Rocky Mountain Angels
Page 13
She allowed him to help her onto the escalator with her awkward boot; then he stepped on behind her. At the bottom, Eli took her hand once again, sliding his fingers between hers and caressing the side of her hand with his thumb.
They were nearly to the coffee shop when a long-legged blonde in a short red skirt, cream sweater, and high heels came out with a cup in hand. She stopped short, and a smile lit her face. “Eli!”
Eli focused on the approaching woman, and Mari felt him tighten his hold on her hand. “Raina.”
Flipping her long straight hair behind her shoulder, she glanced over at Mari but spoke to Eli. “I was expecting you to call me this week.” Her gaze made it down to their clasped hands, and her smile faded. “You said you would.”
“I’m sorry, Raina. I should have called.” Mari looked up at him; the tension in his jaw belied the relaxed sound of his voice. “It was a crazy week.” He looked over at Mari. “A crazy, wonderful week.”
Raina looked puzzled. “Is this your little sister? Is she visiting or something?”
Eli turned back to her and blinked. “No, she’s my... my girlfriend.”
“Girlfriend?” Raina shifted her coffee to the other hand with eyes wide. “You just spent the day with me last Monday.” She fixed Mari with a glare. “And believe me, sister, we weren’t shopping.” Her glare traveled back to Eli. “We weren’t shopping all day and half the night.”
Eli dropped Mari’s hand, grabbed Raina by the elbow and steered her a good ten feet down the hall, standing so Mari couldn’t see her face. Eli was obviously trying to keep his voice down, but Raina had no such compunction. She suddenly laughed. “Let me know when it’s over.” She took a step to the side and locked eyes with Mari. “It won’t be long, I’m sure.” Then she gave Eli a saucy smirk and strode away.
Eli’s shoulders slumped, and he turned slowly, looking like a wounded puppy. He shook his head as he walked back to her. “I’m so sorry, Mari. I don’t know what to say.”
“I do.” Mari’s chin ticked up. “Get your coffee. I want to go home.”
Chapter 13
After fifteen minutes of silence, Eli couldn’t take it anymore. Mari had stacked their purchases between them in the truck, so he couldn’t reach her hand.
He could barely see her.
Running into Raina was probably the worst possible scenario for the day, and yes, he supposed he should have called her and let her know he wouldn’t be calling her, but he had made no overtures of love to her. He’d been very clear from the outset of their relationship—which amounted to sex every now and then—that he wasn’t looking for a girlfriend.
At least he hadn’t been until Mari showed up on his porch.
He glanced her way again, but she was still turned away looking out the side window. He took a deep breath. “Mari.”
She didn’t answer.
He reached over the bags to touch her hair. “Mari, please talk to me. I know you’re hurt, but you knew that about me. I told you that I’m not proud of all the women that I’ve... I’ve spent time with. Now that I’ve met you, I’d give anything to go back and do the last fourteen years over again.”
She turned to look at him with brows pinched. “Would you really? That’s pretty easy to say now. I mean, what’s so special about me?”
Eli snorted. “What’s so special about you? Well, you’re obviously beautiful, but it’s not just on the outside.” He ran the back of his fingers down her cheek. “You’re smart and funny and warm.” He stopped at a light and slid his hand behind her neck, giving her his full attention. “You’re real, Mari Baker. You’re never trying to be something you’re not. And that, my dear, is rare.”
The light changed, and he turned his focus back to the fore and put his hand back on the wheel. “I can’t say for sure that I would have waited and saved myself for you if I could have peeked into the future, ’cause I was a pretty randy teenager, but if how special you are could have permeated my testosterone fog, I would have.”
Mari looked down at her hands clenched in her lap. “But you’re not a teenager anymore, Eli, and it sounds to me like you’re still in a testosterone fog. That woman claimed you were with her just a week ago. What makes you think you can just turn that off for me?”
He turned onto their street. “Because I’ve never wanted to before now.” He stopped in front of her house, cut the engine, and turned to face her. “I’ve never met anyone I’d be willing to even try to rein it in for.”
She met his gaze, shaking her head. “But shouldn’t you be reining it in because it’s the right thing to do—because God doesn’t want his children to behave like animals—rather than because it’s what I want you to do?
“Look around, Eli, marriage break-ups are the norm now. Why? Because people like you rehearse divorce over and over and over with every partner. And think of all the baggage you will be bringing to our relationship. You will compare me to every woman you’ve ever been with.”
Eli shook his head with feeling. “Mari, I won’t. I promise.”
Mari gave a little laugh and opened the door. “Eli, you won’t have a choice.” She looked back and reached over the bags to tap the side of his head. “They’re all up here.”
She turned to exit the truck, so Eli quickly did the same. “Mari, wait, let me help you.”
“It’s all right. I can walk.” She waved him away, so he grabbed the shopping bags off the seat and walked slowly behind her up the walk.
After unlocking the door and letting them both in, Mari started to slip out of her coat, but Eli just set the bags down and headed back out. “I’ll go get some help for the love seat.”
Mari nodded without smiling. “I’m going to go lie down.”
Eli wanted so badly to take her in his arms and reassure her of his heart, but he just watched her disappear into the bathroom before letting himself out to find one of his brothers.
***
Mari looked at herself in the mirror after popping a couple of pain pills and chasing them with a glass of water. “He’s right, you know. He told you he had no idea how many women he’s slept with, but you said you’d give him a chance.”
Leaving the bathroom, she entered her bedroom, closed the door, and sat on the edge of her bed. Removing her footwear with a quick flick on the left and a very careful slide on the right, she left them by the bed and lay down.
Up until the encounter outside the coffee shop, it had been a wonderful afternoon. Eli was fun and caring, and the way he looked at her never failed to start her heart racing. But how many women have been the recipient of that look before me? Is it really possible that I am special to him somehow? Does he look at me differently than he has every other woman?
Closing her eyes, she crossed her arms over her head. What do I do, Lord? Forgiving him and giving him a chance seemed like a Godly sentiment yesterday, but the reality is harder to swallow. Now that I’ve actually seen one of his women, I don’t know if I can do it, no matter how great of a kisser he is. No matter how much I enjoy his company. A tear rolled down the side of her face. No matter how sweet and kind he is.
She wiped the dampness from her temples. Good grief, stop it. You just met him a week ago. He can’t be that important to you already. She turned on her side, trying to categorize Eli the way she had Joe and Ben—as a brother—but she had never kissed them—had never felt their caresses. The thought of him never holding her again started her lip trembling, and she couldn’t stop the flow of tears.
He can never undo what he’s done. It will always be holding onto his coattails, following him all through his life. Women from his past will just continue to pop up and confront him, tempt him.
She tried to tell herself she was crying for him, but she couldn’t stop the feeling that there was more to it. Raina had embarrassed her.
If Eli has a reputation, what will people think of me?
***
Mari woke later to voices in her living room. “So, is this how you did it? Bo
ught her with art and a sofa and... towels?”
“No, Benjamin. She bought the love seat herself. I bought the other stuff, because I wanted to. There are no strings attached. Even if we... even if we stop dating, it’s hers.”
Mari felt instantly guilty.
“I suppose it’s cheaper than what you’ve spent wining and dining other women.”
“Keep it down, would you, Mari’s probably sleeping.”
Ben laughed, but in a hushed voice. “Yeah, I bet that’s why you don’t want me mentioning your women.”
Mari scowled. Oh, Ben!
Eli had lowered his voice so much she had to strain to hear. “Ben, if Mari is willing to give me a chance, why can’t you? You’re my own flesh and blood. Have you never made a mistake? Gone down a wrong path? Just had your head on backwards for awhile?”
Mari sucked in a breath. Eli, do you really see it that way—as a wrong path?
“Sure, but you’re expecting me to believe you’ve turned on a dime. I don’t think it’s possible... Where do we put the wicker thing?”
“I don’t know.”
Mari wondered if he’d really move it out on the lawn and set it on fire.
“I’ll just put it here for now.”
There was a pause then the sound of shuffling feet and a thunk.
“Ben, please try to believe in me just a bit. I know you’re concerned about Mari, but I promise I won’t hurt her.”
Mari held her breath, waiting for an answer, but none came. She heard the front door open and close and let out her breath with a agonized sigh. They’re brothers. Surely Ben could reserve judgment long enough for Eli to prove himself. Her brows lifted. And what about me? Do I have that same responsibility? She got up and hobbled to the door without putting her boot back on. She paused with her hand on the knob. Eli could have lied about the number of women he’d been with, but he didn’t. He was truthful even when it would hurt his chances. She straightened her spine and opened the door.
The sound of Mari’s door opening dragged Eli’s attention away from the window and the snow that was floating down again. He rose from where he sat on the new love seat and tried to read her expression.
She brushed her hair back from her face and gave him a small smile. “Where’s the throw you bought? That plaid is nasty.”
Eli’s pulse picked up, and he started toward the bags he’d left by the door. Fishing around, he pulled out a package and ripped open the plastic. He was afraid to speak—afraid if he did, her next words would be “Goodbye, Eli.” Shaking out the taupe fabric, he draped it over the small sofa and adjusted it until it was even all around, his heart hammering in his ears.
Mari crossed the room and sat, looking up at him. She reached for his hand. “Sit with me.” Eli sat but still could find no words.
Wrapping both of her hands around his, her brows came together, and Eli braced himself.
“Eli,” —she paused and licked her lips— “I’m sorry.”
He bent his head and closed his eyes.
“Seeing Raina today put a face and a voice to your past that I wasn’t prepared for.” She squeezed his hands. “Next time, I’ll be ready.”
Eli looked up in confusion. “Mari, what are you saying exactly?”
She smiled, releasing a hand to stroke his cheek. “I’m saying that I let Raina wound me today. I let her almost take you away from me because of a little embarrassment. I’ve been babied and overprotected by five older brothers. It’s time to grow a thicker skin and fight my own battles.”
Eli sat stunned for a moment; then a smile slowly spread over his face. Pulling his hand out of her grasp, he flung his arm around her. “Come here.”
Mari scooted closer, and Eli hauled her onto his lap. She slipped her arms around his neck, and he held her tight. “You’re an angel,” he whispered before laying a tender kiss on her temple.
Mari giggled. “Actually, Eli, you are.” She pulled back slightly to look in his eyes. “You’re just one of my Rocky Mountain angels.”
Eli laughed, perplexed, but Mari cut off his question with a kiss, then another and another, and when they finally paused, Eli couldn’t remember what he wanted to ask.
Chapter 14
While Mari looked through college courses on her laptop in the kitchen, Eli worked on her house decor. His drill was noisy for a bit as he installed curtain rods; then it sounded like he was moving furniture. Mari didn’t let herself look—if she had learned anything this week, it was that she could trust him completely when it came to decorating. Everything he had done so far had contributed to a more peaceful environment. Mari quirked one corner of her mouth. Even as he sent my personal life into a tizzy. She turned her attention back to her computer screen and concentrated on the task of finding herself a new field of study.
She had a list of possibilities compiled when Eli appeared in her kitchen doorway. He seemed barely able to contain a grin and hooked his finger at her in a come here gesture. She started to get up, and he came to her side, offering his arm. She smiled, slipping her hand around his bicep, and he escorted her into the living room to begin the tour. She was nothing short of amazed at the transformation.
Scooting the love seat back three feet gave him room to bring the TV around in front of it, under the window, so Mari would still be able to see the lilac bush bloom in the spring. He had banked the picture window with the book cases and set the wicker bench under the window that faced Eli’s office.
She looked up at him grinning. “What? No bonfire?”
Eli put his hand over hers on his arm. “I was tempted, but then it occurred to me that it would be great for holding house plants or a cat cushion.”
Mari looked at it again, her eyes widening. “Yes. Why didn’t I think of that?”
He turned her around. “Because you were too focused on trying to sit on the blasted thing.”
He guided her to the sofa where several bright pillows picked up the colors of the artwork and gave the neutral sofa cover life. One apple green drapery panel had been pushed to one side on the black rods over each window then draped several times over the rod to form valances.
And in the bathroom, her smile turned into a grin as she took in the green and deep red towels hanging over the wooden towel bars coordinating with the new striped shower curtain. “Oh, Eli, everything is just perfect!”
He pulled her out with a sly grin. “There’s one more thing. Close your eyes.”
Mari complied, and Eli guided her forward three steps and turned her into the bedroom. “Can I open them?”
“Just one second.” Eli let go of her hand, and she heard a whirring sound. “Okay, go ahead.”
Mari opened her eyes and gasped. Seeing the spread in the store was nothing like seeing it on her bed. The rich red brocade edged in matching tassels was stunning, and the contrasting black pillow sham in the same texture carried the black of the canopy pipes into the bedspread design. In the same way, two small white lace pillows pulled in the sheer white canopy, and white lace draped over the black curtain rod echoed it again. The fading daylight was supplemented with the light of the small lamp on her dresser and only added to the romance.
Mari looked at Eli, her mouth agape.
Eli’s eyes narrowed. “So, do you like it?”
“Do I like it? Eli, it’s absolutely fabulous!”
Eli grinned as he stepped to the window, and Mari recognized the whirring she’d heard earlier as he lowered the white pleated shade. She reached over to flip the light switch and looked at it all again in brighter artificial light. It was still beautiful.
Mari sighed, and Eli meandered over to her side. She looked up at him, and the satisfaction in his eyes warmed her heart. “You did good, Eli Rhodes.”
He slipped an arm around her waist and pressed a kiss to her head. “You were my inspiration.”
***
Joe pumped his fist in the air. “Yeah! Strike!” his yell of victory adding to the din of the noisy bowling alley.
Joe flexed a bicep as he walked back to the curved seating. “The more you’ve got, the more you can do, little brother. You need to visit my weight room more often.”
Ben shook his head. “Maybe when you get the basement remodeled.” He rose to take his bowling ball off the return. “Right now it’s just a haven for spiders. There are probably brown recluses down there.” Slipping his fingers into the ball, he moved to hit his mark on the floor. “Why don’t we put the exercise equipment in the parlor, since it’s totally bare right now anyway?”
“Hmm, I never thought of that. I guess that would work until you guys move out, and Beth moves in.”
Joe leaned back and crossed his arms as Ben lifted the ball to his chest. It had taken most of the afternoon to connect with Beth by phone, and when Joe finally got ahold of her, she already had plans for the evening with her roommate, Sheri.
Ben had spent hours alone in his room after his talk with Mari and seemed mad enough to kick a dog when he came back from helping Eli with her furniture. Joe decided the best thing for them both was to get out of the house.
He watched Ben’s approach and release, thinking he might get a strike, also, but he just took out the center eight pins, leaving a difficult split. He knocked down one more with his next ball, but that ended his game, while Joe had two more balls to roll for his strike.
Ben grimaced at the final score. “Well, you whooped my butt by thirty points.”
Joe slapped him on the back. “Better luck next time, kid.”
“Yeah, that seems to be my motto lately.” He leaned forward to untie his bowling shoes.
Joe knew he should say something about Mari, but he wasn’t sure what. He slipped off his shoes. “I know you were hoping that you and Mari... Eli told me that they are dating... anyway...” —Joe picked up his shoes and gestured with them awkwardly— “if you want to talk about it, I’m here.”