A Romance Rekindled (Heartsong Presents)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “Okay. I’m coming.”

  Keira’s brows rose and a tiny smile tipped the corner of her lips as walked them to the door. “Let me know how it goes.”

  “Will do. Thanks for letting us hang out here this afternoon.” Susan hugged her friend, and then raced down the stairs after Katie. “Wait up, he’s not going anywhere.”

  Katie slowed and stopped at the corner. “Susan, please don’t tell him that I told you about how upset he was yesterday. I think it would embarrass him.”

  “My lips are sealed. Now let’s get over there and see him.” No way would she reveal his sister’s slip of the tongue. That would mean revisiting their relationship and right now she couldn’t. She had too many warring emotions to even think coherently, much less consider more than friendship with him. All she wanted was to see him again and make sure he was okay.

  Traffic stopped and they trotted across the street. Katie grinned and walked through the sliding doors to the hospital. “He’s in room 124.”

  Susan followed the eager girl, who apparently knew her way around the building. Of course she’d been there just two days ago. They took a left past the reception area, then a right, and followed the long hallway until it came to a stop where they were forced to turn again. A row of rooms lined the wall ahead.

  Katie pushed open the door of Blake’s room and entered without knocking. “Blake!”

  Susan followed a little more slowly, uncomfortable intruding on the brother-and-sister moment.

  “Hey, kiddo.”

  “You don’t look so bad. I thought for sure you’d be a mess with flesh hanging from your body and blood smeared everywhere.” Katie giggled.

  Susan’s eyes widened, but Blake laughed and made a remark she missed. She stayed by the door until his gaze caught hers. Love mixed with caution shone in his eyes. She couldn’t blame him for his apprehension. She was feeling much the same. These past forty-eight hours had wreaked havoc on her emotions. “Hi.”

  “Hi, yourself. Have a seat.”

  Susan sat in a thick, padded chair. “So, how long are you in for?”

  He chuckled. “Not sure. I was unconscious when they brought me in and passed out when I tried to stand.”

  She pursed her lips. “But you’re going to be okay?”

  “Of course.” He gave his sister a silly grin, then looked to Susan. “You want to hang out for a while?” His chin dipped and he yawned.

  Susan would have declined, but Katie probably needed someone to keep her company. “Sure.” She stepped into the hall and grabbed another chair from a nearby waiting area, then carried it into the room.

  Katie had the remote in her hand and was channel surfing. She stopped on a sports station airing gymnastics.

  Blake motioned for Susan to place the chair beside him. “I’m sorry.”

  She placed the chair close to the bed and sat. “For what? I’m thinking it’s about time I apologize.”

  “You? Why?”

  “For telling you I wouldn’t be your friend. That was mean, and I’m sorry. Of course we can be friends.” She held up a finger. “But—”

  “That’s it. I know. I get it. Thanks for taking care of Katie. Was she with you the whole time?”

  Katie muted the television. “I called Emily’s mom and asked if I could spend the night. She picked me up while you slept. But don’t be mad at them. Emily’s mom didn’t know I left without asking you, and Emily didn’t know until this morning.”

  “We’ll talk later. How about you watch TV?”

  Susan was surprised she no longer felt like an intruder, but she still felt somewhat apart—like a remnant of clay not needed in a bowl. Almost like a family, but of course they weren’t and never would be.

  Chapter 15

  The following morning Blake limped to Susan’s car in the hospital’s pickup area with Katie hovering close. Seemed they were making a habit of this. He wasn’t crazy about the reasons they kept getting thrust together, but he sure appreciated the opportunity to spend more time with her.

  She’d stayed until visiting hours ended last night and promised to be back today to take him home. Good thing she offered because he didn’t know who else to ask besides Julia or Mitch, and Katie told him they were heading out of town. Guess that was what he got for focusing on his house and work—a nonexistent social life.

  Susan got out and walked around to the passenger side. Sunlight shone off her ponytail, and her white sundress swished around her shapely legs. “How are you feeling this morning?”

  He jerked his gaze up to her eyes, hoping she hadn’t caught him staring. “Sore, but a lot better. I don’t recommend falling off a ladder and crashing twice in such a short period of time.” He flashed a grin in spite of the aches and pains. Seeing Susan made him feel better anyway.

  “Look on the bright side. They say things come in threes. You should be safe from catastrophe now. How’d you sleep?” She avoided eye contact and moved aside so Blake and Katie could get in.

  The air prickled with silence. Something about her demeanor put him on edge. Why hadn’t he noticed it first thing?

  “You missed a great breakfast at the hospital this morning.” Katie leaned forward and helped him buckle.

  “Oh, yeah?” She pulled forward and kept her focus on the road.

  “Yup. Scrambled eggs, toast and orange juice.”

  Her silence unnerved him. What was going on? Yesterday she appeared so happy to see him. Maybe she’d had plans. “Are we keeping you from something, Susan?”

  “Just work. Why?”

  “You should’ve said something. I could have found us another ride.”

  “I said I’d take you home.” She flashed him a nervous smile. “Don’t worry about it.”

  But he couldn’t help worrying. Something wasn’t right and he needed to know what. He’d really thought they’d turned a corner yesterday. For the first time since he’d returned she acted like a friend. It had felt like old times—almost.

  A few minutes later she pulled into his driveway, and Blake handed his sister the house key. “Go on ahead. I want to talk with Susan.”

  Katie snatched the keys and went inside.

  He turned and winced as pain shot through his neck and shoulders. “Is everything okay?”

  “Fine. I just need to get to the office.”

  He wanted to believe her, but her stiff shoulders and tense jaw belied her words. Though tempted to push for a truthful answer, he let it go and opened the door. Maybe she really did need to get back to the office. “Thanks for the ride. I owe you.”

  * * *

  Susan couldn’t get away fast enough. Why today of all days did her biggest client need to meet with her? He didn’t sound happy on the phone, and when he wasn’t happy, no one was. To top everything off, she still wasn’t sure how things stood with Blake.

  Although she’d sat with him last night, he’d been too out of it to talk much. Maybe she’d made a mistake not confiding in him. It was clear he thought the reason for her mood was him, but there was nothing she could do about it now. She pulled into the parking lot and grabbed her bag. She slammed the door a little harder than necessary and strode toward her office inhaling the scent of several brightly colored hanging flower baskets.

  Susan unlocked the door and went inside. Warm, stale air smacked her in the face. Leaving the door open she flipped on the overhead fan. Hopefully, the room would air out before Mr. Mitchell arrived. Since the office had been closed for a couple of weeks, the stuffiness made sense.

  She put on a pot of coffee and tidied up the small space, then pulled the file she needed. Now that everything was in order and the air had freshened, she closed the door and relaxed a little. Whatever Mr. Mitchell’s problem was it couldn’t be too bad. From the quick look at his account everything appeared
in order and up to date.

  It felt nice to be back again. The time away had been good and made her appreciate her business all the more. Pottery was a nice hobby, but not something she cared to do all the time. Susan smiled. She and numbers got along well.

  She’d been foolish to think she could avoid Blake by taking time away from the office. No matter how hard she’d tried to not see him, it didn’t do a bit of good because he was everywhere. At least now she didn’t have to worry about running into him. He had no transportation, and the doctor had ordered him to rest. But even if they did happen to run into one another it would be okay. A frown touched Susan’s lips. The only problem was she was too attracted to him for her own good.

  The door opened, and her client strutted in. His tailored suit fit perfectly, but was way too dressy for the small mountain town. His self-important attitude annoyed her, but he was an excellent client. She stood and offered her hand. “Mr. Mitchell, it’s good to see you. How have you been?”

  He strode to the chair directly facing her desk and sat, ignoring her hand. “Let’s cut to the chase. I stopped by here three times last week during business hours, and you were closed. What’s going on? I trust you to take care of my company’s books, and when you’re not here, that doesn’t sit well with me.”

  She forced a smile. “I’m sorry you’re unhappy. I took a vacation. I sent out postcards letting all my clients know I’d be out for a couple of weeks.” Which was more than she needed to do. She didn’t know anyone who did that.

  His frown deepened. “I didn’t see it.”

  Susan stifled a sigh, but refused to let the man get away with making her feel bad. “You could have left a message. My voice mail explained that I was out of the office and how to reach me in case of an emergency.”

  “Yes, well, I finally figured that out yesterday.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “What is this really about, Mr. Mitchell? I went through your account, and everything is in order.”

  He leaned back and rested an ankle on his opposite knee. “I heard you were having personal problems, and I was concerned about my business.”

  Unbelievable! Her brows furrowed, and she took a moment to control her temper. “I see. I take my job very seriously and assure you, you’re in good hands here. I won’t let you or your company down. This is the first vacation I’ve taken in six years, and it was much needed. Don’t you find your employees work better when they get some time off occasionally?” She kept her voice even and spoke with authority, thankful her nerves didn’t show in the timbre of her voice.

  “I suppose so.” He didn’t sound a hundred percent convinced, but his reluctant agreement was good enough. “I assume since you are here now, your vacation is over?” He raised a brow.

  She folded her hands and rested them on her desk. “Yes. Was there something specific you needed?”

  He stood. “Not anymore. I’m satisfied everything is running smoothly. I’d hoped to convince you to go out with me last Friday evening to a business dinner in Seattle, but maybe another time.” He walked out without even a glance in her direction.

  She shut her gaping jaw then laughed heartily. So his concern about his business and her personal life were a ruse? The man had nerve, but she was too relieved to care. She’d set him straight on not mixing business with her personal life another time. That area was definitely off-limits! Especially to him. She would drop him from her client list, but his business was too valuable.

  Now that that was over with, she needed to clear things up with Blake. He seemed upset by her aloofness, and she couldn’t blame him. She had been rather cold. Guilt tickled her mind, disconcerting her even more.

  * * *

  Susan carried a pitcher of iced tea and a tray of sandwiches into her backyard. Cody dashed across the lawn with his puppy, and Keira and Holly sat in the shade of a tall white pine.

  Holly stood and relieved her of the tray. “This looks delicious!”

  “Thanks. I hope it tastes good, too. I found the recipe online. I also made lemon bars.”

  “Wow. You went all out.” Keira helped Holly set the food on the table. “I feel so special.”

  “I just wanted to try a few new recipes.” She shot her friends a teasing grin.

  Keira rolled her eyes. “Figures.”

  Susan served her guests then sat at the small table and offered a prayer for the food.

  Holly took a bite. “Oh, wow!” she said with a full mouth. “This is fantastic. I need the recipe.”

  “Sure. I’ll email it to you.”

  Keira cleared her throat. “How’s Blake doing?”

  “I haven’t talked to him since the day I took him home from the hospital.” They didn’t need to know that she’d called him, and he’d been sleeping. That would open her up to too many questions she wasn’t prepared to answer.

  Fact was she missed him.

  Someone touched her hand, and she started.

  Keira’s concerned gaze found hers. “Hey, are you okay? You kind of spaced out for a minute.”

  “I’m fine. Just let my mind wander. Did I miss something?”

  Holly and Keira gave each other a knowing look then shook their heads simultaneously. Now what was that about? Her friends had better not be scheming against her. Of course, she knew she could trust them, but where her love life was concerned, Keira was a troublemaker. Then again after the big deal she’d made about not getting back together with Blake maybe her trouble-making friend was exactly what she needed.

  Chapter 16

  Blake did what his mother had always done with him when she was thoroughly exasperated—he counted to ten. Katie sat in the chair across from him looking at him with puppy-dog eyes. Why did she insist on following him everywhere? Since the accident, she’d started being clingy again.

  The doorbell pealed and Katie jumped up. “I’ll get it.”

  He heard Susan’s voice and, ignoring his sore muscles, stood.

  “Mind if I come in?” Susan looked past Katie and met his eyes.

  A bolt of excitement zipped through him. “Long time no see. We’d love the company.”

  Katie stepped aside and allowed her to enter. Susan handed her a bag from Keira’s candy shop and spoke almost too quietly for him to hear.

  “I picked up a treat for Katie from the candy shop. I hope that’s okay.”

  “No problem. Thanks for thinking of her.”

  “Of course. I wouldn’t forget your sister.” Susan grinned and sent Katie a wink, then placed a shopping bag on the counter and walked over to the seating area. “How are you feeling?”

  “Not too bad, considering.” He sat back down and patted the couch cushion beside him.

  She sat on the opposite end, apparently not willing to snuggle. He held back a laugh at the crazy thought.

  “I’m glad. I tried calling the other day and you were sleeping, so I thought I’d bring by some dinner on my way home from work and explain my attitude the other day.”

  He maneuvered to better face her and leaned into the arm of the couch. He’d nearly forgotten her mood, thanks to his sister’s clingy behavior. “Katie, how about you go call Emily and see if you can go to her house.”

  “I don’t want to leave you.”

  “Susan’s here.”

  “She won’t be for long. Besides, it’s almost dinnertime, and I can’t invite myself over like that.” Katie crossed her arms and glared.

  “Didn’t stop you before.” He raised his chin and frowned. “Fine. Please go do something in your room while I talk with Susan.”

  Katie stood slowly and slugged off to her room. He felt bad and relieved at the same time. The girl had only left him alone while he slept or used the bathroom—talk about smothering. Something had to give, and soon.

  Susan looked to his sis
ter’s closed bedroom door and whispered. “What was that about?”

  “I don’t know. I think I told you how clingy she was before we came here. But since we’ve been in Leavenworth and she made friends with Emily she stopped being clingy—until I wrecked my bike. Now I can’t move without her shadowing me.”

  “She’s probably afraid to lose you. She has experienced a lot of loss in her young life and you’re all she has.”

  He sighed. “You’re probably right, but I can’t live like this.”

  “I don’t know what to tell you. Maybe you should talk to Pastor Lake. He has four kids and might be able to offer some insight.”

  Blake mulled over the idea. He’d only attended the church once, but that didn’t matter. In fact, it was better since the man didn’t know him. “I might do that. Thanks.”

  “Sure.” She rose. “I should get going.”

  He stood, but much slower than he usually moved. “You’re welcome to stay.”

  She hesitated, meeting his gaze. “Thanks, but you have your hands full.” She turned toward the door.

  “I’ll walk you out.”

  She raised a hand. “Probably not a good idea.” Her cheeks pinked.

  Maybe she had a point. “At least allow me to walk you to the door.” He moved slowly, but she waited for him and matched his pace. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve done for Katie and me. I never expected—”

  “You’re welcome. I like kids, Blake. You should know that. I only wanted to help.” She stopped at the door and turned to face him. “You’re a good brother. You’ll get through this.”

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” He reached for her hand and gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. “You sure you can’t stay? I’d welcome the buffer.”

  She shot him a cheeky grin. “Sorry, but you caused this. You’ll have to fix it.”

  His eyes widened at her unfiltered honesty.

  She cradled his cheek with her palm. “I’ll be praying it all works out.”