“Lisa, listen.” Derek sat up straight in his chair. “I don’t ever make demands of you, but my best friend is getting married and he would like my son to be his ring bearer. I will be damned if I have to tell him my ex-wife will not allow that to happen.”
Getting nasty with Lisa was a risky move. In fact, he was pretty damn sure he was going to pay for this.
“Fine,” she finally replied. “I guess you’ll owe me then when it’s time for my wedding.”
Derek’s stomach dropped as he listened to the silence stretching between them on the phone line. Finally he spoke calmly. “And when should I expect this blessed occasion to take place?”
“I don’t know.” Her haughty tone pissed him off. “Possibly this summer. I deserve that, Derek. You may not think so, but I do. I deserve to marry someone that loves me. Someone who isn’t emotionally abusive.”
Derek steeled himself. He’d agreed with her statement until that last bit. But flying off the handle was exactly what she wanted him to do. If he knew Lisa, she’d probably just hit record on their phone call, hoping he’d sound like a controlling and vengeful asshole.
He wasn’t sure why the news made him so angry. It wasn’t jealousy, he felt none of that when it came to his ex. It was mostly fear. Fear that somehow she would use this change in her life to pull Tanner away from him. Fear that another man might take his place. The idea of another man living with his son … it tied his stomach in knots.
“Lisa, I was never emotionally abusive to you and you know it.” He could hear the huff of her breath on the other line. “But you’re right. You absolutely deserve to marry someone that loves you. And since you’re willing to let Tanner spend that weekend with me, I will be happy to make concessions when the time comes for us to discuss the arrangements of your wedding.”
A quiet knock pulled Derek’s gaze to the doorway. Lindsey stood there, the most beautiful woman he’d ever known. How much had she just heard? His ex continued to speak in his ear.
“Lane will be good for Tanner, you know. He’s smart and patient. He loves us both.” Derek froze at her words. That. That right there was his worst nightmare. He looked up once more to find Lindsey staring at a painting on the wall a little too intently. Seeing her in his office while listening to Lisa’s voice on the line made him cringe.
Derek worked his jaw back and forth before he finally responded. “I hope so. Our son can only benefit from having another positive influence in his life. We can discuss all of this good news further at another time.”
“Of course,” Lisa said. Too easy. Things were going to get ugly soon, he could feel it.
“Bye, Lisa.” Derek ended the call and stood up from his desk, staring at Lindsey. He almost didn’t believe she was really standing there in his office. Her dark hair was loose and flowing against her red sweater and her faded jeans hugged her in a way that made his body tense.
“This is a surprise,” he said. He nodded at her left side. “How are you feeling?”
“Oh, good. As long as I keep the brace on it’s not too bad,” she said, glancing down at her arm. Her eyes flicked around the room, obviously taking everything in. “I’m sorry to bother you.”
“Don’t apologize, you are always welcome here.” And he meant it.
“Is everything … okay?” she asked, her tone wary. He knew she’d heard enough of his call to know whom he’d been speaking with.
“Yes, absolutely,” he said, ignoring his desire to share with her. It had been so long since he’d had someone to really talk to. He had Mike, and knew that his best friend would be there for him at any moment, but guys usually only opened up so much to one another. And he’d stopped relying on his parents for anything a long time ago.
Derek leaned against his desk and rested his palms beside him. “What brings you in here?”
“Well … I guess I just wanted to thank you.”
She was nervous, unsure of herself. The urge to get closer to her was strong, but he would control himself. Earn her trust. If nothing else, they could become friends. That would make him happy. Mostly.
“You’re wearing a suit,” she said. Her eyes roamed up and down his body. And damn, she really shouldn’t do that.
Derek laughed, glancing down at the dark gray slacks covering his legs. “Yeah. I am. I do that about three times a week on average. Depends on what’s going on.”
“So you build a lot of buildings around Kansas City?” She touched a lock of hair that rested on her chest and Derek’s eyes wandered to her slim fingers. Her nails were short but well manicured, painted in a soft pink polish. Everything about her was so astoundingly beautiful.
“Somewhat. I’m still establishing my business, but we just broke ground on my eleventh major project. A six-story multiunit. Mainly doctors’ offices.”
“Wow. That’s impressive.”
The normality of the conversation was making him uneasy. “Why are you here, Linds?”
“If you want me to go—”
“I definitely don’t want you to go. I just know I’m not your favorite person and that makes me wonder why you’re here.”
“Well, you had offered to help me.”
He was more than a little shocked at her admission. Yes, he’d definitely mentioned that she should let him help her. More than once actually, but he’d never dreamed that she’d take him up on his offer.
“I did.” He pushed off the desk and took a hesitant step toward her. “Are you saying that you want my help?”
Her eyes flicked to his for a moment. “‘Want’ is a rather strong word. I’d probably say ‘need’ is more appropriate. No … I don’t like ‘need,’ either. I would say, resigned myself to the fact that I require help since I’m not functioning at a hundred percent and the house is on a deadline.”
“I don’t know. I kind of like the words ‘want’ and ‘need.’” Derek couldn’t help the grin that broke out on his face, especially when Lindsey gave him her best you’re an asshole look. She didn’t mean it. She wouldn’t be standing there in his office if that’s what she thought of him. All of which had his mood on a considerable upswing since his call with Lisa.
“If you’re still willing I guess I would like to have some help.”
“I’m definitely willing.”
“There have to be some rules,” Lindsey said.
This should be interesting. “Okay. And what would those be?”
She cleared her throat quickly and then continued. “First, no flirting with me.”
“Uh, we may have different ideas of what flirting means. That could be a problem.”
“I’m sure flirting is your default mode when it comes to women. But not with me. I’m not interested.”
Ouch. “Okay. So no talking. Next rule?”
Lindsey rolled her eyes and then went on. “No touching.”
“Isn’t that a given based on rule one?”
“I’m just covering my bases.”
“No pun intended, right?” He gave her a wink but she most definitely did not look amused. Derek swiped a hand over his mouth and dramatically put a frown on his face. “Sorry. Forgot about rule one.”
“Three, we don’t discuss the past again.”
Okay, now that one he had a problem with. “Linds, we can’t move forw—”
She put her hand up. “Please. Things are fine right now. See? We’re talking. We’re going to work together for a short time. Rehashing anything further will not do any good.”
He blew out a hard breath and scratched at the back of his neck. He didn’t like these rules. At all. But he’d take what he could get for now because it was probably as good as it was gonna get for a while. “Okay, fine. You’ve given me your three rules. Now I’m gonna give you mine.”
She quirked an eyebrow at him. “Yours?”
“Yeah, mine.” Derek crossed his arms over his chest. “Rule number one. No flirting with me.”
“Psshh.” Lindsey put her good hand on her hip. “What are you d
oing?”
“I’m giving you my rules. Pay attention because I’m serious about this. Two, no touching me.” She looked completely perplexed. He had to force a straight face.
“Seriously, Derek?”
“And three. I get to say one thing about the past.”
Her lips locked tight, her eyes became wary as she stared back at him. Derek wasn’t going to touch her, although the urge was suddenly very strong. But he did step a little closer. Close enough that he had to dip his head to continue looking into her eyes.
“I’m sorry, Lindsey. Sorry I hurt you. Sorry I didn’t trust you enough to be honest. I’m just so damn sorry.”
Derek took in every facet of her expression. There was no mistaking the slight glassiness of her eyes or the way she bit the inside of her mouth. It was always something she tended to do when she was nervous or uncomfortable and he could see the slight indent of her cheek. After a few seconds she let go and pulled herself together.
“Okay. Thank you.” She took a step back and angled her body toward the door. “I guess now we can get to work. Should I meet you at the house tomorrow?”
He should have known she wouldn’t have much to say in response. And he wasn’t even sure what he’d expected, but something more would have been nice. He kind of wished she’d stay here and discuss their plans, but instead Derek gave her a tight smile. “Okay. I’ll see you there about nine?”
“Yeah. Nine is good. Not too early, not too late. Good.”
Their eyes met one more time as if there were something on her mind. Derek raised an eyebrow, inviting her to say more.
“Okay, well. Bye, Derek.”
“Bye, Lindsey.”
His chest ached as he watched her leave his office. Part of him wanted to stop her, request a little more negotiation. But no, he needed to be grateful that she’d shown up today. It was a big step. For now.
In that moment, Derek knew for certain that just being her friend was not going to be enough for him. He suddenly wanted to say to hell with her rules, they deserved another chance. But the smarter, calmer side of him was proud of her for standing up for herself. Either way he was happy. Spending time with Lindsey was good news for now, no matter the rules. He might just have to be a little creative in order to convince her they were worth breaking.
* * *
The next morning Derek showed up at the farmhouse at eight. His plan was to get there and set them up, figure out what needed to be done, and inspect a few things in the process. He got out, chatted with the plumbing crew, and then went back to his truck to grab his tool belt. As he attached it around his waist he watched as Lindsey’s little SUV pulled in beside his truck. Derek glanced at his watch. It was ten after eight, which amused and annoyed him.
He walked around to her driver’s side and waited for her to open the door. As soon as she did, he spoke. “You’re early.”
“As are you.”
“Yeah, well, I’m the contractor. You’re a one-armed crew of one. You hadn’t planned to come out here and work, alone, had you?” The more he thought about it, the more it irritated him, which he was pretty sure was evident in his tone. Especially when she reared back in annoyance. Way to go, asshole.
“Are you serious right now? First of all, you don’t employ me so I don’t answer to you. Second of all, what I planned to do is really none of your damn business.” She reached into her vehicle and emerged with a Styrofoam cup of coffee he recognized was from Callie’s Confections. She held it out to him. “Here’s some coffee, asshole.”
And just like that he felt like a complete dick. He took the cup and grabbed her hand before she could turn away. “Hey, I’m sorry. That was uncalled-for. You’re just here almost an hour early and so I assumed you were going to try and work without me. You heard the doctor, if you do more than you should you could really damage that wrist.”
She slid her fingers from his grasp and he waited for her to call foul on account of rule number two. She didn’t. “I’m not a child, Derek. I heard the doctor and I don’t need you hovering. I was up anyway so I just decided to come early. Although I don’t owe you an explanation. You’re really making me question my sanity in asking for your help.”
Derek let out a low growl and then glanced up toward the house to see a couple of guys quickly look away. “You’re right, I’m overstepping. I’m just worried about you, okay? You’re going to have to accept that.”
“Well, then you need to accept that you don’t have the right to get testy with me. I do what I want. If I want to go play baseball with this injury I’ll damn well do it. We clear?”
Derek was stunned to silence. But obviously there was only one thing to say. “We’re clear.”
Lindsey reached back into her car and came up with a second cup of coffee. She carefully placed it in the fingers on her braced hand and then reached for a bag on the center console. Derek stepped forward.
“Let me get that for you,” he said, grabbing it from her hand. Thankfully she let him and they walked together toward the house. “Thanks for the coffee.”
“You’re welcome.” She still sounded annoyed and Derek inwardly cursed himself for starting things off on such a negative note. She’d been up early, gotten him coffee. All after asking him for help, and he’d had to go and fuck it up.
He glanced over at her as they cut through the yard. Her long hair was pulled up in a ponytail, showing off her slim neck. God, how he loved her neck.
And her face.
And her body.
She was wearing a tight forest-green Henley unbuttoned at the top, showing a white tank and a modest amount of cleavage. Derek fell back and allowed her to walk ahead of him as they went up the porch steps. He caught her scent as he followed and it made him wish that he could just reach out, touch her. Pull her against him and forget about anything that stood between them.
He held open the screen as Lindsey opened the main door and led them inside. Once they were in the kitchen, she set down her coffee on the makeshift island and turned to face him. Derek held her bag out and she plucked it from his grasp without comment.
“What’s first on the agenda today?” he asked.
“I’d like to get the cabinets stained. I sanded them a week or so ago. Before my injury. The lowers will be the same stain as the floor and the uppers just have a light glaze. I have all the paint and stain in the backseat of my car. Would you mind?”
“Of course not. Is it unlocked?”
She nodded and he headed back toward the front door and across the yard. When he opened the door to her backseat he stopped short. A car seat. For a fairly small child. Something bright on the floor caught his attention. Toys. A pacifier. He knew this look, this was a mom backseat. And just like that his body went rigid. Surely someone would have mentioned it if Lindsey had a kid. Surely she would have mentioned it. It certainly would be the most twisted kind of irony if she’d withheld that kind of information.
Derek grabbed the box loaded with supplies, pushed the door shut with his shoulder, and headed back inside. Lindsey was already wiping down the cabinets with a rag. She glanced over when he entered the kitchen but quickly went back to her task.
“Do you have a child?” He couldn’t help himself. It just came out. He had to know.
She let out an awkward laugh and then stood facing him. “Uh, no.”
“Why is there a car seat in your backseat?”
“That’s Eden’s. My niece.”
Relief surged through him and he set the box down on the floor. He wasn’t sure why the idea had upset him so much, but damn, it had. A lot. It wasn’t the idea of a child that upset him, but the idea that she’d have been that close to someone else. Experienced something so important with another man. It wasn’t lost on him that that was exactly what she’d had to feel about him. It was like a deep gnawing ache in his chest to think of Lindsey with anyone but him.
“I didn’t know you had a niece.”
“Well, how would you? I didn’t
tell you.” Lindsey went back to wiping down the nearest cabinet.
“How old is she?” Derek asked. He began to unload the cans of stain and lay them out. Lindsey definitely had good quality stuff. Clearly she’d done this before and knew what she was doing.
“She’s almost four months old. She’s also the reason I was up so early. Last night was her first night in her big-girl crib. Her room is right next to mine and she was up every few hours wailing.”
Lindsey was still facing away from him but Derek smiled at the way her voice softened when she spoke of her niece.
“New babies are hard. I remember when Tanner was first born, I thought I’d never get a full six hours again. He took quite a few months to start sleeping through the night.”
“Yeah, Mel thought she was ready. I guess she’d slept without waking up to eat for two nights, but I’m not so sure.”
“It’s like they know you’re not near. Tanner was the same way when we moved him into his own room. He’d cry and I’d go get him, change his diaper, and then bring him to Lisa to feed. A lot of nights we were so tired we’d let him fall back asleep between us.”
Lindsey stopped moving, her hand frozen on the cabinet in front of her.
Shit. “I’m sorry, that was—”
“Don’t apologize.” She quickly got back to work. “Of course you’d have wonderful memories of that time in your life.”
He needed to put a muzzle on. Not that he regretted what he’d said. Tanner’s birth truly was one of the most magical things that had ever happened to him, but he could have kept those comments to himself for now. She was probably imagining that he’d left her only to get married and become blissfully happy with Lisa.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure, he’d tried. In the beginning he’d committed himself fully to trying to make Lisa happy. When Tanner was a couple of years old they’d even attempted to have another child. He’d hoped maybe a planned pregnancy—one that hadn’t turned their world upside down—would make them feel complete. Happy. But the truth was, he and Lisa just hadn’t been compatible and no child could fix that. Toward the end they hadn’t even shared a bed and even their brittle friendship had slowly crumbled, turning into anger and resentment.
Draw Me Close Page 10
