On Steady Ground (The Walker Brother's Series) (3 page)

Smiling at me, “Sure. Lets just grab something to eat, then I’ll bring you straight home. We’ll just catch up on things.”

Nodding my head, he held his arm out for me to take. Reluctantly threading my arm through his, he led me out to his sleek vehicle. Glancing over at Ian’s house, I couldn’t help to think of the brother I have always had a crush on. The guarded, mysterious brother who never lets anyone in.

Pulling up to a small restaurant, we made small talk along the way. Mostly, him telling me his success as an investor. I barely listened, my mind wandering to other things.

“Lizzy. Lizzy.” He said squeezing my hand, snapping me out of it.

“I’m sorry.” Shaking my head.

Laughing, “It’s alright. I know it’s boring.”

Getting out, he came around to open my door but I met him in the middle.

“Shall we?” Holding his arm out again.

“Sure.” Following him into the tiny restaurant, we were seated at a table towards the back.

“So, Lizzy.” Grant said staring at me. “What have you been up to?”

“Not to much. Got married. Getting divorced. Moved. That about sums things up.” Not wanting to discuss it any further.

“Hm okay. Since you don’t want to talk about that, lets talk about high school. Why did you dump me on my ass again?” Asking with a smirk on his face.

“Grant. You didn’t even notice I was gone. Besides, I couldn’t find you for the constant horde of girls around you at all times.” Taking a bite of the salad that arrived at our table.

Smirking at me, “If I remember correctly, you had quite a few admirers chasing after you also love.”

“That was a long time ago Grant.” Smiling back at him from across the table.

“Yes. Yes it was, and I still remember it like it was yesterday. Do you remember our first kiss?”

Turning ten shades of red, “Yes, I remember. It was in my house, if I remember correctly.”

Staring into my eyes, “It was on your doorstep after our third date. I didn’t think you would ever kiss me, but it was well worth the wait.”

“Okay, now you’re embarrassing me.” I said trying to shield my face from him with my glass. “With all the girlfriends you had, how do you remember all of that?”

His smirk fading, “You stand out to me Lizzy. You always have.”

“I don’t know what to say, when you say those things.” Fidgeting with my fork now.

“How about just telling me what you thought of me back in the day.”

“Oh wow, that was a long time ago.” Trying to deflect the question.

“We dated for six months, a record that stands today for me. Surly you have some sort of opinion on that time with me.”

Smiling, he stood out in my mind also. I wasn’t about to tell him, his brother was the one who has remained on my mind all these years. Still, I really did like him at one time. “Well, you were egotistical, smart, charming, handsome, and you really loved yourself. You were nice, polite and did I mention you had no self-esteem problems?” Poking a little fun at him.

Nodding his head, “Yeah you mentioned that. I was thinking more about how you felt about me.”

“Oh I don’t know if that is fair, for I don’t know how you felt about me exactly.” Hoping that would end the conversation.

“That’s easy. I was in love with you Lizzy. It broke my heart when you dumped me.” He said matter of fact, staring at me.

“Come again?” My lettuce becoming lodged in my throat.

“I was in love with you. You challenged me, you were and still are completely stunning.”

“Well if that was the case, why were you pawing all over that girl?”

Shaking his head, “That was such a big mistake. I have regretted it ever since. You had me scared. You forced me to open up to a girl like I never had before. I freaked. When you let me have it, which I deserved by the way. I knew I would never find another like you. When I spotted you in the diner today, my hope was renewed.”

Shaking my head, “I’m not ready for anything serious Grant.”

“I’m not asking Lizzy. Now, how did you feel about me?”

“Well honestly, I really did like you a lot.” Trying to be honest but not completely deflate his ego. “I enjoyed our time together, although we were just so different. However, I was quite smitten with you. I can’t lie, it did hurt seeing you all over that other girl.”

Grabbing my hand, I pulled it away quickly. “I’m sorry Lizzy. I never said it then, but I’m saying it now.”

Smiling as our plates arrived, “It’s water under the bridge Grant. We were kids. A lot has changed.”

“Yes it has. How long will you be staying?”

“Indefinitely. I’m in need of a fresh start.”

“Good. Glad to hear it. You keep in touch with anyone else from our class?”

“No. Just Ben.”

Shaking his head, “Are you two…?”

“No. No. Ben is like a brother, I have known him forever.”

“I see. Glad to hear it.”

“How about you Grant? Any lucky lady in your life?”

“No. However, I’m looking to have the spot filled.” He said staring at me. He had a way of making anyone nervous with just one look.

“I see.” Placing the fork down on my plate, I was stuffed.

“When will your divorce be final?”

“I just left him a couple of days ago, the papers are being sent out immediately.” Shifting in my seat uncomfortably.

“He must be an idiot to do something so bad to warrant you leaving him.”

“I don’t really want to talk about it.”

“Okay, well if you need anything at all, I know a few good lawyers. I wouldn’t mind calling in a favor or two.” Picking up the bill and placing a credit card in the flap. His brown hair falling onto his forehead, he was so handsome in the dim light.

“Thank you Grant. That is sweet of you.”

“Sure, you have my number still I hope?”

“It’s in my purse.”

“Good. You ready?” He asked standing up, unsure to offer me a hand or not.

“Yeah.” Pulling out my chair, I grabbed his hand he offered and let him lift me up.

Grant unwilling to relinquish my hand, “You want to go anywhere else?” His eyes searching my face.

“No, I would like to go back to the farm. Thank you.”

“Sure.” Leading me out of the restaurant, he didn’t let go of my hand until after he helped me into his car.

On the way home, he talked about his family some and what they have been up to. I listened, relieved to not have to talk anymore about myself.

Pulling into the drive, he put the car in park. “I’ll walk you to your door.”

Shaking my head, “No need to Grant. Besides, it wasn’t a date right?”

“Right. But I’m still a gentlemen.”

“Okay.” Getting out and glancing over at Ian’s house, all of the lights were still on. “What time is it Grant?”

“Around nine.” Holding on to my arm as I climbed the steps, stopping in front of the door.

“Thank you for dinner. It was kind of you.” Shifting my purse on to my shoulder, looking down at my feet.

“Thank you for coming. You are a hard sell Lizzy.” Lifting up my chin to look at him.

“Goodnight Grant.” Turning to walk in the door, he grabbed my arm gently.

“I don’t even get a hug, after all these years?”

“A hug?” Smiling, “Sure.” Leaning in and embracing him quickly, I was the first to let go. “Good night Grant.” Shutting the door, I waited until I heard the engine start and he was down the lane. Sighing, I grabbed a beer out of the fridge and made my way back onto the porch. I didn’t need another complication, no matter how good looking he is.

Searching in my purse, I found my phone and figured it was as good of a time as any to listen to my voice mails. With anxiety and fear making me nauseous I turned it back on and waited that minute in torture. Beeping at me in the dark, the screen lit up letting me know I had fifty new voice mails. I wasn’t surprised, I actually expected more. Setting my phone down and hitting speaker I started the daunting task of listening to them. The first message, “Elizabeth, where are you? I’m so sorry baby. I never meant to hurt you. You know how my temper is. Come back.” The second message, “Please baby, come back. I promise I won’t hurt you again.” The third message, “Where are you? You need to come back, I am your husband. I will change, I promise. Fourth message, starting to show more of his true nature, “Elizabeth come back. You are my wife and you do what I say. If you don’t come back, I will find you and bring you back myself.” The messages continued on with Craig threatening me, eventually telling me when he found me he was going to make me wish I had never met him. To late for that. With tears streaking down my face, I shut off the voice mail unable to listen to any more of his vile threats. Putting my head in my arms, I let go of the tears that had been fighting to get out.

“Lizzy?” Ian said stepping out of the shadows.

Startled, wiping my face and biting back the tears. “I’m so sorry Ian. I didn’t know anyone was around.” Hoping he hadn’t heard much.

“I was just out checking on a calf before I hit the sack.”

Coming closer he was in only jeans and boots and my mouth went dry. Could any man be more built or more attractive than Ian? Highly doubtful. For that second he made me forget what I was crying about.

“You mind if I sit down?” Pointing to the steps beside me.

“No, not at all.” Wiping my tears away with the back of my hand again.

Pulling his t-shirt out of his back pocket he handed it over to me, “I’m not sure how clean it is.” He said smiling.

“Thank you Ian.” Using it to wipe my tears away, it smelled of his cologne.

“I take it, that was your jack ass husband.” Pointing to the phone. “He left you a few voice mails huh?”

Another tear streaming down my face, “Fifty to be exact.”

“I know it’s none of my business Lizzy, but I’m worried about you. He seems like a bit of a loose canon.”

“Yeah, he definitely is.” Looking over into Ian’s startling blue eyes, “I am so scared he will find me.” Tears streaming down my face faster now.

Pulling me into his arms, “Sh, it’ll be alright Lizzy. Everything will work out. If you ever need me, I will be just next door. I’ll come over in a flash.”

“Thank you Ian.” Holding me close while I emptied out all my tears.

“Is Ben home yet?” Ian asked dropping his arm from around my shoulders.

The void hitting me instantly. It felt to good in his arms, comfortable and safe. I hated to admit that I didn’t want it to stop. The butterflies still making themselves known in my stomach when he is around. “No, he’s out scoping for women again.”

“I don’t want you staying her alone tonight Lizzy. I wouldn’t feel right about it. Why don’t you stay at my house tonight. I have a couple extra rooms.”

“No. No. I wouldn’t want to be a bother Ian.”

“No bother. I have plenty of room. I don’t want you alone tonight.”

“I’ll be okay Ian.” Arguing with him, not trusting myself to be that close to him.

“I won’t get any sleep tonight worried if your crazy husband is going to find you. So you’ll be doing me a favor.” He said smiling down at me. His skin still hot as his arm grazed mine.

“Okay, if you insist.” I relented not sure if I was happy or sad about it.

“I do. I’ll wait here while you to grab some clothes.”

“Okay, thanks.” Standing, he grabbed my hand helping me up and I went inside of the house to grab my night gown and some clothes for tomorrow. My heart aching, I wasn’t ready to be attracted to another man. Although attracted was to small of a word. It went beyond attraction, my body heating up with every glance I take at him. I saw only heart ache looking at him, he is a good man, but just as guarded as I am. I would never be able to break down the walls and see the man underneath. The woman who does finally infiltrate that mans heart will be the luckiest woman on earth. I envy this non-existent woman already. Grabbing my things, I threw in a small bag and walked back out on the porch as my phone started ringing. My heart in my throat I looked at Ian in a panic. Picking it up, he looked at the screen.

“It’s prince charming.” He said sarcastically, looking at me.

“I forgot to turn it off.” Walking towards him.

Looking at me, he turned it off and handed it to me, “Problem solved.”

“Thanks.” Shoving it back into my purse. Standing up, he took the bag from my arms and I forgot what it was like to have a gentlemen around. Making my way slowly across the yard, my heel falling into a hole Ian caught me on the way down. “Thank you Ian.” Stumbling, he held on to my waist this time.

“You look nice, don’t get me wrong. However, you need to get some boots for around out here.”

“Yeah, I know. I will. Next on my to do list.” Completely aware of his arm around my waist. My skin tingling under his touch, the wind carrying his cologne to my nose. Helping me up the steps of his porch I actually wept inside when he let go of me.

Expanding his arms wide, “Welcome to my shack.”

It looked about the same as it did when I dated Grant, the few times I was over. “Thank you again for letting me stay. I will sleep better tonight knowing he isn’t going to find me here.”

“Not a problem Lizzy. Let me show you to your room so you can get settled for the night.”

“Thanks.” Smiling nervously. I wasn’t tired but I wasn’t about to get in his way either. Following him up the steps I had a nice view of his backside. His muscles in his back flexing with each step he took, I was quick to look away when we made it to the top of the landing.

Opening up one of four doors, “It isn’t much but hopefully you’ll get some rest.” He said walking in and flipping on a lamp next to the bed.

Smiling, “It’s perfect. Thank you.” Catching my face in the vanity mirror, most of my cover up I used on my face had been wiped off from my tears, and my bruise was yet again painfully evident. Putting my hand to my face and looking down and away from him, embarrassed. “Thanks again Ian.”

Feeling him standing behind me, his hand rested on my shoulder. “You don’t have to be ashamed Lizzy. You’re not the coward, he is. You did the right thing and left, you shouldn’t feel like you have to hide anything.”

Turning and looking into those stunning blue eyes, I had a torrent of emotions rush through me and I couldn’t help it when I leaped into his arms for a hug. “Thank you so much Ian. You’re to kind to me.”

Squeezing me and stepping back out my grasp, he looked extremely nervous. “Um, you still remember where the bathroom is?”

Shaking my head yes, he walked to the door not looking back. “Okay well, anything you need just make yourself at home.” Walking out and shutting the door gently.

Slipping my heels off, I undressed and threw on my nightgown. Looking around the room, it had plush blue carpets. An old dresser with a mirror stood to the side of the bed. A beautiful sleigh bed took up the most room with a blue and white comforter. A big picture window looked out onto the driveway, and the miles and miles of farm land. Sighing, and walking to the mirror I undid my braid, letting my hair fall into waves on my back. Turning, and viewing myself in the mirror Craig hated this nightgown. He said it was to revealing. I don’t know why it mattered, he was the only one seeing me in it. Silky and v-neck it rode to mid thigh, it wasn’t that bad. I probably wore worse growing up. He had just altered and skewed my way of looking at things. That was the one reason why I selected this one, because it didn’t remind me of him. I wouldn’t have nightmares of him taking it off of me. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I glanced at the clock and it was a little after ten at this point. Wide awake, my body was still shaking with nervousness.

Laying down, I could hear Ian moving around downstairs and I ached to go just stare at him for a couple hours. That wouldn’t be creepy at all. Pulling the sheets back, I crawled in reluctantly shutting my eyes.

Waking up, I hadn’t even realized that I fell asleep. Looking at the clock it was midnight and I made the mistake of starting to think about all those voice mails again. My skin crawling, I couldn’t believe there was a time when I was actually in love with Craig. Now, terrified of this man and what he is capable of it was impossible to shut my eyes again. To shut my eyes put me in a vulnerable situation. I knew I was being irrational, especially being here at Ian’s. I never once mentioned Ian or Grant. He would never know I was here. He would however, try to find Ben. Luckily, everything at Ben’s home was in Ian’s name. It still made me uncomfortable. Putting my feet on the floor I was groggy, but I was back to being scared. Tiptoeing to my door, I gently opened it hoping not to wake Ian. Quietly making my way down the stairs and into the kitchen, I stepped in to find Ian sitting at the counter with a cup of tea watching the television that sat on top of the fridge.

Looking at me surprised, he was still shirtless, only wearing his jeans now. His boots kicked off by the door, he looked gorgeous. “I’m sorry. I woke up and then I couldn’t get back to sleep.” Starting to walk back out.

“No. It’s okay. Come back.” He said patting the stool sitting next to him.

Turning and sitting, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bother you.”

“It’s no bother.” Flashing me that handsome smile, his hair hung in his face. Pushing it back, he breathed in heavy. “Never have been able to sleep very good at night.” Smiling at me again.

He looked even better with nothing but his jeans on, riding low. Hair a mess, strewn everywhere. He was pure sex appeal, and I found it hard to remind myself that I am newly single woman. Divorce papers probably still making their way within the postal system at this point.

Gazing at me again, “Your husband is a fool.”

Smiling, “Why do you say that?” Completely clueless.

“You’re beautiful.”

Blushing, and pretty much shocked. “Thank you Ian.”

“Did you have fun with my brother tonight?”

Deflating the moment instantly, Grant was the last thing I wanted to discuss with Ian. “Um, well yeah. He just kinda ambushed me with roses and insistence.”

Laughing, “Yeah, that sounds like my brother. You are now on his radar Lizzy. I’m not sure you ever left it.” He said getting up and walking to the fridge, gazing in before he closed it again. “You want anything?”

You? My mind screaming at me. “No. I’m okay.”

“Come on Lizzy.” He said grabbing my hand, pulling me off towards the dark living room.

The only sound coming from the old grandfather clock sitting in the corner, ticking away. A little light streaming in from the kitchen illuminating our way. My hand warming with his touch, he led me over to the couch. Sitting down he pulled me down next to him. Putting a pillow in his lap, “Lay down.”

Looking at him skeptically, I’m sure I looked like a deer in the headlights.

“I’m not looking to get fresh with you Lizzy. I know why you can’t sleep. Just lay down, I won’t leave you.”

Smiling, I’m not sure I would have minded if he got fresh with me. Nodding my head, I laid down on the couch my head resting on the pillow in his lap. Looking up, muscle stacked upon muscle, my gaze reached his handsome face. “Thank you Ian.”

“Not a problem. It’s nice having company with my insomnia.”

“Ian?”

“Yes?” Slumping down, getting comfortable. His fingers idly playing with a strand of my hair before he realized what he was doing and dropped his hand.

“What am I going to do if Craig fights the divorce papers?”

Sighing, “From the sound of it, he’s not going to let you go that easily. He’s going to force a confrontation with you, or at the very least slow down the process until he can locate you.”

“Yeah, that’s kinda what I was thinking.” I said sadly. “How could I have screwed up my life this much? I just let him over take it, and it wasn’t like he did it over night. He took his time and did it so slowly, I didn’t even notice until I lost myself completely.”

Looking down at me concerned, “I wouldn’t be so hard on yourself. Guys like that are experts in manipulation. It’s never to late to start over.” He said giving me a reassuring smile.

“Even after everything he has done to me, I hate seeing him hurt. Is that weird? I just hate seeing anyone hurt and in pain.”

“No, it’s you Lizzy. You have always cared more for other people than for yourself. There comes a time where you need to start putting yourself first.” Reaching up to the side of the couch, he pulled a blanket on top of her. It was to much to see her with so little on. Trying to refocus his thoughts, “You’ll be okay Lizzy, you’re a fighter.”

Reaching down and fidgeting with the side of the blanket, “Why didn’t we ever hang out in high school?”

Smiling, “Well, probably because Grant tried to monopolize most of your time. He chased you all through high school, until you finally relented his senior year.”

“Oh yes. Grant. I don’t know when he had time to chase me honestly. I don’t remember him at any point being without a girl on his arm.” Smiling up at him, “How different two brothers can be.”

“Why do you say that?”

“You, always so respectful to pretty much everyone. I don’t remember seeing you date very many girls back in the day.”

“There was only a select few that peaked my interest Lizzy, and they all seemed to be taken.” His eyes connecting with mine before he looked off at the clock nervously. “Sleep Lizzy.”

“I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

“I’m not uncomfortable. Stop worrying and sleep. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Promise? I wanted to ask him so badly. I wanted him to promise me that forever. Yelling at myself for thinking such thoughts. I had hardly closed the door on one relationship, I wasn’t about to try an jump into another. Or attempt to in this case. Ian is such a difficult man, there was no other like him. To have him choose me with all my baggage, would be a miracle. As it is, my life could use a few miracles. Looking up at him one last time before closing my eyes, I only wished that he was as interested in me like his brother was. Knowing the odds of that were incredibly low. He was just being the nice, accommodating Ian like he always has been. Telling myself not to be such a girl and read more into it than there really was. Falling asleep this time was so much easier, when you know nothing bad can happen to you.