Toby twisted towards the door. “Hi Mom!”
George turned around more slowly so Toby didn’t fall and lifted his head, a sheepish grin on his face. If Elle wasn’t mistaken, there was also a slight flush on his cheeks, but whether it was from the exertion or embarrassment she wasn’t sure.
“Uh oh, we’ve been caught red handed,” George said.
“Quick, run.” Toby dug his heels into George’s side and George winced.
Elle moved forward and lifted her boy from George’s back before he could do more damage. “No you don’t, Cowboy,” she said. He struggled in her arms and she put him down on the floor. He turned to jump back on George but George had already raised himself up to his knees.
“Aaw.”
Elle hated to break up the fun, but it would take another half an hour to calm Toby down enough for him to sleep. “Have you brushed your teeth?”
“No.” He pouted and then frowned. “What happened to your arm?”
Elle glanced down at the bruises in the pattern of fingerprints on both of her forearms. She crossed them to cover the marks. “Nothing to worry about, Toby boy.”
George was on his feet in an instant, his expression concerned.
Imogen stood, sensing the tension. “Come on, Toby. Show me how well you can brush your teeth.” She took his hand and they left the room.
***
George put a tight rein on his anger. Unless he was very much mistaken, there were fingerprint bruises on Elle’s arms. Someone had touched her; someone had hurt her. He waited until Imogen and Toby were gone before he asked, “What happened?”
Elle glanced over her shoulder and then gestured for him to follow her into the living area. “My ex turned up at the restaurant. He didn’t want me to leave.”
George clenched his fists. He couldn’t fathom how anyone could want to hurt Elle, or any woman. Before he could respond, Toby came running out.
“Teeth are clean,” he announced.
“Then put on your pajamas and choose a book to read,” Elle told him.
“George, would you read me a story?” Toby asked, his voice hopeful.
The kid sent a cupid’s arrow straight through his heart. There was no way he’d refuse. “Sure thing.”
The grin Toby gave him was like the Cheshire Cat’s. He raced back toward his room.
“I might head off now,” Imogen said, gathering up her bag.
“Thank you so much for babysitting Toby,” Elle said.
“Any time. He was an angel. Besides, he was more interested in George than me. I was good enough for lassoing and that’s about it.”
Elle grimaced. “Sorry.”
“I had fun.” Imogen walked to the door. “Listen, I’m arranging a girls’ night next weekend. Piper, Libby and me. You should come. I’ll send you the details.”
“I’m not sure. I’ll have to find a babysitter.”
“I’ll do it,” George said. Elle could do with some down time and if he couldn’t convince her to spend time with him, then at least he could help her have fun with Imogen and the girls. They’d take care of her and let her know she wasn’t alone.
Elle hesitated and Imogen smiled. “I’ll give you a call.” She opened the door.
“Hang on. I’ll walk you down.” George crossed over. It was dark and not the best neighborhood. “I’ll be back in a minute,” he said to Elle and walked Imogen out.
As they moved away from the apartment Imogen said, “You’re going to have to take it slow with her.”
“I know.” It was going to be hard, but it mattered because, somehow, she mattered.
“Find out who put those bruises on her and tell me. I want to know how I can help.”
It was one thing George loved about Imogen. She cared for everyone and she did whatever she could to help them.
“I will. Tell Chris I’ll call him later. Elle’s going to need a good family lawyer and I want to know who’s the best.”
“She won’t be able to afford the best,” Imogen said.
“She will if she believes they’re working pro bono.”
Imogen turned to him. “I’ll help pay.”
George knew she could afford it: her father owned a fashion empire and she had an inheritance of her own.
They reached Imogen’s car and George gave her a hug. “Drive safely.”
“Will do. Take care of them both.”
Imogen backed out of the parking lot and drove off.
George turned and jogged back to the apartment. He didn’t want Toby to think he’d left without saying goodbye.
The kid was absolutely amazing. When Elle had left it was clear Toby was a little scared of George. That in itself told him a lot about the household Toby had grown up in. It killed him that a child could be treated that way. He’d kept his distance physically while keeping up a light conversation with Imogen and Toby and by the time they’d finished eating, Toby had lost his fear and was giving George the rundown about Pepah’s ranch and everything he knew about horses.
Which was surprisingly a lot.
George had learned much and made a note to check how much was actually correct.
That of course had led to playing cowboys and Imogen, being the good sport she was, had let them pretend to lasso her.
He’d been having an absolute ball and couldn’t wait to read a story to him.
Tapping on the door he waited for Elle to let him in. She looked a little uncertain so he kept it simple. “Did Toby find a book?”
“Yes, he’s waiting in his room for you.”
George grinned at her and walked through to find Toby sitting up in bed, trying his hardest to keep his eyes open. George doubted he’d be awake for the end of the story.
“All right, kiddo. Snuggle down. What story have you got for me?”
Toby passed him the book. Cowboys. George grinned and settled on the bed next to him, opening up the book. He started to read.
Five pages in, Toby was fast asleep.
Carefully, George closed the book and stood up. Toby stirred but didn’t wake. George pulled the sheets over the child and turned out the light. Then he went to find Elle.
She was sitting on the couch in the living room, a cup of tea next to her. “That was quick.”
“He’s out for the count.”
Elle smiled. “I thought he’d fight it some more.”
George settled on the couch next to her, but far enough away that she didn’t feel crowded. “He’s such a great kid.”
“He is. You shouldn’t have let him ride you. He’s going to want you to do it every time he sees you.”
He liked that. He liked that Elle was thinking they would see him again. “It’s no problem.” He’d often been accused of being the biggest kid anyway.
“Do you want a drink?” Elle asked.
“No, thanks.” Though he hated to break this casual, comfortable setting, he needed to know what had happened. “Do you want to tell me about tonight?”
Elle searched his eyes for something. Perhaps she found what she was looking for because she said, “I met Lindsay and Martin at the restaurant. We were living on their ranch until recently.”
“They didn’t know about the abuse?” How could anyone be so clueless?
She shook her head. “Dean was good at covering it up.” She rubbed her arms. “Anyway, Lindsay thought we should get back together and didn’t want to believe the photos I showed them.”
“You have photos?”
“I took them every time Dean got physical – it wasn’t often but it was enough. I wanted to get away, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it.”
George felt a surge of pride. Even if it took her a while to escape, she was sensible enough to make plans, to record the evidence. “Can I have a look?”
Elle watched him for a moment, considering his request, and then reached for her bag. She must have made up her mind to tell him everything. It gave him a ray of hope.
She pulled out the photos. “I
made copies and put the originals in a safety deposit box.”
He reached for the photos and she held on to them for a moment longer before letting go. It was difficult for her, he could tell. Slowly he reviewed them.
The first photo showed her with the mother of all black eyes. It was swollen shut and dark purple in color. The date was four years ago.
The next one was bruises on her stomach, the third on her arms and legs.
There was a range of different photos, including one with a broken wrist.
Queasiness swirled around George’s stomach as he flipped through. Finally when he could talk through the nausea he asked, “How could they not know?”
“Dean is very charming, very convincing. He never showed his violence to others. He would pout or whine but he is an artist and none of his brothers would have even considered he had enough muscle to do something like that. They were always busy on the ranch and with their own families so we didn’t see them much.” Elle paused. “Lindsay doted on Dean. He never did any wrong in her eyes and so I’m sure it never occurred to her to question him.”
“What about Martin?”
“He was busy as well. I didn’t see him a lot and though we got along well, he thought I was sickly and as weak as his son. Dean used to tell them I was unwell when I had bruises from the beatings. He’d lock me in the house and take Toby over to Memah’s to play.”
“How long did you live like this?”
“Four years.”
George counted the photos. A few beatings a year.
He reached out, wanting to touch her, to comfort her in some way.
She leaned away and he dropped his hand.
“I think Martin believed me tonight, because he hushed Lindsay, which he never does normally. He adores her. Perhaps he suspected something was wrong after all. He said he knew I wasn’t happy there. Then Lindsay got upset and mentioned how she’d called Dean and he was on his way.” She shuddered.
George swore.
Elle nodded. “I was going to leave but I was too late. Dean arrived, caused a scene about wanting me back and grabbed my arms to stop me leaving. Martin told him to let me go, which he did, and I left.” She spoke with little emotion as if reciting something she’d read.
“Does he know where you live?” Could she be in danger?
“No. I went to the police station, and I made sure I wasn’t followed home from there.”
She was right to be careful. “What did the police say?”
She gave a wry grin. “They told me I need to get a restraining order from the courthouse but they’d take statements from the restaurant waitress who witnessed the whole thing. I was a bit upset when I arrived.”
“You could have called me.”
She shook her head. “If you’d come to the restaurant it would have made things worse.”
“I’ll call Chris tonight and get a name of a good lawyer for you, and you might be able to get an order this weekend.” The sooner she was protected the better.
Elle touched his arm lightly. “Thank you. I’ll call Chris myself. I was planning to anyway.”
George didn’t comment and didn’t move. She’d reached out to him for the first time. Her hand was soft and warm. It was delicate – but it was strong. He covered her hand with his own, caressed it. He wanted her to know he was there for her, that he wasn’t a threat, that he would never treat her the way Dean had treated her.
Her lips parted, but she didn’t pull away.
He took her hand in his, rubbed her palm with his thumb. “You’re a strong woman.”
“I don’t feel like it.” Her voice was a little breathless and she was watching him warily, uncertain.
“You’ve raised a great kid in such difficult circumstances. I’d say that’s strong.” He let go of her hand and shuffled a little closer. She didn’t back away. “If you need help, I’m here for you.”
Elle stood then, scowling. She stalked away and then turned back to him. “Why? I don’t understand why you would possibly want to help me. I’m a mess. What’s in it for you?” She put her hands on her hips.
George raised his eyebrows, but stayed seated and replied, “I want to get to know you better. You’re a beautiful, intriguing woman.”
Elle screwed up her nose. “But I’ve told you I’m not interested. I don’t want a relationship; I don’t want a fling.”
“And yet I just can’t keep away.” He realized how ridiculous it must sound to her. “How about we agree to be friends?”
“Friends?”
“Yes, friends. You know, people who hang out together, go to the movies, call each other to chat about their day? Friends.”
She frowned. “So you’d stop telling me I’m beautiful?”
“Honey, I tell my female friends they’re beautiful all the time.”
It seemed to surprise her. She was quiet for a moment and then nodded. “All right. Friends.”
George felt liked he’d made a touchdown. He wanted to jump in the air and chest bump someone but instead he stood up. He needed to go slow. “I should get going.”
“Of course. Thank you for looking after Toby for me.”
“Did I pass the test?” he teased.
“With flying colors,” she said.
“Fantastic.” He walked to the door and she followed him.
“Adrian’s having a barbeque tomorrow night,” he said, turning to face her. “Do you and Toby want to come?”
Elle hesitated. He hoped there would come a time when she wouldn’t hesitate, when she’d trust and say yes.
“What time?”
“I could pick you both up at seven.”
“Toby needs his car seat.”
He grinned. “Fine. You can pick me up at seven.” He got a business card out of his wallet and wrote his address on it. “I’ll see you then.” Before she could disagree, he was out the door.
As he walked out to his car, he started whistling.
***
Elle cursed agreeing to go to the barbeque with George. Though in her defense, she never actually said she’d go, but somehow there she was, driving to pick up George after a long day at work and having to apply for a restraining order. As she’d predicted, Toby had been tired and when Harry had dropped him off in the afternoon the man looked exhausted. Elle had bundled Toby into the playroom with a pillow and told him he had to have a nap or they weren’t going to the barbeque.
Amazingly the threat worked and he had slept for two hours.
Which meant he’d be a bundle of energy tonight.
She hoped she could contain him a little.
“Are we there yet?”
Elle checked her rearview mirror and Toby wriggled in his seat with excitement. She smiled. “Almost.”
Turning into a street, a pang of envy went through her. This neighborhood was lovely. The street was tree-lined, all the lawns were mown and the houses were in a good repair. She glanced at the business card George had given her to check the number and then pulled into the drive of a brick-and-tile house.
There was a big tree in the front yard, which begged to have a swing attached to it and the garden was well tended, with flowers in bloom. Did he have time for gardening or did he pay someone to do it for him?
Before she got out of the car, George came out of the front door and waved his greeting.
“There’s George!” Toby called.
“Sure is.”
He was dressed casually: red board shorts and a black T-shirt with some band’s logo printed on the front of it. He carried a beach towel.
It was another thing Elle wasn’t sure of. George had called to tell her to bring swimsuits and she didn’t have any. There was nowhere to swim on the ranch and she hadn’t needed any since. Besides, Toby didn’t know how to swim.
Not wanting her boy to miss out, she’d bought them both something to swim in on the way back from the courthouse – but she still wasn’t keen on the idea.
George opened the passenger door an
d climbed in. “Howdy.”
Immediately the space in her small car felt smaller.
“Howdy, pardner,” Toby called. “We have the same shorts!”
George glanced into the back seat. “Hey, kiddo. So we have. You have impeccable taste.”
“What’s impeccable?”
“Perfect.”
Toby beamed.
“Where to?” Elle asked.
George gave directions and Elle concentrated on driving while George and Toby kept up a conversation about the day’s events.
She had to admit, George was good with kids. Dean had never spent that much time talking to his son.
Not that she was thinking of George as a father figure.
Before long she pulled up in front of Adrian’s house. It wasn’t what she was expecting for a rock star’s place. For starters it was single story, with a high-pitched roof. The bright blue door contrasted with the red brick, giving it a bit of interest and flair.
There were already a couple of cars in the drive.
“Who did you say was coming?” she asked George, nerves suddenly appearing. She hoped he’d told Adrian he was bringing them; otherwise there might not be enough food to go around.
“Imogen and Chris will be there, as well as Piper.”
At least she’d have someone to talk to. “And you told them we were coming?”
George unbuckled his seatbelt. “Sure did. Don’t worry.” He smiled and winked at her, then glanced in the back seat. “You coming, kiddo?”
Toby had already unstrapped himself and was sitting, waiting for the command. “Yes!” He thrust open the car door and that spurred Elle into action.
Together they walked up the path, but rather than knocking on the door and waiting, George knocked and went straight in.
Elle hesitated, not sure of her reception.
Then she took a deep breath and followed him.
Chapter 7
Elle hovered in the hallway, not sure about walking in to someone’s house uninvited.
“Come on, they’re out the back by the pool,” George said.
There were voices and laughter coming from somewhere in the house. Elle shut the door behind them and followed George through. Toby grabbed on to her hand, suddenly not so brave. Elle knew the feeling.
They walked through the kitchen and out the back door to where the others were gathered.
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