Happily Never After

by Bess George

  Kelsey snorted. “How can you stand there and offer yourself as a scapegoat? If she loved you enough to marry you, she should have loved you enough to find a way to help you. Or at least stuck by you until you figured out a way to help yourself.”

  This woman brought him to his knees without even knowing it. Her courage and loyalty were endless. He smiled down at her. “That’s what you would have done, isn’t it?”

  “Darn straight. You don’t jump ship at the first sign of a leak. You find something to plug the hole and start bailing.”

  He tugged both her hands up and kissed them. “Trust and commitment has been an issue for me since then. I haven’t wanted anyone to get too involved in my life. Until now.” He paused before continuing. “What we started last night might not be forever. I don’t even know if it will last the week. But I’d like to take it day by day. See where we end up.”

  “I need some time to think.”

  “Come home with me.” He searched her face and then added. “Please.”

  “No.”

  Unable to hide the disappointment that one word caused, he had to find out if there was any hope. “Is it because I’m a cop? I can’t change who I am, even for you. But you have to know you’re safe with me. I would never hurt you.”

  “I care about you, Bode. I can’t seem to help myself. Believe me, I wish I didn’t. Please, give me a few days. Next week we can talk and decide if we both still want the same things.”

  Happiness surged through him, and it didn’t bother him that he wore a goofy grin. She offered a slice of hope, and he could work with that. Because he sure wasn’t strong enough to keep away from her. He pulled her over to a bench where they sat down.

  A strand of her silky blond hair had fallen free from her ponytail. He reached out and tucked it behind her ear. “Listen, I’ll give you whatever time you want. Now, we still need to talk. First, the good news. You should be able to salvage some of your belongings. The bedroom wasn’t as damaged as the front room. They’ll tell us when we can start cleaning.”

  He hated having to inform her about Robbins, but she needed to be vigilant watching for this guy.

  She looked at him with wary eyes. “I’m scared to ask what the bad news is.”

  “Do you know a man named Miles Robbins?”

  Lines wrinkled her smooth forehead while she searched through her memory. “I don’t think so. Should I?”

  “That’s the name of the man you ran into at the park yesterday.” He rubbed his thumb on the back of her hand in comfort. “He’s Otis Warren’s brother. There’s a strong resemblance.”

  He could tell the moment her sharp mind put two and two together. “That’s why I believed he was Otis’ reincarnation. You think he set the fire too, don’t you?”

  “We don’t think anything, yet. People are out looking for him. It could be a simple coincidence.”

  Kelsey frowned at his statement. “Well, even if he didn’t torch the garage, what’s he doing in California? Specifically, here in Redding, where I just moved a few weeks ago.” She tugged her hands loose from his and began to pace. “He’s here for me, isn’t he?”

  He joined her and held her trembling body. “It doesn’t matter what his plans are. I’m going to keep you safe.”

  “How? I’m pretty sure the police department doesn’t have unlimited funds to guard me for who knows how long.”

  “Let me worry about that. For now, it’s better for you to be surrounded by people instead of isolated in a hotel room. I don’t want you going anywhere.”

  “Okay.”

  He arched one brow. “Promise?”

  “I said okay.”

  “Right, and now you’re going to promise me. I know you’ll keep a promise.”

  “Yes,” she grouched, “I promise. We were going to shop for new clothes after my group session, but Ann can pick me up a few things.”

  “If you came home with me, you wouldn’t need to go shopping. I liked you wearing my shirt, even better when you’re not.” His brows wiggled, hoping she’d laugh.

  “You do realize we’re sitting outside on a playground.” She swiveled around to make sure no one was near enough to listen. The blush that slid all the way up to her ears was adorable.

  Still holding her hand tight in his, she trailed behind him to the parking lot. At his truck, he wrapped his arms around her and showered kisses on her lips and along her jaw.

  “You understand, I’m going to keep reminding you of what you said,” he told her.

  She frowned. “Which part?”

  “You can’t help yourself from caring about me,” he stated with a grin.

  “Don’t make me regret it, Detective.”

  Chapter 17

  Exhausted from a night of soul searching, Kelsey admitted to herself that she’d overreacted by running away from Bode. Women her age usually had the finesse to handle these delicate situations.

  She hadn’t even had a real boyfriend in several years. The few times she started to date someone, they seemed to fall by the wayside. Most of the time she didn’t realize when they’d had enough. Weeks might go by before the fact she hadn’t talked to them sank into her work-absorbed brain. Then, she would shrug her shoulders and move on with life.

  Dawn painted the sky with pink and orange clouds as she stared out the window. Their night together had given her a small glimpse of what a world filled with passion and love would be like. She wanted that life more than anything she’d ever desired. A barrage of doubts crashed down on her, but she wouldn’t let them rule her. Not on this.

  He wasn’t the man she’d expected him to be. His tender actions with the children highlighted what kind of person he was. He was so good with them, and they loved him in return. Even after such a short time, she couldn’t picture him as anything besides a cop. A protector. And she was starting to be okay with that.

  Bode wanted to take things day by day. No long term commitments. She would make herself accept that. He might not be the man for her in the end, but she wouldn’t throw away an opportunity for happiness. She’d enjoy him in whatever way she could have him.

  Working at the community center had made her realize something. Life hadn’t been satisfying for quite a while. She was slowly but surely, figuring out what she wanted her future to look like.

  She wore black yoga pants and a long sleeve gray hoodie in anticipation of enjoying a morning round of basketball. It didn’t come as a complete surprise when Bode arrived at the center.

  He strode across the blacktop until he reached her. “Did you keep your promise?”

  “I most certainly did.” Her chin lifted into the air. “I worked around here while Ann went to the mall and bought the necessities, workout clothes in five different colors.”

  He smiled and brushed his hand along her cheek. “It sure beats your buttoned up prosecutor persona.”

  “So, what’re you doing here this morning?” She walked toward the basketball courts.

  “I wanted to fill you in before going to work. No one has spotted Robbins yet. He crawled under a rock, but we’ll find him. If you want to go anywhere, call, and I’ll come take you.”

  “I’ll be here at Ann’s until I can find another place to live. Until this creep is located, I’m not going to move to David’s.”

  His gaze slid toward her. “You can always come to my house, you know.”

  Laughing, she tossed him the ball. “What about take all the time you need?”

  He dribbled a few feet and stopped to shoot a free throw. “I’m not here to pressure you. Maybe I’m just here to get a little healthy exercise.”

  She gave him a stern eye. “You can’t possibly think you’re going to hang around here to watch me.”

  He let out a little sigh. “No, I need to go to work
but I wondered what your plans were for later today? Will you go out to dinner with me?”

  She began to shake her head but stopped at his stricken expression.

  “Don’t you want to spend time with me?”

  The hurt in his voice bothered her. It was time for the moment of truth. “Of course I do. I told you how I felt about you.”

  Satisfaction eased across his face. “Good, I’ll be back to pick you up after work. We’ll go to my place, and I’ll astound you with my culinary expertise.”

  A quick kiss and he strode away. She dribbled the ball while trying to understand what had just happened. Her ability to resist this guy needed some serious ramping up.

  With a wrist snap, the ball soared through the air toward the hoop. A smile replaced her frown. She’d never met anyone who turned her on as much physically and mentally. He was the whole package for her with his broad shoulders and full chest. The long, strong muscles of his thighs made one word come to mind. Hot.

  His quick laugh and rakish smile melted her defenses. The decision to pursue a relationship with Bode in place, her heart felt light even with the threat of Miles Robbins looming over her.

  A few minutes before five, she was in the process of filling out a supply requisition when Bode ambled into the room. He sat down across from her desk and stretched out his long legs. The tired lines across his face told the story.

  “Bad day, huh?” she asked.

  “The job that just keeps giving.” His voice held a hint of sarcasm. “Our office staff is pretty thin due to budget cuts. By the time I finish one case, another two pop up. How was your day?”

  “Not bad, considering I get to play all day when I’m not doing paperwork. We had cake.”

  He barked out a loud laugh and her heart lurched. It literally pinged around in her chest like a spinning top. She loved it when he smiled. His face transformed and lost the hard angles he wore as a detective.

  “Well, now that I’m aware that baked goods will keep you happy, I’ll make sure to keep some stockpiled.”

  The man’s infectious good humor made her laugh. “I’ll tell you a secret,” she drawled. “Cake isn’t all that’s keeping me here. I haven’t been in Redding long, but I already have a soft spot for it. The city is beautiful, and the people are wonderful. Of course, the good cake doesn’t hurt.”

  His elbows rested on his knees. “I’m relieved you’re going to give us a chance. Your luck hasn’t been that great since you got here. First, a hit and run and now this thing with Robbins. I’m glad you aren’t planning to scuttle back to someone in Texas.”

  She wasn’t the nature type but recognized a fishing expedition when she heard one. “Bode, was that a not so subtle way of asking me if I had a boyfriend in Dallas?”

  “Come on, cover girl. There had to be some Mr. Right, who ended up heartbroken when you moved to California. Men fall over their tongues when you stroll past.”

  His statement surprised her. “What can I say? I haven’t dated a lot for the last few years since my career was my primary focus. No dumped Mr. Rights, no skeletons in the closet. Sorry. What’s with the interrogation?”

  “I’m just trying to see who my competition is. What about good old Joe? He seems to keep popping up.”

  “Are these questions from Detective Taggert, or are they coming from Bode, the hot new boyfriend?” A playful grin covered her face.

  He gave her his best cop stare and replied, “I can assure you, Ms. Brackston I’m a professional. So—” he paused, “you think I’m hot?”

  She laughed. “I think it’s time for my session. This might sound crazy, but it was a huge relief to find out about Robbins. I’ve been meeting with Riley a few times a week, and my heart breaks listening to those strong, brave men talk about their pain. One man, in particular, suffers from extreme hallucinations and,” her voice trailed off.

  “What?”

  She took a deep breath. “Don’t get me wrong, I know I’m far from cured, but it scared me to death thinking I imagined a dead guy following me around. I wish I knew what his brother wanted from me.”

  Bode rose and placed both palms flat on her desk, anger flaring in his eyes. “It doesn’t matter what he wants. I’m going to find him and put a stop to this.”

  She grinned up at him and couldn’t resist. “I think you’re very manly when you beat your chest like this.”

  He grabbed her hand pulling her up and around the desk. She fell against him, and he brushed her lips with his.

  She turned serious. “Meeting with the group is helping me learn to deal with my emotions. You seem to have a calming effect on me too when you’re not infuriating me. Thank you.”

  “I’m here for you, Kels. But you need to do one thing for me.”

  Hearing Bode use David’s nickname for her sounded so natural and warmed her heart. “What?”

  “Eat. You’re too skinny. Come on.” He towed her laughing along with him.

  Chapter 18

  Kelsey moved around the room picking up the never ending toys that lingered behind after one of her classes. The kids were supposed to pick them all up, but one or two always seemed to get left under a desk or chair. She didn’t mind. The last few weeks were the happiest she could ever remember.

  Her days filled with work she adored, and her nights spent in the arms of the man she loved. The man she loved. One morning she lay watching him sleep and had an epiphany. She loved Bode Taggert. Knowing he wouldn’t want to hear it, she’d been careful to keep the secret to herself.

  Even though her few possessions were still at Ann’s, most nights she ending up staying with him at his house. They spent every evening talking and getting to know one another. Open and honest regarding his life, he answered all her questions. He never participated in unprotected sex, and he’d always been upfront about what he could offer in a relationship.

  She refused to acknowledge the disappointment his words caused. One day at a time, Kelsey.

  She opened up and told him about her relentless drive to be one of the best prosecutors around. How she didn’t have that dream anymore. The more they talked, the more they clicked. The bottom line for her, she liked him, warts, and all.

  They exercised together every day, and he’d even joined her for several of the group therapy sessions. Her nightmares didn’t come as often, and her mind and body bloomed.

  The lone shadow hanging over her current happiness was the fact no one could locate Miles Robbins. They still didn’t know why he’d followed her. Or if he set fire to her apartment.

  Thanksgiving was on Thursday and the center would be closed, so she finished cleaning before turning out the lights. David had pressured her into attending a black tie fundraiser for the mayor, and she needed to get ready. Her cell phone rang, and she stopped to dig around until she managed to find it.

  “Hello?” Her voice sounded a little breathless and she smiled at the low growl that answered her.

  “Now tell me again why I have to go to this shindig?”

  ”You don’t have to go. I hoped that you would want to go. You know, to be with me. I’m sure there will be all kinds of unattached men around. I should be able to find someone to sit with me at our table.” She placed one hand over her mouth to keep from laughing.

  A sigh followed a slight pause. “Okay, I get it. I’m not going to have time to pick you up so I’ll meet you there. Will you be all right by yourself?”

  She hurried down the hall and left for Ann’s small residence in the back. “Yes. I’m leaving now to get all dolled up.” She added in a whisper. “Just to make it up to you, I’ll save some energy for wild gorilla sex later.”

  He growled into the phone. “Keep this up and I’m going to throw you over my shoulder in my best Tarzan imitation. Then we’re not going to make it anywhere.”
r />   Giddiness bubbled to the surface. “Listen, I’ve got to go. I’ll see you there.”

  The sun was still high in the sky, but most of the workers had left already. The parking lot was almost empty. Apprehension filled her and made the hair on her arms stand on end. Was someone here, watching her?

  As nonchalant as possible, she searched for the cause of her discomfort. Nothing appeared to be out of place.

  Shaking off the disturbing feelings, she hurried inside the apartment and locked the door. Moving to the window, she shifted the curtain aside to peer out. Ann wasn’t home and the silence gave her the creeps. Giving herself a mental shake, she went to get dressed, refusing to let paranoia immobilize her.

  After the fire, she’d had the rest of her clothes shipped from Dallas to keep from having to buy a complete new wardrobe. The dress she planned to wear was a silver concoction that draped her body like a shimmering waterfall. The gown’s back dipped so low it showcased her flawless skin.

  Ready to go, she added a silk shawl to wrap around her shoulders and drove to the fancy hotel where they were holding the event. When she arrived, she stopped to let the valet park her car. The young men stared at her legs when she emerged. The ego boost made her flash them a charming smile.

  She strolled into the lobby and spotted David and Bev standing off to the side. When she got near, David’s eyes went wide.

  “Girl, they’ll need to crank the air up or people will start dropping like flies over you. I don’t know if the city of Redding is ready for that dress. You’re beautiful.” Bev gazed around. “Where’s your gorgeous hunk?”