Saved by the Everyday Hero: a limited edition romance collection

Book : Limited Edition Romance Collections

by Mandy Melanson, Amelia Hayden, Andi MacDowall, Anne M. Scott, Annee Jones

Genres: Romance Anthologies & Collections

Synopsis

The hero next door is exactly what the doctor ordered to mend these wounded hearts.

Some of us may dream of knights in shining armor, but in this limited edition romance collection our characters learn that the blue collar, everyday heroes are the ones who will rescue their wounded hearts and sweep them off their feet.

From the heat that's felt being near a fireman, to the thrill of being with a police officer who knows their way around some handcuffs, this collection will have readers seeing that the real happily ever after might come from the hero next door.

Saved by the Everday Hero features series starters from:

Amelia Hayden
Andi MacDowall
Anne M. Scott
Annee Jones
Carina Alyce
Eliza Matthews
Holly Holston
Krista Ames
Kristine Dugger
Margaret Madigan
Mandy Melanson
Pandora Snow
TB Mann
Sofia Aves
Katherine Moore
Dawn Luedecke
Kari Shuey
Amelia Hayden
Andi MacDowall
Anne M. Scott
Annee Jones
Carina Alyce
Eliza Matthews
Holly Holston
Krista Ames
Kristine Dugger
Mandy Melanson
Pandora Snow
TB Mann
Margaret Madigan
Dawn Luedecke
Kathleen Ryder
Debra Deasey
Jade Marshall
April Lynn Baker
Jodie A'Lores
J.A. Roles
Lara G. Elmore
LA Fox
Ainsley Jaymes
Maya Black
TK Eldridge
Deidra Ds Green

Jump into the Everyday Heroes series today with this collection. Each story contained inside its pages features a swoon worthy romance with happy ever after.

 

Read more

Release date: August 1, 2023

Publisher: RhetAskew Publishing

Print pages: 658

Sample

Naomi Valkyrie

 

Chapter One:
Elijah

Watching the moving truck drive away makes everything real. Looking down at the baby in my arms, I know I made the right decision–no matter how lost and alone I feel right now. Griffin deserves the best life, and starting over in a new place is the best way to make it happen. Stepping back into my new house, I close the door and eye the mountain of boxes. This late in the day, there's no way I'll get anything done.

Griffin squirms in my arms, then stretches out his arms toward my face, swatting the air. He'll be getting hungry soon, and I may as well have some dinner myself. Going to the kitchen, I find the bag with all the baby necessities in it and pull out what I need to mix up Griffin's formula. When I put Griffin in his carrier so I can get his bottle ready, he voices his displeasure.

"I know, buddy. It's only for a minute."

Moving quickly, I whip up his dinner and pick him back up before he has an all out fit. Overall, Griffin isn't a fussy baby; but he loves his cuddles and his bottle, and he's not afraid to let you know how he feels if he's missing either.

With Griffin tucked into my arms again, holding his bottle, I fish out my phone and search for restaurants close to the house. Dine in, pick up, or delivery–that is the question. I'm exhausted, but I also start my new job tomorrow, and it would be nice to have the lay of the land. As much as I would love to kick off my shoes and call it a day, I know if I don't go scope things out, it'll weigh on me half the night.

Sighing, I put my phone back in my pocket and burp Griffin. "Looks like we're going to go explore before bedtime, little man."

Grabbing a diaper, and some wipes, I change the baby before securing him into the stroller. Making sure the diaper bag is stocked, I tuck it into the bottom stroller compartment, then make sure I have my wallet and keys. Locking the front door behind us, I push Griffin's stroller down the front walk and turn toward town. It's only a few streets over, so it won't take too long to get where we need to go.

A light breeze blows, causing me to break out in goosebumps. We're in that strange time of year between summer and autumn—sometimes you need a jacket and sometimes you don't. I probably should have grabbed one on the way out. At least I remembered Griffin's blanket.

Turning the corner onto the main street of town, I zero in on the diner. After a long day of driving to get to the new house, I'm ravenous. Peering into the stroller, I see Griffin is fast asleep again, which means hopefully I will get through my meal before he demands to be held. I love my boy to the ends of the earth, but doing everything one-handed gets to be frustrating sometimes. I can't hold it against him, though. He's too cute to stay irritated with.

Reaching the diner, I maneuver the stroller through the door and find a table out of the way of everyone. As often happens, the server gets a look at Griffin and

goes on a tangent about how adorable he is. I'm so hungry that I have to break into her speech, but I attempt to be kind about it.

After I've put in my order and the server leaves, several more women stop by to introduce themselves, gush over the baby, and try to be subtle about gleaning my relationship status. I just want to eat my dinner in peace before Griffin wakes up, but I smile and nod through yet another conversation.

"For goodness' sake, Rhonda, let the man eat. Unhook your claws and go look for your next fling elsewhere," a voice breaks in. The woman that had been talking to me huffs and stomps off.

"Thank you!" I say to the newcomer, who happens to be my new boss. "I was trying not to be rude and I couldn't figure out how to get out of the conversation."

"The single women around here have some kind of sixth sense for fresh blood. Learn to be a smidge rude, or they'll never leave you alone."

I motion for her to sit. "It's nice to meet you in person, Mrs. Whitworth. I was planning on dropping by the bookstore after dinner to get familiar with things before tomorrow."

"Call me Bea, honey. Are you sure you don't want a couple of days to get settled before you start?"

"No. I'll manage. I want to get started as soon as possible."

The server sets a to-go cup in front of Bea.

"Well, I better get back to the shop. I just came in for my evening tea fix. I'll see you soon. And remember, it's okay to set some boundaries, or you'll have every single woman in town knocking at your door. That baby is a magnet for them." Bea picks up her cup and rises to leave. "Adorable little beast, isn't he? Even I'm not immune to his charm." She gives me a wink, then walks out, and I finally get to eat

my dinner.

After dinner, I stop by the bookstore, which turns out to be bigger than it looked on the video call I'd had for my interview. Griffin enthralls the girls that work part time at the shop, but they are young and thankfully have no attraction to me. Their primary concerns are finishing school and getting out of small town life by going to college in the big city. I don't think I could handle having to fend off advances every day at work. Dealing with it at the cafe was enough. I have no interest in a relationship at all right now—not after Brandi.

I don't hang out at the bookstore long because I want to get back before the baby wakes up for another bottle. We get home right in the nick of time. Unfortunately, even with a full belly and a clean diaper, he doesn't appear to be interested in going back to sleep. Looking at the clock, I wonder if I will get any sleep before I'm supposed to get ready for work in the morning. It's already almost midnight.

Strapping Griffin into his car seat, I drive him around town for a bit to lull him to sleep,

since nothing else seems to work. When I get him back home, I think I'm in the clear, but he wakes up as I get him out of the car and starts crying again. Sinking down on the front steps, I lift him out of his carrier and hold him, rocking him gently.

"Come on, baby boy. I need you to go to sleep. Daddy has to get up in a few hours for his first day of work."

I've tried everything to calm him. He must be having difficulty adjusting after all the upheaval. We're all off schedule and in a new environment. Plus, he's probably picking up on my stress. Exhausted and feeling helpless, I sit on the steps of my new house and cry right along with my son.

 

Chapter Two:
Jude

Sitting in the dark on my back patio, I swirl the amber liquid around my glass. It's been three weeks since I touched the stuff because I've been on assignment. I never partake when I'm working. My job is the only thing in my life keeping me level, and I refuse to fuck it up by drinking on the clock.

Watching the motion of the fluid, I ask myself if I want to spend my entire break in a drunken haze; because that's what will happen if I take a swallow of this drink. I'll fall down into the bottle until I get my next assignment. Tonight is my first night home and I'm already teetering on the edge.

A wail pierces the quiet night around me as I hear a car door shut. Who is out at this hour of the night in this town? The only people I can think of are usually at the bar, not out and about here in the neighborhood. At first, I pass it off as none of my business, but the crying gets worse, and it's grating on my last nerve. Can't a man go on a self-destructive bender in peace?

Leaving my glass on the patio table, I exit the gate and walk in the direction of the shrieking banshee. The motion sensor light on the corner of the neighbor's house comes on, blinding me for a second, but a few blinks clear my vision. My irritation melts away at the sight in front of me. I didn't know I still had the capacity to give a shit about anyone or anything anymore, but there's something about the man sitting on

the steps that gets me right in the feels. The house next to mine still had a for sale sign in the yard last I remember, but between work and the blissful nothingness found at the bottom of a bottle, I guess I missed getting a new neighbor. A hot neighbor in distress.

Stepping closer, I clear my throat to get the man's attention. I don't want to scare him. Of course, the man's focus is on the baby and he doesn't hear me.

"Excuse me," I say in the least intimidating voice I can manage. I'm a big guy and it's the middle of the night.

The man finally looks up, hastily wiping away tears.

"I'm Jude Carvossa, your neighbor."

The baby lets out another wail. "Elijah Fox. I'm so sorry about the noise. I should probably take him inside."

He stands up carefully, keeping a firm grip on the wriggling bundle in his arms. Oh, my heart. The poor guy looks exhausted. I'm a sucker for babies, too. The pain of losing my dreams of having a family flares up, but I shove it down, refusing to deal with it right now.

"Wait. Let me try," I say. Elijah gives me a wary look, and I don't blame him. It's late at night and I'm a stranger. Sitting down on the front steps to make myself appear smaller, I reach for the baby. "From the look of things, you've been at this awhile. Let me try. You can stay standing over me to make sure I don't go anywhere." Not that I couldn't overpower him if I wanted to, but this is the only way I can think of at the moment to make him somewhat comfortable.

He hands me the baby, even though the uncertainty is written all over his face. I can tell he's a wonderful dad and cares about his kid. Taking the baby in my arms, I rock him and softly sing a lullaby. In no time at all, his cries settle and he gives in to sleep.

"How did you do that? I've been trying to settle him for hours!"

"I've always had the magic touch." It's true. As the oldest child in a single parent family, I learned how to take care of my siblings, and I've always been able to calm the babies. When my sisters had kids, they called me many times to come over and soothe their little ones. 

A twang of guilt pops up. I need to call my sisters. We haven't talked in at least a year—their calls promptly sent to voicemail. I can't take the questions. It makes the loss fresh and I can't keep ripping open the wound.

Realizing I've been stuck in my head, I clear my throat. "We should take the baby inside before he gets chilled."

Elijah opens the front door as I rise, careful not to jostle the sleeping baby. As he leads me to the nursery, I note the moving boxes stacked all over. After laying the baby in his crib, we stand over him for a minute to make sure he stays asleep, then quietly exit the room.

Back at the front door, Elijah says, "Thank you for your help. I appreciate it. My boss will also appreciate it, since I won't be a total zombie in the morning on my first day."

"Where are you working?" Not that it's any of my business, but I feel compelled to know.

"The bookstore in town."

"When are you going to have time to unpack and get settled?"

"I'll have to do a little each day after work, I guess. I can't afford to be out of work too long."

"I'll come over and help," I offer before I can stop myself. Just being neighborly. It has nothing to do with the fact that Elijah is the first person to catch my eye since Marcus died, or that he has an adorable baby that has thawed my previously frozen heart.

"Oh, you don't have to do that. I'm sure you have better things to do with your time."

"It's no trouble at all," I say as I open the door. "Get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow. And good luck on your first day."

 

Chapter Three:
Elijah

After a quick run to the diner to get breakfast and coffee, I head to the shop for my first day of work. At some point, I'll need to stop by the grocery store and stock up on food. I can't make a habit of eating out. It's too expensive. The string of bells hanging from the doorknob jingle as I enter

the bookstore, announcing my arrival.

"Right on time," Bea says with a smile. "How is your morning going so far?"

"We had a rough night last night, but a cup of coffee from the diner has ensured I will not achieve zombie status."

"And how are you, little one?" she asks Griffin, getting a smile out of him. "Come on back. I'll show you where you can put his things. I set up a portable playpen for him. He'd get pretty uncomfortable in his carrier all day."

"Thank you so much! I originally planned to strap him in a sling and carry him on me around the store."

"It's not a bad idea at first since this is a new environment for him, but just in case he gets restless, you have options."

When Bea shows me the corner she has set up for Griffin, it takes everything in me not to cry. There's a playpen with toys and a small table and shelf where I can change him and store his things. There is even a stack of diapers and a new pack of wipes ready to go.

"I figure it'll be easier on you if we keep some things here. That way, you won't have to lug it all back and forth. If I'd known what kind of formula you buy, I'd have stocked that too. But feel free to bring some and leave it in the breakroom."

"Thank you," I say, getting a little choked up. When I interviewed for this job, I was worried about being turned down because I needed to bring Griffin with me to work. I can't afford childcare every day. I was grateful Bea agreed to let me bring him, but I never expected anything like this.

"It's no problem, hun. Around here, we're family. You let me know if you need anything else, okay?"

"This is plenty. More than enough."

"I let you get situated, then we'll start your training."

Bea leaves me to getting Griffin settled. Taking him out of his carrier, I set him in the playpen. While he's occupied exploring all the new toys, I unpack the diaper bag and put everything on the shelf. I'll have to remember to bring an extra container of formula to leave here after I make a

run to the store.

"I think we're going to be happy here, Griffin," I say while storing the diaper bag under the table. "Although I have a feeling you're going to get spoiled." As long as he's happy and safe, I don't care. Griffin gurgles in response as he pets the stuffed rabbit beside him. Testing out whether Griffin will get upset if I'm not close, I step slowly away from the playpen. He seems happy with what he's doing and doesn't appear to notice I'm several feet away now.

"Let's start with the computer stuff, since it's within eyesight and see how he does. If he's okay, we'll go out into the rest of the store and work on the inventory and other things," Bea says.

"Sounds good," I reply, opening the notebook I brought with me so I can take notes.

Bea goes over how to use the various features of the software, including how to process sales. I have pages of notes to study and refer to, so that helps keep down the overwhelm from the information dump. Griffin seems to do well occupying himself with the new toys, so Bea takes me to the storage room where she keeps new inventory and books people have ordered, but haven't picked up yet. Overall, it doesn't seem like this job will be difficult. I should have everything down in no time.

We make it to the middle of the store where Bea is showing me how she has everything categorized and how she sets up displays before Griffin finally decides he's had enough alone time. I glance at the time on my phone and realize he's probably hungry. After feeding the baby, he falls asleep, and I am envious. Even with the coffee this morning, I could go for a nap. Instead, I do my best to help customers that come in with what little knowledge I have in my arsenal at this point.

All-in-all, my first day goes well, but I am mentally drained from learning a bunch of new things. The piles of boxes that greet me when I get home are not a welcome sight, but I can't put off unpacking or it'll never get done. Setting Griffin in his swing where he can see me, I grab a soda out of my pathetically empty refrigerator and start opening the boxes of kitchen stuff.

 

Chapter Four:
Jude 

After checking my reflection once more in the mirror, I go to the kitchen and pick up the pizza box off the counter. Shoving my wallet and keys in my pocket, I head out the door and across the yard to Elijah's house. Every time the bottle called to me today, I reminded myself that I'd told Elijah I would help him unpack tonight. There's no way I would show up drunk, especially with a baby around. Elijah answers the door looking tired, but still too handsome for his own good.

"Hi," I say, handing him the pizza. "I figured you were probably tired after last night and then working all day today, so I brought dinner."

"That was thoughtful of you. I honestly hadn't thought about dinner yet. I need to go grocery shopping, but haven't had the time."

"Give me a list and I'll go for you tomorrow," I say, mentally smacking myself for coming on too strong. I'm definitely in uncharted territory here, but the offer is out there now, and I won't take it back.

"I couldn't ask you to do that," he responds.

"You didn't ask. I offered. I'm in between assignments right now and have nothing but time." Plus, it'll keep me busy and out of the bottle, but I don't say that out loud. Elijah steps back to let me in, and I follow him to the kitchen, where he sets the pizza on the counter.

"Would you like something to drink? I'm afraid I only have soda and water."

"Some ice water would be great." While he gets the water, the baby gets fussy. Picking up the baby blanket embroidered with the name Griffin on it, I tuck it back around his tiny body and turn the swing up a notch.

"He's probably getting hungry again," Elijah says, handing me a glass of water. "At this age, it seems like all they do is eat, sleep, and fill their diapers."

"If you change him, I'll feed him so you can eat." I don't mind changing diapers, but we're still getting to know each other. Most people are going to feel weird about letting a stranger change their kid outside of a professional

daycare type situation.

When Elijah takes Griffin back to the nursery, I find a couple of plates in one of the open moving boxes and rinse them off in the sink, then dry them. Opening the pizza box, I pull off two pieces and put them on one plate for Elijah, then get two for myself. Taking the food to the table, I set it on a clean corner and pull the chairs around for us to sit.

Elijah comes back to the kitchen and makes Griffin a bottle. "Are you sure you don't mind feeding him?"

"Nah, it's all good." I reach for the baby as Elijah sets the bottle on the table. It's quiet for a few minutes while we all get comfortable. Then I open my big, fat mouth and stick my foot in it. "So, what brings you to town?"

Elijah's face pales, and his hands tremble as he holds the slice of pizza. "I'd rather not talk about it, if you don't mind."

"Hey, it's okay," I say, resting a hand on his arm. "You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to."

He takes a sip of his soda, then asks, "Besides saving helpless fathers in the middle of the night, what do you do for fun?"

Fun? I don't know that I've had fun since Marcus died. Do I even remember how? I think back, trying to find something that's not connected to Marcus, but we'd been together most of our lives - first friends, then boyfriends, then husbands. Did I find things fun because I enjoyed them, or because Marcus made them enjoyable?

"Hiking, I think," I finally say. "Going to the aquarium. Road trips." If Elijah finds it odd that I have to think so hard about it, he doesn't say. "What about you?" I ask as I burp Griffin.

A pink tinge colors Elijah's cheeks. "Um, I enjoy collecting Lego sets and building them."

"So, what I'm hearing is that somewhere in this maze are boxes of Lego that need to be put together," I say with a grin. I can't remember the last time I built a set, but it might be a good way to spend more time with Elijah.

He smiles for a moment, but it fades as quickly as it came. "There are a few, but I'm rebuilding my collection."

There's a story there, but I don't push for information. It's none of my business at

this stage, even though I'm dying to know everything about him.

When Elijah finishes his food, he takes the baby from me, and I wolf down a few slices of pizza, then take the plates to the sink.

With dinner over, and the leftover pizza stored in the fridge, we get started on the unpacking and organizing. I wipe down the inside of the cupboards, put shelf liner on the shelves, and then put the dishes away as Elijah tells me where he wants them. Between the two of us, we get most of the kitchen stuff done in a couple of hours. When we're finished, he has to call it a night so he can get Griffin to bed.

With no reason left for me to stay, I say goodnight and walk across the yard to my empty house.

 

Chapter Five:
Elijah

Lying in bed after getting Griffin to sleep, I think about Jude. I'm not sure what to make of him. He seems kind. He didn't have to help me with the baby the night we met, and he certainly had no obligation to bring me dinner and help me unpack. But I've been fooled by kindness before, so I don't know if I can trust it. I want to, though. It would be nice to have a friend here.

Maybe it could be more, my brain unhelpfully supplies. Yes, Jude is handsome, but the last thing I need is a relationship. Who would want a frumpy single dad, anyway? No, it's better I don't entertain fantasies of Jude as anything more than a friend. I've got to be realistic and focus

on rebuilding my life.

Day two of work is going well. Griffin is being carted around on Bianca's hip as she helps customers find books. Between her, Kiki, and Bea, I've hardly seen my son all day. I try not to think too hard about it or I'll tear up. After everything I've been through, having people care makes me a tad emotional. I keep having to tell myself that it's real, because past experience makes me want to be suspicious, and I don't want to live under that cloud.

Just after lunchtime, the bells on the door jingle, and I look up to see Jude walk in. He heads straight for the counter where I'm standing.

"Hi. What are you doing here?" I ask, completely forgetting my manners. In my defense, I wasn't expecting Jude to show up looking like a dream in his form fitting jeans and a black sweater that accentuates his muscles.

"I forgot to get the grocery list from you last night before I left."

"Oh. You really don't have to."

"I told you I would, and I intend to follow through. We can't have you and Griffin starving

, now can we?"

I can feel the blush creeping up to color my cheeks. Damn my fair skin. Calm down, brain. He's just being neighborly. Don't read into it.

Tearing off a piece of paper from my notebook, I jot down some necessities, then hand it to Jude.

"You're sure this is all you need? It seems a little light," he says after looking over the list.

"It'll do for now."

"Okay. What time do you get off work?"

"I'm off at seven tonight."

"I'll bring everything over at seven-thirty," he says, pocketing the list. "See you this evening." I watch him walk out, unsure of how to react to all this.

"Never thought I'd see the day," Bea says as she walks to the counter.

"What?" I ask, curious about what she's referring to.

"Never thought I'd see the day Jude Carvossa would be interested in someone again." She pats me on the arm. "He's a keeper."

"Oh, no. It's not like that. He's just being a good neighbor."

"Honey, that man hasn't set foot outside of his house except to get food, booze, and go to work for the last year. He's not just being neighborly."

"Bea, he could have anyone. Have you seen him? What could possibly interest him about a slightly overweight single father who is basically starting over in life?"

"Don't sell yourself short, Elijah. You're a good man who got dealt a shitty hand, same as Jude. Take some time and get to know him. See where it goes."

Bea knows all about what happened. I had to disclose it when I interviewed in case

she called my last job for references. Thankfully, she didn't let it influence her opinion of me. I'm itching to ask her what happened to Jude, but I wouldn't want her spreading my story around if it were me on the other side of things, so I won't. Maybe he'll tell me eventually if we build a friendship.

The rest of the workday passes uneventfully, which allows my mind to wander to Jude more than I'd like to admit.

***

I've barely been home long enough to get Griffin settled when the doorbell rings. Leaving the baby secured in his swing, I open the door to Jude standing amidst a sea of bags.

"What is all this? I definitely didn't have this much on the list."

"I picked up a few extra things."

"I can't afford this, Jude," I say, knowing my skin is showing my embarrassment. There was a reason the list was short.

"Yes, you can, because I'm not expecting you to pay me back."

"Jude..." I trail off, not sure what to say. Gratitude and shame war inside me. From what I can see sticking out of a few bags, I'm definitely going to be eating better food than microwave noodles and frozen pizza, but I don't want to be a charity case either. I have some pride left, although I don't know how it survived.

"There's frozen stuff in here, so we should get it put away," he says, oblivious to my inner turmoil.

I move aside as he brings in a load of bags, then step out and pick up a few to bring in myself. Once everything is in the house, I start putting it all away.

"I hate to drop off and run, but I've got a business call in a few minutes."

"I understand. Thank you for doing this."

"You're welcome. I'll see you around," Jude says as he closes the front door.

After he's gone, I'm left with my tumultuous thoughts, bouncing from one emotion to another. Finally, I decide that if Jude won't let me pay him back with money, I'll do it with food. If I make extra when I'm cooking, I can take some over to him. Or you could invite him over for dinner. I shove the stray thought away. I'm sure he has better things to do than hang out with me.

Setting my weird mood aside, I finished putting the groceries away and then give Griffin a bath, focusing solely on my son. But once he's snug in his crib, and I've gone to bed, I toss and turn in between nightmares of not being good enough.

 

Chapter Six:
Jude

I could tell something was bothering Elijah after I dropped off the food, but I wasn't sure it was my place to ask about it. Maybe I came on too strong again by buying so much stuff. But the man cannot live off of cheap noodles and microwave pizza. Most of the list had been things for the baby, like Elijah himself was an afterthought.

After the call with my boss outlining some upcoming jobs, I take a shower and get ready for bed. Reaching over to turn off the lamp, my eyes catch on the picture of Marcus sitting on my nightstand. My stomach clenches as guilt floods through me. How can I even look at anyone else when he's only been gone a year? Picking up the picture, I run my fingers over his face. "I miss you, Picasso." Smiling, I remember him rolling his eyes when I would call him that. "There are other painters, you know," he'd tell me. But Picasso was the only one I could ever remember. Every dream I ever had died the day he did. I shouldn't be letting myself notice Elijah. I shouldn't entertain hope that maybe my dreams don't have to stay dead—I'd just be living them with someone else.

Marcus's eyes haunt me from his photograph. "I'm sorry," I choke out as the tears start. The wedding ring I wear on a chain around my neck, practically burning where it touches my skin. I've dishonored my husband's memory. You know he wouldn't want you to be alone forever. The thought pops into my head, but I can't trust it. I'm trying to justify noticing Elijah.

Setting the photo back on the nightstand, I throw the covers off and walk out to the kitchen. The bottle is calling me. It's the only way to numb this emotional hell. In the morning, I'll call my boss and trade jobs with one of the other guys so I can take an earlier assignment. I've got to get away from here, away from temptation and hoping for a future

where my dreams come true.

***

Sunlight sears my eyes, causing my head to throb. My neck twinges from where I passed out on the couch. Despite my inebriation, I somehow kept from tipping the bottle over onto the floor, which means less mess to clean up this morning. This afternoon? I should probably figure out what time it is so I know if my boss can get me out on a job by tonight, or if I missed my window.

Standing slowly to make sure I can keep my balance, I pick up the bottle off the coffee table and take it to the kitchen, then head for my bedroom to get my phone. Snagging my phone off the dresser, I check the time–two in the afternoon. I still have time to make the call.

Dialing my boss's number and waiting for him to pick up, I go to the bathroom and grab some meds out of the medicine cabinet. I've got to get rid of this headache so I can focus on packing and reading through the details of the assignment I get. Of course, I'm swallowing the pills when he answers.

"Zane speaking." His voice comes over the line. "Hello?"

"Sorry. I was taking some meds."

"Are you hung over again?"

"Don't start on me, man. I'm fine. I want to switch jobs with Hunter." One good thing about having a friend for a boss, he's more likely to put up with my sass mouth.

"No can do. He's already got his flight arranged and been confirmed by the client."

"Has anything new come in since the call last night?"

"Nope. The only thing I have open right now is someone to help me with background checks and interviews, and I know you hate those."

"I'll do it. I can be there tonight."

"Okay. What's going on? If you're volunteering to do admin, it must be something serious."

"Fuck off. Do you want my help or not?"

"Yeah. Get your ass up here. You can stay at my place."

We say goodbye, and I get straight in the shower. While I scrub down, I go through the list of things I need to pack. I've been doing this long enough, I've practically got it down to a science. Still, it doesn't hurt to double-check myself by going over it in my head, especially since it keeps my thoughts off Elijah.

With the meds kicking in, I'm in a much better place to deal with trip preparations. Since I'm not going on a security gig, I don't need to pack all my gear, which streamlines things significantly. By tonight, I'll be hours away from here, taking my mind off my hot new neighbor. When I'm all packed, I kiss the photo of Marcus, grab my wallet and keys, and load everything into the car.

Goodbye temptation.

 

Chapter Seven:
Elijah

Scooping some of the leftover casserole into a dish, I wonder if Jude will be home today. I've tried to take him food for three days now, but he's not answering the door. After putting the lid on the dish, I strap Griffin to me and walk across the lawn to Jude's house. When, yet again, he doesn't respond; I trudge back over to my house and get the extra box of

baby wipes to take to the bookstore, lock the door, and toss the food and box into the car before getting Griffin's carrier secured to the base. It's getting too chilly to walk, even though the store isn't that far away. Five minutes later, I park in front of the shop and unload everything. I'm putting the food in the refrigerator to eat for lunch since I couldn't give it to Jude when Bea corners me.

"Alright. Out with it. You've been moping for the last two days."

"I am not moping."

Bea raises an eyebrow and crosses her arms.

"Okay. Maybe I'm moping a little." Bea motions for me to go on. Sighing, I pull out a chair at the small table and flop down. "I've been trying to drop off some food for Jude for the past three days. The first day he didn't answer the door, I thought maybe I just missed him. But now I think he's avoiding me. I shouldn't even care. We barely know each other. I guess I let myself hope we might be friends."

"You can leave the pity party. Did it ever occur to you he may have gotten called out for a job?"

"Well, no. I don't even know what he does for work. We haven't gotten that far into our conversations."

"He's in security. People who can afford to pay for it hire the company he works for to provide protection. Tons of travel," Bea says, then pats me on the shoulder. "It'll be okay. You'll get your man."

"No, that's not..." I trail off because she's already walking out. This isn't about attraction. I don't know why she's so insistent that it is. It's about paying Jude back for getting all that food, and possibly trying to build a friendship.

Shaking my head, I stand and push the chair in toward the table. I may still have a little pride left, but apparently my self-esteem has left the building if the first conclusion I jumped to was that Jude is avoiding me. You always make it about you, Eli. The thought comes through in a voice that sounds suspiciously like my ex, Brandi.

"Fuck off," I mutter under my breath. I hate that she's still got her hooks in my brain. I can't even try to make a friend without her sabotaging me from

inside my mind. When we were together, she spent money like water. I'd ask her to stop because I was concerned about not being able to pay the credit card bill, but of course that was making everything about me, and how I never let her have any fun. Then she would go stay at some swanky hotel for a few nights and avoid my calls, avoid me. I should have left her sooner, but I stayed because of Griffin. I wanted him to have a family. We see where that landed me.

I stop my thoughts from spiraling further. I can't let myself dwell on the incident that nearly ruined me or I'll be a basket case. That's not something I can allow. I can't afford to lose this job because I can't keep it together.

 

Chapter Eight:
Jude

Rubbing my eyes, I lean back in my chair. All of this computer work is giving me a headache. Checking the time, I see I've been at this for three hours. No wonder my eyes are rebelling. I am in serious need of a break. Grabbing my empty coffee mug, I take it to the breakroom and set it in the sink.

"Hungry?" Zane asks, stepping into the room, phone in hand.

"I could eat."

"What do you feel like today?"

"Keep it simple. Just get a pizza. I still have a crapton of applications to skim through. How long have you been putting this off?"

"Longer than I should have. You're not the only one that hates admin work."

"When are you going to hire an assistant?"

"Don't start. I'll hire one. Eventually." Zane—ever the control freak. But, I understand it. He built this company from nothing. Letting go of some of the control can't be easy.

"Okay. Order is in," he says, sliding his phone into his pocket. "While we wait, you can tell me what has you so bent out of shape that admin work looks good enough to tolerate."

For a few seconds, I contemplate lying, but Zane would see right through it. "I met someone

 unexpectedly. We haven't known each other that long, but I think I like him."

Zane studies my face. "There's nothing wrong with moving on, Jude. I think Marcus would have wanted you to be happy."

"It's only been a year."

"Making room in your heart for someone new doesn't mean you love Marcus any less. Part of you will always love him."

"It makes me feel guilty, like I'm betraying him."

"I can understand how you could feel that way," Zane says, walking toward me. I let him pull me into a hug.

The bell on the front door sounds and Zane lets go of me to go get the food. When he walks back in with the box, he asks, "So, what's his name?"

"Elijah. He recently moved in next door to me." Over our meal, we talk about what's happened between me and Elijah so far, which isn't much.

"I think you should go for it. Take it slow, but don't automatically dismiss this opportunity," Zane says as he puts away the leftovers.

"I need to think about it. Maybe I'll stick around here for a few more days while I get myself together."

"Stay as long as you need. My house is your house."

"Thanks, man."

"No problem," he says, heading out the door. "I'm happy for you. Now get back to those applications. These people aren't going to hire themselves."

"Fuck off," I call after him and hear him laugh in response as he heads back to his office.

 

Chapter Nine:
Elijah

Jude has been gone for two weeks - not that I've been paying attention or anything. Oh, who am I kidding? I've counted every single day. I'm sure it's becoming unhealthy at this point.

Looking over at his empty house, I wonder if I'll ever be brave enough to pursue something

with him. I still don't know if a relationship with him is something I should consider, but over the past two weeks, it's become impossible to lie to myself about only wanting to be friends. Our time spent together has been mere hours, but I feel like there could be something between us - if I let it happen. He's kind. He's great with Griffin. What would it hurt to see if something develops? Your heart. It could break your heart. Deciding to ignore the intrusive thoughts, I snap Griffin's carrier into the base. It's time for another grocery run to get some essentials.

The drive to the store isn't long and soon I'm getting the baby settled into the cart so I can navigate the aisles. I'm mostly here for microwave stuff that's cheap, but I make a stop by the fresh food to get a bag of salad mix. Cheap eating might be a necessity, but I still need something on the nutritious side of things, so I don't completely trash my health. I want to be around for my son.

After tossing the mix in the cart, I head for my usual fare. Normally, I would leisurely peruse some aisles and daydream about the treats I'll get myself when I get back on my feet, but not tonight. Beat from working during the day and unpacking by night over the last couple of weeks; I want to get this done quickly so I can go home.

Turning down the aisle with cheap noodle options, I debate which flavor to get. As I'm standing in front of the beef, chicken, and mushroom flavors, the hair on the back of my neck stands up. Looking around, I see nothing that should make me uneasy. It's a quiet night, few people are in the store. There's only me and another guy standing in the aisle.

Grabbing a box of the mushroom flavored noodles, I toss it in the cart and rush to the frozen section to find pizza, burritos, and a few cheap meals. The sense of unease follows me—and so does the guy from the noodle aisle. You're being paranoid for no reason. Technically–according to my therapist–being screwed over by your ex like I was can give you all kinds of irrational fears, but this is ridiculous. If I can't even go shopping without having a freak out, I've got worse issues than I thought.

Making one last stop to pick up diapers, wipes, and formula, I resist the urge to look

behind me to see if the same man is there and point my cart toward the checkout. After paying for the groceries, I head out into the parking lot. It's not well lit, which doesn't help my rising anxiety. Practically running to my car, I rush to put the bags in the trunk. Thankfully, I found a parking space near a cart return, so I don't have to go far to take care of that. Gripping Griffin's carrier tightly, I walk back to the car and secure him. Once we're driving out of the parking lot headed toward home, I relax, then laugh at myself for getting spooked over nothing.

I'm definitely playing the part of a zombie the next morning because of restless sleep. I thought I'd gotten rid of the weird feeling from the shopping trip, but my subconscious didn't get the memo. It gave me a bunch of nightmares I could have done without. It's supposed to be my day off, but Kiki is out of town, so I'm helping at the shop for a half-day.

Seeing how tired I am, Bea hands me a cup of coffee straight away, and takes Griffin from me.

"Rough night?"

"Nightmares," I say before taking a sip of coffee.

"It should be an easy day today. I can handle the customers if you can take over with the new inventory that came in yesterday."

"Sounds good." The fewer people I have to talk to right now, the better—at least until the coffee kicks in. Bea walks to the front counter, telling Griffin how handsome he is. Shaking my head, I walk to the back room to unpack boxes and double-check orders, hoping my son doesn't let all the praise go to his head as he gets older.

About an hour before I'm scheduled to get off shift, Bea comes into the back room with Griffin sleeping in her arms. "I know you're only supposed to be on a half-day, but the roofer just called and had a last-minute opening. I've been trying to get him out for a month. Is there any way I can talk you into closing for me tonight so I can go meet him?"

"It's no trouble at all." Bea has been so great to me. It's good to do something for her for a change.

"You're a lifesaver. I'll be heading out in about an hour and a half."

I've gotten through a good chunk of the new inventory by the time Bea leaves, so there shouldn't be much for her to do tomorrow. Griffin is awake and hungry, so I feed him while sitting behind the counter organizing invoices and receipts. When a few people wander in, I take Griffin with me while helping them. Of course, they fuss over him as

they are leaving, and he soaks up the attention. Before I know it, the streetlights in front of the store are switching on.

It's getting darker earlier, so it feels much later than it actually is. Between my lack of restful sleep and the early darkness, I can't fight the yawn that creeps up on me. When I open my eyes, I'm startled by a man stepping out from behind one of the bookshelves.

"Oh, my goodness! I didn't know anyone was still in here," I say, trying to calm my racing heart. The man says nothing, but the way he's looking at me brings back the uneasy feeling from last night. "Is there something I can help you find?"

He holds up a book. "I found what I needed."

"Great! I'll get you checked out," I say, trying to keep from sounding nervous. I let him walk to the counter in front of me because I don't want him at my back.

While he's getting out his wallet, I get a better look at him. This is a small town and I know most of our regular customers by sight, if not by name, but I'm sure I've never seen this man before. I don't remember him coming into the store either, but it may have been while I was helping someone and wasn't paying attention to the door. You're letting your imagination run wild, my brain helpfully points out. It's probably true. It's likely left over anxiety from being spooked last night. All I know is I want him out of here as soon as possible.

He hands me some cash, and I give him change. "Have a good night," I say in my best customer service voice. With a wave over his shoulder, he walks toward the door. My tension eases once he's gone and I'm alone again.

Laying a sleeping Griffin down in the playpen, I keep myself busy for the last hour of my shift by re-organizing shelves, replenishing dwindling displays, and tidying up the loft reading area. As I'm working, I keep my ear tuned in for the bells on the door. Being surprised by an unexpected customer once tonight is enough.

I shut everything down when eight o'clock hits, get Griffin, and lock up. When I get to where my car is parked, I let out a sigh. Somehow I've gotten a flat. I do not want to deal with this tonight, so I contemplate walking home, but even bundled up in his blanket and warm clothes, I worry about Griffin getting a chill.

As I'm contemplating options, I get that feeling again. Nothing around me looks suspicious. There's not a huge crowd out tonight, but everyone that is milling around is going about their business. Get it together. There is nothing wrong. You're just paranoid.

"Hey, Elijah. Everything okay?" Deputy Holly asks as she pulls her patrol car to a stop behind my vehicle.

"Yeah, I've just got a flat." I don't feel the need to mention my unfounded bouts of paranoia.

"Hop in and I'll run you guys home. You can change the tire tomorrow when you have better lighting."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

"No worries."

I get Griffin's carrier base out of my car and secure him in the patrol car, and then we're off to the house.

"Have a good night," Deputy Holly calls out her window as she pulls out of the driveway five minutes later. I wave in acknowledgement, then turn and unlock my front door, ready to get Griffin down for the night so I can relax. It's been a weird couple of days.

Once the baby is fed, bathed, and has a fresh diaper, he falls right to sleep in his crib. Griffin usually sleeps through the night, but since we've moved, he's had a few rough ones. Taking the baby monitor to my room with me, I get undressed and take a long, hot shower. After drying off, I put on some pj pants; then, baby monitor in hand, I go to the kitchen and pour myself a glass of wine. While I'm sipping it, I nuke a tofu and vegetable bowl. Setting the now-empty glass in the sink, I pull my food out of the microwave when the timer goes off, then take it to the living room, setting it on the coffee table while I search for something to watch. Right before I press play on a documentary, I hear a scratching sound coming from the kitchen.

Goosebumps break out on my arms before I pinch the bridge of my nose, shaking my head. It's only a tree branch scraping against the glass, Eli. I need to get out and trim the trees, but I haven't had the time. Right as I've talked myself down and rationalized the noise, my ears catch

the sound of footsteps on the front porch. Setting the remote down, I walk slowly toward the front door. It's late, and I'm not expecting anyone. As I approach the door, I look around the room for anything I can use to defend myself if I need to.

A knock shatters the tense silence, causing me to let out a yelp as I jump at the sound. Looking through the peephole, butterflies replace the anxiety and apprehension I've been feeling. Jude's here.

 

Chapter Ten:
Jude

When Elijah opens the door, I know something is off, but I decide not to ask about it straightaway.

"Hey. I saw your light on, so I thought I'd drop by for a few minutes. It's not too late, is it?"

"No! It's not too late at all. Come on in. I was about to eat a quick bite. Do you want anything?"

"Something to drink would be good," I say, watching him walk to the kitchen. Did he somehow get hotter while I was gone? Maybe it seems that way because I've decided I'm free to pursue him.

He comes back with a soda, and we sit down on the couch. Opening the drink, I take a few swallows to calm my nerves. It's now or never. "I have something I want to talk to you about, but before I get to that, I'd like to know what has you so tense."

Elijah laughs. "It's ridiculous. I've been having a bout of anxiety induced paranoia. Nothing to worry about." He takes a bite of his dinner, and I wait for him to go on. "I feel like someone has been watching me. There's nothing suspicious happening, well, except the guy who came into the shop tonight. But I've been on edge, so he's probably harmless, and I'm seeing things where there's nothing to see. Hell, I got spooked by a tree branch scraping against the window earlier." He shakes his head. "Like I said, ridiculous."

The security guy in me is instantly on alert. "Has anything out of the ordinary happened besides all that?" I never discount intuition. Sometimes our brain subconsciously puts things together before we understand it on a conscious level.

"No, not that I've noticed. The only thing that's been off my normal routine is that

Deputy Holly drove me home after work tonight because I had a flat tire. I'll have to change it tomorrow."

"I'll go with you," I say, not willing to brush his bad feeling off so easily. I can't believe I was so distracted that I didn't notice his car wasn't in the driveway.

"Okay. Can we talk about something else? You said you had something you wanted to talk about."

He takes a few more bites of food while I work up the nerve to start this conversation. I've never had to tell someone I'm interested in them. The relationship Marcus and I had developed naturally as we grew up together. "So, uh, I've been away helping my boss with some things. While I was gone, I did some thinking." Pausing, I run my sweaty palms over my jeans. "I like you." Smooth, Jude. Real smooth.

Elijah grins. "I like you, too."

"What I mean is, I-want-to-take-you-on-a-date kind of like you."

"I figured that's what you meant," he says, blushing.

"The thing is, I'm not sure how good I'll be at dating. I lost my husband a year ago, and it's been difficult. You're the first person I've had an interest in since he passed. I'm not sure what to do with that."

"Oh, Jude. I can't even imagine what it's been like for you," he says, setting his food down and taking my hand. "We'll take it slow. Get to know each other better. There's no rush. I'm not going anywhere." A screeching from the kitchen startles Elijah, causing him to jump. "Damned branches," he mutters.

It's a windy night, so it's likely to keep happening. I make a mental note to come over and take care of it tomorrow while he's at work. For now, I suggest to him we watch a movie while he finishes his dinner. Hopefully, that will distract him enough to help him calm down. Besides, I'm not ready to go home yet.

 

Chapter Eleven:
Elijah

The sound of Griffin babbling to himself coming through the baby monitor wakes me. For a minute, I don't know where I am because it's definitely not in my bed, but movement next to me brings it all back. Jude and I must

 have fallen asleep during the movie. Pushing myself up off of the couch, I wince. My body feels like someone beat me with a baseball bat. That's what I get for sleeping in a contorted position all night. I'm not as young as I used to be.

"Good morning," Jude says, stretching.

I avert my eyes as his shirt rides up, baring a strip of skin. The last thing I need right now is temptation. I told him we'd take it slow. Besides, he may change his mind about me once he knows my entire story.

"Good morning," I say, risking a quick glance at him, then smiling to myself. Sleepy Jude is cute.

He stands up from the couch. "I'm going to my place to get a shower and change. When you're ready, text me. I'll drive you to your car so we can get to work on the tire." Jude hands me his phone so I can put my number in it. Once it's saved, I text myself, so I have his number. Handing him back the phone, we stand awkwardly in silence for a moment before he says, "To hell with it," and gives me a hug and a peck on my lips. "I'll see you in a few, yeah?"

"Yeah. Give me at least thirty minutes. I need to get Griffin fed and ready to go."

After Jude leaves, I take a shower and dress hurriedly. Stepping into the nursery, I pick Griffin up and start his morning routine. "It's a good thing you are an early riser today, my man. I left my phone in my room and ended up falling asleep on the couch. I would have missed my alarm if you hadn't been talking to yourself."

Griffin smiles and babbles back like he's trying to carry on a conversation with me. Looking into his crystal blue eyes, emotions well up. I'm so lucky to have him. If things had turned out differently...

No time to entertain those thoughts, though. Jude is waiting for us. The last thing I need is a trip down the nightmare that is memory lane. "Come on, baby boy. It's time to start the workday. I'm sure Bea is looking forward to spoiling you rotten." After securing Griffin in his carrier,

I text Jude and grab the carrier base to strap into Jude's car. Making sure I have my wallet and keys, I step outside.

"Let me take the carrier base and get it in the car while you lock up," Jude says from the bottom of the steps.

"Thanks." I hand it to him and watch as he walks toward the car, allowing myself to daydream for a minute about the future before reigning myself in. We're taking things slowly, I remind myself. And I still need to tell him what he's getting into by dating me.

With the house secured, I take Griffin to the car and get the carrier snapped into the base. Climbing into the passenger seat, I buckle my seatbelt and Jude drives us to the diner.

"Stay here. I'll run in and get some coffee for us," he says.

In no time at all, we're in front of the bookstore, coffee in hand, staring down at the flat tire, Griffin already inside with Bea.

"I hate to say this, but I think your instincts are on to something. This looks deliberate, ...