“I don’t mind it for myself, but I hate inflicting this nightmare on other people. Why does my problem have to be so…so public? Seizures make people uncomfortable. It changes the way they look at me.”
“It doesn’t change the way I look at you.”
She had to make him understand. Darcy sat up abruptly and moved to sit beside him. “You’ve only seen one. I’m not always sitting on a couch when it happens, and I don’t usually have a man conveniently close by to keep me from falling off the couch.” Her hands worked themselves into a knot in her lap. “Now you know why I don’t date. I’m a ticking time bomb that goes off suddenly without warning. It’s too much to ask someone to deal with.”
“You don’t have to ask. You have someone right here who’s volunteering for the job.”
Her eyes met his briefly and then fell. “I can’t let you do that.”
“Can’t or won’t?” He leaned over and kissed her softly. “One day you’ll stop running. When you do, I’m going to be here.”
* * * * *
Matt looked across the living room at the man he called ‘Dad’ but whose presence in his life had been tenuous at best. They’d just returned from dinner at Eric’s house. In an effort to ease the pressure of an already tense situation, Matt had suggested his father stay with him.
The still-handsome features gave little insight into the person underneath. Mark Gibson had always been a law unto himself; having neither the desire nor the need to explain his actions. With his usual penchant for secrecy, he gave few details on the demise of his third marriage.
There was, however, something different about him this time. Matt wasn’t sure his father was capable of regret; this seemed more like resignation. Had meeting his first grandchild stirred some long forgotten sense of familial feeling in his cold heart? Or was he simply tiring of the game he’d played relentlessly for thirty years?
His abrupt appearances in their lives were tolerated because that’s what their mother would have wanted. There was certainly no other bond between father and sons. It was to Eric that Matt had looked for guidance during those formative years when a boy learns what it means to be a man.
“I thought Sarah might be here tonight,” his father said, breaking the silence. “Did she have to work?”
Here comes a critique on how to handle women from someone who thinks he’s an expert. “Sarah and I aren’t together anymore.”
His father shook his head. “That’s a few years of your life you’ll never get back. Why’d she leave? Didn’t she like the idea of living on a millionaire’s estate?”
“How do you know she left me?”
“Because you and Eric have the same fatal flaw. You fall in love. When you do that, you become the victim.”
Matt shook his head in disbelief. “Do you honestly view love as an adversarial relationship? I’ve been giving you too much credit.”
“Love makes you weak; it gives someone else power over you. It’s one of the worst things that can happen to a person.”
“Who is she?”
Mark moved restlessly in his chair. “What are you talking about?”
“Who’s this woman who’s had the nerve to make you a victim?”
“We’re not discussing me. If you don’t want to talk about Sarah, then don’t.”
“There’s nothing to talk about with Sarah. She’s been out of my life for months. If you want to continue to deny the obvious, that’s fine with me. I’m used to it.” Matt stood up and walked over to the window to close the blinds. “The guestroom is the second door on the right down the hall. The bathroom is across from it. There’s coffee, eggs, bacon and cereal for breakfast.” Without another word, he left the room. He was in the kitchen looking at his schedule when he heard movement behind him.
“Her name is Clarice.”
Without turning around, Matt said, “Pretty name. Where did you meet her?”
“At the grocery store. She works the ten-items-or-less line. She’s so out of my league that it’s laughable.”
Out of his father’s league? Incredible. The man’s ego was enormous. Matt slowly turned to face him. “I’m not sure what you mean by that.”
“She’s good and decent - like your mother. Her first husband died about ten years ago. She’s got two children; one’s married and the other’s in college. She’s forty-five, but looks thirty-five. She’s into knitting, gardening and ballroom dancing. This isn’t the type of woman who would ever get involved with someone like me.”
He was right about that. “How did you learn all this about her?”
His father’s cheeks reddened. “I got a job at the same store.”
“You’ve been working in a grocery store?”
“Like I said, love makes you weak.”
“Have you asked her out?”
“I’m too afraid she’ll refuse.”
Matt leaned against the counter, unable to stop the shock from showing on his face. “I never thought I’d ever hear you say that.”
Mark shrugged. “Just enjoy the novelty of me getting what I deserve. It’s been a long time coming.”
“It sounds like you’re friends with her. There’s no better place to start a relationship than that.”
His father smiled distantly. “What about you? Are you taking a one year sabbatical from women the way Eric did?”
“Let’s not make fun of Eric. Julie is proof enough that he knew what he was doing. But, to answer your question, I am seeing someone. Depending on how long you stick around, you’ll probably get to meet her.”
“I have to be back at work on Saturday.”
“Where is this job, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“In Savannah.”
Matt’s jaw dropped open. “You’ve been in Savannah all this time?”
“Brianna and I bought a house there. After the divorce, she went back to Texas and I stayed there.”
“You told Eric you were in St. Louis.”
“Why are you surprised? Lying about my whereabouts is what I do best.”
“Why did you need to lie at all?”
“Habit, I guess.”
There didn’t seem to be anything to say to that. “I’m going to lock up and go to bed. I’ve got a long day tomorrow.”
Matt closed the door of his room, grabbed his crutches and walked over to sit down in the chair by the bed. This has been a night of surprises. That was the most he’d talked to his father in years. From the sound of things, Mark Gibson was finally starting to grow up and think about someone other than himself.
As his fingers worked to remove the prosthesis, he decided he’d devoted enough thought to his father’s social life. It was time to think about his. A smile tugged at his lips as he grabbed his phone.
* * * * *
Darcy put down the hair brush and picked up the new bottle of lotion she’d purchased at Bath and Body Works earlier in the day. It was called Butterfly Flower. Not even to herself would she admit that she’d selected it with Matt in mind. He was always telling her how good she smelled.
One day you’ll stop running. When you do, I’m going to be here.
She hadn’t been able to forget those words. As much as she tried to harden her heart against them, they persisted in getting through, teasing her with the promise of something she never thought to have. His remarks chipped away at her doubts and swept aside her inhibitions just as his actions ripped away her objections and weakened the defensive arguments she’d hidden behind for so long. How could she continue to resist someone whose tenacity equaled her own?
She applied a small dot of off-white cream to her arms. The scent reminded her of the time she’d been in South Florida on vacation and the orange blossoms had been in bloom. After a slight hesitation, she put some lotion on her neck. Matt seemed to like kissing her there. Who was she kidding? She liked it, too.
The sound of her phone vibrating on the counter ended those thoughts. She’d forgotten to take it off silent mode after her shop
ping trip with Alison. A dreamy expression entered her eyes. It had been fun looking at wedding dresses, and even more enjoyable helping her friend try them on. Each one was more beautiful than the last. Darcy didn’t know which one she preferred; they all made Alison look like a princess.
Walking over, she glanced down at the screen.
Did I miss anything exciting at rehearsal?
The smile on her lips deepened as she picked up the phone.
Well, the alarm in the building went off, and it took forever for someone to figure out how to make it stop. I think my hearing has been permanently damaged. How was your day?
Not as exciting as yours. I ran out of gas at the furthest point from the trailer, accidentally mowed over a water hose, and rescued Eric from an overly aggressive widow.
Did your Dad get here?
Yes. He’ll be in town through Friday. He’s staying at my house. Are you an early riser?
It depends.
Can I talk you into getting up early tomorrow? Say around six?
I guess I could do that. How should I dress?
Something suitable for outside. Like those jean shorts you had on yesterday. On second thought, maybe not the jean shorts. They were distracting to say the least.
Okay, no jean shorts. Should I eat first?
No. I’ll take care of breakfast.
This all sounds very mysterious.
All will be clear in the morning. I’ll see you at six.
Darcy slid her arms into her robe and went downstairs. Her father was in the living room watching Monday Night Football. She found her mother in the dining room doing something on her laptop.
“Checking your emails?” she asked as she came into the room.
“I’m getting caught up with Facebook.”
“I wanted to let you know that Matt’s picking me up at six in the morning.”
“Where are you going that early?”
“He didn’t tell me anything except that it’s outside.”
“Probably to the beach. Make sure you take some sunscreen. You burn easily.”
“I will. I’ll need to bring my medicine, too.”
“Try not to stare too much if he takes off his shirt.”
Did her old-fashioned mother really say that? “I’ve seen muscular guys before.”
Her mom laughed. “It’s different when they’re with you.”
“Is that a reference to when Dad was a lifeguard at the pool?”
“Could be. He did have all the girls chasing after him. I couldn’t believe it when he singled me out.”
Darcy bent down and kissed her cheek. “It just shows what a smart man he is.”
“I like to think so. Have fun tomorrow.”
Chapter Eight
Matt watched Darcy’s face as they pulled into the parking lot adjacent to the causeway. It went from confusion to dawning realization to happiness all in a matter of seconds. She turned in her seat to look at him.
“I thought we were going to the beach.”
“We’ll do that another time. I’ve been wanting to take you fishing ever since you mentioned coming here with your father.”
She reached over and lightly touched his arm. His eyes dropped to where her hand, small and pale, rested against his tanned skin. A familiar wave of longing swept over him.
“I’m glad you thought of it. I haven’t gone fishing in a long time.”
That’s what they were here to do. Fish. He needed to stop thinking about how much he’d like to kiss each one of her fingers and then work his way up her bare arm to her shoulder. Taking a deep breath, he said, “I brought a few rods and reels for you to choose from.”
“This is going to be fun.” Darcy removed her hand to unbuckle the seatbelt.
He grinned as he exited the truck, opened the silver tool box behind the cab, and pulled out several fishing rods. She joined him and immediately pointed to a red one.
“I’ll use that one.”
Matt laughed. “You haven’t even felt the weight or checked the reel.”
“It doesn’t matter. I like the color.”
“I shouldn’t be surprised by that. Julie does the same thing.” He reached around her to open the back door of the truck. Then he slung the straps of two portable chairs over his shoulder and grabbed a large box before closing the door with his foot. “If you can get the rods and the tackle box, I’ll get the rest.”
“Are you sure? I can carry the chairs.”
“I’m sure you can, but I’m doing it today.”
In spite of the early hour, there were already several people spread out along the bridge. As they made their way to one of the few open spots, Matt knew the attention they were getting wasn’t because of his leg. It was his companion who was making all the heads turn.
After they were seated, he asked, “Would you like some hot chocolate?”
“With marshmallows?”
“Given our history, do you think I would offer you hot chocolate without marshmallows?”
“I guess not.”
He poured a cup from a thermos and then handed her a bag of marshmallows. “Go for it,” he said, laughing as she covered the entire surface of the chocolate with them. “I also picked up a few things for us to munch on.” He opened the lid of a Starbucks box. “Breakfast is served.”
Darcy looked inside. “Wow, this is some selection.”
His eyes danced with amusement. He knew what he wanted for breakfast, and it wasn’t muffins or scones. “I wasn’t sure what you liked.”
“The blueberry muffin is calling me.” She peeled off the top, flipped it over and took a bite. “Did you take off work today?”
Never had he wanted to do so more than right now. “No. I’m meeting Eric at ten.”
“Mom and I are cleaning out the attic this afternoon in preparation for a neighborhood yard sale on Saturday.”
“It’s not all day, is it? I can’t imagine watching football without you now.”
Darcy smiled as she put down the muffin to take a drink. “I think the yard sale ends at three.”
“That’s okay, then.” He threw her a teasing glance. “Kissing after every score has added an extra level of excitement to the games.”
“I thought we should have kept it to touchdowns, but you changed it to include field goals. What’s next? First downs?”
“That would be like that saying, ‘I was at a fight and a hockey game broke out.’ In our case, it would be we were kissing and a football game broke out.”
She looked at the water and then back at him. “Thank you for doing this. It was sweet and thoughtful and romantic and just really nice.”
He laid his hand over hers where it rested on the arm of the chair. “I did it because you’re sweet, thoughtful, romantic and really, really nice.”
Darcy turned her hand over and linked her fingers through his. “Are we still on for babysitting this Friday?”
“Since that’s my dad’s last night here, Eric postponed taking Julie out.”
“Your dad sounds like an interesting person.”
“That’s one way of describing him. He was well liked by the men who worked for him, but I still don’t feel as if I know him.” Matt put down his cup. “Let’s see if we can catch any fish. I like to use night crawlers. I also have some lures if you prefer those.”
“My dad and I always used live bait.”
He reached for a white Styrofoam container. “Since you’re still eating, I’ll bait the hook for you.”
“Thank you.”
Two hours later, they were packing up to leave. For Matt, the most enjoyable part of their time together hadn’t been dominated by conversation or anything to do with fishing. It had been the three or four times he’d caught Darcy watching him. What he glimpsed in those unguarded moments gave him hope that she was beginning to believe in him and in the possibility of a them.
* * * * *
Darcy entered the house with practiced stealth, the heat from Matt’s goodnight k
iss still lingering on her lips. Spending time with him was definitely habit-forming. Before today, she’d only seen him once since their fishing trip and that had been at rehearsal. But even then, he’d had to leave immediately afterward to help Eric install a new dishwasher.
It had been a pleasant surprise to hear from him this morning asking if she’d like to continue her efforts in his office. Of course, the trip from Cason’s house (where he’d picked her up after mowing the yard) had included a detour for hot fudge sundaes during which he’d imparted the news that his father was spending the afternoon elsewhere. His emphasis on the fact that they’d be alone had made her wonder how much work she’d actually get done.
In this supposition, she was half right. Matt left her to her own devices for the length of time it took him to take a shower. From that point, he found several urgent reasons for needing her attention. In spite of these interruptions, she managed to finish setting up a system to track receipts and expenses for his landscape company.
Training him how to use the program was somewhat challenging. He was more computer literate than he’d let on, but as a student, he showed a tendency to distract his instructor at the most inconvenient moments. One such instance occurred in front of an audience.
Darcy wouldn’t soon forget looking over Matt’s shoulder and meeting the mocking smile of a man who looked like another Gibson brother instead of a man old enough to be their father. She’d flown off Matt’s lap so fast she’d almost fallen down, something her companions had found very funny.
After the introductions had been made, the three of them walked over to Eric and Julie’s house for dinner. No amount of small talk could erase the fact that Matt and Eric had little in common with their father beyond the fact that they were related. Everyone was polite, but it was the kind of cordiality reserved for strangers, not one’s own family. Used to a very different family dynamic, Darcy was only too glad to escape the tension at the table to go help Julie with the dishes. Matt joined them within a few minutes, allowing Julie to attend to Nerina, who’d just woken up and was ready to eat.
As she brushed her teeth, she remembered the conversation with Matt on the drive back to her house.
Stealing His Heart: A Sweet Contemporary Romance (Finding Love Book 2) Page 16
