“I’m supposed to take Noah to New York, too,” Joel said.
The muscle ticking in Colton’s jaw increased tempo. “I know.”
“Well, that would certainly solve the problem. And keep Kendra from worrying about Noah flying all by himself…” Another moment of silence, then Joel asked, “You sure you don’t mind?”
He wouldn’t have thought it possible, but his knuckles turned whiter. “I wouldn’t have offered if I did.”
****
Joel gave his little brother a tight hug before setting him in the passenger seat of the truck. He was going to miss the kid, but hopefully not for too long. “Listen to Colton, you hear? Stick with him at all times.” After a quick glance around, he leaned close and spoke low. “Remember what we talked about?”
Noah nodded, face serious, eyes sparkling. Joel smiled as he straightened. Then he laboriously made his way up the steps on his crutches and joined his gloomy-looking family on the porch to wave goodbye. They watched until the truck and trailer disappeared around the corner of the driveway.
Cody turned to Dustin. “You want to go play in the tree fort?” he asked sullenly.
Dustin shrugged without any enthusiasm, but followed his brother anyway. Joel exchanged a morose glance with Britt.
“It’s going to be quiet around here without him.” She looked as sad as the boys at Noah’s departure.
Joel leaned his crutches against the porch railing. Stuck his hands in his pockets and casually strolled over to where she stood.
Her eyes narrowed.
He grinned. Enjoying watching the wheels turn in her beautiful head, he withdrew his hands to pull her into his arms, linking his fingers together at the small of her back.
“You sneaky dog,” she accused when she’d connected all the dots. Then she laughed. “You know, I wondered, but then you came back with the crutches and brace and your boot and you were so damn convincing. How’d you get Dr. Cain to go along with this?”
“He’s a romantic at heart.”
“Hmmm.” She punched his arm, and none too lightly. “Ooh—when I think of all the things I did for you the past two days—”
“That only slightly makes up for my boots.”
Britt smiled with a shake of her head. She stopped mid-shake, a sudden wrinkle creasing her brow. “You didn’t tell her he’s coming, did you?”
“And ruin the surprise?”
A hint of worry clouded her green eyes. “Joel, that’s not fair.”
“Hey, she never told us they got married,” he defended without remorse. “I’ve got plenty of catching up to do. Besides, all’s fair in love and war.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Kendra set the classifieds aside with a sigh. Nothing she’d wanted to do a few months ago even appealed to her now. But she had to find something to keep her mind occupied. Without a job to fill her days, something to give her a sense of accomplishment when she was done, she was left with entirely too much free time to think about what might have been.
She walked over to the window overlooking Central Park eight stories below. The sun was shining now, but a dark bank of clouds hovered menacingly along the horizon to the west, lending credibility to the weather woman’s earlier forecast.
Of course, the woman would be right this time because Kendra had an appointment tonight. Even though she loved thunderstorms, she preferred to watch them from the comfort of the couch, with a cup of tea or coffee.
A quick glance at the time made her turn around and head down the hall to get ready. When she first returned to the city, she had called the lawyer Michael recommended, and Kevin Serling had taken care of everything concerning Noah’s custody with speedy efficiency. Today’s meeting was more casual, over coffee, and to discuss the best way for her to donate money to help victims of rape and other charities.
She’d hesitated at the suggestion of meeting outside his office, but the only free time Kevin could offer this week was on his way to another meeting. At this point, anything that took her idle mind off Colton was welcome. Especially since Joel and Noah weren’t due until tomorrow afternoon and the rest of the day stretched endlessly before her.
She met the lawyer at a quiet café a short cab ride from the apartment. True gentleman style, he waited for her to sit before taking his own seat.
She surveyed him over the top of the menu as they waited for a server. His tailored gray suit fit his average sized frame to perfection, making him appear larger than he was. He wore his hair stylishly short, with just a hint of product to keep each strand in place. Kendra instantly pictured strong fingers raking through soft, caramel-colored locks. One blink and she saw Kevin again. Bet he never needed to run a hand through that short, dark hair to brush it off his forehead.
He glanced up and caught her gaze, his brown eyes sparking with interest as the waitress arrived. Thankful for the distraction, Kendra ordered a decaf mocha latte. When Kevin asked for a cup of regular, her first thought was, Colton would’ve ordered hazelnut.
She wanted to groan in frustration. This was supposed to help take her mind off him, not have everything remind her of him. She kept her gaze averted from Kevin after the waitress left, not wanting to give the wrong impression after he’d caught her staring. He remained polite, businesslike even, and they began to discuss her options.
Halfway through the meeting, a flash of lightning made the lights flicker. The deafening rumble of thunder that followed shook the building under her feet, vibrating deep in her chest. Static electricity hummed in the air.
She looked out the window, watching the pedestrians open their umbrellas and scurry on their way. Moments later, rain began to lash against the glass, obscuring the view as water ran down in random rivulets. She attempted to peer through the deluge and hoped it didn’t last long or she’d never get a cab. Short cab ride equaled a long walk in this weather, even with an umbrella.
Kevin insisted on paying the bill when they finished, then offered her a ride home. She automatically declined. “Thanks, but you’ve got another meeting.”
“Don’t worry about it—I’m headed your way anyway,” he cajoled with a smile.
Kendra hesitated. A forked lightning strike and immediate clash of thunder convinced her to accept with a grateful smile. Outside, Kevin helped her into his Mercedes and shut the door against the rain before dashing around to the driver’s side. After giving her address, Kendra concentrated on the rhythmic swipe of the windshield wipers as he drove.
His easy conversation put her at ease by the time they reached her building, and she was glad she’d taken the ride. He was as nice as Michael Kabara—further proved when he came around to open the passenger door and escorted her into the lobby. Absently wondering where the doorman was, she faced him with a polite smile. “I hope you’re not late now?”
He glanced at his watch. “No big deal.”
“Well, I appreciate the ride.” She stepped back, but he stayed her with a hand on her arm.
“Wait, please. I was hoping, since our business is all but concluded, may I take you to dinner sometime?”
Light strobed through the lobby windows as Kendra’s smile slipped. A dull ache in her chest intensified and she pulled free. Another time, maybe. Like three months ago… “I—”
“No.”
Colton’s adamant refusal echoed behind her. She whirled around with a gasp as a crash of thunder helped to jump-start her heart again.
God, he looked good.
And wet.
Water darkened hair hung over his furrowed forehead and drops of moisture clung to his spiked lashes and his face. Her stunned gaze swept down, taking in a green shirt molded to broad shoulders, and damp jeans clinging to muscled thighs. Instant longing seized her heart and jettisoned her gaze back to his ominous expression.
Hold on…why was he angry?
Tension crackled in the air with the same intensity as the lightning outside, and she felt Kevin Serling stiffen behind her. “And who the hell are you?” the lawyer asked.<
br />
Surprised he’d challenged Colton, who towered over him by a good four inches, Kendra laid a hand on Kevin’s arm. When Colton stepped closer, she wondered if maybe a hand on each of their chests wouldn’t be better.
“I’m her husband,” Colton growled. “Who the hell are you?”
Kevin was familiar with the situation from a legal standpoint and didn’t back down an inch. “Kendra?”
She met Colton’s glare with a warning glance before turning to Kevin. She nodded. “It’s okay. Thanks again for the ride.”
He held her gaze for a long moment before turning away. Once he was out the door, she took a fortifying breath in preparation to face Colton. He caught her arm and swung her around. “Who the hell was that?”
Her anger rose to match his. What gave him the right to storm back into her life like a possessive conqueror? Lifting her chin, she snapped, “None of your business.”
“Don’t start that crap with me again,” he warned. “Last time I checked, we’re still married.”
“Last time I checked, you walked away and never looked back.” She jerked her arm free. “What are you doing here anyway?” A sudden thought occurred to her and she scanned the lobby. “Where’s Noah?”
Colton raked his hair back. “Your doorman didn’t want him to catch a chill, so he took him upstairs for some dry clothes while I parked the truck.”
That explained why Lee hadn’t been at the door. Without realizing it, she looked Colton over again. The wet shirt mapping the contours of his chest sparked a memory of the night they’d made love. The recollection of his hard naked body against hers sent a tidal wave of heat crashing through her.
Flustered, she gestured toward the elevators. “Come on, I’ll get you a towel.”
They met the doorman when the doors slid open with a ding. “Noah’s upstairs, Ms. Zelner. I didn’t think you’d mind—”
She assured Lee it was fine, then thanked him and said goodnight as the doors whispered shut. The normally spacious elevator shrunk with the sheer size of Colton. It didn’t help that he remained completely silent on the ride up, and she felt his gaze on her back as if he physically touched her. She stared at the numbers as the elevator climbed. Why’d she invite him up? It only prolonged the agony of being in his presence after he’d left without a single word of explanation.
The pain surged forward. After all they’d gone through, she’d hoped—
No. She was done with that. No more hoping.
At her apartment, she opened the door, praying he didn’t see her hand shake as she waited for him to step inside. He strode past the foyer to the threshold of the living room. Then he did a slow pivot, as if inspecting the place. She took the opportunity to hang up her jacket and put her umbrella away, using every possible second to shore up her courage.
When she turned to find him watching her again, her stomach fluttered. More time. “I-I’ll go get that towel.”
She beat a hasty retreat to Noah’s room to knock lightly on the door. “Hey, you’re home.” His wide grin was a welcome respite from the tension between her and Colton. Hugging him close, she whispered, “I missed you.”
“Missed you, too,” he said against her shoulder.
She gave his shoulders another squeeze. “I’ve got a whole bunch of stuff planned for us before school starts in a couple weeks.”
He pulled out of her arms to sit on the bed. “Great.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Careful—that excitement is way out of control.”
“I’m sorry,” he sighed. “I’m sure it’ll be fun, it’s just…I miss Cody.”
So did she. And everyone else. Especially the man waiting in the other room. Reminded she’d been on her way to get him a towel, she reached over to rumple her brother’s hair. “We’ll visit soon, I promise.”
He pulled away, his eyes downcast.
“Thanksgiving will be here before you know it,” she assured him with forced cheerfulness. “Now, are you hungry? I’ll make you a sandwich, or we could order pizza?”
Noah shook his head. “Colton and I stopped to eat before we got here. Besides, it was a long drive and I’m really tired.”
“Want to watch some TV?”
“No. I think I’ll just go to bed.” He lay down on the bed with a huge yawn.
Kendra blinked. It was barely seven o’clock. “Oh…okay. Well, goodnight, then.” At the door, she paused. “By the way, where’s Joel?”
“He hurt his ankle and couldn’t drive.”
Kendra shut the door with a frown, then detoured into the bathroom for a towel before returning to the living room. She paused a few steps in. Hands shoved in his pockets, Colton stood looking out the window. Every flash of lightning over the New York skyline lit his profile and made his reflection disappear from the glass in front of him.
His hair was longer. It brushed the back of his collar and tumbled across his forehead in a careless manner. He looked so damn good, especially with the slight shadow that covered his jaw. Rugged. Sexy. The last time she’d seen him, he’d just gotten a haircut, must’ve been the morning before they’d gotten married. A lump formed in her throat.
Colton shifted his weight, wondering how long she was going to stand there staring at his reflection in the glass. He couldn’t take much more. Her reflection wasn’t so clear from across the room, but he didn’t need it to be, the black dress she wore was forever imprinted on his mind. It was the same one from the night she’d met her lawyer at the bar in Colorado. It hugged her curves and accentuated her slim figure to perfection.
He should at least be grateful for the modest neckline, but considering she’d come home with that guy, grateful was the last word he’d use.
And that guy. Standing there in a suit that probably cost more than Colton’s car, asking his wife to dinner. God, he’d wanted to hit him so bad his knuckles cracked when he’d formed his fists. Given the possessive jealousy still pumping though his veins, the guy was lucky he’d walked away.
Every second since then, he’d wanted to stake his claim. Right now, it was all he could do not to stride across the room and pull her into his arms.
But he couldn’t do that when it was clear she didn’t want him here. She’d started up with that ‘None of your business’ crap in the lobby, hadn’t said a word in the elevator, and then rushed away for that damn towel the moment she closed the door. Right now she was probably trying to think of a way to ask him to leave.
So she could call the Suit back?
Probably. His teeth ground together. That guy would fit right in with this fancy, high-rise apartment of hers. He fit with her classy dress and sexy heels—unlike Colton. Not hard to figure out after her once-over in the lobby prompted her to rush him out of sight. His jaw tightened again as he glanced down at his damp old jeans and worn boots. What the hell was he doing here anyway?
“Did you know I was coming instead of Joel?” he asked abruptly.
Her reflection started at the sound of his voice. “No.”
She started toward him, and he swung around just as she offered the navy blue towel bunched in her hands.
Colton accepted the towel, dried his face, then raised his arms to roughly towel his hair. “He sprained his ankle pretty bad a few days ago and couldn’t drive.”
“That’s what Noah just told me. Joel never said a word.”
He heard the confusion in her voice—felt it himself—and wondered why Joel hadn’t told her—
He lowered his arms to chest level as a few things suddenly clicked into place.
Joel, standing after being thrown from the horse—then feeling pain in his ankle; asking Colton to wait outside the room while the doctor cut off his boot to check his injury; letting his pregnant wife baby him in front of the kids from the teen center instead of acting the tough guy as usual.
Colton’s fingers fisted in the towel. That last one alone should’ve clued him in. Interfering son of a bitch—what the hell did he know?
A small kernel of
hope exploded in his chest. What did Joel know? Enough, apparently, to sacrifice his favorite pair of boots—right? Uncertainty reared up, quicker than the hope, and twice as strong. Well…there was only one way to find out.
He raised the towel for one final swipe where he felt a drop of water making its way down behind his ear, then held it out to her. “Thanks.”
“Keep it.” She glanced out the window and turned away. “Looks like you’ll need it.”
“For what?”
She looked over her shoulder, halfway between him and the apartment door. “Noah said you ate already, so I assume you’ll want to get a full night of sleep before heading back to Colorado. There’s some hotels only a block or so from here, and since your truck is already parked, there’s no sense moving it.”
“I didn’t plan on moving it.”
She continued to the closet and withdrew the umbrella again. “You can take this, too; I’ll get another one.”
“I don’t want your damn umbrella, Kendra.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Fine then. Get wet…or wetter…I don’t care. Lee can give you the names of the hotels that are—what are you doing?”
He’d started unbuttoning his soaked shirt.
“I’m not going to a hotel.” He peeled off the clinging material and walked toward her in his damp jeans. An echo of thunder from outside drowned out the sound of his boot heels on the hardwood floor. Her breathing grew shallow as she backed up against the closet door. For one terrible moment, he worried he’d frightened her. But then their gazes locked with his next step closer and relief tingled through him. Awareness widened those beautiful brown eyes of hers, not fear.
Good. She wasn’t immune to him.
Kendra wished she could draw enough air into her lungs to breath normal. But the sight of Colton’s half naked body made it impossible. He stopped a few feet away, then broke eye contact when he dropped to one knee next to a duffle bag she hadn’t noticed until just this moment.
An odd feeling of disappointment eased her breathlessness as he withdrew a white T-shirt and a pair of black shorts. She’d thought he was coming to kiss her. Wanted him to so much it was a physical ache inside.
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