Giving My All To You
Sheryl Lister
A hero’s touchFaith Alexander’s guardian angel has a body built for sin. Ever since she woke up in the hospital after a car crash, her rescuer, Brandon Gray, has been by her side—chivalrous, caring, and oh, so fine. Faith came to Los Angeles to find her long-lost father, only to learn that he’s a partner in Brandon’s family business. How can she reveal that her inheritance stands in the way of Brandon’s career dreams?All of Brandon’s focus is on his long-coveted role as CEO—until he stops to help a mysterious beauty. With chemistry this irresistible, he’s ready to share a future with Faith, and then he feels beyond betrayed to discover what she’s been hiding. If desire and trust can overcome pride, he’ll realize he’s found the perfect partner in the boardroom and the bedroom…
A hero’s touch
Faith Alexander’s guardian angel has a body built for sin. Ever since she woke up in the hospital after a car crash, her rescuer, Brandon Gray, has been by her side—chivalrous, caring and oh-so-fine. Faith came to Los Angeles to find her long-lost father, only to learn that he’s a partner in Brandon’s family business. How can she reveal that her inheritance stands in the way of Brandon’s career dreams?
All Brandon’s focus is on his long-coveted role as CEO—until he stops to help a mysterious beauty. With chemistry this irresistible, he’s ready to share a future with Faith, but he feels beyond betrayed to discover what she’s been hiding. If desire and trust can overcome pride, he’ll realize he’s found the perfect partner in the boardroom and the bedroom...
Brandon reached for her hand and pointed toward the water.
They sat in silence, watching as the sun set in a blaze of orange and reds across the sky. “It’s amazing.” And so was he. How many men would be content to sit and enjoy the simple pleasure of a sunset?
“I agree.” Their eyes met. “Stunning.”
The intensity of his stare told her he meant more than the sunset. She gently withdrew her hand and resumed eating.
When they finished, he settled the bill and asked, “Would you like to take a walk?”
“I’d love to.” Because they were close to the water, the temperatures had dipped and a slight breeze had kicked up.
He entwined their fingers and they strolled off. He stopped a ways down the path and faced her. For a moment, he said nothing, seemingly struggling with what he wanted to say.
“What is it?”
“I can show you better than I can tell you,” Brandon whispered and lowered his head.
Dear Reader (#u57ac6e21-236f-56f1-a9ca-3a6bb78d13da),
I hope you have enjoyed reading about the Gray siblings as much as I have writing them! Many of you have asked when will Brandon Gray’s story be told and here he is. You know how intense he is and how often he sticks his foot in his mouth. Well...nothing has changed, lol. Only this time he’s met his match in a woman who might just make him want to readjust a bit. Faith Alexander has no qualms about sending Brandon packing, and I totally delighted in watching the sparks fly...in more ways than one. And I hope you enjoy the ride, as well.
Up next is Khalil Gray—model turned fitness buff, and boy, do I have a lot in store for him! Stay tuned.
As always, I so appreciate all your love and support. Without you, I couldn’t do this.
Much love,
Sheryl
Website: SherylLister.com (http://sheryllister.com)
Email: sheryllister@gmail.com (mailto:sheryllister@gmail.com)
Facebook: Facebook.com/SherylListerAuthor (https://www.facebook.com/SherylListerAuthor)
Twitter: Twitter.com/1Slynne (https://twitter.com/1slynne)
Giving My All to You
Sheryl Lister
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
SHERYL LISTER has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember. She writes contemporary and inspirational romance and romantic suspense. She’s been nominated for an Emma Award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award and has been named BRAB’s 2015 Best New Author. When she’s not reading, writing or playing chauffeur, Sheryl can be found on a date with her husband or in the kitchen creating appetizers and bite-size desserts. Sheryl resides in California and is a wife, mother of three daughters and a son-in-love, and grandmother to two very special little boys.
For the readers who asked for Brandon’s story.
Acknowledgments (#u57ac6e21-236f-56f1-a9ca-3a6bb78d13da)
My Heavenly Father, thank You for my life. You never cease to amaze me with Your blessings!
To my husband, Lance, my children, family and friends. Thank you for your continued support. I appreciate and love you!
To my critique partner, Leslie Wright. Girl, those phone calls are a lifesaver! Thanks, sis.
A special thank-you to the readers and authors I’ve met on this journey. You continue to enrich my life.
Thank you to my editor, Patience Bloom, for your editorial guidance and support.
A very special thank-you to my agent, Sarah E. Younger. I appreciate you more than words can say.
Contents
Cover (#u578d7edc-dd6b-55aa-b5c9-f240db98c267)
Back Cover Text (#ube75888b-23f1-5bc7-9792-62993571dfff)
Introduction (#u340a2415-d1f4-5e29-922d-f5aba8d1de1d)
Dear Reader (#u21abf830-ca96-5a00-b69c-ed994dec9af7)
Title Page (#u9e4daacd-a8eb-5183-adaa-834aacb1ddca)
About the Author (#ua1e30ded-cf6f-5af5-8c7a-e4e88c90eeab)
Dedication (#ue1b2ec87-a6a9-5e51-a804-148aa28a00d4)
Acknowledgments (#u39beba63-c317-5981-a719-9e20a5863191)
Chapter 1 (#u92193f44-cf1a-59d0-a1bc-c919b1b20e67)
Chapter 2 (#ue2fc871b-0229-5965-9c5d-48d55cfb9f78)
Chapter 3 (#ud36c6e9f-b97c-5dff-9443-c77cd90ba879)
Chapter 4 (#u354ac907-b15a-5efb-ac8d-378ac24ff56b)
Chapter 5 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 6 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 7 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 8 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 9 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 10 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 11 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 12 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 13 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 14 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 15 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 16 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 17 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 18 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 19 (#litres_trial_promo)
Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)
Extract (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 1 (#u57ac6e21-236f-56f1-a9ca-3a6bb78d13da)
“Hey, girl. You want to do lunch today?”
Faith Alexander smiled. “Sure. I’m just working on one of my web designs.” Once or twice a month on a Saturday she and her best friend, Kathi Norris, met for lunch. “Hang on, Kathi. Someone’s at the door,” she said. She saved the page she’d been working on and left the spare bedroom in her town house that she had converted to an office. It contained a desk, two bookshelves, a file cabinet and a sofa for those times when she planned to work all night, but needed a place to nap. She crossed the living room, opened the door and saw the mailman standing there.
He stuck a box into her hands along with a card and pen. “Just sign here, please.”
She cradled the phone against her ear, adjusted the box and signed the receipt. “Thank you.” Faith closed the door and frowned, not recognizing the sender.
“Helloooo.”
Kathi’s voice drew Faith out of her thoughts. “Sorry. I just got a box from someone in Los Angeles named Thaddeus Whitcomb.”
“Ooh, girl, you’ve got a man sending you gifts from California?”
“No. I have no idea who this is.” She shook the box and heard a slight rustling.
“What’s in it?”
“I have no idea,” she said, walking back to her office and placing it on the desk.
“Anyway, Cameron—the guy I’ve been dating—has a cute friend and I thought we could double-date,” Kathi said.
“No.”
“Come on, Faith.”
“No. The last time I went on one of your little blind double dates it turned into the month from hell. You’re on your own this time.”
“Grant wasn’t that bad.”
“Hmph. You weren’t the one he was calling ten times a day asking when I was going to let him come to my house. I swear that man had octopus arms and was just as slimy. He made my skin crawl.” She shivered with the remembrance.
“Okay, okay, I get your point. He did border on stalking.”
“You think?”
“But this guy is different—six feet, rich brown skin, fit and easy on the eyes.”
“Doesn’t matter. I’m not interested.” After that fiasco six months ago, she had sworn off men and was content with building her year-old web design business.
“We aren’t getting any younger and I’d like to settle down and have a kid or two before my eggs shrivel up and die.”
She laughed. “Kathi, you act like we’re pushing fifty. We’re only thirty.” She cut into the box, pulled back the flap and saw a stack of letters with a rubber band around them. All were addressed to her from Thaddeus Whitcomb and had “Return to Sender” written on them. She quickly flipped through them and noted the postmarks went back almost twenty-eight years.
While half listening to Kathi list all the reasons why this guy would be different, Faith opened the gray envelope on the top that had her first name written in large letters and withdrew the sheet of paper. When she unfolded it, a photo of a man wearing an army uniform and holding a baby fell out. She didn’t know who he was, but she recognized the child. She quickly read the letter. Her eyes widened and her heart stopped and started up again. “It can’t be. He’s supposed to be dead,” she whispered in shock. “Kathi, I have to go.”
“Wait...what? What about lunch?”
“I need to take a rain check. I’ll call you later.”
Butterflies fluttered in her belly as she picked up the photo again and studied it for a moment before rereading the letter. Tears filled her eyes and anger rose within her. She tossed everything back into the box, slid her arms into a light jacket and grabbed the box, her purse and keys, and left. Although the sun shone, there was a slight breeze and the early June temperatures in Portland hovered near seventy. Twenty minutes later, she rang her parents’ doorbell.
“Faith,” her father said with a wide grin, “we didn’t know you were coming over. Come in, baby.” He kissed her cheek.
“Hi, Dad.” Her mother had married William Alexander when Faith was eight and he had been the only father she’d known. “Where’s Mom?”
“She’s in the family room working on one of those word search puzzles.” He placed a hand on her arm as she passed him. “Everything okay, Faith?”
“I don’t think so.”
His concerned gazed roamed over her face. “Well, let’s go talk about it.”
Her mother glanced up from her book when they entered and lowered the recliner. “Hey, sweetheart.”
“We need to talk, Mom.”
Her mother’s brows knit together. “Something wrong?”
Faith dropped the box on her mother’s lap.
“What is this?”
“You tell me.”
Her mother lifted out the envelopes and quickly flipped through them. Her loud gasp pierced the silence. “Where...where did you get these?”
“They were delivered to my house this afternoon. How could you do this to me, Mom?” She paced back and forth across the plush gray carpet.
“What the heck is going on here?” her father asked. “Who are those letters from?”
She stopped pacing and, not taking her eyes off her mother, Faith answered, “My father. The man she told me died while serving in the army.”
His eyes widened and he dragged a hand down his face. “Francis? Is that true?” he asked.
Her mother tossed the letters aside. “You don’t understand,” she snapped.
“You’re right, I don’t.” Faith flopped down onto the sofa. “He’s been alive all this time and trying to contact me,” she murmured, tears gathering in her eyes. “Why, Mom? Why did you lie to me?”
“I was trying to protect you.”
“Protect me? From what?”
“You were too young to know what it was like when he came home that last time—the crying out, the nightmares with him flailing around the bed, the flashbacks. I was worried he’d hurt you and me, and I didn’t want to deal with it every time he came home.” She sniffed. “So I left.”
Faith couldn’t begin to imagine what her father had seen and experienced that would cause such nightmares, but she had a hard time believing that her mom hadn’t even tried to help him. Growing up, she’d always marveled at her mother’s compassionate nature and wanted to grow up to be just like her. Now she was learning that hadn’t always been the case. “That still didn’t give you the right to just erase him from my life.” Faith wiped away her own tears. “And how did you know you would have to deal with it every time?” She paused. “He’s invited me to visit him and I’m going.”
Her mother jumped up from the chair. “Why? It’s been twenty-eight years. What can you possibly gain by going to see him? Just let it be.”
“He’s my father and I’m not going to let it be.” She caught her stepfather’s gaze. “I’m sorry, Dad. You know I love you.” She felt bad because he had always been there for her.
He nodded. “I know, honey. You go do what you have to do. Francis, she has to find her own way.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
The two women engaged in a staredown for a full minute before her mother turned away. She had never been this angry with her mother. Sure, when Faith was a teen, they’d had their disagreements, but nothing like this.
Her mother pointed a finger Faith’s way. “Nothing good can come from this. Nothing. I don’t know why he’s trying to disrupt your life after all these years.”
Faith threw up her hands. “Disrupt my life? How is wanting to know your daughter a disruption?” She snatched up the letters. “He’s been sending letters for twenty-eight years and you sent them back without ever telling me. The only person who’s disrupted my life is you.” She put the letters in the box and stormed past her mother. “I have to get out of here.”
At the door, her stepfather’s voice stopped her.
“I know you’re pretty angry at your mother right now, but try to see it from her side. She was only doing what she thought best.” He gave her a strong hug, palmed her face much like he did when she was a child and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Whatever you decide, I’ll always be here.” Although approaching his fifty-eighth birthday, he didn’t look a day over forty. His walnut-colored skin remained unlined, his body was still trim and toned, and his deep brown eyes held the love he had always shown her.
“Thanks, Dad.”
“When are you leaving?”
“I don’t know.”
“Call to let us know you’re safe.”
“I will.” Faith kissed his cheek and slipped out the door.
She drove home still in disbelief over what her mother had done and that her biological father was actually alive. Once there, she called Kathi and filled her in, then searched hotels and reserved a flight and car for the following Tuesday. Although she loved her stepfather, Faith had often imagined what kind of man her father had been. Now that she had his letters, she’d get her wish. But she wanted to know what he would be like in person. Guess I’ll find out soon.
* * *
“Are you ready to step into the CEO position, little brother?”
Brandon Gray acknowledged a couple of people leaving the conference room after the Wednesday morning staff meeting ended. He then smiled at his older sister, Siobhan. “Been ready.” His father had started the company more than two decades ago after being discharged from the army. When he saw the difficulties his best friend, who had been wounded in combat, had trying to get services and accommodations, Nolan Gray decided, instead of waiting around, he would design them himself. What started in their home garage had now grown to be one of the largest in-home safety companies in the country. They provided everything from shower rails and specialized mattresses to custom-built ramps. Their father would step down at the end of the month, leaving Brandon as head of Gray Home Safety. His father’s best friend, Thaddeus Whitcomb, whom they affectionately called Uncle Thad, had joined the company shortly after it was formed and served as the company’s vice president. He planned to retire, as well. The two men had always said that the reins would be turned over to their children, with a Gray in the CEO position and a Whitcomb as vice president.
Siobhan stuffed some papers into a folder. “I wonder what Uncle Thad is going to do. Too bad he never got married or had kids. And as good-looking as he is, I’m surprised. I don’t ever remember seeing him date.”
“I saw one woman coming around for a while when I was working in the warehouse that summer after junior year in high school, but I don’t know what happened to her.”
“Well, with no one to step in as vice president, you’ll be in charge of everything.”
“True.” Brandon actually preferred it that way, expected it after all this time. While the roles worked well for his dad and uncle, he’d much rather work solo.
Their father came around the table. “Brandon, can you come by my office? I need to talk to you.”
Brandon studied his father’s serious expression. “Sure, Dad. I’ll be right there.”
His father clapped him on the shoulder and exited.
Siobhan said, “I wonder what that’s about.”
He shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Well, let me know what happens.”
“Okay.” Brandon left the room and started down the corridor leading to his father’s office. He spoke to the administrative assistant, who told him to go in.
“I just hope this time you can get the answers,” he heard his father say.
“Dad? Oh, hey, Unc. I didn’t know you were here.”
“Hi, Brandon. I’ll talk to you later, Nolan,” Uncle Thad said. The two older men shared a glance that wasn’t lost on Brandon.
He followed his uncle’s departure. Today Uncle Thad was on crutches. He’d lost the lower part of his left leg during Desert Storm and typically used a prosthetic. However, over the past year, he had taken to using his wheelchair or the crutches because of problems with the artificial limb.
After Uncle Thad left, Brandon’s father said, “Close the door and have a seat, son.”
He complied. “What’s going on, Dad?”
“There may be a little delay in you taking my position.”
“What? Why?”
“Something has come up that needs to be handled before we pass on the reins.”
“If you tell me what it is, maybe I can help.”
“No, no,” his father answered quickly. “I’ll handle it.”
He tried to keep his surprise and distress hidden. Brandon knew he could be intense sometimes, but he was the best person for the job. He knew this company inside out. “How long are you talking?”
“I’m not sure. Another month or two perhaps.”
He did his best to remain in his seat and not behave like the hotheaded teen he used to be. Was his father having second thoughts about Brandon heading the company? He was afraid to ask, but needed to know. Taking a deep, calming breath, he asked, “Are you thinking of putting someone else in the position?
“No.”
Something—he didn’t know what—in his father’s tone gave Brandon pause. “Is that all?”
“Yes.” His father released a deep sigh. “Son, I know you’re upset, but I assure you this is just temporary.”
Brandon stood and nodded. “Since it’s almost five, I’m going to take off, unless you need me to stay.”
He shook his head.
“Tell Mom hi.”
“I will.”
Brandon stalked back to his desk, locked up and set out for the gym his brother Khalil owned. The former model was now a highly sought-after personal trainer. With rush-hour traffic, it took Brandon nearly an hour to reach his destination, which incensed him even more. He was more than ready to take out his frustrations on the heavy bag.
“Damn, big brother. You might want to go easy on that bag.”
Ignoring Khalil for the moment, Brandon continued with his punches. A few minutes later, winded, he removed his gloves, wiped his face with a towel and downed a bottle of water.
“Want to tell me what’s going on and why you’re about to dislodge my bag from the ceiling?”
He took up a position next to Khalil on the wall. “Dad is postponing his retirement. He said something came up that he needs to handle and it could be another couple of months.”
“Why can’t you handle it?”
“I offered, but he wouldn’t even tell me what it was. It’s bugging the hell out of me. I’m almost positive Uncle Thad is in on it, too.” Brandon recalled the shared look between the two men.
Khalil swung his head in Brandon’s direction. “I know he’s not thinking about putting someone else in the CEO position. Granted, you do go over the top sometimes, like when that couple was trying to sue the company last year. You’re lucky Siobhan and Morgan are still speaking to you.”
He shot his brother a dark glare. “Shut up.” When the accusations were first leveled, Siobhan, the company’s PR director, had been out of town with her now husband and missed several calls that weekend. Their baby sister, Morgan, had been tasked to handle the legal case and, unbeknownst to the family, had become agent to a star football player. Both times, Brandon had confronted his sisters, feeling that they should have put the company first. Needless to say, it hadn’t won him any brownie points. While Siobhan still worked for the company, Morgan had left the company six months ago and was doing well in the world of sports management. She had also married said football player. “Dad said he wasn’t looking to place anyone else in the position, but I have a bad feeling about this.”
“Thank God, because I’m certainly not going to do it, and neither is Malcolm.” Their youngest brother, Morgan’s twin, played professional football and had no interest in doing anything not sports-related. Khalil straightened from the wall. “Well, you’ve waited all this time for the position. Another few weeks won’t kill you.” Brandon grunted and Khalil laughed. “Besides, it’ll give you more time to practice some patience.”
Brandon grabbed his stuff and left Khalil standing there. He spent another forty-five minutes lifting weights before calling it a night. To add to his already foul mood, he realized that he’d forgotten to add a change of clothes and, after showering, had to put his wrinkled slacks and dress shirt back on. He spotted Khalil on his way out working with a client and threw up a wave.
At his car, Brandon tossed his gym bag in the backseat, then climbed in on the driver’s side, started the engine and drove off. His stomach growled, letting him know it was far past the time for him to eat. As he merged onto the freeway, his cell rang and he engaged the Bluetooth device. “Hello.”
“Brandon, can you stop by Thad’s and pick up a folder for the meeting tomorrow morning?”
“Hey, Dad. I thought he was going to be there.”
“He planned to, but the orthopedic clinic had a cancellation and can see him sooner than his original appointment two months from now.”
Brandon knew how difficult it was to get an appointment with a specialist and understood the necessity of taking anything that came along earlier.
“I’d go, but your mother and I are on our way out and won’t be back until late.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Groaning, Brandon reversed his course and headed in the opposite direction. Twenty minutes later, he parked behind Uncle Thad’s black Buick, got out and started up the walkway. Unlike the other houses on the block, this one had no steps leading to the door, which made it easier for him to maneuver his crutches or wheelchair. He rang the bell and, while waiting, scanned the meticulously groomed yard. Brandon remembered mowing it on many weekends growing up. The grass had turned brown in spots, but that was to be expected with the drought.
“Brandon, come on in.”
He turned at the sound of his uncle’s voice and stepped inside. “Hey, Unc. I see you still keep the yard looking good.”
Uncle Thad smiled. “You know I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He adjusted his crutches and led the way farther into the house. “Sorry you had to go out of your way. I know you probably have things to do so I won’t keep you.” The inside of the house was just as neat, with not a speck of dust to be found anywhere, despite his bachelorhood. He picked up a manila folder from the dining room table and handed it over.
“Thanks. Dad or I will fill you in when you get back.” Brandon retraced his steps to the front door.
“All right. See you Friday.”
He loped down the walk to his car, got in and backed out of the driveway. His stomach growled again. He had a steak marinating that he planned to grill and pair it with some potatoes and an ear of corn, but he was so hungry he didn’t think he’d last the time it took to prepare the meal. But he didn’t want to stop for fast food, either. The good thing was that Unc’s house wasn’t far from the freeway. He shifted his gaze from the road briefly to check the dash clock. Seven thirty. Hopefully, at this hour, he would have missed a good portion of the traffic. Brandon eased onto the highway and immediately saw that it was still a little heavy, but not too bad. His cell rang again. He sighed and connected.
“You were supposed to stop by my office and tell me what Dad wanted,” Siobhan said as soon Brandon answered. “I went to your office and your assistant said that you left before five. You never leave before five. What happened?”
He sighed, not really wanting to talk about it. “I just thought I’d leave a little early today, Vonnie, that’s all.”
“Mm-hmm, and you didn’t answer my question.”
Rather than risk his sister coming to his house tonight—and she definitely would to get answers—Brandon gave in. “He’s postponing his retirement.” He repeated what he’d told Khalil.
“That’s strange. Well, at least you’ll still get the position.”
“Yeah, but—” A truck cut across the highway and hit something in the road that flew through the windshield of a car in the next lane a few lengths ahead. The car swerved and crashed into the center divide. Brandon let out a curse, flipped on his hazard lights and eased to a stop in front of the car. “There’s an accident. I’ll call you back.”
Luckily, the shoulder was wide enough for the crashed car to be out of oncoming traffic. He jumped out, cell phone in hand and, being careful to stay closer to the shoulder, sprinted back to the passenger side of the car while dialing 911. He peered through the window and saw a woman inside. He gave the dispatcher the location and told him that the woman was conscious, but that a pipe of some sort was imbedded in her right shoulder. Brandon couldn’t tell whether it had gone in deep or if it was just the deployed airbag holding it in place. “Miss, are you okay?” he called through the slightly open window.
She moaned, tried to push the airbag out of her face with her left hand and rolled her head in his direction. Her eyes fluttered closed and opened again.
In the fading sunlight, Brandon could see bits of glass in her hair and blood on her cheek where she had been cut. “Can you unlock the doors?” For a moment he thought she had passed out, then he heard the click of the lock. He opened the door and, being careful of all the glass on the seat, leaned in. “Help is on the way. What’s your name?”
“Faith,” she whispered.
“Faith, I’m Brandon. Are you hurt anywhere else besides your shoulder?”
“I... I don’t know. Every...thing...hurts.” Her eyes closed again.
“Faith, I need you to stay with me.” He backed out and started to go around to the driver’s side.
She moaned again. “Please...please don’t leave.”
“I’m just coming around to your side.” He waited for a break in the traffic and hurried around to the driver’s side. Once there, he carefully opened the door and managed to give her some breathing room from the airbag. Brandon reached for her hand, his concern mounting. “Are you still with me?” She muttered something that sounded like yes. Brandon was momentarily distracted when another person approached.
“Is she okay, man? I called 911.”
“Thanks. She’s hanging in there.” It seemed like an eternity passed before he heard the sirens. Finally.
When the paramedics and police arrived, Brandon stepped back. A police officer called him over to give a statement and his gaze kept straying to where the medical team was getting her out of the car and onto a gurney. Faith cried out and it took everything in him not to rush over. He finished his account and stood by watching with the other two people who had eventually stopped.
“Is one of you named Brandon?” a paramedic called out.
Brandon strode over. “Yeah. Me.”
“She’s asking for you.”
He smiled down at her strapped down on the gurney. In the fading sunlight, he could see her face starting to swell where the airbag had hit her. “You’re in good hands now.”
“Thank you,” Faith said, her voice barely audible. “My stuff...my...”
He took it to mean she wanted her things from the car. “I’ll get them.” To the paramedic he asked, “What hospital are you taking her to?” After getting the information, he walked back and retrieved her purse, keys and a small bag from the backseat. Why was he thinking about going to the hospital? He’d done his civic duty. It would be easy to hand off her belongings to one of the officers and be on his way. But for some reason, he needed to make sure—for himself—that she was okay. Brandon slid behind the wheel of his car and, instead of going home, merged back onto the freeway and headed to the hospital.
Chapter 2 (#u57ac6e21-236f-56f1-a9ca-3a6bb78d13da)
Faith slowly came awake in a semidark room and it took her a moment for her to register where she was. She’d had the most awesome dream about a handsome guardian angel. Too bad it was just a dream. Never would she be so lucky as to run across a man like him. She lifted her hand and pain shot through her right shoulder and flared out to every part of her body. She sucked in a sharp breath and eased her hand down. She went still at the sight of a man asleep in a chair. She frowned. Who in the world...? As if sensing her scrutiny, he opened his eyes and pushed up from the chair. Faith blinked. He was even taller than she originally thought, well-built and easily the most handsome man she’d seen in a long time.
“Hey,” he said softly.
“I thought I dreamt you.”
His deep chuckle filled the room. “No. I’m very real.”
Faith tried to clear the cobwebs from her mind. “You helped me when I crashed.” She thought for a moment. “Brandon?”
He nodded. “How are you feeling?”
“Everything hurts. Even breathing hurts.” She closed her eyes briefly. “Um...what time is it?” she murmured.
Brandon checked his watch. “A little after eleven.”
“You’ve been here all this time?”
“For the most part. I brought your stuff and I didn’t want to leave it with anyone without your permission.” He placed them on the tray.
“Thank you.”
“Do you want me to call your husband or family?”
Faith wanted to roll her eyes at the husband reference, but just the thought made her ache, so she settled for saying, “I’m not married.”
“What about family—Mom, Dad?”
The last person she wanted to talk to was her mother. “My parents don’t live here,” she added softly. She had been on her way to her father’s house, but chickened out before arriving and had turned around to go back to the hotel when she’d had the accident.
A frown creased his brow. “You don’t have anyone here?”
“No. I live in Oregon. I just got here yesterday.”
“Hell of a welcome.”
“Tell me about it,” she muttered.
“Well, now that I know you’re okay, I’m going to leave. I’ll stop by to see you tomorrow to make sure you don’t need anything.” Brandon covered her uninjured hand with his large one and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Despite every inch of her body aching, the warmth of his touch sent an entirely different sensation flowing through her. The intense way he was staring at her made her think he had felt something, as well.
“I...um...” Brandon eased his hand from hers. “Get some rest.” However, he didn’t move, his interest clear as glass. After another moment he walked to the door, but turned back once more. “Good night.”
“Good night.” Faith watched as he slipped out the door, her heart still racing. Her life seemed to be a mess right now, but knowing she would see Brandon again made her smile.
* * *
The next morning Faith was coherent enough to think. But the nurse had just given her more pain medication and she needed to call Kathi before it kicked in, to let her know about the accident. She dug inside her purse and pulled out her cell.
“Hey, girl,” Kathi said when she answered. “Have you seen your father yet?”
“I didn’t get a chance. I had an accident last night on the freeway.” She shared the details of what happened.
“Oh, my God! I’m taking the first flight out,” Kathi said before Faith could finish. “What hospital are you in?”
“Kathi, you don’t need to come down here. Luckily, the windshield deflected the momentum of the pipe and the wound isn’t too deep. My face stings from the cuts and it’s swollen where the airbag hit me. They said I have a mild concussion and that’s why they’re keeping me. I’ll be fine.” Her friend was a natural-born worrywart and, if she came to town, would stand over Faith like a mother hen guarding her chicks until Faith was completely healed.
“When are you going home?”
“The doctor said most likely tomorrow.”
“Fine. I’ll be there Saturday morning. That’ll give you a day to get settled into the hotel. Do your parents know?”
“I talked to my dad and he said he’d tell my mother.” Faith had called her stepfather purposely because she didn’t want to run the risk of hearing her mother say, “I told you nothing good could come from you going to visit that man.”
“What about your biological father?”
“How would it look if I called him out of the blue and said, ‘Hi, I’m your long lost daughter, and oh, by the way, I was in a car accident. Can you come take care of me?’ No, I’ll wait until I’m better.”
“Why? He’s the one who extended the invitation. I’m sure he’d be okay with it.”
“But I’m not.”
“If you say so. What about the car and your stuff?”
“I’ll call the rental company after I get out of the hospital to deal with the car. Thankfully, I got the insurance. But a really nice guy stopped on the side of the road and stayed with me until the paramedics came and brought my stuff to the hospital.”
“You were lucky. What did he look like?”
“The man is drop-dead fine, over six feet, muscles and has the greatest smile.” Rich walnut skin, nutmeg-colored eyes and a voice smooth as velvet...definitely sexy.
Kathi laughed. “I see the accident didn’t affect your eyesight.”
Faith chuckled, then moaned. “Oh, don’t make me laugh.”
“Sorry. I’m hanging up so you can get some rest. I’ll call you tomorrow to let you know what time my flight gets in.”
“Sounds good. These pain meds are kicking in and I’m feeling dizzy again.” She told Kathi when she thought she’d be at the hotel and ended the call. Gradually, the throbbing pain in her shoulder started to dull, as did the other aches in her body. Her mind went back to Thaddeus Whitcomb. Rather than tell him she would visit, she had decided to come to town and drive by his house with the hopes of catching a glimpse of him first. Would he really be as glad to see her as his letters indicated or was her mother right—that she should leave it alone? Faith had to figure out what to do about him, find another car and a whole slew of other things, but at the moment, she just needed to sleep.
* * *
“Hey, Justin,” Brandon said to his brother-in-law Thursday morning. “Have a seat.”
Justin took the proffered chair. “Siobhan said you wanted to talk to me.”
“I wanted to see how the tests were going and find out when you think the system will be ready to go.” Justin had partnered with the company to manufacture his in-home alert system. With the use of sensors placed around the home, real-time data could be sent directly to a smartphone from a wireless hub—whether a door had been left open, a stove left on, or if a person hadn’t moved in hours—that allowed elderly relatives to remain at home and gave caregivers peace of mind.
“I want to do a few more tests before running the consumer trials. If all goes well, maybe six months or so.”
Brandon sighed. “That long?”
“I’d rather work out as many bugs in the system before it hits the market than risk putting it out there and failing.”
“You’re right. I’m just anxious.”
Justin laughed. “Yeah, so am I. Oh, Siobhan told me about you stopping to help some people in an accident last night. Are they okay?”
“It was just one woman and she’s going to be okay. A truck hit a pipe in the road and it went through her windshield. She crashed into the divider. The pipe caught her in the shoulder, but it didn’t do as much damage as it could have.”
“Whoa. What are the chances of something that freaky happening?”
“I know, right? The kicker is she doesn’t live here and had just gotten to town Tuesday.”
“Not a good way to start a trip. If I were her, I might not want to visit LA again,” he said with a wry chuckle and stood up.
“True that.”
“If you’re not busy, you can come over for dinner. Siobhan and I are planning to grill some salmon.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I told Faith I would stop by to check on her.”
“Who’s Faith?”
“The woman from the accident.” And the one who’d kept him up all night thinking about her.
A slow smile spread across Justin’s lips. “Well now.”
Brandon shook his head. “It’s nothing like that. She doesn’t know anyone in town and I’m just being neighborly. If it were Siobhan or Morgan, I’d want someone to do the same for them if they happened to be hurt and alone.”
Justin nodded. “I hear you. I’d want the same for Yvonne and Jocelyn.”
Brandon knew Justin would understand since he had two younger sisters.
“I’ll see you later.”
After Justin exited, he turned his attention back to work, but Faith was never far from his thoughts. True, he was being friendly, but something about her intrigued him. He hadn’t been able to get her beautiful face out of his mind since leaving her last night.
Brandon managed to finish going through and signing all the documents his assistant had left by late afternoon. For the second day in a row, he was packed up and ready to leave at closing time. Most evenings, he didn’t leave until seven or eight, not late enough for his father to fuss, but still late. Nolan Gray believed in working hard, but he also tried to teach his five children that there was more to life than work and sometimes had to force Brandon and Siobhan out of the office at a decent hour. Brandon worked hard, but he did make time to play on occasion. Although lately, he’d been more focused on work.
By leaving at five thirty, Brandon ended up right in the middle of rush-hour traffic. It took him more than an hour to get to the hospital, a drive that would have normally been twenty minutes. He parked in the lot and entered the lobby. Passing the gift shop, he saw several floral bouquets lining the window. On an impulse, he ducked inside and bought one, surprising himself. He usually steered clear of those types of sentiments because he didn’t want women to read anything into the gesture.
He took the elevator to her floor and poked his head in the door. Seeing that Faith was awake, he walked fully into the room. “Hi. These are for you.” He placed them on the small table.
Faith’s eyes lit up. “Hi, and thank you. They’re beautiful.”
The smile she gave Brandon warmed him all over and made him glad that he had purchased them. “How are you feeling today?”
“My face still stings from all the cuts and being hit by the airbag, my shoulder hurts like crazy and my body is sore. But, it could’ve been worse so I’m grateful.”
His gaze roamed over her face. He hadn’t imagined her beauty. Even with the small abrasions, her ebony skin looked soft to the touch and he stifled the urge to stroke a finger down her cheek to find out. “Has the doctor said how long they’re keeping you?”
“She said I can go home tomorrow afternoon sometime.”
“You said you got into town on Tuesday. Where are you staying?”
“I booked a room at one of those extended stay hotels near the airport.”
“So that means you’ll be here for a little while.” He didn’t know why the prospect of her being around longer made him happy.
“Yes. I have some business to take care of and I don’t know how long it will take.”
“By the looks of your car, you’ll have to get another one.”
“It’s a rental, and that’s one more thing to add to my growing list. Weird things happen, I’m learning, so I plan to take it one step at a time.”
“How are you getting home tomorrow?”
Faith shrugged. “Probably take a cab.”
“I’ll pick you up,” Brandon said without thought. He’d never taken off work for a woman. Ever. But the moment the words left his mouth, they felt right.
“You don’t have to do that, Brandon. You’ve been very nice and I appreciate everything you’ve done, but I don’t want to impose on you.”
“It’s no trouble, Faith. You’re still healing and in a new city. You shouldn’t have to worry about trying to figure out transportation, as well.”
“I don’t want to disrupt your family time.”
“My family gets together about once a month at my parents’ house...on a Sunday. I don’t have any other commitments. To anyone.” Brandon held her gaze, wanting her to understand exactly what he meant. True, he wanted to make sure she got settled safely, but he also wanted to see her again and learn more about her. Aside from her beauty, he was drawn to her smile and positive attitude despite her current circumstances. He probably would have been as grouchy as a bear if their places were switched.
“Oh.”
He smiled. “I’ll be here around one in case they let you out earlier. Do you have a number where I can call you?”
“I have my cell.”
Brandon pulled out his phone and inputted the numbers she recited. “Let me give you mine in case you need something before I get here.” She opened her phone to the contacts, he added his name and number and handed it back. Their hands brushed and he felt the same spark he had the night before, which made him all the more curious. Sure he dated when it suited him but Brandon couldn’t explain this attraction. It was...different.
Faith lifted a brow. “Are you sure you can take off work? I don’t want to cause you problems with your job.”
He opened his mouth to tell her that technically he was the boss, but changed his mind. Not that he’d put Faith in the same category, but since he had been appointed director of the safety division three years ago, women tended to be more attracted to the money they thought he made than him. His last long-term relationship ended when his girlfriend became angry because Brandon refused to give her two brothers jobs in management with a hefty salary, despite the fact that neither man had a college degree or had ever worked in a company such as theirs. After that, he kept his job and title to himself. “It won’t be a problem. I have enough leave time accumulated to give every employee a week off.” That much was true. He rarely took days off, and his father forced him to take at least one week off for vacation yearly.
She laughed. “Must be nice.”
The warm sound of her laugh elicited a strange stirring in his gut. “It is.”
The nurse came in with Faith’s dinner, placed it on the tray and positioned it in front of her. When Faith said she didn’t need anything else, the woman departed with a smile.
Faith lifted the dome and wrinkled her nose. “Ugh. I’ll be glad to get out of here and get some real food.”
Brandon laughed. “When you’re better, maybe we can go out for dinner or something so you can get that real food. That is if it doesn’t interfere with your business.”
She gave him a shy smile. “I’d like that.”
He wanted to stay and talk to her, but knew she needed to rest. “You should eat your dinner before it gets cold.”
“Gee, thanks,” she said with a chuckle, glancing at the tray. “That dinner can’t come soon enough.”
Looking down at the plate filled with shriveled green beans, dry mashed potatoes and some kind of meat smothered in brown gravy, he agreed. “Yeah.”
“You’re welcome to join me.”
“I would, but I had a late lunch.” In reality, he’d barely stopped for lunch and was starving. But not enough to voluntarily eat hospital food.
“Coward.”
“You’ve got that right.”
Faith winced.
“Pain coming back?”
She closed her eyes for a moment. “Yep.”
“I didn’t mean to stay so long,” Brandon said with concern.
“You didn’t. You helped me forget about the pain for a few minutes,” she added softly.
Their eyes held for a lengthy moment. “Do you want me to get the nurse?”
“I have the call button right here.” She pressed it and moments later a nurse entered.
“What can I get for you?” the nurse asked.
“The pain is back with a vengeance,” Faith said.
“On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate it?”
“Nine and a half.”
Brandon stood off to the side while the nurse checked to see when Faith had medication last. She retrieved the pills from a locked cabinet, placed them in a small cup and handed them to Faith, along with some water.
“Thank you.”
The nurse took the cup, tossed it into the trash and departed.
“That’s my cue,” Brandon said. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Unable to resist, he reached for her hand, wanting to touch her again, and placed a soft kiss on the back. Her gaze flew to his. Had she felt the same current flowing as he did?
She eased her hand back. “Good night, Brandon, and thanks for stopping by.”
“Good night.” Brandon told himself he wasn’t in the market for a relationship and he needed to put a tight rein on whatever was happening between them, regardless of their mutual attraction. Besides, Faith didn’t live in LA and long-distance relationships had never been on his list. However, he had agreed to take her to dinner, but that was it. One dinner. Nothing else.
Chapter 3 (#u57ac6e21-236f-56f1-a9ca-3a6bb78d13da)
“Got a minute, Dad?” Brandon said, entering his father’s office Friday.
“Of course.” As usual, his shirtsleeves were still down and his tie tightened. The man seemed to never break a sweat.
He glanced around the space that would be his, hopefully soon, and took the chair on the other side of the large mahogany desk. “You mind if I take off for the rest of the day?”
His father checked his watch and lifted a brow. “You coming down with something?”
“No,” he answered with a chuckle.
“It’s noon, Brandon. I can’t remember one time that you’ve left this early. Actually, I don’t think you ever have. Most times I have to threaten to have security remove you.”
“That’s cold, Dad. Anyway, I promised to help a friend.”
His dad smiled. “Go ahead. You need to take some time off anyhow. And you know you don’t really have to ask, son.”
“Thanks. What’s going on with that problem?”
His smile faded and he turned slightly to stare out of the large window that took up almost an entire wall. “There’s no change. We need to give it another two or three weeks before deciding anything.”
“You always said that I’m pretty good at negotiating, so like I said before, I’d be happy to help speed things up.”
Facing, Brandon, he said, “Not all things can be done that way, Brandon. Just be patient and enjoy your afternoon off.”
Sighing inwardly, Brandon nodded. “See you on Monday.” Patience had never been his strong suit and, at thirty-three, he didn’t think he’d ever develop the virtue. He stopped at home first to change into shorts and T-shirt, still bothered by his father’s words. His father had assured him that nothing would change pertaining to Brandon assuming the role of CEO. But Brandon couldn’t rid himself of the nagging feeling that whatever was going on would impact him. And in a big way. However, by the time he made it to the hospital, his thoughts had shifted to Faith. He had enjoyed talking with her last night and was uncharacteristically excited to see her. Shaking it off, he tried to tell himself he was just being friendly. Yet, there wasn’t anything friendly about the sensations that spread through him when she greeted him with her amazing smile. Brandon did his best to ignore them.
“Hi, Brandon.”
“Hello, yourself. I see you’re all ready.” She had on the same pants she wore the day of the accident and one of the short hospital gowns. He assumed her top had been ruined in the accident.
Faith frowned. “More than ready to get out of these clothes, take a real shower and do something with this hair.”
He smiled inwardly at Faith’s attempt to smooth down the straight, shoulder-length strands as best she could.
“I’ve already signed the discharge papers, but I need to stop at a pharmacy to fill the prescription.”
“I’m sure we can find one on the way to the hotel. Is there anywhere else you need to stop?”
She sighed. “Yes. I didn’t get a chance to go grocery shopping, so if we can find a store, too, I’d appreciate it.”
“Sure.”
A nurse came in with a wheelchair and asked Brandon to meet them at the entrance.
He took her bag and the flowers, retrieved his car and pulled into the circle driveway in front of the door. He had the door open and waiting when Faith appeared. Seeing the difficulty she had getting in, Brandon was glad he’d decided to drive his car rather than his truck. She would not have been able to climb into the cab with her injured shoulder.
Brandon reached in and carefully fastened her seat belt. “Is that too tight?” She lifted her head and their faces were mere inches apart. The air between them shifted.
“No. It’s...it’s fine.”
His gaze dropped to her gorgeous mouth. Would her lips be as soft as they looked? Her eyes widened and he heard her sharp intake of breath. What am I doing? He straightened, closed the door and went around to the driver’s side.
“Um, so where are we going first?” Faith asked as he exited the lot.
“I thought we’d drop off your prescription. It may take a while to fill. We can go to the store to pick up whatever you need while we wait.” Since her hotel was near the airport, he figured he’d find a pharmacy and grocery store somewhere along Century Boulevard.
“Can we stop at the hotel before going shopping? I really need a shower.” She gave him the name and street of the hotel.
“No problem.” As he drove, Brandon stole glances at Faith. He could tell she was still in pain so he didn’t offer any conversation. She sat with her head against the seat, eyes closed, and he noticed that she grimaced every now and again. When they reached the drugstore, the pharmacist told them the prescription would be ready in an hour, which gave them plenty of time to finish the other errands. He drove to the hotel and parked as close as he could to her unit.
Faith groaned when they arrived. “I forgot about the stairs.” Her room was on the second floor and the elevator in this particular section of the complex was out of order.
“Just take your time and I’ll carry everything up.” Once inside, Brandon debated whether to wait in the car or the room. He didn’t want either of them to be uncomfortable. But his protective side won out. “If it’s okay with you, I’ll wait here in the living room in case you need help.”
She stared at him for a long moment, and then said softly, “Thank you.”
A few minutes later, he heard water running and tried his best not to think about Faith naked with the water streaming down her body. He’d gotten the first glimpse of her shapely bottom in those clingy knit pants when she walked up the stairs in front of him, reminding him just how long it had been since his last sexual encounter. He scrubbed a hand down his face. First he was thinking about kissing her and now imagining how it would feel to run his hands over her body. “Get it together,” he muttered.
Putting sensual thoughts of Faith out of his mind, Brandon fished out his cell and checked his work emails. He opened one from the marketing department providing him with an update on how the bath rails were doing. After the lawsuit last year where a couple claimed one of the rails had broken and resulted in injury to the man’s elderly wife, the numbers had gone down. Morgan had taken the lead on the case and proved their company hadn’t been at fault, and now things were finally starting to turn around.
“I’m ready, Brandon.”
Brandon’s head popped up at the sound of Faith’s voice and he came to his feet swiftly. She had on another pair of knit pants and a loose top that buttoned down the front. She’d brushed her hair back and secured it with a headband. Her face wasn’t as swollen and the cuts appeared to be healing. “Feel better?”
“Much,” Faith answered with a smile. “Although, it took some serious maneuvering to shower and get dressed.”
They made another careful trip down the stairs to the car and he drove her to the store. As they shopped, her steps grew slower and slower. “How about you just get enough to last for the first few days or so?” he suggested. “That way you can go back to the hotel and lay down. You look like you’re fading fast.”
She gave him a wan smile. “Who would’ve thought I’d be ready to quit shopping after ten minutes?” She glanced over at the basket Brandon carried. “That should hold me until I’m able to get back.” At the register, Faith let out a frustrated sigh. “Brandon, can you please hold my purse open so I can get my wallet?”
He did as she asked and helped her slide the card. “I take it you’re right handed.”
“Yes. The only thing I can do with my left hand is type. This is a mess.”
Brandon chuckled softly as he bagged the groceries. The drive back to the drugstore and the hotel took less than twenty minutes. He set her bags on the counter in the kitchen. “Do you want me to put this stuff away for you?”
Faith angled her head. “If you could just take care of the things that need to be refrigerated, I’d appreciate it. I’ll put the rest away later.”
“Okay. You should probably take one of those pain pills.” He opened the container and a bottle of water for her and started putting the food away.
“Thanks.” She swallowed the tablet and stood off to the side.
Brandon checked the bags to make sure he hadn’t missed anything. “I think that’s it. I opened a few bottles of the water and left the caps loosened for you, same with your medicine.” With the difficulties she’d had getting her wallet out, he wondered how she would manage to cook using her left hand, but didn’t ask. It wasn’t his business. It’s not like I’m going to cook for her.
“Brandon, I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay you for your kindness.” Faith came up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “I’m grateful for all your help.”
The warmth and softness of her lips against his skin sent a slow burn through his body. The desire to turn his head into the kiss rose sharply and almost blazed past his carefully constructed defenses. She admittedly intrigued him, but this attraction had blindsided him and seemed to be stronger than what he had experienced with any woman in his past. He took a couple of steps to put some distance between them. “I’m glad I could help. Be sure to let me know how you’re doing. And when you’re ready, we can have that dinner.”
“I will.” She walked him to the door and an awkward silence ensued. She gave his hand a squeeze. “I’ll see you later.”
“Take care of yourself, Faith.” He reluctantly released her hand and, just like before, had a hard time getting his feet to move. Finally he forced himself to leave. She lifted her hand in a wave and gave him a smile that had his heart beating a little faster. A slow grin spread across his lips.
His smile was still in place by the time he made it home. He hadn’t gone out on a date in months due to his work schedule, and because he needed a break from the drama of relationships. But thinking about going out with Faith filled him with a strange kind of anticipation. She said she only planned to be here for a short while, plenty of time for some fun. He could work with that. Then there was that kiss. The remembrance of her lips against his cheek stayed on his mind for the remainder of the day. He knew right then he might be in trouble.
* * *
Faith awakened from a two-hour nap feeling a little better, glad that the medication had done its job. She went into the kitchen to make something to eat, but any movement of her right arm or hand caused a searing pain. She initially tried some yogurt, but eating with her left hand proved more of a challenge than she’d thought. After several frustrating minutes, she settled for a slice of cheese and saltine crackers. She went to the refrigerator for something to drink and found that not only had Brandon opened the bottles of water, but also the carton of orange juice. She sent up a silent thank-you. What she wouldn’t give to have a man like him in her life—fine, sexy and a gentleman all rolled up in one. Today had been her first chance to see him in something other than a dress shirt and slacks. Just like everything else about him, his lean, muscular body was impressive. Memories of his biceps flexing as he opened the bottles of water flashed in her mind. It’s just my luck that the one time I meet a nice man he lives in a totally different state. Faith shook her head. She took her juice to the small dining table, came back for the crackers and cheese and took a seat.
While munching on her snack, her gaze strayed to the box of letters across the room. Automatically, her thoughts shifted to the man who was supposed to be her father. And again she questioned how different her life might have been with him in it. Outside of the letter she’d read the day she received the box, Faith hadn’t gotten up the nerve to read more for fear of what she would find.
Now, however, curiosity propelled her across the room and she took out the letters. She decided to start with the newest, thinking it would give her a clear picture of Thaddeus Whitcomb now. It took some maneuvering, but she managed to get the envelope open and the paper out.
My Darling Daughter,
I have not given up hope that I will one day hold you in my arms again. I hope this letter reaches you and finds you well. Know that I have never stopped trying to find you and will always love you. Please feel free to contact me or visit whenever you like.
Dad
He had included his address and telephone number. Tears misted her eyes. She laid it aside and picked up one that had been written twenty-eight years ago, when she was two. He had been stationed in Germany and included a picture of himself wearing his army uniform. Faith studied his handsome dark features and realized she looked a lot like him. For a while, she read more letters. In each, he always described the place and what was going on. She smiled at his sense of humor. All of the letters ended with him telling her how much he loved her and couldn’t wait to see her. Swiping at her tears, Faith became angry with her mother all over again. Her mother made it seem as though her father had come back as some sort of a monster, yet Faith only saw a man who had been denied the privilege of knowing his daughter. While she acknowledged that she didn’t know a lot about PTSD, by the tone of his letters, it seemed like her father had learned to cope well.
She picked up the picture of him holding her again and felt her emotions rising. Growing up, whenever she’d asked her mother about her father, she’d received the same answer each time—he’d died when she was two and no, there were no pictures. The pain in her heart swelled and she put the letters aside and went back to lie down. She tried listening to music and reading at first, but it didn’t help. Finally, she turned on the television and surfed through the channels, looking for anything that would take her mind off the myriad feelings bombarding her. In the end, she gave up. Her head hurt, the pain in her shoulder increased and she was starving.
Faith ate a handful of almonds, drank more water and snacked on a few grapes, but she needed something of substance. She thought about going out briefly before remembering she didn’t have a car. She didn’t have time for this. Her cell rang, interrupting her mental tirade.
“Hello.”
“Hey, girlfriend. Are you home yet?”
“Hey, Kathi. Yeah, I got home about three hours ago.”
“Glad to hear it. I get in tomorrow at noon and I’m staying until Monday. What’s the name of the hotel where you’re staying? I need to book a room.”
“No need. I have an extra bed.” She gave Kathi her room number and the hotel’s address.
“Even better. That way I can keep an eye on you. Do I need to stop and pick up groceries and stuff before I get there?”
“I have some food here.” Faith opened her mouth to say that she couldn’t cook with one arm, but decided against it. Kathi would change her flight in a heartbeat and be on the next plane out. “But we can go shopping for whatever you need once you arrive. There’s a grocery store a few miles away.”
“Okay. Is there anything you want from your place?” Faith had asked Kathi to check on her house until Faith returned.
“I don’t think so, but if I think of something later tonight, I’ll text you.”
“All right. See you tomorrow and make sure you rest.”
Faith laughed softly. “Yes, Mother.” They talked a minute longer and hung up.
Faith’s stomach growled. Back to the task of finding food. Determined to make it work, she pulled out a small skillet, butter and an egg. How hard could it be to scramble an egg with one hand? Five minutes later, she had her answer. She could stir the egg in the pan, but had difficulty scooping it out. As a result, she ended up burning most of it. Faith stared at the hard, brown bits on her plate and frowned. Sighing heavily, she dumped the inedible mess down the garbage disposal, set the pan in the sink and trudged back to the bedroom.
An hour later, a knock sounded. The clock on the nightstand read eight o’clock. Maybe housekeeping. She sat up gingerly, scooted off the bed and walked out to the front. She looked through the peephole and was surprised to see Brandon standing there. She quickly undid the locks and opened the door. “Brandon, hey. What are you doing here?” He had on a pair of basketball shorts and T-shirt that outlined his muscular chest and washboard abs.
He unleashed that mesmerizing smile and held up a white bag. “Thought you’d might have some trouble cooking.”
Faith sighed in relief. “Bless you. Come in.”
Brandon chuckled. “Sounds like you’re happy to see me.”
“You have no idea. Please tell me that what you have in that bag doesn’t require me to use a spoon and I’ll name my firstborn after you.”
His laughter filled the room. “Brandon is a nice name.” He carried the bag over to the table, took out a disposable container and opened it. “I didn’t know what you liked, so I took a chance on a club sandwich and French fries. Hope that’s okay.”
She wanted to throw her arms around his neck and kiss him. “More than okay. Thank you.”
He sniffed and surveyed the room. “Were you trying to cook?”
“Yeah. I thought it would be easy to scramble an egg. It was. But by the time I could get it out of the pan with my left hand, it no longer resembled something edible.”
His eyebrows shot up. “You haven’t eaten anything since I left you?”
“I had a slice of cheese, five crackers, a handful of almonds and some grapes.” She shrugged. “It was the best I could do.”
“Then I’m glad I stopped by.”
“Me, too.” They fell silent.
“Well, I only came to drop off the food, so...and I really wanted to see you again.”
His soft confession made her pulse skip. And, truthfully, she had wanted to see him, too. Before she could talk herself out of all the reasons it would be a bad idea to spend more with him, she said, “Then why don’t you stay and keep me company.”
Brandon smiled. “I’d love to.” He seated her and took the adjacent chair.
Faith recited a quick blessing and started in on the sandwich. She was so hungry she devoured the first half in a matter of a few bites. She lifted her head and saw Brandon staring at her with faint amusement. “Oh, I’m sorry. Do you want some?”
“No, thank you. I’ve already eaten. I’m just glad you’re enjoying my selections.” He leaned forward and braced his arm on the table. “What else do you enjoy?”
She paused with a fry halfway to her mouth. “I like reading, shopping and designing websites.”
“Quite an eclectic mix,” he said with a laugh.
“Hey, what can I say?” She ate another fry. Belatedly, she remembered she hadn’t gotten anything to drink. When she made a move to stand, Brandon jumped to his feet to help her.
“Do you need something?”
“I was just going to get some water or juice.”
“Sit down. I’ll get it.”
Her brow lifted and she lowered herself back down. “Kind of bossy, aren’t you?”
“One of my more stellar traits, I’m afraid.” Brandon retrieved a glass from the cabinet. “Which one, water or juice?”
“I’ll take the juice, please.” Faith continued to eat and thanked him when he placed the glass in front of her. Silence rose between them and he seemed content to just sit and watch her. Any other time, she would have felt uncomfortable with someone staring at her while she ate, but not today. Today, she was too hungry to care. As soon as she finished, he rose from the table, cleaned up and discarded the empty container. Faith had never been around a man like him and couldn’t believe some woman hadn’t snatched him up. At the hospital, he’d said he didn’t have a commitment to anyone. There had to be something wrong with the women in this city. Or maybe it was him. “So, any big plans tonight?”
“Just catching up on some work.”
Faith was instantly contrite. He’d taken off half his workday for her. She got up and walked over to where he still stood in the utility kitchen. “I’m sorry. You took off work for me and now you have to spend your Friday evening working. By the way, what do you do?”
He hesitated briefly. ”I work for a home safety company. And, believe me, whether I’d worked half a day or a full one, my evening would have been spent doing the same thing. Actually, you’ve helped me out by allowing me to hang out with you tonight.”
She leaned against the counter. His abrupt answer made her wonder if he was having problems at his job. “Why are you helping me? Not that I don’t appreciate it, but, I mean, you’ve gone far above the ‘good Samaritan’ role.”
Brandon folded his arms across his wide chest and angled his head thoughtfully. “You’re a beautiful woman, no getting around that. But you have a great personality and a way about you that intrigues me. I like you, Faith. It’s as simple as that.”
“Um...wow. Okay. You’re very direct.”
His voice dipped an octave and his gaze trapped her. “Always.”
The heat swirled around them. To cover her nervousness, she took a step back and cleared her throat. “Well, I don’t want to be responsible for you being up all night, so...”
“Yeah. I’d better go.” Yet neither of them moved. After several charged moments, Brandon moved around her and walked toward the door.
Faith followed. “Good night, Brandon. And thank you again...for everything.”
“You’re welcome.” He turned the knob and paused.
Before she could blink, he bent and covered her mouth in a kiss so sweet it made her eyes close and her heart flip.
“Good night, Faith.” And he was gone.
Faith leaned against the door. She had come to LA for one reason and one reason only, and she would do well to keep that in the forefront of her mind. But thinking of that kiss, she guessed it might be harder than she’d expected.
Chapter 4 (#u57ac6e21-236f-56f1-a9ca-3a6bb78d13da)
Brandon was up at six Saturday morning, sitting in his home office going over reports. Thoughts of Faith had plagued him all night long and made it difficult for him to sleep, so he’d decided to make good use of his time. He came across a report from Khalil. His brother wanted specialized equipment for people with low vision or blindness. He picked up the phone to call.
“What’s up, big brother?” Khalil said when he answered.
“Hey. Just came across your report. You’re looking to add more equipment?”
“Actually, I want to create an area in the gym to put machines that have braille on the plates and install a special type of flooring that feels like a mat, but without the uneven surface.”
“Where do you come up with these ideas?” Khalil already had designated areas set up for individuals with disabilities, from wheelchairs that reclined flat to allow a person to lie under a weight bench, to machines that accommodated amputees comfortably.
Khalil chuckled. “My mind is always working, but I had a client with low vision and she mentioned there not being any gyms that allowed her to work out without a trainer, so I asked her what kinds of equipment she thought would be useful, added my own ideas and voilà. I have some sketches of what I want and can show them to you when you get here. You are still coming?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there.” Brandon and his brothers got together once or twice a month to play basketball and work out. The game had expanded to include his two brothers-in-law. Khalil typically played as a substitute or when he had time. “I’ll get there about half an hour earlier, if you’re available.”
“I can do that. I don’t have a client until later this afternoon.”
“I’ll see you then.” Brandon disconnected and finished reading through and making notes on the other reports.
The gym was crowded, as it was usually on a Saturday. He headed directly for Khalil’s upstairs office and knocked on the partially open door.
Khalil looked away from his computer. “Come on in. Let me finish logging in these fitness testing results and we can talk.”
Brandon took the chair across from the desk and nodded.
A few minutes later, Khalil retrieved a manila folder from a locked file cabinet and handed it to Brandon. “These sketches are still pretty rough. I’ll have better ones when I get ready to submit to the design team. I already purchased a handheld braille labeler, but I want the plates to be shaped differently so they’ll be a little more user-friendly with the labels.” He pointed out the details of each.
“You know you could have gone the art route.” Along with being a model and fitness buff, his brother was also a skilled artist.
Khalil shook his head and made a face. “No way. I didn’t want to get stuck having to draw fruit, abstracts I don’t understand and other crap I can’t stand. I’d rather draw or paint what I want.” He favored landscapes and people, but could also draw vehicles and, apparently, gym equipment.
Brandon laughed. “Well, just let me know when you’re ready and I’ll set up a meeting. Is this only for the second gym?”
“No. I’m rearranging some of the equipment here to create a space, as well. With two floors, I have a little flexibility.”
Brandon stood. “Okay. Are you playing today?”
“I don’t know. I have a few things I need to finish, but I may poke my head in the door. Are Malcolm and Omar coming?”
“I got a text from Malcolm yesterday and he said he’d be here. I’m guessing he talked to Omar.”
“Dad say anything else about when you’ll take over?”
“No.”
“What are y’all old men doing up here? We playing ball or what?”
Brandon and Khalil turned to find Malcolm standing in the door. Brandon said, “Who are you calling old?” He noticed Omar, Morgan’s husband, standing off to the side chuckling. “What’s up, Omar?”
“It’s all good,” Omar said, entering the office and doing a fist bump with Brandon and Khalil.
The men filed out of the office and went downstairs to the basketball court. They shot around while waiting for Justin to arrive.
“Do you think the Cobras will take it all again this year?” Khalil asked Malcolm and Omar. The LA Cobras football team had won the championship last season.
Omar sank a jump shot. “I think we have a good chance to repeat.”
“We still have our key offensive and defensive weapons, and my brother over here,” Malcolm said, gesturing to Omar, “is moving to the wide receiver position permanently this year. With Marcus Dupree at receiver on the right, we’ve got the two best in the league. Of course, with me at running back, what do you expect?”
Brandon shook his head. “No shame in your game, I see.”
Malcolm shrugged. “I learned from my big brothers.”
“What’s up, good people?” Justin strolled over to where the other men were and they went through another round of greetings. “Are we playing Horse today, since there are five of us?”
“That’ll work,” Brandon said. “Although, if you miss as many shots as last time, you’ll be spelling horse and out of the game before we go around two times.” They all laughed.
“Ha-ha, funny. Just toss me the damn ball.”
“I think I’m gonna help my brother-in-law out today,” Khalil said. “I have to get back to the office, so you can play a little two-on-two. Go easy on him,” he added, causing the men to laugh harder. “It’s that married thing.” He shuddered.
Omar lifted a brow. “You have something against being married?”
“Hell, yeah. Too many beautiful ladies, so little time. I’ll check y’all later,” he called over his shoulder as he left.
Malcolm chuckled. “He does have a point. I say you married men team up and let us single brothers show you a little somethin’ somethin’.”
Brandon folded his arms. “Unless you’re scared.”
Justin and Omar shared a look, and Justin said, “Let’s go.”
In the first few minutes of the game, Brandon and Malcolm went up four to nothing. Brandon tossed the ball to Omar to take it out. “Guess it’s true that once you’re married you lose some of your skills.”
Omar passed the ball to Justin, who threw it up toward the basket where Omar dunked it. “On the contrary, we haven’t lost anything.”
The trash talking continued and Justin and Omar pulled ahead, needing one point to win. Justin laughed. “Looks like the married men are conducting the lessons today, right, Omar?”
“True that, my brother.”
“Quit talking and play ball,” Brandon groused.
“Gladly,” Omar said, dribbling the ball twice and sinking a shot from three-point range. He let out a whoop and he and Justin high-fived. “Guess we won’t be needing that consolation prize today.”
Justin laughed. “Maybe you two ought to try marriage...get rid of some of that aggression and tension. I can’t tell you how relaxed I’ve been since marrying Siobhan. There’s nothing like waking up beside that one special woman every day.”
Omar smiled and nodded. “Amen.”
Malcolm waved them off. “Whatever. I’ll pass.”
Brandon didn’t comment. Hearing Justin and Omar talk affectionately about their wives—not like he expected them to say anything less about his sisters—automatically made Brandon think of Faith. Why am I thinking about her? I am not looking to get married anytime soon. But he couldn’t help it. How was she managing with her injuries? Had she gotten another car? Was she eating enough? And would she let him kiss her again? His mind said he needed some space, especially after the unexpected sensations he’d felt when kissing her. He couldn’t get the feel of her kiss out of his mind and wanted to do it again, leisurely this time, until he got his fill.
“Brandon.”
Malcolm’s voice broke into his musings. “What?”
“I asked if you were coming with us to Omar’s parents’ restaurant for lunch.”
Brandon hesitated. “Nah, not today. I have something I need to take care of.” He met Justin’s knowing smile. “I’ll catch you guys next time.”
“Must be pretty important,” Justin said with a glint of amusement in his eyes as they headed for the showers.
“Yeah, something like that.” Justin had been the only person Brandon had mentioned Faith to in passing. Obviously, he had easily put two and two together. Brandon quickly showered, dressed and said his goodbyes.
He didn’t realize how much he wanted to see Faith until he caught himself nearly sprinting across the hotel’s parking lot to her room. What am I doing? He slowed to a walk, but the closer he got, the faster his heart raced with anticipation. He knocked and shoved his hands into his pockets to keep from hauling her into his arms as soon as she opened the door.
“May I help you?”
He masked his surprise at seeing the unfamiliar woman and took a hasty glance at the room number to make sure he was at the right one. He was six-four and towered over her by more than a foot. She had to be at least an inch or two shorter than Faith. The petite woman with honey-brown skin placed a hand on a curvy hip and lifted a brow. “I’m looking for Faith,” he said.
“And you are?”
“Brandon.”
A smile curved her lips and she slowly looked him up and down. “Well, well.”
Not particularly caring for the scrutiny, he felt his irritation rising. “Is this her room?”
“Depends.”
Before Brandon could form a reply, Faith appeared in the doorway.
Faith rolled her eyes at the woman. “Stop it, Kathi. Come on in, Brandon.”
The woman chuckled and disappeared into a bedroom.
He followed Faith to the sofa and sat next to her. “How are you?” The swelling on her cheek seemed to be going down and the cuts on her face were healing, but she still favored her right arm.
“Getting better. Sorry about Kathi.”
“No problem. Is she your sister?”
She laughed and shook her head. “No. Best friend and second mother,” she added wryly. “She flew down for the weekend to help me out. What are you doing here?”
Brandon shrugged. “I was concerned about you and wanted to make sure you had everything you needed, but I see you’re being well taken care of.” He had a hard time understanding why he felt such disappointment. A strange reaction since he had never cared one way or another about a woman spending time with a friend, well, except for Lisa Wilson in the ninth grade, but that didn’t count. He made a habit of steering clear of long-term relationships and usually had no problem moving on to the next woman. But there was still more he wanted to learn about Faith.
She placed her hand on his. “I know I said it before, but I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all you’ve done to help me. If you hadn’t been there that night... You are one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. I wish...”
“You wish what?” he asked when she trailed off.
“Oh, nothing.”
Brandon brought her hand to his lips and placed a kiss on the back. “It had to be something. What were you going to say?”
“I was just going to say I wish there were more people like you.”
He had hoped she would say that, like him, she wished they had more time to explore whatever was happening between them. “Thank you.” Not wanting to leave, but knowing he should, Brandon rose to his feet. “I don’t want to intrude on your time with your friend. I just wanted to check on you.”
Faith slowly came to her feet and trailed him to the door. “I’ll see you later.”
“Count on it.” For a man who typically went out of his way to avoid anything more than a casual liaison, he seemed to be heading in the opposite direction.
* * *
Faith was glad Kathi had come to help, but would have liked to spend more time with Brandon.
“So that’s Brandon,” Kathi said.
She turned from the door, crossed the floor and reclaimed her seat on the sofa. “Yep.”
“You were right. He’s a gorgeous specimen of a man—tall, nicely built, and that face... Mmm mmm mmm.”
“Is that why you were in the middle of grilling him like a suspect when I came to the door?”
Kathi placed her hand over her heart and feigned innocence. “Who, me?”
Faith skewered her friend with a look. “You really need to stop doing that. Brandon is a nice guy.”
“What’s going on between you two? You just met the man a couple of days ago and you’re all defensive.”
“I’m not being defensive.”
Kathi studied Faith. “You like him, don’t you?”
Faith shrugged. “What’s not to like? Not only is he good-looking, but caring and thoughtful.”
“What kind of job does he have?”
“He told me he works for a home safety company, but I don’t know what he does exactly. And since I’m only going to be here a short time, he probably didn’t think he needed to share all that.” She remembered how quickly he had shifted the conversation when she had asked about it. “If we lived in the same city, I might like to see where this goes.” She shared how he had held her hand while waiting for the ambulance, taken care of her belongings and visited her in the hospital. And when she was released, he’d driven her to the market and pharmacy, and then later brought her food. “I’ve never had a man I didn’t know do such nice things for me without asking. Or one I did know,” she added with a shake of her head. “I can’t explain it, but he’s different. A little bossy, but an all-around good guy. Her mind drifted to the sweet kiss he’d given her before leaving last night. She tried to push it aside and tell herself it meant nothing, but the memory of his firm lips moving sensuously over hers had had her tossing and turning all night and refused to stay buried.
Kathi laughed.
“What?”
“I thought you wanted to go shopping. If you sit here daydreaming about Brandon, we won’t make it to the stores before closing.”
Faith smiled. “Shut up. We have plenty of time.”
“I don’t know. That look on your face said we might be here awhile.”
“Whatever, girl.” She eased up from the sofa and went to retrieve her purse.
As they pulled out of the parking lot, Kathi said, “While you were talking to Brandon, I took the liberty of Googling nearby malls. There’s a Westfield Mall in Culver City.” She handed Faith her phone. “It’s about five miles from here, straight down Sepulveda Boulevard.”
Faith glanced down at the screen. “It says it should take about fifteen minutes.” She needed a few shirts that buttoned down the front. She’d only brought a couple and trying to lift her arm to put on her pullover tees caused so much pain, she had been forced to sleep in the short hospital gown they had given her. She activated the turn-by-turn directions.
After a few minutes, Kathi asked, “So have you decided when you’re going to call your father?”
Faith leaned her head against the seat and sighed heavily. “No. I was all for it when I first found out, but now I think I’m getting cold feet. But reading his letters makes me angry at my mother all over again. It breaks my heart that all he had were memories of me up to my second birthday. In some of those letters, he sounded so sad.” Her emotions welled up again remembering reading one letter where he wrote about missing her so much sometimes that his heart hurt, but he wouldn’t give up hope that he’d hold her in his arms again.
“Then maybe you should just go ahead and call him. It seems like he’ll really be glad to see you.”
“Maybe. I’m just really nervous about the whole thing.”
Kathi found a parking spot in the crowded mall and cut the engine. “Do you have your father’s address?”
“Yes, why?” She had saved the directions in her phone.
“I know you’re not quite ready to meet him, but we could drive by his house after we leave just to see what kind of place he has.”
She thought for a moment. She had never made it to his house the first time and she was curious about what it would look like. “Okay.” They stopped first to check the store directory. “I don’t want to spend a lot of money on clothes. I just need a few tops to get through the next few days. I should be okay by the end of the week.”
Kathi pointed. “Here’s a Target and an Old Navy. You should be able to find something in one of those places.”
Faith did find some cute tops in both stores and at great prices. Afterward, they walked over to Subway. Use of her right hand was still limited, but she could manage a sandwich and some chips. Back in the car, she pulled up her father’s address and gave Kathi directions.
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