Backburn

by Brandy L Rivers

  Ella stood there with a smile and a garment bag. “I finally have a way to thank you for everything you did for me.”

  Marissa shook her head. “You know that’s not necessary.”

  “And exactly why I want to do it.” She walked past Marissa, to her room, and hung the bag over the door before opening the zipper. “This dress is going to look amazing on you. But I want to see my handiwork before I leave.”

  Marissa stared in awe for a moment. “Tell me I’m not going to be hanging out of the dress.”

  Ella shook her head. “No. You’ll show off a little cleavage and your curves, but you won’t be in danger of falling out. Come on, I know you well enough to know you want to flaunt what you got without looking like a tramp.”

  Very true, and this wasn’t a dress she would pick because she’d be afraid of how it would look. However, as a movie star, Ella had worked with designers and knew her stuff. Now that she was out of the limelight, she enjoyed helping people find the right look. “I’m trusting you.”

  “It’s going to be gorgeous. I’ll be in the hall.” Ella stepped out of the room and shut the door.

  Marissa stared at the dress a moment, before stripping out of her clothes. A bra was out of the question. However, she put on a thong and found a gorgeous pair of heals she was saving for the perfect occasion.

  “You ready yet?” Ella asked through the door.

  “Come in.” Marissa hadn’t moved to the mirror yet. Admittedly, she was a little worried it was too much. And there was no price tag, which made her worry.

  “Gorgeous. And those shoes are perfect. Come here.” She took her hand and pulled her in front of the mirror.

  “Oh, wow. This isn’t too much?” Marissa asked, turning to Ella.

  “Hell no. Told you, tasteful, sexy, and perfect on you. You’re going to blow his mind.”

  “Seriously, thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Now I should go meet my man. Trent has something planned, but he won’t tell me what.”

  Marissa pulled Ella into a hug. “I owe you big.”

  “No you don’t. Just have an amazing night.”

  “You too.”

  * * * *

  Dave followed Ashton up to his parents’ guest room. Ashton put his stuff down and turned to give him a hug.

  Mom poked her head in. “Can I talk to you a minute, Dave?”

  He gave Ashton a pat on the back. “I’ll be right back, but I need to leave soon so I can get ready.”

  Ashton hugged Metcalf. “Don’t be nervous. She really likes you.”

  Grinning, he followed his mother onto the back porch.

  “Marissa Cortez?” she asked.

  “Yeah. Don’t tell me you have a problem with her.”

  Her face scrunched. “Why the hell would you assume that?”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “Long story. Never mind that. Sorry. Yes, she’s mine.”

  Mom grinned. “When are you bringing her over for dinner?”

  “Definitely not tonight. Sometime this week, maybe?”

  She bounced, her eyes lighting up. “That works. I understand Ashton got to hang out with her whole family. It’s our turn to have her over.”

  Laughing, he nodded. “That can be arranged. Tell me when.”

  “Tuesday?”

  “We’ll be here. Now, let me say goodbye to my boy so I can get ready. I’m taking her to Lourdes Bistro.”

  “Ooh, this must be serious.”

  “She’s the one.”

  Excitement rolled off his mother. “I’m so happy for you, Dave. You’re so much happier with Ashton back and a real woman in your life.” She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed.

  He hugged her back and stepped away. “You’re right. I plan on keeping her.” He found Ashton on the couch, talking to his grandpa.

  When there was a break in the conversation, he sat down next to Ashton. “You’re good here tonight?”

  A smile spread across his face. “We’re watching movies all night.”

  “Or until he passes out,” Dad teased.

  Metcalf nodded. “Sounds good. Remember, tomorrow we have a big day.”

  “I can hardly wait. And don’t forget to give Marissa my flowers.”

  He ruffled Ashton’s hair. “You got it. Be good for Grandma and Grandpa.”

  “Always. Have fun tonight.”

  “Promise. Good night, kiddo.” He kissed his head and left.

  The trip was quick. He grabbed the vase of flowers Ashton picked out and walked up to ring the bell.

  The door opened and his jaw dropped. He’d never seen a more gorgeous sight. Gold metallic fabric dipped down in a cowl to show a hint of cleavage. The top was loose, but hugged her hips and down her thighs. Not too short, not too low-cut, but damn, that dress...

  Blinking, he tried to find words to tell her how beautiful she looked, but none came.

  * * * *

  Nervous didn’t begin to cover Marissa’s state of mind. She paced the kitchen, trying to relax. This was Dave. Then it hit her. They’d never gone on a real date.

  Did it matter? No, but that didn’t stop the fine tremble in her hands. The bell rang and she jumped. She started to run to the door, but slowed herself to a walk. Dave stood there in a suit and a vase full of beautiful flowers.

  His jaw dropped as his eyes trailed over every inch of her. Then his mouth opened and shut a couple times. There was no doubt he liked what he saw.

  Her nerves dried up in the wave of his desire. She owed Ella big.

  Marissa found her voice before he did. “Come in.” She took the vase and pressed a kiss to his lips.

  Stepping back, she took another long look. The suit fit like a dream. “God, you look amazing.” Turning, she went to the kitchen island and placed the vase.

  His hands wrapped around her waist and he brushed his lips over her ear. “You’re stunning. This dress—shit, I can’t decide if I want to show you off or keep you all to myself.”

  She turned in his embrace and wrapped her arms around his neck. “We have all night, but I’m happy with whatever you decide.”

  “We’re going. I do want to take you to dinner. You’ll have to forgive me if I ravish you the second we shut the door when we get back.”

  “Oh, there will be nothing to forgive. I want you just as bad.”

  He leaned in and kissed her neck. “We better go before we lose track of time.”

  “Mmhmm.”

  “I’m looking forward to every minute.”

  “Me too.”

  Stepping away, he took her hand. “Your ride awaits.”

  Smiling, she let him take her to the truck, where he lifted her and set her in the seat.

  “That dress…” He shook his head, trailing his hand down her leg.

  * * * *

  Metcalf took the seat across from Marissa after pushing her chair in.

  Her dark eyes sparkled with her radiant smile. “Do you like French food?”

  A chuckle escaped as he lifted a shoulder. “Don’t know yet. But finding out is worth it to see you smile like that.”

  She reached for his hand. “Dave, you already have me. You don’t have to impress me. You do that on a daily basis.”

  His head tipped. “Not sure how, but I didn’t bring you to impress you. I brought you so I could enjoy your company somewhere I know you’ll love the food.”

  “Want to know what I’m most impressed with?”

  “Yeah, because I don’t understand.”

  “You take everything in stride. Rock bottom didn’t hold you down. Jeanette left you at the worst time, and you rose above all the challenges. Not to mention the way you are with Ashton. You’re an amazing father.”

  He snorted. “I don’t see myself that way.”

  “You aren’t broken, Dave. You haven’t been in a long time. And even then, you were a little cracked, but you weren’t shattered.”

  He pressed a kiss to her hand. “Then it’s fitting I’m fallin
g for a woman who so clearly loves her family. You bring out the best in all three of them, as different as they are. Then there’s Ashton, who’s as taken with you as I am. The flowers are as much from him as from me.”

  “He’s a lot like you. A mini-Dave.”

  “Thank you.” He wrapped both hands around hers, running his thumb over her wrist. “Oh, my mother wants you to come over for dinner. She wants to be properly introduced.”

  Her eyes dropped to the table for a second before bouncing back to his. “I’d like that.”

  The waiter came by with a bottle of wine. “The gentleman over there would like to buy you a bottle.”

  Frowning, Marissa turned then shook her head.

  Metcalf smiled. “Please tell him thank you, but I have everything covered tonight.” He didn’t like the fact her ex-husband was trying to give them a gift. Preppy little prick sat at his table with his new fiancée. The same woman who kept pestering Marissa. Not to mention he was willing to bet that his mother was the reason she was nervous to meet his parents.

  As the waiter made his way over, Chelsea glared at Marissa, who didn’t bother looking back. He didn’t get it. But if Carson was still doing things like buying expensive wine for Marissa, maybe he wasn’t so over her.

  “Sorry.” Her voice was soft. “I don’t know why he bothers.”

  Metcalf smiled. “Wishful thinking. You’re a hard woman to forget. I never stopped thinking about you.”

  She leaned forward, her voice a whisper. “Let’s forget about him. I don’t want to think about Carson or Chelsea. Let’s get back to enjoying our night.”

  The server brought their food, and Marissa closed her eyes, leaned forward, and breathed it in with a smile. “Thank you.” She smiled at the server, who tipped his head and left.

  Metcalf looked down at the plate and started with the meat. “Oh, it’s good. We can do this again.”

  Laughing, Marissa picked up her silverware. “I’m ready anytime you are.”

  * * * *

  “Dessert?” Dave asked.

  Marissa shook her head. “Nope, going to die if I eat another bite.”

  He rubbed his belly. “Yeah, me too.” He laughed, his eyes trailing down her body and back up. “Come home with me?”

  “Mmm, we may have to lie there awhile,” Marissa murmured.

  “Tangled in each other’s arms.” Grinning, he waived the waiter over and handed him his card. It was a matter of moments before he signed the check and helped her to her feet.

  Tingles traveled up her arm and down her spine. The night had been perfect. Conversation flowed easily. They were so completely compatible.

  And before she could dwell on stupid past decisions, she leaned close and took a slow, sweet kiss. “Thank you, Dave.”

  Smiling, he took her arm and started for the door. Someone touched Marissa’s shoulder, and she glanced back to find Carson and Chelsea.

  “Good evening.” She faced forward and started walking.

  “Why so rude?” Chelsea hissed.

  Dave paused and looked at Marissa. “What’s her deal?”

  “Don’t know, don’t care,” she answered.

  “Can’t get the man you want, so you’re flaunting another?” Chelsea fired back.

  Carson gasped. “She’s made no attempt at me since I left her years ago. She won’t even talk to me. Why are you being this way?”

  “You tried to buy them a bottle of wine, and they foolishly decided they were too good for you.”

  Marissa turned back slowly, plastering a smile on her face. “Chelsea, you’re making a fool of yourself. Carson and I happened twelve years ago when we were young and foolish. He’s happy with you. I’m not interested in him. Can’t you be happy you’re with him now?”

  Her face turned red. “You really like him so much?” She shot Dave a glare.

  “Yes, he’s everything I’ve been missing. I’m quite happy with my choice in men.” Marissa smiled over at Dave. “He’s perfect, really.”

  Chelsea huffed and pushed past them to go to the restroom.

  “I’m sorry. I have no clue what her issue is. The wine was a gesture of friendship, no hard feelings, and she assumes I still want you.”

  Marissa shook her head. “Thank you, but I’m fine, and as nice as that was, Dave wanted this to be about us, not about you. Tell Chelsea I hope you two make each other very happy.” She turned and started walking again.

  Dave said, “Have a nice night,” and caught up with Marissa. “Okay, she’s crazy.” He chuckled.

  “I don’t get it. And what’s her problem with you?”

  He shrugged. “Not a damned clue. I’ve seen her around town a couple times, but I’ve never spoken to her.”

  “Sorry. Let’s go.”

  Dave opened the truck and helped her in. The trip was made in silence. Thoughts danced through her head, none of them making much sense.

  He parked and turned to her. “What is it?”

  “Nothing that should be on my mind. I have a much better idea of what we can do.” She climbed out of the truck, and he hurried to catch up and open his front door.

  Inside, he locked the door and scooped her off her feet. “Think it’s time to take that encounter off your mind.”

  “Agreed.” She leaned up to kiss him.

  Chapter 18

  Tuesday came and Marissa had never been so nervous in her life. Metcalf drove them to his parents’ while Ashton filled her in on his day. She made the appropriate comments and gestures to keep him talking, but she couldn’t focus to save her life.

  Questions swarmed her head. Will they like us together? Will they try to push us apart? Are they going to say I’m not good enough? Will they think it’s too soon for Metcalf to have a woman in his life after getting his kid back?

  Honestly, she didn’t expect any of that, but after what she’d been through with Carson’s mother, she worried Shawna Metcalf’s friendly nature would crumble.

  Dave’s fingers entwined with hers. “Hey, everything will be fine.”

  Carson had said the very same thing when he’d taken her home. Moments before it ended.

  The truck came to a stop and she climbed down. Ashton took her hand with a beaming smile. “Grandma is excited to have you over. Grandpa’s happy Dad found a good woman.”

  She prayed he was right. “What about you?”

  He grinned. “You’re awesome. You make everything better.”

  She ruffled his hair. “You too.”

  Dave came around and took her arm. He leaned over to whisper, “He’s right. They’re excited.”

  She hoped so. Between her Mexican heritage, the fact her father had killed their mother, then himself, parents didn’t want their kids to have anything to do with her.

  At least Enrique and Estevan were young enough they hadn’t caught much of that. But Isandro knew exactly how it felt.

  Shawna opened the door with a grin. “Finally! It’s so good to see my boy smile like that. And all because of you two.”

  Henry came up beside his wife. “She’s right. It does look good on him. Welcome to our home.” He took Marissa’s hand and pulled her in for a hug, before Shawna could do the same.

  “Hey, thanks for having me,” she answered, smiling, but unsure of what else to say.

  Shawna started for the kitchen. “I’m almost done with dinner. Go get comfortable.”

  “Need a hand?” Marissa asked.

  “Aww, he picked a good one. But no. I promise, it’s all ready.”

  She dipped her head.

  Metcalf kissed her temple and hurried past to take the roast chicken from his mother and carry it to the table.

  Henry chuckled. “See, she’s really done.”

  * * * *

  After dinner, Marissa gathered some of the plates to take them to the kitchen. Henry frowned. “What are you doing, Marissa?”

  Smiling, she said, “Helping.”

  He hopped up, gathering more of the dishes. “I’ll joi
n you.”

  “You don’t have to. You all made dinner.”

  “Nah, just Shawna.” He nudged her shoulder. “You know, you’re good for Dave.”

  “He’s good for me too.”

  Henry nodded, his smile widening. “Ashton thinks you’re the coolest girl ever.”

  Marissa laughed. “Which makes me happy. If he didn’t like me I don’t know where that would leave Dave and me.”

  “You don’t have anything to worry about.”

  Metcalf joined them. “What’s going on in here?” he asked with an arched brow.

  “Getting to know your girl.”

  Dave moved beside her and draped his arm over her shoulder. “I’m never letting her go.”

  She grinned up at him. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  He took a quick kiss.

  “Now this is what I want for you, Dave.” Henry winked at Marissa.

  Dave whispered in her ear, “Told you they’d love you.”

  * * * *

  Later that night, after Ashton was asleep and they were lying in his bed after making love, Metcalf asked, “Why were you so nervous at the start of the night?”

  Marissa smiled shyly. “Not used to parents accepting me.”

  “Well, get used to it. That’s not changing, darling. And they really like you.”

  She rolled to him, running her hand up his abs and chest. “I’ll get used to it.” Then she giggled. “You know what’s funny?”

  “What?”

  “Your parents like me a hell of a lot better than Arianna’s mother likes Isandro.”

  He rolled on top of her and slid one leg between hers. “They don’t like you half as much as I like you.”

  “Shut up and make love to me,” she whispered.

  Chapter 19

  By Saturday they hadn’t made much progress on the case. There wasn’t enough to tie the fires together, and no evidence to point at who could have done it. All they had was that the person who robbed the hardware store had knowledge of what they needed and knew to hide their face. And of course, the limp.