Night Driving (15 page)

“The bus broke down.”

“Oh, no.”

“Well, Mercury is in retrograde,” he pointed out.

“You don’t believe in that.”

“It killed me thinking about you here all by yourself. Facing this alone.” He waved at the empty U-Haul. “I started walking back from the bus.”

“How far away were you?”

“Five miles.

“Boone! Your leg is healing. You can’t walk five miles!”

“Plus, apparently it’s illegal to walk along the highway in Florida.”

“It’s for your safety.”

“Luckily, the officers who stopped to tell me that I was breaking the law were on their way over here and they took pity on a war vet.”

“Imagine that.”

“Fate,” Boone said.

“You don’t believe in that, either.”

“Maybe not,” he said. “But I believe in you. I’m gonna stay with you and see things through.”

“You’re going to miss Jackie’s wedding.”

He blew out his breath. “Can’t be helped.”

“Fate has other plans.”

“If you say so.”

He linked his arm through hers and guided her over to the officers climbing from the cruiser. Grinning, Tara leaned into him, and even though she’d just lost everything she owned, she couldn’t help feeling that this was one of the best days of her life.

* * *

W
ITH
THE
POLICE
report filled out, they were on the road again. Tara was singing an off-key version of “On the Road Again,” and Boone couldn’t help feeling it was the best rendition he’d ever heard. Hell, he couldn’t stop darting glances over at her. Mainly, he couldn’t help being grateful that he had eked out a little more time with her. But grateful as he was, he almost had to admit that this made things that much harder.

It was almost ten o’clock by the time they left the small Florida town that was just over the Georgia border, where they’d spent the night and Tara was driving five miles over the speed limit. “I think we can make it. Fate is on our side, after all. I’ll get you to your sister’s wedding on time if we don’t make any stops,” she promised.

“It’s out of your way,” he said. “You’re only going as far as Miami. I’d always planned on taking a taxi from Miami to Key West.”

“Seriously, Boone, have you not met me? I go out of my way for my friends.” She gave a little shrug. “For better or worse, it’s just who I am. Friendships are important to me.”

“And I’m your friend?”

“Aren’t you?” She met his gaze.

Well, no. What he felt for her was far more than friendly. Which was the problem. No matter how hard he’d tried to resist her, he wasn’t about to get out of this unscathed. “Yeah,” he said, hearing the sarcasm in his voice. “We’re friends.”

“Friends with benefits,” she added.

“What does that even mean?”

“You know. We’re friends who make love.”

“Do you have a lot of those? Friends with benefits?”

“No,” she said. “Only you.”

“I’m not sure that’s such a good idea,” he said.

She gulped visibly. “What? Friends with benefits, or friends?”

“Either one.”

“Oh,” she said and made a sad frowny face. He felt as if he’d ruined her party, but he had to do this. Had to make it clear that after today it would be far too painful to stay friends with her. A clean break was the best way.

Yeah, so why didn’t you stay on the bus?

Because she’d needed him and, as dumb as the impulse was, he could never resist anyone in need.

“We’re peas in a pod, you know.”

He snorted. “We’re nothing alike.”

“On the surface, maybe not. You’re a card-carrying Republican. I don’t give two hoots about politics. You’re closed off. I’m an open book. You’re quiet and self-contained. I’m energetic and need to be around people.”

He thought of what the muffin lady had said on the bus.
Opposites attract.

“Neither one of us can turn away from someone in need. Both of us value saving over spending. We’re both great shots. We have a strong commitment to family—”

“That’s where you’re wrong.”

“Of course you do. You’re making this journey because you care so much about your sister. You feel disengaged from her and that bothers you a lot. If you didn’t have a strong commitment to family, it wouldn’t concern you at all. And who sat at his father’s bedside every single day while he lay dying? Yes, Mrs. Levison told me about that.”

Boone shifted uncomfortably.

“And,” she pointed out, “compliments make us both uneasy. Mainly because neither one of us do the things we do for praise, but because it makes us feel good. That’s why I’m taking you to Key West. But most of all, we’re great in bed together.”

He couldn’t argue with that. “That’s the problem, Tara. Because of how damn good we make each other feel, I can’t simply be your friend or friends with benefits. I’d need more from you.”

“Really?” she said breathlessly.

“Yeah and the distance between us doesn’t allow for that.”

“My mom needs me.”

“I know. Family commitment comes first.”

“Yes,” she said.

He wanted to say that maybe after things were settled with her mother they could pick up where they left off, but he knew that wasn’t true. Too much time would have passed. Too much would have changed. Tara would be back with her family. Her old friends. Soon enough he would be nothing but a pleasant memory. Part of him wanted to throw caution to the wind and say, “Hell, I’ll move to Miami to be with you,” but that sounded too much like begging. She hadn’t given him any indication she wanted him here. Had, in fact, made several comments about keeping things light. And that friends-with-benefits mess. Totally unacceptable.

“Maybe you could come visit me,” she said. “When you can fly again.”

“Maybe,” he echoed, knowing he was lying.

“You will be coming back to Florida after all, once you make a deeper connection with your sister.”

“That’s probably not going to happen. Especially when I try to talk her out of getting married.”

“You’re probably right. Best just to tuck this relationship in the memory banks and let it go,” Tara said and fell silent.

And for the next six hours, neither one of them said another word.

14

Saturday, July 4, 3:45 p.m.

B
Y
THE
TIME
THEY
reached Key West the car was thick with tension. Boone’s muscles were coiled tight as he imagined what he would say to Jackie. He gave Tara directions to the wedding venue, fisted his hands against his thighs, and kept his eyes on the car’s digital clock. Tara had gotten him here in record time, with fifteen minutes to spare.

She stopped the Honda beside the wharf where the
Sea Anemone
was docked. “Go find her.”

“You’re not coming?”

“I’ll find a place to park and wait right here until you’re done.”

He wanted her with him, but felt he had no right to ask.

She rested her hand on his shoulder. “It’s a family matter, Boone. Go.”

He nodded, but couldn’t help wishing that she were part of the family so that she could be involved. His leg had gone to sleep, but he had to get to Jackie. He got out of the car and hobbled toward the
Sea Anemone
. The parking area was packed.

When he reached the ramp leading to the ship, he cast one last glance over his shoulder and saw Tara pulling the U-Haul around. She stuck her hand out the window and waved. He could almost hear her.
Go
.

Funny. Now that he was here, on the verge of achieving his goal, he was no longer sure he wanted it. Who was he to tell Jackie how to live her life?

Taking a deep breath, he boarded the ship, only now becoming aware of how ragtag he must look in a T-shirt and cargo shorts, his knee brace, with his hair mussed and his jawline whisker-laden.

Greeters stood at the door handing out programs as guests trickled aboard the ship, many of them wearing Coast Guard dress uniforms.

“Can you tell me where to find the bride?” Boone asked a slender young woman dressed in buttercup-yellow.

“She’s getting ready in the galley,” the woman explained. “But the ceremony is about to start.”

Boone limped toward the galley as fast as he could, his heart thumping, his mind racing as he tried out the speeches he’d rehearsed in his head on the drive down. Outside the galley he paused, and then knocked forcefully on the door.

“Who is it?” came a feminine voice.

“Is the bride in there?” Boone asked.

The door opened and a dark-haired woman peered out at him. “Yes.”

“Can I speak to her?”

The woman glanced at her watch. “There’s really no time.”

“It’s important.”

“Boone?” Jackie’s voice called to him from inside the room.

He stepped past the woman, crossed the threshold and saw his sister standing there in a white dress. She looked so beautiful and so damned happy.

“You came!” she exclaimed, and the fight they’d had dissolved just like that.

“You look...” He shook his head. “Radiant.”

“I feel radiant.”

He lumbered across the room, swept her into his arms for a hug.

“Your leg,” she exclaimed when he let her go. “What happened?”

“I had to have a third surgery.” He shrugged.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to worry you.”

She linked her arm through his, rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m so happy you’re here. You’re going to love Scott.”

“Jackie...” He paused and cast a glance at the other woman who was hovering at the door. “Can I speak to you alone?”

“Megan,” Jackie said to her friend, “can you give us a couple of minutes?”

“It’s five minutes to four,” Megan said.

“We’ll be quick.” Jackie smiled and Megan left the room.

Boone took his sister by the shoulders and looked into her eyes. “Are you sure you’re doing the right thing? You’ve only known this guy a few weeks.”

“People spend their lives searching for true love,” Jackie said. “But the truth is that we’re all so blind. We don’t find someone who is magically right for us. We’re in each other’s hearts all along and we recognize each other when we meet.”

“That’s very metaphysical, Jacks, and not very scientific.”

“There are a lot of things in this world that science can’t explain. Love is one of those things.”

Was this his sister the marine biologist speaking? “Now you sound like my friend Tara,” he mumbled.

Friend.
He’d called Tara his friend.

“You’ve got a girlfriend?” Jackie grinned.

“Don’t start matchmaking.” He raised his palms. “This is your day, and I just want to make sure you know what you’re doing.”

Jackie notched her chin up. “I do.”

“Are you sure?”

“Boone,” Jackie said, “when you find someone you love, truly love and trust, it’s the most beautiful gift in the entire world. I know you think that you had that with Shaina, but you didn’t. You might have loved her, but you couldn’t trust her. Unless you have trust, love won’t survive. I trust Scott with my life.”

He trusted Tara like that.

“You hang on to the past too tightly, Boone. Just let go. Let things unfold naturally.”

He certainly had no control over Tara. She went through life like a butterfly on the breeze, beautiful, sailing, happy.

He knew now why he’d initially resisted and resented her cheerful happiness. It was because he so desperately longed to be like her but feared that he could never be. And he was terrified that by being with her, he’d capture his sweet, beautiful butterfly in a jar and she’d die beating her wings against the glass.

“When you’re with the right person, your heart knows it.” Jackie placed her palm flat over his chest.

His gaze locked with his sister’s.

“Mom messed us up when she abandoned us,” Jackie said. “But we can’t allow her mistakes to define who we are. I’m taking a chance on marriage because it’s worth the gamble. Don’t let your fear keep you from finding love, Boone.”

He touched her cheek. “How did you get so wise, little sister?”

She smiled and said one word. “Love.”

* * *

T
ARA
SAT
IN
the nearby parking lot and decided she wasn’t going to keep her word. She wasn’t going to wait around for Boone to come back. He was with family now. He’d be okay. It was time for her to go home. She took a deep breath, started the engine and was just about to pull out when she spied Boone limping toward her.

The sight of him squeezed her heart, just as it always did.

He came over to the driver’s-side window. “Come on.”

“Are you serious? I’m dressed like a beach bum.”

“So am I. No one cares. But if you’d feel more comfortable, Jackie says she has a dress you can change into. They’re holding the wedding for us. Come on.”

She shook her head. The last thing she wanted was to see some bride and groom in love when her own heart was breaking. “No, Boone. This is your family event.”

“Please,” he said. “I want you there.”

“There’s no point. You said yourself that we weren’t going to be friends.”

“I was wrong about that. Come inside with me, we’ll talk about it later.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Please, sweetheart.” He held out his hand.

What could she say to that? Tara killed the engine and got out. That’s when she realized she was shaking.

Boone held out his hand and she took it, then slowly they walked onboard the ship together.

Three hours later they sat at a table at the reception at a nearby pavilion overlooking the ocean. They’d just finished a lovely meal. The toasts had been given. Glasses had been raised. The music and dancing had begun. Everyone who’d been sitting at their table was up on the dance floor. Tara was bobbing in her seat in time to a dreamy love ballad. She was wearing a blue sleeveless dress that Jackie had loaned her. It fit perfectly.

“Would you like to dance?” Boone asked.

“You can’t dance.” She pointed at his leg.

“We can stand on the dance floor and sway.”

“Your leg has been put through enough for one day.”

He got up, held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”

What was the point? Why was she here? The romantic wedding had been tough enough to get through, plucking at her tattered heartstrings. She was happy for Jackie and Scott, but dammit, she wanted her own happily-ever-after.

Wanted it with the man who was extending his hand.

Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she took his hand and let him lead her onto the dance floor just as the song ended.

“This next song goes out to Boone and Tara,” the band’s lead singer said into the microphone.

Tara looked at Boone. “You requested a song?”

His eyes darkened and he nodded.

The band launched into “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

Her chest knotted up, tears burned her eyes. “Boone,” she whispered.

“Tara,” he answered, his eyes latching on to hers, electrifying her.

Was he telling her that he was falling in love with her? Could it be true that he felt the same thing she was feeling? He cradled her cheek in his palm. She tried to hang on to some shred of control just in case he was not saying that, but why would he have requested that song from the band?

“I was wrong,” he said.

“About what?” She tried to keep her smile light, just in case this was all about to crumble around her.

“I think we should be friends.”

“Oh?”

“Not just friends.”

She arched her eyebrows. “Friends with benefits.”

“Yes.”

Her heart took a dip into her stomach. “I see.”

“I want to be friends. I want the benefits.” He winked. “But I want much more than that.”

“When did this happen?”

“It’s been happening for months, but I’ve been fighting it, denying it.”

“Why is that?”

“’Cause I’m one stubborn man, but it wasn’t until this trip and seeing my sister again that I realized the truth.”

“And what is that?”

“There’s nothing for me in Montana.” He paused, moistened his lips, tightened his grip on her. “Everything I care about is here in Florida. My sister.” He dipped his head and whispered in her ear, “My best friend.”

Something happened inside her. It felt as if her chest were caving in at the same time her heart was swelling so big she could not breathe. She could scarcely believe he was telling her these things.

He kissed her, slowly, gently, completely, then pulled back to gaze into her face again. “I love you, Tara Duvall. I love everything about you—the crazy color you paint your toenails, that sexy little wiggle of yours, the way you know how to use a pistol, how you hitch a ride from farmers on tractors and the way your smile lights up the morning. I love how thunderstorms make you run to me. But most of all, I love the way you invite people into your life with wide-open arms.”

“Like this?” she said, and she held her arms wide and then wrapped him up close against her.

“Exactly like that,” he said. “You are exactly what I’ve been waiting for my whole life, my perfect counterpoint, the other half of me.”

“I love you, too, Boone Toliver. But you better watch out,” she teased. “The next thing you know, you’ll be telling me that you believe in fate.”

“Sweetheart, you can make me believe that anything’s possible.” And with that he kissed her and sealed their fates together forever.

* * * * *

Keep reading for an excerpt from
His First Noelle
by Rhonda Nelson!