The old man turned, scowling. “Maybe for some.”
“Mr Duggan, I wonder if you’d care to have dinner with me?” she asked as he locked the door to his shop.
He stilled, turning to look at her, his bushy eyebrows lowering over his eyes as he peered at her suspiciously.
“What?” he barked.
“My treat.” She really couldn’t be alone tonight; her thoughts were driving her nuts.
“Why would you want to do that? You trying to make me change my mind about the resort, because I won’t.”
“Not at all,” she said easily. “But I find its rather lonely eating by myself. You would be doing me a big favor.”
He grumbled under his breath for a moment.
“Come on now, I promise I won’t even mention the resort. You wouldn’t leave me to eat on my own, would you?”
“Well, I suppose,” he said, feigning reluctance. But if she had read him right he was as lonely as she was. “If you need the company.”
“I do.”
*****
Holly was surprised by how much she was enjoying herself. Mr Duggan, whose first name was Lester, was actually an interesting man. He’d fought for his country in Vietnam, been a decorated soldier and now he just wanted some peace and quiet to live out his last years. The last thing he wanted was a whole lot of tourists invading his quiet town.
Understanding his reasons for not wanting the resort to go ahead, she reached across and grabbed his hand, squeezing it.
“Thank you for having dinner with me,” she told him with a smile.
He snorted. “Young girl like you shouldn’t be stuck here having dinner with me.”
“Well, I happen to have enjoyed myself. I’m just going to go to the ladies room. I’ll be back in a moment.”
He waved her off. “Take your time. I’m in no rush.”
Holly walked towards the toilets, which were down a long passage at the back of the building. She used the toilet then washed her hands, staring at herself. Soon she would have to go back to her hotel room. Alone. With too much time to think.
He hadn’t called her. Hadn’t text her. Hadn’t come to see her.
This was ridiculous. He wanted to be friends. She wanted more. She wanted Brax. But there was no way she was going to make a fool of herself over him any longer. She’d thought to change his mind and she’d failed. It was time to move on. If space is what he wanted, it’s what he would get.
“Where’s my money?”
She stilled at the familiar voice. Where was it coming from? For a moment, she thought someone was in the toilets with her, but all three stalls were empty.
“You haven’t finished the job yet,” another voice replied, this one quieter and also vaguely familiar.
Holly looked up. A long, thin window ran along the length of the bathroom. It was currently open.
“I did everything you said. It’s not my fault they don’t scare easy. What else do you want me to do?”
Suddenly, she recognized the first voice. Mason Philips. She needed to see him to be sure, though. Moving into the stall closest to the outside wall, she lowered the toilet lid carefully then climbed on top to peer out the narrow window. She peered to her left where two large men stood in the dark alley.
“You’ll get paid when they’ve shut down the site and not a minute before,” the other man said quietly. “You need to up your game. I want Brax Jamieson gone.”
The other man was smaller. He had his back to her and his head was covered in a hat. His husky voice was quiet, but she was sure that she had heard his voice before.
She strained to hear more.
“Then you’ll get your money. Don’t forget, we’re both getting what we want. Brax Jamieson off the Ashdown job and preferably ruined.”
Holly put her hand over her mouth to hold back her gasp of shock.
“Yeah, all right, all right,” Mason replied peevishly. “I’ll get the job done.”
“Make sure you do.”
Both men turned and walked away. Holly would have loved to catch a glimpse of the other man, but she’d never make it outside in time. She lowered herself carefully off the toilet then sat on it, breathing deep. Her whole body shook.
Who was that other guy? Why would he want to ruin Brax? Should she tell Brax? But what did she really have to tell him? She didn’t know who the other man was. The one person who did know was Mason Philips and he wouldn’t tell. If she told Brax, he’d go after Philips again. The last time he’d done that it had nearly ended in disaster. She didn’t want to risk Brax getting hurt.
No, she needed to figure out who the other man was and then she could go to the Sheriff or Derrick. But what would Mason do next? How could she stop him?
She needed to keep an eye on him. Starting tonight. Except there was that promise she’d made to Brax. But this was business, that promise had been personal. She was Ashdown Industries representative, she had to do this.
That was her story, anyway, and she’d stick to it.
Mind made up, she moved from the bathroom.
*****
A few hours later, feeling defeated, she drove back to the hotel. She was so tired her eyes felt gritty and it took every ounce of concentration she had to keep herself awake. No wonder, it was now four in the morning. She’d been watching Mason Philips’ house all night, wanting to catch him out. But he had obviously been peacefully sleeping while she had been holed up in her cold car, struggling to keep herself awake.
She parked and climbed out of the car. Limping slowly, her leg stiff and sore from spending too long cramped in one position, she made her way to her room. Only to nearly stumble over Brax who was slumped the floor outside her door, sleeping.
Quickly, she took a step back to stop herself from tripping over him, putting all her weight on her sore leg. A low whimper of pain passed through her lips.
Brax opened his eyes, staring up at her.
“Brax!” she said in a harsh whisper as she leaned against the wall. “What are you doing here?”
She really, really didn’t have the energy to deal with him right now. Brax quickly stood and grasped her around the waist.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“No, I’m not. You scared the living daylights out of me.”
“You’re in pain,” he accused. “Is it your leg?”
She bit back a smart remark. Pain and fatigue was making her short-tempered. But snapping at Brax wasn’t going to get her into bed any quicker.
“Brax, I’m tired, I’m in pain and you just gave me a hell of a fright. Please, just go home and leave me be.”
He shook his head and stepped back slightly. “I can’t. Give me your key. I want to talk to you.”
Sighing, she rubbed her temple, feeling a headache developing. “Fine, but make it quick.” Reaching into her bag she pulled out her key and handed it to him. He unlocked her door then stepped back to allow her to go in first.
As Holly took a step forward her leg caved beneath her, a huge cramp hitting her, seizing her leg and stealing her breath.
“Come on, baby. Breathe through it. That’s the way.”
Brax picked her up, holding her cuddled against his chest as though she was precious. He laid her on the bed. Her whole being focussed in on the pain as she reached down, trying to ease the cramp.
Her hands were brushed gently away as he stripped her pants off and removed the brace. Then large hands dug into her leg. Agony engulfed her. Holly bit her lip, forcing herself to keep quiet, although low whimpers escaped her lips.
“Oh, oh.”
“Easy, sweetheart. Breathe through it. There you go.”
Finally, the pain lessened, allowing her to open her eyes.
“Better?” he asked, his gaze filled with concern.
She nodded, so exhausted she could barely see straight.
“I’m going to get some pain pills and the heating pad. Do you need anything else?” His gaze was so caring it made her ache for what she
couldn’t have. She shook her head, closing her eyes. She didn’t even have the energy to remain angry at him.
“Okay, sweetheart, let’s get you into bed.”
Lifting her up gently, he bundled into bed, placing the heating pad around her leg. She swallowed the pills he gave her obediently.
Brax sat beside her, running his hand over her head.
“What are you doing here, Brax?” she asked. Why didn’t he just leave her alone?
His hand stilled but she didn’t open her eyes. She didn’t want to see him right now. She wasn’t strong enough to hide her feelings for him. The last thing she wanted was to let him know how much he had hurt her.
“I was worried when you didn’t come in today. I tried calling you a couple of times and your phone went straight to voicemail. So I decided to come here and wait for you. It’s nearly five in the morning, where have you been?”
“Out having mad monkey sex,” she replied.
Silence stretched out and she opened her eyes with a sigh. “I turned my phone off when I went to dinner with Mr Duggan and I forgot to turn it back on. Where I’ve been is none of your business, Brax. I’m a big girl and you’re not responsible for me. Now, please, I’m exhausted and so must you be. Go home.”
His face grew stubborn, but his eyes grew dark with worry. She should tell him about the conversation she’d overheard. Keeping quiet about this because she was hurt was foolish. She opened her mouth to tell him everything when he stood with a scowl.
“It’s not safe for you to be out this late and you need your sleep. Tell whoever you were with that they need to get you home at a decent hour. You have a job to do. I’ll expect you there tomorrow.”
His voice could have frozen a penguin and her temper surged. Didn’t he know her at all? But then, they hadn’t actually known each other long. It only felt like she’d known him forever.
She should let him continue thinking that she’d been out with another man. It would be easier. But the stiff set of his shoulders let her know he was hurt and even though she was angry, she didn’t want to hurt him.
“You jerk,” she snapped at him.
His eyes widened in surprise.
“Do you seriously believe that I was out sleeping around? It that how little you think of me?”
She panted with her anger.
Brax took a step back, his face shocked. “Holly—”
“Get out.”
He ran his hand over his short hair. “Holly, I’m so sorry. You’re right. I’m lashing out at you and it’s not fair. I just sat there all night, worrying about what had happened to you. You didn’t answer my calls or texts. I thought something bad had happened. I even called the hospital.”
His face showed his misery and she felt her temper ease, exhaustion taking over.
“I wasn’t out with anyone. I’m not going to tell you what I was doing, but believe it or not, I don’t sleep around. I’m actually a bit of a prude.”
“You’re not a prude,” he objected. Then his shoulders slumped. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to imply that you…”
“Were a slut?” she finished for him.
“Are you in trouble?”
“Brax. Even if I was in trouble I’m not yours to rescue.”
“Derrick expects me to watch out for you.”
This old argument. He couldn’t have it all his own way. Holly pushed down her temper. Yelling at him wouldn’t help. “I don’t need a man to look after me. We’re just friends, remember? As my friend, I’m asking you to leave me be and let me sleep.”
He opened his mouth then closed it, thinking for a moment. He looked as exhausted as she did and some awful part of her was glad. It wasn’t right if she was the only one suffering.
“All right. But, just know I’m here if you need me.”
Yeah, he’d be there for her. Just not the way she really needed him.
She closed her eyes as he shut the door, willing sleep to take her over.
Chapter Seven
Holly drank cold coffee, grimacing at the taste. But if it would keep her awake a bit longer she’d drink it. This was the fourth night she’d spent watching Mason Philips house and she couldn’t keep going like this. It was killing her. She was here all night and trying to pretend everything was fine all day.
Her phone rang and she reached for her handbag to pull it out. She checked who the caller was.
“Hello, Derrick, how are you?” she greeted her brother-in-law warmly. “This is a bit late to be calling, isn’t it?”
“Hello to you too. According to Brax, you’ve been out all hours lately so I didn’t think it would matter. What’s going on, Holly?”
“Brax is spying on me now?” she snapped, exhaustion loosening her tongue.
“No, sounded to me like he was worried about you. Where are you? What aren’t you telling me?” Derrick could be a bulldog when he wanted to know something and she scrambled, trying to think up a valid reason to give him for her nocturnal activity. Unfortunately, her brain wasn’t firing on all cylinders and she came up blank.
“You know, I’m a grown woman. If I want to stay out late, I can.”
“We’ve known each other a long time, Holly,” Derrick replied in a calm voice. “Of course you’re an adult, but you’re forgetting how well I know you. We both know you’re an early-to-bed, early-to-rise person.”
“Boring, you mean.”
There was a moment of silence. “Not at all. You sound odd. I’m worried.”
She pinched her nose. What was she doing snapping at Derrick? He was her friend. He didn’t deserve to have her take out her bad temper on him.
“I’m sorry, Derrick. I’m fine, really I am. I just, I guess I’m missing home.” It was time to go. Hanging around here, seeing Brax every day, it was torture. And it seemed like playing detective just wasn’t her calling.
“Then book tickets tomorrow and come home,” he said quietly. “Brax is pleased with Joshua. I think you’re right and they can handle everything. Nothing else has happened. Come home.”
“Yeah, I think I will. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“All right, now get some sleep.”
“Yes, boss.” Watching Mason Philips house each night was turning into a foolish endeavor. Nothing had happened. Obviously she’d misheard, or else Mason had changed his mind. Even if he did try something what could she do?
It was time to go home.
She swallowed back the pain. Brax didn’t want her. Not the way she wanted him. Even though she thought his reasons were bullshit, it was time to stop pining over him. She started up her car, fiddling with her radio for a moment to find a tune that would keep her awake. Then turning on her lights, she pulled out of the park. Suddenly, a truck pulled out in front of her from Mason’s driveway.
He was on the move.
Adrenaline flooded her as she slowed down to create some space between them. After ten minutes, he hit the road that led out of town.
Forcing down the urge to follow him closely, Holly fell back even further. Of course there could be any number of reasons to drive along this road, but she had a sick feeling he was going to the site and there would be trouble.
Glancing down at the cell phone she’d placed on the passenger seat, she knew she should call Brax. But what would she say? That Mason had gone for a drive? Brax would just order her back to her room. Like a child.
Well, she wasn’t a child. She worked for Derrick and it was her job to ensure things ran smoothly. Except she knew Derrick would be furious with her for risking her safety like this. Yeah, this was one of her stupidest decisions. Seemed Brax was rubbing off on her and she was starting to think things through rather than rushing blindly in. As soon as she was sure that Philips was headed to the building site she would call the sheriff.
Sure enough, the tail lights in front of her pulled off at the resort. She decided to drive straight past, that way if Mason had seen her car in his rear-view mirror, he’d see it just drive on by.
> Nerves danced through her stomach as her palms grew sweaty against the steering wheel. Driving over the small hill, she drew her car over to the side of the road, knowing the slope would hide her. Grabbing her cell phone, she opened it to call the sheriff.
No signal.
God no. Not now. What was she going to do? She could keep driving, but what if he heard her car start up? She could walk along the road until she got reception, but the idea of wandering along in the dark, on a deserted road terrified her.
Her only other choice was to head towards the building site and hope she hit a patch of reception without getting Philips seeing. Nibbling at her lower lip, her stomach clenching in fear, she finally made up her mind. She’d walk towards the site. Turning her phone to vibrate, she set out over the hill, glad it wasn’t too steep.
The security lights surrounding the building site gave off enough light to guide her way, she just hoped that Mason didn’t see her coming. As she got closer, she tried to keep to the shadows. The gates were unlocked and she frowned. How had he gotten a key? Where was the security guard? The night was so still that she easily heard someone moving around.
Holly stepped up towards the closest trailer and skirted her way around it. Her heart thundered in her ears, her breath sawing in and out of her lungs as she kept checking her phone, praying for reception.
Don’t make any noise. Don’t let him know you’re here.
She moved forward, her gaze focussed on her phone. There! She had one bar.
Suddenly, her foot hit something hard and she found herself falling. Sticking her hands out to catch herself, she barely held in her squeal of shock as her knees landed on something soft. Her hands scraped on the hard ground and she winced as her leg wrenched painfully. Her phone went flying.
Looking down, heart beating triple time, she gasped as she saw exactly what she’d landed on. The security guard.
Scrambling off, she placed her hand on his chest.
Please be breathing, please be breathing.
His chest rose and fell and she let out the breath she’d been holding. Thank you, God. Damn, where was her phone? Scrambling around on the ground, she finally found it.
His Old-Fashioned Love (Old-Fashioned Series) Page 9