Chapter 8
“Sir, I do think you should go to the hospital. Get yourself checked out.”
Scott shook his head at the EMT and waved his hand toward the door. “Just get them there. Make sure they’re taken care of.”
The two gurneys rolled out behind the emergency crew and he sighed. Damn it. More problems. A supporting wall had collapsed as they’d begun work. It shouldn’t have happened. He’d checked the wall thoroughly, made sure it was safe. But something happened and two of his men had gotten hurt.
Rubbing his elbow where he’d been hit with debris, he pulled out his phone, pressed the buttons and put it to his ear.
“Jian, do you have a crew of men who I could hire for a security detail?”
He listened to his friend then gave him the short version of the story. He’d have men here in an hour. It might not be smart using members of a street gang to protect his building, but he trusted them more than anyone he could hire. Something was happening here, he just didn’t know what. Jian assured him it had nothing to do with the gangs. He believed him. But what the fuck was it?
“Okay, let’s get back to work. We need to find a way to get this beam back up and make this damn wall strong enough so the whole fricking building doesn’t fall down on us.”
The dozen men working on the first floor grabbed tools and headed toward the wall. Thank God he’d kept the job down here today. Imagine if someone had fallen through from upstairs when this wall went down. As it was his insurance premiums would go through the roof with the injured men.
They got back to work and his aching muscles screamed in protest. Screw them. He’d stay here all night until the building was safe.
An hour later the wall and beam seemed secure. He’d gotten word from the hospital that his men would be fine and were currently being released to family members. Thank God.
“Scott, what happened? Are you all right?” The click of heels warned him who it was.
No, he did not need the warrior princess here today messing with his mind. What they’d done a few weeks ago at the wedding still flashed through his memory too frequently. Luckily, she’d avoided him since then, aside from the occasional text to check on the work site.
“Get out of here, it’s not safe.”
She looked around, her expression concerned. Yeah, she should be. It was costing them money every time one of these damn screw-ups happened.
“I stopped by to check on progress and someone outside told me what happened. Are you hurt?”
Nailing in a last board, he dismissed the other men then turned to her. “I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine. You’re covered in dust and scrapes.” She pressed a finger to his arm. “Your shirt is torn.”
Looking down he noted a rip from his shoulder to his elbow. Blood soaked through the fabric. Shit, it was a new shirt too.
“I’m tougher than I look. Now get the hell out of here. I don’t want you in here while we’re still doing renovations.”
“This is my building too, so don’t tell me what to do. Why is it okay for you to be in here but not me?”
“Because I know what I’m doing and I’m not wearing a skirt with three-inch heels.”
“Then I’ll get myself a pair of work boots and you can’t kick me out. What are you going to do now?”
“I’m waiting for a security detail.”
“Security? Do you think someone did this on purpose?”
“It’s a distinct possibility. Made even stronger by the rash of other shit that’s been going down since we took on this project.”
“But why would anyone object to us renovating a building? It makes no sense. It’ll only add value to the neighborhood.”
“Your guess is as good as mine.”
“Dude, your task force is here.” Jian walked in with two large lethal-looking men.
“Thanks, man. Appreciate the quick response.”
“He’s providing the security detail?” Heather whispered behind his back.
Grabbing her hand, he walked toward the gang leader. “I’m going to assume you’ll want this gig to be off the record.”
Jian smiled coyly. “That might be best for all involved. Ms. Silva, nice to see you again.”
Her hand tightened in his, but she responded, “You too. Thank you for your help.”
“Anything for my man here.”
Turning to him, she said, “And now that you have your security detail, I can take you home and clean up some of these cuts.”
“I told you I’m fine.” The last thing he needed was Heather getting her hands on him.
“Jian”—she addressed the darkly dressed man—“does he look like he’s fine to you, or do you think he should get someone to tend to his wounds so they don’t get infected?”
A grin lit Jian’s face, damn traitor. “I think your woman might be right. Can’t have anything getting infected now. Let her take care of you and don’t worry. My men will see that nothing gets in here tonight.”
Looking around to check out the mess, he sighed. It was late and his muscles were sore. He could use a hot shower.
“You’ve got my cell. Call me if anything strange happens. Doesn’t matter what time.”
Jian nodded. After cleaning up and replacing some tools into the toolbox, he escorted Heather down the few stairs to the street level door.
“You seriously trust those guys?” Her eyes weren’t accusatory, merely curious. He appreciated that.
“I trust Jian. He trusts them. That’s good enough for me. Plus there’s nothing inside to steal except some tools and lumber. Not exactly what they deal in.”
“I don’t even want to know what they deal in.”
“Smart girl. It’s better not to know. I stay out of it as much as possible.”
“Where’s your truck parked?” Her eyes scanned the street.
“It’s a few blocks over in a lot. We haven’t cleared out the back parking lot yet. You don’t have to follow me home. I promise I’ll go there and clean up. You’ve probably got important plans for tonight.”
“Actually I don’t. Charlotte borrowed my car this morning then dropped me off at work. I took a taxi over here from my office.”
“How are you getting back home? Not too many taxis in this small town.”
She narrowed her eyes and glared, which made him grin.
“I guess I could be persuaded to give you a ride home.”
“I’ll drive. You’re limping.”
Was he? He hadn’t even noticed, though now that she mentioned it, his leg did throb, plus a few other places.
“I think I’m still capable of driving a vehicle. Thank you.”
He was capable of a whole lot more than that. Remembering how she’d practically thrown herself at him after the wedding had his pants growing tight. Her whimpered admission that he was more efficient than her vibrator had worked him up so much it had taken every ounce of control he had and then some not to screw her right against the wall that second. But she’d gotten her rocks off. He’d gotten a sleepless night watching her naked form next to him on the bed.
When they got to his truck, she moved toward the driver’s side. Opening the door, he allowed her to get in, a smirk on her face, then slid in after her.
“No, get in the other side. I’m driving,” she argued.
“Not in my truck you aren’t, princess.”
* * * *
Damn, the man was stubborn. Heather pushed over on the worn leather, lifting her skirt to help her get past the stick shift in the middle. Scott scooted in behind her, slamming the door.
“I know you live in the same town as Jack and Callie, but you’ll have to give me directions since I’ve never been there.” Turning the key in the ignition, he started the car.
“We’re going to your place so I can tend to your wounds.”
“I told you I’m fine. I’ll take a shower and it’ll clean up all the dirt and germs. Unless you were planning on scrubbing my back for me?”
“I’m more concerned about your arm and shoulder. How do you plan to bandage that yourself? It looks like it’s still bleeding.”
His silence was like a win for her. As he drove, she studied him. Even covered in dust and debris he was still gorgeous. The loose waves of brown hair called out to her to push them off his forehead. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, showcasing the muscles of his forearms. Muscles honed to perfection by real work, not some gym equipment. His hands clenched the wheel, indicating his stress level. Because she was here, or the incident at the site?
As he reached down to shift, his bruised and scraped knuckles stood out against his tanned skin. “Does this hurt?” She softly brushed the torn flesh.
“Stings a little. I’ll let you kiss them better once we get to my place if you feel the need.”
His knuckles weren’t all she’d like to kiss. Partners. You’re partners. Business and romance don’t always mix well. Remember that.
Keeping her thoughts to herself, she remained silent the rest of the way. They pulled into an apartment complex and he turned off the truck.
“I’ve got to warn you I’m not the neatest housekeeper in the world. I don’t even remember if I made my bed this morning.”
“As I don’t plan on using your bed, it’s not a problem.”
His eyes glowed. “Then why’d you come back with me? Don’t tell me my injuries, because I don’t think they’re all that life threatening.”
Why had she insisted? They hadn’t seen each other or spoken since the wedding a few weeks ago. The wedding where she’d had way too much to drink.
Scott opened the door on her side then walked beside her up to the front entrance. Her mind couldn’t get rid of the images she had of them together. But what was from the wedding and what were her memories of Vermont? They definitely kissed at the reception, but after that it was fuzzy. Scott kissing her against a wall, skimming her dress down her body played vividly in her mind. His head between her legs. Yeah, that was one that kept her awake at night, trying to recall if it had happened, or if it was only her imagination.
But when she’d woken the next morning, he’d been up, showered and dressed already, and hadn’t said a word. There’d been no condom wrappers. She’d looked, and she hadn’t been sore down there. But she had been naked.
“I usually take the stairs since I only live on the third floor, but we can take the elevator in consideration of your shoes.”
“I can do three flights of stairs in these, wise guy. I’ve been wearing heels practically my whole life. My mother trained me early how to walk in them.”
“By all means.” He steered her toward a door. At the bottom, he grinned at her and said, “Want to race?”
“Walk in them, funny boy, not run.” But by the top of the third flight it was apparent she should have taken the elevator. She’d do it on the way down. Which should be soon since watching his ass all the way up three flights of stairs had sent blood flowing to parts she shouldn’t think about right now.
As he unlocked his door, she took in the hallway, then the apartment. Nice. Not too fancy or upscale but certainly clean and homey. One large room housed several areas. Kitchen behind a half wall, dining area in front of it. The living area had a couch, a few comfy chairs, and a large screen television. Of course. If she recalled, Scott was a big sports fan. A few open doors near the furthest wall were most likely bedroom and bath.
“I’m going to jump in the shower and clean all this dust off. Feel free to check the fridge for a drink. I know I’ve got beer but there should be some juice or soda also.” He moved toward one of the doors then paused. “Unless you want to join me.”
Damn his cocky grin. And the adorable dimple in his chin that made her want to kiss it.
“As tempting as that is, I’ll pass. Come out when you’re done. I’ll patch you up. Where’s your first aid kit?”
“In the bathroom. I’ll bring it out when I’m done.”
Slipping off her shoes and dropping them on the floor, she waited a few moments after the shower started up then peeked into the other room. His bed had actually been made, though it looked more like he’d simply thrown his comforter over the sheets and smoothed it out. No accessories or designer pillows like she had in her bedroom. A hamper in the corner was full, with several items hanging off the side, like they were trying to escape the smell. Although she hated to admit it, she kind of liked the way he smelled. Earthy and clean even when he’d been working. Unlike so many of the overly cologned men who existed in her circles. Well, her parents’ circle. She still got dragged into it often enough, but she’d been trying to slowly extricate herself for years.
The shower stopped so she hustled out of the bedroom and moved to the kitchen. His refrigerator was stocked with food that she never would have imagined for a single guy. Vegetables, meats, cheeses, some condiments she’d never used before. What was she expecting? Beer and pizza boxes? Yeah, kind of.
“Here’s my bandages and stuff. It’s not exactly hospital grade but it’ll have to do.”
Lord almighty. Standing there in front of her was a god risen from the sea. Scott, wrapped in only a black towel, as water dripped down his leanly muscled chest into the terry cloth. His hair had been rubbed so it was only damp but the waves stood up, begging to be smoothed down by her hands alone.
“Where do you want me?”
In bed. In the shower. Against the wall. On the kitchen counter. Her mind had too many places she’d like him. Instead she said, “Why don’t you sit in one of the chairs?”
Moving to a dining room chair, he settled then handed her the box filled with medical supplies. She took a deep breath as she sifted through it. Mostly to give herself time to adjust to the slick skin in front of her.
“Let me start on the shoulder. It’s kind of deep and still bleeding a bit.”
He adjusted so she could get at the shoulder then cricked his neck. “I might have gotten hit with some of those bricks a little harder than I thought.”
“See, you should have gone to the hospital.”
Looking up, he grinned, sending her heart fluttering. Damn heart needed to stay calm.
“But the hospital doesn’t have nurses who have as much tenderness and care as you.”
Tenderness and care. Like that had ever been her style.
“You’re full of horseshit, Holland. Now keep still while I bandage you up.”
Her hands tingled as they touched his skin and she tried to be gentle. She didn’t have a whole lot of experience with injuries, but it was mostly common sense. When his shoulder was finished she stood in front of him, glancing at the rest of him.
“Looking for something special?” he teased.
“Where else you need tending.”
“Hmm, let me think where else it hurts.” His eyes lowered to his crotch and she couldn’t keep her own eyes from focusing on the bulge under the towel.
“You’ve got some scrapes on your shin.” Let him think that’s what she’d been staring at. Lowering herself to kneeling, she dabbed cream on them, studiously avoiding the glimpse of his strong thighs under the towel. She wouldn’t even think about what else was under that towel. Not if she wanted to keep her sanity.
Picking up one hand, she rubbed some antiseptic on his battered knuckles. “How did these get banged up?”
“When the wall started coming down I automatically covered my head with my hands. And then a few of the guys were under the building material so I started digging it off them. Probably got scratched up worse then.”
Leaning over him, she began to press a cotton swab to some of the cuts on his face. His eyes dipped to the opening of her blouse.
“Looking for something special?” She parroted his earlier words.
“Most definitely. Everything on you is pretty damned special.”
Thinking about the last time they’d seen each other, she straightened and took a deep breath. “Um, about the night of the wedding.”
His lips pursed. “Yes.” Damn, he was enjoying her discomfort.
“Did we…um?”
“Did we what?” He was going to make her say it.
“I mean, I woke up naked, but I didn’t see any condoms.” A terrifying thought entered her head. “Unless you didn’t use any.” God, could he have been that irresponsible?
“Calm down, Xena. I didn’t use any because we didn’t have intercourse. I don’t have sex with unconscious women, or women who are rapidly heading in that direction, no matter how much they come onto me.”
Relief surged through her. Relief he hadn’t done it or that she hadn’t missed it?
“I fell asleep?”
“Or passed out. Who knows.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Sorry that we didn’t have sex?”
Those stupid images swirled through her mind again. “Well, I do remember…something.”
“What do you remember?” His eyes grew mischievous.
“You…me…and a wall. And that whole naked thing. Mostly images.”
“You asked me to help you get ready for bed. You were a little tipsy so I figured I’d better.”
“And you put me in bed naked? You didn’t think to check for pajamas?”
“You didn’t really let me. You had other things on your mind.”
Heat crawled up her body, rushing through her cheeks. “There are a few other memories slipping in.”
“Like?” He pulled her hips so she stood in the V of his legs. Damn towel was in the way.
His nose nuzzled in the neckline of her blouse causing her nipples to harden. Shit, why was her reaction to him this powerful?
Averting her gaze, she shrugged. “Nothing important.”
Flicking open one of her buttons, he whispered, “Like sucking your nipples. Do you remember that?”
God, yes, she did.
“My face in your ass, licking your luxurious skin?”
A tiny noise squeaked from her mouth before she could stifle it. So that hadn’t been her imagination.
A few more buttons came undone. She was powerless to stop him, not with the memories of what they’d done, what he’d done, flashing like a porn flick across her vision.
“And the highlight of my night.” His hands crept up her thighs, slipping under her skirt to tease the edges of her panties. “My head between your legs. Mmm.”
“I’d had too much to drink.”
“Yes, you did, but you also insisted on a happy ending. Quite adamant about it. I aim to please.”
How could she get herself in such a predicament as to not fully remember that? Or even allow it to happen. Her cheeks burned.
“A gentleman wouldn’t have mentioned that.”
“You brought up the subject and, let’s face it, who ever said I was a gentleman?” He proved this by stroking his tongue up her collarbone then down into her cleavage while his fingers clenched on her ass.
Pushing at his shoulders, she made a half-hearted attempt to move away.
“You’re not drunk now,” he pointed out. “Or asleep. Care to try again, this time with all your faculties intact?”
“No, I’m not drunk, which means I have more sense about me.” She pushed away with more strength and conviction this time.
Sighing, he stood up, his towel dangling low on his narrow hips. Her willpower was slipping.
“Yes, you do. More’s the pity. Let me get dressed. I’ll make us some dinner.”
“You don’t have to,” she objected. Getting away from him would be the smart thing to do right now.
“Let me repay you for the nursing services. It’s the least I can do.”
She nodded not sure she had the strength to do anything else. Except watch him walk toward his bedroom, his sculpted back ensuring she couldn’t look away. He pulled the towel off before he shut his door. Shivers racked her body at the amazing muscles of his backside. Slumping into the chair he’d vacated, her thoughts went back to what he’d said. About not being a gentleman. Bullshit. Apparently she’d been all over him. She knew her reaction to him and she had no doubt with that much wine in her, she’d done some stupid shit. But aside from pleasuring her, he hadn’t done anything for himself. She’d been totally drunk. He could easily have taken advantage of her and he hadn’t.
The truth was, in absolutely every way, he was a gentleman. And that just made her want him more.