25

 

Waiting on the traffic light Cali unbuttoned her white work blouse further than was decent. With the temperature outside flirting with the triple-digits, the ancient air-conditioning in the restaurant had struggled to cool the dining area. The kitchen had been sweltering. Inching forward in line, she flipped her ponytail over the back of the seat. Her clothes stuck to her. A shower sounded like heaven. She wondered how Jarek felt about eating in the nude. The light turned and she sighed at the slight breeze moving provided.

Pulling up in front of the house, she leaned over to retrieve the socks and shoes she had shed as soon as she’d gotten in the Jeep. She froze. A woman walked around the corner of the house. What was it with people just strolling into their yard uninvited? Cali’s eyes narrowed as the redhead leaned down to pull a weed from the bed of hostas. Wiping her hands on the seat of her sage capris, she stepped up on the covered porch. When she peeked in the window Cali had seen enough.

“See anything you like?” she snapped as she slammed the Jeep door.

The woman whirled. “Sweet Jesus! You scared me, girl.”

“Get the hell out of here before I call the cops.”

“There’s no need for that. Please. You must be Cali. I’m Jarek’s mother.” The older woman held out her hand. “Meg Murphy.”

Cali hesitated, wiping her hand on her pant leg before accepting the greeting. “I’m sorry. You look too young to be Jarek’s mother.”

“Aren’t you sweet? I’ll have to chalk it up to good genes and a great moisturizer,” she said, revealing twinkling blue eyes as she pushed her sunglasses up on top of her head. “I’m really sorry I startled you.”

“Um … that’s okay. I didn’t mean to be a bit—rude.”

“I’d be the same way if I saw some crazy lady peeking in my windows,” Meg said, waving the apology away with a laugh. “Is my boy going to be home soon?”

“He should be home in a half an hour or so,” Cali said, checking her phone for the time. “Why don’t you come in?”

“If you’re sure you don’t mind. It is a scorcher today. It’s hotter up here than it was when I left Florida.”

“I feel bad for Jarek working out in it,” she said, unlocking the door. Her blouse caught on the door handle and she blushed, trying to button it with one hand. “Shit. Sorry. I don’t usually drive around half-dressed.”

“You’re fine, honey. Like we said, it’s a scorcher.”

Holding open the door, Cali ushered her inside. “It feels a lot better in here.”

“My Lord. This looks worlds different. I can’t believe how much he’s done since the last time I was here,” Meg said, head on a swivel.

“Jarek’s really amazing. Before … most nights he comes home from working all day and puts in another three hours or more here,” Cali said, stumbling over her words as she hurried through to the kitchen. She put her purse on the island “Can I get you something to drink? Water, pop, lemonade?”

“Before the attack?”

She twisted her purse strap around her fingers. “How do you know about that?”

“I still have a lot of friends here. One works in the billing department at the hospital. Maybe it’s not exactly legal, but she was worried when she saw Jarek’s name.”

“If it would’ve been serious … any more serious than it was, I would’ve called you.”

“But as it was, that was up to Jarek and I know how stubborn and prideful he can be. How is he healing up?”

Cali opened the refrigerator. “Can I get you anything?”

“Lemonade would be lovely.”

She poured two. “He’s getting there. His hard head is fine. His ribs are taking a little longer.”

“Did he miss much work?”

“Not enough. Just two days plus a weekend.”

Meg sighed. “Those knuckleheads better be looking out for him.”

“He said they are. You wouldn’t believe how many of them showed up over the weekend to help him put up the new garage,” Cali said, gesturing toward the backyard.

“Don’t tell them I said so, but they’re a good bunch of guys.”

“They seem like it. Other than that, I’ve been trying to make sure that he takes it easy around here at night until the ribs heal. Luckily, we had finished most of the main floor before it happened.”

Meg turned to look back through into the dining and living room. “I can’t believe what he has done with this place. He had it tore down to the studs and was living like a squatter last time I was here.”

Cali laughed at the description. “I can’t say I’m sorry I missed the space heater and cold water part of the renovation.”

“He said he has lived in worse. A mother’s heart doesn’t want to imagine that, but I’m proud of him.” Meg blinked. “I’m sorry. Don’t mean to get weepy on you. I don’t like to think about the things that Jarek went through before he came to live with us. They either make me want to cry or kill someone. Usually both.”

“He was lucky to end up with you.” Cali turned at the sound of Jarek’s truck out back. “And there he is.”

“I should have asked, did you two have plans for this evening? I popped in unannounced. I don’t want to ruin anything you might have going on.”

“No. After working in this heat, he’s going to want to kick back and relax. I’m sure he will be thrilled to see you. Maybe not so thrilled that his secret got out.”

Jarek stepped out of the new garage, bare-chested, ripped jeans hanging low on his hips. He looked beat. Yanking her attention away from the window, she hurried to unlock the back door.

“You’re still in your uniform,” he said in surprise and leaned in for a kiss. “I was really hoping for the booty shorts.”

She slapped his chest. “Your mom is here!”

“Maybe not the booty shorts then,” he said, looking over her head. “Hey, Mom.”

“Hey, ornery. And please, Cali, get comfortable.”

“I’ll take care of this and change,” she said, taking Jarek’s lunch box and sweat soaked t-shirt.

She pitched the funky shirt into the washer and slipped past Meg back into the kitchen. Mother and son’s voices floated behind her.  

“Do I get a hug?”

“I’m not sure you want one until I get a shower.”

“I’ve hugged smelly construction workers before. Get over here.”

Cali grinned as she shut her door. She liked Meg. She was sweet and blunt. Ditching her uniform, she spritzed herself with body spray. The shower was going to have to wait. Jarek was going to need one. Dinner still needed to be started. She frowned standing in front of her closet. Booty shorts were out. Naked dinner was out. Her hand landed on her other pair of cut-offs and hesitated. She’d already undoubtedly made a hell of a first impression. She should try to repair that if there was any chance of things working with Jarek. He held Mrs. M’s opinion in high regard. A pair of light khaki capris and a tank top would have to do.

Jarek was leaning against the front of the sink when she came back out. Mrs. M had reclaimed her barstool and was sipping her lemonade while he told her about the garage.

“You told me about the storm damage last time we talked. You’ve been awfully quiet since then.”

“I’ve been busy with …” he hesitated, gaze shooting to her before going back to his mother. “You know, don’t you?”

“I do, and don’t blame Cali.”

“Like anyone could withstand your interrogation techniques.”

“I didn’t do it,” Cali said, picking up her lemonade and joining him in front of the sink. “She has other spies.”  

“I wouldn’t have blamed you if you did. Guantanamo could benefit from learning her brand of badgering and Irish mama guilt.”

Mrs. Murphy burst into laughter at the unflattering description. “You poor boy.”

Jarek grinned, winking at his mom. “I felt bad until I realized that not even Mr. M could hold out. And he was the toughest man I’ve ever known.”

“That he was,” she said with a nod. “And you are his son, blood and legalities be damned.”

“That means a lot.” There was a moment of silence, somehow not awkward. Jarek reached across Cali to open the refrigerator and take a look. “You’re staying for dinner, right? We’re grilling chicken.”

“You’re taking a shower first,” Cali said, wrinkling her nose and slipping out from under his arm.

“I’ll discuss that with your pretty girlfriend while you go wash the stink off.”

“We have plenty,” Jarek said, playfully lifting his arm toward Cali again.

She ducked away, pulling the neckline of her shirt up over her nose. Meg laughed again.

“Go. Quit teasing Cali, ornery boy.”  

“You got this?” he asked, quirking a brow toward his mom.

“I can handle it,” Cali reassured him.

“All right. You ladies behave. No talking about me,” he said, heading for the bathroom.

“Like we can’t come up with something more interesting to talk about!” Cali called after him.

“Behave!”

She snickered as the door closed. Checking the contents of the refrigerator herself, she said, “We really do have plenty.”

“Then if you don’t mind, I would love to stay.”

“I don’t mind at all,” she said, as she pulled potatoes out of the cupboard. “We use the grill a lot, and that’s Jarek’s thing.”

“Is there something I can do to help?”

“No. I’m just going to scrub up these potatoes and slice them. Jarek seasons them with olive oil, garlic salt, pepper, and celery salt then grills them.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

Cali glanced back at the older woman. “You probably already know that. Did he get the recipe from you?”

“He did,” Meg confirmed, still smiling.

“You know, I’m not his girlfriend. We’re roommates”

“Maybe you haven’t been together long enough to toss around titles, but that man definitely thinks of you as more than a roommate.”

Unsure of what to say to that, she focused on the potatoes.

“Did the police find the men that jumped Jarek?”

From bad to worse. Cali glanced toward the bathroom door. How long did it take to shower?

“I’m sorry. Is that another topic that makes you uncomfortable?”

“No. I mean … that’s fine. It’s just that …” Cali hung her head. How in the hell did she tell his over protective, fiery tempered mom that she was the reason Jarek had been jumped?

“Someone that you know?”

Damn, the woman was good.

“Someone that we both know. It was a misunderstanding.”

The words sounded weak. She really wished Mrs. Murphy had saved these questions for Jarek. So much for improving the initial impression.

“Let’s try a safer topic. What do you do, Cali?”

“I’m a waitress.”

“No wonder those shoes were off in your car. That’s a pain I can sympathize with. I waited tables for over thirty years.”

“Damn. I’m going on three and already wondering what else a high school diploma will get me.”  

“A diploma alone won’t get you anything. It takes hard work and a little luck.”

Cali snorted in amusement, nodding as she shook water off a potato. “Work, I’m not afraid of. Luck is one thing that doesn’t come my way too often.”

“You sound like Jarek.”

“You flatter me. He has his shit together. Though, I have to say that climbing through his fence that night was lucky.”

“Who says procrastination doesn’t pay?” Jarek said from the large doorway. “If I had fixed that board we wouldn’t have met.”

“Uh huh. And I bet there are moments you’re kicking yourself in the ass.”

“Not true,” he said, running the towel over his head one more time before he tossed it into the laundry room. Smoothing his hair, he wondered over to kiss the side of her neck. “Ready for me to light the grill?”

She hunched a shoulder at the brush of his lips. “Please. The chicken is ready to go on. I just need to finish these potatoes.”

“Come check out my new garage, Mom. The old man would’ve loved it.”

Cali blew out a slow breath as the screen door slammed. What in the hell was she doing playing house? She should have claimed to have errands to run or something and left mother and son alone to catch up. She watched them walk across the grass. Jarek’s head was bent to listen intently. Cali’s unease deepened as they disappeared through the walk-in door to the garage. What were they talking about?

The knife slipped, slamming down on the cutting board. Her heart hammered. Wiggling her fingers to make sure all the digits were still there, she forced herself to focus on finishing the last spud. She’d known since the first spark between them that the chances of anything working out between her and Jarek were slim and none. His mom’s visit would probably just speed things along.

Seeing Jarek and Meg coming back across the yard, she met them at the back door with the chicken and potatoes. He tried to catch her eye.

“I’m going to throw together a salad,” she said, ducking back inside.

She managed to stay busy until the food was done. If their first dinner at the dining room table had been bizarre, having a guest raised the stakes.

“So, what’s next?” Mrs. Murphy asked.

“Uhh … finishing the master bath is next. The toilet is in. The shower is ready for tile and glass. I haven’t bought the vanity or tub yet. Everything is roughed in. Things are kind of on hold right now.”

“On hold because of your health or finances?”

Jarek shrugged. “A little of both. I want to see what the medical bills look like before I go any further. The garage wasn’t planned. At least not yet. But with the insurance money from the tornado damage, it just made sense to move it up the priority list.”

“I can help.”

Jarek was shaking his head before his mom got the words out. “I’m good. I have some in savings. I’m just trying to leave that alone for the winter months. I’ve told you before, I’m not in a big yank here. There’s no pressure. I work on it when I want.”

“Things are a little different now. It’s not just you,” Meg said looking right at her.

Jarek met her gaze too. His expression was apologetic, but his head was still shaking.

“Cali understood when she moved in that this place is a work in progress. The main living space is habitable and mostly furnished. The other two floors will come as I get to them.”

“It doesn’t bother me. I like helping with what I can. And I’m paying rent now, so maybe that will help loosen things up,” Cali said, hoping to defuse the growing tension.

“At least let me help with the hospital bill.”

“I have insurance. I was in one night, and I only missed two days of work. Trust me. I’m just being cautious. You always told me to pay before you play. I follow that advice religiously.”

Meg shook her head, a small smile chasing away some of the tension. “Have I told you lately how proud I am of you?”

Jarek’s cheeks darkened under his tan.

“I’m going to take that blush as a no,” she said, the smile slipping. “My husband wasn’t very good at expressing the softer emotions, but that is no excuse for me not letting you know how proud we are of you. Both of us. I don’t know if you will believe me, but Mike loved you. And if he could see you now.” She shook her head. “He would’ve liked the way Cali put it. You have your shit together. Any parent would be proud of the man that you’ve become.”

“If I do then it’s because of you and Mr. M.”

“We might have set your feet on the right path, but you’re putting in the work to make the journey.”

“Thank you,” he said, clearing his throat.

“And I’m awed by the work you’re doing here. You’re taking your time and making it a home to be proud of. Don’t let us women rush you.”

“I won’t.”

“We laughed that he wouldn’t have been able to do things in the order he has if he’d had a woman to answer to,” Cali said, grinning at Jarek.

“Mother Nature is the only one I’ve listened to so far,” he said with a chuckle.

“She can be persuasive,” Mrs. M said with a twinkle in her blue eyes.

“That’s a nice way of putting it.”

When talk turned to the guys Jarek worked with, Cali let her mind check out. It had been a long day. All she wanted was a shower and to curl up with Jarek and tell him about the drama. She froze, fork halfway to her mouth. Where was Meg sleeping tonight? She glanced at Jarek, but he was engrossed in a story about one of the guys wanting to open a bar. Her gaze wandered to the sectional couch. It folded out into a queen size bed. Or there was Jarek’s air mattress upstairs. She twirled her fork. He wouldn’t sleep in her bed with his mom under the same roof. Would he?

“Let me help with the cleanup and dishes, sweetie,” Meg said, interrupting her bouncing thoughts.

“Oh! No. That’s okay. You and Jarek catch up,” she said hastily. Where had the time gone?

“Nonsense. You’ve been on your feet all day. I know how that is.”

With three people and a dishwasher, the cleanup didn’t take long. She lagged behind when Meg followed Jarek upstairs to see the progress on the master bathroom. She straightened the chairs at the table. Would it be rude to leave them to visit and go take a shower? Had Meg brought a bag? Stepping to the window she craned her neck to see if there was anything on the front porch. The Jeep still sat on the street, windows down. She groaned.

“Babe, I’m going to take the Jeep to drive Mom back to her friend Sandy’s. I’ll put it in the garage when I get back,” Jarek said, coming back down the stairs.

A small sigh of relief slipped through her lips and she smiled. She could really get used to being called babe. “Yeah. Okay. Thank you. I was just thinking I needed to go put the windows up.”

“I’ll get them.”

“Thank you again for dinner, Cali. It was wonderful and so nice to meet you.”

“It was nothing. I made Jarek do all the hard work,” she said with a little laugh. “Um … it was nice to meet you too. I’ve heard a lot about you. It was good to put a face to the stories.”

“Don’t believe everything he says. I wasn’t that bad.”

“Jarek only tells good stories about you. I promise,” she said, following them to the door.

Meg prodded Jarek’s side. “Keep this one. She has your back.”

“That she does,” he agreed, shooting her a wink. “I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.”

Standing on the porch, she watched Jarek help his mom into the Wrangler’s passenger seat. Meg’s laughter rang out in the quiet night air as they pulled away. She liked the woman. Jarek had hit the foster jackpot on his last spin. Mrs. Murphy really loved him. It had to be a great feeling. She’d seen him swallow hard when his mom had said that she was proud. She nodded to herself. It had to be an awesome feeling.

A vehicle slowing pulled her from the feel-good memories. Warm and fuzzy was replaced by a chill at the sight of the mini-van. Benny’s gaze crept over her like a physical touch. She glared as he rolled by, but reached behind her to grip the door handle. The moment he was past, she backed inside. Her hands shook as she turned the locks. What the fuck did he want? Did he know Jarek wasn’t there? Had he been watching the place?

The thought sent another chill down her spine and made her break into a run. Her bare feet slapped against the floor as she skidded into the mudroom. She locked the back door. Rubbing her arms, she retreated to the kitchen. The thought of taking a shower while Jarek was gone no longer seemed appealing, or even smart. She peeked out the window over the sink, looking for the glow of headlights in the alleyway.  

Chewing her lip, she went back to the front of the house, pressing close to the window to search the dark street. There was no way that she believed the ass had just happened down their street. Was he trying to intimidate her? Why now? Her foster drama had been quiet since her talk with Lucky. He’d said he’d handle it. Was that why she was now getting the creepy drive-by?

Lights flashed at the corner. Her heartbeat picked up. The familiar squeal of the belt made her stomach do flip-flops. Her hands clenched, missing her trusty softball bat. She thought about Jarek’s gun. The van crept by so slowly she could see Benny in the glow of the streetlights. He blew her a kiss.

Hands shaking, she dug her phone out of her pocket. Jarek had said he’d be back in a few minutes. It had been longer than that, hadn’t it? Should she call him? Should she call Lucky? Her nose pressed against the glass as she searched the street again. No. What were they going to do? The piece of shit was just messing with her. As long as he stayed in his vehicle there was nothing they could do.

She moved to another window for a better angle. Was he just trying to scare her? It was working. Why now? Had something happened? Mindy’s face flashed in her mind’s eye. Had Amy taken her warnings seriously? Benny had warned her here in the yard that if there was any more trouble, he’d be back. He’d be back and Jarek wouldn’t always be here. Her breath hitched painfully. Like now.

Ears straining for the squeal of the loose belt, she hurried into the living room and opened the small cubby hidden in the sectional. Designers might have thought it a nifty place for remotes, but it concealed a holstered nine-millimeter nicely. Drawing in a shaky breath, she slid the black gun free. Turning it toward the light she looked for the safety switch they talked about on TV.  She didn’t see anything that looked like that. Swallowing hard, she studied the weapon. There was a lever to pull back like on toy guns. Was that all there was to it? Cock it and pull the trigger? She bit her lip. Now was a hell of a time to be wondering.

The slam of a door outside made her jump. Holding the gun carefully, she tiptoed to the edge of the window. The street was quiet. The back door rattled. Her heart slammed painfully in her chest. Keeping close to the wall, she moved slowly in that direction. She looked down at the gun. Should she cock it now? What if she was wrong about what she needed to do to fire it? Would it be enough to scare Benny off? She licked her lips. That depended on how drunk he was.

The door opened. She straightened, watching the doorway between the mudroom and the kitchen. Bringing the gun up with both hands, she held her breath. Keys jangled. The click of the lever sounded loud.

“Cali?”

She nearly dropped the gun in relief. Jarek’s voice had never sounded so good.

“Ye … yeah,” she managed.

He came around the corner and stopped cold, eyes dropping to the gun.

“Are you okay?”

“Benny keeps driving by the house,” she whispered.

Understanding dawned. “Okay. It’s okay. Can I have that?” he asked, pointing to the gun in her shaking hands.

It felt so heavy. Carefully pointing it down, she let him take it from her. Her shoulders slumped in relief and she slid down the wall. Hugging her knees, she rocked slightly.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” he repeated, squatting down beside her.

“I don’t know what is wrong with me. He kissed me and I just freaked out,” she whispered.

“He what?” Jarek asked sharply.

“He puckered up when he drove by and like blew me a kiss and I let it scare the hell out of me.”

His arms went around her. “I’m home now. The sick fucker is just messing with your head, babe. It’s going to be okay.”

She pressed her nose against the side of his neck, feeling his arms tighten. Maybe if he said it enough times she would believe him. It was going to be okay. Something thudded softly against the floor beside them and she looked over. The gun taunted her.

“If I’d pulled the trigger would I have shot you?”

Jarek nodded. “You’d have shot something. The way your hands were shaking, it might have been me.” 

“I didn’t know what I needed to do. I … didn’t see anything that looked like a safety.”

“That model doesn’t have one.”

“I didn’t … I’ve never …” She shook her head and shivered, looking toward the front windows.

“I’ll show you,” he said, kissing above her ear. “It’s going to be okay.”

“Why now?”

Jarek shook his head. “Either something happened to rattle his chain, or he thinks we’ve let our guard down. The thing is, you don’t have to play nice with the sick bastard anymore. Be aware when you’re out. If he shows up here, I’ll deal with him. If I’m not here, call the cops. He has no power over you, Cali.”

“Then why did I let him freak me out?”

“Cut yourself some slack. You didn’t curl up and cry. You got ready to fight. I’m proud of you.”

“Even though I almost shot you?”

“But you didn’t.”

“Only because you said my name,” she admitted, the sick feeling in her stomach threatening to crawl up the back of her throat.  

“I thought something was off when the back door was locked, but then I thought maybe you were in the shower. When I didn’t hear the water …” He shrugged.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. I’ll show you the basics and then we’ll go to the range this weekend. Extra fireworks for the fourth.”

“Are you sure you want to teach me to shoot?”

“It was stupid of me not to ask if you knew how to use it. That’s how people get hurt.”    

Headlights playing across the front windows made her shiver again. “I really am sorry.”

“There you go with the really again,” he teased, hugging her tight. “I’m here. Everything is okay. Why don’t you go ahead and get a shower? You’ll sleep better.”

“Then you’ll show me?” She gestured toward the gun.

“I promise.”

“Are you … uh … are you sleeping down here.”

“If you’re inviting me to sleep in your bed tonight, I’d love to.”

She smiled, nodding. He could be such a sweetheart. “Thanks.”

“Get a shower. And thank you for how great you were with Mom. She loves you.”

“I doubt that. Did you re-lock …”

He was nodding and nudging her toward the bathroom before she could finish.

“You’re safe.”

He kissed the back of her neck and she leaned back into the hands on her shoulders for a moment.

“Thank you.”

He kissed her nape again and pushed her gently through the door.