by Ariana Dupre
"You couldn't have known, Jared.” Alan said, putting down the towel.
"How did you get those rope burns, Jared?” Angie gazed at him, felt her heart tightening. She'd almost lost him.
"He tied me to a tree."
"How did Hank get shot?” Doc Martin asked then started wrapping Jared's other wrist.
"We struggled. He pointed it down, pulled the trigger and shot himself in the leg."
"He could have killed you!” gasped Angie. “It serves him right!” she blurted out. “He ran that damn gun down the side of my face, trying to scare me."
The men stared at her for a moment, grasping the reality of what she had just said.
A thick silence lingered in the air. Doc Martin cleared his throat. “Well, now. I, for one, am glad it's over and you're safe. Angie, I want you to go up to bed right now. Stay there until you come to my office tomorrow.” He turned to Jared. “You're done."
"I'll carry her up.” Jared said, taking her hand.
"You're not going to carry me anywhere. I can walk.” Angie stood but her knees gave way beneath her.
Jared scooped her into his arms. “Thank you, Doc. Please give any other instructions to Alan. I'm putting her in bed,” he said, as he carried her across the room.
Doc Martin looked intently into Angie's pale face as Jared headed toward the stairs. “Call if you need me, Angie."
"I will, Doc. Thank you.” she answered.
His brows furrowed with concern, Doc turned to Alan. “I didn't want to say anything in front of Angie, but you need to hire one of your buddies to prosecute Hank just to make sure he can never get to her again."
"Hank will be put away for a long time if I have anything to do with it,” Alan told him as they made their way to the front door.
"Good.” Doc picked up his bag. “I'm going home now. Make sure she sleeps and call if her condition changes."
"I will. Thanks, Doc,” Alan said. Closing the front door behind the doctor, he turned and looked upstairs.
Angie's safe, he thought, as a wave of relief overcame him.
* * * *
Jared sat on the edge of the bed, holding Angie's hand. The gauze bandages on her wrists filled him with guilt.
Her injuries were his fault. She ran out of the house and had nearly been killed because he lied. He had caused her emotional and physical pain.
Yet, she had said she loved him.
"Angie, I'm sorry I hid the truth from you. It was stupid and wrong.” He caressed her hand. “Can you forgive me?"
"You're forgiven,” she whispered, her eyelids fluttering. “Lay down with me?"
"I don't know if that's a good idea."
Lifting her lids, she smiled at him. “I just want to fall asleep in your arms."
"You mean you're not going to attack me?” he said, then winced at the word, cursing himself for his carelessness.
"Not now,” she laughed, “I'm too tired."
"Then I guess I can lay with you for a while.” Kicking off his shoes, he slid under the covers. Angie snuggled into the crook of his arm, rested her head on his shoulder. Jared linked his fingers with hers. Snuggling, Angie molded her body against his.
Soon her breathing became rhythmic. Jared watched her sleep, wondering what it would be like to wake up with her every morning. Resting his cheek on the top of her head, he closed his eyes. A few more minutes and he'd go to his room.
When Jared didn't come back downstairs Alan went up to check on Angie. Peering through her open door, he smiled. Angie was cuddled against Jared in her bed. Both of them were sound asleep.
Alan closed the bedroom door. They'll be fine, he assured himself, and maybe his matchmaking had worked after all.
* * * *
Angie stirred and pain shot through her stiff and sore body. Her pillow felt too hard so she snuggled into it and an arm tightened around her back.
Her eyelids flew open.
Jared lay beside her. Asleep, but still holding her. She sighed, what a great way to wake up. I want to do this for the rest of my life.
Watching him, she noticed his pulse beating against his neck and knew in her heart that she couldn't have him. Savor the moment Angie, she told herself, because it will never happen again.
He doesn't love you.
She'd said those three little words. But he hadn't.
In the rush of the kiss that followed, she'd hoped they could be together. But now, she knew he just wasn't one to settle down. If he was—if he loved her—wouldn't he have told her after all they'd both been through?
Jared shifted, blinking his eyelids, then rubbing them with his free hand.
The man is even sexy waking up, she thought. Leaning forward she kissed his neck, then his jaw before nibbling on his ear.
"Umm...” He grinned, wrapping his other arm around her, drawing her close. “Good morning, beautiful."
"Good morning.” Smiling, she saw his blue eyes darken with desire. “I didn't know you were going to stay with me all night."
"Neither did I."
"Thank you, Jared.” Laying her head across his chest she listened to the steady thump of his heartbeat and smiled when the pace quickened.
"You're welcome. How are you feeling?"
"Stiff ... sore ... safe."
"Come here, you.” Jared pulled her on top of him, smiling as her dark tresses fell across his shoulders. “I was so worried, Angelina. I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost you."
"But you found me. You saved me."
"It wasn't enough. If I'd told you the truth from the beginning this wouldn't have happened."
"Don't talk about it right now. I want to enjoy waking up with you for just a little longer."
His eyes danced with happiness, a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “You are so amazing."
"Nah, you've just got sleep in your eyes."
"That's not what I have in my eyes and you know it."
"Jared Maxwell, what am I going to do with you?” Laughing, she tried to roll off of him, but he held her tight.
"You're not going anywhere. Not until I give you a good morning kiss."
She laughed. “I need to brush my teeth first."
"Who says?"
Jared pressed his lips against hers, pulling her back down on top of him as he settled into the pillow. His kiss was slow, gentle. Nipping her bottom lip, he teased her mouth open, and tangling his fingers in her hair he deepened the kiss.
Suddenly, Angie stopped the kiss.
"What's wrong? Did I hurt you?"
"My head. It's tender.” My heart, it's broken!
"I'm sorry. I forgot.” He moved his hands to her waist.
"I think we better get out of this bed now, don't you?” Wiggling off of him, she lay on her stomach beside him.
"Nope, you're supposed to stay in bed all day."
"You don't really expect me to, do you?"
"Yes,” he said, squeezing her butt. “You keep laying there like that and I might want you to do more."
Her eyes narrowed. Her heart plummeted even more. “Watch it buddy!” She forced a grin. “Kimmie's wedding is Saturday. I've got to help her."
Sitting up she flung her legs over the side of the bed, stood, wavered, sat down again.
"See why you need to stay in here?” Jared snaked his arm around her waist, gently pulling her back down beside him. “Why are you getting up anyway?"
"Bathroom."
"How about this way?” Getting out of bed with Angie in his arms he carried her to the bathroom, stood her in front of the toilet. “Can you manage from here or do I need to stay?"
The heat in her face told her she had flushed crimson. She gave him a little shove. “Thank you. Now go.” This is too comfortable, she thought.
"Call me when you're done.” He closed the door, leaving Angie alone.
The smell of bacon and coffee drifted up the stairs. Suddenly Jared realized they weren't the only two in the house. He put on his shoes and went down t
o the kitchen.
Alan stood at the stove, over the sizzling strips, pushing them around in the pan with a fork.
"Morning, Alan. You're here early."
"I slept here last night."
"You did? Where?"
"On the couch. Here, take this.” He handed Jared a plate of sausage links.
"You should have slept in one of the bedrooms upstairs. This smells great—I'm famished. Want a cup of coffee?"
"Sure, black."
"Why'd you stay over?"
"I came upstairs to check on Angie, and the two of you were asleep in her bed. I realized you were exhausted, too, so I decided to stay here in case either of you needed anything.” He lifted a slice of bacon out of the pan and placed it on a plate covered with two paper towels. “I checked in a couple of times during the night but you both were out cold. Is Angie up yet?"
"She woke up a little while ago. I left her in the bathroom.” He put Alan's coffee on the counter beside the stove. “I hope you didn't get the wrong impression, Alan. Nothing happened."
"It's none of my business if it did."
"Angie's like a daughter to you. I want to assure you that I would never hurt her."
"Not intentionally. Angie wears her heart on her sleeve, if you haven't already noticed."
"I know, Alan. That's why I need your help, and if you agree, you'll see exactly what my intentions are with Angie."
Alan narrowed his eyes. “What are you up too?"
The best way to keep the rest of his plan from being ruined would be to let Alan in on it. He looked down the hall to make sure Angie was still upstairs. “Can you keep a secret?” Jared grinned.
"You bet. Tell me."
* * * *
Doc Martin unwrapped the bandages from Angie's wrists and ankles. “How are you feeling today?"
"A lot better. I slept great last night.” No dreams. She inspected her wrists. They looked better already.
"Your injuries are healing nicely. I want you to change these bandages in the morning and at night and keep ointment on the abrasions. It will speed the healing and help prevent scarring."
"Is Jared healing nicely too?” Doc had examined Jared first at Angie's insistence.
"Don't worry, Jared will be fine."
"Do I have to come back?"
Ignoring the question he shone a light in her eyes. “Does your head hurt?"
"No, but the place you stitched is tender."
Moving her hair out of the way, he examined the cut. “There's no sign of infection. You're lucky you didn't get a concussion."
He sat down to write out a prescription; then, tearing the sheet from the pad he gave it to Angie. “This is for the ointment. Put some on each time you change the bandages. The stitches I gave you will dissolve on their own. I don't see any reason for you to come back to the office unless something changes."
"Please tell me I don't have to stay confined to bed."
"No more bed rest, but don't overdo it. If you feel tired, go lie down for a while."
"Good,” she said softly, “Doc, can I ask you something?"
"Of course. What's on your mind?"
"Can you give me a prescription for birth control pills?"
Doc Martin pinned her with a look of concern. “What happened to your vow of celibacy until marriage?"
"I ... might...” Her voice shook so she cleared her throat to steady it. Yes, I love Jared completely, she reasoned. “Well, I might change my mind. And if I do, I don't want to get pregnant the first time I have sex."
"That's a very responsible way to think, Angie.” He looked in her chart, flipping a few pages, “You had your yearly physical six months ago. Okay, I'll be right back,” he said leaving the room. Moments later, he came back with six sample packages of birth control pills.
He explained in depth how to take the medication, and other preventive measures she should take during the first month. “Make sure you watch the expiration date on these, in case you don't start on them right away. If you need it, I'll give you a prescription at your next physical."
"Thank you for everything, Doc."
"You don't have to thank me, Angie. I'm just relieved your injuries were minimal. We were all very worried about you.” He patted her shoulder. “I want you to give some serious thought to what you really want before starting those pills."
* * * *
Angie walked in the house with Jared to catch Alan and Mrs. Turner whispering in the living room.
Immediately suspicious, Angie put her fists on her hips and narrowed her eyes, “What's going on in here?"
"Oh, my! How are you dear?” Mrs. Turner chattered, “What did Doc Martin say? I'm so sorry to hear about the terrible nightmare you went through. Hank Emerson must be crazy to think he could get away with kidnapping you!” Grabbing Angie in a tight hug, she whispered, “I'm so glad you're okay."
"Thank you, Mrs. Turner. But I'm still a little sore."
"Oh silly me! And here I am hugging the living daylights out of you. Forgive me?"
"Of course.” Angie smiled at her. “What's going on, Alan?"
"Nothing, honey. What did Doc say?"
"That I'll be fine. No more bed rest but I'm to take it easy."
"I'm so relieved,” Alan said with a smile.
"I'm still waiting for one of you to tell me what's going on in here,” Angie complained, darting her eyes from Alan to Mrs. Turner who burst out in giggles.
"Why don't I walk you upstairs?” Jared took her hand.
Angie continued to stare at Alan and Mrs. Turner, as Jared led her out of the room and up the steps. “Those two are up to something. I just know it."
"They're probably just discussing wedding plans."
"I don't think so. Something else is going on."
"I wouldn't worry too much about it. You know how Mrs. Turner gets.” Stopping at her door, he leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Are you going to rest?"
"Yes. I might take Whisper out for a ride a little later."
"Are you sure you feel up to riding?"
"Positive.” Angie went inside her room to lay her purse on the bed.
"Then I'll go with you. I have to check on the Davis house first but we'll go for a ride before dinner."
"That sounds great."
"Get some rest.” Jared said, closing the door.
Angie turned the knob to lock it. Taking the samples from her purse she shoved them into one of her clean socks and buried it underneath her other socks. Closing the dresser drawer, she watched from the bedroom window until Jared crossed the yard. Now to find out what was going on between Alan and Mrs. Turner.
She hurried downstairs but couldn't find them inside. She went into the yard just in time to see both of their cars going up the dirt road.
"Angie!"
She whirled around. Burt was walking toward her. “Hi, Burt."
"Angie, how can I begin to say how sorry I am for what Hank did to you?” Taking her hands, he lowered his eyes. “I never thought I'd disown my son but I'm damn near close to it right now."
"Burt, you listen to me. It's not your fault. Hank's a grown man and responsible for his own actions."
"It's just I...” Burt raised his eyes to hers, Angie saw they were filled with unshed tears. “You're like a daughter...” He choked on the words.
"It's okay, Burt.” Angie hugged him. “Is Hank going to be all right?"
Burt pulled out of her embrace. “How can you even ask about Hank after all the horrible things he did to you this summer?"
"Because he's your son. I care about you, Burt. I've known your family my whole life.” Angie sat down on the picnic table bench. “Now, what did the doctors say?"
Burt sat beside her. “Hank had a high blood alcohol level. He's been ranting about you since they got him to the hospital."
"Why would he still be thinking about me after all these years?"
Burt blushed. “You're the only woman who ever told him no when he wanted to have sex."
<
br /> "You're kidding, right?” Angie stared at him in wide-eyed amazement.
"That's what Hank said at the hospital. I thought he was still dating that girl he hooked up with after you. He's been distant lately, but I didn't think anything was wrong."
"Have they taken him to jail or is he still in the hospital?"
"He'll be in the hospital until his leg is better; then they're transferring him."
"Burt, I didn't want to press charges but Trevor didn't give me a choice because of the multiple attempts on my life. I'm insisting that Hank receives professional help, too. I feel he'll get better results in a rehabilitation setting than a standard prison, but I don't know how much say I'll have in it."
He looked at her. “You amaze me, Angie. He's my son and I don't think I could be that generous. What he did to you is unforgivable."
"I saw it coming.” She rubbed her eyes. “But I misinterpreted my dream and thought someone else was going to hurt me."
He shook his head. “I've heard about your premonition dreams. Angie, I'm sorry about all of this. I really am."
"You just help your son get better, okay?"
Burt nodded as the crunch of gravel drew their attention up the road. “Here comes Kimmie."
"There's something going on around here, Burt. Do you know what it is?” she asked, leaning back on the picnic table. “Oh, never mind, you wouldn't tell me if you did know."
He wiped his face with his red bandanna then stood, grinning at her. “You're right, I wouldn't tell if I knew anything, which I don't."
"Angie! Burt!” Kimmie shouted as she jogged toward the picnic table. “How are you feeling, girlfriend? I can't believe what that monster did to you. Oh man, Burt, that was mean of me. I'm sorry."
"Don't fret, Kimmie, it's your mama's genes, you can't help it. Angie, if Jared needs me, I'm going to check the landmarks on the trail. I'm taking Thunder."
"I'll let him know. See ya later, Burt."
Angie watched him stride away then turned her attention to Kimmie. “So what brings you way out here at this time of day?"
"My last fitting for my wedding dress is at noon and I wanted you to come with me."
"Oh, I don't know.” The last thing I want to do is watch a bubbling bride try on a wedding gown, but then again, it might be fun too.