Unforgettable, page 28
Anna’s hands were shaking as she began preparing the sandwiches.
“Look, I know that was wrong, but I had some business I had to take care of.”
“Business?” Gavin laughed without a trace of humor. “More like whoever you owed money was looking for your sorry ass.”
“Gavin,” Anna gasped.
“Sorry.” He ran a hand over his hair, impatient with his runaway temper.
She asked, “Is there a reason this has to be settled tonight? Your father is going to be here until the holidays. You’re just getting in, and we’re all tired.”
“None,” Gavin agreed, striving for a calm he didn’t feel. Turning to his father, he said, “Where is your luggage? I’ll show you to your room.”
“In the front hall. I’ll get it.”
Anna waited until they were alone and whispered, “You don’t think he’s here to take Kyle, do you?”
“No. It’s not going to happen. No matter what he does, Kyle stays with me. I made him a promise, and I am not going back on my word.”
Her relief was in her smile. “I think Kyle needs to hear that from you. He was very upset when he recognized who was at the front gate.”
“I’ll talk to him.” He cradled her for a few moments before he said, “Sweetheart, I apologize for putting you to so much trouble, but I’ve lost my appetite.”
“It’s no trouble. I can easily wrap the sandwiches and save them for tomorrow.” She laughed. “Someone around here will eat them.”
He whispered into her ear. “Will you wait up for me?”
“Are you sure that’s what you want? Honey, even I can see that you’re exhausted.”
“I’m sure.” After going up on tiptoe to brush her mouth against his, she gave him a little push. “Go on. Your father is waiting for you.”
“I won’t be long.”
“Don’t rush on my account. Kyle needs you.”
Gavin retrieved his own bag before taking his father up to the guest room at the top of the stairs. After a brief good night, he stopped in his own room to drop off his bag, then knocked on his brother’s door.
“Come in.”
Gavin walked in, closing the door behind him. Kyle was in bed, but as Gavin expected, he was wide awake. Judging by the anxious look on his face, Anna was right. Kyle needed to know his plans.
“Well?”
“George is staying for the holidays. I put him in the room at the top of the stairs.”
There were angry tears in his eyes when Kyle asked, “Are you going to let him take me when he leaves?”
“No. The only way you’re going with him is if you decide you want to leave.”
Kyle pleaded, “You mean it?”
“Of course I mean it. You and I are family. If George wants to stay, he’s welcome. But that doesn’t change things between us.”
“Thanks.” Kyle launched himself at his brother.
Gavin gave him a reassuring hug. “There is nothing to thank me for. You’re my brother and I love you. Now you get in that bed. You still have school tomorrow.”
“Okay,” Kyle said with a grin. “I love you too.”
Anna was creaming her skin with perfumed body lotion when she heard the knock on the outside door. “It’s open,” she called as she slipped a pink nightgown over her head.
“Hi.” Gavin’s big body nearly filled the bedroom door as he watched her.
“Hi yourself.” She smiled as she walked over to him and touched his lips with her own. “Did you talk to Kyle? Is he okay?”
He nodded as he encircled her waist. He pulled the clasp from her hair and smoothed it out over her shoulders. “He’s better. I promised him I wouldn’t let George take him away.”
“Have you ever considered you and your brother are wrong about your father? Maybe he only came for the holidays, like he said.”
“Maybe. The problem is, I can’t trust him. If he decides he wants to take Kyle with him I can’t let that happen. George Reynolds doesn’t know a damn thing about raising a kid. Look how he walked out on Kyle without a word of explanation to anyone. He’s unfit to be anyone’s parent.”
Anna was worried. Kyle had gone through so many adjustments these past few months. He was just beginning to act like the carefree teenager that he should be rather than the bitter angry boy that George had left behind last September.
“How will you be able to stop him? He is Kyle’s sole remaining parent.”
“I have temporary guardianship for now.” He sighed tiredly. “I’ll find a way. My lawyer will be here in the morning and will help sort it all out. If necessary, I’m prepared to take him to court. Kyle is finally happy and feels secure here. I won’t let our father jeopardize that.”
She reached up to caress his unshaven cheek. “You look tired, honey.”
“I am. Let’s go to bed.”
“What about your father? Should you leave him in the house alone with Kyle?”
“He’s not going anywhere. He’s probably broke. I bet that’s what brought him here.” His hands went to his shirt.
“Let me.” Anna unbuttoned his chambray shirt. “Are you okay? You’re leaning awfully heavily on that door.”
“Don’t make a fuss. I’m okay, sweetheart.” He eased forward until her breasts rested on his chest. When she tried to step back, he grumbled, “Where are you going?”
“You’re not okay. Honey, you took a hard hit tonight. I want to see your side.” She gingerly eased the shirt off his shoulder and down his arms. “Oh no.”
“It just a scrape.”
“A scrape? Your whole left side is bruised from your shoulder to your waist. Why do you play this crazy game? You could have ended up in a wheelchair.”
“Don’t.” He gave her a tender squeeze. “I’m fine. Come on, let’s go to bed. All I could think about on the trip back was being able to hold you in my arms.”
“I don’t like seeing you all banged up. But I know it’s what you want to do.” With her arm around his waist, she walked with him over to the bed. Her hands weren’t as steady as she would’ve liked as she unsnapped and unzipped his jeans. After he sat down on the edge of the bed, she helped him out of his sneakers and socks before she eased the jeans down his legs.
“Okay?” she asked as she covered him.
“Yeah,” he said with his eyes closed.
She went around the opposite side of the bed, turned off the lamp, and was careful not to bump him as she slipped into bed.
“You’re too far away,” he complained as he reached out to her and eased her against him, her back to his front. “That’s better.” He draped her hair over one shoulder and pressed a kiss against her nape.
He said quietly, “I don’t trust him.”
“I know. I missed you,” she whispered.
Tightening his arm around her, he murmured, “I missed you too.”
She turned until she faced him. “Does it hurt?” She referred to his injury.
“Stop worrying. I’m fine. I noticed that you and Kyle finished decorating the house. It looks nice. Did you go over to your folks for dinner?”
“Yes.”
“How did it go?”
“Okay.”
He caressed her cheek. “You don’t sound like it went okay. What happened? Did your father give you a hard time about our living arrangements?”
“Not exactly. Dad isn’t pleased, but my folks aren’t the problem.” She hesitated as if trying to figure out how to say what needed to be said. Finally she confessed, “My cousin and brothers have convinced Dad not to invite you to the family Christmas dinner.”
“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” His voice was tinged with bitterness.
Anna heard his disappointment and she also heard his hurt. Close to tears, she insisted, “I’m sorry, honey. You’ve done nothing to warrant such callousness.”
His laughter held no humor, recalling the harsh words between himself and Wesley. “I’m sleeping with their baby sister. At least they didn’t blackball Kyle, did they?”
“No, but I want you to know I’m not having it. If you aren’t welcome, neither am I.” Her voice was brimming with emotion.
“You can’t mean that, Anna. You’re a Prescott.”
“I’m also a grown woman living my own life the way I see fit.”
Gavin leaned over her until he could search her beautiful but troubled eyes. “You don’t have to do that. You and Kyle can go without me.”
“Absolutely not.” Her chin jutted to a stubborn angle.
“I mean it, Anna. I don’t want you to stay away from your family on Christmas or any day because of me. I’ve spent holidays without family. You haven’t. Besides, your entire family will be hurt if you aren’t at that dinner, especially your mother.”
“I know,” she said, rubbing her cheek against his chest. “I’ve made up my mind. If you aren’t welcome, then neither am I.”
“No, Anna.”
“What’s the big deal? I can fix a wonderful dinner here for all of us. We’ll start our own holiday tradition.”
“You’d do that for me?”
“That and so much more,” she whispered the gentle promise.
They shared a lingering kiss. “I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you, sweet Anna, but I’m planning to hang on to you for a long, long time.”
She gave him another kiss. “Shouldn’t you sleep in your own bed tonight? What if I bump you?”
“I’m where I want to be. Besides, I’ll leave before anyone gets up.”
She nodded before she switched topics, “So you think all your father wants is money?”
“He won’t get it. When he left the last time, I swore I’d never give him another dime.”
Anna decided to keep her fears to herself. She wouldn’t put anything past George Reynolds. She sighed tiredly, relaxing against him. She began smoothing her hand over his arm and his uninjured shoulder. Like Gavin, she’d already made up her mind. She wasn’t going to let anything come between them…not even her family.
“Anna, somehow we’ll work this out. I don’t want you to spend the day away from your family.” He pressed a kiss against her temple. “We can always divide the day…spend the morning here, and then you and Kyle spend the rest of the day with your family. Later that night, you and I can be together.”
Anna turned her head, kissing his throat. “Thank you. I appreciate your wanting to help. Only this is something you can’t fix. Can we talk about something else?”
“Sweetheart…”
“No, Gavin. I don’t want to talk about this anymore, at least not tonight. All I want is to enjoy being in this bed with you.” She snuggled closer.
“Okay.” He lay awake listening to her even breathing. As far as he was concerned, the matter was far from settled.
They were having breakfast the next morning when George joined them. Kyle and Gavin exchanged a look before Gavin spoke to his father. “Good morning.”
Anna said, “I will get another plate. Hope you like French toast, eggs, and turkey sausages.”
“Coffee?” Gavin rose to get a mug.
“Yes. Thanks. You all are up early.” George looked from one to the other.
Gavin said, returning with the hot drink, “Kyle has school. I have practice, and Anna has her work. She’s writing a cookbook, aren’t you, sweetheart?”
She smiled. “That’s right. It’s a family cookbook, dating back to my female ancestors on my mother’s side. I have the journals—” She stopped when she realized George wasn’t bothering to even pretend that he was interested. She set a full plate in front of him. She often kept food warming on the stove in case one of the staff had missed breakfast.
“Morning.” Gretchen came in with a ready smile.
“Good morning.” Anna breathed a sigh of relief. The conversation had nearly come to a halt. Kyle wasn’t trying. He’d closed up the moment his father had entered the kitchen.
“Hey,” Gavin said as he took his plate and utensils to the sink. “How was your weekend?”
“Not long enough.” She looked expectantly at Gavin.
“Oh. Gretchen Hamilton, my father, George Reynolds. Gretchen is my executive assistant and works out of the home office.”
“Hello.” Gretchen momentarily lost her smile but quickly recovered. She went over to shake hands. “It’s good to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“None of it good, I’ll bet.” George laughed as if he’d told a joke.
Anna quickly said, “Gretchen, would you care for breakfast?”
“I’ll get it. I only want coffee and toast.” She came around the island and got both. “Gavin, do you have a moment? The principal from Kettering High School called and asked if you can talk at their career day in April. I have the date written down, and I also have some checks I need you to sign.”
He nodded. “I’ll be right in.”
Gretchen asked, “Anna, did Vanessa call?”
“Yes, she will be in, but she is running late.”
“Thanks. What would we do without you?” Not expecting an answer, Gretchen said, “Kyle, I bet you’re excited. Only a few days more before Christmas break. You have a good day in school,” before she disappeared down the hall with coffee in one hand and her briefcase in the other.
Gavin refilled his own coffee mug before he excused himself and followed his assistant.
“Are you okay?” Anna asked Kyle, after noting his nearly full plate. She placed a hand on his forehead.
“I’m fine. Just not hungry. I forgot my science book in my room. Be right back.” He hurried out of the room.
“Would you care for something else, Mr. Reynolds?” she asked, lifting her mug to her mouth.
“No. I’m fine.” He smiled.
Anna saw traces of Gavin and Kyle in his smile. He had apparently been a handsome man in his younger years. Unfortunately, he wasn’t aging well. The lines around his eyes and mouth were pronounced, and his skin didn’t glow with good health. Anna suspected liquor and hard living had taken their toll on him. Yet it was still evident why women were swayed by his easy charm.
“Something going on between you and Gavin?”
“Beg your pardon?” Anna blinked in surprise.
“He’s interested in you.”
“Mr. Reynolds, my relationship with Gavin is private. As for Kyle, he’s the one who has had a difficult adjustment.”
“That’s why I’m back. Hey, do you think Gavin will let me use one of his cars while I’m here?”
Anna, who’d been collecting plates, hesitated. “A car?”
“I need wheels while I’m here. There are at least four cars in that garage. He can’t drive every one of them.”
“You’d better talk to Gavin about—”
“Talk to me about what?”
“I need wheels while I’m here, son. How about I borrow one of your cars?” George asked without any hesitation. “What do you need with so many cars?”
Anna was surprised when he answered, “As you know, I don’t believe in throwing money away. The Navigator, I bought. The Ford was given to me as a signing bonus. The Town Car was a gift for shooting a commercial for the company. The compact belongs to Anna. Now answer my question for me. Where are you headed?”
“Casino in Windsor.”
Anna saw Gavin’s mouth tighten before he went over to the locked steel case mounted on the wall near the side door. Unlocking it, he took out a set of keys. He tossed them to his father. “Dark blue Town Car. The tank should be full. Excuse me, I better get Kyle moving.”
George rose. “Thanks for the meal, pretty lady. Bye.” He grabbed his coat and was out the door before Anna could respond.
She shook her head. He hadn’t bothered to say even a few words to Kyle and then had left without telling the boy goodbye.
Gavin returned with Kyle. They were ready to go. Gavin paused to give her a quick kiss on her cheek before he ushered Kyle out the door. As Anna called goodbye, she couldn’t help being concerned about Kyle. His father’s return was putting a strain on all of them, but especially Kyle.
“Something smells good,” Mrs. Tillman said as she paused in the kitchen doorway.
Anna smiled as she took a roasting pan out of the oven. “Stuffed chicken thighs and legs. It’s a recipe handed down from my great-great grandmother Rhea-Ellen. According to her journal, my great-grandfather, who was from Trinidad, often enjoyed the dish.”
“It smells wonderful. What’s in it?”
“After taking out the bone I stuffed the cavity with a mixture of water chestnuts, garlic, soy sauce, scallions, vinegar, chives, and celery. Would you like a sample?”
“I don’t want to eat up Kyle and Mr. Mathis’s dinner.” Mrs. Tillman came over to look over Anna’s shoulder. “What are you serving with it?”
“Rice, steamed vegetable medley, and a salad. It’s not a problem to fix a plate for you, Mrs. Tillman. This is my third try. You can tell me if I have too much or not enough spices.”
“Okay. But I have to take it with me, darling. I’m meeting a friend for a movie. I have to get home and change. Please, tell Mr. Mathis that I will start in the upstairs linen closet tomorrow.” She went to get her coat and purse.
“I will. The house always looks wonderful, Mrs. Tillman. We couldn’t get along without you. I know Gavin appreciates your work,” Anna said as she wrapped several pieces of stuffed chicken into a foil packet. “Would you like to take a slice of sweet potato pie with you? I made three.”
“I’d love it.” Mrs. Tillman laughed. “Good heavens, I must have gained eight pounds since you’ve been here. You’re always making something I can’t resist. Pretty soon I won’t be able to fit through the door.”
Anna laughed along with her. “I’m so glad you enjoy my cooking.”
“Is Gretchen gone for the day?”
“Yes, she had a dental appointment this afternoon. Vanessa left a little while ago.”
Just then the buzzer at the front gate sounded. “Wonder who that is?” Anna handed over the slice of pie she’d placed in a plastic container before she wiped her hands on a paper towel and unfastened her apron.
