Thirty minutes later, they were leaving the hospital toward Elliot's home. Instead of sitting agitated and nervous in the passenger seat, she sat calmly and content. She barely knew him, but oddly enough, Elliot just had a way of making her feel safe, cared for, loved even. His kindness, his tenderness made her wish for things she normally wouldn't wish for. Talk about falling hard for a man if she truly let herself. But could she let herself?
When Trent died, Laura's father, the devastation had nearly destroyed her. The only other person whom she could share her concerns, fear, joy, and happiness had suddenly been ripped from her life. By a drunk driver, no less. Not a scratch on the man either, walking away with nothing but a hangover.
She had been twenty-one, no college education, a three-month-old baby, and no one else in the world who cared about her. Only Trent. Her parents had disowned her the minute she got pregnant with Laura and she told them Trent was the father. They had hated him from the start, a loser from the wrong side of town. They had been ashamed she let herself become pregnant with such a horrible man.
The thing she could never get them to understand, he wasn't a horrible man. He had been sweet, kind, and giving. They never married because Trent wanted to get her the nicest ring he possibly could. He had been saving money for the right ring. The worst part, something she could never think about without crying, he died driving home from the jewelry store.
She couldn't stand the sight of the town after that. Her parents, not once after he died, ever paid her a visit to offer sympathies or a shoulder of help. So she did what she thought best at the time.
She left.
She found Mason and a home for the first time. Wonderful people who accepted her for who she was. No judgment. No damaging words. Just pure friendliness and open arms.
As Elliot pulled into his driveway to a one-story rambling house, the dream she pictured to make those difficult lonely years bearable, emerged with vibrancy. A home with a loving man, a parcel of kids running around the yard carefree, a place to make memories until they both grew old together.
That dream swiftly morphed into this house with Elliot. He just made it easy to do, especially when he came to her side of the truck and gently scooped her into his arms with an ease that felt natural and like he'd done it a million times already.
"How are you feeling?" he asked as he walked to the porch with slow, careful steps.
Everything looked like it had been shoveled a while ago, but the snow falling as it did, filled up the pathway rather quickly.
"Still a bit dizzy, a bit nauseous. Not good, huh?" She sighed, pressing her head to his chest and inhaled his alluring aroma. A nice woodsy scent that reminded her of the park she brought Laura to all the time where she enjoyed running through the woods looking at all the animals and nature surrounding her. Laura loved being outdoors. She even brought a notebook to write down each animal she saw and identify it. She especially loved the birds.
"I'd feel better if those went away, but you'll be fine."
***
Elliot blew out a silent breath. They weren't even in the hospital anymore and his nerves were wired high. She'd be fine. Just like he said. The alternative, well, he wouldn't think about that. Losing Lynn, oddly enough, would break his heart. He barely knew her, but the perfect way she fit in his arms made him yearn to get to know her better. That lock around his heart was almost chipped away and hanging on by a thread. Seeing her in the hospital had hammered it away quite easily.
It was about time he had a beautiful Christmas for once. No doubt, he'd get one with Lynn in attendance.
The door swung open before Elliot could turn the knob.
"Come on in. Get out of that crazy cold. How are you, darling? I'm Gregory, but you can call me dad," Gregory said with a jovial smile.
"Geez, Dad, really. Don't scare her," Elliot groaned as his cheeks flamed with heat, despite the cold outside. Thirty-five years old and his dad could still manage to embarrass him in front of a woman.
"Just trying to make her feel at home, that's all. When you called, I got the guest room ready. New sheets. Fluffed the pillows. A nice bucket in case, you know, you feel the urge to use it." Gregory winked, gaining a beautiful smile from her.
"I'm sorry to be intruding like this." She tried to keep her eyes open as she talked, but they fluttered more than Elliot liked.
"No trouble at all. You try to get some rest now." Gregory nodded at Elliot to get her settled.
Ten minutes later, Elliot joined his dad in the kitchen where he pounced on him right away. "Is she alright?"
"She's sleeping now. She almost threw up, but managed to settle her stomach. I'm worried, Dad." Elliot ran a hand over his face, then brushed it through his hair, making some of the strands stick straight up.
"It's just a minor concussion. You worry too much. That's your problem."
"It's snowing pretty badly out there. She wouldn't have been on the road if it weren't for me. I don't know why I thought I had to try and track her down tonight to make sure she made it home, but now I'm damn glad I did. If I hadn't…." His voice trailed off as worst-case scenarios pummeled him like a punch to the gut.
"Someone else would've found her in time. You worry me sometimes, Elliot. Lighten up for your old man once in a while. Maybe this was all meant to be.
Elliot rolled his eyes. "You don't fool me, Dad. You're playing matchmaker here, and it all started with that damn present. I don't even know why she donated it. I can clearly see she's tight on money, and yet she took the time to donate a gift."
"That's wonderful of her to think of others. I like her even more. I had nothing to do with that gift. I'm not matchmaking, but if I was, I’d say I was doing a damn good job." His dad chuckled as he started to walk out of the kitchen. "'Night, Elliot. Holler if you need me to help wake her up."
Elliot couldn't help but grin at his dad's words. He went to his room and set his alarm for two hours. He would've liked to sit in her room and watch over her, but he didn't want to make her feel smothered. She probably wanted her space.
Except, when he went into her room the first time to wake her up, she whispered delicately, "Lay with me for a while. I feel better when you're near."
So he did. At first, her head rested against his chest, but after noticing her discomfort, he moved her to the pillow. To still offer the comfort she needed, he grabbed her hand, gently holding her as she slept.
Every two hours his alarm went off. He would wake her up, ask how she was feeling, and after he felt satisfied, he would let her fall back to sleep. He did this until the first sign of the sun told him morning had arrived. He waited another hour before waking her up.
He did his normal routine of checking on her, whispered encouraging words that she was getting better and he'd be back in another two hours. She closed her eyes, mumbling something, but he couldn't make out the words. She needed her rest. Waking her up again to find out wasn't that important.
He strolled into the kitchen after freshening up with a quick shower. His dad sat at the kitchen table by the sliding door where the white snow glistened in the morning sun.
"That's a lot of snow. More than three to four inches, I'd say." Elliot grabbed a cup from the cupboard and poured a steaming cup of coffee.
"Damn weatherman was wrong again. I think they said at least ten to twelve inches accumulated over the night. And it's still lightly snowing. How's our girl?"
"Our girl?"
"Oh, feeling possessive, are we? I noticed you didn't sleep in your room." His dad raised his brows with a smirk.
Elliot shook his head and took a sip of coffee before he blurted out something he'd regret. "Dad, stop, please. Don't say those things around her. You got me. I like her. So don't ruin my chances with your scheming. And yes, I slept in her room to wake her up every two hours. Nothing more."
Gregory chuckled, but didn't say another word.
An hour passed. Elliot and his dad were still enjoying their coffee at the table when Lyn
n walked into the kitchen.
Elliot stood up so fast he almost knocked his chair over. "Are you sure you should be walking without help?"
Lynn smiled. "I'm fine, Elliot. I actually feel a lot better. My head still hurts, but I imagine that's just from hitting it on the steering wheel so hard. I saw your phone in the bedroom. I used it to call Laura. I hope that's okay."
"You're welcome to use anything in the house. No need to ask. How is she?"
"Good. Happy. School was canceled. Debbie said she took the day off, and she even called Tara for me. I can't believe I forgot to call my own boss."
"Crazy night last night. Try not to worry. You want some coffee, darling?" Gregory asked, standing up from the table as well.
"Yes, thank you." Lynn smiled warmly.
Elliot frowned, unable to mask his concern as he moved closer to the counter, just on the other side of where she stood.
"It's still snowing, but I'm sure the roads are much better than last night. I can drive you home soon. I'd feel better if you stayed a while. It hasn't been a full twenty-four hours yet."
God, did that come out sounding desperate? Elliot rubbed a hand over his thigh, wiping the nerves away.
"Laura sounded happy. I'm okay staying here for a while. Maybe grab a shower. I noticed some blood on the bed sheets. I'm so sorry, Elliot."
He rounded the corner with quick steps and grabbed her hands. "They're just sheets. My dad's a whiz at getting stains out. Aren't you, Dad?"
"Best ever. Learned it all from your mother. Now, she could get permanent marker out of a shirt like there was nothing to it," his dad said with a chuckle.
"If you're sure. I can replace them—"
"I don't want new sheets. Take a shower, but be very careful. I don't want you to slip and fall."
She pulled one of her hands from within his grasp and cupped his cheek lightly. "You make me feel special every time I hear a hint of concern. I'll yell out if I have any trouble." Her face bloomed a deep red.
Elliot offered a tender smile. Was she imagining what that scene would look like if she hollered for help completely naked in the shower like he was? He wouldn't like it if she needed help, but he couldn't help wanting to help. "There are towels in the hallway closet. Take your time. I'll make you some breakfast. Think you can eat something?"
"I think so. Thank you, Elliot, for everything."
He leaned in closer so his dad couldn't hear. "You're worth it. You make me feel special every time I hear your beautiful voice." He kissed her cheek before stepping away.
***
Her legs were like jello as she walked out of the kitchen. Simple handholding had nothing over what a kiss from his lips did. Pure molten desire. Get her a freezer, stat!
Showering with care was difficult as the anticipation of spending as much time with Elliot before she went home had her rushing a tiny bit. When she almost slipped in the shower, she forced herself to slow down.
Fifteen minutes later, dressed in borrowed clothes that Elliot graciously gave her before she jumped in the shower, she walked back into the kitchen feeling like a whole new person. And still ridiculously hot. The snow shining outside looked like a wonderful escape to cool down.
Elliot pulled out a chair and set a plate of eggs and toast in front of her. "It's not much. Let my dad know if you want more and he can whip it up."
She frowned, glancing up into his tender blue eyes that still held so much worry. "Are you leaving?"
"Yeah, I have to run out for a short bit. I shouldn't be too long. My dad can always bring you home if you need to go right away, but I hope you'll wait for me." Elliot sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just got a call. Fred's causing problems at the bar again."
"Is the bar even open this early?"
"Not yet. He's already drunk and demanding they open the doors so he can get even more drunk. I don't know what to do about him anymore."
"I know he's your friend, but you can't keep pulling him out of situations without the consequences. Maybe he needs to learn a lesson the hard way," his dad offered.
"Maybe. It's the holidays," Elliot said, grabbing his keys from the counter and shoved his phone onto his belt near his gun.
"Since when are you so jolly about the holidays?" his dad said, raising a brow with a quick glance at Lynn.
Lynn looked away, the heat filling her cheeks at what he insinuated. Did she really instill the Christmas spirit in Elliot?
Elliot followed his gaze, smiling gently at her. "What can I say? I feel the Christmas spirit suddenly."
Lynn smiled, yet produced a frown just as quickly as the sight of his gun slapped her in the face. "I hope there's no trouble. He wouldn't hurt you, right?"
"I don't expect any trouble." Elliot touched his gun. "Hazard of the job, having to carry this with me."
He walked over to her, ignoring the fact Gregory stood in the kitchen with them, and kissed her lightly on the lips. "I'll be back soon. Then I can take you home."
He left the kitchen as a small pit of worry formed in her stomach, weaving its way to her heart when the door closed with a loud click. Something bad was about to happen. Seeing that gun hanging at his side made it real. She willed the time to go faster and for him to walk back into the house harm free.
Chapter 6
Lynn's hand shook as she tried to shove the key into the lock. Elliot stood behind her, very close, just in case she fell. She didn't think she would fall, especially with the snow piled on her doorstep as it was. Her feet were firmly planted in a pile of snow, holding her upright. The concern he displayed made those brief desiring tingles from his touch resurface without him even laying one finger on her. No one had fussed over her like this since Trent.
She finally managed to open the door, pushing hard. Stumbling inside, a strong pair of hands caught her before she fell, once again.
"Lynn, are you alright?"
The warmth from his hands turned up the heat as the cold from outside swirled around them. "Just a little clumsy, I guess. I don't know what's wrong with me."
"You have to take it easy. Why don't you get settled in and I'll shovel the sidewalk and driveway for you?" He kissed the top of her head, squeezing her lightly before stepping back. "Do you have a shovel in the garage?"
She turned toward him, closing the front door before the cold wiped away his warm touch. "You've already done so much, Elliot. I can do it."
"That's not happening, Lynn. Please, just go rest and let me handle things. I don't mind."
His smile made her want to give in, but it was the concern that still lingered in his eyes that did it. "Okay. I suppose I should call a tow company to get my car since the snow finally stopped." Her voice dipped. More money she didn't have to spend on such a service, or to actually get it fixed. She hoped the problem wasn't too serious.
Elliot ran a hand through his hair, then shoved it into his coat pocket. "Uh, about your car. It's already been towed."
She gave him a look that made his fidgeting rather obvious. "Elliot, while I appreciate everything you've done so far, you can't keep doing this. It's my car. My responsibility."
"It's just—"
"I can take care of myself. I have for a very long time." Turning away from him, she stomped toward the kitchen to gather some patience. He really had been such a gentleman since she met him. Taking her anger out on him wouldn't show her appreciation, even though he deserved a bit right now.
Sure, no money existed to get her car towed, but she didn't want to be indebted to anyone, and that's exactly how she felt.
To curb the anger vibrating throughout, needing to keep busy before she stomped back out to him, she pulled open the fridge and stared at the contents. A small frown appeared as the emptiness stared back. Her spirits dipped further at the depressing picture stinging her eyes.
A soft voice tickled in her ear, lifting her briefly. "My dad called a tow company before I even woke up. Not that I wouldn't have done it myself because I would've. I'm not tr
ying to take over your life and control it. But is it so wrong to accept help once in a while?"
She slowly turned around. The cold air from the fridge helped to cool her down from the heat that ignited in her body from his close proximity. It also cooled down her anger. Just a little.
"I have to pay you back."
He stepped closer, his body barely a breath away. "I don't want your money, Lynn."
Did he know what his nearness did to her? She swallowed as her eyes glossed to his lips.
No kissing.
But why?
Right. She was mad at him.
"I barely know you to accept such help."
"Easily fixed. You start to get to know me better." He brought a hand to her cheek, lightly caressing.
"I'm scared."
"Of what? Of me?"
Elliot's hand twitched as if he almost wanted to lower it, but must've changed his mind as he continued to hold it gently to her face. A faint thumping filled the silence in the kitchen. Was that his heart pounding or hers?
"Of having a relationship. It's been so long. I was terrified the entire morning you were gone. Seeing that gun, knowing what sort of situation you were walking into, it scared me. I lost Laura's father, and it broke me. I'm scared to get close to you and then lose you, too." A small breath escaped as she lowered her eyes to center on his chest. "You make me feel things I haven't felt in a long time."
He cradled her face, making her look at him. "I can't give you the security that nothing will happen, because I don't know the future. I had to arrest Fred today. The damn man had to hit Stu, who pressed charges. We live in a small town, and I'm not too worried something horrible will happen. That doesn't mean I'm not on my toes when I respond to something."
He stroked his thumbs on her cheeks as a myriad of emotions crossed over his features.
"I'm scared, too, Lynn. I lost my mom three years ago to cancer. It's the hardest thing I ever went through. She didn't die around the holidays, but she always managed to make it a wonderful time of year. I can't stand Christmas anymore. Nobody would guess it because I hide it, except from you, apparently. For the first time, since she's been gone, you make me want a nice Christmas again. How about we try to sift through these feelings together?"
Merry Me Page 6