Page 37 of The Night Ride
“What?You didn’t even…” Evan narrowed his eyes and pointed at Aiden, “don’t come near her again or we’ll have a major problem.”
I had had enough.This was my life.My brother didn’t get to control who I was with.“Evan, you don’t get to dictate my life.I’m an adult with my own life.”
Evan shot me a hard glare.“Don’t even speak right now.You don’t get to whore yourself out when you’re under my roof.”
I jolted like Evan slapped me.How could he say that to me?Meof all people.
The one who was dateless in high school.The one who guys didn’t see until I decided that I no longer wanted to carry around the extra weight.And the one who had always been awkward and a bit out of place in the dating hookup culture because it’s something that didn’t fit me.
Aiden glanced my way and opened his mouth to say something.But Evan snarled, “Get the fuck out of here before I drag you out, Petty Officer Miller.”
“Sir, yes, sir,” Aiden replied through clenched teeth.With a last glance at me, Aiden swiveled on his heel and walked away.
He just walked away as if tonight had meant nothing to him.When it had meant everything to me.
Tears slid down my cheeks as my heart shattered on the dance floor.
Chapter thirteen
PresentDay
When I rose the next day, Beth had already headed to work.I didn’t usually sleep until eight, but I barely slept a wink last night.Thoughts of the past and present churned and raced through my head the moment my head touched the pillow.
Rising I headed into the kitchen to make myself some coffee and found a note on the fridge door in Beth’s eloquent handwriting.
Breakfast inside.Follow the heating directions on the plate.
Curious, I opened the fridge and found a plate with an omelet covered in plastic wrap.There was a yellow sticky note on top with heating directions.While I brewed a cup of coffee in her Keurig, I followed the microwave directions she left me.
How should I handle the situation with Beth?
I didn’t know.I hadn’t expected to comfort her.And that kiss had been the best of my life.I’d wanted to toss her over my shoulder, carry her into her bedroom, and not come up for air until we were both sated.She seemed so strong.Watching a strong woman sob as if she would never recover brought forth a protective instinct in me.
It was the darndest thing.I had feelings for Beth that went beyond simple lust.
I ate the best damn omelet standing in her kitchen, sipping my coffee, and staring out the window at the backyard.I’d get the fence fixed and look at the van for her.She had mentioned in passing the other day that the engine needed some work done on it.The forecast tonight was calling for rain and thundershowers so the weather stain would have to wait until the following day.And then hopefully by then, the camera equipment for Beth’s store would arrive and I could head out to meet the others.
After breakfast I went outside with the tools I found in her garage and fixed the broken parts of her fence.Then with the tools what she had on hand, I checked the van’s engine.It needed new spark plugs, an alternator, a new battery, and battery cables.
I headed to the auto-shop and grabbed what was needed.No sense in her taking it into the shop and spending hundreds when all she needed was a few items that were easy to fix.I grabbed a few extra things, figuring I could change the oil, wiper blades, and top off all the van’s fluids.
On the way home, I stopped at the grocery store and grabbed some steaks and Idaho potatoes.It was rather unoriginal on my part, but it would be a hardy meal.I might not be a whiz in the kitchen, but I could barbecue some steaks and bake a few potatoes.
Back at the house I worked on the van.Even took her for a turn around the block when I was finished to ensure she would run smoothly for Beth.It was an older van and might need belts changed in another ten thousand miles or so, but for now it would work and shouldn’t break down on her.
After a brief shower to wash away the motor oil smell, I prepped the potatoes and got them in the oven.I’d even grabbed one of those bagged salads.Women tended to like them.I prepped the steaks and got the grill fired up when the potatoes were close to being done.
Beth’s nosy neighbor watched me from her backyard window while I barbecued the steaks.I waved at her.It sent her packing in shame.
I took a sip of my beer when Beth stepped onto the back patio.
“What’s this?”
“Dinner.I figured that you probably rarely have anyone cook for you.And I wanted to as a thank you for your hospitality.”
A mix of emotions crossed her face.“Thank you, I appreciate it.I see you’ve been busy.”She nodded at the fence.
I shrugged.“It needed it and this way you don’t have to spend hundreds to get it fixed.It’s supposed to storm tonight so the sealant will need to wait until tomorrow or the following day.I fixed the van too.She’s humming along nicely now.All she needed was some new spark plugs, an alternator, battery and the cables.I also changed the oil out and installed some new wiper blades.You’ll likely need to replace the timing belt some time in the next year or so, but it should be fine for now.”
