“I am normal. And I didn’t know I needed to disclose that I had a membership to a country club.”
He reached over and ran his finger down my cheek.
There went my heartbeat again.
“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with being different. And by the way, having a membership to one of the premier clubs around isn’t normal.”
I gave him a small smile. “I don’t think about it.”
“And that’s what makes you unique. Any other secrets I should know about? A yacht in Monte Carlo, perhaps?”
“Like I said, if I told you, I would have to kill you.”
He chuckled. “I want to discover all your mysteries.”
I turned toward my window and watched the cars around me. He didn’t know how much I wanted to let him explore my world. To know everything about me. But the thought terrified me. I was beginning to wonder if Grady was right. It was more than Harrison being a cop.
Then I did what I always did—I pushed the thought out of my mind and focused on the here and now.
When we pulled through the gates of the club, I looked at it through Harrison’s wide eyes. The magnificent buildings and breathtaking landscape seemed outlandish all of a sudden. Almost fairytale like.
“Maybe we should have taken your car.”
“No one cares what you drive.”
He arched his eyebrow. “If you say so.”
I caught a glimpse of the Porsche behind us. “My grandparents’ friends are the nicest, most generous people you will ever meet.”
His shoulders relaxed a bit. “I know their granddaughter is.”
“You must be talking about my cousin, Rochelle.”
“Maybe you could introduce us.”
“Sure, but her husband might not appreciate it.”
“I guess I’m back to plan A.”
“You have a plan?”
“Yes ma’am. Now tell me where to park.”
I swallowed hard. I was going to need an escape plan. I directed him to the parking lot, not the valet. I could only guess what he might make of that.
He walked around to get my door. He held his hand out to me. “Friends.”
I placed my hand in his. “Friends.”
He gave my hand a little squeeze and didn’t let go. And I didn’t want him to.
We walked together, hand in hand, toward Brookhaven, where the event would take place. I was nervous for Harrison to see the tented terrace off the ballroom. “Do you still golf?” I asked.
“Occasionally, but never anywhere like this. Now I’m embarrassed that I took you to that public course when this is what you were used to playing on.”
“Why? If I recall, we had a great time and you beat me.”
“I didn’t know you had grown up to be an heiress.”
I nudged him. “Not even close. If you could see where I worked in New Orleans, you would know status doesn’t matter to me.”
He didn’t say anything, but he kept me close as we headed toward our destination.
I wasn’t expecting his reaction. I tried to get us over the uncomfortableness of the situation. “What is the diameter of the earth?”
He gave a small laugh. “Eight thousand miles. Don’t worry, we have this in the bag.”
“I don’t want you to worry, either.”
He met my eyes. “Will your brother be here?” I’m sure he was hoping to see another familiar face.
“This isn’t really my sister-in-law’s kind of thing.”
“She’s not a fan of this lifestyle?”
“Oh no. She loves this place. In fact, she and my brother met here. How do I say this? Trivia isn’t her strong suit. But if you want to know where to shop for designer clothes and shoes, she’s your woman.”
He tilted his head. “Maybe she could help your brother.”
I laughed out loud. “She does her best.” I pulled him along. “Come on. It’s going to be great. I promise.”
“As long as you’re there.”
I smiled inwardly.
Once inside, I observed Harrison take it all in. It was a spectacular sight, maybe too much so. And I knew not only was he looking with interest, but he was scoping out each exit. Always on duty.
I steered him toward the ballroom and there the greatest woman to ever grace the world, Clara Porter, greeted us. Goddess divine with her still blonde hair and willowy figure. “Darling.” She approached us with open arms. She embraced me first and then, to Harrison’s surprise, he was next. “My, my love.” She directed her attention toward me once she got in her fill of Harrison. “You didn’t do him justice.” She smiled at Harrison. “I’m Clara, by the way.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”
“A man with manners. I like it.” Grandma gave him a little wink. “You two sign in and I’ll be by later so we can get to know each other better, Harrison.”
“I’d like that.” Harrison took my hand again.
Grandma took note and raised her eyebrow. There was a twinkle in her eye. I was going to disappoint her and him. And let’s not forget myself.
Harrison led us to the sign-in table where we got our name tags and our table number. We were assigned to table three.
I handed over the fifty dollars to cover the entry fee for both Harrison and myself. Harrison frowned and whispered in my ear, “I was going to pay for us.”
I smiled up at him. “I invited you, so this is my show.”
“Can I get a starring role?”
He had no idea how much I wanted to cast him as my leading man. How did I answer him? “Let’s go.” I tugged on his hand and my actions plead the fifth.
We arrived at our table to find that Mason was on our team.
“I see Grandma roped you into participating.”
Mason stood up and kissed my cheek. “She’s had me tied up for over fifty years, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
I smiled at Mason. “You remember Harrison?”
“Of course, the man that ran into my granddaughter.” Mason held out his hand to shake Harrison’s.
“Mason, it was my fault.”
Mason gripped Harrison’s hand. “We could have won our case in court.”
Harrison was a sport about it. “I have no doubt, sir, and I’m sorry for any danger I placed Kallie in. I would never do anything to intentionally hurt her.”
Mason raised his eyebrows and nodded his head. “Good man. Keep it that way.”
I did my best not to roll my eyes at either man, especially because they were both so sweet when they simultaneously tried to pull out my chair for me. Mason stepped back. “I’ll let you have the honor.”
“It is an honor. Thank you, sir.” Harrison pulled out my chair with a smoldering smile directed toward me.
I sank into the chair, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach. Harrison took the seat next to me and wasted no time holding my hand under the table. I was so torn about the affection. I know he said friends, but we both knew friends didn’t behave like this. I didn’t want to lead him on, but how could I hurt him and pull away? And I didn’t want to. In his hands, I felt something different. I felt like I had arrived at my destination, if that made sense. But I knew I couldn’t stay.
Mason sat across from us and observed. “Kallie mentioned you scored a 170 on the LSAT. That’s a terrific score. Are you sure you’re in the right profession?”
Harrison sat up straighter. “Yes, sir. I want to serve my community the best way I can.” He gave my hand a little squeeze. He had no idea how much that comment made me want to run toward the nearest exit.
“I can respect that. My son-in-law—”
I panicked. He couldn’t bring up my dad. “Mason,” I interrupted, “why don’t you tell Harrison about the company you spoke to today about sponsoring the Shop with a Hero program.”
Mason narrowed his eyes at me. He knew me too well, but he played along. “I spoke to a longtime associate over lunch today. His company sponsors an event eve
ry Christmas and he would like a formal summary of the details.”
I turned toward a smiling Harrison. “I would be happy to write something up. Maybe I could coordinate with your PR department.”
“That would be excellent.”
“Kallie’s your woman if you want something done well. She takes after her grandmother and can accomplish anything she sets her mind to.” Mason gave me a sound endorsement.
Harrison kept his eyes on me. “Kallie is definitely the right woman.”
I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. Thank goodness our other teammates joined the table. Their timing was impeccable. I took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. I was digging a hole and needed to put the shovel down, but I so badly wanted to get buried in it with Harrison. But I couldn’t risk my heart to a man whose job might force me to make arrangements to have him buried six feet under.
Chapter Eight
I found myself doing what I had been doing for the past several nights. Replaying my time with Harrison, except this time I was crying uncontrollably, clutching my pillow for a comfort that wouldn’t come. First, we won handily. Harrison was still the smartest person in the room. He impressed my grandparents, that was for sure. My grandma was already inviting him over for Sunday lunch, but he was on duty. She wasn’t deterred, she changed it to Sunday dinner. He was quick to accept. But that wasn’t going to happen now after the scene that took place when he walked me to my door.
We had stood there on my porch in that awkward what-do-we-do-now stance. I decided I should take the lead. “Goodnight. Thank you for coming with me. I had a great time.” I turned to unlock my door. He wasn’t having it. He took me up in his arms. He gazed into my eyes. “Kallie, please tell me I’m not the only one feeling the connection between us.”
“Harrison—”
“Remember, you’re under oath.” He smiled.
My heart wasn’t sure what to do. Skip beats or erratically beat. “It’s . . .” I couldn’t lie to him.
He took matters into his own hands. He leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. For a moment, I gave in to it. I let his warm, urgent lips own mine. I parted my lips and tasted what I had been missing for years. I found myself where I had been five years ago, pressed up against my door and letting Harrison make a mess of my hair. It was as if he unleashed five years of desire. It made my body and soul sing. But this was wrong. I came to my senses and pushed him away.
“Harrison, we can’t do this.”
Hurt etched the features on his handsome face. “Why?” He looked around my neighborhood. His eyes landed on the BMW in my driveway. My grandfather had gifted it to me only yesterday. He bought a new one and gave me his slightly used one since my car had been totaled. Harrison’s face tightened and reddened. “It all makes sense now. You left me five years ago when I told you I was going to become a cop. I didn’t know then the kind of charmed existence you led, but I get it now. And for all your talk about not caring about appearances, you didn’t want to be with somebody who couldn’t support your lifestyle.”
I stepped back, shocked he would even think that. “Do you really believe that about me?” I had to hold back the tears.
He planted his feet firmly and stared at me. Daring me to contradict him. “You tell me why, then.”
I searched his blue eyes. The passion from moments earlier was all but gone, but I noted a spark of hope. And I knew then I had to tell him the truth. I should have five years ago. “You’re right,” I choked. “I don’t want to be with a cop.”
A flash of anger lit up his eyes.
Tears rolled down my cheek.
“You can save the fake tears.” He turned around and left me standing there holding myself. Each of his footsteps marked his wrath-filled path. He didn’t give me another glance. He hopped into his truck and the slam of his door could be heard throughout my neighborhood.
I told myself it was better to hurt him now than later. It was better that I let him believe I was shallow. But how could he think that about me? How could I blame him, after being so closed off?
That’s how I found myself on my couch in the middle of the night, begging for the hurt to go away. He was the only man who had ever affected me in such a way. Twice now I’d had to endure this pain, but this time it was worse, because he was even better. He deserved a woman who could give him her all. A woman who could support him.
I rubbed my chest. It felt hollow. He had hit me hard and then ran away with my heart.
By morning light, I hadn’t slept a wink. I decided to work from home. I sent Grady and Mason an email telling them I wasn’t feeling well. Truer words had never been spoken. I was heartsick to know that Harrison hated me and that I would never see him again. Tears sprang up when I looked at the nail polish he had left on my coffee table. Who would have guessed a masculine man like Harrison could give manicures?
I got up to shower. This was ridiculous. What had it been? A week? No. It had been over five years of keeping my feelings bottled up. Five years of ignoring how much I felt for Harrison. I didn’t know if it was love, but it was different; he was different. And now he was gone.
I sat in the shower and bawled some more. Last time I had law school to help me recover, or at least mask my feelings. Now, I had work. And I could get more involved in my grandmother’s charitable causes. I thought about Shop with a Hero. I would make sure it happened, but I would stay behind the scenes, away from my new favorite hero.
I’m not sure how much work I got done. I watched Legally Blonde three times and used up a box of tissues. And I had that stupid driving class to go to. I should have plead guilty. I was guilty of that and so much more. At least I knew Harrison wouldn’t be there, or I hoped. It was his day off.
I trudged over to city hall and the municipal room the class was taking place in. I didn’t see Harrison, but felt like every officer I ran into looked at me with contempt. I almost skipped and decided to have my day in court—it was the only option left to me—but then Harrison would be brought in to testify against me. Not happening.
I walked into the large room with several other offenders already sitting down looking over the class booklet. To my horror, the man passing them out and checking off names was Officer Jackson, Harrison’s friend and the officer that took the report at the scene of my accident. His glare was scorn-filled when I reached the front of the line. “Ms. Clemmons.” He marked my name off with a vengeance. “Take a seat. No talking.” He handed me a booklet.
I scurried to my seat like a wounded animal. It was an unusual sensation for me. Normally, I was confident. I didn’t allow others to intimidate me. I had gone up against abusers and slum lords in the projects. But I couldn’t feel that gusto now.
The class was being taught by a cranky woman by the name of Rhonda. I think she knew about me, too. When she was going over her rules that included no vacant stares or dirty looks, she focused squarely on me. I wasn’t the awful person everyone was making me out to be. Didn’t they know how much I was dying inside? How much I wished things could be different?
It only got worse. Rhonda brought up my accident as an example while teaching. She didn’t use my name, but her gaze was on me the entire time. I didn’t shy away from it and met her eyes during the length of her discourse against me.
She ended with, “Don’t be an idiot like the woman in this example.”
If only she knew who my grandfather was and the kind of havoc he would wreak in her life, if only he knew what I was going through. She would have trod with caution.
There was a break halfway through. I made a beeline to get some fresh air. I kept telling myself I only had to endure two more hours. My fifteen minutes of peace wasn’t meant to be. Officer Jackson was waiting for me outside the room. “I want to talk to you,” he demanded.
I kept on walking toward the exit. I didn’t owe him anything.
He followed. “You really think a lot of yourself, don’t you? He deserves better than you.”
I spun around.
“Don’t you think I know that?” Tears brimmed in my eyes.
I caught him off guard. He leaned back.
“I wish Harrison every happiness. And I wish I was the woman who could give it to him. But you believe what you want about me. I won’t try and change your mind.”
I walked out the door and took a deep breath of the warm summer air. I did my best not to cry.
I heard the door open and close behind me. “You know he’s talked about you since our days at the police academy. Kallie Clemmons, the girl that got away.”
I turned toward him.
His head was tilted and his eyes narrowed. “Kallie Clemmons?”
I waited for him to finish his thought.
An idea lighted his eyes. “Kallie Clemmons? Were you related to Officer Lance Clemmons?”
I clutched my heart. “Why?” My breathing was staggered.
He stepped closer. “My buddy, Officer Ross in precinct —”
I knew what precinct he was in. He was my dad’s old partner and friend. He was the one who held me the day my life changed course forever.
“He was telling me about the interview he had with the parole board investigator regarding the woman who had killed Lance Clemmons. He was still torn up about it. Hoped she didn’t make parole.”
I didn’t know she was up for parole. The state probably informed my mother and she had failed to mention it. Tears rolled down my cheek. “I need to get back to class.” I headed for the door.
“Kallie, I’m sorry . . .”
Him and me both. I had to call Grady. I needed to know if Farrah Johns, my father’s murderer, had been released. He wasn’t answering and it wasn’t something I could leave a message about. I almost called my mother, but I was furious with her.
I’m not sure if Officer Jackson got a hold of Rhonda, but she toned the snarkiness down for the last half of the pointless class. I guess I should have been happy my insurance rates wouldn’t increase.
But I wasn’t happy. I was the exact opposite.
Chapter Nine
Hit and Run Love Page 6
