If You Only Knew (And Then Came Love Book 1)

by Preston, Sara

  Julian massaged down her arms and she melted at his touch. His fingers stroked her bare skin, as fire shot through her system from his touch, the same as when she held his hand earlier. She peered up at him and he raised one eyebrow, still working his magic fingers over her arm.

  Kate said something, once again bringing Liza’s attention to the phone call.

  “What?”

  “I said, I don’t know what to tell you, but it will happen in the future.” Liza heard the sound of Kate thumbing through her appointment book, she said, “Do you have time to meet tomorrow?”

  Liza flipped to the current date on her calendar. She already knew her schedule, but browsed through her day anyway. “I can meet you at 12:30, but only for forty-five minutes.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you then,” Kate told her. “I’ll call the office about a replacement phone. Bring your old one with you. Do you have another way we can contact you?”

  “I have my home phone, but it’s not much use when I’m on the road.”

  “Well, I’ll see about making sure you have a phone by tomorrow afternoon. Oh, and don’t forget to sign the action plan I gave you Friday.” She hung up the phone.

  Julian rubbed one spot on her shoulder harder, trying to work out the knot. Liza moaned again and twisted to face him feeling her eyes widen. She brought her hand to her mouth and could her face flushed. “I’m sorry.”

  Julian chuckled. “I’ve been told I’m good at this.”

  “Oh God you are.”

  He picked up where he had left off and she let her head fall forward.

  “I think you’re the only good thing about this day.” She froze and buried her head in her hands arching her neck to give him better access.

  A virtual stranger had his hands all over her and all she could think was how good it felt. This day, her job, and her lack of ability to control what she said were making this day get worse.

  “Hey, I’m glad I could brighten your day. I mean, come on, your call didn’t sound pleasant conversation.”

  “It wasn’t. The last six months my conversations with her have been sheer hell.”

  “Your boss, I assume?” He waited for her to answer and when she nodded, he continued. “The best thing about my position is not answering to a boss. I have deadlines for my grants, but no actual boss.”

  “And it’s not one boss either. I have my Director of Case Management, my Clinical Director, and the Executive Director. It’s like they’re out for blood and no one can figure out why?”

  “That’s bull shit.”

  “I agree. What is it you do, where grants are involved?”

  “Research.” He moved across the room and folded his arms on the counter, facing her. “Sounds like you should quit.”

  “Easy for you to say, but no job leads to no money. I can’t quit.” What was she doing? “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to burden you with my problems.”

  He straightened then rested his hip against the edge of the counter. When he folded his arms across his chest, his biceps flexed, and her mouth went dry.

  “You’re not.” He dropped his hands to his sides. “Hell, it’s not every day my mother hits a hot chick with her car just so I can meet her.”

  Liza’s cheeks warmed and she bit her bottom lip. “Umm . . . I . . . umm, need to call my insurance company and figure everything out. Have you called the police yet?”

  “Don’t worry about the police. My mother’s insurance will pay for everything.”

  Jackie and Laura snickered from the other room.

  Liza suspected they were closer to the kitchen then they were to the living room. “But won’t the insurance company need a police report in order to file the claim?”

  Julian shook his head and waved his hand. “Leave it to me. Don’t worry, they’ll cover it.” He made two more cups of tea. “I’m going to take these to my nosy mother and aunt, before we end up with unwanted company.”

  She flipped through her appointment book. “Shit.”

  “Shit what?”

  Liza jumped. “Sorry, I didn’t know you were back.”

  “I use every word in the book believe me. If you get to know me, you’ll find I have quite an expansive sailor’s vocabulary.” Julian rested his hip against the counter.

  What was she thinking? Here she was, fawning all over him. She couldn’t help but stare at his physique and the memory of the sparks from his touch made her shiver. She tried to clear her mind. “I have no idea how I’m going to get to work tomorrow morning. I’ll have to call Kate and tell her I’ll be late. She won’t be thrilled.”

  “What about how you’re getting home tonight? Marion’s a forty minute drive from here?”

  “No, the Yarrow Center is in Marion. I live in Bryton, on the other side of the lake about ten or fifteen minutes away from here.”

  “Still quite a hike if you’re on foot.”

  “I guess you’re right.” Liza sighed and picked up his phone again. “My next calls will be for a tow truck and a car rental.”

  Julian covered her hand with his. Her flesh burned where he touched her and she stared into his eyes. She saw a flash of desire. Was he feeling the same thing? Then it was gone, almost as soon as it came and took a seat on the stool next to hers. “Let’s think this through. It’s coming up on 9 o’clock. Most of the car rental places are closed or closing. Your concern should be getting home, because your car won’t be fixed tonight.”

  “You’re right.” Liza looked over at him. “I’m going to get written up for this incident. I can’t miss work. It’s more of a priority right now.” She paused to take a sip of her tea and then continued. “You wouldn’t happen to know a tow truck driver who could drive me home?”

  “Can I change the subject?”

  “The longer I wait, the lower my chances of help.”

  “I get that, but you have to be tired.” He patted her hand. “If you go through the entryway there’s a library in the front corner of the house. There’s a couch in there. Why don’t you go rest while I get your car towed and then I’ll drive you home?”

  “I don’t want to impose.” She gnawed on her lip, but shutting her eyes would be wonderful. Quilt barged in and shit on her happy thought. “I don’t know you and I can’t ask you to do that for me.” While she found his offer to be sweet, she knew she couldn’t accept. “I’ll call a friend—”

  He interrupted her. “I insist. My mother wrecked your car. You have enough to deal with. All I’m doing is calling the tow truck and taking you home. Go lie down and relax while I make the phone calls. It’s the least I can do.”

  She could use a moment to clear her thoughts and all he was doing was offering to get a tow truck. She could call a cab when the truck arrived in order to keep from imposing any further. “All right, but let me know when the truck gets here.”

  “Will do.”

  Liza stood and held out her hand. “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.” Julian brought it to his lips.

  Liza’s cheeks flushed and she giggled . . . something she never did. She turned away. When she glanced at him, she found him grinning at her. She smiled in return and headed into the other room.

  *****

  Julian caught his mother grinning as he walked into the living room. “What?”

  “Nothing. Did you get everything settled?”

  “I sent her to lie down.” He scratched his head. “I thought she was going to pass out in the kitchen.”

  “And the cars?” Jackie looked up at him.

  “Drew should be here soon.” He shifted his vision toward the hallway leading to the library. Rubbing her shoulders hadn’t been the smartest move. The moment he touched her he was hard. He tried to shift himself surreptitiously into a more comfortable position. The more he thought about her lying a mere twenty feet away . . . the more turned on he became. Talk about one sexy woman. And the sparks when they touched – whoa.

  Aunt Laura said something. He raised his eyebrow. “Wh
at?”

  “She’s rather pretty, don’t you think?”

  When his aunt shared a smile with his mother, he knew he was in trouble. The two would be trying to set him up with Liza for the next six months. They were always meddling and matchmaking with one sibling or another. His mother had set him up with his first wife. Never again. He shoved his hand in his pockets.

  “I guess.” He lied. He intended to pursue Liza, but he wanted to do it on his own terms.

  “Hooey!” Aunt Laura huffed and waved her hand in dismissal. “Are you trying to make us believe you’re not attracted to her?”

  “I love you both, but you know how I feel about being set up. Remember my first wife?” His glare for his mother’s benefit did nothing to dissuade her. In fact, she laughed. Damn!

  “The only time I was ever wrong.” Jackie shoulders hunched and she let out a sigh. “You have to give me credit — I nailed it with the rest of your siblings.”

  “Not quite, Donovan’s divorced.” His older sisters, Andrea, Vivian, and Marissa were all married and had children of their own. Donovan was the oldest child and had been married to his wife for twenty years before they split.

  “I didn’t set up Donovan and Crystal. I believe her father and a shotgun had more to do with the two of them getting married.” Jackie straightened her shirt. She appeared perfectly poised, despite the car accident. “The girls are happy at least.”

  There were ten children in their family. There was a gap of seven years between his sister Marissa and him and his twin brother Drew.

  “Agreed and they’re glad you set them up. Me on the other hand – well, Leave it alone.”

  Aunt Laura and his mother exchanged another smile.

  Julian rubbed his brow. Those two were up to something.

  “I’m not looking for a relationship right now.”

  “Doesn’t mean I can’t try.” Jackie smiled. “Your other siblings, well, I think I have people I’d like to see them with.”

  “Again, Mom, don’t want a relationship.” When would she learn to leave well enough alone? It wasn’t as if any of them needed her help. “And as far as the others are concerned. Drew’s a confirmed bachelor. Jake is off doing who knows what, who knows where. Terra would never speak to you again if she thought you were meddling in her life. Trevor’s a robot. And Blake, well, set him up with Lindsay and I think we’ll all be happy.”

  “It was an observation, darling.” Jackie patted him on the shoulder. “No need to get all worried.”

  “Just saying.” Julian shoved his hands in his pockets. Drew needed to get his ass herewith the tow truck and he needed to do it now.

  As if on cue, the door opened and Drew rushed through the door. “Are you two okay?”

  “We’re fine, dear.” Jackie waved her hand at him.

  Drew gave the two women a quick hug before turning to Julian. “Where’s the owner of the car?”

  “She’s in the guest room. She was pretty shaken up.”

  “She’s also smoking hot and your brother is drooling over her.” Aunt Laura hit Julian in the arm.

  “Aunt Laura!”

  “Smoking hot, huh?” Drew winked.

  “Fuck you. Go tow the cars.” Julian pointed toward the door.

  Drew put his arm around, Aunt Laura, put his hand in front of his mouth, and then spoke in his normal voice. “Two months from now, we’ll be sitting here telling us she’s pregnant.”

  Julian picked up a magazine from the end table and threw it at his brother. “Tow the damn cars, asshole!”

  Drew snickered, gave his mother a kiss on the cheek, and headed for the door.

  Julian’s father, Everett, arrived. He tried to question Julian, but Jackie pushed him out the door, after Drew’s departure. “Good night, dear,” she said as they were leaving.

  Julian shook his head and fixed his eyes on the door to the library. He was not in the habit of rescuing damsels in distress. In fact, he avoided them. He had to do something. Her good looks . . . well they may have come into play. He sure as hell hadn’t expected the charge. It was as if electricity raced through him when he touched her. He’d never experienced that before. It had him questioning his past. He’d been married twice. Thought he’d been in love with both women, yet neither of them gave him the same reaction he had with Liza.

  Since his last marriage ended, Julian became a declared bachelor. Sure, he dated, but nothing serious. He kept a two-date rule.

  Julian moved into the library to find Liza fast asleep on the couch. Her laptop was open on the coffee table and papers scattered about.

  She was a beautiful woman. 5’9” with long red braided hair. It wasn’t the coppery red hair, but a deep rich auburn curls, and gorgeous big hazel eyes. Her jeans and blue and gray striped sweater weren’t super loose, but they were loose enough to hide her curves.

  He considered waking her up, but figured he would let her sleep. Instead, he tugged the blanket off the couch and draped it over her. He was about to head upstairs for bed, but decided against it, heading for the basement to work.

  Chapter Two

  March 20th

  Liza woke up to the smell of coffee, but did not open her eyes. The smell was strange since she was the only one living in her apartment. She blinked. Where the hell was she? She didn’t recognize her surroundings. Reality came crashing in on her when she remembered she was sleeping on a virtual stranger’s couch. Glancing at her watch, she bolted upright. Five thirty. She had a visitation scheduled at eight and was clueless as to how she was going to get there.

  Liza closed her laptop, stuck it in her bag, and then packed up her papers. A cup of steaming coffee sat on the table. Next to the cup was a note scrawled in neat, angular handwriting. She picked it up and read:

  Liza,

  There’s a gray car out front ready for you. Keys next to the note. Give me a call when you have a spare moment.

  Julian

  His number was at the bottom of the paper. Liza put the note down. All things considered, she didn’t have any other choice. Resigned to accept the help offered, she tucked his note into her purse then tore a page from her notebook. She scribbled her name, address, insurance information and phone number on the paper then plucked the keys from the table. Would she get a bill in the mail from the tow truck?

  She gathered her things. Misty, her client’s daughter, was scheduled for pick up at seven thirty. She would need to hurry if she wanted to get home and change clothes first.

  Liza left the den, headed through the main room, and into the kitchen. She would have loved to have the time to see at the whole house. She rinsed the cup and left it in the sink, but didn’t see anyone around. How she wished she could have thanked Julian in person, but figured once she got her phone, she’d call and thank him.

  She headed out of the house and saw the vehicle in the driveway. She didn’t recognize the emblem on the front, but it appeared expensive and new. Her car was ten years old, missing a side mirror, and who knew what other damage from the accident. She hurried over to the vehicle and climbed inside. At least it was an automatic and not huge. It even had the new car smell.

  Upon arriving at her apartment, Liza showered. If her time allowed it, she’d blow-dry her hair, but most mornings it was easier to towel dry it and braid it.

  Opening her drawer, she reached for a clean pair of jeans. Stretch jeans for comfort or tight jeans for hot body? What if Julian asked to meet her after work? Tight!

  She caught her reflection in the mirror. She even accessorized her outfit. Brown and green infinity scarf, gold dangle earrings and an antiqued cuff bracelet. Shaking her head, she snatched her purse and left for work.

  Her job wasn’t difficult. She spent the majority of her time observing her clients behaviors while supervising visitations between them and their children. The children were removed from home due to a variety of issues from abuse to drug use. The other part of her job was to teach clients – in their homes – parenting, organization, a
nd help them find any assistance they may need. The stress from the bureaucracy, governmental regulations, and client issues made the job draining. Her first client was Katrina. Liza sat in the living room taking notes on the visitation.

  This case was different for Liza. While some of her other clients brought the system down upon themselves, Katrina didn’t. Having an IQ of 65, Katrina couldn’t reason over a sixth grade level. She tried hard to be a good mother to her daughter and it was clear she loved her. Katrina tended to be easy to take advantage of. Her mother had stolen her social security check and used it for drugs. After she left, she married a man who sexually abused both her and her daughter. Child Protective Services removed Misty from Katrina's care. Liza wanted nothing more than to tell CPS Katrina was ready to regain custody, but it became clear Katrina needed help to parent.

  The visit went well and Liza dropped off Misty, before making her way to the house that served as both an office for the case managers and a place to hold visitations.

  Liza knew the meeting with Kate wouldn’t be good. She resigned herself to get through it the best she could.

  Liza pulled up to the house with ten minutes to spare. She blew out a breath of relief because Kate wasn’t there yet. What had Kate wanted her to do before the meeting? Oh right, she needed to sign the new case plan for Joanne, her last client of the day. The therapist made the case plan. She had to sign in agreement of visitations.

  Liza rummaged through her purse trying to find a pen to sign the paper. Unable to find one she opened the glove compartment of the rental car, hoping to find a pen. A baggie fell out. She snatched up the bag, thinking it was something important. It appeared to be an herb. She inspected it a little closer, opened the bag, and gasped as the aroma hit her. Pot? In the glove compartment of a rental car?