Trust Again (2 page)

“I’m in the back.”

Jacob shrugged and took a swig of his decaf before heading back. He almost dropped the cup when he saw the same strawberry hair he’d just seen at the diner. The same hair that stole his damn coffee. He looked over at a large box that held the cup of caffeine he so desperately needed. Before he could stop himself he blabbed, “You took my coffee.”

His new client raised her head up from the book she was looking at and her blue eyes widened. “What?” She studied his face.

Right away he noticed her cute nose, high cheek bones and slightly dimpled chin. A foxy face like hers was usually one of an anorexic model, but she had the curves he preferred. Boney woman weren’t soft and he could almost imagine his hands on her lush hips. He swallowed and tried to say something that wouldn’t make him even more of an idiot than he already felt. He tried a grin. “I’m Jacob Jones, your contractor.” He held out his hand, hoping she wouldn’t laugh at him.

She narrowed her eyes and her hand went up to her ear. “Yes, I know. I called your name when you walked in.” She eyed him as if he were from another planet. “Did I hear you say something about coffee?”

Nervous about screwing up the job he hadn’t even begun, he flung over his choppy bangs, which were starting to fall over his eyes. “Nothing. So you have an idea where you want to go with the remodel?”

***

Really? They’d just met and he accused her of stealing his coffee? W
ho did her dad hire?
Ellie twirled her earring around and around as she showed him sample pictures in the scrapbook she’d put together. “And this is how I want the counter. See how the whole front is glass so it can showcase the candies?”

Jacob rubbed the dark blond stubble on his face. It looked soft over his square chin peeking through. “Uh, so this is going to be a candy shop?”

“It’s a candy and a toy shop.”

He ran his fingers through his messy, windblown-styled hair. “Okay. I think everything you’ve shown me is doable. It may take a little longer than I thought.”

She frowned. “Is that a problem? Because this isn’t the only job I had in mind for you.”

He set down his coffee and looked at her with pale green eyes. His eyes reminded her of her own. Not the color, but the pain hidden underneath. “It isn’t?”

She shook her head. “I need my apartment painted before anything gets done here. It’s cold.”

Jacob snickered. “What does the temperature have to do with the paint?”

She wished she could just do this herself
.
“Everything. I want a warm color like caramel.”

His eyes widened. “Caramel walls, sounds tasty.”

Ellie raised an eyebrow and closed her book. “Not unless you plan on eating the paint.”

Jacob shoved his hand in his jean pocket. “Give me an hour. I’ll go get some paint and supplies and start at your place. What’s your address?”

“7 Beacon Avenue apartment C.”

***

Feeling aggravated and curious at the same time, she watched Jacob turn and walk out of the shop. He was attractive, but look where that had gotten her last time. Monsters came in all shapes and sizes. Bryce’s midnight black hair and charming smile were a great cover for the man he was inside. She would never be fooled again.

Tomorrow she’d visit her dad. At least all the visible bruises had healed. One reason she avoided her dad was because once he put his comforting arms around her she might fall apart and she couldn’t. Her dad had been through enough pain from her mom leaving them when she was little. No, this burden would be all her own.

Pushing back the tears that choked her throat, she closed her eyes and envisioned her shop. A place where she’d always felt safe and happy would now not only be hers, it would carry on the family name. A name that she was more proud of than ever. Why had she thought that she needed more when she was eighteen? She remembered all the wonderful days she’d spent growing up in the toy shop. The toys were her family. Each new shipment was like welcoming a new member. Eventually they were all sold and replaced with new ones, but if she got really attached to one, her dad would let her keep it. She’d had quite the collection of dolls, stuffed animals and even action figures. When she started high school, the toys lost their magical pull for her and she developed dreams of trying life in a big city.

She opened her eyes and walked around the empty space. Soon children would fill the shop and she would hear laughter.

***

Jacob pulled his red truck up to Beacon Apartments with the supplies he would need to paint Ellie’s home. He hoped she liked the color.
In hindsight, she should have chosen the paint. Custom colors were non-refundable. He’d never been much of a painter and felt frustrated that his skills had been reduced to that of a common handyman. He rubbed his beard and sighed. He just had to take what he could get.
Suck it up, Jacob.

He reached into the back of the truck tool box and grabbed four gallons of caramel mocha paint and a plastic bag filled with a roller, brush, blue tape and a cloth tarp. The two-level apartment complex was nestled in a group of trees. Jacob glanced at the mums and thought of his mom. Fall was her favorite season. While he’d known for a year she was getting worse, it didn’t make losing his only family any easier. A squirrel ran across the lawn, bringing him back to the present. Ryan was an exotics veterinarian, so anytime he saw some sort of critter he immediately thought of him.

With full hands, he used his elbow to ring the doorbell to apartment C.

He waited a couple minutes until Ellie answered the door.

“That was fast.” She motioned him inside the empty room.

“Yeah. I knew what to grab and the store only had two choices with the name caramel. And seeing as you like coffee, I got the caramel mocha.” He snickered.

She put her hands on her hips. “Well, let’s see it, then.”

Jacob followed her over to the black, laminate countertop and set the paint down.

She looked at the dab of paint dried on top of the lid and nodded. “I like it.”

Score. “You want the whole apartment painted?”

“Yes. How long will it take?”

Jacob walked around the space, mentally calculating. “A day or two.”

She bit her lower lip. “I really was hoping you could have it finished by tonight. I have nowhere to stay and I’m anxious for you to start on the remodel.”

“You tape and it’ll go a lot faster.” Jacob pulled a roll of painter’s tape out of the bag.

Ellie’s eyes widened. “Tape?”

He grinned and nodded. “Along the baseboards and the ceiling.”

She eyed him as if to decide if he was serious or pulling her leg, then took the tape from him and walked over to the wall without a word.

He hadn’t really anticipated that move. Why did that impress him so much? Oh yeah, because Kate never lifted a finger to help him with anything.

Chapter Two

The warm, caramel mocha shade embraced her like a protective hug. The sun had gone down a couple hours ago, but Jacob continued to work until the whole apartment had been painted. Ellie pulled the last of the long, blue strips off the white trim. She balled up the tape and pushed it into a trash bag, getting a little paint on her hands.

She walked into the kitchen, where Jacob stood at the sink, washing off. His blue jean clad legs stood slightly apart and the muscles in his back were visible through his damp white T-shirt as his hand pumped the soap out of the dispenser. Her face heated up when she caught herself staring. He shut off the faucet and spun around, so she quickly went around him and turned the water back on. She concentrated on scrubbing the wet paint from her hands, hoping he’d go away soon. How could she even be thinking about a man that way after what she’d been through?

She dried off on a paper towel and watched him gather his materials. Jacob was a bit rugged, but his face was innocent and almost boyish. He was a hard worker and not much of a talker, which suited her. She had no intention of becoming friends with the man.

He walked into the living room and looked around. “Do you like it?”

Unable to hide her delight, she smiled. “I really do. Thanks for finishing tonight.”

Jacob nodded. “You’re welcome. Thanks for dinner.” Ellie had ordered a pizza. They each took a couple slices and ate in separate rooms on napkins. She’d need to get dishes and furniture tomorrow after the visit with her dad.

“No problem.”

He nodded and she noticed speckles of dried paint dotted across his nose. “You want me to be at the shop at eight in the morning?”

Ellie stood at the door, fidgeting. “You can come a little later if you want, since you worked so late tonight.”

“No, that’s okay. I’m eager to get started.” Jacob wiped his forehead with the back of his muscular arm. The man’s sexiness was hard to ignore.

All right. I’ll see you at eight.” She studied his face. “I’ll save you a cup of coffee.”

A hint of a smile tugged at Jacob’s lips. “Goodnight.”

***

Exhausted, Jacob took off his sweaty clothes and stepped into the shower. As the hot water ran down his sore muscles, he leaned against the tile wall. Steam filled the small room, relaxing him. His mind drifted to Ellie. She was quiet as a mouse and had taped that entire apartment without complaining. That had surprised him. And then the look on her face when they were finished was sweet, like she’d eaten a bite of a candy she’d craved for a long time. He sighed. Man, those hip hugging jeans with that strawberry hair pulled up in a messy knot. How long had it been?
He looked up to the ceiling.
Too long.

Feeling renewed, he stepped out onto the towel and used another to dry off his hair. He looked around at the contractor-white paint surrounding him and noticed the stark walls for the first time since he’d moved in. Her apartment felt more like a home with the walls painted, even if it was still empty.

Jacob had only moved to town a week and a half ago. But Ryan’s wife, Maisie, had furnished his apartment. She was two months pregnant and had told him it would help her overwhelming nesting instinct. So he gave Maisie his credit card to do them both a favor. Sitting down on his cherry wood bed, he ran his fingers through his wet hair. The home he had shared with his ex popped into his head and sadness hit him like a brick. Not that he still loved her, but he missed the life he was supposed to have had with her. He had thought his bachelor days were over, then she pulled his life right out from under him.

***

Ellie bolted upright. It was a few seconds before she realized it was her own scream that had awoken her from a restless sleep. She opened her eyes to the dark room, and once she comprehended where she was, her breathing steadied, returning back to normal.
It’s okay. I’m okay. I’m safe now.
She pulled the sleeping bag tight around her, imagining it was a protective cocoon.

She forced her eyes closed and saw Bryce’s mean face. Her throat felt tight, as if she were being deprived of oxygen. If her eyes weren’t already shut, she’d have felt faint. When would his face fade? How long would he haunt her dreams? Her hands went to her throat and a tear slid down her face. Even in a new place, she couldn’t escape her painful memories. She shivered and tried to sink further into the sleeping bag. The noises were different here. She heard the hum of her refrigerator. Back in
New York, outside sounds drowned out the softer inside ones. And her cries when Bryce went on one of his rampages.

***

Ellie arrived at her shop with two coffees in hand. When she saw Jacob standing at the door also holding two Styrofoam cups, her heart lightened and laughter spilled out. “Didn’t trust me to save you a cup?”

Jacob shook his head. “I wasn’t taking any chances.” He used his arm to hold open the door for her. “I did bring you one too... just in case the diner ran out again.”

They walked inside and set their extra cups down on the counter.

“Thanks.” Ellie took a sip of the liquid energy.

“Do you still like the paint color in the light of day?” Jacob raked his fingers though his long bangs.

She was sure it was the reason for her good mood this morning. “I still love it.”

He set down his coffee. “Good. Now I can get started on the shop. It’s going to get messy in here when I start tearing down drywall. If you’re going to hang around, you’ll need a mask.”

Ellie took a deep breath. “I’m not staying. I need to go see my dad.” She shouldn’t avoid it any longer.

Disappointment flickered in Jacob’s eyes right before he rolled them. “That’s good. Wouldn’t want you to get dust in that pretty hair of yours.”

Heat flushed her cheeks. “I can get dirty.” She crossed her arms. “I think I proved that last night.”

“You did.” He walked out of the shop, leaving her speechless.

Ellie stood there with her arms still crossed, one hand went to her earring. Jacob walked back into the store carrying a sledgehammer. Her hand dropped.

He looked at her with questioning eyes. “Was there something else before I get started?”

Her chin trembled. What was wrong with her? “No. I’ll come by after lunch to check on things.”

Jacob walked over the wall. “I’ll be here.” He struck the wall with such force that she jumped. In her experience, a strong man was a scary man. Bryce was strong and reminded her of it every time his hand connected with her tender flesh. She grabbed her purse and keys and fled out the door.

***

Jacob watched Strawberry Curves leave, then took out all his frustration on the wall. Demolition was great stress relief. He was angry at himself for the uncontrollable emotions stirring inside from his new client. While she wasn’t Kate, he couldn’t and wouldn’t let himself be hurt again. He was perfectly happy being a bachelor.
Just because his best friend had found the love of a great woman didn’t mean he ever would.

He grabbed a large metal trashcan from the back and started piling in pieces of drywall that scattered the scuffed floor. He’d rather be building than tearing down, but at least it was work. Soon enough he’d be building again. He’d get his life back someday. He couldn’t live in an apartment forever, bachelor or not.

***

Ellie pulled up in front of her two-bedroom childhood home. She swallowed tears of happiness and relief as she gazed at the white brick bungalow
.
She’d made it back. Now to convince her dad that she’d been great for the last seven years
.
Ellie glanced into the visor mirror to make sure there was no trace of tears in her eyes, happy or otherwise. Her fingers combed through the long strands she had curled this morning.

Satisfied with her appearance, she stepped out of her car onto the lawn. The tall oak tree still had rings around the mighty branch that had held her tire swing. Ellie placed her hand on the rough bark and closed her eyes, remembering simpler, lazier days.

The sound of the storm door creaking made her eyes open. “Ellie! Look at you!” Her dad held out his arms, which she promptly ran to.

She plastered the biggest smile she could on her face. “Hi, Dad! Long time, no see!”

After he hugged her for what seemed like forever, he let go and held her at arm’s length to get a good look at her. “Thank you for coming home.”

Ellie grinned. “It feels good to be here.” She paused to look at the same ceramic flower pot she’d made in high school. “And to see not much has changed.”

Her dad pushed his square frames up on his nose. “After being in the big city, I hope you won’t be too bored here.”

Ellie followed him inside. Every piece of furniture was the same as the day she’d left home… the same pale yellow afghan still hung over the back of the sofa, the oak coffee table she’d held onto when she was a toddler still centered in the small room. Even the same out dated TV. She looked at her dad. “I’ve had my fill of urban life. I’m ready for the stability only our town can offer.”

“I knew you’d come back some day.” He chuckled. “I had hoped it wouldn’t take seven years, but here you are.”

She forced a smile and tried to make it look as genuine as possible. “
New York was amazing. It truly is the city that never sleeps.”

Her dad yawned and rubbed his side. “Well, we get plenty of rest in our small town.”

Ellie’s fake smile turned into a look of concern. “How’s the hip?”

“Nothing to make a big deal out of. After tomorrow, I’ll be on my way to a full recovery.”

Ellie frowned, which felt much more natural than smiling. “But it is a big deal. You’ll have to be in therapy for a couple months.”

Her dad moved a newspaper off the sofa so she could sit down next to him. “I know, but it’s nothing I can’t handle now that you’re back and I know the shop will be taken care of.”

Ellie nodded. “I know how much it means to you. Are you sure you don’t want me to just run it until you’re healed?”

He shook his head. “I’m ready to hand it over. It’s time I did what old people do and find a relaxing hobby like fishing or golf.”

She laughed. “Did you hire a home health nurse yet?”

“Yes, I’m all set. May will take good care of me. Now enough about this old man. Tell me about what you’ve been doing all these years.”

Remembering the story she’d been making up, she calmly told him about how much she adored the city and the people there, but after she thought about his offer, she became homesick and knew she belonged back in Pleasant Valley. Her conscience screamed, liar, liar.

***

Ellie walked into her store and crossed her arms. Approval lit up her eyes. Jacob had the entire wall knocked down. She could see into the other space that would merge with this one, creating a much bigger shop. “Great work!”

Jacob’s blond hair was dusted with drywall powder. “Thanks.” He grabbed a push broom and started to sweep the debris into the corner.

“Let me.” Ellie held out her hand.

He raised an eyebrow and held out the broom. “I’ve never had a client so hands on before.”

“I figure you can get more finished if I help out some.” Why was he so surprised when she offered to help him? Ellie took the broom from Jacob, his fingers grazed hers, sending a pleasant sizzle through her hand that reached other places of her body she’d long forgotten about. As many times as Bryce had touched or, rather, struck her, the only feelings she could remember were fear and disgust. She swept the trash away along with her confusing emotions.

She finished and leaned the broom against the wall. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. I have to go buy some furniture.”

Jacob stopped mixing the drywall plaster. “I special ordered your glass counter. It should be in by the end of the week.”

It was really coming together. Her new life was starting. “Great! And the floor tiles?”

“That will be one of the last things I’ll install.” He ran his fingers through his bangs. “Should be a couple of weeks, maybe.”

Ellie nodded and twirled her earring, her eyes going to Jacob’s slightly opened mouth. What would it be like to kiss those lips? Her heart sped up and she sucked in a breath. She had to stop. He wasn’t worth the pain he could cause. “Good. Okay, see you tomorrow.”

He stuck his putty knife back in the bucket. “Have fun shopping.”

She left the shop and tried to think of other things besides kissing her contractor.