by Geri Foster
“Oh, that’s such an imposition. I can’t.”
“Sure, you can. We’ll both sleep better.”
The very idea of sleeping in Jeff’s home first struck terror in her heart but, then, she warmed to the idea. She’d never slept anywhere but her own bed. Even now, she couldn’t bring herself to move into her parents’ old room.
“Are you sure?”
“I wouldn’t have asked if I had any doubts, Nancy.”
She twisted her hands in her lap. “You’re going to have to excuse me, tonight. I can’t seem to think straight.”
“That’s normal. Happens all the time in war. It takes a while for your brain to process all the events.”
She sat up straighter and turned to study him. So handsome. Did people even say or think that word today? Words like dude or stud muffin, or...jeez, she drew a blank.
Turning away, she reminded herself she had no business thinking of Jeff in those terms anyway. He could take his pick of women and she’d be at the bottom of the list. She thought about having nothing to sleep in tonight and sighed, not wanting to wear what she had on to bed but not having any other choice either. The idea of having to go home in the morning to shower and dress, and a hundred other things, ran circles in her mind.
Before she realized it, they were pulling into his garage and a dozen geese and a black and white dog were running toward the car. Loud honking filled the air along with loud barking.
Slowly, the door behind them closed and silence ensued. He looked over at her. “Are you okay?”
She licked her lips. “I think so. I’m not a hundred percent sure.”
“Maybe a good night’s rest will help. I have a spare bedroom, but you can have the master if you want it.”
“No, I won’t put you out of your own bed. I’ll be fine in the spare.”
He sat there for several minutes just staring at her. Finally, he asked. “You think you can stand?”
She hadn’t thought of that. Before she could open the door, he’d gotten out and come to her side, opening it for her. Then, he reached up and took her by the waist and helped her to the ground. His strength amazed her and, if she weren’t already woozy, she imagined experiencing it would have done the job.
The dog greeted her with a wagging tail and its tongue hanging out. “Stay down, Rosco,” Jeff commanded, and the dog obeyed. He held on to her a while longer, until she caught her balance. She smiled up at him and his eyes appeared to be reading her mind. She blushed for the thousandth time that night and looked away, clearing her throat.
They entered his kitchen and he walked her to the living room where he eased her into a chair. “You sit there for a few minutes. I’ll get some water.”
He left her for a moment only to return with a glass filled to the brim. She tilted it carefully to her lips. She wasn’t thirsty and didn’t know why she drank even a few sips, but she followed his instructions because he seemed to know what to do.
As he turned on more lights, her eyes roamed over the interior and she found herself impressed. It was neat to the nth degree and, in a way, daunting. As a woman, she marveled at how well organized he appeared.
She knew he’d been in the military, and it showed in his surroundings. Not a single non-functional item took up space in his home. The sparseness for some reason made her shopping trip tonight seem frivolous and unnecessary.
As she looked around, he towered over her and her discomfort grew. Maybe the idea of staying in his home wasn’t so smart. Besides, she didn’t have her toothbrush, her shampoo. Nothing. How could she make it through the night?
The dog licked her hand, nuzzled Jeff, then wandered over by the fireplace and circled several times before lying down, watching them.
Jeff took her hands in his big palms and squeezed to get her attention. “It’s going to be okay. This place is more secure than Fort Knox. Nothing can happen to you here.”
She bit her lip. “I was just thinking I didn’t bring my toiletries.”
“You can use my toothbrush.”
She shot him a surprised glare. “What?”
“I don’t really care. What are a few germs between friends.”
She froze, her gaze stuck on him like a fly to paper. Was he joking? Who on earth allowed someone to use something as personal as their toothbrush? She balked. How could she do that? The thought made her gag, but she swallowed hard and settled her shoulders.
She was alive, and that’s all she cared about right now. She’d share with the dog if it kept her safe. She blinked several times, then said. “Thank you, Jeff. That’s very kind of you.” She glanced around behind her. “I’m very grateful you took it upon yourself to look after me. I’m in your debt.”
He waved her gratitude away with the swipe of his hand. “Not something you need to worry about.” He knelt in front of her, his hand resting on his bent knee. “Who do you think did this?”
“Wh-what?” she stuttered and looked away. “I have no earthly idea. Maybe a druggie needing money for his next fix?” Her shoulders nearly touched her ears. “I can’t think of anyone who’d want to hurt me.”
“No one you’ve refused a loan to, or gave you a hard time at the bank lately?”
She shook her head, going through her memory bank for anything she might have done that might provoke anyone. “Nothing.”
“What about the guy showing up for the veterans’ meeting? You see him around?”
“No, I haven’t. Then again, why should I? I don’t think he lives around here. At least, I’d never seen him before or since.”
“I didn’t see him get into a car, but I swear I was followed that night.”
She leaned forward, placing her hand on his shoulder. “Really? How awful. Did you report it to Lucas?”
“No, I couldn’t be sure, but I get this weird feeling between my shoulder blades when something isn’t right. I had that sensation that night. Whoever the guy claimed to be, he isn’t. I’m sure he gave us a wrong name.”
“Then why did he show up there? What did he hope to find?”
“Maybe me.”
A barrage of shock waves rocked her body. “You?” She pressed the bridge of her nose. “But, what did you do?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Then why on earth do you suspect such a thing?”
“I don’t know. In a strange way the guy looked kind of familiar but I can’t place him. There was just something that made me think I’d seen a younger version of him somewhere.”
“Jeff, if he’s come for you, why try to take me? We barely know each other.”
“But he doesn’t know that. He rolls into town figuring most vets in the area will attend the meeting. He shows up looking for me, but I don’t show up until later. Then, he sees me walk you home.” He stood, limping slightly as he crossed the floor. “Easy for a young guy to make assumptions.”
“You mean, he thinks we’re a couple?” She laughed. “That’s so far off course.” She glanced at him and saw pain rounded his eyes. She jumped to her feet and fought off a mild case of dizziness before saying, “I’m so sorry. The insult isn’t meant for you. I mean, let’s be honest. A man like you would never be interested in someone like me.”
He put his hands on his hips and tilted his head. “What do you mean? A man like me?”
“Not you, me.” She pressed her fingertips to her chest. “Look at me. No man is ever gonna want me.” She bit her lip. How many times had her mother used the exact same phrase. Embarrassment had her closing her eyes against the onslaught of humiliation. “I’m sorry,” she muttered, lowering her head.
He moved next to her, pulled her into his arms and lowered his head. Her heart tried desperately to escape from her chest at his closeness. Suddenly, warm, demanding lips pressed against hers and she clutched his shoulders, braving the storm headed her way.
For a woman who’d barely had a peck on the cheek, Jeff’s kiss blew up like a firestorm. He wrapped his arms around her waist and p
ulled her against his hard body. One of them groaned. Muscles moved and flexed as he deepened the kiss, slanting his mouth.
Her breath came in short pants and she hoped she was doing this right but, in that moment, at the thought of putting a stop to it, she decided if she screwed it up she’d just take lessons later. For now, she wanted to breath him in, absorb him into her and never be separated. When he thrust his tongue into her mouth, she grew weak.
Something magical had just happened. Nancy Wigan, the plain Jane of Rainwater, the old maid, just fell head over heels in love.
* * *
Jeff slowly released Nancy but couldn’t bring himself to back away. He hadn’t really kissed a woman in a long time. How could he forget how wonderful it could feel? How his pulse ramped up and his head felt like a washing machine on the spin cycle. With Nancy, that feeling was amped up to eleven.
God, she tasted exactly like he’d imagined. Soft, sweet, and all woman. He leaned forward, placing his forehead on hers. “Don’t ever call yourself fat again. You’re perfect in every way.”
“I could lose a few pounds.”
“No, I like you just the way you are.”
“But, you’re in such great shape and here I have a butt big as the state of Texas.”
“Stop criticizing yourself, Nancy. In life you’ll find plenty of people willing to do the name calling for you.”
She pressed her palm to his cheek. “You’re so nice. Most guys wouldn’t be that understanding.”
“I’m not nice and I understand very little, but I’ve found, since you talk to yourself more than anyone else, you might want to keep the words positive.”
She cleared her throat and stepped back, tugging on the bottom of her shirt. “I’ll try to remember that.”
She licked her lips and he fought the urge to kiss her again, but he didn’t think she was quite ready for that. If he had anything, it was patience. He could wait.
“Let me show you to the guest room. There’s a bath right next to it.”
“That’s nice. I hope I’m not putting you out.”
He led the way down the hall. “No problem.” Stopping abruptly, he looked at her over his shoulder. “What time do we need to get up so you can get home, showered and dressed for work in the morning?”
“Oh, I’ve already called and explained that I’ll be a little late. The girls and I were out longer than I usually am, so I don’t have to leave for my house until about eight.”
“That’s late? The bank doesn’t open until nine. What time are you at the bank in the morning?”
“Usually by six. That way, everything is in order before I open the door.”
“What in the world do you find to do for three hours?”
She glanced down, staring at her nails. “I like to straighten things up, make sure the lobby is welcoming and that I’ve answered all my emails and handled as much business as I can.”
“In other words, you’re an early riser and have nothing else to do besides go to work.”
She licked her lips and slowly gazed up at him. He nearly lost it. He wanted to scoop her up, carry her into his bedroom and make love to her all night long.
“I guess that’s true.”
He smiled nervously and hoped she didn’t notice. “That’s fine with me. I rise with the sun myself.”
He turned around and continued to the bedroom. Suddenly, he felt really lucky Candi had come out and decorated the place, or Nancy would be rolled up in a sleeping bag. When Austin’s soon-to-be wife had insisted on fixing up the extra bedroom, he’d considered it unnecessary.
Now, with Nancy spending the night, he felt grateful for Candi’s insight and glad it looked so welcoming. For some reason he wanted her to be proud of where he lived. That hadn’t happened in over ten years. He liked being alone and safely away from people, especially women.
Could all that be changing? He stopped on the other side of the bedroom door and turned to face her. “Here it is.” He pointed across the carpeted hallway. “The bathroom’s in there.”
“Thank you very much.” She stuck her head inside and glanced around before facing him with a doubtful look. “You’re sure this is okay?”
“Yeah, I am.” He turned and headed back to the kitchen. “You hungry? Need a cold drink?”
“Do you have a Diet Coke?”
He stopped, put his hands on his hips and spun around, piercing her with a hard stare. “Do I look like I have a diet drink?”
“I was just asking. I’ll take water.”
“You want a beer instead?”
“No, I had one earlier. That’s my limit.”
He unscrewed the top off a long neck and walked to the front door, the dog right behind him. She followed, as he intended. Opening the door, he held it for her to exit. She hesitated slightly, then stepped onto the porch and looked around.
“This is nice,” she said, sitting in the rocking chair. “I love being outside when it’s this cool.”
“Hot place to be in the summer.” He looked up. “I’m lucky there are plenty of trees surrounding the house. That keeps the house cooler.”
“I bet it does,” she said, closing her eyes, slowly rocking back and forth.
Taking her in, you wouldn’t guess the fire she held inside, the fierceness that had her fighting back instead of giving in to her attacker. “Outside Frankie’s you did a good job. Not many people would fight back.”
She sat up. “Thank you. It was more instinct than anything else, I think. I was surprised too, actually, when the girls came to help me.” She shook her head and smiled softly. “I bet that guy’s face is a mess. Candi has really long nails and she grabbed him from behind and clawed at his face.”
“Good, now all Lucas has to do, if the DNA doesn’t pull anything up, is find a man walking around town that has a messed up face.”
“We really did, Jeff. It was the most horrible experience of my life, but we fought like crazy. I think when Kendall kicked him between the legs, he could barely stand after that.”
He absently scratched the dog behind the ears, the geese squatting not ten feet away on the lawn. “It won’t take Lucas and Austin long to find out who did it. They both have a vested interest in the attack, so they won’t rest until he’s caught.”
Shaking her head, she looked away and said. “I don’t know what I ever did to make someone so angry that they’d want to hurt me.”
“I wonder what the guy’s plan was. There’s no way he could’ve dragged you that far with your friends there. He must’ve been desperate.”
“Desperate to do what?”
“I don’t know, but I don’t think you should be alone.”
“I have a very secure house.”
“There’s no such thing.”
“How can you say that? This house is secure, isn’t it?”
“Only because I’m heavily armed. There are weapons all over the house, cameras inside and out, the perimeter is wired and the animals are vicious.”
She leaned closer to him. “What do you mean? You have cameras in the house? The bedrooms?”
“No, the kitchen, the front door, back exit, things like that.”
Her shoulders dropped, and she relaxed back against the wooden slats. “Why in the world would you go through all that trouble.”
“I live out in the middle of nowhere, I have some valuable livestock, and I want to live as long as I can.”
“Are you running from something?” she asked, narrowing her eyes teasingly. “Fess up.”
He actually grinned. “Funny, but no, I’m not running from anyone.”
“Good. I didn’t think I had an enemy in the world. After tonight I’m not so sure.”
He worried about what would happen tomorrow and the next day. Someone wanted her, and it would be a lot easier breaking into her house and kidnapping her than it had been to take on four women in a lighted parking lot with cameras.
He’d mentally checked out her door the other night and one go
od kick with a solid pair of boots and that thing would go flying. He knew because he’d done it a hundred times in different situations.
She’d be safer here, but he didn’t know what to think about that. Would he be comfortable with her moving in with him? They barely knew each other. But, what if something happened to her?
Something well-exercised in his psyche told him she’d become a target because of him. And if that were true, the only person who came to mind that could possibly be after him just happened to be the strange vet who’d shown up for the meeting at the bank.
He knew the guy had lied about his name, and he looked familiar in a weird kind of way. He had to have just come to town. Could something from Afghanistan have followed him here? After all this time? No, that wasn’t possible.
He backed off that train of thought afraid he might be barking up the wrong tree. But, for some reason, he couldn’t completely blow it off as foolish. Yet, he knew he should.
Relying on instinct, as he so often had in the past, he threw caution to the wind. Leaning forward and propping his elbows on his knees, he asked, “What do you think about moving in with me?”
* * *
Alec made it back to his apartment and slumped on the lumpy bed. He worried the kick between his legs had wounded him for life. He’d never been hurt that badly down there before. Now, he feared he might need to go to the emergency room and get checked out.
What if they’d permanently damaged him?
He rolled over and groaned. Taking his phone out, he Googled groin injury. He needed to know if he was in serious trouble. After clicking on several sites, he sat up in bed, pulled off his pants and made sure nothing had swollen.
Satisfied he’d survive, he went to the tiny kitchen and took two pain killers, grabbed a washcloth and dumped some ice on it, and grabbed a beer. Sitting in the only chair, he spread his legs and put the ice between them.
Before he finished the beer, the pain had faded and he felt better. He didn’t want to take a stroll down Main Street or anything like that, but he thought he might get over this.