slid off him, taking care not to jostle his splint, and sat next to him on the bed, looking down. The swelling around his eye had lessened, but the color had deepened. His bruises had to hurt, and she knew his ribs and arm pained him.
And he’d gotten hurt trying to help her brother.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered before she could berate him for getting himself injured again. “I respect you, okay? And if you had pulled some kind of interfering shit on me, I’d be pissed as hell.”
“Well, okay.” She had to admit, she liked him knowing he’d done wrong. “Will you do it again?”
She sighed. “You mean you’d ask if I wanted the help?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah. Ask. I’d definitely ask you.”
She laughed. “I’m still angry with you.”
“I deserve it. Damn, Jordan. I fucked up. But let me apologize, okay? Don’t…” He cleared his throat. “Don’t leave me.”
She wanted to yell at him for thinking so little of her that she’d ditch him at the first sign of trouble between them. But hadn’t he told her about his mother and another woman he’d loved? “Cash, I hate to break it to you, but you said I could have a cheap place to live. And that’s worth its weight in gold.”
“Oh. Yeah.” He brightened. “Good.”
“And I love you, you moron. Why would I leave you over your inability to make sound decisions? Because I’m pretty sure you’ll keep messing up. If I leave you every time that happens, we’ll be worse than Latoya and Roger.” From his silly reality TV show.
His wide grin made her so damn happy. “Yeah, that’s a good point.” He looked her over as if memorizing her features. “I’m sorry I was an ass. I promise to communicate better.”
“O-kay.” Who was this Cash? “It’s the brain injury making you sound different—sane—isn’t it?”
He chuckled. “Probably. Why don’t you kiss it better?”
She leaned close and kissed his cheek with a tenderness she felt deep inside, only for this man. Then she continued to kiss every bump and bruise she could see, and there were many.
“I feel better already.”
“Liar.” She lay down with him, careful not to hurt him. “But I accept your apology.”
“Was it the ‘I’m sorries,’ the vouchers, or the flowers? The candy?”
“How about all of the above? And does it really matter?”
“Hell no. I’m just making sure I have the answer right now for when I screw up again.” He kissed the top of her head. “Jordan, I missed you. When I thought you might leave, it about crushed me.”