Tracked by Trouble (Bad Boys Need Love, Too #3)

by Calinda B

  “I don’t know,” Zed said, cranking on the water in one of the long line of shower nozzles. He glanced around the space. Everything about this place screamed beige, utilitarian, functional, meant to get you in and out.

  “And you don’t have to tell me anything.” Jace stood in the doorway, his massive arms crossed over his chest. “But you know the kind of trouble I’ve been in. Maybe I can lend a hand. Offer a suggestion. At least help ease the load you’re carrying.”

  Zed squirted some of the melon-scented soap from the dispenser on the wall into his hand. He sluiced it all over his body. Next, he shampooed his hair with the mint-scented shampoo, wondering what Beck would think of the scent combo. Women seemed to pay attention to stuff like that. Not that she’d called or anything. A clear sign of lack of interest, right? Dating 101. Never one to linger in a shower, he cranked the water off and grabbed his towel from the hook, drying his body, his hair, and tucking the towel around his waist.

  “Well?” Jace stepped aside for him to exit.

  “I’m thinking.” Zed strode to his locker and pulled his boxers out. He stepped into the soft blue cotton and shimmied it up over his hips. “Yes, to the drink, maybe to telling you. You do have experience in dealing with nasty shit.”

  “Great. I’ll wait for you in the truck.”

  “What’s the rush? You’ve already seen me shower.”

  “I need time to recover.” Jace smirked.

  “Asshole.”

  “Nah, I need to give Zoé a call and let her know what I’m doing.”

  “Aren’t you all domesticated?” Zed said, sliding his pants over his legs.

  Jace turned, stalked away and lifted his middle finger over his head as a parting gesture.

  Zed chuckled.

  Twenty minutes later, they were in the same Mexican café, sitting in the exact same booth, about to be served by the same waitress.

  Inwardly, Zed groaned.

  Bambi gave him a huge smile when she sauntered up to their booth. “I remember you. You were in here the other day. Looked like you and your girlfriend were having an intense conversation. I tried not to interrupt. I hope everything’s okay.”

  “Thank you. Everything’s fine. Family stuff. She’s my sister.”

  Bambi’s smile brightened.

  Great, now she thinks I’m available. “Say, is there a seat out on the patio? I’m in the mood for some fresh air.” He glanced around at the other patrons. Unlike the other night, the space expanded by the minute with patrons.

  Bambi frowned. “I can check. It’s kind of cold and misty outside tonight. No one’s out there. And I only work this space.” She twirled her hand in a circle indicating the booths and table in this section.

  “Don’t take it personally, sweetie,” Jace said smoothly. “The guy’s funny that way. He loves himself some cool fresh air. It helps with his asthma.” He stabbed a thumb at Zed. “Outdoor enthusiast, too. Wants to be a park ranger someday.”

  When Bambi left to check on seating, Zed said, “Park ranger? Outdoor enthusiast? Loves cool fresh air? Asthma?”

  “It rolled off the top of my head, what could I say? You’re the one who asked to sit outside in the cold.”

  “I thought privacy was in order. Put your jacket on. They have heat lamps and a roof so quit bitching.”

  Bambi returned, gestured to them and they got to their feet. “You’ll have the space to yourself, I’m afraid,” she said. “I don’t think anyone else is going to join you.”

  “Perfect,” Jace said. “Zed’s shy.”

  “I’m not shy,” Zed said, scowling. “He’s kidding.”

  “Zed. What a nice name,” Bambi said with a smile. She walked them out to the patio, handed them menus, smiled and left.

  “You know this is one of my favorite places to eat and now you’ve ruined it for me,” Zed said. “She’ll think I’m this shy weirdo who likes cold air and has asthma.”

  Jace laughed. “Take her out and set her straight.”

  “Nah. Not my type. I’m more into redheads at the moment.”

  “Heard from Beck?”

  “Nope. I told her to take care of business and then call me. She sounds like she’s still wound up about her ex. She hasn’t called. I should get the hint.”

  Jace nodded. “She’ll get over it. I sure did.”

  Their waiter stepped outside and took their order.

  After he’d returned with pints of ale, Jace said, “Now’s your chance. Ain’t no one outside but us park rangers.”

  Zed scoffed. He took a gulp of ale before pouring out the tale he’d told the other night. It came out a little easier this time.

  “Holy fucking hell,” Jace said. “You’re right, that’s some sick, twisted shit. I don’t know what it’s like to be in battle. We’ve all heard tales. I’m sure the rules are different when you’re under attack and your life is on the line, but to shoot the side of someone’s neck who’s on your side so he’ll bleed out?” Jace reached up and rubbed his own neck. “That’s murder.”

  “He might have PTSD,” Zed said, in his brother’s defense.

  “What, now you’re defending him? I thought you despised him.” Jace took a sip of his brew.

  “He’s family.”

  “Come on, you know who you’re talking to, right? The guy whose only sibling is an addict? The guy who had to turn his back on his twin sister because she’s nothing but bad news?”

  “I know, I know, but I’m now the brother of a murderer. And my hands aren’t clean either because I got him the money to pay the other marine off. What does that make me? An accomplice?”

  “No, it makes you human, dummy. If my brother went all whacko on me and pulled a gun, you think I wouldn’t be scared? No one in their right mind would prosecute you or come after you.” Jace shook his head, causing his dark brown curls to bob.

  “You’ve got Hollywood hair, you know that, right?” Zed said, trying to lighten his mood.

  Jace swished his head side to side dramatically. “So long and luxurious,” he said in a high voice. “That’s what Zoé says.” He chuckled. “I should shave it all off like your brother but Zoé would be pissed.”

  “There’s that domestic side again.”

  Jace rolled his eyes. “I’m happy. First time in my life.”

  “Yeah,” Zed said, envy crawling up his belly like a fly. “Anyway, I was going to let it lie, you know? Not say a thing and hope my brother got his shit together. But he’s set to retire on some new early retirement plan the Marines are offering. He’s got fifteen years under his belt. He’ll get his bennies and retirement pay. And I’m worried what he’ll do--” Zed stopped, took a long swallow of beer. “I wonder what he’ll do to me if he’s around all the time, you know? I mean, will he come after me? Will he hurt my mom or my sister? I think being in the Marines and in combat has warped his mind. I seriously think he has PTSD.”

  Jace’s eyes slid to the waiter stepping across the threshold. “Hold up a sec.”

  “Sure you don’t want to come inside where it’s warm? A table just opened up in Bambi’s section,” the waiter said, before setting the plates down.

  “Nope, we’re good,” Zed said.

  “Okay. It makes no matter to me. She told me to ask you. Said she’s worried about you…your…”

  “My asthma?” Zed said. “You can tell her I brought my inhaler and I’m fine.” He patted his jacket pocket.

  The waiter gave them a sheepish look before placing the plates in front of them. “Another beer, guys?”

  “Sure,” Jace said.

  “You’re going to pay for that, Savage,” Zed said.

  Jace laughed. “I told you, take her out. You can explain what a kidder I am.”

  “And I told you, I’m not interested.” Zed took a bite of his taco.

  Jace did the same.

  They ate in silence for a few minutes, wolfing down their meal. The waiter returned with their next round of ale and disappeared.

  Ja
ce’s voice sliced through the silence. “I don’t have a clue what to tell you. No advice.”

  “Great,” Zed said.

  “But that doesn’t mean I won’t come up with an answer. Do you mind if I share this with Mitch? He’s done some scary shit in his time and if anyone will have an answer, he will.”

  “Whatever,” Zed said, letting his shoulder rise and fall. “Cat’s out of the bag now. Maybe I should take out a listing on Craig’s List.” He wiped his hand across the space in front of him. “Need help dealing with murderer. Call 555-0202.”

  “Funny guy,” Jace said. “The one thing Mitch has taught me that’s really stuck is this—we’re all carrying around a load of crap. It takes a community to lighten the load.”

  Zed smirked. “You know what you sound like, right? One of those televangelists. Some TV preacher.”

  Jace shuddered. “God, I hope I don’t sound like that. I’d hate to think I’m turning into my parents. All I’m saying is thank you for trusting me enough to share and,” he looked Zed squarely in the eyes, “we’ll get through this. We’ll find a way. You’re like a brother to me. You’re the brother I never had.”

  A weird lump formed in Zed’s belly. “Thanks, I guess. I don’t know what to say. Are you angling for a kiss or something?”

  Jace barked out a laugh. “Fuck no. Let’s finish up here and head over to Dicey’s for a game of pool, what do you say?”

  “Since you’re off the leash tonight.” Zed smirked.

  “Damn straight,” Jace said, tossing his paper napkin on the table. “The first round’s on me. But the rest of em…”

  “Are in my camp. I know, I know.” A warm, genuine smile formed on Zed’s face. “Thanks for what you said. And for listening. You’re doing all right with your life.”

  “Now all we have to do is get you hooked up with someone Zoé likes.”

  “So we can double date? So I can be domesticated, too?” Zed laughed.

  “Rub it in, rub it in. You’ll like it, too. There’s nothing wrong with a woman to come home to, not when she’s as fine as Zoé.”

  Or Beck, Zed thought. But really, what could he possibly know about someone based on one very fine moment of kissing? Not a thing, he decided. Not a thing at all—especially since she never called.

  Chapter 11

  A month into his training for the triathlon, Zed looked at himself appreciatively in the mirror. His muscles were sculpting into long, lean and powerful. He’d never be the muscled powerhouse like Jace but he didn’t care. Not vain by any means, he nodded, dressed and thought of Beck. He’d left the ball in her court and nothing had happened, but he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Maybe she thought he wasn’t interested? The only way to find out was to stop by the bar and see her.

  He thought of the lingering issue with his brother. Jace hadn’t come up with any answers, he and his sister never spoke about it, and the guy was halfway around the world. Maybe he’d never have to deal with it again. Right. More like, I’m happy to spin in an avoidance pattern.

  A truly morbid thought whirled through his head. Maybe he’ll get killed and we can all remember him as a hero. He blanched at that thought, thinking himself a real coward if that was his best plan of action. To wish my brother killed so I don’t have to deal with him? He could kick himself in the nuts right now.

  When he arrived at Tapt’s, he hot-footed it into the bar. No Beck. He approached the bartender. “When’s Beck working?”

  “Beck?” the male said. “She doesn’t work here any longer. Got a real job.”

  Of course, she did. Zed rapped on the bar top, said, “Thanks,” turned and strode away, disappointed.

  When he pushed open the door, exiting the dimly lit bar to the light of the outside, he nearly collided with her. “Beck! I came here to talk to you.” Dressed in jeans, a loose fitting sweatshirt, with a colorful, jeweled headband pushing back her long tresses, he inhaled sharply. As stunning as ever…

  She seemed guarded, not the vivacious young woman he’d met a few weeks ago. “Why do you want to talk to me?”

  “I, uh…I wanted to find out if you got your sofa back.” He smiled at her.

  A flicker of pain passed through her eyes. “Yes. I got it and gave it to Goodwill. I needed something new.”

  “Oh, well…that’s good…I guess.”

  “Yeah,” she said, forlornly. “Look, I came here to get my final paycheck. I’ve been so busy. I haven’t had a chance to pick it up.”

  “New job, huh?”

  “Yes.” A real smile crossed her face. “I got a job at a medical office on Newton Street. It’s a dream come true job.”

  “That’s fantastic! Congratulations! You want to…you want to get something to eat with me? Go for a walk?”

  “I don’t know, Zed.”

  All kinds of awkward uncertainty swirled through his system. He hadn’t really thought this through, but he never anticipated being met with such glumness and lack of interest. “Okay. Well, if you change your mind, you’ve got my number.” He started to push past her when her hand reached out and grabbed his biceps.

  “Wait. I’d like to walk with you. Let me…” She hesitated. “Let me get my check, I have to talk to my former boss, but I’ll be back in ten minutes. I’ll meet you in the parking lot.”

  “Great.” He nodded. “See you in a few.” He sauntered out toward his truck and leaned against the glossy black exterior, folding his arms over his chest. Suddenly, this didn’t seem like such a good idea. But if it put things to rest and he could let her go and move on, maybe that was for the best.

  When she emerged from the bar, she still carried herself in that slumped, depressed kind of manner as when she came in.

  What happened to her? Did her boyfriend rough her up? Is she a victim of abuse?

  “Hey,” she said, when she got closer. “Want to walk along the water?”

  “Sure.”

  They walked the few blocks down to the waterfront in uneasy silence. The blue gray water reached toward the hilly horizon, silky and calm. A white and green ferry chugged in the distance, making the scene look like a postcard.

  Zed finally cleared his throat and said, “I hope I’m not imposing by asking you to walk with me.”

  She looked surprised. “Why would you say that? This isn’t an imposition at all. I’m surprised you sought me out. I thought you…well, I saw you hugging someone on the sidewalk a few weeks ago—a pretty blond. I thought you’d moved on—and my final ending with Tyler was messy. I’ve been thinking about what you said…you know, about how endings say something. I don’t think my ending with Tyler says much about me.”

  “Why’s that? What happened?”

  She shook her head. “I’d rather not say.”

  Zed’s eyes narrowed. He regarded her with concerned eyes, cautious about how to proceed. “Are you wanting him back?”

  She gave a quick shake of her head. “More like… feeling like I don’t deserve you.” She swallowed and looked away. “And if you’ve found someone new, I understand.”

  “You saw me with my sister,” he said, wanting to assure her. “She’s a hair stylist. You should see the black roots she’s sporting these days. She even dipped strands of her hair in black to make it ‘cohesive.’” Zed chuckled. “You never know how she’s going to show up. One minute it’s green hair, the next it’s bleached blond.”

  Beck smiled warmly—her first deeply warm smile. It made her face radiant and beautiful.

  “I get it. Endings suck, even in the best of times. I lost my father a few years back and it was rough.”

  “Oh, Zed, I’m sorry. What happened?”

  “He had a heart attack. Massive. Didn’t stand a chance. He lived life large, ended life large.” He waved his hand in the air. “I want to hear about you. What’s so terrible about your ending?”

  Tears moistened Beck’s vivid hazel-green eyes. “Look, I slept with him, okay? It was a mistake. I felt sorry for him because he injured himsel
f in practice. I knew it was a stupid move. After that, he texted me and phoned me and left messages which I never listened to.

  “Then, he trapped my car in the parking lot of the PT office when I got off work. He said I’m an indecisive bitch. Why didn’t I call him back? Why didn’t I do this, do that? He said it’s over. He can’t keep being yanked around by me. Can you blame him? He peeled out of the parking lot after telling me he hoped I rot in indecision hell.” Her body shook as she confessed. “It’s just…it’s over, Zed. One hundred fifty percent done. Burnt to ash.”

  “Do you wish he hadn’t ended it? Do you want him back?” he asked again, insecurity surfacing.

  “No!” she said forcefully. “I mean…I can’t put my finger on it, but it wasn’t working. He’s a good guy but he’s a ball player. A life on the road is what’s in front of him. He wanted eye candy. Someone to show off as he made the rounds. He made the majors recently. That’s not the life I want to lead.”

  “Wow, what team?”

  “Mariners.”

  “Good for him. That’s quite an accomplishment.”

  “Yeah, it is. And I’m happy for him. It’s not the kind of life I want for myself, though. I like what I’m doing. I got this job at Dr. Johnson’s. He’s the orthopedic surgeon in town.”

  Zed liked the way her face grew animated when she spoke about her work. “What do you do? Are you a PT?”

  “I’m in my clinical residency.”

  “That’s great, Beck. I’m happy for you.”

  “Thanks.” She beamed at him. “I’m happy for me, too. I can’t believe I landed this job. I thought there’s no chance in hell I’d get it. I was handed the job two weeks before I graduated. I hadn’t even passed my test yet.”

  “They must have seen something special in you. That’s wonderful.” Zed felt genuinely pleased for her. “As for you and your ending…” He paused, turning to face her. “Don’t give yourself a hard time about it, honey. Sometimes we know something isn’t working but don’t have the courage to step off the ledge. We drift backward. It happens. There’s safety in the known.” He cringed, thinking of his brother. Or in avoidance of confrontation.