Lakeside Romance

by Lisa Jordan

  “My arm.” Her voice sounded as dry as the dirt caking her lips. “And my head.”

  “You hit the ground pretty hard.” He reached for her left hand and slid an arm around her shoulders. “Can you stand?”

  Leaning on him, she dug her feet into the ground and forced her legs to lift her. The second her right shoulder left the ground, a scream escaped from her throat. Multicolored spots danced in front of her eyes as darkness rushed through her head. Her stomach tossed again.

  “Someone call 911!” Alec’s shout close to her ears made her cringe.

  “I’m on the phone with them now,” Nate called out.

  Shouting increased the pulsing in her head. She wanted them to hush, but when she opened her mouth to say something, a wave of nausea crashed over her again. She swallowed several times to push the feeling down. Dropping to her knees, she vomited in the dirt.

  If only she could curl up in the grass and take a nap—long enough for the pain to stop.

  Alec pressed a wet cloth against her face. He stroked her hair off her forehead and then pressed her head against his shoulder.

  Wailing sirens in the distance grew louder until the noise threatened to crack her skull in half. Two uniformed EMTs knelt beside her and started asking her questions. She tried to mumble responses. Minutes later, they lifted her onto a gurney and rolled her into the back of the ambulance. She tried to sit up, tried to get Alec’s attention, but the sudden movement stole her breath. She fell back onto the pillow and closed her eyes. Darkness beckoned and offered sweet relief against the pain.

  * * *

  Waiting on word about Sarah was driving Alec nuts. He couldn’t erase the look of pain that had contorted her face...pain he’d caused. She was here because of him. He paced from the vending machines to the rose-colored vinyl chairs that formed a horseshoe shape around a glass table covered in dog-eared magazines in the Shelby Lake Memorial emergency department waiting room.

  Since her brother and sister-in-law waited in the exam room with her, he was stuck out here with Daniel and Toby. After the EMTs had loaded Sarah into the ambulance, he’d had no choice but to bring the boys to the emergency department with him. With their grandma still in the hospital and now Sarah injured, someone needed to keep an eye on them.

  No doubt they were as upset and tired of waiting as Alec.

  After getting another glare from the triage nurse, he dug a handful of change out of his pocket, fed quarters into the vending machine and punched the water button. He repeated the action two more times, then he grabbed the bottles and headed to the chairs, handing one to each of the boys.

  “Thanks,” they said in unison, taking the bottles. Toby twisted off the cap and guzzled his water while leafing through a past issue of Sports Illustrated.

  Daniel set his bottle in his lap before returning his focus to the TV, where a game show host called out to the audience, who responded with cheering and enthusiastic applause. He crossed his arms over his chest and slumped deeper into the chair, purposely turning away from Alec.

  Not that he could blame the kid. Maybe he should talk to him, but what could he say? He hadn’t been the most compassionate person to them.

  Truth be told, he’d been acting like a jerk.

  He could still keep his distance but perhaps offer a little comfort.

  Alec sat next to Daniel and sipped his water. At least it gave him something to do. The magazines held no appeal, and the TV gave him a headache. Leaning forward, he rested his elbows on his knees and looked at Daniel. “You okay?”

  Jaw tight, Daniel glanced at him, shrugged, then nodded. “Fine.” He sat straighter in the chair and looked toward the entrance of the emergency department. “What’s taking so long?”

  Alec sighed and shook his head. “No idea. If we don’t hear anything soon, I’ll check in with one of the nurses.”

  Daniel glared at Alec, then returned his eyes to the obnoxious game show. “We’d never hurt her.”

  Alec placed a hand on the kid’s shoulder, feeling him stiffen. “What happened on the field was an accident. It’s my fault she got hurt.”

  He shook off Alec’s hand and jumped to his feet, his fists knotted at his sides. “I’m not talking about that.”

  “Then what?”

  The kid’s chest rose and fell rapidly. “I heard what you said on the porch the other day.”

  Alec pushed to his feet, glanced at the other people in the waiting room watching their heated exchange and nodded to the door. They didn’t need an audience. “Let’s step outside if you want to talk, so we don’t disturb the others.”

  “Fine.” Daniel pushed his way through the chairs and stomped to the exit.

  After letting Toby know where he was headed, Alec followed Daniel.

  The afternoon heat slammed him in the face. A sheen of sweat slicked his skin. Alec glanced around looking for Daniel and found the kid sitting on a bench facing the Shelby River, which ran parallel to the hospital grounds.

  Alec sat next to him and reached for a leaf. Twirling it between his fingers, he asked the question hovering between them. “What did you hear me say?”

  “That you don’t trust us.”

  Alec exhaled slowly, then rubbed a thumb and finger over his eyelids. “Listen, man, it’s not about you...directly.”

  “You treat us like we have a disease. I don’t know why Sarah asked you to help us cook anyway. You don’t like being there. Why not bail if you hate us so much?”

  “I don’t hate you. Besides, I gave Sarah my word.”

  “Maybe she should give it back.”

  Alec laughed.

  “You think this is funny?”

  “No, kid, I don’t.”

  “I’m not a kid.”

  “Yes, you are. At least you should be. Listen, Daniel, I’m sorry. Okay? What I said to Sarah had nothing to do with you—I mean that.” He repeated the same story about Justin that he’d shared with Sarah at the beginning of the summer. Alec blinked several times, trying to erase the pictures from the past flickering in his head, and rubbed his hands together, suddenly feeling cold. His gut twisted.

  Silence floated between them until Daniel cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, man.”

  “Thanks. Me, too.”

  “It wasn’t your fault.”

  “So people keep saying. Justin didn’t see it that way.”

  “So I guess I get why you don’t like teenagers, but we’re not all like that punk, you know?”

  “You know, Daniel, my head agrees with you, but...” He paused and pounded on his chest, his throat thickening. “My heart is still struggling with the difference.”

  “So whatcha gonna do about it? You can’t go through life hatin’ on teenagers.”

  “I know. I’m trying.”

  Before Alec could continue, someone called their names. They stood and turned to find Toby standing outside the emergency department door, waving them in.

  They strode across the grass and parking lot and headed inside to find Caleb Sullivan, Sarah’s brother, standing in the waiting room. Alec went over to him and held out a hand. “Hey, man, how’s Sarah?”

  Caleb shook Alec’s hand. “She has a sprained wrist. X-rays showed no broken bones, not even a fracture.”

  Relief washed over him like a cool shower. The knots in his gut loosened. While annoying, her injuries were treatable. “Well, that’s good. What about her head?”

  “No concussion, but she has a nice goose egg. She’ll probably have a headache and end up with a colorful bruise.”

  “Wow, I’m surprised. What about the vomiting?”

  “Apparently she woke up not feeling well but didn’t want to back out of the game. Add in the heat, not drinking enough water and then that sweet homer I heard about—her body’d had eno
ugh. Probably heat exhaustion.”

  Alec’s mouth curved into a smile as he remembered how she’d rounded those bases. “Yeah, it was a nice hit. When will she be released?”

  “Zoe’s helping her get dressed now, so they’ll be out shortly.”

  “Great. I can give her a ride home. Her car’s still at the field.”

  “Actually Zoe mentioned taking her back to our house.”

  Alec glanced at Daniel and Toby watching their exchange. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and sighed. “Listen, I don’t want to get in the middle of a family decision, but if Sarah’s at your house, then who will keep the boys?”

  Caleb shot them a startled glance. “Oh, man, that’s right. Sorry, guys. With all the excitement, I had forgotten you were staying with Sarah for a couple of days. Of course, you can come, too. The house will be packed, but you guys can camp out in our son Griffin’s room.”

  Again, Alec hated to stick his nose where it didn’t belong, but Sarah’s best interests prodded him to speak up. “Do you think Sarah will get much rest with your little monkeys wanting to hang all over her? From what I hear, Auntie Sarah ranks up there with puppies and Disney princesses.”

  Caleb laughed and rubbed a hand over his jaw. “Right. I hear what you’re saying, but I don’t want her to be alone.”

  “She won’t be alone. The boys are pretty responsible, and I’ll be downstairs.”

  Caleb leveled Alec with a direct stare that forced him to break eye connect. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know what was going through the man’s head. “Dude, you seem awfully interested in my sister.”

  Alec rolled his eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous. I feel bad about what happened to her. That’s all.”

  “If that’s the story you’re sticking to—”

  “Knock it off, Sullivan—” He swallowed the rest of his words as Zoe and Sarah walked into the waiting room. Under the fluorescent lights, her skin was as washed out as the gray floor tiles. Her right arm was wrapped in a supportive bandage. A streak of dirt still marred her face, but it did little to detract from those high cheekbones or those meadow-green eyes.

  Alec greeted Zoe with a quick, one-armed hug before turning his attention to Sarah. “How are you feeling?”

  “Like I collided with a freight train...or a six-foot catcher.”

  Alec scowled. “I’m really sorry I hurt you.”

  “It was an accident. You’re not to blame.”

  “Would you like to go home?”

  “Yes, but Zoe mentioned going to their place.” Fatigue laced her words.

  Alec relayed his conversation with Caleb, and Sarah smiled. “Thanks. I love my nieces, but right now I want to sleep.”

  Alec placed a hand at the small of her back and guided her to the door. “Let’s get out of here, then.”

  After thanking Caleb and Zoe, they headed for the parking lot. Alec helped Sarah into the passenger seat while the boys piled into the back. He’d get them home so Sarah could relax for the rest of the night. Then he could remind himself she wasn’t his problem.

  Only he knew he wouldn’t sleep well tonight worrying about her.

  He pulled out of the parking lot, headed down Center Street, and less than five minutes later he turned into his driveway. Apparently it was long enough for Sarah to fall asleep. Must be the painkillers the doctor had given her.

  After parking the car, he opened her door and shook her gently. “Wake up, sleepyhead. We’re home.”

  Her eyelids fluttered as a sweet smile spread across her face. She palmed his cheek. “You’re cute.”

  He grinned. Yep, definitely the painkillers. Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, he guided her out of the car and up the stairs...sort of like helping a baby goat learning to walk.

  Once she was settled on her couch, he covered her with the knitted afghan tossed over the arm. “You sure you’ll be okay tonight?”

  “Yes, the boys will be here. I’ll figure out something for tomorrow.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “The boys are going to the movies with our church youth group. I’m supposed to chaperone, but I’ll call Nate to get someone to cover me.”

  “So you’ll be alone?”

  “Just in the evening, but I can hang out at my brother’s. The girls think I’m kind of fun.”

  Not just the girls.

  Instead of dwelling on that sudden thought and before common sense kicked in, he spoke. “How about if we hang out at my place? I’ll cook dinner, and then we can watch My Fair Lady.”

  “Will there be popcorn?”

  “As long as you’re not making it.”

  She stuck her tongue out at him. “One little smoke alarm...”

  “You’re gaining some pretty good cooking skills, but I don’t know if you’re a popcorn master just yet.”

  Sarah’s eyelids fluttered. “Alec?”

  “What?”

  “Tell me something.” Her voice slurred.

  “Anything.”

  “Was I safe?”

  Alec resisted brushing a kiss across her forehead. “Most definitely.”

  She closed her eyes, a smile curving her mouth. Seconds later, her breathing evened out.

  He reached into his wallet and pulled out a business card, handing it to Daniel. “Give me a call if you need anything. I’ll bring up some dinner for you guys in a bit.”

  “Thanks, will do.”

  Alec closed the door behind him and headed down the steps. Tomorrow’s dinner and movie was not a date. Just helping out a friend.

  How many times would he have to repeat it for his heart to believe it?

  Chapter Nine

  Why was Alec so nervous?

  He’d been alone with Sarah before. Many times. So what made tonight any different?

  Staring at his reflection in the mirror, Alec adjusted the rolled cuffs of his blue-and-white-striped button-down shirt for the third time. He gave his hair a final brush, then left the bathroom, flicking off the light.

  The oven timer dinged, setting off a trail of firecrackers inside his chest. A knot coiled in the pit of his stomach. Maybe this was a mistake.

  He fished his phone out of his back pocket, thumbed through his contacts to find Sarah’s number and then hovered a moment over her name.

  What was he going to do? Call and cancel? For what reason? Because he was a big chicken? Afraid to put himself out there? Or more specifically—his heart?

  The doorbell rang. His heart skittered across his ribs. Stowing his phone, he wiped his sweaty palms on the thighs of his jeans and pushed out a slow breath.

  He opened the door and smiled, about to greet Sarah, only to find Billy, his brother-in-law, standing on his welcome mat. His baseball hat shaded his face. “What’s up, man?”

  Billy lifted a hand, then shoved it in his jeans front pocket. “Was in the neighborhood and stopped in to see how you’re doing.”

  Alec glanced over Billy’s shoulder, then turned his eyes to his brother-in-law. “Hey, I appreciate the drop-in, but now’s not a great time.”

  “You got a date?” Billy snickered and punched Alec playfully on the shoulder.

  “Not...exactly.”

  Billy stilled, then a smile spread across his face. “But a girl is involved.”

  “No. I mean, yes, but it’s not like that. Sarah’s...uh...a friend.” Alec fidgeted with his shirt cuffs again.

  “Wait a minute.” Billy jerked his thumb toward the other apartment. “Sarah as in the cute chick who lives upstairs? The one who set off the smoke alarm with the popcorn?”

  “How about I give you a call tomorrow?”

  “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “No, I didn’t. Good night, man.”

 
Billy gave him a sly look. “Yeah, whatever. Give me a call, dude. And have fun tonight.” He waggled his eyebrows, shoved his hands in pockets and ambled off the porch, whistling.

  Alec exhaled loudly and started to shut the door when he heard Sarah coming down her stairs. He went over to her door and opened it as her foot touched the last step.

  His breath caught in his throat as his chest tightened. Her yellow sundress brushed the tops of her knees, giving her skin a sun-kissed look. A coffee-colored necklace made of wooden beads hung around her neck and a matching slim leather belt cinched her waist. Red sandals—wedges—isn’t that what his sister called them?—gave her an additional two inches.

  One look at her and Alec realized this was most definitely a date. And for the first time since last night, he was glad he hadn’t followed through and canceled.

  Clearing his throat, he found his voice. “You look lovely.”

  “Thanks. I’m probably overdressed.” She lifted her wrapped wrist. “This was the easiest thing in my closet to put on.”

  “How’s the arm?”

  She shrugged. “Fine, as long as I don’t move it. The boys wouldn’t let me do anything today.”

  “Good. We’ll have to be careful, then.” He offered his elbow and then held the door for her, leading her into his house.

  Once she settled on his leather couch, he excused himself and headed for the kitchen. He turned on the faucet, splashed cold water on his face, then dried it with a paper towel.

  “Can I do anything?”

  He jumped and spun around, surprised to find her behind him in the kitchen. “Nope, got it under control. Want some iced tea?”

  “Sure, sounds great. Thanks.” She hesitated in the doorway.

  “Have a seat on the couch, and I’ll bring it in.”

  Ice snapped and popped as he filled two glasses and carried them into the living room, then set them on the coffee table in front of the couch.

  Sarah turned away from his built-in bookcases flanking the fireplace. “Impressive book and DVD collections. Lots of oldies.”

  “Uncle Emmett, Granddad and I watch movies together every Sunday afternoon. Granddad prefers John Wayne films while Emmett’s a huge Clint Eastwood or Sam Elliott fan.”