What the Heart Needs

by Kelli McCracken

  At least she attempted to smile. Which was enough for now. Tomorrow things would be different. He’d make sure of that.”

  * * *

  The bedroom door whispered against the carpet as Dylan pulled it shut. The less noise he made, the more likely Heaven would remain asleep. And he needed her to sleep—all night.

  Darting from the door, he hurried to the staircase, feeling the edge of each step as he slid over them. The second his feet hit the hardwood floor he headed for the den, were Layne promised he’d be.

  And he’d kept his promise. Layne sat on a barstool, unwinding with a shot of Patron. Dylan approached the bar. He found another glass, pouring himself a drink for liquid courage. Or comfort. Didn’t really matter knowing what lie ahead of him.

  “How’s she doing?”

  The grogginess in Layne’s voice had Dylan looking him over. He needed him sober if he wanted his plan to work. “How drunk are you?”

  Layne snorted, waving away his comment. “I’m not drunk. I had my second shot twenty minutes ago.” He wrapped his finger around the glass before him, tapping it against the bar top. “This will make my third. You know how much it takes to get me drunk.”

  “Can you make that one your last? I need a favor.”

  Layne nodded. He placed the shot to his lips, knocking it back. Once he returned the glass to the bar, he pushed it in Dylan’s direction. “What’s up?”

  Pouring himself another shot, Dylan did his best not to spill the liquor with his shaky hands. Fucking nerves. He swallowed the tequila, wincing at the bitter taste. “Remember how you said you’d help me protect Heaven?” He watched as Layne nodded before continuing. “I need you to keep an eye on her while I go out of town.”

  Layne’s eyes moved to the bar. “I thought you were both going on a trip? Why is she staying here?”

  “Because her father found out about our engagement. Told her that he didn’t approve. I’m going to change his mind.” At least he hoped he could. Unless her father proved to be as stubborn as his own.

  “So you want me to come over in the morning and check on Heaven until you get back?”

  “No,” Dylan said, hoping like hell Heaven wouldn’t hate him for taking off like this. “She needs full time protection. I need you to stay here.”

  CHAPTER 14

  Dylan gazed out at the horizon, unable to enjoy the beauty of the sun’s golden rays. All he could see was Heaven’s face, her eyes closed, face void of tension, lost in a heavy sleep. He hated leaving without saying goodbye. Hated that he couldn’t feel the warmth of her lips against his once more. He’d have to deal with the ache until he returned. With her dad’s approval.

  He gazed down at his phone, wishing he could hear her voice. Even if he could call, she wouldn’t be awake for a couple more hours. The three-hour time difference still messed with him. If it was half past eight here on the East Coast, it would only be five-thirty in L.A.

  Guess the phone call would have to wait until the plane landed. Which would be within a few minutes. Then again, maybe he should wait to talk to her parents before calling her. Give her some good news to counteract the longing caused by their separation.

  His gut twisted, half in anticipation, half aching to be home with Heaven. Hard to believe he’d considered standing aside while she went into the art program. He knew he could never have let her walk away. Not without following. Unless he enjoyed the crushing sensation being apart from her caused.

  No. He wasn’t that masochistic.

  Hopefully this trip went well. He couldn’t imagine staying away for long, but he would do whatever it took to get her father to accept them. Or until Heaven showed up, mad as hell.

  If he succeeded, taking this chance would be worth it. He’d do anything to see her happy. They’d had enough negativity. No way in hell would he let their life as husband and wife start off this way. With both their fathers hating them.

  He barely heard the captain’s voice announcing their arrival. Why did pilots feel the need to tell passengers that they’d reached their destination? People could figure that out once the plane started lowering.

  God, he didn’t have the patience for this. Each second spent on this plane increased the chance of Heaven calling him before he reached her parent’s house. If she pleaded, he couldn’t refuse to come home. And she would plead. Or be on the first flight here. The ache would be too much. Hard to believe it hadn’t woken her yet. He couldn’t sleep through it. Hadn’t the entire flight.

  The distant roar of the engine died down to a softer hum. His gut flipped a little when the plane began its descent. Not much longer before he could plant his feet on the ground. At least long enough to get his luggage. Then he’d find the rental car and head for Brightsville, hoping like hell he’d googled the right address.

  Gazing out the window, his eyes remained on the ground until the plane made contact, jostling them about. Time to taxi the runway. Which seemed to take forever.

  Concentrating on his breaths, he released a long sigh when they pulled up to their gate. Just a few more minutes and he’d be home free. Or so he thought until he’d made the mistake of turning his phone off airplane mode. Three text messages popped up. All from Layne.

  I think I hear her crying. Do you want me to check on her? I don’t know what to do? I suck at this.

  Never mind the last message. I peeked in the door. She’s sleeping like a baby.

  What exactly am I supposed to tell her when she wakes up? You better text me the minute you land.

  He typed in a response. Then erased it. Layne would get his answer when he grew closer to his destination.

  Once the cabin depressurized, he stood from the seat, grateful he didn’t have a stranger beside him, blocking his path to the aisle. Then again, the other person should’ve been Heaven. Would have been if…

  God, he wished like hell she’d made the trip with him.

  * * *

  Layne teetered between consciousness and the dark haze of sleep. The longer the birds chirped outside the window, the more he became aware of his surroundings. Dylan’s living room. The couch to be precise. Not that it was the first time he’d woken in the same spot.

  Good times. They had plenty. But those days were long gone.

  He wished he’d fall back asleep. The last few days had been a complete nightmare. Granted, he knew his relationship with Faith would end soon, but having it go down the same time chaos exploded around Dylan and Heaven hit him by surprise. As did his friendship with Heaven.

  He’d told her too many things, yesterday. Like how he could talk to her. How he’d opened up to her more than any other woman. For fuck’s sake, she didn’t need to know that. Why did being around her make him lose control over his mouth?

  A vibration spread across his chest. He glanced at his phone, curious to who texted him. Had Faith finally decided to answer him or had Dylan made it to Cleveland?

  His eyes scrolled over the message bubble, reading each word as fast as his sleepy brain could. Dylan had arrived. But not in Cleveland. At Highland Drive in Brightsville. The Lewis residence.

  Sorry for the late response. Wanted to get here a.s.a.p. Took me an hour to exit the plan, get my luggage, and find the rental car. Tell Heaven the truth. And that I’m sorry. I’ll call as soon as I can.

  At least Dylan hadn’t asked him to lie. Which would have blown up in their faces considering how he struggled to keep his mouth shut around Heaven. Telling her the truth had its downside, too. He’d have to deal with her reaction to the news. Either way, he was screwed.

  “Layne?”

  Jumping at the sound of her voice, he sat up so fast his phone flew out of his hand. He had enough time to see where the airborne object landed before he gazed up at her. Amber eyes pierced him, partially because of her curiosity. And because she thought he was nuts. Then arched brows folded as she followed the path of the phone.

  “Hey, sorry about that,” he said, clearing the grogginess from his throat. “I swea
r, I wasn’t trying to throw it at you.”

  Maybe if he lightened the mood, she wouldn’t be so upset when she found out that Dylan was gone. He didn’t like it, either. Or the fact that he had to play substitute for his best friend again. Guess there were worse things in life. Like developing feelings for your friend’s girl.

  Oh wait…

  Heaven did crack a smile. Not like he wanted her to. More like someone who’d barely heard anything he’d said. Or didn’t get the joke. In her case, it would be the former.

  Stepping toward the phone, she bent in front of the chair, ready to clasp it in her hand when he sprung from the couch. She didn’t need to see Dylan’s text. Not yet. Couldn’t they have some coffee first? Maybe a couple of aspirin.

  The heat of her hand radiated to his when he gripped the other side of the phone. He hoped he could play this off. Taking the phone from her. If he jerked it from her hand, he’d look suspicious. But each second it remained in her grasp, the fear of her eyes roaming over the screen had instinct kicking in. The instinct to keep her from harm. Even emotional harm.

  The rapid pace of his heart slowed when she eased her grip. Thank God for small favors. Any second she’d release the phone. Then he could slip it back in his pocket. He said a silent prayer, thanking God for making this easier. Or so he thought until the phone buzzed in both of their hands.

  Fire filled his cheeks. They burned with such fierceness he swore they’d blistered. Every ounce of him wanted to jerk the phone away. But it gained Heaven’s attention from the first vibration. Her thumb slipped past the screen as her eyes moved over the message. She mouthed each word she read, yet he couldn’t read her lips to see what the message said.

  When she stopped, his chest squeezed. The way she pinched her brows as her eyes lifted toward him made his gut twist. The message had to be from Dylan. She wouldn’t have grabbed the phone had it been someone else.

  He reached for her, ready to take the phone back, but hesitated when she eased onto the chair. A quick swipe of her finger across the screen brought his entire conversation with Dylan before her eyes. Including how he thought she’d been crying. How he’d not only checked on her, but also kept Dylan’s departure a secret.

  It didn’t take long for her to read the messages. When the phone fell to her lap, she eased back against the chair, clenching her stomach. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

  Dropping his eyes to the phone, he waited for her rant. He could deal with her anger. Could deal with her cussing him for keeping this from her. He’d even take on her anger for Dylan. But if she brought on the tears, he’d make an ass out of himself trying to comfort her.

  He kneeled in front of her, waiting for her response. But the one he received caught him off guard.

  “He’d do anything for me. Wouldn’t he?”

  At least she didn’t mention his words. Maybe they didn’t matter to her. But hers did to him. “You would do the same for Dylan. That’s what love’s about.”

  God, he sounded like a sap. Like he had any right to talk about love. The only thing he’d ever loved is himself. At least until a few months ago. Then the true meaning of the word came to life. Along with his heart. Not that he could act on the emotion when he’d fallen for the wrong person.

  “Do you think I should text him, or wait until he calls?”

  “Wait for him,” he answered, avoiding her gaze. Sliding the phone off her lap, he looked at the message Dylan had sent him.

  Thanks for staying at the house. I’m glad I have someone I can trust.

  Guilt punched him in the gut. The thought of Dylan and Heaven leaving town might be a good idea after all. Then he could get back to doing what he did best. Screwing women. Not caring. Not feeling. Not wanting what he could never have.

  She shifted in the seat, breaking through his self-loathing. The scent of her skin tore at his senses. He had to get away from her. From this place. This life he’d created for himself. If she left with Dylan, he would do the same. Leave and start over. Then again, maybe he should do it either way.

  Yeah right.

  Pushing off the floor, he tucked the phone in his pocket. Or at least tried until it buzzed against his hand. Another text. What the hell could Dylan want now?

  But Dylan hadn’t sent the message. Faith had.

  I’ll be at your house in an hour. Make this as painless as possible. Have my stuff ready.

  Damn. The universe had decided to punish him all at once.

  “Was that Dylan?” The sound of her voice wrapped around him, easing the anxiety her sister’s message stoked.

  “No, it’s Faith. She’s going to be at my house in hour.” Sliding the phone back in his pocket, he walked toward the window, debating what to do. Dylan wanted him to stay here. To protect Heaven. But staying here did nothing but drive him crazy. And he had his own demons to deal with.

  “Why aren’t you leaving?”

  Her voice drew closer, as did the sound of her steps. Damn it! She needed to give him space. He kept his eyes out the window, determined not to look at her. Not that it worked when her reflection gazed back at him.

  “This might make me sound like a jerk, but I don’t want to deal with your sister. Not today. Besides, I told Dylan I’d stay here. Make sure you’re safe until he gets back.”

  “I’ll be fine,” she said, stepping up beside him. “He assured me that no one could get on the property without putting in the gate code. Go take care of your business.”

  A low growl rumbled through his chest. Of the greater evils, which should he confront, today? Ending his relationship with Faith or facing his feelings for Heaven.

  Guess he’d take his chances with Faith.

  * * *

  Dylan gripped the steering wheel of the SUV, staring out the windshield at the colonial home in front of him. He knew the home had been in Heaven’s family for generations, but he never imagined it would be this big. Or beautiful.

  What a shame to think that the people inside didn’t want him to step foot in their house. At least her father didn’t. Yet here he was, willing to make the attempt. Either his presence would incite his future father-in-law or prove how much Heaven meant to him. It didn’t matter. He’d do what he had to for Heaven.

  Taking in a deep breath, he pushed open the door, stepping outside the vehicle. The more he thought about what he was about to do, the more he hesitated. If this went wrong, he’d cause Heaven pain, something he swore he’d never do. Still, he had to try. Would have done the same thing with his father if he’d been given the chance.

  He stretched his arms in front of him, hoping to steady his heart before he went to the door. The five and a half hour flight didn’t help settle his mind. Nor did the hour it took him to exit the airport. Add the twenty-minute drive to Brightsville and he’d managed to knot every muscle in his body.

  Walking into that house required one thing. A clear head. He’d have to keep his cool no matter what Heaven’s father said or did. Even if he slammed the door in his face.

  The SUV door clicked to a close as he pressed it shut. But he couldn’t release the handle. A surge of sadness trembled in his soul. Heaven had not only awakened, she’d discovered his absence. And why he’d left. Guess his text to Layne made it through.

  He pushed his energy back to her, surrounding her soul with the love in his heart. It took her a moment, but the vibration between them settled to a soothing pulse.

  His fingers slid into his back pocket, stroking the edge of the phone. He wanted to call her. To hear her voice and let the sweet sound infuse him with the courage he needed to continue his path to the front door. Instead, he focused on the warmth fluttering from her heart.

  Time to get this over with. The sooner he did, the sooner he’d be back with her, relieving the ache growing inside them. Step by step, the house grew closer. He caught a glimpse of the tree just past the garage. A willow. The one she’d mentioned to him before. Seeing the tree brought another wave of relief. He could do this.
Could continue down the sidewalk in front of him. Could step onto the covered porch and make his way to the door.

  And he did. Now he needed the strength to push the doorbell. Or knock. It didn’t matter. Both choices would bring someone to the door.

  He gritted his teeth, swallowing the sugary sweet taste of his gum as he reached for the bell. His finger never made the connection. The wide oak door swung open, revealing a set of eyes with a warm olive hue. She had curls the same color as Heaven’s. Even their smiles looked similar. And she was smiling. At least for know.

  “Hi, Dylan.”

  “Hello, Mrs. Lewis. I’m sorry to drop by without calling, but I—”

  “I know why you’re here,” she said, pulling him in by his arm. “And I’m glad you’re here. Just don’t call me Mrs. Lewis. My name is Anna.”

  The door closed behind him as he gazed around the house, doing his best not to appear too nosy. The weight of her eyes landed on him, bringing his attention back to her. The smile remained on her face. Good. At least one of Heaven’s parents liked him. Or put on one hell of pretense. Something about her energy thrummed with happiness. Not that he could get a good reading on her, but what he could pick up on proved positive. Until her lips pursed.

  “Hmm,” she mumbled, scanning him from head to toe. “Viridian. Damn viridian. I swear I want to beat my husband with a stupid stick.” Shaking her head side-to-side, she placed her hand on his shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze. “Clear your mind and relax. It won’t be as bad as you think.”

  What the hell?

  He didn’t have time to ask what it all meant. Her strange ramblings. She locked her arm with his, urging him forward. They moved through the house, passing through what must be the living room. He caught a glimpse of pictures on the wall. Everything from baby photos, to school photos, even graduation photos, all in triple collections. If this trip went well enough, he hoped she’d allow him to see them, and any others she had stowed away. Maybe seeing Heaven as a child would help him remember more of their time together when they were younger.