Welcome To Redemption: Series Collection (Books 1-6)

by Donna Marie Rogers

  “Hey, you ready to give me a hand with your sister’s bed?”

  “Now? Can’t it wait till half-time?”

  Drew gestured at Lindy with the hotdog. “Ask Princess Pain-in-the-Ass here.”

  “Drew, be nice,” Carrie warned. To Matt, she said, “Go ahead, it’s almost half-time anyway. If you hurry, you’ll be back before the third quarter starts.”

  Matt gave Carrie a quick kiss. “Save my spot?”

  She winked at him. “I’ll even have Bo keep it warm for you.”

  Lindy rolled her eyes, but truthfully she envied them their comfortable relationship. Matt’s happiness was important to her—and Carrie Lowell made him very happy indeed. For that reason alone Lindy had finally dropped her guard and welcomed the friendship Carrie offered.

  Lindy said her goodbyes to the room in general, then preceded Matt and Drew from the house. Thankfully, Drew had thought to secure a tarp over her mattress and other items, as a layer of snow had accumulated. She knew she should thank him, but frankly, all she wanted to do was smack him upside the head.

  The roads were slick, but they made it to her house without incident. Lindy held the door open as the men carried in her box springs and the mattress. They made quick work of it, too, bringing a reluctant smile to her face.

  Matt helped her with the sheets while Drew ran back down to his truck for the lamp and area rug she’d purchased.

  “I’ll call tomorrow and see if I can get the rest of your furniture delivered earlier than planned.”

  Lindy stuffed a brand new pillow into its casing. “That would be great, Matty, thank you.” She tossed the pillow on the bed and reached for the other. “So what do you guys have left to do in the house?”

  “Not much. A few cabinets need to be replaced in the kitchen, and Caleb wants to build you a nice window seat in here.” He met her gaze. “Not that you’ll get much use out of it once the plant’s up and running.”

  The same odd sadness that had tightened her chest yesterday returned full force, nearly stealing her breath. Dammit, she didn’t want to become attached to this place—she wouldn’t!

  Giving herself a mental shake, Lindy broke eye contact and feigned absolute interest in the down comforter she’d managed to cram into her largest suitcase.

  Matt reached out and grabbed an end to help her unfold it. “You do plan to visit, don’t you?”

  With a scoffing frown, she slid the comforter onto her bed, straightened it, and settled the pillows on top. “Suppose I’ll have to if I want to see my favorite brother—who seems to have an aversion to the West Coast since settling into Mayberry.”

  Matt crossed his arms and pegged her with a considering look, as if he knew exactly why this town struck such fear in her. “I’m your only brother, and I’ve been to L.A. twice since last summer. Besides, you know better than anyone why I hate to go back there.”

  She did, and now she felt like a bitch for even bringing it up. “You’re innocent of murdering that girl, Matty, and the whole world knows it. Besides, you’ve made a good life for yourself here in Wisconsin. And if you tell her I said this I’ll deny it, but I think Carrie is the best thing that's happened to you. You’re as fat and happy as I’ve ever seen you.” Lindy cast him a cheeky grin.

  Matt laughed and patted his belly. “I can’t help it. Carrie loves to cook, and I’m her favorite guinea pig.”

  “I was teasing; you haven’t put on a pound. Well, maybe a couple,” she amended, grinning. “But you've always been athletic. I’m sure as soon as the weather clears you’ll get out there and run it off.”

  Drew’s footsteps echoed up the stairs at a rapid rate. He strode into the room carrying her lamp, looked around, then walked over to the south facing window and set it on the sill. “All done, Hot Stuff. Enjoy your soak. Come on, Matt, let’s go.”

  “See you tomorrow, Sis.” Matt gave her a kiss on the cheek.

  Feeling impish, Lindy asked Drew, “Can I give you a tip this time?”

  He held her gaze for several heartbeats, and Lindy suddenly wished she hadn’t poked the proverbial tiger.

  “Matt, would you give us a minute, please?”

  Lindy’s heart tripped when Matt shrugged. He gave Drew a thump on the back, tossed her a smile, and whistled his way downstairs. Lindy bit the inside of her cheek as she lifted her gaze to meet Drew’s. “I was only kidding, geez. I mean—”

  Quick as a whip, Drew hauled her against the solid expanse of his chest and slanted his mouth across hers with near punishing force. Stunned, Lindy simply settled her hands against his chest. Then her senses returned, and she shoved with all her might. He broke off the kiss with a muttered curse, but didn’t let her go. Lindy’s pulse kicked into overdrive as she looked up and met his gaze.

  Hypnotic blue eyes stared down at her, holding her gaze captive as if by physical force. Deft hands traveled a scorching path from the curve of her shoulders to the flare of her hips, leaving every inch of her body tingling in their wake. The need to feel his lips on hers again, to taste him, nearly overwhelmed her. A real kiss, though, not in anger, not as punishment. Before she lost her nerve, Lindy twined her arms around his neck and pulled him down for the real thing.

  With a deep growl, Drew crushed her in his arms. He coaxed her mouth open as his tongue slid inside with skillful ease, exploring, seeking hers. Shivering under his touch, Lindy grew dizzy with yearning. Her heart thumped as his spicy masculine scent wrapped her in sensual bliss. The man was certainly no slouch in the toe-curling kiss department.

  As quick as it started, he broke the kiss and tore free from her embrace, surprising her off balance. He grabbed her upper arms to steady her, stared at her lips as if he wanted to kiss her again, cursed, and...strode out the door. She flinched as the bedroom door slammed behind him. What the hell?

  Okay, she thought as she huffed out a shaky breath and gathered her wits, the man is crazy. One-hundred percent, certi-fricken-fiably nuts. She dug her fingers into her temples as her headache returned full blast. If she never laid eyes on that arrogant SOB again it would be way too soon. But...damn if a little part of her didn’t want to chase after him. Instead, she strengthened her resolve and forced herself into the bathroom for a couple of aspirin and a hot bath.

  Chapter Four

  “You’ve been awful quiet this morning.”

  Drew cast his sister a sidelong glance from under the hood of her car. “That a crime?”

  “No. Just odd.” Hannah stepped around to stand beside him. “So?”

  “So what?”

  She bumped him with her hip. “So what’s got you in such a snit?”

  With a sigh, he stood and wiped his hands on his uniform. “Snit?”

  Hannah grinned.

  “I have a better question—what’s going on with that idiot, Swan? He finally get the message to stay the hell away from you?”

  Her grin disappeared. “I told you, I’m handling it.”

  “Hannah, if he’s giving you a hard time—”

  Suddenly, Bo went nuts barking his fool head off. Drew groaned as a familiar white furball ran into the garage and headed straight for Bo. The thing rubbed between his legs, purring so loudly Drew wouldn’t have been surprised if it took flight. Then it fell to its back and rolled around on the dirty, grease-stained concrete floor, writhing and stretching while Bo whined his approval.

  Great. Just friggin’ perfect. Thank God the furball’s “mommy” wasn’t here. Maybe Drew’d have time to get the thing washed and dried before she showed up. “All right, kitty, enough. You’re officially as filthy as you can get.” Drew swatted at the cat, but Bo growled his displeasure, shocking the shit out of him. “So it’s like that, is it? Good God, mutt, she’s a cat. You can’t mate with a cat.”

  A feminine shriek split the air, and Drew glanced up just in time to see Lindy rush in. Ah, shit. She shot him a look that sent his nuts north for cover, then rushed toward the two lovebirds. Only her boot hit the same oil slick her cat had ba
thed in, and she went up and came crashing down—right on her ass. Drew rushed forward to help her up.

  “I’m so sorry. I haven’t had a chance to sprinkle oil dry down yet. You all right?”

  Lindy slapped his hand away and climbed slowly to her feet. Craning her neck, she tried to check her butt. A huge black spot saturated each cheek. She brushed uselessly at the stains before pinning him with that same haughty stare that never failed to turn him on. Drew had to fight to keep his expression impassive.

  “I’ll pay to have them cleaned. Just send me the bill.”

  “Keep your money. And keep that monster of a dog away from my baby.”

  Drew propped his hands on his hips. “Hey, whoa. Your stupid cat ran in here, onto my property. If you’d keep the friggin’ thing on a leash, this wouldn’t have happened.”

  Her face screwed up in comical dismay. “You’re saying this is my fault?”

  “Who else? Bo didn’t go looking for that furball. She came sniffing around for him.”

  “Ass.” Lindy scooped up her cat and cuddled the grimy thing against her chest. She turned to Hannah, effectively dismissing him. “I don’t suppose you have a pet groomer here in Mayberry?”

  Hannah’s grin returned as she cast a questioning look at Drew. “I have no idea where Mayberry is, but Beverly Donovan does pet grooming out of her home. She lives on Liberation Lane, the street just off of Salvation, right behind the library. You can’t miss it; there’s a statue of Jesus on her front lawn, and she has gold and green shutters.”

  When Lindy cocked a brow, Hannah added, “Her husband was a huge Packers fan.”

  “Oh.” Lindy sent Drew a quick condemning look, then turned back to his sister. “Thank you, Hannah.”

  She carefully stepped over the oil puddle she’d slipped on, accepted a stack of paper towels from Hannah, and strode out the door, Bianca howling her displeasure with each step.

  Bo’s answering whine had Drew rolling his eyes. He gave Mr. Pathetic a pat on the head and assured him, “You’re better off without her, boy. Trust me. Once she got bored with you, that female would stomp your heart to mush and feed it to you for breakfast.”

  Hannah cleared her throat, though the sound more closely resembled a chuckle.

  “What?”

  “Oh, nothing.” She pulled open the heavy metal door that opened into the breezeway of their home, then looked back over her shoulder. Her knowing smile really chafed his ass. “I just wonder if you plan to take your own advice.” She shut the door without waiting for a reply. A full minute must have passed while he stared at the closed door in frustrated silence.

  “Women,” he finally muttered. “Crazy, the whole lot of ‘em.”

  “Anyone I know?” The question was followed by a loud “Woof!”

  Drew swung his head, surprised to see his buddy Charlie Russell standing just inside the service door, Sugar, Bo’s sister, at his heel. “Christ, I didn’t even hear you come in.”

  “Interesting considering Sugar practically took the door down on her way in.” Charlie let Sugar off her leash, and she ran straight for Bo, who barked his excitement as brother and sister went at it, sniffing, nipping, roughhousing. “So again, anyone I know?” Understanding flared in his eyes accompanied by a knowing grin. “Ahh. The lovely Miss Melinda Spalding. Got you twisted up already, hey?”

  Scowling, Drew got back to work on Hannah’s Jeep. “Why does everyone refer to her like that? Miss Melinda Spalding,” he mimicked. “As if she’s so damn special.”

  Charlie chuckled as he joined Drew under the hood. “Damn, it’s even worse than I thought.”

  “Shut the hell up.” Drew cast his grinning friend a sidelong glare. “Besides, this ain’t about her, it’s about her stupid cat and my idiot dog. Something weird’s going on. I swear it’s like they’re in love or something.”

  “Maybe you should take him to see Dana. She specializes in that kinda stuff.”

  Drew thought about it for a second. Charlie’s fiancée had lots of fancy degrees, and the vet raved about her. Seemed kind of strange to bring a dog to a shrink, though. But what other choice did he have? Bo’s infatuation with a pretty face could only end in heartbreak. And it was his job to make sure that didn’t happen, right?

  “Guess it can’t hurt. Anything to get that annoying female out of our lives.”

  “You talking about the cat or the woman?”

  “Both. Now make yourself useful and hand me that flathead.”

  * * *

  “I swear, Bianca, I have no idea what you were thinking. Rolling around on that disgusting concrete floor like some common...some common housecat! Your bloodlines go all the way back to the days of the Crusaders, for God’s sake. I expected better from you, young lady. Much better.”

  Bianca gave an owlish blink and let out a pathetic “mrow” before giving her paw a lick; more for show than anything else, Lindy knew. Good Lord, her fur was so matted down it was a miracle Bianca could even lift her head. Stupid...dog.

  “And he drools. Is that really what you want?” Lindy tsked. “You can do so much better, girl. Trust mommy. We’ll get you cleaned up, and once you’ve had time to think about it, you’ll see that I’m right. Maybe we should start looking for a suitable companion for you. A nice Himalayan with an impeccable pedigree. Would you like that?”

  “Rooow!”

  Lindy made a left onto the street just before the library, then another quick left onto Liberation Lane. Beverly Donovan’s house was easy enough to spot, just as Hannah said it would be. Besides the Jesus statue and green and yellow shutters, a huge ‘Go, Pack, Go!’ sign hung in the front picture window. Lindy pulled into the driveway and killed the engine, praying the woman was home.

  With a paper towel-wrapped Bianca held firmly against her chest, she hurried up the walkway, relieved to hear music coming from inside the house. “Looks like we’re in luck, girl,” she said and rapped on the door. It swung open, and an attractive middle-aged woman stood there, her expression curious, her dark brown eyes widening when they landed on Bianca. She wore a powder blue velour jogging suit, and her graying blonde hair piled on top of her head in a loose bun.

  “Well, there’s no reason to ask why you’re here, is there?” Beverly said with a chuckle, her singsong voice light and airy, surprisingly soothing. Lindy smiled. There was something quite charming about the older lady.

  She gave Bianca a reassuring cuddle. “Mrs. Donovan, my name is Melinda Spalding and this is Bianca. I was told that you do pet grooming out of your home...?”

  “That I do, love. Come on in. And please, call me Bev.”

  “Thank you.” Lindy stepped into the small foyer and followed Bev through the kitchen, where the rich scent of cinnamon mingled with the nutty aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Lindy breathed deep, eager for a sample of whatever it was that smelled so yummy.

  “Cinnamon rolls,” Bev supplied, as if reading her mind. “My oldest son will be here soon with my granddaughter. He’s a single dad, so I watch her full-time during the week while he’s at work.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, I should’ve called first. I could come back...?”

  “Nonsense. You’re already here, may as well stay. Besides, that poor thing looks as miserable as my Paco when he can’t remember where he’s buried his bone.” With a ‘follow me’ wave, Bev led her through the living room to a small backroom which appeared to be her laundry room.

  “You have a lovely home,” Lindy said and meant it. Though the outside was a tad tacky in her opinion, the interior could have been right out of Style magazine. Brushed stainless steel appliances graced the kitchen, along with granite countertops, gleaming walnut cabinets, and polished hardwood floors. The living room was striking in brass and glass with a sleek, modern black leather sofa and matching loveseat.

  “Thank you. My husband loved remodeling. I swear the man was always working on one project or another. Redid the bathroom three times, the kitchen twice. And my daughter is an interior design
er, so she’s constantly buying things for me.”

  Bev turned on the faucet in the utility sink and tested the temperature before plugging it to fill. “All right, sweetheart, time for your bath.” She carefully took Bianca from Lindy’s arms. Bianca looked back over her shoulder and let loose a pitiful whine as Bev set her in the sink.

  “Sorry, Binks,” Lindy gently chided. "You have no one to blame but yourself.” She moved in closer to give Bianca a reassuring scratch behind the ears.

  “My goodness,” the older lady said as she squeezed pet shampoo into her hand. “How in the world did you get so dirty anyway? Looks like you were rolling around in a grease pit.”

  “She was, sort of.” Lindy explained about Bianca’s unnatural attraction to Drew Porter’s mangy monster of a dog and her escape earlier from Coffee To Chai For to go see him.

  A knowing smile lit the older woman's eyes as she lathered and scrubbed the top of Bianca’s head with nimble hands. “Got yourself a crush, eh? Not that I blame you. That is one fine looking dog.” She met Lindy’s gaze for a brief moment. “And his master ain’t too hard on the eyes either.”

  “Hmph. I guess. If you like the rude, rough-and-tumble type. Frankly, I prefer a man a little less acerbic. And some manners would be nice.”

  “Are we talking about the same Drew Porter? Because the young man I know has never been anything but kind and pleasant.”

  Lindy eyed the older woman with skepticism. Before she could voice a reply, a masculine voice called out, “Mom? We’re here!”

  “Oh, that would be Mike and Maddie.” She turned and called out, “I’m in the back room!”

  A moment later, a little girl with a mop of red curls and freckled cheeks skidded to a halt inside the grooming slash laundry room. Her gaze bounced from Lindy to the sink where her grandmother was elbow deep in suds. Bianca let loose with a rather loud mrow, and a huge smile lit up the little girl’s face, revealing the cutest dimples Lindy had ever seen. Maddie scampered forward to lean against her grandmother’s hip and peer into the sink.