by Lea Hart
“No, I’m going to keep you, because you just started liking me. I can’t start all over again with someone else.” Pulling her in, he whispered in her ear, “I’m lucky that I was smart enough to grab you up before anyone else could.”
“Nice save, Clark.” Ella smirked.
The back door opened, and Chase and Scott entered as the debate ended.
“Good answer, Clark,” Ronnie stated flatly. It was her job to keep an eye on the men who were interested in her friends. She needed to make sure that what happened to her with Brian didn’t happen to one of them. Call her paranoid; she was all right with it. The front door opened and closed again, and she couldn’t imagine who it would be. Leaning over, she watched Trevor walk in. “Hi, Trevor. What brings you here?”
He nodded in greeting to the room and then crossed his hands over his chest. “Good news, Ronnie. The woman who we’ve been tracking just got picked up by the MPD for soliciting. They’re not going to let her out on bail this time. It seems that she’s wanted in Georgia. They didn’t pick that up the first time they had her in when she pulled the knife on Amanda. You’re free to move about without worrying there is someone gunning for you.”
A loud cheer erupted from the group of people in the room. Tears ran down her face as she turned to Chase and walked into his arms. Burying her face in his T-shirt, she let out a breath that she wasn’t aware she’d been holding. She felt his big hand against her back and felt a sense of calm wash over her. How could it be over so quickly and easily? It seemed unreal.
He whispered in her ear, “Honey, I got you. It’s going to be all right.” Her head nodded against his chest, and she relaxed into him. The fact that she chose him to collapse into made him fall for her a bit more. They were building something, and she was starting to trust him and count on him. Which meant everything. “I’m taking everyone out to dinner to celebrate. Let’s see if we can get in at Joe’s,” he yelled out.
Scott held up his phone and offered to make the call. “I’ll see what I can do.”
Jack called over to him, “Tell him that you play for the Sharks now. The owner is a big fan, and the team has taken care of him. Ask for the back room. It’s a Monday, so it’s probably not booked.”
Scott gave him a thumbs-up and made the call. He was happy to be included in the group, because he was tired of hanging out with people who needed something from him or desired a piece of him. Looking over at Jack and Ana, he realized at some point in his life he wanted what they had. For that matter, he’d take what any of these guys had. Not now, but someday.
*******
The loud group sat in the back room at Joe’s and enjoyed the food that was spread across the table. Ana was regaling the group with the story of their first date and her trip to the ER.
“Despite our lack of success, I never doubted for a minute that he was the man for me. We still don’t really go out, but that’s okay. We’ve found that we can hang out at home and have fun. Plus, the cafeteria at the hospital has pretty decent food.”
Wrapping his arm around her, Jack laughed. “I like your revisionist history, honey. You were not sure about me for a long time, but I’m not complaining. I’m a lucky guy, because I’ve found someone who doesn’t think that I’m boring.”
Leaning in, she patted his leg. “I think you’re the least boring person in the world.”
Clark snorted next to them. “You all are perfect for one another. Jack’s training schedule is boring, and he’s lucky to have found someone who finds him interesting at all.”
Ana smiled at Clark. “Trust me. The man is interesting in ways that you will never understand. And that’s where I’m going to leave it.”
The whole table erupted as they watched the pair. The quiet scientist and the quiet athlete had found one another against all odds, and they were making one another happy in ways that were known only to one another. They shrugged at the same time and gave almost an identical smile to the table. Holding hands under the table, they squeezed hands simultaneously. They knew what they had and how lucky they were.
Trevor and Katie walked in, and they both appeared less than happy. Sitting at the end, they ordered a drink and stared out at the table.
“What’s wrong, Katie? You look like you ate something sour,” Ana asked.
Waving her hand in the air, she responded, “Just work stuff.” Smiling over at Ronnie, she called out a congratulations. “I’m so happy that the woman is in jail. I was starting a little analysis of my own to see if I could determine her next move, but I wasn’t coming up with anything conclusive.”
Scott leaned over to Ronnie and asked her, “What does Katie do?”
Twisting to stare at him, she responded. “Katie has a doctorate in Forensic Neuropsychology. She has a fellowship in the same program that Ana does. They’re both working on their specialties in the practical world. She’s had some breakthroughs, and it’s making the director of her program crazy jealous. The guy is kind of a sleaze, and that’s where Trevor comes in. He stops into the university once a day to remind the guy who’s who and what’s what. Thus the unhappy faces.”
Scott studied the couple and wondered where Trevor came from. “So what did Captain America do before working at the security company?” Scott snickered.
Ronnie gave him a disapproving glare and shook her head. “Trevor is a retired Navy SEAL. You need to check your attitude at the door, and you might consider thanking him for putting his life on the line to protect yours. While you were here getting an education and playing pro ball, he was on the other side of the world making sure that people could sleep peacefully at night. So a big fat thank you is in order, as well as a generous donation from your signing bonus given to Wounded Warriors.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Scott responded. He felt like an ass and realized if he was going to become a part of this group that saying the first thing that came to his mind wasn’t going to work. He was sitting at a table where three of the women held doctorates and the one sitting next to him had a master’s, as well as a JD. He was so out of his depth that it wasn’t funny. None of these people were going to be impressed with his usual antics, and he was tired of the people that were. Moving to Miami and playing for this team was his opportunity to change some things about his life that were no longer working. Showing Trevor his respect and telling him thank you was a good first step.
Jack spoke up at the other end of the table. “I lost fifteen minutes of my life talking to that guy at the team fundraiser. Ana left me with him and made her escape. Don’t get me wrong, better me than her…but what an asshole.”
Trevor gave him a high-five from across the table. “Thank you. I don’t like the way he speaks with Katie and corners her by herself in the hall. He’s one step away from doing something that he will live to regret. I remind him every day that Katie has me and that his behavior won’t be tolerated. But she won’t let me talk to him alone, so our conversations never really have the effect that I’m working for.”
Slapping her hand down on the table, she let out a silent scream. “Trevor, you can’t harm him because then my career will go down the toilet. My goodness.”
“I know, babe. Don’t worry…I promise to keep it under control.”
“You’re just saying that because you won’t leave any evidence or marks on him. I should probably make you the subject of my next study.”
Putting his arm around her, he kissed her cheek. “You can study me all you want. Maybe we should start tonight.” He waggled his eyebrows at her. “Too much?”
“Always.” She kissed his cheek, turned back to the table, and took a sip of her drink. The man was a tsunami and was continuously threatening to swamp her, but in reality…she wouldn’t want it any other way. After all, where would she find another one who got her jokes?
Waiters entered the room and brought the next round of food, and people started to get serious about eating. Chase looked out and felt an overwhelming sense of peace. Ronnie was no longer in danger
, and he could see the beginning of a happy life with her. The people sitting at the table were going to become the fabric of the family that he was creating with her. He was damn lucky in a way that he never expected.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Tuesday
One Week later
Ronnie got out of her car and dragged her briefcase behind her. Realizing that Gerald was coming home tomorrow gave her a much needed boost of energy. She’d been putting in long days at the office for the last week, and she couldn’t wait for his return. Having him gone for a month made her appreciate him all over again. The front door swung open, and Chase stood there with a smile on his face. She watched him come down the steps and felt a fission of happiness. “Hi.”
Taking her bags out of her hand, he leaned over and gave her a kiss. “How was your afternoon, honey?”
“It was good, Scott came in, and we signed a letter of intent. I couldn’t take his whining anymore, so he’s going to be a client.”
Wrapping his arm around her, he rubbed her shoulder. “I told him not to bug you anymore. Too bad he doesn’t listen. Are you sure that you can take another client on?”
“Yes. Jordan’s baby sister is going to come work for me. She’s graduating in May from Vanderbilt with an accounting degree. She’ll get a masters eventually, but is going to take a break. So having her in the office will free up some of my time.”
“Will you have enough time for a vacation? I want to take you someplace for a couple of weeks before I start my new job in July.”
“That sounds great. Let’s see what we can come up with.” Taking his free hand, she walked toward the front door. “I’m going to change, and then we can figure out dinner.”
“Before I forget, can we walk next door real quick? I need you to tell me what you want to do with the front of our houses. I have a landscape guy coming tomorrow, and I should give him an idea of what we have in mind.”
“It’s your house, Chase. Why are you asking me?”
Setting her bags on the bench next to the front door, he gave her a patient look. “Honey, that house is as much yours as it is mine. Tell me what you want, so that we don’t have to re-do it next year.”
“All right, if you say so. Let’s go,” Ronnie responded.
“Don’t you need to change, first?”
“No, I’ll do it when we come back.” Making her way toward the door, she felt him grab her hand. “Making landscaping decisions together makes it seem like you’re serious about us being together for a long time.”
“The fact that I bought a house next to yours and have moved into your house didn’t tell you that?” Chase asked.
“Well, now that you said that…I guess so.” Swinging his arm back and forth as they walked down the drive, she realized that he’d done everything that he said he would. And more. Chase Bedford not only wanted her…he was going to keep her. Interesting.
Chase pressed his thumb against the pad that disengaged the locks on the front gate, and they walked through. “I won’t get keys to the house for another two weeks, but I thought we could get started with the plans for the front of the house right away. The hedges are similar for both houses, and I was wondering if we should keep them?”
“Well, I’ve never thought about it. I can’t say that I’ve ever really paid attention to the house you bought. When I leave, I turn the other way to go out to the main road, so I never look at it. How big is the house?”
“It’s the same size as the house out at the horse farm. It has six bedrooms, a big kitchen, and a family room, as well as a good size guest cottage next to the tennis courts.” Standing together, they considered the home that he’d purchased. “I’m glad the owners agreed to sell. Otherwise, we would’ve ended up with a house around the corner.”
“What do you mean ‘agreed to sell’? This house wasn’t up on the market?”
Holding her hand tightly, he wondered if she was going to get mad. “Not exactly. My agent contacted the owners and offered them a good price, and they decided to sell it to me. It all worked out.”
“Oh my God, Chase. You lost your mind and good sense.” Trying to step away, she found that he had her anchored firmly against him. Clearly, he knew he was in trouble and needed to keep her close. “That borders on crazy.”
“One person’s crazy is another person’s love. It all depends on how you view it.”
“I’m looking at crazy; that’s what I’m looking at. I’ve never taken the time to think about what you did, but now I’m going to have to.”
He circled her in his arms and gazed down into her flashing eyes and knew now was the time to confess. “I’m in love with you, and I’m going to make a life with you.” Watching her eyes become the size of gumballs, he worried that maybe she wasn’t ready to hear his feelings. But not a man to back down, he kept talking. “I love you, and I hope someday you will return my feelings.” Leaning down, he captured her lips and kissed her with all the feelings he had. Once she began responding to his kiss, he felt a small surge of relief. Not fighting him was as close as she was going to get to agreeing with him. It was still early in their relationship, and maybe he should’ve waited a while longer. But really, how could she not know that he was serious when he bought a house and got a job so that they could be close?
A car drove by and let out a little honk, startling them both. Releasing her mouth, he stared into her dazed eyes. It seemed that she was still in shock. “So…hedges. What do you think?”
Patting his chest, she leaned her head against his warm shirt and inhaled him. It was crazy, but it didn’t seem to matter anymore. Maybe she should have her head examined, because she was actually happy to hear how he felt. Tipping her head up, she grinned. “Let me cross the road and take a look, because I can’t tell from here.” Stepping out of his arms, she checked before crossing and skipped across quickly. Standing in between the two houses, she glanced back and forth. “These hedges are beautiful, and I think we should keep them. Let’s just make the gates match…”
A shrill sound filled the air, and Ronnie turned to see where it was coming from. “That’s either a drunk driver or an old person who’s lost control of their car.” Glancing back at Chase, she wondered why he looked so worried. “Sweetie, why…”
A large American-made sedan careened around the corner at a speed that told him the driver had lost control. Before he could warn Ronnie to stand back, the car accelerated and took the curve on two wheels. It was heading straight for her. The scream left his throat as the car swerved. The front bumper sideswiped her, sending her body into the air. She flew up like a doll, and before he could get to her, she crumpled against the ground. Behind him, he vaguely registered the sound of crunching metal and broken glass as the car crashed into a wall. Everything had become deadly still as his feet hit the road. At her side instantly, he wrapped his arms around her and called her name. “Honey, open your eyes if you can.”
A woman ran down the street, and Chase yelled, “Call 911. Now!”
The woman instantly called and then ran to Chase’s side. “The person in the car hit a fire hydrant around the corner. The fire trucks were already on their way. It shouldn’t be long.”
Nodding, he returned his attention to Ronnie. He checked for blood and found a big gash against the back of her skull where her head had hit the ground. Pressing his hand against it to staunch the bleeding, he begun praying. He couldn’t lose her like this. He couldn’t lose her at all, because his life would end without her. The sounds of sirens filled the air, and he pressed his head against hers. “Stay with me, Ronnie. I love you, and you have to stay with me.”
An ambulance, police car, and fire truck came down the street. One of those people had to be able to help her. Doors flew open on the ambulance, and two paramedics rushed quickly over. “A car came around the corner and swerved into her. She flew up and landed on the ground,” Chase said.
“Move aside, sir. Let us help your wife.”
Moving back, he sa
t on his haunches and watched the paramedics begin to assess her injuries. He heard one of them call for a chopper, because they needed to medivac her to the Ryder Trauma Center. “I’m going with her,” Chase said loudly.
The paramedics ignored him as he let out a breath and started to pray again. Ronnie was going to need every single one she could get. How in the hell did this happen? In a matter of seconds, the world turned upside down. What he would give to change places with her. Why couldn’t it have been him?
Another ambulance came down the street and screeched to a halt. Wondering why they needed two, he observed the paramedics run past him toward where the car that had run Ronnie over had impaled itself against a light pole. Turning back to Ronnie, he really didn’t care what happened to the driver. The sounds of a chopper filled the sky, and Chase looked up to try and determine how far away it was. He had no idea where it was going to land, but he hoped it was close.
The paramedics had her on a gurney and had fluids going in. One of the men called out to him, asking what her blood type was. Responding quickly, he yelled, “O-negative.” The only reason he knew that was because she needed a tetanus shot during the week at the horse farm. She had stepped on a rusty nail, and they’d gone to Urgent Care.
He watched the man speak into his mic and relay the information. Apparently, she’d lost enough blood from the gash on the back of her head that they wanted the hospital to be ready if she needed it. He felt like he was living outside of his body, because none of this felt real. How was he standing, responding to questions, taking details in? Vaguely, he registered the sound of the chopper nearing and observed it come down in the intersection half a block away. The paramedics lifted the gurney and started moving Ronnie down the street toward the open doors of the helicopter. Raising up, he ran next to them and grabbed her hand as they moved quickly down the street. “You stay with us, Ronnie. Show everyone what you’re made of and don’t give up. Fight with everything you have.” He stepped back and let them move the gurney onto the chopper. Once she was loaded and secured, they made him step aside, so that they could load the driver of the vehicle. “Can I go with her?” he asked the tech in the chopper.