Unbridled (Unlikely Lovers)

by Brooks, Cheryl

  “Tabitha said yes,” Levi announced. “We’re going on a date on Sunday night.”

  “That’s great,” Travis said, moving his hands to a more discreet position.

  Miranda leaned into him, her entire body shaking with silent giggles.

  “And guess what? She likes Chinese food too.” Levi arched an eyebrow. “Um, Travis…does Mom always laugh like that when you kiss her?”

  “Sometimes, but usually not.”

  “Are you sure you’re doing it right? I don’t think kisses are supposed to make girls laugh.”

  Miranda had almost regained control of her mirth when she made the mistake of glancing up at Travis, whose attempt to keep a straight face was enough to set her off again.

  “I’m sure,” Travis replied.

  “Yeah, right.”

  Levi’s smirk was her undoing. Clutching her side, Miranda doubled over with helpless laugher.

  “Bet Tabitha doesn’t laugh when I kiss her.”

  “I hope she doesn’t,” Travis said. “You be sure and let us know how it goes.”

  “I will. I’m going to watch TV now. You two keep practicing.”

  * * * *

  Travis took Levi out for a drive on Saturday morning, and after several round trips to the Chinese restaurant, he was able to report that Levi should have no problems going solo.

  “He’s already a good driver. Just needed a little practice.”

  “Tabitha will be with him too. I can’t help wondering how the date will go. He’s not very talkative whenever we go out. He pretty much wolfs down a plateful of potstickers and fried shrimp, and he’s ready to go home.”

  Travis grinned. “Yeah, well, you’re his mother, not his girlfriend.”

  “True.”

  “So, what are you up to this afternoon?”

  “I’m going to try to get the lawn mower started and roll the yard. The grass is already getting green. It won’t be long before it needs cutting.”

  “Sure you’re up to that?”

  “Yeah, I did some work on the rose beds yesterday, and I tried to start the trimmer. I changed the spark plug, which usually gets it going again, but no such luck. Anyway, I feel almost normal, until Levi makes me laugh my head off. I thought I was going to rupture something last night.”

  “Me, too.”

  She was a little surprised that Travis didn’t fuss at her for trying to start the trimmer, but all he did was offer to take a look at it.

  After lunch, Miranda sent Levi out to scour the yard for fallen branches while Travis laid the trimmer out on the table on the deck, dismantling it completely. She changed the oil and replaced the spark plug on the lawn tractor, only to discover that the battery was dead. After hooking it up to the battery charger, she went to check on Travis’s progress.

  “Any luck finding the problem?”

  “A good cleaning and a few adjustments should get it running again. It’s pretty clogged up.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I’m not surprised. I can do routine stuff, but I’m no mechanic. If I took it apart like that, I’d never get it back together.”

  “Sure you would. It’s not rocket science. All it takes is a little time.” He glanced up at her and winked. “Which is something you don’t have.”

  “No shit. That’s why I’m having such a hard time sitting still. There’s so much that needs doing.”

  He dug a huge wad of oily debris out of the trimmer. “Ever feel like you’ve bitten off more than you can chew?”

  “Constantly. It’s even worse with Levi gone. He was a lot of help.” She heaved a sigh. “Wish I could stay off work another two weeks. I might even get caught up.”

  “You know if there’s anything you need me to do, all you have to do is ask.”

  Placing her hands on his shoulders, she leaned down and kissed his cheek. “Seems like half the time, I don’t even have to ask. Thanks for all your help.”

  She was beginning to wonder how she’d ever managed without him. It would be so easy to give up and let him do more. Unfortunately, she had an idea that if she ever started backing off on her chores, she’d lose the necessary strength and energy and never get it back. Case in point, she’d never been unable to get that trimmer started. Ever. Her only consolation was that Travis hadn’t been able to get it started, either.

  “When do you have to go back to work?” he asked.

  “Next Sunday night. Hopefully it’ll be peaceful. Lola and Dana have both promised to do any heavy lifting for me, and Lola is dying for me to come back. Sheila’s driving her nuts. I don’t work again until the following Friday, which is St. Patrick’s Day—unfortunately.”

  Travis snickered. “What’s the matter? Are you that fond of green beer?”

  “No, but a lot of other people are—too fond. We always get at least one drunk. It’s never fun.”

  “I don’t suppose it is,” he said. “How about if I come over Saturday morning and feed the ponies for you? Then you can tell me all about it.”

  Quite often, Miranda had been so exhausted that the mere thought of doing the barn chores made her want to lay down and cry. She didn’t, of course. She’d always put on her boots and done the work with the promise of her bed dangling before her like a carrot. Coming home and going straight to bed would seem like a vacation. There’d been no one there to listen to her vent since Levi moved out, and he hadn’t always understood what she was talking about anyway. Travis was bound to be a much more effective sounding board. “You’re gonna have me so spoiled.”

  “I’d spoil you a helluva lot more if you’d let me.”

  “Ah, yes, but as soon as I did, I’d get complacent and you’d disappear.” Her flippant rejoinder stopped her cold.

  I can’t believe I said that.

  Travis looked up at her in surprise. “What are you talking about? I’m not going to disappear.”

  “That’s what Kris always said. But he did, and with my luck—”

  “That’s what this is all about? You’re afraid I’ll get killed?”

  She shrugged. “Hey, I’ve already lost one man.”

  “Which means your odds of losing another one are astronomical. I’m not going anywhere, Miranda. You can get that through your head right now.”

  His words were like an echo of what Lola had said when Miranda talked to her on the phone the day of her accident. She’d been so sure that Travis was sincere, but what did she know? What did he know, for that matter? What did anyone know? Her knees suddenly weak, she sat down heavily on the chair opposite him. “It could happen, Travis. You aren’t immortal.”

  “Neither are you. Anyone can have a fatal accident, but Kris was a Marine. His chances of dying were a lot greater than yours or mine to start with. Besides, you can’t live your life worrying about everything that might happen.”

  “You’ve let your divorce keep you from marrying again. There’s no difference, really.”

  “I never remarried because I never fell in love. Please, don’t let your fears come between you and a second shot at happiness—or mine, for that matter. I’m happier now than I’ve ever been.” Taking her hand, he gave it a gentle squeeze. “I can make your life a whole lot easier too, and yet you still resist.”

  “But I’m such a–a jinx. I loved Kris, and he died. I had his child, but he wasn’t normal. I wouldn’t trade Levi for anyone, but Kris never really came to terms with his autism. In a way, I think he was relieved when I couldn’t get pregnant again. Like he didn’t want to take the risk.”

  “You’re not a jinx, and Kris didn’t die because you loved him. Nor is it your fault Levi is autistic. It doesn’t work that way.”

  “Yeah. I know. It’s just so hard to…” She paused, shaking her head. “I do the best I can, but it’s never enough.”

  “It’s okay to admit you aren’t Superwoman. I promise I won’t love you any less—and I do love you, Miranda. With all my heart.”

  She couldn’t possibly have heard him correctly. Swallowing hard, s
he gave him a tremulous smile. “Not sure anyone less than Superwoman could hang onto a guy like you.”

  Travis had always known he’d be the one to say it first. What he hadn’t anticipated was that she wouldn’t repeat it back to him right away.

  No. I knew that, too.

  “A guy like me? Believe me, I’m nothing special.”

  “Oh, yes, you are. You’re freakin’ perfect.”

  “Yeah, right. If I’m so damned perfect, why did my wife cheat on me? Why did Christina think I was boring? Why couldn’t Shelley trust me? No, I’m not perfect. Not by a long shot.”

  She waved a dismissive hand. “That only proves how imperfect they were.”

  “You’re absolutely right. They weren’t perfect—at least, not for me. But you are.”

  “I would so like to believe that.”

  Her voice was so soft, he barely heard her, and her wistful smile nearly broke his heart. Nevertheless, he wanted her to believe it beyond a shadow of a doubt.

  “It’s true, and if I’m perfect in your eyes, it’s because you bring out the best in me. Whether you love me or not is entirely up to you, but please don’t rule out the possibility.”

  “I won’t.” She frowned, shifting in her chair. “If only it didn’t seem so…sudden.”

  “We may have only been together for less than a week, but we’ve known each other for a long time. I fell for you from the very beginning. Even knowing I couldn’t have you didn’t stop me. I’m right here, and I’m not going to disappear.”

  The little beagle came up on the deck and nudged her hand. She stroked his head in silence. “You’re right,” she finally said. “That’s why I don’t—or won’t—let anyone help me. Any man, that is.” She blew out a shaky breath. “For me, it’s almost the same as letting them love me. I’ve been so afraid to fall in love again, and protecting Levi wasn’t the only reason. I was protecting myself, too.”

  He gave her a few moments to let the idea sink in. “I’ll give you as much love as you can stand, Miranda. All you have to do is let me.”

  His heart sank as she slowly shook her head. “Love is so risky. I’ve taken care of dozens of overdoses over the years, and at least half of them were depressed because of a love affair gone bad or the death of a spouse. That’s why I’m so concerned about Levi. What if they get married and have an autistic child? Tabitha might decide she doesn’t want any part of it and leave them both. What then?”

  “I don’t think she’d do that. If she loves Levi, she wouldn’t think any less of his child.”

  “Yes, but she’s seeing Levi the way he is now. She doesn’t know how hard it was to get him to this point.” Her voice trembled and tears ran down her cheeks. “Teaching him to read was a constant struggle, and helping him with his homework was a nightmare. There were times when we both got so mad and frustrated, I had to leave the house for a while. I don’t think Tabitha has any idea what she might be setting herself up for.”

  “Maybe not, but there’s always the chance that their children might be normal. He loves her, and he loves kids. Doesn’t he deserve the same chance as anyone else?”

  As quickly as they’d filled with tears, her eyes hardened with anger. “It isn’t that simple. You weren’t here when he was little. You don’t know what it was like. Hell, even Kris didn’t know.”

  Obviously he’d touched a sore spot. “No, I wasn’t here, and I don’t know what it was like, but I have met Levi, and I think it would be a mistake for you to refuse to let him marry Tabitha without giving her a chance—without giving him a chance.”

  “Levi is my son. You have no right to tell me what to do with him.” She turned away, biting her lip.

  “No, I don’t have the right to tell you what to do—with Levi or anything else.” This wasn’t only about Levi. There was a whole lot more at stake here than that. “I told you once before that I wouldn’t try to run your life and whether I stayed or left was your call, and I stand by that. But I do have a right to my opinion.”

  Miranda’s eyes widened like she’d seen a ghost, and for a moment, Travis thought he’d gone too far.

  “You’ve never said anything of the kind,” she whispered. Blinking rapidly, she added, “If you had, I might have…I don’t know…maybe annihilated you.”

  Chapter 30

  Travis might’ve been waiting his whole life for a woman to pounce on him, but Miranda had been waiting her whole life—the latter part of it, anyway—to hear a man say exactly what he’d just said.

  It’s your call…

  Travis peered at her as though half expecting her to start speaking in tongues. “But I did say it. After I finally figured out that Levi wasn’t your husband, I said a lot of things, doing my damndest to convince you we were meant for each other. Are you saying you don’t remember that, either?”

  She shook her head. “No, I don’t.”

  “And here I thought you’d only forgotten the sex. No wonder you were acting so strangely at the hospital! In my mind, we’d come to an understanding—you have to see why I’d think that—and then—oh, God.” His eyes widened in utter mortification. “I brought you home and practically shoved my dick in your mouth during lunch. You must’ve thought I was—well, I don’t know what you thought. Why the hell didn’t you tell me to go fuck myself?”

  “Because aside from the fact that I’d wanted to get my hands on you for ages, it seemed sort of…familiar.”

  “Sucking my dick?”

  “Well, yeah. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t fantasized about it. Among other things.” With a coy smile, she added, “I have a pretty vivid imagination, and I’d dreamed up all sorts of sexy scenarios—when I wasn’t telling myself I was too old for you, that is. Then there was the whole control issue. I never could stand the idea of some man telling me what to do—having to take orders from doctors is bad enough. I’d been avoiding men like the plague for that very reason.”

  “And you think that was the missing piece?”

  She nodded. “Already nuts about you and then having you tell me you wouldn’t try to run my life? Oh, yeah. That would definitely do it.”

  He still seemed cautious. “And what about now? Does it still have the same effect?”

  She glanced toward the yard where Levi was still busy picking up fallen branches. “Yes, but I think I can control it—for the moment.” Frowning, she rubbed the side of her head where only a slight bump lingered. “I kept trying to figure out how come I felt like I loved you, but I didn’t know why. Sounds sort of silly, doesn’t it?”

  His lips curled into a slow, provocative smile. “Not as long as you love me.” Chuckling, he added, “We certainly pick our moments. If this was a movie, we’d be in some secluded spot where we could fall into each other’s arms and make mad, passionate love. But I’m sitting here fixing your weed whacker with gas and oil all over my hands.”

  “Good thing mine are clean.” In the space of a heartbeat, she surged to her feet and closed the gap between them. His lips were as soft and inviting as ever, and cupping his face in her palms, she tasted the sweet, warm essence of the man she loved. Somewhere deep within her heart, the missing piece of the puzzle settled into place. Come what may, she was in love with Travis York. Nothing could change that now. “I love you so much it scares me.”

  “There’s nothing to be afraid of, Miranda—not when I feel the same way about you. You’re wonderful and sexy and beautiful. I love your strength, your fierce independence, and the way you seemed willing to let Levi do what he had to do without complaining.” He smiled sheepishly. “Of course, the fact that he turned out to be your son, rather than your husband made a difference.”

  “A huge difference.”

  “Yes, but you were still willing to allow Levi his freedom, and that made an impression on me. I’ve never wanted a clinging vine. Given my history with other women, I think you understand what I’m talking about.”

  “Yeah. The jealous, possessive, controlling type doesn’t appeal
to you anymore than it does to me.”

  He nodded. “You were so right for me—I used to spend nights lying awake, trying to figure out a way to get you to leave your husband. It was a terrible thing to even think about, but at least I didn’t go through with it. My cousin, Alan, helped me with that.” He paused, chuckling. “You need to meet him sometime. He’s a little…different. Anyway, finding out that Levi was your son didn’t help me a whole lot. You’d never given me even the tiniest bit of encouragement.”

  “Are you kidding? Of course, I didn’t. You were this hot, handsome younger man—maybe not as young as I thought you were—but I still never dreamed you might want someone my age. I’d made up my mind you could never be more to me than eye candy. Couldn’t quite convince my heart, though.”

  He snorted a laugh. “Maybe so, but your brain was pretty much in control. I don’t know if you remember this or not, but even when I told you how much I wanted you, I don’t think you took me seriously.”

  “And then you said the magic words.”

  “Yeah. Wish I’d remembered them before now. I mean, I tried. I guess when the woman of your dreams pounces on you for the first time, it tends to make the details of how you got there a little fuzzy.”

  “I suppose it does.”

  “You still don’t remember everything that happened that day, do you?”

  She shook her head. “No, but I don’t think I need to.” Smiling, she kissed his cheek. “I trust you to remember it for me.”

  A blush crept up his neck. “As if I could ever forget that.”

  * * * *

  Miranda seemed surprised when Levi decided to go back to his apartment after dinner that evening. Travis, however, had expected it. “He’s got a hot date tomorrow night,” he said as she closed the front door. “He needs to prepare.”

  She sat down beside him on the sofa. “Prepare? All he has to do is take a shower, get dressed, and go pick her up.”