Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
K elsey’s hand shook as she looked at the blaring text on her phone. She’d signed up for a text alert to be notified when Noah was released from prison. She hadn’t thought it would be this early.
“He only served twenty months. It was supposed to be thirty-six. I knew it would probably be less, but I didn’t think it would be that much.” Her phone blurred, and she swayed.
Luke’s arms caught her, and he held her by the waist. “I’ve got you.”
His voice was cool and calming. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment.
Noah was free.
Would he try to contact her? He wasn’t supposed to, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t try. He’d never been able to quash his impulses. She doubted twenty months in prison would’ve changed him. She hoped so—for his sake—but she never wanted to see him again.
She felt Luke’s hands on her face, his lips against her temple. She opened her eyes. And his dark gaze was full of warmth and caring. She relaxed a bit.
“Nothing’s changed here,” he said. “I still care for you. I want to be here for you—however you need. Whatever you need.”
She leaned into him, and his arms came around her, holding her tight. “Thank you. I can’t really process this right now.” She inhaled, and his fresh, outdoorsy scent filled her senses.
He ran his hands over her back in long, soothing strokes. Her pulse slowed, and she closed her eyes again, savoring this moment. Then she stepped back. “I need to go. I’m so sorry to drag you down with my problems. I won’t blame you if you want to run far away.”
He clasped her hand and squeezed her fingers. “I won’t. And don’t trivialize this. It’s a big deal, and I get that.”
God, he was amazing. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
He nodded, and she made her way up to the winery, keeping close to the building to stay under the cover. A few minutes later, she was ensconced in her car and on her way back to town.
The text had included a phone number to call if she had questions. She put her headset on and dialed the number. She wanted to know when he’d been released and whether she should expect him. Fear carved an ache in her belly, a deep, painful throb that made her want to curl into a ball.
A woman answered the phone and transferred Kelsey to someone who could help her. She was afraid she’d be stuck leaving a message and then agonizing until she received a call back. However, luck smiled on her, and a live body picked up the phone.
The clerk was very helpful. She explained that Noah wasn’t allowed to contact her and that she should notify the court if he did. His official release would happen tomorrow, and he was apparently moving back to Washington immediately where he’d be assigned to a local parole officer. They were allowing him to go back to Kennewick because his family was there, and they’d offer the best support to help with his reentry to society.
By the time she hung up the phone, Kelsey felt slightly better, but there was still a gnawing ache inside her, knowing he was out there terrified her.
Forcing herself to push through the anguish, she parked in her rented spot and hurried straight to the Knitty Gritty, where Gram was working today. She still hadn’t mastered knitting, but she was trying. She said that if she spent less time with George, she’d figure it out. Then she’d laughed. Kelsey smiled, grateful for that happy thought, and tried to think of another.
Damn, it was hard. She felt cold and heavy and completely on edge, as if the slightest thing would send her into a panic attack. She’d had a couple of those after Noah had been arrested. She’d even called his mother to apologize. Wow, had that been a colossal mistake.
She began to shake again.
Don’t think about that! Happy thoughts. The library. Gram. Luke.
And meditation.
She took in her deep, three-second breath, counted to three, and exhaled slowly for three more seconds. By the time she reached the store, she felt marginally better. At least she’d stopped shaking.
Gram sat behind the counter, her brow furrowed and her fingers clacking two needles together. She glanced up as the door swung closed, setting off the bell. “Kelsey, I’m so glad you came to rescue me from this infernal task.” She threw the needles down onto the counter and stood.
Kelsey looked around. Thankfully, the store was empty. “Gram.” Her voice sounded small and hurt, like when she’d fallen out of the walnut tree and sprained her wrist in Gram’s backyard when she was six.
Gram’s eyes widened, and she came around the counter. “You look terrified. What’s wrong?”
“Noah got out of prison.”
Gram pulled her into a massive hug, the kind that only grandmothers could give. The familiar warmth and scent cloaked Kelsey in a protective cocoon, and she thought if she could just stay here, she’d be fine.
But of course, she couldn’t.
After what felt like several minutes, during which Gram patted her back and murmured words of comfort, Kelsey pulled away. “He’s getting out tomorrow and moving back to Kennewick.”
“He can do that?” Gram asked.
“Apparently. It’s better than having him here.”
Gram looked at her with concern, her brow creasing. “Definitely. Do you think he’ll try to contact you?”
“He’s not supposed to.”
“You should get a restraining order. Or does that happen automatically?”
Kelsey wasn’t sure. “I’ll call an attorney.” She could go over to Aubrey Archer’s office in person. It was just down the street. Did Aubrey even handle that kind of thing? It didn’t hurt to ask.
Gram took her hands and frowned. “Sweetheart, you’re ice-cold. Come sit down, and I’ll make you some tea.” She ushered Kelsey to the stool behind the counter and went in the back.
Kelsey stared at the window but didn’t really see anything. Her mind was a tumult of fear and anxiety. She’d worked so hard to regain a normal life, and she felt as though the world had been pulled out from under her.
The bell on the door jingled, and she jumped, practically tumbling from the stool. She jerked her head toward the entrance, half expecting to see Noah.
He doesn’t get out until tomorrow. And even then, he won’t come after you. He never touched you in public. He wouldn’t start now.
The pep talk she gave herself did nothing to ease her stress. Her gaze followed the customer, a middle-aged woman who’d smiled in her direction before moving to the racks of yarn along the back wall.
Gram emerged from the back, cradling a steaming mug. “Here, it’s chamomile with some honey. You’ll feel better.”
Kelsey tried to summon a smile but couldn’t. She took the cup and inhaled the sweet, soothing scent.
She lifted her gaze to Gram’s. “I love you.”
Gram kissed her forehead. “I love you too, sweetheart.”
The customer came to the counter, and Kelsey sipped her tea while Gram rang up her order. Soon they were alone in the shop once more.
“What are you going to do now?” Gram asked. “Do you want me to come stay with you tonight? Or maybe you want to come stay with me? The apartment has a pull-out couch.”
Shit. Kelsey hadn’t even thought that far ahead. Did she want to be alone? Not particularly. But he was still in prison for one more night at least. Even so, she just might not want to be alone. “I don’t know. I think I’ll be okay tonight.”
Gram didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t say anything more about it. “Do you mind if I tell George about this? He was in the military, after all. I’m sure he’d be happy to kick Noah’s ass if he ever comes near here.”
Kelsey latched on to the new, much happier topic. “Are you and George serious? You just met him.”
“True, but remember, your grandpa proposed to me after only three weeks, and we were married almost forty-five years.” Her lips curved up, and a sparkle gleamed in her eye. “Sometimes it doesn’t take long.”
Like with Noah. Kelsey had fallen for him hard and fast. No, she wasn’t going to trust that sort of timing ever again. But Gram was right in that it had worked out well for her. “So you like him a lot?”
Gram nodded. “I do. It’s strange because I was confident I’d never have feelings for another man. I loved your grandfather so very much.” She glanced away.
Kelsey touched her soft, wrinkled hand. “He’d want you to be happy. And for what it’s worth, I think he’d like George.” She’d thought that when she’d met him that first day she’d walked into The Arch and Vine. His jovial sense of humor had instantly reminded her of Grandpa.
Gram turned her head back, smiling. “I think so too.” She shook her head and exhaled. “I don’t know where we’re going. But we’re having a great time right now. I have to admit I love his place. He’s got a vineyard, you know, and a filbert orchard.”
“I bet that reminds you of Grandpa too.” He’d raised trees, which he sold to wholesalers and nurseries.
“It does. And I think I could talk George into a goat and some chickens.” She chuckled.
Kelsey laughed with her. “Uh-oh, that does sound serious.”
Her equilibrium seemed to settle, and a half hour later, she felt much better. Good enough to walk to Aubrey’s office and talk to her about the restraining order, which she was more than happy to file.
Telling Aubrey about Noah had been difficult at first, but then the words had poured out. By the time Kelsey had finished, a surprising sense of calm and strength had descended over her. She actually thought she’d be okay.
But then it got dark, and as she sat in her apartment—alone—she had second thoughts. And third.
Her phone pinged, and as she had in the shop earlier, she jumped and nearly tumbled off the couch. Apprehensively, she picked it up from the arm of the sofa and looked at the screen.
Luke: How are you doing? Can I bring you dinner?
She didn’t hesitate to type a response: Yes, please.
Luke: What kind of pizza do you like?
She tapped out her answer: Hawaiian, but whatever you want is fine.
Luke: Hawaiian it is. See you in a few.
Five minutes later, he texted again: What’s your favorite beer? I’m bringing a growler.
She smiled, flattered that he’d thought of that too. She sent her answer, and in less than thirty minutes, he texted her again from downstairs. She leapt up and ran down to let him in. “Wow, you’re faster than a delivery guy.”
He gave her an exaggerated bow while holding the pizza box out in front of him. “At your service, my lady.”
“So gallant.” She held the door while he bent to pick up the growler he’d set on the ground.
“I can carry that,” she offered.
He shook his head. “The gallant gentleman carries everything.” He winked as he walked past her. She pulled the door closed, and it locked automatically. She double-checked it anyway.
“After you.” He inclined his head toward the stairwell, and she went first.
He followed her into the apartment, and she prepared for his reaction. “Now you can see why I’ve never invited you up. It’s not exactly Pottery Barn in here.”
He stood in the middle of her living room and surveyed the tiny space. “Um, yeah. I was thinking the architecture would be pretty cool given the age of the building, and those built-ins there are very nice, but…can I ask why you live here?”
She took the growler from him and placed it on the tiny kitchen table shoved in the corner. “Have you tried looking for rental property in Ribbon Ridge?”
He followed her, setting the pizza on the table. “Actually, I have. Why do you think I’ve been living with my brother the past two years?” He opened the growler while she pulled two pint glasses from the shelf in the kitchen. “Forget I asked. I get it. But now I see why you wanted Brooke’s loft, and I feel like crap for not insisting that you take it instead of Jamie.” He took the glasses from her and filled them.
She grabbed a couple of plates and some napkins. “Do you need a knife and fork?”
He took one of her two chairs. “Hell, no. Pizza is meant to be messy and greasy and awesome. Especially when it’s from Slice of Pi.”
Kelsey set the plates and napkins on the table and sat down next to him. “I can’t argue with that.” Ribbon Ridge’s pizza place was a hole in the wall, but it was the best pizza she’d ever had. And it was crafted by a retired math teacher, hence the clever name.
He lifted his glass in a toast. “To messy, delicious pizza.”
She clacked her glass against his. “And sharing them with messy, delicious people. In case you were wondering, I’m messy and you’re delicious.”
He laughed before he took a drink. “That was a close one. A second later and I would’ve spewed Crossbow everywhere.” He sipped his beer and set his glass down. “For the record, you’re more than delicious. You’re scrumptious .”
She drank her beer, and heat flushed through her. She could blame the alcohol, but she knew it was the company.
He opened the box, and they dug into the pizza for a few minutes before he asked, “How’d the rest of your day go?”
“Okay. Gram talked me off the ledge, and Aubrey Archer is going to file a restraining order for me. She thinks it’s a slam dunk.”
“I should hope so.” He wiped a napkin over his mouth and picked up another slice of pizza. “That’s great. You seem like you’re feeling better.”
She could easily nod and continue on as though she were, but panic had started to set in just before he’d texted. “I was. But then it got dark. He’s still in prison until tomorrow, but after that…I’m not sure I want to be alone. I think I’m going to go stay with Gram.”
“At the Archers’?” He frowned. “That’s a one-bedroom apartment. You’d be sleeping on the couch.”
“I was doing that when Gram was here. It’s better than being alone.”
“I have a spare room, you know, and it just so happens that I have a futon.”
She’d been about to take a bite of pizza but froze. Was he inviting her to stay with him?
“Uh, I’m not sure that’s the best idea.” Hadn’t she just thought about how fast-moving relationships were a catastrophe? “I do appreciate the offer, though.”
He set his pizza down and rested his arms on the table on either side of his plate. “Look, I’m not asking you to move in with me. Just stay with me until you feel comfortable. We’ll be roommates. You’ll have your own space. Granted, I only have one bathroom, but it’s doable. Plus, we both work so much, we’ll hardly ever see each other.”
That sounded disappointing. “You make a good argument. I don’t know…” She could think of a million reasons she shouldn’t, and they all had to do with her crippling fear.
“Come on. My place is small, but it’s a damn sight nicer than this joint.”
She didn’t doubt that. “But it would only be temporary.”
“Whatever you want.”
“I’ll think about it.” She did just that as they finished their dinner, and the conversation turned to the wine club dinner coming up that weekend.
She realized she never gave him an answer about that. “I’d love to go with you. If you still want me to.”
He cringed. “Gee, I asked someone else in the hours since I invited you. Sorry.”
Laughter erupted from her chest, and she was so glad he’d texted her about dinner. She thought about him leaving, about the darkness that would invade when she was alone and didn’t think she could face it. “You’re a jerk. Despite that, I’m going to come stay with you for a few days. On one condition.”
He finished his beer. “Anything.”
“No hanky-panky.”
He laughed so hard, he snorted. “What year is this, 1953? Hanky-panky?”
She giggled. “What would you call it?”
He leaned back and huffed out a breath while he crossed his arms and adopted a pensive pose. “I don’t know. Monkey business?”
She sputtered out a laugh. “Monkey business?” The laugh grew to a guffaw until near-hysteria set in as he joined her. She fought to take a breath and pushed out the word, “Chicanery?”
He howled even louder, slapping his hand on the table. “How about fooling around?”
Tears spilled from her eyes and her face began to hurt from laughing so hard. It was one of those conversations that probably wouldn’t have been funny to anyone else, but in that moment, they were consumed by uncontainable hilarity. “We are firmly planted in 1953. There are apparently no words—none—to describe sexy times in twenty-first century speak.”
“Sexy times works.” He poured himself more beer and took a long drink. “God, I haven’t laughed like that in a long time. Okay, so no sexy times. Does that include kissing? Because I’m kind of hoping I get to do that with you again soon.”
“Wouldn’t that be dangerous? I could see kissing leading to—let me borrow a word from 1953 again— petting , and petting leading to the aforementioned sexy times. In fact, I would argue that kissing is sexy times.”
He pouted. “Damn, your argument is sound.”
“So no sexy times while I’m staying with you.”
“Wait, none at all? Or just none in the house?” He looked at her with such hope in his gaze, and he was so gorgeous with his stubble and that square jaw and those dark, hot-as-coals eyes.
“Let me think about that.” She stood up. “Do you mind cleaning up while I pack a few things?”
“Not at all.”
“Thanks. Back in a few.” She went to her bedroom and immediately wondered what in the hell she was doing. She should just go to Gram’s.
Which was outside town, and she liked walking to both of her jobs. She’d be close enough at Luke’s that she could run back here to grab something if she needed it.
She began packing stuff in her big duffel bag and thought about what to take. How long would she be there? A few days? Maybe they’d hate living together. Maybe this would put an end to her apprehension about starting a relationship because she simply wouldn’t want to.
Somehow she didn’t see that happening.
A bit of the anxiety she’d been battling all day stole over her, and she sank down on the edge of her bed. She told herself to breathe. Once the restraining order was in place, she’d feel better. Aubrey said she’d file it on Monday and that it would almost certainly be granted immediately. Then Kelsey could come back home and get back to business as usual.
Home?
This place had never felt less like a home, and she was suddenly thrilled to be going somewhere else, even if it was maybe not the best idea. It certainly wasn’t the worst.
She jumped up and finished packing, then went to the bathroom to grab her toiletries. Ten minutes later, she hefted her duffel bag and met him in the living room. “Ready.”
He swept up the growler, which was still almost half-full, from the table. “Excellent. Let me get your duffel.” He took the bag from her and walked toward the door. “Can you grab the leftover pizza?” He nodded toward the table.
She plucked her jacket from the hook by the door and locked up as he started down the stairs.
“Where’s your car?” he asked.
“I park it a few blocks away.”
He opened the door to the sidewalk and stepped outside. “Okay, you really need to move. We’re going to work on that too. Actually, if our roommate thing works out, you’ll be all set.”
She followed him and pulled the door shut. “You didn’t like having a roommate.”
“I didn’t like having Jamie as a roommate. There’s a big difference.”
She chuckled. “Maybe you won’t like me either. I thought we both valued alone time.”
She started toward the corner, and he fell into step beside her.
He slid her a sexy glance. “Something tells me I won’t mind spending time with you at all.”
A spring leapt into her step as she walked toward the repair shop where she parked her car.
Fifteen minutes later, he’d directed her to his house, a little bungalow with a darling porch. “You didn’t tell me your house was so cute! I’ve walked by here a hundred times, and it always catches my eye. Needs some flowers, though.”
“You can fix that,” he said. “Just pull into the driveway.”
She parked next to his Jeep. “I can’t plant flowers in October. Don’t you know anything about plants?”
He grinned. “As it happens, I do . I mean in the spring.”
As in five months from now? “Let’s get through the next few days, shall we?”
“Ouch. Is that all I get? A few days?”
She loved this teasing, flirty thing they had going on. It was especially great for keeping her mind from turning down all sorts of dark paths. But she grew serious. “This is temporary. You get that, right?”
He saluted her. “Whatever you say, boss.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m being serious. Or at least I’m trying to be.”
He gave her a level stare. “I know. And you are the boss—don’t forget that.” He opened the door and stepped out of the car.
Kelsey took a deep breath and hoped she wasn’t about to make another colossal mistake.