“You done?” she asked.
Why did he suddenly feel like a kid about to get a talking to?
“Listen, Nat…”
She straightened and poked a finger in his direction. “No, you listen. I’ve followed after you like a besotted idiot for as long as I can remember. I watched you take out girl after girl and hated every single one of them. But, it was okay, you know,” Tears leaked from the corners of her eyes and she brushed them away impatiently, “because they never stuck. And as long as you were dating different women, you weren’t falling in love. Which meant maybe… maybe I had a chance.”
She moved closer. “Lucas, we aren’t kids anymore. You don’t have to protect me.” Her hands rested on his bare chest, right over the pounding of his heart. “Why do you think I came to Chicago?”
He stiffened, somehow knowing he wasn’t going to like what she had to say.
“I thought you wanted to see how the other half lived?” He was hoping to lighten the mood, but she only gave him a sad quirk of the lips.
“I’ve met someone,” she said, and his heart literally stopped. She hesitated as though waiting for his blessing, or some fucking thing. When he stayed silent, she sighed.
“I came,” she added forcefully, “to see if we’d ever stand a chance, or if this was going to be goodbye.”
Lucas stared down into her precious face and didn’t know what to say. It was only just recently that he even admitted he had those kinds of feelings for his best friend’s sister. Never mind the freaking L word, which she seemed to be looking to hear from him. What a mess.
“Nat…”
She pulled away, as though sensing what he was going to say.
Loud clapping from the doorway made them both jump as though a bomb had gone off.
Mike stood there like a black cloud, his face a grim mask. “Well, isn’t this sweet? Where’s the chocolate and roses?”
“Shut up, man. You don’t know nothing about this,” Lucas growled. “Where the hell have you been?”
Mike slammed the door shut and clomped over to make his ornery self right at home on the couch.
Natalya turned white and swayed alarmingly.
Lucas grabbed her arm and led her to the other chair. He brushed her forehead and found it clammy. “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
She stared at Mike like he was an anomaly, which he was, but hey.
“He’s… he’s the man in the van,” she whispered. “The one you hit in the accident.”
The words smashed Lucas in the solar plexus with the force of a gunshot. He froze, shocked. Surely, God wouldn’t place him with the one man who had every right to hate his guts?
Natalya’s scream was the only warning he had before two hundred pounds of enraged angel flew at him, knocking him off his heels.
He rolled to the side, taking Mike with him in an effort to protect Nat. The blows came hard and fast, slam after slam hitting his ears, nose, and mouth, but Lucas did nothing to defend himself. In some screwed up part of his brain the pain was cathartic. What hurt more were the animal sounds of agony coming from the other man’s tortured soul.
A vicious jab to the nose sent blood spraying, hitting their faces and the fluffy white rug beneath them. Natalya yelled something—his ears were ringing so he couldn’t make it out—and rushed into the fray, pushing and shoving to get Mike to move. Lucas tried to tell her to get back, but the words wouldn’t form. Mike reared up, threw out an arm, and sent her tumbling against the fireplace.
She fell backward and tripped, going down hard. Her head hit the hearth with a bone-jarring crack and then there was only silence.
Chapter 17
Lucas shoved Mike away, and crawled across to Natalya’s prone body. She lay crumpled on the floor. Cast-off like a broken doll. He gently brushed the golden strands of hair back with shaking fingers. Delicate blue veins covered her eyelids and half-moon lashes lay thick upon her pale cheeks. He carefully lifted her close to his aching chest.
“It was an accident,” Mike croaked.
“Grab me a cool cloth.” How was he supposed to get her any help up here? What was the sense of being dead if a person could still get hurt?
“Any idea how to get hold of the Big Guy?” he growled when Mike handed a couple moist towels over.
“You mean besides the obvious?” Mike held up steepled fingers. “If that doesn’t work, I have no clue.”
For real?
Lucas had given up praying way back in middle grade when his grandpa died, and his mom re-married the drunk from down the street. It never seemed as though anyone was listening then, so he didn’t hold out much hope for now.
“Have you seen anyone else around this dump?” Never mind that the cabin was nicer than most of the homes he’d lived in.
Mike shook his head and moved to the window.
Lucas’ gaze dropped to Nat. If anything she seemed paler, damn near as white as the towel on her forehead.
He didn’t look up when the door opened and closed, just continued to watch over the girl in his arms. No, not a girl. Natalya had become a woman. A woman he couldn’t lose. He swore to do whatever it took to bring her back.
Even praying to a Lord who’d never heard him cry.
* * *
Tracy watched as lips that had fueled thousands of female fantasies edged nearer and wondered if she was going to hyperventilate. Scott Anderson was about to kiss her. How had this happened? And even more, how was she going to go back to her normal, everyday life after he left?
Then his mouth touched hers and everything went into slow-mo. Every inch of skin became incredibly sensitized, even the follicles of her hair. It was crazy. And wildly exhilarating. He smelled of wine and chocolate and she was never going to get over him.
His hands delved into her hair, holding her head in place for his kisses. There was a reason he was a movie sex symbol. The man knew how to kiss. Her toes curled. The heat radiating from his big frame acted like an aphrodisiac, lulling her mind and rejuvenating her body.
This day was going to go down as one of the best days of her life. And even the guilt over feeling this way while her partner lay dead, couldn’t darken her mood. Hank would’ve been the first to tell her to enjoy this time, and she intended to do just that, before life came crashing back down.
The laughter of people nearby broke through the sensual haze.
Scott dropped his head back on the blanket and stared up at the sky, his breathing strained. Tracy lowered her cheek to his chest and reveled in his increased heart rate, proof that he too was affected by their lovemaking.
“Whoever suggested a public park should be shot,” he grumbled.
A husky laugh escaped. That was one of the things she liked most about him, his sense of humor was contagious.
She sat up and wrapped her arms around bent knees. “I think this was a good idea actually. Most definitely safer.”
It took most of their lunch together to get her pulse halfway back to a normal range. Afterward, they took a short walk and admired some of the beautiful sculptures dotting the area. When they returned to the blanket they succumbed to the afternoon sunshine and took a nap.
Tracy awoke a short time later and snuck furtive glances at the man snoozing by her side. She wished they could remain here forever. Their teasing kisses earlier had filled her with the hot urge to give in to him, take what he offered. The question was whether she could have an affair with him without getting hurt.
“I can hear you thinking from here,” Scott murmured. He turned his head and gazed at her with slumberous eyes as blue as the sky above their heads. He really was the handsomest man alive.
She smiled and started to pack up their stuff. “We better go soon. I need to go get Sugar-Bear before the clinic closes.”
Scott grabbed her wrist, stalling her movements. “Is that all? Something’s bothering you. Talk to me, Trace.”
She looked at their joined hands and fought the lump growing in
her throat.
“You and I won’t work, Scott.” She bravely met his gaze, determined to make him understand.
He sat up, all lean muscle and fluid movements, reminding her of a big cat. He brought her hand to his lips for a light kiss, then let it go and rose to his feet, stretching languidly before reaching for the hamper.
“We better go if we want to beat traffic. The clinic’s across town, right?”
Tracy nodded, bemused. “That’s it? No argument?”
He looked back and grinned. “I learned a long time ago it never pays to argue with a woman.” He swung the hamper in the direction of the parked cars, “You ready?”
Perversely, now she wanted to stay put. If they left this little retreat they’d created, it would become part of the past, something she’d look back on and wonder why she hadn’t taken a chance.
Picking up the blanket, Tracy followed.
Once they were in the car and driving, she turned in her seat, curiosity getting the best of her. “Tell me about Lucas and Natalya.”
Scott gave her a startled glance before refocusing on the busy roadways. “What do you want to know?”
At least he hadn’t shut her down, it was a start.
She looked out the window at the sparkling blue of Lake Michigan and shrugged. “All of it. Where did you grow up? How did you meet?” She met his darkening gaze and knew he was going to make light of his answer. She shook her head. “Don’t. I really want to know. They were important to you. It matters to me, okay?”
He hesitated, then dipped his chin in a short, sharp nod, fingers turning white on the steering wheel.
Tracy frowned. It wasn’t her intent to upset him. She had a genuine interest in his background, but if it was going to hurt…
“We come from an area of town people who have money go to when they want to ease their conscience with some charity work.” He shot her a look brimming with old resentments. “You get what I’m sayin’? We had nothing, less than nothing, really.” He gave the car a shot of gas and jumped lanes. “Except our dreams. They couldn’t take those away.”
“Scott.” Tracy’s heart ached for the boy still hidden within the body of the man-who-had-everything sitting beside her. “Forget it. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”
He laughed, but it was little more than a harsh cough.
“You don’t get it,” he said. “The memories are what kept us going. They fueled our fire to succeed.” He looked at her and his smile was bittersweet. “And we did. We made it. Too bad Lucas and my sister aren’t here to enjoy it, right?”
Tracy gulped around the fist wedged in her throat and forced an answering smile. “They’re still around, Scott. Just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean they’re gone.” She placed a hand over his heart. “They’re here, right here. You have to believe that.”
He leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the mouth, but didn’t answer. And though they sat side by side, she’d never felt more alone.
Chapter 18
By the time they went through the adoption process and received instructions on Sugar-Bear’s care, it was late afternoon. The dog was quiet, but his big brown eyes seemed to say he was happy to be going home. The stark white bandages looked incongruous against the white and black patches of his fur.
Tracy laid the blanket they’d used for the picnic across the backseat and Sugar-Bear climbed in on his own, though he moved rather stiffly. He turned a couple of circles then laid down with his head on the middle console.
“I think you’ve made another conquest,” Scott teased.
If only.
She got in carefully so as not to bump the dog’s nose, and patted his head. She wasn’t sure about owning a pet, but there was no way she could let him go to the pound either. They’d been through too much together. At least she had a fenced in backyard attached to her condo. He’d have a place to run and do his thing. It would be nice to have company, and the added security. She’d make it work.
“They like their ears rubbed,” Scott said, and showed her the technique. Sugar-Bear groaned his agreement. “Are you really going to stick with that name? I saw you write it on the adoption papers.” His gaze was warm with humor.
Never one to go down without a fight, she turned to the dog. “Why not? I think it suits him. He seems like a sweetheart.”
Scott started the car. “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean he wants a prissy tag.” He turned out of the lot. “Where to?”
“Just take me home, if you don’t mind. I can go to the pet store from there.” She’d already taken up far too much of his time. There must be an endless list of activities in an actor’s life.
To prove her point, Scott’s phone chose that moment to ring. He sent her a quick glance, then hit the car’s answer button.
“Where the hell are you? I’ve been trying to reach you all day. Do you even care about the mess you’ve left me in?”
Sugar-Bear didn’t care for the attitude-ridden voice coming in over the speakers. He growled low in his throat and sat up, his ears laid back.
Tracy shushed the animal and looked at Scott’s expressionless face.
“What do you want, Ray?” They came to a stop light. His fingers tapped the wheel impatiently.
“Don’t give me that shit. Last I knew you were lying in a goddamn hospital bed. And while I’m cleaning up from that disaster, you go and walk out? What the hell, man?”
Scott stiffened. “Disaster? Frickin’ right, it’s a disaster. I lost my family, you asshole.”
Tracy touched his tensed arm. He met her worried gaze and sighed.
“Look, Ray, I need some time. I’m sorry to leave you holding the bag, but then that’s what we pay you the big bucks for, right?” His voice lifted with forced humor.
There was a tense silence, then Ray laughed. “Yeah, sure. Okay, give me a call when you’re ready to come back. And Scott… don’t let it be too long.”
Click, the line went dead.
The light turned green and the Mustang’s tires squealed, sending Tracy back in her seat.
“So… that was awkward,” she muttered.
A choked laugh eased the grim line of Scott’s mouth. “Sorry about that. My agent tends to forget who works for whom.”
She looked at him curiously. “Have you been together long?”
Scott glanced at the upscale stereo system. She frowned when he used his casted arm to turn the thing on and search until he found a jazz station to listen to.
“You could ask for help, you know.”
He shook his head. “Nah. We’re… I mean, I’m used to handling things on my own.” A dark shadow passed over his face. “Ray was the first one to take us seriously when we hit L.A., mind you we looked pretty rough back then.” He shot her a devilish grin. “Two teenage boys let loose in the City of Angels. Trouble with a capital T, right?”
Oh, yeah. Tracy could well imagine the wild parties those two probably found. No doubt it was a real eye-opening experience, whether they came from a bad background or not. Los Angeles wasn’t exactly known for its kinder, gentler side.
“He took you under his wing and taught you the ropes then?” She was fascinated by this insight into his past.
“Something like that, yeah,” Scott said and signaled into the pet store lot.
“You didn’t need to do this, you know.” She frowned as he pulled into a space near the back alley, and looked back to check on Sugar-Bear. He’d settled down and gone to sleep, his nose tucked under his front paw. He reminded her of The Joker in the Batman movies. One leg was white, while the other was half black. The rest of his coat looked like someone threw a gallon of paint. He was a mismatch, just like her.
Scott shut off the car and met her gaze. “Maybe I’m not ready to say goodbye just yet.”
A warm rush of emotion filled her chest. “I’m glad.”
He leaned over and brushed her lips with his, and a shiver of awareness shot down her spine.
“You shouldn
’t look so surprised,” he murmured. “You feel it too, I can tell. There’s something between us, doc, and I plan on finding out what.”
Was he suggesting he cared? Because that’s what it sounded like to her. Did they really stand a chance? It was hard to comprehend; the medical examiner and the movie star—see your local film guide. Just the logistics of it baffled her mind. But, maybe she was jumping the gun. He hadn’t actually said he planned to stick around long term. She feared he had the capability to hurt her. Tracy wasn’t sure she wanted to take the risk.
“We better get in there,” she said, backing away literally and figuratively. “They’ll be closing soon.”
Scott hesitated, his eyes a stormy blue-grey, then he took a deep breath and opened the car door. “Yeah sure, let’s go.”
Tracy opened her door and slid the seat forward for Sugar-Bear, all the while feeling as though she’d just lost something priceless.
It took them a good hour or more to wander the big department store. Who knew there were so many kinds of dog food? Not to mention, treats, toys, shampoos, beds. It was dizzying for someone who’d never had a pet before. Sugar-Bear was the perfect gentleman, showing only a mild interest in any of the other canines they came across. Tracy hadn’t been sure what to expect. Maybe this owning a dog thing wouldn’t be so bad.
When they finally got up to the till, Scott insisted on buying, and though it went against the grain, Tracy let him. He looked as though pride was about the only thing holding him upright. His ribs must be killing him after all that walking, though he never complained.
“Sugar-Bear thanks you for his new bed,” she joked as they left the store. It had turned dark while they were inside and the fall air had a definite bite. She pulled her sweater closed and tightened her grip on the dog leash.
“I’m surprised you didn’t go for the pink one, it would suit the name,” he teased back. He pushed the filled cart one-handed down the sidewalk. “We really need to rethink that, for his sake. How about Duke?”
Tracy laughed. “My dog is secure in his masculinity. He doesn’t need a macho name to prove it.” She glanced down and grinned at Sugar-Bear prancing down the walk.
The Guardian (Mended Souls Book 1) Page 9