Let It Go (10 page)

Now, as Les talked to her about precautions and even mentioned the break-in, her gut instincts kicked in. Could he have planned that so she would be fearful and believe his concern over her well-being and the security of the restaurant? She learned to read people well and this guy was a bullshitter, big time. The thought that he would stoop so low to get this job really pissed her off. She’d had enough of their slimy flirting and their inappropriate comments about her body and her own security and safety that she ended the meeting quickly.

“Well, I’ll be in touch if I’m interested in investigating your services further,” she said to him. He seemed very surprised, as if she were bullshitting him.

“We can negotiate the bid. Plus, usually when we do this kind of work, you may need some touch-ups on the walls and things. We have a cousin who does construction and I can get him in here really cheap.”

What an asshole. He would probably cause more damage than necessary so his cousin could make some money and she would be in over her head and out a lot of cash.

“I’ll keep that in mind, but to be honest, I am interviewing a bunch of companies, both construction and security. I’ve gotten a lot of recommendations.”

“If you mean Cartwright construction, and even that security company Jesse Cortland has, you be real careful. Finnian and Jagger are high-priced and they have aggressive attitudes. A pretty young thing like you could fall into their trap.” He eyed her body over. “If ya know what I mean?”

“No. I don’t, but I need to get moving. Thanks for taking the time to explain what your ideas are.”

“You should be smart about this. Especially after someone breaks into your office while people are around. That’s brazen shit, and could happen again if you don’t get on top of your security fast,” Derek said to her and she felt like it was a threat. She squinted at him and Les gave his shoulder a shove and then he plastered on a smile for her.

“She’ll make the right decision,” he added and she felt the same thing.

“Yes, I will. Thanks again,” she said and turned to walk away. When she glanced over her shoulder, both men were looking around the place and back by her office again. She knew they were shit and had a feeling her gut was right on target and that guy who worked for them was the one who broke into her office. She would surely look out for that character.

“Finally got rid of them, huh?” Ledger asked.

“God, they were so annoying, and badmouthing every other company I have coming in here to give estimates for everything. Hell, I should just cancel them all. I don’t even have the approval yet,” she said as she sat down at the bar and looked at her bandaged hand. The blood was more obvious now.

“Well, whatever you do, don’t go with those guys. Seriously consider Aero and Jesse for security. Both men were in the military and worked for the government for years. They know their shit and have worked on low-end to high-end systems. Pretty crazy shit that Aero did as a soldier.”

“Really? He seems so calm and compassionate,” she said. She ran her hand over the bandage, remembering his touch and how turned on she had been by it, by him. She pushed those thoughts away. She didn’t need another man in her life giving her hell and making her miserable.

“What did you think about Les and Derek?”

She looked at Ledger. “Total assholes who are full of shit.”

He chuckled. “Good. Just making sure you weren’t attracted to them or something.”

“What? Why the hell would I be?”

“They were trying to touch you a bunch. I did notice you push their hands away and even sidestep a few times. You didn’t do that with Aero,” he said and gave her a wink.

She felt her cheeks warm.

“Don’t read anything into it, Ledger. I don’t date and I definitely don’t do ménages.”

“Ahhh, so you like his brothers, too? Interesting.”

“I didn’t say that. I don’t even know them, and you should know that Finnian and I are enemies.”

“Enemies? How so? I did see him in here the other night checking you out with his brothers. They couldn’t take their eyes off of you.”

“Well, in that case I shouldn’t even consider them for the construction work or the security job.”

“That would be stupid. They’re the best. I’m not pushing for you to get involved with them.”

“Oh, really? Because since I opened this place I have had everyone from the owner of the hardware store, the clerk in the shopping center, the mailman, the delivery guy, and so forth all either flirt with me and ask me out or recommend a man—or men—for me to date or allow to be my guardians. I think everyone should know that getting into a relationship right now is not going to happen.”

Ledger nodded his head and wiped out the inside of a beer mug.

“How about you, Ledger? You’re a good-looking guy. Can be pretty nice when you’re not in one of your pissed-off moods,” she asked him and gave him a wink.

“I’ve been good lately.”

She raised one of her eyebrows up at him in a challenge to that statement.

“I have been,” he snapped at her and she chuckled.

“Not yesterday, as I recall.”

“One bad day and I get shit,” he stated and threw his hands up into the air.

“One mistake with the schedule that you jotted down so quickly.”

“What? I wasn’t supposed to work until the night shift.”

“And one particular waitress had volunteered to switch her night shift for a day shift so Chloe could go on a date.”

“What does that have to do with me?”

“Oh, nothing, except that you always work the same shifts as Amber, and constantly keep an eye on her. Just noticing that.”

He squinted his eyes at her.

“She’s a sweet kid. I feel protective of her and bad that she has to worry all day about leaving Ella. It’s not right for her to have to not be with her baby.”

“Well, she needs to work and support them. No Prince Charming around to take all her problems away, you know?”

She watched his eyes and could tell he was thinking about that. It was obvious to her that he liked Amber and was definitely protective of her. If any men hit on her or asked him her name, he told them to back off. She wondered if Amber would come around and give him a chance. Brooklyn had a feeling that Ledger being a soldier held her back. Plus, she wasn’t over her husband yet.

The phone at the bar rang and Ledger went to answer it. Brooklyn looked at her hand and felt the ache. It was a bad cut. She really hoped that she didn’t need stitches.

“It’s for you,” Ledger said and gave her a smile. By his expression, he was amused at who the caller was. She answered it.

“Hi, Brooklyn. It’s Dr. Cortland. A little birdie told me that you cut your hand pretty good and were stopping by for me to look at it. I’m free in about fifteen minutes.”

She couldn’t help but to smirk at the little birdie comment. “I don’t think it’s necessary, really.”

“Fifteen minutes, my office. See you then.” He disconnected the call and she looked at the phone with her mouth gaped open. Ledger took it from her.

“He hung up on ya, huh?”

“Yeah,” she said sarcastically.

“Well, Aero was concerned. I am, too. Just go see the doctor. Maybe all you’ll need are those butterfly stitches. Just don’t tell him the screwdriver was dirty or he’ll give you a tetanus shot. That’s painful.”

“I already had one recently,” she replied.

He squinted at her. “Why and when?”

“Long story, but all I can tell you is that sometimes me and tools, even lawnmower blades, don’t always get along.”

She showed him her other hand and the light scar by her fingers.

“Damn, you could have cut your fingers off.”

“Came close, but I guess someone above felt I needed them.”

“You better get moving. I’d hate for the Chief to send out a search party to make sure you get to the doctor on time,” he teased her. She chuckled.

“Yeah, we don’t want that.”

She slid off the stool, went to the office to grab her keys and her wallet, and then headed out the door. She got to town quickly, parked her car, and then headed along the sidewalk. That’s when she spotted Zeke Cartwright. He was wearing his police uniform and looking sexier than a cop in a small town had the right to. When she looked at him, she imagined him with his shirt unbuttoned, muscles galore staring back at her and hard abs that led down to those sexy uniform pants. She shook the thoughts from her head as the heat hit her cheeks. Fantasizing about a cop? Now she really
was
hanging out too much with the young, single girls who worked the bar scene.

He caught sight of her, smiled widely, and progressed quickly toward her. She was filled with mixed emotions. She felt attracted to him, angry because Aero probably called him and told him she was heading to see the doctor, and then just downright annoyed for being treated like some child instead of a grown woman. She got her attitude up but the moment his smile faded and his eyes landed on her hand that anger deflated.

“What happened? Are you okay?” he asked and gently lifted her hand up with his.

“I’m fine. Just a cut.”

“You seeing Dr. Cortland?”

She wondered if these men were for real. She squinted at him, trying to figure out if they were just after sex or they really cared about whether or not she cut her hand and may or may not need stitches. She couldn’t help but to think the worst. Every man in her life had done her wrong and she had the scars to show for it.

She pulled her hand back.

“Aero thinks I need to see the doctor, so I’m here to get him off my ass,” she said and then turned around to walk toward the office door. Zeke grabbed the handle and opened it for her. She looked up at him. “What are you doing?”

“Making sure that you’re okay and not alone. Especially if you need stitches.”

She was shocked and stared at his bold blue eyes, trying to read his mind and coming up with squat. He and Aero confused her. Hell, their brother Finnian did, too. She placed her hand against his chest and regretted it the moment she felt the instant attraction. It was too much for her—the uniform, the gun, the badge, and all that stuff cops had on them to help them do their jobs. It was a dangerous profession but it took a special kind of person to do it.

She pulled back.

“I’m okay. You should go back to work.”

“I’m on break. Come on,” he said and glided past her, taking her good hand. He led her through the waiting room, passing a few curious locals to go right to the front desk.

“Hi, Gladys, Ms. Hopewell has an appointment with Nevin, I believe.”

“Sure thing, Officer Cartwright. Just have a seat and he’ll be with her momentarily,” Gladys said.

Before they could take a seat, Nevin came into the room.

“Oh, good, no cavalry necessary,” Nevin said to them and smiled at Zeke.

“Apparently there was a stakeout,” she said to him and then looked at Zeke. “You don’t need to be here. It’s fine and I’m good,” she said to Zeke.

He placed his hand at her lower back and turned her toward Nevin.

“We’ll follow you, Nevin,” he said and Nevin turned around and they headed down the hallway. She felt so on edge. Plus, just like when Aero was touching her at the restaurant, she felt heated, aroused, and that wasn’t good. She really needed to keep her distance from these Cartwright men.

“So how did it happen?” Nevin asked. She sat on the examining table and he slowly unwrapped the bandage. She explained about putting in the deadbolt and about the screwdriver. Nevin stopped and looked down into her eyes. “You may need a tetanus shot.”

“No. I’m good. I had one less than a year ago,” she told him as Zeke stood right by her other side and leaned near her leg. She felt claustrophobic with him this close.

“Really? Where and why?” Nevin asked.

She lifted up her other hand and showed him her fingers. “A lawnmower blade I was trying to change out. Caught me right here,” she said. Nevin shook his head as Zeke brought her hand and fingers closer so he could see.

“You could have cut your fingers off,” he said to her as he held her gaze. She needed to get her hand away from Zeke. He was making her body heat up big time and she couldn’t allow that. The uniform and sexy good looks were wreaking havoc on her brain. She pulled her hand back.

“I didn’t and I don’t need stitches today either. So, Doc, what do ya think? Butterfly stitches?” she asked.

“What makes you think that?” he asked as he cleaned out the cut and then stared at it a moment as if deciding what to do.

“I would know if I needed stitches. So, how about those butterfly ones so I can get on with my day?” she asked.

“And you would know you don’t need stitches how? Ever get any besides the one on your other hand from the lawnmower blade?” Zeke asked.

“Actually, yes, I have, but that’s none of your business.”

“As your doctor, I should be aware of any other hospital stays, surgeries, or illnesses you may have. No allergies to any medication or anything like that?” Nevin asked.

“No allergies to anything. I’m perfectly healthy,” she said.