by Marie Force
His encouragement meant so much to her. “I used to think Katie was ridiculous for never dating until she met Shane, but as much as I mocked her for it, I understood her reasoning. She’d rather be alone than take a chance that she’d end up with someone like the man who fathered us. I did the same thing, only in a different way. I avoided things I used to love out of fear they’d be taken from me again.”
“Is it okay for me to say that I hope he gets the shit beat out of him in prison?”
She snorted with laughter. “It’s okay for you to say that, but I don’t hope for that, because I’d never want anyone to be hurt the way he hurt us, even him. I just can’t carry that kind of anger around, or it’ll swallow me whole. That’s something I’ve learned in therapy, too.”
“Is it okay for me to say that I’ve known you… Is it four whole days yet?”
“I think today is day three.”
“I’ve known you three days, and I’ve never met anyone I admire more than I do you.”
“I’m not sure I deserve that.”
“You absolutely do. You deserve everything, and you should have anything you want. The sky’s the limit.” He would move heaven and earth if that was what it took to make sure she got whatever she wanted.
“Right now, I’m thrilled to have a new job to go to in the morning, an adorable puppy to love, my money back in the bank where it belongs and a sexy new guy in my bed. Life is good.”
He kissed her neck and made her shiver. “I’m very glad to have made the list of things that’re making your life good.”
“You’re at the top of the list. I should’ve started with you.” Over his shoulder, she watched the digital clock on the bedside table hit two a.m. and groaned. “We need to sleep, or tomorrow will be a nightmare.”
“I should go so you can get some rest.”
When he would’ve gotten up, Julia stopped him. “Stay.”
“Are you sure?”
“Mmm, I’m very sure.”
“Very sure, huh? I like that.”
“I like you.”
Deacon tipped her chin up to receive his kiss. “I like you, too. A whole lot.” He settled her head on his chest and rubbed her back until she fell asleep, but he was awake for a long time thinking about the things she’d told him and aching for her.
Chapter 24
Julia’s first day of work at McCarthy Construction was chaotic and busy and challenging. She loved every second of it. Luke reported that Mac was resting comfortably at home and was available by phone if she had questions. However, Julia was determined to leave him alone to rest, so she made piles of things she needed to discuss with him and moved forward with organizing the office and triaging the various needs from customers.
Luke had told her that the guys were renovating the Curtis family’s Victorian home on Westview Road, a job they expected to take most of the summer. In the off-season, they’d be doing a major renovation to the McCarthys’ hotel in North Harbor as well as building the new spa on the property. He had mentioned that Mac’s cousin Riley McCarthy would be by at the end of the day to check in with her.
While she waited for Riley, she took Pupwell outside to pee and stretch his legs. He’d been a trouper during the long day at the office, and she was thrilled that she was able to have him with her while she worked.
Throughout the day, she’d found her thoughts frequently returning to Deacon and the night they’d spent together. She had broken all the rules she’d recently set for herself by getting so involved with him so quickly, but she couldn’t come up with a single reason to keep him at arm’s length. He’d been nothing but a good friend, confidant and advocate for her in the short time she’d known him.
She’d dated other men for months who didn’t know her anywhere near the way Deacon already did after only a few days. That was a testament to him. He made it easy for her to share things with him she hardly ever talked about.
Everything about this with him was different than it had been before. He was different. He wasn’t like guys who were after one thing only, and once they got that, they lost interest in her. As she waited for Pupwell to find a bush that pleased him, she thought about what Tiffany had said about Blaine, how he’d been unlike any man she’d ever met—and that her reaction to him had been unprecedented from the get-go.
Julia could relate to that. She’d been intrigued by Deacon the first time she saw him in the clinic, the night that Finn and Chloe had been stabbed by his crazy ex. At the wedding, he’d captivated her further with his astute, amusing observations as well as his questions about why she was so miserable at her sister’s wedding. Up until then, she’d been doing a pretty good job of keeping her recent disappointment far away from her sister’s big day, but watching Katie with Shane, seeing their obvious love for each other, had resurrected all the hopes she’d pinned on Mike and the searing pain of his betrayal.
Deacon, who’d only ever seen her once before, had tuned right in to that while a roomful of people she’d known most of her life hadn’t noticed. They would have eventually, but they’d been focused on Katie that day, as they should’ve been.
She was so excited about her feelings for Deacon that she’d forgotten to be worried about the many ways it could still go badly for her.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Riley’s arrival, which was just as well. She’d rather not think about the many ways it could go wrong with Deacon.
Riley hopped out of his truck and came over to her, extending his hand. “Sorry I’m late. I’m Riley.” He was a younger version of Mac, with the same dark hair and the trademark McCarthy blue eyes.
Julia shook his hand. “Julia. Nice to see you again.”
“Same. Mac asked me to make office keys for you.” He handed over a key ring and told her which key was for which door.
“Thank you.”
Riley bent to pet the puppy. “What a cutie. What’s his name?”
“He doesn’t really have one yet. I’m not sure if I’m going to get to keep him, so I’m afraid to name him. We’ve been calling him Puppy Pupwell.”
“That sounds like a name to me.”
“I know! I’m trying not to get attached and failing miserably.”
“What’s the deal with him?”
“Deacon Taylor and I found him swimming off the coast.”
Riley looked up at her, shocked. “Say what?”
Julia nodded. “He must’ve fallen off a boat.”
Riley stood and brushed his hands on his dirty jeans. “I hope you get to keep him.”
“Me, too.” She couldn’t bear to think about the possibility of having to give back the puppy. “How’re Mac and Maddie?”
“Recovering at home from a day they’ll never forget.” He filled her in on how both of them had ended up being treated at the clinic. “They’ve had a lot of stress. A while ago, they had a miscarriage, and I guess the fact that she’s expecting twins has them both really worried. Victoria and David put Maddie on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy, so they’re going to need a lot of help.”
“Whatever I can do, just let me know.”
“It’s a huge deal for Mac to have your help here. He said he’ll check in with you tomorrow and sends his apologies for not being here on your first day.”
“Tell him it’s no problem. I found plenty to do.”
“Great, I’ll let him know. Let me give you my number in case you need anything while he’s not available.”
Julia punched his number into her contacts and saved it. “Got it.”
“Feel free to head home for the day. We’ll pick it up in the morning.”
“All right. See you then.”
“Have a good night. Bye, Pupwell.”
The puppy surprised them both when he yipped in response.
Julia laughed. “That's the first time he’s talked.”
Smiling, Riley waved as he drove off a few minutes later.
Julia locked up the office and walked the short distance
to meet Cindy at the house they planned to rent together.
Cindy was already there when Julia arrived. Her sister had her light brown hair up in a messy bun that managed to somehow look stylish and put together. “Hey, come in. This place is perfect for us.” She did a double take when she saw the dog. “Who’s this cutie pie?”
“This is Puppy Pupwell.” Julia told her sister how she’d come to have him.
“I really hope you get to keep him, Jule. I know how much you’ve always wanted a dog of your own.”
“I hope so, too.”
Cindy led Julia through a quick tour of the small two-bedroom house.
Julia was relieved to see that the backyard was fenced, which would be perfect for the puppy. If she got to keep him. Keep saying that so you won’t forget. It was already far too late to warn herself about getting overly attached. She was completely in love with the little guy and would die if she had to give him up.
She didn’t realize she was holding him too tightly until he uttered a little squeak of protest. “Sorry, baby.”
“Finn said we can move in whenever we want to—and they’re leaving the furniture for us. He has the lease through the thirty-first, and I signed it as of June first. We just have to put down the security deposit and first month’s rent.”
“Sounds good.” A couple of days ago, she wouldn’t have been able to pay the deposit or the rent, but thanks to Deacon, she had money in the bank again and a whole new outlook.
“I’m going to move in tomorrow if you want to do the same.”
Julia didn’t have much to move, just the clothes she’d brought with her. “I will. After work.”
“Mom told me you’ve been hanging out with Deacon Taylor.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Is it serious?”
“I don’t know.” Liar. “Could be.”
“He’s a hottie.”
“I noticed.”
Cindy laughed. “Good for you.”
“How’re things at the salon?”
“Busy so far. I like it.”
“That’s good.”
“It’s so nice to have the whole summer to spend on Gansett. I’m giddy! Reminds me of being a kid and visiting Gram and Gramps.”
Julia loved to see Cindy so happy and excited. “I know. Me, too. The best of times.” Julia glanced at the clock on the kitchen stove and saw she had fifteen minutes to get to Dr. McCarthy’s house for their appointment. “I’ve got to run, but thanks for doing the legwork to get this place.”
Cindy gave her a hug. “No problem. It’s going to be fun!”
As Julia walked to the address Dr. McCarthy had given her, Puppy trotted along next to her. She wondered how many more days had to go by before she could consider the dog hers to keep. Thankfully, he’d shown no sign of rabies. Tomorrow, she had an appointment to take him in for his vaccinations.
She arrived at Dr. McCarthy’s house right at five o’clock and gave a gentle knock, hoping she wouldn’t wake a sleeping baby.
He came to the door with the baby asleep on his shoulder and let her in. His hair was a lighter shade of brown than his son Riley’s, but he had the same blue eyes. “Hi, Julia, I’m Kevin. Come in.”
“Thanks so much for seeing me when you’ve certainly got better things to do.”
“It’s no problem at all.”
Julia tipped her head for a better look at the sleeping baby’s face. “She’s beautiful.”
“Thank you. We think so, too.”
“What’s her name?”
“Summer Rose.”
“I love that.”
“Thanks. Can I get you some water or something else to drink? I think we have iced tea, too.”
“Water would be great, but I can get it myself.”
“Glasses are right up there.” He waited for her to fill a glass and then led her into a cozy living room.
She gathered Pupwell into her arms and sat in an easy chair while Kevin took the love seat.
“He’s a sweet little guy,” Kevin said of the dog.
“He’s the best. I’m totally in love with him. I just hope I get to keep him.”
“Why wouldn’t you?”
Julia told him the story of how they found him.
“He’s lucky you spotted him. You saved his life.”
“I’m so glad we were there when he needed us, but I’m terrified his owners are going to show up and want him back.”
“A reasonable concern, I suppose.”
“I’ve always wanted a dog, but I was never allowed to have one growing up. Katie had allergies when we lived together, and later, I worked too much to have one.”
“Why weren’t you allowed to have one growing up?”
“My dad…”
“Ah, right.”
“Of course, you know about the Lawry family and our dramas.”
“I do, and I’m sorry you were forced to grow up that way.”
She shrugged off his sympathy, the way she had her whole life when people found out the truth about her family. “It’s over now.”
“Is it?”
For a minute there, she’d forgotten she was talking to a shrink. Until he said that and reminded her of the many therapists she’d seen over the years.
“Things like what happened to you and your family tend to leave rather deep scars behind.”
“So I’ve been told.”
“I assume there’s a good reason why Katie wanted me to see you and used the word urgent to describe the situation.”
“That’s a little dramatic.”
“How so?”
“Well, Katie worries about me more than she should.”
“I’ve gotten to know her pretty well since she moved here, and I don’t find her to be an alarmist or overly dramatic.”
Julia had to admire the way he’d neatly boxed her into a corner. “She’s not.” There was no point in dodging him after Katie had flipped the urgent switch. “I suffered from anorexia and bulimia when I was younger. I’ve been much better until recently.”
“What happened to cause the setback?”
Julia didn’t want to talk about Mike ever again, but knew she had to one more time so Kevin would have the complete picture. “I’m coming off a rough couple of months. I was in a relationship with a man who misled me and stole from me.” She cleared the emotion from her throat and shared the full story of what’d happened with Mike and how Deacon had helped her to make a case against him, leading to the return of her money. “When things happen that stress me out like this did, I have a very hard time forcing myself to eat. It’s just physically impossible.”
“I can understand how that kind of stress would be debilitating.”
“It was terrible. My life just fell apart so suddenly and took my health down with it. When I showed up here looking particularly thin and obviously troubled, Katie homed right in on it, which is why she called my situation urgent.”
“I see.”
“I’ve felt so much better since I got the money back and have been eating normally again.”
“That’s great news.”
“I feel good, so it’s probably safe to dial down the urgency.”
“I don’t know if I agree with that. By now, you know the next life crisis is waiting around the corner, right?”
“Yes, I suppose.”
“So the goal becomes how to prepare you to handle a crisis without endangering your health.”
“That’s a lofty goal.”
“Most goals worth pursuing tend to be lofty.”
“I hear what you’re saying, and other therapists have certainly talked to me about coping skills. It’s just that when things go sideways for me, as they tend to do far too often, my physical reaction is involuntary. My throat closes, and my stomach is uninterested in food.”
“All the systems within the body are designed to work in concert with each other. When your brain sends out alarms, it puts the rest of your body on alert to danger.”
&nbs
p; “That sounds about right.”
“It’s not easy to overcome these sorts of reactions, but it can be done. Have you ever tried meditation?”
“No, not really.”
“Meditation and yoga can be extremely beneficial in helping to quiet the mind. Many of my patients have found both to be very soothing and helpful in dealing with challenges that cause stress.”
“I’m not opposed to trying either or both.”
A door opened down the hall, and a tall, pretty blonde woman came into the room. “Sorry to interrupt. I’m Chelsea.”
They’d seen each other at the wedding, but hadn’t been introduced. “Julia. Nice to see you again.”
“You, too.” She took the baby from Kevin, who’d lit up at the sight of his wife. “She’ll be awake any minute and hungry.”
“Sorry to barge into your home when you have a new baby.”
“No problem at all,” Chelsea said. “We’ll leave you to chat.” She took the baby with her when she returned to the bedroom.
“Well, she’s rather beautiful,” Julia said.
Kevin responded with a big, goofy grin. “I know. And she’s way out of my league, but for some reason, she loves me anyway.” He cleared his throat and refocused on her. “We were talking about yoga and meditation.”
“Worth a shot.”
He leaned forward, elbows on knees. “Here’s my take on it, for what it’s worth, knowing your family’s background. Katie has told me about how you two and Owen ran interference for your younger siblings and even moved along with your family so you could be close to them. That’s a huge thing you did for them. The three of you have been in defensive mode for most of your lives, always on alert for the next disaster. Is that a fair assessment?”
“It’s pretty spot-on.”
“Your father’s in jail, and he’s going to be there for a very long time. He can’t hurt you or anyone else you love anymore. That threat has been neutralized. Other things have happened and will continue to happen that you’ll find upsetting and difficult, but if you focus on taking really good care of yourself all the time, you may find that when the speed bumps come, you’ll be better prepared to deal with them.”