Page 2 of Fall For You

Vi was my dad’s aunt—and only by marriage, though I guess that was close enough to count. And while I never met my grand uncle (he’d been dead for several years by then) by all accounts, I wasn’t missing much. Everyone who knew them, seemed to agree that he’d treated Vi poorly. Which didn’t change the fact that she was willing to take me in; it just made it less of a long shot and more of a freaking miracle. And I wish I could say that I paid her back by being an exemplary child, but unfortunately that was not the case.

“How are you feeling?” I ask her now. “Can I get you something—coffee, breakfast, an icepack, a warm compress, an extra blanket?”

“No thank you, dear.” Vi favors me with a weak smile. She’s seated in an overstuffed armchair in the front room, and she certainly looks cozy enough, but I see the abbreviated movement as she starts to shake her head and then flinches to a stop, and I can’t help wincing in sympathy.

“Painkillers then?” I suggest—even though I’m not all together certain if that’s a good idea. “I mean, I assumeyouknow what you’re supposed to be taking, right?” Because I sure as hell do not.

I mean, yes; I know I should. There’d been a nurse here when I got in last night. And she did take the time to run me through all of Vi’s meds. But I was exhausted, hungry and headachymyself after the long drive; and perhaps I wasn’t paying as much attention as I probably should have done, because right now, I’m drawing blanks.

“Don’t stress yourself, child,” Vi instructs. “It’s only a small headache; I’ve had worse.”

“Yes, but…”

“And I’ll eat something presently. Don’t worry so much; things will work out.”

“All evidence to the contrary,” I can’t stop myself from muttering in response. Stress and worry is all I’ve got. That’s what I’ve been running on ever since Vi’s best frenemy, Bev, tracked me down and gave me hell and a dose of scripture, scolding me for being both irresponsible and ungrateful. So worry, stress, and guilt too, I suppose. Along with adrenaline and caffeine—and a big side of panic, now that I’m finally here. Because all of this is way above my pay grade.

“Are you sure?” I ask again. “There must be something I can do.”

Vi’s gaze shifts to the big bow window and a smile lights up her face. “Yes, actually there is,” she says—at the same moment as the doorbell chimes. “You can answer the door.”

“Okay. Sure. I can do that,” I say, then head into the hallway, crossing my fingers and hoping like hell that this is a day nurse. Because, otherwise, I’m gonna have no choice but to call Bev and askherfor help. And trust me when I say thatno onewants that.

But when I pull open the door, I find myself face to face with the last person I was expecting to see. Although, really, given how quickly the tea always gets spilled around here? I probably should’ve.

“Carter. Hey,” I say as my heart starts turning cartwheels—like it always seems to whenever he’s around. “What are you doing here?”

“Jo.” Carter’s expression is perfectly neutral as he nods in greeting—it gives away nothing. “I heard you were back.”

I feel myself scowl in response. Did he just say he’s here because ofme? Am I supposed to be impressed that he’s out here so quickly; that he’s sniffing around after me, within only hours of my arrival—with my aunt just out of the hospital? Sorry, but no.

“Thanks, but I’m just here for a visit,” I tell him. “I doubt I’ll have time to do any socializing while I’m in town.”

Carter’s eyes grow comically wide. “Wait. You think I’m here to seeyou?”

I blink in surprise. “Well, aren’t you?” Isn’t that what he just said?

He shakes his head and smirks knowingly. Then he leans in close and murmurs. “Don’t flatter yourself, sweetheart. You’re not the only Barnes girl I have a history with, you know. I’m here to see your aunt.”

“Oh, really?” That’s a likely story, isn’t it? I cross my arms and glare at him. “Well, I guess maybe you haven’t heard, but she just got out of the hospital. I don’t imagine she’s in the mood to entertain visitors either.”

“I know about the concussion,” Carter replies, frowning back at me. “Who’d you think’s been keeping her fed for the last five days?”

“What?”

He lifts the bag he’s carrying to eye level and says, “I’ve been bringing her meals on the regular. Didn’t want her to have to worry about cooking while she’s supposed to be off her feet and resting.”

My eyes narrow. He’s always been a shameless liar, but it’s also vaguely possible he’s telling the truth. And the possibility only grows stronger when Vi calls out from the parlor, “Carter, is that you?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” he responds. “How’re you feeling today, Ms. Vi?”

“Well, I’d be feeling a darn sight better if you’d come in and close the door. I’m not looking to heat the whole neighborhood, you know.”

Carter’s eyes meet mine and I swear I know just what he’s thinking—because it’s what I’m thinking as well. I’m fresh off the west coast, but even I can’t complain about the weather here this morning. it’s not cold out. We’re not even heating the house, right now, never mind the neighborhood.

“I guess that’s the concussion talking,” I say, taking a step back and waving him in.

“Yep. I’m sure that’s all it is,” he agrees as he breezes past me. I inhale sharply, taking a deep, involuntary breath. He’s always smelled amazing, and that hasn’t changed. Cedar and smoke, with hints of leather and mint, all layered over clean skin and…mm, yum. It’s a fragrance combination I once thought of as All Boy, but which I guess I must now upgrade to All Man.

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