Something Borrowed (Lone Star Match Book 2)

by Megan Ryder

  His tone was teasing but he had picked his words carefully, manipulating her competitive side, and she was irritated to realize she was actually considering it, just to win a freaking game that meant absolutely nothing in the overall scheme of the universe.

  “Come on, Brigid. I won’t let you fall. And it might help you overcome the fear.”

  She found herself wanting to believe him, his words swaying her to his argument. God, what she wouldn’t give to beat the other girls, and overcome this fear. She hated the feeling she got in the conference room on the top levels of the firm’s building, overlooking Houston’s skyline. The walls were floor to ceiling windows and, on blustery days, she swore she could feel the building moving with the wind. She hated that damn conference room, the sensation of falling she got looking out, and how it distracted her from her job. The fear wasn’t quite paralyzing but it interfered often enough in her job. She tried to sit away from the outer wall but often her team sat there to give a sense of power over their opponents and she had no choice but to stuff the fear deep down and walk over there. Vertigo often swamped her, the room spinning and the sensation of falling so acute, she had trouble focusing on the meeting at hand.

  Wouldn’t it be nice to not feel that way ever again, especially with the Cournoyer deal coming up? They would definitely have the final meeting up there, along with a social gathering after. With her promotion on the line, she needed her wits about her.

  She stood up and brushed crumbs off her clothes. “Fine. I’ll go look at it. But I’m not promising anything.”

  Grady stifled a smile and held out his arm for her. If she died, at least Caroline might feel some measure of guilt.

  *

  Brigid stalked next to Grady, tension radiating off of her like waves of heat off the pavement in a city. Her hand clutched his arm, her short nails leaving marks in his skin, although he didn’t think she was aware of it. He was glad to see her clinging to him, seeing him as a source of comfort, even though she would never admit to it. He’d known she didn’t like heights, never going to the top floors of any building he’d worked on, and never looking down from any height, not even a second floor. Judging by her stress level that seemed to rise with every step they made towards the looming rock wall, this was not going to be an easy task.

  Maybe that was the point of the exercise. Caroline knew Brigid was competitive and hated to fail at anything. Putting this activity above all others pitted it against her desire to win. Which was stronger – her fear or drive to succeed?

  If their relationship was any indication, her need for success would kick the fear to the curb, since she had so easily tossed them aside, her fear of intimacy and what her parents thought were no match for her own happiness. They came up to the base of the wall and her hand convulsed around his arm, probably drawing blood this time.

  Maybe the wall would defeat her.

  There weren’t too many people around the wall. Most people were at the others rides, either not having made it this far back or, like Brigid, afraid of heights. They stood on the side, watching two monkeys, masquerading as young boys, scramble up the wall and hit the bell at the top.

  “Even little kids do this. They have harnesses and someone at the other end of the rope making sure you don’t fall. It’s called belaying and I’ll be there, holding the rope.”

  “Kids have no fear. They don’t believe they can die. I know what happens when that rope fails.”

  “You’re a lawyer. If it fails, you can sue them.”

  She whacked him in the stomach, causing his breath to exhale quickly. “Not funny. Seriously. It’s too risky.” She whirled on her heel and started to walk away.

  “That’s right, Brigid. Walk away, like you always do. Choose to be safe rather than live. Go back to your books, your office, your safe little world, never knowing what is out in the real world. You never know, you might like it. But nope, embrace your fear and live in fear.”

  She spun around so fast he wouldn’t be surprised if she got whiplash. She stalked back over to him and poked him in the chest, hard. “You think I’m afraid because I have a healthy respect for my life? Because I want success, security, and things I can trust? What’s wrong with that?”

  “Nothing, if you’re ninety years old. Hell, my grandma could climb that wall.”

  “Your grandma is a freak of nature,” she grumbled.

  He put his arm around her. “There are several paths. No one says you have to do the hard path. You can take that path up the right side. The footholds are closer together and it will be like climbing stairs vertically.”

  She bit her lip and watched another two people climb, adults this time, people more her size. He sensed she was on the cusp of a decision, actually considering the activity. He withdrew his arm, put his hands in his pockets and stood quiet, just waiting for her.

  Finally, she spoke quietly, not hiding the trepidation in her voice. “You’ll be holding the rope?”

  He let out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “Yep. And I’ve done this before, so I know what I’m doing.”

  Her eyes widened as realization kicked in. “Wait, I’ve never done this and I have to hold the rope for you? I might let you fall.”

  He grasped her shoulders gently, turning her to face him. He leaned down so his face was at her eye level. “Would it help if I went first so you could see how safe it was?”

  “I really don’t want to do this. But if you’re holding the other end, I could try it. We could stop if I want to, right?”

  “Absolutely. But try it. You might even like it.”

  “Hardly.” She sighed. “Fine. Do it quick before I change my mind.”

  He hustled her over to the ticket booth and before she could even speak, he was settling a harness around himself and the attendant was guiding her on the art of belaying. They had initially questioned her belaying him, concerned about her obvious nervousness, but he firmly expressed his confidence and she seemed to take courage from his words and tone, nodding in agreement.

  Before he started up, he tucked a finger under her chin. “Ready, sweetheart?”

  “Don’t call me sweetheart. Just focus so I don’t need to help you.”

  He grinned and planted a quick kiss on her lips, turning to face the wall before she could argue.

  He had picked the easy route because it would be quicker for her and still let her see a good path up the wall. He scrambled up the wall, taking his time and shouting down pointers so she could understand what to do.

  After the fourth time he called down, she called back, “Stop yapping and just climb the freaking wall, okay?”

  He grinned at her irritation and finished the climb, ringing the bell and smiling for the camera. He twisted around and looked down. “Now comes the fun part. Getting down. Ready?”

  “For what?”

  The attendant next to her murmured something in her ear and, even from the height, he could see her eyes widen.

  “Oh, hell no!”

  “Can’t hear you!” He gently sat back in the harness and slowly kicked off the wall. The rope loosened, at first a bit jerkily then steadily as the attendant guided her expertly, until the ground was beneath his feet. He started to unbuckle when she slapped him on the shoulder.

  “Nice warning. I could have dropped you.”

  He shrugged. “I trusted you.”

  Her forehead wrinkled and confusion reflected in her gaze. “Why?”

  “Because I knew you would never let me fall.” He dropped the harness and began to undo her harness. “Let’s get you suited up.”

  *

  Grady and the attendant buckled the straps and Brigid knew she should be focused on the safety harness that was all that stood between her and certain death, but the wall looked so big from here. And Grady wanted her to climb it, all the way to the top, with just a small rope for support. Yeah, that was so happening. Not.

  Grady gave one final tug on the leg straps and looked up at her f
rom his kneeling position. “Ready?”

  “I changed my mind.” Even to her own ears she sounded like a weak-minded, fickle woman, just the kind of woman she hated. But, damn, that wall was high.

  He rocked back on his heels, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “So, you’re going to let them all win, including Caroline who is probably laughing her ass off back at the house? Come on, we’re halfway there. You saw how safe it was when you were belaying me. I’m bigger and stronger than you are. I’ll catch you. Promise.” He stood and his voice lowered. “Don’t you want to overcome this fear and show everyone how strong you are? Trust me, Brigid. I’ll be there for you.”

  She stared in his eyes, facing the truth. She trusted him. He was probably the only person she would ever trust to do something like this or anything really. He’d always been there for her before, in all the ways that counted.

  She looked down and tugged on the harness. “You talk too much. Like a girl. Are we doing this or what?”

  He grinned and hugged her. She pulled away. “Let’s get this over with.”

  He turned her to the wall. “Now you climb this like a jungle gym, or vertical stairs. Take this path here. It’s an easy path, shorter distances between holds. When you get to the top, ring that bell and smile for the camera.”

  “If I get to the top,” she muttered.

  He gripped her chin and turned her to look in his eyes. “I don’t want to hear that kind of negativity. You aced the bar on your first try. You were in the top five of your law school class. You did that because you focused and wanted it. Get your ass up that wall so we can enjoy the rest of our evening.”

  He palmed her ass and shoved her gently towards the wall. “Climb.”

  “I feel like that freaking hobbit in that movie. Climbing the stairs above an army of orcs.” She grumbled under her breath while she stepped up to the plastic wall.

  “There are no orcs down here. So, you have it easier. Get going. Little kids do this, Brigid,” he called out.

  She shot him a glare, but he only smiled and pointed. She focused on the wall in front of her.

  Okay, you can do this. No sweat really. Just don’t look down. Look straight at the wall.

  She found a foot hold and placed a foot there, bouncing a little to test the strength.

  “I’m growing old over here.” Grady said in a sing-song voice.

  Meanwhile, next to her, a monkey masquerading as a human child scrambled up the left side of her, the more difficult path. Damn if she wasn’t embarrassed by that.

  She pushed up on her foot and grabbed a hand hold, then another foot hold, and a hand. Then she had to switch, pushing one foot to stand on another plastic rock, move her hand, move a foot. One inch at a time. After several grips and movements, she paused, her legs shaking a bit from the unaccustomed activity, hands feeling sweaty.

  “Grady, I don’t think I can do this.”

  His voice, when he replied, sounded suspiciously far away. “You’re doing great. You’re almost there!”

  She glanced down and plastered herself to the wall, as if the wall had its own gravity and could pull her in to safety. “Oh shit. Oh shit. Oh shit.” She chanted, eyes screwed tightly shut.

  “Damn. She looked down.” Even from this height, she could hear Grady’s words to the attendant. He raised his voice and called up to her. “Sit back in the harness.”

  “Hell no. I’m perfectly comfortable right here.”

  “Brigid, dammit. Just sit back. Trust me.”

  There he went, demanding her trust again. As if she hadn’t already trusted him, which got her into this mess. And he wanted her to move away from her new best friend, the nice, pretty, plastic wall? Bullshit.

  “Brigid, just do it, okay? I’ve got you.”

  She sighed, her leg shaking so much, it might give out on her, and her fingers were cramping. “Fine, but if I fall, I’m landing on you. And I’m not light.”

  He laughed. “I can handle you. Go for it, babe.”

  Babe. Geez. Him and his freaking pet names. Cautiously, she sat in the harness, feeling the canvas straps tighten around her legs and waist. Waiting for gravity to take over, she held her breath. When it didn’t happen, and instead she swayed a little but no death-defying plunge, her eyes flew open and she looked around. Grady waved at her from the base.

  “See? Now, can you get your ass back on that wall and climb it?” He was patient but a note of exasperation crept into his voice.

  “Fine,” she muttered but her attention was caught by the lights of the carnival spread out before her, and the moon glinting off the ocean in the distance.

  It was so beautiful up there, the carnival looking so bright and clear from up here. She almost forgot she was suspended by ropes above the ground.

  “Uh, Brigid? The natives are getting restless down here. You have to climb now or come down. Our time is up.”

  With a sigh of regret, she grabbed the wall and started climbing again. It was a bit easier this time, knowing she was secure, but her muscles were almost jelly and she just about got to the top. She slammed her hand on the bell and flipped a bird at the camera, yelling, “Take that, bitches.”

  Then she glanced around making sure no little kids were up there. Grady’s laughter drifted up from the ground.

  “Now comes the fun part. Kick off from the wall and we’ll lower you.”

  She liked the sound of that, pushing off the wall a couple of times until she was planted on the ground. Grady and the attendant were there to greet her, Grady slipping an arm around her when her jelly-legs threatened to quit on her.

  He hugged her then proceeded to release the harness from her. “I knew you could do it!”

  “Glad one of us did. At least it’s over.”

  She clung to him and stepped out of the harness. He escorted her to the bench where they waited for their pictures. She laughed when she saw hers, the finger flashing front and center.

  “I can’t wait to show this to Caroline.” She stood, then fell back on the bench, legs still wobbly like jello. “Maybe we’ll rest here for a while.”

  She looked up at the wall. One fear conquered. Did she have the courage to overcome any of her others?

  Chapter Sixteen

  Brigid stormed in the house ahead of Grady, still riding high on adrenaline. She wanted to rub Caroline’s face in her success before her legs gave out on her and she collapsed in a moaning heap of pain. She stalked up to Caroline in the kitchen and slapped the photo from the rock wall on the kitchen island.

  “Boohyah. Bet you thought I wouldn’t do it.”

  Caroline arched an eyebrow but her lips twitched. “You climbed the wall and let Grady belay you?”

  “You doubt me?” She gestured to Grady who obligingly showed his phone. “A picture of me climbing and Grady holding the rope.”

  Caroline broke out in a big grin. “Finally.”

  Before she could clarify her words, the front door opened and the rest of the teams came in, curiously subdued. They went into the dining room and Caroline tallied the game results. As Brigid predicted, even with the points from the wall, Anna and Delaney tied for first, which, of course resulted in an argument between the women.

  Grady leaned over. “Are they always this competitive?”

  “That’s not competitiveness. That’s anger.”

  “You okay with us not winning?”

  Brigid shrugged. “They’re so focused on each other that they probably forget anyone else is even here. I’ll survive.”

  Caroline called it a tie and announced a last event the next evening, and everyone groaned. They filed outside to the fire pit, everyone splitting off to have low conversation. Brigid was tired and curled up in a chaise lounge, mesmerized by the dancing flames in the pit. Delaney sat in the chair next to her and the two women stared into the fire, lost in their own thoughts.

  Brigid’s mind wandered back to the night and the fun she and Grady had, the most fun she had had in longer than she could
remember. When had she given up fun?

  Granted, growing up, fun had never been a vital part of her family’s life. They spent school breaks doing school work and being tutored to do better the next school year. All vacations were educational, and often focused on museums and special camps for education. Her father never quite believed in vacations for kids. He used to say, “What do they have to have a vacation from?”

  She didn’t know how to relax or have fun. She wouldn’t know what to do with herself. In two days, she had had more fun than in twenty-seven years with her family. How pathetic was that?

  Delaney made a noise and Brigid glanced over in time to see her blush and avoid Ethan’s gaze. Brigid laughed, just like old times.

  “Are you two back together?”

  Delaney shook her head, then stopped. “No, I don’t know.” She sighed. “No.”

  Brigid raised her eyebrows. “Doesn’t look like it’s over from here. I don’t even need the fire to feel the warmth out here.”

  Where Caroline and Matthew had been the solid couple of the group, the glue that held them all together, Delaney and Ethan had been the golden couple, shining stars slightly above the rest of them. While Brigid knew Caroline and Matthew would make it, she never thought Delaney and Ethan would split. After that horrible fall when Delaney’s father had been arrested and then died, the split was probably inevitable, but Brigid had hoped they were strong enough to survive. Back then, she assumed that the relationship had been more surface and not strong enough to survive the pressure. Now, she wondered what really went wrong.

  “You and Grady seem to be an item. How long has that been going on?” Delaney arched a brow at Brigid, deftly changing the subject.

  Brigid closed her eyes. Damn, she had tried to remain subtle and not add fuel to the fire but somehow, they hadn’t succeeded. So much for hiding their relationship. After a moment, she snorted. “It’s just the situation. You know Caroline. I just can’t get involved with her machinations.”