On Steady Ground (The Walker Brother's Series) (9 page)

“Whats wrong?” He whispered a breath away from my face, holding his body weight up onto his arms.

“I’m scared.” I whispered back not wanting to give him any more of an explanation than that.

Giving me a soft kiss on the nose he smiled at me, “No need to be scared Lizzy. I won’t hurt you.”

His definition of hurt and mine I was sure was quite different. I was more worried about the emotional hurt, not the physical. I knew Ian would never physically hurt me or any woman.

Smiling back up at him, “I know.” His lips came back down on mine and this time it was softer and more careful. His hands no longer moved across my body and I was worried in two words I ruined the heat that was between us. Pulling away from him again, “Ian I didn’t mean that kind of scared. You’re hands and kisses don’t scare me.” I said looking up into his confused face.

“What did you mean then Lizzy?”

Shaking my head, “I don’t know.” I lied looking off towards the window. I had forgotten to draw the shade and if anyone was up high enough they were getting quite a show.

He knew she was lying but he wasn’t about to take her in this capacity. His resolve trickling back into his body it took all the strength he had to roll of f her perfect curves onto his back beside her. Reaching for his t-shirt discarded on the floor, he draped it over her bare chest and tried to banish the images from his head. He swore under his breath because he had never been so worked up in his life. Who is this girl? If he believed in witch craft he could swear she put a spell over him. Never before has a woman made him lose so much grip even over his own body. Her breathing evening out next to him, she was fighting to keep her eyes open. “When was the last time you slept all night?” He asked adjusting his jeans painfully.

“I don’t remember.” I said groggy, turning my body into his holding his shirt tight against my breasts. Turning to his side, he wrapped his arms around me putting his arm under my neck. I rested my head close to his shoulder still unsatisfied. Breathing in his scent, I curled in tighter my face now touching his hard chest. Now fully content, I still fought closing my eyes.

Kissing the top of my head, “Sleep now honey. Just sleep. I won’t let anyone get to you. No one will hurt you.” Closing my eyes, those were the last words I heard before falling into the deepest sleep I had been in for weeks. Sleeping even better than I did with Craig, understandably. Ian made me feel safe, unlike anyone I had ever met before.

He laid awake for a few more hours, insomnia always getting the best of him he rarely was able to sleep without medication in his body. Since he hated taking any medication, he rarely slept. He was used to it and this night he revealed in appreciation over his insomnia instead. If ever there was a time it came in handy, it was this time. He knew this moment would end when she woke up and came to her complete senses. She would probably be embarrassed and he knew she would probably hide from him until he sought her out again. So as for now he was holding her tight, staring down into her beautiful face, her cleavage just popping up from under his t-shirt still pressed tightly in between their bodies. How he wished he could fast forward into the future to see if there would be more nights like this, or if she would choose someone else. The very thought of picturing her with his brother or anyone else for that matter sent anger shooting through his body. He no longer wanted to stand back idle and let her make her decision. His mind and his heart fighting that war. He knew however, if he never wanted those doubts he had to stand back and see who she gravitated to. Who she would choose to be with. He knew his brother. His brother wasn’t going to wait around to find out. That was just as well, if she fell for his sweet talk and advances, then that wasn’t the woman for him.

He was pretty sure he dozed off for a couple of hours, opening his eyes the clock read 5 a.m. and she had not moved an inch from the last time he was coherent. His side was absolutely killing him from not moving, but he wasn’t about to move away. Not yet. He would lay here until her eyes opened up and deal with the awkwardness that was sure to ensue. No longer kids in high school he was falling for the woman lying next to him. That fact making him shiver with apprehension. It was scary enough falling for another person, but to be in this situation made it that much worse. He continued to hold her tight until her eyes fluttered open at eight, looking at me confused at first he could see the the realization of the nights events dawn upon her. Her face flushing red, she sat up to fast and squealed when the shirt fell from her chest. Unlucky for me the only thing I could see was her back. It didn’t matter I got quite the view last night.

Putting my hand to my forehead I held his shirt over myself tightly, “Owe, my head is killing me.” I said embarrassment rolling from every pore of my body. Looking back at Ian, he was now propped up on his elbows looking at me with a slight smirk on his face. “How badly did I embarrass myself Ian?”

 “You didn’t.” Shaking his head and saying nothing more.

Looking down at my mostly naked self, the memory of his lips on mine, his body against mine came back to me in a flash of images. One being of his tanned, toned body against mine. Heat flushing my cheeks once again. “I just stripped down right in front of you last night didn’t I?” I wasn’t sure why I was asking. I guess I was just begging for more punishment.

“Yes you did.” He said still laying behind me. The smirk replaced with hunger in his eyes as they swung to my bare back.

“Is this what all hangovers feel like?” I asked staring forward again at the wall.

“Depends. How do you feel?”

“Like death warmed over. A pounding headache, the room spinning a bit. Nausea nipping at my insides.”

Chuckling, his lips curved up into a smile, “Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.”

Falling back beside him I threw the pillow over my head, “I’m never getting drunk ever again.” I muffled out through the pillow.

“Say again?” Ian asked removing the pillow from her face. Even now, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.

“Never getting drunk again. Shit!” I said sitting up again way to fast again. “Craig. He was at the bar last night.” The realization striking me in the gut.

“Yes he was.”

“You showed up. How did you know?” Asking in amazement that he was able to come to my rescue, yet again.

“George swiped your phone and called the last number that called you. Which happened to be me.” He said with a note of a question to the statement.

Shaking my head and regretting it instantly, “I’m so sorry Ian. I’m sorry I haven’t called.” Trying to think of any reason to tell him other than the truth.

“It’s fine. I was worried however. Looks like I had good reason to be.”

Hanging my head in shame, “Yeah I guess you had good reason to be.” Remembering Craig pawing at me, eventually throwing me over his shoulder. Who knows where I would be right now if Ian hadn’t showed up stop him again. “I just want to say…”

“No, don’t thank me or apologize. You mean more to me now than a mere encounter.” He said unable to say more.

Turning and looking at him as he stared back at me I wanted so badly to lay back down on top of this man and kiss him again. Show him that last night my true desires came to the surface, that it had nothing to do with being drunk. Biting my tongue instead I turned again and nicely asked him to get my robe out of the closet.

“Sure.”

He said taking long strides across the room, coming into my vision. Wanting desperately to give him his t-shirt back for the simple fact that I couldn’t control myself much longer with a shirtless Ian laying in my bed. Handing me my robe he slowly walked over to the wall and picked up his cell phone. I didn’t think I could take much more embarrassment, I was wrong. Now the images of me tossing his phone against the wall coming back hazy into my head. Turning and looking up at me as he walked back I still held the robe in my lap.

“What’s wrong?” He asked walking back up to me confused.

“I did that didn’t I? I hope I didn’t break it.” I said now literally dying of embarrassment.

For the first time this morning his lips went up into a genuine smile, “No. You didn’t break it. You have a pretty good arm though.” He said flipping it on. Now laughing at the look of terror on my face. “Relax Lizzy. I don’t remember you playing ball in school, maybe you should have.” He said poking fun at me again. This time he got a smile out of me and his face lit up again as he looked in mine.

“This may not be an appropriate time to mention this, seeing that I’m still half-naked.” Still clutching his t-shirt tightly to my chest I continued on. “I may not look like I’m on steady ground, but I would really like that dinner you talked about Ian. Not right this second of course but soon.” I said looking up at him, mustering all the courage I had.

This was the last thing he expected. He was waiting to get kicked out immediately, not being questioned about a date. His heart beating back to life. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

“I mean yeah. It’s dinner. I’m not going to pretend that I’m ready for anything more because I just don’t know. But I do know that I want to have dinner. With you.” Looking up at him expectantly, he just stood staring at me. “I mean we already got the first kiss out of the way so we don’t have to worry about that.” Now fidgeting with the robe in my lap.

Laughing he sat down beside me on the bed, “How about tonight?”

Smiling, “Sure. How long does a hangover last again?”

Standing and putting on his jacket, “I recommend a couple Tylenol and some rest.”

“Hold on and I’ll give you your shirt.” I said grabbing for my robe.

Leaning down and kissing me on the cheek and leaning into my ear, “It looks better on you.” Zipping up his jacket to over his bare chest you could barely hear pans clanking around in the kitchen. “I’ll pick you up at six tonight?”

Shaking my head, “Yes. Sounds great.”

Leaning down and slipping on his boots he laced them up quickly and I enjoyed the view from the back. Leaning in and giving me another kiss on the cheek, “See you tonight beautiful.”

Watching him walk out of the bedroom door I didn’t drop the shirt until I heard my apartment door open and shut. I don’t know why all of a sudden I was so shy, it was painfully obvious that he got an eyeful of the girls. I vaguely remember him getting a handful also. Mortified at the thought but excited all at the same time. Putting my robe on I brought the shirt up to my face smelling the scent of Ian taking me back to last night all over again.

Ian thought he could make it out of the back door in the kitchen without being seen, he was wrong.

“Ian honey. How are you?” Mrs. Taylor said walking quickly in his direction.

“Always good to see you. I’m fine and you?” Now standing in front of me she looked up at me with a knowing smile.

“Oh I’m just fine. I see you and Lizzy are getting along good. That makes me so happy, she’s such a special girl. One of a kind she is.”

“You don’t have to tell me that.” He said no longer having to fake a smile.

Patting me on the arm, “And we all know how one of a kind Ian Walker is. You turned out to be such a handsome, polite young man. You really do need to stop by for lunch more often.”

Smiling in agreement, “I will Mrs. Taylor.” Making me feel like that ten year old boy again. “I’ll be picking up Lizzy tonight. Do you mind if I come in through the back door?”

“Oh dear, I don’t mind at all. You are one of the few young men that I trust. I will just let my cooks know that you may be coming and going from time to time.” She said with a hopeful look on her face.

“Thank you ma’am. I should get going I have a lot of work to get caught up on today.” Turning to walk away.

“Oh sure dear. Here have a couple of donuts.” She said boxing them up and placing them in my hands.

“Thank you.” Grabbing them and walking out before she could pump me for any more information. She was a nice lady but she did help fuel the gossip mill around town and this was going to get around rather quickly.

Laying back into the bed I waited and watched until I saw Ian walk out onto the sidewalk and down the street climbing into his truck. I could see the women stop and stare when he walked by and I hardly blamed them. It still made the jealousy boil up into my stomach and I knew I had no right. Leaning back onto my pillow dread crushed me next. How was I going to tell Grant that I went out on a date with his brother? He was expecting me to think about giving him a chance and instead I got out with his brother? I guess I really wasn’t thinking of him when Ian’s lips are pressed against mine. It was hard to think about much of anything when his lips were pressed against mine.

I laid around the rest of the day and eventually decided on the outfit I was going to wear on my first date with Ian. I wanted to look sexy but not over dress either. Not having any clue where he was going to take me, it made picking the perfect outfit difficult. It was now pushing five and I ran into the shower to get ready. Curling my long hair into waves, I slipped on my form fitting white dress that went to my mid thigh. Pairing it with white sky high heels and simple jewelery, my ensemble was complete. Looking into the mirror I had to admit this was the best I have looked in weeks. Dabbing a little make-up on my face I had just finished as there was a knock on the door. Nervous butterflies rushing through my stomach, I gave my strapless dress a pull up but it was no use. This dress was made to show cleavage and I had quite a bit to show. I don’t know why it mattered, he’s seen them anyhow. I thought still embarrassed to myself. Running out of the bedroom, “I’m coming.” I yelled, stumbling and almost breaking an ankle. Taking a deep breath I swung open the door and was face to face with the most stunning man I have ever seen. Standing in a nice black button down shirt and black slacks Ian still towered over me even in my heels. Any woman loves a man that is still taller than them, even in heels. He looked amazing.

“Lizzy you look beautiful.” He said his eyes going up and down my entire body. “These are for you.” Handing me a dozen red and pink roses.

Smiling, “Thank you Ian. You didn’t have to go to so much trouble.” Burying my face into them and smelling them deeply.

“No trouble.”

Stepping aside so he could come in, “I’ll just put these in water.” Making my way to the kitchen, leaning over and searching the cabinets for a vase.

He couldn’t help but feeling like the luckiest guy alive, just when he thought she couldn’t get more beautiful. He thought as he watched her, his body in complete torture as she was bending over. He had been waiting for this day for eight years. He had been dreaming of this girl since his junior year of high school and have always wondered about her ever since.

“Here we go.” I said standing filling a vase with water. “I thought I saw a couple left in the cabinets.” Turning and smiling, “Should I bring a jacket?” I asked wondering how chilly it was supposed to get.

He wanted to say hell no, don’t cover yourself up. “I’m not sure if you’ll need it, it’s pretty warm right now.” He wasn’t sure if it was his temperature rising or if it was the hot and steamy day working on him. “You ready?”

“Yeah, lets go.” Grabbing a small hand bag and my keys he opened the door for me, following out behind me grabbing my keys he then locked the door for me. Placing them in my hand bag, he put his hand on the small of my back helping me down the stairs. Again, could this guy be any more perfect? Do not screw this up Elizabeth. Do not screw this up. I kept chanting to myself as we made our way down the stairs. One of the cooks in the kitchen whistled at us as we were walking towards the back door.

Smiling, “Good night Gale.” I said waving to the nice older woman who had taken me under her wing training me in the kitchen.

“Good night sweetheart. You two look lovely.” She smiled, winking at us.

Walking out of the back, he walked beside me our arms barely touching as we walked through the dimly lit alley way onto the sidewalk of main street. Neither one of us saying a word, I reached down and laced my fingers through his as he glanced over at me surprised. Smiling at me he squeezed my hand tighter as we walked to his truck parked down the street. I couldn’t help but feel like we were on display as some of the customers and waitresses in the diner stared at us as we walked by the window. My only apprehension being that I didn’t want Grant finding out by word of mouth. However, I wasn’t sure I had enough courage to tell him myself. I wasn’t sure if he was going to be angry because he felt like he was losing me from some sort of competition or if he really liked me. One thing I knew for sure, I was completely falling for his brother I thought looking up into Ian’s handsome face. This wasn’t an easy situation no matter how you looked at it.

Grabbing my hand he helped me up into his tall truck and walked around sliding in himself. “So where are we going?” I asked trying to fill the silence.

“Into the city. There is this restaurant that has great food.” He said pulling out, making our way into the city. Filling the silences with fluffy chit chat, well I was filling the silence with fluffy chit chat anyhow. He listened like he always does, looking over at me smiling every once in a while in amusement.

Pulling up into a small Italian restaurant I hadn’t ever remembered seeing it before as he helped me out of his truck and onto the side walk.

“You really look beautiful Lizzy.” He said with a touch of nervousness in his voice.

It was odd because I don’t ever remember either of the Walker brothers ever being nervous about anything. It was cute and made my nerves feel a little more at ease. Walking into the restaurant he gave his name and the gentlemen walked us to a dimly lit table in the back of the restaurant. Ian pulling the chair out for me, ordered us a few drinks as I passed on the alcohol. He just chuckled as he seated himself down across from me.

“How are you feeling Lizzy? Any better?”

“Slight headache but as good as new.”

“Well you could never tell, I don’t think I have seen a more beautiful woman.” He said growing bolder as the night went on.

Making me blush, “Thank you Ian. You look quite nice yourself.” Staring into those brilliant blue eyes. The same blue eyes I used to dream about so many years ago. The same ones I dream about now. “I know you don’t want me saying anything but I want to say thank you for last night. I mean saving me from Craig. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come along. I don’t know how I keep getting myself into those situations.”

“It’s nothing your doing, guys like him think the world owes them something. They are cowards and have no business being with any sort of woman. Especially someone like you.” He said picking at the salad that had just arrived at our table.

I wanted to launch myself over the table and kiss him immediately. The man had a way of making you feel like the most special person in the world and you could tell he didn’t even realize it. We made small talk the rest of the meal and avoided talk of his brother completely, which I was grateful for.

When we were finished he came over and pulled out my chair like the perfect gentlemen he is and laced his fingers through mine. Looking up at him I still could hardly believe that I was on an actual date with Ian Walker. There were women who would kill to be in my position. Walking into the lobby area where the jackets were held I clumsily dropped my purse, bending down to pick it up he continued to hold my hand so I wouldn’t topple over in my heels. Just as I was about to stand back up I hear more people walking through the door.

“Hey little brother.” I heard a voice say, and I knew it was Grant. Cussing under my breath I stood and turned around and came out from behind Ian’s broad back. The look of shock on Grants face was undeniable. He eyes immediately going down to our hands still connected they went steely cold. I had no idea why because standing next to him was the same tall brunette I seen leaving his apartment that day I came to visit.

“Hey Grant.” Ian said squeezing my hand in comfort.

Shooting his gaze to my eyes, “Hi Lizzy. How have you been?” He asked looking mad as hell.

“Grant.” I said nodding my head. “I’ve been alright.”

“I can see that.” He said turning his face into a smile. It was evident that it was forced but I smiled back at him. I couldn’t help but notice the hussy standing next to him couldn’t seem to remove her eyes from Ian and I could feel my blood start to boil with jealousy.

“Grant.” She nudged, “You have never introduced me to your brother.” She said batting her eyes sexily as Ian gazed upon me instead. I knew he was looking to me for any sort of reaction to his brother.

“Tasha, this is my brother Ian. I think you have met Lizzy.” He said still staring in my direction.

She ignored me completely and extended her arm out to Ian bending over a bit to try to give him a close view of her rack. I never wanted to claw someones eyes out so badly in my life. Instead of taking her hand, he unlaced mine and brought his arm around my waist securely bringing me further into his side.

“Nice to meet you Tasha. We really need to get going however. You ready Lizzy?” He said pulling me closer, Grants eyes blazing with fury. Tasha’s eyes looking just as furious. I was willing to bet she didn’t get ignored by any guy to often.

“I’m ready. Bye Grant.” I said looking away as Ian said his goodbyes. Walking out I didn’t breath again until we hit the steps.

“I’m so sorry Lizzy. If I had known he was going to be here, I would have picked some where else.” He said unlatching his arm from my side and turning to look down upon me. The worry evident in his eyes.

“You couldn’t have known. Besides, it’s been over with Grant for years.” I said smiling up into his face.

“I think maybe someone should let him know that.” He said glancing through the double glass doors into the parlor where Grant stood with his date at the desk.

Turning his head back to mine I could tell that he was shutting down on me. The worry written all over his face that I was more interested in his brother than him. Placing both hands on each side of his face, I leaned up and kissed him gently on the lips. “This is where I want to be. This night has been perfect.” I said looking at the shock in his face. Wrapping both arms around me, securing them at the bottom of my back he flashed a smile that would make any woman melt and leaned down for another.

He didn’t want to look back through those glass doors but he couldn’t help it. He knew he was being a hypocrite since he to was out on a date to. Just the same the jealousy that was searing through his veins made it that much worse watching his brother kissing Lizzy. He turned away from the scene wishing he could trade his little brother places. Normally he would be happy for Ian. This time however, was different and he wasn’t ready to throw in the towel quite yet.

I have never had such difficulty pulling away from a mans kiss before. Not until Ian. Looking up at him his demeanor had changed back to his usual self.

“So you said this night has been perfect but it’s not over yet.” Winking at me as he led me back to his truck.

“Really? Where to now?” My curiosity peaked.

“You’ll see. It’s a surprise.”

Driving back into town he continued straight through and headed out onto the old familiar country road. My heart starting to pitter patter wildly in my chest I didn’t say anything until we pulled into the driveway to his farm house. “So what are we doing?” My fingers fidgeting nervously with the strap of my purse.

“You’ll see.”

Throwing the shifter in park he hopped out and came around to help me out of the truck. Going into the house, my eyes scanned the familiar room that I hadn’t seen for a couple weeks. Walking straight through, he grabbed my hand leading me out onto the back deck. Stepping through the sliding glass doors my eyes went up to the romantic sight that unfolded in front of me. Hundreds of twinkling lights strung up across the railings. Dozens of candles placed all over the glass table that was set off to the side. On the glass table were two flutes of champagne and some more roses in the middle. Strung up on the side was a hammock with a fluffy pillow on the top of it. My mouth agape, “How did you do this?”