Unshaken

Chapter 20

20

The restaurant that Carter took her to was everything that Beverly had imagined it would be. No, it surpassed her expectations, which was pretty hard to do, since she’d always wanted to dine here.

The Board Room was situated on the main floor of an old mansion in downtown Cincinnati. The home had been built at the turn of the century, when the area had been a popular spot due to its proximity to both the Ohio River and the train station. Over time, like the rest of the area, it had gone through a variety of owners and remodels.

As she looked around the cozy dining room with its fireplace, soft music, and candlelit tables, Bev sighed. This place was gorgeous, expensive, and romantic.

Beverly had tried for maybe a second to pretend she wasn’t dazzled by the place. After that, she knew she was wearing the same giddy expression small children wore when they went to Disneyland for the first time.

She wasn’t ashamed either. The place was special, and she was not likely to visit again. She was so glad she’d given in to impulse and bought a new dress and heels. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d worn a pair of high heels. They didn’t feel comfortable, but whatever. At least she hadn’t tripped walking up the mansion’s front steps.

Sitting across from her, wearing a pair of dark slacks, a gray shirt, and a navy blazer was Carter Russell. He looked handsome, natty, and perfectly at ease. He was also smiling at her in open amusement.

She might have been embarrassed if she’d been with someone other than Carter. Or, if she wasn’t so darn excited to be sitting in the place. But she’d known the man for years and had heard stories about him from her brother for longer than that. He might be her secret crush, but he didn’t intimidate her.

At least, not too much.

“You doing okay there, Beverly?” he asked. “I’m sorry we had to push this dinner back so late.”

Carter had an emergency to take care of and had asked to push their date back two hours. Now it was close to nine o’clock. Far later than she ever ate, but she wasn’t complaining. At least she had his complete attention now. “I am. Better than okay, actually.”

His lips twitched. “Good.”

“I bet you’re thinking that you’ve taken a hick out to dinner. If you were, you’d be right.”

His eyes flashed as he leaned back in his chair. “I didn’t think that at all. As a matter of fact, I was sitting here feeling pretty proud of myself. Not only did I get you to agree to come out with me for dinner, but you seem pleased with my choice.”

“This restaurant is one of the most gorgeous places I’ve ever seen. It’s even better than the pictures I saw of it in the magazines.”

“Magazines?”

“Don’t ask. Anyway, I should probably be telling you that you didn’t need to take me here. A burger place would be just fine with me. But I just can’t bring myself to do that.”

“Good.”

Though it was a tad awkward, she forced herself to continue. “I was also thinking that I was really glad I said yes to you. I ... well, I’m beginning to realize that you’re a lot more than I thought, Carter.”

All traces of amusement fled his expression. “I’m hoping that’s a good thing.”

His voice sounded strained, as if he was weighing his words. Like he wanted to be careful not to misspeak. All of it surprised her. First, because he knew she was a social worker and had to have guessed that practically no one at work ever worried about offending or upsetting her.

But also because he was Carter Russell. Her brother’s boss. He was rich and powerful and well-known. She was none of those things.

“It is.” She was tempted to say more but was pretty sure any explanation she gave would either sound rude or condescending. The truth of it was that he’d always been so handsome, charming, and polished, she’d never given too much thought to the person he was inside. Of the man he was at his core.

“Now you’ve got me curious. Does Hardy never talk about me?” He smirked. “Or was he so full of stories about his green, hapless lieutenant that you pictured me to be completely ineffectual in real life?”

She felt a blush heat her cheeks. Hardy had told her stories about the green lieutenant that he’d had to look out for. But he’d also stated that Carter ended up being a fine officer— which said a lot because Hardy hadn’t held too many officers in high esteem.

But most importantly, Hardy had stated that Carter might not have been cut out for Army life, but he sure did well in the business world. He was shrewd, successful, and a little feared. Mr. Russell was a man that few people took advantage of—and especially not twice.

Carter laughed. “He did talk about me, didn’t he?”

“He shared a few stories about his deployment, but not a lot.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Okay, he shared more than a few stories, but not too many stories involved you.” Practically feeling skepticism rolling off of him, she added, “And the stories that did mention you weren’t bad.”

“It’s okay if they were.” Carefully aligning the silverware in front of him, he continued. “When your brother and I first met, I really was as green as a cucumber. Even in ROTC in college I’d been coddled a bit. I hadn’t believed that was possible, but when I landed in Afghanistan, I discovered that to be true.”

Her heart went out to him. “I’m glad you survived.”

“Me too. But more importantly, I’m glad that my ignorance didn’t inadvertently hurt any of the soldiers in my command. I mean, more than they were hurt.”

She knew he was talking about the angry scar on Hardy’s face. “I don’t think you should be so hard on yourself. I wasn’t there, but you did serve honorably. You must have been better than you think.”

Meeting her eyes, he added, “If I was, I have Hardy to thank for that. He was everything I wasn’t. A good leader. Never got ruffled. Focused.” He chuckled. “It’s a wonder the two of us got along as well as we did. There were moments when he was probably wondering what he’d done wrong to have to put up with me.”

“Do you regret serving? Hardy says his life in the Army was hard, but he’s never regretted it.”

“I’ve never regretted it either. I’m proud of serving my country and met a lot of men and women who were pretty special. Hardy, especially.”

They were interrupted by their first course. Each had ordered a green salad. Hers was supplemented with blue cheese, toasted pecans, dried fruit, and pepitas. His was simply a bed of lettuce with a vinaigrette on the side.

“May I get you anything else, Mr. Russell?” the server asked.

He turned to her. “Beverly, do you need anything?”

“No. I’m fine.”

“We’re good for now. Thank you, Alaina.”

She smiled prettily. “Of course, sir.”

When they were alone again, Beverly murmured, “I guess you come here often.”

“I used to. Back when I spent more time here. Now I spend as much time at the ranch as I can.”

Unwarranted, jealousy stabbed her. She was just one of many dates to be by his side. Glancing at her dress, she noticed that the silky material was in fact a polyester blend, and the bold flower pattern probably looked like she was on her way to a luau instead of an elegant restaurant.

“I should’ve asked you about your favorites on the menu,” she said in a light tone.

He set down his fork. “It doesn’t matter what my favorites are. I want you to get whatever you want.”

“Hmm.”

“Beverly, what’s going on? You seem uncomfortable all of a sudden.”

“It’s nothing. I, uh, just feel like I don’t fit in here.”

“I think you fit in just fine. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Is that something you tell all your dates?”

A line formed between his brows. “No. I’d be lying if I told you that I didn’t date much. Or, if I said that I’ve never taken a woman here. I have. But you’re mistaken if you think that any of those dates meant as much as this one does to me.”

“You sound so sure.”

“That’s because I am. You’re important to me, Beverly. If you’re nervous, then I’m glad, because I’m nervous too. I don’t want to mess this up.”

Glad she didn’t have her mouth full of food, she carefully set her fork down. “Carter, you don’t have to say—”

“Truth is that I’ve heard a lot about you from Hardy, Bev. When we deployed, he emailed you as often as he could. He shared stories about how smart you were. About your scholarship to college. About how your reputation in your high school made his teachers give him a second look, even though it was apparent that he was never the student you were.”

He took a deep breath. “More recently, he’s told me about your work with foster kids, especially the teens. He’s proud of you. Very proud of you.” He lowered his voice. “I knew I wanted to meet his sister in person long before our paths crossed. And ever since we first exchanged a few words, I wanted to see you again. Talk to you more. And now, here you are, looking so gorgeous and sitting across from me.”

Who said things like that? Her mouth suddenly dry, she tried to come up with the right response. Not surprisingly, nothing came to mind. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You can let me know that you need more time to eat your salad.”

She looked up to her left. Alaina was standing there.

“Was the salad not to your liking?” she asked.

What had she been doing? Carter’s plate was half empty. She’d barely taken two bites. “I’m sorry, I seem to be taking my time.”

“Give us a bit longer, please,” Carter said. After Alaina walked away, he said, “I want you to take your time.”

“Thanks.” She forked a piece of romaine and popped it in her mouth.

Leaning back, he took a sip of his drink, swirled the brown liquid around the giant ice cube for a second before replacing it.

“The truth is that I haven’t dated much in the past couple of years.”

“Why not?” She frowned. “I’m sorry. That’s none of my business.”

“I don’t mind. I got out of a longer relationship a few years ago. Diane ...” He paused. “Diane and I had our share of ups and downs.”

“I’m sorry it didn’t work out.”

“I was too, for a time.” He shrugged. “She found a guy and married him a year after we broke up. What about you?”

“I used to date a lot more than I do now.” She winked. “Which is hardly ever. Can you tell how rusty I am?”

“What are you talking about?”

Why had she opened her mouth? “Nothing. Forget I said anything.” She focused on her salad.

A few moments later, after Alaina had returned to pick up their plates, Carter said, “Beverly, your brother adores you. You take care of people all day long but never act as if it’s a problem or get overwhelmed. Every time I’ve had the chance to see you, you’ve been smiling. Positive.” He lowered his voice. “You also happen to be beautiful.”

Beautiful? No. No, she was not. She was a lot of things. Smart. A hard worker. Feminine. A poor conversationalist at cocktail parties.

But she’d never been all that pretty. Hardy had gotten the looks. Even with the wicked scar running across his face, there was something about him that was striking. Something compelling about him. Almost an aura that made a person want to be in his circle, just because he would be there.

“Beverly, what did I say that upset you?”

There was that dark, sexy drawl that somehow sounded high-class and dangerous all at the same time.

Feeling like the wind had just gotten knocked out of her, she froze. Studied his expression. Just to make sure that he hadn’t been teasing. But all she saw in his face was sincerity. “Nothing.”

“It was something.”

“Fine. I don’t like false compliments.”

“I don’t either.” When she raised an eyebrow, he said, “I wasn’t lying. I think you’re beautiful. Gorgeous.”

“I don’t know how to respond to that.”

“Sure you do. Say thank you.”

She gaped. Wanted to tell him that he was being far too full of himself. But that would just be surly. So she dutifully said the words. “Thank you.”

“There you go.” His eyes warmed. Obviously pleased. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

She felt like rolling her eyes. “Mr. Russell, you are almost as bossy as Hardy.”

He grinned. “That’s doubtful. You forget, I’ve seen your brother in action. I can’t compare.”

“I beg to differ.”

“Fine. How about this then? I’m not going to boss you around. But I’m also not going to let you put yourself down.”

“I’m not.”

“Then believe me when I tell you that I think you’re beautiful.”

Tears pricked her eyes. She never thought a compliment like that could make her cry, but it seemed she was wrong. Luckily, Alaina had returned with their meals. She smiled as she placed Beverly’s salmon in front of her.

“Thank you.”

“Does the fish look like it’s prepared to your liking?” she asked.

“I think so. Thank you.”

After placing another piece of fish—this one sole—in front of Carter, Alaina smiled a tad more brightly. “Does everything look to your liking, Mr. Russell?”

Carter didn’t spare her a glance. “Everything looks good. Thank you.”

Just as Alaina walked away, Carter’s phone rang. He froze, then reached for it out of the inside of his jacket. “Sorry about this. Most people know to leave me alone ... but this is your brother,” he explained as he connected and held it up to his ear. “Hardy? What’s happened?”

Beverly figured the right thing to do would be to take a bite of her meal. It would be rude to stare and listen. But how could she not? He was speaking to her brother.

After a few more seconds passed, he said, “What do you think? Do you think the sheriff’s advice has merit?” He swallowed. “I see.” Carter’s voice turned clipped as his expression grew more concerned.

Bev gave up trying to eat. She even gave up her best intentions to look anywhere but directly at him.

After meeting Bev’s gaze, Carter averted his eyes. “Are you sure?” His lips pursed. “No. No, you did the right thing. I’ll be there soon. Tell Stephanie to try not to worry. We’ll take care of it.” He shook his head. “Of her.”

She couldn’t take it anymore. “What happened?” she whispered.

He held up a finger. “I’m not sure,” he said to Hardy as he raised his chin and met her gaze again. “No. There’s no need. I’m with her now. I’ll ask and let you know.”

He frowned. “I’m not going to answer that. You already know the answer, Hardy,” he said before hanging up.

The moment he disconnected, Bev leaned closer. “What happened?”

“A package arrived at the ranch for Stephanie,” he said. “It was from Timothy.”

She shook her head. “I don’t understand. I mean, she was supposed to be safe there.”

“I agree.”

“How could Timothy know where she is? How could he have found her so easily?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe he’s connected to someone bigger—or there are more people from his gang interested in Stephanie talking.” A dark look filled his gaze. “Or not talking.”

“What was in the box? Did Hardy tell you?”

“Yeah.” His expression hardened. “Inside was a box of bullets—.22s.”

She was horrified. “He’s taunting her.”

“He is.”

“I can’t believe it. He ... he wasn’t like this a couple of years ago. There was a sweetness to him.” She sighed. “I really failed him.”

“You can’t put his actions on your shoulders. You know that, Bev.”

She nodded. “How’s Stephanie?”

“She’s asleep. Hardy’s already contacted the local sheriff. Between the ranch’s security and the county stepping in, Stephanie will be safe.”

Safe felt like such a relative word. No one might be bruising Stephanie, but the psychological effects had to be worse. She’d seen a murder, been injured, forced to leave home, and then put into the company of Bev’s nice but scary-looking brother.

And now everything she endured was for nothing. The murderer still found her. “I bet she’s scared to death, though.”

Looking grim, Carter nodded. “Hardy said he stayed with her most of last night. They watched TV until she fell asleep.”

“What?” She wasn’t sure if she was more shocked about Hardy doing that or that Stephanie had watched TV in the first place.

“Stephanie didn’t want to be alone, and Hardy said he didn’t want her to be scared.” He waved a hand. “Something about how he wasn’t going to be able to sleep anyway so he might as well make sure she wasn’t in danger.”

“Hardy’s a good man.”

Carter’s expression didn’t ease. “He is a good man, but he’s worried, Bev. Hardy can’t help with security if he’s trying to keep her calm and happy. And he needs her calm. If she gets too rattled ...”

“Stephanie’s going to do something rash.”

“Exactly.” Looking resigned, he continued. “I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to cut our meal short. I’m going to head down tonight. I’ve got a lot of men on the property, but I need to be there too.” Looking pained. “I knew that too. When I called you the other day, I was determined to stay awhile. But after being there twenty-four hours, I figured I was just in the way. I should have stayed.”

“I understand.” It was his ranch, after all.

“I’m still hoping you’ll come with me, Bev. I don’t want you to put it off any longer. I know you’ve got those kids ... but I think she’s really going to need you. Stay with Stephanie in the cabin. Give her support until she feels more comfortable or until these guys are taken care of. This girl needs you.”

“I know she does.” Just then, Justin’s face appeared in her mind. How he was so alone and trying not to care. Worse, he wasn’t the only one who was depending on her. “I ... I want to be there. But Carter, some of my kids? Well, they really need me too.”

But, her conscience reminded her, the only reason Stephanie was there was because she’d asked Hardy to look out for her in Kentucky. And now she was living on Carter’s ranch and had turned the whole place upside down.

“I understand.” Carter continued to stare at her, though. Telling her without words that he was hoping she would still come.

“I don’t have a choice, do I?” she asked, speaking out loud as much to him as herself. “I’m the one who set everything in motion. She’s my responsibility.”

“You did not start this, Bev. Stephanie witnessed a murder. She was grazed by a bullet. When you first tried to get her to go to the police, she refused. When she wanted to go home, you convinced her to go to Crittenden County so she—and her family—would be safe. You’ve done the best you could.”

“Maybe. I don’t know anymore.” Was Stephanie in a better place than if she was back at home? Should she have ignored the girl’s wishes and forced her to talk to Will?

“You tried to help her, and you did. If not for you stepping in, Stephanie would probably already be dead.”

“So what are you saying? That I’ve done enough?”

He grinned. “I guess I’m not. I mean, here I am, saying that I recognize your other responsibilities but still asking you to head south with me.”

Unsure what to say, Bev was still staring at him when the server returned to their table.

“Mr. Russell, is everything to your liking?”

Carter turned to Bev. “What matters is the lady’s opinion. Beverly, is there anything you don’t like?”

She almost felt as if it was a trick question. She was in a five-star restaurant with her longtime crush. Hiding her amusement, she nodded. “Everything is perfect.”

Something flickered in his eyes as he met her gaze. Without looking away, he said, “Thank you, Alaina.”

After the server walked away, Beverly chuckled. “Goodness, Carter.”

“What?”

“You ... you’re making me feel like someone out of an old Doris Day movie.”

“I don’t understand.” He looked perplexed, which she belatedly realized was an understandable reaction. He did not look like the type of man to watch old 1960s romances on late-night TV.

She waved a hand. “You know, completely catered to.”

He visibly relaxed. “If that’s how I’m making you feel, I’m glad. You deserve someone to spoil you a little.”

“That’s sweet.”

He lifted a brow. “But?”

“But you make me feel off-kilter.”

“I feel the same way.”

She stared into his eyes. Knew that he was being completely sincere. And that sincerity seemed to erase all her doubts and slip all her intentions into place. “Okay, I’ll go with you. I need to help Stephanie. And Hardy. And you. If I don’t, I’ll regret it. I just hope ...”

“Yes?”

“I just hope I won’t let Stephanie down. Or somehow get in your way.”

“You won’t.”

“We’ll see.”

Reaching out, he took her hand and pressed it between his palms. “It would be impossible for you to get in my way. I’m glad you’re going.”

She liked how her hand looked in his. Liked the way his voice had softened again when he spoke to her. “Me too.”

“I’ll let Hardy know that we’ll be on our way soon. Now, we better finish this meal.”

“This gorgeous, perfect meal.”

“That is probably half cold by now.” Still holding her hand, he ran one finger along the top. So lightly, she should’ve barely felt it. Instead, it was as if his every touch went straight to her nervous system. She felt goose bumps rise on her arm.

“I’ll make this up to you.”

That sounded promising, but she wasn’t going to count on that happening. So much could happen in the next few days. Someone could get hurt, or his patience could run out with both her and Stephanie.

Or once he got to know her better, he might realize that she really wasn’t beautiful and she really wasn’t special.

She was just Hardy’s older sister.

The idea that one day she’d become something more to him was tempting, though.

So tempting she was willing to see this through. For herself, her brother, Carter, and most of all for one Amish girl who was afraid and all alone.

And wondering what in the world she had done to deserve what happened.

At least Beverly knew she could tell her that. She’d done nothing at all. That was undeniable.