Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
Booker
I managed to get Mary Beth out of the house a few minutes later. I also warn her that if she comes to my house unannounced again, not only will I pull out of her precious tour of homes but I’ll remove all my funding to the city’s beautification project. The one she’s in charge of.
She seemed chastised, but with someone like her, I never know what will happen the next time she needs something from me. She’s old enough to be my mother, but I’m not stupid. I see the way she looks at me, and it makes my skin crawl.
Not having Sabrina’s number didn’t help my restlessness, and after tossing and turning all night I got up at first light and got in my truck. I tried to talk myself out of it, but even I knew that was futile. I might not have her number, but I do have her address.
The house she lives in is one of the oldest and biggest in town. I’m told back in its prime it was a beautiful place that would host events where the entire town would come. The original owners also used part of the house as a hospital until they eventually paid for one to be built. After that, the extra rooms went to the people in the town that needed a place to stay, or for people passing through that needed a safe place for a night or two. I’d heard about all the charity the Anise family did for Mittenville, but only through Mrs. Maggie at the library.
Part of me wondered if the good things happened so long ago that the townspeople have forgotten about it. Or that they’ve let the bad deeds of one person cloud an otherwise kind and generous family. Maybe it’s easier to hate than it is to find compassion.
The auction sign is still in the yard even though there’s a red banner going across it that reads SOLD . As I look across the snowy yard, I can see what a beautiful place it used to be, and I hope that it can still be that in the future.
Getting out of my truck, I pull my coat around my neck, and I can smell Sabrina. It’s faint, but I cling to it, needing something to hold on to. If I can’t have her in my arms, I guess I’ll have to settle for this.
I know I should turn around and go home and mind my own business, but I can’t. There’s something about her that is driving my crazy obsession, and leaving her alone isn’t possible.
When I knock on the door, I take a step back and let out a deep breath. It takes a few minutes, but when the door opens I’m surprised that it’s not who I expect.
“Can I help you?” The woman standing there has red hair streaked with gray, and it’s twisted into a bun. She’s wearing jeans and a sweater and looks comfortable here. Like maybe she lives here too. I’d heard about someone staying in the guest house so I’m guessing this is her.
“Are you Reba?” I ask, and she nods.
“Yes, can I help you with something?”
“I’m Booker Pine. I’m looking for Sabrina.”
“Oh, of course.” She smiles brightly and opens the door wider. “Come on in.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” I say as I enter the house and take off my hat.
“She was telling us all about the baby animals in your barn.”
“They are quite the handful,” I say, trying to make polite conversation.
“We’re in the kitchen. Would you like some coffee?” she offers as we walk to the back of the house.
“That would be much appreciated.” I’m thinking that Sabrina can’t kick me out if I have a cup of coffee. I mean, I guess she could, but I’m going to do whatever I can to stay.
We enter through a swinging door, and I see her right away. She’s at a small table next to a window, and the morning light against her makes her glow. She’s so fucking beautiful it makes my chest tighten.
“Booker.” Her eyes widen in shock and then her fingers got to her hair, which is in a messy bun. Then she smooths out the old T-shirt she’s got on like she’s embarrassed to be caught in pajamas.
The thought of her in my T-shirt and nothing else makes me want to throw her over my shoulder and carry her out of here.
“You must be the hottie with the barn,” the older man says.
“Grandpa!” Sabrina reaches over and smacks him on the arm.
“I’m sorry, did I not say that correctly?” His grin is sly, and I know damn well he knew what he was saying. “I’m Miller Anise, it’s nice to meet you,” he says to me, but when he tries to stand from his chair, he can’t.
“Easy, Miller. You’ll be sore after last night,” Reba tells him.
I walk over to him to close the distance and hold out my hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Anise.”
His grip is solid and strong, and his eyes are alert. If anything, this man has the bad luck of being trapped in a body that can’t keep up with him.
“He thinks he’s too young for a walker,” Reba tells me, but she’s saying it to chastise Miller. “Thinks only old people use them.”
“It’s true.” He waves her off and points to the seat next to him. “Come sit down with us. I’d like to talk to the man that has my granddaughter smiling.”
“Grandpa,” Sabrina hisses, but her cheeks are flushed.
“What? I’m old, I can say what I want.”
“So you’re old enough to be mouthy but not old enough to use a walker?” Reba asks while she gets the coffee.
“Exactly,” Miller says and winks at me. “My darling girl hasn’t smiled in forever, and I want to know why.”
“I heard you took a fall last night,” I ask, doing my best to save Sabrina from further embarrassment. Although I have to say that I’m pleased to hear she’s been talking about me. And smiling.
“This old place.” He waves his hand around. “It’s too much house for us. I’ll be glad to leave it.”
“Liar,” Reba says as she comes over and places a mug of coffee in front of me.
“He likes cream,” Sabrina says softly, and our eyes meet. “Sugar too.”
“Coming right up.” Reba goes back to the refrigerator, but my eyes stay on Sabrina.
She bites her bottom lip as her eyes move down my body. Is she remembering last night as vividly as I am right now?
“So tell me, son,” Miller says as he leans back casually in his chair, “what brought you to our home at this early hour?”
“Like I said, Sabrina said you fell. She left worried, and I wanted to make sure everything was okay. And to see if I could help.”
“How sweet of you.” Reba places the cream and sugar in front of me, and I stir some in.
“Yes, how nice,” Sabrina finally says. “Thanks for stopping by.”
“Come on, princess.” Miller pats her hand. “There’s no need to rush him out of here. Let the man enjoy a cup of coffee. Better yet, why not show him around the place?”
“Grandpa.” Her eyes narrow, but he shrugs her off.
“I’m sure he’d love to see your room.” His grin is practically mischievous as I take a sip of my coffee and wait for her to respond.