On Steady Ground (The Walker Brother's Series)

by Anderson, Jennifer

  “It’s no bother.” Flashing me that handsome smile, his hair hung in his face. Pushing it back, he breathed in heavy. “Never have been able to sleep very good at night.” Smiling at me again.

  He looked even better with nothing but his jeans on, riding low. Hair a mess, strewn everywhere. He was pure sex appeal, and I found it hard to remind myself that I am newly single woman. Divorce papers probably still making their way within the postal system at this point.

  Gazing at me again, “Your husband is a fool.”

  Smiling, “Why do you say that?” Completely clueless.

  “You’re beautiful.”

  Blushing, and pretty much shocked. “Thank you Ian.”

  “Did you have fun with my brother tonight?”

  Deflating the moment instantly, Grant was the last thing I wanted to discuss with Ian. “Um, well yeah. He just kinda ambushed me with roses and insistence.”

  Laughing, “Yeah, that sounds like my brother. You are now on his radar Lizzy. I’m not sure you ever left it.” He said getting up and walking to the fridge, gazing in before he closed it again. “You want anything?”

  You? My mind screaming at me. “No. I’m okay.”

  “Come on Lizzy.” He said grabbing my hand, pulling me off towards the dark living room.

  The only sound coming from the old grandfather clock sitting in the corner, ticking away. A little light streaming in from the kitchen illuminating our way. My hand warming with his touch, he led me over to the couch. Sitting down he pulled me down next to him. Putting a pillow in his lap, “Lay down.”

  Looking at him skeptically, I’m sure I looked like a deer in the headlights.

  “I’m not looking to get fresh with you Lizzy. I know why you can’t sleep. Just lay down, I won’t leave you.”

  Smiling, I’m not sure I would have minded if he got fresh with me. Nodding my head, I laid down on the couch my head resting on the pillow in his lap. Looking up, muscle stacked upon muscle, my gaze reached his handsome face. “Thank you Ian.”

  “Not a problem. It’s nice having company with my insomnia.”

  “Ian?”

  “Yes?” Slumping down, getting comfortable. His fingers idly playing with a strand of my hair before he realized what he was doing and dropped his hand.

  “What am I going to do if Craig fights the divorce papers?”

  Sighing, “From the sound of it, he’s not going to let you go that easily. He’s going to force a confrontation with you, or at the very least slow down the process until he can locate you.”

  “Yeah, that’s kinda what I was thinking.” I said sadly. “How could I have screwed up my life this much? I just let him over take it, and it wasn’t like he did it over night. He took his time and did it so slowly, I didn’t even notice until I lost myself completely.”

  Looking down at me concerned, “I wouldn’t be so hard on yourself. Guys like that are experts in manipulation. It’s never to late to start over.” He said giving me a reassuring smile.

  “Even after everything he has done to me, I hate seeing him hurt. Is that weird? I just hate seeing anyone hurt and in pain.”

  “No, it’s you Lizzy. You have always cared more for other people than for yourself. There comes a time where you need to start putting yourself first.” Reaching up to the side of the couch, he pulled a blanket on top of her. It was to much to see her with so little on. Trying to refocus his thoughts, “You’ll be okay Lizzy, you’re a fighter.”

  Reaching down and fidgeting with the side of the blanket, “Why didn’t we ever hang out in high school?”

  Smiling, “Well, probably because Grant tried to monopolize most of your time. He chased you all through high school, until you finally relented his senior year.”

  “Oh yes. Grant. I don’t know when he had time to chase me honestly. I don’t remember him at any point being without a girl on his arm.” Smiling up at him, “How different two brothers can be.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “You, always so respectful to pretty much everyone. I don’t remember seeing you date very many girls back in the day.”

  “There was only a select few that peaked my interest Lizzy, and they all seemed to be taken.” His eyes connecting with mine before he looked off at the clock nervously. “Sleep Lizzy.”

  “I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

  “I’m not uncomfortable. Stop worrying and sleep. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  Promise? I wanted to ask him so badly. I wanted him to promise me that forever. Yelling at myself for thinking such thoughts. I had hardly closed the door on one relationship, I wasn’t about to try an jump into another. Or attempt to in this case. Ian is such a difficult man, there was no other like him. To have him choose me with all my baggage, would be a miracle. As it is, my life could use a few miracles. Looking up at him one last time before closing my eyes, I only wished that he was as interested in me like his brother was. Knowing the odds of that were incredibly low. He was just being the nice, accommodating Ian like he always has been. Telling myself not to be such a girl and read more into it than there really was. Falling asleep this time was so much easier, when you know nothing bad can happen to you.

  She had fallen asleep an hour ago. Looking down into her beautiful face, he twirled a strand of soft blonde hair around his finger. He has always liked her, more than he was comfortable with. It started in high school and he stepped back for his brother. They rarely liked the same girl, but he would never risk his relationship with his brother for any girl. The day Lizzy put Grant in his place for cheating on her, that was the day he realized that Lizzy was something special. Not the air head, giggly girls that frequented high school. She was not only stunningly beautiful, but she was strong and smart. Now this girl was barely dressed laying in his lap. He wanted to push for more with her, knowing she was just to vulnerable at this point in time. He didn’t want to be her rebound guy. Always wanting to do the right thing, this time was killing him. He wanted this woman, more than he’s wanted any other woman. One other problem, Grant wanted her to. Swinging his gaze to the grandfather clock that chimed it was two o’clock. She moved to her side, hair falling into her face. Gently stroking it back, he pulled the blanket back on top of her to cover her chest. There was only so much a man could take, and he was only human. Telling himself again that Grant wanted her. Cussing under his breath, he laid his head back and was soon asleep himself.

  Chapter Four

  Waking up startled, I didn’t recognize the voice until it came closer.

  “Hey little brother, you ready for breakfast?”

  Sitting up quickly, the blanket fell to my lap and Ian sat up shirtless glancing in Grants direction, head in his palms. I knew it looked bad, seeing the instant hurt on Grant’s face. I always dismissed him as the uncaring, womanizer. Now knowing with just one look, that couldn’t be further from the truth at this moment. I didn’t mean to hurt him, I didn’t want anyone having any sort of feelings for me. With that, comes responsibility. I didn’t want more responsibility.

  “Well I can see why you didn’t want to have dinner with me.” He spat out, before turning to walk away.

  “Grant. Come back, it isn’t what it looks like.” Looking back at Ian, he started to get up, “I’ll go fix it Ian.” Standing up and running after him, I caught him before he made it to his car. Ian looking on through the kitchen window.

  “Grant. Grant, please hold on a second.” My hair blowing in my face, my gown lifting up, trying to smooth it back down.

  Grant spinning around, looking at me with fire in his eyes, “Why didn’t you just tell me you had a thing for my brother?”

  “Grant it’s not like that. I was scared, I got threatening phone calls from my ex and he was just being nice.” Trying to make him see reason.

  “Yeah real nice. Why didn’t you call me? I would have came back and picked you up if you were scared.”

  Shaking my head, “I don’t know Grant. I didn’
t think about it.” Shaking my head. “I don’t want this. I can’t handle any of this Grant. It’s to much. My life is just to much right now.”

  Striding forward in two steps he took my face in his hands. “I’m here Lizzy. Why can’t you see it? I’m right here.” Bringing my face in forcefully, kissing me briefly before pulling away again.

  Ian, turning from the window, his heart plummeting. He couldn’t see any more. He didn’t want to hurt his brother, but he cared for Lizzy. More so than he cared to admit to.

  “Grant, you shouldn’t have done that. I’m not ready for any of this.”

  Pulling me into his arms, “Whether you’re ready or not, I’m here. You can’t choose when it happens Lizzy. I’m not giving up.”

  Shaking my head in aggravation, “Why are you being so stubborn about this Grant?” Now almost admiring his tenacity.

  “Because I want you Lizzy, and I always get what I want.” Grant said smiling down at me.

  “I’m not a contest you can win Grant, and I’m not some sort of goal you have to meet, only to toss me away later.”

  “No, I didn’t mean it like that.”

  Shaking my head, “We’re done here.” Walking away quickly to the house, hoping Ben was still asleep. I really did not want to talk about the events of the morning already.

  “Lizzy, please wait.” He said coming after me, hurrying up the steps I shut and locked the door quickly. Ben sitting on the counter, legs propped up, coffee in hand with an arched eyebrow.

  Shaking my head in disgust, “Don’t ask.”

  Throwing his hands up in surrender, he smiled.

  Heading into the bedroom I slammed the door shut. Looking at myself in the mirror, “What are you doing Lizzy?” My hair windblown, pulling it back into a pony tail and sitting down on the bed. I could hear Grants car start up, and I cussed to remember my purse and bag was still at Ian’s. How could I ever face him now? Throwing my head into my hands, I just wanted to cry all over again. Never think your life couldn’t get any worse, because that’s usually at the point where it does. How could one perfect night with such a handsome guy end up in complete turmoil?

  Walking to my closet, I pulled out a form fitting skirt and a tank top. Looking out the window, it was going to be a warm, windy day. Opening my room door and heading to the bathroom Ben looked up smirking at me.

  “Oh come on Lizzy. Give me something?”

  “Use your imagination Ben.”

  Smiling widely, “Oh you don’t want me to do that.”

  Shaking my head, I went into the bathroom to take a shower and get cleaned up. I know what I have to do. Afraid to face Ian, guilty about the turmoil I caused between brothers, I have to go face him. Finishing quickly, I just wanted to get it over with. Passing Ben laid out on the couch, he barely noticed me this time being absorbed in the television instead.

  Fishing in my closet, I was able to locate some flat sandals. Slipping them on, I glanced one last time in the mirror. Making my way across the yard, the guilt and stress was weighing down on every muscle, making me tired. Knocking on the door and waiting, Ian finally opened up pulling his shirt over his head. His wet hair wild around his face.

  Looking into his eyes, “I’m so sorry Ian. I never meant to cause trouble for you. I’m so sorry.” Apologizing profusely.

  Shaking his head, “Come in Lizzy.” Leaning up against the counter, he crossed his legs at the ankles and looked at me, neither one saying a word for to many uncomfortable seconds. “Looks like you and Grant made up.” He said staring at me, waiting for my reaction.

  Shaking my head, “Hardly. I told him that I am no ones conquest.”

  Smiling, “You just made it even better for him. Truth of the matter is, my brother is a ladies man but as much as it pains me to admit, in your case…” Pausing, looking almost in pain. “In your case, it’s different with him.”

  Shaking my head, “It doesn’t change the fact that I’m just not ready.”

  “You kissed him.”

  Looking at him, unable to gauge his emotions. “He kissed me.”

  “Did you like it?”

  “Ian where is this coming from? I’m going to get my purse.” Starting out of the kitchen, and up the stairs.

  “You didn’t answer the question.” He said just above a whisper, his ego shredded.

  Did I like it? I don’t know. I barely had a moment to to understand what had happened, the events of the morning moving so quickly. I knew one thing, I liked laying down with Ian, my head resting in his lap. I liked looking up into his face in the dark of night. I liked the way he looks at me when I smile back at him. I like how kind and generous he is. Grant? I don’t know. The man is only proving to be a source of aggravation for me. Walking into the bedroom, I quickly remade the bed and grabbed my things. I didn’t want things to be weird with Ian. Caring so much about this man already, I didn’t want him turning his back on me so soon.

  Entering the kitchen, he looked like he hadn’t moved, eyes focused on the floor now. “I don’t know what else to say Ian. I can’t lose your friendship, in only a couple of days it already means so much to me.”

  Eyes connecting with mine, “No worries Lizzy. If you need anything I’m still here.” Flashing the best smile he could muster.

  Nodding my head and reaching for the door, “Thanks again, for last night.”

  “Welcome.”

  Nodding, “Bye Ian.”

  “Bye.”

  Trudging back across the yard, I couldn’t help but feel like things had changed between us. I don’t know what they were before, but the situation definitely had shifted. Telling myself it was for the best, that I didn’t need any possible romantic connections in my life right now.

  Stepping into the kitchen to the phone ringing on the wall. It had been so long since I had seen a home phone I had to look around at first. “Ben?” I yelled looking for him.

  “In the shower.”

  Picking up the phone, “Hello?”

  “Hi Elizabeth.” Craig chimed with a voice of satisfaction.

  “Craig, how did you find me?”

  “It wasn’t so hard honey, I knew you would go running to Ben.” He said almost to calmly making my blood run cold.

  “You need to leave me alone Craig. It’s over.”

  “No, it’s not Elizabeth. You are my wife and if you don’t come home now, I’ll come and get you.”

  “Leave me alone Craig. The divorce papers have been sent.”

  “Oh I know, I got them this morning. You know I won’t sign them. You’ll have to come to court, drag your precious name through the mud. Just come home. I won’t hit you again.”

  Laughing in hysterics, “No. it’s not my home. You need to move on.”

  “You are mine Elizabeth. I won’t let you go so easily, there is no where you can hide and if you’re sleeping with Ben I’ll hurt him to.”

  “I’m not sleeping with anyone Craig. Leave Ben alone, he was just helping a friend.”

  “I’m coming for you Elizabeth, I’m almost there.”

  “Leave me alone, or I’ll call the cops.”

  “I haven’t figured out your address yet, but I know where you work. See you soon honey.”

  Hanging up the phone, my hand was shaking. I knew it was only going to be a matter of time, although I expected a little more time. I should have known better, this is Craig. What he views as his, he will not waste time getting back. Looking towards the bathroom door, now I was afraid for anyone around me. Still not believing he was so messed up as to kill anyone but he wouldn’t hesitate to use physical force to get me back, his ultimate goal.

  Walking out onto the porch and sitting on the step, my body felt numb. My mind screaming at me to run, run fast and run far. My heart telling me to stay, that I needed the few friends I had. I don’t really know how many hours passed, I vaguely remembered Ben leaving. I think I might have heard Ian’s truck start up at some point and him leaving also. I had to be back at work on Monday. I kn
ew that was going to be the day I was going to come face to face with him again. Touching my face, my bruise starting to fade now it was still a harsh reminder of the kind of man I was dealing with. The sun was moving across the sky and my stomach was complaining at me. It was no use, I was still scared and tied in a million knots.

  “Lizzy. Lizzy. Are you alright? You’ve been out here all day. You’re going to burn up.”

  Breaking my inner turmoil, Ian was towering above me. “I’m fine Ian.”

  “Obviously your not. Your pale as a ghost and that’s saying something considering you’ve been outside most of the day. He got in touch with you again didn’t he?”

  “Who?” Thinking he was speaking of Grant.

  “The ex douche bag of yours.”

  “Oh, it’s fine. I’ll be fine.”

  “That wasn’t the question Lizzy.”

  “Yeah, he got a hold of me.”

  “Should I be worried?” Ian asked sitting down next to me.

  Shaking my head, “Everything is fine.” Flashing the best fake smile I could muster.

  “I don’t know if I’m comfortable with you staying here.” Ian said looking at me concerned.

  My heart crushing, “You want me to leave?” Having no where else to go, my panic set in.

  “No. No. I don’t want you to go. I mean, Ben is hardly ever home. I don’t like you being here so much by yourself.”

  My color coming back to me, “I’ll be fine Ian. Besides you’re right next door.”

  “When I’m home, otherwise there isn’t any help for miles. Why don’t you call my brother and stay with him a couple of nights? I know you’re scared to be in the house alone at night.”

  I was pretty sure the color drained back out of my skin again. I didn’t want to stay with his brother, why couldn’t he see that? Anger boiling to the surface, I felt like I was being tossed around, my nerves were now completely shot. “If I wanted to stay with your brother I would. Don’t worry about me.” Spitting out, standing and walking into the house slamming the door shut. Locking the deadbolt, I grabbed some peanut butter off of the counter and a spoon and retreated to my bedroom.