by Jules Dixon
No one ever told me.
“It almost killed me to see her that way but I took care of her like you asked me to, got her healthy, and kept her in school. I stayed only her friend, nothing more. I held up my promise. But Rahl, when it comes to your beautiful baby sister, there’s always been an undercurrent of something special between us. When you came back to Omaha, we tried to fight what was happening. We knew you wouldn’t be happy. But fighting what was meant to be only made it grow. What we feel for each other is too powerful, too real.”
I huffed up at him.
“We’re truly miserable without each other, Rahl.” Easton’s eyes met mine. “I love your sister more than anything in this world, have for several years. Just like you deserve to be happy, we do, too.” He swallowed, his silence an effective punctuation.
I gritted my teeth. “Are you finished?”
“Yes. Have a good workout.”
I continued down the stairs and out to my truck. Slamming my hand against the steering wheel several times, I tried to tamp down the emotions that were fighting for space inside of my head.
She was sick and no one told me…
What was equally as disturbing was that Easton had never expressed interest in any girl other than the temporary version.
He loves her? But she’s my baby sister.
I shook off my feelings. Those issues would still be here when I returned. Right now I needed a release.
A familiar face sat at the front desk when I arrived at the gym.
“Hey, Jude.”
“Rahl! You joining Triple R?”
“I’d like to.”
“Let me get you into a membership.”
Took about half an hour to get the paperwork completed, and I was a full-fledged member of Triple R, the premiere workout place in Omaha. Had to admit, it was a kickass fitness center. Everything and anything a person could ever want, newest and best equipment, classes, training, I was impressed. Not an easy feat.
I started on a treadmill and lost myself in my workout playlist. I’d just settled into an endorphin-enhanced zombie-like zone when two pale green eyes surprised my vision.
I pulled my earbuds out and slowed the machine. “Hi.” I breathed hard from the exertion.
Jude walked up unannounced behind her.
Sage twisted a towel in her hands. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to surprise you. I didn’t know you worked out here.” She leaned against the machine.
“Been a member for a while.” I met Jude’s eyes in a bro-favor way but quickly brought them back to the beauty in front of me. Wiping my sweat off with a towel, I stepped from the treadmill.
Jude’s eyebrows raised and he shook his head with a smirk.
“That’s great. Well, I have a training session with Jude.”
“Hey, Sage,” he piped up behind her and she jumped.
She looked over her shoulder. “There you are. Sorry I’m a little late. Work—”
“Don’t worry, I was helping another client get a new membership.”
Don’t, Saylor.
“Sage, you want to come over later?” I offered. “I still owe you a dinner.”
She faced me again. “That would be nice. I’ll go home and shower first.”
“See you when you get there.”
“Jude, ready?” She turned back.
“Did you stretch?”
“Yes.”
“Then we’re ready. Let’s go.”
I made rounds on the machines, working my chest and back muscles. Attempting, but not succeeding, to keep my eyes off Sage. She caught me looking more often than not. That only means she’s looking, too.
At the end of her session, Jude left her running on a treadmill. “Hey, long-time member, all thirty minutes long-time. What’s up with that?”
“Jude—” I lowered the weights, slowly feeling a burn, then lifted them again.
He held up a hand. “Don’t worry, I won’t blow your cover. Rahl, if you want her to be yours, then tell her. She’s just waiting for you to do it. If Sage is special to you, treat her that way but don’t play games.”
I dropped the weights with a loud thud. “Do you ever mind your own business?”
“Nope, not when it comes to my friends and their happiness.”
“Since when are we friends, Saylor?”
He chuckled and said, “Vendetti, anyone who knows your secrets should be a friend. You certainly wouldn’t want them as an enemy.” Then he walked away.
Jude made sense. Easton knew my secrets, which were few, and I knew all of his.
Chapter Ten
Sage
I loved Jude’s training session. He was not only nice to look at, but he was also just nice. I didn’t make any commitment to future sessions, but the idea was a good one. Jude talked to Rahl after our session. I didn’t know they were friends but I could kind of see it in an opposites-attract kind of way.
I drove up to Rahl’s place, parking on the street. I wondered if he remembered his night terrors last night. I did some research online and it seemed most people wouldn’t. I bet he did remember waking up with me next to him in the morning, though. The fact that he reset my alarm clock had me smiling all morning. If he hadn’t, I might not have woken up to be on time for my warehouse appointment. The realization of his thoughtfulness quickly lessened my disappointment that he wasn’t there when I woke up, but only slightly.
The front door opened and Rahl stepped out to the small landing, smiling.
“Everything all right?” he called to me as I exited my car.
I warmed at his concern. “Yeah, all good. I’m a little stiff from my workout.”
It was true. Muscles I never knew I had were screaming at me. I opened the back door of the vehicle that was hopefully only going to be mine for a few more days.
I waved. “Just grabbing something. I’ll be right there.”
“Let yourself in.”
When I stepped into the kitchen, Rahl was seasoning steaks. I set a bag on the counter and threw my purse strap over a chair by the kitchen table.
“God, I haven’t had a steak in forever. Those look amazing, Rahl.”
He leaned to me and placed a feather-light kiss on my lips. The touch made my body shiver with delight.
“Good. How do you like yours cooked?”
“Medium-rare. I suppose you’re a rare guy?”
“Affirmative. Help yourself to wine or a beer and come outside. There’s seating on the patio.”
I snatched a beer and followed him. The patio had a four-person dining table with colorful cushions on the seats and a docking station playing easy-listening music. I gazed on Rahl’s agile and deliberate movements as he worked the grill like a master chef. Seemed like he had done this a few times.
“Like to grill?” I asked.
“I do. Didn’t get to do it a lot while I was out of the country. Hey, I’m sorry for not being able to stay awake to enjoy the dinner you made last night.”
“Well, steaks definitely make up for missing out on the crappy frozen lasagna I was going to serve you, so don’t worry about it.”
Rahl’s chuckle was pleasant and honest. “I doubt it was crappy, but I’ll look forward to eating whatever you make in the future.”
He finished cooking the steaks while we conversed about his day and then he asked about Oliver.
“I was off-site today, didn’t see him.”
“Good. That guy gave me a bad feeling.”
“Oliver’s a player. I have no interest in him.” I sipped my beer. “Plus, I prefer my guys to have a lot more meat on their bones.”
He lifted the steaks from the grill. “Good to know.”
We headed inside and filled our plates with steak, a baked potato, and pasta salad, then we returned outside. The sun had set but the day’s warmth still radiated through the air. Plus, body heat saturated the humid air between us causing my body to tingle with anticipation.
After I’d cleaned my plate, I stretched my hands over
my head with a groan, expressing my overly full status. Rahl did the same thing.
“That was too good, Rahl. I don’t think I’ve eaten that much food in a long time.”
“Glad you liked it. That’s my mom’s pasta salad. I talked to her today and asked for the recipe. She laughed when I told her I was making dinner for you. I’m not known for cooking more than the meat.”
I leaned back in the metal patio chair, trying to adjust for the ball of food in my stomach. “I can’t imagine she makes it any better. Thank you for the extra effort.”
Rahl spun my chair so I was facing him, and using one muscle-bursting arm, dragged the metal closer to him, scraping it across the cement. His knees boxed mine in as he leaned forward, slid a hand behind my neck, and dropped his forehead to mine. The surprise move left me frozen in my seat.
“Thank you for being here, Sage. You’re worth the extra effort.”
His lips were a coming home that I’d never want to leave.
I backed away and he frowned at my hasty exit.
I cringed. “That was really nice, but I need to use the restroom. Jude insisted I drink two bottles of water, some weird hydration fetish he has.”
“Glad to know he trains safely.” Rahl pushed back and helped me to stand with him. “Use the one in my bedroom. Is that the one you used Saturday?”
I nodded and helped him carry in the dirty dishes.
Rounding into his room, I flipped on the overhead light and again the sight of his bed sent a shiver of want through my body. It was so inviting, like Martha Stewart lived here, but then I remembered he didn’t actually sleep in it last night. He’d made my relatively comfortable oversized sofa his bed.
If his bed was as comfortable as my sofa, I’d never want to leave.
Not the time to find out.
Back in the kitchen, Rahl made efficient use of his time, and the place was spotless. I grabbed the bag I brought, pulled out his birthday cake, and stuck the one candle in the middle. I jogged to the living room after an idea struck me.
I opened the sliding door. “Close your eyes, I have a surprise for you.”
He spun his chair and replied grumpily, “I’m too old for surprises, Sage.”
“Please, Rahl. I’ll make it worth your extra effort.” I resonated enough female charm and influence behind the words and his chest rose and fell rapidly.
Apparently, he heard the tone.
“All right.” He closed his eyes. I giggled and he grinned while he opened one eye.
“Closed!” I yelled.
He chuckled. “Okay.”
I walked the cake to the table and lit the candle. Back in the house, I flipped off the outside light and snatched the guitar from around the corner. I strummed lightly on my way back to him.
“Can I open?”
“Not yet.” I leaned over and placed a soft kiss on his lips. He reached out to find me, but I evaded his arms. “Happy birthday, Rahl. Open your eyes.”
His eyes shined in the candlelight while he stared at the birthday cake. I played and sang “Happy Birthday” to him. When I stopped, he still stared at the cake and his eyes brimmed with tears in the flickering light.
I squatted next to his chair, being extra careful not to damage the expensive guitar.
“Rahl? Are you okay?”
“Yes.” He swallowed hard.
I placed a hand on his thigh. “Are you sure?”
Bringing my hand up, his warm lips floated over my knuckles. “Sage, I’ve never felt as special as I do in this moment.” His eyes connected to mine, soft and glassy.
I tipped my head to take in the gentle giant that was beneath the harsh ogre. “You deserve to feel special, Rahl. You’re special to me.”
His other hand twisted in my hair behind my neck and squeezed. “And you’ll always be—”
“Hey, bro! Happy belated birthday! What’s going on?” Laken’s voice made him stiffen and he stood without warning.
I was set off balance and my fatigued muscles didn’t respond well. After duck-walking back two steps, I slammed down onto my ass. My body had too much momentum to stop at my butt and my upper body rolled back until my head thudded against the concrete. I fought to keep the guitar safely upright as stars flashed behind my eyelids and my breath rushed from my body as pain invaded.
“Shit! Sage!” Rahl kicked his chair back and kneeled beside me. “Stay still.”
I coughed out, “Please take the guitar. It’s expensive, and I don’t want it to get damaged.”
“I’m concerned about you, not that guitar.”
I slid the strap over my head. “Laken, can you take the guitar, please?”
“I don’t care if it’s damaged, Sage.” Easton stepped out onto the patio. “I heard you hit the concrete. That sounded painful. Are you okay?”
“She’s not yours to worry about, Easton.” Rahl seized the guitar and I winced as he flung it at Easton like it was a paper airplane.
The grumpy ogre is back.
Easton grabbed the amazing instrument midair. He shook his head and disappeared into the townhome.
Rahl brought his attention back to me. “Are you dizzy?”
I closed my eyes and breathed slowly. “Yeah, a little.”
“You hit your head pretty hard.” He caressed my hair from my face.
“I’m sorry for surprising you, Rahl,” Laken said considerately, standing beside us.
“Whatever, Laken,” he growled.
I turned my head. “Laken, it wasn’t your fault, and Rahl, it wasn’t your fault. I just lost my balance. I think I can stand.”
Rahl stopped me from moving. “Are you sure?”
I blew out a long breath and my head pounded. “I’ll try. This concrete is not as comfy as you would think. My sofa is definitely more comfortable.”
He smirked. “Yes, it is. Let me help you. Slowly.”
Assisting me to a sitting position, he constantly watched me. I inhaled a deep breath and the patio spun as if the earth was on fast-forward and an odd darkness started to creep from the sides of my vision.
“Rahl!” I reached for him, twisting a hand into his t-shirt.
He guided me to his body. “My angel, I have you,” he whispered.
I shook in his strong arms, the security of his warm and comforting body keeping me from crumbling.
Rahl turned his head. “Laken, go inside and get my bed ready for her.”
“Sure.”
“You’re going to stay here tonight. I’ll need to wake you up every hour and I need to know you’re okay.”
“Rahl, I…” I wanted to protest but I didn’t have it in me. My head started to pound with every breath I inhaled.
“No, Sage, I’m taking care of you.”
Tears gathered in my eyes, both from the pain and the moment. I sobbed into his chest and managed to mumble, “Thank you.”
“Please don’t cry. I’m so sorry, Sage. Your song was beautiful, the cake, the candle. I don’t know how you knew, but somehow you did.” His arms tightened around my shoulders and his lips pressed at the top of my head.
Whimpering, I choked out, “Knew what?”
He braced stiff against me. His eyes shuttered his pain momentarily before they opened with purpose. “Okay, I’ll carry you inside.” He started to move.
The subject change spun my head even more than the hit on the concrete.
“That’s not necess—”
“Stop,” he cut me off with a finality that I recognized. I was scooped into his confident arms, lifted into the air, and transported safely inside of the townhome.
At the door to his bedroom, I laughed against his neck and Rahl stopped in his tracks, staring down at me. For some reason, I found it hilarious that he was carrying me to his bedroom. It certainly wasn’t the romantic passion-filled way I’d hoped it would be.
“I called Tyson,” Laken said over my cackling. “He and Fiona are on their way. They should be here in five or less.”
Then so
mething new began to happen.
“Rahl, bathroom, please.” My words came out through a loud gag.
He moved swiftly and placed me in front of the toilet, holding my body and hair while I expelled the contents of my stomach.
“Laken? Laken! How far out are Tyson and Fi? We may need to call an ambulance.”
“I’m here, Rahl. Laken filled me in on the way.”
I barely understood the voices through my wrenching. When I stopped, I panted breaths in and out, close to hyperventilating. I slowed each breath.
A warm hand clenched my shoulder. “Sage, hi. I’m Dr. Tyson Richter. Is it okay if I give you a once-over?”
I bobbed my head, unable to form a single word as the pounding filled every processing space of my brain. I collected myself. Dr. Richter completed a series of tests while I sat with my back to the wall of the bathroom.
“I’ll be honest, the vomiting concerns me, but your pupils are equal and reactive. You’re coherent with your answers. I think you’ll have one hell of a headache in the morning and a nasty bump on your head, but I don’t think you need to go to the hospital for observation or an MRI.” He stood and turned to Rahl. “If she vomits again, slurs her speech, or you can’t wake her up every hour, get her to the hospital. Otherwise, keep a close eye on her and don’t let her drive for twenty-four hours. Let’s get her to the bed.”
“Can I rinse my mouth, please?”
Rahl pulled a new toothbrush from the drawer. I grabbed his hand and he assisted me to stand, holding my waist in his secure hands while I cleaned up. When I finished, he lifted me gently and carried me to his bed. The mattress was relatively firm but the sheets were magnificent, a high thread-count. He tucked me in and his soft-as-the-sheets lips skimmed my forehead.
“Thanks, Ty.” He shook the doctor’s hand. “I owe you one.”
“Skeet?”
“Still thinking you’ll get better, huh?”
“I’ve been practicing with a buddy of mine.”
“Maybe next weekend?”
“Sounds good. Sage, it was nice to meet you. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call me.”