A Man Not Her Own Page 16

  Cathy peeked over her shoulder at Mitch. “Some pretty bad stuff.”

  Sarah frowned. A fierce protectiveness rose up in her breast. If she’d needed any further proof that her feelings for Mitch were running deep, she had it now. “What’s being said and who’s saying it?”

  Another peek over her shoulder and Cathy took Sarah’s elbow and moved down the counter. “Well, you know I don’t like to gossip and usually never listen to it, except I was delivering mail over at the beauty shop this morning and overheard Mrs. Hall talking to Mrs. Winters.”

  “Those old biddies? They’re always up to no good.”

  Cathy agreed. “Yeah, but your mother was getting her hair done, too. She was going on and on about how Mitch broke Jeanie’s heart when he left town after high school. And it was because of him, she was killed.”

  The bottom of Sarah’s stomach dropped like a lead ball. “Oh, dear lord. She’s been saying that to me for years. I didn’t know she was spreading the tale around town.”

  “Well, she is,” Cathy said. “Your mother’s making it sound like Mitch Defalco is little better than a murderer. It wasn’t his fault Jeanie died, was it?”

  “Of course not.”

  “I didn’t think so.”

  Sarah sighed. “Instead of getting over Jeanie’s death, it seems my mother’s been nursing her grief so much it’s making her a little crazy. It’s been sixteen years since Jeanie died.”

  “I don’t want to defend your mother, but I know I’d need therapy and a mega amount of drugs if anything ever happened to my child,” Cathy said.

  “Me too, but you have to move on. You can’t let the past rule the present. At some point, you have to let it go.” Sarah was only now beginning to believe this, and with Mitch’s help, she was on her way to overcoming her own past.

  Mitch walked up to the counter. “I have to get back to the studio for my eleven o’clock appointment. I think I’ve made up my mind. I’ll drop in this afternoon and pick it up.”

  “Which one did you decide on?” Sarah asked. “Want me to hold it for you until you get back?”

  He looked around the shop, a teasing light in his eye. “You think someone will buy it out from under me?”

  “Never can tell.”

  He chuckled. “It’s the Gibson.”

  “Good choice.”

  “I always go for the best.” He winked and Sarah’s cheeks grew warm as Cathy’s eyes zeroed in on her. Mitch laughed. “I’ll be back later.”

  Sarah and Cathy watched him walk out the door and cross the street to his studio. Cathy picked up an advertisement flyer from the counter and fanned herself. “That man is potent material. And you never told me he has the hots for you.”

  Sarah blushed even more.

  “Oh my God. You like him, too.”

  “Oh, hush. It’s not like that at all.”

  Cathy laughed. “Don’t ever decide to play poker. You can’t bluff worth a darn.”

  “Lucky for me I don’t like to gamble.”

  “Well, I think you’re taking a major gamble if you’re making time with someone like Mitch Defalco.”

  “Would you shut up? I am not making time with him.”

  “What do you call it then?”

  “I plead the fifth.”

  Cathy raised an eyebrow. “Okay, just be careful. From what I’ve heard, that man is bad news.”

  “I thought you didn’t listen to gossip.”

  “I don’t. But where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire.”

  “Mitch isn’t bad news anymore. He’s changed and I admire him for that.”

  “Oh ho. I sense you’re not immune to his dangerous charm.”

  Sarah shook her head. “Give it a rest, Cathy. Just give it a rest.”

  ****

  Friday evening, Sarah prepared the barbeque pit, setting the charcoal and lighter fluid next to the grill. Josh had wanted to cook hotdogs and hamburgers to kick off the end of school and the beginning of summer. He wanted to invite Mitch and Lindsey over to celebrate with them.

  Mitch was in the kitchen, preparing the hamburger patties. Lindsey and Josh were playing basketball. A perfect evening for an outdoor picnic.

  “Here, let me do that.” Mitch walked up behind Sarah, took the bag of charcoal from her and poured a small mountain in the pit.

  “Thanks.” She gladly exchanged places. “It takes me forever to get it going. Ryan always did the grilling.”

  Mitch squirted lighter fluid over the mound of briquettes. “Must be a guy thing.” He struck a match and threw it on the charcoal and with a big whoosh, the fire caught without a problem.

  “Must be,” Sarah said. The blue and yellow finger-flames licked the briquettes and the sides of the pit. “It usually takes me at least three tries before I can get a fire started.”

  Mitch placed the metal grill over the charcoal. “It’ll take a few minutes before the fire’s hot enough for the meat.”

  “Are the hamburger patties ready?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “So I guess everything’s set until the fire’s ready.” For some unaccountable reason, Sarah’s nerves were jittery, which was ridiculous. There would be no lessons tonight. Both the kids were here. On the other side of the house, anyway. Not far.

  Mitch moved close to Sarah. “Let’s sit on the steps, while we wait.” He kissed the top of her head and took her hand, leading her to the edge of the porch. He plopped his butt on the top step, dragging her down to sit beside him and draped an arm over her shoulder. “What time is Josh leaving in the morning?”

  “Grace and Owen are picking him up around ten.” She tried to ignore the sudden heat ignited by his touch. “We’ll visit a bit and I’ll feed them lunch, then they’re on their way to Houston for most of the week. Ryan’s parents enjoy taking Josh on trips. And Josh loves to go with them. They always have a great time.”

  Mitch caressed her upper arm, sending thrills and chills humming in her blood. “You never go with them?”

  “I’ve gone once or twice, but this is their special time. Josh is their grandson; their one remaining link to Ryan.”

  “You’re very generous,” Mitch said, kissing her hair. “And brave to let him go off like that.”

  “It’s part of being a good parent, I guess. He needs to develop a relationship with Ryan’s parents.”

  “Like I said, generous. I’m having trouble letting Lindsey go on this band trip. I know it’s only San Antonio, but still...”

  “Hey, you’ve come a long way,” Sarah said. “I’d be worried if you weren’t concerned.”

  “Damn, I remember my band trips in high school. I’m shaking in my boots, thinking of all the trouble Lindsey could get into.”

  “She’ll be fine. Lindsey doesn’t seem to be the kind of kid to get into trouble.”

  “So speaks Sarah Smiles, one of Stone Creek’s original good girls.”

  She jabbed him in the ribs. “Hey, I’m trying to change my ways.”

  “And doing a damned fine job.” Mitch winked. “With my help, of course.”

  “Of course.”

  Mitch hugged her close. “You realize that both our kids will be gone for the better part of next week.”

  Giving into temptation, Sarah leaned her head against Mitch’s shoulder. “The thought had crossed my mind.”

  “I think we’ll be skimming over the next couple of lessons and make the most of the time alone. What do you think?”

  Sarah kissed his chin. “Sounds like a plan to me.”

  “We’ll go only as far and fast as you feel comfortable with.”

  “You’re a good man, Mitch Defalco.”

  “No, I’m not. I have a vested interest in this, remember.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind, but I trust you. That’s a big step for me. And if that’s the most I get out of these lessons, then that’s okay, too. You’ve helped me bridge the gap and I thank you for that.”

  “Don’t thank me yet. We still ha
ven’t made love.”

  “We will.”

  They sat on the step, watching the sun slowly descend toward the horizon. Evening closed in around them. The fire crackled and hissed in the barbeque pit.

  Sarah pulled away from the comforting warmth of Mitch’s arm. “I hope I don’t freeze up or embarrass myself. Or...disappoint you.”

  Clasping her arms with his strong hands, Mitch shook his head. “There’s no way in hell you’ll disappoint me.”

  “But, I’m not very good in...uh...”

  “In bed?”

  Sarah nodded.

  Mitch angled toward her, keeping his hands on her arms. “Have you enjoyed the lessons so far?”

  Oh yeah. Thinking about them made her all hot and bothered. “Yes. Very much.”

  “Have I in anyway scared you or made you feel uncomfortable?”

  “Well, the other night in your studio, I was pretty uncomfortable.”

  He jerked his hands away. “Sarah, I didn’t mean—”

  “In a good way, Mitch. Uncomfortable in a good way.”

  “Don’t scare me like that,” he said, brushing her cheek with his fingers. “I’m doing this by the seat of my pants.”

  “And you’re doing very well. I’ve never experienced anything like this with anyone.”

  “What about your husband?”

  Sarah took a deep breath. “Ryan was good and gentle and patient. I loved him very much, but I didn’t feel the chemistry or the sparks, like I feel with you.”

  Mitch pulled her into an embrace and kissed her tenderly. “When we make love, it’ll be good. It’ll be like the night in the studio, only better because we won’t go home frustrated to sleep in our lonely beds. We’ll be together. Don’t worry about it. I’ll keep you safe. I promise.”

  ****

  “Look at this one.” Sarah handed a photograph of Josh to Lindsey.

  Josh strained to see which picture it was. “Aw, sheesh, Mom. Don’t show them that one.” He flopped down on the floor and covered his head with his hands, his butt sticking straight up in the air.

  After the hotdogs and hamburgers were eaten, they all gathered in the living room. A big box of photos sat opened on the coffee table.

  Lindsey giggled and nudged Josh’s butt with a toe. “This is too cute. You were an adorable baby.” She handed the picture to Mitch. “Wasn’t he adorable?”

  Mitch looked at the photo. Poor kid. He’d be hiding his head too, if his mother were showing naked baby pictures.

  Josh jumped up and grabbed the photo and buried it under the pillow on the sofa.

  Sarah laughed. “Don’t bend it, Josh. Give it to me.”

  “I will after they leave. Sheesh, Mom. Embarrass me, why don’t you?”

  “It’s only your bare little butt, honey. Not like another picture I have.”

  “Oh no, you don’t.” Josh grabbed the box and ran upstairs.

  “Come back here!” Sarah turned bewildered eyes to Mitch and Lindsey. “I don’t know what’s gotten into him.”

  Mitch picked up his new guitar and strummed a chord, adjusting the tension of the strings. “A guy doesn’t want his mom showing naked baby pictures to people. Especially to a girl he’s had a crush on. You should know better.”

  Sarah made a face. “Oops, looks like I goofed. I don’t think Lindsey would mind if we were looking at baby pictures of her. Would you, sweetie?”

  Lindsey shrugged. “I don’t have any baby pictures. My mother never took any. And there was never enough money to buy school pictures.”

  Mitch set down his guitar. “I’m sorry about that.”

  She hunched a shoulder. “I have a few pictures of my mother. When I was twelve I bought one of those throw away cameras and took some. I don’t have any of us together, though.”

  Sarah looked at Mitch like she wanted to cry.

  Well, hell. “You two stay put,” he said. “I’m going to run to the house to get something. I’ll be right back.”

  He was gone on the words.

  Chapter Twelve

  After the door closed behind Mitch, Lindsey glanced at Mrs. C. They were sitting on the sofa, angled toward each other. Not too close, yet Lindsey could see her eyes glittering with tears. Why had Mitch hurried off like that? And what was she supposed to say to Mrs. C now?

  “Sweetie, I can’t imagine what you must have gone through as a child. I thought my mother was bad and we had issues. We still have issues. I think some people should never have children.”

  Lindsey shrugged, trying not to cry. “Yeah, well, that’s what my mom said. She never should have had me.”

  Mrs. C scooted closer and Lindsey knew it was weak, but she let Mrs. C hug her and hold her in her arms and rock her. “Oh sweetie. I’m so sorry.”

  Lindsey wiped away a sniffle. She couldn’t believe she’d told Mitch and Mrs. C she didn’t have any baby pictures. And worse, that she had no picture of her and her mom. Luckily, she hadn’t told them that her mother had pointblank refused to have a picture taken together.

  Even now, it hurt to think how her mother hadn’t wanted her. And it just went to show that when you started caring for someone, like Mrs. C and yeah, well, like Mitch, you let down your guard and said weird things.

  Josh stomped down the stairs and froze in the doorway. “What’s wrong with Lindsey? Is she hurt?”

  Lindsey straightened and pulled out of Mrs. C’s comforting embrace. In the time she’d moved to Stone Creek, she’d been hugged more than she ever had in her entire life.

  Josh walked slowly into the living room. “You okay, Lindsey?”

  She tried to smile. No use scaring the kid. “I’m fine, JC.”

  He looked around the room. “Where’s Mr. Mitch?”

  The front door swung open and Mitch came in, carrying a small digital camera. “I’m back,” he said, swinging the camera high above his head for all of them to see.

  Josh groaned. “Oh no, you’re not going to take pictures, are you?”

  Mitch grinned. “Don’t worry, kid. You can keep your clothes on.”

  Josh giggled and covered his freckled face with his hands.

  “I want to take pictures,” Mitch said. “We’re having a good time and we’re celebrating. What better time for a Kodak moment?”

  “I thought you hated digital cameras,” Lindsey said. “You said you liked the old-fashioned kind with real film, because you enjoyed developing the pictures in the dark room.”

  Mitch shrugged. “I do. Actually, I bought this camera for you. To take on your band trip.”

  “For me?” Lindsey couldn’t believe Mitch had bought her another gift. Okay, maybe he was trying to buy her love or something. At least he was trying. She needed to try harder, too.

  “Yeah, kiddo. For you. But I want to take a few pictures of you and Sarah and Josh. Show you how to use it.”

  “And I’ll take some of you and your dad.” Mrs. C smiled. “Together.”

  Lindsey felt the tears spill over. God, she hated to cry. She’d cried enough in her life to fill the ocean. She dashed the dampness from her cheeks.

  Mitch squatted in front of her. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

  Shaking her head, she sniffed and braced herself against crying, but she couldn’t help it and started to sob like a baby. How lame and embarrassing.

  Mitch set the camera on the coffee table and put his arms around Lindsey’s shoulders, patting her back and making shushing noises. “It’s okay. Everything will be okay.”

  She tried to nod, but the tears only came harder. She wrapped her arms around Mitch’s middle and inhaled the scent she’d begun to associate with being cared for. At least, a little.

  He brushed his hand over her hair, and she squalled some more. These tears felt different. Like at her birthday party. Happy tears. She hugged Mitch tighter around the waist.

  Please God, don’t let this all be a dream.

  ****

  “I tell you, my heart almost broke when Lindsey started crying
in your arms,” Sarah told Mitch. He’d asked her over to the studio after work on Monday evening. He’d said he wanted to develop the photos he’d taken of her. He’d been too busy getting things ready for Lindsey’s band trip to look at them. Now with both kids out of town, they could spend as much time together as they wanted.

  Sarah shivered and it wasn’t because she was cold. They would continue the lessons, get to know each other better...and make love.

  Best not think about that right now, Sarah girl. No use getting all jittery and nervous, any more than you already are.

  Mitch locked the door to the studio and flipped over the “closed” sign. A warmth spread through her as she admired the strong muscles stretching taut across his back, the black denim hugging his butt.

  “I couldn’t figure out why she was crying,” he said, facing her again. “I felt helpless. I hate it when women cry. I never know what to do or how to fix things. Then when she said it was because she was so happy, yeah, something exploded inside my chest. I think we’ve crossed a major milestone. I hope so anyway.”

  “I’m glad, Mitch. Really glad. For you and especially for Lindsey.”

  He placed a hand on the small of Sarah’s back, urging her down the hall toward the darkroom. “I wish I could make it up to her somehow. All those years I didn’t know she existed. And she barely was existing.”

  “Well, she has you now,” Sarah said. “I think you’re on the right track.”

  “Except she’s still calling me Mitch. For some reason, that’s driving me bonkers. I never wanted to be a father, yet now I can’t think of living my life without Lindsey.”

  Sarah stopped in the hall and turned. “You love her, don’t you?”

  “Yeah, I do,” he said, the wonder of it evident in his voice. “I want her to love me back. I want her to call me Dad. Is that too much to ask?”

  Sarah touched his arm. “She’s not a little girl anymore. You’ll have to wait a bit and see what kind of relationship you both want. She’ll be going away to college in a couple of years anyway.”

  His eyebrows slanted in a frown. “I know that, and I feel cheated. I just found her, and I only get to have her for a short time.”

  “You’ll always be her father. No matter where she is or how old she is. Nothing can change that now.”