Tyler didn’t respond.
Dallas stared at him over her glass. Her eyes twinkled with mischief. “Well, I’ll be. The strong and sexy, Tyler Hollister, is afraid of a harmless little lady.”
He stood, took his plate to the sink and rinsed it. “I wasn’t afraid. And there is nothing little or harmless about that woman!”
Dallas laughed. “Is that why you ran? She was too much for you.”
“I’m glad you find this amusing. How would you feel if you said no to a man and he wouldn’t stop but had his hands all over you?”
She wasn’t laughing now. As a matter of fact, her downcast eyes caused him to pause. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have yelled. I—”
“No, no, you’re right,” she said. “When a woman says no, she expects the man to stop. Men should be given that same respect. I apologize if I made light of an uncomfortable situation.”
Tyler reclaimed his seat next to her. “It’s not exactly what you think. I told her upfront I wasn’t interested in anything but escorting her to the banquet. She didn’t attack me.” A small smile curved his lips. “She made a few harmless passes, but nothing I couldn’t handle. I just wasn’t interested.”
“I don’t know, Tyler. Maybe you shouldn’t be so hard on her. I have to be honest with you. There was a moment this evening I wanted to have my hands all over you too. You were looking pretty hot tonight. I can understand why she had a hard time controlling herself.”
A wide grin spread across his face and he cleared his throat. “Well, anytime you can’t control yourself, go for it. I won’t fight you off.” He joked.
“Ha, thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Tyler grabbed her empty plate and took it to the sink. “How about watching a movie with me tonight?”
“Sure, why not?”
Dallas and Tyler lounged in the theater room after the movie ended. Each caught up in their thoughts as soft jazz flowed through the dimly lit space.
“Dallas.” Tyler shifted in the red leather seat to face her. “In the kitchen earlier, when we talked about how no means no, you looked a little uncomfortable. Did something happen in your past?”
Time stood still as he waited, hoping she’d finally trust him enough to share her thoughts and fears.
“In grad school,” she finally said, “I got involved with a man who manipulated every aspect of my life. It almost broke me.” She stared down at the clenched fist in her lap. Tyler could see how difficult it was for her to share this information, but she continued. “His verbal abuse and … well, anyway, I felt insecure and helpless. I promised myself then, I’d never allow a man to have power over me again.”
“Did you love him?”
She forced a smile. “I thought I did. But looking back, I know I didn’t. It was like I didn’t have a mind of my own. Even with his arrogance and condescending attitude, I let him talk to me any kind of way. It was months before I noticed I didn’t control my own thoughts, and did very little without guidance from him.”
“I’m surprised. One of the things I love most about you is your strong will and self-confidence. I wouldn’t have ever guessed you weren’t always like you are now.”
“Oh, don’t get me wrong. I grew up headstrong to the point of my mother threatening to send me away many times,” she chuckled. “But with this guy … I was different. It’s hard to explain. Tyler, he had a hold on me, and I don’t mean in a good way.”
His heart tightened against his chest. “Baby, I hope you know I would never…”
Dallas touched his arm. “What you and I have is special,” she said and reached for his hand. “You respect me and treat me like I’m the most important person in the world. With this guy, I’m not even sure he liked me, or if he just got his kicks out of being able to control me.”
She bit her bottom lip nervously. Tyler wanted to know more, but didn’t push. He lifted her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist. “I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories. I’d never intentionally hurt you.”
“I know, and that’s one of many reasons why I lo…,” she stopped and looked away.
A knowing smile spread across his face. “Dallas, look at me.” With a finger beneath her chin, he turned her to face him. “I know you have some feelings for me. And now I have a better idea why you’ve been fighting those feelings. What I don’t understand is, why not give us another chance? I’m not the person who hurt you back in grad school.” Dallas turned from him then struggled to stand due to the awkwardness of the cast, but Tyler wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his lap. “Talk to me, sweetie.” He kissed her neck below her ear.
“I can’t let myself do that again.”
“Baby, I’m not him. Don’t hold what he did to you against me.”
“Tyler, I don’t want to get hurt. That time in my life was so horrible I didn’t think I’d ever recover. Once I did, I promised myself I would take care of me and accomplish my goals. When you and I dated, I wasn’t looking for anything serious. But I got so caught up in us, that I temporarily forgot about me, what I’d been through, and my goals. I can’t say when, or if, I’ll ever be ready for what you’re asking of me. Can you understand that?”
He stared down at her beautiful face and nodded. If only he could get his hands on the bastard who had ruined her for anyone else. He sighed and rested his head against hers. Well, at least I got her to almost tell me she loved me. Now I need to find a way to get her to trust me with her heart.
****
Days later, Dallas shuffled into the living room and stopped short. The sight before her took her breath away. Dozens of vases filled with white, yellow, and red roses were scattered around the room. “What in the world?” There were more flowers than she could count.
“I told you it was something you’d have to see to believe. They arrived about two minutes ago.” Skylar beamed. “It took three guys to bring them all in.”
The sweet, earthy fragrance drew Dallas further into the room. “Oh my goodness these are amazing.” She moved first to a vase that held yellow roses with orange edges and inhaled the magnificent scent.
“Here’s the card.” Skylar scooped it up from on top of the baby grand piano and handed it to her.
Dallas leaned heavily on one of her crutches and pulled the card out of the envelope. Happy Birthday, baby. Clear your schedule for this evening because you and I have big plans. Tyler.
“I can’t believe your brother remembered,” she said softly, still staring down at the card.
“Remembered what?”
Dallas looked up. “My birthday.”
Skylar’s hands flew to her hips. “Why didn’t you tell me? Happy Birthday.” She hugged her, and then stepped back and looked at her with all the love of a beloved sister and hugged her again.
Dallas laughed. “Girl, you’re crazy, but thank you,” she said, steadying herself on her crutches as the doorbell rang.
“Let me see who that is. Be right back.” Seconds later, Skylar returned with another vase of roses. “Wow, I didn’t know they made blue roses. These are exquisite.”
Dallas gasped and stumbled back. An icy fear traveled from the top of her head to the soles of her feet, and her crutches crashed to the floor.
Skylar grabbed her around the waist before she hit the floor. “Girl, the flowers are pretty, but I didn’t expect that reaction. You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Are you okay?” She helped Dallas to the sofa and sat next to her.
Still breathing hard Dallas didn’t respond. She couldn’t. Small beads of perspiration formed on her forehead and she struggled to catch her breath. It was as if someone had a relentless grip around her neck, cutting off her air supply. She had seen blue roses before, and it didn’t matter how beautiful they were, she detested them and the person who used to give them to her. God, please let them be from Tyler.
As if reading her mind, Skylar said, “Looks like there’s another card.” She plucked the card from the flowers. “Here.”
&
nbsp; With a hand on her chest, Dallas shook her head vigorously. “No. You read it. Better yet, don’t read it. I don’t need to know what it says.”
“Dallas, what’s wrong? You don’t look too good. Here,” she grabbed a throw pillow, “lie down for a moment and I’ll go get you some water and a hand towel. You’re sweating like crazy.” She put the card on the table, near the sofa, and rushed out of the room.
Dallas picked up the card. She hesitated, took a few deep breaths and then read it. I want you back. “Oh, dear God,” she cried. The card trembled in her hands and tears trickled down her cheeks. Mark. It can’t be. When she heard Skylar returning, she shoved the card into her pants pocket and wiped her face.
“Where are you going?” Skylar asked when Dallas struggled to stand.
“Can you help me upstairs? I need to lay down for awhile.”
After Skylar left her alone in her room, Dallas called Simone, who picked up on the first ring.
“Happy birthday, my sister! I would sing to you, but someone once told me that I should stick with my day job and let those who can carry a tune do the singing.”
“Simone,” Dallas said just above a whisper.
“Dallas, what is it?”
Dallas swiped at the tears that wouldn’t stop. “I received blue roses today.”
Silence. “Surely you don’t think…”
“No one else in this world sends blue roses,” she spat out bitterly. On their first date, Mark Darley had given her blue roses and continued to send them for every special occasion throughout their time together.
“I don’t understand. Why now? And how could he possibly know you’re at Tyler’s?”
Dallas massaged her temples. “I don’t know.” Her tears had stopped, but it felt like a jackhammer was pounding in her head. For a person who rarely had headaches, she’d had quite a few since the accident, which her doctor said was to be expected after having a mild concussion.
“Did you tell Tyler?”
“I can’t. He doesn’t know about Mark; and I plan to keep it that way. Mark is my past and that’s where he’s going to stay.”
“You have to tell Tyler about the flowers. What are you afraid of?”
“Nothing. I…I…I’m probably overreacting. I don’t even know if Mark sent them. They might’ve been delivered by accident.”
“Like you said, no one else sends blue roses. Dallas, what if Mark is the one who left that note in the mailbox a couple of weeks ago, or worse, the person who put you in the hospital? You have to tell Tyler.”
Chapter Eleven
“Man, I’m glad you’re here,” Skylar said when Tyler entered the house. “I think something’s wrong with Dallas.”
“What?” He dropped his things near the door and took off his suit jacket, tossing it over one of the kitchen chairs. “Where is she?”
“In her room.”
“Why didn’t you call me?” he asked over his shoulder and moved toward the stairs.
“I tried, but wait. Before you go up there I need to show you something.” She led him into the living room.
“Sky, if Dallas is sick I…” he started, but stopped when she handed him the vase with the dozen blue roses. He turned the vase several times as he inspected the flowers in awe. The dark blue petals with their exotic look were like no other flower he’d ever seen. “Wow, these are amazing, but I didn’t order them. Hell, I didn’t even know blue roses existed. But now that I know I mig—”
“Well, if you plan to buy any in the future, don’t buy any for Dallas,” Skylar said dryly. “She almost fainted when she saw them.”
His eyes narrowed and he sat the flowers down. “What?”
“She hyperventilated when I walked in with those flowers. She looked spooked. You should’ve seen her. I promise you her face turned two shades lighter. It was the weirdest thing I’d ever seen. Mind you, she was perfectly fine before I brought those flowers in here.”
Tyler ran a hand over his mouth and down his goatee. “Did they come with a card?”
“Yep.” Skylar searched the space. “I placed it here on the table before I left the room, but I don’t see it. Maybe Dallas took it upstairs with her.”
“You should’ve called me.”
With her hands on her hips, Skylar glared at him. “I told you I tried. Your phone kept going to voice mail.”
He pulled his cell from his belt, glanced at it, and then looked at his sister sheepishly. “Sorry. Dead.”
She rolled her eyes. “Anyway, I called the florist who delivered your flowers and the owner said they don’t carry blue roses. What’s interesting, though, is that she said most places don’t sell them because of the work involved to get them blue. Can you believe those are white roses dyed blue?”
Tyler touched one of the petals expecting some of the color to come off on his finger tips, but nothing. So if his florist didn’t deliver them by accident, then who else sent Dallas flowers?
****
He paced at the foot of her bed like a caged animal. She knew he’d be upset, but she had no idea he’d carry on like this. She didn’t know which was worse, his marching back and forth in front of her with his fists balled at his sides or listening to him rant and rave about how much she’d disappointed him. As if he were the only one hurting.
“I can’t stand to look at you right now. You’ve ruined everything,” he growled through gritted teeth as he approached the left side of the bed. “I have worked my butt off trying to set up a good life for us, but that has never been good enough for you has it? With your one track mind to make partner, you probably let this happen on purpose!”
Dallas reared back as if she’d been struck. His caustic words were like a scalpel scraping against her bones. How could someone who claimed to love her treat her like this? She’d already lost so much, yet all he could think about was himself. “You know that’s not true. How can you blame me for this?” she cried. “I wanted this more than you’ll ever know.”
“No, you didn’t!” He grabbed and shook her. “Stop lying. You tried to do this. It was your way of defying me wasn’t it? Answer me, dammit! Wasn’t it?” He shook her harder but she fought back.
“Stop! You’re hurting me!” she screamed. “Stop! Let me go!”
“Dallas. Dallas, wake up. You’re having a bad dream. Baby, wake up.”
Dallas continued to fight until she recognized Tyler’s voice calling out to her. “Dallas, wake up,” she heard him say again, and her eyes flew open. She lunged into his arms as deep sobs racked her insides like never before.
The dream seemed so real. The memories. The fear. The anger. Everything came flooding back. Over the years, working long hours had helped to suppress the hole in her heart. But seeing those blue roses brought all the pain and heartache back.
Hearing Tyler call her name, she finally looked at him. Despite the tears clouding her view, she could see the concern on his face.
She eventually pulled herself together, but it felt like she’d been run over by a semi-truck. Her eyes burned, her head throbbed and her body ached. If only she could’ve met this kind, gentle man who was now cradling her in his strong arms, first.
****
Tyler didn’t know what to think when he found Dallas thrashing against her pillows. He reached out to wake her only to have her fighting him with balled fists. And damn if she didn’t hit hard. He still could feel a twinge in his right shoulder blade.
He wiped the last of her tears and noticed some of the tension had left her body. “Are you okay?”
She blew out a weary breath. “Yeah. I’m sorry about all of this.”
“Hey, don’t apologize. I’m glad I was here. That must’ve been some dream. Do you want to talk about it?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“Do you remember any of it?”
“No.”
Tyler stared at her. “You don’t remember anything about it?”
“No. I don’t,” she said, her attention locked on
the crumpled tissue in her hand.
He could tell by the lack of eye contact that she was lying, but why? “Dallas, did the dream have anything to do with the blue roses that came today?” He felt her stiffen in his arms. “Well, tell me this. Who else besides me is sending you flowers, because I sure as hell didn’t send any blue roses?”
She glared at him and shook out of his grasp. “I don’t know who sent them, and I don’t appreciate you talking to me like that.”
He moved closer to her and turned her to face him. “I’m not sure what’s going on with you right now, but let me tell you something. I don’t like to share! And I don’t plan to share you. Honey, I love you. You might not be ready to hear me say it, but I do. If you have someone in the wings, you need to tell me now. So, who sent the flowers?”
“Tyler.” She glided her soft hand down his cheek until he stopped her, covering her hand with his. “I don’t know who sent them … and it doesn’t matter because there is no one else.”
Without breaking eye contact, he lifted her small hand, turned it and kissed the inside of her wrist. “I hope you know you can trust me. Whatever’s going on, I’m here for you.” He kissed her lips and pulled back to see eyelashes laced with tears.
He leaned in closer and allowed his hand to travel down the back of her head to the curve of her neck. He’d told himself to follow her lead and not rush her into anything, but God if he didn’t want to kiss her. Their eyes held for a second before he moved his mouth over hers and eased her back against the pillows. What started as a gentle kiss, turned into passion filled tongue aerobics. He couldn’t get enough of her. Even with her trembling in his arms, she pulled him closer, deepening their connection. The caress of her lips on his mouth sent the rest of his body into a tailspin, and he held on for the ride.
“No wonder Mom wanted you to have a babysitter while Dallas was staying here,” Skylar said from the doorway.
Blue Roses (Reunited Series) Page 10
