Chasing Daylight

by Carey Heywood

  I turn toward Alec who stands. “No pet emergencies yet?”

  He smirks at me and drapes his arm around Rachel. “Not yet.”

  “I know what we should do,” Rachel exclaims.

  “What?” I ask.

  “We need to have a competition to see which side of the business earns the most.”

  I laugh. “You’re only suggesting that because you’re already winning.”

  She shrugs then grins. “You guys need to step up your game.”

  I turn toward Mitch. “Do you guys have any bulletin boards I could tack a flyer to at the apartment complex?”

  He nods. “There are two. One in the gym and one by the mailboxes.”

  “I’ll be right back,” I reply, turning toward the back and heading up the stairs to my place.

  A couple weeks ago, I designed a flyer to advertise the Critter Haven and Spa. I may have highlighted the boarding aspect a bit more than the grooming and hospital aspect; but it still looks good. Walking back into my place all by myself for the first time since the attack happened, I freeze. My throat is dry; the air pumping from my lungs scratches its way from me.

  There’s a new, solid steel door at the top of the stairs. My things have all been put back. Mitch’s blood has been cleaned; none of this matters. Being back in this space, I’m right back in that night.

  “Everything okay?” Mitch asks from behind me.

  I jump, screaming.

  “Shit, McKenzie. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  I dash toward him, shoving my face into his chest as his arms wrap around me. Neither of us speaks as I let the secure comfort of his embrace calm my nerves. His arms stay tight around me; and it hits me this is the first time he’s been back to my place since his stabbing. I’ve been here twice, both times with Rachel; the first time to pack a bag, the second to replenish what I packed with the things I forgot.

  I lift my head to look up at him. “Is it weird being here?”

  He raises one of his hands to cup the side of my face and shrugs.

  “I don’t have to sleep here tonight if no pets are being boarded. Can I stay with you again?”

  He nods, leaning down to kiss my forehead. “I can also stay here with you.”

  “You’d do that?’ I ask.

  “There isn’t much I wouldn’t do for you.”

  Before I can absorb this, a woof from behind Mitch gets our attention. Instead of releasing me, Mitch turns both of us to face Zeus.

  “Is Timmy in the well?” I joke and Zeus’ mouth opens, his tongue lolling out.

  At this, Mitch takes a step back from me. “He might need some water.”

  “Coming right up.” I turn and move past my island to the cabinets above my kitchen sink. Zeus comes to stand next to me while I fill a bowl with water for him.

  After I set it down on the floor by my feet, Mitch watches him drink before his eyes meet mine. “Thank you.”

  “He’s such a good dog.”

  He nods. “Best there is.”

  I walk toward the small shelf next to my table and grab the flyers I’d originally come up here for.

  Passing the stack to Mitch, I say, “What do you think?”

  His eyes coast left to right as he reads the top one, a smile ghosts his face when he finishes. “It’s good. Do you want me to put them up for you?”

  “You don’t mind?”

  He shakes his head. I pop up onto my toes and press my lips to his. The flyers fall from his hand and land on the sofa as he coils his arms around my waist, lifting me.

  I pull back, murmuring, “You shouldn’t.”

  He ignores me and captures my lips with his again.

  With his kisses and presence, he has lifted the anxiety that’s overwhelmed me in being back in my apartment. The three of us head back downstairs. Alec is talking to a woman holding a small pet carrier, a cat yowling angrily inside it. Rachel has her hands full as well, a leash in each hand as she leads two Golden Retrievers toward her grooming station.

  The Goldens struggle against her the moment they see Zeus. Luckily, Zeus does not seem bothered by their presence and makes no move to leave Mitch’s side.

  “I should go help,” I mutter, reaching to give his hand a squeeze before moving to help Rachel.

  “I’ll be here at twelve for lunch,” Mitch says, before he and Zeus disappear down the back hall.

  I spend the next three hours helping Rachel groom both Goldens, a Yorkie, and a longhaired Dachshund, man the phone, and cover walk-ins. Mitch and Zeus are a welcome relief when they come to pick me up.

  Mitch laughs as I lean heavily against Zeus once we’re all in his truck.

  “It’s been a long time since I’ve been on my feet for three hours straight,” I mumble, reaching up to scratch Zeus’ throat.

  I sigh happily, when Mitch reaches over Zeus to rub my shoulder gently.

  “Careful,” I yawn. “You keep that up and I’ll fall asleep before we reach the restaurant.”

  He ignores my threat and continues rubbing my shoulder and the back of my neck. Somehow, I manage to stay awake through all of this. After shifting his truck into park, he gives my shoulder a squeeze and I lift my head. We’re parked at a fifties style diner. Mitch’s family is already here, and they stand waiting next to their rental car.

  “What about Zeus?” I ask.

  “He should be fine. Cathy called to let them know he’d be with us.”

  “It’ll be nice once the weather cools off. We can just eat outside and not have to worry about it.”

  He nods and clips Zeus’ leash on.

  “Is that what you usually do?” I ask.

  He hesitates before replying, “I never went out much.”

  I watch as he gets out. Zeus hops after him before I open my door. He meets me at it and together, the three of us walk over to his family. We’re seated in a private room. I’m distracted through lunch. I can’t stop thinking about how Zeus is always with Mitch. I’ve had plenty of friends who’ve had dogs; but never before have I known someone to be as devoted as Mitch and Zeus are.

  Devoted, to the point of eating at places where Zeus can come as well. With Mitch’s injury, could Zeus be like a Seeing Eye dog but for an amputee?

  “What do you think?”

  I blink up at Mitch when I realize he’s asked me a question that I did not hear.

  I feign being tired as an excuse for zoning, admitting to his family that I almost fell asleep on the drive over.

  Mitch’s Aunt Cathy pats my hand and says, “Poor thing.”

  “My aunt wanted to know if we’d like to use her beach house in a couple of weeks because it isn’t rented.”

  “Oh,” I look at Cathy and then back to Mitch. “That’s such a sweet offer. I’m not sure though, with the Critter Haven and Spa just opening and all. I think Rachel and Alec will need me.”

  I look back at Cathy and add, “I can ask though.”

  She smiles and looks at Cindy, Mitch’s mom. I follow her eyes and notice Cindy grinning at Mitch and me, her eyes shining. After lunch, Mitch and his dad make plans for a tour of Gramercy Square.

  It’s been cool to hear how much Mitch does all by himself to maintain it. I haven’t decided if I’ll tell Rachel yet or not. Once she finds out how handy he is, she’ll probably put him to work helping remodel their house.

  His family follows us in their rental back to the Critter Haven and Spa so they can say hi to Rachel and Alec. When I offhandedly mention Mitch helped me paint my bedroom, his mom and sister ask if they can see it. This time, with Mitch behind me, I don’t experience the same terror I had at being in my apartment again.

  Cindy and Liz both compliment my decorating style and think Mitch and I did a great paint job. It’s fun to watch his reactions to their compliments. Some people seek out attention, who preen when it’s given, not Mitch; if anything, it embarrasses him. Having discovered, the hard way, the difference between a good man and a bad one, I like this about him.

&n
bsp; His presence is so reassuring. He makes me feel safe in a way that’s surreal considering Tyler came after me. Knowing that he’s out there somewhere and could still intend to harm me is scary. After the attack, both Mitch and I were granted restraining orders against Tyler. What use is a piece of paper against someone who came after me with a knife and a gun?

  He stabbed Mitch after the police arrived, so clearly he isn’t scared of them. I try not to dwell on that fact. Being in my space is what reminds me of it. I reach for Mitch’s hand. As his long fingers curl around mine, my mind settles.

  When I was with Tyler, I had hoped for this contentment. I had wished for what Rachel and Alec had; to the point where I tried to trick myself into believing, I had it with Tyler. Mitch is a puzzle, a beautifully complicated one.

  “I should be getting back,” I murmur, pulling away. “You guys can stay and keep looking around if you’d like.”

  Cindy shakes her head. “No, we’ll get out of your hair. We know you have to work, hon.”

  Before they leave, I get hugs from all of Mitch’s family and a kiss from Mitch. As much as I love the feel of his lips on mine, it’s weird doing it with an audience.

  “You guys are looking quite cozy.” Rachel slips her arm around my waist once they’ve left.

  “He’s my Alec,” I reply.

  She spins me to her, her mouth dropping. “You don’t think it’s a bit soon to say that?”

  I shake my head. “You knew the night you met Alec. I haven’t forgotten.”

  Her head turns in the direction of the door. “Are you sure?”

  “I am, but I don’t know if he feels the same way.”

  Her face snaps back to mine. “Are you kidding? That man was stabbed rescuing you. If that doesn’t prove what he feels about you, I’m not sure what will.”

  She does make a valid point.

  “So,” I change the subject. “You can say no, but is there any chance I might be able to have the week after next off?”

  Her eyes widen. “What for?”

  “Mitch’s aunt offered us her beach house since it isn’t rented that week.”

  Her mouth twists to one side as she considers this. “On one condition.”

  When she doesn’t elaborate, I ask, “And that condition is?”

  She grins. “Alec and I get the next week it’s free.”

  “Maybe after we hire another groomer,” I tease.

  She shrugs. “You could cover me.”

  My mouth drops. “Are you joking? I’m not getting anywhere near an animal with a pair of clippers.”

  She rolls her eyes. “You’re so dramatic.”

  “And, you have memory loss. I haven’t forgotten the times you needed to get stitches after being bit.”

  “Well, you do have a point there,” she admits.

  Circling back to my original question, I ask, “Are you sure you’re cool with me taking some time off so close to our opening.”

  She nods. “What’s the point of being the boss if I can’t help out my best friend? Besides, I was not joking about getting next dibs on that beach house. If we don’t have another groomer on staff by then, I’ll just reschedule any clients to the week after.”

  “Brilliant.”

  She flexes. “Now, come on; back to work. I need your help.”

  Six long hours later, we lock up the grooming and boarding side of the Critter Haven and Spa and go look for Alec. I fielded most of the walk-ins. While Rachel had the most clients, Alec had his share of furry patients to look after as well.

  When we find him, he’s finishing up with a dog who managed to eat a pair of socks. They were still balled up and giving the poor pup quite a tummy ache. Alec has hired three other vets to man the emergency care side of the business. Two will be on schedule Monday through Friday during normal business hours, and then all four of them rotate the overnight shifts where they are ‘on call.’

  This should keep any strangers from banging on the front door in the middle of the night going forward. We watch as Alec delivers the worn out sock muncher back to his people.

  As soon as they’re gone, he turns to us. “They’ll be back.”

  My eyes widen. “Do you think there’re more socks in his stomach?”

  He shakes his head.

  “Then why do you think they’ll be back?” Rachel asks.

  “That’s the third pair of socks he’s eaten this year.”

  “Good grief,” I laugh. “Don’t you think they’d be better about putting them away by now?”

  Rachel nods. “Seriously, that’s an expensive diet habit.”

  “Lucky for us, that expensive habit will help keep us in business,” Alec adds, moving to curl his arm around Rachel.

  For the first time, in much too long, there is no envy in my gut as I watch them, no long wishing I had what they have.

  “Speaking of,” he continues. “I saw a bunch of good looking dogs walking out of here today.” He lifts his hand for her to high five. Seriously, they are so cute. “It’s good to know my amazingly talented wife will provide for me if Chester stops eating socks.”

  She giggles and high fives him.

  “What are you guys doing tonight?” I ask, as we all head toward the back door.

  “All I want is to shower and go to bed,” Rachel answers.

  “I’m for that, plus a large serving of food,” Alec adds.

  “What about you?” Rachel asks.

  I glance up at the ceiling and mumble, “I think I’m going to go over to Mitch’s.”

  “No glove, no love,” Alec teases and Rachel smacks his stomach.

  “Did you tell him?” I shout.

  She shrugs, not concerned at all by my outburst. “I tell him everything and you shouldn’t be surprised about that by now.”

  She has a point, but I glare at her anyway which makes Alec laugh at both of us. I’ve forgiven her by the time I reach my Jeep, and we blow kisses to each other while Alec shakes his head at us. Since Mitch and I didn’t exactly make plans for tonight, I’m relieved to see his truck in the parking lot when I pull into Gramercy Square.

  Unfortunately, he is not in his apartment so I walk around to the leasing office to see if he’s there. The leasing agent, Diane is there, but on the phone. She smiles at me, and motions for me to go ahead and sit down in one of the seats in front of her desk. I do, pulling out my phone to text Mitch to let him know I’m here. I don’t have to wait long.

  He pulls open the door and, with Zeus in tow, comes over to me. I stand as soon as I see him and meet him halfway. He holds the door open for me and I turn to give Diane a goodbye wave before walking through it.

  McKenzie is naked in my shower, right now. It’s taking a lot of willpower not to join her. The fact that I’m picturing her dripping wet without a stitch of clothing on is not helping. My hands have explored her luscious curves, so it isn’t difficult to imagine her naked. Unfortunately, my plans to win her love do not involve jumping her in my tiny standup shower.

  I’m not ruling out the shower at her place for the future though. The lip of that tub will be perfect for leverage. Until then, I plan to take it slow with her. McKenzie has become very important to me. I want her to have the time to understand fully what being with me would be like. She’s tired after being on her feet all day. I hope what I have planned for her will be a fun surprise.

  The shower turns off, and I picture her soaking up the drips and trails of water from her body with her towel. She took her clothes into the bathroom with her, so now she’s probably clasping her bra or pulling her panties up her legs. Closing my eyes, I try in vain to focus on something other than McKenzie. You know you have it bad for a girl when you can even get turned on imagining them putting clothes on.

  To distract myself, I think of my earlier run in with First Sergeant McCoy. I had figured he’d find out about my stab wound eventually. I was hanging out by the pool with my family when he showed. I would have called him myself and told him I was stabbed if I kn
ew him seeing me with my family would get the reaction it did. For a man who could outtalk an auction house caller, he was stunned silent.

  Then, when my aunt told him about McKenzie, I feared his eyes might pop out of his head. After my injury, I pushed people away for more than one reason. He never gave up on me. I wasn’t ever part of his squadron and he still treated me like one of his own. I’ll never be able to repay him for arranging for Zeus to be placed with me. That doesn’t mean that before now, I wasn’t an ornery ass to him whenever he checked on me.

  When it was time for him to leave, I walked him to his car. He had me grinning outright when he admitted, dumbfoundedly, that maybe being stabbed was the best thing that could have happened to me. I grinned because he looked so confused when he said it. Before he left, he shook my hand and, with more emotion than I’ve ever heard from him before, he welcomed me back to the land of the living.

  “Is this okay for where we’re going?”

  I pop my head up to look at McKenzie, all thoughts of McCoy leaving me as I take her in. I’m not sure how she manages it, working all day; and even though she’s tired, she still looks like a goddess. She’s wearing a pair of black shorts with a striped tank top and sandals. Her hair is in a braid, falling over her shoulder and I can’t tell if she’s wearing makeup or not, maybe some stuff around her eyes. All in all, she looks gorgeous; and standing, so my legs can carry me to her, I let my actions tell her just how beautiful she is to me.

  As we walk out to the parking lot, I spy Frank Gayton on his balcony. His eyes slowly move over McKenzie’s frame, so I glare at him until he catches my eye and quickly looks away.

  “Who was that?” McKenzie asks once we reach my truck.

  “His name is Frank. Do me a favor and stay away from that guy.”

  Her eyes widen. “Is he bad news?”

  I shrug. “Something isn’t right with him. I can’t prove it, but Zeus was poisoned after I issued him a tenant warning.”

  She gasps and puts her hand on Zeus’ head. “Do you think he poisoned Zeus?”

  I pull out onto Gannon. “Just a hunch. Like I said, I’ve got no proof.”

  “Maybe we could search his apartment for clues.”