"I should probably get to sleep, Matt. Harper may not sleep all night and if I don't take advantage of it now, I might not either." Andy chuckled, but he knew it was hard for her to do this all by herself.
"Of course. Are you off tomorrow?" He reluctantly let her loose.
"Yes. I usually do laundry and clean the apartment if Harper lets me." Andy stepped back and crossed her arms over her chest. Quickly his eyes followed the rise and fall and felt the surge of desire for her again. Not tonight! Matt nodded and went to the door.
"Give me a call when Harper gets up tomorrow. Garrett and I are having a barbecue. I could come pick you up." Hand on the door knob, Matt smiled at her and Andy stepped close to lift her lips to his receive his kiss. They left it promising, but without all the previous heat.
"Goodnight, Matt." Andy whispered against his lips and he took his cue. Stepping into the hallway, he closed the door and heard Andy throw the bolt and the lock clicked into place. Goodnight, Andy. He moved on down the hall and headed home.
***
Andy felt stiff and sore. Her back ached from sleeping in the recliner most of the night. True to form, Harper had been restless and fussy. She had tried to sleep when Matt left last night, but her mind kept going over and over the date, the walk, the bitch Monica and the almost tumble at Matt's house. The conversation, the words, all of it was out of context and Andy couldn't seem to get it right. She had no doubt that Matt knew Monica or that they had dated. She wanted him back. That was ever so obvious, but did Matt want Monica back? Legs-up-to-there Monica! Why wouldn't he want her back?
Still her mind insisted that she look at the facts. He was here with her. He came every night for dinner and stayed until Harper was asleep. He called or texted to check in. He took her out to his favorite place for dinner. He laughed with her. He listened to her. She met his friends and brother. Guys didn't do that if they didn't expect to stick around, right? She was so new to this dating thing. She had a daughter to consider. Ugh! Quit over thinking things!
Getting up from the couch, Andy packed the clean, folded clothes into the laundry basket. She would put them away once Harper woke up from her mid-morning nap. She still hadn't called Matt. He had texted about nine, but she hadn't answered back. If she was honest, she was wavering between continuing her relationship with Matt or letting him go. She could raise Harper on her own. She was getting by. It wasn't as if she had expected it to be any different. Well, perhaps, a little less lonely.
Still thinking about Monica and their encounter, Andy went into the kitchen to wash the dishes. Once the water was warm, she placed the plug and added the soap. There really wasn't much to do. She actually liked doing house work. It didn't take too much thought and left her worrying over other subjects. Monica's voice had sounded so familiar, but Andy knew they had never met before. She hadn't been in the hospitality business long, but she did have the ability to recognize someone even if she couldn't place their name at first. So Monica had never been to the Happy Trails Inn. Hmm. So where then?
Monica had been adamant that she and Matt would get back together. On and off again relationship, was it? Matt had seemed almost angry that Monica had even suggested such a thing. Hadn't he proven to her that he was attracted to her? Oh hell, who are you trying to kid? She was wildly attracted to him. Lord knew where they would be had Margaret not asked them to come back to the apartment.
Matt without his shirt made her fingers want to stroke and possess. His hardened muscles and flat stomach made her heart quicken just at the thought. His lips on her skin had been pure magic. His kisses were addictive and the more she tasted, the more she wanted to consume. The feel of his weight pressing her body into the soft contours of the mattress. The feel of his whispers against her neck and over her breasts. Her heart skittered as her temperature rose. You are so hooked! She was snagged, well and good.
Only when her phone rang did she realize she was scrubbing so vigorously. Likely the finish would be coming off the plates at any moment! She plopped the dishes into the drying rack and wiped her hands on a dish towel. The Pink Panther ring kept going and she looked at the screen. Matt. He has unbelievable timing! She couldn't help the self-conscious grin as she picked it up and clicked it on.
"Hi Matt." Her voice sounded odd to her ears. She hoped he wouldn't notice.
"Good morning, beautiful! You sound a bit different. Everything ok?" Matt asked with some humor in his voice. Andy cursed under her breath. How did he know her well enough to know something was up? She swallowed and tried to lighten her mood.
"I'm fine. Long night is all." She tossed the dish towel closer to the sink and went about making up a bottle for Harper. If she were busy than maybe she wouldn't read too much into this conversation.
"I know what you mean. I was awake for most of it myself." He chuckled and lowered his voice in a very confiding way. It made her skin tingle. "I could still smell perfume on my bed." She felt a bit wicked enjoying the words he was saying.
"Oh, that's terrible! It must have been such torture." She purred back.
"It was agony. I could feel her in my arms and against my body. She was a goddess, you know." His husky tone stopped her cold in the middle of her kitchen. Her core flexed with anticipation. Oh.
"A goddess, huh? I have heard about those. They haunt your dreams, but are never a good bet in reality." She didn't have to try to sound a bit sad at the end. What are you doing?
"In reality, she was hot and sexy. Her amazing green eyes, wow, and those silky soft lips! If her bra hadn't gotten in the way, I would have found more to love." His voice had gotten so low it flickered through her veins with the ease of fine liquor.
"Pity. Things do have a way of ruining even the best plans." She didn't mock anymore. It was true. She did wish that things had gone further.
"Yes, they do. Still I'm more determined than ever to steal more moments like last night." Matt's voice filled her with hope and in her previous experience, hope was a dangerous emotion. She needed to change the subject before things got too heavy.
"I should probably get back to cleaning, Matt. Harper will be up soon and Lord knows I can't do anything with her in my arms." She was trying to get off the phone. She needed more time to think.
"Sure. I will be over in an hour to pick you both up." Her mind blanked. Her mouth went dry.
"Huh?" She heard Matt chuckle on his end and say something off hand to his brother.
"The barbecue. It's for lunch and then we all hang out. Just pack Harper's bag for the afternoon." The barbecue. She briefly recalled him mentioning that. The wishy washy Andy was back. She knew if she went with him that this relationship would continue. If she wasn't sure, she should stay home. Hope. She wanted to believe in it.
"Matt, I'm not sure that is such a good idea." Her voice faltered as she floundered for words to express how she felt. How can you express yourself, if you have no idea?! There was a pause on the other end of the line. Her stomach clenched with unease. A lump formed in her throat as she tried to swallow. Her heart had all but stopped beating.
"Andy." His voice was anything but calm. How could it be calm? She waited, uncomfortable with the silence and straining her ears to hear anything. She heard the phone click off. Shocked, her mouth fell open as she looked at the screen of her phone. Call ended.
Setting her phone on the counter, Andy sat down on the stool. Her heart had started to beat again, but much too fast. She felt sick to her stomach. Her vision blurred. She felt angry and bereft. Wasn't this what she wanted? Her head swam as a tear, then two trickled down her cheeks. Her mind blanked. All she could do was feel. It was awful. She didn't know what to do. Lowering her head to her arms on the island, she let the tears fall.
Knock, Knock! Andy only registered the sharp taps. Her eyes hurt. Her throat was raw. Her head was beating in a not so friendly way. Knock, Knock! She had cried for twenty minutes. Pressing her lips together, she wiped the wetness from her cheeks. Knock, Knock! She had hoped whoever it was
would take the hint and go away, but at this rate, it would wake Harper. Taking a deep breath, she shoved away from the kitchen island. Stilted and with not much balance, Andy unlocked the door and opened it. Her mouth fell open.
"Matt." She wasn't sure she had said anything. The blood in her head was pounding and she heard nothing. She wondered if he would be angry when he had hung up the phone. He looked terrible. Her stomach twisted. You don't look so good either. She swallowed and a long minute passed with nothing more said. It was like waiting on a precipice, wondering if a strong breeze would push you over the edge. It was altogether too terrifying.
"Andy, I'm not leaving." Matt's voice was scratchy, but determined. Her resolve crumbled and she felt the tears streaking once more down her cheeks. She heard him growl as he pulled her into his chest and wrapped his arms tightly around her.
"I'm sorry. I am a mess. I don't know how to do this." She gurgled into his shirt, the fabric well soaked now. Her fingers clutched at his chest as she fought for some control. It was a joke. When had she ever had control? She didn't like being alone, but she had done her best to convince herself that alone was safer. Safer. Less dangerous. Almost unbearable.
"I understand, baby, I do. I want to make things easier, but I can't do that if you don't trust me. I need you to talk to me and not shut me out." He had gathered himself together. His request was firmly stated and Andy clung to that strength. She swallowed. Nodding, she pulled back from his chest, but not from his embrace. His hands dropped to her waist.
"I'm sorry." It was all she could think to say. Her brain had gone blank again and she wondered if it wasn't for the best. If she could say all she wanted, then everything would be out there in the open. She wasn't sure she was ready for it, or if she would ever be ready for it.
"I know. I'm sorry I hung up. I just couldn't talk to you over the phone." He shut the door firmly. Crossing into the living room, he took a seat on the couch and patted the seat beside him. She went.
"I didn't plan it. I've just been thinking about last night. I am not sure that I am ready for a messy relationship. Emotions are messy. You add an ex-girlfriend like Monica and well, I don't think I can compete with that." There. She had said it. Andy thought she saw him wince.
"I don't expect you to compete with Monica. Hell, you win hands down, Andy. There is nothing there for you to worry about. You are someone so amazing and so beautiful, I wouldn't screw it up by even letting you think she had a chance to change that." He brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek and behind her ear. His blue eyes watched her carefully. She believed him. She trusted him. It had all happened that day he rescued her in the hallway.
"It's not that I don't think what you are saying is true. I just have a bad feeling about her. There's more to her than meets the eye, I think."
Matt's eyes widened, his mouth opened and closed. She hurried on to explain herself.
"I swear I have heard her voice before. I've never seen her before last night, but the more she spoke, the more certain I was that I had heard her before. Oh, I know it sounds crazy! Maybe I am imagining things." She starred at her hands clasped in her lap. She felt crazy.
"I hope you aren't crazy." Matt chuckled in a nervous way. "Monica is enough crazy for anyone." He took a deep breath and his worried expression made her sit up a bit straighter. "After Monica and I broke up, she has taken it upon herself to chase off every girl since. Friday night I started getting threatening texts from her towards you and Harper."
Andy's heart nearly stopped. It was one thing if it just involved Andy, but if someone had threatened her daughter, it had to be taken seriously.
"So it probably was her." Andy mused aloud. At Matt's raised brow she continued. "I got a phone call at work warning me to stay away from you, that you would bring only problems. No name. Just the warning from a female voice." It was like the oxygen had become thin in the room and she struggled for a full breath.
"That would be my guess." He groaned and ran his fingers through his hair. "I am going to take this seriously, Andy. I won't let her do anything." Why does that not make me confident it won't?
"Do you think she is capable of action or just being a genuine pain in the ass?" Andy tried to look at this objectively. It was always better to have a plan. If anything she had learned not to underestimate anything or anyone.
"Honestly, I don't know. If I was sure, I would have better idea of how to go about this." He leaned back against the couch, throwing his head back against the cushion. Andy felt even more confused than before he had shown up at her apartment. She felt that familiar knot in her chest increase its pressure. Shit. What should I do? If staying away from Matt protected her daughter, of course that is what should happen. Her daughter came first, but where was she ever going to meet another man like Matt Johnson.
"All right, here's our plan. I will take these texts to the police. Someone there should be able to tell us what to do. We will go from there." He paused, looking at her with wide, puppy dog eyes. He thought she was going to tell him to bug off. That was very clear in the blue depths. Her heart wrenched.
"All right, but Matt if this gets out of hand, I'm done. I have to protect Harper. She is my first priority. Got it?" She had inserted her best I'm the boss voice. He nodded and took her hand in his.
"Got it." He leaned forward and brushed his lips across hers. Anticipation and longing built at surprising speed. The kiss was soft, special and teasing her to give in. A familiar cry echoed from the bedroom. They both expelled a frustrated breath and leaned their foreheads together. Andy chuckled and Matt groaned.
"Well I guess we should get you both packed up and to the barbecue. Everyone will be there soon."
Andy smiled and got up to get Harper. She was still nervous about Monica, but at least they had a plan now. It offered some courage. She sighed and left Matt on the couch.
Chapter Nine
The barbecue had been fun. A much needed break from the roller coaster that had appeared without warning. Matt's friends were welcoming and full of embarrassing stories. She couldn't remember when she had laughed so hard and blushed so much. Most of the guests present were single males, but some had brought their girlfriends. Hannah, Garrett's current flame, was there and she was very helpful with Harper. They got by with only a couple of Harper's meltdowns before she settled into the atmosphere. Andy's daughter had no trouble being the center of attention.
Matt was attentive, considerate and he was never far from her. Feeling a bit smothered, as she wasn't used to having anyone around, she had to tell him that she would be fine on her own if he wanted to go visit with the guys. She hadn't really given him much of a choice. Looking a bit unsure, Matt had went to the backyard with a beer in his hand. Andy did give him credit for not abandoning her once they had reached the house.
When it was time to leave, Matt had helped her carry a sleeping Harper to his truck and clicked her car seat into place. Once they got back to the apartment, Matt had helped bring Harper inside. He really was a perfect gentleman. It was a relief not to have to be the only one caring for her daughter.
Andy couldn't quit yawning as she had little sleep the night before and she had no idea what this one would hold, so Matt had left with little more than a kiss goodnight. Had she not been so tired, things might have continued in a similar vein as they had experienced before. Instead of falling into Matt's arms, Andy had caught the lock, slipped into her shorts and top, and fallen asleep on the couch. To her surprise she had opened her eyes to the early morning sunshine to find that Harper had slept all night! Thank you God!
Now at work at Happy Trails Inn, Andy fought to stay focused. She had time to think about Monica and the crazy text messages to Matt. Her stomach turned and boiled with apprehension. He said he would speak to the authorities today. What had he found out? What could they do? She hadn't physically threatened her or him. It made her head ache with the ins and outs of it all. Hopefully he would have good news for her. She only had a thirty more m
inutes of her shift left and she could pick up Harper and head back to the apartment.
***
Matt knocked on Andy's apartment door rather tired after dealing with the police and his lawyer. Unfortunately what he thought would be an easy process was going to be a bit more involved that he would like, but it meant the protection and safety of Andy, Harper and himself. He sure as hell didn't feel comfortable with Monica's texts and her impromptu intrusions. He knew Andy was well past uncomfortable to the point she was ready to kick him out of this relationship if he didn't get it handled. So he had handled it; at least he had done all he could at the moment. It would be up to the authorities and his attorney now.
"Hey Matt, come on in. Dinner is just out of the oven." Andy no more than opened the door and scooted quickly back to the oven. He almost laughed at the sight of her in her black yoga pants, white tank top and really big yellow oven mitts! He might have laughed had his eyes not settled back to her nicely curved and firm rear end. He closed his fists to keep his hands from wandering up the backside of her as she stood there with extremely hot food. Maybe later. Definitely later.
"It smells amazing! I missed lunch so I am starving." Matt moved to the living room to find Harper happily gurgling on the floor on her big fleece blanket. She was waving a ring around in her tiny fist. Her little green dress made her look like a very petite fairy. He grinned.
"I am glad I opted to make something instead of forcing leftovers on you."
He caught the grin in her voice and turned as she set the casserole dish on the island. Her mischievous green eyes met his. Tonight everything felt right with the world. He was going to have dinner with his beautiful girlfriend and her sweet baby girl. His heart flipped. He had to pull himself back. Somewhere in the corner of his subconscious, he was already considering Harper their daughter. It was a bit of a revelation, but not altogether surprising.
Black Hills Angel (Black Hills Series) Page 8
