Kitabı oku: «A Maverick for the Holidays», sayfa 2

“Oh,” she said. “I made a big guess that you’re not a vegetarian and got you an Italian hero.”

He laughed under his breath as he unwrapped the sandwich. “Good guess. Thanks.”

She opened her notebook. “Now, I’ve done some research on the pen pal programs, and I think this will be very empowering for our ROOTS kids. So much of the time, they don’t feel as if they have any control over their lives. Especially if they’re having problems at home or school. This is a small thing they can do, and it’s not a big commitment, but it has big impact on both the sender and the receiver. Don’t you agree?”

Forrest hadn’t really thought much about it, but he supposed it was true. Angie was so enthusiastic he felt like a heel at the thought of letting her down. “I guess so.”

“I knew you would think so. I also worked with a local program last year called Presents for Patriots. I’d like to see if there’s a way to expand the program this year,” she said.

“Whoa,” he said, lifting his hand and shaking his head. “I’m not the most jolly guy on the block these days. Maybe you’d better find someone who has more Christmas spirit.”

Angie gaped at him in disbelief. “But everyone loves Christmas. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

Forrest blinked. Was she serious? She looked so crestfallen it was as if he’d told her that Santa didn’t exist. He wondered if she was kidding, but quickly saw she wasn’t. The woman was obviously over the moon about Christmas. Forrest had the feeling that refusing her would feel the same as kicking a puppy.

Mentally swearing, he sighed. “Okay, okay. I’ll help.”

She leaped toward him and put her arms around him. “Oh, thank you. I knew you’d be perfect.”

Taken off guard by her impulsive embrace, Forrest tried not to notice how sweet her hair smelled within an inch of his nose and the way her breasts felt brushing against his chest. He glanced down at her pink lips and tried to remember the last time he’d kissed a woman.

At that forbidden thought, he quickly pulled back. “No one’s ever accused me of being perfect.”

Her gaze turned teasing. “Well, I can’t imagine why.”

That quick sexy glint in her eyes made him uneasy as hell. “Why don’t you tell me some more about the Patriots program,” he said, redirecting her attention, and hopefully his, too.

Angie gradually pulled back, but he would have to be a dead man not to notice the way her hand skimmed over his knee or the fact that she didn’t seem to mind sitting so close to him.

Forrest was torn. Was she so naive that she really didn’t know what she was asking for? Or was she trying to seduce him?

Chapter Two

After her visit with Forrest, Angie felt as if she could have flown home. Surely, she wouldn’t have needed her aging red Chevy pickup truck. Not after the way she’d teased a few grins from his serious mouth. She’d seen the way he’d stared at hers in curiosity. She just wished he’d given in to that emotion and kissed her.

She was in such a good mood when she pulled into the grocery store parking lot that she gave up a close space to another vehicle. She held the door for the elderly man behind her and returned his wink. As she wandered through the store, everything looked more vivid to her. The apples were redder, the grapes more purple. The oranges smelled delicious. Even the pork chops looked better than ever.

Angie picked up a few items and headed home. She couldn’t wait to see Forrest again. Although she didn’t enjoy housekeeping, she felt as if she needed to do something with her excess energy, so she ran the vacuum cleaner and cleaned the bathrooms. She was mopping the kitchen floor when a knock sounded at the side door.

Her brother, Austin, poked his head inside and his gaze fell to her mop. “What’s the occasion? Are you having a party?”

Laughing, she shook her head. “No. I was just in the mood to clean, so I thought I’d better go with it.”

“I’ll say,” he said, hitching his thumbs in his jean pockets. “From what I remember, the mood doesn’t strike you very often at all.”

Angie knew he was referring to how she’d often tried to get out of her chores during her teen years. “Oh, be quiet. I’ve been the main person to take care of cleaning since Haley left and you know it.”

“Yeah, I guess,” he relented. “What’s got you in such a good mood? Sugar high? Cupcakes from the bakery?”

“No, but I’ll have to say that Forrest is more delicious than a cupcake,” she said and shot him a devilish smile.

“Forrest?” he said. “Forrest who?”

“Forrest Traub. He’s an army veteran and he’s staying in Thunder Canyon while his leg heals. I met him yesterday and, Austin, he might be the one.”

“Whoa, whoa,” Austin said, lifting his hand as he gingerly stepped across the drying kitchen floor. “You just met him yesterday and you already think he’s the one? How can you know anything about him?”

“Look who’s talking. It didn’t take you long to fall for Rose.”

“That’s different. I’m older and more experienced,” he said.

“I’ve been waiting for this feeling since I was born. I’ve had a sideline seat with a great view when Haley found love and then when you did, too. I want to belong to someone, also. I just never found the right someone, and, Austin, I really think he could be the one.”

Austin touched her cheek. “Fairy girl,” he said, calling her by the nickname he and Haley had used every now and then. “Don’t rush into anything. You can’t learn everything you need to know about a man in two sessions.

“And what about him?” Austin asked. “Does he feel the same way?”

“Oh, he’s attracted to me,” she said, laughing.

“How do you know that? Did he make a move on you?”

Angie rolled her eyes. “Of course not. He’s not that kind. A woman just knows these things,” she said.

Austin looked at her as if he thought she didn’t have a clue. She had to bite her tongue to resist arguing with him further.

“I wouldn’t be a decent brother if I didn’t encourage you to take it slow. Even you have to admit that you’ve been known to lead with your heart instead of your head.”

She nodded. “You’ve done your duty,” she said. “Since you’re here, do you mind checking out the truck? It’s been making a funny noise lately.” She didn’t want any more of Austin’s brotherly advice. Especially if he was going to discourage her about Forrest.

A few days later, Forrest’s phone rang again, and this time he knew the caller’s identification. Although he’d avoided officially adding Angie to his caller list, he knew her number. “Forrest Traub,” he answered the phone.

“Angie Anderson,” she mocked him in a deep voice. The giggle that followed ruined her stern tone.

He couldn’t help grinning a little though he was glad she couldn’t see. “How are you?”

“Wonderful. And you?” she asked.

“I wouldn’t say wonderful, but not bad. What do you need?”

“Well, that’s a wide-open question,” she said in a husky voice that made his gut clench.

“I meant—”

“I know what you meant. I was hoping you and I could get together and talk some more about the projects we’re planning. We don’t have a lot of time before Christmas to get things going.”

“True,” he said. “What did you have in mind?”

“Well, I could bring over takeout tomorrow night,” she suggested.

Forrest had a hard time turning down a meal. Although he could easily join his brother and Antonia at the main house, he couldn’t help but feel he was intruding. “That would work. But this time, I pay.”

“It’s no big deal. Do you like Italian or Chinese?” she asked.

“Both when I don’t have to prepare it,” he said.

She chuckled. “Me, too. I’ll surprise you, then. Tomorrow night around six?”

“Okay. See you then,” he said and hung up the phone. Forrest couldn’t help wondering what he was getting into by sharing another meal with Angie. He second-guessed himself, wondering if he should have kept their meeting in a public place. That way, neither of them would be tempted to do something they shouldn’t. Not that he was all that tempted. Deep down, he knew that Angie was completely off-limits for him. She was a sweet, naive, young woman who had no clue just how dark his soul was. He had no intention of having her find out. In a strange way, he found her naivete precious, and he didn’t want to destroy it.

The next night, Forrest ran the vacuum and did a little extra cleaning. He told himself it wasn’t for Angie. It was because his suite needed it. Hell, it wasn’t like he was lighting candles for her.

That thought soothed him at the same time he wondered if he should have gotten a bottle of wine. He’d been very careful with alcohol since he’d come back to the States. There was a high correlation between PTSD and alcoholism and drug abuse, and he was determined not to become a statistic. So far, he’d drank a beer every now and then, but that was all.

Rubbing his jaw, he wondered why he felt so edgy. In the scheme of things, Angie was just a kid.

A knock sounded at the door, pulling him out of his reverie. He felt an involuntary kick of excitement and scowled at himself. If he was getting this worked up over Angie, maybe he just needed to get out more often.

He opened the door and she grinned at him. “Hi there,” she said holding a bag of what smelled like Chinese takeout in one hand and a tote full of papers in the other.

Forrest couldn’t resist stealing an extra moment to take in the sight of her. Her unbuttoned red peacoat suited her bright personality, and the gray and white scarf around her neck tempted his gaze to fall into the V-neck of her gray sweater that gave a glimpse of her creamy cleavage. His mind followed his gaze and he couldn’t help wondering …

Forrest jerked his gaze and thoughts away from Angie’s breasts and he reached for the Chinese food. “Come on in. Smells good. What did you get?”

“Egg rolls, fried rice, kung pao chicken, sweet and sour pork, stir-fry beef with vegetables and of course fortune cookies. Will any of that work for you?”

Forrest felt his stomach growl. “All of it,” he said. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”

“Well, I’m glad I could help out with that,” she said and dumped her papers on the sofa and pulled off her coat. Feeling himself get distracted by her feminine shape again, Forrest deliberately headed for the kitchen. He began to pull out the boxes of food. “Whoa, this is enough for five soldiers,” he said.

“I figured you might enjoy the leftovers,” she said as she moved beside him. “I get the impression you don’t enjoy cooking all that much.”

“That’s true. My brother keeps inviting me up to the house to eat with him and Antonia, but I feel like a fifth wheel. They’re all goo-goo-eyed over each other, and with taking care of Clay’s son and her baby, they’ve got enough to do.”

“I don’t mind cooking,” she said. “But I don’t really like cooking for one, so I either eat out or end up eating a lot of frozen dinners on the couch.”

“It’s mostly frozen dinners for me, too, so this is a treat,” he said and put the boxes on a tray.

“Would you like some water?” she asked, pulling two glasses from the cabinet.

He nodded. “That works for me.”

She filled the glasses and smiled at him. “I guess we’re ready.”

Forrest carefully carried the tray into the den and put it on the sofa table. He tore open his chopsticks and gave her a set. “Dig in,” he said and started with the sweet and sour pork. “Good stuff,” he said, making a mental note to visit the restaurant again. After a moment, he noticed Angie was looking at him and not eating.

He paused. “Problem?”

She blinked. “Uh, no,” she said and tore the paper off her chopsticks. “I’m glad you like it.” She reached for the container of kung pao chicken and gingerly arranged the chopsticks between her fingers. Plunging the wooden instruments into the food, she finally pulled up a bite of chicken. Victory flashed across her features as she lifted the bite to her mouth. And dropped it.

Forrest couldn’t help chuckling. “I can get a fork for you,” he offered.

“No, no. I’ve always thought I should learn how to do this, but I never got around to it,” she said and tried to arrange her fingers around the chopsticks again.

Unable to resist helping her, Forrest set down his food and sticks. “Here,” he said, repositioning her fingers. “Try that.”

She successfully got a bite. “I did it,” she said with pleasure that made something inside him feel warm. It took her a long time to get even a few more bites.

“You’re doing good, but let me get you a fork. The food will be cold by the time you get to it.”

She gave a mock pout. “And I thought I was doing so well.”

“You were,” he said as he rose. “You just need to practice when you’re not hungry, so you can concentrate better.”

“When did you get so handy with those sticks?” she asked.

Forrest grabbed a fork from the kitchen and returned. “I’ve been stationed in a lot of places, and most of them have Chinese restaurants.” He picked up the sticks and clicked them together.

“That sweet and sour pork looks pretty good,” she said.

He picked up a bite with the chopsticks and held it out to her mouth. Her lips opened and she took a bite, closing her eyes. “Yum.” The expression on her face made his mind wonder how her mouth would feel against his. He couldn’t help wondering if she would be as enthusiastic in bed. He cleared his throat hoping it would also clear his mind.

“So what do you want to do next for the charity plans?”

She nodded. “Good question. Along with the holiday cards and letters, I may be able to get some small donations for gifts for the soldiers. Do you have any suggestions?”

“Phone cards and gift cards,” he said then grinned in memory. “But well-packed cookies are rarely refused.”

“Making the cookies would be a fun project. I’ll have to consult you on the packing.”

“I can do that,” he said.

“I love baking Christmas cookies. When I was a teenager, I sometimes talked my brother and sister into baking them with me in the summer. They thought I was crazy, but everyone enjoyed the results.”

Forrest was curious, again, about Angie’s parents. “Bet you were a cute kid. They indulged you.”

She shrugged. “My mom died in a car accident. Before that, my dad left just after I was born. My brother and sister tried to make up for my missing out on having a mom and dad.”

He nodded. “Sounds rough.”

“Sometimes,” she admitted. “But it could have been lots worse. We had a roof over our head. Due to my mom’s life insurance, the house was paid for. Sometimes, I feel guilty for how much my sister and brother sacrificed, but then they tell me that I helped them keep centered. They said that taking care of me helped them with their own pain.”

“But you’re not sure,” he said, sensing her uncertainty.

She bit her lip. “Guess not.”

He couldn’t help a half smile. “I’m betting you brought a lot of magic to them. You gave them smiles and happiness, but you didn’t know it at the time.”

“Think so?” she asked doubtfully.

He nodded. “Yeah.”

Angie stared at him for a long intense moment. “I hadn’t thought about that.”

“Everyone has a role,” he said.

“Did you learn that in the army?” she asked.

“I did.”

“I’ll have to think that over,” she said and her lips tilted in a sexy smile.

That smile distracted him enough that he didn’t feel hungry anymore. At least, not for food. He swallowed over a tight lump of desire in his throat. “What else do you have in mind for the letters-for-soldiers plan?”

“Just what I told you,” she said. “I like your idea of cookies. I can bake an extra dozen for you,” she offered.

His gut twisted at her sensual expression. He shouldn’t be feeling this way. Yet, he couldn’t force himself to step back from her. “Not necessary,” he managed, but he knew his tone wasn’t forceful.

“Necessary isn’t always the bottom line,” she said, holding his gaze.

He sucked in a quick breath and told himself to pull away.

She leaned toward him, and he couldn’t resist the need to feel her closer. It was primal. It rolled from deep inside him.

She drew closer and closer until her lips were a millimeter from his.

Forrest inhaled her scent. Three times. Nothing was enough. She was a mix of innocence, excitement and sensuality. And he wanted her.

Agonizing seconds passed. She pressed her mouth against his.

Forrest felt a shot of electricity race through him, and he wanted more. She was everything he’d wanted, but hadn’t had for what felt like ages. Her scent surrounded him like a delicious veil, her breath enveloped his and some sort of foreign emotion ricocheted through him.

Unable to resist her, he slid his fingers through her hair. She kissed him again, and the soft pucker of her lips made him hungrier than ever. He groaned and she slid her tongue over his. The sensual gesture sent him over the top and he took her lips in a sexual, bonding kiss. He wanted her mouth. He wanted all of her.

Forrest pulled her against him and devoured her with his mouth. She tasted delicious, sensual, irresistible. He felt his control waiver. He wanted to take her to bed and get her naked then slide inside her and …

No, he told himself. It would be wrong. She was innocent. She had no idea what she would be getting into.

Forrest forced himself to let go. His heart was pounding and he fought to catch his breath.

Angie’s breath lifted her chest, distracting the devil out of him at the same time that her gorgeous lips puckered in invitation. Forrest was learning a new level of hell.

“Why’d you stop?” she asked.

His gut twisted in arousal. “Because,” he said. “Because it was wrong.”

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Wrong? It felt pretty right to me.”

He clenched his jaw. “Trust me. We shouldn’t have done that.”

Angie frowned. “Are you saying you didn’t want to kiss me?”

His gut twisted into a square knot. “I didn’t say that,” he muttered. “That’s not the point.”

“Why isn’t it?” she asked. “If I want you and you want me—”

“It could be a big mess,” he said and stood, feeling out of control. “What else do we need to cover for the charity stuff?”

Feeling her gaze on him, he picked up the rest of the Chinese food and took it to the kitchen. “Do you want to take any of this home?” he called from the kitchen.

“No,” she said. “I’m good.”

Forrest shoved the leftovers into his fridge and took a deep breath. Why had he gone after her like that? It made him feel like some kind of sexual madman. He took another deep breath, determined to take responsibility. Returning to the den, he steeled himself before he met her gaze.

She rose to face him. His gut tightened and he thought about all the reasons he shouldn’t be attracted to her. She leaned toward him.

“This isn’t a good idea,” he muttered.

“I think it’s a great idea,” she said and smiled her wicked, innocent, sexy smile.

He clenched his jaw again. “That’s because you don’t know better,” he told her. “I’m too old for you.”

“Too old?” she echoed. “That’s crazy. How old are you?”

“Thirty-one, but in terms of experience—”

Angie rolled her eyes. “You exaggerated. You’re just finding your feet and your way. That’s why you feel unsure.”

“I don’t know about that,” Forrest said.

“Well, I do,” she said in a husky whisper as she leaned toward him.

“You need to leave,” he said.

“Isn’t that a bit drastic?” she asked.

“Not at all,” he said and steeled himself not to respond to her.

“Just one more kiss,” she whispered in an inviting voice.

“No,” he said, but it killed him.

Later that night, Forrest settled into his bed, but his mind continued to race. He needed to be more careful about Angie. She was more impulsive than he was. She clearly wanted him and had no interest in waiting. That meant trouble. She was making herself completely available to him.

How the hell was he supposed to resist that?

Forrest took another deep breath as he rested his head on his pillow. He needed some of that Zen stuff. He did not want to be fighting his sexual needs with Angie. Step back, he told himself. In every emotional and physical way, he had to walk away.

Since he was clearly more mature than she was, he would have to take the high road. Even though he found her far more tempting than he should. And now he would have the memory of that kiss they’d shared. Swearing under his breath, he turned on his side and closed his eyes. But the image of Angie’s sexy mouth taunted him.

It seemed to take hours, but Forrest finally fell asleep. When he awakened in the morning, he felt a sense of anticipation. He hadn’t had that in a long time. Today he was holding the first meeting of the war veterans support group. Part of him wondered if anyone would show up. He’d included a photo of Smiley in the flyers and website announcement for the group. He supposed if nothing else, some of the veterans might show up for some free food. A local deli was donating sandwiches and cookies for the first meeting.

Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, he sat up and stretched his bad leg, willing it to get stronger. Forrest knew he would be struggling with his injury for the rest of his life, so there was no room for feeling sorry for himself. Rising from the bed, he headed toward his workout equipment. He might have a bum leg, but he was damned if the rest of him wouldn’t be as strong as possible.

A few hours later, Forrest arrived at the hospital conference room early with the sandwiches and cookies, and set the chairs in a circle. Annabel Cates rushed into the room with Smiley on a leash.

“Here he is,” she said. “Ready to work his canine magic. Plus a few treats you can give him,” she added, handing him a plastic bag.

Forrest’s heart lifted at the sight of the dog. “Good to see you, Smiley,” he said and rubbed the dog behind his ears. Smiley thumped his tail in response.

“He should be on his best behavior since I gave him some retraining. Can’t let him forget the rules. If you need me for anything, give me a call,” she said. “You’ve got my cell, right?”

“I’ve got it and thank you for loaning him to us,” Forrest said. “I think he’ll help break the ice.”

“This is a good thing you’re doing, Forrest. I’m glad if Smiley can help in any way. Just don’t give him any of those sandwiches,” she warned him. “No matter how sweet he looks, we’ve got to keep him disciplined if he’s going to be helpful.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said. “You’re the one giving the orders.”

Annabel gave a quick nod with a smile. “I’ll see you afterward. Have fun,” she said and darted out the door.

“Fun,” Forrest echoed. That was one word he wouldn’t have associated with a support group. He shrugged and looked at Smiley. “Maybe she knows something I don’t.”

Less that two minutes later, a man wearing a ball-cap and an open down jacket walked through the door. “Is this the war veterans support group?”

“It sure is,” Forrest said. “I’m Forrest Traub, army.”

The man nodded. “Iraq?” he said.

Forrest nodded. “And you?”

“Afghanistan. Steve Henderson. I’ve been back almost eighteen months.”

Smiley walked toward the man and looked at him, thumping his tail in welcome.

Steve bent down to pet the dog and gave a half grin. “Is this our mascot?”

“Yep, that’s Smiley. He’s a therapy dog on loan to us, and I’ll vouch for him. He’ll always be glad to see you,” Forrest said.

“Well, that’s a lot more than we can say about most humans,” Steve said.

Just then, another man walked through the door, then another. Smiley greeted each one, and Forrest could practically see a bit of tension ease out of the men at the sight of the dog. Eyeing the clock, he sensed that he should start the meeting and closed the door.

“Welcome, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the sandwiches and Smiley.”

The men took their seats and murmured in agreement.

“The first thing I want to tell you is that you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. I have to be honest. Most of the time, I would rather do anything than talk about what I saw and experienced in Iraq.”

Several of the men nodded.

“But since this group was my idea, I guess I’ve got to go first.”

A few chuckles rippled through the small group.

Forrest took a deep breath. “During my last two tours, all I could think about was the day I would finally come home. I was determined to be career military, but seeing all those guys get hurt was tough. Being in Iraq was surreal, and not in a good way. Once I got home, though, it was Montana that didn’t seem like the real world anymore. People couldn’t understand what I’d been through, what I’d seen. And I got tired of explaining it.”

“So what helps?” one of the vets asked.

Forrest shrugged. “I don’t have all the answers. I have to admit, I took the coward’s way out—leaving home. After being home, I had to get out. I just moved to Thunder Canyon a few months ago. Folks don’t know me here as well since my brother and I haven’t lived here very long. They don’t have any expectations.” He paused. “What helps? Smiley sure does.” The dog licked him and laughter rippled through the small room.

The laughter turned to silence. “The nights are the worst. I’m back there, and the shells are flying, and I can’t stop screaming,” Steve offered. A few of the others nodded in agreement.

“The nightmares are bad. They feel so real,” Forrest said.

“Coming back to my wife helped me,” one of the men said. “She’s the reason I keep going.”

“I felt that way about my girlfriend,” another soldier said. “But it’s hard now. I’m not the same man I was before. I’m not sure it’s going to work out. What about you, Forrest? Do you have anyone special in your life?”

An image of Angie flashed in his mind, taking him by surprise. He shook his head for his own benefit as much as the others. “No. I’m not ready for a relationship. I’m busy putting Humpty Dumpty back together. That doesn’t mean you guys aren’t ready, though,” he quickly added. “We’re all at different places in this. It’s not easy. That’s why I wanted to start this group.” He glanced at the clock. “Hard to believe, but our time is up.”

He gave a wry grin. “And we all survived.”