Two of a Kind (Fool's Gold #11)(91)
But he wasn’t. He was empty and hollow. He was as broken as he had ever been, and he was a man who had been to the edge of hell. He’d been dragged out of a prison cell maybe days or even hours before he would have died. He had bled into the ground of his captors’ prison, and he would never be able to forget that. No matter what he thought or how he felt, he couldn’t allow that to touch anyone else. Especially not Felicia or Carter.
Sometime later, exhausted and dripping sweat, he made his way back to his house. As he stepped out of the trees, he saw his truck parked in the driveway.
For a second he allowed himself to hope she’d returned. She’d taken his truck last night because they’d left her car in town. But as he approached the vehicle, he knew she hadn’t been there at all. She would have sent Justice with either Ford or Angel to return it. She would take care of business. Take care of her responsibilities. But she wouldn’t be back.
* * *
FELICIA REACQUAINTED HERSELF with her kitchen. She’d been at Gideon’s so long her rental had ceased to be her home. As she opened cupboards and checked the pantry, she realized she was missing most of the cooking gadgets she’d grown to love. And the space itself was way too small.
She’d rented the small townhouse back before she’d known if she could make a home in Fool’s Gold. It was a simple, furnished two-bedroom unit with a small living room/dining room combination. The furniture was modern and masculine. The owner, a lawyer-type businessman named Dante Jefferson, had recently moved into a house with his new wife.
She heard footsteps on the stairs. Carter walked into the kitchen, still rubbing his eyes. He wore a baggy T-shirt and PJ bottoms. His hair was a mess, and his eyes were puffy.
“Get any sleep?” she asked.
“Some.”
He’d obviously been crying, but she wasn’t going to mention that.
“Are you hungry?” She walked to the refrigerator and pulled it open. “There’s nothing here, so I thought we’d go out for breakfast, then stop by the grocery store. Also, I want to talk to you about us moving. I rented this place when it was just me. I think we need a larger space. More living area and a bigger bedroom for you. Maybe a yard for a dog.”
He stared at her. “You’re really keeping me.” He sounded surprised.
“Carter, I told you last night that you can stay with me. I’m all in.”
“I’m all in, too.” He glanced around. “This place is nice, but the kitchen is too small. Where will you put all your cooking stuff?”
“I know.”
He shifted on his feet. “Can you afford something bigger? Because this place is fine if you can’t.”
She squeezed his shoulder. “Don’t worry about money. I’ve been earning my way since I was only a little older than you. I developed a few patents years ago. In addition to my salary, I get very nice licensing checks every quarter and semiannual royalty checks from technical books I’ve written.”
His eyes brightened. “Are you rich?”
“No, but we can afford a larger house.”
“Cool!” He raced to the stairs. “Give me ten minutes and I’ll be ready.”
She leaned against the counter and told herself that everything would be fine. She was strong and capable, and she had a support system. As soon as her friends found out what had happened, they would surround her with love and encouragement. And, most likely, casseroles.
She had no empirical evidence for her supposition, but she believed it down to her bones. Until then, until she was brave enough to let them know she’d been desperately wrong about Gideon and her ability to handle a broken heart, she would focus on Carter. On getting him settled with her and figuring out how to keep breathing through the pain of missing the only man she’d ever loved.
* * *
ON THE THIRD day, Gideon went into town. Without Felicia and Carter with him, he felt exposed, but that was the point. He was ready to take what was coming. To have the stones thrown at him. He knew he’d been a bastard and he deserved the punishment.
He’d hurt Felicia. He’d thought only of himself, of what he wanted, and never considered her feelings. He wasn’t sure exactly what she’d wanted or expected, but it hadn’t been to be dumped with no warning. He owed her an apology. Barring that, he should stay the hell out of her life. In the meantime, he fully expected the town to take her side.
He walked by the park and thought about stopping in Brew-haha. Patience was Felicia’s friend. She would sure have something to say to him. But before he got there, he spotted Eddie and Gladys, who waved cheerfully and kept on walking. A few other citizens nodded as he passed, some called out greetings.
No one was pissed. No one yelled. He couldn’t think of why, except that maybe Felicia hadn’t said anything yet.
His chest ached at the thought of her going through this alone. While he wasn’t sure if she’d fallen in love with him, he knew she cared. Felicia didn’t hold back anything. So she had to be hurting. She needed someone to talk to. He had to speak to Patience and make sure she knew.
He turned and walked toward the coffeehouse. When he was across the street, Justice stepped out and moved toward him.
The other man’s stride was purposeful, and Gideon knew this meeting wasn’t accidental. Justice had been waiting. Justice, who considered Felicia a sister.