Don’t Hesitate

by Winters, Jeannette

  The problem is my head knows it, but my body doesn’t seem to want to hear it. I can blame that on Andrew. Even though the kiss was brief, it held a lot of promise of something...hot... if we gave in. Not that we couldn’t, but we shouldn’t. He’ll be going back to Boston and I’ll be…stuck here.

  I knew what I needed to do, but why was doing the right thing so damn miserable? Did Uncle Carl know how this was going to affect my life? Just when I thought I was starting my career, I had to step back and put my dreams on hold. Aunt Trixi said maybe it’s because Boston wasn’t where I belonged, but she was wrong. I loved so much about that city. And now getting to know Andrew, well, that just added another item to that list.

  I thought for sure he would insist on following me home, but instead, he said he’d pick up dinner and meet me there. I didn’t need anyone to follow me, but for some stupid and unexplainable reason, I was disappointed he hadn’t.

  I used to know exactly what I wanted. It’s how I kept such a high GPA in college. I want something and work hard to make it happen. But now, I felt like I was walking on a picket fence, and no matter how careful I was, I’d fall. It was an unfamiliar feeling. For the first time ever, I was out of my depth. Probably because this is not where my heart or passion lies.

  At least Andrew knew what he wanted. What he doesn’t know is that it can’t happen. I held the power of future happiness, and I could only bestow it on my family or on Andrew, not both. It was a no-brainer. Andrew came from one of the wealthiest families in Boston. So what? He loses this deal. It won’t affect the rest of his life, not like it will for my family.

  I was hoping that tonight Andrew and I could talk about it. I know I’m the one who had been avoiding it, but I needed him to understand that I was not just being stubborn. My hands were tied and this was my path, whether I liked it or not.

  I looked at the clock. I’d been home for almost an hour. Where on earth could Andrew be? He said he was picking up dinner and coming here. Everything was closed by now. Something must’ve happened.

  It’s not like Andrew couldn’t take care of himself, but accidents happen. He’d given me his card and said to call him any time. I was getting worried about him, and that was a good enough reason for me. Now, where did I put that card?

  I searched just about every place I thought I’d have put it. It was nowhere to be found. I knew Aunt Trixi had it, but it was so late to call. What choice did I have?

  As I headed back to the living room to retrieve my cell phone, I saw headlights pulling up to the cabin. Thank God. I had to resist the urge to rush out the door and give him a piece of my mind for worrying me like that. It made no sense for me to be in a panic, but I couldn’t help how I felt.

  Taking a deep breath, I slowly headed to the door and opened it. But when I did, it wasn’t his rental car in the driveway, but a police Jeep. I swear my heart stopped and I had to grab hold of the porch post. I steeled myself for the officer to get out and deliver horrific news.

  Instead, it was the passenger’s door that opened, and out came Andrew. He’s okay! Only then did I breathe again. I practically ran down the steps to him. As I got closer, I noticed a white bandage on his left temple. He was hurt.

  “Andrew, what happened?” I asked, my voice still a bit shaky.

  “Do know you what we don’t have in Boston?” he asked. I shrugged, and he added, “Moose. And for the record, they are fucking huge in person.”

  “You hit a moose?” I said, in shock.

  “I did,” he said.

  “Do you know how lucky you are to be alive?”

  “Not sure alive is the right word,” he grumbled. He turned to the police officer and said, “Thanks for the lift.”

  “No problem. And you can stop by the station for your report for your insurance company.”

  Andrew nodded and turned back in my direction. “I can’t wait to get in a hot shower.”

  I raised a brow and said, “Oh, no you don’t.”

  “Why? Did you use all the hot water already?”

  I smiled and said, “R.I.C.E.”

  “Fuck!” he sighed. “An accident is different.”

  “I’ll have to google that. While I do, you’re going on ice.” I wrapped an arm around his waist, and he rested his arm on my shoulder as I helped him up the stairs and into the house. I wasn’t sure he needed my help, but he was getting it. He didn’t resist.

  Once he was settled on the couch with ice, I asked, “Can I get you anything else?”

  “I hope that moose is insured. He hit me pretty hard,” he moaned as I adjusted the ice pack.

  “Glad he didn’t hurt your sense of humor. And I thought you hit him.”

  “Nope. He blindsided me. Practically walked right on top of the car. I’m damn glad I didn’t bring my baby with me. I’d be crying.”

  “Baby?” I asked. I knew he was speaking of some automobile.

  “I usually drive a 1959 Ferrari 250 SWB Revival. The thing is sweet,” he said closing his eyes and leaning back against the couch.

  “You don’t strike me as a classic car type.”

  He sat up and said, “That is not just a car. I have a picture of it in my phone.”

  Really? He’s got pictures of his car? I could never be a man. They are the hardest creatures to figure out.

  Andrew felt his pockets and then got up and looked in the couch. Even lifted the cushions. “Damn it. I fucking lost my phone.”

  “Maybe you forgot it in the police car. Would you like me to call it and see if he answers?” I offered.

  Totally frustrated, he said, “Sure.”

  “Can I have your number?” I asked.

  He asked, “Didn’t I give it to you already?”

  “Yes, but…well…I never thought I’d use it, so I didn’t put it in my phone.”

  “Ouch.”

  “Does your head hurt?” I asked.

  “No. My ego,” he said. “Here’s my number again if you want it.”

  “Sorry. I’ll save it this time.” I dialed it and sure enough, the policeman answered.

  “Patrolman Simons.”

  “Hi. I’m here with Andrew Heart. He’s the one who hit the moose,” I said.

  “He hit me,” Andrew corrected.

  I rolled my eyes. “I mean he’s the man whose car was recently vandalized by a moose. I’m glad you found his phone. When can we come and pick it up?”

  “You can stop by the station in the morning. I’ll leave it with the desk sergeant.”

  “Thank you so much. Have a good night.” I ended the call and said, “I guess we’d better get to bed. I mean, it looks like we have a lot to do early.”

  “You don’t have to chauffeur me around. I can call a taxi. But you look tired. Maybe you should get some rest. I’ll be okay.”

  “You are not sitting here by yourself. What if something happens and you need me?”

  He chuckled. “I’ll call out your name.”

  “Nope. I’m staying right here with you. Maybe we can watch one of those movies on your phone.” He glared at me and I giggled. “Or maybe we can play cards?”

  “Strip poker?” he said jokingly.

  “Maybe when you’re feeling better,” I said.

  Andrew reached out and pulled me closer to him on the couch. “Trust me, I’m not in that much pain.”

  I tried to pull away, but he didn’t release his hold. Looking up at him I asked, “But you are in pain?”

  “A moose totaled my car. You’d never believe me if I said I wasn’t.”

  “You’re right. Where does it hurt?” I asked.

  He pointed to his forehead and I kissed it. Then he pointed to his chin and I kissed that, too.

  “You know, I think I’m sorer than I first thought,” he said with a grin.

  I bet.

  He pointed to his neck and again, I kissed it. “I think you might have hurt your lips, too,” I said, as I leaned in and kissed him.

  I arched against him and as my lip
s contacted his, it was as though something ignited. I was enjoying having a little control, but Andrew seemed to have something else in mind.

  He pulled me onto his lap, and when his lips claimed mine, there was nothing slow or gentle in his kiss. His lips tugged on mine and his tongue teased me to open for him. Not that he needed to. I was more than willing.

  There was a knock on the door and it startled us both. He slid me off him and asked, “Are you expecting anyone?”

  “At this time of night, no.”

  “Maybe you should go in your room and lock the door,” he said.

  I looked at him and said, “This isn’t Boston. It could easily be a bear or something out there.”

  He said, “A bear that knocks on the door?”

  I laughed. “Why don’t I go and see what’s out there?”

  “No. I’ll do it,” he said firmly.

  Even as he walked to the door, I could tell he was still in pain. Maybe this interruption was a good thing. Things were moving too fast. This wasn’t like me at all. I didn’t do casual relationships, and what else could Andrew and I have? He was only going to be here for a few more days.

  But damn, I bet they would be an amazing few days.

  I shook that thought out of my mind as I saw Andrew start to open the door. “What are you doing? Don’t open it!” I shouted.

  He turned and said, “It’s okay. It’s the police.” Andrew opened the door and Patrolman Simons walked in.

  “Hope I’m not disturbing you, but since it was a quiet night, I figured I’d drop this off to you. Besides, someone keeps texting you, so I figure it might be important.” He handed the phone to Andrew and said, “Glad to see you’re up on your feet. But you should try to get some rest. Tomorrow you’re going to feel like shit.”

  “Thank you. I will.”

  The policeman left again and Andrew made his way back to the couch. The entire time he was looking at his phone. I guess I don’t have to worry about whether or not we will pick up where we left off.

  I got up off the couch and said, “I think he was right. We should call it a night.”

  Andrew nodded and said, “Good night, Anne. Sweet dreams.”

  No kiss or anything. I rolled my eyes and half stomped to my bedroom. Sleep wasn’t what I needed right now.

  I shut my door angrily. Stupid moose. You have no idea what you just ruined.

  Chapter Twelve

  Andrew

  What the fuck! I can’t believe what Sugar told me about the will was true. Now I understood Anne’s frustration with my interest in the property. She really was stuck here for a year.

  I spent hours lying on my bed, poring over the will in search of some loophole. It was clear. She couldn’t sell, and she had to keep it running in the black for one year. Everyone assumed that meant she was free after one year, but they were wrong. The Treasured Chest needed to be in the black for an entire year. Without someone with experience running it, that might prove to be difficult. She could end up tied to that place for years.

  At some point, someone needed to break this news to Anne. I could do it when she wakes, but it sure as hell wasn’t the best way to start someone’s day. Maybe it shouldn’t even come from me. No matter what I said, it would sound as though I’m only trying to encourage her to walk away now, no matter the cost. That would be beneficial to me, but Anne wouldn’t forgive me. And her family, well, I’m sure it would have a ripple effect on them as well.

  If telling her myself wasn’t the answer, and purchasing wasn’t on the table either, there had to be something else. I was only supposed to be here a few more days. Not sure what I can come up with in that amount of time. I hate to admit it, but I might need to pick Phillip’s brain. With his brilliance and his law degree, he could tell me if any of the terms could be disputed or broken.

  It was still early, so I might as well give my brother a call. He answered on the first ring.

  “Deal go through early?” he asked.

  “Not quite. I need you to look at something for me.”

  “A business contract?” Phillip asked.

  “A will.”

  I could tell Phillip wasn’t expecting that question. “Yours?”

  “No. It has to do with the acquisition I’m working on. The property is unable to be sold. Actually, it’s hard to explain. Maybe I should just email it to you, and you dissect it.”

  “What is your goal, so I know what I’m looking for?” Phillip inquired. “A basic idea of what you need out of this will be beneficial.”

  If Anne heard me, she’d probably never speak to me again, but the answer was the same as always. “I need that land.”

  “At any cost?”

  Part of me regretted involving Phillip, because he was asking questions I didn’t have answers for. How far was I willing to go? Normally I’d say until I obtained what I wanted. But the price of The Treasured Chest might be too high. The money was not the obstacle, but even in a few days, I had come to…care about Anne. She was unique. I didn’t want my choice to adversely affect her. Sometimes the scars of life are ones that never heal and mold us into something we didn’t mean to be.

  “Give me the options and I’ll determine then which I’m going to take.”

  “I take it this is time-sensitive,” Phillip stated. “May I ask what I get out of this?”

  “The knowledge you helped your kid brother. Besides, I promised you in if I was successful.”

  “I believe the word you used was when. I don’t recall ever hearing you use the word if. If I didn’t know you better, I’d say there’s another factor you have yet to mention. May I assume it is a woman?”

  I growled, “Have I ever let a woman come between me and what I want?”

  “Never before have you ever been so evasive on answering. I haven’t even taken a look at this will, but my gut says that no matter what I suggest, you’re not going to listen to me.”

  “Nor would you, me. Can you please just do as I asked?”

  “I’ll have you an answer by the end of the day tomorrow, if that works for you?” Phillip asked.

  I wish I had answers now, but Anne wasn’t ready to hear them anyway. What’s another twenty-four or forty-eight hours at this point? “That’s fine. Text me when you’re ready to talk.”

  “Text first? Afraid I might be…interrupting something?” Phillip teased.

  “Yes. Work,” I snarled and ended the call.

  My aggravation wasn’t with him. It was the entire situation. The fact that Anne had kissed me twice wasn’t helping my disposition, either. Did she have any clue how fucking hard it was for me to keep my hands off her? If she did, she was hiding it damn well. If that patrolman hadn’t knocked just then, I would’ve spent the night showing her exactly what she does to me.

  Just thinking of her was enough to make my cock ache. It looked like I’d be starting my day the same way I ended it. With a cold shower.

  As I got up off my bed, there was a knock on my door.

  “Andrew. Are you okay?”

  Nope. Hurting. And it has nothing to do with a moose.

  “I’m fine. Do you need something?” I asked. I was in my boxers and my bulging cock wouldn’t be easy to hide if I opened the door.

  “I have your ice compresses.”

  I could use them right now, but not on the head she meant.

  “They’re not required this morning but thank you. I’m actually going to shower and go into town to see about another rental vehicle.”

  “I’m ready when you are. I even made the coffee,” she said.

  You’re an angel. “Give me twenty minutes.”

  I heard her walking away from my door. There was a lot I needed to take care of today, and Anne tagging along would only slow things down. Then again, if she was present when I tried to recruit a bouncer for the club, people might actually listen. If they didn’t, I’d have to bring in someone myself. The problem was that all my contacts were back in Boston. Who from there was going to
want to relocate to Bermoose? Of course for the right wage, more people than one might think. But her safety was worth it and all I knew was I couldn’t handle many more nights working at the club.

  There’s only one woman I want to watch strip off her clothes. And if she does, I won’t be holding anything back.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Andrew

  “I really don’t know why you wouldn’t let me drive,” I said, unaccustomed to the passenger seat. “I’m an excellent driver.” Maybe a bit too fast, but no accidents. Well, not until last night.

  Anne replied in a serious tone, “I’m used to watching for the wildlife, and you’re not. Don’t drop the food. We don’t have any more of Aunt Trixi’s chicken left and I’m starving.”

  I had no idea how someone so tiny could eat like she does. But how she was always on the go, she seemed to burn it off fast. I have a few ways to burn calories that would be a hell of a lot more fun than working the club.

  As I shifted the takeout bag on my lap, I couldn’t help but notice her white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel. She must have been rattled by the incident, and she hadn’t even been in the car. A chill ran through me as I recalled how fucked up the vehicle had been. The moose had crushed the passenger-side roof like it was an empty water bottle. If Anne had been sitting there, she would’ve been seriously injured. Or killed.

  That thought twisted my gut and I fought the urge to hurl. One more moose off the road made it slightly less likely to happen again, but damn, I hated thinking of Anne driving down these dark roads every night.

  I wanted to change the subject, but instead, I tried to lighten the mood with a bit of humor. “Are you trying to say that the moose incident was my fault? Because I believe he failed to look both ways before crossing the street.” I wasn’t even going to tell her that I’d been distracted by thoughts of her while driving. I’m sure she would give me hell instead of taking it as a compliment.