Captured: An Everyday Heroes World Novel (The Everyday Heroes World)

by S. Nelson

  “Your point?” I knew his point.

  “You obviously like this woman. And it sounds like she likes you too, although I don’t know why,” he jested.

  “Whatever.” The amusement in my tone matched his.

  “So, you had to realize on some level that something was going to happen.”

  “I guess. But when it actually did, I felt—”

  “Guilty.” Will finished my sentence for me.

  “Yeah.” I leaned back on my couch, my fingers traveling through my hair.

  “But you have nothing to feel guilty for, brother. It’s been long enough. You can’t hide from life, no matter how hard you try. And I’m sorry, but I don’t think it’s sheer coincidence that you keep running into her.”

  “It is weird.”

  “Is she hot?”

  I had a few retorts I could use, but in the end, I answered honestly. “Yes.”

  “Nice.” He chuckled.

  “But she’s much more than her looks. She’s a good person. Too good to have to deal with someone with my baggage.”

  “Have you told her?”

  “No,” I responded adamantly. I didn’t like bringing up the subject to anyone. It felt like a sense of betrayal in a way.

  “You know you’re going to have to eventually, right? If you want this to go anywhere. Even if you two just end up being friends in the end.”

  “I know.”

  “Then let her decide what she can handle.”

  “You’re right,” I responded.

  “I’m always right.”

  “Let’s not get crazy.”

  Will pulled his phone away from his mouth and mumbled to someone nearby before giving me his attention again. “What time are you picking her up?”

  “Noon, why?”

  “You better get going because it’s almost that time now.”

  “Shit!”

  “Call me later. And, Nolan?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Just have fun.”

  “I gotta go.” I didn’t want to entertain the idea of having fun because that might lead to doing or saying something I didn’t believe I was ready to embark on yet.

  I ended the call, threw on my shoes, grabbed my keys, and ran out the door, feeling uneasy with how much excitement raced through me at the prospect of seeing Quinn again so soon.

  17

  Quinn

  A soft rap on my door had me rushing down the hallway, scouring the area for my keys. It was then I remembered I’d dropped them on the table in the foyer when I came home last night.

  Before passing out, I’d had the mind enough to set my alarm for ten this morning, knowing damn well I’d need some extra time to get myself together after consuming more glasses of wine than I typically did last night. But I hadn’t been that distracted with a man since Todd and I first started dating. Speaking of which, my ex continued to be relentless, sending me another text for me to call him, as well as a voicemail. His communication had been waning, but ever since Scott approached me, his persistence had increased.

  Nolan was right. I should just rip off the Band-Aid and call him, get everything out in the open and let him know that he needs to move on because I had. Not a hundred percent true, but there was no way I could ever trust him again; therefore, any reconnection would be doomed right from the start.

  Another knock pulled me from my thoughts. “Be right there,” I called out, taking one more glance at myself in the mirror on the wall close to the door. Chocolate styled waves cascaded over my shoulders; my makeup done so as to appear natural, with a bit of mascara and a hint of sheer lip gloss. I had on my favorite pair of skinny jeans and a black and white top, both paired with my red pointy-toed flats. Trying for an effortless look, I hoped I pulled it off.

  Nolan stood on the other side of the door, my eyes sweeping over him in an appreciative glance. Standing close to six foot two, he was an intimidating yet delicious sight. He was dressed in dark-washed jeans and a cream thermal shirt with the sleeves pushed up to the elbows, giving me a great view of his muscular forearms. But nothing compared to the smile he flashed me.

  “Hi,” he greeted. “You look nice. Not like you’re hungover at all.” I wanted to tell him that was the magic of under-eye concealer, but I kept the thought to myself.

  “Thank you. So do you.” I stepped onto the porch behind him and closed the door. “And because of the water and aspirin, I’m feeling pretty good this morning.”

  “Good to hear.”

  He walked down the steps and toward a white Jeep Cherokee, the exact other vehicle I was deciding upon when I purchased my Audi. He held the passenger door open for me as I approached.

  “Thank you.” I settled inside and clicked my seat belt, admiring the dark leather seats and the panoramic sunroof.

  Once he joined me, sliding into his seat, he turned to face me. “I want to apologize again for last night. I hope I didn’t make you feel some type of way after we kissed.”

  “You mean after I kissed you,” I corrected, nervously laughing. “And there’s no need to apologize. I shouldn’t have been so forward to assume you wanted to kiss me.”

  “I did want to.” He licked those damn lips of his, and I had to restrain myself from diving over the console and stealing another taste. “I’m in a weird place right now. Don’t mind me.” He smiled with half his mouth before turning over the engine.

  “I’m kind of right there with you. I’m in a weird place of my own, I suppose.”

  “Because of your ex?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Thanks, but no. I don’t want to think about him right now.” I toyed with the strap of my purse, watching the world pass us by. The radio was on so low I couldn’t readily distinguish what song played, but the noise was enough that the silence between us wasn’t necessarily awkward. “I want to thank you again for driving me to get my car. I really appreciate it.”

  “Sure thing. But I have to admit that I sort of had an ulterior motive.”

  “You told Avery you didn’t have any ulterior motives when it came to me.” He chuckled at the reminder. “But I won’t tell her.”

  “Then I’ll switch it to say I hoped that if you let me pick you up today, you’d go to lunch with me.”

  “That’s a clear motive,” I responded, excited he wanted to spend more time with me.

  “I suppose so.”

  “I’d love to. Besides, I haven’t eaten yet.” My stomach rumbled with the mere mention of food.

  “Great. There’s a diner near Murray’s we can go to if that’s all right.”

  “Austie’s?”

  “You’ve been there?”

  “Like only a hundred times. They make the best eggs benedict.”

  When we arrived, Nolan found a parking space in front, exiting his side and walking around the back. I wasn’t waiting for him to open my door, as I was just quickly checking my messages, but he pulled on the handle, extending his hand to me. I didn’t need the assistance, but I accepted all the same, sliding my palm into his. As we walked toward the entrance, his hand now rested on the small of my back, gently guiding me forward when he again held the door for me.

  Once the hostess seated us, handing us our menus, her eyes lingered on the tall, gorgeous man across from me a few seconds longer than appropriate. I grinned and shook my head when he looked my way.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “I notice that women stare at you a lot.” There was a pang of unjustified jealousy in my tone, but I hoped he couldn’t detect it.

  “Not as much as men take notice of you.” My cheeks heated. “But I’m sure you already know that.”

  “I don’t really pay attention.” And I didn’t. I’d been in an exclusive relationship with Todd from the time I was twenty-two up until three months ago. I was so wrapped up in him, I didn’t bother even looking at anyone else.

  “Neither do I. Not in the least. Not until…”
/>   “Me?”

  His head tilted to the side, a smile begging to break free. Our waitress approached, glancing at Nolan, much like the hostess did, but she disguised her interest well enough so as not to be disrespectful toward me, even though I had no claim on the man.

  “What can I get you?”

  He gestured toward me. “I’ll take the eggs benedict and a glass of orange juice.”

  “I’ll have the same.” He closed his menu and handed it to our server, his eyes cast my way the entire time.

  “So,” I started, rearranging my silverware. “How did you manage to snag your very own seat at Murray’s? From what I understand, no one else is allowed to sit there.”

  “I suppose no one wants to piss off the guy who looks like he’s constantly in a bad mood.” He laughed. “And most people know I’m a cop, so I suppose they want to leave well enough alone. I prefer my seat, as I’m able to sit off to the side and not be bothered.”

  “And why don’t you want to be bothered?”

  “I like to keep to myself.”

  “Then why did you talk to me?”

  He seemed to contemplate his answer before speaking. “I’d never laid eyes on you before the night I pulled you over. Then I saw you three more times within the span of less than a week. I hate to admit this, but I don’t think that’s a coincidence. I mean… I guess it is… but it might be more than that. Plus, a lot of people are intimidated by me. But you’re not.”

  “I was, but I hid it well.”

  “And now?”

  “You’re not so bad.” I tapped the top of his hand in a playful gesture.

  “Right back at you.”

  Unfolding my napkin, I placed it in my lap, and he followed suit, our food arriving a moment later. “Wait till you taste this.”

  “Looking forward to it.” The way he responded was innocent, but it was the look in his eyes and the slight arch to his brow that had me squirming in my seat.

  After a few bites, pacing myself so I didn’t shovel my entire plate into my mouth without taking a breath, I placed my fork on the table and took a sip of juice. Nolan’s plate was half gone, but he was a big guy. I was sure he could put away more in one sitting than I did all day.

  “Are you full already?”

  “No. Just pacing myself.”

  “Please don’t tell me you’re watching your weight by counting calories.”

  “What’s wrong with that?”

  “You don’t look like you need to, that’s all.”

  “How do you know I don’t look this way because I watch what I eat?” I countered. I wasn’t one to be stringent with my food, but I did try and eat as well as possible. Whenever I consumed too much junk, I felt like crap, and the older I got, the more I realized I should take my health and nutrition seriously if I wanted to live a long life.

  “Touché.” His smile was infectious, and right then, sitting across from me in a crowded diner, he looked like he didn’t have a worry in the world, so different from the guy who’d stopped me for speeding.

  “I can’t hold out any longer.” I picked up my fork and finished my plate in several more bites, covering my mouth when some of the egg fell onto the corner of my bottom lip.

  “I like a woman who can eat. I used to like to cook and hated when…” He suddenly stopped talking, looking flustered at his admission. “I just like to see people enjoy their food.”

  Wondering what that was all about, I chalked it up to something he wasn’t ready to discuss. Or someone he wasn’t ready to discuss, if ever.

  Both of us leaned back in our seats at the same time, laughing at the mirrored gesture.

  “That was so good.”

  “I told you so,” I said, pleased he liked the eggs as much as I did. Taking a gamble that he’d open up a bit more about himself, I parted my lips and dove in. “What are some of your pet peeves?”

  “Pet peeves?” he echoed. I nodded. “Hmm… let’s see.” The corner of his lip disappeared between his teeth, an apparent habit. “I don’t like when people don’t enjoy their food.”

  “You told me that already. What’s another?”

  His nostrils flared after he spoke, the muscle in his jaw flexing. “When people drink and drive.”

  “I think most people feel the same way.” An image of my brother popped into my head for a moment, but I flushed him out as quickly as he appeared.

  To take the sting away from the seriousness of his answer, I gave him one of mine. “I don’t like when people don’t respond after I’ve said something. Like total silence drives me up the wall. Give me an ‘Oh, really?’ or at the very least a noise, letting me know you’ve heard me.”

  Nolan’s complete attention was on me, but he didn’t respond. His expression was flat. Not a quirk of a brow or a movement of his jaw for a solid six seconds. Then his mouth curved upward, the tip of his tongue peeking out to wet his bottom lip, a lip I wanted to bite.

  “You mean like that? Complete disregard for what you said?”

  I tossed my wadded-up napkin at him. “Very funny. But yes, just like that.”

  “I don’t like that either.” His demeanor had softened from moments ago when he mentioned drunk driving. I didn’t want to talk about the subject in too much detail because it hit too close to home for me because Jimmy’s death was a direct result of a drunk driving accident. The last thing I wanted to do was dredge up any emotions I’d worked hard to bury over the years.

  “I’m ready when you are,” I offered, moving my arm to allow our waitress to clear away my dish.

  She’d laid the bill in the middle of the table, and he reached for it before I could. “I got this.”

  I wasn’t going to argue with his chivalrous deed. “Thank you.”

  Walking out of the diner, I had no idea if I’d run into Nolan again, although I assumed the chance would be high as he was a regular at the bar where Avery worked.

  So, perhaps I wondered not so much if I’d see him again, but whether he wanted to see me.

  18

  Nolan

  With every mile closer to Murray’s, my anxiety amped up exponentially. I wanted to see Quinn again but didn’t know how or what to say to make that happen. Correction, I knew how to make that happen, but I didn’t know if I was ready for that step.

  “Thanks again for doing this,” she said as I pulled in next to her Audi. It was odd to see the parking lot so bare, but it was only half past one, and the establishment didn’t open until four.

  “You don’t have to keep thanking me. It’s my pleasure.”

  “I thought it only fair since you kept apologizing even when you didn’t have to after the first time. Well… maybe after the second time.” She laughed, and I wanted to bottle up the sound. There was something about this woman that made me feel lighter, more relaxed than I had been in such a long time.

  She glanced at me for a moment before finally reaching for her door handle. “I guess I’ll see you around, then.”

  Her words kicked me into gear, and instead of responding, I hopped out and hurried to her side, helping her as I’d done before. We stood between our two vehicles in silence. She fiddled with her keys, and I shifted from one foot to the other. I felt like a teenager, nerves rattling around inside me so much I could barely form a coherent thought. I liked this woman, and no amount of reservation or guilt or any of the other emotions that typically bombarded me on a daily basis were altering my interest in her.

  Taking a chance, I breathed deep and placed my hand on her upper arm. “I’d like to see you again.” I kept it short and sweet. Really, I didn’t know what else to say other than the obvious. I’d been known to ramble when anxious, so I chose my words carefully as not to appear like a dope.

  “I’d like that too.” She opened her hand, palm up. “Give me your phone.” I was confused until she explained. “I’m going to put my number in it.”

  “Oh… right.” Extracting the device from my pocket, I handed it over after punching in my
code. Her fingers worked quickly, handing the cell back to me a few seconds later.

  Quinn turned away from me, and I stepped back to give her room to open her door, but before she unlocked her car, she spun around and stepped closer, rising on her tiptoes. I thought she was going to kiss me again. I was more prepared than I was last night, but her lips descended on my cheek this time instead of my mouth. I was both disappointed and relieved, the warring emotions battling for top spot.

  I smiled at her when she pulled back. “Talk soon.”

  I watched her pull out of the lot before I got back in my Jeep. Will’s name popped up on the display as I kicked the engine over.

  “Hey,” I answered, leaning my head back against the seat.

  “What’s the matter?”

  I never could hide anything from my brother, no matter how hard I tried. He could hear that certain something in my voice before I did.

  “Nothing. And that’s the problem.”

  “What the hell does that mean?” he asked, baffled at my odd response. “Wait. Does this have anything to do with that woman?”

  “Quinn.”

  “Right.” I didn’t answer right away. “Well? Does it?”

  “I suppose.” It has everything to do with her.

  “That’s all you’re going to give me? Come on, man.” Will chuckled, helping to relieve me of some of the overwhelming confusion I’d put on myself.

  “I like her,” I finally admitted out loud. “A lot. I can’t explain it, but I think about her all the time, and when I’m with her, I feel… different.”

  “Different can be good, Nolan.”

  “If you say so.”

  “I do. Now when are you going to see her again?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “She’s the first person since….” His words trailed off before picking back up. “You’ve suffered enough. You deserve to be happy. And just because you move on doesn’t mean you’ll forget. They’ll always be a part of you.”