Hold Me

by Susan Mallery

  “You’re a really good guy,” Destiny told him, her body warm against his. “You sure you don’t want to try my sensible relationship plan?”

  A sexless marriage? “Not until you try things my way first.”

  She chuckled, then looked up at him. “That is never going to happen.”

  “Did you know I competed professionally? Are you sure you want to challenge me?”

  She smiled. “I’ll take my chances.”

  “Then game on.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  “MY NAME IS Charlie Stryker, and I’m in charge.”

  Kipling recognized the woman speaking. She was tall and broad-shouldered, with a lot of upper body strength. She didn’t move like a pregnant woman, probably because she clearly worked out on a regular basis. She was a firefighter, and Kipling figured anyone would feel a lot better when she showed up at the scene of a disaster. Charlie exuded confidence and competency.

  She stood with her hands on her hips. Her gaze was steady, as if she didn’t expect trouble, but would handle it if it came along.

  “I’m going to divide you into groups. You’ll be assigned specific tasks. Let me be clear, this isn’t a democracy. You volunteered to help, and help you will. Under my terms.”

  “You’re hot when you’re bossy,” a male voice called out.

  Kipling wondered how long it would take Charlie to flatten the guy, only instead of pummeling him, she flushed.

  “Ignore my husband,” she told the group of people standing in front of her.

  The combination of bravado and blushing was kind of appealing, Kipling thought, thinking this was the damnedest town with the most interesting people.

  Charlie explained how the playground sprucing up would work.

  “As I was saying, you’ll be divided into teams. Each team will be assigned to a playground. You’ll have a list of things to do there. Do not deviate from the list. Don’t do more than asked. Don’t use your own supplies. There are reasons for all this, but it would waste time to go into them, so please, people, do what you’re asked, and this will all go smoothly.”

  She went on to list rules and instructions. Kipling was only half listening as he glanced around at the people who had volunteered to start work at eight on a Saturday morning. There was more turnout than he would have expected. A lot of the people were obviously couples, with wives leaning against their husbands, all of whom were still drinking coffee.

  He saw Destiny and another woman. They were listening to Charlie and looking more than a little worried. Which probably made Charlie very happy.

  The blonde was pretty enough, but Kipling was only interested in Destiny. But before he could head over, Shelby walked up to him.

  “Hey, big brother,” she said and hugged him.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked.

  “Sometimes fixing things is good.” She smiled. “Charlie has promised me duties fit for my skill level.”

  “Which is?”

  Shelby grinned. “Basic. Very basic.”

  “Listen up, people,” Charlie said, staring directly at him and Shelby. “Those of you who brought tools are in the first group. You’ll be going to a couple of different playgrounds, fixing equipment. The rest of you, line up and I’ll put you into your teams. If you have a preference, let me know. We need people with muscles to remove the old mats. Dirty bark has to be raked up and hauled away. Wood needs sanding, and there’s plenty of painting for all. Let’s move. Daylight’s wasting.”

  “Did she used to be in the army?” Shelby asked idly.

  “It sounds like it.”

  They waited in line. Charlie took one look at him and pointed to her left. “Go with the muscle. It’s macho work and should make you happy.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Charlie waved Shelby toward a group of women. “Raking and painting.”

  “Isn’t your process a little sexist?” Shelby asked.

  “Yes. Do you see that as a problem?”

  Shelby grinned. “Nope. Just asking.”

  Kipling went over to join several other men. He greeted Gideon, one of the partners at The Man Cave. Carter, Gideon’s son, was with him.

  “Hey, G-Force,” Carter said. “I’m with you guys today.”

  Kipling did his best not to react to the nickname. The one he no longer deserved. “I see that. Impressive.” He shook hands with Gideon. “How’s it going?”

  “Good. Too early for me, but Felicia said it was important to help.”

  Kipling figured that for a man who worked from ten in the evening until the early hours of the morning, this would be a difficult start time.

  “Mom’s big on giving back to the community,” Carter said with an easy grin. “She says connecting with the core group is biological. That it’s a need in all primates. She knows stuff.”

  “Apparently.” Kipling had only met Felicia a few times, but he would guess she was probably the smartest person any of them had ever interacted with. He wondered how she and Gideon had hooked up in the first place. They seemed so different. Of course there were people who would probably be surprised that of all the single women in town, Destiny was the one to capture his attention.

  Attraction was always interesting and sometimes complicated.

  Thinking about Destiny made him remember Starr. “You’re at the summer camp, right?” he asked Carter.

  The teen nodded. “My second summer. I’ve been a buddy to a bunch of new kids. It’s pretty cool.”

  “Do you know Starr Mills?”

  “Sure. We hang out some. She’s into music and singing, but we’ve had a few classes together.”

  “Good. She’s new, and I know her sister is worried about her fitting in.”

  Carter nodded. “Yeah, my mom was worried about that when I moved here. Starr’s doing good.”

  “Checking on the kid sister?” Gideon’s expression turned knowing. “Whatever it takes, man.”

  Before Kipling could respond, they were called to the trucks that would take them to the various playgrounds. Gideon walked with him.

  “You hearing anything about the bar?”

  “Hearing what?” Kipling asked.

  “Complaints.”

  “No. We’re doing well. Business is steady. Why?”

  Gideon shrugged. “I hear things. Jo’s Bar is pretty close.”

  “Sure, but a different clientele. They target women, and we target men. There are plenty of both in town.”

  “It’s not that simple,” Gideon told him. “But I think we’re okay for now.”

  “You worry too much.”

  Gideon nodded. “I do. Used to be that’s what kept me alive. But I’m sure you’re right. That we’ll be fine.”

  “We will. You’ll see.”

  * * *

  DESTINY FOUND THAT a morning spent painting playground equipment was exactly what she needed to clear her mind. She’d invited Starr along, but her sister had opted to sleep in.

  The morning was warming up quickly. The sun was out, and only a handful of clouds chased across the blue sky. This was a nice way to spend a Saturday, she thought. Until moving to Fool’s Gold, she’d never gotten involved in a community event like this. Helping out was actually really fun.

  Shelby sat on the other side of the support poles they were painting. They were onto their second playground. As they had moved on from the first one, a couple of trucks filled with guys had pulled up to replace the safety mats.

  “How long do you think until Charlie shows up to check our work?” Shelby asked with a laugh.

  “I’m not sure, but I’m keeping my brush strokes very even.”

  “Me, too.” Shelby took a deep breath. “This is nice. I usually spend my Saturday mornings in the bakery. It was relaxing to sleep in until six and then be outside.”

  “I think it’s sad that getting up at six is sleeping in for you, and yet I love my morning pastries.”

  “Someone has to pay the price,” Shelby told her. “An
d I’m willing to do it.”

  “For that, I thank you.”

  “In return, you’ll find me if I get lost in the mountains.”

  Destiny nodded, even though she wouldn’t be one of the people doing the searching. As of yet, she hadn’t been given her next assignment, but it was just a matter of time until she heard.

  For once, there would be things she would miss when she left. People, as well as the town. She had a routine here she liked. She enjoyed the girlfriend lunches and the festivals. Even her little rental was growing on her.

  She’d made friends, she thought, glancing where Madeline was raking on the opposite side of the playground. Madeline, who’d had drinks with the man who had also taken out Shelby.

  Destiny dipped her brush in the can of red paint. “How are things going with Miles?” she asked cautiously.

  “I’ve seen him a couple of times. He’s a lot of fun.” Shelby looked up and grinned. “Don’t worry. I’m heeding your warning. I won’t get serious.”

  “As long as you know he’s not a sensible choice.”

  “Sensible is highly overrated. I know that Miles isn’t going to be into anything permanent. I’m open to a fling. Miles and I have talked. He’s going to be faithful while he’s here and when he leaves, we’re done. Normally, I would want more, but there’s something about him. I love it when a man makes me forget myself.”

  “Why?”

  Shelby laughed. “Because falling for someone should be unpredictable and fun. I work hard every day. I have a steady routine, which is all good, but sometimes I want more. I want to feel the rush of anticipation. I want to be surprised. I love surprises.”

  “Only good ones,” Destiny pointed out. “Everyone wants to win the lottery, and no one wants to be in a car accident, yet they’re both surprises.”

  “Okay, you’re a great person, but sometimes you’re a little strange.”

  “I’ve been told that before.” Destiny rested her brush on the edge of the paint can and stood to stretch her legs. “I’ve seen plenty of emotional drama in my life. I’m looking for calm.”

  “You mean boring.”

  “I’m a fan of boring. I want to know that tomorrow is going to look a lot like today.” That the person who mattered most would still be there in the morning. How many times had she awakened as a kid to find her parents hadn’t come home? That they’d hopped a flight to New York or Las Vegas. Sometimes they’d remembered to arrange for someone to be around to take care of her. But not always.

  She’d been with Grandma Nell over a year before she’d been able to wake up without a knot in her stomach. In her world, surprises were highly overrated.

  * * *

  THE WORK CREWS finished about two in the afternoon. Destiny passed on going to Jo’s for nachos and margaritas. She wanted to get home to see Starr. They were supposed to hang out that afternoon. The plan was to practice the guitar, then make dinner together. Not exactly earthshaking, but Destiny was looking forward to them spending time together.

  As she crossed the street in front of their house, her leg muscles protested. All the squatting and crouching had done a number on her thighs. She really needed to be thinking about working out, she thought. Or maybe just making sure she got a long walk in every day.

  She opened the front door and stepped into the house.

  “It’s me,” she called.

  Starr was in the living room, on her cell phone. As Destiny entered the room, her sister turned away. There was something about the set of her shoulders, the way she held her head, that had Destiny freezing in place.

  “Uh-huh,” Starr said. “Sure. No problem. Bye.”

  She pushed a button on her cell phone and tossed it onto the sofa.

  “What’s wrong?” Destiny asked.

  “Nothing.”

  Starr’s voice was strangled, and she didn’t turn around.

  Destiny crossed to her. “Hey, tell me, please.”

  Starr slowly faced her. Tears filled her eyes. “My dad called. Our dad called. He wanted to wish me a happy birthday.”

  Destiny’s whole body tensed as horror swept through her. “It’s your birthday? Oh, no. I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” She wanted to slap herself. How could she have not found out it was her sister’s birthday? Talk about thoughtless.

  “It’s not,” Starr told her as she wiped away tears. “It’s not my birthday. When I told him, he didn’t think it was a big deal.” More tears fell. “He’s my f-father, and he doesn’t even know when I was born.”

  Destiny moved in and reached for her. Starr resisted for about a second, then collapsed against her.

  “I’m sorry,” Destiny whispered, knowing the words were stupid and wouldn’t help at all. Not that she could think of anything else to say. “He’s like that sometimes. You know it’s about him, right? Not you?”

  “Because he’s the only one who matters?”

  “Pretty much.”

  Starr began to cry, then. “He’s my dad. Why doesn’t he love me?”

  “He does.”

  “No. I’ve seen how other dads act. He doesn’t care about me.”

  Destiny hung on tight. “Jimmy Don isn’t like other dads. I’m sorry he did that to you.”

  She continued to hug Starr until the teen finally straightened and wiped her face.

  “Thanks,” Starr told her, her face blotchy and her eyes red. “It sucks, you know.”

  “I do.”

  “Can we still play guitar together?”

  “Sure. Later we’ll make cookies.”

  That earned her a slight smile. “I’m not five. You can’t distract me with a cookie.”

  “Maybe not, but I can try.”

  Starr sniffed. “I need to blow my nose. I’ll be right back.”

  Destiny waited until she was out of the room, then she emailed herself a reminder to get in touch with her father’s lawyer. She needed to know a whole lot more about Starr than she did now. Starting with her sister’s birthday. Because when that day actually came, Destiny wanted to make sure it was one to remember...in the best way possible.

  * * *

  AT NOON ON SUNDAY Starr got a text from Abby, inviting her to an impromptu sleepover. Destiny talked to Liz, Abby’s mom, got confirmation that there would be no boys or unsupervised time and dropped off Starr at four. By six-thirty, Destiny was pacing the floor.

  She didn’t know what was wrong, but for some reason, she couldn’t seem to settle. She cleaned both bathrooms, did a couple of loads of laundry and then tried working on a song from her notebook. Nothing worked. She flipped channels, did a bit of internet shopping and by 7:18 knew she was going to jump out of her skin if she didn’t find something to distract herself.

  She shoved house keys, her cell phone and a credit card into her jeans pocket, then locked the front door behind her and started for the center of town.

  There were still plenty of people walking around. The sun had yet to set, and the evening was pleasantly warm. Most of the restaurants had outdoor patios where happy locals and sunburned tourists mingled easily. Several people called out greetings to Destiny. She nodded and smiled as she walked but didn’t stop. It seemed she had a destination, although she had no idea what it was. Not until she got there.

  She came to a stop across the street from The Man Cave. She stared at the sign and at the caveman statue beside the open door before giving in to the inevitable.

  Once inside, she felt as if she could breathe more easily. A couple of baseball games played on TVs over the bar. Most of the seats were filled. The crack of balls from the pool tables mingled with laughter. The smell of popcorn and beer, perfume and burgers, welcomed her home.

  Maybe it was because she’d grown up in honky-tonks. Maybe it was because being around people made it possible for her to lose herself when she couldn’t in the quiet of her house. Or maybe it was the stage at the far end of the room.

  The sign said karaoke started at eight every night. Destiny walked to the bar
.

  “Long Island Iced Tea,” she said. “Make it extra long.”

  The bartender, a woman she didn’t recognize, nodded. “You walking?”

  Because this was Fool’s Gold, Destiny thought. A place where they made sure you weren’t going to be drinking and driving before you even started drinking.

  “I live less than six blocks away.”

  “Good to know.”

  Destiny settled on an empty bar stool. She glanced around the room and figured she knew at least a dozen people, maybe more. Friends. Acquaintances.

  Aidan was with Nick, Miles and a couple of other guys. She nodded at them but ignored the wave over. She wasn’t in the mood to deal with any of them tonight. Especially not Miles, who’d gone out with both Shelby and Madeline.

  She hoped neither of her friends would fall for the man. They both deserved better. He would break their hearts and then move on. Better for Madeline to crush on action star Jonny Blaze and Shelby to find someone a whole lot nicer than Miles. Not that they would listen to her.

  She thought about the Hendrix brothers and their unbelievable bet about getting their wives pregnant and her father devastating his daughter with a thoughtless phone call and how she didn’t know what she was going to do with Starr when this job ended and how no matter how much she knew that being sensible was the right thing, sometimes she just wanted to let go.

  The twisting restlessness inside her grew. The bartender passed her the drink, and Destiny drank deeply. She knew what the alcohol would do. How it would loosen the tight grip she kept on herself. Because of it, she would give in to the unthinkable. Because she had to. Because there was only one way to feel better.

  Time ticked by. She finished her drink and ordered another. At 7:55 she walked up to the karaoke stage. Kipling was there, hooking up the equipment.

  He didn’t see her at first, which meant she could study him without being caught. She took in the slight hesitation in some of his movements, juxtaposed with his athletic grace. Someone said something to him, and he responded with a quick smile. She knew his eyes were a beautiful shade of blue, that when he kissed her, she forgot she had a plan and that he loved his sister and looked out for her.