by Mary Abshire
Catching her by surprise, he slid his hand onto her cheek. He lifted her lips to meet his. She braced her hands on his chest and pushed away. Their mouths separated with a light smack. He let go of her without any contest.
“We can’t.” She shook her head to clear the desire consuming her brain as she turned away from him. Pulse speeding, she balled her hands and strode down the hall. Because if she didn’t get away from him now, she would cave and do exactly what her mind and body yearned for.
Chapter Eleven
Andrew stared out the window while Emily drove him to the hospital. He wore jeans and a thin long-sleeved gray shirt since he didn’t know if his new employer would supply scrubs or not. He didn’t want to buy them if he didn’t need to. The windows were up and cool air blew in from the vents on the dashboard. Emily hadn’t changed from her shorts and tank top. She had her hair still tied up behind her head. Tension kept her lips together and brows tight. She held a firm grip on the steering wheel. Andrew suspected her anger from his attempt to kiss her earlier hadn’t faded yet.
Emily had avoided him most of the afternoon except after she fixed a late lunch and sat down to eat with him. At the dinner table she hadn’t said much when he’d tried to talk to her. Every time he’d looked at her, she’d turn away from him. She cleaned the dishes and refused to let him help. He relaxed watching television and had hoped she would join him after she finished cleaning. Instead, she’d disappeared in her bedroom. He missed her smiles, hearing her voice, and simply gazing into her eyes. He needed to right his wrong, but he had yet to figure out how.
“Thank you again for fixing lunch.” He’d vocalized his appreciation earlier and thought more gratitude might help him earn his way out of the doghouse.
“Mm hmm,” she mumbled while she focused on the road.
Given her response, Andrew suspected it would take more time for her temper to cool. He’d pissed her off bad once before when they were in New York. She’d almost decided to leave him. He recognized and admitted his mistake, and then practically begged her not to leave. Emily had a temper unlike any woman he’d ever met. But then, she was a different kind of woman all together. Her independence made her strong and feisty. He loved the qualities, but they were dangerous for him since she could walk away at any time. He cared about her too much to let that happen, so he had to work extra hard to prove he was a respectable man she could trust, rely on, and maybe even love.
“I appreciate the dinner you fixed for me too,” he said.
She’d fixed him two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a variety of snacks to get him through his shift. They sat in a grocery bag near his feet. It warmed his heart to know she’d been concerned about him getting through his ten-hour shift.
“I know it’s not much. I tried to think of things that might hold you over until the morning. I’ll stop at the store on my way home and buy some ice packs and a lunch bag,” she said.
Although she didn’t look at him, the words were the most she’d spoken all afternoon. Maybe her temper was cooling.
“You don’t have to go out of your way for me. I can buy food in the cafeteria,” he said.
“Doesn’t it usually taste bad?”
“Cafeteria food was never my favorite, but it can’t be worse than the bland food in heaven.”
“I’ll get a few ice packs so you can take food with you. Besides, why spend money on crap?”
He wouldn’t argue with her on that point. He preferred not to waste money. “I appreciate everything. It means a lot to me.”
She glanced at him. “Are you nervous?”
His gratifying comments must have won him some favors since she’d started talking to him. He made a note to remember the tactic in case he frustrated her again in the future, which he probably would.
“A little. I know I can handle the job, but it has been a long time since I worked as a nurse.”
Andrew held confidence he would manage his new nursing duties well. When he’d been a nurse before, he’d enjoyed helping people and the variety of tasks he had to perform. The busyness kept him on his feet and moving. It made the time go by fast too. Although he hadn’t worked much with babies, he knew he could care for them. They simply needed extra TLC. And burping.
“Maybe they’ll have you sit through some orientation first. I wouldn’t think they would put you into the front line just yet,” she said.
“June had said there would be some paperwork to fill out, then training, then she would have me shadow another nurse. She said Cathy will be working the same shift as me. I like her. She’s the one who interviewed me.”
“I’m sure you’ll do fine.”
Andrew had faith he would succeed with his goals. Not only did he have to serve as a nurse, he had to learn about the demon at work. He had to find out what hours she worked and learn what she would do when she wasn’t caring for babies. If that weren’t enough, he had to determine how to get access to medicines. Once he accomplished that, he’d have to do some research to see what could be used to kill her. And lastly, he had to find a spot to kill her. His list of objectives seemed long, but they were all connected.
“Do you have any plans while I’m working?” he asked.
“I’ll do some laundry and clean, maybe do some research on the laptop.”
“And watch the Williamsons?”
“That too.” She brought the Jeep to a halt in the turn lane at the stoplight.
They’d checked off and on for the demon during the day. A few times he’d seen her walking in the house. Oddly, he didn’t see the little boy or the baby and he’d been certain he’d seen them in the home before the husband had left with the girl. Emily had said she hadn’t seen them at all while he’d been mowing the yard.
The light changed to green and the cars in front began turning. Emily followed them toward the hospital. The time on the dashboard showed he had ten minutes before the start of his first day of employment. He’d asked for Emily to bring him a little early, but now that the time had arrived, he didn’t want to leave. He’d managed to get her talking and sought to keep the conversation going so he could make amends with her. Ten hours apart from the woman his heart yearned for seemed too long. What if she decided to stay mad at him? He couldn’t spend the next ten hours knowing she was still upset with him.
She stopped the Jeep near the curb several feet up from the main entrance and behind a parked gold sedan. He slid his seatbelt away as she shifted the gear.
“I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean to make you angry,” he said.
She lowered her gaze. “I’m not mad.” Her soft voice sounded so beautiful to his ears. She inhaled a long breath. “I think we get carried away with our desires sometimes. It can be dangerous.”
He understood her words perfectly. So many times he wanted to do more than kiss her. His feelings for her ran deep and controlling his longing for her was becoming a greater challenge. Now that he’d heard her admit she had a hankering for him, he craved her a hundred times more.
“So … you’re not mad at me?” he asked for confirmation.
She shook her head. “No. I’m sorry if you thought I was. I had to get away before I did something that we might regret.”
The stunning woman before him had to be the most strong-minded and self-sufficient one he’d ever met in his life and death. Yet, she’d captured his heart, stole his breath, and made him crazy for her. Maybe he’d been destined to meet her. And as wild and farfetched as it seemed, he loved her. He’d put off believing it, but he couldn’t deny it anymore. And his love for her swelled every time she acknowledged the tiniest bit of feelings for him. He suspected she was suppressing the truth like he’d done. Somehow, he had to get her to realize she held love in her heart and not just lust.
“Emily?”
She lifted her gaze to him.
“You’re a good fake wife.”
Her lips twitched and his heartbeat rapped faster. Humor and food had always been a good way to
cheer up a woman.
“I’ll try to be better,” she said.
He leaned toward to her to give her a kiss. She lowered her head and turned it slightly as if she didn’t want his affection. Of course, his cock came alive because her resistance strengthened his desire for her. He moved closer to her ear.
“I would never regret anything we do,” he whispered before giving her a gentle kiss on her cheek.
He grabbed his bag of food his wonderful wife had fixed for him and then exited the vehicle. Love filled him and he smiled as headed for the entrance of the hospital. He had a woman who made him happy, and he would do anything to win her heart. He sensed he might be close. One way or another, he would prove his devotion to her and help her unleash the repressed passion in her heart.
Chapter Twelve
Emily shoved open the door with her arms full of grocery bags. They rustled as she strode down the hall to the kitchen. She’d bought more than she’d planned and had to get the remaining items from the Jeep. It wasn’t often she wished for an extra set of hands, but if Andrew had been with her, shopping would’ve been much easier. After she set everything on the counter of the center island, she dashed out of the house to collect the remaining goods.
She stepped into the garage and noticed clouds had rolled in from the west and the air carried the scent of rain. The breeze had picked up, but the temperature hadn’t dropped. She was glad she’d parked in the garage in case a storm was coming. The Midwest was known to have powerful weather.
She gathered the bags and her purse. On her way back inside, she pushed the button on the wall. The door began to lower with a few creaks and squeals. Drops of rain dotted the driveway before the door cut off her view of outside.
The rain fell stronger by the time she made it back to the kitchen. She began unpacking the bags and putting the goods away. As she’d promised Andrew, she got him a medium-size lunch bag and several ice packets. She’d bought a few containers for sandwiches and snacks too so she wouldn’t have to use all the Ziploc baggies. She’d purchased a few more food items to fix for him as well. He seemed to enjoy eating her food even though she wasn’t the greatest cook.
She finished clearing out the dishwasher after putting up the food. From the kitchen window, she noticed the rain had slowed. Flashes of lightning lit up the sky. The lights were on in the demon’s house and the kids were sitting at the dinner table. They stared forward as if they were watching someone or something. The husband brought dishes and set them down in front of the kids. He left, but returned with a large pot. He set it in the center of the table. The demon appeared dressed in scrubs and he turned to face her. Emily wondered if she were heading off to work and continued staring out the window. The demon gave each child a kiss on the head before she walked out of Emily’s sight. The husband delivered utensils to the kids before he took a seat at the table.
Emily backed away to the center island. Her purse and keys lay on the counter along with the box of hair dye she planned to use later. She knew Andrew had taken his cell with him and she wondered if she should let him know the demon might be arriving at work soon. It couldn’t hurt to let him know.
She walked around to get to her purse and then dug inside for her phone. She fished it out to find she’d missed a call from Troy. Looking at the time, she determined he’d called when she’d been in the store. She decided to call him back later. First, she typed up a short note letting the angel know the demon might be on her way to work.
The lights flickered inside the house, drawing her attention away from the phone. Seconds later, thunder roared. She grabbed her purse and headed for the living room. The storm didn’t frighten her, but if a tornado were in the area, she wanted to be aware of it. She set her purse on the coffee table as she dropped onto the sofa. She grabbed the nearby remote and turned on the TV. After flipping through the channels, she found a local one with a scrolling line at the bottom. A tornado watch had been issued for more counties than she could count. Her plan for taking a shower and coloring her hair would have to wait.
Sighing, she dialed Troy’s number. More thunder rumbled outside. He answered after the second ring.
“Did the angel get everything he needed for his job?” Troy asked.
“Yes, thank you. They offered the position to him this morning. He’s working right now.”
“Someone from a hospital called me last night.”
“I know you must have hated saying anything good about him, so I’m grateful you put your feelings aside to help us.”
“You’re the only trustworthy friend I can count on in this fucked-up life. If three or five good words helps you, I think I can handle it,” he said flatly.
“How many did you say?”
“I might have said three.”
She grinned even though he couldn’t see her. “Thank you. I know he appreciates your effort too.”
He scoffed. “He can blow me.”
Emily hated how they didn’t get along anymore. She wished there was a way she could fix the situation.
“He’s a decent guy, Troy.”
“The man is fucking trouble. I swear on my life, if you get hurt, I will hunt him down and send his motherfucking ass back to heaven.”
The conviction in his tone made it clear he would stand by his words. A touch of fear streaked through her. Emily knew of the dangers involved with helping Andrew. The possibility of her getting injured was strong. But destroying demons who abused and killed children, raped and murdered women, and help murderers and drug dealers go free seemed worth the risk of getting harmed. For once, she was doing something good and it made her life meaningful. She’d hate for Andrew to get hurt because of Troy.
“I’m handling things. We both are,” she said. “You know I love you like a brother, but this animosity between you two needs to end. I’m not picking sides.”
“I would not ask you to. All I am saying is that I will do anything for you.”
“And I would do the same for you.”
“I guess you’re lucky I don’t have an angel getting me into trouble,” he said, and she almost chuckled. “And how are things between you two these days?”
The question surprised her. “Fine.”
“That’s it?”
“There isn’t much else to say. We get along well and he’s trying to get to this demon before she hurts any more kids.”
Lightning caught her attention. The sky had grown darker. Rumbles shook the house.
“Uh-huh. Is he fucking you?”
She sat upright. “Really, Troy?” Irritation laced her voice.
“Did you know the angel is in love you?”
“He is not,” she fired at him.
“He is. He told me.”
“Andrew is a twenty-six year-old horny man. I think you know something about that since you’re close to the same age he is. So he’s not in love with me. And if we were fucking, that’s none of your business.” Anger crept inside her. Why was Troy asking such questions and starting trouble?
“Calm down, Em. I am not interested in your sex life. I called to let you know I transferred funds to one of your accounts after I deducted the invoice amount I sent to you, my processing fee for selling the diamonds, and the charges for Andrew’s credentials.”
“That’s fine, but Andrew was going to pay you for his share. He found a way to make money outside of this nursing job.”
“Now he can pay you.”
In the end, Troy was right. Everything balanced out.
“Are you doing okay in New York?” she asked.
“It’s a fucking hell hole worse than Chicago.”
“Oh, that good?”
“Greedy ass motherfuckers everywhere. And too many fucking gangs. But there are good clubs.”
“Did you find one to dress up for?” She recalled the days of watching Troy dress in different time period outfits so he could go on stage and sing in front of a crowd. He didn’t really sing. He lip synced, but the performance was al
ways outstanding.
“You know I did,” he said.
“Wish I could be there to see you.”
“Any time you want to stop for a visit, just let me know. I’ll book your flight.”
“How’s business going for you?”
“Too fucking busy. I could use some help.”
“Use help or need it?” she asked for clarification. The two verbs had different meanings. If he needed help, she’d give it if he asked.
“I have everything under control, but there’s plenty of work should you decide you want to leave the angel.”
Emily leaned her head back against the sofa. His attempt to get her to ditch Andrew didn’t surprise her. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m happy with what I’m doing.”
“Are you?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Then I’m happy for you. Just don’t get your fucking ass into any trouble.”
She laughed that time. “I will try my best.”
The lights flashed off for a second. Loud thunder vibrated through the walls. Emily wondered if she should end her call soon.
“Are you sure you’re doing okay?” she asked again since he hadn’t answered well enough the first time.
“For the moment, yes.”
One word he’d used indicated maybe everything was not fine.
“Do you need my help?” she asked directly since he seemed to be beating around the bush. Why did men take so long to ask for assistance?
“Maybe in the future. I will let you know if I do.”
Having received a definite answer, she relaxed against the sofa. “It’s okay to ask, Troy. I’m here for you.”
There was a brief moment of silence.
