Wings Over Poppies (Over #2) (20 page)

“N-No sir,” he stammers, attempting to back away from me until he hits the wall behind him.

I chuckle softly and tap his leg before throwing another rock into the paint can. “I’m just messing with you, kid.”

He breathes an audible sigh of relief and rejoins our game, fist pumping when he finally lands one in the can. We continue on in silence, the only sound being the occasional “Yes!” when one of us hits the mark.

“It’s just me and my mom at home,” Timothy offers, his eyes never leaving the game.

I keep tossing, taking the hint that he doesn’t want my complete attention. “That’s a lot of responsibility for a boy.” I throw my fist in the air when I hit my mark. “Being strong for your mom and all, I mean.”

“Can I see it? Your leg?” He’s obviously finished with our previous conversation, and I’m willing to give him that.

I’m wearing wind pants, so I pull up the fabric with ease to let him take a look at my prosthetic leg. The liner covers most of the scarring, so I don’t think it will frighten him too much.

“Whoa.” His eyes widen as he examines my leg more closely. “Does it hurt?”

“Sometimes I have something called phantom pain. It feels like my leg is hurting even though it’s not there. I feel this burning sensation where my leg used to be, and it can be really uncomfortable. But it’s lessened with time. It mostly feels like tingling now. I lost my leg over two years ago.” Timothy is listening intently to my explanation, and we’re both bent over my leg inspecting it.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

I quickly pull my pant leg down and turn to Alex. I hate she saw me exposed that way. I don’t want her pity, but there’s nothing to be done about it now. She looks nervous as hell, ready to bolt at any second. Does my leg disgust her? I push the thought away as soon as it enters my mind, but it stings regardless.

“My man, Timothy, and I were just talking. You didn’t interrupt. Isn’t that right, Timothy?” I divert my attention his way, and he nods at Alex.

“The other children are cleaning up, Timothy. Would you please go help?”

He jumps up before she finishes her sentence. He turns when he gets to the doorway and looks my way.

“Bye, Army. See ya around,” he says with a half smile.

“Sure thing, kid.”

I stare at the empty doorway long after he disappears through it. I need a minute to put on my game face. I can’t let her see how she affects me.

I keep my face stoic as I look into those piercing blue eyes. My gaze runs down her long waves, and I notice small braids littered throughout. She’s wearing faded, patched blue jeans and a flowing white shirt that hangs off one shoulder. Quintessential Alex.

Fucking perfection.

I want to be enough for you. I want it more than the air I breathe.

“I thought you had left. The kids are finishing up. Why don’t you come wait for me inside? I’ll be done in just a few minutes,” she suggests.

“I’ll wait right here, thanks.”

I know she doesn’t get it, but what am I supposed to do? I’m not about to tell her the truth. What kind of man can’t stand to be in a crowded room? She’ll see me for the pussy I am, and I can’t stand the thought of her looking at me that way.

“Suit yourself.” She shrugs and disappears back into the gallery.

“Okay, I’m finished now, West. I’ll ask again. Why are you here?” She protectively crosses her arms and diverts her gaze.

“Will you be home Monday evening around 5:30?” I give her no indication why I’m asking.

“I should be. Why?” I’ve taken her off guard, causing her to relax a little.

“A friend of mine who owns a security company will be stopping by to install your security system. It’s all taken care of, so all you need to do is be available to let him in the house. His name is Andrew, and I’ve given him the appropriate instructions.”

“How do you know I don’t already have a security system?”

“Because I stopped by your house during the week and looked through the windows, Alex. Let me add, not one neighbor questioned why I was crawling in your bushes and peeping in your windows. The deadbolts on your doors look sturdy, so at least there’s that. But no alarm system and a Cracker Jack neighborhood watch program is not acceptable. You need to do this, Alex.” I narrow my gaze in warning, trying to get my point across.

“Fine.” Her words are terse, but she knows I’m right.

I’m shocked she folded so easily. I was prepared for an argument, but I must say, I’m pleasantly surprised. That is, until she looks up and meets my eyes. That’s when I see it.

Hope.

Fuck.

“Look, about what happened at your house…” My words trail off, and I stammer uncomfortably.

Her eyes meet mine, and she shakes her head in disgust. “We don’t need to discuss it, West. You made yourself painfully clear already.”

I give her a small nod and look away, unable to face the hurt I’ve caused. I’m such a dick.

“I didn’t wear a condom, Alex…” I trail off.

“Jesus, so typical. I should have known you weren’t worried about my feelings or anything.” She hugs herself tightly and looks away. After a moment, cold eyes meet mine. “I’m on the pill, West. I take it religiously. Don’t worry, you’re in the clear. Do I have anything to worry about?”

“What? Oh, no, I’m always meticulous about protection.” I pause and hate that I have to ask. “You?”

Her glare cuts me, and I raise my hands protectively and nod. I guess that answers my question.

“I didn’t mean to lose control like that, Alex. You have to know it can’t happen again. It was a mis—”

“Stop talking, West. I said I got it. Leave it alone.”

We face each other in defensive stances, silent, the tension owning the moment.

“I need to be sure we understand each other about your … dating.” I try to keep my voice even and my tone harsh. The harsher the better.

“My activities are none of your concern.”

I’m still sitting on the bench, so she has the height advantage as she hovers over me. I stand to my full height and remedy the situation.

“Since I saved your ass from almost certain assault last week, I’m gonna disagree with you on that.” I shake my head. “Look, you think I’m an asshole? Fine. I don’t give a shit. But no matter how you feel about me, you have to know I’m right. Pick-up bars, dating events? You’re gonna stop that shit. Right. Fucking. Now.”

My carefully chosen words hit their target, and she’s ready toss me out on my ass again. Good. I can’t have her dreaming up some half-baked, happily ever after scenario.

Alex’s eyes cut right through me. A less stubborn man may accept defeat and call it a day. But screw that. She means too much. Who am I trying to fool? She’s everything to me.

“Wow, I’m not even sure how to respond to that. Here, in the civilian world, West.” She raises her arms, looking right and left. “We have this little thing called free will.”

“I’m well aware, sweetheart. I lost my leg so you could keep it.”

Her breath hitches, and her hand covers her mouth. From the look on her face, I may as well have slapped her. Now I’ve got her attention.

“I’m not asking for anything off the wall here, Alex. I’ll even ask nicely if it will help.” I give her a forced smile.

She drops her head and curls a strand of her hair around her finger. She stays silent for a while, contemplating my request. She looks up and smiles at me.

“Okay, West. I’ll do this one thing for you.”

“Thank you. You have to know I’m doing this for your own good.” I sigh in relief, glad she’s finally decided to see things my way.

“But I’d like something from you in return.” Her smile is still firmly planted on her face, but now there’s amusement dancing in her eyes.

This can’t be good. I grab my neck and meet her gaze, preparing myself for whatever her request may be.

“You’re already getting a state of the art security system. Please tell me, how else can I serve you?” I snap.

“You and me, eighteen holes. Once a week.”

“Not gonna happen,” I reply without a second’s hesitation. Spending hours alone with Alex every week would chip away at my resolve in the worst way.

“Then I won’t keep up my end of the bargain either.”

“There’s no bargain, Alex. You stop trolling the city’s bottom feeders for dates. That’s the issue here.” My argument is solid, but she’s already shaking her head in disagreement.

“What? Are you going to let
this
stop you?” Before I know what’s happening, she plants a swift kick to my prosthetic leg.

“Did … did you just kick a crippled man?”

Alex rolls her eyes and flips her hand at me. “Oh, please! Go sell that shit somewhere else, because I’m not buying it.”

I continue to stare at her in disbelief until she lets out a gigantic huff. “Fine! I’ll even give you a few strokes. We’ll consider it your handicap. Pun intended.”

How does she always know exactly what I need to hear? And how am I going to keep the love of my life at arm’s length? Knowing she’s unaffected by my injury hits me deep. It’s an unexpected gift.

Will I ever stop falling for you?

“I don’t need extra strokes. I’ll kick your ass without any help,” I reply with a smirk.

“So we’re in agreement? Eighteen holes once a week, for my compliance?”

“Nine holes once a week, and it has to be on Friday afternoons. I’m off work and school on Friday afternoons.” I look to her expectantly, and she nods reluctantly at my compromise. “
And
not only will you stay away from skeevy dating dives, you’ll run your dates by me beforehand so I can fully vet them.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” she screams and stamps her foot. “I’m not asking your permission every time I want to have a date.”

I throw her words back at her with a laugh. “Then I won’t keep my end of the bargain, either.”

“Ugh, fine. But you don’t get to make the final decision on who I date. You can provide me with the information you find, but I make the final call.”

I try to keep a serious face and not let on that I won this argument, hands down. “You drive a hard bargain, Fontaine.”

Her face lights up with pride, and I fight to keep my smirk hidden.

“So next week then. I’ll pick you up.” Her voice is sweet as sugar, undoubtedly pleased with her fake victory, as she fishes her phone out of her pocket.

“No, I’ll meet you there. Be at the Magnolia clubhouse at two o’clock Friday.” I cross my arms and practically dare her to argue with me.

Her face falls slightly, but she straightens her shoulders and holds her head high.

“Whatever, West. Have it your way. Prepare to have your ass kicked,” she calls over her shoulder as she walks away from me.

I look forward to it, Poppy Girl.

“
Unpack Your Heart
” by Phillip Phillips

“THANK GOD. I’M starving,” Marlo says dramatically as she snatches a slice of pizza off the table.

Marlo, Sara, and I attack the pizza and breadsticks like we haven’t eaten in a week. We’ve all been so busy lately we haven’t had much time to catch up with each other. A girls’ lunch at Antoni’s Pizza Place was long overdue.

Antoni’s is a casual Providence hangout, with red-checkered tablecloths, flat screen televisions at every angle, and huge frozen beer mugs for any brand of draft beer you can imagine. It also has the best pizza I’ve ever wrapped my lips around. The crust is thin and crispy, and there’s no skimping on the toppings and extra cheese.