He turned to her for a second then back to the road. “I don’t take what happened between us lightly. Don’t ever think I do.”
What the hell did that mean? Allison opened her mouth to ask, but couldn’t come up with the phrasing. “I don’t think you do. Hell what am I saying? I don’t know what you think.”
The truck swayed side to side over the uneven terrain of the shoulder. Silence filled the space when Taylor cut off the engine and turned to her. “Will you accept my apology? I’ve wanted to come see you and speak to you in person. I hate texting.”
A shiver went through her at his scrutiny. The injuries and hunger replaced by something else. “I do, although I feel you don’t owe me one.”
His lips curved. “I can’t stop thinking about us. The way you looked when I made love to you.”
Her sharp intake of breath was the only sound for a few moments. Taylor cupped her nape and pulled her closer.
The kiss was soft at first and grew harder, making them both breathless between each press. He undid his seatbelt to allow closeness and Allison dug her fingers into his thick shoulder needing even more.
Trailing his lips to her temple, Taylor pressed the softest of kisses to her bruise. “I can’t do much right now Allison. It’s not fair to ask anything of you right now.” They were cheek to cheek as he spoke into her ear, his deep voice sending chills down Allison’s spine.
“What?” She pushed at his chest to look up at him.
Chapter 19
Allison pinned him with a glare. She was beautiful when angry, he wanted to argue with her just to see her eyes shine and little nose perk. “For your information, when a person is sick or going through a rough time that is when you find out who is truly in your corner. Did you not see how your family rallies around you? They are spoiling you rotten. The guys won’t even let you go down a set of stairs.”
She huffed, catching a breath and he pressed a kiss to her lips only for her to shove him away again.
It was hard to keep from smiling.
“Furthermore,” she continued. “I wanted to be there. If I truly mattered to you, you’d have wanted me there. So don’t blow air up my ass because you want to get laid or something.”
When he leaned in to kiss her again, this time she shoved him away harder and then she covered her mouth with both hands. “Oh shit. Did I hurt you?”
This time he grinned. “No.”
“What’s so funny?” She leaned forward and narrowed her eyes. “Why are you grinning?”
Of course this was not the time to fight with her. He had something serious to tell her. But first he had to calm her down. “Look. I am an idiot. That’s established. I did want you there, but no man wants the woman he cares for seeing him like that.”
“Ugh,” Allison said crossing her arms. With her tumble of curls in disarray, she looked like an angry fairy. Soft and feminine, while at the same time not going to allow him to get away with much. She was the perfect woman for him. Which was why letting her go wasn’t going to be easy.
He started up the truck and drove the last couple of miles to Luke and Leah’s place.
Both remained silent as they pulled into the driveway. He honked a couple times and turned to her. “I better stay in the truck, can’t be much help if I fall on my ass.”
For a long moment they looked at each other without speaking until the front door opened and Luke rushed over to help. “Hey Cuz.” Luke looked at Taylor. “I’ll help you once I get Allison in the house.”
“I don’t need help.” Allison pushed the truck door open and got out. After a glare, she hurried inside.
Luke followed her progress before turning to him. “What did you do?”
“I have no idea.”
His cousin chuckled. “Sounds familiar. Leah says you have to come in and eat.”
“What is it with women? They run us like little boys,” Taylor grumbled as Luke helped him get out of the truck.
“Yep.” Luke’s reply didn’t go past the one word. Taylor hobbled to the front door leaning heavily on his cane. And wasn’t that just a sexy picture.
He looked to Allison once inside, who pointedly ignored him. Interesting how it made him fell better that she didn’t seem to care about his cane or the new pronounced limp. Nope, she wasn’t about to let any of his issues get in the way of being angry with him.
“Come on everyone, sit down. I know you’re starving, cause I am.” Leah kept an eye on Allison who carried two bowls to the table.
“We’re having chili,” Luke informed Taylor as he lowered to sit. “And cornbread.”
Although Allison and Leah spoke throughout dinner, with interjections by Luke and Taylor, Allison would not look directly at him. Nor did she engage in conversation with him whenever he made a comment.
Somehow he’d make the time, get her alone to talk to her once she felt better. This day was bad enough for her. He’d been an idiot by bringing up the subject of not contacting her. Wow twice in a row, he was on a roll. All aboard the Idiot’s Train, he was the conductor.
“So Taylor, you need to stay here tonight. You look dead on your feet.” Leah studied his face, concern etched on her features.
“I’m off to sleep.” Allison stood and after plopping her bowl on the counter hightailed it out of the room promptly ignoring him.
“We have a new comfortable recliner, so no need to bring up that excuse,” Luke said eyeing him. “I’ll run over and get your medication.”
“I’ve got some with me, in the truck.” Truth be told he’d been hoping they’d invite him to stay. He was stiff from the uncomfortable hospital chairs and needed to stretch out for a bit.
Once the house became quiet, Taylor considered going to Allison’s bedroom to talk with her but then decided against it. The last thing he needed was to face-plant and cause a racket in the middle of the night.
Besides, everyone needed their rest. Especially Allison.
The brightness of the sunlight confirmed she’d slept in. Allison winced when she touched her forehead. Yep the accident had actually happened. One leg and then the other, she moved them and was glad there wasn’t any discomfort. The same went for her arms and midsection, which she touched gingerly at first.
There was one last test. She wiggled her nose. “Ouch.” Face and head were another matter. At least her headache was gone. Leah had checked on her several times during the night. Every two hours as the doctor had prescribed even after she grumbled and told her not too.
The mirror over the dresser beckoned from across the room. If she looked like a raccoon, it would be horrible for business. There was only so much makeup could do.
She slid from the bed and made her way to the mirror, unsure of what she’d seen. It turned out to be not as bad as she expected. However, it did look as if she’d been in a three-round fight with a boxer, who’d knocked her out with one punch to the nose.
“Shit.”
Someone rapped at the door. Leah was persistent. She gave her that.
“Come in.”
“Good morning.” The first thing Taylor did was look her up and down. The only thing she wore was a tank and panties. “How are you feeling?”
Frozen to the spot, she could only gape at him. Her hair was probably all over the place. She had black eyes, a swollen nose and lip, and was half naked. “Uh...okay.”
“Aren’t you cold?” The corner of his lips twitched. He was looking at her nipples. The man ignored the fact she looked like Frankenstein’s little sister to focus on her boobs.
Crossing her arms, she rushed to grab a robe Leah had thrown over the edge of the bed and put it on.
And queue the awkward silence. “Where are Luke and Leah?”
“Luke’s out working. Leah went to town. Asked me to keep an eye on you.” Once again he seemed to struggle to keep from a smirk. Taylor was enjoying this way too much.
“I’m fine. As soon as I get dressed, I am going to head to town. Need to work.”
He stood without a cane, self-assuredness emanating from his large body. Want came next, like a wave over her. There was something about a man who radiated masculinity despite being injured. Even in his pain, which she knew he’d suffered for many months, he somehow maintained an outward appearance that he could kick anyone’s ass without much trouble.
“You coming to the kitchen? Or should I come in?”
“What?” What was he up to? “I’ll come to the kitchen. Give me a moment.”
“Seem steady enough. Not that I could be much help. We’d probably land on the floor on top of each other.” Again, the telltale smirk told her what he thought of them on the floor.
“Yeah, well I can manage. Good thing I don’t need my face to walk.”
The hazel gaze scanned her face. “Even with the bruising, you’re beautiful.”
Okay now she was blushing like an idiot. “Ha. You’re funny.”
I took several minutes to pull her hair into a messy bun, and then she splashed cold water on her face. There was some lip balm, face powder and a trial size tube of mascara in her purse. She used the lip balm and a bit of powder. Deciding the mascara would not help her eyes, she put it back into the makeup pouch.
Thankfully Leah had left behind sweatpants and a loose-fitting fleece long-sleeved shirt for her. After dressing, she felt much better.
Taylor was at the stove. The smell of bacon frying made her stomach tighten in anticipation.
She made toast and poured coffee, the morning ritual was like that of two people comfortable in each other’s presence. The opposite was true. Tension was tangible as they managed to keep from getting too close to one another. Taylor limped a bit, but it wasn’t as bad as she’d expected after the extensive surgery he’d undergone.
“How’s your pain?”
He shrugged. “Barely there actually. I may keep the limp as a souvenir though. They want me to start walking without a cane. We’ll see how that goes.”
One plate in each hand, she went to the kitchen table and placed them down and then did the same with their coffee cups.
“I want to ask you something,” she said once he sat across from her. “What is your friend Felicia’s deal?”
Searching her face, brows came together in thought, Taylor let out a breath. “She’s a good friend. We were partners. Why?”
Not sure how much to tell him, Allison wanted to kick herself for bringing the subject up. “She seemed a bit annoyed with me at the cookout the other night. Strange since I’d never met her.” It was best not to say anything about the subsequent visit.
“Not sure. She can come across that way. But she’s a good person.”
She dipped a piece of toast into her egg yolk. Felicia was up to something and there wasn’t any doubt in Allison’s mind that for whatever reason Felicia didn’t like her. Since Taylor was the only thing they had in common, it had to be the woman was infatuated with him.
“Maybe she is in love with you and thinks that for some reason you and I...” She waved between them. “Not sure how since I had a date with Ben.”
“Or it could be she’s interested in Ben.” Taylor gave her a pointed look. “I’m sure Felicia is not interested in a relationship with me.”
“Men can be clueless,” Allison said lifting both shoulders. “Anyway. Are you going to town? I need a ride.”
“I can do that.” He pushed himself up and limped to the back door and opened it to let Luke and Leah’s dogs out.
She followed his broad back from the doorway out. Both hands on the flat surface of the deck railing, he looked toward the horizon. From his wide shoulders to tapered waist, the man was a vision. However, he was also closed up and a mystery to Allison.
His mixed signals drove her crazy. He’d kissed her and acted as if he had more to say. Today, there was a wall ensuring she kept her distance. Allison had been sure he’d bring up the conversation they’d started the night before.
What was next? Was he interested in her or not? Did she even want to go out with him again? If he was the sleep with you and disappear type, it was best she continue on her plan to move on.
She went to the bedroom to put on her shoes and grab her things, hoping Leah would show up because she needed to get away from him as soon as possible.
Back in the living room, the dogs raced to her when she returned. After taking time to pet each one, she straightened and met Taylor’s gaze. “Okay, I’m ready.”
He stood and reached for the cane. “Let’s do this.” He limped to the door and did well using the cane only to go down the three steps. Although he concentrated on each movement, he also kept an eye on her. Allison opened the passenger truck door and climbed in. She’d considered opening his, but decided against it. He was trying to do for himself.
When he climbed in next to her after throwing the cane behind the seats, he huffed. “I could’ve fallen out there by myself. I’m going to tell Luke, you didn’t watch me.” He shook his head in mock displeasure.
“Ha.” Allison rolled her eyes. This was the Taylor she liked, the easygoing one that enjoyed kidding and picking on people. Perhaps if she could change how she felt about him, they could remain friends and hang out.
And who was she kidding with that one?
Chapter 20
Things were always quiet in the interlude between lunch and closing. Mindy stayed open until four most days, allowing for people to stop by for coffee after concluding whatever they did in town. Her employee usually left by two, leaving her alone the last couple of hours when she only served pastries, coffee and tea.
The kitchen was pristine, the floors swept and the counters wiped. There was little left to do but wait for customers and ensure the coffee was fresh.
She opened a drawer to get her phone and saw a handwritten note she’d shoved in there one day without much thought. The note was from Bryan. He’d tucked it into her purse and she’d found it one day after they’d argued over him doing something besides sitting at home all day.
It was an apology. A promise he’d move out soon, thanking her for all she did for him.
A huge lump formed as she swallowed and looked toward the door. Tears threatened. If only she’d taken the time to sit down and talk with her brother, done something more than be annoyed with him. Although she’d suspected he was in trouble, she’d not pushed to talk to the police. If nothing else, she should have told someone. But fear had kept her silent. Fear he was wanted and they’d put him in prison.
Being incarcerated would have been a better option than ending up dead in a dark street.
A sob wrenched out of her throat and Mindy squeezed her eyes shut, her fingers rubbing over the tattered piece of paper. When she opened them, Eric came into view just before the bells over the door announced he’d entered.
His dark gaze moved from her to the note. “What happened?” He was immediately around the counter with both hands on her shoulders. “Did someone threaten you?”
The police officer in him made Mindy relax, allowing the sorrow to dissipate for the moment to be replaced with awareness of how good it felt to be held.
“I could have done something. Should’ve called you...said something. I knew he was hiding details from me. Damn it.” Mindy swallowed to keep from crying, but angry tears trailed down her cheeks. “Why didn’t I? He could be alive right now.”
Eric pulled her into an embrace and although his vest was hard and there was the crackling of the radio on his shoulder, she could not wish for a more comfortable harbor. Even if he’d always made her nervous and uncomfortable, there was no one she wanted there at the moment more than Eric.
After being so distant and frankly unfriendly to him, it was hard to move away from him at this moment. For a few minutes, she’d allow the closeness.
Any thought of a relationship made her nervous and Mindy didn’t feel confident in her ability to chose a good man.
Even after her last relationship had turned physically abusive, she’d remained in it. It took
a late-night visit to the emergency room before she found the strength to end it.
After starting over in Laurel Creek, she’d not been remotely interested in dating. Then one day Eric Hamilton had walked into the café. Their eyes had met and she’d felt something. Lightness in her spirit that had not been there for a long time, made its appearance.
When the butterflies showed up on his subsequent visits, it was time to panic. He could very well be the one person she could fall in love with and risk being hurt again.
“It’s called survivor’s remorse,” Eric spoke softly into her ear, his hand brushing down her arm. “It’s normal. However, know this.” Finger’s under her chin, he lifted her face. “The guy who was after him wouldn’t have stopped until killing him. There was little you or anyone could have done.”
“I don’t understand. It didn’t get him the drugs or money back.”
Eric nodded. “I know, but it sends a clear message to others.” He hugged her again. “You going to be okay?”
Mindy searched her mind to find what to say, but instead she couldn’t stop looking into Eric’s light colored eyes and as if hypnotized, her entire body went slack. She relaxed into his hold and was not at all reluctant when his mouth covered hers.
There was a sound in the kitchen, some sort of ding, and she pushed away from him. “I better check on the muffins. Help yourself to coffee... Thank you.” She dashed into the kitchen and leaned against the wall just inside the doorway.
When the bell over the door sounded signifying he left or someone else came in, Mindy let out a breath. It was safe to come back out. There were no muffins in the oven. The bell was the end of the dishwashing cycle.
The café was empty. Eric stood outside speaking to a man. Once they finished, the man came inside and Eric met her gaze through the door.
His lips curved as he mouthed, “You’re welcome.”
Chapter 21
“What happened?” Tori stared at Allison, eyes wide. “Please tell me you weren’t attacked.”
Broken: Taylor Page 11
