by Jill Sanders
“Head colds.” He tried to roll his eyes and look nonchalant about it, but he probably looked like he was going to faint again instead.
Brent shrugged and start walking towards the door. Turning to Dylan, he noticed the worry in her eyes.
“I’m okay,” he assured her. “I just got up a little too quickly.”
“I really think you should be in bed.” She reached over and grabbed her purse as they walked past her desk.
“Yeah, but work…”
“Trey, how do you expect to get better when you won’t give your body time to heal?”
“That’s what meds are for.” He was half-joking.
She made a tsking sound as she locked the front door behind them. Her brother was leaning against the car, looking annoyed at having to wait in the cold.
The fact that he was still holding onto Dylan didn’t go unnoticed by the man. Okay, so Trey didn’t need the support any more. He liked holding onto her and kept doing so.
He thought about how he was going to ask her out the entire car trip up to his house. He almost stopped her from walking him to his door, but instead, he allowed her to take his hand and guide him. Dopey sprinted off to do his doggie business as soon as he opened the car door.
“You should really think about taking tomorrow off,” she said as she unlocked his front door for him.
“I have a few calls…” he started.
“Which I can forward to your phone here.” She stepped inside with him and waited until he removed his shoes and jacket. Then she held the door open as Dopey shook himself off and rushed in to lay on the floor by the heater.
“In my new place, I’ll have a fireplace.” He thought that his dog would love lying by the fire. He didn’t know why he’d said it, other than wanting her in on his plans.
“I still don’t know why you need a different place,” she said, glancing around his space.
“I’m leasing this place,” he told her. “I’ve got another year before I turn it back in. Which means that this spring and summer, I’ll be busy.” He smiled at the thought of starting on his home. “Want to see my plans?” He nodded to the kitchen table, where the blueprints were laid out. Everything was already approved through the city and county. They were just waiting for a break in the weather to finish clearing the land and start work.
She glanced towards the front door and he could tell she was worried about her brother waiting. Just then, the car horn honked.
“Go. You could come over tomorrow after work, maybe bring some takeout?”
“So you’ll take my advice and work from home tomorrow?”
He smiled slightly. “If you say you’ll stop by after work.”
She chuckled. “It’s a deal.” She held out her hand towards his.
Instead of shaking it, he gripped it lightly and tugged her until she was pressed up against him. “Make no mistake, this won’t be a working dinner.”
“No.” She shook her head. “I didn’t think it…” She didn’t finish since his mouth was covering hers in a light kiss.
“Go.” He nudged her back. “Before your brother comes pounding on my door.”
“Rest.” She touched his forehead and frowned. “You’re burning up.” Worry flooded her eyes again.
“I’m fine,” he assured her.
“Lemon and honey tea.” She narrowed her eyes towards him. “A warm shower and rest,” she said in a stern voice, causing him to smile.
“Yes, doctor.” He saluted her. “See you tomorrow.”
“I’ll make sure to forward your calls.”
“Thanks.” He waited for her to leave, before falling back onto the sofa. Collapsing, was more like it.
He must have fallen asleep because he felt his feet being lifted and a warm blanket being wrapped around him. He was pretty sure it was a dream, but then his mother’s soft voice drifted into his sleep.
“Sit up and drink this,” she urged.
He followed her instructions and felt hot liquid slide down his throat.
“Mmm, homemade chicken soup.” His eyes opened, and his mother’s face came into view.
“Dylan called.” His mother’s eyes scanned him. “She was worried.” Her cool hand rested on his forehead. “About one-oh-one, I’d wager.” She frowned. “Do you think you can get more of that down?” She nodded to the soup.
“For you.” He smiled and took another sip. “Isn’t she great?” he said between sips.
“Dylan?” His mother settled next to him. He nodded and took another drink. “I like the girl.”
“So, do I.” He frowned. “She’s had a hard time. Her brother is an ass.” He took another sip and as the hot liquid hit his stomach, he sighed at the warmth it caused. “She needs to experience what it’s like to be in a good family.”
His mother was silent and if he’d been paying attention, he would have seen the proud look in her eyes.
Chapter 12
It was strange working in the office by herself. Dylan’s day seemed to go more slowly without all the interruptions and trips down the hallway to any of the three offices.
At one point, she could hear the second hand on the clock across the room clicking. The soft sound almost drove her mad. She tried to focus on her work, but it was boring and she decided to study for her test the following day.
She was thankful that her online classes allowed her to set her own pace. She had already finished three classes and had her last test for her fourth class the following evening.
She hadn’t told any of the McGowan’s that she’d finished some of her classes yet and wondered if they’d be willing to allow her to enroll in more so soon.
She already had four more classes she was interested in. She figured if they wouldn’t help out, she could set some of her paychecks aside and apply for financial aid, now that she had a full-time job.
As she’d figured, Brent complained about the portion of his check that was taken out for rent each month. But, after their second month there, his complaints stopped. She knew how much each of his checks were and wondered how he spent the rest of the money he made each month. But it wasn’t any of her business anymore, so she kept quiet.
She figured part of his silence about the rent money was all the time he was spending with Darla. The woman creeped her out. Every time she ran into her, Darla would have this look in her eyes. She barely wore anything to cover her ample cleavage and most of the time was dressed as if she was still at work at the Wet Spot was just over the line.
Dylan hadn’t been in the strip club yet, but she was sure that the way Darla was dressed was even a little over the top for the establishment. Her brother seemed to enjoy it, however, and was always pointing out how hot the woman was. It always made her cringe.
When the phone rang, she jumped out of her daydream and answered it on the second ring.
“McGowan…” she started, only to be interrupted by Trey.
“Is it five o’clock yet?” he joked.
She glanced up at the clock and sighed. “Nope, only eleven.” She felt her shoulders sink.
“How about lunch then? I’ve put in an order at the Moose. Think you can pick it up and bring it to me? I ordered your favorite as well…” She could tell he was waiting and holding his breath.
“Sounds wonderful,” she said after thinking about getting out of there for an hour. “I’ll lock up and be there in about half an hour.”
“Good, it’s all paid for and under your name. See you soon.”
She hung up, logged out of her computer, and was pulling out her purse when the front door opened.
Seeing Trey’s uncle stroll in and glance around, she would have never imagined he was “terminal” in any way, other than he was an overweight, older man, who had obviously spent too many years drinking and smoking.
“The McGowan’s aren’t in right now. Can I help you?” she asked, setting her purse back down.
She could tell he had already hit the bottle or something else. He was swayi
ng slightly and had a distant look in his eyes.
“No.” He continued to walk around as if he owned the place. “Just looking around.” He turned to her and gave her a smile that made her skin crawl.
“I’m sorry, I’m going to have to ask you to leave. I’m running an errand and need to lock up.” She reached for her purse and turned back towards him.
“Oh, right.” His eyes narrowed and he almost fell over the chair in the waiting area.
He followed her to the door and she nervously locked up, making sure to flip both locks before walking to her car.
“You’re Dylan McCaw, right?” The use of her full name, caused her to stiffen.
“Yes, I’m the office manager.” She nodded.
His smile increased. “Fancy name for a secretary. In my day, we didn’t attach fancy titles to make women feel more important than they were.” The man’s eyes ran up and down her and she shivered visibly.
Without saying another word, she climbed into the car and drove away. When she glanced into the rearview mirror, he was still there, standing on the sidewalk, smiling.
Her hands continue to shake as she pulled into the Dancing Moose. She took a moment in the parked car to get her breath and emotions under control. Remembering that the old man wasn’t long for the world didn’t help any.
By the time she walked into the Moose to get their lunch order, she thought she was back under control. But then she saw Darla standing in the takeout line.
Deciding she could fake being occupied with her phone, she pulled it out and stood in line. Her ruse only worked for about two minutes, when the line moved forward.
Darla turned and chuckled at her. “Well, well, aren’t you a busy one?”
Dylan glanced up and pretended she didn’t know what the woman was talking about. “I’m sorry?”
Darla’s outfit today was a tight black leather skirt, knee-high cream-colored pleather boots, and a grey sweater that showed enough cleavage to make even Dylan feel awkward. It was all covered by a long cream-colored coat that was left open so that her outfit and chest could be admired by all. Dylan had never worn anything close to that skimpy when she’d worked at the bars, let alone out in public.
The woman’s hair was always in the same style, as if she’d just crawled out of someone’s bed. Her makeup was the only thing about the woman that was minimalized when she wasn’t working.
She knew that Darla was running her eyes up and down Dylan, much like she’d scanned her.
“Getting cozy with the McGowan’s.” She made a tsking noise.
“I work for…” She started but stopped when Darla sneered at her.
Darla leaned a little closer, and Dylan almost choked on the heavy scent of her perfume. “We all know there’s more going on between you and the youngest McGowan.” She tilted her head. “I myself never fancied him.” Her smile grew. “Always had my eyes on his big brothers.” Her chin rose slightly. “Maybe I overlooked the best in the batch.”
Dylan’s eyes narrowed as she thought about Trey with Darla. She held in a shiver and almost laughed because she knew Trey wasn’t the kind of guy to fall for… well, what stood in front of her. “I think you should stick to my brother. He’s more your speed.”
Heat flooded Darla’s eyes as they narrowed. Just before she could reply, the line moved forward, and it was Darla’s turn at the counter.
Dylan couldn’t help it, she smiled at Darla’s back, knowing that at least she’d won this little battle.
Once Darla had paid for and picked up her order, she turned around, leaned closer to her, and said quietly, “I’d watch your back if I were you.” She straightened and started walking out.
“I always do,” she called out. Darla didn’t even glance back at her as she walked out.
Fifteen minutes later, she parked behind Trey’s truck and carried the hot food up to the door.
He answered on the second knock. Dopey had been scratching and barking at the door before she’d even knocked.
When Trey opened the door, the black dog jetted between her legs and rushed into the yard.
“He’s been begging me to go out every five minutes.” Trey rolled his eyes.
She took in everything about him. His coloring was better than it had been the day before, and she could tell that he’d gotten a good night’s sleep.
He was wearing an old pair of jeans, a tight fitting black T-shirt, and no shoes or socks, which instantly registered as one of the sexiest things she’d seen in years. Hell, her mouth watered just watching him carry the food to the kitchen table.
“So, I was thinking, instead of ordering takeout, how about I cook for you tonight?” he asked, turning back towards her.
“Huh?” She shook her head clear of the thoughts that had been playing in her mind. Thoughts about peeling off that shirt of his and running her fingers and her mouth all over that sexy body.
“Dinner… tonight… I’ll cook,” he said slowly, smiling at her.
“Oh, sure.” She nodded and moved to shut the door just as Dopey raced in and did a few circles before begging for food from Trey.
“Is there anything in particular you like?” he asked, waiting for her to sit down at the table.
Once again, her mind went directly to sex and she felt her face flush. “No, anything.” She smiled and tried to cover up her embarrassment.
Trey sat across from her, a smile on his lips as he pulled out the food and set everything out.
“So,” he said after the food was set in front of her, “how’s your day going?”
“Boring. It’s so quiet without anyone there.” She opened her container with the large burger in it.
It was strange, all the worry and stress she’d felt earlier in the day disappeared as she talked to Trey. She told him about her run-in with Darla but kept the visit from his uncle to herself. She figured since the man was sick, and Trey had mentioned that they were trying to get along with him, that he didn’t need to know about it. Besides, she was sure she had exaggerated the entire ordeal.
“So, I heard that you’re only one test away from finishing your last class,” he mentioned just as she finished the last of her fries.
Her eyebrows shot up in question. “How did you…”
He smiled. “Addy,” he answered.
She nodded and took a deep breath. Of course, his sister-in-law had been right with her during most of her studies.
“I take my last final tomorrow afternoon.” She pushed the empty container away from her.
“Did you pick out your next classes?” he asked, doing the same with his container.
“I have a few in mind, yes.” She bit her bottom lip.
“Sign up like last time.” He stood up slowly and carried their containers to the trash. “It’s nice setting your own pace.” He turned and leaned against the counter. “You and Addy have that in common.”
She stood and waited, her eyebrows raised slightly.
“For some unknown reason, you like school.” He shivered and laughed. “Not me, I couldn’t wait to graduate.”
“Oh, what were you going to do after school?” She moved closer. “Work for your father?”
He shook his head and she stopped directly in front of him.
“Bartend,” he answered with a grin. “It’s where I met Rainah, my ex. The tattoo artist.”
She nodded, remembering their conversation.
“You bartended?” For some reason, she was having a hard time seeing him stuck behind a sticky counter, popping the tops on beers.
“Sure, I was good at it too.” He reached for her. “Course, I got tired of the crowds and the noise.” He shook his head as he brushed his hand over her hair slowly. “I guess I’ve changed a lot since back then.”
She felt her heart kick in her chest as his eyes moved to her lips.
“I know your lunch break is almost over, but I really want to kiss you right now.”
She melted against his chest, a smile on her lips as she lea
ned into him.
“What’s stopping you?” she asked under her breath.
She tried to get the kiss out of her mind as she drove back into town, but the feeling of his mouth on hers was seared into her brain.
She parked, pulled out her purse, and walked to the doors. She frowned as they slid open before she’d had a chance to unlock them.
Figuring that either Tyler or Trent had stopped in, she walked in, tossed her purse on her desk, and made her way towards the back offices. Noticing the door to the supply closet was open, she moved towards it. She heard a noise behind her and turned, only to be shoved backwards. Her feet flew out from underneath her. She reached out for something, anything, to catch her fall. Pain exploded at the base of her skull as her head hit the wood shelf in the closet. Blackness overtook her before she even settled on the cold tile floor.
Trey paced as he held his cell phone close to his ear. “What do you mean she’s not there?” He almost screamed it.
“Easy brother,” Trent replied. “I’m looking around. Her purse is on the desk, but I don’t see her… Hang on…” He heard his brother drop the phone. “Damn it.” The phone fell and went dead.
“Shit, shit, shit.” He punched his brother’s number again.
“Sorry, hey,” Trent answered. “I… I’ve got to take Dylan in to the clinic, she’s bumped her head pretty bad.”
His entire body tensed. “What happened?”
“Jesus.” Trent sighed. “There’s a lot of blood. I’ll call you when I know more.”
“I’ll meet you at the clinic.” He hung up before his brother could argue.
Grabbing his keys, he jumped in the truck and, before starting the engine, took a few deep breaths and assessed his situation. “Damn,” he groaned. There was no way he should be driving. Picking up his phone, he dialed his mother.
Twenty minutes later, he rushed into the clinic, totally overcome with panic. Both of his brothers were in the waiting area.
“She’s okay.” Trent met him. “A few stitches, here.” His brother pointed to the back of his head. “She doesn’t know how long she was unconscious, but Tony’s in with her now, taking her statement.”