by Joan Davis
Millie moved closer to Gabriel and the fingers of one hand played nervously with her classic pearl necklace. “Look, I didn’t mean to imply anything. I just thought you would prefer a neighborhood that’s a bit more eclectic. This is a very old and established area and may not be suitable for the type of lifestyle you’ve chosen. That’s all I was saying.”
“What the hell is wrong with you Millie? That was damned insulting and you damn well need to apologize . . .” Gabriel said in anger but Honor’s bitter laugh cut him off.
“Oh no, Gabriel, don’t bother. Didn’t you know? I’m the new town freak. According to rumor, I not only work for Knight Construction but I moonlight as the town whore. Apparently, I lure men in with my slutty tattoo and compromise them left and right. You know, I was thinking . . . If I put up a red light outside the front door, then all the men of Dalton could still find me . . . even in this ‘old and established area,’ don’t you think so Mildred?” Honor asked, acid dripping from voice.
Millie clutched Gabriel’s arm. “It’s . . . Millie, and I’m sure that isn’t what I meant.”
“Bullshit, that’s exactly what you meant. You and your little pathetic lunch buddies down at Maybell’s don’t bother to keep your voices down. You make sure I hear every nasty word you say, isn’t that right?” Honor bit out and turned to Gabriel. “I appreciate the show and tell, stud, but I’ll get my own realtor. Thanks all the same,” Honor said and walked out the door. She had just reached her truck when Gabriel pulled her around by her wrist. Jerking her arm out of his grasp, Honor stared at him, her expression mutinous.
Gabriel put his hands up in peace and said, “Jesus, I am so sorry about that. I would have never thought Millie would behave that way. Please don’t let her actions keep you from getting this house.”
“Do you honestly think I would let a little bitch like that stop me from doing anything? She can go to straight to hell as far as I’m concerned. Like I said, I’ll get my own realtor and make sure they get a nice big fat commission for the sale.”
Nodding cautiously, Gabriel started to step closer, but stopped at Honor’s look. “Look, before Millie interrupted us, it was . . .”
“A big mistake, I just got excited about the house and got carried away. Don’t give it another thought.”
“No, it wasn’t a mistake. I like you Honor and I want to get to know you better.” Frowning, Gabriel could feel Honor slipping away from him. She didn’t move, but it was as if she had disappeared.
“That’s not really a good idea. We come from different worlds. You need to find a little southern bell to spend time with. Maybe your friend, Millie, can give you a few suggestions. Either way, I’m not interested,” Honor said and turned to leave.
“Bullshit, lady. You’re more than interested. You’re just too chicken-shit to admit it,” Gabriel said. He was tired of playing softball with this woman. It wasn’t working, so he might as well be himself. With satisfaction, he saw fire shooting from Honor’s amber eyes.
“Wrong, Dudley Do-Right. You’re the last thing I need in my life. Go find someone else to bother. I’m not playing your game,” Honor spat back.
Gabriel stepped forward aggressively and crowded Honor against her truck. “This is no game. I’ve wanted you from the first moment I saw you and I know you feel the same way. I tried to play nice and give you time to get to know me, and I’m done. Damn it, I’m not giving you up just so you can run and hide behind that little ice wall of yours. You and me, it’s going to happen. Bet on it.”
“Stay the hell away from me, Gabriel. I don’t need this shit. Despite what your little friend thinks, I don’t crawl into bed with every man I meet,” Honor said and pushed at his chest. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Millicent Andrews watching them from the porch. “Let me go, Gabriel,” Honor said quietly through clinched teeth.
Gabriel could see he had pushed her enough and stepped back to allow her to get into her truck. But he caught the door before she could close it. “Good to know, I wouldn’t want to have to kill those other men for touching what’s mine. Get this straight. No way in hell am I walking away from this. Fair warning, I don’t quit.”
Honor stared into his determined eyes and her stomach tightened with arousal she didn’t want to feel. In a panic she grabbed the door and slammed it shut without another word. Turning the key she revved the truck’s engine, backed out of the driveway and left.
“Let her go, Gabriel. She’s certainly not worth it. She’d just drag you down to her level. Besides, think about poor little Lela,” Millie said as she came down to stand beside him.
Gabriel gave her a look of utter disgust. “Ya know, Millie, you and your little friends follow LuAnne Franklin around like a pathetic bunch of ducks. Why don’t you try thinking for yourself once in a while instead of spewing that viper’s party line? You weren’t such a tight-assed, judgmental, little bitch before you fell in with her.” With one last ugly look, Gabriel got into his truck and left.
*****
CHAPTER 2
6 MONTHS LATER
Honor grinned, loving it when the team hit a rhythm. She moved the controls of the crane minutely and dropped another truss in place. She watched as the men up top got to work and secured it to the frame of the building before releasing the two point straps and allowing Honor to swing around to have the boys on the ground hook up another truss. By the time Honor swung the crane back around to place a new truss, the boys up top finished working on the prior one and were ready for another. It was a beautiful dance. A final truss was to be placed and then they would be ready to start roofing the structure Monday.
As usual, the moment she slowed down thoughts about her last contact with Gabriel spun a tangled web in her mind. She had made the decision to distance herself from him. Knowing how smart it was to stay away from him, she still felt conflicted. He was too damn magnetic. She missed everything about him. Frustrated, Honor shook off her musings and kept moving.
By the time the last truss was secured and the crew was making their way down from the top of the structure, Honor had already moved the crane into position at the next structure. On Monday, all she would have to do is make final adjustments to her position and then get to work. She shut down and secured the vehicle before jumping down and walking towards Buck O’Leary and the crew.
It was Friday, and Buck was handing out paychecks. Honor took hers and absently stuffed it in the front pocket of her flannel shirt. She was looking forward to getting back to her new house and working on some of the projects she had decided to tackle.
It had been 3 months since she had closed on her dream home and moved out of the little cottage that Buck had set her up in when she first came to Dalton. With satisfaction, she remembered sitting at the closing with her realtor and watching Millicent Andrew’s mouth drop open when she realized the buyer who had remained anonymous until then was none other than Honor. She knew she had done the right thing when she overheard Millicent tell the mortgage lender that she would never have told the seller to agree to the terms of the loan had she known Honor was the buyer. The banker, to his credit, replied that Honor’s money was as green as any others and her credit was better than most. He was glad to have her as a customer.
Honor had gotten right to work. She sanded and re-stained the old wide plank flooring in a deep cherry stain that glowed richly as it flowed from one room to the next. The kitchen’s laminate flooring would have to wait until Honor decided on the upgrades she wanted to make in that area. She painted the living room and dining areas with a light neutral beige color and trimmed the crown molding and baseboards in a crisp white to make the room pop. The windows were all in good working order and for now she covered them in simple fabric shades for privacy. She had purchased a large plush sofa and matching chairs and ottomans along with a sturdy, square coffee table and a pair of end tables. Lamps and utilitarian accessories soon followed. Her one splurge had been a large flat screen TV that she had mounted on the wall across fro
m the sofa and a small console that held all the cable and entertainment toys that she had installed. Besides her master bedroom, the living room was the only room that Honor had completed. The dining room and extra bedrooms remain empty.
The master bedroom and bath were enormous. Like the living room, both rooms had received the neutral paint and bright white trim, but Honor had chosen a nice set of sheers and heavy curtains that softened the room and made it feel cozy. The curtains could be pulled back during the day and easily closed at night for privacy. Buck had helped her put in a pair of French doors that would eventually lead out to an expanded deck. For now they opened out to a dangerous three foot drop so she kept them locked for safety.
Because of the large size of the master bedroom, Honor had splurged on a top-of-the line king sized Sleep Number bed. She had been dreaming about owning one for years. She knew immediately that the bed and all the linens she had purchased for it were worth every penny she paid. She could stay in that bed for the rest of her life and be content.
A big cushy chair and ottoman sat in the corner by one of the windows, and a large, long dresser sat on the opposite wall. Other than a couple of mismatched night stands and some lamps, those were the only other additions Honor made to the room so far. Full-out decorating was a long way off. Honor was too interested in other projects, like updating the kitchen and both bathrooms. She wasn’t even close to tackling the overgrown back yard and front garden. Decorating would have to wait.
Just thinking about all the projects waiting for her at home put a smile on Honor’s face as she started to make her way to her truck. Her steps slowed as she spied Gabriel as he walked out of the site office with Sam Knight and Conner Matthews. A shiver of awareness went up Honor's spine as she watched the forceful way Gabriel always seemed to move. It was as if he was sending out a silent warning that he was coming and to clear a path. Avoiding being alone with Gabriel Ryan had become Honor’s second job. Not wanting to be caught staring like an infatuated teenager, Honor dropped her head and continued to her truck again. Damn, get over it. You know he’s all wrong for you. He’s a domineering jerk. So what if he has a nice ass, silky hair, and kissable lips, not to mention that amazing body, Honor thought nearly panting, but then giving herself a good mental shake, she tried to rally her thoughts. Nothing would ever come of this. She was a smart, determined woman. She knew better than to get involved with someone like Gabriel Ryan. Yeah, and that’s why you’ve started taking birth control pills, Honor thought with a guilty wince. You’re not fooling anyone, sister.
Digging into the side pocket of her baggy jeans, Honor snagged her key-ring and inserted the key into the truck’s door as soon as she reached it. Buck had sold Honor the refurbished 1950’s Chevy 31oo farm truck when he saw just how much she loved it. Since the truck was originally created for hauling and working, Buck had restored it with a Thriftmaster 216 cubic inch inline six cylinder engine, and two Rochester single-barrel carburetors sat atop a split Offenhauser manifold. He spared no expense on either the exterior or interior. Inside, the driver’s side dash had a period-correct speedometer, and a divided gauge with temperature, battery, fuel level and oil pressure. The steering wheel matched the buttery soft tan leather bench seat and door panels. Buck also hadn’t forgotten modern amenities. The truck had a killer sound system and A/C and heat. The cherry-red finish and antique feel of it suited her perfectly. Honor even had a plastic liner made to protect the wood and chrome in the flatbed.
Hopping up into the front bench seat, Honor popped the key in the ignition and turned it. Nothing happened; just a clicking sound was all she heard. Honor tried twice more before admitting defeat. She already knew what the problem was without looking. She swore softly under her breath, “Freakin’ alternator.” Still, Honor exited the vehicle and went around and opened the hood to look inside.
“Got a problem?” Sam Knight asked in concern.
“Truck’s not starting. It’s just clicking. I’m pretty sure it’s the alternator,” Honor said not looking up.
“I’ve got my cables. Want to try a jump?” Sam asked.
Looking up, Honor saw that Sam and Conner had on tailored suits and ties, an unusual look for both of them. Sam, at least, usually wore jeans and T-shirts. “I don’t want you to ruin your pretty clothes just to help me,” Honor teased. “Don’t worry about it. I doubt a jump would help anyway. I’ll just call for a tow. Once I get her home, I’ll be able to work on her there.”
“You guys have to get to that meeting with the investors. I’ll wait with Honor until the tow arrives,” Gabriel said quietly.
“Really, that’s not necessary . . .,” Honor started to decline.
“You okay with that Honor?” Sam interrupted politely, clearly hoping the answer was positive.
Oh crap, crap, crap. What the hell can I say? ‘No, Sam, it’s not okay. I’m afraid if you leave us alone we’ll end up screwing right here in the parking lot.’ Instead, Honor just shrugged and said, “That’s fine. Go to your meeting.” To Gabriel she said, “Thanks.” Inside she shivered and everything seemed to clench tight. Just be an adult and don’t drool. Don’t let him know how much he affects you. Damn truck! Honor thought.
Sam and Conner quickly headed out, leaving Honor and Gabriel as the last people on the property. Despite her earlier statement that trying to use jumper cables wouldn’t help, Gabriel walked over and moved his large Ford truck until it was head-to-head with Honor’s old Chevy. He attached the cables and Honor reluctantly got in her truck and tried to start it a few times. As she predicted, nothing happened. It was dead.
What, you don’t think I know about engines? Honor thought in frustration, but she kept her pique to herself. From experience, Honor knew that men always thought they knew better. It was useless trying to argue. Stepping out of her truck, she found that Gabriel had already removed the jumper cables and was on his cell phone calling for a tow truck. Yes, I’m just a delicate flower that can’t possibly help myself. Just keep digging that hole, mister.
When he finished the call, he said, “I called Joe Braden. His shop is just down the road. He’s got a truck headed here now.”
Biting back sarcasm, Honor said, “Well, thanks a lot for trying and for setting up the tow. Joe Braden is a great mechanic. He’s helped me out a few times. You might as well head out. I’ll be okay until the tow truck gets here.” Honor dropped the hood of her truck back in place and watched as Gabriel did the same.
Gabriel shook his head and said, “I don’t want to leave you here all alone. I’ll wait.”
“Look, it doesn’t make sense for us both to be stuck here . . .” Honor started to say, but stopped when Gabriel stepped closer and leaned in to her.
“Honor, I’m staying. Don’t argue with me about it,” Gabriel said intently.
Normally, Honor would have had a fit over a man becoming this high-handed, but instead, quivers of awareness short-circuited her outrage. She was left staring into his eyes and wondering what he looked like naked. What? Oh Lord, don’t go there. Shrugging, Honor took a deep breath, looked away and acted like she was looking to see if the tow truck were coming.
“Sam says Buck is a happy man these days since you’ve come on board,” Gabriel stated.
Shrugging again Honor said, “Buck’s always happy when he gets his way.” Looking into Gabriel’s beautiful green eyes, Honor was immediately aware of him, could remember the taste of his lips. She ducked her head and tried to take a steadying breath. She didn’t know why this man affected her so much.
“How are you settling into the new house? I stopped by a couple of times when I saw your truck in the driveway, but you never answered the door,” Gabriel said noticing Honor was looking anywhere but at him. The dominant side of him wanted her attention focused squarely on him. Not knowing why he did it, Gabriel stepped closer to Honor until she was forced to bump up against the hood of her truck. “Why didn’t you answer the door, Honor?”
Honor felt heat spreading through
her lower body at Gabriel’s nearness. “I told you to stay away from me, Gabriel. I don’t want this, any of this,” Honor said a little breathlessly, looking at Gabriel’s wide chest as he came even closer. Oh my God, I’m going to melt into a puddle if he gets any closer. What is wrong with me? Honor thought wildly.
“Honor,” Gabriel called to her, making her look up into his eyes. Gabriel stared into Honor’s eyes and then dropped his gaze to her full lips.
Unconsciously, Honor’s tongue darted out and she wet her lips before saying, “Gabriel, this is a bad . . .”
Gabriel covered Honors lips with his. It wasn’t a tentative kiss. He set out to conquer her mouth and he succeeded. Hearing Honor’s moan of surrender as she began returning his kiss was like an aphrodisiac. He growled in satisfaction and shoved his fingers into Honors hair until the band holding it back fell away and its glorious fullness wrapped around Gabriel’s hands.
Honor’s senses were on overload. Instead of being turned off by Gabriel’s dominance, Honor was drawn to him in a way she had never been drawn to another man. She shivered as his mouth plundered hers and opened her mouth wider to accept the thrusting invasion of his tongue. Moaning with intense desire Honor’s tongue sparred with his and she felt him tug at her hair until it tumbled around her face. Passion swept through her body and tiny shudders began to ripple in her stomach. I’m drowning in this man, this to too much, Honor thought and suddenly realized where she was and who she was with. What the hell am I doing?
Wrenching her mouth away and pulling Gabriel’s hands away from her, Honor dodged to the left and stood breathing heavily. She could hear the rasp of Gabriel’s breathing beside her. Taking a deep breath and trying to collect her wits about her, Honor was about to turn back to Gabriel when she saw a large tow truck pulling into the construction site. It stopped beside them.