The Texan Quartet (Books 1-4) Omnibus

by Claire Boston

  Elle scanned the faces. There were Imogen and Chris, who waved, and sitting next to them was Piper, who’d been such a great waitress on opening day, and then there was Adrian and his wife Libby.

  Libby stood, gave George a hug and then turned to Elle. “I’m so glad you could come,” she said and hugged her. She turned to Toby. “You must be Toby. My name’s Libby.” She held out a hand.

  Toby glanced up at her and then shook it.

  “Would you like to meet the others?” Libby asked him.

  He held on to Elle’s hand tightly, but nodded, glancing over to the pool where Kate was splashing about.

  Libby made the introductions and then said to Elle, “He’s welcome to get in the pool with Kate.”

  Elle shook her head. “He can’t swim, so I’ll need to go in with him.” What she really wanted to do was sit down with a nice cool drink. The day had been crazy busy at work and she was tired.

  “I’ll take him.” George was suddenly right next to her. “I’m dying for a swim.”

  “You always are.” Libby laughed.

  “If you sit right here, you can keep an eye on us,” George said, waiting for her answer.

  Bless him for understanding it wasn’t him she was worried about, but the idea of her baby in the water.

  Elle crouched down to Toby’s level. “Do you want to go for a swim with George?”

  He nodded, a little uncertain himself.

  “All right, but you need to do what George says, agreed?”

  “Yes, Mom.”

  George held out his hand. “Come on, kiddo, we might even find ourselves a couple of seahorses to wrangle.”

  Elle watched them go.

  “He’s great with kids,” Libby said.

  “I know.” She sighed and sat down in the chair George had indicated. It had been a hot day but the humidity had dropped – it was pleasant enough for swimming or sitting outside. Libby handed Elle a drink as Toby slowly descended the steps of the pool, holding George’s hand. When the water got up to his chest he stopped and didn’t want to go further. George stripped off his T-shirt, threw it on the paving, out of splash reach and sat on the step next to him, talking to him.

  Elle had to admit he kept himself in good shape.

  Kate swam up and then hurried out of the pool, going over to a chest on the side and pulling out a kickboard. She showed Toby how to use it and then gave it to him.

  Elle could tell he really wanted to try it, but he was scared.

  Should she go over and encourage him?

  As she was deciding, George stood up and waded into the pool, a couple of feet in front of Toby. “Come on, kiddo, I’m right here.”

  Kate stood next to George, encouraging Toby, and Toby’s face set in determination. He launched himself off the step, kickboard pinned under his chest, and splashed furiously toward George. When he reached him, George picked Toby up in his arms and gave him a high five.

  The others at the table all cheered. Elle hadn’t been aware they’d been watching.

  Toby turned and fist punched the air. “Let me do it again, George.”

  George carried him back to the steps and placed him down. “Go for it.”

  Her heart swelled in pride and tears pricked her eyes.

  Dean had never given Toby even that much of his time.

  Annoyed at herself, she dabbed her eyes and took a deep breath. Toby would be fine in the pool with George and she should be paying attention to her hosts.

  “George is a good teacher,” Adrian said. “He taught me and my brother how to swim.”

  Elle was intrigued, but didn’t want to pry. She knew from magazine articles Adrian was a private person.

  “He’s certainly good with Toby,” she said.

  “He’ll have a whole posse of children when he finds the right woman.”

  Elle didn’t like the direction of the conversation. What George wanted was nothing to do with her. “That’s nice.”

  “How’s the café?” Libby asked as she placed a bowl of chips and salsa on the table.

  “Really great.” Happy with the change of subject, she chatted to Libby about the bookshop café and organized a date for a Jessop Chronicles book signing.

  Adrian and Chris had left the table to stand around the grill to cook the meat, and it wasn’t long before Libby was calling the kids and George out of the pool.

  Elle grabbed Toby’s towel and went over to him.

  “Did you see me, Mom?” he asked. “I can swim the whole length of the pool with the kickboard.”

  “I saw.” She wrapped the towel around his small body, which was starting to shake.

  “After dinner I’m going to try two lengths.”

  Elle smiled at his enthusiasm. “After dinner it will be too dark for swimming,” she said.

  “Aaw.”

  “It’s OK, Toby. We can play inside. Have you ever played Go Fish?” Kate said.

  Toby slid on his T-shirt at Elle’s urging and turned to the girl. “No.”

  “Everyone needs to know how to play Go Fish.” Kate took his hand. “Come on, we’ll get some food and then I’ll teach you.”

  Without a glance or word to Elle, Toby followed Kate, his eyes wide and his mouth slightly open. The conversation tomorrow would be all about Kate did this and Kate did that. Elle smiled.

  Kate had to be about six years older than Toby, but she didn’t mind playing with him.

  “Kate’s good with kids,” George said.

  Elle turned to find George toweling himself dry. He was standing close, too close really, and some of the water from his hair flicked on to her. It was suddenly difficult to breathe. George was a formidable presence with his clothes on, but without them he was magnetic. His chest was muscled and she itched to run her hands over it. She backed up a step.

  “Sorry,” he said and grinned.

  “I should help Toby with his dinner,” she said.

  “Kate’s got him taken care of,” George said.

  She had. Toby and Kate had found seats together at the table and Toby had some ribs on his plate. Kate handed him the potato salad and they both seemed perfectly happy.

  Elle acknowledged the pinch of loss – her little boy was growing up and didn’t need her any more – but part of her was pleased. She didn’t want him to be clingy, didn’t want him to be scared of the world.

  George handed her a plate. “Help yourself.”

  He’d yet to put on his T-shirt and the temptation to help herself to something else was strong.

  She shook her head, surprised at herself. She hadn’t been interested in sex for years; she’d hated the way Dean had made her feel so vulnerable, had her begging him for release. The last thing she should be feeling now was attraction for someone she was determined not to get involved with, as anything other than a friend.

  Without benefits.

  To distract herself, she dished up her plate, not really paying any attention to what she was putting on there.

  When she sat down again, George sat next to her.

  “Thank you for taking Toby swimming.”

  “Any time. Swimming lessons will be starting soon. Maybe you can get him enrolled in a class.”

  Elle would love to and she was sure Toby would love it as well, but she wasn’t sure if she could afford it. Right now all the money she had went back into the business. She only took what she needed to pay her meager bills and for food. “I’ll look into it.”

  Piper, who was sitting across from Elle, said, “I’ve heard the Sea Monkeys is good.”

  “Thanks.” She took a mouthful of food.

  “So Elle, where are you from originally?” Piper asked. “That’s no Texan accent you’ve got.”

  She didn’t want to be talking about herself. “California.” When Piper continued to wait she added, “LA. I moved out here when I met my ex.”

  “You must like it here to stay.”

  She nodded. There hadn’t been much choice. She’d had no money for a lon
g bus trip and by the time she’d got back on her feet she’d decided it was as good a place as any.

  “Do you have any siblings?” Imogen asked.

  Elle’s heart hurt. “An older brother, James.” They’d been so close until she started dating Dean.

  She’d let Dean ruin all of her relationships.

  She needed to get this conversation away from her. “What about you?”

  Imogen smiled. “I’m an only child but I’ve got a bunch of cousins who I’ve recently met and they’re amazing.”

  The conversation thankfully turned to other topics and Elle was happy to listen while the others talked about football, fashion and politics.

  “May Toby and I leave the table?” Kate asked, looking at Elle for an answer. “I’m going to teach him how to play Go Fish in the living room.”

  Kate had shown she was good with Toby and Elle needed to trust at some stage. “Sure. Toby, you need to behave yourself and do what Kate says.”

  “Yes, Mom,” he said as he scrambled out of his chair and followed Kate inside.

  “They’ll be fine,” George murmured to her.

  His breath on her ear was warm and sent a shiver down her spine. “I know. But I can’t help worrying.”

  “You’re a good mother and Toby’s a fantastic kid. You should be proud.”

  He was getting under her skin, telling her things she wanted to hear. She desperately hoped she was doing the right thing by Toby. She wanted to believe George, but she’d learned to doubt what was said. Dean had taught her that.

  Adrian started clearing the table and Elle grasped the opportunity to leave. She grabbed some plates, flashed George a quick smile and then carried the dishes inside.

  ***

  George watched Elle go. She was relaxing, appeared happy to sit and listen. The tension he normally saw in her wasn’t there tonight. She’d trusted him to take Toby into the pool and that meant so much to him.

  He knew she’d been treated cruelly by her ex, and that it would take a lot to get her to completely trust again, but he’d obviously proven himself in some small way. He’d had so much fun teaching Toby to swim. The enthusiasm of the kid and the level of determination and trust he showed were incredible considering the atmosphere he’d grown up in. Elle had obviously been a supportive, protective influence.

  He remembered what Adrian had been like when he first joined their family. Adrian had been physically and mentally abused by his father and had jumped at every shouted word or potential conflict. It had taken months for him to stop running every time he was scared and longer still to stop flinching and expecting the worst.

  There were elements of Adrian in Toby but perhaps it was because the child was younger, or because most of the abuse had been directed at Elle, that Toby was less cautious.

  George was glad.

  The kid was great and didn’t deserve such an asshole as a father.

  Chris sat down next to him. “I got you the list of family lawyers you asked for.” He handed George a piece of paper.

  There were three names on it.

  “Do any of them do pro bono?”

  “Victoria does and she’s the best, but people know her reputation and there’s usually a long wait.”

  George was sure he could arrange to pay Victoria’s fees without Elle knowing, if needed. “I’ll give this to Elle.”

  “Give what to me?” Elle asked as she sat back down.

  George handed her the list. “These are the family lawyers Chris recommends. Victoria’s the best.”

  Elle’s face clouded and her shoulders hunched. He wished he’d left it until later. “Thanks.” She tucked the list into her bag. “I’ll call her on Monday.”

  “If you want someone to go with you, let me know.” He hated the thought of her dealing with this all on her own.

  “I’ll manage. I’d better go check on Toby.” Elle hurried back inside.

  She’d shut right down. Turned away from him and his offer for help.

  “Don’t let it get to you,” Chris said, patting his back. “Your charm will win her over in the end, I have no doubt.”

  George appreciated his friend’s confidence but he wasn’t so sure.

  When Elle came back out, she was deep in conversation with Imogen. She sat down the other end of the table, but she was obviously enjoying herself because she’d relaxed and was laughing at something Imogen said.

  While he missed her company he was glad. He didn’t know how many friends Elle had, but there couldn’t be many if she’d asked him to babysit Toby. If she wasn’t comfortable enough to call him, he hoped she’d be able to call Imogen or Libby.

  The situation with her ex really worried him. The man didn’t sound particularly rational and Elle’s apartment complex wasn’t the most secure.

  He would keep an eye on her whether she wanted him to or not.

  ***

  It was after ten when people began to leave. After playing Go Fish, Kate had read Toby a story and he’d fallen asleep on the couch. George had talked shop with Adrian and watched while Libby, Imogen and Piper brought Elle out of her shell and into their world. He wasn’t even worried when they’d all burst into laughter and glanced at him.

  Whatever made Elle happy, made him happy.

  George couldn’t quite understand why. After so many years of casual but fun relationships, he suddenly felt this overwhelming sense of protection toward Elle. Perhaps it was because she was the first woman he’d known to go through such an abusive relationship, but then again, he’d been attracted to her before he knew about that.

  He wasn’t in the mood to analyze it. He was happy to go with the flow and discover where it led.

  Elle stretched and stood. “We should get going. I’ve got an early start tomorrow.”

  “What time do you get to the café?” Piper asked.

  “Six. There’s a bit of prep work to do before the doors open at seven, and on Sunday, the coffee crowd starts early.”

  “Do you get a day off?” Chris asked.

  Elle shook her head. “Not yet. I want to work toward taking a half or full day off, but at the moment I’m still setting up the routine.”

  “If you get into a bind and need a waitress on the weekend, give me a call,” Piper said with a smile. She gave Elle her number.

  “Thank you.”

  George got to his feet and said his goodbyes. “Thanks for dinner, Libby.”

  Libby laughed. “It was Adrian who did most of the work, but I’ll take your thanks.”

  He followed Elle in to the living room where Toby was sleeping on the sofa, one arm draped over the edge. “Do you want me to carry him?”

  Elle turned, surprise on her face. “Yes, please.”

  George bent over, carefully slid his arms under the little boy and lifted him up. Toby murmured but didn’t wake.

  Elle opened the front door and then the car door so George could put Toby straight into the car seat. George examined all the straps in the dark and backed out. “The technical stuff is up to you,” he said.

  Elle flashed him a grin, so quick and full of fun, before she leaned into the car to do up the restraints. George stepped back, his heart doing a funny beat. It was a glimpse of her lighter side, the Elle she’d probably been before getting mixed up with her ex, and he wanted to see more of it. Much more.

  He waved goodbye to Libby and Adrian, who were saying goodbye to Piper, and got into the front seat. Elle gave Libby and Imogen a hug and then joined him in the car.

  They were silent for the first part of the drive. George was content to let Elle speak first; he had no need to make unnecessary conversation and he liked how relaxed she was.

  “Thank you for inviting me tonight. You have such lovely friends.” Her voice was quiet, perhaps because she didn’t want to wake Toby.

  “They’re your friends too. Aren’t you planning a girls’ night next weekend?”

  Elle nodded. “I’ll have to check if Nora can babysit Toby.”

>   It irritated him a little that she wouldn’t ask him for help but he understood. He simply said, “If she can’t, my offer still stands.”

  “Thank you. I do appreciate it.” She glanced quickly at him and then back to the road.

  There was sincerity in her voice.

  She pulled into his driveway and the casual atmosphere changed. He felt the subtle shift from her, a tensing of her spine, and reminded himself to keep it light. They were just friends.

  “Thanks for the ride.”

  Elle turned to face him. “No problem.”

  The light from the headlights showed her wary expression.

  He wanted to kiss her. Wanted so badly to cup her cheek in his hand, lean forward and touch his lips to hers.

  But he’d given her his word.

  Instead he opened the car door and said, “I’ll call you later.”

  He hoped the soft sigh she gave as he closed the car door behind him was disappointment.

  ***

  Elle was too busy to be giving any thought to George. At least that’s what she kept telling herself, but her mind had other ideas.

  During the early-morning prep work she’d caught herself staring off into space thinking about him, remembering specifically the goodbye moment in the car. She’d wanted him to kiss her – she had been so sure he was going to – but he’d simply said goodbye and left.

  And she’d been disappointed.

  She was a hypocrite. She’d told him to back off, to stay away, and now she was cross he hadn’t kissed her. She should be pleased he respected her boundaries instead of being frustrated. She’d barely slept the night before, replaying the moment over and over in her head.

  One thing was certain.

  He’d got under her skin.

  Now every time the bell above the door chimed, she looked up, hoping it was going to be him. She had to get a grip.

  She didn’t have time for men in her life.

  Indulging in fantasies about Dean was what had got her into this situation in the first place.

  She needed to focus on her business.

  During the week she’d hired two more waitresses for the weekend so Nora didn’t have to work every day and to ensure she had enough staff should someone fall sick. They were students and happy with the casual hours, but Elle needed to keep an eye on them until they understood the routine.