“I’m so sorry. It must have been difficult.” She nibbled on the cookie, not because she wanted it, but it helped keep the tears away.
“Yeah, wasn’t easy. Our lives changed drastically after that. Mom no longer felt safe in the city. None of us did. Kids I hung out with didn’t want to know me anymore.”
“I can imagine.” His friends had turned on him, his father dead. No one to protect him or his sister.
“Anyway, the following year we moved from the Bronx into Middletown, near the Jersey shore. It was my sophomore year.” He cupped his hot chocolate in both hands, staring straight ahead as if looking back at his past.
“Guess you made the hockey team, right?” She regretted the turn of conversation she’d started and wanted to lighten the mood.
“Yeah. That part was good. Kind of gives you an in, you know? I was good at the game, so I made friends pretty quickly.”
“How about your sister? She must have had trouble leaving her friends behind.”
“Yeah, it was rough, all right. Last year in high school and all that. But she graduated and went on to a state college.”
“How about you? Did you go to college too?”
“Nope. Higher learning held no interest for me.” He set his hot chocolate cup between his skates, his shoulders bent. “Just as well, as there wasn’t enough money left after Dad got shot. Mom continued to work as a teacher, and I worked after school.” He gave her a self-deprecating smile. “Had a job at Safeway stocking shelves.”
She felt a tug at her heart. “I’m sure the money came in handy.”
“It did. I was recruited the last year in high school. A recruiter came to talk to our graduating class. It seemed like a good fit for me, so without saying a word to Mom, I signed up.”
“Wow. I bet she had a fit.” She glanced at Mick’s profile, the slight bump from a broken nose, and empathized with how bad it must have been for him as a teenager without his beloved father, a change of school, only a grieving mother and an older sister with her own issues.
“Wasn’t too happy. Still doesn’t like the fact I became a Marine.”
“Why not? You made it home safe. Served your country—she should be proud.”
“Just saying.” His jaw was tight, his voice giving nothing away.
“What did you do over there?” She put a hand on his upper back, giving it a friendly rub—remembering that it was his lower back that had given him pain when she’d accidentally bumped her shopping cart into it.
“You don’t want to know.”
As a nurse, she was no fragile female to be protected from the harsh realities of life. “Wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to know.”
He straightened up. “I was a sniper.”
“Oh, Mick.” She saw the tenderness of his heart and understood why that job had been so difficult. Tears filled her eyes. “How awful.”
He jumped off his seat. “Worse for the targets than it was for me.” Without another word he took off to the rink and she watched him speed-skate around the edge of the enclosure as though wanting to outrace his thoughts.
She packed up their cups and dropped them in a trash bin, then stood next to the rink to wait for him. It took ten minutes or so, then he slowed down, and with a slush of melted ice at her feet, he stopped beside her. “You ready for another go?”
“Okay. Just a short one.”
Mick gripped her by the shoulders and before she knew what he was doing, he pulled her in and kissed her.
She pushed at his chest. “What was that for?”
“For asking too many questions.”
She blinked and looked into his troubled gaze. “Are you going to kiss me every time I do that?”
“I might. So be warned.” His eyes held hers for a long moment, and her heart quickened.
“Mick, I think I have a solution for your problems,” she told him in a whisper.
“What problems?” he asked, his hands sliding down her shoulders to her hips.
“You know…the lack of sleep…the nightmares.” She looked at his mouth. He had nice lips she decided. They were full, not thin like Rick’s. And that one kiss had felt, well, nice.
“Oh, yeah? What is it?” He shifted back a little, and she missed his warmth.
“I want you to teach me to skate.”
A slow smile lifted the corners of his mouth and crept into his dark brown eyes. “It’ll be my pleasure, ma’am. Long as you know what you’re getting.”
“The beginning of a friendship, I hope.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Mick clasped Sarah’s fingers and guided her back onto the rink, then swept a hand around her waist, holding her firmly against his side. He liked the feel of her, and so far, she didn’t seem to mind his touch.
He’d never been friends with a girl, not in his high school days, not as a Marine. He was a man’s man, enjoyed competitive sports, competing on almost all levels, being a better marksman, a better hunter, a better liar at times, and a better lover.
Women liked him, and he liked them. But they were not friends.
They glided around the rink several times, and he loosened his grip. She tried to latch onto him, but with a teasing grin he deftly avoided her hands, yet stayed close enough to make sure she wouldn’t fall.
She slowed down to almost a crawl, but she managed to stay on her feet, and push off with the correct foot. She gave him a wobbly smile. “I can’t believe how shaky I am. But it’s been at least fifteen years since I’ve been on ice. Am I doing it right?”
“You are!” He raised his arm with a proud fist-pump. “I’m right here to keep you safe—but why don’t you try to make it around the rink on your own?”
“Okay, but it’s more fun with you leading me.” She gave him a small smile and bravely pushed off.
He thought it was more fun too. She was a dazzling woman and having her in his arms was like some kind of miracle. That kiss had not been a real kiss by any stretch of the imagination. It had come from an angry part of himself, the part he’d been working on for the past couple of years. He couldn’t rewrite his history, or exorcise his demons, so he had to learn to live with them.
Maybe Sarah had hit on something that could be good for both of them. Being with her made him feel better about himself than he had in a long, long time. Unless he was mistaken, she seemed willing to accept him for the messed-up person he was. Just as he accepted her.
He had anxiety issues and battle scars that were more than skin deep, whereas she had been working in Philadelphia at one of the top ER hospitals. She was highly trained and smart. You had to be quick on your feet to work the ER. He knew that, having been a patient a time or two. But right now she was shaky, unsure of herself, pregnant, and with a broken heart to boot. The scumbag doctor had really done a number on her.
Still, she could lean on him and hopefully he could get her to see that her problem would go away the minute she accepted her fate. She was going to be a mother. And he bet she’d make a darn good one.
He watched her skating, getting used to having ice under her feet. She was lovely to look at, and when she wasn’t weepy she could be fun. What kind of a jerk would let this woman go? Did the man know she was having his baby? How could he not want either one of them? Was the guy crazy? Had to be, to have something so bright and beautiful and yet so easily discard it. If the man was here right now, he’d punch him in the nose, just to see him bleed.
After she’d completed a lap, Mick put a hand on her back and guided her into the center of the rink, halting in front of the big Christmas tree. The evergreen had to be twenty feet tall and a dozen feet wide, with gaudy ornaments and a bright gold star.
“You did great.” He brushed a wet drop of snow off her face for no reason except to touch her. “How do you feel?”
“Wonderful.” Her eyes were glittering, her long, fair eyelashes laced with ice. “I’m so glad we came here today. I might try again tomorrow, when you’re working.”
“Wow. You’re brave enough to tackle this alone? Show me. Let’s skate out together.” He pushed off and she followed. She’d just about made it too when some kid slooshed right in front of her. In panic, she tripped over her skates and her feet slid out from under her, making her land flat on her back.
Ouch, that must have hurt.
Skating over to her, he bent down and looked into her face. “You okay, Sarah?”
He reached for her hand and she held it as tears filled her eyes. “It knocked the breath out of me. Mind if I sit for a moment?”
He helped her up into a sitting motion, wishing it had been him that had taken the fall. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have challenged you.”
Her teary eyes met his. “I would have been just fine if it weren’t for that kid.”
He had a protective hand on her back and was using his body to shield her in case any other idiot got in her way. “I wish that boy’s father was around, so I could give him a piece of my mind.”
She smiled. “A lot of good that would do.” She made an attempt to stand. “Help me up. I’m okay now, but I’ve had enough for today.”
He pulled her forward and she fell against his chest. He kissed her nose, then her red cheeks, and her mouth.
“Now, you have.”
They returned their skates and the young fellow inside the booth spoke to Sarah. “I saw that kid knock you down. You okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine, thank you.” She put a hand on her stomach as she shot Mick a look. “Harder on my dignity than on my behind.”
The blond-haired kid scratched his head. “I’ve seen him around a few times and he’s always a bit of a jerk. If you want to leave a complaint I’ll see that it gets into the right hands. You could put your cell phone number on there, too.”
“Oh, no, she won’t,” Mick said taking her hand. “Nice try, buddy, but I’ve got this.”
Blushing, the young man watched them leave.
“Do you get hit on like this all the time?” he asked grumpily.
“No. Like, never.” She turned her head to look at the attendant, and gave him a small wave. “I thought it was legit. He just wanted to help. And get the kid kicked out of here.”
“He wanted your number. And if he’s concerned about the boy, he should tell his parents when they turn up.”
“You’re right, I guess.” They were heading out of the park when a horse and buggy tromped along beside them.
“Hey, is that you, Darcy? And Rusty?” Sarah patted the horse’s reddish-brown mane.
“That’s right, ma’am. How do I owe the pleasure?” the old man asked, doffing his gray top hat.
“You gave me and my sister a ride home, the day after she’d moved here. Took us all the way to Chelsea Place and hardly charged us anything.”
“I believe I remember that now. Happy to give you both a ride, and at the same fair price. What was it again?”
“Forty dollars, and yes, can we please, Mick? My treat! I’ve had enough exercise today.”
“’Lo, Mick. You’re keeping well.” Darcy looked him over. “Didn’t recognize you at first. The ponytail’s gone, I see. Looks better on a horse, I say.”
“I looked like a horse’s ass, that what you’re telling me?” Mick helped Sarah into the carriage. Mick had lived in town long enough to see Darcy and his horse parading up and down the streets, giving the visitors rides around the park. He wasn’t the carriage kind of guy himself. If he wanted a ride, he’d probably jump on the horse. Still, if it pleased Sarah, then it pleased him.
“Now, that weren’t my exact words. So, are we off to Chelsea Place?”
“No, my sister moved. She and Byron are married now and living on Brampton Road, just off Main Street.”
“I know it well, and mighty pleased to see them two together.” Darcy waited until Mick was seated next to Sarah then snapped his reins and said, “Giddy-up.” Rusty tossed his head and snorted like a young stallion, then took off at a brisk pace.
“Well, now,” Darcy turned his head and grinned. “I think ole Rusty’s showing off for the two of you.”
Mick was a little embarrassed that he didn’t have enough money with him, but he wasn’t going to disappoint Sarah and make her walk back after the fall she’d just had.
He took off his glove, and then peeled hers away so that he could touch the palm of her hand. He brought it to his lips, and kissed the warm skin. She blushed prettily, and he thought this might very well be the most romantic moment of his life.
“This is nice, but I can’t let you pay.”
“Sure you can. You gave me a free lesson and paid for my skates.”
“I don’t have the cash on me right now, and I don’t have a credit card, but I’m good for it, I promise. I’ll reimburse you tomorrow.”
She shifted in her seat to give him an evil eye. “You sure about that? ’Cuz, I’ll come by your place at eight thirty to drive you to work, and you better have the money.”
He wasn’t sure if she was teasing or not, but then she bumped his shoulder, and he sure wanted to kiss her. “You don’t need to drive me to work. I’ll drop off the money before I leave. At your home.”
“Save your money,” she told him. “I’d rather you take me out one night. We could go to the movies or have sushi or something.”
“You want to go out with me?” He knew he was grinning like a fool, but he didn’t care. It felt good.
“I do. We have each other’s backs, don’t we?”
“More than that. I have a solution for you, and you for me.” He loved her eyes, the color of the sea with golden brown irises. “There’s something you should know…”
“What’s that?” Sarah stroked his hand with her middle finger.
“I’ve never been on a carriage ride before.”
“You haven’t?” She scrunched up to him, smiling happily. “Isn’t it the best thing ever?”
“It is. I heard something about carriage rides before that I want to share with you.”
“Okay, I’m listening.” She leaned her head on his shoulder.
“It’s bad luck to be on a carriage ride with a girl and not kiss her.”
Her head shot up. “It is?”
“It most definitely is.”
Darcy turned to look back at them from the driver’s bench. “You’re very right, sir. A man must kiss the girl on a carriage ride or they will each have ten years of cursed luck.” He gave them both a big conspiratorial wink, then returned his attention to the road.
Mick put his ungloved hand on the back off her head and drew her face forward. “Now close those gorgeous eyes for a moment and let the magic happen.”
He heard a little whimper of pleasure from her the moment their mouths met. He’d meant for the kiss to be sweet and gentle, but as her mouth flowered under his, he needed to taste her, and his tongue swept in.
One taste and he knew he’d never wanted anyone the way he wanted Sarah. She was the most exquisite, sweetest, luscious woman in the world, and he was grateful for that jackass that had broken her heart so he could have this one kiss.
He didn’t deserve her, God knew, but perhaps her coming to Heaven was part of the divine plan, a way for both of them to heal. Or it could be the simple fact that he had a woman in his arms after years of solitude. Whatever it was, this innocent kiss had his senses reeling and gave him hope. With blinding clarity he understood one thing—he wanted to change both their worlds.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Sarah never would have imagined herself in a carriage with Mick Johnson, the man who’d roamed the streets like a lost soul, only one year ago, and she was shocked by the turn of events. He had frightened her and Meghan the first few times they’d seen him sitting on a park bench, alone. He’d been the kind of man that most people would cross the road to avoid.
Now her hands clutched at his jacket and her mouth widened under his. The kiss was magical—not intrusive or demanding, but inquisitive, and hungry, taking command and then stopping as
if allowing her to set the pace. It was the hottest, most unexpected kiss that made her heart ache, her soul yearn, and she didn’t want it to end.
The carriage stopped suddenly, and she butted heads with Mick. Curious, she broke away long enough to see why the carriage had come to a halt.
“We’re here already?” she said, sounding a little dazed to her own ears.
“Yes, milady, but I could ride around the block a few times, if you’d like.” He chuckled and doffed his hat to Mick. “The ride was a success, I see.”
Sarah’s cheeks flamed, and she scooted away from Mick, gathering her glove that had fallen to the carriage floor. “Thank you, Darcy. Mick, it’s been a wonderful day.”
“I’ll see you to the door,” he said. He rose, ready to assist her down.
“No, that’s fine.” She was too embarrassed to look Mick in the eye as she jumped to the ground. Sarah hurried over to where the chestnut horse stood patiently, and gazed up at Darcy. “Please drop Mick off at his home on Chelsea—I have the money here.” She reached inside her bulky parka to an interior pocket and pulled out a tiny wallet that held one credit card and cash. “Here it is. Thanks so much for the ride. It was lovely as usual, and nice to see you again.” She knew she was babbling, and sounded foolish, but she wanted to get inside the house where she could die of embarrassment alone.
Mick had jumped down. “I’ll get off here too,” he told Darcy. “If you can wait until tomorrow, I’ll pay you myself.”
Darcy looked at the money in Sarah’s hand and Mick, who seemed determined to pay for the ride. “Yes, sir. Tomorrow is soon enough.” Then he made a clicking noise and Rusty and the carriage headed off.
“What did you do that for? I told you I’d pay.” She nearly stomped her foot in anger. His paying changed everything. Now she felt beholden to him, like she owed him something. It changed their “friends” status.
“As a gentleman, I can afford to treat you to a ride,” he told her, unflustered by her attitude change. “I might not own possessions but it doesn’t mean I don’t have money.”
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