Home Is Where the Heart Is (Welcome To Redemption) (2 page)

“You got it.”

The differences between brother and sister never failed to surprise Drew. Both were heirs to an extremely vast fortune—their father the sole owner of Spalding Enterprises, one of the oldest and richest family owned companies in America. Yet Matt was as down-to-earth and friendly as Lindy was spoiled and pretentious.

Lindy joined them in the massive, two-story foyer. She held her jacket in the crook of her arm and had pulled that long, shiny hair up into a ponytail, baring her creamy throat. A skin-tight pair of jeans, no doubt designer, was tucked into those sexy high-heeled boots, and a low-cut, white cashmere sweater stretched taut over her full breasts. But what held his attention was the delicate gold chain she wore, its crystal pendant nestled in her generous cleavage.

Lucky stone.

She strolled up to Matt keeping her back to Drew. “I have to run into town for groceries, and I’ll probably stop for something to eat as well. Oh, and I need to buy a couple of pillows for my bed. What time is that little department store open until today?”

Matt shot Drew an ‘oh, shit’ look. “Pretty sure they stay open ’til ten on Saturday. But you’ll also need to buy a sleeping bag since you don’t have a bed.”

“Wha-at?”

Her voice had raised an octave, and Drew choked down another chuckle.

“Last time we spoke you said the painting was done and all the furniture had come in.”

“No, I said all the
downstairs
furniture had come in. I delayed the delivery of all the bedroom furniture since you decided you wanted the rooms re-carpeted. You should have a bed by Friday.”

Drew cleared his throat. “You know, Princess, if you can’t handle sleeping on the floor for a few nights, the Rykers Inn ain’t far from here.”

That got her dander up. Lindy spun around and cocked her head in that haughty way that made him want to toss her over his knee. “The word is ‘isn’t’, genius. And I’ll be perfectly fine on the floor, thank you very much.” She turned back to face Matt, effectively dismissing him.

Drew couldn’t help but grin at her spunkiness.

Matt grinned as well.

“I should only be gone a couple of hours. Will you still be here when I get back?”

“Yeah, I’ll be here. Caleb, too. He left a little while ago to pick up Max from his guitar lessons, run him home, then stop at the hardware store. We’d planned to get the last few ceiling fans put up today and hang a couple new doors on the second floor.”

She turned slightly as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear; her pursed lips softened into a smile. “Thank you, Matty. And please thank Caleb for me as well. In fact, he deserves a huge bonus. Hard to believe this is the same house you emailed me pictures of last October.”

Drew silently agreed. The once magnificent old mansion had been transformed back to its former glory and then some after being nearly uninhabitable for years.

Matt glanced out the front window. “Looks like it’s really starting to come down out there. Maybe you should wait until it dies down before heading into town.”

“It’s not supposed to die down until late tonight,” Drew said. “We’re expecting three to four inches, remember?”

“Hell, that’s right, I forgot. In that case, it’s probably best if you wait until tomorrow to do your shopping.”

“Matt, I’ll be fine.” She smiled complacently. “It’s not like I’ve never driven in snow before.”

Before he had a chance to rethink the offer, Drew looked at Lindy. “Matt’s right, you shouldn’t risk it. Why don’t you let me give you a lift into town? I have to pick my sister up from work, which happens to be the best diner in town. I could run her home while you eat, then come back and take you shopping.” Christ, what was he, a glutton for punishment?

“No, thank you,” she said without so much as a glance in Drew’s direction. “Like I said, I’ll be fine.” Lindy shrugged into her muddied coat, dug out her keys, and strolled out the door.

Drew waited until he heard her engine turn over before muttering, “Your sister’s a real charmer, Spalding.”

Matt chuckled. “It’s your own fault, man. You got under her skin.”

“Lucky me.” She’d gotten under his skin, too, though he’d die before admitting it. “I’d best get going. I’ll see you tomorrow for the game, right?”

“You bet. Oh, and Carrie said to tell you she’s bringing a big bowl of pretzel dip and a platter of deviled eggs.”

“Tell her she’s the best. See you later.” Bo got up from the throw rug he’d been sleeping on by the fireplace and whined in the direction Bianca had taken off to before reluctantly following Drew outside.

The light snow had spiraled into a heavy downfall—virtually blizzard conditions. Lindy had just disappeared over the hill by the time he backed out of her driveway. He suspected Miss Snootypants had little experience driving in snowstorms, despite what she’d said, though that big Caddy should handle well enough in these conditions. Long as the driver knew what they were doing. Drew had some serious doubt on that score, but for Lindy’s sake he hoped he was wrong.

As soon as he crested the hill he saw her car. Bo whined beside him, and Drew reached out to scratch him behind the ears. “Don’t worry, boy, she’ll be fine. Just to be safe, we’ll follow her into town; make sure she arrives in one piece.” Maybe he’d give Matt a call later, make sure she—

A deer shot out of the swirling white abyss right in front of the gray Caddy. Drew watched helplessly as Lindy swerved to avoid it and spun into a fishtail. She slid sideways a good fifty feet before winding up in the ditch on the opposite side of the road.

Drew pulled onto the shoulder and threw his door open, racing across the street as fast as the slushy snow would allow. Bo bounded out of the truck after him, beating him to the car. When Drew reached the driver’s side of the Caddy, he tried to open her door, but it was locked. Lindy sat staring out the windshield, those big brown eyes round with shock.

He tapped on the glass, and she jumped before looking his way. He gestured for her to unlock the door. As soon as she did, Drew yanked it open and squatted down to get a good look at her. Bo stuck his head inside, but Drew pushed him back out of the way.

“You all right, Hot Stuff? You didn’t hurt yourself, did you?”

She swallowed, finally took her hands off the steering wheel, and shook her head. “No, I-I’m fine. I just...I almost killed
Bambi
.”

Drew bit back a smile at her whispered pronouncement since she looked about ready to burst into tears. Interesting. She was more concerned about the deer than herself. His respect for her grew an inch. Maybe she wasn’t quite as self-centered as she put on.

“The deer’s fine, sweetheart, I promise. You didn’t even come close. Now, why don’t you let me drive you into town like I should’ve done in the first place?”

Surprisingly, she didn’t argue. She merely grabbed her purse and climbed out, allowing him to lock up her car. She didn’t even put up a fight when he swung her up into his arms and carried her to his truck. Bo ran ahead of them and jumped back inside.

So when Drew opened the passenger side door, she got a four-inch wide slobbering tongue across the face.

Chapter 2

“See boy, I told you she was all right. Bo was worried about you.”

As soon as Drew set her on the seat, the mangy dog tried to lick her again. Lindy threw her hands up and wrinkled her nose in disgust. “I’m touched. Please tell me you have some wet naps in here...?”

“Sorry. You’ll have to wait ’til we get to Hutch’s.” Whistling, he shut the door and walked around the front of the truck. When he got in on the driver’s side, he pulled out his cell phone and made a call. “Hey, it’s me. I need you and Tom to tow a car out of the ditch and drive it to the old Kendall place. Gray Caddy, new, a couple miles past the cemetery on Salvation, right hand side of the road. And it’s a rental, so be extra careful. Yep, thanks.”

He disconnected and put the truck in gear. Lindy buckled her seat belt and held onto the door for dear life as the truck started forward, sliding a little here and there, but managing to stay on the road. The urge to close her eyes until they arrived at the diner was tempting, but the last thing she wanted to do was show this man anymore weakness than she already had.

Bo whined as he leaned over to sniff her ear, and then sneezed in her face for a second time.

“Eww!” She swiped at her face with her coat sleeve. “Come on, dog, that’s just gross.”

Drew chuckled and reached up to pat the monster’s head. “Ease up on her, boy. The lady doesn’t like dog snot on her. Most don’t.”

Bo whined again, reached his humongous paws onto the dash to stretch, then much to Lindy’s amazement, he leaned into Drew’s side and rested his big head on Drew’s shoulder. Her heart softened just the teensiest bit toward both dog and master.

By the time Drew pulled into the parking lot of the diner, Lindy was in desperate need of some coffee. She opened the door and climbed out, grateful he’d thought to park under the overhang so she didn’t have to step in ankle-deep wet snow. Drew cracked the window and instructed Bo to stay in the truck before escorting her inside.

As soon as he opened the door, a feast of delicious aromas pummeled her senses. “Mmm, it smells amazing in here.” And much to her surprise, the place was fairly busy.
The food must be phenomenal for people to wander out in such weather
, she mused.

Drew led her to an open booth in the back. “I have a feeling Hutch is gonna ask Hannah to stay a little longer, so if you don’t mind, looks like I’ll be joining you for supper.”

Lindy slid into the booth and dug her cell phone out of her purse. Okay, so she’d look like the biggest witch in the world if she said no considering all he’d done for her in the last twenty minutes. And since he couldn’t possibly read her mind, the fact that his nearness brought on all sorts of fanciful thoughts would remain her own little secret. “That’s fine. I’m going to give Matt a quick call so he doesn’t worry when the tow truck pulls up with my car.”

“Good idea. Be right back.”

She hit the speed dial button for Matt, and then watched as Drew approached one of the two waitresses. He leaned down and exchanged a few words with her before heading into the rest room. Lindy hated that she couldn’t seem to drag her eyes away from him.

When Matt answered his cell, she briefly explained what had happened and promised to do her shopping quickly. She’d just disconnected when Drew arrived back at the table, his sister right behind him. She set a couple of glasses of ice water on the table. Lindy immediately dunked a napkin in her glass and wiped the dog slobber from her face.

Drew sat down and made the introductions. “Hannah, I’d like you to meet Matt’s sister, Lindy. Lindy, this is my baby sister, Hannah.”

The young woman’s smile was surprisingly shy. “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Oh, I’ll just bet you have
. “Nice to meet you, too, Hannah.” What a beauty, Lindy thought, noting Hannah shared Drew’s vivid blue eyes and near black hair. A stunning combination to be sure. The young woman looked to be maybe nineteen to twenty years old.

Drew drummed his fingers on the table as he perused the menu. “I’m in the mood for something different today. Think I’ll try the hot beef plate, extra gravy, and a large root beer.” He looked over at Lindy, a teasing glint in his eyes. “I suppose you want a salad?”

“Hutch makes a wonderful chicken caesar salad,” Hannah suggested as she finished writing down Drew’s order. She met Lindy’s gaze and added, “But his cheeseburger and fries are the best in Wisconsin.”

Lindy smiled, liking Hannah more by the minute. “Sold. I’d like my cheeseburger medium, with extra ketchup and no onions, please. Oh, and coffee.”

Hannah’s face lit up as she jotted down Lindy’s order. “I’ll be right back with your drinks.”

Drew leaned back, his expression one of grudging respect. “Didn’t think you had it in you to eat regular ol’ diner food.”

“What exactly is that supposed to mean?” She grabbed a napkin from the metal dispenser, swiped some of the condensation from her glass, and dabbed at her face.

He held up a hand in supplication. “Nothing, relax. I just didn’t figure you for the cheeseburger type, that’s all.”

“And I didn’t figure you for the type to use eating utensils, but unless you plan to suck your mashed potatoes through a straw, I guess I’ve misjudged you as well.”

He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “You know what you need, Hot Stuff? A good, old-fashioned spanking. And if you don’t watch that sexy mouth of yours, I’ll pull you across my knee right here, right now.”

“Are you threatening me?” she practically sputtered. Why of all the nerve! If he laid one hand on her, she’d—

“No threat, sweetheart, it’s a promise.”

He leaned back again, draping his arm across the top of the booth, his eyes slightly narrowed. Before she could summon up a reply, Hannah appeared and set their drinks in front of them, then headed back to the kitchen. Drew continued to eye Lindy in silent warning until Hannah returned with their plates. She pulled a bottle of ketchup from her pocket and set it on the table.

“Enjoy. If you need anything else, just let me know.”