by Glynna Kaye
“I’m not planning to sublet.” Maddie’s cheery voice echoed through the phone even this early in the morning. “Too much hassle for a few more months. Why? Are you fixin’ to ditch your condo?”
He’d have to be careful here. Play it cool. “No, but through work I’ve learned that the widow of a fellow officer killed a couple of years ago is in need of temporary housing. Thought your place might be an option.”
“Is this the one who saved his partner? I vaguely remember something about that. Big hero.”
Yeah. Big hero, all right. “This is his wife.”
“It’s not a cheap apartment, Gray, being located close to the Texas Today office. I’m stretching myself to hang on to it for a few more months because I haven’t wanted to mess with subletting it to a stranger and all the headaches that entails. I mean, what if someone damaged it and I lost my deposit?”
“I’ve met Officer Lopez’s wife. She’s a trustworthy and responsible type. You wouldn’t have to worry about damage.”
He could almost hear her thinking. Weighing options.
“You know, I’d actually appreciate someone keeping an eye on the place. If you know this woman to be a reliable sort, I’d even consider letting her stay rent-free for my own peace of mind. It’s the least I can do for the wife of a man who put his life on the line.”
And didn’t lift a hand to protect his family’s future.
“That’s generous, but I can’t let you do that. What if I cover rent and utilities—October through December—regardless of whether she’s interested in staying there or not? You’re draining your savings right when you need it to embark on a new phase of your life. Consider it a wedding present.”
Maddie gasped. “Wow. That’s an awfully generous wedding present.”
“You’re worth it.”
“And you’re the world’s greatest big brother.” The delight in her voice brought a smile. “I can’t figure out why a savvy woman hasn’t snatched you off the market yet.”
He chuckled. “Maybe they already have a cool big brother.”
“Ha ha. Very funny.” She paused, then continued with an unmistakable hint of curiosity in her voice. “So, I take it this cop’s wife is still single?”
Wouldn’t you know it. Despite his best efforts, he hadn’t outmaneuvered her as he’d managed to do when she and Violet had all but tackled him the last time he’d been in Grasslands. Of course, Jack walking into the kitchen at that moment had been what saved his neck. “Don’t go there, Mad.”
“Just asking.”
“She has a kid. Six-year-old boy. Need I say more?” That was something he kept having to remind himself of. He might be willing to go out on a limb for Elise, but a kid could get hurt.
“Come on, Gray, you need to get over that. All single moms aren’t cop-a-phobic.”
“Yeah, well, this one is. I’m keeping my distance.”
Sort of. Maddie didn’t need to know any details of his tenuous relationship with Elise.
Or about the almost-kiss.
But he was determined to get mother and son to a safer environment. It would take considerable sweet-talking to pry her out of that fourplex and into Maddie’s place. In the meantime, though, he’d make certain she and Cory were more secure. He’d already arranged for a little surprise when she arrived home tonight.
Chapter Ten
Elise frowned. “I didn’t call a locksmith.”
A slim, capable-looking woman stood outside her apartment door early Monday evening. Dressed in jeans and a tan uniform shirt with official-looking patches, she held out a business card. Rebecca Amerdin. Locksmith.
“No, you didn’t, but a certain police officer of our mutual acquaintance did. Grayson Wallace.”
“Why am I not surprised?”
The locksmith smiled at the resignation in her tone. “As you probably know, there’s no point in arguing with Officer Wallace. That’s why I’m here to install deadbolts and check out your window locks. No charge. He also mentioned someone will be along in a day or two about smoke alarms.”
Did that man’s pushiness never cease? But she couldn’t deny the flimsy locks would do little to deter someone intent on breaking in to the apartment. The lack of smoke alarms had made her uneasy for some time.
“He said you should call him when I got here so he can confirm I’m legitimate.”
“You may as well come in then, Rebecca.” She stepped back to admit the locksmith. Did the woman wonder what her connection was to Grayson?
“Please call me Becky.”
While Becky set to work, Elise checked on Cory who was doing homework at the kitchen table. Then she slipped back to her bedroom, dug out a certain someone’s business card and determinedly punched in the numbers. She needed to apologize, anyway, didn’t she? For behaving rudely Friday night.
Her heart rate edged up a notch as she listened to the repetitive ring. She didn’t want to talk to him tonight. Not before she knew what she wanted—or didn’t want—from Grayson Wallace. She’d hardly thought of anything else all day except how she’d betrayed Duke’s secret...and how dangerously close she’d come to letting Grayson kiss her.
Her breathing came unevenly at the memory as he came on the line.
“Elise. I take it the locksmith’s arrived?”
The hesitation in his voice was instantly recognizable. Pleased that she’d called, but not quite sure what to expect. Was he regretting Cory’s interruption last night? Or heaving a sigh of relief? Regardless, he had to wonder how she felt about it.
“Yes, thank you. It appears Cory and I’ll sleep more soundly tonight.”
“Good, good.” He sounded more sure of himself. “Becky knows her stuff.”
“Well, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“So...” She searched for something else to say. She should have taken a few moments to think this through, not snatched up the phone two seconds after the locksmith arrived. It had been her intention to apologize for her behavior Friday and for last night’s outburst. To assure him she was fine and things were under control. He didn’t need to hover protectively over her and Cory. But the only words that came to mind were would you have kissed me if Cory hadn’t cried out?
“How was your trip to your family’s ranch?” she ventured. So many times Gray’s unusual family situation had come to mind. How awful it must have been for him to return from an undercover assignment to the astonishing news of family he didn’t know existed and his dad’s disappearance. “Any sign of your father?”
“Not yet. I’m calling around South Texas, checking out clinics and hospitals, but coming up empty-handed.”
“I hope you find him soon.”
“Me, too. Things are kind of tense out at the ranch, as you can imagine...but I did have a good laugh on Saturday.”
The unexpected lightness in his voice pricked her curiosity. “What was that?”
“The local sheriff was at me again. Thinks I should apply for an opening there.” He chuckled. “One of his deputies is retiring at the end of the year.”
“What’s funny about that?”
“Can you see me patrolling a county populated with cow towns about the size of a postage stamp? I mean, a few weeks ago the sheriff told me his grandma broke her leg chasing a calf out of her kitchen.”
Elise giggled. “A calf? You’re sure of that?”
“I did a double take on that one, too. But I later saw it in the local paper. C-A-L-F.”
She liked hearing Grayson laugh. Could picture the corners of his eyes crinkling, his teeth flashing in a grin. Now didn’t seem like the right time to tell him to hang up his superhero cape and leave her and Cory alone.
Her ears picked up on the sound of thunder rumbling in the distance. Much-needed rain?
“I guess I should let you go. But I wanted to thank you for the new locks and seeing to the smoke alarms. That’s very thoughtful.”
“You’re welcome. And while I have you on the line...”
She tensed. He wasn’t going to bring up last night, was he? Surely he wouldn’t ask more questions about Duke or allude to how she’d clung to him as if her life depended on it, her mouth only a whisper from his own.
“I was chatting with my sister today.” Elise relaxed a fraction at the mention of his family member. “Maddie leases a high-rise apartment in downtown Fort Worth—not far from the Texas Today offices where she used to work. She’s getting married in the not-too-distant future to a guy in Grasslands.”
“Oh, how nice.” Surely he wasn’t going to ask her to the wedding.
“Yeah, great guy.” He hesitated, as if not quite sure how to proceed—or if he should continue at all. “She happened to mention she’s not subletting her place in the meantime. Too much hassle. It’s standing there still furnished but without inhabitants until the lease runs out at the end of the year.”
Was this heading where she suspected it might be? She couldn’t afford an apartment in that prestigious part of town. Had he not listened to a word she’d said last night?
“Anyway, I mentioned I knew someone who might be in the market for a temporary place and—”
“Grayson. Stop.” He was interfering again. “I know you mean well, but I can’t afford a place like that. I thought I made that clear.”
“Maddie would love to have someone trustworthy watching over it. For free. You’d be doing her a favor.”
A knot bunched in the pit of her stomach. He’d bullied his sister into offering the place to her. A handout.
“Please thank your sister, but I can’t accept.”
“It would get you and Cory out of that neighborhood. Buy you time to make other arrangements. It would be a huge help to my sister, too.”
“I’m afraid not.”
“There are no strings attached, Elise.” His voice had taken on a more serious note. “I’ll give you the key, help you get moved in, and then—”
“I appreciate your thoughtfulness. But the apartment here is close to work and Cory’s school. Relocating would make for a long daily commute from your sister’s place.” Any second now he’d echo his earlier suggestion—that she get another job and put Cory in another school. “Please tell your sister thank you, but Cory doesn’t need more upheavals in his life right now.”
The firmness in her tone must have come across clearly, for he didn’t argue. In fact, he didn’t respond at all. Clammed up. She’d probably hurt his feelings. But with Duke she’d taken the easy way out by encouraging him to be the lone decision maker, the sole director of their family goals and finances, even when he’d hinted he’d appreciate her input. Her unwillingness to actively engage in those areas had set the stage for her own downfall. In her immaturity she’d abdicated her responsibilities as an adult—and look where that had gotten her.
Thunder rumbled again. Closer now.
“Grayson?”
For a moment she thought he would remain silent and let her hang up on him without so much as a polite farewell, but then she heard him clear his throat. “Did things go okay at school today? After the upset last night, I mean.”
Why did Grayson have to be so kind? “Yes, he’s fine. He got a lot of attention at school when he related the evening’s events.”
“You know, it’s funny...” but he didn’t sound as if he thought anything was funny “...after spending those days with Cory, I miss him now. I was glad he felt he could call me last night.”
“Thanks for not being mad at him.”
“Why would I be mad? I only wish I’d have had a few minutes to chat with him last night. Commend him for his bravery as he awaited your return.” He paused. “So...you’ll tell him hi for me?”
“I will.”
“Thanks. And, um...good night.”
She shut off the phone and sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the wall. He missed Cory. Cory missed him, too. If she’d be honest with herself, she missed Gray as well. Too often she found herself recalling those tender moments in his arms when she’d thought he was going to kiss her.
When, yes, she’d wanted him to kiss her.
Which was stupid.
It had been her foolish imagination that he might take a personal interest in her. But tonight made the situation quite clear. The locksmith. The smoke alarm. A free apartment. Grayson didn’t think of her as a capable woman who’d endured setback after setback since the death of her husband. He saw her as helpless and viewed her and Cory as a do-gooder project like the ones Cory said Gray had told him about. The food bank. Men’s shelter. The elderly neighbor whose car had a flat tire.
He’d probably have groceries delivered next. Give her a gasoline card. Not that she couldn’t use them...
She balled her hands tightly in her lap. She wouldn’t accept anything else from him. The lock on the door and smoke alarms would be the last of it. Billie Jean might scold about her pride, but pride was all that got her out of bed in the morning. All that kept her holding her head up and putting one foot in front of the other.
She wiped away a tear.
Pride was all that ensured she didn’t curl up on the bed at this very moment and cry herself to sleep.
* * *
“So you see, Reggie, why I’m concerned. Professionally speaking, I mean.” Grayson gazed solemnly at his fellow officer—and former church youth coach—as they finished securing a final load in the pickup. Monday night’s thunderstorm had broken off a massive limb from an old oak tree in his friend’s backyard, barely missing the house. Together they’d sawed the branches into more manageable lengths.
A grin split his burly mentor’s ebony face. Twelve years Gray’s senior, Reggie Lenard had filled a gap sometimes left vacant when Grayson’s father had been immersed in his medical studies. “Professional concern, is it? Coulda fooled me.”
Grayson slammed the tailgate into an upright position, hoping he hadn’t gotten ahead of himself when he’d loosed his arm from the sling for a short while. He didn’t relish admitting the source of any setbacks to the physical therapist.
“Keeping people safe is what I do.”
“So she’s pretty, is she?”
Gray shot his comrade a dirty look, but Reggie held his hands up in an innocent gesture, a grin widening. “Just makin’ conversation.”
“Anyway, as I was saying, it’s a rough neighborhood. I hate seeing a cop’s widow reduced to those circumstances, but she refuses my sister’s apartment as a temporary solution.”
Reggie pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Sounds like a woman who doesn’t need a buttinsky man ordering her around and telling her how to live her life.”
Gray gripped the tailgate. “I’m not being a buttinsky. She asked me to help with her son’s behavioral problems. I think they stem from concern for his mom’s safety which, in my opinion, is at risk if she continues to live there.”
“Free world.”
“I’m asking for advice here, Reggie. Give me a break, okay? I don’t want anything bad to happen to Elise and Cory.”
The older man crossed his forearms and leaned back against the truck. “If the woman doesn’t want to move, she isn’t going to move. I’m not convinced she’ll be easily persuaded.”
Gray shook his head and Reggie chuckled.
“You should see your face. This lady’s snagged your attention in a major way. The real issue here is how to get her to overlook that you’re a cop, isn’t it?”
Gray shrugged. That’s what it boiled down to.
“She’s a believer?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s in your favor. But
I can tell you one thing for sure—she won’t be keen to risk losing another man to a badge. You have to face it, this might be a whole different story if you weren’t a cop.”
Gray’s gut twisted. That’s the same conclusion he’d come to last night after he’d hung up from Elise’s phone call. The one shot he had at possibly winning her over wasn’t a direction he was ready to go. “Are you suggesting I resign from the force to win the fair maiden’s heart?”
It sounded crazy to voice it aloud.
“Did you hear me sayin’ that?” Reggie studied him with narrowed eyes. “Your perspective is getting out of whack. You just met this lady, yet you’re all caught up in her business. Caught up in the way she smiles at you and makes your heart go pitty-pat. Totally ignoring the fact she’s made it clear she has no interest in another cop.”
“You think I should forget about her.”
“That’s not for me to say. Just keep in mind that you only have five years under your belt, but there’s already scuttlebutt that you’ve got the makings of a stellar career. I advise you not to rush into anything. Give it serious prayer.”
Gray tightened his grip on the tailgate, mulling his friend’s words. He’d come way too close to kissing her, which would have seriously complicated things. And Cory had already wormed his way into his heart in record time.
“Don’t take it so hard.” Reggie’s voice softened, his eyes filled with compassion. “From what you’ve filled me in on tonight, you’ve got enough to deal with as it is, what with your dad missing and all the rest. Thank the good Lord you didn’t get as far into this as you did with Jenna and her boy.”
“True.” He’d dated Jenna for almost six months before things fell apart.
“Have you seen her and the kid since you’ve been back?”
“No.” He’d almost called when he first returned, but something restrained him. God whispering, “I’ve closed the door.”
“Better that way. She might have missed your sorry self and let you back into their lives. It wouldn’t have lasted and you and the kid would have gotten hurt even worse.”