Chapter 3
CHAPTER 3
R achel sat across from Nick, with Jake at her side in a booth at Pepper’s. Rachel glanced around, taking in her surroundings. The restaurant had about a dozen booths and half as many four tops with metal chairs. The floor was concrete and painted dark brown.
All the servers wore jeans and tennis shoes along with black t-shirts with the Pepper’s logo of a bunch of hot chili peppers.
“I like this place.” She turned back toward Nick. “I hope the food is as good as you say.”
His eyes widened, and then he smiled. “Trust me. You’ll love it.”
A brunette server with a low ponytail approached the table. “What can I get you folks to drink?”
“I’ll have iced tea and a glass of water, please,” said Rachel.
“Same,” said Nick.
The server turned her attention to Jake. “And what about you, young man?”
Jake looked up at his mother. “Can I have a Dr. Pepper? Please, Mommy?”
Rachel pursed her lips and then gazed at the young woman. “Do you have small glasses?”
“Yes, ma’am. We have plastic cups, with a lid and straw, that he can take home, if he wants to.”
“Okay, then he’ll have a Dr. Pepper.”
“Yay!” Jake shoved his fist into the air. Then he turned to his mother. “Thank you, Mommy.”
Rachel ruffled his hair and kissed the top of his head.
“Euww. Mommy!”
“Oh, I know. You think you’re too big for me to kiss you in public. But I don’t accept that. I’m your mother, and I get to kiss you whenever I want.”
He gazed over at Nick. “Tell her it’s not okay to kiss in public.”
Nick raised his hands, palms out. “Hey, keep me out of this argument.”
“But—”
Rachel rested a hand on Jake’s shoulder. “Sometimes, people kiss in public. It’s okay. They’re allowed.”
Jake slumped in the booth. “I think it’s gross.”
Rachel chuckled. “You won’t feel that way when you get older, trust me.”
The boy crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m never gonna kiss a girl or anyone else. It’s nasty.”
Nick boomed out a guffaw. “We’ll see, young Mr. Bennett. We’ll see. You’ll remember this conversation and owe your mom an apology.”
Shaking his head, he sat straighter. “Nope. Never gonna happen. No way no how.”
Nick laughed.
So did Rachel.
The server returned with their drinks. “Are you ready to order, or do you need more time?”
“I’m ready.” Rachel looked around the table at the guys.
“I’m ready, too,” said Nick.
“What about you, honey.” Rachel placed an arm around Jake’s shoulders. “Do you know what you want?”
“Yup.” Jake nodded. “I want the chicken strips with macaroni and cheese.”
Rachel looked up at the server. “I’ll have the chicken fried steak, with mashed potatoes and seasoned green beans.” She picked up the menus and handed them to the woman.
She shoved them under her arm.
“And for you, sir?’
“I’ll have the same as she’s having.” Nick nodded toward Rachel.
“Very good.” She punched the order in on the little tablet she carried. “Okay, I’ll be back in a moment.” She turned and headed toward the back of the restaurant.
Nick picked up his glass and took a sip. “So, Jake. Tell me a little about yourself. What do you like to do?”
“I like playing Roblox, but Mommy doesn’t let me play it that often.” He gave Rachel an accusatory glare.
“Yeah, I’m the bad guy here because I want him to get some fresh air and sunshine once in a while.”
Nick chuckled. “Looks like mother and son have a bit of an issue. Let me tell you a story, young Jake. When your mother and I were your age, we wanted to play video games all the time, too. But our mothers, who were friends, refused to let us. We ended up running in the woods and swimming at the lake, and playing cops and robbers around the backyards. I don’t think it hurt us one bit. Your mom is a well-respected doctor, and I’ve started a couple of companies that have done okay.”
Rachel snorted. “Okay? That’s the way you describe your companies. You’re a billionaire, Nick. Don’t sugarcoat it and make it sound like you didn’t work your behind off to get there.”
Nick shrugged and raised his hands, palms up. “Okay, I did work my bu...er...behind off, but the moral of the story is that playing outside, made me...made us,” he ran a hand in the air between him and Rachel. “Made us use our imaginations and learn to do things on our own. That made us able to study harder and focus on getting ahead in life. Don’t you want to do that? Or would you rather that your mother support you for the rest of your life?”
Jake looked down at the table and uncrossed his arms. “I want to grow up to be a good man, not like my dad.” He turned his gaze back to Nick. “But I don’t have anyone to play with here. In New York, the only time I got outside to play was at the park and Mom had to make play dates with my friends’ moms to do that. She can’t even do that here because we don’t know nobody.”
“Anybody,” corrected Rachel.
Nick smiled. “You start school in a week, right?”
“Yeah.” Jake sounded disgruntled. “It’s gonna be horrible. I don’t know,” he turned toward his mother. “Anybody.”
Rachel watched the interaction between her best friend and her son with amusement and pleasure.
Nick clasped his hands and rested his forearms on the table. “Lots of kids won’t know anyone. You need to go up to those kids and make friends. Introduce yourself and ask them to play at recess.”
“How will I know they don’t have friends?”
“Because they will stand around alone, just like you.” Nick didn’t miss a beat. “When your mom and I first met, we didn’t have friends, either. Some kids in class already knew each other because they lived close, but we didn’t live close to anyone with kids our age. Sure, I had four brothers and an obnoxious younger sister, but only my twin is my age. Adam is six years older than me, Ray is four years older and didn’t want to play the kind of games I wanted to. Megan was only three and not able to play the games I wanted to. Peter was only five and always wanted to be in charge of the game we played. My twin, Cole, and I fought most of the time over what to play.” Nick shrugged. “So, I was sort of alone, just like you and your mom.
“Anyway,” Nick continued. “Your mom and I bonded over that. I took her home to get some cookies, and my mother fell in love with her. Her mother fell in love with me, and then they became friends because of us. Everything worked out because we were best friends from there on out. Even our time away from each other couldn’t end that friendship.” Nick directed his gaze at Rachel and winked.
She felt her face burn because she knew their lack of communication was her fault and hers alone. She was the one who quit calling and accepting his calls. She was the one who quit writing or answering his letters and emails. Yet, he didn’t forget her or what they’d meant to each other.
Even though she’d been embarrassed when she saw him at her door, she was grateful Nick made the overtures and sought her out. He was always the one who came to her. From the first day of kindergarten, he was her protector. She wouldn’t ever forget that. When other kids teased her, Nick was the one who made them shut up.
She remembered in middle school; she was all gangly legs and arms. She had a terrible case of acne, and Nick was still her best friend.
Nick was handsome even then, but he always stuck by her. The other girls tried to get his attention...he ignored them.
In high school, he did date sometimes. He took someone else to prom. Rachel hated it and wished she could tell him how she felt, but she was afraid of losing his friendship.
Their dinner arrived, taking Rachel out of her musings. The steak melted in her mouth, the mashed potatoes were smooth without being gooey, and the cream gravy was perfectly seasoned. The food was definitely as good as Nick said it would be.
After dinner, Nick took them to a local place called Sammy’s where Jake played all kinds of games to his heart’s content. Nick paid for everything.
She noticed she received some angry stares. The attitude was just like middle and high school with the other girls, jealous of her being with Nick.
This time around, though, she wasn’t a gangly teenager. She had lots of curves, despite her love of running, which gave her great legs.
She tapped Nick on the shoulder. “I think we should go now. Jake needs to get in bed. We’ve already passed his normal bedtime, and I want to keep him on a schedule. Plus we’re still getting used to the time difference between New York and Denver.”
“Okay. You get him, and I’ll pay our tab.”
She nodded. “We’ll be right back.”
Rachel walked over to where her son played video games and placed her hand on his shoulder. “We have to go now Jake. Finish your game quickly.”
He turned with his brows furrowed and his bottom lip pushed out. “Ah, Mommy, can’t we stay a little while longer?”
“No, we can’t. It’s already an hour passed your bedtime. If you make a big deal out of this, then I won’t let you come next time we go to dinner with Nick. Do you understand?”
He nodded. “I’m done. I was just going to play another game, but I’ll do it next time. Okay?”
She smiled and ruffled his hair. “Okay. Let’s go find Nick.” She put a hand on Jake’s shoulder as they navigated over to Nick, where he stood by the bar.
“We’re ready.”
“Let’s get you two home then.” Nick led the way out of the establishment.
Once outside, they headed to his car on the far side of the parking lot.
Rachel looked around as they walked. The practice was her new habit since she’d left Greg, and she wouldn’t stop it now. He was here. She knew it; she just didn’t know where.
* * *
Greg stepped out of the shadows and watched the three figures walk to a red Mustang.
How did she start dating so soon? Did she know this Nick Kincaid from before? Yes, he recognized the man from Forbes magazine. Kincaid was notorious for guarding his privacy, but apparently, he could date her.
That wouldn’t happen for long. He’d see to it.
No one took what was his, and he’d make sure Nick Kincaid knew who she belonged to if it was the last thing he did.
* * *
Nick felt better than he had in a long time. Seeing Rachel was like a balm to his heart. He drove Rachel and Jake home, then walked them to the door.
“Rach, I want to go inside and make sure everything is okay.”
“I...all right. I was going to ask you in anyway.” She smiled and dug in her purse for her keychain. Finding it, she unlocked the front door. “Come on in.”
As soon as he entered, he saw something was very wrong. He had to get Rachel and Jake out of here. They weren’t safe.
The living room was trashed. The cushions on the sofa were cut up, as were both Queen Ann chairs.
“Rachel, call the police and wait outside. I need to make sure he’s not still here.”
Nick walked into the kitchen and saw the glass window on the kitchen door was shattered. Glass was all over the floor and amidst it sat a large rock. The window was clear of all glass, but a little blood clung to the frame.
Ketchup was used to write— I’LL NEVER LET YOU GO —on the wall above the table.
Nick cursed under his breath.
A sharp intake of breath behind him let him know of her presence in the room.
He turned. “Rach, I want you to pack a bag for you and one for Jake. You’re not staying here.”
“Yes. I’ll call the police now.” She looked up at him as she placed the 911 call. “Yes, my name is Rachel Foster-Bennett. Someone has broken into my house.” She waited a moment. “No, we were not home.” A moment later, she spoke again. “No, we won’t be staying here. We’ll find a place to stay and let the officers know where. Thank you.”
She turned back to Nick. “I can’t afford to go to a hotel for an extended stay, Nick. Greg wouldn’t let me work after Jake was born. Everything I managed to save was used to get us moved here. I don’t start my job for two weeks and it will be another two weeks after that before I get paid. We’ll stay. I have to get people out here to fix that door, and I have to clean the wall. Oh, God. He’s completely lost his mind.” She swayed.
Nick caught her, led her to the table, and helped her into a chair.
She settled for a moment, and then her eyes popped wide. “Where is Jake? Jake!” She pushed to her feet and hurried to the living room.
Her son stared around the room in shock. He looked up. “Mommy?”
Rachel rushed over and wrapped him in her arms. Holding him close, she leaned over and rested her cheek on top of his head. “Jakie. It’s okay. Everything will be okay.”
Nick walked over and wrapped his arms around them both. “Rachel. I wasn’t kidding. You can’t stay here. Pack a bag for each of you. You’re coming out to my ranch. You’ll be safe. Greg can’t get to you there.”
She didn’t move to acknowledge him or his words.
He pulled back and shook her by the shoulder. “Rachel. Do you hear me? Go pack your bag and Jake’s.”
She looked up.
Her eyes were filled with tears, and she looked sadder than he’d ever seen her. But he needed to get her moving. He wanted their bags in his car as soon as possible.
“Rachel! Move!”
She blinked several times. “Okay. I’m going.” She turned toward her son. “Jake, come get your suitcase and start packing your underwear and jeans. I’ll be in shortly and help with your shirts. Go!”
Jake ran off up the stairs of the small house.
The police arrived and looked over the scene, making notes, taking photos, and statements from Nick and Rachel.
After the police were finally gone, Rachel stood in the living room. She turned toward him. “I need to pack.”
“Do you need help?” asked Nick.
She shook her head. “It will only take a few minutes. We’re not moving out there permanently.”
You will be if I can convince you.