by Dana Mason
“I will,” she said.
He stepped outside, and Sarah’s eyes landed on her truck in the driveway. “How did my truck get here from the school?”
“My mom and dad picked it up and brought it over.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “How—if my keys were stolen?”
“The hide-a-key in the rear wheel well,” he said, pointing to the back of the small Toyota pickup. “You didn’t know that?”
She nodded. “Right...forgot, sorry. I guess that’s another thing I owe you for.”
“I’m not trying to rack up the favors here.” His voice hardened. “You act like I have some ulterior motive.”
“No—no, I don’t,” she snapped. “Why are you so defensive?”
“I’m not used to being accused of things when I help people.”
“If you were paying attention, you would know I was only trying to thank you.” She turned and stormed into the house before closing and locking the door.
~
Once Mark was inside his truck, he rested his head back and closed his eyes.
“What the hell was that about?” he muttered, lifting his head to stare at her closed front door. “Try to do something nice and look where it gets you.”
As irritating as she was, he couldn’t help but worry about her. She was alone—no help, no protection, and no family to check on her. He glanced around her dark front yard. She didn’t even have proper lighting in the long, circular drive. Tall hedges blocked the neighbor’s view completely, hiding the house and most of the driveway. The place was beautiful but private to the point of being dangerous. If the son of a bitch got passed his security system, nobody would hear or see a thing. He hadn’t even taught her how to use the system.
Mark watched the house until her lights clicked off inside. He gave it another couple of minutes and then drove directly to Summors Security. He stepped into his office and plopped into his desk chair. He should’ve gone straight home and crashed, but his nerves were too on edge.
He picked up the receiver and dialed his dispatcher’s extension. “Seth?”
“What are you doing here this late?” Seth asked.
“I’m on my way home. I need you to do me a favor.”
“What do you need?”
“That system I installed today, at the Jennings’ house, 248 Hartford.”
“Yeah, I got the work order right here.”
“The homeowner, Sarah Jennings, hasn’t been given proper instructions on how to use the system yet.”
“You want me to make an appointment?”
“No, but if the alarm sounds, don’t wait to call 911. I didn’t give her the password yet or codes, but she may try to figure it out. Either way, don’t hesitate to call the police—and me if you get anything.”
“Expecting trouble?”
Mark looked up when a figure blocked the window in his office door. Leaning back in his chair, he waved at Shane to come in. “Just being cautious.”
“I’ll do it.”
“Thanks, Seth. I’m outta here in ten.”
“Get some rest,” Seth said before disconnecting.
“So...how’s the girl?” Shane asked.
Mark shook his head. “Irritating as hell. I can’t fucking believe I left without showing her how to use the system.”
Shane smirked. “I guess you’re not off the hook yet.”
“No...I’m gonna keep an eye on her. I have a bad feeling about this whole situation.”
“Of course you do.”
“Shut up.” Mark chuckled, and then frowned, his eyes focusing on the desktop. “She’s such a fighter. She never gave up. Not while fighting that asshole attacker and not while being treated in the hospital. With her arm in a sling and after being beaten black and blue, she wouldn’t call anyone to help. She clung to me while they were treating her...and I knew she was scared, but she was so strong.” He finally looked up and shook his head at Shane. “If you would’ve seen her, you’d want to help her too.”
“She’s lucky to be alive. That jerk could’ve killed her,” Shane said.
Mark chuckled again, and a sense of pride seeped into his heart. “About now, I bet that son of a bitch is feeling lucky he got away from her. She’s a hell of a lot tougher than she looks, and he left behind a lot more blood than she did.”
“Hopefully he doesn’t come back to finish the job.”
Mark cringed at the thought. “That’s why I want to keep an eye on her.”
“I got time, you want my help?”
“No...you’re on a break.”
“I’m bored as hell. Watching security monitors all night is under my pay grade, if you know what I mean.”
Mark knew that was true. Shane didn’t like sitting around, but after being injured on his last job, he needed to take it easy for a while. Shane was one of his best agents and his best friend. Mark wouldn’t jeopardize Shane’s recovery because he was bored. “I’ll let you know if something minor comes up.”
“Twenty years we’ve been friends and now you’re pulling rank on me?”
“Forget it. You can’t guilt me into putting you back in the field. I need you healthy.”
“Right. Thanks.” Shane bolted from the chair and stormed out of the office.
Mark dropped his head in his hands and cursed under his breath. He was two for two. Who else could he piss off before daylight? He lifted his head and went back to the computer, trying to answer a few emails before he crashed.
Driving home, his only thoughts were of sleep. He closed the front door, looked around his empty house, and glowered. The stagnant air made the place seem empty of life. He hated that. When he and Ali bought the place, he never envisioned it empty. He dropped his keys on the bar and hobbled up the stairs toward his bed.
Chapter Four
The shrill ring of his phone pulled Mark from a deep sleep. He glanced at the clock and grabbed the receiver off the nightstand.
“What?”
“Hello to you too,” Ali said, her annoyance obvious.
“I’m sleeping, what kind of greeting did you expect?”
“First of all, you never sleep this late. Second, you haven’t answered your cell phone in two days. Where have you been?”
“We’re divorced, Ali, remember? I don’t have to report my whereabouts to you.” Mark rolled over and stared at the ceiling.
“Excuse the hell out of me for worrying about you.”
Mark groaned, fighting his growing irritation. “What can I do for you?”
“Are you okay?” she asked, sounding genuinely concerned.
“Yes, fine, but I’d like to get back to sleep.”
“I wanted to make sure you were picking Jamie up at school on Friday. His bus gets in from science camp at about one o’clock.”
“I don’t need a reminder every time I have to do something for Jamie. I know my responsibilities.”
“What’s wrong with you?” she asked again. “Why are you in such a foul mood?”
Mark rolled his eyes. “Sorry, long weekend. I will get Jamie on Friday, one o’clock, at the school. I’ve got him covered. After I get him, I’m taking him to lunch and dropping him off at your house.”
“I dropped him off with all his stuff this morning. He looked so grown-up with all his camping gear.” Her voice hinted of a smile. “He’s having a good time.”
“Good, I wish I could’ve gone with him.”
“I know, but he’s a big kid now, doesn’t want us hovering over him. God, can you believe it?”
Mark sneered, but with a smile on his face. “No, I hate it.”
“Today they’re going to explore the tide pools. It’s gonna be a busy week for them.” She grew quiet for a moment and sighed. “Anyway, thanks for picking him up. I’ll see you Friday.”
Now that Mark was more awake, he heard that telling tone in her voice that usually meant things weren’t quite right with her. It wasn’t the first time in recent months that he had heard it, either.
/>
“Hey, Al...” Not sure what to say, he just pushed forward. “Are you okay?”
“Ah...yeah.” Her voice grew softer. “I’m fine.”
“You sound...” He sat up and shifted the phone. “Is everything okay with the baby?”
“I’m just tired. I spent most of the day yesterday trying to put the crib together.”
“Carl didn’t help you?”
She cleared her throat. “No, he went to Sacramento for a meeting.”
“On Sunday?”
“Well, a meeting at the golf course.”
“Why didn’t you wait for him? You shouldn’t do things like that on your own.”
“It was fine. I like doing things on my own, you know. I never could with you—you wouldn’t let me.”
“Remember to ask for help when you need it. Take care of yourself and the baby.”
It took her a moment to respond, but she finally exhaled heavily into the phone. “I gotta go, see you Friday.”
She hung up the phone before he could say another word.
Freaking hormonal women. He shook his head and lay back down in bed, wide awake now. He might as well get up and get some things done.
~
Mark waited until nine a.m. to go. He didn’t think Sarah would sleep longer than that, considering she’d slept for nearly twenty-four hours the day before. He parked on the street and walked up the drive. The door to her Toyota truck was open, her leg sticking out. When he stepped forward, he had to dodge keys when they flew passed his head. A quiet curse and a sob followed the projectiles. She hopped out and ripped at the sling, tugging at the strap, still swearing under her breath. He wanted to laugh, but he’d been married long enough to know that temper tantrums had to be played out fully for everyone to get out safely.
He forced back the smile creeping at the corners of his mouth and approached her.
When she caught sight of him, she quickly wiped her face.
“Great. Just what I need,” she mumbled under her breath.
He scratched his chin in an effort to hide his increasing grin. Her tear-streaked face shone red, her half-tucked shirt buttoned crooked, the collar sticking out of the top of the sling strap and poking her chin.
“Glad I amuse you,” she said, slamming the door of the truck.
“May I help you?” he said, feeling a little guilty.
Finally giving up on the sling strap, she dropped her other arm to her side. “Why are you here?”
“Checking on you—and it’s a good thing, you’re a mess.” He waved her forward. “Come here.”
She stomped toward him, and he thought of Jamie at four when he needed a nap. Gingerly, he loosened the strap and lowered the sling to free her arm. She slipped out of it and tried to rotate her shoulder, wincing in pain as she did.
“Thank you,” she said, rubbing at her shoulder.
“Where are you going?”
“I need to go to the DMV and take care of some other things.”
Mark reached up, folded her collar down and started to fix her buttons.
She jerked away. “Excuse me!” His hands were still extended toward her, and she glared at them, then up at his face.
“What are you doing?” she asked, clutching the front of her shirt.
Mark smirked. “Relax. I’m trying to fix your buttons. They’re crooked.”
Sarah’s head snapped down to look at her shirt, and her cheeks turned bright pink. “Shit,” she said, turning her back on him.
A moment later, she smoothed the front of her shirt out and turned around.
“Sorry,” Mark said, the humor gone from his voice. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
She waved off his apology. “It’s been a terrible morning.”
Her light brown hair was curlier than before and shiny in the morning sun with blond highlights that shimmered when she tilted her head. Mark wondered if they were natural highlights or the work of an expensive salon. The storm in her eyes settled as her anger faded. She looked better than the day before—stronger, almost fiery. “I would have stayed to help you.”
She shouldered her purse with a tight grimace on her face.
She must have been sore after the beating she took from her attacker. Why did she think she could drive in her condition? Shoulder injuries took forever to heal and it’d only been a couple of days.
She blinked rapidly at him, as if surprised by what he said. “You couldn’t have dressed me.”
“No, but I can take you to the DMV. You can’t drive with that shoulder.” He reached down and picked up her keys, glancing at her sandaled feet and pink toenails. When he looked back up, he realized how slender and tall she was and how good she looked dressed in normal clothes. He hadn’t noticed how beautiful she was before. Her heart-shaped face was angelic and delicate, which made her injuries all the more devastating.
“I can drive.”
He raised his eyebrows in challenge. “Really?”
“With a few adjustments,” she said, bracing her hand on her hip.
He walked over to the passenger door of her truck and opened it. “Just get in and let me help you.”
She tried to cross her arms over her chest. It clearly hurt. The adorably angry expression on her face made him want to laugh, but he held it in and stood his ground.
She strolled over and stopped in front of him.
He leaned closer and whispered, “Please.”
When she struggled to get in, he reached out to help her, but she pulled away. Stubborn, he thought, and reached over to click her seatbelt into place before she could refuse his help again.
He climbed in, clicked his own seatbelt, and looked over at her.
Sarah had leaned back against the headrest with closed eyes. Her face was drawn, and she wore the undeniable signs of defeat. After all the fighting she’d done to get away from that son of a bitch who had attacked her, now she had to deal with the recovery. Anger rose up in him at the sight. Given the chance, he’d kill the son of a bitch who hurt her.
Her bruises hadn’t faded at all. They stood out menacingly on her delicate skin. The scratches were still there too, which surprised him. He would’ve expected her to cover them with makeup like most women.
He exhaled slowly, before reaching over and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I know it sucks to be hurt.”
She opened her eyes and repeated his gesture, running her fingers behind her ears to push the hair off her face. The look of defeat disappeared, her new expression one of stone, emotionless—a mask.
“Have you eaten anything yet this morning?”
She shook her head. “I don’t have much of an appetite.”
“You need to eat.”
She studied him for a moment.
He braced himself for the telling off.
Instead she said, “I’m not usually so troublesome.”
“The only thing troublesome is you not accepting my help.” He started the truck, backed out of the driveway, and drove directly to the best breakfast house in town. She needed a good meal and a moment of peace to relax, and he would provide both.
Chapter Five
“I’ve never been here,” Sarah said when Mark parked at Pegg’s Western Bakery. She felt better, the aggravation of the morning melting away. The fresh air and sunshine helped. She wasn’t trying to be difficult. It was just that Mark had a way of making her feel—inadequate. He seemed almost too helpful when she wanted to take care of things herself.
The small restaurant was warm, comfortable, and pretty crowded for a Monday. The beautiful, honey-oak woodwork was covered in a high-shine varnish, and the sun’s reflection created a glow of morning light so nice Sarah could’ve stayed there all day.
They stood in the small lobby waiting for the hostess. The bakery was to the left of the dining room, and Sarah stared into the glass enclosure at the huge cinnamon rolls and morning buns, both bigger than the size of her entire hand. The sweet scent of fresh baked bread b
rought her appetite back with a vengeance.
“You should try the blueberry, cheese Danish,” Mark said, smiling down at her when she leaned in to examine the baked goods.
“I’ve never seen muffins that big.” She pointed to a chocolate muffin. “That’s what I’m having.” She smiled and said, “Chocolate cake for breakfast.”
Unexpected fear gripped her when someone brushed up against her from behind. She straightened her back and shot upright, the smile slipping from her face. The person stood so close she felt his breath brush her cheek. She wanted to turn and face the person who’d approached, be brave and prove she wasn’t afraid, but she froze, the heat draining from her body and her stomach lurching.
Without thinking, she reached for Mark and locked her trembling hand around his elbow.
Mark’s eyes met hers, but she couldn’t blink, couldn’t talk, and couldn’t breathe. Mark tucked her hand around his arm and stepped next to her, looking back at the people standing behind her. She felt the distance and the cooler air brush her back as the presence behind her moved away.
Mark rubbed her hand and whispered, “Take a breath, Sarah.”
The sound of her name got her attention or the warm touch of his hand, she couldn’t be sure. She inhaled and bowed her head, hoping nobody else noticed her discomfort.
Mark tugged her arm, and without looking up, she followed him. After pulling a chair out for her, he leaned in. “Do you want to leave?”
She shook her head and lowered herself into the chair. He sat across from her and ordered coffee for both of them. When the waitress left, Mark reached over and touched the top of her hand. “Sarah?”
She jerked away, knocking her silverware to the floor. “I’m okay, I just...thought this would be easier.”
When she bent to pick it up, he stopped her. “Leave it. They’ll bring you more.”
She straightened and nodded but didn’t meet his eyes.
“We can leave...order our food to go.”
She fisted her hands. “I absolutely do not want to leave,” she said, now looking him directly in the eye.