Fraternize Me

by Debra Kayn

  Hank threw the football up in the air and caught it. She stood motionless, not knowing what she should do. Mr. Holland didn’t leave her a second plan in case the first itinerary fell apart.

  Hank walked up to her. “What are you waiting around for? Go get changed.”

  “What?” She gazed at his chest.

  “You can’t be out on the beach in a skirt and heels.” He shrugged. “The party’s outside. I want you to come. You deserve to see the results of all your hard planning.”

  “I didn’t plan to join the party.” She shook her head. “I should stay here, in case there are any problems. We have a crew out on the beach overseeing the food and making sure all the litter is picked up before it can blow away.”

  He leaned down. “Everyone is going outside. The hotel can run itself for a couple of hours. Go change. We’ll be out on the beach waiting for you.”

  “Go, girlfriend,” Sally whispered in her ear. “You need to be where the guests are. Everyone here can take care of the hotel. Besides, if a guy who looked like him asked me outside, I’d be on him before we hit the doors.”

  “Shhh!” She glanced between Sally and Hank. This went against everything she thought was right. She was on the clock, but the guests were going to a hotel-catered party and she was responsible for their satisfaction. Surely, Mr. Holland would want her to attend and represent the hotel on his behalf.

  “Okay. I’ll go.” She frowned. “Not for long, but I’ll make sure everything is running smoothly.”

  “Great. Go change into something more comfortable.” Hank walked backward. “And, Ava? Be ready to cheer for me. I need a cheerleader if I’m going to get my butt kicked making sure everyone has a good time.”

  She laughed. “This is crazy.”

  “Go.” Sally nudged her. “Don’t keep that cowboy waiting, girlfriend.”

  She climbed the stairs, then took the elevator to the third floor, and hurried to her room. Her adrenaline pulsed through her body, and she found herself grinning. It wasn’t about going outside for fun. Okay, getting out of the hotel was nice, but she'd spend it watching Hank. She just had to make sure she kept their relationship on a professional level.

  It was hard to keep her distance from Hank though when he was always around, saving her from one disaster or another, making her laugh. Going out on the beach during the day felt different, like yesterday when they’d acted like a normal man and woman flirting and having fun, but even more exciting, because she knew what happened if they gave themselves a chance. He wanted her with him, to share in the fun, and she wanted that too, more than anything.

  Especially after losing herself in the kiss they shared yesterday on the boardwalk. She’d discovered how much she longed to connect with Hank, to simply be in his presence. He made her forget that Gram depended on her, and forced her to think about herself and what she wanted. For once, she dreamed. She’d missed dreaming about the impossible before falling asleep, and now she even looked forward to jumping out of bed ready for the day because there was a good chance Hank’s path would cross hers.

  All week she’d pushed aside her attraction to him. She flung her clothes out of her suitcase. Not today. She’d enjoy hanging out with him in front of everyone, and no one would suspect a thing. She’d remember every moment together, and play the day back over in her mind when he left her and went back to the ranch.

  She stopped her search, and sat down on the edge of the bed. Oh no.

  In all their talks, he’d never once mentioned where his ranch was located. For all she knew, he could live clear across the country on the east coast. She might never see him again.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Hank picked the last member for the skins team. He high fived Joe Donnally, thankful he had a few big guys on his side. He hadn’t played ball in years, although he kept in shape wrestling steers.

  “Hey, Holland.” Brad tossed Hank the football.

  He groaned, hearing his name and jogged across the sand. Why didn’t he think ahead? He’d only seen the opportunity to enjoy Ava away from the hotel, and forgot all about keeping her away from the men who could blow his cover.

  He slapped Brad on the shoulders and spoke to the group of men. “Hey, do me a favor. Don’t call me by my last name while we play. I want to keep my connection with the Holland Hotel secret from the staff.”

  “Sounds as if you’ve got your own game going on. And, here we thought you wanted us to call you Hank because you were trying to separate yourself from your old man.” Brad elbowed him, and motioned with his chin. “A hundred bucks says this has to do with that pretty lady coming your way."

  “Damn.” Jed Crocker stepped in front of Hank and whistled, looking off into the distance. “Who’s she?”

  Hank punched him in the shoulder. “Lay off, Crocker. She’s off limits to the likes of you.”

  Ava stepped off the steps leading to the beach, and jogged toward the group. His gaze took in the skimpy shorts, the too big hoody, and the long hair. His tongue dried to the roof of his mouth. She was sexier than hell, and football was the last thing on his mind.

  “Start the game. I’ll join in next pickup.” He jogged off and headed toward the men who gathered around the fire, planning to keep Ava away from the younger ranchers.

  “Hi.” Ava stopped in front of him, and pulled back the hood of her sweatshirt.

  “Sweet Jesus…” He reached out, and trailed his finger down the length of her hair, ending below her breast. “You get more and more pretty.”

  She tilted her head and grinned. “I hope you don’t say that to all the girls.”

  “Look around, darlin’. You’re the only woman here.” He dropped his hand and inhaled. “I wish I could skip out of the party, and take you somewhere so we could be alone. I need to talk with you before the convention comes to an end.”

  She gave a tiny shake of her head. “Don’t spoil today. You know I can’t.”

  “Mr. Holland’s an idiot.” He put his arm around her, and led her toward the spit.

  “Hank.” She stopped. “I really…I want to…I’m still working. You shouldn’t touch me.”

  “Any chance you’ll quit your job, right now?”

  She laughed to hide her subconscious screaming yes, yes, yes. “No.”

  “When’s your next day off?”

  “Monday.”

  He rubbed his chest. “I’ll be back at the ranch….”

  “And, I’ll find out if I have the job or if I need to go find somewhere else to work.” Ava snorted. “I don’t even know what we’re talking about. This is crazy. What we’re doing is insane. I’ve never felt this way about someone before, and I’m afraid I’ll never get to see you again and…I’m blowing it.”

  “I want to see you, be with you, away from,” he hitched his thumb toward the hotel. “Here. I want to know more about you, without you worrying about being fired.”

  She squeezed his arm, and then stepped back. “But, you’re leaving soon, and I can’t jeopardize my job.”

  “I’ll come back.” He brushed the hair from her cheek, and tucked it behind her ear. “Do you know how adorable you look right now?”

  She flipped up her hood. “You’re making this more difficult on me.”

  “Why?” He pulled the strings on her sweatshirt, dragging her closer.

  “Because, I like you too. I wish…”

  “What do you wish, darlin’?”

  “I could kiss you again.” She ran her finger across his lower stomach, collecting the rainwater, running off his body.

  He sucked in air, his body hardening. If he waited any longer to touch her, it’d kill him. From the first day, he’d wanted to put his hands on her, feel the way she’d melt against him. Yesterday’s kiss set him on fire. He couldn’t get her off his mind.

  The drizzle turned to rain. She tilted her face up and closed her eyes, smiling. He stood, staring down at her with an ache in his chest, wishing he could freeze time.

  He’d gon
e back and forth between wishing Drake would’ve taken care of Ava’s evaluation himself, and thankful that he was here to get to know her. Because of his brother, he’d met the woman of his dreams. If she refused to be alone with him before Drake returned, he could thank Drake for ruining his life. She’d never understand why he sabotaged her job.

  She was special in the way she always tried to make the best of a bad situation, her work ethic, and the way she fought her attraction to him. Oh yeah, he had no doubt she wanted him. It showed in her eyes, and the way she touched him when she thought no one was watching. Little, gentle touches, she wasn’t even aware of, that warmed his blood, and had him wanting to follow her anywhere.

  He cleared his throat. “You should go stand by the fire and dry off.”

  She nodded and her face broke out in a grin. “You have a football game to play.”

  “Will you cheer for me?” He glanced over his shoulder and waved to the guys who were yelling for him to get his ass back in the game.

  “I might.” She shrugged, and then laughed. “Depends on if you’re any good.”

  He chuckled. “Oh, I’m good, darlin’.”

  “Then show me.” She shooed him away.

  Hell if he’d disappoint her. In fact, he embraced the idea of showing off in front of her. He played a mean game back in the day, and he hoped he could still pull it off. He jogged across the sand and joined the others. Brad whistled under his breath as Hank ran by, and he smacked him on the butt. It didn’t matter that he was soaked and would wake up bruised and sore, Ava had him feeling good. He was going to kick some ass.

  “Let’s go. Skins over here.” He motioned half the men to his side. “We’re offense.”

  The brawl started. He was tackled, kneed, elbowed, and sent face first into the wet sand more times than he could count over the course of an hour, and he loved every minute of it. When one of the men yelled chow time, he was beat and yet, rejuvenated.

  Ava had cheered, jumped, and yelled, encouraging him the whole time. He’d ignored the other men’s grumbles. They were jealous, and he was the top dog.

  He limped to the bonfire and collapsed in the sand. Ava came over and sat beside him, ignoring the rain, the wind, and the company, giving him the biggest drenched smile he'd ever seen. He grinned back.

  “You’re soaked. I can get you a blanket.” He shifted to get up, but she put her hand on his arm.

  “It’s okay.” She lowered her voice. “I’m going to let you men eat, and go get cleaned up. I really shouldn’t have left everyone inside alone for so long, but I enjoyed watching you play.”

  “Are you sure you can’t stay for a bit longer?”

  She shook her head. “This job is too important to me.”

  “Why?”

  The elation of being outside, having fun, being together drained from her face and she rose to her knees. “Because it’s not only me I need to think about.”

  He frowned. “I thought you weren’t married?”

  “No.” She ducked her chin. “There’s no man in my life.”

  “Do you have a child?” He stopped her from standing. “Is that why you’re scared of losing the job? You have a kid to support?”

  “No. It’s my grandmother.” Her smile turned sad. “I better go. Enjoy your beach party, and thanks for getting the guests excited about coming out here in the rain. You saved the day, again.”

  “Ava…?” He stood.

  She waved over her shoulder and jogged toward the hotel, beating an escape. He watched her, until she’d climbed the steps and entered the back door. Her Grandmother?

  The thought that she was worried about someone else never entered his mind all week as he’d watched her work herself to death. He shivered, aware of the rain streaming down his face, blocking his vision. Her sense of dedication made more sense. Did she have no one else in the family to lean on?

  “Dinner served to the winner.” Brad pushed a heaping plate of food in his hands. “Better push your way under the tarp with the other men. We’re eating in shifts before our food floats away.”

  “Thanks,” he mumbled.

  He should be doing more for Ava. His appetite left and he passed the plate to Brad.

  “Hey, where are you going?” Brad asked.

  He shook his head and jogged toward the hotel. Someone had to have answers, either George or Drake. Hell, if he couldn’t get one of them to answer his questions, he’d ask Ava. This charade had gone on long enough. He wanted answers, and it was time for both of them to come clean.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Ava stepped out of the shower to the phone ringing. Prepared for Mr. Holland’s twice a day call, she grabbed her phone off the bathroom counter.

  “Hello?” She rubbed the towel over her face.

  “Ms. Walsh, this is Judy from Sunny Oak. I’m afraid we've had an incident here at the home.”

  “Oh, God.” Ava reached out for the wall. “What happened?”

  “We thought Amelia was sleeping, and fifteen minutes later we checked on her again, and she’d left her room. We thought she might’ve walked down to the dining room, but she wasn’t there. We’ve looked everywhere, but we believe she walked away from the home. She still has lucid moments¸ and she might’ve remembered the password after viewing one of the workers opening the door. The police have been notified, and we have a crew out searching for her.” Judy sighed. “I’m so sorry, Ava, but I think you should come to the home and help us look. Maybe you have an idea where she would go?”

  “I’ll be right there. Please, keep looking for her.” She hung up, and slipped on her bra and panties. She blindly grabbed a pair of jeans and sweatshirt¸ throwing them on and trying not to fall apart at the news. How could they lose Gram?

  Sunny Oak came highly recommended, and Gram’s admitting doctor said the nursing staff had experience working with patients with dementia. They’d shown her the alarms at every door, and claimed to have one nurse for every four patients. Gram seemed happy there. Well, happier than she was at the previous place.

  Ave skipped taking the elevator, and instead ran down the back stairway. George flagged her down in the lobby, but she only slowed her steps long enough to let him know she had a family emergency and would be back as soon as she was able.

  Within walking distance of the nursing home, she ran. She dodged between cars, not waiting for the crossing light to change, and cut through the Seashell Gift store parking lot. The whole time she ran, she looked for Gram, who could be anywhere.

  Trapped in her own mind, Gram could be thinking she was a child going to school or walking to work at the Clam Diggery across town. Ava ran up to the door of Sunny Oak. The secretary opened it.

  “Have you found her?” She leaned against the counter, panting.

  “No.” Judy squeezed Ava’s hand. “I’m so sorry. We don’t even know how she walked out. The doors remain locked and activated around the clock. She’s not our only patient physically able to move around, but somehow she used the correct three-numbered code for the rear door and walked out without setting off the alarm.

  She squeezed her eyes closed, and sucked in a much-needed breath. “H-have the police spotted her?”

  “Not yet.” Judy rubbed the front of her neck. “We even have three workers out looking for her. I can’t imagine she could’ve gone too far. She was in the cafeteria at dinnertime. Barbara saw her walk back to her room, and when I checked on her next, she was asleep. Fifteen minutes after first check-in, she went missing.”

  “I can’t believe this is happening.” Ava hugged her middle.

  “We’ll find her.”

  “Has anyone gone to our house? My Gram’s house?” She straightened up. “That’s it. Maybe she was lucid enough she wanted to go home. I’ll go look. Call me if anyone finds her in the meantime. I have my cell with me.”

  “We will.” Judy reached behind the desk and pushed the door release button. “I’m praying for her. We will find you grandmother. She’ll be all ri
ght.”

  Ava’s feet hit the pavement, and she ignored the rain. She cursed the weather. Gram didn’t need to be out here getting wet and cold. She wasn’t frail, but who knew where she would go when she got one of her crazy ideas. Ava should never have left her with strangers. It was her responsibility to keep Gram safe and she’d failed.

  She ran downhill the last two blocks, searching the neighborhood. The streets empty, she saw no sign of Gram anywhere. She cut through the Gifford’s driveway. Her foot hit a rock, and she careened out of control. Her hands skidded along the gravel. She bit her lip, grunting as the pain ricocheted up her arms.

  Pain stabbed at her knees, and she rolled over sitting up, and hugged her arms to her chest. I hate this. I hate this.

  She rocked back and forth, not wanting to cry. Why was it so hard to take care of someone? Nothing she did was ever good enough. She couldn’t keep Gram safe or stop her from getting worse. She sucked at her job. She blew it with Hank. Gram, where are you?

  “Ava?” Gram yelled.

  She turned her head and looked behind her. She cried, relief flooding her.

  Gram stood on the porch, her hands on her hips, looking exactly the way she did when Ava was a child and was late coming home from playing with Lindsay Gifford next door. Ava stood up, groaning.

  “Gram, I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” Ava swung her leg over the driftwood fence, and limped up to the porch. “Have you been at the house the whole time?”

  “I locked myself out, and can’t remember where we put the spare key.” Gram pointed at the flowerpot that sat to the right of the front door. “I always keep one under there, but it’s missing.”

  “Yes, you did keep one under the pot. I moved it to a new location when little Jimmy across the street kept letting himself in the house. He’s seven now, and wilder than ever. His poor mom can’t keep up with him.” She reached up and plucked the house key off the top of the doorframe. “Let’s get you inside and warmed up.”

  “It sure doesn’t look like summer today.” Gram stepped into the house. “Not that I’m surprised by all the rain. It is Oregon.”