The idea made her smile. She started to remove the tape from her hands. Why’d you do it?”
“Are we still talking about the kiss?”
“No. If you say that the kiss was one sided, I believe you. In the years we’ve been friends, you’ve never lied to me. Even about things that you probably weren’t ready to share. And honestly, Bella seems like the kind of woman who wouldn’t bat an eye at manipulating a situation to her benefit.”
“So, your dad then.”
“Why, Merrick?”
“I don’t like that you ran out on our date, but if I were in your shoes, I probably would’ve done the same.” He leaned his head back against the wall. “I know that was hard for you. When Sheriff Winters called, I just did what felt right. And for the record, I did that before the Bella incident.”
“I could’ve posted his bail. If I could drop ten grand to keep you out of a tight spot, I can afford to do the same for my father.”
“I know. It wasn’t about the money. It was about being able to do something for you.”
“Why would you do that?”
“We do irrational things when we care for people. Isn’t that why you’ve always come to his rescue? Maybe it was about time for someone to come to your rescue.”
“And what exactly did I need to be rescued from?”
“Your own guilt.”
“Well I will pay you back.”
Merrick shook his head. “You still don’t get it, do you? I don’t want you to pay me back. There is only one thing I want, and it can only be given by one person…you.”
“And what exactly would that be?”
“Your heart.”
Chapter 9
The phone rang beside the bed pulling Merrick from his fitful night of sleep. He jerked awake and grabbed it. His body was stiff, and he groaned as he struggled to sit up. The number wasn’t programmed in his phone, but it was local. “Hello?”
“Meet me at the gym in twenty minutes.” The line went dead.
Pierce Morgan never called, but he knew the voice from the many times he’d heard it in the ring and at the gym over the years. His heart sank in his stomach like lead. He got up, showered, and dressed, quickly rushing out the door to be on time.
When he entered the gym, he found Pierce in his office. The man looked up from the stack of papers in front of him. Bags were heavy under his eyes and the smell of alcohol hung heavy in the air. It didn’t take the man long to fall back into old habits.
“First, I just wanted to say thanks for bailing me out.”
“You’re welcome,” Merrick said as he leaned against the door. “But for the record, I didn’t do it for you.”
“You know she didn’t want me bailed out.”
Merrick shrugged. “I believe she was simply trying to make a point.”
“Whatever.” Pierce nodded at the chair. “Take a seat.”
“I'll stand.”
“Sit down.” The edge in Pierce's voice more than indicated this was going to be a conversation Merrick wanted no part of.
Still, he slid into the seat, keeping his eyes on the man across from him.
Pierce shook his head. “Don't trust me?”
“It's nothing personal. I don't trust many people.”
“With your past, it’s understandable. You trust my daughter, though?” He leaned back in his chair.
“Yes.” Merrick didn't even have to think about it. Justice was one of those few people who never did anything for herself. She tried to make everyone happy, at the expense of her own sanity at times, and he believed it was all because of her father. A man he'd once admired until he'd met him in person.
“We spent a lot of time in the same circles. I knew all about you before you moved here to Serendipity. You had such an amazing future in front of you. I even considered making an offer to train you at one point, before Bella and her family sank their hooks into you. Back then you were trouble. Always had been up to that point. But you were so full of talent I was willing to overlook all the other stuff. You threw it all away once the Marcone family entered the picture. I hoped the move here would’ve given you the fresh start you desperately wanted. Was even willing to help. All you asked of me back then was the opportunity to use the gym. It was a small thing, and it didn’t put me out anything. Then you met Justice in here. I saw how you two connected. There was a chemistry there. Potentially dangerous to a girl like Justice. Do you remember the conversation you and I had after you first met her?”
“Very clearly, sir. You told me to stay away from her.”
“You didn’t listen.”
“If I remember correctly, I never agreed.”
“No, you didn’t. But I’d secretly hoped you had enough common sense to listen. Justice smiles in this gym occasionally now. Because of that, I didn't say anything. It was nice to see a smile on her face every once in a while. But now I'm telling you...stay away from her. Just walk away.” Pierce leaned forward, arms resting on the desk, and every ounce of intensity in his gaze focused on him. “You've made a good thing for yourself here, and I would hate to have to tear it down. Don't think for a minute I won't.”
“The ramblings of a drunk don’t hold a lot of water with the people in this town. You know why people are nice to you? Because of your daughter. She grew up here. She goes out of her way to help people in this town. They know and love her. You? Well, you weren’t around much when she was little. All they know about the great Pierce Morgan is the story of a man whose daughter drops everything to rescue him from whatever situation your love affair with alcohol has gotten you into. In the four years I’ve lived here, there have been so many I lost count.”
“That’s my business. Not yours!”
“Might be, but your business, as you call it, always happens out in public. For the record you don’t scare me, old man. Once your threat might’ve bothered me, but you’re hardly able to dictate to me what I can and can’t do anymore. You and I both know I'm not the person I once was.” Merrick had tried hard to keep his past a secret. Everyone he'd ever met treated him differently once they found out the truth. They were standoffish. Never getting close or letting their guard down. People liked stories of reformed men, but they sure didn't trust them much. “Who are you to sit here and threaten me? Your past and present are riddled with poor choices, and all you have to show for it is a fractured relationship with your daughter.”
“She deserves better than you and me. Unfortunately for her, I'm blood. No escaping that.” He pointed at Merrick. “You on the other hand...you can walk away. And you will. Because if you care anything for her, you will do the right thing.”
“No, I won’t walk away from her. She’s probably the best thing in my life. My choices. And since you’re currently on the outs with your daughter, I don’t think she would take too kindly to you issuing ultimatums to her friends.” Not many people got a chance to meet their idols. Merrick not only got the chance to meet him, but also had the honor of knowing how much of a jerk he was in real life. It made it hard to look up to a man who’d seemed to be sliding backward in life when Merrick was trying to move forward.
“I would suggest you think twice about what you’re doing.”
“Over the years, I’ve had people more dangerous and powerful than you threaten me. Most of my life I’ve done everything for the wrong reasons. Only choosing to be around people because of what they promised me…what opportunities I thought the relationship could bring to the table. It was the world I knew. A street kid through and through. It makes me smarter in some respects. Possibly less so in others. It makes me more than a little hard-headed at times. But one thing is for certain, it’s made me appreciate what I have…grateful for the friendships I’ve made.”
Pierce sat at the desk, scowling. The look would have been intimidating if he were any other man, but Merrick hadn’t scared easily since he was a kid.
He took a deep breath. “Even when the Hudson family adopted me, I truly didn’t understan
d it was an unconditional relationship. They knew my past and did their best to try and give me a home…a family. But when I met your daughter within the first month I moved here…it was the first time I didn’t question the reason for the friendship. She didn’t know anything about me. She wanted nothing from me. Our friendship grew organically. When I’m around her, nothing else matters. I’m just a normal guy in her eyes.” Merrick rose. “It's funny...you sitting there, judging me, telling me to stay away. Saying she deserves better. You’re probably right, but I think it’s her choice to make. Not yours. She’s intelligent, has a heart of gold, and is as tough as nails. She doesn't need you to protect her.”
“You and I...we aren't so different. I know where and what you come from. I have the utmost respect for the way you’ve turned your life around. She doesn't know the real you. Not many people do. Most of your past is a mystery to the people here, right along with your criminal record.”
“Justice knows a lot more about me than you realize. I will never deny I made mistakes in my life. But don’t act like you’ve walked in my shoes. I’ve fought for everything I have. I’ve changed my life to be the man I want to be. I did it on my terms and for myself. And even if it was all gone tomorrow, I still know I have it in me to be better than I was. No one can take that away from me. Especially not a man who spends more time hiding instead of living for what is right in front of him.”
Merrick knew Pierce was trying to look after his daughter, but the man had a funny way of showing he cared about her, and he was wasting efforts in the wrong area.
“Maybe you should spend some time having a conversation with your daughter. She’s a smart woman and regardless of whether you deserve it or not, she loves you unconditionally.”
The same way she loved him.
“I can’t. It hurts to talk to her. She’s a constant reminder of the woman I lost.”
“Maybe, but you’re the one missing out. Guarantee you I’m not about to make the same mistake.”
Chapter 10
Merrick’s phone rang. He glanced at the clock. It was early. He’d barely gotten three hours of sleep. The display lit up the room. He picked up the phone. Quinn’s face filled the screen. Panic cleared the fog from his brain. “Quinn, are you alright? What’s going on?”
“Hey.” Quinn sounded distant as she spoke. “Sorry to wake you. I know you’re on your day off from the station and the captain refuses to call you. But you might want to get to the gym. It’s bad.”
“Justice?” Merrick knew if she couldn’t sleep, she would often go to the gym to burn off some energy. Especially during high stress times of year and with the centennial celebration and prom hitting so close together, along with all the personal issues she’d been dealing with, this qualified as one of those times.
“She wasn't there. Her father might be though. He isn’t answering at home. He wasn’t at the bar. The sheriff is on his way to Justice’s now. The fire isn't under control yet.”
“Where are you?”
“I’m safe. Was catching a drink with Kyle after we closed shop. Lost track of time until the sheriff showed up.”
“Stay there or go home.”
“I know. Why don’t you just tell me what you expect me to do.”
“Stay out of the way, Quinn. And watch out for yourself.” He disconnected the call and quickly dressed. His gear was stowed on the rig. He’d have to suit up when he got there. Taking the stairs two at a time, he rushed out of the house and climbed up into the truck, fighting to get the key into the ignition. When he finally did, he gunned it, spraying gravel up behind him. No matter how much he willed the vehicle to go faster, it wouldn't. The short drive to the downtown area took only five minutes, but they were the longest five minutes of his life.
He slammed the gears into park and shut the truck off. The fire engine was close to the building. He hurried over and grabbed his gear, rushing to get suited up.
“Lieutenant, you’re off.” Captain Armstrong barked as he approached the truck. “Take your day. Let the team handle this.”
“Have you found Pierce?”
“No.”
“Get ahold of Justice, yet?”
“No.”
“Then I help put this fire to bed. Don’t try and stop me.”
“Very well.” The captain checked to make sure Merrick’s gear was secured, then tapped him on the top of his helmet. Merrick made eye contact, willing him to hurry with the radio check. He turned his back on his captain and joined the rest of the team in trying to get the blaze under control.
As he battled the blaze, he fought to maintain his focus. Watching the gym go up in flames was unimaginable. Nothing in the gym would've caused a fire. His gut was telling him arson. The question was, who would be gutsy enough to do such a thing? How would Justice handle it? Was she stuck somewhere in the building? Quinn said she wasn’t here but until he had confirmation, the unease in his chest would remain.
“Lieutenant! Steady the hose!”
He blocked out all thoughts of Justice and did his job. He put everything he had into putting out the fire. Time passed slowly. He was exhausted. Yelling crackled through the radio, and he heard the call from one of his fellow firefighters.
“We got a body over here!”
Crap. “Status?”
“Male. Alive. Right arm injured. We are on the outside of the north edge of the building. Flames are relentless over here.”
“Get him to the medic.” He moved farther into the building. The location they’d given him was near the back door, which made sense since it was usually the door Pierce used. As he approached the area, the heat intensified. The rookie reached for a doorknob, which led to the office. Merrick wiped ash from his mask and noticed smoke being drawn back into the room under the crack of the door.
“Don't!”
But he was too late. The rookie opened the door. A flash of fire burst through, knocking them both back. The force of the explosion ripped Merrick’s helmet from his head and threw him into the brick wall behind him. As he regained his breath, he heard voices in his earpiece. Outside, the team was chaotically trying to figure out how to get in the building and get them out without endangering anyone else. He tried to note his surroundings as he struggled to get back on his feet. A body stretched out before him. Merrick crawled to the prone man’s side.
“You okay?” Merrick coughed. Knowing they’d both have to go to the hospital when they got this under control.
“Yeah.” The rookie sat up and shook his head. “You?”
He nodded. “Backdraft. Where’s your helmet?”
They both searched the area, struggling to locate both helmets in the mass of smoke filling the room.
“Lieutenant? Rookie?” He heard voices calling from somewhere beyond the smoke.
“Yeah! We’re good,” he called back. “Backdraft.”
“We’ll come at it from the other side.” He recognized the captain’s voice. “You got enough left in you to come at it from your side?”
Without knowing what they were up against, the captain was unwilling to put anyone else inside the building. Merrick didn’t blame him. “What do you think, Rookie?”
“Let's do it.” The guy moved to stand beside him, and they worked to quell the last of the flames from their side, until the water from the hose on the outside of the windows rained down over them. The rest of the team came in, and Merrick felt relief wash over him. His whole body ached. Once the last ember was out, he made his way over to the truck and stowed his gear. He took a breath and grabbed his ribcage as a coughing spasm hit.
“You need to go to the hospital and get checked out.” Captain Anderson stood looking at him. “I can appreciate what you've done here. But I need my lieutenant to be at a hundred percent. Go take care of yourself. Now.”
“I'll take him.”
He spun, clutching his side, relief washing over him at the sound of her voice.
“What?” Justice stood there, watching him, her
brow furrowed.
“I thought maybe you were in there.” He tugged on her shirt, pulling her close enough to rest his forehead against hers. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you were in there.”
“I’m good.” She pressed her lips gently to his. “Promise.”
“But your dad.”
“I can only deal with one injured man at a time. I’m not a nurse.” She straightened, and he caught a glimpse of fear in her eyes before it disappeared. “Come on, tough guy.”
She slid her arm around his wrist and headed toward his truck. Once he'd managed to get up into the passenger side, he watched as she ran around to the driver's side and climbed in. He'd left the key in the ignition, and she started the truck.
He focused on the ambulance as they backed out of the parking lot. “You didn’t want to ride to the hospital with your father?”
“No. He was talking with the sheriff and didn’t want me there.”
“He’s going to be okay.”
“Looks that way. But what in the world were you thinking? Just had to go and play hotshot?”
“Um, I was doing my job.”
“You were off.”
He held his side, wincing in pain as she jerked the truck around the corner. “Why are you mad? Were you worried about me?”
“Of course. With you gone, who would I spar with? Kreed is useless in the ring. Chase? He's a bigger girl than Kreed. My options are seriously limited here.”
“I will try to keep that in mind.”
She pulled the truck into the emergency room drop off.
A security guard stepped out of the automatic doors. “Miss Morgan, you can’t park here.”
“I promise, I will move the truck in just a minute, Officer.” She hurried around the side of the truck, reaching him as he slid out of the passenger seat.
“Most of the crazy things you do, don't bother me. But that was intense. Watching but not knowing what was going on. Hearing the panic in your team’s voice. It’s hard to be on the outside…so close but unable to know or understand what’s going on. No chance of doing anything to help the people you care about.”
What If It's Love: A Small Town Romance (Serendipity Series Book 2) Page 12
