Wrecked for You

by Mayer, Kristin

  The counter tops were top-of-the-line black quartz. “This place is beautiful. Was this recently remodeled?”

  Again, I saw the sadness in Alexa’s eyes. “Yes. It used to have more of a country feel, and I guess it’s now more traditional or contemporary. I’m not sure. I still feel like a stranger here.” She took a deep breath. “My mom made all these drastic changes while I was away at college in New York. And I wasn’t prepared. I’m still… adjusting.”

  I scolded myself for pressing something that obviously made Alexa feel uncomfortable. Hayden and Alexa were talking about things happening around the town. Something about a man named Ol’ Man Rooster.

  I was a little lost but didn’t want to intrude.

  The house was completely furnished with black leather furniture in the living room. The dining room had a mirrored dining room table. It was so different from what I was used to living in. And I loved it.

  The three downstairs bedrooms were empty. There were two bathrooms downstairs, one in the hall and the other in the largest of the bedrooms. It was a great layout for a B&B. We climbed the stairs where a door separated it from the lower level.

  Alexa said, “When there were guests, we’d lock this door to keep our living space separate.”

  There were three additional bedrooms upstairs. Two of the three were fully furnished with similar modern furniture. The master bedroom looked over a small pond at the back of the house. It was magnificent. I wanted this place.

  Alexa excused herself to take a phone call, and I took the moment to savor the space. Hayden put his hand on my lower back ,and I leaned my head on his shoulder. “Thank you for bringing me to Skagway.”

  “I wouldn’t want you to be anywhere else.”

  We simply shared the moment with no additional words.

  Alexa came back into the room. “Sorry about that. Drake’s not going to make it. Crete went home sick, so he’s got to stay and cover.”

  I turned to her. “Oh, no. Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “That’s sweet to ask. But it should be a slow day. I may head over there to help after I get done at the clinic if it’s needed.” She held out her hands. “So… what do you think?”

  “It’s beautiful. This view is my favorite.”

  Alexa gave me a smile. “This is my favorite view in the house, too. I used to sit on my parents’ bed and stare out at the pond. The winters are breathtaking. The frozen water glistens like it has a thousand diamonds on it. My dad taught me how to ice skate and fish there. It’s a good place to make memories.”

  From her forlorn look, it seemed like her parents might have passed away. I would ask Hayden later. “What a blessing to grow up in such a place.”

  “I think so, too. Take all the time you want to look around. I’ll be downstairs.”

  My childhood seemed dreary compared to this. Out of habit, my mind froze, as if I’d forgotten my script for this situation. I searched for what I was supposed to say, but I had no lines to follow. Where does this leave me? Panic rose within me. When I turned, I caught Hayden’s eyes but quickly averted my own.

  He grabbed my hand and mouthed, “Are you okay?”

  I nodded and mouthed back, “I will be.”

  I can do this. I want to do this.

  The door to downstairs closed, leaving us alone. Hayden wrapped his arms around me. “You sure you’re okay?”

  “Yes, it’s just different. For a second, my mind searched for what I should be saying. When I first started working in Ketchikan, that happened a lot. Then, as time went on, it stopped.”

  Instead of saying anything else, Hayden held me, which was exactly what I needed. A few minutes later, I asked, “Do you want to see what the rent is?”

  “That’s entirely up to you.”

  I turned in his arms. “Let’s see what she has to say. If it’s too much or more than you want to spend, let me know.”

  “Okay.”

  Hand in hand, we went downstairs. Alexa was standing in front of the fireplace, typing on her phone. She looked up and gave me another warm smile.

  “I love the place. What is the rent?”

  She gave me a wink. “I don’t want anything for the rent. If someone doesn’t live here, especially through the winter, it’ll be harder on the place and cause damage. You’re doing me a favor. In exchange for rent and utilities, keep the place up. Then when you get on your feet, you can take over the utilities.”

  “I—I—I…” I looked at Hayden, who seemed at a loss for words, too. He obviously hadn’t expected this offer. Alexa hardly knew me. And I didn’t want to take advantage of anyone.

  Hayden said, “I’ll be living here, too. We can’t take this place for free.”

  “Sure, you can.”

  This was crazy. Free. This had to be out of obligation. “Alexa, I don’t want—"

  Alexa touched my shoulder. “This isn’t a handout. And you guys don’t have to feel obligated to say yes. I could honestly use the help. I’ve talked with Drake about it, and he agrees. Between the Red Onion, the clinic Hollis and I just opened, getting married, and trying to move forward with my incredibly difficult sister and mother, this would be a lot of work for us to take on. We have our place, the cabin, and Drake’s apartment at the Red Onion. We’re already overwhelmed. It’s fate. I got this house, and it was waiting for you to come live here. It needs happiness within its walls. My dad would have loved for this place to be the stepping stone for someone to get back on their feet.”

  Fate. There was the word again. The one that had initially brought me to Alaska.

  The way she spoke about her father led me to believe he had passed away, but it sounded like her mother might not be in the picture. I wasn’t sure, but there was hurt in the depths of her eyes. Hurt that I understood.

  Alexa continued, “Kory, if you love this place, I want you to live here. If it hadn’t been for the support of Drake and his family when I came back, I don’t know where I would be.”

  Tears welled in my eyes, and I squeezed Hayden’s hand. “I honestly don’t know what to say. Thank you.”

  “Thank you,” Hayden echoed.

  Alexa looked at Hayden. “I have some boxes in the back of my truck. Would you mind getting them? Drake had to load them for me. They’re pretty heavy.”

  When Hayden glanced my way, I nodded, and he said, “Sure thing.”

  Chapter Eight

  Kory

  The screen door shut, leaving us together. I liked Alexa. She had a kind spirit unlike anyone I had ever met.

  “Kory, if you need a girl to talk to, I’m here. I know we don’t know each other very well—well… at all—but I’m hoping we can change that. Drake told me about your situation, and I just want you to know you’re not alone.”

  Hayden had mentioned he’d given his family a quick overview of what had happened. I was relieved to feel only kindness and acceptance from Alexa. I’d never had a friend who’d been there for me without an ulterior motive. All of the friendships throughout my life had been cultivated for my parents’ financial gain. There was something innocent and honest about what she was offering. “I would love that.”

  She leaned in and gave me a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. I never thought I’d see the day when Hayden Foster would move heaven and earth for a woman.”

  Move heaven and earth. He’d come for me. It was still hard to believe. “He’s wonderful.”

  “Yes, he is. Drake is excited to meet you, too.”

  I was nervous to meet his family—especially his brothers. I kept the nerves at bay by rubbing my thumb and index finger together. Somehow, the motion helped me stay focused. “There’s Kane, as well, right?”

  “Oh yes. He’s a little crass and grumpy, but he’s loyal to the core.”

  Hayden came in with the first load. “What the hell are in these?”

  “Stuff for Kory.”

  My eyes widened. Alexa opened the first box. “Last night, I asked Hayden what size you wear.
Being the typical guy, he had no idea and said we were about the same size. So I went through all my stuff. I have winter gear, winter clothes, and all sorts of shoes. Accessories, too.”

  Oh my gosh. I stared at the enormous box with my mouth open. “I can’t take your clothes.”

  Alexa swiped some stray blond hairs that had fallen from her ponytail out of her face. “Trust me, you’re doing me a favor. Drake and I are consolidating things, and I needed to clear out the storage units. As I keep going through boxes, I’ll bring over more stuff for you to go through. And it won’t hurt my feelings if you don’t like it.”

  Not like it? How could I not like it? There were no strings attached to the offering. None. In Ketchikan, I’d experienced the same kindness from people. One time, I had been shopping in a clothing store when it began to pour. The clerk had recognized me from Maggie’s and offered to lend her umbrella since I’d forgotten mine. At times, I forgot how Alaska was also a rain forest. It rained over ninety percent of the time.

  “This is amazing. I can’t believe it. It’s just… I have no words to express my gratitude.”

  Alexa gave me another hug. “I’m glad you like it. The other boxes in the truck have some pots and pans and other kitchen things that were in the storage unit. I think there’s one or two sets of sheets upstairs in the linen closet. If not, I—”

  I cut her off. “You honestly don’t have to do any more.”

  “Well, if there’s something you need, I’m a phone call away.” She turned to Hayden. “Can you give Kory my cell phone number?”

  “Of course.” He nodded. “I’ll give her everyone’s.”

  She smiled. “Perfect. Oh, and your mom asked me if there was a date you guys could come over for dinner.” Alexa turned back to me. “Amie is dying to meet you. She’s the most amazing person I have ever known.”

  Meeting his parents was a serious step. Before I could stop myself, I blurted out, “Will you be there?”

  “If you want us to be, Drake and I can come, for sure.”

  It would be easier with a familiar face. “If you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. Are there any dates we should avoid? I’ll work on getting a date together.”

  Hayden rubbed the back of his neck. “I need to check my flight schedule. I know we have a couple of excursions this week. Can I text you later?”

  “That works.” Alexa paused and blew out a breath. “Elvira and Sylvia already called me to see if I knew who the pretty little blond in your truck was.”

  Oh dear. The Twiner sisters. Hayden’s words from earlier regarding the sisters made me stiffen. I wasn’t ready to be in a gossip column. He ran his hands through his hair. “Fuck. I don’t want them meddling.”

  “I know. I had to think fast on my feet.” She grimaced. “I didn’t think you guys wanted all your personal details splattered in the Twiner Tellings newsletter.” Looking at me, she sighed, “That’ll be another night of drinks. When I came back a little over a month ago, I found my way into several newsletters. And a couple of red-hot editions. It’s fine when it’s someone else. But I hate being the center of it all.”

  “Oh, dear.” This was worse than I thought. I dreaded the thought of my past being used as fodder for this newsletter. I still hadn’t processed what had happened.

  Hayden asked, “What did you tell them?”

  “That you met Kory while you were away this summer. Things progressed, and she decided to move here since she doesn’t have any family.”

  No family. It was close enough to the truth, I imagined.

  When neither of us responded, Alexa twisted her fingers. “Listen, I’m really sorry about the lie. I didn’t know how you wanted to handle your parents. I thought it would be easier if you had a more boring past until you decided what you wanted to say. Then, any ‘misunderstanding’ can be blamed on me.”

  Without even meeting me, Alexa had looked out for my best interests simply because of Hayden. I rushed to her and grabbed her hand. “Thank you. I’m just really overwhelmed. I appreciate the story you gave them. That’s what I want to stick with for the time being.”

  Alexa smiled at me. “I get it. More than you probably understand. And it’ll make it easier without having people meddle in your business while you try to sort it out. You’ll most likely make the ’New to Town’ section of the Twiner Tellings.”

  Her phone rang, and she stepped back. “Let me get this. One second.” She connected the call. “Hey. Okay, I’ll be right there. Hollis, she doesn’t bite. Stop being melodramatic. I don’t know… maybe give her a tour of the clinic. Make her a fancy schmancy coffee. You’re smart; figure it out. I swear if you get grumpy I’m going to throw another book at you.”

  What in the world?

  Alexa hung up the phone and rolled her eyes. “My best friend from college came back to Skagway with me. He’s a doctor and a bit over the top at times. Sometimes I have to throw books at him to make him see sense.”

  A firecracker. I liked it.

  “I remember Hayden telling me about your clinic. What an amazing accomplishment—and so important for the town. Congrats.”

  “Thank you.” Her phone vibrated, and she sighed. “I have to get back to the clinic before Hollis scares off our new receptionist.” At my confused look, she just shook her head. “It’s a long story.” She pulled a set of keys out of her pocket. “Anyway, here’s the keys to the place. Think it over with Hayden. And if you decide you don’t want to stay here, I swear it’s fine. Oh, and the furniture comes with the house. Hollis ordered an entire houseful before we even got here. Now that he’s decided to be ‘Alaskan,’ he doesn’t need this furniture.” She rolled her eyes. “Men. Anyway, Ike’s making him manly furniture.” She giggled. “I’m making him sound ridiculous. You’ll have to swing by the clinic to fully understand.”

  “I’d like that. I will never forget your kindness. Thank you.”

  She smiled. “Anytime. We women dating the Foster men have to stick together. There’s so much testosterone with those men it can be a little overwhelming.”

  “Hey, we aren’t that bad,” Hayden protested.

  Slapping Hayden on the back, she laughed. “Whatever makes you feel better.” Then she mouthed to me, “You’ll see.”

  And for the first time in my life, I looked forward to what tomorrow would bring—without any sort of schedule or deadline to bring an end to my happiness.

  Chapter Nine

  Hayden

  Alexa left, and I sat there, rendered speechless by what she had done. Rent free. Keeping up any building could be a lot of work, but people still paid rent. Alexa broke the mold when it came to kindness and compassion. For as long as I’d known her, she wanted to save the world and help anyone she could.

  We were silent as we stared at the door. I grabbed Kory’s hand, and she squeezed mine in return. She turned my way, bewildered. “Is this a dream?”

  I reached out to touch her face. Her skin felt like satin. I have her in my life. At least now we had a fighting chance to figure things out without the additional stress of worrying about money. But neither of us had experienced a real relationship before.

  “You’re not dreaming, sweetheart.”

  She threw her arms around me, and I held her close, savoring her sweet vanilla scent. This woman was going to be my everything.

  “We’re going to figure this out, Kory.”

  “One day at a time, right?”

  “Right.”

  She put a little space between us and looked up into my face. I wanted to kiss her senseless. I was about to lean down when a thought crossed my mind. Kory needed to be romanced, courted, or whatever the fuck Drake had done for Alexa.

  I had little doubt she would open up to me if I kissed her. Instead, I brushed my thumb against her lower lip. “The next time I kiss you, there won’t be any doubt about where we stand.”

  She smiled, and I knew I’d made the right decision. “So, we’re going out on a date?”


  “Yes.”

  She winked. “I’m going to make you work for it. Here’s to starting from the very beginning.”

  Her words held an underlying implication of no sex, which I figured. My dick screamed at me to argue against it, but like I’d told her in the truck, I wanted her to know I was sure of us. I wanted us to have a real relationship.

  “From the beginning.”

  I looked into her eyes, and the air thickened around us. My body was on fire having her in my arms again. It had been way too long. I would just have to be patient. Kory took another step back, which helped… marginally. Her smile lit up the room. “It’s like I blinked, and now there are endless possibilities. I don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring.”

  I held out my hands and she came to me. We moved to sit on the couch. It felt so fucking good to have her in my arms. “And how do you feel about that?”

  Chewing on her lip, she stopped to give that some thought. “Excited and terrified at the same time.”

  “I think that’s normal, considering the shit you’ve gone through.”

  She curled into my chest. “I like this. When do you have to work next?”

  “I’ve got a couple of day flights with Kane this week. I was going to see if Anthony could take them.”

  Leaning back, she looked into my eyes. “Don’t rearrange for me. I want you to keep your schedule.”

  “I want to be here for you.”

  “And you will be. Yes, I have a lot to deal with, but I’m doing good. This summer, I’d already begun processing more than I realized.”

  Kory’s eyes shifted from mine, she stared into the distance. During the summer, something had changed within Kory; she’d become lighter at times. It still couldn’t be easy. Maybe a distraction would help. “What do you think about running by the airport with me. I need to do some paperwork and work on some flight plans. And maybe if we have time, we could run by the clinic.”