Like Lightning

by Charlene Sands

  Maddie wanted to shout the famous movie line, “Snap out of it.” But instead, she grabbed the cake plate, headed to the front door, muttering under her breath, “Maybe, we’re both just plain crazy.”

  A little bit of hurt was far better than a whole world of hurt, Trey rationalized, as he sat on a wing chair in the Fuller parlor, sipping beer. Trey knew that he’d hurt Maddie the other night. He hadn’t meant to. He hadn’t meant to touch her, much less make love to her. But he’d come to his senses far too late and even now he didn’t regret that night. How could he, when everything had been so perfect? How could he regret the best night of his life?

  He couldn’t be more sorry about rejecting Maddie the way that he had, but it had been his only option because she deserved more. She deserved a fair chance in life. She deserved a man who would be there through thick or thin, a man who could weather any of life’s storms, a man with staying power.

  Trey would never forget the sober, nearly desperate look on his father’s face, when he’d spoken those last bitter, haunting words. “Don’t make the same mistakes I made, son.” Trey hadn’t told a soul, but today was the anniversary of his father’s death. And today, more than ever, his father’s plea had stuck in his mind with dawning clarity. That is, until he’d breathed in a delicious lemony aroma in his kitchen then witnessed Maddie lifting a two-layer cake from the refrigerator with pride in her eyes. That is, until he realized that Maddie Brooks had baked him his favorite cake.

  He’d lost all sense of clarity then and nearly kissed her.

  Stupid move.

  She’d been right to step away. She’d been right to protect her heart. Trey had little willpower when it came to Maddie. But he wouldn’t subject her to that whole world of hurt. Hooking up with Trey Walker meant disaster to any decent woman and she was the last person he wanted to injure.

  Outside, the storm raged. Thunder boomed and lightning illuminated the night’s sky, yet all seemed peaceful inside the parlor with licking flames crackling in the fireplace. Maddie sat on the sofa next to Paul and Jack. She’d been introduced to a few others as well and everyone held a tall glass of champagne in their hands. Everyone except Trey and Jack. Walker men didn’t drink anything with bubbles.

  “It’s time for a toast,” Paul said, standing and holding up his glass. Brittany stood beside him, her glass filled with sparkling cider. All the others stood as well. “To Trey,” Paul began, “our good friend. We couldn’t have finished the baby’s room without you. You worked hard, my friend,” Paul said sincerely, then winked, “and even after we tried to kill you with that wood beam, you came back to finish the job. That’s friendship.”

  “Or stupidity,” Jack interjected and everyone chuckled.

  Brittany slugged him in the arm. Then she moved into the forefront and spoke softly. “And if we have a boy,” she said, darting a quick loving glance at Paul, “we’ve decided that Trey would make a fine middle name for our son.”

  Overcome by Paul and Brittany’s kind gesture, Trey stood and smiled with heartfelt gratitude at his friends.

  “To Trey Walker,” Paul repeated, clinking his glass to Trey’s beer bottle then everyone else’s glass met with his.

  “Thank you,” Trey said, surprised at the lump in his throat. He had trouble getting the words out. “I’m honored.”

  He glanced at Maddie. Her eyes had been on him, watching him with interest, bright green sparks touching him and conveying her innermost thoughts. She held that look of hope and expectation again, but those sentiments weren’t for her this time. They were aimed at him.

  “It’s time for dinner,” Brittany announced, breaking into his thoughts. “Follow me into the dining room everyone.”

  Trey waited as the others filed into the dining room, catching his breath, trying to absorb all the emotions whirling around inside him. He hadn’t seen Maddie move close, but instead the scent of raspberries had alerted him that she stood beside him.

  She reached up on tiptoes to whisper in his ear, “No staying power? You’re a loyal friend, Trey. You wouldn’t let your friends down. Paul and Brittany are naming their baby after you. They adore you and I can understand why.”

  Before Trey could respond, Maddie sashayed away, leaving him standing there amid her sweet scent, staring at her perfect backside as she walked into the dining room.

  She looked beautiful tonight. It was hard to remember what his life had been like before she moved onto the ranch. And it’d be even more difficult imagining her gone. But Trey was certain she would leave Hope Wells now.

  He’d messed up pretty badly, hurting her in the process. He’d witnessed the resignation in her eyes tonight, even though she tried covering it up. As much as he’d vowed not to get involved with her, he had, proving her wrong tonight. Helping out a friend was one thing but committing his life to a woman was quite another. Trey feared he couldn’t do it and where would that leave Maddie?

  Trey walked into the dining room with newfound determination. No matter how much pain her leaving would cause him, he knew he’d have to suffer it out. He and Maddie had no future together at 2 Hope Ranch.

  “You’re in love with her, Trey,” Brittany said, wiping her hands on a dish towel in the kitchen.

  “With who?” Trey glanced around the deserted kitchen. Hell, he’d only come in here to thank Brit privately for the wonderful meal. She had made all of his favorite things, chicken croquettes, sweet potato pie, creamed corn and fresh baked biscuits.

  Brit cast him an irritated look. He knew she wasn’t going to give in or give up until they had this conversation.

  “With Maddie, and don’t get cute.”

  “Me? I’ve never been accused of being cute.”

  “That’s because you’re drop-dead handsome, Trey. It seems as though Maddie thinks so, too. You two couldn’t keep your eyes off each other tonight.”

  Trey shrugged.

  “So, are you, or aren’t you?”

  Trey shut his eyes briefly and inhaled. “Nope. I can’t be.”

  Brit leaned against the back of the counter, her belly protruding out. She looked as lovely as a pregnant woman could look in that state. And when she placed a protective hand on her abdomen, rubbing slightly, Trey wondered what it would be like fathering a child of his own. An image flashed instantly of Maddie, carrying his baby, her hand resting protectively on their child, smiling up at him.

  “You can’t be? What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It means, I wouldn’t do that to her.”

  Brit chuckled. “I think she’d want you to do that to her. Over and over again.”

  “Brit!”

  “Well, I didn’t get pregnant all by myself, Trey. I’m not that innocent. And I can see there’s something strong between you. Are you denying it? And remember, Paul and I are your closest friends, so no fair fibbing.”

  Trey let out a deep sigh. “No, I’m not denying it. There’s definitely something there. Maddie’s pretty darn wonderful.”

  Brit reached for his hand, flipping it over to view his injured palm. “So are you, Trey. You deserve some happiness in your life. You’ve been alone too long.”

  Trey squeezed her hand and smiled. “At least this way, no one gets hurt.”

  “Or maybe both of you get hurt.”

  Jack busted into their conversation, striding into the kitchen at full speed. He spoke quietly, so the guests in the dining room wouldn’t hear, but as forcefully as Trey had ever heard him. “Are you nuts or something?”

  Trey shook his head. He seemed to be on the receiving end of one of his cousin’s tirades. “What now, Jack?”

  “Maddie told us that she’s thinking of leaving Hope Wells. She’s been offered a job in Denver.”

  “She has?” Brittany asked, both she and Jack staring at Trey.

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “And you’re not going to stop her?” Jack stood boot to boot with Trey now, his gaze penetrating.

  “It’s her decision.”

/>   Jack cursed then apologized to Brit. “You could ask her not to go. You could give her a reason to stay.”

  Trey hated being backed into a corner. He’d already made his decision regarding Maddie and was trying damn hard to abide by it. What right did anyone have to judge him? Anger simmered close to his breaking point. He stepped away from his cousin to avoid coming to blows. “Jeez, if you’re so damn interested, maybe you should ask her to stay.”

  “Maybe I will!”

  Trey ground out, “Good.”

  “Great. I backed off before because of you, but I like her a lot. What’s not to like? She’s smart and funny and pretty as a picture. Hell, if you’re too much of a fool to see it, then I’m going to ask her out.”

  Trey’s anger boiled over. He grabbed Jack’s shirt and pulled him so they stood nose to nose. “You don’t want to go there, cousin. Or you might have to arrest me for assaulting an officer.”

  Jack grinned and craned his neck to look at Brit. “He’s in love with her.”

  Brit agreed. “You’re in love with her.”

  Trey released Jack and they backed away from each other. He glanced at Brit then back to Jack. Both wore smug expressions. “Damn meddlers. That’s what you are.”

  “Are you calm now?” Jack asked.

  With a quick move, Trey shifted his shoulders, relieving tension. “Ticked off, but calm.”

  At that moment, Maddie walked in with Paul right behind her carrying dishes from the dining room. “Thought I could help you in here, Brittany,” Maddie said, setting the dishes down on the kitchen counter.

  “Oh, isn’t that sweet.”

  “Looks like you’ve got plenty of help. What’re you boys doing,” Paul teased, “taking up with an old pregnant lady?”

  Brittany swatted him with the dish towel then glanced at Maddie. “You know, I think I’ll wait up a bit on doing the dishes. These boys need some of your lemon cake to settle them down.”

  Maddie glanced around the room taking in all of their guilty expressions. “I hope it came out okay.”

  Brittany smiled. “I’m sure it’s just fine. Trey’ll think so, no matter what.”

  “I know, but my lemon cake might not be—”

  “It’ll be delicious, Maddie,” Trey offered honestly.

  “Because you baked it special for him,” Brittany said with wink.

  “Hey Maddie,” Jack started, darting a quick glance at Trey, “you ever treat a stubborn old mule?”

  “Well, yes,” she answered, her brows furrowing, clearly puzzled by Jack’s question. “I’ve had some experience with stubborn mules. Why?”

  Jack grinned again and Trey was about ready to slap that silly expression off his face. He shrugged. “I heard there’s this mule in Hope Wells sorely in need of your attention.”

  Brittany chuckled, grabbing Maddie’s hand and guiding her out of the kitchen. “Come on, we’ll let those boys bring in the dessert. It’ll give them something constructive to do.”

  Paul stepped between Trey and Jack, heading off trouble.

  “Paul,” Trey said through pursed lips. “Next time you have a party for me, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t invite my cousin.”

  Jack picked up the lemon cake, and laughed his way into the dining room.

  Maddie sat between Paul and a nice man named Burton, one of the Fuller’s neighbors, facing Trey and Brittany. Jack sat at the head of the table, placed there specifically by the hostess. Maddie got the feeling Jack’s new seating arrangement wasn’t so much by choice, but rather in tune with a schoolteacher disciplining an unruly boy by placing him in the corner of the room. Jack didn’t seem any worse for wear, he kept a smile on his face and every once in a while, she caught him watching her.

  Paul poured coffee into delicate antique cups while Brittany reached over to cut the cake. Several times tonight Maddie had caught Brittany arching her back to rub that area, grimacing uncomfortably.

  “It’s so beautiful,” Brittany said, staring at the lemon frosting swirls Maddie had designed with care, “I almost hate to cut into it.”

  “Then, let me,” Maddie offered, wanting to take some of tonight’s burden off her gracious hostess. “I’d love to serve the cake.”

  Brittany handed over the knife and cake server. “Be my guest.” She plopped down, looking relieved.

  Maddie cut several slices and had just finished sending the plates around the table, when her cell phone rang. “Uh, sorry about that,” she said to Brittany and Paul, “but I have to get this.”

  “No problem. We’ll wait for you,” Paul said.

  She exited the room quickly, and answered her phone. One minute later she stood at the dining room threshold making apologies. “I’m sorry, but I have an emergency call. I have to leave.”

  “Oh, sorry to hear that,” Brittany said. “Is it urgent?”

  “I’m afraid so. Darla Chester’s dog is having a difficult birth. It’s her first litter and Darla’s beside herself with worry. I promised I’d come over right away.”

  Paul looked doubtful. “That’s clear across the county, Maddie.”

  “And the storm’s not letting up,” Burton’s wife, Tilly announced, looking out the window.

  Jack volunteered, “I don’t live far from there, I’d be happy to take—”

  “I’ll drive you.” Trey pushed out his chair and stood.

  Maddie glanced at the roomful of worried guests. “Oh, thank you all for your concern, but I’ll be fine, really. I don’t want to break up the party.”

  She felt really badly about this. Paul and Brittany had gone to a great deal of trouble tonight and Maddie hated being the one to spoil the rest of the evening. She’d learned early on in her profession that when duty calls, all else had to be forfeited. She didn’t mind when her own plans were ruined, but she sorely disliked disrupting others’ lives.

  “I’m driving you, Maddie.” Trey said, his tone brooking no argument.

  “But you haven’t taken a bite of your cake yet.”

  “I’ll wrap up both of your pieces and send them along with you,” Brittany offered, then added, “That’s one nasty storm out there. I’d feel better knowing Trey was with you.”

  “So would I,” Paul agreed, glancing out the window.

  Brittany rose quickly taking both of their plates into the kitchen, while Trey strode over to her. “Do you have everything you need in your truck?”

  “Yes, I keep it supplied in case of emergencies but, Trey, you really don’t have to do this.” Maddie glanced at the table of friends he would be leaving behind. “I’ll manage. It’s what I do.”

  Trey smiled warmly, turning on the Walker charm, something Maddie hadn’t witnessed too often. “Honey,” he whispered for her ears only, “if you don’t let me drive you, I’m going to follow behind you all the way. You need to get there safely and I know exactly where Darla lives.”

  Maddie had a hard time resisting Trey’s offer, not because she feared the thunder that boomed like a demon’s wail, or the heavy rain teeming down, but because Trey spoke so sweetly, his dark gorgeous eyes troubled and concerned.

  Her heart ached knowing that Trey cared for her, but wouldn’t act upon his feelings. He wouldn’t break down the wall that kept them from being together. But Maddie couldn’t think about that right now. She had puppies to deliver, and now it appeared she had a chauffeur to deliver her to the laboring Labrador. “Thank you,” she said. “We’d better get going.”

  Brittany handed Trey a small brown bag. “I wrapped your cake inside.” She reached up and kissed Trey on the cheek. “You’re a wonderful friend, Trey. And our baby says thank you, too.”

  Trey leaned over to hug Brittany then shook Paul’s hand. “You’re welcome and dinner was great.”

  Trey said farewell to the others at the table and Maddie said her quick goodbyes as well, giving Brittany her special thanks for the evening.

  “You two take it slow and easy now,” Paul said, walking them to the front door. “An
d remember that Cody’s Pass will be washed out by now.”

  Trey nodded. “I plan on avoiding the Pass. Don’t worry. We’ll get there just fine.”

  Paul opened the door and wind howled fiercely as cold air immediately chilled the warm room. A shiver ran down Maddie’s spine. She hadn’t seen weather like this in a decade or more.

  “Hand me your keys, Maddie.”

  Maddie had no problem giving up her keys to Trey.

  “You ready?” he asked, taking her hand and squeezing gently.

  She nodded, hanging on to Trey’s strong hand and they dashed outside.

  Nine

  After a slow laborious drive across the county, Trey delivered Maddie safely to the Chester house. Trey was steps behind her as she dashed inside dripping wet. To Maddie’s chagrin, Darla greeted Trey with a bit of surprise and curiosity. “Trey? I didn’t expect to see you. It’s been a long time.”

  That charming smile of Trey’s emerged as he looked at Darla, his gaze making a quick sweep of her body. “Hi, Darla. It has been a while. Maddie’s not used to our T-storms, so I drove her here.”

  Darla glanced her way, finally making the connection. “That’s right, you’re practicing out of 2 Hope now, Dr. Brooks.”

  “Yes. Temporarily.” Maddie cast her a small smile, but inside her heart took a tumble. She’d never felt “less” a woman than now, soaked through her clothes, her hair plastered to her head, and no doubt what had been left of her makeup smudged beyond repair, while Darla Chester stood tall and graceful with long waves of blonde hair falling nearly to her buttocks. Her thin frame only accentuated what Maddie would term a perfect namesake, Chester. The woman was extremely well endowed.

  Funny, but Maddie had met Darla a few times, treating her Lab at her office in town, but she hadn’t felt this pang of envy, not until tonight, not until she saw Darla Chester in a whole new light, through Trey’s eyes.

  “I’m so darn worried about Candy. Thanks for coming out in this weather,” Darla said, leading them into the kitchen. The yellow Labrador lay in her whelping box in the far corner, breathing heavily, trying as she might to deliver her pups.