Page 22 of Forever to Fall
“Geez, make yourself at home, Ev.” Mallory rolled her eyes at Evan’s sappy expression. Her brother was currently in love with everything and everyone, and it was starting to be a bit much.
Escaping into the kitchen, she heard Beckett behind her. Even after all these years, she recognized the cadence of his steps. Like the man himself, his steps were sure, yet quiet. “Let me help,” he offered, opening the dishwasher and lining up a row of glasses. “Dinner was delicious, by the way.”
Mallory clicked the dishwasher shut. “Thanks,” she said on a sigh, her lower back tight after a day of work and cooking.
“Are you okay?” Beckett stepped closer, reaching out and caressing her arm. His thumb glided over her skin, working in slow circles. Goosebumps erupted everywhere he touched, and Mallory fought a shudder. On instinct, her body listed toward him, a magnet unable to stop.
“Fine, just a little tired. I picked up a shift this morning for a coworker, then Emily called to say she was coming by for dinner.” Mallory covered her mouth as she yawned. “Sorry, it’s just catching up to me.”
Beckett furrowed his brow, causing his glasses to slide to the bump in his nose. “Evan mentioned you’re working a lot. Are you overdoing it?”
Mallory shrugged. “Probably? I mean, I work in the ER. Every day is different. Somedays I come home with blood on my scrubs and a pocketful of some kid’s barf, but others it’s just a few head colds and minor injuries.”
“That’s intense,” Beckett said, leaning closer still. If Mallory didn’t stop herself, she could pull him closer and smell the heat of his skin, adjust his glasses, and then kiss him until the world ended. But this was reality, and her brother was in the other room, so she stayed put and focused on their conversation. The butterflies in her tummy would have to wait.
“It is, but I really like it. I think it’s the variety. No two days are alike, and that’s what I need.”
“You were always very nurturing, so I’m sure that helps get the job done.”
Mallory’s expression was pinched. “I don’t think I’m that nurturing.” It was true she cared for her patients, but that felt like an extension of the job—the right thing to do when people were suffering or in need.
Beckett ran a hand through his red hair, causing a few strands to stick up on end. He looked like he did when they were younger, yet his boyish features had morphed into lean muscle and a striking set of cheekbones. Mallory’s fingers itched to trace the new lines on his face, to memorize all the ways Beckett had matured.
“You’re nurturing, Mal. C’mon.” He scoffed, lowering his gaze while he hung up a tea towel. “You just made us all a wonderful dinner, played with your nephew and kept him calm when we couldn’t find his teething ring, and I know for a fact that you’re always checking up on Evan.”
Mallory bristled, and a feeling of unease crept up her spine. “Am I bothering him when I swing by the diner? I thought it was breakfast, but if...” She rested a hand over her chest, feeling her heart kick up. Mallory has always been Evan’s buddy, and she never thought of herself as cloying. Maybe her brother was ready to be left alone with his fiancée and their future? Maybe Mallory had officially become the proverbial third wheel?
Beckett peeled her hand away and cradled it in his own. “Listen to me,” he hesitated until she caught his gaze. “You are not bothering Evan at all. In fact, he’s mentioned that he’s glad you stillwantto come over and see him. You could have a place in Columbus, be closer to work, but instead, you’re here in Buckeye Falls. That means a lot to Ev, and frankly to me, too.”
“Really?”
After squeezing her hand then letting it go, Beckett shoved his hands in his pockets. For a moment, he didn’t say anything, just glanced around the kitchen and inventoried the mismatched towels and chipped cupboard. She wondered what he saw when he looked around. “Yeah, Mal. You’re one of the reasons I moved to Buckeye Falls.”
“I am?” Her question escaped on a whisper, her heart shuddering in her chest.
Changing topics and avoiding her question, Beckett asked, “Why won’t you tell Evan the truth about the ring?”
“It’s not my ring to keep,” she muttered.
“If Evan knew you wanted it, he wouldn’t use it. I guarantee it.” Certainty dripped from his words, but Mallory wasn’t convinced.
Mallory gently shoved Beckett back, feeling if she stayed that close for another second her skin would combust into flames. Couldn’t this man see what he did to her? How even a five-minute hushed conversation sent her over the edge?
“I repeat, it’s not my ring.” She sliced her hand through the air for effect.
Beckett let out a long exhale before pushing his glasses back into place. “Mal, why do you insist on protecting Evan from everything? Let the man know how you feel.”
“I don’t protect him from things,” she spat, her pulse skyrocketing.
“Yes, you do.” Beckett countered, taking another step closer until their toes touched. “You always sacrifice yourself for Evan, and he doesn’t need it right now. What he needs is the truth from his favorite sister.”
Mallory couldn’t help but falter at Beckett’s admission. He knew Evan loved each of them with his whole heart, but she couldn’t deny her and Evan were the closest. They shared everything with each other, except for this one touchy subject. For Mallory to admit her feelings toward the ring, she’d have to admit her feelings toward Beckett. And she sure as hell wasn’t about to do that.
“Why does this matter so much to you?” she asked, hoping he had something real to say about it. More than platitudes to make her feel better. “That ring doesn’t mean anything to you,” she said the last part as a dare, willing him to make her girlhood fantasies come true.
You’re right, Mal. I love you and I want to put that ring onyourfinger. Let’s run away and pretend the last two years didn’t happen.
Blinking back to reality, Mallory poked Beckett in the chest. “From where I’m standing, you’re just trying to stir up trouble. That ring is meant for CeCe, and I’m fine with it.” She lifted her chin, hoping she exuded the confidence she lacked.
