His Redemption

by Nikki Chase-Coakley

  "I never said you were and that's not how I was looking at you." She snapped right back.

  "So, how were you looking at me then?"

  When she refused to say anything more he realized he might have over reacted. “Come on Sarah. It couldn’t be that bad could it?”

  She took a deep breath then let it out slowly before carefully choosing her words. "When I first met you I noticed that you seemed a little, I don’t know how to describe it- not angry or depressed exactly but there was definitely something dark there. I-”

  She paused, shaking her head. “I’m sorry I’m not wording this very well and I’m probably insulting you. It just seems as if you carry this great burden on your shoulders and it makes me really sad just looking at you sometimes. Does that make any sense?”

  Her words made him fall back in his seat. He’d been teasing her not really expecting her to have much insight into him but once again she’d surprised him.

  “I warned you, you wouldn’t like my answer but I can’t lie. If my observations are wrong I apologize.”

  There was so much regret in her pretty eyes it was all Tony could do not to gather her into his arms and comfort her. Since he couldn’t do that he reached across the desk and took her hand. “I’m not angry or insulted by what you saw. Honestly.”

  “Are you sure? You didn’t look as if you appreciated what I said.”

  “It’s not that. If anything I was stunned. You could actually see all that in my eyes?”

  “Was I that far off the mark?”

  “Not as far as you might think.” He mumbled to no one in particular. Damn, he hadn’t realized his problems were that obvious. Did she even know what she was looking at? Could she sense the troubles in him? Better yet, if she could sense his darkness could she also sense his growing attraction to her? Sarah’s posture changed and he felt her give his hand a gentle squeeze. The gesture pulled him out of his introspection and drew his attention back to her.

  “I realize this might be overstepping things a bit but do you want to talk about what’s gotten you so down? You seem like such a nice guy I just can’t imagine this is how you normally are. Am I wrong?”

  Reluctantly, he extricated his large hand from her much smaller one. It was sweet torture but he needed the distance just then. He’d silently carried his burden for so long without anyone so much as asking him about it that he’d gotten used to others just not seeing it. Hell, he hadn’t wanted anyone to ask because then he would have to provide answers and he couldn’t do that not and tell the truth anyway.

  “I’d like to help if I can. You seem as if you could use a friend right now.”

  He turned his head to stare out the window. It was so tempting to want to open up to this woman that genuinely seemed to want to be there for him but he wasn’t sure if that would create more problems. “I’ve just been dealing a lot with the stores and everything since my dad handed it all over to me. I haven’t had a chance to relax lately that’s all. I probably just need a good night’s sleep.”

  He sensed rather than saw her move from around her desk to stand directly in front of him. It would have been so easy to pull her down onto his lap and bury his face in her long glossy hair, to let himself be comforted by this woman but it could never happen. Sarah was his employee and as tempting as her offer was he couldn't cross that line.

  “I hope I’m not putting our professional relationship in jeopardy by admitting I’m not convinced you’re telling me the truth- at least not all of it.”

  That got his attention. How the hell could she know him so well? He opened his mouth to deny it but she raised a hand to forestall his words. “I know I can’t make you tell me what’s really going on if you don’t want to. But I get the feeling that whatever it is goes a lot deeper than just a lack of sleep. So, here’s the deal. If you ever decide you need someone to talk to without judgment or criticism I can be a really good listener.”

  He gave a weak smile to disguise the strange feeling he had in his gut just then. It was hard to imagine why Sarah, of all people, would make the offer she’d made but he just couldn't bring himself to open up like that to anyone no matter how much he might be tempted. There was something about this woman that made him think he just might be able to trust her that she really meant it when she said she wouldn’t judge him. She possessed such perception and compassion, a combination he found nearly irresistible but still, he didn't give in. If he did, he had a feeling he would find himself spilling all his secrets even the private fantasies he'd been having about her. Then what would happen? If she had any sense she would run away screaming.

  "I appreciate the offer."

  "I'm not just saying that, Tony. I mean it. I take my friendships seriously."

  "Is that what I am to you- a friend?"

  "Well, I realize I work for you but I don't see any harm in it. Do you? A person can never have enough good friends, right?"

  "No, I suppose not."

  He stood then, torn between the urge to pull Sarah close and run like hell. He chose the latter and beat feet out of there but not before bending to brush his lips across her temple and staring into her eyes. What he saw there made him wonder if he wasn't losing his grip on reality. It looked as if she might be feeling the same magnetic pull that he was. He thought he'd glimpsed it before but knew he had to be mistaken.

  "Like I said, I appreciate the offer Sarah. Maybe I'll take you up on it some time."

  "My offer stands."

  He wasn't sure what information Sarah might be gleaning from him at that moment but suddenly he didn't feel nearly as tired or bleak as before. With a final nod he headed for the door.

  Chapter Four

  Sarah bent to run the vacuum under the large cage allowing the appliance to collect all of the peanut shells and other debris that Bosley was fond of dropping to the floor whenever the mood struck. A moment later she felt something wet land on her head. She looked up to see the overstuffed canary standing on the top of his cage splashing water at her from his bowl. She scooted out of the way just as he sent another surge of water her way. This was his way of retaliating for the noisy disruption of the vacuum but she didn’t really care. He was annoying and spiteful but she liked him. They had formed a careful truce in the weeks since she’d started working at Pete’s. She straightened and flicked off the offensive machine. When she opened the cage door the bird obediently climbed down from his perch and entered. Once he was inside she closed the door and engaged the heavy padlock that kept the door secure. In years past the staff had learned the hard way that Bosley could in fact pick or destroy the smaller, less substantial locks.

  Just as she was turning to leave she heard the bird say. “Thank you Sarah.”

  His words stunned her so much she did a double take. “Did you just speak?”

  Christy approached on her right. “Of course he can speak. He’s a macaw. They can all talk if they choose to.” She bent then to push her fingers in the cage and cooed to the bird.

  “And you have more to say than all of the other birds in this place don’t you Bosley.”

  In response the bird gave a loud squawk and flapped his wings as if he were angry. “Get bent.”

  Christy frowned and Sarah tried not to laugh. “Who taught him that?”

  The other woman glared at the bird as if she were considering stuffing the thing. “It was probably one of the guys downstairs. They’re always trying to get him to say something offensive to shock the customers. If they know what's good for them, they'd better make sure Tony doesn't hear him say anything worse than that, especially today. I swear that man is in the worst mood.”

  "Really? I hadn’t noticed anything off about him today."

  Christy snorted. "Trust me. Tony and I are close. I know when he gets in his little moods. He's spends most of his days in some kind of funk, which is why most of us around here do our best to steer clear of him."

  Turning back to the task at hand, Sarah gave the lock one final tug determined
that the bird wouldn’t be able to get out in his current agitated state. "He's not that bad."

  “You’re never going to get him to notice you, you know.”

  Christy’s words caught her off guard. “What are you talking about?”

  “Tony, he’s never going to notice you. You need to keep your eyes off him and just do your job.”

  Sarah opened her mouth to respond when she felt something sharp slice into her finger. She turned her head in time to see Bosley gripping her index finger in his beak. She yelped and yanked her hand back but not before he was able to inflict some serious pain. She stumbled away only to back up into something solid. At first she thought she might have landed against some shelving but rather than hear the inevitable crash of merchandise falling she heard Tony’s warm soothing voice in her ear calming her frantic nerves just as he’d done that first time.

  “It’s alright, Sarah, just calm down.” He reached out to cradle her injured hand in his. The finger throbbed terribly and they all watched as it began to swell. Fortunately, she was still able to move it in spite of the pain so Sarah doubted it was broken. What was more disturbing was the way it felt to have Tony so close to her, touching her. His big body loomed over hers from behind practically enveloping her as he inspected the injury. It was only his hands that actually touched her but his very presence made her tremble and she had to fight to maintain an unaffected air. It would be so easy to turn her head and bury her face in his shirt. He smelled wonderful like soap and some kind of woodsy cologne mixed with what she assumed was his own personal scent. She bit her lip. What was wrong with her? Why was she so drawn to him? Worse than that, if Christy had picked up on Sarah's attraction to Tony, could he?

  “I think I should take you to the hospital to have this checked out.” He insisted but she shook her head unable to meet his eyes.

  “That’s not necessary. I don't think it’s broken and it’s not bleeding so I probably just need to take a couple of ibuprofen, ice it for a while and try not to use it for the next day or two that's all.”

  When Tony frowned his dark brows almost collided giving the impression that he was angry but Sarah didn’t think he actually was. She had learned almost from the beginning that he hid his emotions behind that default expression. The tone of his voice was usually a much better indicator. Right now it sounded more worried than anything else.

  “You're probably right but you should still get it checked out. The worse that will happen is it was a wasted trip. Why don't you get your things and I'll meet you outside.”

  “I can take her.” Christy piped in just then.

  His scowl was then directed at the younger woman and she shrank back. Apparently, he didn’t appreciate Christy's offer. That was a little strange. Why would the offer bother him?

  “No, I need you here to keep an eye on things while I take Sarah to the emergency room.

  Sarah lifted her good hand when it looked like the two were going to go at it.

  “Guys, as much as I appreciate the worry none of it is necessary. Tony, you stay here with Christy and I’ll head home to take care of my hand. I’ll take the rest of the day off and will be right as rain again by tomorrow. I promise.”

  Christy quickly agreed. “Maybe, that would be best. We’ll manage just fine without you."

  "Damn it Christy, keep out of this." Tony snapped. “This has nothing to do with you.”

  But when he turned back to Sarah his expression seemed to soften. “Are you sure that’s what you want? I don’t mind taking you.”

  “I’m sure. I just want to go home.”

  “Alright, if you’re sure I won’t push. Let me just get your purse and help you to your car.”

  Grateful to escape what was rapidly becoming an awkward situation Sarah humored him. He leaned in to snap the safety belt as she settled behind the wheel of her car. His body angled over hers gave her a sudden hot flash. When he drew back, deep concern etched his features and Sarah’s heart give a strange little flutter.

  “I want you to head straight home. If you need anything just give me a call. I mean it Sarah, anything, even if it’s late tonight just call me on my cell and I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  She gave him a grateful smile and hoped it didn’t look as sappy as she was suddenly feeling. No man had ever made her feel so important. Pathetic, considering he was probably only concerned because this was a workplace injury.

  “I’ll be fine. I’ll see you tomorrow bright and early.”

  She gingerly keyed the ignition expecting him to close the door and back away so she could drive off. Eventually, he did but first he cupped her cheek brushed her forehead with a soft tender kiss then stared deeply into her eyes as if she were precious to him. The simple gesture of affection nearly robbed her of thought it was so sweet. She forced herself to remember that he’d done the same thing before not long ago and it hadn’t meant anything. Her boss was just a caring, affectionate kind of guy. He probably saw her the same way all the other guys at the shop did- like a little sister. Darn it! She flashed another quick smile and backed out of the parking space. As she steered the car onto the street she noticed in her rear view mirror that he hadn’t moved. He stood watching her as she drove away, the look of deep concern still in his eyes.

  Chapter Five

  Sarah took the papers from the other woman and turned to leave. "Thanks for your help Christy. I think we have things under control here so why don't you head downstairs and see what you can do to help the guys out. There are a lot of tanks that still need to be cleaned and we're nearly finished up here."

  The girl folded her arms and rolled her eyes making Sarah want to slap her. "Why do I have to go downstairs? Can't Lori do it? She's better with all those creepy crawly things. I can't stand it down there."

  "Your manager just gave you an order Christy. You should do what she says."

  The deep voice made both women pivot to see who was speaking. Tony stood at the counter behind the cash register. Sarah had forgotten he'd been sorting through the contents of the display case beneath. When the two women approached the case he must have heard their argument. Seeing him there gave her reason to question Christy's motives for wanting to remain on their sales floor. She looked from the girl to Tony and back again. Yes, there definitely seemed to be a glint of interest in the girl's eyes but she couldn't tell if he returned the sentiment. His gaze didn't waver as the two stared each other down for a long moment but in the end Christy relented. Puffing out her breath she turned towards the door leading to the back staircase just a few feet away.

  "Fine, I'll go."

  Sarah didn't wait for her to leave. "Thanks Tony, I don't know what's gotten into her today. I know we've never been exactly close but today had to be the worst. Any idea why she really wanted to stay on this floor?"

  He shrugged vaguely. "No clue, but it doesn’t matter. She shouldn't have questioned you. You’re in charge and she knew better than to challenge your decision."

  Bounding up the stairs to the offices as quickly as she could, Sarah dropped the papers she'd been holding into her box. In minutes she was back on the main sales floor with a ladder ready to resume her work. Climbing to the top of the ladder she tugged on a cage mumbling the entire time.

  “What in the world- who wired this thing up here like this?”

  Sarah gave the cage another hard tug causing the ladder she was perched on to wobble for just a moment. She righted herself then turned back to her task. The rung of the ladder she was standing on suddenly gave way. She clutched on to the stubborn bird cage hoping uselessly that it would hold her up but it too gave way. She let out a startled shriek and braced herself for impact with the hard floor. This was going to hurt a lot. Squeezing her eyes shut, she waited for the inevitable crash landing but instead suddenly felt strong arms clutching her. Cautiously, she opened her eyes and scanned her situation to confirm that she had not splatted on the floor as expected. The familiar scent of woodsy cologne and warm male filled
her nostrils and she knew exactly who was now holding her. Tony cradled her close pressing his face to her hair.

  "I’ve got you, Baby. It’s alright."

  She lifted her head to meet the achingly familiar pair of puppy dog brown eyes. Tony hadn't bothered to pull his hair back today. Several dark locks fell over one eye. Without conscious thought, she lifted a hand to push the hair away so she could get a better look at his gorgeous face. He hadn’t shaved that morning and a blue-black shadow darkened his features emphasizing sharply chiseled cheekbones and a strong masculine jaw line. She absently ran a hand over the stubble as she continued to study him.

  The way he was looking at her right then made her shiver and her pulse race. He bent to brush a kiss across her temple making her close her eyes and inhale deeply. Would she ever get used to him doing that? His inherent kindness was melting her insides. She lifted her chin hoping to discover why he alone seemed to have this drugging effect on her. At the same time he lowered his head and brushed her lips with his. It was the lightest of caresses but it sent jolts of electricity coursing through her veins. The sensation frightened her. No man had ever made her feel this way and he wasn't even the kind of man she normally found herself attracted to. So why was she suddenly fighting the urge to wrap her arms around this man and thoroughly explore his mouth?

  She struggled and he set her down. The minute her feet touched the floor she quickly scooped up the fallen cage and scrambled towards the kennel kitchen completely ignoring Tony’s call. She closed both doors effectively blocking herself off from prying eyes, dropped the cage to the floor and leaned over the large sink to breathe in deeply. She could not be attracted to anyone right now least of all her boss. He was all wrong for her. Wasn't he? Before she could even try to answer that question the door behind her opened. Sarah didn't turn around. The plan was to avoid everyone until she had her head on straight but that wasn't to be.