A Hero to Rescue Me (Hero's Crossing) (3 page)

The longer Chase talked to Melanie, the more smitten he became. It took the better part of the meal, but he finally coaxed from her that the reason for her earlier distress stemmed from the fact that she’d lost her job. Been fired because she’d dumped her ex-boyfriend.

Using all the considerable charm his brothers had always accused him of wielding with the ladies, he’d managed to keep the rage inside him from showing. He got the feeling she’d left something out there, but didn’t press because he wasn’t certain he could take anymore. The bastard ex definitely needed to have himself an “accident.”

They were just about to leave when a man approached their table. Melanie had been laughing at a story he’d told her about an incident he’d had during pararescue training and didn’t see the man until he was almost to them. When she did, she stiffened, her hands clenching into fists which she quickly hid under the table.

“Melanie,” the man said, his voice low and deadly. He didn’t even look at Chase. “We need to go. Now.” He spoke as if he expected Melanie to obey him instantly, but she didn’t, only looked at Chase with an expression of fear, embarrassment, and questioning.

Unhurriedly, Chase wiped his mouth once with his napkin before sliding from the booth, standing to his full, considerable height. The other man studiously ignored Chase, but one thing Chase had learned how to do during his years in the Air Force was to not be ignored…if he didn’t want to be.

“You have two choices,” he said in a low, deadly tone. “You can walk out on your own two feet, or I can call paramedics to carry you out. Which one happens depends entirely on your actions in the next fifteen seconds.”

“Dan,” Melanie said quietly, “now is really not a good time.” She didn’t look angry with Chase or even put out. She looked…relieved? No doubt, this was her ex.

Dan, on the other hand, looked like he might actually take his chances with Chase. If this Dan had had any idea of how much Chase wanted that fight, he’d have turned and, not walked, but run to the nearest exit, screaming as if the hounds of hell were after him. Which they would be.

“Just what exactly do you plan on doing?” Dan looked at Chase with a sneer, as if he held all the cards and Chase was just blowing smoke up everyone’s ass. “Kick my ass here in front of all these people? That would get you away from Melanie really quick. That 911 call you’d make to the paramedics? Would also get the police. Then
you’d
be in jail.”

“Maybe,” Chase conceded with a nod, “but you’d be in traction for several weeks and I’d be out in less than a day. I’m a vet just back from Afghanistan. That alone would get me some sympathy with the law. Besides, I’m sure I’m suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. I’m Pararescue. We don’t actually engage in much combat. All that pent-up aggression…” Chase shrugged as he took one slow, yet threatening step toward Dan. “Well, I’m sure it left a mean streak in me just waiting to get out on some asshole harassing
my
woman.”

That
seemed to make the bastard pause. “Melanie?” Chase spoke, not looking at her, instead keeping his eyes level with Dan’s. “Do you want to leave with this man? If you do, say so now or I’m making sure he leaves.”

“Of course I don’t want to go with him! Are you out of your freaking mind?” No hesitation on her part. “Just don’t get arrested. I’d hate to have to explain to Abigail why we can’t go the baseball game.”

Without hesitation, Chase took a step toward Dan, fully intending to take the man’s arm and escort him out, but Dan stepped backward, knocking against a waitress and stumbling into a table. That caught several snickers from locals, making Dan’s face flush.

“This isn’t over, Melanie.” He pointed a finger at her, glancing sideways at Chase.

“Yes it is, Dan.” Melanie’s quiet voice held a note of confident finality. Her chin up, her hands back on the table, she leveled him with her hazel gaze. “It was over the second I realize you could never love Abigail.”

Thankfully, Dan said no more. Chase was never so glad to see the backside of anyone as he was that man. Whatever he’d done to earn Melanie’s displeasure would have to wait. Chase was very sure he’d handled himself well so far, but if he learned anything more about Dan, he’d probably rethink his whole policy of not kicking the guy’s ass on sight.

***

As Chase slid back into the booth, the waitress returned with a smile and their check. “You ever decide you don’t want him, honey,” she jerked her chin at Chase, “give me a call and point me in his direction.”

Melanie ducked her head, doing her best to smother a giggle. The encounter should have embarrassed her—would have embarrassed the old her—but it actually felt good to have a man beat his chest and be proud to be with her. Dan had never actually shunned her or acted like he didn’t want her around, but he’d never failed to let her know where she lacked. The incident with Abigail had just been the proverbial straw.

“I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.” He didn’t look sorry in the least. He looked defiant, as if he thought she might challenge his right to say what he had.

She did laugh then, her face breaking out into a grin that felt too damned good for her peace of mind. “No, you’re not. Anyway,” she said, reaching her hand out to grip his briefly, “I rather enjoyed it. Thank you for sticking up for me. Most guys wouldn’t have.”

There was the heart-stopping grin again. And those damned crinkles at the corner of his eyes. She was
such
a goner!

He shrugged. “Then most guys are idiots. Besides”—his smile got a little wider—“I kinda told my parents we were going to this ballgame as a couple. They’re anxious to meet you and Abigail.”

Melanie couldn’t have been more shocked if he’d suddenly announced he was pregnant with Elvis’s love child. Forget the huge presumption on his part, she was black. He was white. This was Kentucky. While interracial relationships were not unheard of, some families might not be comfortable with the arrangement.

“You did not!”

“I totally did.” If possible, his grin got wider. “But no worries. My mother had only one case of the vapors before she came around.”

“I ought to kick your ass, Mr. Carver.”

There was no holding back the shared laughter. Despite any reservations she had, Melanie was going to take a chance. A leap of faith, if you will. If his family reacted badly, she’d leave at the first sign, not subjecting Abigail to any more than she absolutely had to.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I wouldn’t put you or the little princess in an uncomfortable situation like that. My parents are anxious to meet the two ladies who saved my life.” At his words, all trace of humor was gone. He simply caught her hand in his and squeezed.

Friday couldn’t come fast enough. Not just for Abigail, either. Melanie had spoken to Chase every day since they’d met. He’d stopped by once to meet Abigail, and the two had hit it off immediately. Melanie found she missed him when he wasn’t there. She wanted to see him again, to hold his hand again. To find out if she could get him to act on the attraction they both seemed to feel.

The phone rang, startling her out of her happy musings. Not even glancing at the caller ID, she answered cheerfully, “Hello?”

“I don’t know what you’re planning with that brute, Melanie, but don’t.”

Son of a bitch. Dan.

“I’m not having this conversation with you, Dan. Don’t call again.”

“If you want to keep Abigail, you’ll damned well do what I tell you to do!” Melanie’s heart suddenly pounded in fear and dread.

“You’d better explain yourself fast, because in exactly one minute, I’m hanging up.” No matter how much she wanted to hang up on him, she needed to know what he meant in order to prepare for it.

“I just hung up with Social Services. Be expecting a call from them sooner rather than later.”

“All the paperwork on my guardianship of Abigail is spot on. I’m even in the process of adopting her.”

“I work for the most powerful law firm in the city, darling.” His sneer sent chills down Melanie’s spine. “All your plans of motherhood can end with the stroke of a pen.”

“You wouldn’t—”

The line went dead.

In a panic, Melanie dialed the number of her caseworker, the woman assigned to manage the transition from Melanie being merely an adoring aunt to Abigail’s actual guardian before adopting the child.

“Melanie!” Jennifer’s bright voice eased some of her fears. If anything were truly amiss, Jennifer would know and give it to her straight.

“I don’t know what to do, Jenn. Dan is threatening to block the adoption. Can he really do that?”

There was a pause while Jennifer punched in something on the computer. “OK. I see where he called. The note in your case file says he’s concerned about your new boyfriend. That he’s a total stranger and is concerned for Abigail’s wellbeing. He says the man threatened him, that there was a room full of witnesses. That the man claimed to be suffering from PTSD and he’s afraid of what will happen to Abigail should the man suffer a setback.” Jennifer asked, “Any truth to this?”

Melanie relayed the entire story to Jennifer, including the conversation between her and Dan when he’d suggested she give Abigail over to a foster home. Even knowing it would put her in a tenuous position, Melanie told her how Dan had gotten her fired.

“I know that doesn’t help me, but I
will
find other employment. There’s no doubt in my mind he had them let me go specifically for this purpose. Get you guys to take Abigail and, in his sick, twisted mind, all his problems are solved.”

“Well, it sheds new light on the situation, though I don’t think they’d have taken Dan’s word for any of it. Yes, there will be a visit scheduled, but that’s routine. You know that. Unless Abigail shows signs of distress or says something that alarms anyone at her school so they file a complaint, no one will get involved with Chase. But if it were me, I’d make sure he was with you when they do the home visit. Let them meet him.”

“Are you telling me this as a friend or my caseworker?”

Jennifer laughed merrily. “Both, actually. We’ve known each other since grade school. I trust your judgment. You love Abigail like she was your own, have practically raised her from birth. I’m on your side in this. If push comes to shove, I’ve got your back. Both personally and professionally.”

The phone call made Melanie feel better. At least she had someone helping on the inside. This was Thursday. Tomorrow they went to the baseball game with Chase. Starting bright and early Monday morning, she’d go job hunting and wouldn’t stop until she had sound employment. When social services came calling, she’d have ammunition to fight for Abigail, no matter what Dan threw at her.

***

With all the information Chase had gathered about Abigail’s situation, a plan had formed. Fortunately for him, he was blessed with a loving, big-hearted family. When he told them how she’d lost her job because of Dan, they immediately looked at the family contracting business and found a place for her in accounting. Not actually with the business, but with the apartment buildings the company owned in conjunction. She’d have to either move or commute, but they’d pay well.

Chase’s brother even secured housing for her at the “family” rate. It was a huge decision for Melanie, but one he was proud to present her with. It might not be the
best
option, but it was
an
option.

He wanted to call Melanie, to tell her his plan, but thought it best to let his mother take care of that particular task. She had a way of doing things like this without seeming intrusive.

So he put his cell phone back in his pocket.

For all of fifteen seconds.

Glancing at the time, he almost put it up. Eight-thirty wasn’t that late, but he had no idea what time she put Abigail to bed. Or what time she went herself. Dammit! He wanted to talk to her!

With a sigh, he moved to put the phone in his pocket again. This time, he didn’t make it. Not even close.

Before he could change his mind—again—he stabbed the phone with his thumb. It rang twice before she picked up.

“Just thought I’d check in with you,” he said lamely. “Everything still a go for tomorrow evening?”

“Are you kidding? Abigail would have my head if I backed out. Besides, I think I’m looking forward to it as much as she is.”

Chase could almost see her smile. If he lived to be a hundred, he was certain he’d never tire of seeing Melanie’s smile. It just made him want to be with her that much more. Yeah. He had it bad. Thing was, he didn’t give a damn.

“Good. Can’t deny I’m looking forward to it as well. I would have driven down today and camped outside your house, but that would have just been creepy.”

“Oh, stop it. We wouldn’t have let you sleep outside the house.” Her laughter was genuine, sweet, a soothing balm to the soul-deep wounds that still plagued him sometimes. He doubted he’d ever truly be rid of them—wasn’t certain he really wanted to be—but he knew Melanie would forever soothe him, keep the worst nightmares at bay. Only thing was, she had no idea, hadn’t formed that kind of connection with him.

“So you’d have invited me in.”

“Oh, goodness no! We’d have gotten you a motel room. But I’d make sure it’d be one with a good reputation, clean sheets, and no bed bugs.”

Her laughter spilled over before she finished her declaration, making Chase laugh as well. His Melanie had spunk, so much life. Could he be what she needed? Could she come to depend on him the way he had her?

When the laughter died down, there was silence from both of them. It should have been awkward, but it felt more companionable.

“I have a question to ask you, Melanie.” This was going to be hard. On both of them. Better to get it over with now so they could enjoy the ballgame with nothing between them. “Before I do, I need you to promise me something.”

“You sound serious.”

“Very. Promise me that you’ll talk to me now. I want this over and done with before Friday.”

“Seems like an easy enough request.” She sounded wary, but game. Not a dummy, his Melanie.

“Was Abigail’s father named Michael Bowman?”

Silence.

Her breathing. In. Out. In. Out.

“He was.”

“I suspected, but wasn’t sure.”

“Did you know him?” She sounded breathless, her voice tight.
Please, don’t let this be a deal breaker for her
. She had to know, but could he stand to lose her if she couldn’t bear it?

“I was on the pararescue team sent to retrieve his unit. We had all of them but two. I went after one—my best friend, Ritchie, had Bowman. I was behind, bringing up the rear. Commanding officer on the field. You know, first one on. Last one off.” Her little hiccup signaled a tiny sob she tried to hide, but he continued. If he was going to be damned, he’d be damned good. “I watched Ritchie stumble when the bullet hit his leg. I watched the next one tear through his chest. Bowman fell, but tried to help Ritchie, though he had an abdominal wound himself. I passed them, getting my man to the helo before going back.

“I don’t remember much of how we actually got Bowman and Ritchie back to the helo, but I did my best to comfort Bowman on the way back to base. Ritchie was dead long before that.”

He took a shuddering breath before continuing. “I promised Bowman I’d get him home and I did. Just not the way I’d hoped. I found out later he had a daughter, and when I got your first Christmas card, I noticed the name. Pretending she was Bowman’s daughter kept me sane, Melanie. Every time I wrote to her, I hoped it helped her heal.

“In that first letter,” he continued, “she said she missed her daddy and that maybe we could help each other. Well, she helped me. She probably saved my life. Damned sure saved my sanity. When I found myself in your home town, getting ready to knock on your door, I wasn’t sure how you’d accept me, or even if you could. Now…now that you know...”

“Stop.” Chase’s heart sank. Maybe it had been too much too soon for her. If so, he’d just blown any chance he had of winning her heart. Maybe she was angry. Hurt. All he knew was that a little piece of him started dying when her voice broke on the single word.

“I’m sorry, Melanie.”

“I said, stop! Just stop right there.” She took a deep breath, sniffed, then continued. “You tried to save a man you didn’t even know. You lost a member of your team and your best friend, yet you took time to comfort a dying stranger when you could have been grieving. There’s nothing—
nothing—
for you to be sorry about.”

“So…does that mean you’ll still let me take you and Abigail to the game?”

She giggled, sniffling. Even as his relief overwhelmed him, Chase’s heart still ached from every single tear he knew she was shedding. The last thing he wanted was for her to cry, especially when he wasn’t there to dry her eyes.

“It will take more than that for you to wiggle out of this date, mister. If you’re not here by four o’clock sharp, I will personally hunt you down. Could get messy.”

“Hmmm…” he mused, trying to sound impressed. “Sounds like a good wrestling match. Only one question.”

“What’s that?”

“Will pudding or Jell-O be involved?”

Laughter on the other end eased his mind, but he was still worried. Probably would be until he saw her again and looked into her eyes. He wanted to see the attraction and welcome he’d seen in them before. Craved it. Craved her.

“Could be. Which would you prefer?”

“I’d say Jell-O so there’d at least be a chance of it not globing in your hair, but I’ve discovered I have a real need for chocolate pudding.”

“I’d love to say you were a freak for saying that, but, truth is, I’m kinda glad you did.”

“Are you, then?”

“Maybe. Pudding wrestling with you might be kinda fun.”

“Oh, baby, you have no idea.” Sweet God! The mere thought shot him rock-hard.

He cleared his throat. “Well, I guess that gives me something to think about tonight.”

“Me too.” Her reply was breathy, sounding almost as needy as he felt. Maybe everything would work out after all.