A Healing Heart Read online

  Lacey stopped pushing Riley, and he got out, not happy. His head hung down, his little mouth in a pout. “I wanna stay!”

  Collin stepped in this time. “Hey, buddy, we’ve got to get going anyway. How about another day?”

  Riley looked up at Collin, a bit unsure, but I could see him wavering.

  “Promise?” he pleaded, then bit his lower lip. I was beginning to think he was right on the verge of a meltdown.

  “I promise.”

  “’Kay.” With that, Riley grabbed Lacey’s hand, while Collin and I followed them to the parking lot.

  “So, I can pick you up at five tonight, and we can go to dinner,” Collin stated as we got to the cars.

  “Oh, really? Pretty sure of yourself, huh? Not even going to ask me to go?”

  Grinning, his eyes piercing into mine, Collin replied, “No, I know you’ll say yes.”

  I had to laugh at that; he was right. I’d been dreading having to say goodbye, and now I knew I’d see him again in just a few short hours.

  “Okay, five sounds fine.” I gave him my aunt and uncle’s address, buckled Riley into his car seat, and drove out of the parking lot, waving to Collin as we pulled out. He smiled in return. The next few hours were going to feel like a lifetime, and I needed to find something to wear!

  * * *

  I stood in front of my closet, tossing one item of clothing after another on the bed. I could find nothing that I wanted to wear tonight, the clock was ticking slowly away, and I was running out of time. Finally, I settled on a green sweater, my favorite pair of jeans, and a pair of boots.

  Returning to my bathroom, the mirror was still steamy from the quick shower I had just taken. I wiped it with my towel so that I could see again. Brushing my wet, tangled hair, I started the long process of blow-drying it. I decided to use my flatiron and pulled pieces of my hair back into a small clip, leaving small wisps of bangs in the front. Carefully, I applied my makeup and sprayed my hair in an attempt to keep it in place. I dabbed my favorite perfume at my wrists and neck. After taking one last look in the mirror, I went back to my room and grabbed the jewelry I had laid out. Glancing at my clock, I realized it was almost five, and Collin would be here soon. As I was sitting on my bed, pulling on my boots, the doorbell rang. He was early.

  My aunt was downstairs, and she answered the door. I had given her a quick update when I got home, and I was glad she didn’t hound me with a bunch of questions. She was happy that I was going out and having fun.

  I finished tugging on my boots, then grabbed my cell phone and threw it into my purse. As I got to the top of the stairs, I could see Collin was already standing in the entryway talking with my aunt. He was wearing a long-sleeved, blue Henley shirt, with the top buttons open at his throat, and jeans. His hair was slightly spiked with hair gel; he was simply gorgeous. Still in shock that he’d even asked me out, I was nervous and excited at the same time. As I started down the stairs, his eyes turned in my direction, and he smiled.

  “You’re early,” I stated.

  “Only a bit. I was talking with your aunt.”

  My aunt had turned to look at me, and I could see the big grin on her face. I may not have gotten a bunch of questions when I told her I was going out, but I was pretty sure I was going to be drilled when I got back.

  “You two have fun, but not too late, it’s a school night.”

  Collin stepped back and waited for me to walk out the door. He came up next to me as we walked down the sidewalk to his car. He opened the passenger door and I slid in. As he shut the door, I buckled my seat belt and waited for him to get in. His car was spotless; he must detail it all the time. The smell of his cologne lingered in the car. Breathing in deeply, I savored the scent, light but so masculine. He opened his door and got in, put the key in the ignition, and started the car. The rumble of the exhaust was even louder than I had thought.

  “Is Mexican okay?” he asked as he buckled his seat belt.

  “Sure, I love Mexican.”

  “Great, I know this really good place. It’s kind of a hole in the wall, so don’t be scared, but the food is awesome.”

  The butterflies that had been fluttering wildly in my stomach were starting to settle down. We drove off with the music from the radio softly in the background.

  “So, how do you like Riverview?” I asked. It seemed a safe enough topic.

  “It’s okay, probably one of the nicer places we’ve lived. I like that it’s so close to so many different areas. Being able to drive an hour and be at the mountains or the beach is a nice plus. What about you? Do you like it here, or did you like Oregon better?”

  “I miss Oregon a lot, but I like it here. My family lived here when I was younger, up until my brother was born and then we moved up to Oregon. We came back to visit family and spend vacations down here. There’s a lot more to do here for sure. It was hard at first, but I think that was more just trying to adjust to everything that had happened than the place. I think one of my favorite things is the orange blossoms in the spring. The smell is like nothing else, sweet and so clean. So where else have you lived?” I decided it was his turn to answer more questions.

  “Utah, Arizona, Texas, several different cities in California. The longest place we lived was Salt Lake City when I was little, up until Lacey was born.”

  “And where was your favorite?”

  “Here.”

  There was no hesitation in his voice as he glanced over at me and smiled, causing me to promptly blush. I hated that I blushed so easily; it was so embarrassing!

  “Okay. So what do you enjoy doing in your free time?” I asked, trying to steer the conversation in another direction.

  “Working on cars. I love the sports cars, Camaros, Trans Ams, Mustangs, ‘Vettes. I enjoy doing modifications to them to make them faster.”

  “Well, I guess that explains your car and the fact that it’s in pristine condition.”

  “There’s nothing like driving with total control over the car. The feeling as it moves through turns, the power under the hood. Finding new products that are bigger and better than the previous ones. Taking the time to pull things apart and understand how they work. Being able to fix them when they’re broken.”

  Watching him as he drove, I noticed that he was at ease and in total control, so relaxed behind the wheel, the car almost like it was a part of him. I could sense his underlying strength, the need to push boundaries a bit harder, see where his limitations were. After a twenty-minute drive, we ended up in an area I’d never been before. I wasn’t sure I would have ever come here by myself. It was indeed a small little hole in the wall, as he’d said.

  He parked the car, and I got out before he could come around to get the door. It was nice to be treated as a lady, but sometimes it felt a little awkward. I was perfectly capable of opening a door by myself.

  “Are you sure your car is going to be here when we get done?”

  He chuckled. “Yes, it’ll be fine. I’ve come here a lot. I found it one day driving around with a friend. It really is some of the best Mexican food ever, I promise.”

  Inside, we were seated in a small corner booth opposite each other. The hostess left us with our menus and walked away.

  “Anything you get will be good.”

  I looked around, a little skeptical. “Okay, I’m trusting you on this one.” There were only a few people seated around us, and the place was mostly empty. We ordered our drinks, and Collin added the nachos plate as an appetizer. For dinner, I decided on the cheese enchiladas, while Collin selected a combo plate with several different items on it.

  Our nachos arrived quickly, a bonus of an uncrowded restaurant. Collin handed over a plate, took one for himself, and began pulling chips loaded with melted cheese, beans, and jalapeños onto his plate. I cautiously took one and tasted it. It was really good, and I was impressed.

  “Wow, okay, that was good,” I told Collin after eating a couple of chips slathered in creamy cheese.

  “Told
you,” he said with a big grin. “You doubted me?”

  “Well...not really. Let’s just say I’m surprised.”

  “Wait until your dinner gets here.”

  We finished off the nachos——well, Collin mostly finished off the nachos, as I was still battling a nervous stomach. Our dinners arrived, and Collin dug in to his huge plate. I thought there was no way he was going to finish everything. I bit into my enchiladas and was in heaven. They were the best I’d ever had.

  “Okay, you’re right, this is the best Mexican food ever. Thanks for bringing me.”

  “Glad you’re enjoying it. I don’t get over here very often; usually I’m too busy. I have a couple other favorite places I’ll have to introduce you to.”

  My heart raced at the thought of going out with him again. “I won’t doubt you again.”

  We finished dinner and walked back to the car. Collin again opened the door for me and I got in. After he was behind the wheel, he began driving back toward Riverview. We were taking a different route home. I looked over at Collin, taking in his perfect profile as he drove through the streets. Sensing my glance, he looked over, catching me looking at him, and smiled.

  “I have one other place to show you before I take you home. If you have time.”

  “Sure.” I wasn’t ready for the evening to be over, and anything that prolonged him taking me back home sounded like a great idea.

  We got off the freeway, an exit past Riverview, and Collin drove down a side road that wound through the low hillsides surrounding the town. After a few minutes, we came around a corner, and the valley with all its lights appeared. It was beautiful; I’d never been here before and wondered how, after spending the last two years here, I could have missed this peaceful place. There was a big turnout at the top that Collin pulled into and stopped the car. We got out, walked over to a bench, and sat overlooking the lights.

  “This is amazing! I’ve never been up here before.” I turned to him, excited.

  “I found it while I was out exploring one night. I tend to do a lot of driving. It helps me relax and gives me time to think.”

  We sat there in the dark, silent, taking in the views. I was curious about what was going through his head, wondered if he was having a good time, if he’d really take me out again as he’d hinted. I was drawn to him in a way I’d never been drawn to anyone before. It was exciting and frightening at the same time.

  The air was cool, a slight breeze stirring the trees nearby. The stars above us were shining bright and clear. It was so peaceful. It was a bit chilly, and I got cold easily. The breeze caused me to shiver, and Collin noticed. Before I realized what he was doing, he had gone back to the car and retrieved his jacket. As he draped it over my shoulders, a jolt of electricity shot through me when his fingers lightly grazed my shoulders, causing me to shiver again.

  “Thanks. I didn’t realize how chilly it is out here.” His cologne clung to the material; it was hard for me to think straight.

  “We won’t stay long, I wouldn’t want you to get sick. I just thought you might like it here.”

  “I do. This is so cool. Thanks for bringing me.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  The romantic side of me wanted him to wrap me in his arms, to kiss me, but the practical side of me was trying to keep things in check, trying to slow things down. They were happening so quickly. I took a deep breath; I needed to enjoy this moment, to remember it. The minutes quietly slipped by, and before too long, it was time to head home. As we walked back to the car, I started to pull off his jacket to return it.

  “Just keep it on for the ride home, until you get warmed up.”

  “Thanks. I should have thought to bring my jacket.”

  “It’s okay.”

  Collin turned back onto the road, weaving his way through the curvy streets back to town. We arrived at the front of my aunt and uncle’s house too quickly, and it was time to go inside. Collin got out and walked me to the door. My aunt had left the front porch lights on, and I could see the lights were on in the house. I knew she would be waiting for me when I got inside.

  “Well, here you are. I had fun tonight. Thanks for coming with me.”

  Pulling off his jacket, I handed it back to him. “Thanks for inviting me, I had a great time.”

  I stood there uncertain as to what to expect. He took the jacket from me and slung it over his arm. Pulling my keys out of my purse, I started to turn to the door to unlock it. His hand reached out so gently and brushed the side of my cheek. I couldn’t move, just looked deep into his blue eyes. His gaze made me warm all through my body and down to my toes.

  “‘Night,” he said so gently, almost a whisper.

  “Good night. Thanks again.”

  “I’ll see you at school.”

  He pulled his hand back, turned, and walked back down the sidewalk to his car. I watched him go, and before he could catch me staring, I finished unlocking the door and went inside. After shutting the door, I spun around, looking back through the peephole. Watching him get in his car, I saw him glance back up at the house, and then he pulled away from the curb.

  “Well, it looks like you had a good time,” my aunt said from behind me, startling me so bad that I jumped.

  “What? Uh, yeah. We had a nice time.” I could feel the warmth spread across my face.

  I locked the front door and started for the stairs. “I’m tired, I’ve got to get to bed for school in the morning.”

  “It’s okay, Bailey. I’m glad you’re going out and having a good time. You deserve it. And he is very cute, I must add. It’s good to see you smile again. I’ve missed that.”

  I walked over to my aunt and gave her a big hug. I was not the only one that had lost loved ones. My aunt had lost her twin sister, and I knew that she had suffered just as I had over the past couple of years.

  “Thanks, Aunt Rachelle. I know I don’t always let you know how much I love you guys.” I could feel her arms tighten around me, and then she let me go.

  I hurried up the stairs and down the hall to my room. I tossed my purse on the desk and fell onto the bed, staring at the ceiling in total disbelief. What a crazy couple of days! What an exciting couple of days! As I laid there thinking I needed to text Mia and Tasha, because they would want all the details, I heard my phone beep. I pulled the phone out of my purse assuming it was Mia or Tasha. But the text was from Collin.

  sweet dreams; c u 2morrow

  I could scarcely press the right keys as I answered back:

  thanks! u 2 had a great time

  My next text was to Mia and Tasha:

  I’m back, had an AWESOME time, I’ll give u details 2morrow

  They both came back almost immediately:

  u better! was from Mia.

  glad u had fun! :) was from Tasha.

  I responded to them both: =)

  Getting ready for bed, I slid under my covers, replaying the entire day in my head. I finally drifted off to sleep, and it was the first time in years that my sleep was not tormented by nightmares.

  ~ Collin ~

  Staring at the phone that I held in my hand, I still couldn’t figure out exactly what my feelings were. In just a matter of days, everything was turned upside down, and I wasn’t sure that I liked it. I’d organized my world into one of sense and order, and a nagging sensation tormented me that nothing would be the same again.

  Bailey had stirred feelings in me that I’d never felt before. I’d had several girlfriends over the past few years, and we’d always gotten along and had fun, but it was never like this. Even my childhood girlfriend, Savannah, that I had always been close to, had never stirred such emotions.

  I had an overwhelming need to protect Bailey, to comfort her, wishing that I could take all her hurt and pain away. I didn’t like feeling that my thoughts and emotions were no longer mine to control, but that they were now somehow tied up with Bailey.

  Sitting in the park earlier with her as we shared our past histories was hard. It
was worse to relive and tell those hurts that I had buried inside. Usually, I held them in tight control, rarely letting them out. But it felt right, like it was meant to be, and after I had spilled my guts, I felt almost like a heavy load had lifted from my shoulders. I thought my life had been difficult. For years I’d been bitter that Lacey had been cheated out of a mother, but I realized that in so many ways she was still lucky. Even though Dad wasn’t around a lot, he was there, and he did love both of us. I was also there making sure that Lacey had everything she needed. Bailey had lost her entire family, and there was nothing that could replace that.

  When it had been time to leave the park, I knew that I wasn’t ready to let her go yet. A strong desire to spend more time with her burned inside me. I had to see if I could unravel the mysterious pull that she had on me. I liked nothing better than a challenge.

  Dinner had been relaxed and fun. Deciding to take her up to the lookout had been a last-minute decision. It was one of my favorite places that I went to a lot, a place where I could think and unwind. Keeping myself from pulling her in my arms had taken every possible restraint. I didn’t want to scare her or push her too quickly. I could be patient and give her some time.

  Spring break was coming up in one short week. I wondered if she was going to be gone, or if she was going to stay around town for the two weeks off of school. Secretly, I wished that she’d be home with few plans; it would give me a chance to spend more time with her.

  Walking her to the front door, I had longed to kiss her, to know what her lips tasted like. Her eyes had seemed greener tonight, intense, focused. When I touched her cheek, a shot of electricity burned through my arm, which shook me a bit. The chemistry that was beginning to simmer between us baffled me. Girls did not have this effect on me; it was always the other way around. I was the one that was always able to disarm any girl with just a look. Having the tables turned didn’t sit well. I was surprised that saying goodnight had even been vocal and was glad it didn’t betray my feeling of being out of control.

  Tomorrow was another day, and I wondered what it might bring. Moving from town to town had been hard on Lacey and me, but for the first time, I was happy for this move because it had brought me to Bailey.