Spliced

by Robin Leigh Miller

  He’d never get the image of that bastard standing over her ready to plunge what amounted to a stake into her. It would haunt him forever. Stone told him she’d come through with a minor concussion and a few abrasions and, oh yeah, she’d killed the fucker. Ridge wasn’t sure how he felt about that. Taking another man’s life wasn’t something you did and then go about life as if nothing happened, no matter how much the fuckwad deserved it.

  “I’m gonna choose to believe you were there when she did it,” Ridge said, leaning his forehead against the stone. “I almost wish I could have seen it,” he whispered as he stood.

  Ridge looked out over the field dotted with headstones. “I love her, man. I have always loved her.”

  “It’s about time you admitted that.”

  Stone spoke quietly behind him. It didn’t surprise him the cop had come. In fact, he was pretty damn sure the hospital placed a call to the police station as soon he’d exited the building. Funny, it didn’t seem to upset him in the least.

  “Yeah, it feels good to admit it.” Ridge brushed the tears away from his face. Once he had himself in order, he turned to face Stone.

  He didn’t have his uniform on today. He wore a pair of jeans and tee, but still had the cop sunglasses on. Even in civvy clothes he looked like a cop.

  “Now all you have to do is tell her,” Stone said, strolling closer.

  Ridge nodded—easier said than done. “She never came to see me in the hospital.” That hurt. Ridge had to admit that hurt like hell. He wanted, no, he fucking needed to see her. When he tried to reach out to her he got nothing, just her damn wall again.

  “Yes, she did.” Stone knelt in front of the marker and let his fingers lightly trace the lettering. “I wish I had known him.”

  “Cale would have liked you,” Ridge admitted with only a hint of bitterness on his tongue. Damn, it was getting easier to like the cop himself.

  “Yeah, well, any man who brings down an arms dealer is okay in my book.” Stone turned and looked at him. “That includes you.”

  Ridge swallowed hard. “What’s the story on that situation anyway?”

  “Avery gave us the notebook. It’s in the proper hands now and I’m willing to bet we’ll be hearing about some arrests soon. The feds said they’ve been trying to crack this particular group for a long time.”

  Ridge hoped they’d weeded out and shot every single person involved. He thought maybe a public execution would be good to set an example. “You said she did come to the hospital, but I don’t remember her being there.”

  Stone stood, ran his palm across the smooth, rounded edge of the marker. “That’s because you were always out when she showed up. But she’d sit for a while, hold your hand and talk to you.”

  Overwhelming emotion choked Ridge. Tears of relief, love and gratitude threatened to spill. He didn’t deserve her, yet he wouldn’t, couldn’t back away.

  “Cindy became a pain in the ass with her constant mothering so Avery decided a vacation was in order. I’ve been calling her every day with an update about you.”

  Ridge nodded. “I imagine Cindy gave her a hard time about visiting me.” His words were hoarse and gravelly, but he didn’t care.

  “Yeah, well, it took some skilled detective work and uncomfortable play-acting, but I found out what that’s all about.” Stone looked out over the manicured field of headstones and smiled. “It seems Cindy has had a thing for you over the years. When you showed Avery more attention than her, she got jealous. Apparently, Cindy didn’t think Avery could handle a man like you, so she tried to drag you away, but you never responded. Well, some bitter feelings later and then toss in a cold, selfish heart and you have a nice stew of troublemaking.”

  Ridge stared at Stone a moment and then shook his head. “Well, shit.” That’s what the woman’s problem was? Who’d a thought?

  “I gave Avery that information as well, just so you know.”

  Ridge nodded again. “When will she be back?” He didn’t want to discuss Cindy anymore. He needed Avery her in his arms so he could tell her how things really were.

  “She’s not sure when she’ll be back.” Stone stepped behind the headstone and leaned on it. “You still think you’re not good enough for her?”

  Ridge froze. “What did you say?”

  “You talk a lot when you’re medicated,” Stone snickered.

  “And of course you took advantage of that, prick.” That’s just great. How much did he blab to Stone?

  “Hey, I’m not the dick who can’t see a good thing when it stands in front of him.”

  “How can being with a broken, damaged man who can’t take care of her be good?” And there he was again, back to the same old tired argument he couldn’t find the answer to.

  “Here’s a newsflash for ya, mudflap,” Stone said, pointing at him. “She doesn’t want a man to take care of her. She wants a man who’ll stand by her side, be there when she needs propping up, someone to share the good times with as well as the bad. A fucking partner, not a sugar daddy. And if you’d get over your inflated ego you’d see that.”

  Ridge opened his mouth to spout off a string of curses and tell the man to mind his own damn business, but snapped it shut. She didn’t want to be taken care of. Avery had been taking care of herself for years, of course she didn’t want someone stepping in to take away her independence. When he thought back to his visits he’d never once seen her take anything from Cale. Nothing. She’d always provided for herself.

  “Maybe while you’re twisting and turning that around in your head,” Stone said, stepping out from behind the headstone, “think about this. She’s never once seen you as a broken man. Not even when she’s been inside your head.”

  Ridge snapped his head up.

  “That’s right, you told me all about that, too. She confirmed it. Look, man. You could be throwing away a gift that not many of us are given. A real loving, honest woman who can help you feel like a man again by simply being there. By allowing her to give you her love, she can make things right again. Maybe not like they used to be, but good.”

  He was right. The nosy fuck was right. “Asshole,” he muttered, cracking a smile.

  Stone put his hand over his heart. “Ouch, that hurt,” he said in a dry tone.

  “I need to find her,” Ridge said, anxious to get to her. Stone had put it all in perspective for him. Why hadn’t he seen it himself?

  Stone rocked back on his heels and smiled. “Well now, it just so happens that I know where she is.”

  Ridge frowned. “You been making personal visits?” He’d kill him. He may be starting to like the man, but if Stone was still trying to move in, he’d kill him.

  “Get a hold of your temper, Gates. Cale taught her not to take off without letting someone know where she was going. When she mentioned she needed a vacation, I offered our family beach house.”

  “Beach house,” he murmured. Of course the man had a beach house.

  “It’s more like a two-room cabin on a secluded stretch of beach. My parents bought it when they were young and have held onto it over the years. Me and my sisters go there often. I can give you directions.”

  A two-room cabin sounded cozy. “I’d appreciate that,” Ridge said as his heart pattered like a teenager ready to make it to first base.

  Stone handed him a piece of paper with directions. “I’m gonna ask that you call when you get there. She promised to check in every night so I knew she was okay. Once you’re there I’ll leave her care in your hands.”

  “Always the cop,” Ridge muttered.

  “Don’t forget it.”

  Ridge studied the piece of paper. It would take him a few hours to get there, but by tonight he’d be holding Avery in his arms. “I owe you.”

  “Just don’t hurt her anymore, Gates. She’s had more than her share lately.” Stone ambled off toward the parking lot.

  Ridge watched him for a moment as plans ran through his mind.

  “Oh, and I get to be best man,�
�� Stone shouted without turning around.

  “You’d look better as the bridesmaid,” Ridge shouted back.

  Stone lifted his hand and flipped Ridge a one-finger salute. Yep, they were going to end up being good friends. Avery would have her hands full.

  “Well, buddy,” Ridge said, turning to the marker. “I’m gonna go try to win your sister back. What do ya think? Think she’ll be as mule-headed as you always were, or forgive a stupid fuck and take pity on him?” Ridge stood there in silence a moment. “Yeah, she’ll be mule-headed like you. Wish me luck.”

  Ridge turned to walk away when a warm breeze hit him from behind. The hairs on the back of his neck stood and his skin prickled like it did when someone watched him. He turned on his heel ready to confront whoever thought it necessary to intrude on his private time with his friend.

  What he saw knocked the wind from his lungs. There, almost as clear a life, stood Cale with a big smile on his face. He said nothing, simply winked and then faded away on the breeze. Disbelief, excitement and a renewed vigor surged through him. Ridge breathed in deep and filled with a peaceful calm that infused his every cell.

  “It will okay,” he whispered.

  * * * * *

  The late afternoon breezed kicked up the ends of Avery’s hair and lightly kissed her cheeks. She loved it here. The peacefulness, the simplicity, it all suited her. She inhaled the salty sea air. Yeah, she could see living here on a permanent basis. Falling asleep and waking to the waves lapping at the shore, it could heal a bruised soul.

  She loved the tiny house as well, a two-room bungalow with a kitchenette, small bathroom and a bedroom big enough to walk in and back out of. What she liked the most was the deck that went out onto the beach. The white-washed deck was easily twice as large as the entire house. Who needed to sit inside on such beautiful evenings?

  After a nice walk on the beach she’d come back and sit on the deck, read a book, maybe jot down some ideas for a new venture in life. Her toes sank in the sand as her sundress flitted around her knees. Maybe she’d run into town and see what kind of nightlife they had, do a little shopping and grab a bite to eat. She could do anything she wanted.

  A slight twinge of sadness struck her chest. Of course, all this would be nicer if she had someone to share it with. Not just someone—Ridge. Kevin told her last night Ridge had been improving leaps and bounds every day and would soon be released from the hospital. That was a relief. All she wanted was for him to be okay.

  Avery strolled along the beach and watched the gulls circle above. Waves lapped at her toes and suddenly she didn’t want to walk alone. No, she needed to be around people. So she turned and made her way back to the house. As the tiny structure came into view she noticed a shadow moving across the deck.

  Alarm bells and whistles went off throughout her system. After what she’d been through two weeks ago, she took no chances. Avery crawled through the thick brush and grabbed a broken branch. She swung it a few times, making sure it wasn’t too heavy, and then snuck toward the house.

  What was it with people invading her life like this? Couldn’t she simply live without people trying to spoil whatever she had? As she neared the house, she crouched behind a large palm tree and watched for a few moments. Nothing moved.

  Maybe she thought she saw something? It didn’t matter. She wouldn’t be able to rest unless she checked the house thoroughly. Taking a deep, encouraging breath, Avery snuck up to the house, stepped through the back door and surveyed the open space. No one. The only other places they could be were the bathroom or the bedroom.

  Avery went to the bedroom first, slowly opened the door and pushed it against the wall. Empty. That left the bathroom. As she turned to head toward the bathroom, the door opened. Avery didn’t hesitate. She lifted the branch high above her head. A tall figure stepped out into the dimming light.

  She must have made a noise, because the man turned with a jerk and Avery let the branch fall. It didn’t make it far. He caught it with one hand and twisted until she dropped it and then tugged her against his hard body.

  “Let me go,” she grunted, pushing at his chest.

  “Avery, it’s me. It’s okay, babe. It’s me.”

  His voice soothed over her crackling nerves, her knees buckled and when she looked up into his face, unholy anger exploded like a stick of dynamite. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she shouted, punching at his chest. “Why the hell would you sneak in here and scare me like that? How did you know I was here? Get out! Get out!”

  Her body shook, hysteria rippled through her and between punches to his chest she stomped on his booted foot. He had no right to scare her like this. Had he forgotten what had happened to her, how she’d been dragged out of her home and nearly killed only a few weeks ago?

  “Shh, baby, calm down. I didn’t mean to scare you, I’m sorry.”

  “Didn’t mean to? Is that supposed to make it okay?”

  Ridge grabbed her wrists, yanked her arms down to her side and tugged them around behind her. At the same time he backed her toward the wall until she was firmly pinned between it and him. His breath washed across the bare flesh of her shoulder, sparking tiny fires that were quickly growing out of control.

  “Stop.” The word came out with little inflection.

  “No,” he responded, kissing her neck and working his lips down to her shoulder.

  Avery tipped her head, giving him better access. “When did you get out of the hospital?”

  “This morning,” he replied between licks and kisses and working his way back up her neck. “I couldn’t stand one more second without you, Avery. I need you, babe. I need you like I need to breathe.”

  Pain tore at her heart. “You could fulfill that need with anyone, Ridge.” Still, her body responded with hot gushes of liquid readying for him.

  “No, only you, Avery.” He released her arms and cupped her face between his hands. “I love you. I can’t live without you. I don’t want to live without you.”

  The world came to a standstill. The sound of the waves ceased, the call of the gulls faded away and Avery thought for sure she was freefalling. She searched his face looking for hint of a lie, but all she saw, all that flooded back at her, was pure honesty.

  “What?”

  Ridge smiled and then kissed her tenderly, his lips lightly pressing against hers. When he pulled back she saw tears shimmering in his eyes.

  “I’ve always loved you. I think I fell in love with you the very first time we met.”

  “You did?” This couldn’t be happening. Everything she’d dreamed about, all the words she prayed she’d hear from him, it was all happening.

  “I thought you should have better than a grunt, someone you could be proud of, so I did my best to stay away.”

  Avery gave him a blank stare.

  “I can’t,” he said, brushing the pad of his thumb over her bottom lip. “I can’t stay away. For the last ten years you have consumed my thoughts, my heart and soul. And when I nearly lost you…” Ridge shook his head and clenched his jaw. “None of that matters now. Avery, I can’t offer much right now. I still have issues from the war, and my body isn’t perfect anymore, but if you give me a chance, I’ll make you the best damn partner life has to offer.”

  Words wouldn’t come. Her brain seemed to be flash-frozen. All she could do was stand there and drink him in. Ten years she’d waited for this. Ten long, lonely years she’d dreamt of Ridge professing his love and every time he came home for a visit, he’d left with nothing more than a mysterious glance and a sexy smile.

  Now he said all those years he’d wanted her. A spear of temper jolted through her. She put her palms on his chest and pushed him back. Did he think after all this time it would be so easy?

  Avery sidestepped, removing herself from his reach, and paced the floor. “Tell me something, Ridge. If I consumed you like you say, why didn’t you ever say anything? You had to know I wanted you. Other than stripping naked and crawling into your
bed at night and throwing myself at you, I couldn’t have made it any clearer, and yet you acted like I didn’t exist. Do you have any idea what that did to me?”

  “Avery,” he said, stepping toward her and reaching out.

  “No,” she snapped, backing away. “No more games, Ridge. You decide right here, right now. It’s all of me forever or nothing because I can’t do this anymore. You stay for good or you walk away for good.”

  She couldn’t believe the words she heard coming from her mouth. But she meant them, every single one. Having her heart ripped into twenty different directions wouldn’t do anymore. She needed him, she loved him, but she would not be his play toy when he decided he needed some hot sex. Her heart hammered like a heavy fist inside her chest knowing the next few seconds would decide her life. He could make her the happiest woman on earth or he could destroy her.

  Ridge lowered his head, rubbed his palms together and then reached into his back pocket and pulled something out. “I’ve already made that decision.” His fist clenched around something she couldn’t see. “I always knew I wouldn’t be much more than a grunt in the military,” he said quietly. “And I knew you deserved more than that. You deserved a man to be there all the time with you, not someone who was shipped around the earth. I always wanted you to have the best life possible with a man who could give you the things you deserved.”

  “I don’t need anyone to give me anything,” she said, rubbing her temple. Couldn’t people see she was capable of providing for herself?

  “I see that now,” Ridge responded, surprising her. “But you do need someone to give you one thing.”

  Avery frowned as he took a few hesitant steps closer.

  “You need to be loved properly and fully.” Ridge opened his fist, picked up a ring and held it out to her. “That, Avery Easton, I can give you. I can give you love in abundance.”

  Avery only briefly glanced at the ring before her gaze snapped up and captured Ridge’s misty, heartfelt stare. “Ridge,” she managed through the tears clogging her throat.