Someone like Benny didn’t worry about things like restraining orders.
“We secured your residence,” the sleepy deputy said. “You’ll need to get that door fixed though.”
“Why don’t you two come stay with us tonight?” Ryan suggested.
***
It had only been a week, but Everley was already used to staying with Heath. As innocent as it was, she couldn't deny enjoying it. “He's getting crazier,” she said as she watched Heath mess with the door. After spending the rest of the night at the Romero’s, he’d insisted on getting started on repairs early in the morning. She had asked him about just hiring someone to fix it, but he was adamant about doing it himself.
“Ryan said Benny’s Daddy bailed him out this morning,” Heath said. He’d already replaced the frame, and now he was just trying to get the new door on, complete with a security screen.
Everley continued watching him work, his shirt long since abandoned. With a little smile, she decided he was right. It was a better idea for him to fix the door himself. “Are you sure you don't need me to do something? I mean, technically, this is my fault...”
“Not your fault,” he corrected her. “And I'm fine. I've installed plenty of doors in my time.”
“Oh?” she asked.
“Yeah,” he shrugged. “Had to work my way through school somehow. Gary down at the hardware store needed some assistance with his carpentry business, so it worked out for both of us.”
“Did he teach you how to make those little wooden tops we used to play with as kids?” she asked, knowing that home repair may have been Gary’s money maker, but old-fashioned toys were his forte.
“I may have attempted a wooden duck once,” he looked at her and grinned, “but it's a disaster.”
“Hmmm,” she hummed in amusement.
“I refuse to dig out the remnants,” he laughed. “But maybe if you look through some of my old photos, you can find the abomination.”
“So,” Everley changed the subject, knowing he would make sure she never found the photo. “How long before you think Benny gets him locked up for good? I mean, we know he thinks he's not leaving town without me, so getting locked up is the only way we'll ever really be rid of him.”
“Eager to go back to Ryan's?” he teased.
Everley took a second to process that.Was he that eager to get rid of her? “Oh… uh… that’s not what I meant...”
“I was kidding,” he assured her. “There,” he got up and slammed the screen shut, then played with the door. “That should do it.”
“I’m impressed,” she said. “I would have just hired someone.”
“So you could ogle them while they worked? Don’t think I didn’t notice.” He winked at her, and she knew she was turning an unnatural shade of pink. He kissed her cheek as he brushed by her, “I'm just gonna shower, then we can watch a movie… if you'd like?”
“Sure.”
“We’ve got a game tonight,” he added, almost as an afterthought. “Are you coming?”
“Yeah,” she nodded.
“Good,” he said, before disappearing into the bedroom.
No. She wasn't eager to go back to Ryan's at all.
Chapter 16
The night game was going on far longer than intended and Everley was grateful Harper and Gabriella had joined her. With Heath busy coaching, she was glad to have someone to talk to.
“So I hear Benny’s on the loose again,” Gabriella mentioned.
Everley shrugged. It worried her a bit, but she had a hard time caring what he was up to… so long as he left them alone. “He’ll leave soon enough,” she said, sounding more confident than she felt. Truthfully, she wasn’t sure. The only thing she was certain of was knowing it was only a matter of time before he violated the restraining order.
“I hope so,” Harper said, her gaze boring a hole into the ground.
She’d been unusually quiet all evening. Everley couldn’t put her finger on it, but her best friend seemed distracted. She wouldn’t make eye contact and spent more time fidgeting than participating in the conversation.
“What's going on?” Everley finally asked. She had a feeling that Harper was upset with her. “Did I say something? Do something? Are you mad at me?”
“No,” Harper insisted, and Gabriella just shrugged, obviously not in the loop either. “I'm just kind of going through stuff at the moment.”
“Okay...” Everley was relieved that it seemed to have nothing to do with her, but another part of her wasn’t completely convinced.
Gabriella wasn’t as willing to let the topic slide. Gently, she took her step-sister by the hand. “Talk to us,” she said. “We're your friends.”
“Yeah,” Everley added. “You know we’re here for you.”
“It's nothing, really,” Harper waved it off. “Why don't we talk about something else?” She smiled at Gabriella, who for the first time in history, blushed.
“Me?” Gabriella asked.
Harper nodded and gestured towards the ring on Gabriella’s finger. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
“Wait,” Everley’s jaw dropped as she looked at the ring. Her preoccupation with Harper’s weirdness had made her oblivious to the sparkler Gabriella was wearing. “When did this happen?”
“Last night,” Gabriella smiled.
Harper's jitters seemed to melt away as the attention moved to Gabriella. Everley still caught her casting nervous glances now and then, but it wasn't enough for her to worry too much. Something was up, but if it was bad, Harper would have taken her aside and talked to her about it. At least she hoped that's what would happen. It wasn't like the woman to stew over something.
When the game was over, Gabriella bid them goodbye before taking off, and Everley and Harper left the bleachers. Heath was quick to join them as they made their way to the parking lot. Harper suddenly took Everley by the hand and spoke up, “Hey, Heath? You don't mind if I borrow Everley for a minute, do you?”
“Not at all,” he arched an eyebrow, but didn't question it, leaving them alone as he made his way to the car.
Oh God, Everley thought, here it comes. I've done something horribly wrong and my best friend is about to lay into me.
“I'm pregnant.” Harper blurted out. Everley stopped to look at her. Harper looked as if she were on the brink of tears, and they didn't seem like happy ones. “I'm sorry… I didn't… ugh…”
“Wait,” Everley stopped her. “Why are you sorry?”
“I didn't know how to tell you,” she said.
“Oh,” Everley nodded in understanding. Harper was notorious for putting everyone else first. “But it's something you want, right? I mean, you and Ryan always talked about a family.”
“It is…”
“I'm fine,” she smiled, “and I'm happy for you.” She was, really. It wasn't Harper's fault that Everley couldn't seem to have a successful pregnancy. Her self-perceived shortcomings shouldn't stop her best friend from having everything she'd always dreamed of.
But maybe it hurt, just a little. Because Everley had had a chance at that, and fate had laughed in her face. Now, Gabriella was engaged, and would probably have children soon, and maybe even Brandi and Lee would settle down, and all her friends' babies would surround Everley, and she would be what… Heath's girlfriend?
Or maybe Benny was right. Maybe Heath would see all those kids and realize he wanted someone who could actually give him that.
“Really?” Harper asked, unknowingly derailing Everley’s self-destructive thoughts.
“Really.” It wasn't a lie, she was happy for her friend. She was just maybe a little sad for herself too. But, who was she to rain on someone's parade? With a smile, she hugged Harper, and congratulated her. They parted ways as they approached their cars, waving at each other as Harper got into hers and drove off.
“Everything all right?” Heath asked as she slid into the passenger seat.
“Yeah.” Okay, so that one was an outright lie
. “Just a bit of girl talk.” Truth.
He nodded and started the car, and Everley held on until they got home. Then she ran inside, locked herself in the bathroom and cried.
“Everley?” Heath knocked on the door. “Sweetheart, is everything all right?”
Of course it wasn't, and she knew that he knew it wasn’t, and that’s why he’d asked again. He could tell the second she got into the car, perceptive bastard. “Just a minute,” she said, hurrying to clean up before she opened the door.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked, when she finally came out.
She shook her head, and cursed herself when she started crying all over again.
Heath didn’t push. “What do you say to just turning in for the night?”
“Kay,” she mumbled.
***
Everley wasn't feeling any better the next morning, so when Heath informed her that Ryan and Harper wanted to meet for breakfast, she declined, stating that she had a headache. It wasn't a complete lie, all the crying she'd done last night had done a number on her. The last thing she wanted was for her friends to think she was avoiding them, and maybe avoidance wasn't what she was intending, but she knew that's exactly what it looked like she was doing.
Heath didn't press her for an explanation, just offered her some painkillers and a promise to return with some food for her.
She didn't deserve him at all.
When he returned, she had already gotten up and showered, hoping it would help, but it hadn't. Instead, he found her cocooned on the couch staring at a blank television.
“Why didn't you tell me?” he asked, sitting next to her, dropping the to-go bag on the coffee table.
“Sorry,” she whispered.
“Nothing to apologize for.” He unwrapped her from her little cocoon and pulled her towards him. She felt him kissing her cheek, temple, and the top of her head as he wrapped his arms around her. “I told them you weren't feeling well, and Harper assumed the worst.”
“She always does.” Everley started crying, “I didn't mean to make her feel bad, and I'm sorry you were blindsided-”
“You did nothing wrong,” he interrupted. “I just wish you had told me.” He took her hand and gave it a light squeeze. “We don’t have to talk about it Evie, but I want to be there for you.”
“I’m happy for her,” she said. “I mean it. I really am.”
“I know.”
“I feel guilty for even being upset,” she continued, “and… I think I might be jealous too.”
“I’m sure she understands that. I mean, it seemed like she was nervous about talking to you last night. I assume that's when she told you?”
“Yeah.” She started calming down again as they talked. “I'm sorry I lied to you, about being okay. I should have just told you I wasn't.”
“It’s all right,” he rubbed her back, “like I said, you've got no reason to apologize. I understand.”
She really didn't deserve him.
“I’m the worst friend ever...”
“No, you're not.” He pulled back, and brought his hands up to cradle her face. “You need to stop putting yourself down. God, Everley, I wish you could see yourself the way I see you. Just because that ass of an ex calls you damaged, doesn't mean you are. You're amazing, and beautiful, and a damn good friend.”
“But I'm broken,” she argued, “and how can I be a good friend when I've hurt Harper?”
He rested his forehead against hers. “Everley, you're human. You hurt, and that's understandable. She wasn't angry at all, just worried about you. And as far as being broken, aren't we all? No one is perfect, we all have our flaws and demons, but that's what makes us special. I love you Everley, every part of you. Even the parts you feel are damaged beyond repair. And I assure you, they're not.”
She wasn't sure how to respond. Sure, he’d told her he'd always been in love with her, but this was the first time he'd outright said the three words they'd both avoided since Amelia's birthday.
“I love you too,” she whispered, “every part of you.”
Heath smiled and nudged her nose with his, making her giggle as he closed the remaining distance between them, kissing her softly. He groaned when she twisted her fingers in his hair.
Her lips parted, and she gave a quick nip at his lower lip, a playful smile forming on her face. Eager to move forward, her hands wandered down, sliding over his chest and coming to a halt at his waist, gripping the fabric of his shirt.
She groaned in annoyance when he pulled back and grabbed her hands. “I'm fine,” she insisted.
“I know,” he kissed her forehead, “I was just going to suggest we move this to more comfortable quarters.”
“You mean the bedroom?” she teased.
“Yes,” he laughed as he stood up and scooped her into his arms. With a giggle, she wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Really?” She rolled her eyes and grinned. “You're ridiculous-oh…” Whatever else she wanted to say was lost when he nipped at her earlobe.
“You were saying?”
“Carry on.”
Heath chuckled and brought her into the bedroom, gently placing her on the bed. Everley however, had other ideas, and the second she was out of his arms, she grabbed his shirt and pulled him towards her, capturing him in a fiery kiss, breaking away only to shed clothes.
As desperate as it all seemed, there was something sweet about the way he trailed kisses along her body as if he were worshiping every bit of skin he could touch. Soft moans escaped her lips as he caressed her sides with his hands, biting gently at the curve of her waist. “Ticklish are we?” Heath laughed when she giggled.
She threaded her fingers in his hair and gave a little tug, grinning in satisfaction when he grunted. “Don't even think about it.”
“Whatever do you mean, darling?” He grinned and pinched her side, earning another giggle.
“Not funny!” Everley’s giggles turning into full on laughter as he continued his attack.
“Seems plenty funny to me,” he mused, sliding back up to kiss her again.
A million thoughts ran through her head about what she should be feeling, nervous, vulnerable, maybe even a little shy, but all she truly felt was loved, wanted, and even needed. Maybe it was his incessant need to be a pain in the ass by making her laugh, or maybe it was how every kiss left a trail of fire in its wake, she might never know, but she felt comfortable and safe as they joined.
Her hands roamed his back as he buried his face in the crook of her neck, her name tumbling from his lips, sounding like both a curse and a prayer. She brought a hand up to his head, fingers tangling in his hair as she nipped at his earlobe, tugging it into her mouth sucking on it, reveling in the muffled noises it coaxed from him.
“Heath…”
He kissed her and brought a hand between them, rubbing his thumb over her. “Let go,” he murmured on her lips, kissing her again as she cried out. He followed her over the edge, pulling her into an embrace as they came down from the rush.
“I love you,” she whispered. He returned the words with a kiss to the top of her head.
Chapter 17
Everley had spent most of Sunday worrying about whether her friends were upset with her, even though Heath assured her they weren't. When she arrived at work that morning, she found that once again; he was right. She and Ryan went about their day as normal.
Maybe even better than normal.
Neither of them discussed the baby, but Everley could tell that her cousin was in a much better mood than usual. Even when some of the grumpier busybodies came in to complain, Ryan wasn’t phased.
“Evie?” Heath asked as he stepped into the office at quitting time.
Everley looked up and smiled at him. “Just a minute. Come over here. Ryan found some funny videos.”
Heath laughed as Ryan showed them a video with a rambunctious dog. “Is this what you do all day?” he teased them both.
“No!” Ryan protested. “Your t
ax dollars aren't being wasted, I promise.”
“Just a little break during a slow moment,” Everley added. “Ryan got stuck on the desk today, and it’s been just a little crazy with the citizens.”
“A lot of complaints about neighbors and juvenile delinquents,” Ryan nodded. “I’m glad for the break.”
“On that note,” Everley grinned, “I'm out. I'd rather not get overtime because you were dumb enough to jinx it. Good luck with the onslaught of phone calls.”
“See you tomorrow,” Ryan waved her off and she and Heath left.
“Y'know,” she said, as he unlocked the car, “I can probably drive myself now that leaving my car in Ryan's driveway isn't fooling anyone.”
“Nonsense,” he laughed, “I enjoy carpooling with you.” She blushed and slid into the front seat as he rounded to the other side. Once he was in the car, she couldn’t resist the urge to pull him in for a kiss.
Anyone who walked down the street could see them, right in front of the Sheriff’s station, lips locked. It was so unlike her, and yet… she didn’t care.
A loud smack on the window startled them both and Everley groaned when she saw Brandi standing outside the car.
“Hey kids!” Brandi said excitedly after they rolled the window down. “I'm going to have to ask you guys to get a room. No one needs to see that crap.”
“Oh please,” Everley shot back. “I seem to remember a certain someone who spent ninety percent of her high school career making out in the halls.”
“And I haven't changed much,” Brandi winked, “though, I took my show on the road. Making out in school halls is a bit too young for me these days.” She didn’t seem at all affected by the annoyed eye roll Everley shot her way. Instead, she just continued on. “Anyway, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I heard that Benny checked out today. Hasn’t been by the sandwich shop either.”
“Maybe he's leaving,” Everley suggested, though it was more wishful thinking than anything else.
“Benny?” Heath chuckled. “Skip bail? He's much too honorable to do a thing like that.”
Back to the Beginning Page 11
