Waiting for You (7 page)

Her eyes widened and her lips parted and Adam had to grip the steering while with white knuckles to make sure he kept his hands to himself. He wasn’t a big enough asshole to take advantage of a woman who was clearly intoxicated. And he would never do that to Audrey.

He parked in Grandpa Joe’s driveway and noticed all the lights off. “Audrey, is your Grandpa home?”

She turned to the big house and as though a light bulb clicked on in her brain, she smiled and said, “No he’s at Bingo.”

He got out and opened her door. She stumbled, all long arms and legs and smack into his solid chest. She giggled and grabbed his arms, leaning onto him like her knees wouldn’t hold her up.

“I think I may be a little drunk,” her hair was a mess around her face but she appeared carefree – happy. And damn if that didn’t ping Adam right where he didn’t need it.

“Just a little, sweetheart,” he righted her and smoothed her hair back. For a second he almost saw her flinch at his touch but then, oh so slightly, she leaned her face into his palm.

“You say the nicest things,” she breathed. She disentangled herself from him and, arms outstretched at her side, she started walking up the driveway, one foot at a time, like she was six years old, deep in concentration so as not to fall. He followed her, liking this side to Audrey.

“How is that a nice thing? I just confirmed you’re drunk.”

She smiled wide. “Yeah, but just a little. And you said,” she lowered her voice conspiratorially, “
sweetheart.”

He considered her as though she were talking gibberish. “Didn’t anyone ever call you that before?”

She shook her head hard. “No, no, no. That was street slang. It was always Dear this and Dear that. We were upper crust after all,
whatever would the people say
?” She said it in a mock snotty voice and then cracked herself up in giggles.

Adam didn’t feel like laughing. What kind of a man would say something like that to a woman? To
this
woman.

He was right behind her when she turned in a quick circle and once again found herself in his arms. She looked up into his face, beholding such vulnerability nearly killed him.

She laid her head against his chest and whispered, “I’m tired now, Adam. Can you take me home?”

“Sure thing, sweetheart,” before he even realized what he was doing, he scooped her up in his arms and headed to the front door. She had a single moment of surprise before she smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, like she fit.

He managed to fish her key from her small purse, opened the door and into the house. He still remembered her bedroom and he was fairly certain she would have set up house in there. He lay her down and he could tell she was already falling into a deep slumber.

He tucked her in beneath the covers and watched as she gazed up at him sleepily. “Thank you, you’re real sweet.”

“I’ve been called lots of things, honey, but never sweet.”

She smiled as she closed her eyes. “You don’t give yourself enough credit.” she snuggled in and was out cold, snoring softly before he left the room and returned with a glass of water with two aspirin. She would definitely need it in the morning.

Adam stared down at her, reminded so much of the teenager who had shared her innocence with him. He brushed the soft locks of dark hair off her face and kissed her temple. She stirred but didn’t awaken.

What the hell was he doing?

Chapter 7

A
udrey awoke the next morning feeling like she had run headfirst into a brick wall. No, make that a titanium wall. The morning sun streamed in through the small crack in her drapes and it was burning a hole through her retinas. She grabbed for her phone on the night stand to squint at the time when she noticed the water and aspirin lying next to it.

Audrey grabbed it and ingested as she tried to recall the night before, remembering the early parts; the dildo display, the laughter, the drinks, lots and lots of rebellious celebratory drinks. From karaoke she got a bit fuzzy. Karaoke?! And then Adam. She groaned and immediately grabbed her head and curled up into the fetal position.
I’m never drinking again
, she thought.

That part was more blurry than the others. Did she dance with him? She recalled shared smiles and she vaguely remembered being in his truck. Audrey quickly lifted the covers and sighed in relief to see that she was fully dressed. And yup, her panties were still intact, too. Good panties.

It took her awhile but she eventually managed to roll out of bed to brush her teeth and shower. Feeling only ten percent less of a train wreck, she dressed and took the slowest walk downstairs to the kitchen than she had ever imagined possible.

“Well good morning, Sunshine,” Grandpa Joe chirped brightly, sitting at the kitchen table raising a steaming cup of coffee to his lips.

Audrey lifted a hand dismissively in greeting, not trusting the sound of her own voice to jar on her nerves.

Grandpa Joe, while still clearly amused, took pity on her and poured her a cup of coffee which she took appreciatively, the aroma wafted up and woke her brain up a little more, playing buffer to her aching head.

“Fun night?” Grandpa Joe asked mocking innocence.

“Too much fun,” Audrey groaned.

“I don’t think I have ever known you to come home inebriated.”

“Seems like I was making up for lost time.”

He patted her hand and she managed a feeble smile. “Do you have any plans for today?”

“I plan to stay in a dark corner ‘til I feel like a human again.”

Grandpa Joe chuckled. “I’m sure it was worth the fun you had last night.”

“That’s debatable.”

“I am going into town for a few, do you need anything?”

The guilt ate at Audrey, her grandpa should not be driving alone. “I’ll take you Grandpa,” she offered, getting up and rinsing out her mug.

He opened his mouth to protest when Audrey insisted, “Besides, I could use some pastries; it may just be the one saving grace right now.”

Ten minutes later, Audrey pulled up in front of the local hardware store, sunglasses firmly shading her eyes. Grandpa Joe got out and made his way to run his errands while Audrey walked across the street and into Sweet Temptations.

The bell above the door chimed when she entered the shop and she winced with the cheerful sound. One glance at Emma and Audrey saw her own post alcohol pain reflected on her friend’s face. Emma was busy serving another customer so Audrey helped herself to a cup of cappuccino from Emma’s machine. Nothing like a well brewed mix to perk up her Vodka soaked brain.

When they were alone Emma joined Audrey at the small table, her own cappuccino and a plate of treats joining the foray.

“I don’t remember much from last night,” Emma began with a small smile, “but the fact that I need sunglasses to open the fridge this morning tells me that it was awesome.”

Audrey returned the smile, “I think I agree, from what I recall. Karaoke Emma? I’m pretty sure that was your influence.”

“What?” she feigned fury “Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy it.”

Audrey sipped her cappuccino and scarfed down a chocolate croissant, “I did actually have fun.”

Emma grinned, “Welcome to book club, baby!”

“Is that how you guys always have book club?”

“Sometimes. It’s our front for getting together and letting loose, no judgments necessary. Crystal Valley’s very own version of Girls Gone Wild.”

“Have you ever gotten in trouble?”

Emma smiled, “Sometimes, but its decent fun and we may all be different but the second rule of book club is that we all have each other’s backs. Always.”

“What’s the first rule?”

Emma gaped at Audrey like she had a second head. “Isn’t it obvious? The first rule of book club is… you never talk about book club.”

Audrey nodded conspiratorially, “Of course, Tyler Durden. How could I have ever been so ignorant?”

They laughed and shared more pastries and tarts before Emma asked, “So how’s the plans for your Grandpa’s party coming along?”

“Pretty ok I guess. There’s so much I have to try and tone down. I have to keep reminding myself that this is Crystal Valley and the people here like backyard BBQs and jukebox music.”

“Nothing wrong with a little simple living.”

Audrey agreed, actually feeling relieved to let go of the New York standards she had always tried to measure up to.

“It’s at the Bingo Hall right?”

Audrey nodded. “And it’s still a surprise so don’t let the cat out the bag.”

“I’m not the one you should be worried about. You know the old ladies in this town can’t keep a secret worth a damn. But they are trying, if only for the fact that they all want to marry your grandfather.”

“What? You can’t be serious.”

“Oh, I’m very serious. Grandpa Joe is the most eligible bachelor in the over seventies club.”

Audrey chuckled to herself. Seems like Grandpa Joe would be getting more action than she expected to in the future.

The bell chimed as two customers walked in. Two very fine looking customers.

“Good morning ladies,” Oliver greeted, a devilish grin creasing his lips. Audrey remembered Oliver as Adam’s partner in crime back in the day. They had become fast friends and from the looks of it, things had remained that way. Adam had once told her that their friendship motto was:
If we get caught, you’re deaf and I don’t speak English.
Their friendship had truly stood the test of time.

“Ssssssh,” Emma trilled beside her. “Why do you have to shout?”

“I’m not shouting darling, why are you still marinating in alcohol?” Oliver was clearly amused with the state the two women were in.

“Don’t patronize me, Officer.”

“That’s Chief to you, Sweet Cheeks.”

“And that’s Miss Smith to you
Chief
.”

The air crackled with carnal tension between the two of them and Audrey wondered how she had ever missed the connection.

Adam interrupted their death stare, “Now, now children, play nice.”

Emma eyed him before addressing the other man, “What do you want Oliver?”

Oliver was unfazed as his side smirk widened, “Now, let’s just see what you have on display today.” He took his time eyeing Emma up and down before she walked across the counter, mostly out of his view. Audrey watched as he followed Emma and leaned across the counter, still teasing and taunting.

Which left her alone with Adam.

“How do you feel today?” he asked, amusement dancing in his emerald eyes.

“Like I was hit by a bus, then trampled over and then had said bus reverse over me and then left out to bake in the sun before a raccoon came over and peed on me.”

“That bad, huh?”

She nodded, not knowing why he was suddenly so amiable to her. She and Adam had a way of circling each other with trepidation. Why was he suddenly all friends and family?

“What’s wrong with you?” she asked carefully, scowling at him.

“What do you mean?”

“You’re being…nice.”

“I am a nice guy.”

“No, you’re not!” she intoned, a little more harshly than was intended.

“That’s not what you said last night?” his tone was drier now, less cajoling with her. Had she hurt his feelings? Impossible! Adam Parker didn’t have feelings.

“I could never have said that.” Why was she being so catty with him? She couldn’t seem to help it, Adam brought out all her past issues, making her feel like that betrayed little girl.

“You said and did a whole lot more than that, Sweetheart.” His eyes flashed with amusement.

Sweetheart.
Why did that feel so much like déjà vu?

Oliver joined them then and together they left the bakery, leaving both women huffing.

“How drunk was I last night?” Audrey asked. “Did I spend any time with Adam?”

“He took us home. What’s up with the two of you anyway?”

“What’s up with you and Oliver?” Audrey countered.

“Story for another day. Preferably a day when I’m not nursing a hangover from hell.”

“Ditto.”

****

A week later and Audrey was all set for Grandpa Joe’s birthday party. The good thing about Crystal Valley’s small population was that everyone wanted to have a hand in helping out. And Audrey was more than grateful for the help, especially when she had to keep Grandpa Joe occupied during the day in order to completely throw him off any party sense.

At seven that evening, she promised him a fancy restaurant dinner out of town and he obliged by getting dressed up in his formal slacks and a crisp shirt.

“You’re so handsome, Grandpa,” she gushed, enveloping the older man in a hug.

“You’re the beautiful one
filho,
so much like your Grandma.”

Audrey’s heart pinched at the sadness in Grandpa Joe’s eyes. Birthdays must be hard when you have spent them with one person for over forty years.

“She’s right here with us you know,’ she held onto his weathered hands, taking comfort in his warmth.

They shared a tender smile before climbing into Audrey’s TT and heading to the Bingo Hall.

“I need to just collect something that Mrs. Brown left behind,” she explained when she took in his puzzled visage. “Join me?”

They got out the car as Audrey typed a quick text to Emma:
We are here!

They walked up the stairs to the dark building and Audrey nudged Grandpa Joe in before her.

“Surprise!”

He jumped back, startled before he turned to smile at Audrey.

“Happy Birthday, Grandpa.”

*****

Adam wasn’t one for parties anymore. He had made an effort for Joe.

He stood by the bar and surveyed the room full of people. Audrey had done a good job on making it something special, although he wasn’t too sure whether it was something Grandpa Joe himself would have wanted. The man was eighty years old and still grieving for his wife. He was also a man that liked his privacy, particularly when it came to avoiding the female seniors who were trying to make him a husband again.

His gaze bounced from Grandpa Joe to Audrey. She had on a floral summer dress with five inch, killer heels. Her hair was up in a twisty style with loose tendrils framing her face. She laughed at something her grandpa had said and Adam couldn’t deny how beautiful she was. She was hot and cold. He didn’t have time in his life for a woman like that, not that he even wanted to have anything to do with Audrey Kelly. That woman had more baggage than Louis Vuitton. He’d seen a soft side to her the other night and then like a light switch, she flipped. No, he liked his woman pliable and at the very least, at least have some sort of fondness for him.

He couldn’t quite put his finger on her though. What was the bee up her backside when it came to him? She was the one who had up and left the day after they had made love. It’s not like he had disrespected her or anything, but the way she often treated him, he sometimes wondered if he had kicked her dog by accident.

He tipped his head back and drained the last of his soda as Grandpa Joe came up to greet him.

“Happy Birthday, Grandpa Joe,” he shook the older man’s hand and encircled him in a man hug, complete with the double back tap.

“Thank you, Son. Feel like a damn chicken at a rodeo.”

Adam laughed, sympathetic to the older man’s discomfort at being at center stage. “Rather you than me.”

They chatted for a few more minutes before Grandpa turned to leave, “I best get back to doing my rounds. Duty calls.”

Adam nodded and resumed his stance at the bar, surveying the room. Oliver was on duty tonight so Adam was flying solo.

Out the corner of his eye he noticed a flash of pink sidle up next to him before a long fingered caress run up his arm.

“Hello, Handsome,” the female beside him purred.

“Hi Matty, how you doing tonight?” Any other night he might just show a little interest in the blonde hotness but tonight he couldn’t muster up the focus.

“I’m just great, Adam,” she battered her lashes at him. “Would be even greater if you could spare a girl a dance.”

“You know I don’t dance.”

“That’s not what I heard about you at Skinny Pete’s the other night.”

Before he knew it, Matty had dragged him to the dance floor and started her shimmy and shake around him, against him and if he allowed it, on top of him. The feel of her limbs brushing against him caused his skin to prickle. It was like taking a bath in a tub of pine cones. Not like he had felt when it was Audrey dancing with him. Her sensual moves had aroused him; Matty on the other hand looked more like a frog in a blender.

The music slowed and Matty embraced him, plastering herself against his body, swaying to the music. If nothing else, he was a gentleman so he placed both hands on her waist. Safe enough.

He surveyed the horde of swaying bodies and found his gaze pinned to Audrey, dancing with Grandpa Joe. Her gaze pinned him hard, a whole host of emotions flashing in her dark scrutiny. Her lips pursed like she was sucking on a lemon and the corners of her eyes crinkled like the talons of a crow.
Was that…disgust?

What the fuck?

What was her problem? She was the damned ice princess who treated him like he was beneath her, yet he still got death glares when he was dancing with another woman.

One of these days, he was going to have a word with her. Hell, a few choice words and get to the bottom of that woman’s icicles.

****

Adam spent the next few weeks busy fixing Grandpa Joe’s roof. It was a huge job because he had to completely strip and rebuild most sections of the slates. Fortunately for him Audrey seemed to make herself scarce during his trips to the large cottage style house and for that he was grateful. It was particularly warm this time of year and the work became more tedious with the rising temperatures.