by Selena Blake
“I’ve learned so much from these guys. This place was in bad shape when I got it.”
“I didn’t know you were a do-it-yourselfer.” He remembered the old appliances and mauve paint on the walls. The bathroom had obviously been renovated with a new vanity and mirror.
“Oh. I’m not,” she said, glancing over at him. “I save up and hire contractors. But I do all the decorating myself. They just teach me what I should be looking for so I don’t get swindled.”
He’d heard of contractors taking advantage of women’s ignorance about building and codes. But the thought of anyone taking advantage of Gretchen made his jaw clench. She was far too nice. Gullible maybe. He had a feeling she saw the best in everyone. He tried to. But over the years he’d learned the hard way that there were some people you just couldn’t trust. Gretchen Mascoe wasn’t anywhere on that list.
“Well, you’ve done a great job.” Her place was small but tidy. The word homey came to mind again.
“Thanks.”
It took a lot of focus to force the food down, even though he was hungry. He’d heard of chronic pain before, known people who could barely function because their body wouldn’t let them, but had never experienced it himself. But this...this low hum that made him nauseous, even though the food smelled good was the closest thing he could imagine.
“Is the soup okay?”
“Yeah.” He stopped playing with his soup. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize.” She reached for her phone and silenced an alarm. “It’s time for another pain pill.”
He felt guilty for taking over her home, her life. But he was thankful she’d answered JJ’s call. He’d be SOL right now if she hadn’t come to his rescue.
“Here you go. That’ll make you feel better.”
She placed the pill in the center of his palm and went back to watching TV. Did she feel it? Every time she touched him it was as if every nerve ending in his body shifted and focused on that singular spot of connection. He mentally shook off the feeling and tossed back the pill.
Knowing that he’d get some relief soon bolstered his appetite and he finished off the soup. “You’re good at this care giving thing.”
He had the nurturing bones of a rock, but she was an excellent teacher. Helpful and present without being overwhelming. And she didn’t reprimand him about the shower, even though he could tell she hadn’t approved. She was right of course. Who thought taking a shower could take so much out of a person?
“Thanks, I think.”
Maybe that wasn’t the type of comment she wanted to hear but she grinned over at him and then returned her attention to the show.
“I’m sorry if that was offensive. It’s just, well, you remind me of JJ’s mom. Of all the things I loved and appreciated about her. My dad is a great man but he’s not exactly the care giving type.”
“At least your dad would try to be.”
Greg frowned. That was cryptic. “Want to share with the class?” he asked, trying on her brand of humor and liking it.
“My dad left six months after my sister was born. I guess he didn’t like dirty diapers.”
The phone rang, cutting off his reply. Was she really that well adjusted without a father or was she putting on a front? Once again she tempered her words with her good nature. He couldn’t imagine either of his parents leaving. His mom had died but he was too young to remember her. His picture of her was developed by his brother’s memories. And his father. JJ’s mom had never tried to keep him from remembering his birth mother. She’d kept pictures of her around the house.
“Hey JJ,” Gretchen said into the phone. “Yes, he’s still breathing.”
Her tone was wry and he found himself grinning.
“No. We were just eating lunch and watching TV. I know. Me too. I already told you, you’re welcome. I know. I’ll be sure to tell him.”
“Tell me what?” he piped up.
Gretchen covered the mouth piece with her hand. “JJ said she can’t have you getting hurt when you guys are supposed to finish flipping her loft.”
He held out his hand for the phone.
“Greg wants to talk to you. I think you’re in trouble.”
He could hear JJ denying it as Gretchen handed the phone over. But then she snatched it back. “Before I hand you over, what are Ronny and Thomas’s phone numbers? We seem to have lost Greg’s cell.”
She strode down the hall and he heard the murmuring of her voice. When she returned a minute later she handed him the phone and told him she’d call his brother’s from her cell phone.
He could phone his own brothers, assuming he had their number, but he didn’t stop her. He did pause to consider the weird little bubble of anxiety that made him wonder if she was ready to be rid of him.
Gretchen texted Greg’s brothers and then followed up with a voice mail explaining the situation and leaving her phone numbers. She couldn’t imagine getting a call like that about her sister. Didn’t want to imagine. So once the task was done, as tactfully as she could manage, she returned to the living room where Greg lounged on the couch, his eyes closed. She turned off the TV, gathered the last of their lunch and took the tray into the kitchen. It didn’t take long to tidy up and then she was stuck staring out the door into the teeny, tiny backyard.
A cardinal hopped from limb to limb in the afternoon light, in its own little world. For a long moment she considered joining the beautiful red bird and soaking up a few of the afternoon rays. Who knew when they’d get another sunny day? But she stayed put.
It wasn’t that she was a prisoner in her own home, it was that she liked being there for him. Even when he was moody and obviously suffering.
She liked being the person he turned to. This was different than taking care of the kids at school. It was different than knowing the parents and the principal trusted her to do her job, to teach those kids and keep them safe. It was more than the responsibility she took on as a humane society volunteer. Or even caring for Cindy’s kitty at the last minute.
In her heart, she couldn’t deny there was something about this arrangement that felt natural. Ignoring the situation, as tragic as it was, well, it felt nice to play house for a change. If she closed her eyes and focused only on the energy two rooms away she could almost convince herself that Greg had finally come to his senses and camped out on her couch of his own free will. It was just the two of them enjoying their weekend. Later they’d cook dinner together in the kitchen, swaying to an old song. It’d be too cool to eat outside so they’d camp out in front of her fireplace.
But that was all just some silly fantasy. After the Super Bowl Extravaganza, she’d vowed to move on, to find someone else. Greg’s presence in her life was making that impossible.
Either way, she couldn’t afford to have her head in the clouds when the biggest decision of her life was looming. Summer was just two months away and she had to decide if she was ready to quit teaching and follow her heart.
CHAPTER TEN
Las Vegas
Cindy Smith felt a sense of déjà vu as she approached Adam’s office. Had it really only been six or so months ago that she’d strode down this corridor, armed with a killer red suit and a few tricks up her sleeve, ready to teach the tech support nerd a lesson in customer service?
That seemed like a lifetime ago.
Since then they’d had dinner, lunch, and breakfast more times than she could count. They’d laughed and watched old movies and played video games. And of course, there was sex. Fabulous sex that centered her universe and made her miss him when he left. Her bed was cold without him and an eleven pound cat could never take his place. As much as Gizmo liked to talk and snuggle¸ Cindy’s life felt glaringly empty without Adam in it.
She even missed it when he geeked out on her and started talking about technology. It all went over her head, but that didn’t bother her. Smiling and nodding appeased him.
What bothered her was not having him in her life, even for that daily phone call she
used to look forward to. Surprisingly, she missed those mundane discussions about what his business partners were up to. He’d ask what she’d written and she’d tell him about her characters and their problems.
The office was quiet and deserted since everyone was at lunch. Luckily, Linda, the receptionist understood Cindy’s misery and had let her know that Adam was still at his desk. Now she just hoped that she could count on Linda’s discretion. Any announcement of Cindy’s arrival would ruin the surprise. She wanted to see the look on his face when he saw her again. In that moment she’d know if he’d missed her as much as she’d missed him, if this trip was fruitless.
It’d been well over two months since she’d seen him last, since they’d mutually decided that long distance was too hard and called off their relationship. But it’d been the longest, most frustrating few months of her life.
She couldn’t sleep without dreaming of him and that’s only when her mind quieted enough to sleep in the first place. And then there was eating or lack thereof. Pudding and celery were not a stable diet but she couldn’t eat without reminiscing about their meals together. Wondering if Adam was still searching for the perfect Cuban sandwich or if he’d perfected it on his own.
His door was open and he hunched over his desk, studying a piece of paper. De ja vu. His dark brown hair was dishevelled as if he’d been running his fingers through it.
“Hi.” It was a simple greeting because she had no idea what else to say and she was scared her voice would betray her. This wasn’t a romance novel; they weren’t characters that she could direct, tweak, and massage to her will.
This was her life. Her heart.
His bright blue eyes locked on her, then darted down and back up. His gaze caressed her, intent and unabashed. The dazzling smile she’d committed to memory made an appearance and for a moment, her heart paused mid-beat. Then it jump started, and her blood pressure increased as the joy she felt at seeing him again was mirrored on his face.
“Hey.” His reply was but three letters; one syllable and yet the single word held equal notes of shock and happiness.
Memories of the first time she’d stormed into this space assaulted her as she stepped further into the room. At the time she hadn’t given much thought to who Adam was or what kind of man he was. All she knew was that she was paying for a web hosting service and her website had gone down repeatedly. That was no way to run a business.
Her lips curved up as she remembered his startled expression as she’d laid down the law. What had started as a quest to teach him a lesson had ended in a date and a long weekend of incredible passion.
“How are you?” she asked, desperate for news of him, of everything she’d missed these last few months.
After a long look, almost as if he was trying to decide if she was real or a figment of his imagination, he pushed his chair back and stood. “The day’s getting better.”
Her heart felt like a balloon expanding in her chest, getting bigger and bigger as it filled with happiness and love. She told herself not to cry but as she feasted her eyes on him, she noted his hair was on the long side and he wore the T-shirt she’d bought him for Christmas. These were small details in the scheme of things but the type of things she’d see and notice on a daily basis if they were living together like Trevor and JJ were.
He looked like he wanted to grab her; she’d seen that look of yearning in the past. But he was holding back. It was so good to see him but she understood the question in his eyes. Was she real? Was this real?
She wanted to step into his arms and forget they’d ever broken up. Imagine, just for a moment that everything was back to normal, that they were still a couple who hadn’t seen each other in a while but planned to spend the weekend wrapped up in each other.
“I’ve missed you,” she said, taking another awkward step forward on her favorite stilettos. The width of his desk separated them and those two and a half feet were too much for her liking. “I—”
“I’ve missed you too.” He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry…”
What was he apologizing for?
He didn’t finish the sentence. In fact, he looked like he was at a loss for words. But he also didn’t drop his hand and she could tell by the way his thumb caressed her cheek that he was warring with his need to touch her, hold her. “I just…I can’t believe you’re here.”
Cindy stepped around his desk and smoothed her palms up his chest, so happy to be touching him again. To feel the steady thump of his heartbeat, feel the solid warmth of him.
“I hope that’s okay.”
She felt totally out of her depth; this was nothing like the last time she’d marched into his office on a mission. Emotions were in play now. Her heart was on the line.
“More than okay.” He slid a hand around her waist and pulled her body to his.
They stared at each other for several long moments and she wondered what he was thinking. Was he remembering her entrance into his life? The cherry red suit she’d been wearing the day they’d met? Or how they’d parted ways? The good times they’d had in between?
“Are you going to tie me to the chair again?” he murmured, trailing a thumb over her jaw in a seductive caress.
“Have you been bad?”
He gave a single, slow nod. “I hurt someone I care about.”
Oh Adam.
“I’m sure all is forgiven,” she said, fighting tears.
“Really?” He didn’t look convinced.
“I’m here, aren’t I?”
He smiled at that. Warm, happy and knowing. It was that grin of his that had gotten her into trouble the first time and its effect was still as potent.
“Yes,” he whispered, leaning closer. “Yes you are.”
Then he kissed her. Full on, lips meeting, tongues tangling, arms winding as she swayed against him. Chest against chest, she kissed him right back, pouring all of her feelings into it. Telling him without words how much she’d missed him, how much she needed to be with him.
When they finally came up for air, they were both gasping for breath. She felt a little light headed and clung to him to keep her balance.
He tipped his forehead against hers and stared deep into her eyes.
“Cindy, Cindy, Cindy. You’re still the most potent drug I know of. Let’s get out of here before we christen another surface in my office.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Greg woke up with a pounding headache, but at least he remembered where he was. There weren’t many times in his life where he’d woken in a disorienting fog, but he really hated not having all his faculties.
He lay perfectly still for several long moments, staring up at the ceiling. As he took stock of his injuries and came fully awake, the headache dulled in deference to the throbbing in his knee. He’d over done it yesterday. A shower was such an ordinary task he hadn’t ever thought of it as taxing.
He’d also never thought of himself as a busybody. The fact was being laid out was driving him mad and that surprised him. He enjoyed lounging around, relaxing as much as the next person. But not being able to take a shower without his knee and shoulders giving him grief? Ridiculous.
At least he’d slept through the night. He should thank God for small favors and find something to keep him busy. But he was a carpenter, a craftsman. He worked long hours at construction sites with his hands. How was he supposed to do his job while he was laid up? All his hobbies were physical and there was only so much TV a person could watch without going–
“Knock knock.” Gretchen’s voice interrupted his thoughts and was followed by a soft ratta-tat-tat against the door.
When she didn’t open the door he called back for her to come in. It was her house, her bedroom. And it wasn’t like he could jump up to answer the door.
She, on the other hand, looked fresh faced and glowing. And her hair was different. He’d been in too much pain to notice yesterday. But the morning sun came in strong through the front window. I
n this light it looked almost...red. Like fire.
She’d always been pretty, but the haircut, the added confidence that straightened her spine, she was…ravishing. Rather, he’d like to do the ravishing.
“Hungry?” she asked, placing a tray of toast, eggs, and fresh fruit on the nightstand.
“Starving, actually.” He struggled to sit up but the searing pain in his chest held him down like an anvil.
“Let me help you. We don’t want you to pull anything you haven’t already pulled,” she said with that warm smile he was growing to count on. It kept him sane. She kept him sane. It had to be going on forty eight hours since she’d stepped into his hospital room and in some ways, being here with Gretchen felt like a lifetime. Easy. Comfortable. Effortless. Although, he was sure there was plenty of effort on her part.
Where the hell was his family? His brothers? His dad? He shouldn’t be taking over Gretchen’s weekend like this. Better yet, why was he so willing to rely on her when he should be finding a way to convalesce by himself? The idea of staying at a hotel, even with room service held no appeal.
“Okay, Mr. Frowny Face. Up and at ‘em.” She wiggled her fingers in a ‘come on’ motion. As soon as he took them, she tightened her grip and helped pull him into a sitting position. It didn’t hurt nearly as bad as doing all the work himself.
When he hobbled back from the bathroom on the crutches she’d gotten him, Gretchen was perched on the other side of the bed, a newspaper spread across her legs. She didn’t say a word as he sat down and tried to ease against the padded headboard. But he quickly realized that she was there, helping, adjusting his pillows.
As soon as he was settled, she wordlessly pushed the tray toward him.
“I heard from Thomas,” she said as he finished his eggs. The statement wasn’t an afterthought. No, she was organizing the conversation. “He and Ronny went to the mountains for some skiing.”