Saving Drew

by Lara Van Hulzen

  Her doorbell rang. “I’ll get it!” Her mom’s voice floated down the hall to her room.

  Baylee grabbed her boots and threw them on, then took one last look in the mirror. She wore her favorite dress with blue flowers. Short sleeved with buttons down the front, it came to the top of her knees, and looked fantastic with her brown boots, adorned with turquoise. The best part was the skirt flared when she danced. She twirled, giggled at herself in the mirror then headed out the door.

  Drew and her mother were laughing about something in the living room. Baylee stopped for a moment in the hallway to watch them. His jeans sat loose on his hips and were faded in all the right places. He had an all black, button-down western style shirt on with black cowboy boots. His blue eyes twinkled as he laughed at something her mother had said.

  He took her breath away. Could he really want to be with her? Simple. No fuss, plain old Baylee? Why any insecurities crept in at that moment, she had no clue. But as if reading her thoughts, Drew turned and their eyes met. His mouth quirked up on one side and the blue of his eyes turned more of a smoky color, his tell-tale sign that he wanted to kiss her.

  Her cheeks flushed with heat as she stepped into the room to join them.

  “Hey, cowboy.”

  “Hey yourself, beautiful.”

  Vaguely aware of her mother’s presence, Baylee could only look into his blue depths that pulled her in and held her captive.

  “I see you have on your country dancing shoes.”

  “That I do.”

  “Okay. You two kids go have fun. I’ve got Casey. No worries.”

  Her mother hugged both and shooed them out the door.

  The front door closed behind them and they stood on her front porch, looking at each other.

  “Would it be against the rules for me to kiss you before the date starts instead of when I drop you off and say goodnight?

  She stepped into his arms. Even with heeled boots on she had to tilt her head back to look up at him. “I’m not sure what rule book you’ve been abiding by, but I believe it’s the perfect way to start a date with you. And I’m looking forward to a goodnight kiss as well. You aren’t getting out of that one.”

  His hand cradled her head, his fingers speared through her hair. The other arm wrapped around her waist. “Oh, I have every intention of kissing you any chance I can get throughout the entire evening, ma’am. You can count on that.”

  His mouth claimed hers, soft warmth and tasting of mint. Every cell in her body lit up, heat radiating from her head to her toes. Her fingers toyed with the hair at the base of his neck, a rewarding moan she could feel in his chest.

  Unsure of how long they stayed tangled together, or who was first to come up for air, Baylee took a breath and laid her head on Drew’s chest. “I could do that all night.”

  His chest rumbled with a low laugh. “I’m in complete agreement with that.”

  “We’d never hear the end of it from Kate, though, if we bailed on them.”

  Drew winced. “You’ve got a point there.”

  Baylee laughed and took his hand. “Let’s go then. We can have some more... fun, later.” She winked at him then led him to his car.

  Garrett’s Saloon wasn’t a big place, but it lived up to its name. Its design was old school, complete with a bar along one side, tables and chairs throughout the room, and a second floor balcony that wrapped around the entire place. People were standing at tall tables up there or looking down below to where tables had been moved aside to make room for dancing.

  “Garrett brings in a deejay each weekend. Sets him up in the corner.” Kate explained.

  Their group had chosen a table off to the side of the dance floor. It was a tight squeeze, but Drew didn’t mind. It meant Baylee was almost in his lap. Something he would never dream of complaining about. His sister was wedged on his other side, a situation that could be no fun if she decided to interrogate him more about Baylee, but tonight she seemed to be kicking back. Having fun. Jack was on Kate’s other side, laughing at something Paul said. He had his arm around Kate though, a piece of her hair twirled in his fingers.

  He hadn’t seen his sister this relaxed since... well, he couldn’t remember how long. Maybe even since college. Certainly before the creep of an ex-husband. Yeah. Jack was good for her.

  “Baylee said Garrett runs a good business.” He said to Kate who moved her shoulders to the beat of the music.

  “He does. He grew up here too, like everyone else in the room.”

  “Not everyone.” Hannah rolled her eyes.

  Drew had met Paul and Hannah on a previous visit to Silver Bay back when Kate had first moved. Nice couple. Hannah, a tall redhead with lots of energy. Paul, the laid-back type who watched his wife bounce through life with obvious love and admiration.

  “Feels like everyone sometimes though,” Paul said.

  Hannah swatted his shoulder playfully.

  “Come on, babe. Let’s dance.” Paul took Hannah’s hand. She popped out of her seat, beaming at her husband.

  “Is she always that... bouncy?”

  “Yes!”

  Drew had asked Kate the question but the entire group answered at once.

  Laughter followed. “Don’t get us wrong,” Jack said, turning his attention to Drew and Baylee, who sat up close to Drew, her hand on his knee. The warmth of her touch not lost on him. In fact, his entire body was heating up from it.

  Right. Jack was saying something.

  “We love Hannah. She’s energy personified.”

  “You just have to know how to keep her focused.” Baylee said. “She’s one heck of a real estate agent. She and Paul own the most successful agency in town.”

  Drew nodded. He remembered learning that about them when he’d visited before.

  “So, you ready to cut a rug with me or not?” Kate asked her husband.

  “You know I can dance, woman.” Jack teased in return.

  “Then what are we waiting for?” They stood and joined hands, Jack leading her to the dance floor.

  Two steps from the table, however, the deejay switched to a slow song. Not that that stopped the newlyweds. They simply made their way to the floor and melted together in one smooth motion.

  Drew turned to Baylee. “And that is what I have been waiting for.”

  The light caught her eyes as she looked up at him, making them a lighter green than normal. “What’s that?”

  “A slow song. That way I can hold you close without anyone questioning my intentions.”

  She smiled and leaned into him. “What exactly are your intentions?”

  Ah. An excellent question. One Drew hadn’t been able to answer until now.

  He lifted her chin and swept his lips over hers. “To hold you close forever.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Baylee’s brain spun as Drew held her close and moved them across the dance floor. Smooth as silk, just like when they’d danced at Kate’s wedding. He’d swept her away from the table before she could respond to his comment. Sure, they’d been flirting. She was smart enough to know that. But he’d said his intention was the hold her forever. What did he mean by that? Was it simply a romantic moment they were caught up in, or was he sending her a hint that he wanted forever? With her.

  What if it was? What would she say? They’d agreed to try a long distance relationship. She supported his desire to play ball, but... but... So many thoughts swirled through her head. So many questions without answers. Questions that part of her was afraid to find out the answer to.

  “You think any harder you’re gonna hurt yourself.”

  She blinked and shook her head. “Sorry. I don’t mean to be so distracted.”

  “That’s okay. What’s on your mind, beautiful? Are you worried about someone else taking our picture? As much as I love taking your out for an evening, I’m just as happy hanging out at home with you.”

  Home. Was Silver Bay home to him? Or was she? Again, so many questions. Ones she wasn’t going to as
k now. No. She wanted a fun night out with Drew and that was what they were going to get. Time to shake off the questions.

  “I’m fine. Really. And, no, I’m not worried about pictures. You said yourself it’s part of being with you and... well, I want to be with you.”

  She hadn’t noticed his body was tense until he relaxed at her words. His arms still held her close though, making her feel protected, wanted.

  “I’m sorry, Baylee. I warned you that being with me would be no picnic some of the time.”

  “Picnics are highly overrated.” She gave him her best smile and a kiss for good measure.

  “Man, you’re easy on me.”

  “Well, you’re quite handsome, and a rather good dancer, which is a bonus so...”

  He cut off her words as he pulled her in and kissed her neck before he twirled them another direction on the dance floor.

  “Baylee.

  It was loud in the saloon but she’d know the voice anywhere. All the joy that had flowed through her moments before washed away. Her body tensed and Drew stopped, holding her tight, sensing something was wrong.

  She turned but stayed close to Drew. “Erik.”

  Her back was against Drew’s chest, his arms still around her. His grip tightened.

  Her ex. Was here. In Garrett’s Saloon. In Silver Bay. The words all registered in her head, but she couldn’t seem to grasp them or make them land anywhere that made sense. Wrapped up in Drew and all the wonderful that came with it, she hadn’t noticed Erik standing there. He looked good. Relaxed. His hands were tucked into the pocket of his jeans, his navy t-shirt tight across his chest.

  Funny thing. She’d always thought him as a big guy, but tucked up against Drew, Erik didn’t come across that way anymore. Drew was about an inch taller and although not as thick, definitely in better shape.

  She blinked, snapping herself out of her mental comparison of the two men. Why was he here?

  Drew took a step forward, one hand reached out towards Erik, the other still keeping a firm hold on her. “I’m Drew MacIntire.”

  Erik shook his hand. “Oh, I know who you are. I’m a big fan. I’m Erik. Baylee’s ex.”

  Drew nodded then stepped back again, both arms around Baylee’s waist.

  “I’m so sorry.” Grateful she found her voice, she smiled at Erik. “I should’ve introduced you two. You just... caught me off guard.”

  Erik nodded. “I know. I’m sorry. I just wanted to talk to you and thought it would be better to do in person.”

  Surprise turned to concern. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah. Everything is great, actually. I just wanted to talk.”

  “Um. Here? Now?” Baylee looked around the bar.

  People still danced, unaware of their conversation. She did see that Jack, Kate, Paul and Hannah watched them close. They were all back at their table now, sipping drinks and munching nachos.

  “Well, I’m only in town for a night. I flew in to see you then I have to get back.” He stuck a thumb out over his shoulder towards the door.

  Drew’s thumb rubbed against her wrist. A sign that he was still there. Had her back. Literally. But Erik was harmless. If he needed to talk to her, then they’d talk and he’d be on his way.

  “Okay.” She turned in Drew’s arms and looked up at him. “It’s okay. I’ll just be a few minutes.”

  His eyes searched hers to see if she was truly fine with things. She smiled and placed a hand on his cheek. With a nod of understanding, he kissed the inside of her hand and then turned to join the others at the table. Not before a parting, “Nice to meet you,” to Erik and a look between the two men that was not lost on Baylee. Drew would have an eye on her. A comforting thought, even though Erik was harmless. Arrogant and self-centered, but harmless.

  Drew made his way back to the others. Kate eyed him as he took the seat beside her again but he didn’t speak. He didn’t trust himself. Aware of all eyes on him, his never left Baylee. She and Erik were sitting at a small table just off the dance floor. People moved back and forth in his sight line, but he watched Baylee like a hawk. Every movement, every gesture, trying to read her. If she even blinked in a way that made him think she needed him, he would move.

  “Who’s the guy?” Drew heard Jack’s question but didn’t take his eyes off Baylee.

  “That’s Baylee’s ex-husband, Erik,” Kate answered.

  “I wonder why he’s here?” Hannah asked.

  “Maybe he wants to just visit. See Casey.” Jack offered.

  “I doubt it.” They all looked at Kate, even Drew. Although he kept one eye in Baylee’s direction.

  “Why’s that?” Paul asked.

  Kate looked as if she regretted saying anything. “Nothing, really. He just didn’t fight Baylee for custody and hasn’t paid much attention to Casey since. He’ll call every once in a while, but Casey isn’t much for talking on the phone.”

  Hell, Drew had only known the kid a few weeks and he knew that. Anyone who had spent any time with Casey would know he liked his food separate on his plate at each meal, nothing touching. He talked in statistics and facts. He could draw like a professional and loved his mother fiercely. Casey didn’t have to say a ton of words for anyone to see that, it simply took watching the kid with his mother. Something Casey’s father apparently had never thought to do.

  Drew took a slow, deep breath through his nose and let it out his mouth. One minute Baylee had been giggling, tickled by Drew kissing her neck, the next, she tensed in his arms so fiercely he’d held her tight, every instinct in him to protect her, even though he had no clue from what.

  “Relax, Drew.” Kate placed a hand on his arm. “She’s okay. Erik’s not the greatest guy, but he would never hurt her. Or Casey.”

  Maybe not physically, but Drew knew enough to see that Erik had hurt her emotionally and that was a problem. He watched as they talked. Baylee had relaxed a little, but he could sense she wasn’t happy and he hated that. All he wanted in the world was for her and Casey to be happy.

  The others kept talking, trying to steer the conversation away from Baylee, keep him distracted. But his attention never wavered from her. His sister said not to worry. Every fiber in his being said otherwise. Baylee looked his way and smiled, but her eyes were dim. She was putting up a brave front. Why? What the hell did this guy want?

  “So. I saw your picture on twitter with this guy. When you aim, you aim high, Lee.” Erik used his nickname for her. One she used to feel indifferent about, but now it just grinded like nails on a chalkboard.

  “Is that why you’re here?”

  He sat back in his chair, his legs stretched out in front of him. Acted as if he didn’t have a care in the world. But Baylee learned long ago how to read him. Something was up. Of course something was up. He was in Silver Bay. A fact she still was struggling to wrap her head around.

  “Not exactly, no.” He turned to look in Drew’s direction then back to her.

  Without even looking, she knew Drew had eyes on them. She could sense it. He’d be there in a flash if she needed him. She turned as well, gave him a smile. He didn’t return it. Just leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as if wanting to be closer to her. She gave a slight nod and turned her attention back to Erik, hoping Drew would get the message that she was fine.

  “Although I can’t say I blame you. I couldn’t make it in professional sports. Why not move on to someone who has?”

  Baylee pushed down the desire to roll her eyes. “Erik, stop.” Did he honestly believe she went looking for a professional athlete to have in her life?

  She moved to Silver Bay for a simple existence, not a flashy one. And yet, she was willing to give her heart to Drew. She looked at Erik. The two men were alike in some ways, but so different in others. Different in the ways that mattered.

  “I get it. I do. He’s a major league pitcher. Can’t do much better than that, Lee. Although I hear he’s out and may not come back. That would be a bummer. Looks like you’re rol
ling with another injured has-been.”

  Baylee bit her tongue to keep from saying what immediately came to mind. Drew was far from a has-been. She knew that and so did Erik. He was just trying to get her worked up. Defensive. It was his MO when they were married. Something she recognized and fought hard not to engage him in.

  She took a deep breath and let it out again. “Erik. You know you are always welcome to visit Casey, but surprising us like this isn’t a good idea. I know you didn’t just come because of the picture of me and Drew. Why are you here?”

  At the sound of their son’s name, Erik fidgeted in his chair. Damn the man. He couldn’t even talk about their son without being uncomfortable.

  “Well, like I said, I’m only here for a night. I’m not sure I’ll have time to see...”

  “That’s fine.” Baylee swallowed tears.

  Not for herself, but for her son. His father didn’t even want to visit him. It was times like these she was almost grateful Casey didn’t ask much about his dad. Almost. She fought the urge to look at Drew again. But if she did, she’d start crying and never stop. Something she was not going to do. It wouldn’t be fair to say that Drew was everything Erik wasn’t, but she was calling a spade a spade, right?

  She’d cut Erik off, unable to hear his excuses for not visiting Casey. It was better for everyone anyway.

  “If you’re not here to see Casey, they what do you want, Erik?”

  “I wanted to tell you I’m getting married.”

  Baylee sat back in her chair. Well, gracious. That certainly wasn’t what she was expecting to hear.

  “Congratulations.” The desire to chuckle bubbled inside but she pushed it down.

  Laughing right now would not go over well with Erik. And it wasn’t as if she thought it funny. Not at all. It was more a sense of... relief.

  “Thanks. She’s awesome.” Erik sat forward, leaning on the table. “We met at the gym. She’s got two kids, one plays football, the other basketball. We’re at games every weekend.” He smiled and got a far off look in his eye.