On Steady Ground (The Walker Brother's Series) (6 page)

Laughing, “Oh no. Not even close.”

“Oh and your brother has no interest in me. I think you’re just imagining things.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. Enough about him. Lets talk about us.”

“Grant, you are relentless.” Laughing at his tenacity.

We didn’t speak entirely about “us.” We spent most of the afternoon discussing what he does for a living, what we have heard about former classmates. How his life has changed since his father passed away. The morning was gone and the afternoon was turning into evening when we decided to hit a sandwich vendor. Grant really was easy to talk to, more open to talking about himself. Sometimes when I talk to Ian it’s like banging my head against the wall to get him to open up. Such a stark contrast between brothers. “It’s getting late Grant, I should really call a cab and be getting back. I had a lot of fun.”

“No. I won’t hear of it. I will take you back home.”

“It’s okay Grant. I know you have your lady friend coming back.”

Stopping me before we walked into his apartment building he put his hand up to my face, bringing me in close, “I don’t care about her. I care about you.”

Even though my heart was aching for another, it was getting harder and harder to fight off Grant’s advances. When you’re lonely and the guy you are seriously holding a torch for keeps turning you down, and you have a sexy guy showing you attention, well I am only human. I knew it would only be a moment of weakness, and I didn’t want to encourage him any further. “Grant, I don’t know what I want. I do know I have feelings for your brother.” My nerves shot as I gazed up at him.

“Are you saying you feel nothing for me?”

Thinking to myself, I didn’t know. Sometimes I felt yes, and sometimes I feel like it’s a no. That hesitation was all that he needed as his lips came down on mine. His hands circling around me as one hand fisted tightly in my hair. He was an even better kisser than I remembered. Pulling me quickly out of view to the side of the building behind several bushes.

“You’re all I have thought about Lizzy. I want you. I will take care of you. You will never want for anything.” He said trailing kisses down my neck.

“Grant. Stop.” Both my hands pushing on his chest with little resolute. He new my weaknesses, and he was working them to his advantage.

Grabbing my hand, “Come inside. I’ll get my keys and take you home.”

Following him into the elevator I was shaking like a leaf. The only man I have ever given my body to being Craig, I couldn’t help but be curious. To want to know what it was like with someone else. Someone that actually respected me, cared for me as a person and not as a piece of property.

Pulling me inside of his apartment he turned to me again, “Stay with me Lizzy. I promise I won’t do anything you’re uncomfortable with. Just stay.” He pleaded, searching my eyes.

“I can’t.” My resolve starting to waiver. If I didn’t get out of here soon, I was going to crumble under his handsome gaze.

“Please Lizzy.” Taking his thumb and rubbing the back of my hand.

His lips touching mine again, this time I kissed him back, my own arms going up and around his neck. That was the only motivation he needed as I felt myself being lifted up and moved to a different room, coming down softly on a bed. The weight of his body on top of mine immediately. His kisses working down my neck, the front of my dress was down and out of his way in seconds. I wanted to stop and I didn’t want to all at the same time. I knew if I had sex with Grant, I would never have a prayer with Ian. As little of a chance I felt I had, I didn’t want to risk it. My heart knew it didn’t want to just have sex, it wanted more. Pushing him back, “I can’t Grant. I’m sorry.”

Smiling down at me and lifting my shirt back up, “You can’t yet. You will be mine Lizzy. I’ve never wanted anyone more.”

Sitting up and smoothing out my hair, “I’m going to go call a cab, it’s time for me to go home.”

“I’ll take you home.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Shaking my head and lifting my straps back up onto my shoulders.

“We’re both adults, it’ll be fine. Trust me.”

Trust, now wasn’t that an issue of mine. I don’t trust, not after Craig. Will I ever again? I can only hope. “Fine. I guess.”

“Great. Lets go.” His eyes still reflecting the obvious disappointment in them.

The ride back to Ben’s house was mostly in silence. He tried his hardest to engage me in conversation but I no longer had it in me. My life seemed to get more and more confusing and out of control all the time. I had to find a way to simplify. To get my priorities straight and decide what’s important to me. This floundering around at sea wasn’t what I wanted for my life and I hated it. Pulling into the long gravel driveway he came to a stop in front of the house. Ben’s car was actually home and I was relieved that I wouldn’t be alone at least for a couple minutes.

“Goodbye Lizzy.” He said leaning over and kissing me on the cheek.

“Grant.” I smiled. “Thanks for keeping me company today.”

“My pleasure. I will call on you soon.”

Smiling and remaining silent, I climbed out of the car briefly glancing to Ian’s house. The lights were off and his truck was gone. Walking into the door, Ben was laid out on the couch with a box of pizza beside him on the floor watching a movie.

“Hey Lizzy. You hungry?”

Walking over and sitting down on the end beside his legs, “No. I ate.”

“Where were ya?”

“Um, with Grant?” I said with more of a question mark on the end, rather than a statement.

Pushing a pillow up over his head and giving a grunt into it, “What are you doing Lizzy?”

“What do you mean?” Shocked by his sudden out burst.

“Grant? What do you think your doing?”

“I’m not doing anything.” Getting defensive.

“It’s obvious you like Ian. You have always liked Ian. So what are you doing with Grant?”

“It’s all well and good that I like Ian, although it takes two and he seems rather uninterested.”

“You two are going to be the death of me.” Shaking his head with disgust.

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing. I just feel like Ian would be the better guy for you. You know he would treat you right. He is what you need. Grant is not. He is just a better looking, nicer version of Craig.”

“Oh Ben. Now you’re being ridiculous. Grant and Craig are nothing a like.”

“Really? They both seem to get what they want. They are both a ladies man. Grant looks at things like it is his property. Even if he did treat you right, you would still be viewed as his. Do you want to be someone’s property again? Or do you want to be an equal?”

“You’re being biased Ben. You have always disliked Grant. I remember a similar speech minus the Craig part back in high school.”

“Yeah and I was right then also.” Sitting up, putting his piece of pizza back into the box.

Leaning back, “He is different now. He is not the same person he was.”

“That may be the case, but that doesn’t change the fact that you have a thing for Ian.”

Taken aback, “No it doesn’t. Does it?”

“I have an idea!” Ben said getting excited, pushing his glasses back up his nose.

“Oh no. Your ideas are usually scary.”

“You forget about both of them and we become friends with benefits.” He said smiling widely, and winking at me.

“I don’t know how you even got that out of your mouth without laughing.” I said getting ready to scold him.

Laughing, “Yeah, that’s just to weird.” Pulling me in and giving me a noogie on top of my head.

Pulling away and punching him on his arm he pulled away holding it, wounded. “So how long you planning on sticking around tonight?”

“Oh I don’t know. I just go where ever the wind takes me.”

“Okay, could you let me know if you leave though so I can make sure the doors are all locked.”

His joking coming to an abrupt end, “Sure I will Lizzy. I worry about you.”

“I’ll be fine. I just have to make it through work tomorrow. I’m hoping he doesn’t show up.”

“Yeah, Ian gave me the heads up. Told me he was out here.”

My eyebrow going up, “Is that the reason why you are home and Ian isn’t? Both of you playing babysitters.”

“Um. No.” He said rather unconvincingly.

“You know that would only make me angry. I don’t want anyone adjusting their lives because mine is being a nuisance. You need to go out and have fun Ben. I will be fine. He won’t be back here. He’ll wait to show up at work.”

“Are you sure? I wouldn’t feel right.”

“I know him better than anyone. I’m sure.” Trying to convince myself as much as him.

Just as promised he let me know when he was leaving and I locked the door and every window up tight. Satisfied, that I did as well as I could I took a shower and locked myself in my own room. Pulling the blinds down tight and rechecking the locks on all my windows. Glancing over briefly at Ian’s house I wondered where he could be. If he was out on a date, it would destroy me. I know I have no claims to him, but sometimes when you care about some, it’s hard to be rational. Reviewing the days events through my head, I shut off my light, the room growing dark. My hand raising to my lips, I had never been kissed before with that much enthusiasm. Smiling, Grant is a handsome man. There was no denying that.

Rolling over to my side, I had worse problems than torn feelings. I knew I was going to come face to face with Craig tomorrow. I did take comfort in knowing it would at least be in public. It would be hard for him to carry me off kicking and screaming with out drawing attention to himself.

Falling into a fitful sleep, when the sun started to rise I was awake for it. My body exhausted, I wasn’t sure how many more nights I could go not sleeping very well. The last night I slept decent was the night I fell asleep safely on the couch with Ian. Swinging my legs over the side of the bed and rubbing my eyes, I could hear Ben making his morning coffee. Groaning loudly, there was a knock at my door. Falling to my knees and crawling to the door I reached up and unlocked it falling back for Ben to open it. Laying on the floor, I could only groan in pain of the day I had in front of me.

“Whats up baby girl. You look like sh…um beautiful?” He said changing his mind after I glared at him. “Here coffee.” Setting it down beside my hand and standing. “I’ll take you to work today.”

“Ben you don’t have to drive all the way into town just to take me to work.”

“I need another coffee. Besides, it’s not that far.”

“You have a coffee Ben.” Throwing my arm over my eyes.

“I need a better one.”

“Ugh, fine.” Listening to him walk out, I willed myself to get up and get a cold shower. Anything to wake me up at this point.

Putting on a nice pair of brown khaki’s and a solid color shirt I was soon ready for work and Ben was waiting by the door for me.

Walking out to his car, “You need me to pick you up after work today Lizzy?”

“No, I have to go get a new cell phone today. I’ll call a cab when I’m done.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea. You know Craig is going to show up today.”

“All more the reason to get a phone I can actually turn on and use. Besides it’s only a couple of buildings down from the diner. There will be plenty of people around.”

“Okay. If you change your mind, call me. Please don’t hesitate.”

“Will do.” My heart pounding in my chest as we pulled up to the little diner. Looking around suspiciously, nothing looked out of the ordinary. “Bye Ben. Thanks.”

“Be careful.” He said, waving at me as I walked into the building.

Getting my morning chores done, the lunch crowd was starting to shuffle in and I was going to have to go out in the open and begin to waitress. Walking out hesitantly, I didn’t spot Craig anywhere and relief swept over me. Knowing the day was far from being over, I started taking orders checking over my shoulder constantly. Living in this constant state of fear was starting to get seriously tiresome. Just as the lunch crowd started thinning out, Grant walked in smiling at me. I suspected he was only here to check up on me. It was nice having friends that cared about what happens to me. “You’re a long way from your job Grant.” I smiled as I set a cup of coffee down in front of him at the bar.

“Oh, well I took an extra long lunch today.” Winking as he slid on the stool. “You take your break yet?”

“Um no. I’m to nervous to sit down.”

Looking at me with concern, “You really should Lizzy.”

Smiling, “I will, eventually. So, what will it be? Salad?”

Laughing, “You know me to well already. Should I feel special that you remembered my order after one time? Or do you remember everybody’s?”

Choosing not to answer, “It’ll be up in a few minutes.” Walking off and putting his order in, I brought a tray of silverware over to start rolling in napkins. We chatted while he ate, up until he had to leave. I was hoping to see Ian stop in for lunch today but I hadn’t talked to him since I left his house yesterday morning. Wondering what was going through his head, if he ever thought about me. I kept searching out the big picture window for Craig’s car. My work day finally coming to an end. Un-looping the back of my apron, I threw it in with the dirty towels and grabbed my purse. The other waitress Mindy coming in for her shift, I clocked out and said my goodbyes. Walking out of the door, I looked in all directions before I started to walk out. An older gentleman was sitting on the bench in front of the barber shop reading a newspaper. A young girl jogged by me, and kids with their parents were going in and out of the various shops. Turning to my right I started walking quickly to the cell phone store.

Half an hour later, I was holding my very own cell phone that was officially in my name. It was the cheapest one they had, and didn’t do any of the fancy internet smart phone functions like the one still in my purse. I didn’t care however, it was what I could afford and Craig didn’t have the number. Flipping it open, I fished in my purse for the cab number. Dialing it and saving it in my contact list, I called quickly and retreated into a clothing store for the wait. I couldn’t figure out why Craig hadn’t showed up yet. I had this bad feeling in the pit of my stomach like the other shoe was going to drop. It wasn’t like him to wait on anything. He was the least patient person I know, and if he wants me back I couldn’t imagine him waiting for anything. When the cab arrived, I half expected him to jump out of a corner and drag me off however, there was still no sign of him. Sighing a breath of relief I sat back and relaxed the rest of the way home.

The rest of the week went quickly and Craig hadn’t showed up once. I was afraid of putting my guard down, but I could feel myself starting to relax. Grant came another time during the week to eat lunch again, asking me out on a date. I turned him down of course. I didn’t catch any glimpses of Ian and after questioning Ben I found he was out of town for the week. He didn’t really know when to expect him back, but Ben was home a lot with the extra work piled on top of him. He came in exhausted every night and I took to making him supper. He was more than happy for the home cooked meals and usually passed out on the couch soon after. He had no idea where Ian went and I was more than a little curious.

It was Friday night and I was yet again faced with being home alone. Ben napped until about 9 p.m. after asking me several times if I was going to be alright, I finally convinced him to leave. Taking a long shower and kicking on the stereo I didn’t realize the mistake I made until I turned the corner heading into the kitchen and Craig stepped out from the shadows.

“I see you’re doing great Elizabeth, shacking up with your buddy Ben with your flimsy nightgown” He said walking up to me slowly. His hair was disheveled and he looked like he hadn’t slept for days.

“Craig, I don’t want to see you. You shouldn’t be here.” Trying to cover myself up with my hands and stumbling back into the living room.

Stalking towards me slowly, “You are my wife. You are mine. I have a right to be here.”

“You hit me you son of a bitch. You lost all rights when you did that.”

“Don’t speak to me that way. You know what happens when I get mad.” He said trying to keep his temper under control. “I love you. Come home.”

Shaking my head, “No. I’m divorcing you.”

”You still love me Elizabeth. You know you do. Tell me you don’t love me.”

“I don’t love you Craig. Not anymore. I’m sorry.”

“Yes you do.” He screamed making me jump back another step.

“How did you know where I live?” Trying to calm him, change the subject. I couldn’t believe this was the man that I used to love. The man I used to devote my entire life to.

“I’ve been watching you all week, following you. Waiting for the perfect time when you were completely alone.”

My heart plummeting to my feet. I should have known better than to put my guard down.

“Who are you screwing Elizabeth? Ben? Your next door neighbor? Or is it that guy that comes in your work in a fancy suit?”

“You’re being stupid Craig. I’m not with anyone.”

“Liar.” He yelled as his hand went across my face, knocking me off my feet.

Tears streaming down my throbbing cheek, “Leave me alone. I’m going to call the cops.” I said standing and trying to run past him to the phone. His arms circling around my waist he started dragging me through the kitchen and out of the door. Screaming and kicking, trying to throw him off balance it was no use. My feet kicking and scraping across the gravel driveway as he pulled me along I didn’t realize Ian was even home until I felt myself get tugged out of Craig’s grasp and into his arms. Pushing me behind him, I fell to my knees in pain.

“She is coming home with me. I am her husband. You need to stay out of it before you get hurt to.” Craig said taking a solid stance in front of Ian.

“She is not coming home with you. She is home, the divorce papers have been served.” Ian said not budging an inch from in front of me.

“You need to move out of the way. You don’t want to mess with me, or you’ll get hurt.”

“I’m terrified. Really. One problem. I’m not someone you can push around, and I’m close friends with the sheriff who should be here….” Looking down at the watch on his wrist. “In about five minutes. Now you’re welcome to stick around, we can chat a little more, maybe get arrested. Or you can turn yourself around, get in your car, and never bother her again. Sign the divorce papers and move on because she is always going to have me around.”

“You don’t intimidate me.” Craig said taking a step forward into Ian’s face.

“You will leave her alone, or she’ll be pressing charges. Do you want that sort of trouble?”

“She is mine.” His boasting starting to waiver.

“You need to get off of my property.” Ian said standing his ground, he fists clenching. Trying to stand up on wobbly legs, I immediately fell back down. Before I knew what happened, Craig took a swing at Ian, missing contact. Ian on the other hand, had Craig laid out on the ground in seconds. I knew Craig was pissed as he passed a look towards me as we both laid on the ground. Craig standing up and brushing himself off he stalked off to his car holding his jaw, blood trickling down his chin.

“If you come on this property again or anywhere near Lizzy, I will have you arrested.” Ian said watching as Craig got in his car and started to drive off.

It wasn’t like Craig to back down from a fight, unless he knew he couldn’t win. Shaking and wiping the tears from my face, blood was smeared across my feet and my cheek ached again. Turning he kneeled down beside me, putting his hand up to my cheek gently pushing back my hair that had fallen out of my pony tail.

“Are you alright?” He asked pushing the straps of my nightgown back up onto my shoulders.

Shaking my head in shock, “Yeah.” I croaked out, unable to come to terms with what just happened. “Th…th…thank you.” I stuttered out, my body shaking from not only the shock of the situation but the chilly night air.

“Let me get you inside the house and get you cleaned up. I think you’ll be okay.” He said examining my legs. Shaking my head again, I still couldn’t get any words out.

Looking into my eyes, his hand reaching up to my cheek he smiled reassuringly at me, “Everything is okay. I promise.” One arm going under my legs, the other at my back he lifted me up effortlessly walking me up and into his house.

“Cops?” I stuttered out, my body violently shaking still, now my teeth chattering.

“I lied.” He said taking two steps at a time. “I just wanted to make him think the heat was on him. Sometimes that is all it takes to scare someone away. You’re safe now Lizzy. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He said his demeanor turning rather cold towards me.

Reaching the bathroom, he carefully set me down on the edge of the tub, my feet sitting on the inside. Turning on the water the warmth was slowly circling my feet. Putting a towel over my shoulders he rubbed my arms, trying to help warm me. Looking up at him, he wore faded blue jeans and a black t-shirt. His hair falling forward, his eyes concentrating on the task at hand. Which happened to be me. Feeling like I was more of a duty than a person I grabbed his hand, forcing him to stop. “Where were you?” I asked, my words now starting to come out a little easier as my body started to warm.

“I had some business to take care of.” He said looking away from her nervously. He didn’t want to tell her that he had to get away. To clear his head. To get away from her. The emotions he was feeling for her was growing stronger. Knowing how much his brother liked her made him really want to see just how deep those feelings ran. If this girl would be worth the possible dissension between him and his brother. Coming back torn, he knew what he wanted, or rather who he wanted. “Where the hell was Ben? He wasn’t supposed to leave you.”

“I told him to go. I thought I would be alright.” I said releasing him. With a shaky hand, wiping the blood from my legs, revealing tiny scratches.

“I don’t think he’ll be back. I think his need for not wanting to land in jail trumps his need to have you back in his control.”

“I don’t know. I’m still scared Ian.” Turning and glancing into the full mirror that was hooked on the back of the door. My hand coming to my cheek, it was now bruised again. Hanging my head down low in disappointment as I saw my image. I was a mess. My nightgown dirty and tattered, my legs tore up from the gravel and now my bruise back on my face.

Taking his hand and lifting my chin up, “Don’t do that Lizzy. You fought. You were not going to go easily. You have nothing to be ashamed of.” He said looking at me sternly in the eyes, trying to convince me.

For a split second I was sure he was going to kiss me until he abruptly stood up. I’ll go get you one of my t-shirts. Turning and walking out of the bathroom quickly. Looking down at my legs I finished cleaning them off, then cleaned my face and let out the drain plug, drying my legs. I had mostly minor cuts, a few considerate gashes but I have done more damage shaving before. Coming back in, he handed my the t-shirt getting into the medicine cabinet for bandages. Leaning over me he started putting band-aids on the worst ones. “I can get it.” I said trying to pull the bandages out of his hand, trying to ignore how good he smelled.