Protecting Phoebe

by Shelli Stevens

  “You shouldn’t have gone outside,” he muttered aloud, before he could stop himself.

  Her gaze hardened. “I had no choice.”

  “The hell you didn’t. I was five minutes away. Tops.”

  She snorted. “Come on, Craig. We both know I’d never let that Shitgibbon hold Gabby at gunpoint for five minutes.”

  “Phoebe—”

  “I had the skills to defend myself. I knew I would be okay.”

  “You got a knife buried in your side. Tell me, Phoebe, how is any part of that okay?”

  Her chin lifted. “I’m not the one who ended up dead.”

  “Because I shot him.” He shook his head and his lip quivered.

  “Yes. Thank you for that.”

  “I can take him.” He tried to keep his voice steady. “Do you have any idea the level of fear and helplessness that went through me when you said that? Knowing you were going out to face an armed man without a weapon?”

  She looked away, but not before he saw the surprise in her eyes.

  “You weren’t thinking. Gabby’s right. You’re too damn impulsive.”

  Her head whipped back to face him, her eyes flashing. “I’m not impulsive.”

  “It’s in your nature. Like when you went to bed with me that first night, and when you faced Rick like that.”

  She pulled her hand free, more color in her cheeks now. “Thank you. I love basically being called a reckless slut.”

  “Easy now, baby. I did not call you a—”

  “You sure weren’t complaining at the time. Who are you to sit there and judge me?”

  Shit. He’d handed that argument to her on a platter. Her lips thinned and her gaze drifted away from him again.

  Unease swept through him. The mood between them had grown colder. And he suspected she was damn close to resurrecting those same walls between them that he’d had to tear down the other morning.

  “Do you want something to drink? Eat? Are they letting you eat?”

  She shook her head and closed her eyes. “I want to rest…”

  When she didn’t say anything more or open her eyes, he figured she’d basically told him to get out. He’d fucked up and bad.

  “I’ll come by tomorrow and pick you up. What time do you think they’ll release you?”

  “I think Gabby was planning on taking me home. I’m going to crash with her and Justin for a few days until I’m one-hundred percent again.”

  His jaw clenched and he looked out the window. She didn’t want to stay with him anymore.

  “Okay.” He gave a slow nod and stood to approach the bed. “Why don’t you give me a call tonight or tomorrow?”

  She gave a wan smile, but didn’t reply.

  Craig leaned down to brush his mouth across hers. She tensed and then turned her head so his lips moved to her cheek.

  Maybe part of this reaction was shock, and she just needed time. Biting back a sigh of frustration, he straightened and left the room.

  *

  Phoebe heard the door click shut, signaling Craig had left, and her stomach roiled with a mixture of relief and guilt—not to mention disappointment, if she let herself acknowledge it.

  The fear of getting involved seriously with him had reared its ugly head a few minutes ago. And suddenly it was too much. The pressure of living up of to his expectations, of him living up to hers, of giving them that absolute trust. Then the fear of losing him…

  The magnitude of Rick’s death, and how close she’d been to dying as well didn’t sit lightly with her. It cloyed her senses, took over almost all her thoughts.

  “What’s going on?”

  Her eyes snapped open when Gabby appeared in the doorway, brows drawn together.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I didn’t expect Craig to take off so soon. And when I passed him in the hall, he looked a bit bummed out.”

  “Oh.” Another sharp stab of guilt. “Nothing’s going on. I just told him I was tired.”

  “That’s it?”

  “For the most part.” Phoebe shifted in the hospital bed, wincing as her stitches tugged. “They’re keeping me tonight for observation, but I was hoping I could crash with you and Justin for a couple of days.”

  “With us?” Her brows arched. “But weren’t you already staying with Craig?”

  “I was…”

  “Not that we aren’t happy to have you stay with us, but what just happened between you and Craig?” Gabby sat down on the edge of the bed and gave her a scrutinizing look. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  Phoebe hesitated, considering dumping her fears on her friends, and decided against it. “No. Have you figured out if you’re…?”

  “Pregnant?” Gabby glanced away, unease in her eyes. “I haven’t had a chance to take a test yet. I’ve been at the hospital with you all day. Justin’s picking me up when he gets off work.”

  “Have you told him you think you might be?”

  “No.”

  “Think he’ll freak?”

  “Hard to say. I know I will.”

  “You know there’s a drug store around the corner from the hospital. Why don’t you run and grab a pregnancy test?”

  “I probably should.” Gabby gave a slow nod and then leaned forward to pat her hand. “When I get back, we’re going to talk about you and Craig.”

  “Do we have to?” Phoebe closed her eyes again, trying not to think about the frustration on Craig’s face as they’d begun to argue.

  “Yes.” Gabby gave her hand a squeeze and then stood. “Yes. Back in a few.”

  Chapter 10

  Phoebe glanced up as the buzzer to her apartment sounded. She went to the intercom and then pushed the button, asking who it was—though she already pretty much knew.

  “Hey, girl, it’s Gabby and Justin. Let us up.”

  “Okay. See you in a few.” She unlocked the door to the building and then went back to her packing.

  Pushing back a curl, she sighed and threw a few more things into her suitcase, before zipping it.

  They were leaving today for Washington State, and she still hadn’t called Craig. Guilt stabbed in her gut, but she pushed it aside. Hey, it wasn’t like he’d called her either.

  There was a sharp knock at the front door as she carried her suitcase into the living room. She set it down and went to let her friends in.

  They stood outside her door, Justin behind Gabby, chin on her shoulder and his arms around her waist. His hands were cuddling the belly that was indeed carrying his child. They’d both realized they were over the moon about having a baby.

  Phoebe bit back a sigh, envying how disgustingly happy they looked.

  “Hey.” Gabby grinned and stepped in through the door, pulling Justin with her. “So did you call him?”

  Not even trying to pretend she didn’t know who him was, Phoebe winced and shook her head.

  Gabby’s eyes went wide. “Phoebe. You promised.”

  “I’ll take your suitcase down to the car, Phoebe.” Justin grimaced and gave her an understanding look, before disappearing again from her apartment.

  “Call him.” Gabby strode over to the cell phone on the counter and handed it to Phoebe. “Now. Call him and invite him again.”

  She hesitated, and let her fingers drift over the wound in her side, which was almost four days old now.

  “I know you’re afraid,” Gabby said softly. “Afraid to completely trust a man and get involved. To fall in love. But you have to realize you’re almost there, if you’re not already. You’re miserable without him. Call him. See if he can come up for the wedding and you two can spend some time together.”

  Phoebe swallowed hard, fear and doubt sending her pulse into double time.

  “It won’t hurt to just call and ask.”

  She nodded and took the phone from Gabby, dialing his number with shaking fingers.

  “He won’t be able to come,” she muttered. “We’re leaving three days early and flying instead of driving. Plus I�
�m giving him no notice.”

  Gabby folded her arms across her chest and gave her a pointed look. “You don’t know until you ask.”

  On the fourth ring, his phone went to voicemail. Relief and disappointment mingled.

  “He’s not home.”

  “Leave a message.”

  “Gabby…”

  “Do it.”

  “Hey. It’s Phoebe.” She turned her back to Gabby, so her friend couldn’t witness her discomfort. “I…I’m leaving for Delanie’s wedding. I wasn’t sure if you still wanted to come, and we’re leaving earlier than planned. Anyway, I’m sure you don’t even want—”

  “Phoebe,” Gabby hissed.

  Phoebe’s face burned. “I’ve got to go. Anyway, hope you’re doing okay. Maybe I’ll talk to you again someday—”

  “Maybe?”

  “Okay, bye.” She clicked the off button and whirled around. “As if that wasn’t awkward enough, having you standing there yelling your two cents sucked.”

  Gabby pursed her lips. “That message sucked.”

  “Well, at least I left one.” And it had been awful. She wasn’t even going to try and defend the quality of it. Phoebe bit her lip, struggling against the crushing wave of sadness that loomed.

  “Ladies, we ready to go?” Justin appeared in the doorway, bracing his arms high on the frame as he glanced around the room.

  Phoebe gave a quick nod, tears burning her eyes, and turned back to her bedroom. “Just need to grab my jacket.”

  “I guess it’s just us three.”

  Even from the other room, Phoebe heard Gabby’s disappointed statement.

  With a ragged breath in, Phoebe shook her head. She’d waited too long to call him, and probably lost any chance she had at making things right. How crazy was she to think he’d drop everything and show up within the hour to go on an out-of-state trip?

  Stupid. She’d finally had real love in her hands, and she’d crumpled it up and thrown in back in his face.

  If she wound up single the rest of her life, she knew she deserved it.

  * * * *

  Craig stepped out of the shower at the gym and looked in the mirror. Damn, he still looked like ass.

  After having the cold from hell for the last few days, he was finally feeling a little less dead. And after three days of his most strenuous activity being blowing his nose, he’d known it was time to work out.

  A half-hour on the treadmill had done him good. Made him feel somewhat human again, and had also helped him focus on something besides Phoebe.

  She hadn’t called. Which shouldn’t have surprised him after her behavior in the hospital room. But it did a little. And it hurt. He’d planned to call her and hash it out—meet up with her even. But the cold had suspended those plans.

  Tonight, he’d call her. He’d call her, or he’d just show up at her place. But he’d make sure they had time to talk. It was time.

  After dressing, he grabbed his bag and phone, leaving the locker room.

  His cell began to vibrate in his hand and he glanced down, noticing he had a message. The blood in his veins quickened, and his brows drew together as he dialed the voicemail.

  Not even a minute later he’d climbed into his car, tossed his phone onto the passenger seat, and settled into the driver’s seat to make the most impulsive decision of his life.

  * * * *

  “You look fantastic, Delanie.” Phoebe hugged her friend again, before stepping back to observe the bride-to-be. She was glowing. Not to mention stylish and gorgeous as always. “Either the Northwest or being engaged sure agrees with you.”

  “Or both,” Gabby piped up.

  Delanie gave a soft laugh and twisted the diamond ring on her left hand.

  “Being Grant’s wife will agree with me even more.” She sat down on the couch, curling her legs under her bottom. “I am so excited for our honeymoon in France. I’ve never been.”

  “Umm, living here has got to be kind of like a honeymoon,” Gabby pointed out, sitting down in a recliner and glancing around. “This resort is fabulous.”

  “It is. I’m so glad you both could make it up here for the wedding.”

  Phoebe gave a small smile. “We’re in it, kind of hard to skip out.”

  “Well, it’s so wonderful to see you both.” She turned to Gabby with a sly smile. “And I really like Justin. You’re an overachiever. Getting pregnant and engaged in one week.”

  Gabby’s cheeks turned pink. “Yeah the engagement thing was being talked about. The baby thing sped up the process.”

  Phoebe averted her gaze as the two began to chat, her throat tightening up. God, she felt like the biggest downer. But seeing Gabby and Delanie both so in love and happy made her really think about what she might have been able to have with Craig.

  If she weren’t the world’s biggest pansy.

  “Where are the guys, anyway?” Gabby asked, yawning into her palm. “I haven’t seen them since they left after dinner.”

  Delanie was quiet for a moment and Phoebe glanced over at her, noting the mischief in her gaze.

  “I’m not really sure,” she answered, fiddling with the coin on a chain that hung around her neck. “I think Grant mentioned wanting to go on a drive to show Justin a couple of the sites on the island.”

  Phoebe stared at the ancient coin, remembering all the trouble it had caused Delanie and Grant initially. But in reality, it had brought the two together. Her lips curled into a soft smile. And the day after tomorrow, they’d be getting married.

  “So, you’re doing okay, Phoebe?” Delanie asked suddenly. “I mean, I was so scared for you when I heard Rick had found you.”

  “I’m doing okay.” Phoebe nodded and glanced down. She didn’t like thinking about it. Much less talking about it. “It all feels a little surreal really.”

  “I’m sure.” Delanie hesitated. “What’s going on with this Craig guy? Do you like him? He seems like a good guy.”

  He was such a good guy. Phoebe offered a wan smile. And she’d screwed things up so badly.

  “She’s totally sprung on him, and don’t let her try to tell you otherwise,” Gabby inserted and took another sip of her Sprite. “She’s just having a panic attack about getting serious with someone.”

  Phoebe’s throat tightened. “I’m not—”

  “It would be understandable if you were,” Delanie said in a rush. “I mean you haven’t dated since…”

  “The stone age?” Gabby teased and then cleared her throat. “Sorry, I’m not helping.”

  “No. You’re not.” Delanie shot her a warning look.

  “I blew it, you guys. I really think I blew it.” Phoebe finally confessed, fighting back tears. “He is a good guy. And I kept pushing him away emotionally. All the time he was with me. And then at the hospital…I think I just blew it.”

  “I don’t think you blew it.” Gabby shook her head and stood up, coming over to give Phoebe a hug. “It’ll all work out.”

  Delanie leaned in and joined the embrace. “Me neither, sweetie. I don’t think you blew anything. Or maybe you blew Craig at some point—”

  “Delanie.” Phoebe gasped and then laughed, almost choking.

  Gabby snorted. “Ah, see, she’s still a bit of a dirty birdie.”

  “You guys are the best. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Phoebe took the support of their embrace and bit her lip to hold back tears.

  The last two weeks were catching up with her and fast. It fell heavy on her heart and moisture finally flooded her closed eyes.

  Delanie pulled back. “Hmm. I think I hear Grant’s car. That means the men are back.”

  The men were back. And once again she’d be the proverbial fifth wheel.

  Car doors opened and slammed, and then the low murmur of men’s voices could be heard.

  “Delanie?”

  “In here, honey,” Delanie called back.

  Gabby and Delanie stood, exchanging an odd look that Phoebe didn’t miss.

 
; Phoebe rose to her feet, her brows drawing together.

  “What’s going on?”

  A second later, Grant strode into the living room, followed by Justin. Followed by…Craig.

  Phoebe’s heart slammed into her chest and her mouth went dry. He was here. Craig was here.

  Delanie was talking, probably saying something to her, but she couldn’t hear above the rush in her ears. Her vision was held by Craig’s gaze, which hadn’t wavered from her.

  It was almost like an invisible beam locked them together, crackling with tension.

  He crossed the room to her. It seemed to take an eternity before he stood in front of her.

  “Phoebe.” He reached out and cupped her cheek.

  She blinked, snapping out of her daze and jerking her head around to see if her friends were watching the exchange. They’d all disappeared. She was alone in the room with Craig.

  Craig. Who was here on Lopez Island, two states away from home.

  “You came,” she whispered. “But how…?”

  “I flew up this afternoon and then took a seaplane to the island about an hour ago.” His mouth curved into a slight smile. “I called the resort and mentioned I’d been invited to a wedding. Asked if someone could pick me up.”

  Her pulse raced and she ran her tongue over her mouth. “Why would you do all this? That must have cost you—”

  “I don’t care about the money, Phoebe.” His glance dropped to her mouth. “I care about you.”

  “Do you?”

  “You know I do.”

  She sniffled. “But I freaked out on you in the hospital. And I called way too late—”

  “Shh, baby.” He shook his head slowly. “It’s not too late.”

  “I have a lot of baggage, Craig. I don’t trust easily, I’m somewhat afraid of men—”

  “You’re not afraid of me.”

  “Not you,” she agreed softly as the realization sank in. “I’m trying to say I’ve got issues though. I’m not an easy person to love, Craig.”

  “Stop trying to talk me out of this.” He cupped the back of her head and pulled her forward, touching his forehead against hers. “I think you’d be all too easy to love. Actually, no thinking about it. I love you.”