Operation Revenge (14 page)

Sandra shook her head and sighed. "That's easier said than done."

They headed to the bank of elevators, where Haley pushed the button. A minute later, the doors parted and they moved inside. Sandra pressed the button for the lobby and the doors closed once more. On the ride down, Haley leaned back against the wall and closed her eyes. Images of what happened with Chad in the living room earlier came back to haunt her and she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She tried to think of something else. Simon came to mind and a warm feeling spread through her. The urge to call him, just to hear his voice, washed over her.

"Are you all right?" Sandra asked.

"Yes, you little worrywart."

"Sorry."

"That's all right."

The elevator stopped, several seconds later, and the doors slid back. Haley opened her eyes and found Simon standing there. Her breath catching in her throat, she watched as his eyes traveled over her and came to a halt at her bandaged arm. Resisting the urge to fidget, she swallowed hard. "H-hello, Simon. I take it you're here to see your Gran. How is she doing?"

"She's doing well." He turned and smiled at Sandra. "It's nice to see you again."

"Hello, Simon. It's been a while."

"Yes, it has."

"I don't want to be rude, but I'd like to go home," Haley told them.

"If it's all right with you, I'd like to drive you," Simon said softly.

"What about your Gran?" Sandra uttered.

"I'll call her later," he answered. "I don't think she would mind me skipping a visit to escort Haley home. As a matter of fact I think she would approve of it."

"Are you all right with him driving you home?" she inquired of Haley.

"Of course."

"Then I will see you tomorrow." Sandra kissed her cheek. "Call me if you need anything. I don't care what time it is. I love you."

"I love you too."

"I have questions," Simon said to Haley, once they were alone, "but they will keep for later." He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I want to get you home."

"Home sounds wonderful."

It was close to ten when Simon pulled into the driveway and parked the car. He instructed Haley to stay put and got out. Hurrying around to the passenger side, he opened the door and helped her out of the car. They made their way up the driveway, across the yard, and to the front door. Simon took the keys from her and unlocked the door. He ushered her into the house, turning on the entry hall light. "Let's get you settled."

"I can manage on my own." Haley dropped her purse on the table and rubbed her forehead. "You don't have to stick around."

"I think I do." He placed his hand on the small of her back. "Lead the way to your bedroom."

"If you promise me that you will behave yourself."

Simon kissed her temple. "I shall do my best, sweetheart."

"Right this way then."

While Haley disappeared into the bathroom to brush her teeth and change into her nightgown Simon pulled the covers back on the bed and fluffed up the pillows. When he was finished, he sat down on the side of the bed and snatched the phone from the nightstand. He called Marian and told her he would see her tomorrow. After he ended the call, he called his secretary and informed her that he would not be in tomorrow and to reschedule his appointments.

By the time he hung up the phone, Haley had emerged from the bathroom. She was wearing a white nightgown that ended at her knees and had spaghetti straps. The gown clung to her and
showed the curves beneath. His body responding to the sight of her, he averted his eyes and took a deep calming breath. Willing his body to behave, he got to his feet and cleared his dry throat. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I have a sprained wrist," she replied, moving toward him and the bed.

He looked at her face. She was pale and her mouth was drawn in a tight line. "Did you take something for the pain?" She nodded. "Then lie down and I'll get you something cold to put on your wrist. If I remember correctly, you ice a sprain anywhere from twenty to thirty minutes every three to four hours. Am I right?"

"Yes," Haley muttered as she got into bed. "How did you know?"

"I suffered a lot of sprains during my football days." Simon covered her with the blankets and then carefully propped her arm up with a pillow. "I'll be back in a minute."

"I'll be here waiting," she said dryly.

In the kitchen, Simon fetched a bag of frozen vegetables from the freezer and a clean dishtowel from the drawer. He wrapped the towel around the bag and hurried back to the bedroom. "Before you put ice on your wrist the bandage needs to come off," he stated, crossing to the bed. He perched on the side and put the bag on the nightstand. "Let me know if I hurt you and I will try to be more gentle."

Haley smiled weakly. "I'm not worried. I know I'm in good hands."

Gently, Simon unwound the bandage. As he worked, he kept an eye on her face for any sign that he was causing her pain. Once the bandage was off, he placed the bag of frozen food on her wrist. She winced at the coldness and the pain. "Sorry," he murmured.

"You didn't hurt me," she assured him. "Would you get my address book from the nightstand? I need to call my boss and let him know I won't be in the rest of the week."

Simon opened the nightstand drawer and searched inside until he located her address book. He thumbed through it, stopping when he found Mr. Warner's home number. Seizing the receiver, he passed it to Haley and dialed the number for her.

"He said he would find a replacement for me and to take all the time I need," she said, handing him back the receiver, a few minutes later.

"Good." Simon set the receiver back in the base and gazed down at Haley. "Now that you're settled we need to talk."

"I'd like to go first, if that's all right."

"Go ahead."

Haley licked her dry lips. "I've been thinking about your Gran and how she wants me to move in and be her caregiver. I - I can't do it, Simon."

"I understand."

Haley held out her hand, palm up, and waited for him to take it before she went farther. "No, you don't. You don't understand. I'm afraid."

Frowning, Simon leaned down until they were looking into each other's eyes. "What are you afraid of?"

"Living with you," she whispered. "I'm attracted to you."

His heart skipped a beat at her admission. "And I'm attracted to you," he confessed. He studied her face for a few moments. "I think I know where this is going. You're afraid if we live together, we won't be able to control our feelings for each other. Is that it?"

"Yes," she croaked.

"Haley," Simon breathed. "I know you're not ready for another relationship. I would never try to take advantage of the situation, or you. I would never hurt you."

She squeezed his hand. "I'm not afraid of you hurting me. I'm afraid that I might end up hurting you. I won't take that chance. I'm sorry, but I'm going to tell your Gran no."

Simon lowered his head and brushed his lips against her cheek. "If that's what you want then you have my support."

"Thank you."

"Now tell me how you sprained your wrist." He felt her stiffen up. "What's wrong?"

"N-nothing," she stuttered. "I was standing on a chair changing a light bulb when I lost my balance and fell off. I stuck my hands out to break my fall and I landed on my wrist wrong."

"You need to be more careful," he told her. "You could've hit your head and seriously hurt yourself. If you need anything done around here let me know and I'll do it for you."

"I'll remember that."

"Try and get some rest." Simon moved to his feet. "I'll be back in thirty minutes to remove the bag. If you need anything give a yell."

"You're going to stay the night, aren't you?"

"That's the plan," he said. "No arguments. You'll lose."

Haley sighed. "Fine. The guest room is across the hall. Make yourself at home."

"Thank you." He touched her tenderly on the cheek. "Rest, sweetheart." He turned out the bedside lamp and left the bedroom.

Chapter 1
5

The following morning found Simon standing at the stove, frying bacon. He turned the meat over in the skillet, put down the fork, and moved toward the refrigerator. Taking out a carton of eggs and milk, he closed the door with his hip and stepped to the counter. He set the eggs and milk down and retrieved a bowl from the cabinet. At that moment, the telephone rang. Simon grabbed the cordless off the counter and pressed the talk button. "Hello?"

"Good morning," Sandra said. "How's Haley?"

"She's doing all right," he answered, checking on the bacon. He saw a few pieces were done and quickly transferred them to paper towel. "I looked in on her about twenty minutes ago and she was asleep."

"I'm glad you stayed with her," she said. "After what that bastard, Chad, did to her yesterday I didn't like the idea of her-"

"Wait!" Simon interrupted. "Are you saying Chad's the reason for Haley's sprained wrist?"

"Yes," Sandra muttered. "She didn't tell you what happened to her?"

"She told me she was standing on a chair changing a light bulb when she lost her balance and fell off." A mixture of anger and hurt flared to life inside of him. How could she lie to him? Why did she lie to him? "Tell me what happened?" he said coolly.

Sandra sighed. "Chad showed up at the house. Haley didn't want to deal with him, so she didn't answer the door. He had a key. She forgot that she had given him one. Anyway, he let himself into the house. They argued, he grabbed her and began kissing her. She somehow managed to get an arm loose and hit him. That angered him and he twisted her wrist. She kneed him in the groin, ran to her room, and got her gun. After demanding her key back, she forced him to leave and then called me and asked me if I would drive her to the hospital." She paused. "I don't know why she lied to you."

"I'm going to find out," he stated with a determined glint in his eyes.

"Go easy on her. Please, Simon. She's going through a lot right now."

"She's stronger than you give her credit for, but I will be gentle with her."