She shouldn’t be so close to him; she could potentially hurt both Matthew and Megan if she let herself continue getting close to him, not to mention what Jenson would think of her. He must have thought she was crazy, continually blowing hot and cold with him, but it felt so good being close to him. Knowing she needed to move, she lingered a moment longer, savoring his body heat against the stark cold of the night surrounding them. Taking a breath, she got ready to pull away from him, but before she did, she felt Jenson’s other arm move.
His hand rested on her hip, pulling her closer to him, telling her without words that, for the moment at least, he needed her there. It was almost as if he’d given up resisting the pull between them, the one she thought only she could feel. Tilting her head back, she looked up into his face. His eyes were fixated on her as the steam from their breath mingled together in the cold air.
Lucy’s gaze dropped to his lips, puffs of warm air brushing against the skin on her face. The electric attraction between them was undeniable. She knew it was wrong, but she couldn’t stop herself, no matter how hard she tried. Jenson’s head dropped, and their lips touched for the briefest of moments, their bodies jolting from the contact.
Suddenly, as if to save Lucy from herself, a dull set of lights shone on the two of them. It grew in intensity as they both realized it was an approaching vehicle and broke their contact. Following a quick glance at her, Jenson pulled his phone once more from his pocket, lit up the screen, and waved it at the oncoming vehicle.
“Hey! Over here!” he called out as Lucy turned away from him, trying to straighten out her clothes and to clear her thoughts.
Shit. What did we just do? What did I just do? Lucy’s thoughts were in overdrive as guilt rushed through her.
A moment later, a beat up old minivan pulled up and stopped by the two of them. The passenger side window rolled down and a woman shouted out at them.
“What the hell are you two doing all the way out here?”
Jenson pointed to his car, barely visible down the road.
“My car died. We were going to find help.”
“You chose the wrong highway for your car to die on. Nearest phone booth is over a hundred miles away, and we don’t have a cell tower round these ways.” The woman stared at Jenson suspiciously, before turning her eyes on Lucy. “Where you two headin’?”
“Boston. We’ve come from California.” Lucy replied to the woman’s question.
“Long way from home, folks.”
“Yeah. We’re heading out for my best friend’s wedding.”
“Well, you must be a good friend to travel that far.” She looked warily between the two of them, clearly making a decision. “I can’t leave the two of you stuck out here. What are your names?”
They both introduced themselves, knowing their fate rested in this woman’s choices.
“I’m Valerie. Hop in. You can spend the night with me, but I don’t want no trouble, you hear?”
Grateful, they jogged back to the car, grabbed their overnight bags, and made sure the car was secure. They piled their things into the back of Valerie’s trunk and climbed in. Two sleeping toddlers snored softly in the back seat. A hand pressing onto her shoulder made her jump. She twisted round to see Jenson standing close behind her.
“You sit in the front with Valerie. I’ll take the back.”
“There’s not enough space between the two car seats. You’ll be really uncomfortable,” Lucy protested.
“It’s fine. Go ahead. Plus, it would probably make her feel more at ease.”
As she climbed into the seat beside Valerie, it occurred to her that Matthew wouldn’t have agreed to the seating arrangement – it was just one of the major differences between them. Before he turned to get into the back of the van, Jenson leaned down to whisper into Lucy’s ear.
“We’ll be okay, I promise.” She wasn’t sure if he was talking about the car, being stranded before Megan’s wedding, or if he was talking about them. About their kiss. Lucy wasn’t sure if she was okay at all and was questioning what she’d been doing with her life for the past six years with Matthew. If she could be so affected by a man she hadn’t seen in half a decade, how could she consider a future with Matthew?
Whatever was happening between her and Jenson needed to stop. Matthew didn’t deserve to be hurt this way. He was hard-working, honest, and she couldn’t hurt him knowing how much he cared for her. He was going to meet her in Boston before the weekend, so whatever was happening between her and Jenson had to end. She couldn’t risk her relationship; she could risk her heart.
* * *
After a silent twenty-minute journey through dark and winding roads, Valerie pulled into a drive nearly hidden by overgrown trees. The small house tucked behind them was softly lit by a couple of porch lights.
“Like I said, you’re lucky I drove down that highway tonight.” Valerie spoke softly so she wouldn’t wake the kids. “I only came out to check on Mr. Miller’s chickens as we have coyotes round here and he went and had a heart attack last week. My daughter’s working nights and I live alone unless these scamps are stayin’, so I kinda appreciate you keepin’ me company.”
She climbed out of the minivan and unbuckled the children. She lifted one into her arms, then the second, holding them like they were huge bags of flour.
“Here, let me help you.” Jenson offered, making Valerie smile as she nodded and handed a drowsy child to him. The sleepy toddler nestled his head onto Jenson’s shoulder, wiping his nose back and forth before dropping back off to sleep. The image stopped Lucy in her tracks.
Seeing Jenson, normally so big and strong, holding the small child so gently – the sight stirred a reaction low in her stomach. She’d always wanted a large family, and the sight must have awakened the thought of that in her. Matthew didn’t want children yet. He wanted to have kids late in his thirties, and an only child, like the both of them. He was holding out for good medical care, financial stability, and a home. Once again, the differences between Matthew and Jenson were widening the gulf that was growing between her and Matthew.
Valerie ushered them both inside, and they followed her into a warm and cozy entryway.
“There are pillows and blankets in the hall closet. You all help yourself. Given how cold it is tonight, I don’t expect the two of you to mind a good cuddle.” Valerie shifted the sleeping child in her arms and yawned widely. “I’m going to have to excuse myself from hostess duties tonight. These kids have downright tuckered me out along with the late-night chicken check-up.” She pointed along the hallway. “Door over there is the bathroom. Feel free to take a shower if you need to. Towels are in with the bedding. Night, you two.”
Finishing up the mini tour, Valerie reached over, removed the toddler from Jenson’s arms, and disappeared into her bedroom. After she closed the door behind herself, Lucy walked into the lounge, nervous to be alone with Jenson once again.
The room around them was clean, with a large TV screen mounted on one wall. Across from it was a single couch. She dug into her bag, looking for her phone, needing to speak to Matthew as the situation around her was becoming too much for her to handle. Still no service.
“Jenson, is your phone working?” she asked, her voice quiet.
“No. Service is still out.”
Not surprised, Lucy walked over to the window and looked outside. “Figures,” she muttered to herself as Jenson joined her by the window, standing close by. Just being near him made her pulse race. She mentally reminded herself that she had a boyfriend. Matthew loved her, she loved him. She couldn’t do this to him.
“We should go to bed. We have a busy day tomorrow.”
Jenson didn’t move. “Are we going to speak about this?”
“We… no. Let’s not right now. Let’s forget about everything. None of it should have happened. I’m not going to climb into bed with you, Jenson.”
“I didn’t say you were.”
That’s a first for this trip. Lucy kept her
thoughts to herself, not wanting to cause another argument.
“There’s only one couch,” she pointed out.
“I’ll take the floor,” he offered, causing her to realize Matthew wouldn’t have offered. He’d have complained too much, and she would have ended up giving him the couch rather than share with him.
The silence stretched out uncomfortably between them, and Lucy could feel tears pricking the back of her eyes. Jenson watched her face, as if he could tell.
“I have a boyfriend.”
“I know.”
Lucy rubbed at her eyes with the back of her hand, wiping away unshed tears.
“I’m going to take a shower. Do you need anything before I go?”
“No.” Jenson’s voice was tight, making it hard for her to read him. She turned away from him, feeling like a coward. “I’m sorry about what I said in the restaurant. It’s not true.” She couldn’t see his face as she walked away toward the hall, but she was glad he couldn’t see hers. As she readied herself for her shower, she wondered if the doubts she was having about her relationship with Matthew had always been there, or if they were new. Most of all, she wondered why Jenson, of all people, seemed to always be the one to open her eyes and make her wish for better.
Lucy woke early the following morning, before the sun had completely risen, and pulled on some clean clothes.
After a quick breakfast, Valerie dropped the two of them at the auto shop the next town over.
“Make sure you tell Harry I sent you. He’s a good mechanic and won’t try to rip you off if he knows I sent you in.” She gave the two of them a brief hug then got back into her idling van. “Look me up if you’re ever back this way.”
“Sure thing, Valerie.” Lucy smiled at the woman who had been so kind to them. “Thank you so much for the rescue last night and for letting the mechanic know where to pick up the car; neither of us have any idea where we left it.”
Valerie waved and drove away, leaving them standing in an unfamiliar town.
The two of them turned to look at the open doors of the auto shop behind them. They could see Jenson’s car inside, already up on lifts in the middle of the garage. As they stood outside looking in, a voice called out from the back of the shop.
“Was that Valerie I just saw driving off?” A mechanic in green overalls walked out to stand by them. Lucy watched as the older man looked off into the distance, watching the minivan disappear over the horizon.
“Yeah. Said you were a great mechanic and that you could help us out, thanks for going and picking her up.”
“That so, huh? She does like to butter me up, that one.” He pointed to the car behind him. The Charger had pride of place. “I’m guessing that’s yours. I haven’t seen a ’71 outside of a showroom in years.” The mechanic wiped off his hand with a rag before offering it to Jenson. “Name’s Harry.”
They shook hands as the grizzled mechanic nodded a greeting to Lucy.
“I’m Jenson, and I’m hoping you know what’s wrong with her.”
“Ah, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that it’s only a leaking radiator hose, but the bad news is that the nearest one that’ll fit this beauty is two towns over. I’ve already sent one of my guys over to pick it up, but I’m afraid the car won’t be ready until the morning.”
Lucy groaned internally at another delay. At this rate, they wouldn’t make it to Boston in time, but Harry obviously knew what he was talking about.
“Shit! Are you sure? We’re on our way to a wedding,” Jenson said.
“I’m afraid so. I wish there was more I could do, but truth is, y’all are lucky I found one even that close.” He looked over at Lucy. “I can see you’re disappointed, ma’am, and it truly hurts my heart, but there’s a great bed and breakfast just across the road. People come from all over to stay there. Tell them I sent you, and they’ll likely give you a discount on your stay.”
“I guess that settles it then. We’re staying here the night.” Lucy looked over at Jenson to see if he was paying attention, but he wasn’t. The expression on his face was pensive as he looked down at the phone in his hand.
“Excuse me. I need to take this call. I’ll be right back.” He left the garage and stepped onto the curb just outside. Lucy watched as he raised the phone to his ear. Turning back to Harry, Lucy thanked him for his recommendation and gave him Jenson’s phone number to contact him once the repairs were done.
Giving Jenson some privacy as his phone call looked as if it was worrying him, she headed over to the bed and breakfast. Waving at him to get his attention, Lucy pointed across the road to let him know where she was headed. He met her gaze and nodded distractedly.
* * *
As she made her way along the dusty driveway, Lucy realized how gorgeous the bed and breakfast was. When she considered taking a photograph of it, she remembered Jenson received a call. If his phone had service, maybe hers did too. She pulled her phone out of her bag and saw she had three voice messages. Two were from Matthew. She played the first one.
Hey, I need to talk to you. Call me as soon as you can?”
She played the second message.
“Lucy, I really have to talk to you. Call me when you get this.”
What could he have to talk to her about? She played the third message.
“Hey, Luce. Are you and my brother killing one another yet? This trip is taking forever, and I’m not even in the car. Call me when you get a chance.” Megan’s voice was full of excitement as she told Lucy she loved her.
Returning the calls, she dialed Matthew’s number first. It went straight to his voicemail. This time, she left a message.
“Hi. You’re probably busy with work, but I wanted to call while I had reception. We ran into some car trouble, and unfortunately, it looks as if we’ll be delayed by a day. Call me when you can.” Frustrated they kept missing one another, she ended the call just in time as she heard the crunch of gravel behind her. She turned to see Jenson walking up the driveway.
She noted the tightness in his jaw, the tension in his face. He didn’t look at her as he gazed up at the bed and breakfast.
“Everything okay?” she asked.
“Yeah, you?”
“I’m good, but I need to make another call. Do you mind heading inside and checking room availability? Harry said to let them know he sent us over.”
“Sure.” Jenson disappeared into the building, and Lucy knew that something was wrong with him; she wondered if it was the phone call he’d received. No longer able to put it off, she dialed Megan’s number, knowing she was not going to be happy with their delay. Once again, the call went straight to voicemail. And again, she left a message.
“Hey, Meg. Good news - we’re both still alive. Bad news – Jenson’s clunker broke down, but we’re safe. We’re in some town in Iowa, staying the night until the car’s fixed. We might not make it to the bachelorette in time though. Try not to stress out too much. I can’t wait to see you.”
After finishing her latest round of phone tag, Jenson emerged from the bed and breakfast’s front doors and marched towards her. There was now a stormy look on his face, along with the tension from earlier.
“This place only has one room available,” he told her.
“You’re kidding me. It’s a week day. How can they be out of rooms?” Last night was bad enough. I can’t be alone with him overnight again.
“I don’t know. I asked about other nearby motels or inns, but there’s nothing for about a hundred miles.” He ran his hand through his hair, obviously stressed out. The look was a dramatic change from the easy-going Jenson she’d always known and had seen over the past couple of days. Something was seriously bothering him, but he was still trying to make Lucy the comfortable one.
“Look, let’s just take the room. It’ll probably have two beds, so we’ll be fine.” Lucy said, she didn’t need them wasting time looking for somewhere else to stay.
“Are you sure?” Jenson asked.
; “Yeah. I’ll go in and take care of it.”
Jenson stepped in front of her, blocking her way into the building. “I can handle it, Lucy. It’s just one room.”
“Okay, if you insist.”
“I saw a really nice courtyard while I was on my way to the lobby. Why don’t you wait there while I arrange the room?”
“Sure. I’ll see you there.”
Jenson headed back inside as Lucy made her way to find the courtyard he’d told her about. It was a gorgeous area with a Mediterranean feel, particularly the pool. A couple of kids were running around, throwing a football to one another, which made her smile. As she took a seat under a huge, but fake, palm tree, her phone vibrated in her pocket. The screen flashed with Matthew’s name.
“Hey, you.” She answered the call, trying to keep her voice light.
“Hey! Finally. God, it’s been so hard to get ahold of you. I got your message. Are you okay? Do you need anything?”
“We’re fine. It’s only the radiator hose, can you believe it? I had no idea it could be so important.”
“Me either, to be honest.” Lucy chuckled at Matthew’s admission. “Other than that, is everything okay?”
Lucy didn’t think it was the right time and place for her to offload what was going on in her head to him.
“Yeah, everything’s fine. How are things with you? How’s work?”
“Busy. Actually, I’ve been trying to get hold of you for a while now. They’re sending me to San Francisco this weekend. I’m not going to be able to make it to the wedding.”
She couldn’t believe he was doing this again, letting her down.
“What do you mean? Can’t you get out of it?”
“Lucy, I’m not going to tell them I can’t go. This is a huge opportunity for me and my career.”
“But the wedding has been planned for months.”
“I know, but when your boss needs you for a favor, you do it. The fact he wanted me there is a big deal. I’m finally carving my mark in the medical field.”
Her Best Friend’s Brother Page 10