by Cd Brennan
“Really?”
Grace stuck her tongue out at him, which in a bout of bravery, he nipped. She gasped in surprise. “Rory Cameron. That’s not the gentleman I know.”
“Yeah? He’s left the pitch for good.”
When she smiled at him again, he couldn’t resist. He kissed her as if he would never let her go. He held her tight, perhaps too tight, but he wanted her to know that she was it for him. He’d take care of her. He’d never let her get sick again. He’d watch out for her.
The girls must have grown impatient waiting. One by one they passed him and Grace on the way out and either called out to him or patted his back. But Rory and Grace never broke their embrace. Grace tried after Brittany made a kinky joke, but he clamped onto her tighter.
Grace broke the kiss for just a moment. A sadness, or something Rory couldn’t fathom, “Did you miss me?”
“Nah.”
Grace scoffed, “Was that sarcasm, Rory?”
“Aye.”
“I’m so proud of you.”
He gave her a “Thanks.”
She ducked her head. “I’m so sorry. I left you to fend for yourself in Spring Branch, Texas. You must hate me.”
“Did that kiss just say I hate you?”
“You know what I mean.”
“Then I must really hate you.”
She punched him lightly on the shoulder. “I wasn’t in a good place when I saw you.”
“You mean at your folks?”
“Yeah.” She nodded. “Physically, but also emotionally, psychologically, all that. It’s hard to keep mentally healthy when you are always physically unhealthy. And my family drives me a bit nuts. I’m a bit embarrassed by my…behavior. And that nasty dress I was wearing.”
“You embarrassed? I wandered around Texas in a kilt.”
She punched him harder. “Now I feel even worse. Like the biggest pile of steaming dung in Texas.”
Rory laughed. “Yikes, not necessary. It was fine. I stayed at this place called…Wagon Wheel RV and Cabin Rental.”
Grace’s face flashed with pain before she rested her forehead on his chest. “Oh lawd, you poor thing.”
“It wasn’t so bad. It was the most travel I’ve done since being in the States.”
“What did your neighbors there think of your kilt?”
“Ha! I changed out of that right quick. I didn’t want to be shot or anything.”
Grace laughed and hugged him up tight. “Rory, I’m so sorry. After that day, I wanted to come back sooner, but I needed to be home for my sister’s wedding.”
“You could’ve called.”
She placed her hand on his cheek. “Rory, I’m. So. Sorry. I needed time to think and refuel, too. Just me. I even ignored all the advice my family was throwing at me. Luckily, it wasn’t much since they didn’t think I’d leave again. And the wedding kept them too busy to bother with me.”
He nudged her playfully. “Stop saying you’re sorry.”
“No, seriously. You never had anything to be sorry about. Me? Plenty.”
He released her and took her hand. “Come with me.” He led her to the field and then along the fifty-meter line until they were in the middle of the pitch. The complex lights were bright around them. He turned them so they stood with their backs to the uprights at the ends of the field. The breeze had picked up once they were on open ground, and it swirled around their legs. The lights prevented them from seeing out past the pitch, the stars muted by their intensity.
Grace looked up at him as if she expected him to say something profound, but he didn’t have much to say. He just wanted her to feel what it was like to be on the field again. He held both of her hands. “Does this feel good to you?”
She smiled. “It feels great.”
He kissed her quick because he could only go so long without needing to, the urge always strong and irresistible to connect to her in that way. “Ya know, there is this Scottish saying. ‘Whit’s fur ye’ll no go past ye.’”
When she quirked one eyebrow at him, an exaggerated look of bafflement on her face, Rory chuckled. “It means what is meant for you won’t pass you by.”
“Do you think I belong here?”
“Aye. But what does your gut tell you?”
When she wrapped her arms around his waist, he hugged her tight.
“Will you help me?”
“You don’t need to ask. I said I would.”
“Yeah, I know, I’m still nervous. I still need reassurance.”
Rory nodded. He understood all too well. He had drawn on Grace’s energy to boost his own confidence when he first met her. Now he would give it back to her. He cupped her face in his hands and said. “I will always be there for you.”
Chapter 24
Grace had buzzed and was waiting for entrance to the Sunset. She’d tried the security code, but they must have changed it when she was away. At a click and sigh, the doors drew open. There was a new woman leaning against the reception desk, and Grace wondered briefly if she was the one now doing Activities.
When Grace hesitated before the next set of doors, Rory squeezed her hand and tugged. She looked up at him and squeezed back. He’d been her rock since she’d returned to Traverse City. Steady, caring, strong for her. A bit overzealous on her medicine schedule, but she’d give him that.
When they approached the counter, the new woman shifted to the side, and Renee sat behind the desk. It was nice to see a familiar face.
“Good to see you, girl.” She stretched over the counter and gave Grace a hug. The other woman left and wandered over to a few residents at a table in front of the TV. “I was worried when I heard you were in the hospital.”
“I’m better, thanks.”
Renee leaned in and whispered, “Sorry to hear they let you go.”
“Me, too, and that’s why I’m here.”
“Oh?” Renee looked at her over her gold-rimmed readers. “Last check?”
Grace took a deep breath. “Hopefully not. Is Mr. Gabriel in?”
Renee looked bemused but made the call. After a few moments, she said, “He’s not answering his phone.”
Dayum. And it had taken her all morning to work up her courage. At her fallen face, Renee suggested, “Why don’t I just take a wander and see if I can find him for you.”
Grace brightened. “That would be great. Thanks, Renee.”
Grace turned and scanned the room. Everything looked the same as when she’d left. The usual suspects were in the lounge room adjacent to reception. Mrs. Durkin was asleep in front of the television. When Grace worked there, they had tried to get her to go to her room, but she had told them she didn’t like to be alone, so they let her sleep in a chair. Mr. and Mrs. Simons were arguing loudly at one of the tables. Scrabble again, it seemed. Mrs. Simons liked to make up her own words.
There. In the back corner nearest to the front doors. Her wheelchair faced the glass windows to the foyer, and that was probably why Grace hadn’t seen her at first. Mrs. Peas was staring straight at her. Grace smiled at her, then grabbed Rory’s arm and tugged. “Come meet a friend.”
As they walked, he moved his arm so that he could clasp her hand. All the time, he held her hand, and it was fantabulous. Even in front of the other lads on the team. Even in front of Del, who had threatened to move out for all the “romance” in the house. But Rory ignored all his jibes, and Grace, who would have never in her life considered such PDA, was in love and didn’t give a hoot anymore. It was all a part of her new plan.
Grace pulled out a chair right next to Mrs. Peas so she was eye-level with her. Rory remained standing. Grace smiled and grasped her hand. “Hi, Mrs. P, how are you?”
She didn’t respond. No “uh-oh” or “no way.”
“I’d like you to meet Rory. He’s the one I told you about.”
He hesitated as if not knowing whether to shake her hand, or perhaps bow. Grace had spoken to highly of Mrs. Peas, he probably thought her royalty. “Nice to meet you,” he finally s
aid. When he gave Mrs. Peas one of his warm smiles, Grace nearly melted. And he was hers! She squealed…on the inside. She hadn’t gone complete girl.
Mrs. Peas eyes shifted to behind Rory, so Grace looked, too. Ex-boss, Mr. Gabriel, was headed her way, Renee following behind. Rory turned also and stepped to Grace’s side when they approached.
“Grace, good to see you again,” he said and held out his hand.
She took it. “Hi, Mr. Gabriel, this is my boyfriend, Rory.”
He shook Rory’s hand. “Ah, so he’s moved up from roommate.”
At first Grace was confused, but then remembered he’d seen Rory before. “Ah, yes…he sure has.”
Mr. Gabriel held out an envelope. “Your last check.”
“Thank you, but I was hoping to talk to you about that.” Mr. Gabriel didn’t seem inclined to take her anywhere more private for the discussion, so she’d have to just give it a try right here. “I was hoping you’d reconsider and give me my job back. I can honestly tell you, hand over heart, I didn’t steal that insulin.”
He said nothing, only studied her in that aloof manner he had.
“I know it looks bad since I’m diabetic, and yes, I was struggling with money when I came to this job, but I would never do that.
Mr. Gabriel’s bush gray brows rose above his eyeglass rims. “Unfortunately, I can’t do that.”
“Please, I’ve learned a ton over the last few weeks and I wanted to tell you that I’ll try that much harder this time. I won’t get personal calls to the phones here.” She waved her cell phone in front of her. “I won’t have any visitors, and I’ll try harder to give equal time to each resident. I didn’t steal the insulin, Mr. Gabriel.”
“She didn’t.”
As one, they all turned to Mrs. Peas. That couldn’t be right. “Mrs. Peas?”
“That’s right. I can talk.”
Renee laid a hand on Mrs. Peas shoulder. “But, you haven’t said a thing for years!”
“It was just easier to stop talking.”
Everyone in the lounge had quieted and turned to witness the event. It would be the best gossip they’d have for a while.
“Before I came here, all my kids did was talk at me. Like I was a baby. And they’d argue right in front of me like I wasn’t even there. Mostly about who was going to get what when I kicked the bucket. I didn’t want any part of it so I stopped talking. There comes a time in life where there isn’t much point in so much talking anyway. No one is listening.”
“But why not here?” Renee asked.
She waved her hand in dismissal. “Found out it worked well, so kept with it. Made life more enjoyable if you ask me. And sometimes it was humorous to watch others try to figure out what I wanted. It amused an old lady with a lot of time on her hands.”
Grace laughed, but the others didn’t. That was classic.
“Mr. Gabriel, I’ve been a resident here for some time. Grace has worked the job as well as many others.” When he started to object, she held up her wrinkled hand. “Yes, she did spend quite a bit of time with me playing cards, but as for the insulin, bah! I know who took the insulin. I saw it.”
“Who?” Mr. Gabriel asked.
Mrs. Peas viewed Mr. Gabriel over her spectacles, an evil-eye if Grace ever saw one. “I’ll tell you later. It’s not for me to say in front of everyone here, and you should have thought of that.”
Grace held in a snort.
“I’m sure there is another position you can find for a lovely woman like Grace.”
All were silent, waiting on Mr. Gabriel. He scratched the top of his head, then ran his hand down his throat. “Grace, even if I did want to give you a second chance, I can’t. I’ve already hired someone else for the job.”
Oh, shoot. Her heart sank.
Mr. Gabriel took a deep breath. “But there is a Dietary Aid position opening up in a couple of weeks.”
Grace didn’t dare to say anything to hex the chance. She held her breath and crossed her fingers.
“Isn’t that what you graduated in, Grace?” Mrs. Peas added. Grace gave her a smile. The older woman had the glint of the devil in her eye.
Mr. Gabriel scratched his head again. “I do remember seeing that on your original application…”
“Well, then, she’d be perfect for it,” Mrs. Peas offered. “That’s settled then.” And with that, she turned to Renee. “Will you please take me to my room? I need my nap. It’s tuckered me out, all this talking.” But she had a smile on her face.
As Renee grasped the handles of her wheelchair, Mrs. Peas said, “But you’ll still play cards with me, won’t you, Grace?”
“No way,” Grace teased her.
The old woman laughed, a semi-silent wheezing, her shoulders shaking with the effort.
“I’m just kidding. I’d be happy to.” At a glance from Mr. Gabriel, she corrected, “On my breaks or after my shifts.”
Mrs. Peas was still chuckling as Renee wheeled her away. Grace asked Mr. Gabriel, “So what do you think? Can I get a second chance? I’ll work really hard to prove to you that I am a reliable employee.”
He stared at her a moment before answering. “I think everyone deserves a second chance. And if you’ve grown in your responsibility like you say you have, then I think a three-month trial as a Dietary Aid will work for Sunset.”
Yes! She went to hug Mr. Gabriel, but then stopped at his stern look. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“It didn’t hurt that Mrs. Peas had a thing to say about it, too. That she spoke at all is amazing. You obviously had a huge impact on her, Grace. That says enough.”
“Thank you.”
Mr. Gabriel took out a business card and wrote something on the back. “We’ll see you in two weeks then.” Mr. Gabriel nodded to Rory and then walked away.
Grace did a victory disco dance in place. It was the code for the doors. She was back in!
“Does that mean you have to start over your three months before you get health insurance?” Rory asked as he grabbed her arm and led her to the doors.
Thanks to the rugby gods for her Rory. Always thinking of the things she didn’t. “I’m not sure, actually. I should have asked. But I was just so darn excited to get the job!" Grace keyed in the code, and they walked out into the warm spring day. In the few weeks she’d been gone, winter had finally released its claws from The Mitten, and spring had come quickly. It was a balmy sixty degrees, tulips and daffodils sprouting everywhere, and the trees all wore a new coat of vivid-green baby leaves.
“So…what do you want to do for the next two weeks?” Rory asked her as they walked to Bluegill.
“Hmmm…” Grace tapped her mouth with a finger. “Not sure. You want to give me some private rugby lessons?” She wiggled her eyebrows at him.
He opened her door for her. “No’ really. Let’s do something different.”
She looked up and smiled at him. Agreed.
Carpe diem.
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Cd Brennan will be releasing some fun and sexy shorts for the Play On series. The first book, Ruck Me, will be out summer 2017.
RUCK ME
Dependable and hard-working Dave Marsden is the loose head prop for the Traverse City Blues. A big man with an even bigger heart, Dave doesn't let the other players’ ribbing bother him about owning the premier flower shop in town. In fact, little in life bothers him…that is until his world collides with Sierra Richards, a teammate’s sister.
Now Dave is questioning everything. Thanks to their fierce physical attraction, his world has gone askew. Could a sexy siren like Sierra really fall in love with a big oaf like him? Sierra challenges Dick's concept of normal with her slightly criminal attitude. Thanks to her computer hacking skills, she constantly pushes the boundaries of the law. And when Sierra’s hacking finally catches up to her, will Dave rescue her from her own misdeeds?
Because
there is a right and there is a wrong, right?
Ruck Me Sneak Peek
Chapter 1
The large wipers swished back and forth across the bus windshield. Clunk. Clunk, hitting the outside edges of the windows with each pass. March 25th and the sky had opened up with a snow-rain mix, the big, wet flakes splatting the windows.
At least they were going to a warmer clime for this rugby tournament. All the way down to Nashville, Tennessee for this year’s Nash Bash. Just under eleven hours, and the Blues would be in the midst of sunshine and rugby. A perfect long weekend in Dave’s book.
Both the men’s and women’s team, and partners and girlfriends of some, were loading their gear underneath the bus and then climbing on board. The bus lurched back and forth with the weight of the bags, and often with the weight of the bigger men as they stepped inside.
The bus was almost full. The recent introduction of the Lady Blues was good. All good. Just made things a bit crowded on the bus, so Dave had started to ride up front where it was quieter. Usually he sat across from Irish and Gillian, but Irish was gone playing qualification matches for the next World Cup with the Eagles. Lucky bastard. And Gill was now sitting with some of the girls from the Lady Blues in the middle.
Rory was his usual bus buddy, but now he sat with his new girl, Grace, also playing with the Lady Blues. That was cool. More room for him to spread out. Surprisingly, their bus driver Joe, had music playing tonight over the speakers. Not surprisingly for northern Michigan, it was country, which wasn’t a favorite of Dave’s.
They had about six hours before their first stop, so Dave got out his travel pillow, iPad, and earphones and had just stretched out over the two front seats when assistant coach, Shaun, came on board and handed Dave a clipboard. “Can you do me a favor and check off everyone that is already on board and as they come in so we know we have everyone?”
Coach always followed the bus with Shaun and carried any extra equipment. That also gave them a vehicle wherever they were going. It also made Dave a bit jealous for the quiet they would get.