Love Inspired November 2014 #2 (27 page)

“So I'm guessing you're a military man.” Allen Latimer smiled across the table. “I served four years in the army. Best experience of my life. What branch were you with?”

Ethan froze, his hand grasping his water glass. How did he answer that question? He didn't want to start a discussion that might be unpleasant for his hosts. He could sense all three Latimers waiting for his answer. Inhaling a deep breath, he said, “I'm sorry to say I never had the honor of serving in the armed forces, sir.”

Allen frowned, his eyes probing. “You don't say. I could have sworn you had a military air about you. I'm never wrong.” Then his gaze lightened, and he leaned back. “Well, guess there's always a first time. Must be all this medication I'm on. Our son was a marine. We lost him two years ago.”

Ethan stole a quick look at Nicki, who had her head lowered. Why hadn't she told him? “I'm sorry to hear that.” An awkward silence settled over the room before Nicki's dad spoke again.

“So where are you staying, Mr. Stone?”

“For the moment I'm at the Dixiana.”

“Flora Edwards runs a nice place.”

“Yes, sir, she does.” Ethan tensed, uncomfortable with the shallow conversation meant to bridge the gap between remembered grief and normalcy.

Mr. Latimer lowered his chin and eyed him closely. “You said ‘for the moment.' Are you moving?”

Ethan glanced at Nicki. Hadn't she told them about the apartment?

“Mom, Ethan has fixed up the small apartment upstairs from the store. He's going to be staying there from now on.”

Ethan didn't have to look at Mrs. Latimer to know she was unhappy.

“When did this happen?” Her tone was thick with displeasure.

“His furniture was delivered this afternoon. Mom, it's a good idea. He'll be paying rent, and having someone on the premises 24/7 will provide security for the store. I know I'll feel safer when I come in each morning, and if I have to work late I won't have to worry that I might be putting Sadie at risk.”

“A security system would do the same thing.”

Allen smiled over at his wife. “But a security system costs money, Myra, which is why we haven't done it before. This way, Ethan is paying us. With all the robberies going on downtown, I think it sounds like a good solution.”

“We'll see about that.”

Myra Latimer stood and picked up her and her husband's plate. “I'm sure everyone is ready for dessert. Nichelle, I could use your help.”

Ethan gave Nicki an encouraging smile. He suspected a one-sided mother-daughter discussion was going to take place in the kitchen. And from the expression on Mr. Latimer's face, he suspected it, too. They shared a knowing grin.

“I didn't mean to cause a problem.”

Mr. Latimer waved off his concern. “I think it was a good idea. My wife and daughter are often on opposing sides.”

“I've noticed.” Glancing over his shoulder, Ethan made sure the women were still in the other room. Now might be a good time to mention the idea he'd had. “Sir, I was wondering if I could ask you something.”

Mr. Latimer smiled and nodded. “Ask away.”

“I'd like your permission to fix up the other apartment above your store for Nicki and the baby to use.” He watched the older man for some sign of approval. “She works hard all day, running the store and caring for Sadie. I thought it might be good for her to have a place of her own. Somewhere to unwind without having—” He searched for words that wouldn't offend.

“Without having to deal with her mother or her father?”

“No, sir, I didn't mean that.”

“Son, I'm not unaware of the tension between my wife and daughter. I've made a mess of things over the last few years. Now it's up to my daughter to fix it. Nicki is trying hard to not add more stress to this family. I think fixing that apartment for her and the baby is a great idea. Go for it. You have my stamp of approval.”

Ethan met the other man's eyes. “Thank you. I think it'll make things easier for her.”

“What all do you plan on doing?”

“Mainly clean the place up. Paint. Do a few repairs. Take down wallpaper.”

“The floors up there are wood beneath that carpet. Should look pretty good after a thorough cleaning. Wish I could lend you a hand, but I'm afraid I'm in no shape to help right now.”

“No problem. My evenings are free. And I like the work.”

Nicki and her mother returned with plates of pecan pie and ice cream. Ethan's mouth watered, and his heart felt lighter. He'd had a home-cooked meal and gained Mr. Latimer's approval on the other apartment. It had been a good day. He was anxious to get started.

* * *

Anger had Nicki gripping the steering wheel of her car with white-knuckled force as she drove back to the store. She'd been worried about how her parents would take to Ethan, and instead she'd found herself furious with him.

“Why did you lie to my father?”

“I didn't.”

Nicki darted a glance in his direction. The deep frown creasing his forehead showed his confusion. “Really? I know you were hiding something. I saw a look in your eyes that I've seen before. Then tonight when Dad asked if you had served in the military, I realized I'd seen that same look in my brother's eyes. You
were
in the military. What happened? Were you booted out?”

Ethan shook his head. “No. I was telling the truth. I was never in the armed forces. But...I was in Afghanistan for three years.”

“Doing what?”

“Working for a private firm.”

Nicki was positive he was telling her only part of it. “So why didn't you just say so?”

“Telling war stories over the dinner table isn't exactly great conversation. Especially considering your brother died over there.”

Nicki couldn't argue with him there. “So is that why you left out past employment details on your application?”

“Is that what has you upset?” He frowned in disbelief. “I took a leave from my job to see what direction my life would take going forward. Dover seemed like a nice place to reassess. That's all.”

She wanted to believe him. “I don't like being misled. Or manipulated.”

“But you don't mind manipulating other people.”

She jerked her head to look at him. “What do you mean?” The knowing glint in his eyes told her she'd been caught. One corner of his mouth lifted, sending a rush of heat into her cheeks.

“I know you asked me to dinner so I could be your deflector when you told your mother I was moving into the apartment.”

“Ethan, I—” There was no way she could explain. He was right.

“It's okay. I get it. And I don't mind being your buffer. And I really did need a good home-cooked meal.”

Her conscience pressed her to give an explanation. She pulled the car to a stop near the stairs at the back of the store. “Okay, you're right about me using you to soften my mother's reaction. I'm sorry. As for the other, my ex was very secretive and manipulating, and he—”

Ethan touched her arm. He held her gaze with his penetrating dark eyes, and she had the odd feeling he understood more than she'd intended him to.

“You don't need to tell me. We both have things in our pasts we're not ready to share. Give it time.”

He reached for the door handle. “I will tell you I'm not a criminal on the run or a celebrity hiding out. Just a guy looking for a fresh start.” The humor in his tone made her smile.

“Fair enough.”

He winked, causing her heart to skip a beat. “See you Monday morning.”

“Are you going back to the Dixiana, or are you spending the night here?” A rush of embarrassment warmed her cheeks, making her glad it was dark in the car. For some reason, she wasn't ready for him to go.

“I have my furniture now, so I'll probably stay here tonight, then pick up the rest of my things from the motel tomorrow after church.”

“Do you need any help?” What was wrong with her? She spent enough time with Ethan. She didn't need to spend any more. That would be playing with fire.

“Are you offering?”

“You've helped me. That's what friends do.”

“Friends. Of course. Thanks, but I don't have much to move. I do have several things to assemble. How are you with an Allen wrench?”

“Allen who?”

He chuckled and reached over to squeeze her hand. “I appreciate the offer. You're very sweet. But you have enough on your plate without worrying about me. I'll see you on Monday.” He climbed out of the car and started up the outside steps.

Nicki waited until he disappeared behind the steel door before starting her car and heading home. Thoughts of Ethan dominated her thoughts far into the night. No matter how hard she tried to stop them.

Chapter Seven

S
unday afternoon blossomed into the perfect spring day. Nicki had taken Sadie for a stroll around her parents' neighborhood, enjoying the flowers and the warm sunshine. The fresh air had renewed her spirits and given her a brief escape from the confines of the store. It had also given her an idea that she was beginning to regret.

Pulling her car to a stop beside Ethan's behind the store, she questioned the wisdom of showing up unannounced. She wasn't sure what wild hair had taken hold of her to bring Ethan a hot meal today. Maybe it was the obvious delight he'd shown over her mother's dinner last night. Or maybe it was her Southern upbringing, which dictated a new neighbor required a welcome meal.

Lifting the food carrier from the backseat, she glanced up at the door at the top of the outside stairs. She would simply drop off the food and leave.

As she climbed the stairs, she had to face the truth. The food was a means of showing Ethan her appreciation for all he'd done. In less than a week he'd renewed her hope and strengthened her confidence. That deserved an acknowledgment. It was a tiny gesture, but she didn't know what else to do.

At the top of the stairs Nicki unlocked the outside door and stepped into the hall. Her nerves quickened. What if he didn't like jambalaya? She shook her head and strode toward his apartment door. It didn't matter. It was the gesture that counted. She'd hand him the food then go. No big deal. But as she neared Ethan's door, her heartbeat quickened. Why was she so nervous? Taking a fortifying breath, she knocked firmly on the door.

He opened the door, his expression shifting quickly from surprise to a warm smile. “Hey. What are you doing here?”

Nicki took a moment to appreciate her employee. He looked incredibly handsome and all male in worn jeans and a white T-shirt that emphasized his broad chest. Quickly shoving her thoughts aside, she held out the covered dish. “I brought you something to eat. I figured you'd be too busy moving in so...” She shrugged, suddenly at a loss for words.

“Wow. Thanks.” He stepped aside. “Come on in.”

She moved into the small space beside the efficiency kitchen and set the dish on the old battered table, which, along with the chairs, had been given a fresh coat of white paint.

Ethan leaned over the container. “This smells amazing.”

Nicki smiled. “I hope you like andouille jambalaya.”

“I do. Did your mom make this?”

“No.” She feigned insult. “I did. I'll have you know I'm a very good cook.”

Ethan smiled. “Then I know I'll love it.”

The warmth in his tone pleased her more than it should have. She surveyed the small apartment to regain her composure. “I can't believe this is the same place.” The walls had been painted a soothing beige; a comfy sofa and recliner were in the living area. A large flat-screen TV with wires and a cable dangling from the side sat at an angle on a small console. The efficiency kitchen was clean and sparkling. At the other end, she glimpsed the bedroom and a new chest of drawers. “I never thought this place could look so good.”

“All it needed was a little love and attention. It'd been neglected for a long time.”

Nicki glanced over her shoulder, her gaze landing on his. There was quiet understanding in his brown eyes that told her he wasn't talking only about the apartment. Ethan had an unsettling ability to look beyond her facade and sense her real feelings.

“Uh, well, enjoy the meal. I'll pick the dish up later.”

He reached out and took her arm before she could turn around. “Whoa. Aren't you going to stay and eat with me? I don't want to eat alone.”

The moment he made the offer, she realized that was what she'd been hoping he'd say. “Well, I suppose I could. I haven't eaten yet.”

“Great. I'll get the plates.” Ethan went into the kitchen while Nicki cleared the table and removed the lid from the carrier. The tantalizing aroma of spicy jambalaya and corn bread filled the room.

Ethan returned with the paper plates, plastic utensils and a sheepish look. “All I have.” He inhaled, closing his eyes. “Wow. That smells amazing.”

Nicki filled their plates, adding large pieces of corn bread on the side. Ethan wasted no time sampling the food. “Oh. Wow. Can you cook for me every night?”

Nicki froze with her fork halfway to her mouth. She knew what he meant. But the image that called up in her mind was something else entirely. A normal life, someone waiting for her at the end of the day. Someone who truly cared about her and what she wanted. She shook off the thought.

“Nope. That wasn't part of the rental agreement.”

He chuckled, the sound of it skittering inside her heart. “Where's Sadie?”

“With my mom, but I really don't like to ask her to babysit.”

Ethan frowned. “She's a new grandma. I'd think she'd love that.”

“Oh, she does, but she has enough on her mind with my dad. I've already complicated things by coming home without warning and adding a baby to their lives. Besides, Sadie is my responsibility. I can take care of us without any help.”

“I have no doubt.”

“I only left her with them this time because Sadie is asleep, so she won't be any trouble for them.” She knew he saw the lie for what it was. She'd wanted to see him.

Ethan speared a piece of andouille sausage and broke his plastic fork in half. His expression was so priceless, Nicki burst out laughing. “You need to invest in some real silverware. Not to mention plates.”

“Hey, they're on my shopping list.” He reached for a piece of paper and handed it to her. “See. Right there. Dishes, spoons, knives and forks.”

Nicki took the list and scanned it. “You need to add a few things. Like a broom and dustpan. A can opener. Don't forget dish soap and a toaster.” The more she thought about what he'd need, the more excited she became. She missed having a home of her own to furnish. “Do you have a toilet-bowl brush?”

Ethan laughed out loud. His dark eyes were warm and sparkling. “I want to go shopping right now.”

She giggled. “I'm just trying to think of all the things a man wouldn't think to buy.”

He placed his hand over hers, curling his thumb up into her palm.

“Maybe you should come with me when I go to the store. As my personal shopper.”

She liked the idea of helping him pick out things he needed. Then reality kicked in. It was time to go.

“Sadie will be waking soon. I'd better get back.” She stood, tucking her hair behind her ear, suddenly nervous around Ethan. He made her think about a different future, but she couldn't afford to get tangled up again. “I'll pick up the baking dish later.”

“I'll walk you out.”

“You don't need to.”

He smiled into her eyes. “I know, but I want to. Those steps are steep and narrow. The furniture deliverymen never failed to point that out on each trip up here.”

The feel of his hand in the center of her back as they walked out onto the landing gave her a sense of comfort and security. She didn't want to be protected—she'd had too much of that from her late husband. But Ethan's protectiveness didn't make her feel stifled; it made her feel safe.

At her car, Ethan opened the door for her. “Thanks again for the meal. That was sweet of you. It's been a long time since someone thought about me that way.”

“We're friends. Friends think about each other.”

“Yes. They do.” He reached out and gently brushed back a strand of hair that the breeze had dislodged. “I'll see you tomorrow.”

Nicki climbed in her car and pulled out into the alley, but when she glanced in her rearview mirror, she smiled. Ethan was still standing there, watching her drive away.

* * *

Latimer's Office Supply was open and ready for business. It was also devoid of customers. Ethan had opened the store twenty minutes ago, but not one person had come through the door. Granted, it was early on a Tuesday, but normally someone from one of the nearby businesses would come in needing some small item, and they usually took a moment to ask about Sadie or chat with Nicki.

But she wasn't here. Nicki had taken Sadie for a pediatrician checkup and had left him in charge of the store for a few hours. He'd grown comfortable helping the customers and no longer wanted to hide in the stockroom. But the quiet now gave him too much time to think about Nicki and her reasons for bringing him the jambalaya. He wanted to believe it was more than just a friendly gesture, that it meant she thought about him after work hours. Mostly he wanted to believe she enjoyed spending time with him.

Nicki was the first woman in a very long time that made him think about a future. Her bright smile and her boundless energy were like a sweet infusion of adrenaline each time he was near her. But she didn't seem ready for any kind of relationship. Her focus right now was on saving the store. His was on finding a new direction for his life. Which was why a few customers would be nice. To keep such thoughts at bay.

As if reading his thoughts, two gentlemen entered the store, glanced at him briefly and moved on to walk through the aisles, not giving him a chance to offer his assistance. A few moments later, the taller man stepped from the third aisle. “Where did you hide the computer paper?”

Ethan pointed toward the next row of shelves. “It's right around the corner.”

The man frowned and glanced around. “Moving things around, huh?”

“We're doing a little reorganizing, yes, sir.” The man nodded and went in search of the paper.

The men's voices could be heard as they walked the aisles. Ethan ignored them until he heard them mention the robberies.

“...another one last night. This is getting out of hand. Why can't the police department catch these bozos?”

The tall man appeared from the center aisle. “Beats me.” He placed his items on the counter. Two reams of paper, a pack of high-quality pens, a roll of tape and box of staples.

Ethan hadn't heard about any new robberies, but he was more convinced than ever that taking the apartment upstairs was a wise move. He rang up the sale, bagged it and thanked them. The other man slid his purchases toward him, pulling out his debit card.

“If you ask me, it's probably some crazed ex-soldier looking for drug money. Why else would he be hitting the downtown stores?”

The tall man laughed. “No kidding. There're all a bunch of PTSD wackos.”

Ethan clenched his jaw. Thanks to movies and TV shows, most people now thought PTSD sufferers were ticking time bombs poised to turn into homicidal maniacs. He resisted the impulse to set the men straight, knowing that antagonizing Nicki's few customers wouldn't help her business. But the comments did reinforce his decision to not tell Nicki about his emotional problems.

“We're back.”

The sound of Nicki's voice flowed through him like warm sunshine. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the big smile on her face. But as she approached with Sadie, a new vision flashed through his mind. The mother and child in Afghanistan were walking in a market. He sucked in a breath, forcing the image back into the recesses of his mind. This was Nicki and Sadie. The others were gone. He turned aside briefly to collect himself before forcing a smile and facing them. All he saw was a lovely smiling mom with her sweet little girl.

He reached out for Sadie when they drew close, settling her on his shoulder. She tilted her head to look at him, grabbing his lower lip with tiny fingers.

“How is she? No problems?”

Nicki gently stroked the tiny arm. “Not a one. She's right on track for everything. The doctor said she's very strong for her age.” Nicki smiled at him. “How about here? Any problems?”

Ethan handed the baby back to her. “Nothing I couldn't handle.”

Ethan watched them walk away, a strange sensation blooming inside his chest. What would it be like to take care of Nicki and Sadie? To make sure they were safe and happy? He'd like to try, but he had no idea how to go about it. Foster care was a poor training ground for marriage or fatherhood.

Then there was his PTSD to deal with. Each time he thought he'd made progress, something would trigger a flash. It made it impossible to think about any kind of relationship. The best he could offer Nicki was to make her life as easy as possible. Starting with the second apartment above the store. The sooner he had it done, the sooner she could move in. He couldn't save her store, but he could save her sanity.

* * *

Nicki was in the middle of placing a special order for a customer later that afternoon when she heard someone call out her name. Glancing up from the checkout counter, she smiled when she saw Jacqueline Wheeler and Diane Ashton coming toward her. “Good morning, ladies. What are you doing here? Did you close up shop today?”

The tall, elegant black woman who owned Jacqueline's Boutique on the square waved off the comment. “Cynthia has things under control.”

Diane, who owned the Kiddo's Kloset children's store, nodded. “Same here. My assistant can handle things for a while. You should get someone to help, sweetie. None of us can run a business all alone.”

A knowing grin appeared on Jacqueline's face. “I hear you have a very nice assistant. The tall, dark and too-handsome-for-his-own-good type.”

Diane's eyes widened. “Really? I heard you hired someone but not that he was a hottie.”

Nicki started to talk about Ethan, but the man himself chose that moment to walk onto the sales floor, looking every bit the way her friend had described him. He stopped at the counter and smiled at the ladies. Nicki's cheeks turned pink. There was no way she could deny how attractive he was. She introduced Ethan to the ladies, cringing when neither of her friends made an effort to hide their appreciation.

“So what can I do for you?”

Jacqueline blinked and looked at her. “Oh. We brought you some things for the sidewalk sale.” She laid a large poster on the counter. The colorful images and bold lettering proclaimed the excitement of the upcoming Square Fair. “Hang this in the front window so everyone will see it as they pass by.”