Love's Embers (Canon City Series)

by Marie, Lauren

  She felt Charlie’s warm hands on her shoulders and looked up to see his reflection in the window. “Don’t be sorry for me, Charlie. You didn’t know. Now you’ve heard my deep dark secret. I beg you not to say anything to Gran. She can’t know about this, ever. I’ll understand if you want to rethink my living here with you. I lied to you in a way, when I said I’d only been with two men,” her voice faded.

  “Lark, no. I have nothing to rethink, except now I wish I’d beat the shit out of that fuckhead on Sunday.” He turned her around and put his hand under her chin.

  She looked up at him with tears still trailing down her face. “I knew that night I would never marry him. I was too afraid of him to say anything and thought as the big day got closer, I could find an excuse to either put it off or break up with him.”

  “Did you ever think about filing a report for being raped with the police?”

  “I did think about it, but I’ve been too embarrassed. I also thought if it got out in the local paper, what it would do to my business. I know too many people in this town and I didn’t want to face weird looks at the grocery or on the streets. It was lame, I know, but I didn’t want anyone to know. Besides my doctor, you’re the only person I’ve told.”

  “I swear if he comes anywhere near you, I may just kill him.” Charlie put his forehead against hers.

  “No, Charlie. As nice as it sounds, you can’t beat the shit out of Thomas or kill him. You’d wind up in the state prison and I would probably go completely insane.”

  He pulled her into his arms and wrapped her in a tight hug. Lark didn’t want to cry anymore, but found she’d been storing this up for too long and everything came out for several minutes. She buried her face in the flannel on his chest.

  “Once when I was on the road, I felt really depressed and alone. You know, I felt sorry for myself. I started to think maybe there would be some fun if I got drunk and met some woman to have a one night stand with. There were a couple of other drivers that I knew in the same town that night. They were going to a steakhouse for dinner and invited me to go along. I really needed to think about something other than myself so I went with them. The waitress was taking drink orders and I ordered a vodka martini straight up with twist. I’d never tasted one and saw some character in a movie order it,” Charlie said.

  He kissed her forehead and led her to the couch where they sat down. Lark leaned on his chest and decided to let him tell his story.

  “I had two of those drinks with dinner and when the guys ordered another round, I thought I could deal with another martini. I drank the thing and started to feel not quite right. I guess my stomach wasn’t happy with me, because I ended up throwing up dinner and had the worst headache of my life the next morning.” He laughed. “I learned my lesson that night. I couldn’t see anything good coming from getting drunk. I’ll never understand my dad’s addiction. I didn’t like it at all.”

  They sat quietly for a while and Lark looked up at him. “I’m sorry, I’ve ruined our evening.”

  “No way, babe,” he said and put his arms around her shoulders. “We both have bad memories from the past. You’ve known mine for years and now I know yours. We’ll be all right and maybe understand a little better when one of us goes crazy about some things.”

  “There is just one thing, Ducky. When you blocked me in the hallway the other day and I freaked, I knew you weren’t going to hurt me, but all those things...”

  He put his fingers over her lips. “I understand what happened better now and I won’t crowd you like that again. I also understand why you’re touchy about your backside. I love it, but won’t push you. When you trust me completely to touch your butt, we’ll still discuss it first.”

  Lark sniffed and laughed a little. “I’ve noticed when you’re upset your language gets a little colorful.”

  “Yeah, sorry about that. There are certain words needed in some situations.”

  “I agree. I’ve been known to let F-bombs fly from time to time.”

  Charlie looked at her and brushed tears from her cheeks. “I don’t believe that for a minute. Sweetheart, let’s start our evening all over. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. I think our activities last night and this morning used up some of my go power.”

  “I’m tired, too.”

  He nodded. “Okay, what if we go upstairs and get ready for bed. We’ll get comfortable under the covers and talk for a while. Maybe we might snuggle a little, but not drive each other nuts until tomorrow after we’ve had a good night’s rest.”

  “That’s a good idea. Charlie.” She looked up at him. “You’re sure you still want me. After what I told you...”

  He put his lips on hers and gently kissed her. “Lou, I’ll always want you. I want you here with me forever.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  They talked late into the night, lying next to each other. Charlie held her in his arms and felt scared to death she might run away. He only dozed a little during the night and listened to her breathe. At one point, she’d woken up suddenly and he felt her body tense. She’d made a growling noise, mumbled something and fell back to sleep.

  When the gray morning light came in through the window, they spooned on their sides. Charlie held her to his chest and thought he either resembled a sausage casing or an octopus. Both arms were around her and one of his legs was between hers.

  He could tell she was awake and felt her push her back in tighter with his chest. He lifted his hand and moved her hair out of her face.

  “Hey, sweetheart,” he said.

  “Hey,” she whispered.

  “Did you sleep okay?”

  “Off and on and there were some weird dreams.” She rolled over, put her hand on his ribs and rested her head on his arm.

  Charlie kissed her forehead and saw she didn’t have her eyes open. “Do you have to work today?”

  She finally looked up at him. “Yeah, just two more days and then things will quiet down until Valentine’s Day. What time is it?”

  He lifted his head and looked at the clock on his night stand. “About seven-thirty.”

  “I should get up soon.” She touched his lips. “Ducky, we’re okay, right?”

  He could see fear in her eyes and wanted to erase it once and for all. “Lou, we need to get something straight. I’m not going anywhere. I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to put up with me leaving clothes on the floor and coffee cups around. Now that we’ve slept together for the millionth time and enjoyed sex, it’s a done deal. I’m not backing out.”

  She smiled. “Good.”

  “You’re not backing out either, right?”

  “No. I’m in for the duration.”

  “What time will you be home tonight?”

  “Around six o’clock, I should think. Nancy and I talked about doing a marathon night, but nothing came of it. I’m still exhausted and want to just live today. I need to work hard not to let the past continue to sneak up on me. The anxiety makes me tired.”

  “Good. Maybe we can convince Gran to watch a movie or something.”

  “She’ll be worn out from making pies all day. Why do you want to watch a movie?”

  “I don’t get to watch too much TV. It’s nice to see a movie or something else every now and then. I also don’t get to eat microwave popcorn very often. I know it’s bad, but I do love the stuff.”

  “If you get the popcorn with no butter and lightly salted, it’s not so bad for you.”

  “Eww...that sounds awful. You have to get the kind with extra-butter. It’s the only way to eat popcorn.

  “It shouldn’t be any problem with Gran, if we want to take over the TV. She spends too much time watching the weather reports right now. Is that what you want to do tonight?”

  “We could, or maybe I could take you out for dinner, but
if you are thinking of something else, I’m sure I wouldn’t argue with you.” He moved in and kissed her lips. “Can I shower with you again this morning?”

  “It’s too tempting and I do have to go to work.” She closed her eyes and pulled nearer to him.

  “Is that a no?

  “Let me think on it for a few minutes.”

  He realized she’d fallen back to sleep and decided not to disturb her. He was still shaky as to whether they could work things out. He held her and hoped they could get past the bad memories and enjoy a good life together.

  She woke up an hour later and went to the shower alone. Charlie went downstairs to get coffee started and feed Breaker. He heard the shower shut off and a few minutes later her hair dryer started to buzz. It was snowing outside and looked cold.

  After the wolf scarfed down his breakfast, Charlie let him out the door and watched the crazy mutt chase snowflakes around the yard. He loved that wolf and the pure pleasure the animal showed doing something so simple. He heard Lark come down the stairs and turn into the living room.

  “Hey, do you want some coffee?” he asked.

  “Yes, please.”

  He poured a cup and carried them both into the other room. He handed her one and sat next to her on the couch. He put his hand through her hair.

  “Thank you.” She took a sip and set it on the table. She started to put on her boots.

  “Your hair’s still damp and it looks cold outside.” He rubbed her neck.

  “It will be okay. Gran always yelled at me about catching pneumonia, but it hasn’t happened yet.” She shoved her foot into her boot.

  “Do you have a minute before you head out?”

  “For you, yes, of course.” She finished her boots, picked up the cup, and turned to face him.

  Charlie put his hand on her knee and she laced her fingers into his. “Sweetheart, since all that happened last night and what we talked about, I feel like there’s a bit of a wall between us.”

  “You’re right. It’s the elephant in the room.” She looked at him. “I have to get back to ground zero. After that night, six months ago, it took me a few weeks to not blame men for everything wrong in the world. I know in my heart, Charlie, that you’re not one of those men. It’s just really hard...”

  “To get your head wrapped around it. I know about that,” he finished her thought.

  “It was such a simple thing you said and I don’t know why I went off my nut. Maybe I do need to talk to a therapist.”

  “You know, when I was in juvie and met with that counselor, one of my main fears was that I’d turn into my dad. I was really scared to think I’d become a drunk and beat up someone. When I got out, I pretty much overcame that, but it still worries me sometimes. It’s one of the reasons I’d rather drink your Gran’s hot chocolate than anything with alcohol in it.”

  “It will be a long while before I drink anything again - except coffee. This is really good,” she said and took another sip.

  “Promise me one thing, Lou.”

  She nodded.

  “If I ever do anything out of line, you’ll let me know immediately.” He put his pinkie up and she hooked hers around his finger.

  “It’s a deal, Ducky. I love you. I have always loved you. I was so stupid letting things with Thomas continue on for so long,” she said.

  Charlie saw tears in her eyes and put his hand on her cheek. “You weren’t stupid. You want to know what is really dumb? About a year ago, I thought about coming back, but I had too many trips scheduled to make across country and put it off. If I’d only come back, I could have kept...”

  Lark shook her head. “No, Charlie, you must not think that. You couldn’t have known. There is no reason on earth for you to feel you could have changed things. Please, don’t think that.” She leaned over and kissed his lips. “You’re here now and we’re going to be together. I love you so much.”

  Charlie heard the words and his heart felt ready to explode in his chest. “I love you, too. You’ve taken me over, Lou, and I can’t even begin to think about the possibility of losing you again. I can’t.”

  She put her hand into his hair and kissed him again. “It’s not going to happen. We’re good, babe.” She sat back and smiled at him. “On that note, I better get moving before I start sobbing my head off again.”

  “How about I help you get the chains put on the Bronco?” he said.

  “What? Why?” Lark looked confused.

  “It looks like it snowed all night. There’s a good seven or eight inches and it’s still coming down.” Charlie stood up and held his hand out to her.

  Lark took it and they walked to the window she’d stood by last night. “Wow, it’s beautiful and, yes, to your offer to help with the chains. That would be great.”

  They bundled up and stomped their way to the house next door. Before they started the chains, they checked in on Gran and found her busy rolling out pie crusts on a large board that covered the kitchen table. Flour was thrown about and Gran laughed when Charlie asked if wearing flour on her cheeks was a new fashion statement.

  Lark grabbed her purse and keys and they went back out and spent about thirty minutes getting the wheels on the Bronco chained up. When they’d finished, Lark got into the driver’s seat and Charlie told her to drive carefully. He turned from the SUV and headed towards the back door of Gran’s, when he was suddenly hit in the back of the head with a snowball. He turned around and saw Lark look at him.

  “What?” he asked and held his arms out.

  She scrunched her nose. “Can I have one kiss to carry me through the day?”

  He wiped the snow off his shoulders and out of his hair. He’d been thinking of giving her a kiss, but didn’t want to be too pushy with her. Since she suggested it, though, he felt more relaxed and hurried to the Bronco.

  “Well, okay, if you insist.” He leaned into the car and placed his lips on hers. He only planned to give her a light kiss, but felt her tongue glance over his bottom lip and moved in for something with more zing. When she responded to him, a lightness surrounded his heart and he knew they would be all right. He moved his gloved hand over her hair and pulled back to look in her eyes. “Will that be enough for the day?”

  “Yep, but I’ll want more of those tonight, for definite.” She smiled and pulled her seat belt down to get strapped in. “Love you. See you tonight.”

  “Love you, too, babe.” Charlie closed the door and watched her drive out to the road.

  ****

  Lark got to work safely and spent the morning in her office. She checked orders and accounts. There hadn’t been any word from Ryan Barton yet, but she felt confident he’d contact them by the end of the day.

  After she ate lunch, she went down onto the floor and helped the packaging folks get boxes put together. There were still a ton of orders to get ready to ship and it made her proud of the employees when they offered to stay extra hours that night and the next. They wanted to get as many of the shipments out as they could. She needed to tell Nancy what a terrific group of people worked for them.

  At around three o’clock in the afternoon, Nancy appeared out of nowhere with a distressed look on her face. “I need to talk to you,” she said to Lark.

  “Okay, talk,” Lark answered and finished taping off a box.

  “Not here, let’s go upstairs.” Nancy turned and started toward the stairs.

  Lark put the tape down, followed her up the stairs and into the offices. She saw Nancy look at Alicia and then turn into her office.

  She closed the door and turned to her friend. “What’s going on?”

  “Ryan just called. He found out who the anonymous buyer is,” Nancy said and seemed to hold her breath.

  “So, who is it?” Lark asked.

  “You’re not going to lik
e it.”

  “Nancy, please, just tell me.” Lark suddenly felt a knot form in her stomach and didn’t like where this was going.

  “It’s Thomas. He apparently talked to the National people into looking at our loan. He’s already put the money into an account to buy it once the deal is finished with Canon City Savings.”

  Lark let the words sink into her brain. “Shit.” She sat down in a chair by Nancy’s desk. Her brain scrambled all over the place, but Lark knew only one thing for certain. She was pissed and it would only get worse. She saw Nancy’s lips move, but her blood thundered through her veins and she couldn’t hear the words.

  She stood up and headed to the door. Nancy caught her arm. “What can we do?”

  “I want answers and there’s only one person who can give them to me.” Lark walked out the door and went into her office. She grabbed her purse out of a drawer and took her coat off the back of her chair.

  “Where are you going, Lark?” Nancy stood in the doorway.

  She looked at her friend and business partner. “Denver.”

  “No, that’s nuts. The roads are terrible and that storm is still moving through. We’re supposed to get another foot of snow tonight and the wind’s going to kick up. Lark, don’t even think it.”