And Never Let Her Down: A Town of Destiny Novel Read online

  Tim Carter, a boyfriend from the past, stood there with a wide smile. “Hi, Aubrey. I haven’t seen you in a long time. Back from New York?” His light brown hair curled at the collar, and he now wore stylish black-framed glasses on his angular face.

  She also remembered him as the groper. “I am, been since a year ago. This is my brother’s buddy from the Marines…Hayden Brock. Hayden, this is an old friend, Tim Carter.”

  Hayden stuck out his hand to a slow-moving one. “I’m just here to help Aubrey out until she gets back on her feet.”

  She snickered. “Literally.”

  Tim glanced down at her foot after releasing Hayden’s hand. “If you need help, I can stop by. I’m down the road so wouldn’t mind.”

  “She’s good. I’ve got it covered, but thanks.” Hayden cradled the back of the wheelchair and gave a tight smile.

  “Is that true, Aubs?” Tim asked.

  She shivered at the use of her nickname. “Yes, but thank you for the offer. Appreciate it.” She smiled up at Hayden and then back at Tim, wanting him to leave. He stood too close in her space.

  “Fine. I’ll call you. Maybe take you out sometime?”

  “I think her foot needs to heal first.”

  Tim narrowed his gaze. “Are you her father?”

  “No, but I am sort of her caretaker for now. Danny wouldn’t be happy knowing my time out here was wasted due to a longer healing period.” He clenched his jaw.

  Tim stared back. “Right.” He glanced down at Aubrey. “Take my number anyway. You can call or text me anytime. I think it’d be okay for her to talk to people without compromising her healing process.”

  Aubrey opened her phone and gave it to him to enter his information. She didn’t think she’d be contacting him anytime soon.

  Tim took her hands into his. “We have a lot of catching up to do, Aubs. I’ve really missed you. I was secretly happy when it didn’t work out with that Joel, thinking I finally had a shot again.”

  “I’ll text you, just not this week. I have a deadline I’m working on and need to get so many words done.”

  “That’s right. I keep forgetting you’re a romance author. I’ve heard about those sexy parts. Any chance they were about us?”

  She let out a nervous laugh.

  Hayden began to wheel her backward. “Sorry, need to get more shopping done for my cold days here.”

  Tim yelled out. “Where’re you from again? Alabama?”

  “Texas.”

  “I knew I heard a southern accent. Aubrey likes the smart ones, like from New York…or me. I’m in IT. Developed my own software. She can tell you.”

  “That’s great. See you later.” He pushed Aubrey down another aisle, making her giggle.

  “Sorry about that. I guess people from Texas aren’t smart?” I never knew that,” she said, rolling her eyes.

  “Yeah, I guess an accent makes us dumb or something. Good thing I wasn’t wearing my hat.”

  She laughed. “That would have nailed you.”

  “Okay, where to?”

  “The hat and glove section. Oh, and Long Johns.”

  “What Johns?”

  “You know…underwear—shirt and long underwear. You’ll thank me, I promise.” She grinned up at him.

  “Oh, you mean Skivvies. Never really had to wear them. I’ll pick out my own if you don’t mind.”

  “Whatever works for you, Cowboy.” Picturing him in clingy cloth shorts and shirt brought a jump to her heart, quickening her pulse. She sat back and watched him grab a few packages, enjoying the view from behind. Not that she was interested. She wasn’t. But she wasn’t blind. The man was gorgeous.

  After getting all his winter needs, he pushed her to the front.

  “You’re so quiet and serious. Always like that?” she asked, hearing only the rolls of the wheels.

  “Sort of. Not much of a talker, so don’t take it personally. Danny used to talk my head off, but he also made me laugh.”

  “That’s Danny for you. Always the joker. Thought he was joking about you coming out here, but nope. Still mad at him.”

  He chuckled.

  As they stood in line, she said, “With your family waiting for you, you’ll have to leave soon.”

  “Stop worrying about what my plans are. If I have to stay, then I will.”

  “You can’t stay away from your family for me?” She shook her head. “No, I won’t have it. You can go home and come back if you have to. Danny’s gonna try to get home if the weather behaves.”

  “Like I said—don’t worry about it.”

  But she would worry about it. She was sure his family wanted to see him. There was no way she’d keep him away. This would be discussed again.

  ***

  In the truck, he turned on the radio and letting the heat warm it up. “Anything you’d like to listen to on Satellite?”

  “Oldies.”

  “Oldies?”

  “Yeah…you know, from the 50’s and 60’s? Sam Cooke, The Isley Brothers, Kinks…”

  “Got it.” He found an oldies station with the Beatles. “Is that good?”

  “Yep…thanks.”

  He turned the wipers on as snow began to fall, turning into bigger flakes. “How’d you get into that music? Your parents?”

  “That and I just like them. It’s more about love and not what today’s songs insinuate. It influences my writing.”

  “Right, for your romance.”

  She cocked her brow at him and narrowed her eyes.

  Laughing and holding his hands up, he said, “I have nothing against romance novels. My mom loves them.”

  She relaxed her features. “What kind of music do you like?”

  He shrugged. “All kinds, I guess.”

  “Oh, I bet you like country. Come on. Admit it.”

  He grinned. “Of course, but I like oldies, too. We’d have these block parties, and the oldies were always part of the collection. We danced until it ended at midnight, sometimes longer.”

  She smiled. “Sounds fun. We don’t have those too much here, only town festivals. Did you dance with anyone in particular?” Her heart hammered at the thought.

  His eyes crinkled. “I did.” Driving out of the lot, he took the turns at a snail’s pace with caution.

  She studied his profile. “Probably all fought over you.”

  Laughing, he shook his head. “I don’t know about that.”

  “Humble. I like it.” She laughed at the cars beeping at him. “You can drive a little faster.”

  He shook his head. “They can honk all they want.”

  “Want me to drive?”

  “I got it.”

  “I only need my right foot.”

  He stared at her, cocking his brow.

  Aubrey chortled. “You really take this job seriously, don’t you?”

  “That I do, ma’am.”

  “My brother would be proud. Turn here and keep going.”

  “And that’s all that matters.”

  “I’m going to get it out of him what you owe him. Mark my words, Cowboy.”

  He shook his head. “Doubt it.”

  “He tells me everything.”

  “Apparently not.”

  He had her there. Danny hadn’t said how he got some retired friend, a friend that could go home and never have anything to do with Danny again, to take on such a daunting task. For once, she was impressed with her brother, even though she was still mad.

  “Turn here?”

  “Yes, and then at the mailbox, but let me check it first.”

  He gave a stern nod. “Got it.”

  The roads and trees were hidden underneath the pretty snow that could turn treacherous in the blink of an eye. So innocent looking and meant to be watched from a window, not driven in.

  He skidded at one point, throwing his arm in front of her and hitting her chest.

  “Watch it!”

  “Sorry, I just…didn’t mean to touch. Are you okay?”

  A
fter realizing he really didn’t mean anything by it, she smiled. “No, I’m sorry. Just threw me off.” She knew she held a shield up to protect herself and would have to work on that. He wasn’t out for anything else. Wasn’t going to hurt her. He offered friendship, something she wasn’t used to, and would gladly take it.

  He stopped at the red mailbox. “Sure you’re okay?”

  “Yes, thanks.” She opened the door.

  “I’ll get it.” He jumped out after putting his hat on and slowly walked, trying not to slip. He opened the door and grabbed the mail before jumping back inside. “Here you go.”

  “Again, thank you. I keep forgetting about my foot.” She ruffled through crap ads and credit card statements…bills she couldn’t really pay thanks to having to start over with a new pen name, basically new brand.

  “Don’t seem happy. Bills can do that to you.” He drove down her lane and up to her door.

  “You can say that again.”

  “Not even Elvis can cheer you up?” He turned the sad melody of “Can’t Help Falling in Love. “Now, that’s a song that’ll make you weep into the night.”

  She laughed. “I agree. Not much for a cheerful song.” She eyed the snow blower covered in snow. Should have put it away.

  “I’ll put that away, don’t worry.”

  “Just put it in that shed over there when you leave later. Should be fine.”

  He nodded. “Okay, let me get you inside and then head back to the hotel.”

  “I was going to heat up some homemade French Onion soup from last night. Have a bowl and see how the snow is. The way you drove, I don’t know if you should be out there. I’m worried about the other drivers.”

  “Ha-ha. Soup, huh? Sounds good. Okay, let’s get you in.”

  She unbuckled her belt and opened the door, waiting for her ride to the door. It felt strange to let this stranger carry her. The last time she was carried was by her father as a child. Her body tensed at the memory of his strong arms holding her, anticipating it like a little girl getting a new doll.

  “Ready for me?”

  She nodded, sliding into his arms to make it easier, and wrapping her arm around his thick neck. Their eyes met for an instant before shy smiles broke the moment. He lifted her up once more to make sure he had a steady grip, throwing her up in the air before kicking the truck door shut. “Is my foot heavy with the cast?”

  “Not at all.”

  “You wouldn’t tell me if it were.” She clung to him as he carried her through the three-foot snow and up the stairs. “You must know how ridiculous I feel, right? This isn’t my usual thing.”

  “You don’t have any choice, now do you?”

  “I guess not.”

  Grinning, he placed her back down to unlock the door. His scent still lingered around her, some sort of Irish soapy scent. “You don’t need to feel ridiculous. I honestly don’t mind.”

  She smiled and nodded, opening the door.

  “Sit and I’ll grab your boot.” He hung his coat up and slipped his boots off before taking her crutches and helping her with her coat.

  “You’ve got this down, and it’s only but—what—a few hours?” She jumped to the couch and sat. Her hands slid down her boot to unzip it, but he stepped over and stopped her hand.

  “It’s been nearly seven hours, being here since 10:00, and I said I’ll do that.”

  “I really can take my own boot off, Hayden. This is a little silly.” But part of her liked the attention. Joel could use some lessons, not that it mattered anymore.

  “Danny said you were stubborn.” He smirked and yanked her boot off with a wink.

  “Oh, he did, did he?” An urge sprang up of wanting to touch his chiseled jaw with the five-o’clock shadow, but she locked her hands between her thighs.

  He stood and held his hands out for her to take, pulling her up and handing her the crutches. “Or would you prefer I carry you to the kitchen?”

  She laughed. Decisions, decisions. “I’ll walk myself, thanks.”

  “Anything you need me to do?”

  That sexy little drawl would have won her heart years ago, but now? She’d be sending him back to Texas as soon as she could. She opened the fridge and glanced at him over her shoulder. “Can you grab that pot and put it on the counter over there?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He carried it to the spot she indicated.

  “Thanks.” She plugged it in and stirred.

  “Your own recipe?” He walked to the window to watch the snow plop against the glass.

  “My dad’s. Used to make it all the time when we were young, especially on cold days.” She watched him stare at the snow in awe. “Was your coat warm?”

  He met her eyes and nodded. “It was. Won’t need it much back home, but it’ll be great for here.” He guided her to the table, taking her crutches.

  “I try to give my good foot a rest.”

  “How long do they expect it’ll take?”

  “For it to heal? It’s been about two weeks, so hopefully another two to four weeks.”

  He sat across from her, shaking his head. “How did you manage the last two weeks yourself?”

  “I slept downstairs on the couch the first week and then worked my way upstairs, but that was a challenge. I missed my bed.”

  Nodding, a startled look crossed his features. He stared for a moment before he said, “Wow, I’m amazed. And your neighbors helped?”

  “They’d check on me, but I hate accepting help, so I’d send them away. They’d bring my mail and stop at the store for groceries, but I needed to focus on my writing.”

  “You hate accepting help? I’d never know that.” He grinned.

  “Yep, I do. Especially from charming cowboys.”

  He pointed to his chest. “I am not one of those charming cowboys. I don’t even refer to myself as a cowboy, so it’s funny when you do. And I don’t try to be charming.”

  “That’s the charm, that you don’t try.” She smiled and strummed the table, not sure what to talk about.

  “Soup smells good.”

  “Oh, I forgot!” She stood and grabbed her crutches, hopping over to the crockpot.

  “I would have gotten that for you.” He walked to the cabinet.

  “Bowls are in that one,” she said, jutting her head. She removed the glass lid and stirred with the ladle, pouring it into one of the glass bowls he gave her. “Can you get the French bread over there and then the provolone cheese in the drawer in the fridge, please?”

  “Got it.” He dashed around the kitchen and came back with the ordered contents.

  After slicing two pieces of bread and dropping them into the bowls, she laid the cheese on top to melt.

  He carried them to the table. “Anything else?”

  “Nope.” She grabbed two spoons and hopped back to her seat to join him. Sitting, she blew on the steamy soup and took a bite. “This is the best on days like these,” she said with her eyes closed. When she opened them, she found him staring at her.

  “You enjoy the little things in life. I like that in a person.” He took a bite. “Wow, this is really good.”

  “Right?”

  “What’s in it?”

  “One large yellow onion, beef broth, and two cans of condensed French onion soup. I used to help my dad make it. Really warms you up, doesn’t it?”

  “Yes, it does.”

  She laughed at him trying to chew the melted cheese. “So, will there be a retirement party for you at home.”

  “They wanted to, but I said no. I’m not into all that attention and glory.”

  She sniffled from the heat of the soup. “I’m sure your parents weren’t happy about that.”

  “My mom wasn’t, but she understands. She knows it’d be more for friends and family and not me.”

  “I’d want to do that for my child, too.” She slurped the last of her soup and set the bowl down.

  He chuckled. “You do really enjoy your soup.”

  Grinning and wiping
an onion off her mouth, she nodded. “That I do.”

  He studied her before he said, “You and Danny don’t look like brother and sister. I mean, the green eyes maybe, but your features are different. He’s blonder and yours is browner.”

  “You’re not the only one who’s said that. I look like a lot of my cousins, but Danny looks like my dad’s father.” She didn’t want him staring too long at her because he’d start to notice other things…things she didn’t want to share with him and never would.

  He dragged his eyes away from hers and glanced at the window. “Seems to be slowing down. I can probably make it to the hotel just fine now.”

  She watched him work his jawline, wondering what had him so tense, and then realized the thought of driving on those roads probably terrified him. “You don’t have to drive. You can stay if you want. I have plenty of rooms. Not sure why I rented this huge house, to begin with. Should really be a bed and breakfast.”

  His head swiveled back to hers, shaking it. “No, I should be fine. I can take it. And don’t snow trucks plow the roads?”

  “Really, I don’t mind. There’s a room way down at the end of the hall from me that’d be perfect for you. I think they tried decorating it for cowboys like you, with a ranch in a picture over the bed. It’s real nice.” She smiled, her heart pounding. What was she doing? She knew she could trust him since her brother certainly did, and he just came off trust-worthy, but still. Maybe she should take it back.

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”

  Too late. “Not at all. Please, I’d like that. And if I do need anything, you can help. I know how much you like to help damsels in distress.” She smirked, twiddling her thumbs like a five-year-old.

  He returned her smile. “I was raised to be like that, but I’d also expect it back. I’m not that old-fashioned.”

  “Good, because I dislike those type of men. It should be equal.”

  He sighed and stood. “I guess I have those…Long Johns to wear to bed.”

  Laughing, she nodded. “Yeah, please don’t say skivvies. Sounds…just wrong.”

  “And Long Johns don’t?”

  She thought about it and giggled. “You’re right, just as bad. Boy, my brother would be thrilled about this. Maybe we can Skype him later and play a little joke on him. Game?”