Sunkissed

by Daniels, Janelle

  She’d been alone at her studio. Alone. Vulnerable.

  His fists clenched. No one would touch her again.

  Grabbing his phone, he called for help. “Detective Ryan, this is Grant Walker.”

  “Grant, what can I do for you?”

  “Natalie Cohen was attacked at her studio yesterday. Someone hit her with their car.”

  “And you think it’s related to the orchard?” The detective’s voice was calm on the line as he questioned Grant.

  “Of course,” he growled. “She wasn’t in danger before. She doesn’t have any enemies. This is unacceptable. She could have been killed. Where are you in the investigation? Do you have any suspects?”

  “None that I can speak of yet.”

  “So you think you have the person who did it, but you don’t have the evidence to back it up.”

  “I’ll let you know when we have someone.”

  “Well, what about in the meantime? We can’t wait and let whoever it is attack her again.”

  “There isn’t much we can do. You both need to sit tight and take precautions. Don’t wander around alone. Keep your doors locked. Make sure people know where you are in case something happens. That’s all you can do until this is over.”

  Detective Ryan’s last comment rang through Grant’s mind after they hung up. “No. Freaking. Way.” He could do more than that. He could protect her.

  He didn’t know how he would convince her, but he didn’t care what it took. She was staying with him until this was over.

  * * *

  “Here, take these.” Grant handed Natalie more pain medication and water. He had been a ghost that first night, always coming to her when she needed him, but never hovering.

  In the morning light, she remembered how gentle he’d been. How patient. He must be exhausted. With the amount of care he had given her, he must have slept in the hall with one ear trained on the door, or the more likely scenario, not slept at all.

  With a brief knock, Grant entered her room, looking refreshed after his recent shower, his hair still wet.

  Sitting up in bed, taking measures to not jostle her leg, she offered him a tentative smile.

  “How are you feeling this morning?” He sat on the side of her bed.

  “A little better, thanks to you. You couldn’t have gotten much sleep last night.”

  He waved off her concern and silent apology. “No worries. It wasn’t that big of a deal.”

  Relaxing a little, she saw that he really didn’t think anything of it. Worried that what had passed last night would add an extra layer of intimacy to their relationship, she was grateful nothing had changed. He must have meant what he’d said at the hospital. Just one friend helping another.

  “Well, I appreciate it. Listen, I don’t want you to have to worry about me. And I refuse to disrupt your life. I know you’re super busy with the orchard. I’m fine staying up here and out of the way for the day.”

  “I’ve already told Carlos I’m taking the next few days off. I may pop in every once in a while to check and see how things are going, but for the foreseeable future, I’m all yours.”

  She shifted, wincing as she bumped her leg against him.

  He jumped off the bed. “Sorry.” He looked sympathetic. “How’s the pain?”

  “Manageable,” she grumbled.

  “Well you can have another dose soon, but I’d like you to eat something. How about some eggs and toast?”

  She didn’t feel like eating, but the steely look in his eyes held her tongue. “Sounds great.”

  “Good. You stay here and rest. I’ll bring up a tray, then we can get you cleaned up and downstairs if you’d like.”

  “Okay. Thanks.”

  When he shut the door behind him, she floundered. This was all too much. He was doing too much for her.

  She drew several panicked breaths before making an effort to slow them down. It would be so easy to give in, to lie back and enjoy his care and attention.

  But she couldn’t. She would become dependent on him. She could already see it happening.

  Friends, he’d said. Just friends. Just as if James were helping her instead. No more. No less.

  The knots in her shoulders relaxed. Besides, what choice did she have anyway? There was no one else, and she risked further injury if she put any pressure on her leg.

  She needed to accept this. And guard herself.

  After Grant brought up her tray, he went to straighten up the kitchen, leaving her to her own company.

  The eggs were cooked to perfection, and she polished them off before she realized they were gone. Exhausted, she collapsed against the pillows.

  “Natalie?” Grant shook her shoulder gently.

  Groggy, Natalie tried to push away sleep. Surprised that she was so run down, she said, “Sorry. Guess I dozed off.”

  “It’s the pain meds. They have that effect. Would you like to get cleaned up now or would you rather sleep more?”

  Discreetly, she ran her tongue along her teeth. She really wanted to brush her teeth and shower. She didn’t know why, but after being in the hospital the day before, she felt extra grimy.

  “Shower, please.” Her face turned red. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

  He shook his head. “Not at all. I’ll try to give you as much privacy as I can. And I won’t look… much.” He grinned.

  “Well, you did say, ‘friends with benefits.’ I was sufficiently warned.”

  He chuckled. “You are breathtaking. But I’m not going to take advantage of you while you’re injured. Worry about recovering.”

  A small frown appeared between her brows when he turned away, but she quickly smoothed out her features. She appreciated his consideration.

  “We’ll need to cover your wrap with plastic.” He held up a roll of shrink wrap with a grin. “It’s probably easier if I do it, but you can try.”

  She shook her head. She didn’t even want to attempt to do that herself. “You’d better do it. I’ll just bang up my leg even worse.”

  “I was hoping you’d say that.”

  She arched a brow. “That I’d bang up my leg?”

  “No. That you’d let me do it. I’ve always wanted to shrink wrap someone.” His eyes lit with boyish glee.

  She laughed deeply, shaking her head in amusement.

  “All right, ready?” he asked, moving the blankets aside.

  “Yes.”

  He lifted her leg, carefully wrapping the limb in plastic. A twinkle of amusement lit his eyes when he was done.

  “I’m glad you find this so amusing.”

  “Oh, I do. I look forward to shrink wrapping you tomorrow.”

  She snorted.

  He lifted her easily, carrying her to the adjoining bath. The turquoise hues in the room soothed her, making her imagine the warm, silky-smooth water of the Caribbean.

  “I set a stool in the shower for you to sit on. And there’s a detachable showerhead in here that should make it easier. I’ll wait on the other side of the door in case you need me. You’ll have all the privacy you want.”

  “Thank you.” She was humbled by his thoughtfulness.

  He placed her on the stool. “You’re welcome. Just throw your clothes over the door and we’ll take care of them later. And take your time. There’s no rush.” He closed the door, leaving her in the quiet room.

  She was grateful for the detachable showerhead. She didn’t think she would have been able to manage washing herself if it wasn’t there. And letting Grant clean her when she was so vulnerable was something she wouldn’t allow.

  Reaching up, she grabbed the towel that hung over the door. When it was knotted securely around her body, she called out, “I’m finished.”

  Opening the door, Grant looked at her from head to toe, his gaze lingering over her exposed, heat-flushed shoulders.

  “Ah. Would you like to get dressed before brushing your teeth or after?” he said, his voice hoarse.

  Her lip curved. “After.”r />
  “Okay. I’m going to carry you to the sink and set you down, but I don’t want you to put any weight on that leg at all. I’ll balance you from behind.” She nodded in agreement.

  He helped her to the sink where he gripped her hips lightly. The feel of him touching her, holding her, burned through her, but she was too exhausted to do anything about it. She wavered.

  “Tired?” he asked. She nodded. “Come on. Let’s get you back in bed.”

  He carried her back into the room, helping her slip on a clean night shirt. She couldn’t tell if he peeked or not, he put it on so quickly. But she didn’t mind. She was too tired to think about it.

  “Here, take another pill. You’ll sleep better.”

  She nodded drowsily, taking the pill and crashing before she thought of anything else.

  * * *

  Making sure he was around if she needed him, Grant stayed close to the house, delegating responsibilities to Carlos that he would have normally handled himself.

  Carlos was updating him on the progress of the harvest when Noah pulled up.

  “Is everything all right?” Grant asked when Noah got out of the car.

  “Yeah, why?”

  “You never stop by in the middle of the day.”

  “Ah, well, as you can see,” he gestured to his casual clothes. “I took the day off.”

  “Any particular reason?”

  “I just needed some time off,” he said easily, but Grant knew that there was more to it. His brother didn’t take days off to hang out at the orchard. He was dedicated to his cases and hardly ever took personal leave. “It’s still early, but do you want to come in and have a drink?”

  “Aren’t you busy out here?”

  Grant nodded toward the house before heading in that direction, his brother following. “No. I’m taking a few days off as well.”

  “This time of year?” he asked, his tone incredulous. “Must be important.”

  “It is.” In the kitchen, he handed his brother a cold beer.

  “It must involve a woman.”

  “Why would you think so?” Grant opened his drink before taking a swig.

  “Because it always does.”

  Grant leaned against the counter. “Is that why you took the day off?”

  A sardonic smile curved Noah’s lips. “We’re not talking about me.”

  “Maybe we should.”

  “You first.”

  “You remember how I told you that a woman was asking about Grandpa?” When his brother nodded, Grant continued. “Well, I’ve been in contact with her. We’ve actually found some interesting things that I’ll tell you about later. Anyway, someone tried to run her over with their car.”

  “Damn.” Noah put his drink down in distaste. “Is she all right?”

  “She will be. She needs rest to recover.”

  “And so what does that have to do with you taking a few days off? Are you going to go visit her?”

  “No. I’m taking care of her.”

  It took a moment, but Grant saw when it dawned on his brother. “You mean here? She’s here. You have a woman here that you are taking care of?”

  “Keep your voice down.” He glared. “Yes. She’s upstairs sleeping right now.”

  “I don’t believe it.”

  “Why is that so hard to believe?”

  “Because you never bring people home. I was shocked when you said she was coming over the other Sunday. But this… this is more.”

  “I’m in love with her.”

  “Impossible,” he scoffed. “You don’t even know her.”

  “I know enough.” Grant shrugged. “It just happened.”

  Noah looked bewildered. “It doesn’t just happen. A cold just happens. You have to work at love and sometimes that doesn’t even help.”

  Grant knew his brother would never understand unless he’d personally experienced it. “In any case. She’s staying here.”

  “How long are you looking after her?”

  “She’ll need constant help for a few days until she gets a hard brace on. Then she can use crutches.” He hesitated, taking another sip. “But she’ll be staying longer.”

  “You mean she’s moving in?” Noah’s mouth dropped open.

  “Yes. But she doesn’t know it yet. It’s not safe for her to leave.”

  Noah shook his head, sucking in a deep breath before sitting down at the table. “Maybe you should start from the beginning.”

  Grant did, telling him everything that happened up to her attack.

  Noah took a contemplative gulp before placing his empty bottle on the counter. “I guess there really isn’t much of a choice. If she’s already been attacked once, it’s likely to happen again. I hope they catch him soon.”

  “Me too.”

  “And as for the other thing? The love thing. Don’t make any decisions until this is over and your head is clear.”

  “I won’t. But it won’t matter.”

  “All the same. I should head out. You have enough to deal with.”

  Grant walked his brother out. “Is everything all right?”

  Noah waved him off. “Nothing to worry about. I’ve got it handled.” With a salute, he was in his car and gone.

  Grant sighed. Once this sabotage business was taken care of and Natalie was safe, he’d have to see what he could do to help his brother.

  If life had taught him anything, it was that there was always something to worry about.

  It was light out when Natalie woke. Stretching, she felt disoriented, but brushed it off as a likely side effect of her pain meds.

  Her leg ached, but it felt better than it had before her nap.

  “Ah, finally. You’re awake.” Grant lounged in her doorway.

  She smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, sorry. I must have passed out again. I hope you haven’t been waiting too long.”

  His grin widened. “Natalie, you’ve been asleep for almost twenty-four hours.”

  “What?” Her mouth dropped open. “You’re kidding, right?”

  He shook his head while walking into the room. “You must have needed it.”

  No wonder she felt groggy. She had never slept so much in her life.

  “The doctor told me that this might happen the first day or two. You were in shock from the accident. It’s normal.”

  That was a relief.

  He sat on her bed next to her, giving her a feeling of déjà vu of yesterday’s events. “You feel like coming down today?”

  “I’d like that. Not that I’m sick of this room since all I’ve done is sleep in it. But it would be nice to be somewhere else.”

  He nodded in understanding. “No problem. How about we get you dressed, and then you can have breakfast on the couch.”

  “How about at the table?”

  His eyes crinkled in amusement. “If you like. Are you always this difficult?”

  “Yes,” she said immediately.

  He laughed. “I guess I’ve been warned then. Come on.”

  He took her into the bathroom and helped her get ready with a minimum of fuss. The tension she had felt between them yesterday had eased as he helped her with a clinical air.

  “Omelet?” he asked when he sat her at the table.

  “Sounds great. You make fantastic breakfast food.”

  “Thanks. I’ve always thought a good meal started the day off right. I’m making a roast tonight, though. Meat. Potatoes. Carrots.”

  “Very manly.”

  “Absolutely. I think you’ll enjoy it.”

  She rested her arm on the table, leaning her face on her hand. “I think I will too. You do manly very well.”

  “I’m a man.”

  She shook her head. “Being a man doesn’t necessarily make you manly. I’ve met plenty of men in my business that are more feminine than I am.”

  “I don’t doubt it.”

  She laughed. “But you, here on the orchard, all rugged and sexy,” she sighed.

  Her pulsed jumped at his hea
ted look. “Are you trying to get me started?”

  “Is it working?” she asked sweetly.

  “Yeah. It is. But we aren’t doing anything.”

  She lost her smile then. “What do you mean? I thought this was friends with benefits. Have you changed your mind?”

  He turned off the griddle, walking toward her like he was stalking prey. He lowered until he was eye level. “I like the benefits just fine. But I’d rather wait until you can fully participate. I don’t want you any more injured, particularly if I’m the one hurting you.” He gave her a quick kiss before standing and moving back toward the stove.

  She didn’t know how to react to him. She didn’t understand him. He wanted her, and she was a willing partner. But he refused because he thought he might hurt her. She appreciated how considerate he was, but she wasn’t worried about getting hurt.

  He didn’t ask for her opinion. He only gave her his decision.

  Could she fight it? It seemed silly to bother.

  Flipping the golden mixture, he said over his shoulder, “I need to be in the orchard for an hour today. Will you be all right on your own? I’ll have my phone on me if you need anything.”

  “Don’t worry about me. I know you have things to do.”

  “Well, until you get your cast on, it’s my job to worry. Eat up,” he said as he put the plate in front of her.

  Once she finished her breakfast, he placed her on the couch, remote in hand, books on the side table. “Need anything else?” he asked.

  “No. You go ahead.”

  She watched him leave before turning on the TV. Not really following the show, she dozed after a set of commercials. As the rosy haze of twilight filtered through the sheer curtains, the front door opened, waking her. She stretched her stiff shoulders before gaping at the slowly fading sun.

  “I didn’t want to wake you,” Grant apologized.

  “What time is it?” she croaked, bringing him forward with a glass of water.

  “It’s around six. I kept checking on you, but you were out.”

  “Must still be the drugs.”

  He nodded in agreement. “Can I get you anything?”

  “No, I’m all right.”

  “Okay. I’ll bring dinner in here and we can eat informally. Maybe catch a movie on TV?”