Begin Again (Crimson Romance) Read online

  “I can help you some.” He leaned on the wall and crossed his arms. “This is a big house for one person, are you sure you don’t want to look for something newer and smaller?”

  Maisie’s real estate agent walked back into the room. She’d given them a moment alone to discuss things.

  “Well, what do you think?” she asked, looking from Maisie to Ryan.

  Maisie felt excitement build inside her. “I think I’d like to make an offer.”

  CHAPTER 11

  They’re back, she said to herself in a Poltergeist voice. Maisie hugged her mom and dad when they entered Cady’s foyer a week later. “Welcome back.”

  Maisie’s dad stood six inches taller than her, and his white hair stood in stark contrast to his golden tan.

  “Glad to be back home and enjoy modern conveniences again,” he said, smiling.

  Her mom looked as tan as her dad and had her auburn hair cut shorter than Maisie had ever seen it. “How have you been?”

  Maisie smiled. “Great. How was Rwanda?”

  Her mom placed a hand on Maisie’s arm. “We made a difference, so it was fulfilling. But I missed my girls.”

  Cady motioned everyone into the kitchen. “Come sit, eat.”

  Maisie followed her parents into Cady’s kitchen. Sam shook their dad’s hand and hugged their mom.

  “Thanks for giving me a grandchild,” her father said to Sam.

  Maisie squirmed in her seat when they all turned to look at her with “oops” expressions on their faces. She hated people tiptoeing around her like she was unstable. Yes, words hurt sometimes, but she was not the same person she was two years ago or even a few months ago.

  “It’s okay. I’m happy for Cady and Sam.” They all nodded with pity still in their eyes. She needed to change the subject before she lost it. “I bought a house!”

  Their expressions went from sympathy to surprise.

  “What? When?” Cady asked.

  “Yesterday.”

  Cady’s mouth fell open then shut. “I knew you were looking, but I didn’t think you’d find something so quickly.”

  “It was love at first sight.” Maisie took a handful of chips. “It needs a little TLC, but it felt like home.”

  “That’s great!” Sam said.

  Her parents nodded.

  “Where is it?” Cady asked.

  “Close. It’s on Chance Street.”

  Cady grinned, “Only ten blocks away. I can live with that.”

  Her mom smiled. “I’m proud of you.”

  Maisie grinned. “Thanks.” She paused to pass the plate of burritos around the table. “I have more news.”

  Everyone looked over at her, ignoring their plates of food.

  “I’ve been seeing someone. His name is Ryan, and he’s an exotics veterinarian.” The look on her parents’ faces was priceless.

  Her dad spoke first. “When do we have the pleasure of meeting this young man?”

  Maisie finished chewing her tortilla chip. “Soon. You’ll love him.”

  Her mom set down her glass. “Do you love him?”

  Maisie dropped her napkin. Why did parents always ask such bold questions? “Uh, I care for him a lot.” She bit her lip, fighting the urge to scream yes! “I would say I’m falling in love with him.”

  Her mom smiled at her like she’d just solved world hunger. “I’m so happy for you.”

  • • •

  After his last patient, Ryan washed his hands while Harper sprayed the counter and wiped it clean.

  Harper stepped on the metal trashcan lever and tossed in the paper towels. “Thanks again for the internship.”

  Ryan nodded. “No problem. Any questions about anything so far?”

  Harper took the file and followed Ryan to the front. “Not yet.”

  Ryan took off his lab coat. “Great. Well, I’ll see you Monday.”

  “See you then,” Harper called as he headed out the door.

  Ryan locked up and walked down to Ginger Snaps. Harper was working out fine, but he wasn’t looking forward to the day his internship would be over. Hiring new people was not a fun task. A couple of geese honked at him as he walked by. When he opened the diner door, the sight of Maisie made him want more than pie. Her kisses were just as sweet and filled more than his stomach. He loved and hated how slow they were taking their relationship. It was a first for him, and it made him want her that much more.

  They exchanged smiles as he sat down in front of her.

  “Hey, you. Lola’s pulling a fresh pie off the cooling rack.”

  Her hair was pulled into a ponytail, and her cheeks were flushed against her porcelain skin, making her look like she’d been out in the cold. “You girls are spoiling me.”

  “I was thinking, maybe we could go to the state park tomorrow afternoon for a picnic and then have dinner at Cady’s so you can meet my parents.”

  He couldn’t wait to meet them. Family was important. “Sounds perfect.”

  “Be right back.” Maisie took an order over to a group of teenagers. As she walked by, the scent of strawberries filled his nose. Her shampoo smelled good enough to eat. She was driving him crazy with her scent. He’d love to pull out that ponytail holder and mess up her satiny hair.

  • • •

  Maisie loaded the picnic basket in her car. Ryan had an emergency at the clinic he needed to take care of and planned to meet her at the park. Excited about spending the entire day with him, she started her car with a smile on her face. It was a nice drive to the park with the trees and flowers all in full bloom.

  Though the state park was huge with tons of options, she knew just the place for their picnic. Blossom Field, where wildflowers were abundant, surrounding a nice mossy blanket under a huge oak tree. She’d found the spot when she was a teenager. As she’d lain under that tree, she’d envisioned the perfect picnic. For some odd reason, she’d forgotten about the place until yesterday.

  She pulled her car up to the booth and paid her five dollars to get into the park. The wooden sign welcomed her and informed her that the fire hazard was low today. Maisie drove on the hilly road around a few curves until she found the place she’d told Ryan to meet her. She would make sure Blossom Field was vacant while she waited for Ryan to show. It’d be hard to have a romantic day if the place was crowded.

  Maisie locked her car and walked down the dirt path she hoped led to the field. Most people would probably be around the lake fishing or grilling on the park’s grills. To her delight, the spot was just as she remembered it and free of any visitors. Tiny purple and yellow flowers dotted the green grass. She walked up to the ancient tree and placed a hand on the rough bark. A childish thought of carving their initials in the tree came to mind, but she didn’t want to break any rules.

  She sat down on the squishy moss and leaned back. A few minutes later, the sun went behind some dark clouds, making it seem later than it was. She bit her lip. In all the excitement, she’d forgotten to check the weather. It couldn’t rain, not today. To get her mind off of the weather, she lay down on the moss and closed her eyes. Ryan kissing her was the first thought that came to mind. Taking their relationship slow had been her idea, but with each kiss, the more difficult talking it slow became.

  A clap of thunder in the far distance caused her eyes to snap open, bringing her back to reality. Darn, why hadn’t she remembered to check the forecast? It wasn’t like her to forget. Maisie’s heart thumped out of her chest as the sirens started calling out their evil whistle. It wasn’t like she’d not heard the tornado sirens since that fatal storm that took the lives of those she loved.

  Pleasant Valley had its fair share of serious storms every spring and summer. But this time was different. Instead of being inside her sister’s basement listening to the weatherman reassure h
er where the storm was and when it would arrive, she was alone outside, waiting for Ryan to show up.

  Her pulse pounding loud in her ears, she ran down the path, back to her car. By the time she got back to the parking lot, big raindrops had started to fall. Already wet, she got inside her car. The siren grew louder, and she froze. She knew she should start her car and drive home, but the greenish hue of the sky and slanted rain mixed with the sound of her nightmares paralyzed her. Her hands clung to the steering wheel. Was she supposed to die after all? Was Mother Nature coming back to finish the job? It wasn’t fair! Every time she’d found a little happiness, some kind of disaster occurred. Just start the car. Why wouldn’t her hands work?

  Maisie heard a horn and turned to see Ryan’s SUV racing toward her car. She wanted to move but all she could do was think about the monster that had come after the whistle two years ago. That thought put her right back into that awful night that had changed her life. Ryan ran over to her car and opened the door with a confused look on his face.

  “Maisie, what are you doing?”

  She shook her head and sobbed.

  Ryan grabbed her out of her car like she was a sack of potatoes and put her inside his SUV.

  His wet hand grasped hers. “Shh, it’s okay. I’m here. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  Maisie dried her eyes but she couldn’t stop her body from trembling.

  “We’re going to be okay.” He drove the SUV to one of the shelter houses down the road. Pebbles of hail hit the windows, scaring her even more.

  “Maisie, look at me.” She looked into his eyes and tried to calm herself. “We have to get inside.” She nodded. They both ran to the little log shelter in the pouring rain and hail. Maisie felt the cold water splash against her skin and flashed back to the blood that had once covered her. The door was locked, so Ryan took a rock and broke the window. He got them inside and grabbed Maisie’s hand.

  A bolt of lightning made her jump into his arms. They crawled under a large picnic table and Ryan shielded her body with his. His strong arms made her feel protected, even with the wind screaming outside.

  “Shh, we’re safe.” Ryan rocked her back and forth like a newborn baby, like she’d watched him rock Jay.

  She kept her eyes closed and imagined they were at the diner laughing over pie. What felt like an eternity of uncertainty finally passed, and Maisie turned around to face her hero. “You saved us. Both of us.”

  Ryan smiled and ran his hand down her cheek. Their eyes locked and their lips met in a sweet, tender kiss.

  “I’ll always save you. Never forget that.”

  Maisie bit her lip and nodded. She closed her eyes and let Ryan comfort her.

  After a moment, he looked at her. “You want to tell me what happened?”

  Her bottom lip quivered. “I was afraid.”

  He pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “I got that. But there was more than fear in your eyes, Maisie. It was like you weren’t there.”

  She couldn’t talk about this, not right now. “Please, can we just take our picnic home and eat? I’m starving.”

  • • •

  Ryan sighed. He wanted to push but she had been through a lot. Maybe now was not the time. “Okay. You can show me that romantic spot another day when the trail isn’t muddy.”

  Maisie relaxed her shoulders. “Deal.”

  They walked outside, and Ryan took notice of all the tree limbs down. He still wasn’t sure if they’d just been in a tornado or a bad thunderstorm. He opened the door for Maisie, who slid inside the SUV. He’d meant what he’d said. He would always protect her. He scooped a handful of soggy leaves off his windshield and got into the vehicle.

  She looked better. “Are you okay to drive to my house if I take you back to your car?”

  Maisie nodded. “I’m fine now. Just tired and hungry.”

  If she would open up to him, maybe he could help her. Was that what had happened to her husband and child? A tornado? He wanted to make sure she was never that afraid again.

  He pulled up to Maisie’s car, which had a small tree limb on the hood. When he started to get out, she stopped him.

  “I can get it.” She smiled and kissed his cheek.

  He would never grow tired of her kisses. “I’ll follow you back to my house.”

  The radio informed him that a tornado had touched down near the park. What if he hadn’t gotten there when he did? Maisie would have had some kind of breakdown, and he could only guess why.

  CHAPTER 12

  Stuffed full of cold fried chicken and potato salad, Maisie took their leftovers and put them inside Ryan’s almost empty fridge. What did the man eat besides a slice of apple pie every night? She opened the freezer and got her answer. Crammed to the brim were frozen dinners. Poor guy obviously didn’t know how to cook any more than she did. She felt strong arms wrap around her from behind and pull her close. The same arms that had pulled her to safety earlier.

  She turned to him and nuzzled her head in his neck. He lifted her chin and kissed her soft and deep, making it hard to control the growing desire to fully give herself to him. As the bulge in his jeans pressed into her, instead of pulling away, she pushed against him, making the bulge more prominent. What was she doing? He thought she was beautiful, but what would he think if he saw the scars on her belly? Would he be turned off? Would he be disgusted as she was every time she looked in the mirror?

  “You’re making it very difficult to take things slow,” he whispered in her ear, then nibbled on it.

  He had her pinned against the counter, and every inch of her body wanted him right here in the kitchen, but it was daylight, and he would see.

  She licked her bottom lip. “Follow me.” Taking his hand, she led him back to his bedroom. His curtains drowned out most of the light. She climbed under the covers as he took off his shirt and threw it on the floor. His breath coming out fast and hot, he slid in the bed beside her.

  “Are you sure?” he asked with pleading eyes.

  His lips on hers felt so right. His half naked body pressed against her felt better than she’d ever imagined. “Kiss me before I change my mind.”

  • • •

  Maisie sighed and slipped out of Ryan’s arms. She’d waited until he had fallen asleep to put her clothes back on. He’d been wonderful. There was no comparison. Is that why she felt more guilt eating away at her? Because she caught herself comparing him to Luke? She stretched her T-shirt back over her head and pulled it down just as Ryan cracked open his eyes. That was close.

  “You trying to sneak away?” he teased.

  She smiled and kissed his cheek. “No. We have dinner with my parents tonight, remember?”

  He grinned. “It may have slipped my mind.”

  She giggled. “Well, I need to go home and take a shower and change.”

  He wrapped his arm around her. His touch had even more affect on her now that she knew exactly how he could make her feel.

  “I have a better idea. Why don’t you take a shower here?”

  He couldn’t see her scars. She shook her head. “No, I should go.”

  He laughed. “Are you shy?”

  Something like that. “Come on, if I stay, you know we’ll be late.” She stood up. “I’ll see you in an hour.”

  The expression on his face changed to worry. “You’re not having any regrets about what we just did, are you?”

  How could she regret something that made her feel so completely wonderful? She smiled. “No. Are you?”

  He stood up, revealing his naked body. The man was so perfect he took her breath away.

  “No. The only thing I regret is that we didn’t do this sooner.”

  She went up to him and melded her lips to his then looked into his eyes. “Don’t be late.”

 
• • •

  Overwhelmed with emotion, Ryan watched Maisie leave the bedroom. No words could describe the way she made him feel. He would have a hard time ever removing the goofy grin plastered on his face. He was forever changed. Maisie was the reason for everything now. He picked up the pillow that still smelled like her and inhaled the sweet scent. Was this what real love was like? He turned on the faucet and hummed to himself. He hadn’t saved her today. She’d saved him.

  • • •

  Maisie drove to her sister’s house with tears of happiness and worry streaming down her face. When did she become such a cry baby? Oh yeah, when she lost her family.

  She loved him. That was all there was to it. She loved Ryan Tucker more than anything. Once upon a time she’d thought she’d never love again. She looked out the windshield at the bluish gray sky. Luke I’m in love. I don’t know how it happened, but it did. I have to let you go now.

  With all her heart, she wanted to tell Ryan about everything and to show him her scars, but she was afraid. He was a good man, so he’d probably lie and say they didn’t bother him, but her belly was hideous. His body was perfection, and she was damaged goods.

  As she pulled onto Cady’s street and looked in the rearview mirror, she saw her parents’ car. They were early. Darn, they couldn’t see her like this. Her hair and makeup were messed up from making love to Ryan. She sped up and pulled her car into the driveway. Maybe she could make a run for it downstairs and jump in the shower before anyone saw her.

  She ran to the house, and the door flew open. Before she knew what was going on, her sister had her arms around her and cried, “Mais, you’re okay! When you didn’t answer your phone, I … I … ”

  Her phone. She must have forgotten to unplug it this morning when it was charging. “I’m fine.”

  Cady hugged her tighter. “Were you by where that tornado touched down?”

  Maisie grabbed her sister, “Let’s talk downstairs. Mom and Dad are here.” Cady looked at her confusedly as she dragged her sister down the basement stairs.