by Lucie Ulrich
“Thanks. Is Mike keeping you company?”
“Nah, I sent him home an hour ago. Seriously, the whole babysitter thing was getting old.”
“You’re okay by yourself?”
“I broke a few ribs, not both legs.”
“Gotcha.”
“So, about tomorrow…I’d be happy to fix breakfast for you if you like?”
Sarah’s laughter brightened his spirits. He fought not to laugh back, only because it hurt so much. “I’m taking that as a no.”
“I appreciate the thought, but I don’t intend to leave here until well after breakfast. Tell you what, I’ll pick up lunch and bring it over. We can talk then.”
“Is that your best offer?”
“It’s my only offer.”
Hearing her smile over the phone released some of Kevin’s apprehension—not that it would make the wait any easier. “In that case, I’ll take it. I’ll leave the door unlocked, so just let yourself in, and be sure to bring something totally unhealthy.”
“Trust me. It’s comfort food all the way.”
****
After a restless night, Kevin tossed the covers aside and attempted to push himself off the bed. Instead of improvement, he felt worse than ever. Every muscle on the left side of his back ached. He downed three ibuprofen and headed for the shower.
The morning moved along slowly. He had a visit from the chief of police and another from Peter, who came over to ask if he could mow the yard tomorrow, since that was the day he was mowing his own yard.
Kevin sent Peter home with permission, as well as the clean dish Tina had sent the shepherd’s pie in. The remainder of the morning consisted of studying and trying not to check the time every few minutes.
His wait finally came to an end shortly after noon. Sarah knocked and opened the front door. “Anybody hungry?”
“You know it.” Kevin took his time getting off the couch. “What did you bring me?”
Sarah carried a paper grocery bag into the kitchen. “I was going to stop, but Mom packed leftovers from last night.” She pulled out a large container, then several smaller ones. “Let’s see, we have meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, macaroni and cheese, and for dessert, Dutch apple pie and ice cream.” She reached for a couple of plates. “I stopped for the ice cream.”
Kevin took the vanilla bean ice cream and put it in the freezer while Sarah heated the food in the microwave. She pressed several buttons. “I can feel you staring at me.”
“Probably because I am.”
She made a half turn, a serious expression on her face. “I went to see Logan’s father to ask if there was any way he could bring Logan home for a visit.”
In an attempt not to show his true feelings, Kevin feigned his grimace as being caused by his injuries. He’d expected her to talk to Logan, but not face-to-face. Then he remembered her comment yesterday about not hiding behind telephones. He should have realized she didn’t mean just him. “I didn’t know you and Logan’s dad were that close.”
“I like Robert. He’s honest, and unlike his wife, he doesn’t take himself too seriously. My folks already gave me their thoughts about these crazy, mixed-up feelings I’m having where you’re concerned, so I felt it only fair to let Robert know what was going on.”
Kevin chest constricted. “You told Logan’s father about us? Was that really necessary?”
“I just told you it was.” She narrowed her eyes. “Why does that surprise you? I haven’t slept for two days, and I may never sleep again if I don’t figure out what I’m doing.”
“I’m sorry. I have no right to give you a hard time.” He stepped closer to her and cradled her face with his hands. “But surely you realize I’m in love with you.”
“Please don’t say that.” Sarah reached up and pulled his hands from her face. “You don’t know me well enough to say that.”
He grinned. “Sweetheart, the moment I laid eyes on you, I was a goner.” He took hold of her left hand. “Despite this giant rock that practically blinded me.”
“I…”
He touched her mouth with two fingers. “Don’t say anything. Let’s enjoy our lunch without thinking too hard.”
With a gentle hand, Sarah brushed his fingers away. “What are you talking about? I haven’t been able to stop thinking since I heard you were in the hospital.” She took a step back. “If I were thinking with my head instead of my heart, I wouldn’t be here in the first place.”
Kevin tempered the spark of hope Sarah had just ignited within him. He didn’t want to appear too anxious. “Yet here you are.” The microwave beeped and he stopped her from reaching for the handle. “Lunch can wait. This is too important.”
Kevin led her to the couch where he beckoned her to sit. He lowered himself onto the coffee table in front of her. “Please talk to me.”
“I know what you want me to say, but I’m not sure I can say it.”
“Because you aren’t sure of your feelings or because you are?”
She shook her head. “What happened to the man who asked to be friends again? Who said he could live with that?”
“You’re looking at him.”
“No. I’m looking at a man who wants me to profess my love for him when I’m not ready to do so. I may never be ready.” She pointed to the diamond on her finger. “I promised myself to the man who put this on my finger. Meeting you has changed my life in ways I never expected.” She closed her eyes. “It was never supposed to happen.”
“Nor was postponing your wedding. Things don’t always go according to plan, Sarah.”
Pushing herself from the couch, Sarah walked back to the kitchen and retrieved her purse. “No, they don’t, but that doesn’t mean I have to give into every whim or feeling that comes my way.”
“Is that what I am to you, a whim?”
“A whim? No. But what if it’s simply loneliness? What if you fill the gap Logan left, and I’m taking advantage of that? I don’t like users, and I certainly don’t want to be one.”
Kevin approached, took her purse from her hand and set it back on the counter. He wanted to slip his arms around her waist and pull her close, to kiss her until she begged him to stop. Instead, he placed his hands on her shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes. “You, my love, could never be a user. Now, do you have romantic feelings for me? Yes or no?”
“Why are you insisting on an answer when I told you I’m not ready?”
He refused to let her leave before she answered. “Yes or no?”
“Kevin, please.”
Leaning close, he whispered. “Yes or no?”
“Yes.” She pressed her forehead on his chest. “God forgive me for loving two men, but yes.”
“Okay.” Kevin straightened, his heart lighter than it was a few seconds ago. “Then this is the deal. I won’t ask again. I won’t try to kiss you, as much as I want to every time we’re together, and I won’t try to persuade you one way or the other. You know I love you, and for now that’s all you need to know.” He took a step back and handed Sarah her purse.
“You want me to leave?”
“I thought that’s what you wanted.”
She bit her bottom lip. “If I knew what I wanted, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” She set her purse aside. “Besides, I’m hungry, and Mom makes the best meatloaf around.”
Grinning, Kevin reset the timer on the microwave. “It doesn’t take much to please you, does it?”
“Not usually.”
“Good, ‘cause while Logan can offer you diamonds, the best I can do at the moment is free donuts.”
A slight flush pinked her cheeks. “I’ve always had a weakness for donuts.”
Flutters erupted in Kevin’s belly. “Don’t tease me, woman, or I might just go back on my no kissing policy.”
“You’re a cop. You wouldn’t break a self-imposed law.”
“Sweetheart, there is so much you have yet to learn about me.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
For the remainder of the week, Sarah spoke with Kevin a few times over the telephone. He’d asked her to stop by, but being near him was too tempting, so as much as she didn’t want to, she’d declined.
When her phone rang early Friday morning, she plucked it from her bedside table and brought it to her ear without checking the number. “Hello?”
“That’s it? Nothing more than a hello?”
Sarah sat bolt upright in bed. “Logan? Is that you?” Had her voice just risen two octaves? Keep it together, girl.
“Of course it’s me. Don’t I always call on Friday?”
She laughed, but feared it sounded forced. Why on earth was she so nervous? It’s not like he was standing at her door. “Yeah, Friday afternoon. It must be the middle of the night where you are.”
“Actually, the sun is shining quite brightly.” He chuckled. “Buzz me up, babe. I’m standing out on the sidewalk.”
Sarah’s mouth went dry—cotton ball dry, no, desert dry. She jumped out of bed, nearly tripping over the covers. Willing herself to breathe, she forced down a swallow of water from the ever-present glass on her nightstand.
“You still there, Sarah?”
“Of course I am.” She forced a second laugh. “I’m also in my pajamas and not quite awake yet. Give me three minutes and I’ll let you in.”
Hurrying to the bathroom, Sarah washed her face and brushed her teeth. With her hair brushed, she changed into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Before buzzing Logan up, she sent a quick text to Kevin.
Logan’s here. Don’t call or text.
With the street door released, Sarah opened her apartment door and stepped onto the landing. The sight of Logan smiling up at her swelled her heart. He was tanned, toned, and his thick, wavy hair hung below his collar. He’d never looked more handsome. She ran down the stairs and into his arms. “You made it.”
Logan’s kisses thrilled Sarah, bringing back memories of their past and plans for their future. It was as if the last four months had never happened. Then she opened her eyes.
“Hello, Sarah.” Abigail stood in the doorway, a smirk on her face and her husband a foot behind her.
Heat infused Sarah’s cheeks. She released Logan and ran the back of hand over her moist lips. “Abigail, Robert, what a surprise.”
Robert mouthed, “I’m sorry.”
Abigail smoothed her chignon. “I promise we’ll give you some alone time, but seeing as we picked up Logan from the airport at a ridiculously early hour, it only seemed fitting we drive him down. Especially knowing he’ll only be in the country for a few days.”
A few days? Sarah had hoped for more—then again, she was lucky to get any time at all. Hopefully Abigail would stick to her word and give Sarah and Logan the time they needed. “Please, come upstairs and make yourselves at home.”
Sarah took hold of Logan’s hand and led the group upstairs. She gave a quick tour, apologizing for her unmade bed. “While the water heats for coffee, I’m going to dash downstairs for some pastries. The baker is my landlord, and the sweets are amazing.”
Abigail swept non-existent dust from one of the dining room chairs before sitting. “When Logan told me you lived above a bakery, I thought surely he misunderstood, but you actually do.” Her mouth puckered. “On a main street in the middle of town, at that.”
“I know. Isn’t it amazing?” She plucked her wallet from her purse. “I’ll be right back. Want to come with me, Logan?”
“I would, but I’m sort of in need of your bathroom at the moment.” He removed the small canvas satchel he wore across his body and dropped it onto her couch. “What can I say?”
Sarah giggled. “Don’t say anything. I’ll see you when I get back.” She kissed him lightly on the lips, truly happy to have him close again.
“Robert,” Abigail said, “why don’t you go with Sarah and make sure to pick up something that won’t upset my delicate stomach?”
“It would be my pleasure.” Robert winked Sarah’s way. “Come on, Sarah. Let’s go see what decadent breakfast items we can find.”
It took Sarah no more than three seconds after closing the front door to let out a long breath. “Why didn’t you tell me Logan was in town?” she asked as they made their way downstairs.
“Logan wanted to surprise you, and made me promise I wouldn’t say a word.”
She pushed the bottom door open. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. I don’t know how you pulled it off, but I can’t thank you enough.”
“Do you have any idea what you’re going to say to him?”
“I know what to say. What I haven’t figured out is how to say it.”
They stood outside the bakery. “But you’re glad to see him. I saw it in your face.”
“Of course I am. I never stopped loving him. I just don’t know if I love him enough.”
“I’ve been praying for both of you. Whatever happens, you have my support.”
Rising on her toes, Sarah kissed Robert’s cheek. “You’re a class act, Robert Montgomery.”
The bakery door opened from the inside. Antonio stood with a frown on his face. “Miss Sarah, why you stand outside my door kissing this man?”
Sarah giggled. “I’m kissing him because he brought my fiancé home to me, if only for a few days. Antonio, I’d like you to meet Robert Montgomery.”
The frown never quite left Antonio’s face. “Is a pleasure, Mr. Montgomery. If Sarah say you’re good people, you’re good people.”
“Thank you, Antonio. Now, how about showing me some of the incredible pastries Sarah says you make?”
Smiling for the first time, Antonio ushered Robert past the six small tables to the glass display case, giving a description of each different creation. While waiting for a decision, Sarah helped herself to a cup of coffee. She leaned against the coffee bar and nearly spit out her first sip when Kevin walked in.
Eyes wide and heart palpitating, Sarah stole a look toward the bakery counter. Both men were deep in conversation, so she took the opportunity to head Kevin’s way. She kept her voice low. “What are you doing here?”
“Planning on enjoying a Danish and a cup of coffee.” He frowned. “Is that a problem?”
“Didn’t you get my text?”
“No.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and glanced at it. “Oh.”
She motioned with her head. “Logan’s father is over there chatting it up with Antonio. You have to go.”
“No, Sarah, I don’t.” He moved to turn his back to the activity at the counter. “I can see you’re a little freaked out at the moment, but this is what you asked for. I can’t tell you what to do, but I’m good with meeting Logan and getting everything out in the open. If you don’t want to go that route, that’s fine too, but I’m not going to run away when I have nothing to run from.”
“Sarah, what do you think about a cinnamon crumble coffee cake?” Robert tapped the front of the counter.
“I have to go,” she said to Kevin. “I’ll talk to you soon.” Sarah hurried over to Robert. “That looks delicious. Will Abigail enjoy it?”
“She’ll love it.”
“Then let’s get it boxed up and head back upstairs.” Sarah tossed her disposable coffee cup in the trash, its contents souring her stomach.
“Excellent choice.” Kevin stood next to Sarah, staring into the display case. “I think I’ll take one as well, Antonio.”
Antonio beamed and pumped Kevin’s hand. “Poliziotto Jenkins, it’s wonderful to see you.” He called toward the back of the store. “Rosa, come say hello.”
Rosa hurried out, arms outstretched.
Sarah saw the panicked look on Kevin’s face and ran interference. She took a half-step, blocking the older woman’s direct path. “Don’t forget about his ribs, Rosa.”
“Mamma mia, what am I thinking?” Slowing her pace, Rosa took Kevin’s face between her plump hands, and kissed his forehead. “How are you feeling?”
“A little better every day.”
“Good. Soon you be back in uniform and coming in for donuts.” She patted his cheek, then Sarah’s. “You take good care of him, okay, Sarah?” Without waiting for a reply, Rosa hurried back into the kitchen.
Heat from a thousand suns burned Sarah’s cheeks. She could only imagine how red her face must be. She shot a glance Kevin’s way, only to find him fighting a grin. Much to Robert’s credit, he’d backed away and was paying for his purchase.
Her first instinct was to slug Kevin for making his presence known, but that would only draw more attention. Not to mention the fact he had every right to be here. He wasn’t the one keeping secrets.
Robert appeared by her side. “Are you ready to go? I’m sure Logan and his mother have the coffee fixed by now.” He nodded to Kevin and escorted Sarah from the bakery, but they only made it a few feet outside before Robert stopped. “That was him, wasn’t it?”
There was no point in denying it, seeing as her cheeks were still on fire. “Yes.”
“He seems like a nice person.”
“He is.”
“Rosa referred to him as a policeman.”
Sarah nodded.
“An injured policeman at that.”
“He took a fall six days ago and broke three ribs.”
“And have you been taking care of him?”
Sarah pointed to a nearby bench under the shade of a tree. She sat and waited for Robert to do the same. “My friend Pippa and I brought him home from the hospital the day he was hurt. In the first two days I spent maybe the total of an hour with him. I did have lunch with him the day after I came to see you. So, to answer your question, no, I haven’t been taking care of him. I’ve actually made it a point to stay away, so that if and when I got to see Logan, it wouldn’t be right after spending time with Kevin.”
“And what if Logan hadn’t come home?”
“I can’t answer that, nor does it matter. Logan is upstairs waiting for me, and the two of us have a lot to talk about.”
“In that case, let’s get you upstairs. I’ll have Abigail out of here within the hour.”
