“Hey, yourself.” Brooke looked up at him. “I wouldn’t count on it clearing.”
“Might as well wait half an hour. If it doesn’t improve, we’ll call it a day. Sound good?” He looked at Amber.
“Works for me.”
“Where’s Mom and Heath?” Brooke walked toward the kitchen, opened the refrigerator and pulled out a soda.
“They didn’t say where they were going.” Kade grabbed a water and one for Amber.
“Hmmm. She asked me to stop by after lunch. Wonder what she wanted?”
“Whatever it was came up kind of sudden from what I could tell. She took a call, then found Heath. They left a few minutes later.” He picked up an apple and bit into it as the front door opened and Annie walked in, Heath right behind her. Heath barely glanced at them as he shrugged out of his jacket, then leaned down to kiss Annie.
“I’ll be in the office.” Heath didn’t say another word as he closed the door behind him.
“Is he all right?” Brooke asked her mother, whose somber look worried her.
“Let me get something to drink and we’ll talk.” She grabbed a soda and took a seat at the table.
“What is it, Mom?” Brooke kept her voice low, not wanting to pry, even though she knew something wasn’t right.
“Jace called right after lunch. He and Caroline were at the hospital with Blake. He hasn’t been feeling well, so the doctor put him through a battery of tests. They just got the results.”
“And?”
“He’s been diagnosed with testicular cancer.”
“Oh my God.” Brooke put a hand to her mouth and turned toward Kade, who’d been talking with Amber.
He sat down, putting his arm around Brooke. “What’s going on?”
Annie explained what she knew then fell silent. “It’s in the early stages, so there’s every reason to believe he’ll beat it. It’s just a lot for a young man to handle.” She pushed from the table. “I’d better see if Heath is all right. He didn’t want to leave the hospital, but Jace insisted.”
Amber stood near the front windows, not sure what to do, but knowing something awful had happened. Brooke motioned her over and she took a seat across from them at the table.
Brooke looked up at her with moist eyes. “Jace and Caroline’s oldest son, Blake, has been diagnosed with cancer. That’s why they left, to meet them at the hospital.” She laid her head on Kade’s shoulder. “He’s only twenty-two.”
Amber hadn’t met Blake. She’d heard of him and his younger brother, Brett, and knew both attended college in Texas.
They heard the door to the study open. Heath and Annie walked out and grabbed coats before joining the others.
“I’ve spoken with Trey and Rafe. I couldn’t reach Eric, Cassie, Cam, or Mitch.” Heath looked at Brooke and Kade. “Would you make sure they know?”
“Yes.” Brooke reached over and grabbed Kade’s hand.
“We’re going over to Jace and Caroline’s. They’ve brought Blake home and want to discuss the available options with us. I’m not certain when we’ll be home.” Heath noticed Amber for the first time. “We don’t generally share much about family personal matters. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t say anything at work. Blake worked in the offices last summer and most everyone knows him.”
“Of course, Heath. Anything they learn should come from one of the family.”
Heath put an arm around Annie. “We’d better go.”
Kade followed them to the door. “What else can we do?”
“There isn’t anything right now. I’m not certain how long we’ll be gone, but you’re all welcome to stay as long as you like.”
Kade closed the door behind them and pulled out his phone. “Hey, Mitch. I have some news you should know about.”
******
“Here’s what I’ve found,” Lainey said, walking in with a stack of papers. “The information discusses all the stages, from symptoms to the various treatment options.”
Brooke and Kade had been able to contact the rest of the family. Everyone, except Cassie, congregated in the great room, talking and trying to understand what might happen with Blake.
“And survival rates?” Eric asked. He and Blake had become close over the summer when Blake worked in his department.
“Yes. I’ve made several sets.” Lainey passed them out.
Amber stayed in the kitchen, fixing coffee and setting out food, which drew little interest. The ranch house kitchen, eating area, and living room had been designed as a great room, making it possible for a large number of people to congregate and not feel cramped. Normally full of laughter and loud voices, today the room had fallen into an eerie silence as everyone read the material Lainey gave them.
Cam read the information, then tossed down the papers, and sat back on the leather sofa. “If it is in the early stages, it appears Blake has a lot of choices and a good chance of a full recovery.”
“I saw him driving his truck earlier in the week and wondered what he was doing here in the middle of classes.” Eric picked up his cup and headed into the kitchen for more coffee. He hadn’t said more than a couple of words to Amber, who now leaned against a counter, her hands clasped in front of her.
She looked at the deep furrows in his brow as she filled his cup and handed it to him. “I should go.”
Eric reached out and grabbed her hand. “Stay. Please.”
His eyes had a similar look as the day of his father’s funeral. She didn’t want to intrude, yet couldn’t refuse if that’s what he wanted.
“If you’re sure. I don’t want to be in the way.”
“You won’t be.” He squeezed her hand
The door flew open as Cassie dashed in, tossing her coat and gloves aside before rushing up to Brooke. “Any news?”
“Heath and Mom haven’t returned from Jace’s. Lainey found quite a bit of information on what Blake has.” She offered Cassie the material in her hand. “Here, read this while I get you some coffee.”
Cassie settled onto the sofa to read, glancing up at Cam or Eric several times as she began to understand her cousin’s illness. “Do we know if it’s stage one?”
“It is, which gives him a good chance of recovery.” Cam sat next to her, putting an arm around her shoulders. “Trey and Jesse know what’s going on. We’ll keep them posted.”
Cassie’s older brother, Trey and his wife, Jesse, both Naval Aviators, were stationed in California. Their jobs and young son, Trevor, made it hard for them to get to Fire Mountain as often as they’d like.
They all turned at the sound of the front door opening. Annie and Heath hung up their coats before joining everyone in the great room. A sea of expectant faces stared at them as they took seats.
“He’s scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning.” Heath scrubbed a hand over his face as he leaned forward. “The doctors believe his chances are good if the cancer has remained localized.”
“Lainey found a lot of information about the surgery. Do they know yet if he’ll get an implant?” Brooke asked, knowing the topic wasn’t pleasant for any of them.
“Blake’s opted to have the implant during the removal surgery, unless the surgeon finds a reason not to go ahead with it. He’s done a lot of research in the last twenty-four hours and is taking it all pretty well. The doctor told Jace and Caroline he’d be in the hospital a couple of days, then they’ll put him on an x-ray and testing schedule, which will last for years to make sure nothing has spread.” Heath stood and paced to the bar, pouring glasses of scotch for him and Annie. “I think Jace is more upset than Blake. Plus, they’re battling Brett who wants to fly home. They’ve told him to stay at school. They’re hopeful Blake will return to Texas within a couple of weeks.”
“He’s always been strong—physically and emotionally.” Cassie stepped next to her father and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m still worried about it, though.”
“We’re all worried, sweetheart. Nothing is guaranteed and even though he’s in excel
lent physical condition, his recovery could take longer than they anticipate. There’s also the chance the cancer has spread beyond what the initial tests show.”
“What time is the surgery?” Eric sat next to his mother, taking her hand in his.
“Seven-thirty. I’m driving Blake and Jace to the hospital, and Annie is taking Caroline.”
“How big is the waiting room?” Mitch asked.
“Big. Anyone who wants to wait there is welcome. Annie and I are going to grab something to eat then head to bed. Whoever is out last—”
“Lock the doors,” Cassie said, glancing up at her father and offering a vague smile.
“We’re going to head out. We’ll see you at the hospital tomorrow.” Cam grabbed Lainey’s hand.
“Same with us.” Brooke and Kade gave Annie a hug before following Cam outside.
Within minutes the house cleared out, except for Eric and Amber, who stood together at the kitchen island, talking in quiet voices while Heath and Annie prepared plates with food Amber had set out.
“We’re heading upstairs,” Annie said as she followed Heath out of the room.
Without a word, Amber began to wrap and store the remaining food, saying nothing to Eric who helped clean up. She placed plates and glasses in the dishwasher then wiped down the counter.
“I’d better take off.” Amber picked up her purse and jacket.
“I’ll walk out with you.”
“Please let me know how it goes tomorrow,” Amber said as she pulled the key from her purse and slid into the car. She tried to start the car three times, but the engine wouldn’t turn over.
“It may be the battery. Pop the hood and I’ll attach cables between your car and my truck.” Eric pulled the truck close to hers and attached the cables. They tried several times, not getting any reaction from Amber’s car. “Seems like your battery is gone. We can check it out tomorrow after Blake’s surgery.”
“I can call my road service and they’ll come out tonight. Don’t worry about me. You can go ahead and take off.”
“Forget it. I’ll take you home tonight and you can call the road service in the morning. Come on.” He leaned over and pushed opened the passenger door.
“I should leave a note for your parents—”
“I’ll let them know.”
She climbed into the cab and closed the door, already regretting the confinement of the small space. The truck smelled of a mixture of leather, aftershave, and Eric’s unique scent—a combination which triggered a reaction so powerful she found herself inching toward the door, trying to get as far away as possible.
“I don’t bite, you know.” He smiled, a rueful, crooked upward tilt of his lips.
She glanced at him, ignoring the warmth creeping up her face. “Of course you don’t bite.”
He chuckled at her indignant tone before shifting his gaze to the front and accelerating.
The short drive seemed to take hours as Amber worked to ignore her discomfort. Something about riding in his truck, at night, with him sitting so close, brought back memories she wanted to bury. He’d owned a similar truck while in high school and college. They’d spent many nights making out until they’d finally succumbed to what they both wanted and spent the night together in a hotel near campus. They’d been freshmen in college and she knew, without hesitation, he was the one man she’d want for the rest of her life. Sitting next to him, years later, the painful truth latched onto her. He was still the one man she wanted and the one man she couldn’t have.
“You’ll need to give me directions.” Eric shot a look at her as he pulled to a stop at a red light.
“Up three blocks then turn right. It’s in the middle of the block on the right.”
He pulled to a stop, opened his door, and walked around to her side.
“I can get it,” she said, stepping on the running board then to the ground.
“I know.” He turned to face the building and saw the entry gate. “Nice complex.”
“Phyllis put me in touch with someone who’d heard of an opening. I was lucky to get it.” She slung her purse over her shoulder and looked up at him. “Thanks for bringing me home. I’ll take care of the car tomorrow.”
He ignored her comment and cupped her elbow with his hand. “I’ll see you to your door.”
“That’s silly. I come home alone every night.”
“True, but tonight you’ll get an escort.”
They walked through the gate and up the stairs to her place, her heart racing as she tried to put the key in the lock. Her hand shook so much she had to take a shallow breath to calm herself. The key slid from her hand, dropping to the ground.
“I’ll get it.” Eric bent down and picked it up, sliding the key into the lock and releasing the deadbolt. He pushed the door open and let her step inside, his eyes darkening as they locked with hers.
She couldn’t look away. Being here with him wasn’t right—not for either of them. They’d made their decisions years ago, found new lives, and left the other behind. Then why couldn’t she break the hold of his gaze and look away?
Chapter Nine
The trip to her apartment had been excruciating. Not so much because of where she sat, within arm’s reach of him. It had more to do with his acceptance he still loved Amber, wanted her back in his life and his bed—always. No other woman had been able to find a way into his heart the way she had, and there’d been many who’d tried.
He’d spent the drive trying to come up with the right words, something to make her understand he’d never stopped loving her. The fear she’d turn from him again began to fade as the need to find out if they could ever have a future took over. He’d seen the way she watched him when she thought he wasn’t looking. The regret he’d seen almost choked him.
It had taken all his willpower to unlock her door and step aside instead of taking her in his arms. Now he found his control falter as she stared up at him.
His chest squeezed as his breath caught. He reached for her hand, turning it over to press his mouth to her palm, never taking his gaze from hers. Her lips parted, her breathing quickened. The air around them pulsed as if they’d been enveloped in a magnetic force neither could escape.
“Amber…” He whispered her name a moment before lowering his head until his mouth came down on hers. The first touch seemed almost tentative before he wrapped his arms around her and tightened his hold. The kiss deepened, his mouth devouring hers, hot and moist.
He could feel her hands move up his arms to wrap around his neck, pulling him tight, melding her body to his. He groaned as her tongue traced his lips, sending a hot ache through him. Gathering her closer, he explored the recesses of her mouth until he pulled away on a ragged breath, letting his lips trace a path down her neck to the soft spot at the base. He sucked lightly before moving back up to reclaim her mouth.
Amber’s caution shattered at the first touch of his lips to hers. It had been so long and she wanted him so much. The feel of his mouth devouring hers sent waves of heat pulsing through her. She remembered how they used to be together and began to feel the same sense of urgency. Her hands moved under his jacket, splaying across his back.
“Ah, baby,” he groaned as fire roared through him. “God, I want you.”
Even though her mind had fogged, caution raced through her. She didn’t want to let go, break the spell, yet the fear of starting anything with him stalled her motions. She pulled away, burying her head in his chest, and loosening her grip on his back.
“Eric,” she breathed out. “What are we doing?”
Amber hated the way his body stilled. At the same time, warning signals urged her to slow down. She’d wanted this since seeing him on her first day at MacLaren, had dreamed of it, waking in a heated sweat, twisted within her sheets. But she needed to know why, after all this time, he wanted her.
Eric hadn’t felt her lips against his in so long. He missed the urgent heat and total loss of control her touch had always caused, yet her question
stopped him. He pulled back, resting his forehead against hers, breathing heavily, his mind clouded from the feel of her against him. He stepped away, brushing bangs away from her eyes, then letting his fingers trace a line to her chin.
“I’m sorry. This shouldn’t have happened—not like this.”
She wrestled with the extreme disappointment at his words. What had she expected? A declaration he still loved her, needed her, and wanted her back in his life? She wasn’t a child. He’d received difficult news and needed the closeness she provided—nothing more. The chemistry between them had always been strong. Too many times they’d resolved disagreements by falling into bed, letting sex fix whatever stood between them.
He saw the same regret he felt reflected in her face and wished he could stay, knowing it wouldn’t be right. “Don’t misunderstand me. I want you so damn much it hurts, but not like this, not without clearing up our past.” He breathed in a ragged breath as he dragged a hand through his hair.
She stepped away, trying to calm her still shaking body.
“You’re right. This was a mistake.” She paced a few feet away, turning her back to him, and taking a deep breath. She crossed her arms and turned toward him, not believing there was any chance of clearing up their past, as he’d phrased it. “We made our choices years ago. We’d be kidding ourselves if we thought it could ever work again.”
Eric stared at her, not accepting her words. “I didn’t say it was a mistake. It’s just…” his voice trailed off as he fought for the right way to say he still loved her. He walked the few feet to the sofa and lowered himself into it, leaning forward, drawing his knees up and resting his arms on them before burying his head in his hands.
Amber sat next to him, resting a hand on his thigh. “What is it?”
He dropped his hands and shifted toward her, settling his hand over hers.
“Don’t you know?”
Her senses went on alert. Was he trying to tell her he’d found someone and had fallen in love? Maybe it was the woman she saw him with in the restaurant. She leaned away, trying to prepare herself for whatever it was he wanted her to know.
Always Love You (MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary series Book 5) Page 7
