Puttering around in the house, she wandered into the office and found some 39 Clues books, the Harry Potter series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and then a whole stack of books on marketing, business, and religion. She wrinkled her nose. Gavin and Heath were more alike than either of them seemed to want to admit. She settled into a comfortable overstuffed chair, pulled a blanket over her, and opened the first Harry Potter book. She’d never read them, as she wasn’t really a fan of children’s books or fantasy. It had always been romance for her.
Time passed quickly as she became engrossed in the story. She fell in love with the characters and found herself cheering for Ron, Hermione, and Harry, giggling at Fred and George Weasley, and wishing Dumbledore had been her headmaster at the boring public school she’d attended. She squinted, realizing the house was growing dark as the sun was setting. The family would probably be home soon. Yawning and stretching, she stood and glanced out the large front windows. Two sport utility vehicles pulled up to the house. One went around to the garage, but the other pulled right up front.
“Blimey,” she muttered. She ducked low, in case anyone was looking in the windows, and raced for the stairs. Pumping up them, she’d barely made the landing when she heard the front door open and voices carried up to her. Scurrying to her bedroom, she softly shut the door and leaned against it. She caught her breath from the scare and wished she’d brought the book with her. It was going to be boring sitting her all night by herself.
She heard voices outside on the open balcony that connected the four bedrooms and leaned closer, trying to hear what they were saying.
Suddenly, the door handle twisted next to her and the door pushed against her back. Hazel sprang away, trying to decide if she needed to hide under the mattress or if it was the person she’d been wanting to see since he left her earlier today … Heath.
Heath entered the room and shut the door behind him. “Sorry to just walk in,” he said quietly. “Austin and Stetson both saw me walking into Gavin’s bedroom and called me out on it.”
She smiled. “No, it’s okay.”
“I guess I’ll have to wait until they’ve all showered and gone to Mama’s; then I’ll go shower in Gavin’s bathroom.”
“You can shower in here. I don’t mind.” Her cheeks flared red as she said that. Would he think she was being too forward?
“Thanks, but my clothes are in Gavin’s closet.”
“Oh yeah.”
They stood there staring at each other for a few beats, then asked at the same time, “How was your day?”
They both laughed, and Heath said, “You first. Did you have a good rest of the day?”
“Well, the skiing was definitely tops, even though I’m not amazing yet.”
“You will be. You’re athletic and determined.”
“Well, thank you.”
“What did you do when you got back?”
“Took a long, hot bath.” She smiled. His gaze deepened on her, a smoldering look that she felt clear through her body. Wow. She fanned her face.
“Are you too hot again?” he asked.
He sounded and looked so concerned. How ruddy cute of him. Well, there was nothing cute about him, he was beautiful and manly and those dark eyes and that beard and those lips.
“Hazel? Are you okay?” He stepped closer, and his crisp scent washed over her. She was definitely not going to be okay if he kept being so fabulous in every which way. Unless maybe he kissed her with those firm yet soft-looking lips of his.
“Then I read Harry Potter. It was brilliant,” she rushed to say, because he was looking anxious about her lack of response.
“Nice. Austin loves Harry. He keeps begging me to take him to Harry Potter Land.”
“I never got the obsession, thought they were just children’s tales, but I get it now. I’m over halfway through the first one and cussing myself for not bringing the novel up here to entertain myself while I’m stuck in this room all night.”
“We’re all going over to Mama’s for dinner, so you’ll have free rein of the house again.” He pushed a hand through his hair. “I hate that we keep leaving you and eating without you. I’m being a horrible host.”
“Are you kidding me?” Hazel poked him in the chest. “You’ve taken me in, protected me, and helped me more than anyone I can imagine would. Then you missed out on being with your family today and spent hours teaching me to ski. You’re an amazing host.”
His face softened. “Well, thank you.” He leaned in closer. His gaze traveled slowly over her face, and her heart rate doubled. Heath smiled softly and cupped her cheek. He murmured, “Hazel. I—”
A soft rap came at the door; then Gavin poked his head in. Heath’s hand dropped, and they both edged back away from each other. “Hey. How was your day?” Gavin asked. He looked fresh out of the shower.
“Fine. I learned how to ski.” She grinned up at Heath. “Soon I’ll be great at it. You?”
“Great day of skiing also. Thanks.” Gavin paused, glancing at Heath as if afraid to overstep bounds. “I’ve been feeling guilty that we keep eating without you. You’re welcome to anything in the fridge, but …”
“I got cereal for breakfast and a sandwich earlier,” she reassured him. “I’m doing great. Thank you so much for letting me stay here.”
“Well, of course. You were in trouble.”
“Thank you.” Their mama had definitely raised these Strong boys up right. Hazel smiled at Gavin, thinking of all the friends she wished she could set him up with. What a great guy.
“The boys showered quick and have gone over to Mama’s,” Gavin said to Heath. “Why don’t you go shower and I’ll run pick up dinner for Hazel at the restaurant? Then you and I can walk over together?”
Heath said nothing. Something in his gaze concerned her.
“I don’t need you to worry about me,” Hazel protested. He didn’t want Gavin getting her dinner? That didn’t seem like him. He’d been so generous and thoughtful.
“Well, I do worry,” Gavin said gruffly. “What do you like? They have great pastas and seafoods. Mama really loves their salmon, and Austin loves their fries.”
“Fries?” she asked.
“Chips.” Gavin laughed.
“Oh … I’d love the salmon and some chips. Thank you so much. It’s incredibly thoughtful of you.” As she thought about food, she realized how hungry she was. But why was Heath being so quiet and giving Gavin an almost annoyed look?
“Got it.” Gavin tilted his chin to her and walked back out the door.
Heath followed him.
“See you later tonight,” she called.
“Okay.” But Heath didn’t sound excited about it as he shut her door.
Hazel was confused. She could’ve sworn they’d been close to a kiss again. Austin had interrupted on the ski slope, and Gavin had interrupted moments ago. How she wanted that kiss.
She was getting much too invested in Heath Strong, which wasn’t smart for a whole slew of reasons: they lived on different continents and she was wanted for attempted murder. Yet she wanted to spend more time with him, and she really wanted to kiss him.
Heath came out of Gavin’s bedroom, freshly showered, in time to hear Gavin and Hazel laughing together outside her bedroom door. She had a stack of boxes in hand. Had he gotten her three different meals? What was Gavin playing at? He tried to tell himself his brother was just being thoughtful, but he knew firsthand how appealing Hazel was. What if Gavin was going for her? It shouldn’t matter as with the mess she was in neither of them should be chasing her, but it did matter—a lot.
“Thank you again,” Hazel was saying, grinning up at Gavin like he was her personal hero. She’d looked at Heath like that. He was being so selfish he didn’t even want her to share looks with Gavin.
Heath strode out into the hallway. They both turned. Gavin lifted his chin to him. “You ready to go?”
“Yeah.” Heath smiled at Hazel. “Have a good dinner.”
“Oh, I will.” S
he held the bags aloft. “Gavin got me salmon and chips, salad with blue cheese dressing, and raspberry cheesecake for dessert. Not sure how he knew my favorites.” She looked so happy, beautiful, and innocent. Heath didn’t know how anyone could believe she’d hurt Jamison, but he also didn’t know how he was going to let Gavin lay claim to her. He was certain Hazel was meant for him. No way could Gavin feel warmth and tingles when she touched him or think she was the most intriguing and fun woman he’d ever met.
“That’s … great.” Heath darted a gaze at his brother. “We’ll see you in a couple of hours. Will you be okay?”
“I’ll be fine. I’m going to take my food down and eat it in that beautiful kitchen of Gavin’s, staring at his huge Christmas tree, and then I’m going to read Harry Potter novels in that big, beautiful bathtub.”
Heath had two simultaneous thoughts. First, he shouldn’t be picturing her in that big, beautiful bathtub, and second, he wanted to show her his four impressive homes. Gavin’s didn’t really compare. Yet Gavin’s home had a warmth and joy that Heath’s lacked. Gavin had Austin, so it really wasn’t fair.
Gavin gestured for her to go first down the stairs. She smiled cheerfully at him and sort of bounced down the stairs. Heath followed, clenching his jaw to control his thoughts of her taking a bath and his anger at Gavin for being all thoughtful. His brother wasn’t naturally thoughtful. Okay, maybe he did take care of everyone and everything, but he didn’t need to be working so hard to impress Hazel. How in the world would he have guessed she liked blue cheese dressing? Blue cheese tasted like rotted garbage; everybody Heath knew preferred ranch, or occasionally an Italian or vinaigrette. Had Gavin somehow asked her about the blue cheese, or picked up on cues Heath hadn’t noticed? Why was this bothering him so much?
Gavin and Heath kept walking to the front door as Hazel set her food down on the counter. “Cheers!” she called after them.
“See you soon.” Heath tilted his chin to her as they left.
He and Gavin exited the door and were barely down the porch steps before he nudged his older brother with his shoulder, hard. “Are you after Hazel?” he demanded.
Gavin darted an annoyed gaze at him. “You are so thick.”
“Just answer the question.”
They stomped side by side through the snow to Mama’s house. Neither of them had bothered with a coat, as it was only a couple hundred yards. The cold air was probably good for Heath, but it wasn’t cooling his frustration at his brother or his desire for the beautiful fugitive they’d left behind.
“You’re mad because I got her dinner.” Gavin grunted. “Grow up.”
“You don’t need to be all thoughtful and cutesy with her.” The “grow up” comment bugged him, as Gavin knew it would. “I’m taking care of her.”
Gavin lifted one brow. “At my house. I’m part of this too, and at just as much risk and investment as you are. But no, I’m not making a play for her, so get over your stupid insecurities.”
“Insecurities?” Heath made his voice deliberately offended, but inside he was relieved. If Gavin made a play for Hazel, Heath didn’t think he’d stand a chance. Maybe Gavin was right. He needed to grow up. He was ultra-successful and had all manner of women after him. Why did coming home make him feel like an eighteen-year-old who could never measure up to his brother?
Gavin grunted again and shoved him. Heath stuttered and almost went down. He glared at his brother and shoved him back. Gavin whipped to face him, his dark eyes glinting and his jaw hard. They were at the base of Mama’s front porch, and light and warmth and family spilled out from the bright windows. Part of Heath wanted to say he was sorry and go inside and enjoy his family. He didn’t want to waste the little time he had with them fighting with Gavin. Most of him wanted to slug Gavin harder than he’d ever hit anyone, finally prove he measured up.
“Do it,” Gavin taunted, sticking out his chin. “Hit me.”
“I don’t want to hit you,” Heath lied.
“You’ve wanted to hit me for years. You’ve always acted more distinguished, more mature than the rest of us, but I know the truth.”
“What truth?”
“You have some twisted illusion in your head that you don’t measure up to me. All your success, everything you’ve accomplished …” He shook his head in disgust. “And you still think you have to prove you’re better than me.”
Heath hadn’t seen him this mad since maybe Heath’s sophomore year, when Gavin had been a senior and that stupid girlfriend of his had left town, and then he’d given up his football scholarship. He’d been grumpy and testy for months, set off at the slightest provocation.
“If you knock me down, then will you finally be enough?” Gavin taunted, sticking out his chin.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Heath said, hating that Gavin could see right through him.
“Yes, you do!” Gavin roared. “Why else would you rarely come home and break Mama’s and all of our hearts? Why else would you work like a maniac to be a self-made millionaire? Why else would you think I’d be low enough to make a play for the girl you obviously are dying over? Why else would you make me feel like I’m this hardened jerk of an older brother who grinds you down and tries to make you not enough?” Gavin’s chest was heaving with emotion.
Heath just stared at him. It was true. All of it. But Gavin didn’t want him to feel that way? He’d said Heath had broken not just Mama’s heart, but all of their hearts by rarely coming home. Heath felt a thickness in his throat that he couldn’t swallow down. He simply stared at Gavin, unable to fully grasp that his brother loved him and wasn’t trying to make him feel like less. He was at a loss for what to say or do.
“I love you, Heath,” Gavin said. “I’m sorry if I tried to be the dad after Papa got hurt. I’m sorry if I expected too much out of you. I couldn’t be prouder of you. None of us could. But you’re more than enough. Stop trying to prove yourself, and just be my brother.” Gavin actually sounded choked up, and the words he spoke were unreal. Heath had craved to hear those words for years, without even knowing it.
Heath still didn’t know how to verbalize what he was feeling. He gave up trying and just plowed into his brother, wrapping him up and hugging him as fiercely as he’d ever hugged anyone. Gavin returned the hug, which shocked Heath almost as much as his overwrought emotions. They simply held on to each other, and then they backed away at the same time before things could get too awkward. Sure, they loved each other, and Gavin’s words had been the balm he needed, but they were still men, Strong men, who didn’t just hug and gush about each other.
Yet Heath still had to say it. “Thanks, Gav. I love you.”
Gavin nodded. He’d already said he loved Heath earlier. He wasn’t going to repeat it. “Let’s get in for dinner. Make Mama’s night.”
Heath clapped him on the shoulder, and they headed in. They’d said enough. Heath processed it as he entered the warm house, inhaling the yeasty scent of fresh-baked rolls and the hearty smell of a roast.
Gavin thought Heath was more than enough, he loved Heath, and he wasn’t going after Hazel. Heath was flying high at that moment, despite the fact that a man affiliated with the mob with policemen in his back pocket was coming after the girl he was falling for.
Chapter Thirteen
Hazel woke with a start. It was pitch black outside, and the only light on in the room was the bedside lamp. The second Harry Potter book lay open on her chest. She’d finished the first and started the second while she’d waited for Heath to return home.
She heard voices and steps. Finally. He was back. Her dinner had been delicious, and the bath and reading were pleasant, but she was a social person and didn’t really like being alone. The person she wanted to be social with right now was Heath. He’d seemed off when he’d left for his mum’s house. Had she done something wrong? Or maybe he was sick of her intruding on his family time and putting him and his family in danger. She worried her lip.
The door edged
open, and Heath strode in. Hazel slid off the bed and hurried over to him. He’d hardly shut the door behind him before she threw her arms around his neck and gave him an impulsive hug. “You’re home!” She realized he’d been startled by her rash embrace, so she pulled back and moved a few steps away. “Sorry, I just got lonely for you.”
“You did?” He gave her a grin that made her body tingle.
“Yes,” she admitted. “Come, tell me about your night.” She gestured to the small love seat in the spacious room.
The door burst open, and Heath sprang in front of it, grabbed the door, and blocked the person from coming in and Hazel from view. She crept more behind the door.
She heard his little brother say, “Who’re you talking to?”
Heath pulled out his phone and said, “Work call.”
“But I heard a girl.”
Hazel’s heart was hammering. Austin seemed like a great kid, but if he saw Hazel, let it slip to a friend, and pieced together where he’d seen her on TV, Brigham or the police could easily find her. Especially if Brigham really had the connections and mob affiliations that Heath had alluded to.
“Speakerphone,” Heath said. “See you tomorrow, bud.”
Austin blew out a frustrated breath. “G’night.”
Heath shut the door and glanced over at Hazel. “Are you okay?”
She leaned against the wall, feeling drained and apprehensive. How long could they keep this up? How could she keep expecting Heath and Gavin to shelter and lie for her? She shrugged, not sure what to say. Maybe she needed to slip away tonight. The thought of hiding without Heath’s help was terrifying. The thought of not seeing Heath again was worse.
Heath stepped up close to her. “Hazel?” His voice was so kind and caring, it made her feel even worse. “What can I do?”
The Strong Family Romance Collection Page 40
