I was waiting for Eric to disagree, or even look put out by the suggestion, but no. “That works. Thank you.”
Not like I wanted him to take me home, but come on. He’d been asking me for the last several weeks to have dinner with him, and once I agreed, this was what I got? Ignored and passed off. I was tempted to call a friend to come and get me.
“It’s my pleasure.” Andrew smirked. “Should we get that son of ours home?”
I may have smiled back, but I did my best to say with my eyes that I wasn’t that impressed with him. I could tell he understood by his laugh.
Andrew paid the whole tab, and with hardly a goodnight, Eric walked away.
“That was fun.” Andrew made sure Eric was long gone.
“Let’s go home.” I shook Drew awake.
“I’m sorry. Did you really like that guy?” The words must have sounded distasteful to him as he grimaced. “Did you hear him chew?”
A small laugh escaped, which gave Andrew too much pleasure. “You can do so much better than him.”
“From the looks of it, I thought maybe you two were going to make an announcement.”
He arched his eyebrow. “Jealous?”
“Not in the least.”
Instead of laughing off my comment, or smiling like I figured he would do, he was thoughtful. “Good. Because I would never purposefully try to make you feel that way.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
All the stress, combined with Andrew’s presence, finally caught up to me. I woke the next morning after my first and last date with Eric feeling like I had slammed into a brick wall. My whole body ached and I could tell I was running a fever. I was shivering like crazy and my throat felt raw. It seemed like every spring I came down with something, but this felt worse than years past.
I dragged myself to the bathroom and felt like I had walked several miles by the time I made it. I didn’t have time to be sick. Drew had baseball practice today and I wanted to run by the office and check the securities folders one more time to make sure they were labeled properly before the audit next week. And I promised the PTA president I would meet her at the school to start working on the paper mural for the carnival that was six weeks away. Not to mention, I needed to do my Saturday grocery shopping.
I wished my parents were back in town. Or maybe not. The longer they stayed away, the better, at least until all the dust settled. Not that they weren’t privy to what had been going on. Merryton’s network was far reaching. I thought my mom was going to hyperventilate over the phone after she watched Veronica’s interview. Any hope Andrew had of being on good terms with them had vanished, which was another reason I was hesitant to succumb to any of his advances. Like the one last night when his lips lingered on my cheek as he said goodbye.
It didn’t matter anyway. I wouldn’t have called them for help. My dad hated germs.
I held onto the counter for support. Maybe if I took some ibuprofen that would do the trick. I retrieved the bottle from my medicine cabinet and barely had the strength to open it. Getting the tablets down was worse. My throat killed. I crawled back to bed and threw my comforter over me. Ten more minutes of sleep.
“Mom!” Or maybe none.
“In my room,” I croaked. I’m not sure if the sound made it past the door.
Drew found his way anyway. He came bouncing in and jumped on my bed.
I groaned from the movement. “Not today, honey.”
“You sound bad.”
“I feel worse. Do you think you can make yourself some cereal for breakfast?”
“Can I have Reese’s Puffs?”
“Sure.”
“Yes!” He ran off. Sugary cereal was a rare treat for him.
I closed my eyes again, only to have my phone vibrate.
“Hello,” I managed.
“You sound terrible.”
“That seems to be the consensus.”
“It’s painful listening to you.”
“Goodbye.”
He laughed, as always. “Hold up, I was kidding. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just need the Advil to kick in.”
“You’re a terrible liar. I’m coming over to take care of you.”
“I don’t need you to do that. I’ll be as good as new in ten minutes. Half-hour, tops.”
“You know, you don’t have to be Wonder Woman all the time.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Not anymore. I’m coming over. You stay in bed.” He paused. “Come to think of it, I like the sound of that.”
“Goodbye, Andrew.” I’m not sure if he heard me through his laughter.
I hated to admit it, but I was relieved he was coming over. This way he could take Drew to practice. Normally, I took him and Andrew brought him home, but this would buy me a little more time to shake this off.
Andrew was staying in Evergreen with his mom until he could move into his new place next week. I couldn’t believe we were heading into April.
Drew and Jake ended up on my floor watching cartoons. I was half coherent, curled up in a ball. Drew ate his cereal and Jake waited for anything to fall out of his bowl. He was rewarded a time or two for his patience.
“Mom?”
“Yeah, bud?”
“Do you like Dad?” He had taken to calling him that so naturally.
We had been skirting this topic. Drew was still hoping we would get married.
“Yes.”
“I mean like, like him-like him. Do you know what that means?”
I didn’t feel good enough for this conversation, or to face the truth. “Yes, I know what that means.” I think Drew thought I was ancient sometimes.
“So, do you?”
I wanted to plead the fifth. “Yes,” I whispered, and not because my throat hurt.
“I knew it.” He ran out of my room.
“Get ready,” I tried to call out. The medicine was failing me, as was my head. I had no strength at all, physically or emotionally.
Andrew arrived forty-five minutes later. And with no thought at all, he let himself into my bedroom.
I pulled my covers up over my head.
He sat down on the edge of my bed and pulled back my blanket. “Don’t deprive me.”
“Can you take Drew to practice and bring him home? That’s all I need.”
The tenderness in his eyes was apparent. He reached out and felt my cheek. “You’re burning up. Maybe I should take you to the doctor.”
“I’ll be fine.”
He stroked my cheek with the back of his hand. “I have no doubt you could run circles around us, but we’re here to help you.”
“We?”
“My mom’s here. I couldn’t very well leave you alone while Drew and I go to practice.”
“Andrew …”
“What?”
All I could do was shake my head, and even that hurt.
“I’ve never wanted to take care of someone more in my life than you. And it’s frustrating that you don’t need me.”
“I did once, but you didn’t come.”
“And for that, I am truly sorry. A mistake I don’t ever plan on making again.”
“How can I trust that?”
He reached down and kissed my warm forehead. His lips felt cool against it. “For now, rest. We’ll talk later. My mom is under strict instructions not to let you get out of this bed. You can go back to saving the world tomorrow.”
For once, I closed my eyes and let go. I fell into a deep sleep. One my body had been needing for weeks, but my nerves and emotions had refused to give in.
I wasn’t sure what time it was when I woke up, but the first thing on my mind was Andrew. That was a common occurrence. I remembered Taylor telling me once that Easton got into her system and never left. That’s how I felt about Andrew. He wouldn’t leave me alone, and I wasn’t sure I wanted him to. So we both screwed up, but he was doing all he could to make it right, and my friends were right about me. Look at everything he was giving up to be with Dr
ew, and maybe me.
Evelyn crept into my room with a tray filled with a bowl of soup, a glass of water, and some daisies.
I managed to get myself upright. It took more out of me than I wanted to admit. At least the fever was down. The Advil had done its job in that regards. “What time is it?”
Evelyn rested the tray on my lap. “A little past one.”
“Are Drew and Andrew back?”
Her eyes lit up at the mention of their names. “Not yet. Andrew wanted to keep the house quiet for you.”
“That was nice of him.” I looked down at the spread on my lap. “This is kind of you. I don’t think I’ve ever been served food in bed before.”
She sat down next to me and felt my forehead. “You look like you could use a little TLC. You look so thin.”
The stupid tears made a reappearance. “I’ve been so stressed out. My appetite went out the window.”
Her hand moved down to my cheek. “He’s sorry this has taken such a toll on you … and—” I could see an internal debate going on in her eyes. She let out a breath and went for it. “And on your relationship.”
“Did we ever really have one?”
“Oh, yes. And he wants more than anything to have that back. I’ve had to stop him several times from running over here to try and fix it.”
I shook my head, confused.
“I knew you needed time. He threw you in the middle of a tornado, and let’s be honest, he really messed up.”
I smiled at her candor.
She patted my cheek. “You, my dear, are giving him a run for his money.”
“I’m not playing hard to get.”
“No. You’re too good for that, and him. For once in his life, he has had to work for something. He has to be better because that’s what you deserve. Don’t get me wrong, I think my son is a good man, but he needs someone like you to show him that he hasn’t met his full potential yet.”
“I’m not that great.”
“Don’t we all think that? Dear, look in a mirror. You are one of a kind. Like I said before, many women in your shoes would have taken advantage of this situation. And there are not many women who would have taken on the responsibility you did at such a young age, especially not with such poise and character. All you have to do is look at your son to see what an amazing woman you are. Why do you think Andrew is so in awe of you?”
I wiped my own tears. “It’s hard to see it like that. When they placed Drew in my arms, it was like I knew that was what I was meant to do with my life. I don’t feel like I’ve done anything special.”
“Again, that’s what makes you so unique.”
“If you say so.”
She flashed me a graceful smile. “Now eat.”
“I’ll try.” My throat still wasn’t feeling all that hot, but the oven roasted tomato soup looked divine.
She popped off my bed. “Do you use fabric softener when you wash your towels?”
“You’re doing my laundry?”
Her look told me not to argue. “Yes, and Andrew is grocery shopping.”
Maybe getting help every now and then could be a good thing. “Thank you.”
Chapter Forty
After a long, hot shower and some food, I fell right back to sleep. My body was demanding it, and Evelyn was encouraging me. She even called the PTA president for me. I wasn’t sure I had ever been so spoiled. This time, though, when I woke up, the other Turner was in my room. He had moved my corner chair next to my bed and was perusing my sketchbook—without my consent, I might add.
“What are you doing?”
He lowered the book and smiled like I had made his day. “Watching you sleep. It’s one of my favorite things to do, but I prefer it when you’re in my arms.”
I preferred that too, but I didn’t mention it.
“You make these little sighing noises all through the night.”
I sat up and took a drink of the water Evelyn had left on my bedside table. My throat needed all the help it could get.
Andrew watched me with interest as I drank deeply.
I set the glass down. “What time is it? Did I sleep all night?”
He moved from the chair to the edge of my bed with my sketchbook in hand. “No.” His grin and proximity were going to be my undoing.
“Where’s Drew?”
“My mom took him out for ice cream—in Evergreen—so we could have some time alone.”
I looked at my phone. It was seven in the evening. I couldn’t believe I had spent all day in bed sleeping. I still felt exhausted. “Thanks for taking care of him today … and me.”
He scooted closer.
I ran my hands through my hair. I wasn’t at my finest.
“You look gorgeous.” It was like he could read my thoughts.
“And you’re a liar.”
The sketchbook fell to the wayside and he made his move. His lips covered mine before I registered what had happened. It was a brief kiss, but emotion filled me when his lips pressed against mine.
I had missed the feel of them together. “You’re going to get sick.”
“Then we can lie in bed together, or you can take care of me.” His lips hovered over mine.
“You think so?”
His hands found my hair and tangled themselves up. “I’ve missed you, Rachel. Do you think you can ever forgive me?”
I wanted to. I wanted him, even if we didn’t make sense. He could have any woman he desired. I leaned closer and rested my forehead against his. I breathed him in, trying to gain the courage I needed to take this leap with him. “What about Drew?” I whispered.
“He wants us together.”
“But what if it doesn’t work out?”
“Then we will do what’s best for our son, but this—” He kissed me ever so lightly. “This has nothing to do with Drew. This is between a man and a woman, you and me. Maybe Drew is how we met, but I want you for you.”
I needed to hear that. I took a deep breath, and maybe another for good measure. “I forgive you.”
He kissed me hard, just once. I don’t know how serious he was about wanting to share my germs. “Good. Now I can romance the hell out of you.”
A tiny laugh escaped.
“I love that sound, almost as much as you sighing in your sleep.” He moved next to me and put his arm around me.
I curled up into him and felt like I had come home.
He picked up my sketchbook and opened it to the picture of Drew and him sleeping amongst the Christmas aftermath. “Did you draw this?”
I nodded against him. “I was going to give it to you for Valentine’s Day.”
He let out a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry for being such an idiot. I should have spent that day with you. I wish I would have listened to you in the first place and never ran.”
“I’m sorry you didn’t get to fill your dad’s seat, and that your party lost.”
He pulled me closer and kissed the top of my head. “You are too good for me.”
“True.”
He laughed, but it was subdued. “I don’t think my dad would have been impressed with how I handled the situation. He would have never put his own ambition over me or my mom. I don’t ever want you to think that my career is more important than you or Drew. I was shortsighted. I’m sorry I hurt you.”
“You did promise you would make it up to me.”
“You shouldn’t talk to me like that when I’m holding you in your bed.”
“Really? I’m sick.”
“And naïve.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“Rachel, you have no idea how crazy you drive me. How hard it is for me to resist you. More than anything, I want to treat you the way you deserve. I want to show my son how women should be treated and handled with care, especially his mother, but you don’t know how tempting you are.”
“I’m sure the bedhead and sweats are a real turn on.”
“You have no idea.”
My fingers motioned circles on his j
ersey-covered chest. “So, where do we go from here?”
“For starters, I’m going to love you how you need and want to be loved.”
I sat up as fast as my tired body would allow me. “Love?” I choked out. I wasn’t ready for love. It wasn’t that I didn’t think I could fall in love with him, but I wasn’t going there yet. I wanted him to romance the hell out of me first, however that worked—it sounded good. I was going to have to let those words of his sink in.
My panic produced a giant smile on his face. He brushed some of my hair back with his hand. “Yes, love. I’ve been falling in love with you from almost day one, but I’ve been doing it all wrong.”
“Wrong?”
“You know those love languages?”
I nodded.
“Heidi … Is it okay if I mention her?”
“Of course.”
He tapped my nose. “We did couples therapy.” He sounded embarrassed. “Our counselor suggested that we learn what love language or languages we spoke best. See, for me, if you touch me and tell me I’m pretty, we’re all set.”
I tried to laugh, but it came out more liked a strangled screech.
“And for Heidi, she liked presents, which worked well because that’s a major way I show people I love them, but you … you’re different.”
“Enlighten me, Dr. Phil.”
He drew closer and I held my breath. The heat was back in his eyes. “You show your love by giving of yourself and your time. You want nothing less in return.” He drew close enough that our lips almost touched. “Lucky for you, I have all the time in the world to spend with you.”
“Lucky me?”
“Very lucky.” His lips skimmed mine.
“I see you’re still eating your arrogance bran.”
He groaned before throwing caution to the wind. When our lips met, that passion was ignited. Even in my tired state, he had me revved up. I threw my arms around his neck and pulled him to me. The kiss intensified, but the fire was put out as it barely got started. He released himself from my hold and caught his breath. “You’re going to be my undoing.”
“Do you want me to stop?”
“No. I want us to start, but this time I don’t want there to be an end.”
Rachel Laine (The Women of Merryton Book 3) Page 29