On Steady Ground (The Walker Brother's Series) (2 page)

“Thanks.” My stomach starting to growl at me in protest. My stomach was still tied in knots with nervousness and anxiety. My nerves telling me that at any point Craig was going to come busting down the door, dragging me back into my version of hell.

Smoothing out my skirt and slipping on my heels, I made a note to myself to get some better footwear for around a farm. Walking into the little kitchen, I grabbed an apple from the bowl and went exploring in the house. It took about a whole two minutes. Cute, charming little house with just the basics. An old faded couch sitting in the middle of the living room. A huge television directly in front of it. A door off of the living room, I imagine was Ben’s and then the bathroom. Walking back into the kitchen, that concluded my tour. Searching the drawers in the kitchen, I grabbed a phone book and headed out to the porch, sitting on the steps. It wasn’t long after Ben came barreling out of the door and down the steps, running past me like a man on a mission.

“See ya later hottie number one. I gotta find hottie number two, and hottie number three.”

Concentrating on the yellow pages I lifted up my hand in a wave, “Happy Hunting.” Taking a bite of my apple as I combed through the short list of lawyers. My heart breaking for what my life has come to. When I got married I truly believed it meant forever. Looking up, I watched the car haul ass down the gravel lane. Sighing, and shutting the book I laid it beside me. The sun was now setting low and I started my long walk down the lane. Admiring the light playing through the trees as I slowly walked. Giving up on my heels I slipped them off and took to the grass. Swinging them back and fourth as I quickly got lost in my thoughts. I didn’t really realize I was back at the house until I was back in the yard concentrating on my thoughts and looking at my feet I didn’t see him until he spoke.

“Hi Lizzy.”

Looking up onto the porch the face attached to that familiar voice stood Ian. My tongue attached to the roof of my mouth, I felt like an awkward teenager again. Seeing him up close I couldn’t image any guy more handsome. Those butterflies I used to feel in high school gazing upon him were back full force fluttering nervously in my stomach. Brown thick neatly cut hair, it was styled nicely with the front spiked up neatly. His clothes consisted of jeans, t-shirt and lace up work boots. He looked just as mouth watering fantastic now as he did six years ago. My eyes swinging upwards to his stunning blue eyes, his mouth went into that charming smile I always admired.

“Lizzy? Do you remember me?”

Shaking my head and smiling, “I’m sorry. Yes Ian. I remember you.” Duh? How could I ever forget about him. Even when I believed to be happily married he still occasioned my thoughts from time to time. Walking up the steps and to him I quickly embraced him. “You look great Ian.”

Looking me up and down, “You do to Lizzy. You haven’t changed much.”

Laughing nervously, “Well I don’t know whether to take that as a compliment or insult.”

Flashing me a smirk, “It’s a compliment.” Changing the subject, “Is Ben around?”

“No. I’m sorry. He went to go get him hottie number two and hottie number three.”

Shaking his head knowingly, “Who is hottie number one then?”

Raising my hand, “Um yeah, I have been dubbed hottie number one.” Laughing.

“Lucky you.” Reaching down and grabbing my hand, looking down at it. “I thought you had gotten married?”

Dropping my hand and taking a step back quickly, “Um. Complicated.” Tears burning behind my eyes, the events of the last twenty four hours starting to hit me in the gut.

Looking at me concerned. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…well I’m sorry.” He said, unsure of what else to say or think.

“It’s okay.” Wanting to run away as quickly as possible, mortified. If this was the reaction I was having to such a simple question what was going to happen when everyone starting asking? “Um I have to go.” Stumbling over a loose board he caught me with one arm before I fell face first into the door. My body reacting in a frightening way, I didn’t want him to let me go. “Sorry. Thank you.” I said as I breathed in and caught his scent, cussing myself. Damn it, he is still handsome and smells great. This was a problem I didn’t need to have living next door. The always unattainable Ian. Not that I wanted to attain him, I had much bigger fish to fry. Like a violent ex-husband to divorce. Pulling out of his grasp and opening the screen door, I stepped in quickly. “Bye Ian.”

Shutting the door behind me, I had full intentions of running towards my new bedroom.

“Lizzy?”

Turning and looking at him through the screen door. He towered above me and I caught the scent of his cologne again.

“You’re still as beautiful as you were in high school. That is what I meant.” Smiling and walking down the steps and back towards his house.

Looking at my finger where my wedding band sat only hours ago, the pain in my heart was unimaginable. The skepticism in my soul now even more apparent. A man tells me I’m beautiful and my first thought is, “what did he do to hurt me?” Such an irrational thought considering, this is Ian and I hadn’t seen his handsome face in years. I might as well get used to it. I am now damaged goods with a psycho ex-husband. Pushing my hair behind my ear I watched his door shut behind him and I walked into my room, locking the door behind me. The same irrational fears telling me Craig was going to find me and hurt me while I slept.

Glancing into the mirror, my cheek was now turning black and blue and I had forgotten about it completely. Wondering why Ian didn’t ask me about it, he probably was being a gentlemen. Ian was always the guy that didn’t poke into other people’s business. Glancing over to my purse I was itching to turn on my phone and listen to Craig either apologize or threaten me to come back. I’m sure he has probably left both kinds of messages by now. Changing into my soft silky white nightgown and pulling my hair back I turned that little old radio to an oldies station. Craig hated the oldies which means it’s my new favorite. Digging into my closet I retrieved the one pair of sneakers that I hadn’t worn in years. Setting them out with a nice pair of pants and shirt I was ready for work in the morning. I hadn’t worked a day in about two years. Craig always insisting that I was his princess and I didn’t need to work. Now knowing he didn’t want me to meet anyone else and replace him. Just another form of isolating me. My heart to stupid to figure it out at first.

Laying down in bed and staring at the ceiling, I don’t know why I was wasting a single minute thinking about Craig. Rubbing the pain in my cheek, I never really believed in violence to solve a problem, now wishing I’d kicked him in his male parts for good measure. Rolling over onto my side, I had a good view of Ian’s house, now wondering what he was doing. Moments later, I could hear Ben coming through the door with a giggling woman. Looks like he found his hottie number two. Hoping the walls were thick I soon fell asleep from exhaustion.

Waking up early, I always did have a built in alarm clock. Gathering my clothes, I could hear Ben rummaging around in the kitchen. Unlocking the door and stepping out, looking forward to a shower.

“Hi Ben.” I said still sleepy.

Ben looking at me with a coffee in his hand, he handed it to me. “Hi Lizzy. You look ravishing.” He said winking at me. “You ready for your first day of work?”

 “As ready as I’ll ever be.” Taking a sip before setting it down on the counter.

 “I’ll drop you off since I have to run into town anyhow.”

 “Thanks Ben.” Knowing other wise it was going to be a long walk. I really needed to look into buying a junk car. What little money I was able to hide from Craig, still shoved in a side pocket of my purse.

“No problem.”

“I’m going to go take a quick shower. Your girl leave already?”

Smiling, “Yeah, she was a wild one. I hope I didn’t keep you awake.”

“No worries. Thankfully, I didn’t hear a thing.”

Laughing at me, “Hot nightgown Lizzy.”

 “Thanks. I think.” Walking into the bathroom and shutting the door behind me, I quickly took my shower and was nervous for the first day on the job.

Pulling up to the family restaurant, It looked about the same as it always has. Mrs. Taylor was as nice as she could be and put me to work immediately. Impressed on how quickly I caught on, I didn’t mind the work but sometimes wished that I would have waited for my swollen black and blue cheek to go down first. Catching people looking at me with sympathetic eyes, all of them bought my car accident story. Having no car to speak of helped in that story. Tips were good and people were friendly and the lunch crowd was thinning out and everyone else was going on their lunch break. I volunteered to wait on my break, being the newbie I didn’t mind. Concentrating on a ticket, I didn’t pay much attention when I heard the bell ring. Looking up when someone sat in front of me at the bar, sat Ian and Grant. My nervousness fluttering back into my stomach again immediately.

“Hi Lizzy. Been a long time.” Grant said smiling in his business suit. Ian sitting next to him looking down at a menu.

“Hi Grant. Yes it has been. Hi Ian.” I said gazing at him.

Looking up briefly, “Hi Lizzy.”

Clearing my throat, “What can I get for you guys?”

Grant looked at me smiling that cute smile that he still possessed. He was just as handsome as I remember. Even more so. Nice dark brown hair, styled neatly and to the latest trend. Black business suit with a blue shirt underneath. Big brown eyes staring at me in contemplation. He wasn’t as muscular as Ian but you could tell there still wasn’t an inch of fat on his body. Grant ordering a salad and a tea, Ian put in an order for chicken.

Getting their drinks, I set them down in front of them as they talked between themselves. Working on another ticket I started to walk off, Grant grabbing my hand.

“You okay Lizzy? You have quite the shiner.” Pointing to my cheek.

Swallowing nervously, “I’m fine. Car accident.” I said giving my best smile.

Satisfied with my answer, I gazed at Ian that was looking at me skeptically before looking down. I should have known Ian wouldn’t believe it. He was always the less gullible of the brothers. Grant cared about little that didn’t pertain directly to him. Making myself busy again, I didn’t come back to the counter until their food was ready, setting the plates down in front of them.

Grant giving that huge smile that melts the hearts of millions of women. “You go on break soon Lizzy?”

“Um, I don’t know. At some point.” Deflecting him as much as possible. Gazing over at Ian, silent still.

“What time you get off from work?” Grant pressed me.

“Around five the next shift comes in.”

“I could pick you up, take you out to eat.” Grant said smiling at me. “Could be like old times.”

“No, I’m sorry. I have to finish unpacking.”

“I see.” Grant didn’t like taking no for an answer, and rarely heard it from women. “How about tomorrow?”

“I’m sorry Grant. I’m not ready for a date.” Wiping the counter down nervously. I could see Ian smirking out of the corner of my eye.

“Oh, did I give that impression? It wouldn’t be a date. Just two old friends grabbing a bite to eat.”

Ian started coughing uncontrollably, like he had choked on his food. Waving his hand, “I’m fine.”

Grant turning to me again smiling, “Um maybe some other time. I need to get settled in.”

“Sure, rain check it is. I won’t forget.”

Smiling at him, I was sure he probably wouldn’t. Putting the bill beside their plates, I went into the kitchen to hide for a bit. When I did force myself to come back out, there lay twenty for the bill with a fifty dollar tip and his phone number. Smiling and looking out of the big windows, the brothers were both gone. It was a nice gesture, and would get me a little farther on paying for a divorce lawyer. Tucking it into my pants the rest of the day went quickly and I was walking out of the door at five on the dot and down the street to a law office.

It didn’t take to long to get the papers filed and since everything was in Craig’s name I owned very little. I was thankfully able to pay the half that was required to get the ball rolling and the papers sent out. The lawyer advising me to go to the sheriffs station about my cheek so it would be on record in case Craig gave me trouble on the filing. My heart heavy, I didn’t want to. I just wanted it all to be over with. He would only deny it, and it would be my word against his. Walking out of the law offices, I looked towards the direction of the house and started making my way down the sidewalk. My feet already throbbing from being on them all day, it was going to be a long walk. Sitting down on a bench to rest before I started the journey, I wasn’t about to call Ben. Ben was such a great friend, but he has done enough. Rummaging through my purse and staring at my cell phone, I hadn’t noticed when someone sat down beside me.

“You thinking about calling my brother?” Ian said smiling at me.

Smiling back at his handsome face, “No. I was just thinking. Nothing big.”

Putting his hand to my cheek briefly, “You mind telling me what really happened?”

Looking into his eyes, I didn’t want to talk about it but I knew he wasn’t one to gossip. Putting my hand to my cheek and looking away, I didn’t want to see his face when I told him. “Um husband. Well soon to be ex-husband. Turns out he has a decent left hook. How did you know?” Looking into his blue eyes, his hand was now clenched to his side.

“I didn’t. I just figured there was more to it. I’m glad you’re away from him Lizzy.”

“Me to.” Grabbing me by the arm, I didn’t mean to flinch and he looked at me sorry.

Releasing me, “Come. I’ll take you home.”

“You really don’t have to Ian. I don’t want to be any trouble.”

 “I’m going home. You live right next to me. It’s hardly any trouble.”

 Smiling with relief, “Okay, thank you.”

“Besides I wouldn’t want to keep you from unpacking.” He said smiling back at me.

I was pretty sure he caught on to that lie also. “Yeah, unpacking.”

“You know my brother isn’t going to give up.” He said holding the truck door open for me as I crawled in. Climbing into the seat beside me, he started the engine.

“He will when he gets bored.”

“I don’t know. Out of all the girlfriends in high school, he seemed rather smitten with you. When you broke up with him, that was the first time I had ever seen him actually pout.”

Looking at him in dismay, “I didn’t break up with him.” I said, trying to remember back.

Smiling, “Oh yeah you did. I’ll never forget it. The only girl that has dumped Grant first. I think I actually marked it on the calender.”

Laughing, “I thought he broke up with me. I don’t remember.”

“Let me refresh your memory. You walked into the burger joint that we all frequented with your friends one night. He had his arm around another girl, flirting as he usually liked to do. You walked up to him, looked him straight in the eye and told him where to go. You told him you deserved better and walked off, never looking back. I know because I was sitting next to him. That was the moment I knew there was more to Lizzy Harris than met the eye.” He said chuckling.

“Oh wow. I remember that now. How could I have forgotten?” Laughing now with him.

“So you see, Grant has never forgotten.”

Sighing, “I don’t want to be anyone’s quest. I’m tired Ian.” The last thing I wanted was Grant chasing after me with something to prove.

Looking at me, the mood changed instantly in the cab of the truck, “I have no doubt that you’ll handle yourself Lizzy.”

“So what have you been doing since high school Ian? Any special someone in your life?”

“Just working. And no. No one to speak of.”

“I’m surprised. I figured you would have been snatched up years ago.” Trying to make light conversation.

“Haven’t met the one who makes me want to be snatched up.” Gazing at me briefly before turning his attention back to the road.

My nervousness back to full force again, his glances made me want to slide across the seat next to him. I hated feeling that way.

“You have any big plans for your Friday night? Well beside unpacking that is.” Smirking.

“Okay fine. I already unpacked last night Ian. What is it with you? Am I a bad liar or are you really that good at seeing through them?” Now visibly annoyed.

Winking at me, “Maybe a little of both.”

Sighing, “I was never a good liar. Do you think your brother bought it?”

Laughing, “Probably not.”

“Now I feel bad.” Looking out the window, we were almost back to the farm.

“No need. It only thrills him more when he is turned down. It so rarely happens, although you’re getting good at it. You’re going to start giving my big brother a complex.”

Laughing, “I don’t think it’s possible with your brother.”

“Probably not.” Pulling up the driveway and shutting off the engine. “If you need anything Lizzy, you know where I’m at.”

“Thank you.” Getting out of the truck I watched him walk away. Trudging my way up onto the porch, I gave one last glance in his direction before walking into the house. As I suspected Ben was already gone, the eternal bachelor. Laughing and shaking my head I had already resigned to the fact I was going to be spending my Friday night alone. I was okay with that. Although, being alone to much with my thoughts was also a dangerous thing. Walking to the bathroom, I quickly jumped into the shower to wash the grease and food smell off of me. Pulling my wet hair off to the side, I braided it down the side. Dabbing on a little make-up to cover my bruise, after a day of working and feeling awful I was anxious to feel and look like myself again. Slipping on a pair of my favorite white form fitting jeans, I matched it with a loose red silky shirt.

Walking around the house bare foot was probably more dangerous than outside, but my feet were hurting and I took my chances. Looking around, trying to figure out what to do with myself I sat on the couch, turning on the television. Satisfied that nothing was on, I sat up when a knock at the door rang out. Looking nervously towards the clock it, it read seven p.m. and I was nervous to answer. Walking towards it suspiciously, I looked out the window and in the driveway was parked a black bimmer and I was satisfied that it wasn’t Craig. “Who is it?”

 “Grant.”

Shaking my head and opening up the door, stood Grant. Handsome in brown khaki pants and a black button down shirt, he held roses in his hand. “Grant. What are you doing here?” Looking around him, to see if Ian was with him.

Smiling at me widely, “I thought I would save you from unpacking.”

“Grant. I don’t know. I’m not ready for anything remotely like a date.” Reaching up and fiddling with my hair.

“Then it’s not a date.” Tossing the flowers onto the chair. “Just act like you didn’t see those.”

Laughing, “I can’t. It’s to late for that. They are beautiful.”

Smiling, “Oh in that case, they are for you.” He said picking them up and putting them in my hands.

“Come in. Let me put them in water.” I said turning as he followed me inside.

“You look beautiful Lizzy. I had forgotten just how beautiful you really are. It’s been to long.”

Looking back at him, he stood in the corner of the kitchen studying me.

“Well, you’re still as handsome as ever. But, you always did know that.” Slipping them in a vase I found under the sink. Probably left from the previous tenants.

Holding his heart, “Ouch, you injure my heart.”

“More like your ego.” I said, not cutting him any slack.

“Still haven’t forgiven me I see?” Walking towards me slowly.

“Oh on the contrary, I had to be reminded exactly what happened on that day.”

Smiling, “My brother. I swear it was the greatest day of his life, seeing me put in my place.”

Turning to look at him as he was a mere breath away from me, “Lets quit maneuvering and move straight to the point. What do you want Grant?”

“That’s what I miss about you Lizzy, you challenge me. I know of no other woman who has done that.”

“Point Grant.” Not letting up on him. He was irresistibly handsome, no wonder no woman has ever challenged him. He was great eye candy. However, the Walker brothers have always been irresistible. The one standing in front of me more accessible than the other.

“You have always left me wondering Lizzy. I regret how I treated you.” Reaching out to touch my arm, I pulled back immediately.

Dropping his hand, “I just want to take you out tonight. That’s it. Just as old friends. I can’t lie, I am attracted to you. You are even more stunning than I remember, but I won’t push you Lizzy. I am not that boy anymore.” Pleading with me.

Sighing, “It’s not about you Grant. Well, not entirely. I literally just left my husband.” Lifting his hand to my cheek, I closed my eyes and flinched as he held it solidly there.

“I will not hurt you Lizzy.” My eyes opening back up and staring into his.

“Fine. Just as friends.” Walking towards my room, slipping on my white heels. “But, not to long.”