On Steady Ground (The Walker Brother's Series)

by Anderson, Jennifer

  Flopping down on the bed, I could only take a couple of bites before my stomach was rejecting it. Getting tired of playing the victim I thought about cutting him off at the pass. Wouldn’t do any good, he would just kidnap me. Probably lock me down in the basement. Now my mind running away with me, nothing seemed to be out of the realm of possibilities with Craig. Turning my head and looking out of the window Ian was working out in the pasture feeding the animals. Why couldn’t I have someone like him? Am I to bad of a person to deserve such a wonderful, sexy guy? My thoughts now turning to Grant. I couldn’t ignore him forever, he wouldn’t let me. The last thing I needed was another dominating man in my life. Maybe that was another reason why I was so attracted to Ian. He had a way of calming a situation with just one word. Never seeing him mad, I imagined once he did you probably would want to clear out. Never believing he would harm anyone unless they harmed him first.

  A knock on the door pulling me out of my thoughts, I was instantly scared. Looking out into the driveway it was Grant’s car. I gave thought to just acting like I wasn’t home. Knowing I had to face him eventually, it was as good of a time as any. My foul mood only getting worse as the day goes on. Unlocking the bedroom door, I smoothed out my skirt and hiked up my shirt to cover everything before opening the door.

  Standing on my doorstep looking relaxed in a nice pair of pants and a polo stood Grant with roses in his hand. “What do you want Grant?”

  “I owe you an apology. Several actually. Can I come in?”

  Standing firm in the door way, “I’m listening.”

  “Okay. I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions about you and my brother. I’m sorry I kissed you. Okay, I’m not really sorry about that. I’m more sorry that you didn’t enjoy it as much as I did.” Smiling up at me hopefully, making me choke back a laugh.

  Sighing, “Grant, I don’t know what you want from me, but I don’t think I have anything to give.”

  Shaking his head, “I don’t want anything from you Lizzy. I like you. I like you a lot. I don’t think I have ever stopped liking you in all these years.” Looking at him, it was hard not to notice the sincerity in his voice. Handing me the roses, I took a step back allowing him to come in noticing the smile on his face. Looking out at the pasture, Ian was hard at work our eyes connecting before I shut the door.

  Turning, Grant was leaning against the counter watching me. Placing the roses on the counter I was out of vases and my patience was running thin.

  “Do you accept my apology?” He said walking towards me, his body only inches away from mine.

  “Did you apologize to Ian also?”

  “Yes, I went to see him first.” Placing his hand on my chin to look at him, he then placed his palms on my hips bringing me in close. I’m not going to lie, getting the right sort of attention from an attractive man felt good. Especially, after the day I have had. I knew I should pull back, but I didn’t. Leaning in and kissing me softly on my cheek, “I’m sorry Lizzy.” Looking into my eyes before bringing his mouth back down on my neck, bringing me back into time when we were in high school. My body reacting my hands starting to embrace him before I snapped out of it and pushed him back.

  “Grant, I can’t.”

  “You can. I won’t hurt you Lizzy, I promise.”

  Those words I’ve heard before. They were exactly that. Words. Empty promises. “Sometimes things aren’t about you Grant.”

  “Well then tell me, who are they about?”

  “Well I don’t know, lets try a psycho husband that verbally abused me for a couple years now, ending with a nasty left hook to my face. Now, he has the divorce papers and he knows where I’m at. I suspect I should be seeing him before long.” I screamed, snapping. Walking towards me the tears were fighting to come out, biting them back with everything I had.

  “Lizzy, let me help you.”

  “I don’t need help.” Stepping back from him.

  “Why won’t you let me help you? I don’t understand, you have known me longer. We used to date, but you let Ian in before you let me. Why?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Please leave Grant. I don’t want to talk about it anymore. I’m sorry, I just can’t right now.”

  Walking towards the door, I hated hurting him. “I’m sorry Grant. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  Smiling back at me, “We’ll see.”

  Walking out of the door, my guilt shaming me again for treating him so badly when he liked me so much. The phone ringing, I knew who it was. Picking it up and slamming it back down. I paced the kitchen, tears breaking through the barriers, rolling down my cheeks. So much tension and anxiety built up in my body I felt like I could run for miles, until I dropped from exhaustion. The phone ringing again I did the same thing, this time leaving it off the hook. Picking up my purse from the counter I chucked it across the room hitting the wall with a thud, falling to the floor the same time I fell to my knee’s.

  Hearing the screen door open I started to get on my feet ready to run if I had to, scared it was Craig. Ian walking in I fell back to my knees covering my face so he wouldn’t see. “Go away Ian.”

  “No. You need to tell me what is going on.”

  “Why are you here?”

  “Grant told me you needed me.”

  Well that accomplished it’s goal in making me feel even worse. “I don’t need anyone.”

  “What happened? Why is the phone off the hook?”

  “He found me Ian. He found me.” Walking over to me, pulling me up to my feet. Come, you’re staying with me.”

  “Oh no I’m not. Remember how well it worked out last time?”

  “Actually, we got a long fine. It was whatever is going on with you and my brother that didn’t go over so well.”

  “There is nothing going on with me and your brother!” I shouted a little louder than I meant to. Wrapping his arms around me, forcing me against his chest I finished my complete break down. Holding me until the tears dried up, he pulled away staring down at me.

  “Get your stuff Lizzy. If this guy invokes such a reaction from you, then I don’t trust you being here by yourself. I’m not asking.”

  Sighing, “Fine.” Walking to my room filling up a bag I could hear Ian in the other room.

  “Pack for a couple nights Lizzy.”

  Rolling my eyes, I appreciated what he was doing. He was just trying to protect me and I am acting like a crazed lunatic. Sighing, my body suddenly felt so fatigued. I was done fighting for the day. I was officially exhausted.

  Walking out of the bedroom and throwing my bag over my shoulder, “How do you think he got the private number?”

  Ian looked at me, “I don’t know, but it’s only a matter of time before he figures out the address. My best guess is Ben has given it out a lot.”

  “I can lock the doors Ian. I’m sure I’ll be alright tonight.”

  Shaking his head, “Famous last words. Come on Lizzy, we’ll both sleep better tonight knowing you’re safe.”

  Sighing, I followed him out of the door. I just wanted this nightmare to end. Ian helping me into the kitchen he grabbed my bag and brought it back upstairs. Sitting on a stool in the kitchen I stared at the television, that restless feeling starting to stir in my body again. The sun was starting to set low and my thoughts kept swinging back and fourth from Craig to Ian, once in a while splashing a little guilt in about Grant. Ian walking back into the room, my head was now resting in my hands.

  Grabbing me by the hand, “Come on. I want to show you something.”

  Looking up at him, “What?”

  “Just come on. Trust me.”

  He had no idea what he was asking, trust was such a rare commodity in my heart anymore. If it was anyone else I probably would of told him to take the trust me and shove it. It’s not, however. This is Ian. Standing, I let him take me by the hand leading me back outside, the sun now setting low. Leading me to the truck, “Where are we going Ian?”

  “You’ll see.”

 
Helping me up into the truck, he smiled at me before walking around and sliding into the drivers seat.

  “I’m not sure it’s a good idea leaving….” Cutting me off mid sentence.

  “We’re not going far and you need to get away. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  Sighing, “Fine.”

  Reaching over and squeezing my hand, “Relax.”

  Taking a deep breath, “Okay, this is me relaxing.”

  Laughing, he pulled off into a field where you could barely see tire tracks. Holding on through the bumpy ride, he stopped right when we hit the edge of the woods.

  Looking at me smiling, “We’re here. Hurry, we only have so much light left.”

  Sliding across the seat, he picked me up and set me down on the ground, grabbing my hand again. Leading me into the woods we didn’t have to walk far until we hit a clearing with a huge pond sitting in the middle. Standing in awe, there were ducks floating all around in the water. Baby ducks following the mama across the pond and I could feel the tension melt out of my body. I was so appreciative in that moment I could have kissed him. “It’s so beautiful Ian. Is this place yours?”

  Dropping my hand and walking to the edge, “Yeah, it’s my favorite place to go to. Don’t worry only my family knows it’s here. You’re safe here Lizzy.”

  Smiling and walking up next to him, I put my hand in his again. Looking back at me confused, this time he didn’t let go. We stood and stared out into the pond in silence a couple of minutes before he took his shirt off placing it on the ground.

  “Sit.” He motioned to the ground.

  “No. No. I don’t want to get your shirt dirty.” Trying not to be to obvious admiring his physique.

  Sitting down, he pulled me down next to him his arms resting on his knees. Looking at me smiling now, “You feel better?”

  Shaking my head, “Yeah I feel better.”

  “Good.”

  “Can we stay here forever?”

  Chuckling, and looking out at the pond.

  Grabbing his hand in mine, “Thank you Ian.”

  Dropping my hand quickly, he continued to stare at the pond.

  My ego taking a hit, I tucked my hand in my other and wasn’t about to make the same mistake. It was obvious he wasn’t interested. We sat in silence until it was getting so dark you could barely see a few feet in front of you.

  “We should get going.” He stood brushing himself off. Reaching down to help me up, I chose to not take his hand and stood myself. He looked at me skeptically and dropped his hand, taking his shirt from the ground.

  Walking back and crawling into the big truck, I refused his help this time. I wasn’t going to put myself out there for no amount of time only to get smacked back. I was way to proud for that, and all men pretty much suck right now anyhow. I say that, but I still find myself glancing over in his direction.

  Following Ian back into the house, my mood was all over the place.

  “Come on, lets talk.” Ian said walking off towards the living room.

  I didn’t want to talk. I wanted to sit and stew and worry in privacy. Choosing the recliner far away from the couch where he sat, I sat perched on the edge.

  “Do you love him Lizzy?”

  Well wasn’t that going straight to the point, one problem I don’t know what point he’s getting at. “Love who?”

  “Your husband.” Leaning back on the couch his dirty shirt slung over his leg.

  “My soon to be ex-husband and no. I haven’t loved him in quite some time.”

  Looking like he was contemplating about something, “Why so guarded then?”

  Countering, “Why are you so guarded?”

  Smirking, “I asked you first.”

  Sighing, “Easy, I don’t want to get hurt again. I trusted Craig at one point and look how well that turned out. He ended up being a monster. Your turn.”

  “Same answer I’ve always had, haven’t found anyone that has peaked my interest enough to settle down.”

  “So, this perfect mystery woman? What does she need to possess to earn your attention?” Leaning back, crossing my legs now intrigued with the line of questions.

  Raising one eyebrow at me, “I’ll know when I meet her.”

  Raising my eyebrow back at him, “How do you know you haven’t met her already?”

  “I think that’s a good possibility.” He said evasively making me want to either smack him or kiss him.

  A knock on the door, pulling us out of our conversation. Starting to stand, nervous.

  Ian getting up and walking by me concerned, “Stay here.”

  Shaking my head I moved to the corner out of sight. My hands moving to over my mouth, I could hear Craig’s voice.

  “Do you know an Elizabeth Miller?” Craig asked.

  Ian shutting him down immediately, “Never heard of her.”

  “Who lives over in the other house?” Craig asked.

  “I own it.”

  “That’s not the question I asked.” Craig said. I could tell his temper was starting to flare.

  “And yet that’s the answer I’m giving. Have a good day sir.” Ian said closing the door, watching Craig drive down the lane, making sure he left.

  Walking back into the living room, my hand was still clamped over my mouth. He found me, he actually found me. Still in disbelief that he did so quickly. Ian walking up to me and pulling me into his arms.

  “It’s alright. I told you I would take care of you.” Smoothing my hair back out of my face. “I think maybe we should go talk to the police.” Pulling me back to look at me.

  “And tell them what? That my husband is trying to find me? I’d get laughed at.”

  “He abused you Lizzy.” Ian said looking concerned.

  “It’s my word against his. That was the first time he physically abused me and nothing is on record. Lets just face it, I’m screwed.”

  Giving me a grim face, “Point taken.”

  “Do you think he’ll come back?”

  “No. Not tonight.”

  “What am I going to do Ian?”

  “Avoid him, but still try to live your life. Don’t let him hold you hostage anymore. You’re exhausted, you should get some rest.”

  “I think I might.” My worry still at the surface.

  “I’ll be up for a while. I’ll make sure he doesn’t come back Lizzy.”

  Nodding my head, “Thanks Ian.” I didn’t want to walk away from him. I wanted to ask him if I could stay close to him for the rest of the night. That wasn’t fair to him. He was already putting himself completely out for my benefit. With a heavy heart I trudged myself up the stairs, my muscles weary from the events of the day. My mind exhausted to the point where I could hardly think clearly.

  The rest of night was fitful at best. I never did hear Ian come up to his bedroom. I figured he either fell asleep downstairs or stood guard all night long. Either way, I felt guilty for the trouble I was causing him. The sun light was now dancing through the curtains, willing me to get up and move my tired bones. I already made up my mind at some point in the night. I am going back to Ben’s house. My confrontation with Craig is inevitable at this point. If I don’t see him today, he is going to stalk my work tomorrow. Either way, it was going to happen. Rolling out of bed, I slowly changed into a pair of jeans and a tank top. Grabbing my bags, I was hoping to sneak out without Ian being none the wiser. As I made my way downstairs and past the couch he was sleeping on, I soon found out nothing gets by this man.

  “Going somewhere?”

  Sighing and dropping my bags to my feet, “I was just going back to Ben’s. I have taken up enough of your time already Ian.”

  “Did you hear me once complain?” Opening his eyes and sitting up on the couch, giving me one of those sexy smirks that makes my thoughts scatter. Swinging my gaze down to his bare chest my mouth went dry and I fought to find the words.

  “You were right. I have to live my life, I can’t let him control every aspect. I’m not with h
im anymore and he can’t control me. I have to stop being under his thumb, it’s suffocating. Hell I’m not even with the man anymore and he’s still pulling my strings.” I stomped my foot, my anger rising.

  Standing and looking at me, “Understood. If this is what you feel like you need to do, then I can’t stop you. If you need anything or change your mind, you know where I’m at. It really is no problem.”

  “Thank you Ian.” Resisting the urge to walk the two steps to him and hug him. Picking up my bags, I made my way out of his house and into the other. I didn’t know what to think about my new found freedom. I was so used to slowly being controlled that I no longer knew how to act. I always disliked Sundays, it was the day where Craig always stayed home and I couldn’t get away from him. Now I had to change that. Throwing my bags in my room, I unpacked them quickly, a piece of paper falling out with Grants name on it. Sighing and staring at it, I told him I would call him today. I may be a lot of things but I try my hardest not be a liar. Being lied to most of my marriage tends to leave a bad taste in your mouth.

  Chapter Five

  Looking over at wall clock it read eight. I owed him a massive apology for the way I acted yesterday. Throwing the piece of paper down on the bed I went and got a phone book, writing down a number for a taxi and then his address. It would do me some good to get away for a while anyhow, if he isn’t home I could occupy myself going window shopping. Throwing on a more suitable attire, I decided on a form fitting red casual dress and matching heels.

  Placing the phone back on the hook, I looked at it almost expecting it to ring immediately. My heart beating back into rhythm when it didn’t. Picking it back up, I dialed the number to the taxi and sat down at the kitchen table to wait the twenty minutes. I gave thought to telling Ian that I was leaving so he wouldn’t worry. Then my stubborn side took hold and told me I no longer answered to any men, no matter how good their intentions were. Just when I thought the quiet house was going to get the best of me, the cab started down the gravel lane. Grabbing my purse I made my way out onto the porch and into the cab, careful not to look at Ian’s house. Giving the the nice old guy directions, we were on our way into the bigger city. Luckily it wasn’t that far, just an interstate ride a way so it wouldn’t break me to much.