A Hero To Trust In Me (2 page)

Six months later

Homeless, friendless, but free. Laura inhaled deeply as she stepped out of the courtroom. No, she wasn’t outside where the clean, fresh air would no doubt improve her mood further, but she felt like she’d shaken free of a three-year-long life suck. As the divorce had proceeded, she’d learned things about her ex-husband and ex-best friend she wish she’d hadn’t. No amount of mind bleach was going to cure this. Her lawyer had pleaded with her to stay the course, fight the good fight, take the bastard for everything he’d ever made or ever would make, but the fact was, she just wanted free.

“I can’t believe you agreed to those terms, Laura,” Balori McGavin hissed as she walked with Laura out of the courtroom. The woman had strenuously objected to Laura’s acceptance of Carl’s demands, going so far as to tell the judge her client was obviously suffering from mental anguish, setting them up to ask for a huge payout from Carl.

The judge actually nodded, and Laura had been heartily tempted to keep her mouth closed, but, in the end, she hadn’t been able to. He’d bought the house before they’d gotten married. He’d bought everything but her car. Laura just couldn’t make herself let the judge give her anything. She just wanted out.

“Did you really expect me to take stuff that wasn’t mine? I didn’t want that house. He and Linda probably did the hunka-chunka all over that place. I’ll get my own place where I know it’s clean.” She shivered. “I know at least one of those videos was in our bed. God! I probably slept on those sheets!”

“Well, you ruined a great opportunity on my resume.”

Laughing, Laura patted her lawyer and friend on the back. “No worries. I’ll be sure to offer references. I’ll let anyone asking know how you tried to get the judge to think I had lost my mind when I insisted on not taking the bastard for all he was worth.”

“It would have been no less than he deserved. At least the judge gave you a generous alimony entitlement.”

“More than generous. He’ll fight it and I won’t protest. I just want out. Thanks for helping me and for making it as painless as possible. I don’t know that I could have faced him every week over every single point in the divorce. Thanks for handling it.”

Balori waved her off. “Just doing my job. I wasn’t exposing you to any more than I absolutely had to. And I’ll take care of any protests he makes and you will
not
let him out of that payment.” She turned to Laura offering her hand. “Congratulations. You’re now divorced. If you want to go back to your maiden name, let me know. I’ll get the paperwork together for the Social Security office and you’ll be all set.”

“Hands where I can see them, Miss.” The deep, masculine voice sent a shiver of recognition sliding down her spine. Funny, the sound hadn’t registered before, but Laura knew she’d never forget the voice of the man who’d saved her sanity.

Turning to face him, Laura found herself once again face to face with Rick Carver. “Don’t you have a speeding, hysterical woman to save or something?”

The skin around his eyes crinkled in merriment. All she clearly remembered from that night was the intense green of his eyes. Having been in such distress, she hadn’t realized the man was so breathtakingly gorgeous. Now, she could appreciate his blatant masculine beauty. Chiseled cheeks, an aristocratic nose, and blue-black hair cut high and tight completed a large, fit frame Laura suspected was packed with muscle, if the way his shirt fit his broad chest and shoulders was any indication.

“Not today. I was helping out a friend with court duty today and noticed your name on the docket. Thought I’d check on you.”

“Well, I didn’t kill anyone, if that’s what you’re worried about.” She was only half joking and she could tell Rick knew it. “You didn’t let an ax murderer go free when mayhem could have been prevented. No worries.” She grinned to take the bitterness out of her words.

“Thank goodness. I’d hate to have been the one hauling your pretty butt to the state pen.”

“But you’d do it. Wouldn’t you?” Laura smiled.

“Well, I’d have gone to your defense first. I mean, I can appreciate the evidence you’d collected if not that particular possible outcome.”

“Well, hello, gorgeous.” Balori extended her hand. The sleek lawyer was not only smart and a good attorney, but beautiful as well. Laura was surprised to find a sliver of jealousy trickling through her. “Who might you be?”

Rick took her hand, nodding politely in acknowledgement. “Rick Carver, ma’am. Kentucky State Police.”

“Rick here pulled me over for speeding the night everything blew up. He kept your divorce case from being a murder case.”

“I see.” Balori narrowed her eyes, looking the man up and down. Rick, unflappable state trooper, merely grinned at her. “Did he give you a ticket?”

“No. Even talked me down. Though he did scare me. He made me get in his car and kept me there for a long, long time.”

Rick chuckled. “And here I had this fantasy you’d enjoyed my company so much you lost track of time.”

“Not saying I didn’t,” Laura admitted. “I’m just saying, no offense, but the last place I wanted to be in that particular moment was in your car.”

“Okay,” Rick conceded with a chuckle. “I see your point. But when I finally let you out, you looked like you might not do violence. I think you might have even smiled once or twice. With breathtaking results, I might add.”

Laura would give him one thing. The man was smooth. Not overly so, or in a creepy kind of way either. Rick seemed genuine. The real deal. “Good one.” She laughed. “That kind of talk might get you somewhere with most women, but I’m immune to such charms.” She held up her left hand and dramatically removed the ring she’d purposely put on that morning to celebrate her divorce by taking it off as she walked out of the courtroom. “I’ve sworn off men. Thinking about something drastic like swearing an oath of celibacy.”

Balori shuddered. “Bite your tongue. That sounds like torture to me. In fact, don’t even joke about it!” She eyed Rick up and down. “What do you say, Officer Carver? If Laura isn’t interested”—she winked at him—“you and I could make a go of it.”

Rick laughed, winking back at Laura. “Thanks, Councilor, but I think I’ll pass. I’ve got taxes to finish getting together to take to my accountant and probably won’t have time for much else.”

Balori wrinkled her nose. “I don’t know whether to be insulted or feel sorry for you. I will hope you’re using Laura’s accounting services. At least I won’t have to worry about seeing you as a client when you’re in trouble with the IRS.”

“Of course,” he answered. Laura felt his emerald gaze like a physical caress as it landed on her and she shivered. “She already knows what she’s in for. But, for the record, I made sure my receipts were in chronological order.”

“Lord help me. Like that will help.” Laura sighed dramatically.

“So this is why you didn’t ask for more than you did.” Carl Meadows, Laura’s now ex-husband, fumed as he exited the courtroom along with his lawyer. The other man put a restraining hand on Carl’s. “I don’t know why you threw such a fit when you were having an affair yourself.”

Ever protective of her client, Balori stepped in front of Laura. “This fight is over, Mr. Meadows. If you have anything to say to us, I suggest you use your lawyer.”

“It certainly is not!” Carl was red in the face, his thick head of white-blond hair standing out starkly against his skin, which was now ruddy with anger. “If you think I’m giving you one cent of my money, you can think again!”

“You’ll pay what the court orders,” Balori said, stepping forward, separating Carl from Laura even more. “If you want to fight it, I’ll be there to make sure you lose.”

“I don’t want your money, Carl,” Laura said quietly. “I just want you out of my life.”

Carl stabbed a finger in the air in her direction. “You married me for life, Laura. So much for your high-and-mighty morals. Weren’t you the one who pointed out that those vows were sacred? Didn’t one of them say ‘til death do us part’?”

“You gave up the right to use that card to keep her when you had sex with Linda Lawson in the same bed you shared with Laura,” Balori snapped. “Trust me. You do
not
want to go there, Carl.”

“I don’t give up what’s mine.” The look on Carl’s face made Laura shiver. She’d been married to the man for three years and had seen that look on several occasions. Usually right before he closed a particularly rough deal by playing dirty with whatever stood in the way of his progress. If she’d learned anything about her ex-husband, other than the fact he was a cheating prick, it was that he was ruthless when he wanted something.

“I’m not yours, Carl. You gave up the right to call me that when you had an affair with my best friend.” Laura tried to keep her voice from shaking, but she was more than a little afraid. And angry. The combination made it hard to remain steady.

Then, Rick was in front of her, pushing Balori gently aside and behind him. “If there’s going to be a problem, I’m going to have to insist you leave. Rick Carver, KSP.” He didn’t raise his voice as he flashed his badge, but there was a raw authority Laura would challenge anyone to defy. Well, that, and he stood head and shoulders above Carl with a body of solid muscle. Even if Carl thought he might defeat Rick in a contest of wills, there was no doubt who’d win a physical confrontation. To Laura’s satisfaction, Carl took a step back even as he raised his chin defiantly.

Carl didn’t acknowledge Rick directly. Instead, he glanced at Laura before turning to leave. “This isn’t over, Laura. Not by a long shot.”

If there was one thing Rick Carver could never stand, it was a bully. Carl Meadows smacked too much of “bully” to Rick. He’d also seen that look in a man’s eye before. Carl would definitely cause more trouble for Laura.

“That really wasn’t necessary,” Laura said softly. “I can handle him.”

He glanced at Laura, flashing her a grin he hoped looked genuine. In reality, his instincts for battle were stirring. “You shouldn’t have to handle him. He should obey your wishes and leave you alone.”

“He will,” she said with a shrug. “He’s just angry because the judge is making him pay alimony. Once he appeals and I don’t contest, he’ll get over it.”

“Do you really think so, Laura?” Balori asked the question quietly. The woman obviously had good instincts as well. “Because I’m not so certain. I didn’t say anything before, but Carl worries me.”

“He’s not harmless, but he’ll leave me alone. He’s got Linda to occupy him now. Given what I saw on the videos he had, I’m willing to bet he’ll forget me quickly enough.” She tried to smile, but Rick saw the flash of hurt before she masked it.

“Come on,” he said, feeling uncomfortable. It was an unusual sensation for him. Especially where women were concerned. “How about I treat you two lovely ladies to lunch?”

“I have another case, but you two go ahead,” Balori said, casting Rick a covert look as she urged Laura to go with him. “If Rick’s bringing his taxes to you and his receipts are organized according to a man’s standards, it would be the perfect opportunity to give him a few pointers.”

“Thanks, but I’m really not hungry.”

“I’m afraid I have to insist,” Rick said, taking his cue from Balori who kept giving him a stern look while jerking her head toward the door. Obviously, she wanted him to force the issue. “I am in desperate need of your assistance, and the way I see it, you owe me one for not giving you that ticket.” Again, he tried to look friendly and engaging when all he wanted to do was follow Carl outside and make sure he understood he was never to bother Laura again.

With a sigh, Laura capitulated. “Fine. But I’m buying. If this is business, then lunch would be tax deductible.”

Rick couldn’t help the genuine laugh. “How about we discuss that over lunch as well.”

“Why do I have the feeling your ‘discussion’ is only going to serve to distract me while you pay for it anyway?”

“Probably because you’re an intelligent woman who knows how the human male works.”

“Considering how we met, I would have to disagree with that statement.” Her muttered comment spoke volumes as to the depth of her pain. Carl Meadows had not only broken her heart, but breached a trust Rick feared Laura might never find again. Not only her husband, but her best friend as well. How did one recover from something like that?

Well, it was a good thing he was only interested in her as a friend. He wanted to help her heal because she seemed like a really nice person. Not because he found her perfect, dark skin particularly attractive to him. Or because the dark golden color of her eyes beckoned him on some primitive level he didn’t understand. Or because she had the exact type of body he loved on a woman, all curvy and soft looking.

He shook himself. Nope. Not at all interested in anything but friendship with an interesting, beautiful woman.

The women took the lead, heading out of the courthouse and into the parking lot. Rick followed behind them, a silent guarding shadow. Balori waved as she climbed into her BMW while Laura headed to a more sedate small SUV Toyota, Rick in tow.

“Did you have a particular place in mind?” Rick waited until she’d unlocked her door to speak. By that time, he’d closed in behind her, trapping her body between his and the car door. Naturally, she jumped, giving a little squeak.

“Don’t
do
that!” She turned, batting his chest with her tiny hand. Of course, Rick had to capture those delicate fingers and hold them close. It would have been illegal not to.

“Do what?”

“Sneak up on me. You nearly frightened me to death.” Her eyes were wide as she gazed into his. The dark amber orbs seemed to sparkle, wide from her startlement.

He grinned, which probably looked more than a little wolfish. “You knew I was following you. It shouldn’t have been a surprise I was still here.”

“Well, I thought you went with Balori.”

“Why would I do that? She told us she had another case. Besides, why settle for Balori when I could spend my time with you?”

Her smile was genuine. “You think you’re so smooth, Officer Rick Carver. But I have news for you. You’re not nearly as charming as you like to believe.”

Catching her gaze and holding it for a moment, Rick let the full weight of his interest wash over her. And there was no way she didn’t see that interest in his eyes. “Yes. I am.” He raised an eyebrow. “Steak or pasta?”

Laura blinked several times, probably trying to decide if he was for real or not. “Uh, pasta,” she finally replied, if a bit breathlessly. Good. She understood he meant to woo her. “But I have to insist we keep this strictly professional.”

Rick raised an eyebrow. “Of course. For now.”

***

How the hell had this happened? Laura found herself being helped into her chair by a devastatingly handsome man when she’d only just gotten rid of another man. Up until she’d met Rick, Carl had been one of the most attractive men she’d ever seen. Maybe it was the turn his character had taken in her eyes or maybe it was simple reality, but looking at Rick, Laura wondered what in the world she’d ever seen in Carl. Rick was the kind of man who took time to help a complete stranger come back to her sanity. Carl had been the man to nearly rob her of that sanity in the first place. Looking back, she had to wonder why. He so wasn’t worth it.

So now, as she ordered her chicken Alfredo, she snuck covert glances at her dining partner for the afternoon. Still in his uniform, his arms were barely contained by the short, gray sleeves that seemed to have no give to them. Broad shoulders and massive chest further strained the material, but he didn’t seem to notice. One muscular thigh brushed against her leg and a shiver went through her. No. Shiver wasn’t the right word. It was as if he shocked her with his touch, like a little zing of electricity passed from him to her.

Laura chanced another look at Rick and found those intense green eyes of his boring into her. For several moments, there was no one, nothing in the world but the two of them. Her breath caught, heart racing out of control.

Summoning all her control, Laura pulled her gaze from his. A little growl came from his direction, but she refused to look at him, instead concentrating on her meal.

“So…” Rick cleared his throat. “Taxes.” He pulled out a brown expandable folder and laid it on the table. “That’s all of it. I tried to organize it for you, but, I’ll admit, it may still be a mess. Accounting really isn’t my strong suit.” His grin said he knew it was a mess and he would be waiting for her call. Counting on it, even.

“I’m sure it’s fine.” It was hard to find her voice with her awareness of him. When had he ceased to be a faceless cop who was only doing his job to a flesh-and-blood man she found herself almost uncontrollably attracted to?

“You’ll be sure to let me know if it’s not.”

“Absolutely.” Yep. He knew she’d be calling him. This could get tricky. Did she really want another man in her life this soon? Ever?

“I’m making you uncomfortable,” he stated, grinning when she glanced up sharply at him.

“No. I’m just hungry. The meal is very good.”

He chuckled, letting her know he wasn’t buying it. “There’s really nothing to be worried about. I was fully investigated by the KSP before they hired me. No skeletons in my closet. Hell, my last job before this was in the Marines. Retired with honors including a purple heart from Iraq.” He waggled his eyebrows at her. “Wanna see my scar?”

“You’ve lost your mind!” Despite her outrage, Laura couldn’t help but giggle. The man seemed to know every way there was to coax her out of a bad humor. He got around her defenses so easily. Just like the first night they’d met all those months ago.

“My brothers tell me chicks love scars.” He shrugged. “I take it they were wrong?”

“I’m not looking at your scar.” Laura picked up the folder and peered inside. The mass of papers secured with rubber bands and paper clips nearly gave her hives. She quickly shut the folder and glanced up at his grinning face.

“You sure you don’t wanna see my scar?”