by Chris Taylor
What the hell was he doing? Was he seriously considering taking her up on her ad? Was he mad? He didn’t even know her. More likely than not, neither would the person who she eventually accepted into her home.
What if she was taken in by some crazed maniac who disguised himself as normal? What if someone like that moved in with her and murdered her and her son in the dark of night?
It wouldn’t be the first time. People thought they’d recognize evil when it came knocking on their door, but Andy knew better than most that sometimes the most normal-looking people housed unimaginable evil.
Could he bear to have that on his conscience if something happened? It wasn’t like he was responsible for them, yet he felt a strong urge to protect. And no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t deny Cally’s vulnerability tugged hard at something deep inside him; he couldn’t shake the feeling Cally and Jack were his.
He made an impatient sound in the back of his throat. The fact that he yearned for a family of his own didn’t mean he had to latch onto the first possibility that came by. It was ridiculous to think like that. He spun on his heel and left the tea room.
Tom was at his desk on the far side of the room, a phone pressed to his ear. Andy looked around for Jack, but couldn’t see him. Cally was also on the far side of the room, not far from Tom. She held a dusting cloth in hand. She glanced up when he entered, but quickly averted her gaze.
Andy’s gut somersaulted. He clenched his jaw and gritted his teeth, his mind still a whirl of confusion. Throwing himself down in his chair, he tugged his keyboard toward him and did his best to block out her distracting presence, determined to finish the last of his reports.
After re-reading for the third time the last line he’d entered on the report in front of him, he cursed under his breath. How hard could this be? He’d never had a problem concentrating before. In fact, he prided himself on being able to get on with the job, no matter the distractions.
Yet here he was, reading and re-reading the same sentence over and over and still not having a clue what it said. Any attempt to complete the reports with her in the room was an exercise in futility. Accepting the obvious, he sighed and gave up.
His gaze was immediately drawn to her. She’d finished the dusting and now lugged the vacuum cleaner behind her. He watched while her faded T-shirt inched a little higher on one side. The movement exposed a glimpse of tanned belly to his appreciative gaze. She bent forward to pick up a wad of paper off the floor and her breasts filled the opening of the V-neck of her shirt. Blood flooded to his groin.
The mere thought of another man enjoying such liberties sent a heated denial rushing through his veins. Without conscious thought, he pushed away from his desk and strode toward her, his long legs eating up the distance.
She looked up in surprise. Her eyes widened further when he reached out and took her by arm in an effort to hold her attention.
“I’ll do it.”
She frowned and flicked off the vacuum cleaner. “Do what?”
“I’ll move in with you.”
“You…you want to move in with me?”
“Yes, why not? You said you’d prefer a male roommate. It got me thinking… Why not me? I earn enough to cover the rent, I don’t mind kids and I’m big and strong enough to scare off the boogie man.” He shrugged and shot her a disarming smile. “What more do you need?”
* * *
Cally stared at him and did her best to get her pulse rate back under control. When he smiled at her… Oh, goodness, it was enough to weaken her knees. She didn’t have a clue if he was joking or not. Why would he want to share a house with a woman he barely knew…?
Then again, it was normal for someone who answered an ad not to know the person who placed it. Was this really any different? In fact, it was probably even better because this gave her an opportunity to make a few enquires, to check into his background, if necessary. She wasn’t about to let just anyone have access to her home or her son.
She recalled the telephone conversation she’d overheard the night they’d first met and frowned again. He’d told the caller he wanted a wife and family and she had no reason to believe he lied. Had she inadvertently offered him the opportunity he’d been looking for? Were she and Jack going to be the family he apparently wanted? The thought was too weird for her liking. She pulled away from him and put some distance between them.
He looked honest and forthright and normal. He looked nice. She’d even struggled to keep her libido in check, especially when he smiled. But what if it was all a farce? A ploy to get what he wanted? What if there was something sinister behind the easy grin and the gorgeous eyes?
She shivered and rubbed at the gooseflesh that suddenly popped out on her arms. She hadn’t survived a decade as a single parent without honing her protective instincts. Something didn’t feel right.
He stared at her and a shadow passed over his face. It was almost as if he sensed her withdrawal. He took a step toward her and her adrenaline kicked in. She tensed, poised to flee.
“What is it, Cally? What’s the matter? You look like you’ve been sentenced to death and you’ve just caught sight of the executioner.” He offered her a grin, but it was strained around the edges.
“I’-I’m sorry,” she stammered. “It’s just that it seems a little odd—you wanting to move in with us. I mean, I assume you already live somewhere, right? If you were looking to move out, why didn’t you say anything earlier?”
Andy drew in a breath and she could see he was struggling with what he wanted to say. Her suspicions escalated. Was he even now fishing around for a suitable excuse? A reason he thought she would swallow?
“The truth is,” he started, a flush spreading up from his neck, “I like you and I like Jack, too. I have a place in Bondi, but I want to help you out. And your place is closer to work. You told me how desperate you are to offset a little of your financial burden. Desperate people make desperate decisions. I don’t want you saying yes to just anybody, without giving them proper consideration.”
Anger kindled in her belly. Did he think she wouldn’t be checking him out? She narrowed her eyes at his arrogance. “Oh, and you’re the perfect candidate, is that what you’re saying? That you’re so kind and honest and flawless, I wouldn’t need to look into your credentials. In fact, I should be throwing myself at your feet, in gratitude for your beneficence. Is that what you’re trying to tell me?”
He was shaking his head at her even before she’d finished. The amusement had long since vanished from his face.
“You know what? Forget it. Choose whoever you like. Pick some random stranger who sees your ad and thinks it’s just what he needs. You never know, you might get lucky. Then again, tell that to the countless women who have disappeared without a trace. Statistics show the perpetrator was likely someone they knew. Do you want to risk your safety like that? Do you want to risk Jack’s?”
His barb hit its mark and she flinched and dropped her gaze. The stony expression in his eyes stayed with her and gave her pause. Perhaps he was just trying to help? Perhaps he did care about them? But how could he? He barely knew them. Unless he was just exactly what she thought when she met him—a really nice guy?
Her shoulders slumped on a sigh and she shook her head in confusion. Had she let her imagination run away with her, yet again? Was that all this was about? A by-product of the tension she’d been gripped by ever since she realized her home—her inner sanctum—had been breached?
Was Andy’s offer as simple as he’d suggested? Had it really originated from his need to look out for her, to ensure she and Jack were safe?
She looked up. He caught her gaze and held it. For long moments, she stared at him, at his beautiful chocolate eyes. He was a police officer, a man who had sworn to serve and protect. She wasn’t naïve enough to assume all men in uniform could be trusted, but it didn’t mean none of them could. In fact, if she’d been asked, she’d have said she considered most policemen honest. It was only a very few
who gave all the others a bad name, like in any profession, including hers.
“I can understand your need to be cautious,” Andy continued, the anger now gone from his voice, “and I’m more than glad to see it. It reassures me that you might not be so quick to invite a stranger in, regardless of how badly you need the money.” He paused and ran a hand through his hair, setting it all askew.
“The truth is, I live on my own and like I told you before, I have no family. No wife, no girlfriend, no kids. It would be nice to come home to a house well lit, knowing there’s someone I can talk to.” He shrugged. “You need a roommate; I’d like some company. It seems like we’re perfect for one another.”
A tiny grin tilted up the corners of his mouth. Cally couldn’t help but respond. She smiled and silently cursed the blush that stole up her neck. Maybe it was as simple as he’d said? Maybe he was just lonely? She knew exactly how it felt. She wouldn’t mind some company, too.
Of course, he wouldn’t be sharing every aspect of their lives. He’d be a roommate and nothing else—someone to help with expenses, be around for casual conversation and just kind of be there. She’d make it clear their relationship would be strictly platonic and that he was free to see other women. After all, she could hardly expect him to be celibate…
She recalled the way her body had reacted to his touch and suppressed a shiver of desire. She couldn’t deny he was an incredibly attractive man who made her so nervous she could hardly string a single sentence together when he stood too close. But surely that didn’t mean she couldn’t spend time with him as a friend? Despite the pounding heart and dry mouth she experienced in his company, she was almost certain she could enjoy a meal with him or an occasional evening in without expiring from the jitters. After all, that’s what roommates did, didn’t they? Not that she’d ever had one. She’d only lived with relatives.
She wondered if Andy would be happy with the arrangement. He wasn’t exactly getting a wife and children, but she’d offer companionship and once she’d satisfied herself he wasn’t a man with an unhealthy interest in her son, she’d be more than happy for him to spend time with Jack.
But, he’d said he wanted a wife. That implied far more than mere companionship. Her mind veered away from images of Andy in her bedroom…and her fists clenched by her side. What happened to her as a teenager had damaged her beyond repair. She was broken deep down inside and couldn’t imagine entrusting her life or her heart to anyone ever again.
Andy hadn’t even said anything to her about wanting a wife. It was likely he didn’t realize she’d overheard him. If it truly was that important to him, surely he wouldn’t offer to move in with them?
She thought about what might happen if he did move in and then started dating someone else. What would happen to Jack if he and Andy had bonded and he moved out? Perhaps this wasn’t such a good idea…
“I take it from your silence, that you’re not totally against my offer?” he grinned again.
Cally’s stomach did a somersault and she bit her lip to stem the butterflies. “Yes…um… No. I mean, yes, I’m not totally against your offer, but I have to think of Jack. I’m his mother. I’m all he has. It’s important I make the right decision.”
“Of course, I understand. What would you like to know?”
She drew in a deep breath and tried to gauge his sincerity. “You’ll answer any question I ask?”
His eyebrows raised and a suggestive gleam came into his eyes. She blushed and looked away.
“Of course,” he smiled. “Ask whatever you like. I don’t have anything to hide.”
A shadow passed across his face, but was gone so quickly she decided she must have imagined it. “Okay, I want to know why you don’t have any family.”
The expression on his face froze. Her breathing hitched and her heart skipped a beat. Oh, God. Something wasn’t right.
He took a long time to answer. When he did, his eyes were so dark and bleak, she wasn’t sure she wanted to hear what he had to say.
“My family died when I was young. My father, my mother and my sister. I was placed in a foster home where I lived until I was old enough to join the police force.”
She gasped, shocked beyond belief. It was the last thing she’d expected him to say. “Th-they died together? Like, in an accident?”
“My father and little sister were killed together. My mother died a few years later.”
“Oh, my goodness! You poor thing! And here I thought I’d had it tough. How old were you when it happened?”
Andy drew in a deep breath and eased it out between taut lips. He looked at her, his expression still bleak. “I know I said I’d answer your questions, but if you don’t mind, I’d rather not talk about my family anymore. It was a terrible time. Sometimes, it feels like it happened yesterday…”
Cally hastened to reassure him. “Of course, I understand. I’m sorry I brought it up.”
He shrugged. “You weren’t to know.”
“You’re right, but I know what it feels like to lose your family and mine chose to abandon me. I can’t imagine what you went through and now…” She shook her head, amazed at what he’d achieved. “Look at what you’ve become? Look what you’ve made of your life? Your family would be so, so proud.” Her voice broke on the last words and she turned her back on him, not wanting to see how much his story had affected her.
And she had wondered if he might be a pedophile! She couldn’t believe she’d been so far off the mark. She was only grateful she hadn’t said anything. She’d have just about died from the humiliation. He was lonely for a family, just like he’d said. Surely, after what she’d heard, she could find it in her heart to share hers? And if it didn’t work out and he moved on, she’d deal with the fallout if and when it happened.
His hand closed gently around her shoulder and he turned her slowly around to face him.
“Please, don’t get upset, Cally. I didn’t tell you to upset you. You asked and I answered. That was the deal, right?”
His soft smile nearly undid her. “Yes, you’re right. Next time, I won’t bother. You’re good and kind and strong. All the things I thought you were. It would be an honor to have you share my house. That is, if you still want to?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t have offered if I hadn’t meant it. I’ll have to sort out a few things with the place I have at Bondi, but it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.” He made his way back to his desk and sat down in his chair. She followed him more slowly and thought about her terms. Heat immediately flooded her face. Knowing it was best to simply get it over with, she opened her mouth and let the words fall out in a rush. “There’s just one thing I need to make clear.”
“Go on.”
“The other night, I-I overheard you talking on the phone.”
A shrug. “Okay.”
She took another breath. “The thing is, you said you wanted a wife. A-and kids. I-I just wanted to make it perfectly clear this will be a platonic relationship, nothing more. I mean, I’m not… We’re not…” Heat spread across her cheeks, turning them to fire. “If you want to bring a woman home, then I guess that’s okay, but I’d like you to be discreet about it. Jack doesn’t need to be exposed to…you know.” She ducked her head unable to bear looking at him a moment longer.
What sounded suspiciously like laughter reached out for her. She glanced up and met his gaze. His eyes glinted with humor.
“Okay, so let’s go back to the part where you thought you heard I was looking for a wife?”
Embarrassment once again savaged her cheeks. She grimaced. “I’m sorry, I obviously got that totally wrong and it just goes to show, you should never listen in on other people’s conversations. But, I wasn’t really listening in. I was just—”
“Whoa! Would you be quiet for a minute?” Andy shook his head in disbelief.
Pressing her lips together, she scrunched her eyes closed and willed away the fresh wave of heat that spread across her face.
What was it ab
out this guy that made her blush like a teenager?
“If you let me get a word in edgewise, I’ll tell you what you thought you overheard.”
Cally eased open her eyes. Andy took a deep breath and continued.
“I was talking to my best mate, Will Rutledge. I’d had a fairly difficult day at work and he’d called to see how I was. You did overhear me say I wanted a wife and kids, but I think you missed the part when I said I didn’t want just anybody and I’m not in the habit of bringing women home.”
He pinned her with his gaze and Cally tried hard not to squirm. She’d so misread the whole situation. The thought of making an abrupt exit and salvaging what little pride she had left was uppermost in her mind. She stepped away from him.
“Oh God, I’m so embarrassed. I’m sorry. Let’s just pretend this never happened. I’ll collect my son and walk out the door and if by some unfortunate stroke of luck we happen to run into each other again, I hope you’ll forget all about this conversation.” Finishing in a rush, she spun on her heel.
Andy’s fingers closed around her arm, tugging her back toward him before she could take another step. She yelped in surprise. To her horror, her cheap sandals lost traction again and she toppled into his lap with a mortified gasp. His arms immediately came around her.
“Oh, oh, I’m so sorry!” She scrambled to get out of his hold.
Could this night get any worse? Her eyes burned with the effort of holding back tears.
Andy’s arms tightened. “It’s okay. Please, don’t run away. I’m kind of comfortable and I still haven’t finished my story.”
All of a sudden, she realized her squirming brought her directly into contact with his groin. She froze. Embarrassment scorched her cheeks. Forcing her gaze upwards, she caught the glint of laughter in his eyes.
“Please let me go.” Her voice was quiet and deadly. “I think you’ve had enough fun at my expense.”