“I’m fine.” She ruffled Hank’s fur and he yawned nonchalantly. “All in a day’s work huh?” Reggie joined her laughter.
“Roger doesn’t always take no for an answer. Travis has been forced to handle him before. I’ll tell him Roger’s slithering about.” Reggie promised.
The rest of their meal was spent sharing hilarious dating horror stories and bad pick-up lines. After lunch, they bonded like most women do, over a decadent dessert. Gillian felt they’d laid the foundation for a solid friendship.
Reggie’s past with Marcus gave pause. Gillian’s burgeoning attraction to Marcus would have to end in favor of Reggie’s prior claim. There was still something between them. Gillian also knew at this point in her recovery, friendship with a man was probably all she could handle. Female friendships could last forever; it was rare to find a romance that did. Anyway, for Gillian, romance had never lived up to the hype.
That evening, she summoned the courage to call Marcus with the news about the house. She connected with him on his cell phone. The conversation was strained.
“Marcus please, I don’t want to be ungrateful. I am so indebted to you already. It really isn’t fair I impose on your hospitality indefinitely and I think I’m going to want to stay in New Crescent. Hank and I love it here. It feels like home.”
Marcus was skeptical. “Come on, Gillian, you’re a city girl at heart. You’ll soon tire of small town life and long for the bright lights. Trust me. I know. Once you get over your fear of crowds you’ll want to come back. And what is Ernestine Sinclair going to say when you put the house back on the market? As I recall, she is a formidable, old woman, someone you don’t want to cross.”
“I doubt I’ll ever have to cross her in that way.” Gillian appreciated her friend’s genuine concern for her, but he really couldn’t understand. “I get such a wonderful feeling about this place and the people who live here. In fact, I’ve become very friendly with someone you know. Does the name Regina Stanton ring a bell?”
There was silence on the other end of the line. Gillian hoped that was a good sign and for once, wished she could read his reactions.
“Yes, I remember her.” Marcus said. “She’s a hard woman to forget.”
“I like her very much. I also like Ernestine. She’s a blast, so sure of herself, so strong. I admire her. I’d like to be just like her, one day.”
“Ha! Careful what you wish for.” He laughed. “She always frightened me just a little. Some ancient family history made her the town guardian. Kids thought she was a witch. I’m not sure she isn’t.”
“If she is a witch, then she’s the very best kind and given this town’s history, I wouldn’t doubt it a bit.” Gillian felt defensive. “She doesn’t scare me at all. She had my number immediately.”
“That might not be a good thing.” The concern in his voice was genuine. “Be careful with her. This is all so new to you. I’d feel a hell of a lot better if you stayed in my house, where I know you’re safe.”
“Marcus, you worry about me too much. I’m much stronger than you think and I feel more and more confident here.” She continued in a gentle tone. “Please don’t be upset I’m going to move out. I really think it’s a good idea. This way, when you come for a visit, local tongues won’t wag. You won’t damage my reputation.” She teased.
“I guess I have no choice in the matter, do I? It is your decision. I just hope you haven’t made a mistake.”
“If I have, I give you permission to say ‘I told you so’. But I doubt you’ll get the opportunity.”
“We’ll see. I really should go now, Gillian. Thanks for calling. I’ll call to check on you, tomorrow.” He waited until he heard her say “okay,” before hanging up.
Unsettled by their conversation, Gillian paced around the living room. Marcus had sounded so cold and disapproving. In the hospital, she’d seen his ire directed at some of the staff when he didn’t think she was getting the best care, but she’d never been on the receiving end before tonight.
Gillian hoped he’d come to understand her decision about the house. For now though, their conversation left a sour taste in her mouth. Restless, she kept moving, reviewing their conversation in her mind. He’d reacted when she mentioned Reggie’s name. Perhaps there was hope there. Holding on to that positive thought, she fed Hank his supper and readied herself for bed.
The sheets were cool and crisp against her skin. Hank stretched out on the floor beside her. She read a gothic mystery until her eyes grew heavy. Finally she switched off the light and settled down to sleep.
Her sleep was fitful and disturbed. Taking her chosen reading with her to her dreams, the darkness clawed at her. Whispered words plundered her sleep. A man’s fingers tangled in her hair and dragged her lips to meet a devouring mouth.
She tossed and turned in the bed, violently. An alarmed Hank barked furiously in a futile attempt to wake her. In her sleep, Gillian tried in vain to recognize the face of the man whose hands grasped her so cruelly, but the blackness was too dense. He spread himself over her.
She awoke with a start. Hank was standing over her, on the bed. It took her a second to focus on his beloved face. Throwing her arms around him, she sobbed into his soft fur. Shaken to the core, her head throbbed and her hands shook so badly she could barely control them.
“One day, I’m afraid I’ll step into one of those nightmares and never come out.” She shivered once again in reaction and lovingly stroked his soft white fur, finally allowing his peaceful spirit to wrap itself around her and provide comfort.
Chapter 7
Gillian settled in and grew closer to Reggie. Hank took a shine to Regina’s dog, Prudence. She was a cocker spaniel/poodle cross with attitude to spare. Hank was her willing slave. He still kept a very watchful eye on his mistress, but as each day passed, Gillian grew more confident and needed him less. New Crescent proved to be the perfect tonic.
Blessedly, Gillian hadn’t awakened from a nightmare since moving into the house on the cliff. It was always warm and welcoming. It felt like home. The sight, sound and smell of the sea outside her windows soothed and energized her and she’d even started to garden.
She’d made few changes to the house. All the furnishings looked so appropriate there, Gillian simply moved her things in, alongside them. It all worked out extremely well and the house took on some of Gillian’s personality and combined it with Ernestine’s seamlessly.
As promised, she’d had both Regina and Ernestine over for lunch. The three of them had an uproariously funny meal, watching Pru torment the smitten Hank until he finally whined and rolled over to expose his belly in utter supplication. Pru, for her part, curled up beside him and promptly fell asleep.
Ernestine was wonderfully gracious and never once made Gillian feel that the house wasn’t her own home. The old lady happily relinquished ownership fully without question or comment. In fact, the entire town welcomed Gillian and Hank wholeheartedly. They were greeted warmly everywhere they went. Word got around Ernestine approved of Gillian and the fact opened more doors than anything else could have.
There were many good looking, successful men in New Crescent and Gillian suspected Reggie went out of her way to introduce her to each and every one of them. She saw very little of the sheriff, however she couldn’t help but feel his presence, especially with her heightened awareness. He had stayed out of her way and for that she was grateful. Unfortunately for Gillian, none of the town’s attractive men could hold a candle to the sexy sheriff, his blatant hostility towards her notwithstanding.
Most of the local shops carried what she needed so she had no reason to make trips into the city. She was a regular at the local Supermarket. Her comfort level grew with each passing day and she had to rely upon Hank’s support, less and less. It was wonderful and Gillian settled in with confidence, feeling more in control of her life than she’d felt in many months.
It was this newfound confidence that led Gillian to venture into town on her own one day. Sh
e felt sure she could handle anything that came her way. The day was clear and bright and the supermarket was busy as usual. She quickly found what she needed but, as was her habit, she picked up a few other things she didn’t need. She greeted Chase McCann, the handsome owner of the Garden center who was carefully selecting a cut of organic beef with the help of the man behind the counter. Reggie had introduced her weeks ago and Gillian felt comfortable in his company. He looked pleased to see her, and they exchanged small talk for a bit until she excused herself to go and pay for her purchases. As she headed to the check-out counter, she thought about the man. He was of course, the sheriff’s good friend but she refused to let that color her opinion. She sensed gentleness in him, a quiet calm. She was grateful for the advice he’d offered regarding her garden, much of which she planned to put into action immediately, itching to feel the earth between her fingers.
Sandy was manning the cash register and while she looked a little more fatigued than usual, when she saw Gillian, she politely asked after Hank. She bagged Gillian’s groceries and handing them over, she turned away briefly to acknowledge someone else. Her hand brushed Gillian’s.
The walls closed in. The pain in her head stabbed with such viciousness her knees almost buckled beneath her. The check out counter swam before her eyes and the world tilted on its axis. Unsure of exactly what was happening, Gillian tried to hold on. She took a few deep breaths but felt reality start to slip away. She was losing.
He was at her side in a split second, grasping her elbows and holding her firm. She used his strength and tried to stand straight. Without him, she would have crumpled to the ceramic tile, like a bag of wet laundry.
Travis spoke softly in her ear. “Easy, easy, I’ve got you.” He took hold of her grocery bags in one hand and used the other to half carry her out into the fresh air. The afternoon sun blinded her and she groaned with pain. Instinctively, he shielded her with his body. Her strength dwindled by the second, so he simply swept her up in his arms and carried her to his truck. She wasn’t aware of how he managed to open the door.
“Lie down.” He commanded from the driver’s seat as he gently pressed her head down to rest on his hard thigh. He shifted into gear and drove off.
The truck ate up the short distance and before she knew it, he was setting her down on the couch in her cool, living room. He left her there and walked to the kitchen. Returning with a damp cloth, he placed it on her forehead.
“Do you have any prescription medication for this?” She winced as she shook her head and he pressed a glass of cold water to her lips.
“Tylenol extra-strength?” When she nodded, he placed two tablets in her shaking hand. Gratefully, she swallowed them. He said no more. He just watched over her silently.
She wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but as the pain in her head eased, she dared to open her eyes. He sat on the sturdy coffee table in front of the couch looking at her with such a look of concern and tenderness, Gillian was nearly undone. She closed her eyes again in order to collect herself. In response, he leaned toward her and gently stroked her hair.
“How do you feel now?” His touch broke her concentration and her eyes flew to his. Those unusual, white-gold eyes made her almost forget about her headache. As she continued to look at him silently, she felt his hand in her hair tense slightly and she finally found her voice.
“Better now. Thanks.” Feeling at a definite disadvantage, she started to babble her apologies. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened. This is ridiculous, I’m so sorry.”
“Did you do it on purpose?”
Startled, and more than just a little offended, she answered with spirit.
“Of course not.”
“Then don’t apologize. I was there and you needed assistance. No apologies necessary.” He took his hand away and stood up with smooth grace. He ran a large hand through his already mussed hair, visibly irritated with himself or with her, she couldn’t tell.
She felt cold without his closeness and visibly shivered. He went to her instantly. “You’re cold. Do you want a blanket?”
“No, I just miss your warmth,” she thought, but never uttered the words that came to mind. Instead, she said, “I’m fine. Just reaction, I guess. It hit me so hard, so fast. I don’t know what happened.”
“Don’t you?” His gaze was sharp, cataloguing her every reaction. Gillian knew he wasn’t likely to let this slide. “So this kind of thing has never happened to you before?”
“Not exactly like this.” She knew she owed him some sort of explanation. He had come to her aid after all. “I’ve only been out of the hospital a short time and I usually take my dog with me everywhere I go. I’ve been doing so well since I came here, I felt comfortable leaving him with Pru, at Reggie’s. It’s never been quite so intense, without warning.” She massaged her temple.
“Why were you in the hospital?” When she hesitated, he insisted, “There’s no point in keeping anything from me.” He softened his words with a smile. It was the first to which he’d ever treated her. And it was potent. Gillian found herself opening up to him. She told him about the attack and her stay in the hospital. He sat in silence, listening to her.
She finally admitted, “I meant to stop by your office and fill you in on all of this since you’re the law around here, but I just hadn’t gotten around to it.”
“That should have been one of the first things you did when you came to town.”
“Well, you don’t make things easy you know; always frowning at me. I didn’t want to get anywhere near you.” Her spirit had reasserted itself nicely.
He laughed, “I guess you’re right.” Again, he pushed his hand through his hair, making it even more unruly, and him, even more appealing. “So you don’t remember anything about the person who attacked you?” When she shook her head, he continued, “I’m going to make contact with the officer in charge of your case and get whatever information I can. The safety of the citizens of this town is my responsibility and I guess that means you now.”
“Sucks to be you, huh?” She smiled at him, challenge in her eyes; the headache all but forgotten.
“Not at the moment.” He met her smile with one of his own and the temperature in the room changed. She could feel the warmth of his body and longed to close the short distance between them. His intent gaze told her he wouldn’t mind a bit.
Disconcerted, Gillian turned away and broke the tension, “I should probably call my doctor, he would want to know about what happened today. I can’t figure it out. I’ve been so well since coming here.”
“A doctor might be a wise move. You still look a little fragile and your hands are shaking.” She looked down at her hand as one of his cradled it gently. She did feel fragile, but more so from his touch, than from her headache. He stroked her palm with his thumb. Sweet Mother of God, she’d never known how heated an innocent touch could be. With the other hand he cupped her chin and tilted her face to his. Slowly, with infinite tenderness, he touched his lips to hers. His eyes never wavered. Whether he meant it to be, or not, it was an incredibly erotic kiss, soft and sensual…like he drank from her. He drew back, kissed both of her eyelids shut and surveyed his work with satisfaction.
“Mmmm…now that’s better. You have some color in your face.”
She blinked up at him in confusion and longing. He leaned his forehead against hers and groaned, “You can’t keep looking at me that way Gillian. There’s only so much a man can take. And I’d rather do this when you have more strength.” He took a deep breath and moved away from her.
Embarrassed, she was glad he’d turned his back to her. She hadn’t meant to welcome his touch. Except for a glimmer of desire in his eyes, he’d looked remarkably unchanged by the kiss. Amused and nonchalant, he acted like he kissed strange women everyday. Meanwhile, he’d curled her toes. Embarrassment turned to irritation. Gillian reproached herself silently. She was just another female who longed for his attention, how sickening. He’d rejected her so easil
y, and assumed he could pick up where he left off when she was stronger? She was angry with herself for her weakness. She hadn’t wanted this to happen. She didn’t want to feel this pull. He’d made no secret of his distrust of her, hell, she was pretty sure he didn’t even like her. Here she was, getting all sloppy over him. Anyway, despite her reaction to him, she didn’t like him much either. He’d been rude and unwelcoming. Resentment made her voice sharp.
“I’m fine now. I think you should leave. This was a mistake. One I don’t want to repeat.”
Her words, stated so flatly, changed the mood in the room drastically and Travis didn’t say anything for a moment. Finally, he turned with an amused look that infuriated her. She returned it with a steady glare, her strength returning.
His confidence was unshakable as he narrowed his eyes at her.
“There’s been something happening with us since we first laid eyes on each other. The air smacks with it. You may choose to ignore it, but I won’t anymore.” He acknowledged the stubborn look on her face and raised both hands in mock surrender. “Ok, I’ll duck out like a good little boy this time, given my poor timing, but fair warning, honey…I’m rarely a good little boy and you will have to deal with me next time.” He gracefully turned and walked out. Before the door closed behind him, he taunted, “Get some rest, you’re going to need it.”
Uselessly, she threw a pillow in his general direction and punched the couch cushion. Ten minutes later when Reggie showed up with Hank, she was still fuming. It didn’t help knowing that Travis had had the presence of mind to call Reggie and tell her to return Hank to his mistress, pronto. He was obviously unshaken by their encounter. One more point for him.
“He is the most arrogant, irritating man...” She fumed and shook a finger at Reggie, “And that’s not a good thing.”
Reggie, damn her, seemed to find the whole situation immensely entertaining. “Really, Gillian, I’m glad to see you’re feeling better. It’s all over town our good sheriff swept you away. But even if I hadn’t heard what happened, I’d have known he’s been here. Only Travis can put that look on a woman’s face. A unique mixture of excitement and exasperation, that’s quintessential Travis.” She picked up the pillow Gillian had thrown and squeezed it, “He sure can be frustrating, but he’s never boring. I think I’ll enjoy this…oh, not as much as you will, but almost.”
Trouble [New Crescent 1] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 5