Lost & Found
Page 37

He ran his tongue over his teeth. “I’m going to try, honey. I was happy with your mother.”
The sentiment choked her, and she moved to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. That statement took a lot for him to say. She knew that.
“Well then,” she said and then kissed him on the cheek, “how can I help you get ready for your move?”
Chapter Fourteen
Darcy listened to the rumble of the truck as she drove away from her father’s house. He waved from the porch and then blew her a kiss.
She never would have imagined she’d be driving away in his truck—his precious “as old as Kentucky” truck.
When she got to the first stop light, she dialed the now familiar number on her cell phone. Her heart kicked up a notch when Ed answered.
“Please tell me you’re on your way home and everything is okay.”
Darcy laughed. “I’m on my way home and everything is okay.”
Ed let out a breath into the phone. “Are you flying in? Or did you get your mom’s car?”
“He gave me his pickup. This one will put yours to shame.”
This time, Ed laughed. “I can’t wait to see it.”
“I’ll be there in about five hours, unless I stop.”
“Don’t stop. I miss you.”
Could everything have worked out any better? “I’ll hurry.”
“So, you’ll be home before eight then. If you’re not too tired, how about I take you out for a drink?”
“A drink? Don’t you just want to come over and hang out? My dad sent me home with a whole bunch of stuff that my mom saved for the past twenty-four years.”
“Though that sounds like fun, Clara is playing with Randy Sayner at The Commodore tonight. I thought we’d go see her show.”
There was a stream of pride that echoed in his voice.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’ll be there soon.”
“Okay,” he said. “Be careful, and remember, I love you.”
Darcy sighed. “I love you, too.”
Darcy pulled the truck up behind the house and parked next to Christian’s car. He obviously hadn’t driven since he’d been hurt. His windshield looked as though it had been abused by birds. It gave her a chuckle.
Before she unloaded her truck, she’d pop her head in to see how Christian was feeling.
He was standing at the sink, balanced on his crutches, shirtless with only a pair of lounge pants on. She figured it was better than the towel she’d seen him in.
“How are you feeling?”
“Like crap. I’m done being immobile.”
Darcy nodded. “What did they say about your leg then? Isn’t it healing?”
He gave her a shrug. “Looks like surgery for me.”
“I’m sorry.”
He let out a snort. “Just figures. I thought I had a shot at the show this time. But before I even get started, I’m a washed-up has-been.”
“Christian, this happens to players all the time. Keep a positive outlook.”
“Right. Positive. Maybe some other day.”
Darcy could certainly understand his anger, but she hated to see him so upset.
“When are they talking surgery?”
“Second week of August with a follow up around the twenty-first.”
She felt the smile form on her lips. “Ah, good day.”
“Why is that?”
“My birthday.”
His face softened. “Good. I’ll be ready to celebrate something good by then.”
“Can I get you anything?” she asked as she turned toward the door.
“Nah.” He looked out the window. “Did you get yourself some new wheels? Or at least find some old wheels on the side of the road? How old is that truck?”
Darcy laughed. “My father gave me his cherished truck. It’s a sixty-nine or seventy, I think.”
“Holy cow.”
“It’ll get me around.”
“Well, when I’m back on both feet, maybe I can help you fix it up. She could be a beauty.”
Darcy liked that. A project with a brother—that was something she’d never had the chance to do. Never in her life did she think she wanted to fix up an old truck, but looking at the enthusiasm in Christian’s eyes, she wanted to now.
“Sounds like a plan. Well, yell if you need anything. I guess we’re going to go watch Clara tonight.”
“Yeah, I’ll be going with you. I suppose I should get ready. It might take me that long.”
“I’ll come up in a bit.”
With that, she walked out the back door and down to her apartment.
Ed pulled up in front of the house shortly before eight. It seemed strange that he’d have to pick his brother and his girlfriend up at the same house. He’d give that some thought. Maybe it was time to change the living arrangements. Darcy should live with him, not with Christian.
That was a bit possessive, he decided as he climbed out of his truck. He didn’t like feeling that way. Besides, dating a woman after a few weeks of knowing her was one thing—moving in together was something much different.
As Ed climbed out of his truck, the front door opened and there stood Darcy. She was a sight.
There was urgency in his step, but he fought himself from running up the front steps. He didn’t want to seem desperate.
“You look beautiful,” he said as he reached the porch.
“Why, thank you.” She let the screen door shut behind her as she walked to the edge of the porch and waited for him to walk up the steps.
Her jeans hung to her hips, giving her a curvy, sexy look. The lacy top she wore was very feminine. Ed liked that. Her dark hair fell just to her shoulders, but she had added some curl. This casual and fun look had his blood warming.
Ed took the last step up to the porch and stood looking down into her chocolate eyes.
Darcy took his hands in hers and intertwined their fingers. “I know it’s only been a few days since I’ve seen you, but it seems like forever,” she said as she moved in closer to him.
“I couldn’t agree more.”
She rose up on her toes to place a kiss against his lips, but a simple peck wasn’t going to hold him until later. It had been hours—days—since he’d tasted her kisses, and he wasn’t going to wait a moment longer.