by Geri Foster
“Kendall doesn’t have it.”
He kicked the bars, clutched them tighter with his hands and screamed. “She’s lying. She’s lying through her teeth. I know she has it somewhere in her apartment and I either turn it over or I’m going to be a dead man within twenty-four hours.”
“Calm down, Bobby Joe. I talked to her. She claims not to have seen a thumb drive. Why on earth would she lie?”
He shook his head. “Hell only knows. It’s no secret she’d like to see me dead.”
“That’s not true, you idiot. There was a time Kendall worshiped the ground you walked on, but you ruined that. You destroyed your marriage and everything Kendall felt for you. Now you want her help.” Lucas shook his head, snorting.
“I don’t want her help. I don’t need her at all. I just went over there for the thumb drive, that’s all. I’m not asking her to be nice to me, I’m not asking her to take me back, I just want what’s mine.”
“And if she doesn’t have it?”
Bobby Joe reached his breaking point. He stood in the middle of the cell and screamed at the top of his lungs. “Let me out of here! When I get my hands on her I’m going to kill her for putting me through this!”
“Careful,” Lucas pushed away from the wall, “that sounds a lot like a threat.” He opened the outer door and walked out locking it behind him, leaving Bobby Joe alone with his anger. Kendall would pay for this. If he lived long enough to do the deed.
But, odds were, he’d be dead by noon tomorrow.
Chapter 6
Kendall locked the door behind Marcus and leaned her forehead against the cool wood. What next? What would she do if the judge released Bobby Joe on bail come Monday? First thing he would do is come after her. Maybe this time he’d finish her off. God knows he’d threatened plenty of times.
Now he claimed to want something she didn’t even have. Not only did she not have what he wanted, she didn’t know where it was, or even how to describe the darn thing. There was no telling what Bobby Joe went and got himself into. If a man could screw up his life, Bobby Joe did a good job of it.
Her cell phone rung and she picked it up to see Rachel’s picture on the screen. “I just want to make sure you’re all right,” her friend said. “I know you went through a lot tonight and I’m so sorry.”
“Oh, it’s okay. Marcus just left. He wants to move into the apartment next door to me. You don’t know how tempted I am to say yes.”
Rachel stayed quiet on the other line long enough to make Kendall uncomfortable. Finally, she spoke. “He’s absolutely crazy about you and I would feel safer if he were closer. But do you want him to put his life on hold to protect you? Because that’s what he’s offering.”
“I know. And I hate to think I’m that selfish, but I’m also afraid of what Bobby Joe might do. Rachel, tonight he acted like a wild animal. He had me by the throat screaming about the damn thumb drive and how somebody wanted to kill him.” She gulped a deep breath of air. “I didn’t know what to think. I feared he’d kill me for sure this time.”
“I understand. And I’m afraid for you, too. However, I’m not sure Marcus moving next door is the answer.”
“I don’t know what to do.” Kendall rubbed her forehead. “I’m so confused and frightened. I agreed to go to his house for dinner tomorrow after I close up shop.”
“I think it’s a good idea. It’ll do you good to do something normal. I don’t like the idea of you just hanging out in your apartment.” Rachel cleared her throat. “But, back to Marcus moving next door. I’m skeptical that would stop or even slow down Bobby Joe. You know how obsessive he can be.”
“You’re absolutely right and I explained that to Marcus and tried to convince him it wasn’t necessary. He doesn’t have to disrupt his life for me. Yet, he practically insisted.”
“Why don’t you come and stay with me and Lucas for a while? We have a spare bedroom here at the ranch. You could stay here. We’d love to have you.”
“Rachel, normally I would jump at the opportunity, but I know you and Lucas are just getting into the groove of things. This is not the time to have a third wheel.”
“You would not be intruding at all. You can help plan the wedding. You know how much there is to do.”
“And I also know your father doesn’t get out of prison for a while. You have plenty of time, especially since your mama and the three grandmas are doing most of the planning.”
Rachel let out a hopeless breath. “That may be why I need your help. Grandma Mercy, Grandma Hope, and Grandma Faith have all been driving me and my mama crazy. They can’t agree on anything. And every time we turn around they’re about to have a fist fight. We had to hide Grandma Hope’s purse. If they’re not fighting with somebody in town, they’re fighting with each other.”
Kendall smiled. “I know, don’t you just love them?”
“Not at the moment. I’m tempted to send all three of them on a long cruise. One that doesn’t end until the wedding is over.”
“That’s what you should do. You and Lucas take a cruise and get married onboard a ship. That sounds romantic.”
“Oh my gosh,” Rachel nearly shouted. “That would be the biggest fiasco in the world. Those three would probably swim the ocean to get to us, only to throw the two of us overboard. Lucas and I getting married is the highlight of the year. Those three women are not going to let me take that away from them. Trust me.”
“All right, back to me coming out to live at the ranch with you and Lucas. I’m not going to do that. It isn’t fair to you or Lucas. You were separated eight years, you deserve some alone time.”
“So, are you allowing Marcus to move in next door?”
“I’m seriously thinking about it. Especially if the judge releases Bobby Joe on Monday.”
“I’m going to lay money on the fact that Marcus offered because he wants to become more than just a protector, more than just a friend. I know you guys had a date, but living next to each other, practically living together…are you prepared for that, Kendall? Are you ready for another man to walk into your life?”
“I love Marcus. He’s been a friend forever. And he’s been there when no one else was. I can tell him anything and he understands.”
“The key word is friend. You’re thinking friends, my guess is Marcus is thinking lovers. Which, I mean, you did just go on a date, so that’s pretty obvious. He’s not moving over there just because you’re friends. Trust me, he’s wanting more than to sit out on the porch and drink beer. You know that, Kendall. If you don’t your deaf, dumb, blind and stupid.”
“First off, I know that. He and I talked about it, actually. And for another, you’re one to talk. Or have you forgotten how you were with Lucas?”
Rachel huffed. “Honestly Kendall, are you never going to let me live that down? You are having way too much fun rubbing my nose in the fact that I’m in love with Lucas.”
“No, it’s just that I like to be right once in a while. And you can’t say I didn’t tell you so. I knew all along you two were meant for each other.”
“Okay, okay, all right already. Yes, I love Lucas, and yes, I was a fool to wait so long to admit it to myself, let alone anyone else. But now, everything is fine. We’re getting married and will live happily ever after.”
Kendall’s heart beat faster. She’d felt like that at one time. She was so sure of Bobby Joe’s love, she felt indestructible. It didn’t take long for the truth to come out. Perhaps it had been there all along and he’d hidden it from her, or she just hadn’t wanted to see it.
Whatever the reason, she walked out of that marriage with a broken heart, broken dreams, and a battered body. She had sworn she’d never do it again, that there was not a man alive worth the pain. But, she couldn’t deny the fact that more and more Marcus filled her thoughts. And what she was thinking was veering off from just friends.
Besides, she refused to allow Bobby Joe to hold her prisoner.
If he had his way, she’d be too afraid
to leave the apartment. She couldn’t live like that, not anymore. She refused to be his victim. She might need a little help here and there, but Bobby Joe’s gig was up.
“You know what? I’ve decided that I’m going to let Marcus move in next door if the judge sets Bobby Joe free. Before you say anything, I’m not leaning on him as a crutch, but I would be stupid to ignore the harm Bobby Joe can do. That he will do. And I’m not too proud to let Marcus help. Besides, maybe it’s time our relationship moved up a notch.”
“I’m still not sure that’s the right move, but I’m happy to hear you’re going to give him a real shot. That’s my gal.”
* * *
Marcus couldn’t wait for Kendall to call and say she was on her way. He straightened his house, made sure to run the dishwasher, took out the trash, and even mowed the grass.
He didn’t know why his nerves were getting the best of him, but he felt like a teenager on prom night. Maybe since Kendall hadn’t been to his house before, he felt the need to impress her.
Why?
They’d known each other years, their families were friends and, living in a small town like Rainwater, very little happened around there that everyone didn’t soon learn about. He had nothing to hide. He lived a simple bachelor’s life with a demanding profession. Especially being the boss.
Yet, he wanted her to think positive things about him, and the house he resided in. Maybe even picture herself sharing his humble abode. Did he wish for too much? He didn’t think so.
It felt like she was coming around to the idea of them the night before. That is, once he’d explained to her that she was absolutely worth having. He still couldn’t wrap his head around her thinking he was too good for her. That was crazy.
Still, he knew his patience was wearing thin. He didn’t want to rush her, and he wouldn’t, but he simply couldn’t hang on to something he wasn’t sure he’d ever have for much longer. It wasn’t healthy and it was tearing him apart. All the years of watching, waiting, putting his life on hold? Loving Kendall had been easy, waiting for her, not so much.
To preserve his self-esteem, he decided this would be his last attempt to win her over. All he needed was one sign, one word that she was willing to give them an honest shot. He’d been lingering too long already. Putting his heart out there, open and vulnerable, was his last effort to get her to see him. If she still couldn’t, perhaps the time had come to move on, with or without her.
He inwardly gasped at the thought.
As he stepped out of the shower, slid into his jeans then pulled a t-shirt over his head, his phone rang. Kendall’s photo popped up on the screen. “Hey,” he said. “I hope you’re calling to tell me to order the pizza.”
“I am. I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes.”
He chuckled. “See you in a few.”
He hung up and called the local pizza parlor for delivery, then tidied up the bathroom. He combed his hair and hung the wet towel on the rod to dry before putting it in the laundry.
Kendall and the pizza delivery car pulled up at the same time. He’d just paid, and generously tipped the guy, when Kendall made her way toward his door.
She smiled, and his heart kicked up a beat. Watching her and the young delivery guy pass each other on her way to him made his breath catch in his throat. Marcus realized he could get used to this very easily. Watching her come home. Seeing her smile. Her pretty face aglow with expectation.
As he balanced their dinner in one hand, she hugged him around the waist. “That smells so delicious. I’m starving.”
“Good, I ordered a large. We have a lot of pizza to eat and cold beer to drink.”
She laughed as she stepped over the threshold. “I can’t wait.” Kendall paused and glanced around his home. “This is nice.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“I never thought of you as a decorator.”
“I assure you, I am not. This is my mama’s handiwork. Before she took it upon herself to civilize me, I stayed here with a bed, a recliner and the TV. I had one stool against the kitchen counter where I ate. I didn’t even own a coffee maker.”
She sat down her purse and followed him to the kitchen. “She did a great job.”
He looked back over his shoulder at the classic design of his home. The gray corner couch sat as the major focal point in the living area. A round coffee table and an arm chair faced the marble fireplace.
The high ceiling, crown molding, tapestry drapes and modern art work finished off a magazine worthy place to entertain guests. A black and gray rug graced the wooden floor and by some strange act of God, plants actually thrived in various corners.
Instead of being formal and heading toward the elegant dining room, Marcus chose the modest kitchen with its skylights, ceramic floor and granite countertops. He placed the box on the butcherblock table and pulled out a chair for her.
Before her arrival, he’d set the table and put out extra napkins. She eased down and sniffed loudly. “My mouth is watering.”
He opened the fridge and took out two cold beers. “Me, too.” He held the bottles in the air. “Need a glass?”
“No,” she replied, reaching out her hand.
He joined her and opened the lid, scooping up a slice for her and then putting one on his own plate. “I hope you like pepperoni and mushrooms.”
She took a bite and chewed slowly. “I love it.”
They ate in a comfortable silence until the box sat with two lone slices left. He rubbed his stomach. “I can’t eat another bite.”
She took a sip of beer. “Neither can I.” She blotted her lips then smiled across the table at him. “That was a wonderful dinner.”
He propped his elbows on the smooth surface. “If you hadn’t had pizza here with me tonight, what would your evening have looked like?”
She thought for a moment. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe a drive-through hamburger and coke, then on to the apartment.” She gazed around. “Not nearly as beautiful as this. Then I’d probably kick off my shoes and turn on the television.”
“Strange,” he said. “Sounds a lot like my typical Saturday night.”
Their gazes clashed. “Why haven’t you ever found a special someone?” she asked. “You have everything a woman wants. Yet you escaped the marriage trap. How’d you manage that?”
He shrugged. “The right woman wasn’t available.” Marcus hoped she got the message. He didn’t feel like beating around the bush anymore, hiding his feelings and hoping against hope that she would somehow come around.
He wanted her, and he intended to let her know.
A pretty blush touched the cheeks of her face and he grinned.
Yes, I mean you!
Silence filled the kitchen while they sipped their beers. He felt comfortable in the quiet space. Their relationship could withstand the lack of noise. They’d moved beyond that.
In no time, Kendall shoved away from the table and patted her flat stomach. “I’m stuffed. That really hit the spot.”
“Exactly,” he agreed, taking the box off the table and placing it on the counter. “Want another beer?”
“I’ll have one more. That’s my limit. I have to drive home.”
Heading for the fridge, he said over his shoulder. “You can stay here for the night. You don’t have to drive.” He hooked his fingers around two beers and turned to face her.
The stunned expression on her face gave him pause. Obviously, she heard him, yet he couldn’t tell by the look on her face exactly what her reaction was. Was she surprised-considering it, or surprised-overwhelmed?
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she said, softly.
Ah, the second one, then.
“I mean, it’s a little soon for something like that, isn’t it?”
He placed the beers on the counter and their gazes met over the kitchen table. “I’ve waited half my life for you, Kendall. You can’t ignore, shy away from, or convince yourself that it isn’t happening. You’re aware of the way
I feel for you.”
She lowered her eyes and shuffled her feet. “I know,” she replied on a soft breath. “I just want to be sure it’s the right thing to do. We’ve been friends for so long. You mean so much to me. What if I screw this all up?”
Chapter 7
Kendall waited with bated breath for what Marcus would say to her confession. He had a point. He’d been more than patient. He’d remained the perfect gentlemen by not pressuring her into something she hadn’t been ready for, even though that meant sitting on the sidelines for five years.
He wasn’t like any man she’d ever known. Marcus tended to be more thoughtful, and she appreciated the time and latitude he’d given her. At his continued silence, she stepped around the table and stood in front of him.
He put his hands on her shoulders and squeezed gently. “We will always be okay, Kendall. Even if this,” he swallowed hard, “even if this doesn’t work out between us, I will always be glad we tried. I’d have regretted it for the rest of my life if I hadn’t let you know how I feel.”
Taking a deep breath, she looked up into his hopeful, honest eyes and let the breath out slowly. They both deserved a bit of happiness, didn’t they? She realized, in that moment, that she could have a lifelong regret too. She’d regret it ‘till the day she died if she never learned what it was like to kiss Marcus Matthews.
A small smile quirked his lips. “Don’t tell me I’m finally going to get to kiss you?” he said lightly. “Am I about to experience what I’ve dreamed of for years?”
She hugged his waist and raised a brow. “I think it’s your lucky night.” Then she closed her eyes and leaned forward. If she expected a gentle peck on the lips, he surprised the hell out of her.
His lips met hers and instantly a shocking shudder traveled through her body at light speed, kicking up her hormones and heart rate. His mouth felt practically magical, the way he possessed her with far more masculine passion than she’d been aware was possible.