“Ally, you captured my attention a long time ago but for some reason you won’t have anything to do with me. I don’t understand why. Is it my scar? I know it’s ugly, so maybe it scares you?” His earnest voice nearly broke my heart.
“No, Jonah, no. I think your scar is beautiful. It’s part of who you are. Something tells me you earned that scar and you are not embarrassed by it. You wear it with courage and honor. And that makes me admire you all the more for it,” I responded from my heart.
It was Jonah’s turn to look awed. I smiled at him with all my heart and he returned it in kind. Something beautiful just happened and I couldn’t explain it if I tried. It was a bond of sorts. His visible scars and my invisible ones. We had a bond. We were both survivors. It was like kismet. We just knew and understood each other at that moment in time.
“What’s your favorite color?” he asked randomly.
“Blue.”
“What’s your favorite food?”
“Pancakes with extra syrup.”
“What’s your favorite movie?”
“The Godfather.”
“What’s your favorite flower?”
“Gerber daisies.”
Jonah asked all these questions in rapid-fire succession. A giggle erupted from my mouth for some silly reason. It had been a long time since anyone cared enough to ask these simple questions.
“What do you like to do for fun?”
That was a tough one and I had to think about it. “Well, I don’t really have much time for fun, haven’t for a long time. But, I used to love to go bowling and I was pretty good too,” I said proudly with a smile. “But these days, fun is anything I get to do with my son, Sam. Movies, video games, reading books together, and oh, amusement parks and town carnivals! Oh, my gosh, I hadn’t thought of that in so long. I love roller coasters. Love, love, them but I haven’t ridden once since before Sam was born.” I was rambling. I blushed and quieted my excitement. What was wrong with me? Why was I talking so much? I hadn’t shared any real personal information in years. It was safer to keep everything, even minor things like my favorites, to myself.
“Jonah, I really do have to get back to work,” I said quickly to halt the conversation so I could go hide.
“Ally, there are no other customers in your section or haven’t you noticed?” he commented.
I looked around and damn he was right. All the other ladies were bustling around waiting on customers, but no new customers had been seated in my section. I frowned. This was not good. I needed the extra tips for Saturday or the surprise for Sam would be ruined. I jumped up too fast, knocking over his untouched coffee cup. It doused his entire lap. Oh, for crying out loud. Why was I so damn clumsy all the time? I knew this was too good to be true.
I grabbed the hand towel from my apron. I went around him and started cleaning up the spill, not paying much attention, going on pure instinct like I did whenever Sam spilled something. I wiped the table first and then went right for his lap to wipe at the spilled coffee. “I’m so sorry!”
Right then Bella walked up and commented, “Well, looky here. You need some extra help cleaning his lap, Ally? Oh, no you don’t. You are doing a fantastic job of taking care of him,” she said with a wink.
I was bent over him when she said that. Then it dawned on me what the hell I was doing. I was rubbing his crotch! Kill me now. Yep. Just do it. I wished I was a genie and could blink my eyes and poof, just disappear. Things had been going so well, too. I glanced up at Jonah, who had this look on his face that told me all I needed to know.
“Don’t stop on my account, Freckles. You are doing a fabulous job cleaning me up.” He winked at me and leaned in to say, “Turnabout is fair play. For spilling coffee on me, I think you owe me a date. Don’t you? The perfect repayment. How about this Saturday evening, just you and me?” His eyes smoldered as he waited for my answer.
I was completely dumb struck at the moment, humiliated, and I dare say a little turned on. I didn’t get to see the giant smile nor hear the small laugh of triumph as I just nodded my head yes and hurried away.
Time was irrelevant when you were mesmerized by the presence of the man of your dreams. Literally, he was in my dreams. I had no idea how long we had sat there and talked, but by the time I got back to the kitchen, the dinner rush was in full swing. I went to the bathroom, splashed some water on my face, praying he would be gone when I went back out.
I noticed that a couple of my tables had new customers sitting at them so I went right to work. As I headed that way, I realized he was still sitting there. This wasn’t happening. Going to the other tables first, I got their drink orders as they looked over the menus. Then I proceeded back to Jonah’s table to see why he was still here.
“Why are you still here?” I asked hurriedly.
“Well,” he looked at me awkwardly as he scratched the side of face before continuing, “two reasons really. One, I never got to order any food for lunch and now it’s dinner time. And I am starving.”
“And the other reason?”
“Well, I thank you for so thoroughly cleaning the coffee from my lap, but now I need to wait a bit.” He paused in his speech and gave me a knowing look. I stood there staring at him quizzically. He lifted a brow at me. Then it dawned on me and I turned every color of red under the sun.
A loud laugh escaped him as he realized I finally understood what he meant. “Things should be back to normal, by the time you actually bring me some food, Freckles.”
“I told you so,” I whispered under my breath.
He leaned forward, “I didn’t quite catch that babe.”
“I said, karma freaking hates me dammit. What do you want to eat, Jonah?”
“Well, if I told you what I wanted to eat right this minute, I don’t really think you could handle it,” he stated with a smirk.
Are. You. Kidding. Me. I just stared at him, mortified, and turned on even more.
“Just bring me the dinner special and a sweet tea, babe. For now.”
I ran from him, to the back and nearly fainted when I got to the storage room. Did I really just do that? Did he just really say that? I was in trouble and I didn’t think there was any way out of it now. Lord help me or maybe I should say Lord help him. It had been a long time coming.
Chapter Seven
Jonah
The ride home from the diner had never seemed longer. Normally the drive flew by without thought since only a few miles separated my place from the diner. But tonight, it felt as if I was driving halfway across the country. The time and miles passed at a glacial pace. By the time, I had finished my dinner, my raging hard on had subsided enough that I could walk to my truck, but I still sported a serious case of blue balls. And they hung on during the ride, adding to the torturous hell I was in. I shifted in my seat to try to alleviate the discomfort. Ally had really done a number on me. After her mop up job on my crotch, I had to sit there for nearly an hour so that everyone wouldn’t see my flag flying at full staff. I hadn’t been that embarrassed since I was a randy teenager in high school. What that woman did to me was totally innocent, but so fucking erotic at the same time. She was so sexy and didn’t even realize it. And I couldn’t believe she actually agreed to go out with me Saturday evening. Hell yeah! I did a little victory dance inside. I knew exactly where I would take her too.
Step one in “Operation Protect Ally” was successful. Now I needed to follow up with Shane to see if he discovered anything about her past. That could wait until morning though. I glanced down at my watch and realized that Ally’s shift was just ending. I did a U-turn in my black, fully-loaded Chevy Suburban and headed back toward the diner. With everything that happened earlier, I forgot to talk to Frank about her choice of parking spaces in the back of the diner. I gunned it a little bit so maybe I could catch her before she left. At the very least I would make sure she made it safely to her car and then home. Pausing I contemplated my thoughts and actions. Ok, maybe I was being a bit of a stalker but, I wan
ted to make sure she would be safe. I had this unexplainable urge to protect her, like my very existence depended on my ability to keep her safe.
As I approached the diner’s parking lot, I noticed a commotion out back. Several people milled around and when I grew closer, I could see that it was Ally’s car they stood around. What the hell? My vehicle skidded to a stop next to Frank’s pick up. Hopping out, I headed straight to Frank, who was in the middle of an argument with Ally.
“Frank, what’s happened? Ally are you ok?” I demanded.
“Hold on there, SEAL, I have things under control. There is no need for you to come over here and run rough-shot like Ally is yours or something!” Frank angrily growled.
Shocked for a second, then it dawned on me that Frank had been a Ranger for over thirty years and was due a bit of respect. A bit.
“If someone doesn’t tell me what the hell is happening right this minute you will regret ever speaking to me like that!” I growled right back.
Frank started to step toward me, until Ally stepped in between us placing a hand on each of us. Her touch was enough to cool my temper so I could concentrate on her and what happened. She was pale but didn’t seem hurt. I did notice a slight tremble in the hand pressed to my chest.
“Ally, please tell me what happened,” I pleaded in a quiet voice.
“It’s really no big deal, Jonah. I was leaving to go pick up Sam and go home. When I got to my car, I noticed I had a flat tire. See no big deal.”
She wouldn’t quite meet my eyes and she seemed nervous. She was hiding something so I walked over to the rust bucket she called a car and looked for myself. I walked the entire car’s perimeter.
“What the hell do you mean it’s no big deal? All four of your damn tires were slashed!” I shouted furiously. “Frank, go call the police and get them here now. Bella, get Ally back inside the diner while I take a good look at things.”
As I started to walk back to the car, Ally ran up to me and yelled, “NO! No police Jonah. You are totally blowing this out of proportion. It was probably some kids getting back at me from a while back when they came in drunk and I had Frank throw them out.” She looked toward Frank for confirmation.
Frank mumbled something behind me. I turned to look at him. He just shrugged, looking at Ally, and said, “That is only one possibility, Bright Eyes. The police should be called. I’m sorry but it’s the truth, sweetheart. This wasn’t random. No other vehicle was touched in the parking lot. I don’t understand why you are being so stubborn about this, but it’s up to you. I will support whatever you want.” Frank looked at her with the eyes of a loving father. Tears glistened in her eyes.
“Well, I don’t give a rat’s ass, I am calling the police. A report needs to be filed and any evidence collected. But I am guessing all of you have been walking around the car and touching it, so anything left behind will be tainted. Great job everyone,” I spit through my teeth.
“Jonah, please let this go. It’s just tires. The police have much bigger fish to fry don’t you think? I’m fine. No harm. No foul. It was just kids doing what kids do, ok?” she pleaded with me.
“Ally, I came back after I left to tell you that you needed to park somewhere safer, well-lit and where you can be seen from the door. I was worried about your safety and I was right. If I had been here sooner, I may have caught whoever it was.”
Ally’s eyes were as big as saucers when she looked up at me and said, “Thank you for caring Jonah. I’m ok though. Nothing happened. I need to go inside and call Frannie to let her know that I will be late picking up Sam.” Then she turned to Frank and said, “Frank, is it ok if my car sits here until payday? I don’t have enough to get them replaced with even used ones right now,” her tone filled with embarrassment.
“Sure thing, Bright Eyes, it can sit here as long as you need. And don’t you worry about those tires. I’m sure I have some at home that will work just fine for you. I will take care of it.” Frank walked over and gave her one of his famous bear hugs and I could see some of the tension release.
“Thank you, Frank, but I insist on paying you back. I’m so glad I didn’t mention Little League signups to Sam. He would be so disappointed that I won’t be able to let him play this summer. But tires are a little more important than signup fees. Ally sounded as if her heart had shattered into a million pieces knowing she would be disappointing her son.
“Little League Baseball?” I asked.
“Yes, I have been saving for months to surprise him. Nothing is free these days. Now I will have to use the money for the car,” her voice hitched as she explained.
“What do you mean nothing is free? There is no fee to sign up for Little League, Freckles. They get sponsors ahead of time to pay for equipment and uniforms. All you have to do is bring him to practice and games. Simple as that, babe.” I smiled at her.
Ally’s face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. She squealed and launched herself at me. We nearly fell over from the impact but I was able to steady us just in time. I could hear Frank and a few of the diner customers chuckling and making more bets. I just rolled my eyes at them and wrapped my arms around this stunning woman. Drawing in a deep breath, my nostrils filled with the smell of some flower I couldn’t place and something earthier. Her scent called to me in a way nothing ever had. Home. This woman was my home. She abruptly let me go and stepped back. Even in the dark of night I could tell she was blushing.
“I need to go see if Bella will give me a ride home. She gets off in about an hour. I need to go get Sam and put him to bed. He has school tomorrow,” Ally stated as she turned to walk back to the diner.
“Ally, wait! I would be happy to give you a lift to pick up Sam and take you both home. It’s right on my way home as a matter of fact,” I commented.
Ally stopped and looked at me for a minute. A wariness filled her eyes. My heart stopped beating for a second while waiting for her answer. “Ok, Jonah, thank you,” she replied with a tiny smile.
I felt like I hit the jackpot. Progress. Yes, we were making progress. I motioned toward my Suburban and escorted her to the passenger side, opening the door for her. Ally grabbing the suicide bar and hopping in with one smooth motion was a site to behold. Though she was tall, standing at least five foot five inches, it was still a jump up. It was impressive. I closed the door and went to my side, cranking up and driving off before she could change her mind.
Heading toward her side of town, the silence in the vehicle is so thick and full you could hear a pin drop. I needed to say something to break the awkward silence. “Ally, you have lived here for what, three or so years now?”
Her reply was short and not descript, “Yeah, about that.”
Ok, this was going to be tougher than I thought. “Where did you grow up?” I waited for her answer and it was not at all what I was expecting.
“Oh, you know, just here and there.” Ally said vaguely looking out the window.
Well, hell that was not an answer, unless… I got it! “You were a military brat?” I asked excitedly.
Ally shook her head and that was it. No other response. Damn. I thought I was on to something there for a sec. “Do you have any family nearby? Brothers or sisters in the area?” I asked with trepidation as I turned onto the street where she lived.
“How do you know where I live Jonah?” Ally demanded.
What should I say? Hey Ally, I am a stalker and I followed you home the other day to make sure you were safe. That would be the best choice, the truth. I had always been taught to tell the truth, so I did. “Well, I know this is going to sound creepy or bad or … I don’t know. But I want to be honest with you, so I am just going to say it. The other day after the grocery store incident, I followed you home so I could make sure you were safe. I was worried. I know I shouldn’t have and I am so sorry.”
She looked so stunned by my admission. For an eternity, she was so quiet that I was sure she was going to slap me. “Why do you care about me? I really don’t understand.�
� She just shook her head.
“Ally, I don’t know or understand fully myself. What can I say to make you believe that I really do care for you? Ever since the first day in the diner years ago, something just…happened. It was a feeling that I can’t explain, even now three years later. There is a connection between us. I think you feel it too, but you refuse to let it in or to explore what it could be. You avoid me. And I let you. Why? I think that I’m a bit scared too, if I’m being honest. I have never felt this connection or whatever this is, when I first met someone.” I finished earnestly.
Silence filled the cab again. I just laid all that out there and she said nothing in response. I was such an idiot. My rambling of truth scared her. “Where do I go to pick up Sam?” I asked an obvious question to try to get her to come around again.
“Oh! Sorry. He is just a couple houses down from mine so you can just drop me off in front of my duplex. Thank you, Jonah. You didn’t have to do this. And I need to tell you something too. You’re not totally alone in the feelings you just expressed. I feel them too and it scares the living hell out of me.” Ally said as she jumped out of the car as soon as I parked.
I sat there dumbstruck. Did she just really say that she felt the same way I did? Did I just imagine that? I glanced up and saw her walking down the street. I got my wits back about me quickly. Hell no, she was not walking at night alone. Plus, we were so not done with this conversation. Well, maybe it had to be tabled for now since we were picking up Sam, but we would revisit it as soon as I could get her alone.
Turning off the engine, I jumped out and trotted to catch up with her on the sidewalk. “Hey Freckles, wait for me,” I called to her.
“Jesus Jonah, what are you doing now? I have to pick up Sam and I am almost two hours late as it is,” her voice was laced with frustration.
“I am not about to let you walk down a dark street all by yourself, Ms. Ally Black. You are stuck with me, so get over it.” I smiled down at her when she moaned.
TRUE HERO: A Romantic Suspense Novel (True Hearts Series Book 1) Page 5