by Lynn LaFleur
That tightness gripped his chest once more. He didn’t understand it, he didn’t like it, but he couldn’t ignore it. He needed to touch her, to verify she was right here, close to him. He reached out to cradle her cheek in his palm. Kelcey stepped back so he couldn’t touch her.
“Goodbye, Dax.”
* * * * *
Kelcey managed to hold back the tears until she made it to Alaina’s car. Falling for Dax had to be the stupidest thing she’d ever done. She never would have believed she could care so much for a man in such a short amount of time. Love took time to nurture and grow. Two people needed a lot of time together before they fell in love. That’s what she’d always believed. However, she had no doubt that love blossomed in her heart right now.
All the time she’d talked to Dax in the kitchen, she’d wanted to take his hand and lead him back to his bed. She’d longed to make love with him again, feel every bit of his skin against hers. After they were sated and couldn’t move, they’d talk about all the silly, mean-nothing things that couples talked about while getting to know each other better. Then they’d make love again before falling asleep in each other’s arms.
Wiping the tears from her eyes, Kelcey started the car and headed for Alaina’s and Rye’s house. She’d get over Dax, in time. She had to. They didn’t want the same things in life. He wanted to continue flitting from woman to woman while she wanted to settle down with one man. She wanted children. The thought of becoming a father probably made Dax run and hide.
She pressed the button on the remote attached to the sun visor to open the garage door and pulled into Alaina’s spot next to Rye’s pickup. After checking her reflection in the rearview mirror to be sure she’d wiped away any evidence of tears, she got out of the car and went into the house.
The kitchen was empty, the light over the stove the only illumination. Kelcey took the back hallway to her room. She collected her robe and headed to the bathroom. She started the shower to let the water warm while she removed her clothes. Stepping beneath the spray, she closed her eyes and tilted her face up so the water would run over it.
Tears came again, but Kelcey didn’t fight them. She let them fall to mix with the water running down her body.
She wasn’t the first woman to fall for the wrong man, and certainly wouldn’t be the last. As long as she remembered that, she could go on with her life and hopefully find a man who would love her as much as she loved him.
Chapter Thirteen
He made it back to his car before he cursed fluently. Kelcey no longer worked at the utility company where she’d worked for the last eight years. No one at her job knew where she’d gone…or wouldn’t tell him, despite him playing the relative card.
He’d done no better at her house. He discovered it locked up tight and looking deserted. A check of the mailbox on the porch didn’t help either since he found it empty. Kelcey had disappeared without a trace.
“Damn it,” he muttered, hitting the steering wheel with the side of his fist. He’d already checked her credit card records and hadn’t found any usage in the last month, so no clue there. Her cell phone records didn’t help him either. He’d never known a woman who didn’t use a credit card or cell phone on a regular basis.
He had no choice but to go back to his hotel room and start a brand new search.
* * * * *
Dax slowly moved his brush along the outside of the leaf, adding more color. He wanted the leaf a little wider with a little more shadow. Just a bit more on the edge…
His hand slipped, his brush leaving a blob of green on the wall.
“Fuck!”
He heard a “tsking” sound behind him. Dax looked down from his perch on the ladder to see Griff standing below him.
“Did you make a boo-boo?”
“Yes, goddamn it.”
“You’re in a shitty mood.” Griff held up two bottles of Coke. “Time for a break.”
He’d rather have a beer than a Coke, but had never drunk during working hours and wouldn’t start today, no matter how crummy he felt. “Sure.”
He joined Griff at one of the folding tables that were set up in the dining room so their crew could take breaks and eat lunch. He stared at his blob on the wall as he unscrewed the lid of the soft drink.
“Don’t look so upset,” Griff said. “I’ve seen you fix bigger mistakes than that.”
“I guess I can blend in another couple of leaves. Things should be done in odd-numbered groups. Since I already have three leaves there, I’ll have to add two more.”
“I don’t see anything wrong with an even number in a group, but that’s why you’re the artist and I’m the electrician.”
“It has to do with pleasing the eye, bro.”
Griff took a long drink of his Coke. “Speaking of pleasing the eye, I want to talk to you about my house.”
“What about it?”
“I know Emma has mentioned to you about painting some of the walls with more vibrant colors. Think you can fit that in your schedule?”
“Sure. I need to finish the vines I’m painting in here first. Then I’m all yours until I start working in the restaurant.” He leaned back in his chair. “Does she have her colors picked out?”
“You’ll have to ask her that. She changes her mind every other day.”
“Sounds like a typical woman to me.”
“Yeah. What is it about women? We love them at the same time we want to strangle them.”
“They probably say the same thing about men.”
“I guess.”
Sipping his drink, Dax studied his brother. Griff had fallen apart when his wife died. He’d lost a lot of weight and practically hid in his house except during work. Emma had put the sparkle back in his eyes, the smile back on his face. He’d regained some of the weight he’d lost and seemed so much happier. “You really love Emma, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I do,” Griff said with a soft smile. “I never thought I’d love again after I lost Jana and our baby. Emma is… She’s amazing.”
One look in Griff’s eyes proved to Dax how much his brother loved Emma. “Will I hear wedding bells soon?”
Griff choked on his swallow of Coke. “Hey, no rushing. We’re still getting to know each other.”
“You said you love her. What else do you need to know?”
“Neither one of us is ready to get married. We’re happy living together for now. Besides, Emma is wrapped up in building the restaurant and helping with Alaina’s and Rye’s wedding.”
“Did they set a date and no one told me?”
“Not an official date, but Emma told me last night Alaina is leaning toward April.”
“I thought women liked June weddings.”
Griff shrugged. “She wants bluebonnets in bloom for the wedding.”
“She may have rain along with those bluebonnets.”
“I have no doubt the ladies will consider every little thing that could go wrong when they plan the wedding.” Griff emptied his bottle. “Well, that was a nice break. I’d better get back to work before Emma hunts me down and hurts me.” He bobbled his eyebrows and grinned. “Although her hurting can feel mighty fine.”
Dax laughed as he watched his brother leave the room. It made him feel good to see Griff happy, yet jealousy also tugged at him. Both of his brothers had fallen in love and wanted to share their lives with one woman, and only one woman. Dax had always believed it would be boring to wake up with the same woman morning after morning.
Maybe it wouldn’t be boring. Maybe it would be…nice.
The Coke satisfied his thirst, but Dax still wanted some kind of snack before he tackled the grapevines and leaves on the wall again. Luckily, Alaina and Emma kept the pantry well stocked with goodies. He wandered into the kitchen, in search of some of Emma’s homemade cookies. Since the office was located right off the kitchen, he could hear Kelcey talking on the telephone.
“Are you sure it can’t be repaired? It’s only four years old… Yes, I understan
d.”
She must be talking to her insurance agent. Dax grabbed three oatmeal raisin cookies from one of the Rubbermaid containers and strolled toward the office.
“That quickly? That’ll be wonderful.” She laughed. “I guess that should be fun, but I’m not looking forward to car shopping. It always makes me dizzy… Thanks, Crystal. I appreciate all your help. Bye.”
He leaned against the doorframe, munching on his cookies, as Kelcey hung up the phone. “Totaled your car, huh?”
“Yes.” She swiveled her chair toward him. “I was hoping it could be repaired, but that wasn’t an option.” She sighed heavily. “I loved that car.”
“So buy the same one in a newer model.”
“I guess I can.”
She reached back and rubbed her neck. Dax figured she didn’t even realize she’d done it. “Neck hurting?”
Kelcey quickly lowered her hand. “It’s okay.”
“Don’t lie to me, Kelcey. It isn’t unusual for a person to hurt for a long time after a car accident.”
“Define ‘long’.”
“Days. Weeks.”
She scrunched up her nose, as if smelling something bad. “I can’t hurt for weeks. I have too much to do.”
Dax popped the last bite of cookie into his mouth and dusted the crumbs from his hands. “Come over after work for another massage.” He stopped her objection before she could voice it. “No strings attached, nothing else expected. The massage will help you. That’s all I want to do.”
He meant that. Kelcey had made it very clear she wanted nothing more to do with him. He would accept that, even though he didn’t like it. She’d rejected him. No woman had ever done that. He had to be honest with himself and admit it stung his ego. A woman he wanted didn’t want him.
So much for being completely irresistible to women.
“Tell you what,” he said, trying to sweeten the deal, “after the massage, I’ll cook some shrimp for you.”
A hint of a smile touched her lips. “Are you trying to bribe me, Dax?”
He shrugged. “Whatever works.”
“You told me you aren’t a good cook.”
“I’m not, but I do know how to make some dishes. I can prepare shrimp that’ll make you weep from pleasure.”
The smile spread over her face and lit up her eyes. “I don’t know how I could turn down the chance to weep from pleasure.”
“So you’ll come over? I’d really like to work on you again.”
“I’d appreciate it. I need to check with Alaina first and see if I can use her car again.”
“You don’t have to do that. You can ride home with me and I’ll take you back to Rye’s and Alaina’s after supper.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Of course not. You can even walk home if you want since it’s less than a mile.”
“That’s true.” She smiled again. “Okay. My agent said I’ll have my check in a few days so I can shop for a new car. It’ll be nice not to have to depend on people to cart me around. I probably should’ve gotten a rental car, but Alaina and Emma insisted they could take me wherever I wanted to go.”
“I doubt if they mind being your chauffeurs.”
“I mind. I don’t want to be any trouble to anyone.”
Emma walked into the office. “That won’t be a problem anymore, Kelc. Follow me.”
“What is it?” Kelcey asked.
“Just do what I tell you. C’mon.”
Kelcey looked at Dax, who shrugged. “Can’t help you. I guess you’d better follow her.”
Curious, Dax tagged along behind the ladies through the back door. He stopped suddenly when he saw Griff leaning against Jana’s car. Griff had stored the car at their parents’ house, so Dax had no idea why it was here.
“Whose Camry?” Kelcey asked, puzzlement evident in her voice.
“It was Jana’s,” Griff said. “I bought it for her about two months before she died. I had it in the garage, then moved it over to my parents’ place to make room for Emma’s car. It’s been covered and protected the whole time.” Walking closer to Kelcey, he held up a key fob. “If you want it, it’s yours.”
Kelcey blinked. “What?”
Griff shrugged. “You need a car and I don’t need this one. I’ve been thinking about putting it up for sale. You saved me that hassle.”
Kelcey looked from Griff to the car and back to Griff. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll take it, Kelc,” Emma said. “It drives wonderfully and it has less than a thousand miles on it. You had a Corolla, so it’s the same brand you’re used to driving.” She smiled. “It’ll save you from having to car shop, which I know you hate.”
“Did you make Griff do this?”
Emma shook her head. “Totally his idea, I swear.”
Tears filled Kelcey’s eyes as she accepted the key fob from Griff. “I can’t just take it. I want to pay you for it.”
“We can work out details later,” Griff said. “I have the title. We can have the car transferred to you right now.”
“Really?”
Kelcey’s smile touched Dax’s heart. He liked seeing her so happy.
“Go to the county annex building on the square,” Emma said. “Griff and I will follow you.”
“Griff, I…” Kelcey stopped. She looked at the key fob in her hand, then threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. “Thank you.”
Griff returned her hug. “You’re very welcome. I hope you enjoy it.”
“I’d better grab my purse. Be right back.” She took two steps toward the building, then turned back to face them. “Don’t I need proof of insurance to license it in my name?”
“Call your agent,” Emma said. “She can fax a rider to you.”
“Good idea. You’re so smart.”
Emma grinned. “I know.”
“Here’s the title.” Griff withdrew a piece of paper from his shirt pocket, held it out to Kelcey. “It’ll have all the information your agent needs.”
Dax watched Kelcey practically skip back inside the B-and-B before he looked at his brother. “You sure you’re okay with this?”
“Yeah. It’s silly to keep the car when it’s never driven. I really have been thinking about putting it up for sale. This solves my problem and Kelcey’s too.”
Emma slipped her arm through the bend of Griff’s elbow. “And makes me love him even more for taking care of my friend.”
“Will I get a reward tonight for being a good boy?”
Her eyes narrowed and turned sultry. “Oh, you’re gonna get such a reward.”
Griff grinned. “Goody.”
“On that note,” Dax said, “I’ll go back to work.”
He detoured by the office first. Kelcey hung up the phone as he stepped up to the door.
“Did you talk to your agent?”
Kelcey nodded. “She’ll fax a rider to me in a few minutes.” She clasped her hands together beneath her chin and smiled. “Your brother is wonderful to do this for me.”
“He has a big heart. Plus Emma promised him hot sex later.”
A blush bloomed in her cheeks. “I guess that’ll get a guy’s attention every time.”
“Pretty much.”
He stared into her eyes, unable to look away. He wanted so badly to take her in his arms. He wanted to feel her naked body next to him in his bed, and not just for sex. He simply wanted to hold her.
The fax machine started and printed out a piece of paper. Kelcey withdrew it from the machine’s tray. “It’s my rider. So I guess I’d better get to the annex before it closes.”
“Come by the house whenever you’re through taking care of your car.”
The apologetic expression on her face showed him that she’d changed her mind about the massage. She picked up her purse from the desk. “I don’t think I need the massage tonight, Dax.”
“Did your neck suddenly stop hurting?”
“Not totally, but it’s better than it wa
s earlier. I guess having my car problem solved helped the tension.”
He had no doubt getting her own car made her feel better, but he did doubt if that was the real reason she’d changed her mind. “I told you I don’t expect anything from you, Kelcey.”
“I know you did and I believe you, but I…” She folded the rider and slipped it into her purse. “I told you I’m not strong. I can’t handle your hands on me. It’ll make me want…more.”
He suspected she was a lot stronger than she thought. He took a step forward. She took a step back. He sighed. “Kelcey, I want to help you.”
“Not like that. Not with touching. Just…be my friend, okay?”
If that’s all he could be to her, he’d take it, although he wanted more. “Okay.”
“Good.” A relieved smile spread over her lips. “Well, I guess I’ll go get the license for my car. I need to change the address on my driver’s license. Can I do that too?”
“I’m not sure, but someone there can tell you what to do.”
“Okay. Well. I’ll see you…sometime.”
“Yeah.”
Dax followed a few steps behind as she left the building. He leaned against the doorframe and watched her climb into her new car. Once behind the wheel, she looked at him again. He dipped his head to acknowledge her. She gave him a small wave, then pulled away from the B-and-B.
The tightness returned to his chest. He had a sinking feeling down deep in his stomach that he’d made a huge mistake in letting Kelcey go.
Chapter Fourteen
“That’s the third time you’ve rubbed your neck in the last fifteen minutes,” Emma said with a frown.
Kelcey jerked her hand away from her neck. She’d tried to be casual so Emma and Alaina wouldn’t notice how much she hurt. Apparently she hadn’t done a very good job.
Alaina touched her arm. “Are you still hurting?”
“A little.”
“Why didn’t you tell us? We would’ve postponed our girls’ day out.”
“Because I didn’t want to postpone it.” The girls’ day out had been her idea to celebrate getting her new car. Plus, with less than four weeks away from The Inn’s official grand opening, Kelcey figured Alaina needed a day of shopping and eating with her and Emma. They’d decided to walk the Lanville square and hit all the little curio and souvenir shops, then have lunch in Alaina’s favorite restaurant. “I won’t feel any better at home, so I might as well be out with my best friends and enjoying our time together.”