“What do you mean you broke up the fight. What about security?” he asked sounding angry.
“I guess it was more like two drunk guys getting loud with each other. See, one of our dancers, Sugar, wasn’t paying enough attention to one of the guys and I guess he took it personally. When I tried to calm down the situation, I got knocked down on my backside, but my arm hit the corner of the table and it’s…sore.” I gently ran a hand over my left upper arm.
Andrew's eyes were wide and he lifted the short sleeve of my t-shirt. “Holy fuck! That’s not a small bruise. Are you sure you didn’t break anything?”
“Nope. Mostly my pride. I didn’t fall very gracefully,” I said.
“You’re not going back there until you’ve got security. It’s too dangerous. What was wrong with Carl leaving this to you? You’re not capable of --”
“Running the place?” I interrupted. “Because I can assure you I am. I might be tiny, but trust me, I can handle myself. It was just an…accident. It’s not like he swung at me or anything.”
“Good thing for him, or I’d be having a conversation with him that might land him in the hospital,” he snarled.
I rolled my eyes. “Now you’re getting loud just like they were. Can’t men just talk things out quietly? And besides that, it is not your job to protect me or tell me what I can or can’t do. Understood?” I snapped.
Andrew got up and went into the kitchen. If he wasn’t happy with what I said, that was his problem. But when he returned he held a towel with something wrapped inside.
“What’s that?”
“An ice pack for your bruise,” he said.
“I’d rather have heat,” I said.
“R.I.C. E. Rest. Ice. Compression and elevation. It will help relieve the pain and actually might help with the bruising.”
“And you know this how?” I asked.
“I’ve had a few sporting injuries and might have been in a couple of fights as well.”
I winced as he held the freezing towel to my arm. “If you push too hard on it, you might end up needing an ice pack yourself,” I warned.
Andrew wasn’t fazed by my weak threat in the least. “Just sit still and let me take care of you,” he said firmly. “Trust me, you’ll thank me tomorrow.”
Someone taking care of me? God, I really need that now and not for my bruises either. Any other time and I would analyze what he said. ‘Let me take care of you’. The only people who have even done were my parents or my aunt and uncle. That’s still more than what some had, but never before had a boyfriend or man I was involved with ever offered such tender care. It had always been about them.
You are full of surprises Mr. Andrew Heart. For a man with a reputation of not having a heart, he wasn’t doing half bad at all. I refrained from mentioning that fact because I was positive it would mean an end to it.
A few minutes later and the pain was subsiding a bit. Damn. I hate him being right.
When he removed the ice pack he asked, “Did you want to watch TV?”
“Sure.”
“What would you like to watch?” he asked.
“Anything.” I moved closer to Andrew so I could see the TV better. That was ridiculous because I had a feeling that no matter what he chose, I wasn’t going to be awake for the entire thing.
Andrew reached behind me and pulled the homemade afghan over my legs.
“Comfortable?” he asked.
Too much so. “Yes, thank you.”
Even as Andrew searched for something, I felt my lids getting heavy. Not yet. I’m enjoying myself. Just stay awake just a little longer. But no matter how I tried, it was a losing battle. Soon, I no longer heard the TV.
When I woke, I could see the sun was up and I was no longer on the couch. I didn’t remember walking to my bedroom. Closing my eyes again, I faintly recalled strong arms lifting me and carrying me to my bed.
He was in my room.
I should be angry because I never invited or gave him permission to enter. This was the one place that no one, not even Aunt Trixi entered, without knocking. But since I’d been in such a deep sleep that I couldn’t bring myself to my room, I guess it could be forgiven this once.
As I rolled over onto my side, I inhaled the same sweet, musky scent of Andrew’s cologne. How long did he hold me that it still lingered on my clothes? I opened my eyes and pulled my sheet to my nose, but it didn’t smell like him. Pulling the top of my t-shirt up, I sniffed it again. God, he smells good.
I could lie there in bed all day snuggled up in this scent, but I had no idea what time it was. Normally I’d set an alarm on my cell phone, but if I didn’t walk to my bedroom of my own accord, I bet my phone was still on the charger in the kitchen.
I don’t want to move. I didn’t need to get up to know that my backside was sore today. No way was I going to mention it to Andrew or he might whip out the ice pack again. He was not about to hold that freezing thing on my ass no matter how much I hurt.
Although I didn’t normally take any medicine, I needed some ibuprofen or I wouldn’t be any fun to be around. Throwing the sheets off me, I got up and headed into the bathroom. I opened the medicine cabinet and popped two pills before heading into the shower. There was no reason to rush right now. And no matter what Andrew says, I’m applying heat.
By the time I got out, the mirror was steamed over and my skin pink from the hot water. But I felt totally refreshed and ready to face the day. I got dressed and opened my bedroom door.
Bacon. Breakfast was my favorite meal and hopefully Andrew had saved me some. Smiling, I made my way to the kitchen. It was spotless - obviously, Andrew took me seriously about doing the dishes. But I didn’t see any of that wonderful-smelling food. Then I noticed a note on the table.
Hope you’re feeling better. There’s plenty of ice for you to R.I. C.E. again. I went into town, but I’ll see you tonight at the club. Your breakfast is in the microwave. Enjoy.
Andrew
At least part of the note brought a smile to my face. But the ice wasn’t going to happen. I walked over to the microwave and pushed the power button. Now all I need is coffee.
I touched the coffee pot and it felt hot. Andrew must not have been gone very long. I poured a cup and took a sip of the steaming stuff. It was almost as good as my favorite coffee place near BU. I smiled. Maybe a roommate for a week won’t be as bad as I thought.
Chapter Ten
Andrew
It was shocking that in such a small town, no one wanted the job as a bouncer at the club. Maybe it’s because I was the one doing the hiring. But there was no way in hell Anne could work there alone again. Hell, even Trixi wasn’t any protection. If she insisted on keeping that place, she’d have to make certain changes that Carl just hadn’t needed.
I knew she was already at the club, but it had just opened, so I wasn’t too worried. It gave me enough time to change into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I conducted all business in a suit, but the last time I showed up in one, I was sent packing. Besides, if trouble did break out, I hated getting blood on my Ermenegildo Zegna suit.
As I approached the club, I received a call from my brother Phillip. “Hello, what’s up?”
“I thought you were going to be back by now. Is everything okay?” he asked.
“Yes. Just working,” I replied.
“And I assume things are not going as you planned?” Phillip asked.
Hell no they’re not. “As you are aware, negotiations take time. Do you want something?”
“Yes. I heard a rumor - one I hope is wrong,” he said.
“You should know better than believe gossip.”
“This came from a very reliable source. I hear you’re in New Hampshire, close to the Canadian border. What the hell type of business are you doing up there?”
“Investment, if you need to know.”
“Andrew, I’m willing to give you advice if you’re willing to hear it,” Phillip said.
“I’m not. I know what I’m
doing. All I ask is you keep this quiet. I have a lot riding on it right now. The last thing I need is”
“Father calling?” Phillip suggested.
“No. I’m more concerned that someone might decide to step in and purchase the last piece of property that I need. I’m not going to be happy if some asshole tries to hold me by the balls for twice the place is worth.” It was bad enough Anne was proving to be difficult, but I highly doubted she’d sell to anyone else, either. I had to buckle down and get this done - losing to Anne wasn’t an option.
“Andrew, if you tell me you’re quitting your job and becoming a farmer, I’ll have no choice but to call a family meeting, because I’ll know you’ve lost your fucking mind.”
“Phillip, I assure you, I am in complete possession of all my faculties. I’m just making a move that you…” I wanted to say “don’t have the balls for,” but I was trying to avoid an argument, not instigate one, “haven’t considered before. I’ll be here for another week. That’s all.”
“And you still refuse to tell me anything about it?” he asked.
“You already know more than I wanted. But don’t worry. When this is finalized, I promise to give you first dibs on getting in on it.” That should be enough to get him thinking, which Phillip liked to do alone. Just like me.
“One week?” he asked.
“Yes. And then you’ll know all the details. Under one condition, that is,” I added.
“Let me guess. I leave you the fuck alone until then.”
“One week, Phillip.” I ended the call before he pushed it any further. I also didn’t want him looking into what I was doing here. I’d been distracted these last few days, and I needed to find out who leaked information. And when I do, they won’t have a job any longer.
I parked the car and entered the club. As I expected, Anne was working the door. I liked it better when she spent her time in the office behind closed doors. It wasn’t ideal, but it sure as hell was safer.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“Working,” I replied.
“Unless your memory is slipping, I haven’t sold it to you,” Anne stated.
“I’m not letting you work here without anyone backing you in case there’s trouble again.”
“It wasn’t trouble, just two drunk guys. And if they weren’t so sloshed, and staggering, I probably wouldn’t have had to talk to them in the first place.”
“But they were and you did. Now, I’m here. Nothing you say is going to change that,” I stated firmly.
“You are not staying,” she snapped.
Calmly I grinned and said, “Maybe I should give Trixi a call and let her know what happened last night. She might have some advice for me on what I should do. What do you think?”
“You wouldn’t. I mean, she’ll call my parents and worry them over…nothing.”
“Nothing is what is going to happen next time because I will be here until you can find someone to do it permanently. Got it?”
“Andrew, I don’t like being told what I have to do.”
“I’m just here to make sure no one puts their hands on you again. Once you have adequate security here, I won’t be here. Consider this my way of protecting my investment.”
“I don’t understand,” she said.
“It’s simple. If something happened to you, I’d have to wait months, maybe years before your estate was settled. I can’t wait that long to obtain this land.”
Anne opened her mouth as though preparing a sharp retort, but instead she slammed it shut and stomped away. It sucked knowing that I angered her, but at least she wasn’t arguing with me again.
I wasn’t there very long when Sugar approached me. “I don’t know who you are, but you shouldn’t talk to Trixi like that. She’s doing the best she can.”
I wasn’t used to hearing Anne called Trixi. “I’m sure she is.”
“You have no idea the pressure she’s under.”
“No, I don’t. Did you want to fill me in?” I asked, expecting Sugar to say no.
Instead Sugar said, “Carl put some strings on this place.”
“You mean liens?” I asked.
“No. The place is left to Trixi, but she has to own it for one year and make a profit, or she loses it.”
“So why doesn’t she sell it?” I asked. That would benefit me and seem to solve her problem as well.
“She can’t. The Treasured Chest must stay open for a year. If any of us lose our jobs, she loses everything. And it is not just her, either. I heard Carl put all his money in a trust for her parents and his ex. And we employees will lose out on our bonuses, too. See? She can’t sell it.”
I needed to get a copy of that will, because I wasn’t taking the word of a dancer. If it were true, it explained why Anne wouldn’t even ask me what I was offering. Her hands were tied.
“Thanks, Sugar. I’ll keep that all in mind when I speak with Anne, with Trixi.” Anne having the same name as her aunt was too damn confusing. She would always be Anne to me.
“Good, because she looked like she was about to cry when she walked by me,” Sugar said. “I think she’s still having a hard time with the loss of Carl. All this is an added burden that she might not be ready for.”
“Don’t worry about her. She’s tougher than you might think,” I stated.
Once alone, I leaned against the wall and tried to figure out why Trixi, Aunt Trixi, didn’t tell me about the will. She obviously knew that Anne’s hands were tied and there wasn’t anything I could do to change it.
I’ve wasted all this fucking time and now I have to wait another year. I can’t fucking believe it.
I’m not sure Sugar could’ve delivered me worse news. If this was true, there was no longer a reason for me to stay in Bermoose. The problem was, Anne couldn’t leave and she still needed someone to get her on track if she was forced to run this place. I made her a promise to make sure nothing happened to her until she had some protection here. I never break my word.
Guess we’re both stuck here.
That didn’t mean I was giving up. I’d worked too hard to just walk away without exploring every avenue. I stepped outside and called my attorney. “I need you to get a copy of a will.”
“Is the person deceased?” he asked.
“Yes. The man’s name was Carl Worth. He passed away a few weeks ago.”
“And what am I looking for?” he asked.
“There was a clause regarding the beneficiary. I want to see if there are any loopholes regarding The Treasured Chest,” I stated.
“Are you going to contest the will?” he inquired.
“No. Just need it so someone knows what actions they can take.” And how I can help nudge her in that direction.
“Okay. I’ll see about getting a copy from the courthouse. I’ll let you know once I have it.”
“And scan a copy to me as well.” I wanted to read it myself. Trust wasn’t something I gave to anyone fully.
“Give me a day or two and I’ll have it for you.”
“And be sure no one knows that I am the one who wants it. Understood?”
“Yes, Mr. Heart.” He ended the call and I headed to the back office.
I knocked on the door and opened it. Anne was sitting behind the desk with an ice pack on her arm. So you do listen when I talk. I opted not to rub it in. Instead, I said, “I came by to say sorry.”
“For what?” she asked.
“You told me not to come and I came anyway. My intentions are good, but I should’ve discussed it with you first.” She’d been forced into enough. I didn’t want to be another one cornering her.
Anne smiled, got up, and came to stand in front of me, surprisingly close. “Andrew, I don’t care how nice you are to me, my answer about The Treasured Chest is still no.”
“Have I mentioned purchasing it again?” I asked. She shook her head. “Then maybe I’m being nice to you because I’m a nice guy.”
Anne chuckled. “I thought you said you
always told the truth.”
I looked down into her honey brown eyes and said, “You’re right. The truth is…I’m only being nice to you because I don’t think I could be anything else.” I stepped closer and tipped her chin high. “That’s not totally true, either. There is something else I can be with you, and it ain’t…nice.”
Her tongue traced her top lip and she asked, “And what is…that?”
I pulled her up into my arms, crushing her soft body against mine. I felt her wince, as I had forgotten about her bruises. I went to loosen my grip, when she grabbed my shoulders, kissed me hard and quick, then backed off.
With us eye to eye, she said, “I thought we agreed not to mix business with pleasure.”
I lowered her gently to the floor and replied, “I did. So maybe we should continue this conversation at that cabin after the club closes.”
“You’re really going to stay here the entire time?” she asked.
“I’ll be here while you need me.” I needed to get back to the entrance or I knew she’d take up the bouncer post again. “Don’t worry, I won’t toss anyone out who doesn’t deserve it.”
She shook her head. “Hell, they all deserve it if you ask me, but then I won’t have to worry about selling it. Because I’ll lose it first.”
“No, you won’t. You just run the business side and don’t worry about the rest.”
I turned and left her office. If she’s successful, then I’m not. This was not where anyone in business wanted to be.
Well, Phillip, I guess you’re not getting in on the deal. Because it just went belly-up.
Chapter Eleven
Anne
I had to admit having Andrew at the front door relieved a lot of stress, but it added something…unexpected. What was going through my mind that made me kiss him? I couldn’t even accuse him of trying to make a move on me. Granted, the look in his eyes said he was going to kiss me eventually, but what the hell, when did I become the aggressor?
During work, I was able to avoid Andrew, but now we were on our way back to Trixi’s cabin. I really wished she hadn’t bailed on me, because being alone with Andrew right now wasn’t a good idea. He was more than just a distraction. He’s a complication I don’t need.
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