by Susan Stoker
But today wouldn’t be that day. They both had things to do.
He was worried about her. He hated the bruises on her body, and he really hated seeing her blood. It was unacceptable, and Gumby wanted to lock her up for her own good.
But that would make her hate him—and that was unacceptable. He wasn’t sure what the answer was yet. How she could continue to do what she loved and stay safe at the same time. But they’d figure it out. He hoped. He wasn’t sure he could deal with any more phone calls like the one he’d gotten yesterday. The next time it might be a police officer calling. Or someone from the emergency room, saying that Sidney hadn’t made it.
Gumby put on his PT clothes and packed a bag so he could shower and change on the base. He and the others were going to head right into meetings after working out so they could hopefully get off a bit early today. Rocco wanted to spend as much time with Caite as he could before they left, and the rest of them just wanted the break from thinking about what they were about to do overseas.
Tiptoeing down the stairs, he gestured to Hannah and she obediently got up off her bed and came toward him. He let her out to do her business and afterward, he brought her into the kitchen to take a look at her wounds. Her back was looking so much better. The oozing had stopped and all that was left was a pink, still-healing squiggly line down her back where the hair had been burned away. The skin was tender, but the vet assured him Hannah didn’t really feel much pain there as the nerves had been burned by the acid.
Her paws were also doing better. The pads had actually peeled off, which had freaked Gumby out, but he had to believe the vet when she’d said it was a good thing. That the new pads underneath were growing back. Hannah wasn’t limping quite as badly as she’d been when she’d first come home, and Gumby was satisfied that she’d heal completely.
He put some food in Hannah’s bowl and refreshed her water. Watching as the happy-go-lucky dog wagged her tail as she ate, Gumby wondered for the thousandth time how someone could deliberately hurt an animal as sweet as Hannah
He sipped a cup of instant coffee as he waited for Hannah to finish her breakfast. The only light in the kitchen was coming from the bulb above the sink. He hadn’t wanted to turn on any others so he wouldn’t disturb Sidney. He couldn’t see her from where he was standing, but he knew she was still asleep.
Gumby loved having her there. Loved waking up with her in his arms. It was hell to leave her just to go get dressed, but he didn’t want to rush her into anything she wasn’t ready for.
When Hannah finished her meal, she came over to him, tail still wagging a mile a minute. “Done, girl?” he asked quietly.
In response, her tail wagged faster and it totally looked like she was smiling up at him. “Take care of Sid today until she leaves, yeah?”
Hannah licked his hand then headed into the living area. Chugging the rest of his coffee, Gumby put his mug in the sink and followed his dog. When he rounded the couch, he blinked in surprise.
Hannah had gotten up on the couch, which was the first time he’d seen her do that, and curled herself into a ball in the crook of Sidney’s knees.
Sid was on her side, still sleeping like the dead.
Gumby stood there a long moment, feeling emotional over the sight of his dog and his girl sleeping. It was something he wanted full time more than he could express. He’d always wanted a dog, but hadn’t realized the satisfaction having one would give him. Hannah made him smile all the time, and it felt good to be able to give her a safe, happy home.
And Sidney. He wanted to give her a safe, happy home as well, but she wasn’t a dog. She had her own mind and was doing just fine on her own without him. That was the rub—she didn’t need him like Hannah did. But Gumby hoped like hell one day she’d decide she wanted him.
Deciding not to wake her up—how could he when she was sleeping so soundly—Gumby leaned over and kissed her on the temple. “Sleep well, Sid,” he whispered, before standing up and heading for the kitchen once again.
Writing out a short note letting her know he would be working until around two and wanted to see her later if possible, Gumby propped it up next to his coffee maker. He hoped that she’d stay long enough to see it. Just to be safe, he decided to also text her after he got done with PT.
He got out a bottle of water and put it next to two painkillers on the counter as well. She would be sore after her latest bout with that asshole, Victor.
Knowing if he stayed much longer it would be even harder to leave, Gumby headed for the door.
With one last glance into his living room at the two females who meant the world to him, Gumby slipped out of the house and headed to work.
Sidney woke up completely refreshed. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept so long and so hard. She’d woken up a few times in the night and realized that she was still at Decker’s house, but had no desire to get up and go home.
For one, she was comfortable.
For two, she didn’t want to wake Decker.
For three, she loved sleeping in his arms. He made the best pillow ever. Screw those commercials touting the “perfect pillow.” Nothing could be as comfortable as Decker’s chest.
She felt Hannah at her feet, her head heavy on her calves as she snored slightly. She knew Decker was gone; the house was quiet and the sunlight was just peeking in, letting her know it was past time for her to get up and get on with her day.
But she couldn’t move just yet. The cushion under her head smelled like Decker. His dog was sleeping contentedly at her feet. And she’d just spent the night with the man she knew could break her if he decided he didn’t want her around anymore.
She lay there for another few minutes before sighing deeply and sitting up. Hannah grumbled at the loss of her pillow, but scooted over and licked Sidney’s hand before putting her head on her thigh.
Chuckling, Sidney petted her head and said, “Yeah, I know. Mornings suck. I’m with ya, girl.”
Hannah’s tail thumped against the cushion.
“Are you even allowed up here?”
Her tail thumped harder.
Laughing again, Sidney gave her one last pat before standing. She folded the blanket they’d used and draped it over the back of the couch. She visited the bathroom before heading into the kitchen.
The sight of the two small pills next to the bottle of water made her pause. It was silly really. It was just two ibuprofen. But having lived alone for as long as she had, and having taken care of herself for most of her life, the gesture was akin to him leaving her a pair of diamond earrings. That’s how much it meant to her.
She swallowed the pills down, hoping they kicked in fast. Her lip was throbbing and her shoulder wasn’t much better. She went to the coffeepot and found a note from Decker.
* * *
Morning, beautiful. I’m off to PT and then to a long day of meetings. But I’m getting off around two. Any chance I can talk you into coming over? :) I know you’re busy, but it seems as if the more I’m around you, the more I want to see you. Hope you slept well. I know I did.
Xoxo
Decker
* * *
Sidney held the note to her chest and closed her eyes. “How did this happen?” she asked herself.
Feeling a nose nudge her leg, she opened her eyes and looked down at Hannah. The pit bull was staring up at her with a look so pathetic, Sidney could only laugh. “I have no doubt Deck already fed you.”
When Hannah didn’t stop with the puppy dog eyes, Sidney caved. She reached for the bowl with the dog treats in it and gave Hannah two. “You’re gonna be five hundred pounds, dog,” she told her as she trotted off after having gotten her way.
But how could she not spoil her when she’d been through such hell?
Thinking about Victor, and what he’d done to Hannah and probably countless other dogs, made her fists clench. Hearing paper crinkle, she immediately relaxed and straightened out the note Decker had written her.
She would save i
t forever. Silly and childish, maybe. But it was the first love note she’d ever received, and it was from Decker. It meant the world to her.
Knowing she had to get back to her trailer and see what Jude had planned for her today, Sidney found her shoes and got ready to leave. She let Hannah outside and watched as she sniffed all around Decker’s front yard and finally did her thing. Once she got back inside, she went straight to her bed and lay down with a large sigh.
Sidney chuckled again. She loved how easily the dog could make her smile and laugh. It had been a long time since she’d felt so carefree. And it wasn’t just Hannah, it was her owner too. Decker had done what no man had been able to do…made her feel comfortable being herself around him. She knew without a doubt that he would never purposely hurt her. He’d do whatever it took to keep her safe. Yeah, he was a bit too overprotective, but was that really a bad thing?
Closing the door behind her and turning the knob to make sure it was locked, Sidney made her way to her car. Her phone vibrated with an incoming text, and she looked down at it.
* * *
Decker: Just in case you didn’t find the note I left you, I wanted to say good morning. I had to get to PT and work. I’m off around two and would love to see you this afternoon. Let me know.
* * *
Sidney immediately sent him a text back.
* * *
Sidney: It’ll depend on what Jude has planned for me, but I’d love to see you too. By the way…your dog is spoiled rotten and if you aren’t careful she’s gonna weigh 500 lbs.
Decker: Well, if someone wouldn’t give her treats after she’s already eaten, she wouldn’t weigh 500 lbs.
* * *
Sidney found herself laughing out loud. Again. How Decker knew she’d caved and given Hannah treats, she had no idea. Deciding to be honest with him, she quickly typed out a response.
* * *
Sidney: I meant to leave after you fell asleep last night, but every time I woke up, I couldn’t make myself get up and go.
Decker: I’m glad. I loved having you with me. Next time we’ll have to try it in a bed.
* * *
She blinked at that. The thought of sleeping next to Decker in bed made goose bumps spring up on her arms.
* * *
Decker: Too soon? Sorry. Let me know if you can get away this afternoon. I thought maybe we could go swimming together in my ocean.
Sidney: Your ocean?
Decker: It’s right outside my back door, so yeah, my ocean. Lol
Sidney: I’d like that. I’ll see what I can do.
Decker: Gotta go. The guys are giving me the evil eye.
Sidney: Tell them I said hello.
Decker: Will do. Have a good day. I’ll be thinking about you.
Sidney: I’ll text later and let you know if I’ll be over.
Decker: Okay. Be safe today.
Sidney: Ltr.
Decker: Bye.
* * *
Sidney read over their texts and couldn’t believe her luck. She seriously didn’t deserve Decker, but she was going to go with the flow. She’d hold on to him for as long as possible…at least until he figured out that she wasn’t worth his time or energy.
At three-thirty that afternoon, Gumby opened the door to Sidney. He’d had a long day, and they’d learned they’d be heading out on their mission the following morning. He’d known the time was approaching when they’d have to leave, but they’d all thought they’d have a few more days, maybe a week. But terrorists acting stupid didn’t always stick to a convenient timetable.
Decker was more than relieved that Sidney had been able to come back over. He’d promised her a swim, and that’s what he would give her…but in reality, all he wanted was to take her to his bed and spend the rest of the evening showing her how much she meant to him. He knew better than anyone that his safety wasn’t guaranteed. He didn’t want to regret not making love to Sidney, but honestly, he knew it wasn’t the right time yet.
“Hi,” she said when he opened the door.
“You didn’t have to knock,” he scolded gently. “You could’ve just come in.”
She looked surprised. “I can’t just walk into your house!”
“Why not? I knew you were coming, you texted right before you left. Not to mention I left you alone in here this morning. If I didn’t trust you, I would’ve woken you up.”
She shrugged. “It doesn’t seem right.”
Gumby put his hands on her shoulders. “Sid, you are welcome in my house day or night. I want you to feel as comfortable here as you are at your own place.”
“No problem there,” she muttered. “This place is a palace compared to my trailer.”
He grinned and tugged her into his arms and stepped back just enough to be able to close the front door. “I haven’t properly said hello yet,” he said.
She glanced at him. “Yes, you did. When you opened the door.”
“Nope,” he countered, then lowered his head. He saw the second she recognized his intent, because her eyes closed and she went up on her tiptoes to meet him halfway.
When his mouth met hers, he was careful not to do anything that might hurt her split lip. His tongue caressed her lower lip and when she opened for him, he eased inside her mouth gently.
He wasn’t sure who moaned. It could’ve been either or both of them. He could taste the cinnamon candy she’d eaten recently, and the combination of her own taste and the earthy spice was incredibly arousing. They made out for a long moment, and Gumby couldn’t ever remember a kiss turning him on so much.
He pulled away and smiled down at her. “Hi.”
“Hi,” she replied immediately.
“How was your day?” he asked.
She shrugged. “It was a day. Had to do a bunch of stupid shit for stupid people who can’t seem to get it through their brains that they can’t flush half a roll of toilet paper down the commode, or that it’s not smart to leave their oven on self-clean when they go out to do errands.”
His eyebrow lifted.
“Yeah, they almost burned down the trailer. Luckily, they came home and realized the wooden cabinets around the stove were smoking and about to catch on fire. I had to take them out and measure to get new ones made.”
Gumby was amazed at the stuff Sidney knew how to do. She wasn’t just an expert on one thing, like plumbing, she knew how to do a bit of everything. That made her extremely valuable.
“Still want to go swimming?” he asked.
Sidney nodded and gestured to the bag she’d dropped inside the door when he’d pulled her inside. “Yeah, if you do. I brought my stuff.”
Gumby couldn’t wait to see her in a suit, but he managed to keep that to himself.
“Great. My contractor, Max, is coming over in about twenty minutes. He was being a pest and wanted to take another look at the upstairs, so I gave in. After I get rid of him, we can swim, then have dinner. Sound good?”
She nodded.
Gumby wasn’t going to tell her that he’d begged Max to come over so he could introduce him to Sidney. He knew she’d be perfect for his business. She might not have confidence in herself, but he had confidence in her in spades. Maybe nothing would come of it, but at least it might give her some options.
Exactly twenty minutes later, the doorbell rang.
Gumby was startled when Hannah leaped off her bed growling and ran toward the door, barking her head off.
“Holy crap,” Sidney said as she followed him to the door.
Gumby took hold of Hannah’s collar. “Hannah. No!” But she didn’t stop barking.
Sidney stepped up and opened the door. Talking over Hannah’s barking, she greeted Max and he warily entered the house, keeping his eyes on the pit bull.
Gumby couldn’t imagine what had gotten into Hannah. She was usually as docile as ever. He’d had people ring the doorbell before and she hadn’t been this aggressive.
Then something occurred to him.
“Sidney, come stand
behind me and Hannah, please.”
She looked at him. “Why?”
“A hunch.”
Without another word, she did as he asked—and almost immediately, Hannah calmed somewhat. She moved until she was in front of Sidney and sat down right on her feet.
“What the heck?” Sidney asked.
Gumby wanted to laugh, but managed not to.
“Nice-looking guard dog you have there,” Max said.
“Sorry about that. This is the first time someone’s come over when Sidney’s been here.”
“You think she did that because of me?” Sidney asked.
“I do. My guess is that she remembers how you fought with Victor, and she wants to make sure that doesn’t happen again,” Gumby said.
“That’s a bit concerning,” she said. “We can’t have her scaring the crap out of people when they come to the door just because I’m here.”
Gumby opened his mouth to disagree, but Max beat him to it. “Actually, I think it’s a good thing. Anyone who hears her barking is gonna think twice about breaking in or doing anything that might hurt you.”
Sidney squatted down next to Hannah and ran a hand over her head. “He’s okay, Hannah,” she crooned. “You don’t have to rip his throat out, okay?”
Gumby bit back a laugh and saw Max doing the same thing…thank God. Many people wouldn’t be as understanding as his contractor.
“Come here, Sid,” Gumby said, holding out his arm.
Sidney stood and moved to him. He put his arm around her shoulders and said in a stern voice, “Hannah. Stay.”
Remarkably, the dog stayed where she was while Gumby took Sidney over to Max. “Sid, I’d like you to meet my contractor, Max Wyner. Max, this is the woman I told you about, Sidney Hale. She’s currently the handyman, or handywoman, for the Evergreen Trailer Park.”