As they drove back to her apartment, Armand studied Lucy’s profile in the dim light of the cab. She was as beautiful as he remembered. Her hair was longer and a different colour, but he liked it. She wore less makeup as well. Now it was lightly applied, and he could see the real her. Well, most of her. The glasses she wore didn’t suit her at all.
She must have noticed him studying them, for she reached up and adjusted them on her nose.
“You wear glasses now.”
“The head injury did something to my vision; everything is blurry without them.”
He cocked his head. “That frame is unbecoming to you.”
“You’re a fashion critic now?”
“No. But I know what looks right on you and what doesn’t.”
“Well, this is the look I want. I’m not trying to be a fashion plate.” She folded her arms and turned her face away as if absorbed in the passing scenery. The angle of her head revealed the scar at her temple, a reminder of the injury that had nearly killed her.
It made him think of the pain and terror that must have filled her when she was attacked. An experience like that could leave you traumatized for years, change your outlook on life, your personality... He pressed his lips together. Even if it was her own choice, it bothered him to think of her dealing with it on her own. And after all she’d been through, here he was criticizing her.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have commented on your glasses.”
She slid a look his way. “It’s okay.”
“No. It’s not. They’re your glasses and you can wear what you like. It doesn’t matter what I think. You need to be you and if that includes those awful frames…” He stopped mid-sentence and groaned. “Sorry. Again.”
The corner of her mouth twitched, and he took a deep breath, trying again.
“What I’m trying to say is you’re lovely regardless…er…no, that’s not coming out right either.”
She laughed and reached over to squeeze his hand. “Armand, it’s okay. Really. I’m over worrying about my appearance.”
Her touch distracted him, and he stared down at where her thumb was rubbing over his calloused knuckles. She followed the direction of his gaze and quickly pulled her hand back to her lap.
She cleared her throat. “I’m…um…going to school now. Taking some college courses when I’m not working.”
“What are you studying?” He welcomed the change of topic and looked at her with interest. She’d never mentioned a desire to further her education when she’d been in Stump River.
“Lots of things. Psychology. Sociology. I want to be a counsellor some day.”
“A counsellor?”
She nodded. “I’m not going to be a waitress all my life. There’s nothing wrong with it, if that’s what you like doing but I’ve decided I want to help people. It’s part of my plan to make a new life for myself. And there are lots of people out there who have gone through bad experiences like I did. Maybe I can help them. I know I could have used someone to talk to.” She stared down at her hands.
Her words echoed his own thoughts and he wanted to say he would have listened to her, talked to her, if he’d known she was alive. However, now was not the time for recriminations, so instead he gave her a nod of approval. “It’s an admirable goal.”
“Thanks.”
He didn’t add there wasn’t much call for counsellors back home. It was a fact that worried him. The Lucy he knew, or at least used to know, would have happily divided her time between Ruth’s diner and the Broken Antler. After two years in Chicago, would she be able to fit back into the small town?
She turned to look at him, perhaps sensing his intense study of her, and smiled. “I enjoyed the evening. The restaurant was beautiful, and the meal was delicious.”
“Yes, it was.”
Their eyes met, searching, filling the air with words that should be said and yet weren’t. Lucy was the first to look away, gazing out the window and only speaking when they pulled up outside of her apartment building.
She began to undo her seat belt. “Well, it was great to see you again, Armand.”
“I’ll walk you to your apartment.” He exited the vehicle giving her no time to protest. A man didn’t leave a woman on the curb.
“All right.” She gave him a tentative smile then waited while he paid the cabbie before taking the arm he offered.
They climbed the stairs in silence and when they reached her floor, Lucy took out her keys, unlocking the door before turning to face him.
“Well,” she smiled and placed her hand on his chest. “Thank you again.”
He reached out and gently stroked a strand of hair from her cheek, marvelling at the softness of her skin, the tingle of awareness that shot up his arm. His bear stirred, urging him to act. “Lucy…”
“Yes?”
He focused on her mouth. “May I kiss you good night?”
She nodded and he pulled her close, lowering his head as she went up on her toes to meet him. Their lips touched in a gentle kiss, softly exploring, giving pleasure. It wasn’t the hard, passionate kiss he’d bestowed on her earlier in the day. They were in a public hallway now. A measured display of emotion was all he’d allow himself.
Slowly, reluctantly, he eased out of the embrace, drawing away and stepping back.
We are going to be bold and decisive, remember? His bear gave him a mental nudge.
Right.
The tip of Lucy’s tongue snuck out and wet her lips, gathering the taste of him.
He watched the movement hungrily.
She looked up at him, her big blue eyes full of promise. “Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?”
“If I do, I won’t be leaving.” He gave her a steady look, his meaning clear.
“I…I might not mind that.”
He cocked his head at the small stammer. “But you’re not completely sure.”
She opened her mouth to reply just as Roxi came clattering up the stairs.
“Hey, it’s Lulu and Armand! Coming in for a night cap?” She looked between them with obvious interest. “This is a first. Lulu has never brought a no-one back home. Next time I guess I’d better crash somewhere else.”
“No one?” He looked at her in confusion before recalling her earlier teasing.
“Just Roxi’s twisted sense of humour.” Lucy muttered darkly.
“It’s part of my charm.” Roxi grinned and squeezed past them.
He took Lucy’s hand and brushed his thumb over her knuckles. “I think it’s best I say bonne nuit or good night.”
“Goodnight but not goodbye?”
He shook his head. “We still have unfinished business between us.”
A shadow of trepidation passed over her face and he took it as a positive sign. She wasn’t immune to him and he’d use that as leverage.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Eyes locked on hers, he slowly pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. “Sleep well, Lucy.”
Bemused, Lou closed the apartment door, feeling like a teenage girl on her first date. He’d kissed her hand! She’d never experienced such a courtly gesture and was taken aback at the impact it had. The contrast between his beard and the softness of his lips had sent tingles up her arm and the way he’d looked into her eyes, as if reading her thoughts... He seemed to see what she’d been unable to voice; her desire, her indecision. Even before Roxi had arrived, he’d been pulling back rather than pressing his case as most of the men in her past had. Being treated like a piece of fragile glass made her feel like some Victorian lady. It was a pleasant novelty and she smiled only to be reminded that his taste lingered on her lips, stoking a warmth within that she was sure no lady would admit to.
This is what we’ve been wanting for years, the voice of her old self echoed inside her.
But was it a wise move? And was wanting him a habit from her old life that was best left behind?
The clock chimed signalling the lateness of the hour. Knowing she had to work the next day, she made her way to her bedroom, turning off the lights in each room and checking the window locks just to be sure. Soon the apartment was cast in shadows save for a sliver of light coming from Roxi’s room.
“Night Roxi,” she called out to her roommate.
Roxi gave an indistinct mumble. Through the crack in the door, Lou could see she was sitting on her bed hunched over her phone, texting away. It was odd that she hadn’t stopped to get food. Roxi always ate a huge bedtime snack.
“Are you okay?”
“Huh?” Roxi looked up. “Yeah, I’m fine.” She was frowning though and didn’t appear fine.
“Are you sure?” She pushed the door open wider. “Did something happen?”
“Nah. I just overheard something at the club I went to. Now I need to figure out what to do with it.” Her gaze drifted back to the phone she held in her hand.
“Oh. Okay.” Lou stepped back into the hall, letting the door slowly creak back on its hinges. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow then.” Roxi and her information gathering really did have a sketchy air to it.
When she arrived for work the next day, Jeff the chef immediately stopped what he was doing and asked how she was feeling. His concern brought a smile to her face. Surprisingly Gin, too, asked how she was feeling in a round about way.
“Not puking, I see.”
“I’m feeling much better, thank you, Gin.”
“What about your roommate? Is she sick now?”
“No. Roxi is fine.”
“She going to work today?”
“Yes, as far as I know she’s working this afternoon.” She gave the woman a wary look. “Why the twenty questions?”
“I’m being friendly. Everyone complains when I don’t talk to them so now I am. Geez, you can’t win around here.” She rolled her eyes and stomped into the dining area.
Kathy gave her a friendly shoulder bump and whispered. “Even when she’s trying to be friendly, Gin isn’t a people person.”
She nodded in agreement.
At least Kathy made up for Gin’s abruptness with a show of concern. “Remember, if you don’t feel well, let me know. I don’t mind covering some of your tables if need be. I can use the extra tips.” She tacked on the last comment with a wink and Lou laughed, glad she had someone like Kathy around to keep things fun.
The morning faded into afternoon with a brief lull between the breakfast and lunch crowd. It allowed her to catch her breath and have a cup of coffee before pasting on a smile and facing the next rush of customers. She enjoyed the work, talking to people, getting to know the regulars. They’d become like an extended family, just as the people who visited Ruth’s Diner had been. It filled a void in her life and kept her from dwelling on the fact she was alone in the world. Who could feel lonely with so many people to talk to?
She bantered with Will and Paul, both men asking about her absence the previous day.
“You two are so good for my ego,” she teased them. “Here I was thinking nobody cared.”
“Of course, we care.” Will gave Paul a worried look.
Paul nodded in agreement. “When we heard you left yesterday feeling sick, we were both concerned. Are you all right today?”
“Fit as a fiddle.” She gave them both a warm smile as she poured more coffee into their cups.
Andrew arrived, sliding onto a stool beside the other two. “It’s good to see you back today, Lou.”
“It’s good to be back, Andrew. Do you want your usual?”
Naturally he did. As she scrawled the order on the notepad she carried with her, the door opened.
She looked up and then stilled, pen poised over her pocket. It was Armand. The chatter of the customers faded into the background as she watched him scan the room, find her and then begin to make his way towards where she stood.
She sensed every eye in the place following his progress, interest coming from the women and a grudging respect from the men. Armand wasn’t cocky like Ryne yet there was a confidence about him, a solid stability as if he knew who he was and his place in the world. It was one of the things she loved about him and was the antithesis of her own floundering as she tried to figure out what she wanted in life.
“Hello, Lucy.”
“Armand. I didn’t expect to see you here.” She‘d thought he’d call or stop by her apartment later in the afternoon.
“I told you we had unfinished business.” His gaze swept over her before returning to her face.
Unfinished business. Those two words had her stomach doing an excited flip flop as she envisioned what that ‘business’ might entail. When she didn’t reply, he prompted her.
“I’ve come to pick you up.”
“Oh.” With a start she realized she’d been staring at him. She glanced at her watch. “I still have to work for a couple more hours. I do a double shift, breakfast and lunch.”
“Ah, my mistake. I assumed you’d be leaving around this time, just as you did yesterday.”
She felt her face grow warm as she recalled her disappearing act the previous day. “Um, no. That was an…unusual circumstance.”
“Really?” The corner of his mouth twitched.
She pressed her lips together. Drat him, he knew exactly what had happened yesterday!
“I’ll return in two hours then.” He reached out and tucked a stray curl behind her ear, his fingers lightly stroking her cheek as he gave her a slow smile.
“Okay.” Her reply came out on a breath, his touch having erased her irritation.
With a last lingering look, he turned, his gaze sweeping the room, acknowledging those present. Heads turned as the customers followed his progress to the exit. His kind was a rarity in the King’s Plate.
There was a moment of silence when the door closed behind him, as if everyone was trying to process what had just occurred; and then the room came back to life, those near her peppering her with questions.
“That’s the guy from yesterday, isn’t it?” Kathy hissed as she passed by, a tray of food in her hands.
“You know him?” Will asked.
“Who was that?” Paul spoke at the same time.
“Someone from back home.” She answered automatically, still stunned. He was and yet wasn’t the Armand she’d known for years. He looked and sounded the same but there was something different, like he was staking his claim and making sure those around her knew it. She fought the need to fan herself.
“Back home? Where is that?” Andrew’s question jerked her from her reverie.
“Um…pretty far from here.” She gave him a distracted smile. “I’ll go place your order.”
She continued to be asked subtle and not so subtle questions about Armand for the rest of her shift.
“He called you Lucy. I always thought Lou was short for Louise.”
“How long have you known him?”
“Was he your boyfriend?”
“Where is he taking you after work?
“Is he staying in Chicago very long?”
She managed to fend off most of their inquiries with vague answers.
“You’ve never agreed to go out with me,” Paul said woefully.
“You only want me so I can slip you extra pieces of dessert,” she teased.
“Well there is that, plus you’re as sweet as pie,” Will pointed out.
After looking to the left and the right, she leaned closer to them. “Let me tell you a secret.”
They looked at her expectantly, breath held and eyes wide with interest.
“I don’t make the dessert. Jeff does. I guess you really should be asking him out.”
They looked at her in surprise and after a beat burst into loud laughter that had the other customers smiling. Gin, of course, scowled from where she was listening as she made a fresh pot of coffee.
The end of the lunch shift approached, and she became lost in speculation as to how her evening with Armand might progress. She wasn’t sure why he was here or what he was expecting but his kisses yesterday had left her hot and bothered. It had been a long time since she’d scratched that itch and now that it had been stirred to life, she was having a hard time ignoring it. She’d told Roxi that Armand wasn’t the kind one played around with, however she might never see him again once he left. Did she want to always be wondering ‘what if’?
Distracted by her thoughts, she wasn’t paying attention when she went to the utility room to get more cloths for cleaning the tables. The edge of the shelf was sharp, and she caught her arm on it.
“Damn!” She exited the room, sucking on the scratch, cloths in the other hand. “Jeff, didn’t you report that shelf to Mr. Henderson?” Mr. Henderson owned the diner but was elderly and absent more often than not.
“I did,” Jeff looked her way. “Got cut again?”
“Yeah.” She examined her arm. “It’s not too bad.”
“Here,” Jeff rummaged in a drawer and then handed her a bandage.
“Thanks.”
“I’ll let Henderson know about that shelf again. Last week it was Kathy. This week you. Heaven forbid Gin ever gets snagged on it!”
“We’ll never hear the end of it,” she agreed. “Thanks for the bandage.”
Armand returned to collect Lucy at the appointed time, having spent the previous two hours talking with his investment counsellor, Ashton Blake. After rearranging his finances—a tidy nest egg he'd accumulated from working up north as a rigger for several years—he walked away, thankful someone else was in charge of managing the money. The Broken Antler provided him with enough to live on and that was all that mattered.
Now he was waiting patiently at the door, as Lucy tucked away her tips. Several people noticed him standing there and eyed him curiously. He returned their looks with a steady gaze before placing a possessive hand in the small of Lucy’s back and leading her out of the diner.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
He shrugged. “I was early.”
“What did you do with your day? Find a park with some trees and sit there pretending you weren’t surrounded by buildings?”
He laughed. “I considered it. Instead, I contacted a friend.” It was the truth; Ashton was a friend of sorts.
“That’s nice. It’s always good to keep track of family and friends.”
“Mine are scattered across the country. It’s rare I get a chance to see them.” Taking her hand in his, he smiled down at her. “What would you like to do? It’s only mid-afternoon and too early to eat. Do you want to visit a museum or go shopping or…?”
“I’m not dressed for anything fancy.” She gestured towards the uniform she was wearing. The shirt had the diner’s name embroidered on the sleeve but otherwise looked like a normal garment to him as did her dark blue pants.
About to say she looked fine to him, a group of teens brushed passed them, heading into the bowling alley that was adjacent to the diner.
Lucy eyed them for a minute and then grinned. “What about bowling?”
“Bowling?”
“Sure, why not?”
“Bowling it is, then.”
He stopped as they were about to enter and pointed towards a poster on the door. It was covered with grotesque images of people dripping blood and sporting fatal wounds. “What’s this?”
“They’re having a zombie bowling night.” One of the other waitresses—Kathy according to her name tag—answered his question as she paused to adjust her purse over her shoulder. “You two going bowling?”
Lucy nodded.
“Have fun.” Kathy flashed a quick smile and continued on her way.
“Zombie bowling? She was kidding, yes?” He must have made a face for Lucy laughed.
“No zombies in Stump River yet? They’re all the rage here.”
“No, no zombies.” He gave her a cautious look. “Do you like these things?”
“Me?” She studied the picture and shivered. “Nope. I came too close to dying to want to dress up like I really did.”
The image of her lying on the ground surrounded in blood caused his gut to clench and he could only imagine what the memories must be like for her. His gaze drifted to where she was adjusting a strand of hair over her scar. “Do you think about it often?”
“No. Well…sometimes, especially at first. It’s getting better with time.” She shrugged. “And it did remind me life’s short. Before, I had plans but never acted on them. Not anymore.”
Plans. Yes, he knew about events that could have you re-evaluating your life. Still, it hurt that her plans hadn’t included him. He made no comment though, instead opening the door and gesturing for her to enter.
The sound of rolling balls and crashing pins mixed with music and conversation to create a wall of noise. His inner animal lowered its head and covered its ears with its paws while muttering about the peaceful quiet of a forest.
After paying the fee and gathering footwear, they made their way to their assigned lane. He noticed Lucy sliding a look his way as he squeezed into the shoes; it was the largest size they had but still a tight fit. Apparently bear shifters didn’t frequent the establishment.
“Um, I guess I should warn you…” She bit her lip, hesitating.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re not a skilled bowler,” he assured her. “I haven’t played in ages so we’ll be well matched.”
“Really? That’s what you thought I was going to say?”
“It wasn’t?”
She waited a beat then shrugged. “Sure, I was warning you about my bowling skills. Why don’t you go first so I can see how it’s done?”
He complied and managed to knock down half the pins and then take out the rest with the next ball.
“That’s not bad.” Lucy stood and picked up a ball.
“Not bad?” He glanced from her to the now empty lane. “I cleared all the pins.”
“And it took you two tries.”
He opened his mouth to reply but she was already striding toward the launch. She stopped, stared at the target and then in a fluid motion that spoke of much practice took four quick steps and sent the ball spinning down the lane. All the pins fell with a resounding clatter and she gave a victorious jump and whoop before walking back to her seat.
“Not a skilled bowler?” He raised one brow.
“I didn’t say that. You assumed, and you know what I say about that.”
He stood for his turn. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Assumptions can come back and bite you in the ass.” She laughed and lightly smacked his rear before taking her seat. “Now go knock down those pins, tiger.”
“Bear.” Her touch had him befuddled and the word slipped out before he could stop it.
“Pardon?”
“I…um…I hope you can bear my poor skills.”
She immediately bounced to her feet and hugged his arm, her face a study of regret. “I’m sorry, Armand. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. I shouldn’t have teased you.”
“Lucy, I’m fine. My ego isn’t so delicate that it can’t take a joke.”
His assurances fell on deaf ears and she spent the rest of the game offering him pointers. By the time they were done, he’d managed a few strikes though she beat him soundly with a near perfect score.
“You’re very good.”
She shrugged. “We get free bowling passes; the owner slips them to us to help make up for all the noise.”
He looked at her smiling face, the faint flush on her cheeks. It was good to see her like this; happy and teasing him with her smart comments. This was the Lucy he knew from back in Stump River. He missed her and the time they’d spent together; darts, shooting pool, watching a hockey game together on cold wintery days when few customers ventured out.
“Are you hungry?” She interrupted his musings.
His stomach answered with a rumble and she laughed.
“What about pizza and a movie at my place?”
“I would have thought, being in a big city, you’d want to do something more exciting.”
“I used to.” She shrugged. “But after a while it gets to be old. A quiet night at home is nice, especially if you can share it with a friend.”
“A friend? Your roommate won’t be home?”
“Nope. Not until late tonight if she comes home at all, or so she told me this morning.” She took his hand and gave it a squeeze.
His inner bear nodded in approval.
It hadn’t been pleased with him for walking away last night only seeing reason when he mentioned Roxi’s presence would put a damper on certain activities. The girl had a twisted sense of humour and would quite likely find it amusing to interrupt them.
They stopped and bought a pizza near Lucy’s apartment and then made their way to her place. The scent of the hot cheese caused his stomach to rumble once again and she was teasing him about it as they climbed the last flight of stairs.
“I think you should have stayed at the diner this afternoon. I could have slipped you a—"
He interrupted her, pressing a finger to her lips.
One foot on the landing, she gave him a questioning look.
He gestured with his chin towards her door. It was shut. Outwardly, nothing appeared out of the ordinary.
“What’s wrong?” She mouthed the words.
Leaning close, he whispered into her ear. “I hear someone inside.”
She cocked her head. “I don’t hear anything.”
“I do.” He moved so he was between her and the apartment. “Didn’t you say Roxi was at work?”
She nodded and pulled out her phone, sending a text to Roxi asking where she was. Mere seconds passed before there was an answer. Turning the phone, she showed him the reply. Yes, she was working.
“Stay here.” He traded the pizza for her key and quietly walked the short distance to the door. With utmost care, he unlocked it and turned the handle, easing the door open.
The apartment was dimly lit, late afternoon sunlight struggling to work its way between the tall buildings to the windows, one of which was wide open, the curtains stirring gently in the breeze.
“They must have got in using the fire escape!” Lucy hissed the words as she peered over his shoulder.
“Wait outside.”
“It’s my apartment!”
He scowled at her and she took a mere half step back. Holding back a sigh, he returned his attention to the noise coming from the rear of the apartment. The thief was likely looking for jewellery or small electronics to pawn.
As quietly as possible, he began to make his way across the living room. He’d only taken a few steps when a figure appeared in the hallway. Dressed in dark clothing, a small bag in hand, all he could see was the silhouette of a short, lithe individual.
Perhaps it was the light from the outer hall or maybe they’d made a noise for suddenly the thief gave a start and dove towards the fire escape.
“Arrête! Stop!” With a shout, he gave chase, stretching out a hand to catch hold of the thief only to miss by a fraction of an inch. He started to follow but even as he was swinging his leg over the sill, the thief was scrambling down the last flight of stairs and jumping the remaining distance to the ground before landing on a discarded mattress and disappearing down the alley.
With a frustrated growl, he hit the wall, his fist leaving a crack in the plaster. And then he gave a loud sneeze!