“Other guy?” he asked calmly, his hackles rising. “What can you tell me about him?”
The man squinted as he sized him up. “Actually, he was about your height, weight, and size. Now, that I think about it, he kinda looks like you---dark hair, intense gray eyes, same build just a tad bit older, that’s all.”
He frowned again. “What? You can’t be serious.”
“I’m as serious as a heart attack,” Abel laughed, and shockingly, he had a perfectly-edged row of white teeth. Then, he took a closer look. “Yep, the guy looked just like you. But, I tell you this,” he whispered leaning in closer. “Chills ran down my spine when he spoke. His voice rumbled like a thousand thunders, and I swear it felt like the ground shook.” The man shook his head to clear it. “I don’t know. It just seemed like something from one of those freaky horror films---”
“Well, I’m sure that you’re mistaken,” he said abruptly as he stood. He shook his unease away quickly. Maybe the guy’s mind was fuddled after all, he scoffed silently. “And thanks for asking my questions.”
“I took a big risk talking to you,” the homeless man complained slyly, shifting slightly to lie back down. “And I expect compensation in the form of whiskey. I just don’t booze up on any kind, mind you. Just go to Bixby’s Joint, about two blocks from here, tell him that Abel sent you. He knows exactly what I---hey!” the man yelled in surprise as he hauled him up. “What are you doing? Are you nuts or something?”
“Don’t worry, you’re not the first person to question my sanity,” Xander quipped sarcastically, shuddering as the unpleasant stench emanated from the man. He extracted the cell phone from his front jacket pocket, and then dialed. “A bunk at St. Luke’s Missionary is the closest thing to booze that you’ll get from me. Luckily it’s right on 3rd, and you can get cleaned up, have a warm meal and a comfortable place to sleep,” he said and then dialed. The responder finally answered on the other end. After rattling the necessary information, he ended the call. “They’ll be here in a couple of minutes.”
“Go ahead and scatter then. I don’t need you breathing down my neck,” Abel complained. The man’s eyes were glazed and feverish as they centered on him. But, it was plainly obvious that he was contemplating the offer. “What’s your problem anyway? If this is the life that I choose, then so---”
“This isn’t the life that you’ve chosen,” Xander argued firmly. “And hopefully, you’ll realize it. Trust me. I know what it feels like when your back is up against the wall, you feel alone, and you don’t know where to turn. But, this isn’t the way.”
For an intense second, the old man’s eyes turned teary, and he knew that his statement had hit home.
Several minutes later, they both turned as the white church van pulled up at the end of the alley. He returned the clergyman’s wave before directing his attention to Abel. “It’s your call. But, from my vantage point, you have two alternatives: St. Luke’s or the nearest padded cell for trespassing on private property.”
“If you’re working at being a so-called guardian angel, I’ll tell you now that you suck at it,” the man said gruffly, narrowing his eyes. “That’s blackmail and you know it.”
He raised a brow. “Perhaps. But, like I said, it’s your call.”
“Don’t see why folks just don’t let you live like you want to live,” the man mumbled under his breath. “Alright, St. Luke’s it is, but if you’re waiting on thanks, you’re out of luck.” Without another glance, the man stumbled towards the missionary van, and then seconds later he climbed in.
Finally, the van pulled away from the curb.
He trailed past the green trash bin, but he hardly noticed it. His mind turned to the man’s earlier assertions. Why had he claimed that the man resembled him, or that his voice had rumbled like thunder?
He shook his head.
None of it made any sense.
And more than likely, Abel hadn’t been thinking clearly, he mulled as he finally reached the boutique. When he entered, Nicole was hovering anxiously on the sofa.
“What took you so long?” she demanded, standing up. “I was starting to get worried.”
“Had to take care of a couple of things,” he added, grabbing her elbow as he pulled her from the sofa. “But, everything’s fine, so don’t worry your pretty little head about it.”
“Well, I won’t. Not now since you’re here,” she stammered and had the good grace to blush. “And I’m very sorry for interrupting your day. Probably, you had a million things to do besides coming to my rescue.”
“Would you quit with the apologies?” he broke in quickly. “If you need me, I’m here, ready and willing. Understand?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “If you say so.”
Still, though he could tell that his comment pleased her.
“Come on, let’s get you home. I think you’ve had one too many scares today.”
“No,” she protested, her chin jutting stubbornly. “I’m not going to play by their rules and be afraid to live my life. I will not become a prisoner in my own skin.”
He sighed. “And I don’t expect you to.”
Their conversation was cut short by Trixie’s arrival.
Unsurprisingly, the woman’s expression was irritated as she glanced between the two of them. “Well, since she’s okay, can I call her a cab or something?” Trixie asked rudely.
“No thank you. I can manage,” Nicole said with a look of displeasure.
He fought to stifle his surprise.
It was rare for Nicole to react so negatively to anyone. Usually, her disposition was naturally upbeat and cordial. But, he could probably cut the thick tension between the women with a knife.
“If you’ll excuse me, Xander, I have to go,” she quipped tightly. “And I’m sure the two of you have some things to catch up on.”
Even Macy’s expression was bemused as she watched Nicole.
“Why would you think that?” he asked, stunned, taking in her tightly pursed lips and irate expression.
Then, a daring possibility reared its head.
Was Nicole actually jealous?
Again, he found it hard to tamper his delight.
Though his voice was cool as he said, “Nicole, there’s nothing going on---”
“You don’t owe me any explanation. It’s your life, your business,” Nicole snapped, moving past him. “Macy, let’s go.”
After grabbing hold of the dog’s leash, she treaded towards the store’s front stiffly, leaving him alone with the buxom store owner.
“Wow, I’m impressed with our darling little Ms. Williamson. All that pretend innocence, and her perfected damsel-in-distress act is working on you,” Trixie murmured slyly, jealousy filling her tone. “I didn’t think it was possible. But, the woman has done the impossible. She has actually managed to slip past that hard armor of yours. Tell me. What does she have that I don’t have?”
“It’s simple,” he said coldly. “You’re not her, and you never will be.”
Barely sparing the woman a glance, he departed the storage room. Quickly moving past the racks of clothing, he finally caught up with her at the door. “Nicole, hey wait up. What’s your hurry?”
Her hand rested on the handle as she stopped. “No hurry. Like you, I have a million things to take care of.”
“At least let me give you a ride home.”
“Thanks for the offer, but no thanks. If you’ll excuse us, Macy and I are already late for our lunch date---with each other.”
“No, I won’t excuse you. As a matter of fact, I haven’t had lunch either. Mind some company?” he asked, staring down at her.
Even he couldn’t deny that his request pleased her.
And you too, his conscience reminded him.
He pushed the niggling thought aside.
“I don’t mind and I’m sure that Macy won’t either. We’re just grabbing a couple of burgers from the nearest street vendor and then head for the park. And lunch is the least thing that I can o
ffer since I’ve practically stolen you from your work,” she rationalized quickly, not wanting to seem eager. “After that, Macy’s slated for her usual daily walk. If you’re up to all that, you can come along.”
“Lead the way,” he said, pushing the door open wide. “And I’m in my SUV, so we can knock off a few of these blocks, that is, unless you’re opposed to it.”
“Of course not,” she disagreed with a small smile. “Besides, Macy will probably enjoy the fact that she can just sit back and relax for once.”
Several minutes later, they’d confiscated two greasy bags and chocolate shakes. The SUV weaved through the heavy lunch traffic easily, and soon, they were at the park wolfing down the massive burgers while Macy lounged lazily alongside the park bench.
“Literally, I don’t think that I can move,” she groaned, moments later, as he crumpled the paper bags and ridded of the other garbage. She listened closely as he hurled them into the nearest trash bin. “Macy, will probably have to take her trek alone.”
As he laughed, her heart skipped a thousand beats.
Even his laugh was wickedly sexy.
Finally, she caught up with his words again.
“Actually, I think it’ll be good for her. There’s nothing wrong with having a little freedom every now and then.”
“You think so?” she inquired, a worried look covering her face. “But, I don’t want her to get hurt or lost.”
“Macy get hurt or lost? Are we talking about the same mutt?” he chided affectionately. “Macy has more intelligence than a lot of people that I know. Besides, she knows not to take unnecessary risks. And there’s no way that she’ll venture that far away from you. Trust me.”
And she did trust him.
Probably a lot more than she should, she realized with chagrin.
“Okay,” she agreed reluctantly. “Come here, Macy.”
As she removed the leash, Macy jumped excitedly, and then, she took off in a galloping run.
Xander chuckled. “I’d say that you’ve just made Macy very happy.”
“I love her. I don’t know what I’d do without her. She’s been there with me through it all. Every misstep, heartbreak, triumph, failures, successes,” she added as her smile died. “Unfortunately, it’s hard to find people who’ll actually be that strong and dependable.”
She regretted her words immediately.
And she wondered why she’d revealed as much as she had?
She could feel the heat of his stare, and she resisted the urge to pull on her coat’s collar. Hopefully, she was still passable.
Starting, he realized that he was staring.
But, how could he dismiss her captivating allure?
Under the winter sun, she looked even more radiant. The sunlight added brilliance to her black mane. And it seemed more thick and lustrous under the afternoon sun. Of course, she made anything that she wore seem fashionable, this time dressed in a pair of stonewashed ripped jeans and a black Henley sweater. Only it was all covered by the fashionable lightly creamed coat that she wore. As usual, her face was bare of makeup except for the light sweep of red lipstick that painted her full lips.
“Are you sure that she’s going to be okay?” she asked concernedly.
“More than sure,” he added, glancing towards Macy who’d at some point found a playmate with a Boston terrier. The dogs tore across the nearly abandoned park. Suddenly, he was filled with a playfulness of his own, much to his surprise. “Come on.”
Before she could protest, he grabbed her hand, and she didn’t protest as she came up.
“What are you doing?” she asked in surprise, and the hint of a smile played at her lips. “Exactly what are you up to?”
“There’s no reason why Macy should be the only one enjoying herself.”
She didn’t protest as he pulled her along.
Finally, he stopped at the small merry-go-round. “Ok, climb on. I figured that the merry-go-round is the safest place for you after your little daredevil stunts with the swing.”
“Merry-go-round?” she said, frowning. “I haven’t ridden one in years. I don’t know about this---”
“Don’t tell me that you’re going to let this little rickety merry-go-round scare you,” he dared her softly.
“Rickety isn’t exactly the word that you should use if you’re trying to persuade me,” she quipped lightly, though she was already grasping the iron handle.
“Here, let me help you.”
As he grasped her waist, her merriment flew, and she tensed from their closeness. Her senses took flight, and she was only aware of the feel of him.
But, was she the only one affected, she thought, flattening a hand against his hard chest. His breathing was slightly ragged, and as he bent over her, it fanned her face. And temptation almost convinced her to take a daring leap. But, she was spared when he spoke. “Take it nice and easy,” he said somewhat unsteadily, turning her slightly before easing her down.
With a careful gentleness, he lifted her legs cross the narrow plank-board seating, and the hot heat seared through the coat’s soft fabric. When his hands fell away, she finally remembered to breathe.
“Just let go,” he said. “And enjoy the moment.”
Closing her eyes, she took a steadying breath.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Hadn’t she let go the moment she’d met him?
And she hadn’t touched solid ground yet.
“Ready?”
“Yes,” she nodded.
Grasping the railing firmly, she relaxed.
If anything, she’d learned to trust him.
He wouldn’t let her fall.
The merry-go-round began its trek slowly, and before long it was turning in a comfortable, leisurely spin. Like an innocent child, she let her thoughts run free as she closed her eyes and embraced the wild moment. In the distance, she heard laughter, quickly realizing that it was her own.
And in that moment, she let go.
The wind beat against her face as she dropped her hands from the railing before lifting them over her head. Exuberance soared through her as she let out a triumphant cry.
“What the---” Xander muttered, cutting his expletive short.
Startled, she gasped as the merry-go-round came to a staggering stop. “Well, you could have at least warned me that the ride was---”
“What are you trying to do, break your damned neck?” he demanded. “Don’t ever pull another stunt like that.”
“Would you relax, Xander?” Frowning, she turned in his direction. “It was all just harmless fun. Why are you so angry?”
“Woman, you’re going to be the death of me! Sometimes, it’d be good if you’d just think first, and just remember that---”
The hot anger seized her. “What? Remember that I’m not like everyone else?” she asked, feeling the tears coming on. “Remember that I’m blind?”
“That’s not what I meant, and you know it,” he fought back, grabbing her hand.
“I don’t need your help!” she snapped, jerking free.
Eyes stinging with tears, she managed to throw her legs over the merry-go-round. As her feet hit the ground, she turned away from him.
“Nicole---”
She tensed as he stopped behind her. As his hands landed on her shoulders, she closed her eyes. “No, I don’t want to talk to you,” she whispered.
But, she didn’t resist as he turned her to face him.
With a sweet gentleness, he lifted her chin. “I’m sorry,” he said huskily, brushing a thumb against her trembling lips. “Forgive me.”
On instinct her lips parted.
And deny it if they wanted to, it was obvious what they both wanted.
With a heavy sigh, he admitted, “You’re right. I’m the problem, not you.”
Surprise filled her features.
“What do mean?” she asked timidly.
Could it be that he couldn’t deal with her handicap?
Unwanted fear filled her heart
.
“I’ll admit it. Where you’re concerned, I do tend to be a bit over-protective. That’s something that I have to work on. I need to give you some breathing space, room to maneuver. That’s all on me and has nothing to do with you.”
“Does it bother you?” she asked boldly. “My blindness, is it an issue for you? If so, I don’t see how---”
Face flaming hot, she cut her words short.
What lunacy am I about to spew, she thought.
That they couldn’t have a relationship?
They didn’t stand a chance of having one regardless!
“Now, you’re insulting me,” he said, angered. “What kind of man do you think I am? Of course, your blindness has nothing to do with how I feel about you!”
Her voice was unsteady. “How you feel about me?”
Foolishly, hope surged through her.
Was it possible?
Did he have feelings for her?
“What I meant to say was it has nothing to do with how I feel about our friendship,” he stammered uncomfortably.
“So, we’re friends, now, huh?” she asked with a half-smile. “Is that how you’d label our constant bickering and run-ins?”
“What else would we call it?”
Her smile eased away. “You’re right. We are friends. And after everything that we’ve been through together in this short time, what else would we be?” she inquired softly, pulling away as she turned.
“Wait,” Xander demanded, grasping her hand in his.
“Yes?” she asked, making a misstep as she turned too fast.
They both tensed as she fell into his hard chest.
His arms closed around her.
Privately, she wondered if she’d just discovered a piece of heaven.
Again, his masculine scent swept over her.
She closed her eyes.
His closeness was all too consuming.
“You okay?” he asked hoarsely, brushing the strands of hair from her face.
“Yes,” she said, upturning her face to his.
It seemed an eternity passed as he held her.
Still, neither of them made a move.
Or perhaps she was foolishly hoping he’d make one, she mulled, leaning into him.
He did.
Gently, he brushed her cheek with his free hand. “Nicole---”
Dragon Reign: A Paranormal Love Tale Page 17