He drew back slightly, as if she’d slapped him. “I’m not trying to hurt you.”
She knew he wasn’t. “And I’m sorry for ever hurting you.” Before he could reply, she flashed a wry smile. “Next time you call, I promise I’ll answer.”
Chuckling, he resumed walking. “I’ll drive you home. You’re too tired to be behind the wheel.”
“I’m not going home. My friend Brian is waiting for me at the hospital. He doesn’t have anyone else,” she added when he didn’t respond right away.
Terry released a loud sigh. “I’ll make sure your car makes it to the hospital for you so you’ll have a way home later. Better yet, you can call me when you’re ready to leave and I’ll take you home. Is this why you have dark circles under your eyes?”
She nodded as she opened the passenger-side door of her car. “Yeah. He almost bled to death but I managed to get it under control.” Gathering Brian’s things, she made sure all the doors were locked before adding, “Hospital chairs haven’t improved any since the last time I slept in one.”
“I imagine not.”
Terry opened the truck door for her. Pausing with one foot inside and one still on the ground, McKenna stared at Terry for a moment. His familiar calm demeanor remained in place. She felt like an idiot for forcing him out of her life. Time had healed a few issues but not all. It had also left him with a hardened edge she didn’t remember. Terry’s hair had a hint of red to it. Gray had always claimed he had the temperament to match but McKenna had never witnessed it. On the other hand, his mind was every bit as sharp as Gray’s had been. She knew exactly what she was up against there.
“What time did I leave this hospital this morning?”
His mouth turned up at one corner. “Get in the truck, McKenna. You have my coat and it’s freezing out here. You can tell me on the way to the hospital why you’re determined Kurt cheated on you and how you ended up behind G. Richards with Brian Johnson last night.”
She’d thought as much. Swinging her foot inside, she allowed him to close the door. No doubt, he knew more about Brian’s injuries than she did. Thankfully, Terry pulled away from the curb without demanding answers. Her phone chimed, alerting her to an incoming text and she dug around until she found the phone. An irrational fear something had happened to Brian while she’d been gone ran down her spine. When she spotted Kurt’s name on the face of her phone, she almost deleted the message without reading it. In the end, she couldn’t resist the temptation. He was the one object she couldn’t seem to go completely without.
“It occurs to me, I can remember the first lie I told you. It turns out, I’m indeed stalking you. If you won’t ever speak to me again, please let me say this much. I was scared to let you see all of me because I didn’t want to lose you but I guess it’s too late now. Even though you won’t believe me, it doesn’t change the facts. I love you. There was never any real hope you’d feel the same but still.”
McKenna pressed the phone to her stomach as if Kurt could somehow feel her holding him. Her heart raced. The temptation to text him back caused her palms to itch. It was insane the way he made her want to forgive him any transgression as long as she could touch him. Staring out the passenger-side window, she kept her gaze locked on the passing businesses. It made it easier for McKenna to speak when she pretended she was alone. She’d always been good at talking to herself. Of course, Terry’s silence helped as well.
“I had this dream last night. When I woke up, I realized how my brain had broken down my life completely. There was this buffet and I was at the front of the line. When I got my drink, it had this tiny straw in it. It wasn’t long enough for me to use. It didn’t seem to matter. I still left it in the cup. The drink came out in three different flavors. Of course, that wasn’t what I wanted but I shrugged, thinking maybe I’d like it. I’m not scared of new things.” She shrugged, mimicking the images in her mind. “The moment I reached for a plate, the guy setting out the food pulled the tray of dinnerware away. Again, I laughed and shook my head, patiently waiting for him to set out a new batch. This whole time, I never lost my good humor. People were going around me in line as if I wasn’t standing there. I was accepting. There was this smile on my face as if I didn’t expect more because that’s the way things are for me. I have to work twice as hard to get to the same spot other people seem to reach with half the effort. Happiness lasts half as long for me. The moment my eyes opened this morning, I felt resigned.” She motioned, helpless, with her free hand. “It’s not as if I can act like the dream was some crazy, random shit. It was dead-on. If I’m happy, I expect it to end at any moment. If something truly wonderful happens to me then I brace myself for whatever horrible event is waiting around the corner for me.”
“I don’t believe in karma or a balanced universe. Whatever it’s called.”
McKenna jumped in surprise at the sound of Terry’s voice. He’d been so quiet she’d not expected him to comment at all. Her gaze shot to him. She was intrigued. As far as McKenna could remember, she’d never heard anyone openly admit to not believing in cosmic balance.
“You don’t?”
He shook his head. “I suppose I did at some point in my life. Of course, back then I didn’t realize how many bad people seem to have all the luck while the best people I know get nothing but life’s boot heel. On the other hand, I do think if you’re a genuinely good person then other people will flock to you. Their support will offset the bad.” Glancing away from the road for a second, Terry flashed a wry smile, adding, “If you let them.”
In light of his confession, she found herself making one as well, before she could lose her courage. “I’m pregnant. That’s how I knew it was inevitable I’d lose Kurt.”
Terry’s reaction was almost funny. It eased some of her guilt over her complete lack of memory when it came to taking her birth control pills. Oops. His head whipped around. Their gazes collided. The car slowed to almost a stop, as he seemed to forget he was driving. The blaring of a car horn forced his focus back to the road.
“Um. Well.” He cleared his throat. She wanted to chuckle until he startled her by exploding. “You fucking knew you were pregnant and you were still sitting outside on the cold ground without a coat. What the fuck is wrong with you?” She didn’t think he expected an answer. Proving her thoughts correct, he continued his rant. “You were out saving some guy’s life and sleeping all night in a chair at the hospital. Goddamn it. You should be taking care of yourself.” A hint of irritation wormed its way under her skin at the insinuation she didn’t take care of herself. She’d been alone a long time without help and survived. His next words wiped away any hint of aggravation she’d worked up. “My brother might be gone but I’ll never stop thinking of you as my sister. That’s my goddamn niece or nephew you’re risking.”
Her eyes and nose stung with unshed tears. Terry was furious. It was obvious in the flush of his cheeks and the way his nostrils flared. She’d never been happier to incur someone’s wrath. Reaching across the space between them, McKenna brushed her knuckles along the line of his jaw.
“I love you too, Terry.”
* * * * *
The odd expression on Terry wore matched the one on Brian’s face. She almost smacked herself across the forehead. She’d assumed the men had met before. It was obvious they had not. Here she’d brought a stranger into Brian’s hospital room. They were eyeing each other.
“Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry. I assumed the two of you had met before because of No Rival.”
“I gave up my membership when I lost the title,” Terry said, interrupting her.
She might have known it if she’d stayed in touch. He didn’t appear to have lost his edge or be out of shape. After giving herself an internal lecture, she made the introductions. “Brian Johnson, this is Terry Richards. He’s my brother-in-law. He gave me a ride.” She waved in Terry’s direction as if she could possibly be referring to anyone else. Motioning in Brian’s direction, she added. “Terry, this is Brian
. He’s my friend.”
“I’ve heard of you, of course but it’s nice to meet you in person,” Brian said.
Terry’s light green eyes took on an odd glint at Brian’s words. McKenna was fascinated by the change in him. She’d never seen him be anything other than the proper gentleman. He didn’t return the pleasantries. In fact, his tone bordered on rude when he finally responded. “Do you intend to return to the cage?”
McKenna removed his coat. Handing it over, she hoped he’d take the hint and leave. As he slipped it over his shoulders, her gaze moved to Brian. She was hard-pressed to say whether she was more surprised by Terry’s sharp tone or Brian’s expression. He seemed more confused than offended. His eyes followed Terry’s motions as he straightened his jacket.
“I’d like to,” he finally answered. “Unfortunately, I’m not sure I’ll ever regain the strength needed to truly compete.”
Reaching inside his jacket, Terry came out with a business card. “You should call me sometime. Maybe I can help you get back into fighting shape.” Brian accepted the card. He didn’t look at it as he set it aside.
“Maybe so.”
McKenna could tell from his tone, Brian didn’t have any intentions of taking Terry up on his offer. It was obvious Terry knew it as well. His smile turned bland. “I’ll leave you to your rest.” Terry’s eyes still held a hint of something McKenna couldn’t decipher. He nodded in her direction before showing himself out.
“You should take Terry up on his offer.”
Brian looked uncomfortable with the topic. He brushed his hand over the back of his neck. “Yeah. I don’t know, McKenna.”
“He’s one of the best,” she cajoled. “He could help.”
Brian blew out a sigh. “That’s the problem. It’s one thing to look like an idiot in front of people who aren’t any further along in their career than I am. It’s a whole other experience to do it in front of a former champion and a stranger. It’s just…”
“Yeah. I understand. Really though, I look like a fool twenty-four hours a day. You could handle it for a few hours a week if it meant reclaiming your dreams.”
“You should take your own advice,” Brian grumbled, leaving McKenna to puzzle over his meaning.
Chapter Seven
Sled hockey had always been one of those things Kurt found inspiring. Since his return from Afghanistan, he’d intentionally surrounded himself with things that made him feel good. Music soothed him. Fighting offered him a release. Volunteering kept him insulated from hell. Watching amputees find a way to hang on to the things they’d loved to do before losing a limb gave him hope for humanity.
As the men pushed themselves across the ice on the sleds, tempers were every bit as high as they’d been when the men were on skates. By the third fight, Kurt blew his whistle.
“For fuck’s sake guys. What’s up with all of you today? Pull your shit together.” Some general grumbling about this being a real man’s sport rang throughout the group but things improved a bit by the third period.
“Are you going to Drew’s Wounded Warrior Benefit Auction tonight?”
On top of being the US Champion and owner of No Rival, Drew Alexander was widely known for his over-the-top charitable events. Kurt blinked at Terry’s question, unsure whether saying no would be enough. Perhaps this is one of the times “hell no” was more appropriate. Instead, he chose a more diplomatic approach.
“You know I don’t fit in with that crowd.”
“Yeah. Well, normally I’d let you get away with that excuse. In this case it won’t fly. Would you like me to tell these guys you don’t intend to go?”
Kurt let a colorful curse fly. Terry smirked. No doubt the man knew he had him. “There’s one more thing,” Terry added, making Kurt groan. One more thing was never good. He was right. “It’s a black tie event.”
“Fuck you,” Kurt said, making sure he put every ounce of his irritation into the two words.
“So, I’ll pick you up at eight?”
Kurt might have to resign himself to going but he didn’t have to be happy about it. “Wonderful,” he said in his driest tone. “You’re the hottest date I’ve had all week.”
“All week? I’m honored but I still won’t put out on the first date.”
“Great. A high-maintenance piece of ass. Just what I’ve always wanted.”
Terry’s eyes glinted in amusement. “Hey. Don’t knock it. You’d never forget me.” There was no mistaking Terry’s tone. In spite of his best efforts, Kurt’s eyebrows still hit his hairline. Now that he thought about it, he’d never seen Terry with anyone.
Kurt was as guilty as everyone else when it came to assumptions. In his case, he presumed everyone he met was straight until otherwise convinced. It seemed he’d been wrong in Terry’s case.
“I’m almost tempted to try to make you eat those words but you know…” A low chuckle fell from Terry’s lips. “You’re not my type.”
Pressing his hand to his chest, Kurt feigned heartbreak. “I’m everyone’s type.”
“Yeah. Yeah. Be ready to go by the time I get there. Drew has something up for auction I intend to win.”
* * * * *
Terry hadn’t been joking when it came to his intent to bid. The moment the auction began he abandoned Kurt to grab a chair as close to the stage as possible. Kurt lingered in the doorway without any real interest in the show. On the other hand, he was interested in McKenna. He hadn’t known she would be there. The moment he spotted her, he hadn’t been able to resist staring at her even as he kept his distance. Somehow, McKenna had managed to secure a seat close to the stage. She sat directly behind the three men in charge of running the event. Kurt suspected, Asher—who was sitting to her left with his arm draped over the back of her chair—had something to do with the matter. If Kurt didn’t know the dude belonged to Rhys, he might’ve been jealous. Hell, he did know it and was still fighting the emotion back. McKenna was especially beautiful in her black dress. With her hair piled on her head, her gorgeous neck and a hint of cleavage taunted him. Every male eye in the room glanced her way, especially when she laughed. It was a captivating sound.
Positioning himself near the door, Kurt stayed out of the line of sight while keeping McKenna’s every move in his. When he’d realized the items up for auction were the fighters from No Rival, he’d been concerned McKenna would end up taking one home. She’d held on to her silence with the exception of the occasional whisper in Asher’s ear and encouraging him when the bids for Rhys reached a staggering amount. That is, until Brian went up for auction.
She didn’t jump in right away. Instead, she waited until Terry made his first bid before throwing her paddle into the fray. Terry called out a number, daring McKenna with his eyes to top it. She laughed heartily while driving the price higher. Terry countered again with a ridiculous amount.
She audibly sighed, making everyone chuckle. “You’re too rich for my blood. I guess I’ll have to bow out.”
“Sold!” The auctioneer’s call brought a Cheshire cat grin to Terry’s face. “Stealing a woman’s date, what’s the world coming to?” McKenna grumbled. Kurt found himself shifting positions in an attempt to catch her every word.
“I could’ve purchased him for you,” Asher offered but she waved it away.
“I’ve never needed a man to keep me satisfied. One of my best talents is slaking my own needs.”
All three of the men—who were sitting in front of her—swiveled in their seats at her comment. Kurt was torn between laughter and ripping off their heads. On one hand, the innocent look on McKenna’s face was priceless. On the other, they were leering at his woman. She stared back at them. Her face devoid of all devilry. When—after a full minute—she still didn’t show a hint of the naughtiness he knew her words had held, they finally turned back around.
A wicked smile touched McKenna’s lips and he almost took a step closer to her. He knew in his heart she was about to show the world the reason he’d fallen in love with her.
She winked at Asher. The gesture gave Kurt the strength to tear his gaze away from her face. Asher was visibly dying with suppressed laughter. His shoulders shook and he swiped at his eyes. She leaned closer to him but didn’t lower her voice.
“There is this one guy, though. His name is Bob and when he’s running on a full battery, he can do things. Whoa. He’d make a girl’s head spin.”
The men were back to staring at her in a heartbeat. Asher was staring at the floor, biting his lip until Kurt thought he’d draw blood. McKenna was still blinking innocently. She shrugged.
“Actually, it’s possible one of you have met him before. He’s in charge of whatever department helps out neglected wives. I believe his last name is Bullet or maybe it’s Rabbit.” She motioned as if truly searching for the name. “It’s something like that.”
They shook their heads, admitting they’d never heard of the man. Kurt couldn’t believe they hadn’t figured out she was screwing with them. The moment their backs turned once more, Kurt wondered if Asher would fall out of his seat from lack of oxygen. If there was an award for maintaining composure, he’d win it hands down. Asher switched between glancing at the ceiling and visibly gulping down air. The pair stood, heading for the dining area. Most of the tables had been removed, transforming it into an open bar for the evening. Halfway there, Brian and Rhys joined them. While Asher and Rhys broke away to go their separate ways, McKenna and Brian claimed the only open table at the edge of the room. Kurt went straight for the alcohol. Even though he knew he’d regret it later since it tended to make the nightmares worse, he needed a drink.
* * * * *
It seemed no sooner had McKenna slid into her seat than Brian nodded at someone across the room and was off again. He’d been adamant about her joining him for the event. She’d spent the majority of the night with everyone except him. Not that she cared. A tingle skittered across the back of McKenna’s neck, as if someone was watching her. She turned her head and the crowd parted. He was there. Leaning against the bar, a tuxedo straining against his muscles, Kurt regarded her without an ounce of emotion on his face.
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