by C. A. Harms
I’d refrained from getting involved with anyone after Karlie. I didn’t want to go down that road again, not after the disaster I’d just rid myself of. But for Sadie, I think I’d be willing to risk it. She’d be the perfect risk, I had no doubt.
I’d just wished she would give me more than ten-seconds to talk to her before she hurried off. If only I could make her see that I’m not the same arrogant kid I once was.
Elliott, an old friend challenged me to a game of pool, and I figured it was a good distraction, so I accepted. Soon after, Beau joined us, along with Levi and we ended up playing teams for hours.
Lost in the music playing from the loud overhead speakers and the crowds carrying on, laughing trying to talk over the music, I was soon absorbed by the atmosphere of the bar. It made it easier to forget about Sadie and the fact she hated me.
As the night went on, I’d noticed the ladies were getting closer and closer, moving around near the center of the room, swaying to the music. There were a few times I’d looked in their direction and made eye contact with Sadie. I’d say it had everything to do with the alcohol that she’d consumed, because she was getting braver as the hours passed. She’d hold my gaze and if I’m not mistaken once she even smirked, before tucking her chin toward her chest to hide it.
“You feeling brave?” Beau nudged my shoulder. “Maybe this is your chance.”
“My chance to what, talk to an inebriated woman who won’t remember a thing I said tomorrow?” I was however going to ensure that no other guy tried to use her current state as an opportunity to get close to her either.
Passing off the pool stick I found an empty space near the dance floor and leaned back against the wall, watching her close. She wasn’t mine, I knew that, but I felt like she needed someone to watch over her anyway.
I climbed up onto the ATV and backed it out of the shed. Keeping the light on the front turned off, I followed the same path I had taken so many times before. The light from the moon above gave me what I needed to find my way through the tall trees into the clearing up ahead.
I continued to move across the land, hidden in the taller grass until I got closer to the place on Grady’s property that tends to draw in the younger kids. His were the only hot springs in our town and the perfect place for horny teens to sneak off to when they were hoping to find a little alone time.
I did a sweep of the area as often as I could, running off the trespassers.
The silence of the night, the peacefulness, was something I enjoyed.
I rounded the trees, parked the ATV and climbed off, killing the engine. Walking the rest of the way to the springs, so not to warn anyone that may be out there, I crept along the path.
The springs were quiet, no laughing or talking. I walked around the area a little more before I turned back toward where I’d left the four-wheeler.
Taking the long way around, I looked over Grady’s property and my own before I placed the four-wheeler back into the shed and locked it up. Gus was waiting for me, laying at the backdoor as soon as I stepped inside. He darted passed me, running out to relieve himself before rushing back and jumping at my legs.
“Come on crazy.” I roughed him up and his playful nature came out even more as he stomped his feet and woofed at me.
Hearing my phone ringing in the next room I hurried to grab it, finding that it was the station calling. I answered it before it got to voicemail, a knot already forming in my stomach. It was always the same, rarely did I get a call while I was off duty unless it was related to one specific person.
“Murphy,” I said, taking in a deep breath and bracing myself for what I already knew was coming.
“Yo, man, I hate to bother you on your night off, but we’ve got Will down here and I didn’t want to call your mom.” I ran my hand over my face in frustration and scratched at the stubble along my jaw. “He’s pretty wasted and kinda busted up.”
“Where’d you pick him up?” I wished my younger brother would grow the fuck up.
“Outside of Pony Up,” Sam said with his voice low. I knew calling me wasn’t something he’d wanted to do either, but the alternative was something my mother didn’t need. Losing my father only seven months ago was hard enough on her. I’d deal with Will if it meant keeping the stress off of her.
“I’ll be there in ten.”
Ending the call, I let out a frustrated breath before I dialed my mother’s number. When she answered I tried my best to hide the irritation in my voice. “Hey, pretty lady.”
“Oh, Wyatt,” she laughed off my words. I could almost imagine her swatting her hand out and blushing the way she always does when I call her that.
“I just wanted to let you know that Will is here and passed out on my couch.” I hated lying to her but technically he would be soon. “I didn’t want you to worry. He stopped by, had a few beers and I didn’t want him driving.”
“Oh, well that’s nice. You boys don’t spend enough time together.”
That’s because half the time all I wanted to do was beat him half to death for being such an idiot. I didn’t know what he’s thinking half the time, but what I do know is one of these days his bullshit was going to get him into trouble that I wouldn’t be able to get him out of.
“How about I pick you up early tomorrow morning and we go have breakfast?”
“I have church at nine.”
“Then after.” I won’t make her feel bad for denying me, church and the women there were a great distraction for my mother. After my father passed, she find comfort in them. She’d stepped up volunteering and found every way she could to involve herself in the town and its activities. My father was her best friend, the two of them were rarely seen apart. Losing him was like losing a part of herself and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t worry about her constantly.
“I heard about your run in with the Michaels girl.” Her words aught me a little off guard, I was expecting her to mention it. But then again, she was spending more time with the gossipy woman of this town so I shouldn’t be surprised. “What’s her name again?”
“Sadie.” I say nothing more. I wasn’t sure if my mother knew what took place all those years ago between her and I. But I had to think if she did, she’d be disappointed that I’d hurt her the way I had and then allowed the so-called friends I’d had to torture her.
“I think maybe you should take her out to breakfast to apologize for making her wear her coffee.” I almost laughed. “She seems like a sweet girl, came back to town so she could run the flower shop while her momma is down with a broken hip.”
I’d been on scene when the EMT’s were moving Ms. Michaels out after her fall.
“From what Aunt Mabel says, she’s single.”
I chuckled, “All right, Ma, but dinner soon.” My mother never liked Karlie, not when we were dating when I was in high school and she hated we were engaged. I knew secretly she was happy it was over.
I ended the call after she pushed a little more for me to ask out the pretty girl and grabbed my keys.
Twenty minutes later I was shuffling my younger brother in the door telling him I was done saving his sorry ass and next time I’d let him sleep it off in a cell. Little shit thought since I was on the police force he’d do what he wanted and I’d keep him out of trouble. If it wasn’t for my mother and her stress, I’d have watched his pathetic ass rot.
After a shower and another beer, I passed out with my mother’s words ringing in my mind.
If only asking Sadie out was that easy.
Chapter Eight
Sadie
* * *
“This property was once a larger home turned into four separate units. Two upstairs and two downstairs.” The agent held out his hand for me to accept as he helped me out of his large SUV. Cole Jackson was sweet, a little flirty, but tolerable. We’d been together for less than thirty minutes and I’d already caught him looking at me three times when he’d thought I wasn’t paying attention. It was more a slow perusal than an extended
glance.
But he was harmless.
“They managed to keep all the older charm while renovating the property, but there are three other tenants and the access to those units all share the same main entryway and staircase.” Immediately I noticed the massive amount of children’s toys piled off to the left of the front porch, tucked under the staircase.
Now I love kids, honestly, I do, but the idea of hearing them screaming and running around wasn’t something I’d consider relaxing. One of the best things about having my own place was being able to lay down with a good book, or take a long hot bath without interruptions. I looked forward to doing that once again.
“The unit is downstairs?” I asked, thinking of the noise that I most likely hear taking place above me on a daily basis.
Cole looked back at me and smiled. “Yes, there is a one-bedroom unit available downstairs.”
The thumping of little feet above me, trampling around, not really what I wanted to hear in the early hours of the morning. I was already ready to move on to the next place, thinking this one was exactly what I didn’t want. But instead, I allowed him to show me the unit, and actually it wasn’t bad. Small, but I’d lived in a smaller place back in LA.
Leading us through the small space, I looked around, not wanting to appear rude. I smiled when he’d show me the unique ways the owner was able to make this large home separate units. It was obvious that Cole knew how to market a home. He was a little overly excited as if he himself was the one that hammered each nail and painted each wall.
After we were back inside his vehicle and we were moving on to the next property, he took the time to talk about himself. Yes, himself, and all his accomplishments, I tried not to roll my eyes. Honestly, he was a nice guy, just not a guy I would be interested in. I understood though, I was a new face. Granted I’d grown up here, but I’d been gone for years so the bachelors of the town were doing everything they could do to be noticed. The pleasures of a small town, the pickings were slim.
“This next property is a newly remodeled one-bedroom home. It’s secluded, though it does share a drive with the larger property that sits on the same land.”
I scanned the area as he turned right onto a narrow road. It reminded me of the lane that led to my parents’ home. It was peaceful, not too far from town, but just far enough that you could feel the solitude of our sweet town.
The first thing I saw was the large cabin, it was breathtaking against the backdrop of the mountains far off in the distance. And the trees that lined the property only provided more privacy for the surrounding areas.
As we rounded the beautiful cabin, I could see the small cottage that was hidden by the massive cabin and immediately I fell in love. It was sweet, a covered front porch with a swing that made it feel even more homey. Shutters alongside the windows and an arched wooden from door. The color of the wood trim on the cottage matched the cabin perfectly.
Cole slowed to a stop and parked in the empty driveway near the cottage. Before he had the chance to walk around and once again open the door to help me out, I was doing it myself. Not waiting for him to lead me, I walked toward the front in awe.
“I see you approve.”
“It’s so cute.” My comment didn’t do it justice.
Cole seemed less enthusiastic as he opened the door, and again I moved forward through the property without his assistance. He didn’t talk this one up like he had the last several. In fact, he’d mentioned a time or two that this one was further outside of town and that maybe being out so far was not something I’d like. If he knew me at all he would know alone was the most appealing part. I grew up in the outskirts of town, I loved seclusion and privacy.
I didn’t need his input on this one though, I was inspecting its charm all on my own.
The cottage had the sweetest little kitchen, with an open floor plan that made the main area of the home so inviting. An island with stools separated the living room and kitchen. There was a doorway that led off of the kitchen, leading to a mudroom, where the stackable washer and dryer where strategically placed. A door leading out onto a small patio, where I could already imagine sitting to drink my morning coffee when the weather was just right.
The bedroom was down a short hallway and was much larger than I’d imagined it to be. A bathroom, with two entries, one off the kitchen and the other in the bedroom, making it accessible to guest without having to walk through my bedroom to get there.
The cottage was small, but it couldn’t have been more perfect.
“So, are you ready to move on to the next one?”
Instantly, I was shaking my head as I turned around to find Cole standing in the doorway with his phone and keys in hand. “No,” I said still feeling the euphoria of the space. “I want this, it’s perfect.”
I ignored the surprised look on his face.
“Where do I sign?” Laughing I spun around in the center of the room feeling lighter than I had in days. This was home, I was ready to move in today. Furnished with all the major appliances, the only thing left to do was get a couch, and load up my bed from my parents. Yes, I knew I’d have to buy some essentials but I’d do that over time.
I’d lived on the bare minimum for five years, knowing that there was no point to decorate or settle because LA never truly felt like home. But here, ah, my mind was already racing with all the ideas.
I sat at the end of the drive, holding a key to my new place in my hand but I couldn’t bring myself to hit the gas pedal.
How could I be so oblivious?
How could I have not read the fine print, looked over the rental agreement more closely?
I know how, because I was still floating from the idea of finding some type of normalcy in my newfound life. I was a sucker. A complete and total moron.
Property Owner: Mr. Wyatt Murphy
I’d skimmed over the forms, much too late looking for all the places to sign and did so with a smile on my face. Cole read through the documents, but again all I could focus on was getting those keys. I’d missed the most important detail.
Wyatt Murphy!
Not only would I be sharing a drive with him, but I would also see him most likely on a daily basis. Passing one another as we moved around, seeing him working in the yard, and worse than that, if something went wrong it would be him I would have to communicate with.
The house was perfect, but how was I going to do this?
The sound of a horn honking from behind had me jerking, as my hands flew out before me and I practically hit my head on the low roof of my tiny Prius. Turning around I looked behind me, once I was able to calm my racing heart and grimaced. Sitting behind me, staring back at me was none other than Wyatt himself.
Well, here goes nothing.
I slowly pressed the gas and with each roll of my tires I felt myself panicking even more. There was no way around this, I could do it. I could face him. Yes, I was mentally talking myself up, giving myself a much needed pep talk.
I parked my car, and when I looked over toward the truck next to me, all I could see was a tire. A missive one at that, it dwarfed my little car.
With newfound determination, I pushed open my car door, stepped out onto the driveway and suddenly I am pounced, or tackled, however you want to look at it. My back slammed against the side of my car and I let out a surprised yelp. My arms flying out in the space at me sides, my feet almost slipping out from beneath me.
Two very large paws were on my waist and the biggest set of dog eyes I’d ever seen were staring back at me.
“Gus!” I was frozen, even when Wyatt rushed to my aide and somehow removed the massive dog that had me pinned to my car. “No!”
He tugged the dog by his collar, leading him away from me. I didn't move, I couldn’t. I was still shocked at what had taken place. My once pale blue shirt now had two dirt marks smeared down it and there was a slobbery mess pooling in the center.
Could this entire situation get any worse?
Chapter Nine
* * *
I should have put Gus up, but I never expected Sadie to show up already. She was just giving the keys less than an hour ago. Truth was I was still shocked that she even took the rental knowing that it was me who was renting it.
After shoving Gus inside the back door, I made sure the door was latched and I hurried back to ensure Sadie was okay. Finding her still leaning back against her car I proceeded with caution, not sure if she’d lash out. I can’t say that I’d blame her if she did.
As if she needed any more reasons to hate me.
“I’m sorry.” I moved in closer. “Are you okay?”
“Do I look okay?” With wide eyes she looked over herself before lifting her gaze to meet mine. “Was that a dog, or a bear?”
I chuckled but when Sadie glared at me, I realized she wasn’t joking.
“That’s Gus, he’s a happy pup, he loves people.”
“Pup,” she said and laughed, only this time I didn’t bite. “Monster is more like it.”
I wanted to tell her he was harmless, but it wouldn’t help. Gus is a playful boy, but I’ll admit this first introduction to Sadie was anything but good.
I remained silent, afraid to speak.
“This was a mistake.” Her words were low, but clear. “I should have paid attention.”
“I should have made sure he was up, it’s my fault.”
“I’m not talking about this,” she said, waving her hand over the front of her, bringing attention to the mud smeared all over the front of her shirt. She finally moved away from her car. I noticed the way she looked back at the house, and then to her car. “I’m talking about the house, me, you. I never would have…” Letting out a slow deep breath, she lifted her gaze to meet mine once more.