Four Horsemen: A Small Town Romance (A Good Run Of Bad Luck Book 5)

by Giulia Lagomarsino

  “So, who’s up for beer?”

  32

  Christy

  Brody and I walked through the door on Friday, ready for the weekend. Jack, the dog, ran up to us, barking and ready to go outside.

  “Hey, Jack!” Brody got down on his knees and let the dog lick him like crazy.

  “Why don’t you let him out the back so he can go to the bathroom?”

  “Okay!” He jumped up and raced with the dog to the back door. Grinning, I brought in the package that was sitting on the front stoop and carried it over to the dining room table. It was addressed to me from Thomas. Groaning, I quickly grabbed the scissors and opened it, wanting to find out what it was before Jack got home. The last thing I needed was him in a pissy mood over whatever was in this box.

  But when I opened it, I was relieved to see it was only a few things I had left at his apartment. There were some clothes, some toiletries, and a blanket I’d bought specifically for his apartment because he always kept it cooler. Hopefully this meant I wouldn’t be hearing from him anymore. I broke down the box and stuck it in the recycling before Jack could see it.

  Brody ran back inside with the dog, curling up on the couch with him. Ever since Jack came into our lives, Brody had been sleeping better. And it was extra fun to call out to Jack, and then tell him I had been calling the dog. He got irritated with it, but every time I laughed, he seemed to let it go.

  “Baby?” Jack called as he walked in the door. I was just getting stuff out for dinner when he walked into the kitchen.

  “Hey, how was your day?”

  He grinned and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me in for a kiss. “Better now that I’m home with you.”

  What was meant to be a sweet kiss turned into something hot and passionate. His hands were on my jeans, ready to tear them off when Brody walked in the room.

  “When’s dinner gonna be ready?”

  I broke away from Jack, wiping at my mouth. “Um…I’m just about to get started.”

  He sighed, his shoulders slumping. “I’m hungry.”

  “Well, why don’t you have some crackers,” I said, pulling down a box for him. Dumping some in a bowl, he snatched it out of my hands and ran off to the living room.

  “You’re so good with him.”

  “Am I?” I asked nervously. “Sometimes I worry that I’ll do something you don’t like.”

  “Not possible. You’re amazing.”

  Whenever he looked at me like this, like he thought I was the moon and the stars, my heart melted into a giant puddle of mush. I wanted to tell him that I loved him, and not just the way I had before I left. This was different. He had wormed his way back into my heart so quickly that I was scared he would just vanish one day and leave me broken hearted all over again. I tried not to let those thoughts creep into my head. Deep down, I knew Jack wouldn’t leave me. What we were building together was something that would last forever. I felt that deep in my soul.

  He kissed me again, then pulled something out of his back pocket. “I picked up something special for you today.”

  “You did?”

  He grinned wickedly at me. “Well, for you and Abby.”

  I frowned as I tried to come up with something that Abby and I could possibly share. “It’s not driving lessons, is it?”

  He barked out a laugh. “No, she’s already had them. Trust me, they didn’t do a damn thing.”

  “Then what is it?”

  “Carter and I have gotten the two of you a day at the spa tomorrow.”

  “What?” I shouted, snatching the envelope out of his hands. I opened it up and my jaw dropped. It was a full day spa package. These things were like five hundred dollars. “You shouldn’t have done this. It’s too much.”

  “Not for you.”

  “Jack, this is so sweet, but…I know how much these are.”

  “Then pretend you don’t.”

  I stared down at the envelope with tears in my eyes. “Why did you do this?”

  “Because I have something very special planned for tomorrow night, and I want you pampered and all to myself.”

  I glanced in the other room. “What about Brody?”

  “He’s staying at Josh’s house.”

  “Really?”

  He nodded. “We have the whole night to ourselves,” he whispered, brushing kisses along my neck. My eyes slid closed as his lips slid across my skin. My hands threaded through his hair and I did my best not to start humping him in the kitchen. The last thing I needed was to be caught by Brody again.

  It was on the tip of my tongue, but I held it in. Pressing my lips to his, I tried to convey what I was feeling, though I was sure it wasn’t adequate. “Jack…”

  “Tomorrow, baby. Just you and me.”

  By the look in his eyes, I could tell tomorrow wasn’t just about sex. Something was going to happen, and though I wasn’t exactly sure what, I knew it would change my life.

  33

  Jack

  “Are you ready for tonight?” Carter asked me as we wrapped up for the day.

  “I’ve got it all planned out,” I grinned. “I have an order of flowers to pick up on the way home. The candles are hidden under the sink.”

  “Did you remember the chocolates?”

  “Yes, Dad,” I said sarcastically.

  “Hey, I just want to make sure you’re prepared. This is a big night, a first for you since…”

  “Yes, I know.”

  “Are you worried?”

  “About what?”

  “That you’re doing the right thing? I mean…I just want to make sure you’re really ready to take this step.”

  I packed up the last of my stuff at my desk and stood. “I don’t have any second thoughts. In fact, I think you were right all along.”

  “About what?”

  “I was always meant to be with her.”

  He stared at me with a flabbergasted expression. “I was right?”

  I nodded.

  “Wait, what does that mean about Natalie?”

  I sighed, trying to figure out how to put it into words. “She was…perfect at the time. You know I loved her, and that’s not something I’ll ever forget. But I think you were right about me putting Christy in the friend-zone. When I’m with her, it’s like every day is just amazing. We don’t argue about little things. Hell, we grew up together, so we worked that shit out a long time ago.”

  “Yeah, but you were just kids.”

  “Maybe, but she’s always known me unlike anyone else.”

  “So, you’re going to tell her that you love her, want to marry her, and have babies with her?” he grinned.

  “Not quite all that yet. It’s still too soon, but I don’t want her to go another minute without knowing how I feel.”

  “You should just come out and say. I’m telling you, there’s no wrong time. Just shout it out, like…Christy, I love you to the ends of the earth! Marry me and make me the happiest man in the world!”

  I frowned at him. “Is that what you said to Abby?”

  “No, I never actually proposed to her, now that I think about it.”

  “So, you just decided you were going to marry her.”

  “Pretty much. I think that moment under the rain—”

  “The fire hydrant,” I interjected.

  “You say potato…Either way, I think that was the moment for both of us where we just knew we were going to be together. No questions asked.”

  “How did you just know?”

  He frowned as we walked out and locked the station. “Well, if I flew all the way there for her, and she pulled that J turn chasing me down, and in the end we still didn’t end up together, that would have been pretty shitty. How else could it end?”

  “You’re right,” I said sarcastically. “There was no other way.”

  “See?” he grinned. “You see it.”

  “Whatever. I’m going to get Brody.”

  “Have a good night,” he said, making an obscene gest
ure.

  I waved him off and got in my car. Brody’s bag was already packed, and I was ready to pick him up and take him to Josh’s. He was doing a huge favor for me tonight, one that I wouldn’t forget about.

  Since I’d had the talk with Diana, I hadn’t had any more problems with daycare. Although, Ellen glared at me every now and then. I had the feeling she’d gotten a warning after my talk with Diana. For once, I was on time for pickup. I walked through the daycare doors with a smile on my face, not even bothered when Ellen pursed her lips at me, pretending I was a piece of shit.

  “Hey, bud. Are you ready to go?”

  “Am I going to Uncle Josh’s tonight?” he asked excitedly.

  “Yep.”

  “Yes!” he jumped in the air, thrusting his fist high. “This is the best day ever.”

  I chuckled, kneeling down to help him with his backpack as he struggled to fix the strap. “Thanks, little man. It’s nice to know where I stand.”

  He laughed at me, not caring at all that he was basically ranking another guy over me. Not that it mattered. He had a good time over there and that was all that mattered.

  When we pulled up to Josh’s house, Brody jumped out and ran up the steps, leaving me to grab his bag. He was already in the townhouse by the time I got up there.

  “Hey,” Josh nodded at me.

  “Hey, man. Are you sure this is okay?”

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?”

  “You’ve been taking him a lot. I just feel like I’m taking advantage.”

  “Not at all. It’s actually easier with Brody here.”

  “How is that possible?”

  “Well,” he glanced over his shoulder and lowered his voice. “Alessa is a handful on her own. She’s too much like her momma.”

  “I heard that,” Carly said as she walked into the room. “Hey, Jack.”

  “Carly, you look good.” I leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, surprising both of us. Even Josh looked at me like I was weird. “Sorry, it just…happened.”

  “You want to come in for a beer?” Josh asked.

  “Yeah, I’ve got time.” I followed him back to the kitchen, taking a seat at his table.

  “I’m surprised you’re off so early today.” He grabbed two beers, handing me one before he sat down.

  “Yeah,” I snorted. “Like you’re one to talk.”

  “So, what’s the plan for tonight?”

  I was so excited, I just couldn’t keep it inside. “You know, I’ve got it all planned out. I’m picking up flowers when I leave here and then I’ve got to set up the rest of the house. I figure she’ll be home around six.”

  “Are you making her dinner?”

  I laughed. “No, I’m not planning on killing her. I want this to be a special night. I’m going to pick up dinner from a restaurant. It’s not the most romantic thing, but it’s better than food poisoning.”

  “Not true,” he said, pointing his beer at me. “Nothing says romance like spending the night in the bathroom together.”

  I cringed at the thought and finished my beer. “I should get going. I want everything to run smoothly.”

  “Good luck, man.”

  “Thanks.”

  With a smile on my face, I left his townhouse and headed for the florist. I was just about to run inside when my phone rang.

  “Carter, what is it?”

  “We have a disturbance we need to check out.”

  “Are you fucking kidding me?”

  “I know, man. I’m sorry. And if you want me to deal with it, I will.”

  “Where is it?”

  I could hear the hesitation in his voice as he told me it was on the other fucking side of the county.

  “Shit.” I stared at the time, shaking my head.

  “I know. I can check it out on my own.”

  “No, I’ll swing by and pick you up.”

  We had protocols in place where neither of us checked out a disturbance at night if we could help it. Since I didn’t have Brody with me, there was no reason I couldn’t go with him. We had to put safety first, especially when the disturbance was in the middle of the country.

  “Listen, we’ll haul ass out there, and we’ll be back before you know it.”

  “I hope so. Alright, I’ll see you soon.”

  Flowers forgotten, I headed to Carter’s house to pick him up. I’d rather get this over with than get the damn flowers. I could still salvage this night.

  34

  Christy

  After spending the day at the spa, I was ready for my night with Jack. I’d never gone to a spa before, but I had a feeling that Jack wanted tonight to be special. Butterflies were fluttering in my stomach the closer we got to the house. I was so nervous and excited at the same time. Tonight was going to be a game changer.

  “What do you think he’s going to do?” Abby asked for the tenth time today.

  “I don’t know.”

  “Maybe he’s going to ask to move in with you.”

  “He already lives with me.”

  “Yeah, but maybe he wants to make it permanent. After all, his stuff is basically still at his house. Ooh, maybe he’s already sold his house!”

  “He wouldn’t do that without talking to me first.”

  “Well, he sent you away to the spa. It’s gotta be something big.”

  “I think he’s going to tell me he loves me,” I finally said out loud.

  “Really?” Her eyes went wide in glee. “Oh, that would be so great. You’re going to wear lingerie, right?”

  “Of course. I mean, unless he says something like, I think we should see other people.”

  “Right, that’s definitely not a lingerie moment.”

  “But whatever it is, it feels like something big, you know?”

  “Definitely.” She sighed dreamily. “I remember when Carter first told me he loved me. Although, I think maybe he was reluctantly in love with me.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Well, we’re just so different, but in a good way. I don’t think he wanted to be in love with me.”

  “Ouch, that’s harsh.”

  “I take no offense to it,” she laughed. “I’m a mess, and I know that. But Carter loves me despite that. Hell, he even puts up with my cats, which was how I knew our love was meant to last forever.”

  “You’re such a romantic.”

  “You have no idea.”

  I pulled into her driveway and parked the car. “Thanks for today.”

  “Hey, I didn’t buy the spa package.”

  “No, but it was great spending time with you.”

  “You too. Call me tomorrow and let me know how it went!”

  “I will,” I laughed at her jovial tone.

  I was just pulling out of her driveway when Jack called. “Hey, baby,” I grinned. “Thank you so much for today.”

  “Did you survive spending the whole day with Abby?”

  “Yes, but that’s not the important part.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “It’s something I bought today, but you’re going to have to wait until you get home to find out.”

  His groan was audible through the phone. “I just got called out. I have to go check out a call with Carter, but I shouldn’t be too long.” He lowered his voice and whispered. “I just dropped Brody off at Josh’s house.”

  “He’s still taking him for the whole night?” I asked hopefully.

  “What do you think?”

  “And you’re sure he doesn’t mind?”

  “Don’t worry about that. He’s promised to make me pay for it by me watching his kids.”

  “Wow, that’s almost a little mean.”

  “I don’t mind. It feels good, you know? Like this is how it was supposed to be all along.”

  I wasn’t sure if he was referring to Josh and him taking turns watching each other’s kids, or if it had more to do with me, but I wasn’t about to ask.

  “Well, don’t take too long.”
>
  “I won’t. We just have to go check out a disturbance. I shouldn’t be more than an hour.”

  “I’ll be waiting,” I grinned.

  I hung up and pulled down my street, then hit the garage door opener. After shutting the garage door, I got out and cringed at the smell.

  “What the hell is that?”

  I walked around the car and almost screamed when I saw a bloody corpse in the corner of the garage. Holding my hand to my chest, I didn’t dare step forward. It was small, so definitely not human, but how the hell did it get in here? Pulling out my phone, I called Jack again.

  “I’m not done yet,” he said teasingly.

  “That’s not why I’m calling. There’s a dead animal in the garage or something.”

  “Where is it?” he asked, switching to cop mode.

  “In the corner. How did it get in here?”

  “I don’t know. It could have crawled under the door when you were leaving this morning. Maybe it was attacked by another animal and was seeking shelter.”

  “It smells so bad,” I said, pulling my shirt up over my nose.

  “I’ll take care of it when I get home.”

  “Talk about ruining a night,” I sighed, walking over to the door to the house.

  “The night isn’t ruined,” he grumbled.

  I shut the door, hanging up my purse on the hook before heading to the bedroom. “Well, I’ll be waiting for you in something really sexy.”

  “You’d better be.”

  I headed into the bedroom and thought about getting into my new lingerie now, but the thought of sitting around in the cold waiting for Jack wasn’t appealing. I headed back downstairs to the kitchen to grab a glass of wine to get in the mood. Pulling down my favorite bottle, I grabbed a wine glass and the corkscrew. As I was opening the bottle, I noticed an envelope on the counter with my name scrolled across it.

  Smiling at the thought of Jack leaving me a note, I opened it and immediately froze when I saw the card inside. The sound of Jack barking had me spinning around just in time to see a man out of the corner of my eye slinking toward me. I recognized him immediately and grabbed the corkscrew on the counter, ready to defend myself. But as I spun around, something hard slammed into my head and everything went black.