by Linda Warren
“Abby.”
She swung around and smiled. “Ethan. Oh, Ethan.” She ran to him, threw her arms around his neck and hugged. It didn’t take him long to return it. She smelled great and felt even better.
She touched his face. “You look wonderful.” His face felt warmer than it had after the fire.
“So do you.” He’d forgotten how beautiful she was, or maybe he’d chosen not to remember. It was better for his peace of mind. “Ross said you’d left.”
“Doug has Chloe and he’s bringing her to me. He’s running late, but he just texted he’s on the way.”
Kelsey moved closer to him and for a moment he’d forgotten his child was standing there. “Abby, this is my daughter, Kelsey.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Kelsey. Your dad has told me so much about you.”
“Whatever,” she mumbled, to Ethan’s surprise. The old Kelsey was back. Before he could scold her, a tall blond guy came through the door carrying a little girl with blond pigtails.
“Mommy,” the girl cried and held out her arms for her mother. As Abby took her, Doug kissed Abby’s cheek.
“Sorry I’m late, honey.”
Honey. His stomach clenched at the word.
“Doug, this is Detective Ethan James and his daughter, Kelsey.” Abby made the introductions. “Ethan, this is Douglas Bauman.”
Doug shook his hand vigorously. “I’m so glad I got this chance to meet you. I wanted to thank you for what you did for my wife.”
Wife? Abby didn’t correct him so maybe they were back together. The thought caused a bitter taste in his mouth.
“No need to thank me,” he managed.
“I’ve got to run.” He kissed Abby’s cheek again. “I’ll call you later.”
Ethan wasn’t sure what to say. Congratulations stuck to the roof of his mouth like old peanut butter. Chloe saved him from saying anything. She wiggled down from Abby and went straight to Kelsey.
“What happened to your hair?”
“Go away, twerp.”
“Kelsey,” he scolded.
His daughter hung her head.
“Come to mommy, Chloe,” Abby urged the child.
Ethan didn’t want to discipline Kelsey in front of Abby. It would embarrass her. He would handle it later. Right now he had a desperate need to know the situation between Abby and her ex. Without thinking it through, he said, “Kelsey and I are going shopping for school clothes. We could use some help. Are you game?”
“I’d love to help.” She smiled and every resistance he ever thought he possessed vanished.
“Why does she have to come? I can pick out my own clothes.”
Ethan stared into the resentful eyes of his daughter and realized that being a father required a lot more patience than he possessed. “Kel...”
“Ethan, no.” Abby stopped him. “It’s okay. It was nice seeing you.”
She took her daughter’s hand and moved toward the door. As she walked away, he had that same hollow feeling in his gut that he’d had when his dad had called to say his mom passed away. He had that sense that he’d just lost something precious and he hadn’t even known he’d had it. Or that he’d wanted it. But the ache around his heart told him Abby meant a great deal to him. All his talk meant nothing. He wanted her. A single word clung in his mind and he didn’t push it away.
He wanted her forever.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
ETHAN TOOK KELSEY’S arm and led her into an interrogation room. “Sit,” he said in his sternest no-nonsense voice.
She scrambled into a chair and he pulled up one next to her. “I’m a new father and I have to admit I’m a soft touch where you’re concerned. I’ll let you get away with just about anything, but I will not tolerate rudeness. You were very rude to Abby and Chloe for no reason.”
“I don’t like them,” she said with vigor. “They’re like big Barbie and little Barbie.” She waved her hands and rolled her eyes. “They make me want to barf.”
“Why? Because you’re not a Barbie?”
“What? No. I don’t want to be a stupid Barbie.”
But she did. He could see it in her sad eyes. He cupped her face. “When you’re happy and smiling, your beautiful eyes are blinding. No one can touch that.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really.” He gave her a minute. “You’re afraid I’ll like a blue-eyed blonde better than my brown-eyed daughter?”
“No.” She denied it, but he knew she was trying to save face.
He sat back in his chair. “You’re my daughter and you’re my top priority. Nothing will ever interfere with that. I know your mother had many men friends and left you alone a lot and...”
“She left me in a motel one time for four days with nothing to eat but candy. I was scared and hungry. The motel lady called someone and they put me in a foster home, but then Sheryl came and got me.”
His heart took a hit and for a moment it was hard to find words. He cleared his throat. “That’s not going to happen here. That’s why I bought you a phone. I want a way to be in contact with you at all times. You’ll never be alone or hungry again. You’ll either be with me, Grandpa or at school.”
“Okay,” she murmured.
“I want to be clear about one thing. No one is ever going to take me away from you. But we do not live in a bubble. People will come and go in our lives, your friends, my friends, Grandpa’s friends, neighbors and a host of others. None of them will affect our relationship. That’s solid. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“I guess.”
He wasn’t sure she did. All she could see was Abby as a threat to her happiness. He had to go a little further. “Abby and I went through a horrific ordeal and we have a bond. That’s it. But I’m thirty-three years old and I always thought I’d get married one day.”
Her eyes grew wide in distress.
He hastened to reassure her. “I would never get involved with anyone my kid didn’t like, but I hope my kid would love me enough to make an effort to get to know the woman.” He didn’t know why he brought up marriage, except he was trying to make a point and was relying on some things he’d read in a couple of parenting books. “The same holds for when you start dating. I’ll do my best to be objective about the boys you bring home.”
She frowned and he realized he was really getting offtrack. “Bottom line, sweetie, is that it breaks my heart when you’re rude and defiant.”
“I’m sorry,” she blubbered, fat tears rolling down her cheeks.
He pulled her onto his lap and stroked her hair. “It’s okay.” After a few more pitiful hiccups, he asked, “Ready to go shopping?” He was not good at this parenting stuff, but he was doing his best.
“Uh-huh.” She brightened immediately and jumped off his lap.
He was a little disappointed as they made their way to the truck. He thought she would offer to apologize to Abby, but she didn’t. One of the books he’d read said never to force a child unless it was a last resort. If he asked her to do it, she would, but he wanted her to think of it on her own.
Buckling her seat belt, Kelsey said, “Daddy?”
“Hmm?”
“If we call that lady, will she still go shopping with us?”
“Who?” He wanted her to say the name.
“You know.”
“She has a name.”
“Abby.”
He was so proud of his daughter. He didn’t push or force her and she’d come through with flying colors.
“Let’s see.” He reached for his phone.
* * *
ABBY APPLAUDED HERSELF on her performance. She was cool and friendly. She’d kept all her feelings inside, except for that one spontaneous moment when she’d hugged him. She couldn’t stop herself, a
nd she hadn’t wanted to let go. But she did.
At his touch, so many memories swirled through her head and they all made her weak and limp. He may think what she felt was gratitude, and she even harbored the idea herself, but she now knew it wasn’t. It went deeper. Convincing him of that might take time and she was willing to wait.
Kelsey was a handful. Poor Ethan. How she wished Kelsey hadn’t objected to the shopping trip. She would have loved to spend some time with them.
But she had her own problems. Gayle was on a rant this morning about Chloe spending the night with Doug. Abby escaped as soon as she could to go to the police station. Hearing the robber’s voices again unnerved her for a moment, bringing back all the suffering she and Ethan had endured because of them. Luckily, they would be locked up for a very long time.
She kept stalling and waiting for Ethan, but he’d never showed. Doug called and she had to leave. For once she was glad Doug was late.
She got to see Ethan and she felt fifteen again. Giggly and unnerved.
Negotiating traffic, she wondered if Ethan thought about that night. Did men even do that? Keep thinking about someone they couldn’t forget? Probably not. Men were wired differently. And Ethan’s thoughts were on his daughter and solving crimes.
Her cell beeped, alerting her she had a text message. If it was Gayle, she was turning off her phone.
It was from Ethan. She pulled into the parking lot of a church. Driving, reading and texting at the same time was not her forte. She wasn’t that good of a driver. She might have to tell Ethan that one of these days—although he probably had already figured it out.
Her heart raced as she opened the text. How about a second chance? Have to have K fitted for bra. In big trouble. Need help. Please.
She quickly replied. Where r u?
Mall not far from station. Front of Dillards.
On my way.
She sped back onto the highway, feeling happy for a change. And it felt good. She’d see Ethan again and get a chance to know his daughter. She only hoped it went well.
Turning into the mall parking lot, she noticed Ethan’s truck immediately. She zoomed into the spot next to it. Ethan and Kelsey got out and she unstrapped Chloe.
“Need any help?” Ethan asked.
“No. Thanks.” She set Chloe on the payment and locked the car. “Her stroller is in my stepmom’s car so I don’t know how long this will last. We can probably rent one inside.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll wing it.” He glanced at the back of her car. “You had your trunk fixed.”
“My dad and Gayle picked up my car when the police released it and had it repaired,” she explained on their way into the mall.
With his longish hair, dark glasses and bronze skin, Ethan looked roguish, handsome and tempting. It made her think of the two of them alone in the darkness with nothing but hot sweat between them. The thought spiked her blood pressure and she turned her thoughts to shopping.
It started out slow. Kelsey was reluctant and hesitant about voicing her opinion. Fifteen minutes later she was warmed up and in the throes of shopping. Ethan and Chloe trailed behind them. She glanced up to see Ethan holding Chloe and she paused and stared. He looked so comfortable with a child in his arms. Her child.
Kelsey called her and she went back to shopping. The bra fitting went well. A woman in her thirties measured Kelsey and Kelsey was very comfortable with her. Abby gave Ethan a thumbs-up when they came out of the dressing room. He mouthed, “Thank you.”
After all he’d done for her, she was elated she’d been able to do something for him.
At the fifth store, Ethan said, “I want to remind you ladies that my credit card has a limit.”
“Okay, Dad.” Kelsey giggled.
Ethan looked at his watch. “It’s almost two o’clock. Let’s have lunch.”
“Pizza!” Kelsey shouted.
“Yeah!” Chloe wriggled down from Ethan’s arms and ran after Kelsey. “Wait for me.” She tripped and fell.
Abby started toward her daughter, but Ethan caught her arm. “Let them work it out.”
“Kelsey,” Chloe cried.
Kelsey walked back. “Get up, twerp.”
“Think of that as a term of endearment,” Ethan whispered and she poked him in the ribs with a bag.
“I fall down,” Chloe said.
People walked by, glanced at the kids and then at them. Very clearly they were thinking the adults needed to do something.
“Good grief.” Kelsey reached down with one arm and picked up Chloe. Settling her on her hip, she took off again.
“She’s not going to hurt my baby, is she?”
“Nah,” Ethan replied. “But we better catch up.”
Kelsey had Chloe sitting in a booster seat at a table in the food court when they arrived. Ethan went to order the pizza and drinks. Lunch was a lively affair with the girls trying to outtalk each other. Afterward, Chloe wanted to go to the play area and surprisingly Kelsey took her.
“Stay where we can see you,” Ethan called.
“Okay, Dad.”
Then it was just the two of them sitting alone, or as alone as they could be in a crowded mall.
“So, how are you?” he asked, taking a sip of his drink.
“Much better. I’m moving back to my apartment tomorrow. Things are getting a little crazy at my dad’s place.” And before she knew it she was telling him everything. That’s what she loved about him. He was so easy to talk to.
“That does sound a little strange.”
“Gayle’s never had children and never allowed herself to get too close to us emotionally. But with Chloe there during the robbery and the fire they made a connection. And now she doesn’t want us to leave.”
“Are you ready to go back to your apartment? You were afraid when you left the hospital.”
“I’m much stronger now, and I have to get Chloe back into her regular routine. Gayle is spoiling her terribly.”
“Daddy.” Kelsey came running. Chloe trailed behind her. “Can we have some money to ride the horse?”
Ethan dug in his pocket and pulled out two dollars. “See if you can get some change and remember Chloe’s right behind you.”
“Come on, twerp.”
“See, I told you. It’s a form of endearment.”
Abby lifted an eyebrow. “Yeah, right, but since Chloe seems to think it is, I’m not saying anything. And I know it’s a tenuous time for you and Kelsey. I won’t do anything to cause you more stress.”
“I appreciate that.”
“How did you get her to change her hair?”
“She did that on her own while I was in the hospital. The first time I saw her I took a photo with my phone. I have it framed on my nightstand. Dad said she wanted to look like that when I came home from the hospital.”
“That’s so sweet.”
“She has a good heart. She’s just had a very rough life and she’s protects herself every way she can. Mostly with her attitude. I’m sorry she was rude to you and Chloe.”
“You don’t have to apologize. About twelve years ago I was Kelsey, doing everything I could to keep Gayle away from my father. The only thing my bad behavior accomplished was to hurt my dad. I understand Kelsey completely.”
“Mommy,” Chloe called. Chloe was on the slow bucking horse. Kelsey had one hand on her to keep her from falling off.
“I told you my kid was awesome,” Ethan remarked.
“My kid’s pretty awesome, too.” She glanced at him and had a hard time keeping a smile from spreading across her face.
“We could probably have a good argument about that.”
“Yes. But we won’t.”
“Mmm.” He twisted a disposable cup on the table. “So, you and the ex getting back toget
her?”
“No. Why do you ask that?”
“He’s kissing you and calling you ‘honey’ and ‘wife.’” He gripped the cup and she thought it was going to break into tiny pieces in his grasp.
“Are you jealous?”
“No, of course not.” He brushed that off quickly. “I thought you’d given him a second chance.”
“No. He wants me to move back into our house and quit my job. In light of everything that’s happened, he says it’s too dangerous. He’d rather I stay at home and take care of Chloe.”
“You didn’t agree?”
“The first couple of days I was home I was weak and thought maybe he was right. Maybe I needed to work on my broken marriage. I mean I could actually talk to Doug without wanting to slap him. But once something is broken I’ve found you can’t put it back together the way it was. I don’t love Doug anymore. The feelings I had for him in the beginning are gone.”
“How do you know that?”
She looked into his dark eyes. “I’d tell you, but you’d freak out.”
“I’m not a freaking-out type guy.”
“Not when it comes to robberies, fires or murders. But when it comes to real emotions you freak out.”
“Try me.” He scooted his chair closer and she felt breathless.
She swallowed hard. “I know you think what I feel for you is gratitude, and I was inclined to believe that. I’m not sure. All I know is that I have strong feelings for you. I think about you all the time. I can feel your lips on my skin, touching me, kissing me in ways I’ve never been kissed before. And it’s not only the sensual, the sex or the passion. It’s much more. During the robbery and the grueling heat I felt safe with you. Even when we knew the fire was coming and we were going to suffer a horrible death, I felt a peace inside because I was with you.”
“Abby...”
“Let me finish.” She stopped him. “I know in here—” she placed her hand beneath her breast “—that I can trust you. You will never betray me, lie to me or disillusion me. You will always be honest and straightforward and treat me as an equal. I know that with all my heart. That’s not gratitude. It’s something much deeper.”
