Tuesday, December 27 #2
“Do you feel sorry for me as well, or are you lamenting a missed opportunity because of an unexpected weather event?” she snapped.
What was she arguing about, anyway? Remembering less than she wanted, or the unspoken disappointment from their first date? Sex! Everything revolved around sex with men. Yet not all men. Not Garrett. Not her bodyguard. He’s a professional, a perfect gentleman, and sex is the last thing on his mind.
“Of course, I appreciate what you’re going through, sweetheart. I thought my efforts to make your life easier had made that clear.” Nicholas sighed.
“Anyway, how did we go from my wanting to give you jewelry to our first date? Which was wonderful, by the way. So, what’s the big deal if I want to buy jewelry for the woman I love? I’m not going to promise you that. We can talk about it when you’re here.”
Angelica wondered which part they would discuss. Oh, yes, they needed to talk. They had to discuss Christmas Eve. A frustrated groan escaped from her depths. “We will talk then.”
“You have to be the only woman in the world complaining about getting jewelry,” he said.
With inner conflict and mixed feelings, she sank back onto the bed.
She wasn’t being fair to Nicky. What happened on Christmas Eve involved both of them.
This “one” didn’t say no to that “one.” He was her scapegoat for her shortcomings, and she never cut him any slack.
Nicky had done so much for her. Was she becoming a resentful, awful bitch?
“Nicky, am I difficult?” Angelica muttered, holding her breath along with the words, ‘Who’s making your life miserable?’
“I wouldn’t call it difficult. More like challenging at times,” he said with a laugh. “But I love that about you. I love everything about you.”
“I don’t think any other man would put up with me.”
Nicholas chuckled. “I hope I’m the only man in your life.”
“Don’t worry, there’s no one else.” Who else could there be? Daisy’s sixty-somethingish veterinarian?
“Speaking of promises, you’re coming in eleven days, right?” he asked, cutting short her contemplation. “Not having you here is a living hell. I miss you so much, darling.”
Angelica’s eyes widened. Not only did she not feel that way, but the only thing she’d been counting was possible ways out of her visit. Just the same, a promise had to be kept.
“I told you I was,” she said, almost swallowing more than her words. “The book will be wrapped up by then.”
“Unfortunately, I must end our call. I’ll call you tomorrow, sweetheart. I want to tell you now, every day, and forever, how much I love you.”
Angelica could almost hear and feel his kiss.
The phrase “I love you” had now become a staple on Nicky’s tongue. He appeared to be pulling out all the stops to woo her, and he was doing an excellent job. Flowers were the only thing missing, but she wouldn’t mention it. He’d buy a florist shop if she did.
“I know,” she murmured. “We’ll talk tomorrow.” Angelica pressed the handset’s OFF button.
A lump swelled in her throat, but was it from joy or distress? Was she re-remembering how to love Nicky again, or recalling how she’d once unloved him?
Angelica wondered why she couldn’t meet him halfway. As Nicky said, she also doubted she’d find anyone who loved her as much as he did. She was blessed to have a man, let alone a strikingly handsome tycoon.
Leah was right. It had been a long time. Nicky no longer resembled the man who had caused her immense pain years earlier. He now loved her more deeply and passionately than ever. He could never hurt her again.
* * *
Angelica had unlocked the front door as Garrett backed his truck up to the side of the house. Toting his toolbox into the kitchen, he found her making a pot of coffee.
Holding a can of coffee grounds, she grumbled in frustration, “You wouldn’t believe what happened, Garrett.”
He stopped in his tracks, his mind drifting back to Jenkins’s missing-person report. He pushed the thought aside. Angelica couldn’t know about it.
He regained his composure. “Okay, what won’t I believe?” he asked.
“The alarm company rescheduled, so they aren’t coming until Thursday. And the other company is closed for the holidays.”
Garrett lost the composure he had regained. This was awful news, given what he learned at the police department this morning.
He hooked his thumb into his front pocket. “How come?”
“The installer has the flu,” Angelica moaned, stomping her foot. “But they promised me two months of free service if they don’t show up on Thursday.”
Super! Free service for no service! What good would that do her? He set the toolbox down by the side door, ingesting a groan. Her attacker remained at large, and the alarm company wouldn’t be coming for another two days.
He walked over to where she stood. “Angelica, I’m not sure how uncomfortable you are with that news. I can stay for two more nights, or you can be alone if you prefer.” Or you can come home with me. I’d have no objection.
Angelica’s eyes darted around. “I was so annoyed,” she said, “that I forgot I’d be alone.”
Garrett looked down at her as his hands settled on her shoulders. “Whatever you want, I’ll do it, honey.”
“I feel terrible. You’re not getting any sleep, and your girlfriend will be furious with me.”
Short of pleading, Garrett responded more quickly than before, “First, I’d tell you if it were a problem. Second, that woman and I are just friends. Nothing more. Please don’t give it another thought. What would you like me to do?”
“Would you please stay over until the alarm is installed? I’m nervous about being alone here.”
His emotions were in fierce combat. He had the chance to stay over for a few more nights, but not for the reasons he wanted. “I’ll stay over again. But don’t be upset about it; I offered to do it. I told you I’d make sure nothing happened to you.”
Garrett held on to Angelica a bit too long before letting go. “Do you think I can have a beer before I start?”
“I don’t see why not. I picked up Coors for you. Do you want to eat now or later?” she asked. “I have sandwiches from Arnold’s Deli.”
A sense of calm washed over Angelica. Gosh, pleasing her was so easy. He leaned against the island and grinned. “Let me install the door before I stop to eat. A warm front with rain is expected to roll in later. But don’t let me keep you from lunch.”
The beer can landed on the counter with a thump. She wiped her damp hands on her jeans. “I’m not hungry right now. I’ll eat with you later. I’ll take my coffee and get out of your way. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, Garrett. I don’t know how I could ever repay you.”
Her comment didn’t stir any carnal thoughts; it highlighted Angelica’s sweet, caring, and uncomplicated nature. Garrett turned away, smiling. She asked him to stay for two more nights. In her simple way, Angelica needed him. Isn’t “need” a portal to love?
“It’s nothing. You don’t owe me anything, honey.”
* * *
Up to her elbows in colored pencils and illustrations, Angelica had tuned out the banging and hammering hours ago.
Blurry-eyed, she glanced out the window.
The sun had scooted behind heavy clouds.
She hoped the bad weather would hold off until Garrett finished the installation.
Knowing him, he’d work through a deluge.
But what did she actually know about the detective?
Dedicated to his job, he took the safety of Greenhill County’s citizens, including hers, seriously.
If her memory served her correctly, which wasn’t always reliable, Garrett was the first man who didn’t hit on her or try to coax her into the bedroom.
She felt completely safe and secure in his company.
What a relief. It was refreshing. Angelica didn’t have to wait in fear for a hand that might grab her.
And what was with that “honey”? He called her that several times. She shrugged. It’s probably a folksy term or a colloquial way of saying “Miss” or “Ma’am.”
She hoped everything worked out for him and his lady friend. He deserves a woman who appreciates him after his terrible marriage.
All of Angelica’s ponderings were obstacles to completing her work. She returned to the sketch on her desk and continued her task. Clouds may have covered the sky, but she saw the sun setting on this project as she neared the finish line.
Her focus broke as Garrett approached. “I can go for that sandwich now, Angelica.”
Startled, she jumped. When will she stop doing that? When Matt moves to Canada or, better yet, Mexico. She put down her pencil and checked her smartwatch.
“Gosh, it’s getting late. You must be starving.”
But she was looking at more than just her watch.
Angelica observed Garrett—really observed him!
Tight, straight-legged jeans hugged his lower body perfectly.
A sweaty T-shirt revealed a toned chest, great abs, and brawny biceps.
Why hadn’t she noticed this earlier? He’s buff, with everything going for him, right down to his sky-blue eyes.
No wonder she slept so peacefully, resting on this guy’s chest. But what’s wrong with her? He was taken, and she shouldn’t even be looking at the December wall calendar guy in front of her. Her cup overflowed with problems involving Matt and Nicky.
Angelica stashed her rainbow-colored tools in the drawer, put the sketches in the folder, and set aside her reflections on the problematic duo and Mr. Hot Cop.
After gushing over the door and his installation skills, she removed two foot-long wrappers from the refrigerator. She laid them on a cutting board on the island and rattled off the two sandwich fillings.
“Since this is a pro bono job, you should have first choice,” she said, beaming.
Could he really have his choice? He rested his crossed arms on the island, savoring all he would get—the view. He let out a laugh. “Nope, ladies first.”
“Okay, then don’t complain to me about getting my leftovers,” she snickered, cutting the sandwich in half.
Who knew Angelica was so funny? Despite often crying, she showed a lighter side—a well-hidden fa?ade.