by Jenny Rabe
Her eyes showed she didn’t believe him, and frankly, he couldn’t believe he was coming up with ways to spend time with her, away from any prying eyes. Finally she said, “Okay, I guess that’ll work. I need to start painting again and it will be nice to have your face so conveniently nearby.”
He smiled and gave her a wink. “If I’m going to spend time here, I need food. I bought a few things for the fridge.”
Cambria sighed. “You need to stop doing things for me.”
He smiled broadly. “This is more for me. I eat a lot and I feel bad taking all your food. Now go take your time getting ready. I’m sure painting in duck pajamas is fun, but I have some things I want to work on with you, and we have to get those packages out to the mail.”
“Already signed and sealed.”
He perked up. “Have you gone to the post office already?” If he took them before she mailed them, it would ensure there were less trips, less chance for it to be lost in the mail.
She shook her head. “Not yet, but I will.”
He held up his hands. “Want me to do it? I have to run an errand anyway.”
“There you go again, helping me too much.”
“Okay, fine. After today, I won’t do anything else for you.”
She smirked at him. “That’s not what I meant, but maybe it’s best you do it. I tried to run to the grocery store last night and my car wouldn’t start.”
“Hmm,” he hummed. He at least had until the end of the day to make good on his promise. “How about go upstairs and get ready. I’ll bring in the groceries, then grab your packages. By the way, I brought my assistant, May, along, so don’t be alarmed when you see her.”
Cambria shook her head but didn’t say anything more. When she was safely upstairs and he heard the shower turn on, he went outside and motioned for May to come in.
“Start in the kitchen,” he said as she carried her bucket of cleaning supplies inside. “Clean out the fridge before you add the groceries, and when Cambria comes down, turn on all your charms.”
May shook her head. “You’re walking on thin ice, friend.”
He brushed off her concerns and grabbed Cambria’s keys from the counter. “I’ll be back in a little bit.”
“Where you going now?” May asked. “Those aren’t your keys.”
Brian looked down at his hands. No, they weren’t his. But today was about fixing what he could before he broke her again. At least if he set her up for success, he could leave knowing he’d done his best. Ignoring her questions, he said, “Take care of her. Make her breakfast too.”
May sighed. “Yep. You’ve got it bad.”
She had no idea. He sighed and grabbed the packages he found propped against the wall in her painting room.
Chapter Nineteen
Cambria
Cambria practically skipped around her bedroom picking out that day’s outfit. She wanted something cute, but she also wanted to paint. What outfit was she okay with ruining more? She’d given up wearing a smock long ago.
She tucked her wet hair in a messy ponytail and was about to add a clear lip gloss to make her lips pop before Cambria mentally stopped herself. She couldn’t think like this now that she knew he was pushing away. That wasn’t healthy and wouldn’t end happily. He was her business partner and that was it. She threw the lip gloss down without applying it. Mind over matter.
She heard banging in the kitchen as she came down the hallway. “Man, you delivered those boxes fast.”
More clanging as she turned the corner. But Brian wasn’t there. A fit lady with a bright purple jogging suit and brown hair pulled back in a ponytail was facing her cupboards. She whipped around when Cambria gasped.
“Sorry, dear. Just me. My name’s May. I work for Brian, and he brings me along to whatever work space he’s at.”
Cambria looked around her kitchen. Half of the kitchen was in disarray, dishes out on the counter, grocery bags not put away. On the other hand, every clean counter sparkled. “Wait, he asked you to clean my house?”
She nodded. “And shop for groceries. I’ll be vacuuming next so make sure there’s nothing important on the floor.”
Cambria lifted her eyebrows. “I don’t need a maid.”
May looked around and gave her a warm smile. “I know, honey. I’m just here to help.”
Cambria looked around too, a little embarrassed this time. “Well, it’s not Brian’s job to do anything about my kitchen. Where is he anyway? His car is still out front.”
May nodded, a sly grin on her face. “Did you see your car, too?”
Cambria stopped pacing in front of the kitchen counter. “No. Did he—” She moved around the kitchen counter and hurried out the front door with May right behind. Sure enough, Brian’s car was the only one in the driveway. “He stole my car?”
May made a pfft noise and headed back inside, mumbling, “Child, I don’t know why he’d ever want to steal that thing.”
Anger rolled through her. The nerve of him, taking her car without asking.
Seconds later, a sleek, black car drove into her parking spot. A sinking feeling hit her in the gut. Had he bought her a new car?
She dashed out to the driveway to meet him and crossed her arms, ready to yell every curse word in the book. If he thought she was a defenseless, poor woman, he had another thing coming. Everyone hit hard times, and it was her turn. She didn’t need someone buying her way out of her trials.
He had the decency to look a little ashamed as he climbed out of the car. “It’s all yours.”
“All mine? Where did my car go?”
Brian held up his hands. “Well, it’s yours for a while. Your car needs a lot of work. Do you know your brakes need to be replaced, you need new tires, and the timing belt looked like a squirrel has been gnawing on it?”
Now it was her turn to be ashamed. “Yeah, so I’ve had it for—”
“Three years,” he said, completing her thought. “It’s practically new. What have you done to it?”
The anger returned. “This is none of your business, but that car was my husband’s. He was rough on it when he got back. I sold my car to pay off some debt.”
Brian’s mouth dropped a little, and Cambria was sorry for making him feel bad.
“I’m sorry. I should have remembered. But look, it’s just a loaner from the repair shop,” he said, handing her the keys. “The car shop is going to fix you up. They’re replacing everything, even adding a new coat of paint.”
Cambria’s mouth dropped lower than Brian’s had. “I can’t afford that. I’m barely making ends meet as it is. The paintings that have sold will take care of my rent and some credit charges, but I can’t pay for new car parts, much less a new color on my car.”
Brian ducked his head and headed toward her house. “I know. That’s why I’m covering it.”
She grabbed his arm and whipped him around. “Where is this money coming from? You said you were going to stop. I can take care of myself.”
He smirked. “I’m single, I have a pretty successful business and no one to spend my money on. I have very little needs for myself and I want to help.” She fisted her hands on her hips, and the guilt kicked in. “Okay, you’re right. I did say I’d stop. After today.”
Cambria narrowed her eyes at him. “I don’t need you to take care of me.”
“Tell him, girl,” May said coming up behind them. The tension was momentarily broken as she grabbed a few rags in the truck and headed back inside.
Brian waited until May went back inside, then he lifted her chin so she had to look at him. “I know you don’t need me. You’re a strong, independent woman, and I really like that about you. But for now, please let me help where I can.” He pulled her toward his chest and wrapped his arms around her.
Cambria’s insides betrayed her, wanting her to pull him closer. She leaned into him, wanting so badly to stay in his arms. She looked up at him, and he winked.
“You know you can’t buy my love,” she sa
id, reaching up to touch his smooth face.
He frowned. “Who said anything about love?” His gaze was so intense she couldn’t look away.
He held her shoulders, moving her closer to him. Her heartbeat fluttered inside her. She closed her eyes, anticipating their first kiss. Right before their lips touched, Mr. Walker called to them.
“Hey, looks like your beau’s back.”
Cambria’s eyes snapped open. Brian jerked away, already heading toward the Walkers’ house. Her stomach dropped like a paintbrush in an empty can, and she reluctantly followed behind him.
“Hi, I’m Brian.” He shook hands with Mr. Walker as Mrs. Walker came out on the porch and wrapped an arm around him.
“So nice to meet you. We’ve seen you a couple of times, and we’re glad to see Cambria with someone.”
Brian’s face turned red, and she was happy for once it wasn’t her. “Well, we’re not really—”
Mr. Walker patted him on the shoulder. “Oh, don’t be shy. I saw how you two looked at each other just now. How ‘bout tomorrow come over for a fancy dinner on the back porch? I’ll have Mrs. Walker cook up some steaks, and we’ll sit out on the back porch and get to know each other better.”
Brian looked down at his feet and mumbled to himself. “The back porch? That is private.”
She raised her eyebrows. Did it matter?
“How does seven sound?” he asked. “I have baseball practice, but we can come by after.”
Mr. Walker clapped his hands together. “Perfect. See you two tomorrow night.”
Cambria took a few steps away toward her house after the Walkers went inside, giving them a moment of quiet. “I’m confused,” she said. “Yesterday and this morning it seemed like you didn’t want anything to do with me. Now you’re fixing my car and going on dinner dates with my neighbors. What gives?”
He smirked. “I never say no to a free dinner. Especially steak.” Suddenly Brian’s head popped up, his eyebrows scrunched together. “Did you see that? A camera flashing? I swear someone was . . .” He trailed off but continued to look up and down the street.
Cambria turned around but there wasn’t even a car behind them. “No. Are you seeing things?”
He poked her side. “No, but we should probably get inside.”
She shook her head at him. “Whatever. I’m going to go paint. You do whatever it is you came here to do.”
Chapter Twenty
Brian
Brian smiled as he came into Cambria’s art room many hours later. He had given her space, only bringing lunch in when it was time. She was barefoot on the floor, staring at a half-painted canvas. Two paint brushes stuck out of her hair at odd angles, and one more was poised in her hand. Her arms and legs were splattered with paint. It was a beautiful picture. He snapped one with his phone before coughing and getting her attention.
“I better get May home. I’m going to have to pay her double for today. She’s probably going to grumble all the way home.”
Cambria stood, hoping her voice sounded more lighthearted than she felt. “I see how it is. Fix me up with all the food, a nice car, and a clean house. Then I have no one to share it with.”
He chuckled as she walked with him to the door. After he turned the doorknob, he looked back with a wistful glance. If only he could tell her everything. He tapped her softly on the nose. “See you tomorrow for dinner at the Walkers'.”
* * *
Cambria didn’t show up for his practice the next day. Brian was relieved and disappointed. Maybe she’d decided to do some painting. The pieces listed online were selling at a regular pace, one or two a day. He made sure no one else bought the paintings by blocking the general public from viewing the website. An idea still hadn’t come to him of what to do with the bought paintings, but he’d hold onto them and keep them safe until then.
After practice, he parked next to Cambria’s rental car, noting it hadn’t moved since he’d parked it the day before. It was getting harder and harder to find reasons to stay away from her, probably why he’d jumped at the chance to have dinner with her. As long as they weren’t in plain sight, they were safe. Yesterday he was sure someone had snapped a picture of the two of them, but at this point, he had no proof. Only weary suspicion.
He sighed and took the rose he’d picked up at the flower shop off the passenger seat. It was pink and reminded him of everything beautiful about Cambria. Soft, rare, artistic. He leaned against the doorframe and rang the bell. She opened it, wearing a cute jean dress and sandals. Her hair was pulled back in a tight braid, and she wore a thin golden necklace with a paintbrush pendant.
“Wow, you look great. I thought a rose might look good in that newly cleaned kitchen.” He held it out to her.
She frowned as she led the way into the kitchen. It was clean still, but in complete disarray. Flashing him a guilty smile, she said, “I couldn’t find the measuring cups, and then the mixing bowls, and then the flour.”
Brian shook his head and smiled. “What am I going to do with you? I’m going to have to hire a full-time maid to keep up with you.”
She gave him a warning look that made him laugh. “Nope, your charity work is done. Where are you getting all this money anyway?”
He shrugged. “I have a dog and that’s it. What else am I supposed to do with my money?”
Cambria could think of a dozen different ways to use a wad of cash, but decided to drop the subject. What he did with his money was his business. She eased the pan full of brownies toward him.
“Anyway, I made these, since you bought me enough food to last through the apocalypse. I forgot how much I enjoy cooking and then eating my creations.” She grinned and her cheeks turned pink. “I ate most of the first batch, so I made a second.”
He smiled and found a jar on the counter to put the flower in. He added water, then motioned to the door. “Should we go?”
Cambria grabbed the container of brownies. “Are you sure you want to meet my neighbors?” He hadn’t masked his facial expression enough because she was backtracking in no time. “I mean, they’re not my family or anything.”
He nodded. “It’s just a friendly dinner, right? I don’t know that many people, and it’s nice to shake things up a little.”
She sighed. “Right. Let’s go.”
* * *
The Walkers’ house was comfortable, cool, and everything Brian could want for in a neighbor that lived next to Cambria.
“How’s the steak, Brian?”
Brian looked up to see Mr. Walker waiting for an answer. He swallowed down the too-big piece of meat. “It’s great. Texans sure know how to grill.”
Mr. Walker’s smile grew. “Yes, they do. Mrs. Walker is a master griller.”
“Thank you, baby,” she said.
“So what do you do?” Mr. Walker asked.
Brian put down his fork and prepared to say his memorized answer. “I work for a web design company. Basically, we help others design websites and be seen by multiple search engines. Which is why Cambria’s art is selling so well.”
Mrs. Walker’s face lit up. “Finally, someone else has seen her talent. Isn’t her art wonderful? I can’t believe I live so close to such an artist.”
Brian nodded. “I agree.”
“Where did you two meet, anyway?” Mrs. Walker asked, sipping at her drink.
Cambria gave a small laugh. “Well, that’s a good story.” She looked to Brian for help but he held up his hands.
“I’d like to hear your version actually.”
She smirked. “All right then.” She started with their first run-in at the running track, giving the Walkers highlights of their run-ins at the ball field, at grief meeting, and lastly their new business venture together.
“So you’re not dating?” Mr. Walker said rather abruptly.
“Well, no,” Cambria said, biting her lip. “He’s just my business partner.”
Brian’s stomach clenched. She thought of him as a business partner? Maybe he had b
een all wrong about her feelings. Well, at least that made things easier.
“So how did you two meet?” he asked, changing the subject.
Mrs. Walker reached for her husband’s hand. “Mr. Walker was in the military, and I was a nurse who tended to him when he was wounded in Vietnam.”
“And when I returned home, I searched high and low until I found her and made her mine.”
“Aww, that’s so sweet,” Cambria said. Her eyes were misty, and Brian knew she must have been thinking of her own lost soldier.
Mr. Walker picked up the conversation, sharing stories of their engagement and about their children. He watched the couple interact, a dart of pain shooting through his heart. These are the moments he wanted to have with another person, but it was too late. He wouldn’t put himself through that again.
He half-listened to the rest of the conversation, keeping to nods and smiles. At the end of dinner, Mrs. Walker passed around Cambria’s brownies, and he took one with a thank you. After another refill of milk, he stood.
“I need to get going.”
Cambria stood too.
“No, you should stay,” he said to her. “I have some work to do tonight, and you’re having fun.”
Cambria looked torn. She had been enjoying the conversation, he could tell, but not enough to be left behind. Now that he had mentioned her desire to stay, she couldn’t bow out without looking bad.
“Well, let me at least walk you out.”
Brian hid a sigh from behind his napkin. The more they had alone time, the more alone time he wanted with her.
“Thank you again,” he said taking Mrs. Walker’s hands. “The food was delicious.”
“Anytime. I hope to see you two together a lot more.”
Brian turned before his expression changed into a grimace. He headed to the front door as fast as he could.
“Where are you going so fast?” she said as he reached for the doorknob. “Will I see you tomorrow?”
“Probably not. I better get back to my work routine. Besides, you’re all set up now. Paint, take a picture, and sell it. The car will be ready next weekend. I gave them your number to call when it’s done.”