Luck of the Draw (14 page)

She did as he told her. Breck cursed. “One oh two. Do you have any Aspirin?”

At that she lurched up. More pain through her head. “No, no. Tylenol. That’s all I can take.” She’d read up and discovered that’s what was safe during pregnancy. “Aspirin gives me an upset stomach.” More lies.

“Where’s the Tylenol?” he asked, his back to her.

“My bathroom cabinet.” With that she laid back down. Breck brought her the medicine and water.

“If your fever goes up at all, we’re bringing you in,” he told her and even though she felt terrible, she smiled.

“Okay.” She wouldn’t argue with him. It was best for the baby.

“Sleep. I’ll be back to check on you in a little while.” Lips pressed against her forehead again. Footsteps walking away.

“Wait,” she whispered. “Aren’t you sick too?”

“I’m good. Let’s just worry about you.” There was a click of a door closing and Rowan’s world went black.

“Open up. I need to take your temperature again.”

Rowan heard the words as if they were coming from a distance. They were muffled and she couldn’t be sure she even heard them, but her eyes hurt too badly to look, so she just opened her mouth. Closed it when the thermometer went in.

“We’re down to a hundred.” Breck’s hand pushed her hair away from her face. Rowan nuzzled it. “Take a couple more Tylenol.” He dropped them into her hand. She opened her eyes just enough to put them in her mouth, drink and swallow and then they were closed again.

“I brought you a visitor. She was worried about you.”

The purr made her smile as Ace cuddled against her side. Then Rowan drifted away again…

“One more time, Houdini,” he whispered in her ear, breaking through her sleep.

Rowan let her eyes flutter. She felt a little better, but still out of it. Her body hurt, but it felt like her fever was gone. “Hey.”

Breck sat on the bed beside her. “There you are. Looks like you’re coming back around.” Like he had earlier, he pushed her hair away from her face. This time, she was alert enough to watch him while he did it. Rowan shivered.

“Let’s check your temperature again. You don’t feel hot, but better safe than sorry.”

Rowan fought to corral the butterflies waging war in her belly—on one side excitement, the other fear. “I can do it.”

This time, she took the thermometer from him and put it in her own mouth. When it beeped, she checked it. “Ninety-eight point nine.”

“Good.” Breck leaned forward and grabbed a bowl of soup from the bedside table. “Dinner went great. Nice lady and her husband. I told them about Lucky’s. They went down for a couple hours and should be back soon. Shakes was here for dinner too. I thought you’d want to know. I figured you’d be concerned, since you haven’t seen him in a few days. He was worried as hell. Came up to check on you twice, but you were out cold.”

Rowan wasn’t sure there was a wall anymore. Breck had knocked it to the ground. The type of guy she never thought she would like. The ladies’ man who played poker for a living and never wanted a wife or kids. Who loved to travel and lived an almost transient lifestyle. The same man who had taken care of her all day. Who fished with her in comfortable silence. Who had become her friend…all of the things she’d always wanted.

With trembling hands, she took the bowl and sipped the broth with a spoon. It was chicken noodle, her favorite. She moaned. “This is delicious. Where’d you get it?”

Breck shrugged. “I’m a man of many talents, Houdini.”

She almost choked on the next sip of broth. “You
cooked
this? The noodles look homemade.”

“They are. I couldn’t give Destiny Knocks a bad name, could I? You’d never forgive me.”

Now he took a tractor over the rubble that used to be the wall. “You cook?”

“I do. My mom worked a lot, so it came in handy. She liked cooking, though, and when she was off, she’d teach me. It was our thing. I don’t do it much anymore…” He turned away at that, his hand rubbing Ace, who still lay beside her.

Rowan’s chest expanded. “It’s delicious. Thank you.”

“No problem. I also called someone in about the basement. The window’s fixed. It needs some upgrades though, sweetheart. We need to look into that.”

She nodded though she couldn’t think of anything at all right now. Not besides the fact that he’d not only taken care of her and her guests, but her home too. Kind of like a husband would…

“You look like you’re going to pass out. I’ll let you get some more rest. I’m making carrot cake for later. You’ve turned me into a regular Betty Homemaker.” Breck stood and she wanted to ask him to stay, but couldn’t make herself do it.

He reached the door before she said, “Wait!”

He stopped and turned. “Yeah?”

“Thank you…for everything. For being my friend and taking care of my home…and me. That means—”

“Shh,” he said. “Maybe I have an ulterior motive. Next time we play doctor, it’ll be a lot more fun.”

With that he closed the door, but Rowan couldn’t look away from it. She’d really gone and done it. She’d fallen in love with someone who’d also become one of her closest friends. The father of her baby. Three of the things she’d always wanted, she’d found in Breck Wilder.

It was all a lie. And she had no one to blame but herself.

She set the bowl down, curled up with Ace, and cried.

Chapter Fourteen

The next morning, Breck lay in bed, thinking about Rowan. He got up to shower and thought about her. Dressed and thought about her. Considered shaving, but then remembered how she’d nuzzled his unshaven face and decided to keep it.

He was fully aware he’d suddenly turned into an emotional sap, but he couldn’t help it. All he could think about was how miserable she’d looked. How when he’d go in to check on her and heard her moaning in her sleep, how worried he’d been. Nothing like a cold to make you realize how much you cared about someone.

Yes, definitely a sap.

It wasn’t like she’d had some terrible disease or anything. He’d been hung-over as hell when he’d woken up, too, but none of it had mattered when he’d seen how ill she was.

And he’d enjoyed it. He hadn’t babied anyone since Bailey and he actually liked caring for her. Enjoyed talking with the guests at the bed and breakfast.

None of these things he’d expected, but he’d decided to roll with it. So that’s what he had done. Run off instinct by taking care of the B&B and Rowan. As much as he hated to admit it, Jace had been right. He wasn’t going to hold back anymore. He’d let himself see where this would go.

It could work, if she wanted. It wasn’t the same as Bailey. He wasn’t giving up who he was. He could still play poker, if she didn’t mind the traveling. The benefit of his job was it didn’t matter where he lived.
It doesn’t matter to you. But does it matter to her?

Breck pushed that thought aside. He didn’t like the idea of her running this place alone. What would she have done if he hadn’t been here yesterday? It wouldn’t bother him to be home more often. Sure, he felt restless from time to time, but that was normal. They could make it work. Hell, maybe she’d even want to go with him.

Now he had to hope he wasn’t jumping the gun.

He’d been known to do that.

Breck headed out the door and down the stairs. As he approached the dining room, voices inside made him stop.

“I want to apologize again for being unavailable yesterday.” This from Rowan.

“No, no. Don’t worry about it. Everything was fantastic.” Breck smiled at the other woman’s reply.

“I’m so glad to hear that.”

“This is such a sweet little town. We really enjoyed Lucky’s last night and your husband couldn’t have been more helpful. That soup? You’re a lucky woman. I wish
my
husband could cook like that.”

Breck held back, waiting for Rowan’s reply. He imagined her face, those red-tinted freckles that matched her hair. He’d bet she licked her lips. Fidgeted. Would she call the woman on her error or play it off?

He couldn’t wait any longer to find out.

Breck slipped into the room. “I’m pretty incredible, aren’t I, sweetheart?” He wrapped an arm around Rowan’s waist and pulled her closer. His hand fit on her hip nicely.

She tensed only briefly, but didn’t get a chance to speak because their houseguest piped up first. “Such a charmer, you are. You two make a beautiful couple.”

“I’d have to agree with you on that one as well,” Breck added. He knew Rowan would kill him for it later, but he couldn’t stop himself. It was too much fun. “I had to chase her for a while, but eventually, I caught her. I’m a determined man.”

Rowan’s muscles tightened further.

“Oh! That’s so sweet. He’s a keeper, hun.”

“Right again.” Breck teased.

Finally Rowan spoke. “He’s something, all right.”

Breck bit back a laugh. She was definitely going to kill him. He couldn’t wait. He loved it when she got fiery with him.

With a smile, the dark-haired woman stepped back. “I’m going to find my Bill. You two have a wonderful day and thanks again for everything.”

“Thank you. It was our pleasure and we hope you’ll consider us again if you’re ever in the area.” Rowan turned and waved. The second the front door closed she smacked his arm.

He laughed. “What’d I do?”

“If they ever come back I’m going to have to explain to them where you are!”

Breck grinned. “Maybe you won’t have to.” He stepped away from her, watching for her reaction. Her eyes widened, but she didn’t speak. “I’m starved,” he added quickly. “Do you want me to make breakfast?”

“That’s all you have to say? You’re damned impulsive, Breck.”

There was an edge of seriousness to her voice, but she smiled at him too.

“It’s okay. It’s not a big deal, sweetheart. I promise you, it’s not the end of the world.”

Rowan sighed and followed him to the kitchen. They made pancakes and ate together. She told him she wanted the bill for the basement and Breck pretended he would give it to her. He knew money was tight for her and the fact was, it wasn’t for him. He didn’t mind helping her out. He liked it.

Once their plates were empty, Rowan eased herself away. He could see the wheels turning in her head and didn’t know if that was a good thing or not.

“I wanted to thank you again. Not just for yesterday, but for everything. You’ve been great, Breck.”

Those words hit him in the chest. “Excuse me? I didn’t quite hear you.”

“You’re such a kid.”

“You like it. And no reason to thank me. I enjoy it. I like being here. You might not be able to get rid of me.” He tried to laugh off those words, just testing the waters to see how she’d take it.

She smiled. Not a huge one, but it was there and he took that as a good sign. Still, he saw the wariness in her eyes. How she studied him as if she were waiting for the punch-line he wasn’t going to give. “As if a big-shot like you would want to stay in a little town like Shamrock Falls.”

“Maybe I’ll have a reason.”

She glanced down and he couldn’t help but wonder what she was thinking. “I was thinking…maybe we could have dinner together tonight.”

“We have dinner together every night.” He felt like a jerk pushing her, but he needed to. They both needed it, because he wanted to move forward with her, but they were both stubborn and he still had the voice in his head that he couldn’t shut up. If he pushed her, maybe she’d push him right back when he needed it.

Rowan picked up the plates and walked into the kitchen, Breck right behind her. She set them on the counter, her back to him and damned if he could stop himself from standing right up against her—his front to her back.

And she leaned into him. Her shoulders at his chest. Her hips right where he could grab onto them, and he did. Her curvy backside right where he liked it too.

“You know what I mean.” He hadn’t expected her to be the first one to call it what it was.

“I do, and I’d love to have dinner with you, sweetheart. Where do you want to go?” Breck leaned forward, so his mouth was by her ear. He inhaled the scent of her hair and her skin. Rowan turned slightly so her lips ended up so very close to his.

“Here. We need to stay here.”

He liked that idea. “Perfect.”

Breck leaned in, his lips so close to her mouth he could feel her breath. He wasn’t going to stop this time. He needed to kiss her again. To trail his tongue down the line of her jaw like he had that first night. He wanted her to come undone in his arms again because he’d never seen anything as beautiful as Rowan taking her pleasure. He remembered the flush of her cheeks and her nails as they dug into his skin. How slick and perfect it felt to be inside her. She fit him. Damned if she didn’t feel like she was made to be with him.

“We need to talk, Breck. There’s something… I have to tell you something important, before we go any further.”

“Talking can wait.”

“I’m scared,” she whispered. He wanted to kiss that fear away.

“There’s no reason to be scared. I won’t hurt you. Just relax and let yourself feel, Houdini.”

She bit her lip, but gave a small nod of her head. He’d known she wanted him physically, could see it in her eyes, but this little decision, the trust she gave, meant the world to him.

They’d already wasted enough time. Breck cupped her cheek and turned her, and then his mouth found hers. He teased her lips open so very slowly. It wasn’t like the fast, frenzied kiss they’d shared in Vegas. He savored her. Everything about her—nibbling her lips and exploring every crevice of her mouth.

Rowan did the same, tugging his hair and damned if she didn’t whimper.

It was beautiful.

Breck slid his other hand down to the small of her back, pushing her against him. He wanted her as close as she could be. He wanted to be wrapped inside her.

Rowan gave him another little whimper and then the door slammed and they jerked apart.

“I’m not interrupting anything, am I?” Shakes wobbled his way inside with a big, goofy grin on his old face. Breck wanted to be mad at the older man but couldn’t. He was too damn likable.

“Do you want me to answer that honestly?”

“Breck!” Rowan screeched, but she had her hands fisted in his shirt and hadn’t let go. He wasn’t sure he ever wanted her to let go and it shocked the hell out of him that it didn’t freak him out. If she ended up wanting him the way he wanted her, he wouldn’t let anything stand between them.

And all those times he thought he had bad luck with women, he figured maybe it was just because it wasn’t her.

“I forgot you were coming by!” Rowan stepped away from him. “And dinner…are you planning on being here?”

He thought he heard disappointment in her voice. He knew he felt it, but then Shakes said. “No, no. I’m good tonight. I’m going to Mae’s. Crazy woman wouldn’t take no for an answer!”

“Who’s Mae?” Breck asked.

“Sidney’s aunt,” Rowan said. “Are you sure, Shakes? You know you’re always welcome here.”

Rowan stepped closer to Shakes and put a hand on his shoulder. The other man grabbed it and squeezed. “I’m sure, kid. You do enough for me as it is.”

“I love to do it; you know that. You’re my only family here.” Her voice softened. Breck knew she wasn’t really related to him, but it was clear how much Shakes meant to her.

The phone rang, interrupting Rowan. Shakes nodded at her and she grabbed it off the counter and slipped into the other room to answer it. Breck turned to Shakes who didn’t look so happy anymore.

“I love that girl like a daughter. She’s special. Gives so much to everyone in her life and has a big heart. Don’t you break it. You love her right. She…she deserves it.”

The words didn’t surprise Breck at all, but his answer did. “I won’t hurt her.”

“She deserves love so if you can’t give that to her, walk away now.” It was the firmest Breck had ever heard the man’s voice. At that moment you wouldn’t have known his nickname was Shakes.

When Breck started to reply, Shakes shook his head. “Just do good by her.”

“I will,” Breck said. “And hey, don’t let me interrupt your routine. If you came over to spend time with her, you’re welcome.”

“I know, but it looks to me like you two have some things to work out. The most important thing here is that girl. You just take care of her or you’ll have to deal with me.” With that, he turned and walked out.

…

Rowan had never been so nervous in her life. This was it. Tonight she’d be telling Breck something that could ultimately make him walk away from her. From them. Back to his life of freedom that he obviously loved. The thought shook her insides, weighed down both her heart and mind.

But she had to do it. Not only because Breck deserved to know and the baby deserved to have a father, but because it was the only way they had a chance at moving forward. If he even wanted a chance.

What if he doesn’t want a chance?

Or what if he stayed just for the baby? Felt obligated to stay with her?

Rowan opened the fridge and put the bowl inside, trying to distract herself. She’d decided to make parmesan chicken, Caesar salad, and homemade garlic bread. She hoped Breck liked it.

He’d left a little while ago to see Jace and she’d been thankful. Rowan needed this time to get her head together. Whenever she looked at the counter she remembered his kiss—the way his body molded perfectly to hers. She’d kissed quite a few men in her life and none of them felt the way Breck did when his lips possessed hers. He made her toes curl, her heart pound, everything inside her want more, more,
more.

Which was probably how they’d gotten themselves into this situation in the first place. His lips had been soft as they’d kissed her everywhere. Her skin burned with the memories.

Definitely not what she needed to be thinking about right now.

Rowan checked the timer and saw that she still had twenty minutes. Ridiculous as it was, she ran upstairs to change. Rowan put on her favorite black shirt. It molded to her body and looking down, she saw the tiny pooch that was their baby. It wasn’t big. No one would notice it. She wasn’t far enough along for that, but it made her eyes mist over. She would have her very own family.

Quickly, Rowan changed into a nice pair of jeans, brushed her hair and put in a pair of earrings. She couldn’t believe she was dressing up to have dinner at her very own house with a man who’d been here for over a month, but she was.

Just as she hit the bottom of the stairs, her cell rang. Breck’s name glowed on the screen and it made butterflies play tag inside her.

“Hello.”

“Hey, sweetheart. I’m on my way back. Do you need me to pick up anything?”

Rowan leaned against the wall. Something so small hit her in all the places that mattered. “No…I’m okay. Thank you.”

“No problem. Figured I’d try and score a few points.”

She smiled even though he couldn’t see her. “You haven’t scored enough lately?”

“I don’t know. You tell me.”

Thump, thump, thump.
Her heart nearly beat out of her chest. “Always the flirt.”