Brody watched as she walked past him. He couldn’t help saying it. He had loved her. He did love her. She’d never take him back, he knew it with all his heart. Madilyn hated him because he left her. Not only that but he was still in law enforcement. Madilyn didn’t want a law man. She wanted ‘safe’ and Brody wasn’t it. He closed his eyes, listening to her in the kitchen getting a glass, ice, and then water. When she cleared her throat, Brody slowly opened his eyes and gazed up at her. His heart stopped. He loved her so much.
“Your water.” Madilyn shoved the glass toward him.
“Thanks.” Brody took it from her, noticing she did everything not to touch him. He raised an eyebrow at her and saw her cheeks turn pink.
“Is it that hard, Madilyn?”
“Is what that hard?”
“Being around me.”
“Yes. I don’t want to be around you at all, but I told Sam I’d do this. So, take your pill so I can leave.”
Brody ran his hand over his mouth as his jaw clenched. “Then don’t do it! I don’t need you to nurse me. I can take care of myself.” He picked up the pill, threw it into his mouth and drank his water then slammed the empty glass on the table. He glared up at her. “Go. Get out and don’t bother coming back.” He heard her gasp. When she placed her hand over her mouth, he felt like an ass. “Madilyn…”
She shook her head and ran from the room. Brody swore and tried to stand. The pain was excruciating and he slumped down onto the couch. The back door slammed and then her car started up and he heard her driving away. Way to go, Morgan. You just ran off the woman you love for the second time in your life. Dumbass! Brody slowly lay down, placed his forearm over his eyes, and turned the air blue as he swore, thinking of how he’d hurt her. Again.
Chapter Four
Four weeks later Brody was going insane. He called Sam to ask him if he’d take Brody to a dealership to purchase a truck.
“You don’t think you’re going to be out riding around in it, do you?” Sam asked.
“No. I just need a way to get around if I have to go out. Come on, Sam, I’m going nuts here. It’s been four weeks and I could do something in the office for you.”
“I’ll be out on my lunch break.” Sam hung up.
Brody knew Sam wasn’t happy about it, but he’d take Brody wherever he needed to go. There wasn’t anyone else he could ask. Mark would be sleeping and there was no way he’d ask Madilyn. After the way he talked to her the last time she was here, he’d be lucky if she ever spoke to him again. He ran his hand down his face. What the fuck is wrong with you? She’d been there to help him and he threw it back in her face. God! You’re an idiot, Morgan.
Later in the afternoon, Sam arrived and they headed for the car dealership. Brody picked out a black Silverado 4x4. As he drove it home, he grinned. He’d talked Sam into letting him come into the office a few days a week. Brody had to get out of the house or he’d go stir-crazy. He could get around all right, only a twinge of pain, and he no longer needed the pain meds. What he needed to do was apologize to Madilyn.
Brody pulled into the parking lot of the florist shop. Taking a deep breath, he slowly made his way to the shop. The bell over the door rang as he entered. Sam’s sister, Katie, sat at the counter. Her smile faltered a little when she saw him.
“Hello, Brody.” She stood as he walked toward the counter.
“Hi Katie.” He glanced around. “Is Madilyn around?”
“She didn’t come in today. She said she wasn’t feeling well.”
Brody nodded. “All right. Thanks.” He turned to go when Katie’s voice stopped him.
“Don’t hurt her again, Brody. Please.”
Brody turned toward her. “I didn’t hurt her intentionally the first time, Katie. You should know that.”
Kaitlyn moved back around the counter and stared at him. “I know you didn’t mean to, but you did. She was a wreck when you left. I will not see her go through it again.” She placed her hands on her slim hips and glared up at him.
Brody glanced away and then back to her. “I know you mean well, Katie, and trust me, I don’t want to hurt her again. I just need to see her now to apologize…”
“Yeah, I know you do.” Kaitlyn took a seat on the stool behind the counter. “You were a prick, Brody. She was there to help you. Yes, she told me all about it.”
“Jesus. I know you mean well but this is between Madilyn and me. No one else.” He glared at Kaitlyn, letting her know whom he meant.
She waved her hand. “Fine. Go apologize, but don’t expect a warm welcome.” Kaitlyn opened an order book and Brody knew he’d been dismissed. He strode out of the shop, got into his truck, and drove to Madilyn’s apartment. Brody sat in the parking lot staring toward her place. Get the hell out of the truck! He sighed and got out and walked toward her apartment. Standing in front of her door, he couldn’t knock. He stared at the door. Grow some balls, Morgan! He knocked quickly before he lost his nerve. What are you so afraid of? Her anger. He hated seeing her anger, especially aimed at him. Her redhead temper was deadly. He smiled, she had a lot of fire in her, and he loved that about her. The smile left his face when the door opened.
“What are you doing here, Brody?”
“Can I come in?” he asked. She looked terrible.
She sighed and opened the door to him. He strolled past her and stood in the center of the hallway. She moved past him and took a seat on her sofa. A blanket lay on it with a pillow. Tissues lay on the coffee table.
“I really don’t feel well, and I look like shit.” She sniffed.
“Yeah, you do.” He grinned at her and took a seat when she laughed. Brody cleared his throat. “I came to apologize for the way I treated you.”
“When? Four weeks ago or five years ago?”
Ouch! Brody ran his hand over his mouth. “Both.”
They stared at each other until Madilyn finally nodded her head. “Apology accepted.”
Brody let out a relieved sigh. “Thanks.”
“Doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten though. You hurt me. Both times, Brody. I know you’re sorry about it, but you still hurt me and it’s hard to forget.” She shook her head. “And I was at your house to help you, and you treated me like shit. I’ve never been one to believe in that forgive and forget crap.”
“Christ, Maddie. I’m sorry. I don’t know why I acted the way I did,” he groaned. “Yes, I do. I still want you and having you close to me was killing me. I know you won’t let me near you again.”
“I can’t let you near me again. You tore my heart out and stomped on it. I won’t go through it again.”
“I get it. I won’t bother you again.” He stood and gazed down at her. “Even sick, you’re still the most beautiful woman I know.” He strode out.
* * * *
Madilyn stared at the door. She couldn’t believe he left. What was he supposed to do? You told him you wanted nothing to do with him. She moaned. He looked so good and he would always be the love of her life. It did her no good to see anyone else. Look what happened with Zach. The jerk. Thank heaven he hadn’t been around anymore. Madilyn didn’t want to see him again. She made her way to the kitchen to make some hot tea. It always seemed to help with a cold. She sneezed and grabbed her head. The headache was still hanging on and her stuffed up head was making it difficult to breathe. She hated getting colds, but getting one in the summer seemed worse.
As she walked back to the living room, she glanced out the window and saw Brody standing by a black truck. She hadn’t even thought of how he’d gotten there with his bike demolished. He stood leaning back against the door with his cell phone to his ear. Was he talking to a woman? She blew out a breath. What did it matter? Madilyn watched as he ran his hand over his ribs. She hadn’t even asked how he was doing. The minute the man was anywhere around her, she lost all coherent thought. He glanced up and she jumped back, which was crazy since there was no way he could see her. She watched as he got into his truck. Slowly. Had he come into town just
to apologize to her? Knowing Brody as well as she did, she knew he had. She heard his truck start and she gazed back out at him, smiling as she watched him put his glasses on. He wouldn’t be Brody without them.
* * * *
Brody drove over to the station and entered the lobby. Betty Lou looked up with a smile, which turned into a frown when she saw Brody standing there.
“Brody Morgan, what are you doing out and about? You should be home in bed,” she scolded.
“I’m fine, Betty Lou. Is Sam in his office?” Brody glanced toward the hall.
“No. He’s at the Baker ranch. Someone called and reported Joe Baker was out there shooting his gun.”
“Baker? Isn’t he the guy who ran me off the road?” Brody asked incredulously.
“The one and only. Him and his wife, Mary, who is as sweet as can be, moved here about five years ago. He beats her and she won’t leave him.” Betty Lou shook her head. “You wouldn’t catch no man beating on me, I can tell you that.”
Brody glanced away to hide the smile threatening. What man in his right mind would take on Betty Lou? “Is Sam out there by himself?” Brody had a bad feeling.
“Yes, and I told him to call the local police but he wouldn’t hear of it.”
“Give me the address. I’ll go out there.”
Betty Lou beamed at him. “Thank you, Brody. You’re a good boy.”
It had been years since Brody had been a boy but he didn’t correct her. She handed him the address and after giving her a nod, he headed out. When he pulled into the driveway, he saw Sam leaning against the front of his cruiser with his arms folded. Brody parked, retrieved his weapon from the glove box, and slowly walked toward him.
“Sam? What’s going on?” Brody asked.
Sam blew out a breath. “Just this idiot being his usual self.”
Brody stood beside Sam. Although Sam looked relaxed, Brody knew him well enough to know he was on the edge and Brody needed to be ready. The man Sam was staring at was holding a pistol, which he had pointed at the ground.
“I’m tired of standing out here in the heat, Joe. Put the gun down. Now.”
“I can shoot my own gun if I want to, Garrett,” Joe Baker shouted.
“That’s Sheriff Garrett to you and no you can’t. You could hurt or even kill someone.”
Joe’s eyes narrowed. “There ain’t no one here!”
“If you don’t put the gun down, I’ll shoot you and, to be honest, I’d love to do just that.”
Joe’s eyes widened. “You can’t threaten me.”
“It’s not a threat. Brody? You got him?” Sam asked.
Brody aimed his weapon at Joe Baker. “I do.” When Joe started to raise the gun, Brody broadened his stance. “Don’t even think about it.”
In the time it took Joe to glance at Brody, Sam was on him, throwing him to the ground, and handcuffing him. The entire time Joe shouted obscenities at him. Sam picked him up and pulled him to the cruiser. Mary came running over.
“I’ll be down to pick you up first thing in the morning, Joe.”
“He won’t see the judge before ten, Mary. You’d better wait until after noon,” Sam informed her and grinned at Brody.
Brody knew Sam was telling Mary to leave Joe stew in the cell awhile. After only dealing with the man for a few minutes, he knew Joe Baker deserved it.
“I’ll be in tomorrow to work a few hours, Sam,” Brody told him.
“Fine. I’ll see you then.” Sam got into his cruiser and pulled out with Brody behind him.
Since Brody needed a few things, he headed back to town. As he drove down Main Street, he decided to stop in and check on Madilyn again. He pulled into the lot, headed for her door, and knocked. Not hearing anything, he knocked again. She was probably sleeping so he turned to go when her door opened.
“You again?”
Brody ran his hand over his mouth to cover a grin. “I wanted to see how you were feeling.”
“Well, considering you were here not too long ago, I feel the same.” She opened the door to allow him to enter.
“You always were a smart ass,” Brody muttered as he entered the apartment.
Madilyn snorted. “I had to be around you. I couldn’t let you get the better of me.”
Brody grinned at her. “You look a little better than earlier. Did you drink tea?”
Madilyn laughed. “Yes. My cure all.”
He shook his head as he moved toward the chair in the living room. “You actually believe tea will make you feel better.”
“I’m not having this conversation with you. I won’t let you put my tea down,” she teased.
“Fine. Could I have some water?” Brody asked as he sat down.
Madilyn sighed. “You plan on staying a while?”
“Come on, Maddie. I just came from a bad situation.” He knew the minute the words left his lips he’d said the wrong thing. She turned white. He swore softly. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“No. It’s fine.” She flopped down on the sofa.
Brody stood. “I’ll get the water. Do you need anything?” He gazed at her.
Madilyn stared up at him. “You.”
“What?” Brody frowned. He couldn’t have heard what he thought he heard.
She cleared her throat. “I need you. I can’t deny it anymore. Just now when you told me you’d come from a bad situation, I knew I was lying to myself.”
Brody squatted down in front of her. “About what?” he whispered.
“Telling myself I don’t love you.” Her eyes met his. She reached out and removed his glasses. “Tell me about the bad situation.”
“Joe Baker was shooting a gun on his property. Sam was already there. I went out there for backup. He shouldn’t have been alone out there.” Brody shook his head. “Baker’s the same man who ran me off the road.”
Madilyn nodded. “He’s a drunk, and a mean one at that.”
“Maddie…”
She placed her hand over his lips. “Brody, I need to know what happened out there. How much danger were you in?”
Brody sighed. “Not much. The man was shooting up into the air but those bullets can go anywhere. Sam had it under control. I kept an eye on Baker while Sam cuffed him. That’s it.”
Madilyn softly laughed. “That’s it? Joe Baker could’ve shot either one of you. He’s crazy and everyone knows it.”
“I know. We couldn’t get him on running me off the road since his wife said he was home at the time. We all know better but with her giving him an alibi, we can’t arrest him for it.” He stared up at her. “Damn, you’re so beautiful, Maddie.”
She smiled at him. “You’re the only one who gets away with calling me that.”
“I always called you Maddie when we made love.” Brody leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. When she moaned, he deepened the kiss and slid his tongue between her lips. Her arms moved around his neck, her fingers splayed up through his thick hair. He moved to the sofa beside her and pulled her across his lap. Madilyn pulled her lips from his.
“You’re going to get my cold,” she said against his lips.
“I’ll take anything I can get from you.” He kissed her, his tongue moving against her lips. “Open for me, Maddie.” He groaned a sound full of longing when she did. Brody slid his tongue deep into her mouth, tasting her. Laying her down on the sofa, he laid over her, cradled between her thighs, and arched, pressing his hard shaft against her. Brody moved his lips across her cheek to her neck. He’d just started nibbling when she sneezed. He froze and started laughing. Madilyn laughed with him. He raised his head and gazed down at her.
“I don’t think this is going to happen. I can’t have you sneezing while I’m trying to make love with you.” He grinned.
Madilyn laughed. “I’m sorry.” She sneezed again and started giggling.
“Yeah, every man wants this to happen,” Brody muttered.
Madilyn laughed at him. “I’m sorry. How about a rain check?”<
br />
Brody’s eyes met hers. “As long as you’re serious about this?”
“I am. I’m not denying myself this…you, anymore.”
Brody nodded. “Call me when you feel better. This could be the cold medicine talking.” He stood, handed her his card, and helped her sit up. Brody picked up his glasses she’d dropped on the floor and headed toward the door. “Between you being sick and my ribs still sore, its best we put this off. I’m not sure you won’t change your mind once you’re thinking more clearly.”
“Are you telling me I don’t know what I’m saying?” Madilyn stood and put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes at him.
“I want you to be sure, Maddie. Just a few days ago, you hated me, and now you want me. I know for sure I want you, but I want you to be sure, too.” He turned toward the door then turned back toward her. “I’ve never stopped loving you.” He closed the door softly behind him.
Three days later, Madilyn was still sure. She sat at the desk in the back office and stared at her phone, trying to get the nerve up to call him. Picking it up, she dialed the number on his card. It rang and rang until it went to voicemail. She didn’t leave a message. Where could he be? Before she lost her nerve, she called the Sheriff’s department.
“Clifton County Sheriff’s Department,” Betty Lou answered.
“Is Sam in?” Madilyn asked.
“No, he’s not. Can I take a message or would you like to speak with one of the deputies?”
Deputies? As in plural? Madilyn knew there was only one deputy on day shift with Sam.
“What deputies?” She mentally groaned. What a stupid question.
“Deputy Stark or Deputy Morgan. Both are here.”
Madilyn gave a fist pump. Yes! “Deputy Morgan, please.” She waited while Betty Lou transferred her and hoped the older woman didn’t recognize her voice. Maybe she should just hang up.
“This is Deputy Morgan, can I help you?” She froze at the sound of his voice coming over the line. “Hello?”
Madilyn cleared her throat. “Brody…”
“Maddie? Is that you? Is something wrong?”
Brody Page 5
