That didn’t ring very true. Not when he’d already told her about his sister. “What makes you say that?”
“I have a few friends who’ve tried to get to know him better, and believe me, they’re not hard up for dates. He wasn’t interested at all.”
“Maybe he just wasn’t interested at the time.”
“Or maybe he’s too busy being married to his work. You know how those professions are. Lots of time away from home, stress, and bringing their work home with them. They’re not exactly the easiest men to date or be with.”
Elise wondered if that could be true. It would explain why he hadn’t shown interest in Sally’s friends—and why he’d practically recoiled when she’d kissed him on the cheek during their walk on the beach the day after the fire. Not to mention he’d pulled back when she’d nearly kissed him. Come to think of it, she could definitely believe Sally’s charge about him being married to his job.
If he really didn’t want women falling for him, he needed to stop being so easy to fall for. Was it really fair to be so wonderful and expect women to keep their wits about them?
Yes, getting her life together—quickly—would be the right thing to do. The sooner she untangled her life from Bryan’s, the better for her heart. Two people married to their work and independence didn’t need to be flirting with each other or getting involved. It would make for a disaster, and she’d had her fill of those.
At least she was figuring this out now before she got too much more caught up in him. It was just the thing she’d needed, too. A kick in the rear to get moving and back to her own life.
Chapter 17
Bryan couldn’t be hearing what he thought he was hearing. He paused stirring the alfredo sauce he’d put together and looked at Elise. “You what?”
Things were returning to normal between them. They’d put that almost kiss behind them, and they’d found what he thought was a good routine. Now she wanted to move out?
She glanced at the spoon. “You wanna put that down before you drip sauce all over the floor?”
“No.” Without taking his eyes off of her, he did it anyway. “Did you just say you wanted to leave already?”
After a moment’s hesitation, she gave him a firm nod. “Yes. I know this isn’t forever, and I can’t let myself get too comfortable. It isn’t fair to you.”
He blinked hard. Why did the thought of her leaving bother him so much? “I think I’m the one to decide whether something is or isn’t fair, aren’t I?”
“Sure, of course.”
“And I haven’t complained, have I?”
Her shoulders lifted a little, and she looked at the floor. “No—but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to.”
“I don’t want to. Elise, what is this all about? Really?” He turned down the heat under the pot so he could turn his full attention to her. “Did you have a problem when you were out? Did you get spooked?”
“What in the world could happen to spook me? I was out shopping, for heaven’s sake.” She lifted her bags, two in each hand. “It gave me time to think, though. And I figured I’d find somewhere to stay until I’m able to move into a new home.”
The past week and a half had been great. Granted, he’d spent some of it at the station, but he thought things were fine. He loved how the house felt with her there, and he liked having someone to come home to.
She’d added light and life to the house. Something he hadn’t realized he was missing until she’d moved in. The right cushions or curtains didn’t take the place of a person. No amount of decorating could put a pep in his step like seeing a smile when he walked in the door.
He picked up the spoon and went back to his sauce. “Okay. I thought this would be the place you’d stay until then, but it’s up to you. I won’t make you stay.”
She stood there, watching him. “I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”
“Isn’t that up to me? Whether your welcome has been overstayed, I mean?” A taste of the sauce told him he was headed in the right direction. It was a shame he’d lost his appetite.
“I won’t put you in that position. Besides, don’t you have, you know, other people you’d rather hang out with? Other overnight guests?”
It took effort not to laugh out loud. Clearly, the woman didn’t know him well enough at all. “Not hardly.” He set the lid on the pot so the sauce would bubble without reducing too quickly. “If I thought that was a problem, I would’ve mentioned it. I appreciate you thinking about me, but I’m good.”
When she didn’t answer right away, he continued. “I mean, if you aren’t comfortable here, then, by all means, don’t stay. I was just trying to help.”
She caught his gaze and held it. “Are you sure?”
Not only did it make living at the house easier, but she needed help. Someone had deliberately rigged her house to explode, possibly with the intention of killing whoever was inside. If he sent her to a hotel or rental, it would be stepping out of her life before finding out who’d tried to hurt her.
In light of that, it would be more selfish to push her away, even if he could see the potential of nursing a broken heart when she left. Because he could definitely see that happening.
It wasn’t her fault his fiancée had dumped him just before their wedding, telling him no woman would ever want to put up with what he did for a living…or him. His schedule or the danger involved was enough to scare any intelligent woman into keeping as much distance from him as possible. How Courtney hadn’t figured this out in the year leading up to that horrible moment, he’d never know.
That didn’t matter now. Aside from the fact that Elise wasn’t looking for a relationship, even if she was, it wouldn’t be with him. He wouldn’t get the chance to disappoint her like Courtney. She needed his help, and then she’d move on, leaving him with an empty house filled with equally empty cereal boxes.
“I’m positive. What do you say?” he asked, trying to keep it light.
She shrugged, lifting the bags as she did. “All right. If you’re okay with it, I guess this is where I’m staying.”
It was all he could do not to fist pump the air. Ridiculous since he’d just reminded himself she didn’t want him. That didn’t stop his heart from skipping a beat or looking forward to seeing her when he came home after a long shift at work.
He’d just need to remember that it was temporary. Maybe that way, this whole thing would end without him being crushed. Maybe.
Chapter 18
With a soft sigh, Elise dug her toes into the sand. Not only had she gone out that morning to take some photographs at the dog park, but she’d spotted a cute family playing in the surf and asked if she could take a few photographs of them. It was going a long way toward helping her feel normal. Something she’d missed since her home burned down.
“That’s terrific!” Elise snapped a flurry of shots. “Awesome. Madison, if you could turn toward your brother a little, that would be great.”
Four days had passed since her talk with Bryan. Unlike when it had been off-the-cuff after talking to Sally, she’d had time to really think through staying with him. He’d seemed adamant that he was fine with her staying, but she was finding she wasn’t okay with it.
Part of the reason was her determination to be independent, but if she was honest, mostly, she wanted to put some space between her and Bryan. The more she stayed with him, the more she could see spending her life with him, especially the kissing part.
If things between them turned serious, would she ever know if she chose him because she wanted him, or because of the safety she felt? That wasn’t the kind of relationship she wanted. One where she was dependent on someone. Not after working so hard to be her own person.
How could she get back to normal if she was staying with him?
Sally’s suggestion to check out the old record shop had stuck with her, and she’d even casually looked it up. There’d been a few photos of it when it first opened some ten years ago. It hadn’t lasted long,
and from what she could tell, no one was really interested in it either.
Madison, a curly-haired five-year-old with a mischievous smile, turned toward her four-year-old brother. Michael was a lot quieter than his feisty big sister.
If she were Madison and Michael’s parents, Elise would consider it a blessing that both weren’t balls of pure energy. She’d also be bringing them to the beach as often as possible to burn it off. That was the only way she could see keeping a full head of hair.
“Madison, be careful of the waves!” Jenna darted out past Elise, catching Madison just before a small wave knocked her down.
The little girl made Elise think of Patrick before his accident. Her brother was so full of life. A good kid, but he’d had a wicked streak that he liked using on Elise. The normal childish pranks, like a frog in her bed or stealing her training bra and using it as a slingshot. The embarrassment had just about killed her…and it’d been right before his accident.
Her chest tightened when she remembered how she’d screamed and sobbed, swinging and kicking at him. How she’d sworn she’d never forgive him. How she’d get even with him one day. And two days later, she wished she’d never spoken those words. The guilt she felt until he woke up had nearly eaten her alive.
“Let’s get the four of you lined up together in height order, tallest to shortest.” She lowered her camera a moment, waiting for them, and the second they were ready, she took the shot. “Now, walk toward me.”
The four of them joined hands and started walking toward her. The sky behind them was a brilliant blue with fluffy white clouds piling up in the distance. A stiff breeze blowing in from the ocean blew Jenna’s red hair like a flag, which contrasted beautifully with their white clothes, the clouds, and sand.
Elise walked backward, capturing each moment as the family laughed together, teasing and joking. This was just what she’d needed, and she was grateful they’d agreed to the impromptu photoshoot. Of course, they’d be getting the pictures as soon as she got them cleaned up. As much as she’d been blessed, she’d wanted to pass it forward.
“That’s perfect!” she called out, giving them a thumbs-up.
Lowering her camera, she couldn’t stop herself from imagining holding hands with Bryan and their children. It was a thought she’d had more than once, and each time she’d it pushed down.
Jenna approached Elise with her hand extended. “Thank you so much for this. I really do appreciate it.”
Elise shook her hand and smiled. “It was my pleasure. Thank you for letting me take pictures of you. You have a sweet family.”
“Thank you.”
Just then, Madison blazed her way down to the surf again, and her mom yelped. “Sorry!”
Waving her off, Elise quickly handed the woman her business card. “Don’t worry about it. Give me a few days, and I’ll have them ready.”
“Okay!” Jenna yelled over the waves as she swooped Madison up before another wave rolled in.
Turning in the direction of Bryan’s home, she touched the spot over her heart. Yeah, this was just what she’d needed. She hadn’t realized just how much taking photos soothed her soul.
She was still smiling when she reached the house and noticed a slip of paper being held by the wipers on her car. Odd. She’d been parked there over two weeks now. Wouldn’t Kyle have told her if she was doing something wrong?
Sliding the paper out, she unfolded it and blinked. It wasn’t a ticket, and it hadn’t been left by the police.
STAY OUT OF OUR WAY OR YOU WON’T HAVE SUCH A CLOSE CALL THE NEXT TIME
Her throat closed. She’d begun to think the fire was an accident. Sure, the police were still investigating, but with no more threats or accidents, she’d figured they’d come back with something simple. A loose wire they hadn’t picked up on before.
Looking around, she wondered if they were watching her to make sure she’d gotten the message. It seemed like something bad guys would do. But why?
She pulled her phone from her pocket and dialed Bryan, nearly ending the call before he answered because he was in the middle of his shift.
Just as she started to end it, he picked up. “Hey, did you have fun this morning?”
When she didn’t speak, his voice sounded more urgent. “Elise? Is everything okay?”
“There was a note on the car. I thought it was a ticket, but it said I needed to stay out of their way or it wouldn’t be a close call next time.”
“I’ll be right there.”
“But your shift—”
“It’ll be fine. Hang up and call the police.” He paused, and she could hear muffled voices. “I’m on my way. Get in the house and lock the door, okay?”
“Okay.” She ended the call and held the note and her camera to her chest as she ran for the back door. Once inside, she did as Bryan told her.
Holding the note out while she spoke to the officer answering the phone, she wondered what on earth it was talking about. She’d done nothing to be in anyone’s way. It had to be a mistake. Right?
Chapter 19
Sitting across from Kyle, Elise sat with her legs curled under her on the couch and held a cup of hot tea. Once Kyle arrived and Bryan was sure she was okay, he’d returned to the station to finish out his shift.
“Thank you for coming here to talk with me rather than making me go to the station.” She tested the tea and then took a sip.
Kyle smiled and picked up the thumb drive filled with all her recent pictures. He’d asked for it right after he arrived. She’d hesitated, but Kyle wanted to be thorough. “Sure. Are you okay?”
“Honestly, no, but I will be. I really think they have the wrong person.” She paused, taking another sip of tea. Now that the more rational part of her brain had kicked in, she’d settled down.
Kyle shook his head. “I’m not so sure about that. First the fire, now the note. On their own, maybe it would be a coincidence. Without the fire, maybe the note could be attributed to some stupid kids playing a bad prank, but together? I think there’s a legitimate link.”
“Really? But why me? I haven’t done anything or spoken to anyone. Well, no one I’d consider sketchy.” She set the teacup down on the side table and crossed her arms over her chest.
“No one that you know of. People can be great at hiding their true motives.” Kyle shrugged. “Maybe you stumbled onto something and just don’t know it yet.”
Taking a deep breath, she considered what he was saying. Still, she couldn’t recall anything that would give her positive proof she was the actual target.
“The team went over your car twice, and it was clean. For now, it looks like it was just the note.”
“See? Just a note. I know the old saying ‘Nothing is coincidence,’ but this time, I think it might be wrong. Loose wiring and stupid kids being jerks.” She dropped her hands to her lap. “That’s all.”
Leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, Kyle nodded. “Maybe, but I think you should lie low for a few days. Stay here with Bryan and stay safe. Not saying you can’t take care of yourself, but having a roommate isn’t a bad idea.”
Great. She worked to keep the exasperation from showing. Just her luck when she was moving forward and finding her footing again. Of course, she should have expected it, but why did this stuff always happen to her?
“I need to have my own space. Plus, I’ve got a shoot scheduled in a few days. I can’t just stop living because of a possible threat. One I don’t even think is real.”
Kyle pushed out of the chair and looked down at her. “Yeah, but what if it is real? What if you are being threatened? Do you really want to take that risk? What about your parents?”
Talk about not fair. She stood, facing Kyle and setting her hands on her hips. “That was low.”
“And true. Until we’re sure, you need to be cautious.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Look. I couldn’t stop what happened to Patrick, but I can do my part in keeping you safe. Let me do my job.”
Her
shoulders rounded as her hands dropped from her waist. She hadn’t thought about how Patrick’s accident might have affected Kyle. He was there when it happened, and he’d been a kid too. “I’m sorry, Kyle. I guess I never realized—”
“I know, and I’m not saying that to hurt you or make you feel sorry for me. I just…Patrick was my best friend. All I want to do is make sure his little sister is taken care of.”
Forcing back the tears she could feel building, she nodded. “All right. I’ll stay here until we’re sure I’m safe. Although, Bryan’s gone twenty-four hours at a time.”
“I’ll make sure the house is patrolled extra on those days, and since I know today is his shift, it’ll be easy to give them a schedule.”
“Okay,” Elise said and hugged him. “Thank you.”
Kyle returned the hug and then stepped back. “Sure.” He smiled and walked to the door. “Lock it behind me.” He winked.
She rolled her eyes and reached the door just as he pulled it shut, locking it. Turning, she blew out a long breath. So much for leaving. Or worse, keeping her lips to herself when she was living with him.
Closing her eyes, she took a few deep breaths. No, she could handle this. More than likely, it would be a few days and Kyle would come to the same conclusion she had. The house and the note were merely coincidence. No one was after her. She wasn’t the target, and her life wasn’t in danger.
Surely she could manage to wrangle her thoughts and lips long enough for that. Just a few more days. That’s all she needed.
The thought zipped through her mind…it had only taken a few days to picture a life with Bryan. Shutting the errant, silly thought down, she walked to the couch, picked up her laptop, and began planning her life in a new apartment above her portrait studio.
Chapter 20
Firefighter's Rescue (Bakers Beach: First Responders Book 1) Page 8