by Claire Adams
She stopped the car just outside the front entrance and shifted in her seat to face me. “This place does look like hell, but it won’t take much to get it back to its glory, I’m sure.” She reached out and stroked my beard, and my blood rushed right to my cock at her touch. “The hedges aren’t the only things that need a trim. I have a feeling there’s a good-looking man under all this.”
“Or a complete asshole, right?” I opened my door, but she grabbed my arm before I could stand.
“Wait.” She reached for my phone and unplugged it. “Maybe there’s enough charge to see if it works?” She pushed the power button, and as I took it from her, it lit up.
“It seems fine. A new screen and I’m all set.”
She placed her hand on mine where I held it. “Good, so maybe you can test it out and add my number? Maybe call me back over sometime for that drink? Like, when I haven’t been working all night.”
“Sure, but I’m not shaving my beard.” I opened up my contacts and handed her the phone.
She typed in her number and handed it back. “I think I could get used to it. Or maybe I’ll shave it myself. I’m just as handy with a razor as I am a pair of scissors.” Her face reddened as she laughed.
It took a second to realize what she meant. “You really cut my clothes off? Was I ass naked in front of God and everyone?”
“In nothing but all of your glory in front of a roomful of nurses — yes, you were.” Her laughter made me want to kiss her. “But don’t worry, we’ve seen it a thousand times. No one was gawking at you.”
“Well, why the hell not? I like to be watched.” I braced for her elbow as it sailed my way, and then I realized I needed to ask one more thing. “This might sound terrible since you’ve seen me naked, scrubbed my wounds, and given me a ride home, but I don’t know your name.”
The blank expression on her face made me feel horrible, and I tried to remember her having a name tag. But then she offered me a smile that put me at ease. “I have a lot of junk hanging off my name tag at work, so no worries. I’m Lexa. I put it in your phone.”
“Thank you, Lexa. For everything. Maybe next time I even the score and take off your clothes?” I gave a friendly laugh to let her know I was kidding, but then she shook her head and giggled.
“You’re terrible.”
“So I’ve been told, but hey, fair is fair.” I wanted to kiss her, but I’d wait for another time. I had a feeling I was walking a thin line, and I really wanted her to come back for that drink. I got out of the car, and she giggled again as I shut the door.
“Goodbye, Aiden.” She drove forward through the circle, and I stood and watched her go until she was well down the road.
Chapter Eight
Lexa
I rolled over and the warm sun of Saturday morning hit my face. I winced at the light and threw my arm up to protect me. I had left the shades up the day before and hurried to my feet to close them. I was glad to be done with my night shift duties for a while and hoped to enjoy my first full day off in weeks.
It had been a couple of days since I’d dropped Aiden off, and though he’d texted me to ask for instructions doctoring his wounds, he hadn’t gotten personal. I had made up my mind that was probably for the best, even though something inside wanted to get to know him better.
My phone rang as I heard a car pull up outside. I unplugged it from the charger on the nightstand and answered it as I walked downstairs to make a cup of coffee and answer the door. “I see you outside, Bre, but thanks for the ten-second head’s up.”
“Hey, I didn’t want to show up unannounced.” She giggled through the phone, and I could hear her on the other side of my front door.
I opened it up and hung up the phone. She held hers up and winked. “Like my new phone case? Isn’t it adorable? I got it on sale for half price at the mall. I got you one.” She pushed past me and hurried into the kitchen where she placed the case she bought for me on the counter and headed to my Keurig. “So what’s going on this morning?”
“I was about to make a cup of coffee. I only opened my eyes three minutes ago.”
“I’ll make it for you. So, I bet you’re glad to be off. Any plans?”
“Not yet, and it’s kind of nice. I want to take things slow, so the day lasts as long as possible.” I hadn’t had a day like that in ages, and I was afraid Bre would try to pull me out to the mall for another one of her shopping trips. She had a bit of a shopping addiction.
“I’m off to the flea market today, if you want to come. I’m on the hunt for a new table for the breakfast nook. If I can’t find one I like, I’m painting the old one. I’m thinking a tiffany blue, what do you think?
“That would be pretty, but no thanks. I’m hoping to stay off my feet as much as possible, and I know the way you drag me around. I can’t keep up.” I’d come home with blisters and a sunburn the last time she’d forced me to go.
“I understand, but I want us to go hang out. I feel like between Daniel and your crazy hours, we never get to spend enough time together.” She passed me the coffee and then inserted another cup for herself.
“I know, and I really need some girl time, what with this damned lawsuit bringing me down. My parents are acting like I don’t exist again, including my suffocating father, which comes as a shock. I think he’s being weird because the whole thing was Mom’s idea.” I pulled the coffee cup to my lips and blew softly before taking a sip.
Bre shook her head. “Do you really believe that, or is it easier to think since you’ve always been a daddy’s girl. I mean, they both seemed pretty on board at dinner, and he didn’t bat an eye about it.”
I took a deep breath and raked my hands through my hair. “You’re probably right. They’ve both changed, and I don’t know why anything either of them does surprises me at this point. I’m not used to being the only child. I miss Shawn.” My heart broke over and over each time I thought about my brother, and what sucked the most was nothing was ever going to change that. Not time and not circumstance.
My phone vibrated, and I glanced at it to see Aiden’s number. “I’ve got to take this.” I stepped into the other room after a shrug from Bre. I hadn’t had a chance to tell her about Aiden, and I supposed I’d have to after the call. “Aiden?”
“Yeah, who else did you expect calling from my number?” His warm laugh was a welcome tone, but I had mixed feelings about its effect on me.
“I didn’t think I’d hear from you.” I pulled my lips into a tight line, regretting the way the words may have sounded.
“Didn’t think you would, or didn’t want to? I can hang up if you like.” His tone was back to the familiar bitter one I’d come to know and loathe.
“No, don’t. I didn’t mean it that way; I’m glad you called. What’s happening? Are you healing up well?”
“If I say no, will you come over here and kiss my boo boos?” The suggestion made me warm all over, and I could imagine the smirk on his face matched one I’d seen before.
“You should be so lucky. I’ve been told my kisses are magical.” If he wanted to flirt, I could give it right back to him. I wondered if he hoped to shock me.
“I can imagine. But on a serious note, I wondered if you’d consider coming by for some lunch. I’d like to thank you for taking such good care of me and pulling strings to get me out of there so fast.” The original offer had been drinks, but lunch sounded much better. I had hoped we’d have more time to talk.
“Sure. I have the day off, so I think that’d be great. What time?”
“Noon is fine, if it works for you?” His tone was hard to read, but it was almost as if he didn’t care if I showed up or not.
“I’ll be there.” We said a short goodbye, and I hurried back into the room where Bre waited with her coffee.
“So, that sounded like plans were made.” She gave me a nudge as I across from her and sipped my coffee.
“It was.” I took a deep breath knowing it was time to tell her. “That was Aiden Walker.
”
Her face fell, and she sank back from me. “The Aiden Walker? As in Allison’s brother, Aiden Walker?” I nodded, but I knew she wasn’t finished. “So, did you reach out to him because of the suit?”
“He had a wreck on his motorcycle and ended up in my ER. I tended his wounds and then drove him home.” I closed my eyes and shook my head. I didn’t have to tell her that I had other thoughts; she was my best friend, and if she couldn’t tell by looking at me, then she didn’t need me to admit it.
“You drove him home? Wow. I’ve never known you to take such special interest in your patients.” She smiled and gave me another nudge. “Is he gorgeous?”
“Yeah, but that wasn’t it. He didn’t exactly have anyone to call.” I didn’t need to tell her why. Her face fell into a frown.
“That’s horrible. I’m assuming since I’m only hearing about this now that you didn’t tell your parents you two are talking.”
“He doesn’t know who I am.” Her mouth fell open, and I held a hand up to hold her off as I explained. “I told him my name was Lexa, but I didn’t feel right telling him I’m the girl whose parents are suing him. He was being assholish enough.” I knew that wouldn’t help my case.
“Wait, so he was being an asshole?”
“Yeah, He’s kind of an asshole. I mean, he can be, but I don’t know… There’s something there. I don’t know if it’s because he reminds me so much of his sister and I’m hoping there will be a light inside him as bright as hers, but I’m interested to find out.”
She put her cup in the sink. “If he’s capable of being an asshole, it could get worse. Promise me you won’t get in over your head with this guy.”
“I promise.” I held my hand up to swear.
“How serious could it be with you lying about who you are, much less your parents not knowing what’s going on? Are you going to hide him from them forever? You can’t hide who you are.” She placed her hands flat on the counter and took a deep breath. “Aren’t you the least bit nervous he’ll flip out on you when he learns your secret?”
“Yes, but I don’t plan on keeping it from him forever. I’ll tell him before it gets too far.” I felt a wave of panic thinking of how he might react. The last thing I wanted was for him to hate me.
“The look on your face is frightening, my friend. I’m not convinced that you should entertain this another minute, but I know you. Once you set your mind on something, you’re going to go through with it.”
I knew she couldn’t begin to understand the way I felt. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings because she’d been there for me through everything with losing Shawn, but at the same time, I had felt so alone in my grief. Maybe a small part of me needed to be close to someone who was feeling the same thing, someone who understood that grief the same way I do, who experienced the same pain.
“I’ll be careful, but promise you won’t say anything about him in front of my parents.”
“I’m not crazy. No one wants to see that aftermath, much less be caught in the crossfire. If it comes down to it, you can tell them when I’m nowhere around.” She took her bag from the counter and fished out her keys.
“It’s a deal.”
“I better run so I can stop by the bank and still get good parking. I’m not in the mood to walk any more than I have to, either.” I walked her to the door, and she stopped and gave me a hug. “Be careful with this one.”
“Yes, mother.” I broke the hug as we said our goodbyes. I shut the door behind her and turned to lean against it. I had to get ready, and I had no idea what to wear.
I hurried upstairs to my bedroom and threw open the closet door. I found a nice casual skirt and a low-cut, sleeveless blouse and decided to pair it with sandals. The weather was warm, and it wasn’t like we were going anywhere special. I didn’t want to overdo it, but I wanted him to see more skin than my work scrubs had allowed. It’s only fair, considering.
Chapter Nine
Aiden
I ran downstairs after hanging up with Lexa and found Mattie in the kitchen scribbling on a notepad. “You’re the person I was looking for, right where I need you.”
She paused her pen and put her hand on her hip. “Well, it’s good to be needed, but if you wanted anything from me today, you’re out of luck. I have a funeral in two hours, and I’m only here to get a grocery list and make sure the gardeners did their job yesterday.”
“Are you kidding? I’m having a guest for lunch, and I need you to cook something.” I threw my hands up and gripped my hair. “What am I going to do?”
“Take her out to eat or cook something. There’s a pan of enchiladas in the fridge if you want to serve those. You could pair it with chips and salsa. Other than that, your options are tuna fish and crackers.” She put her pen back to the pad and finished her list.
“I guess I could figure it out. I’ve never cooked anything before, so a restaurant is looking better by the minute. I hoped to stay around here.”
“Is this one so bad you can’t take her out in public?” Mattie tore the paper and put it in her purse, which sat on the counter. Then she took it and slung it onto her shoulder.
“You’re leaving now? You’re supposed to be my lifesaver, so remind me what the hell am I paying you for?” I stormed away, and she called out to me as I hit the stairs.
She gave a belly laugh. “Because you’re lost without me.”
Her voice faded as I went upstairs to get myself cleaned up. I contemplated shaving the beard, but wondered how pale my face would be underneath it. Maybe I could trim it up, but I wasn’t sure where to begin. I decided not to do anything drastic and stepped into the shower. I scrubbed myself clean and made quick work of rinsing off. After the shortest shower of my life, I went to the closet to figure out what to wear.
I wanted her to be interested, but I didn’t want to look too dressed up for a lunch date. Besides, I’d only look like a bum in the expensive clothes I would normally wear out. I found something acceptable and laid it across my bed.
I sat next to it wrapped in a towel and glanced at my phone. Sure enough, I’d missed a call from Layne. I didn’t need the guy calling me every other minute while Lexa was here, and I had a feeling he was back in town and had heard the news of my wreck. It wasn’t like I hadn’t called the office to tell him about it. I dialed his number and laid back to get the call over with.
Layne answered with his usual attitude toward me. “Well, it’s about damned time you called. I guess you didn’t think being nearly killed would warrant a call to my cell phone.”
I released a deep breath. I had been prepared for this conversation and already had my excuse ready. “I didn’t want to ruin your vacation with your wife; why would I?”
“Yeah, right. So are you banged up or what?”
“The soreness is about gone, the road rash is scabbed, and I met a gorgeous nurse. I’d say I’m doing well.” I wished I hadn’t mentioned the nurse, but luckily he didn’t press for more details.
“Good for you, and since your father had such a great name, I hear you even got out of being charged. You’re lucky you didn’t kill someone. Not to mention that this didn’t get out to the public. The press would have a field day with it with the lawsuit. You better keep your nose clean until it’s settled.”
“I’ll try to remember to behave myself. I wanted to tell you as soon as I get my insurance lined out, I’m buying another Harley. I was wondering if you still had the name of your buddy down at the dealership.” He and my dad had hooked me up with my bike two years before.
“Why don’t you buy yourself a nice, safe car? Hell, for that matter, you’ve got five of them in the garage; take your pick.” He knew better. I wasn’t about to turn my parents’ cars into an everyday driver.
“No thanks, I like having a bike. It matches my beard.” I gave the thing a stroke and for a moment wondered why I ever contemplated cutting it.
“You’ll be a lot better off without the bike or the beard. I know you’r
e sick of hearing it, Aiden, but you need to focus on work. You can’t sit back and live off your parents’ money doing nothing for the rest of your life. By the looks of it, you’ll be around a long time. You’re luckier than anyone I know.”
“Yeah, too bad I don’t feel so lucky.”
Then I thought about Lexa. That might be a stroke of good luck. Maybe things really were turning around for me. “Look, Layne, I’d love to sit here and shoot the shit with you all day, but I have a hot date with a sexy nurse. So you’ll forgive me if I have to go.”
“Well, when you’re done slumming around Savannah, there’s a job waiting for you.” His end of the phone went dead, and I laughed. Lexa didn’t seem like she came from the slum, and considering what she’d told me, I suspected she came from money. Maybe not insane money like me, but close enough.
I sat up and lost the towel to get myself dressed. Then I rushed downstairs to check out the pan of enchiladas and realized they hadn’t been touched. Mattie had cooked them the night before and knowing her cooking, they would be delicious. I’d opted for beer and a sandwich. I turned up the oven halfway and slid them inside. With any luck, Lexa would be into Mexican food.
I found the chips Mattie had bought and a jar of salsa and decided to put them in a bowl. I could at least make things half decent and still wasn’t sure about my presentation. I had no idea how to use the oven timer, so I set the microwave for twenty minutes. I hoped it would be enough to warm the food, but I knew it was good enough for frozen pizza, so it had to be enough to warm the dish.
While I waited, I received a text from Glen, but instead of messaging him back, I decided to call to help my time go by faster. It was better than pacing around the room wondering what to say to her.
He answered with his usual pitch. “Jay’s Pub, this is Glen.”