Head Over Wheels (Steamy New Adult Romance) (33 page)

In the Wrangler, we followed Pete and Casey onto the Interstate. After riding in silence, Indigo reached for my hand. "All things considered, it was a nice getaway. I needed it." Again, wearing aviator sunglasses, he looked hotter than ever, and relaxed.

"Does all things considered mean us?"

"Everything, I guess. I feel so much better, Jewel. It's got to mean something ..."

"Huh?"

"What we've been through ... our ups and downs. We care enough to disagree and not just walk away."

Sunlight pulsed through the trees, piercing the windshield, my eyes. I pulled my purple shades down from where they'd been resting on my head. "Things got rocky for a while, but we're solid," I said lazily, peace falling over me. I gazed at Indigo, then looked out the window, watching civilization reappear and dwindle as we passed rest stops and small towns. "The weekend flew." I was so mellow, I could have drowned in the beautiful wave of exhaustion sweeping over me. Closing my eyes I left myself drift, leaving my present, my future, in Indigo's hands.

The good times usually do.” He cradled my hand. “In a way, I’m sorry to see it end. It was fun sleeping with you.”

“So that’s what you call everything we did ... fun?”

“You know what I’m talking about.” He clicked his tongue. “You and that temper. You’re always ready to attack me.” His hand dropped to my kneecap and he squeezed, which made me scream. “You love stirring the pot, don’t you?”

“You’re so cute when you’re trying to defend yourself, and I just love making up with you.” I giggled. “And you have to admit ... you do have a way with words.”

“Are you implying I need a lot of understanding?”

Shaking my head, I sighed. “Is climbing Mt. Everest a challenge? Speaking of which, I’m ready to answer that question now.”

“Now you’re really confusing me.” He didn’t turn his head, but I was still able to see his smile.

“Join the club.” I laughed. “Remember our first date?”

“How could I ever forget? You scared the hell out of me.”

"As if." I burst out laughing. "After getting to know you better ... you
are
a challenge.”

"I was being honest." He ran his hand up and down my thigh. "I liked having you in bed me with me. I don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight ... without you."

I studied his face to see if he was serious, but he was unreadable. I gulped. "I guess I could get used to it too."

"Hey, how about dinner tonight?"

"Sure." I was thrilled he wouldn't be dropping me off at my apartment and leaving. I'd been giving quite a bit of thought to the walk of shame, wondering if things would be the same between us once we got back to the city ... and here was my answer. He didn't want to leave me any more than I wanted to leave him.

"I'll cook for you." He glanced at me and smiled. "Sound good?"

"Sounds great." I burrowed into my seat, clutching his arm, feeling so content. "What's on the menu?"

"To be decided." He chuckled, running his palm over my thigh. "And ..."

"And what?"

"I was thinking. How about staying the night?"

"You've been thinking, huh?" I giggled. Excitement escalated, along with my butterflies. "The worst thing about a getaway is going home with the blahs, you know what I mean? Like the holiday letdown."

"Is that a yes or a no?"

"A definite yes. I'd love to spend the night at your place. I'd be lonely ... after ..."

"Tell me about it." He squeezed my hand. "Yeah," he sighed, "things are looking better  and better ..."

"I'll drink to that. How about some tunes?" I reached for the radio, passing stations until I heard something I could fall into. "Ahh. Now that's relaxation." I started grooving, tossing my hands around, singing, really hamming it up. I grabbed my travel mug from the cup holder and toasted to the beat.

Indigo stole several glances, shook his head, then began to laugh.

"What's so funny?" I sang to him, bobbing my head.

"You have to ask?" As his fingers tapped the wheel, he started rocking out.

"Look at you, all cool over there, singin' and groovin'." I laughed. "Is that how you looked in high school? All hot and handsome. An arm hanging out the window, picking up girls?"

Shaking his head, he looked too hysterical to even drive. I reached for his abs, and he shoved me away. "Stop it or I'm gonna have to pull over."

"Truth or dare."

"No."

"How old were you when you bagged your first female?" I reached for his abs again. "Did she wear one of those cute little school uniforms with a pleated skirt hiked up to her panties? Showing off her bum bum?"

"What's in that mug?" While steadying the wheel, trying to keep his eyes on the road, he grabbed for it.

"Coffee. So you went to a private school right? With all those proper rowdy people?"

"Actually, I went to parochial school and at one time, I thought about becoming a priest."

My eyes bulged. "Oh my God. No way."

He burst out laughing.

"I almost believed you." I swatted his arm. "Now you're in for it ... pull over ... you're gonna get it." I sank my fingers into his thigh and tugged.

"It's gonna have to wait until after dinner, babe." He smirked.

"Now that you bring it up ... does that dinner you're cooking include dessert?"

"Of course. Actually, we can start with dessert if you'd like ... your phone's ringing."

"Huh?"

"Someone's phone is ringing." He tapped the pocket of his cargo pants. "Not mine."

"Boy, you've got good ears." I turned the radio off. "Yay. Service." I grabbed my cell from my bag. "It's Yvonne," I relayed her message as she spoke. "Your mother just called Derek. She reamed him out for being out of contact. She wanted him there yesterday." I watched Indigo's face tighten. Refusing to let him drop back into the dismal zone, I rested my hand on his arm, my fingers caressing. "She wants him there today. Something about the show being moved to Friday and she needs time to fit him ... and coach him."

Indigo sighed and I could see the curtain fall. The poor guy couldn't even enjoy a weekend without someone in his family brewing up a storm. My heart went out to him, along with kisses I mouthed and blew, trying to raise his spirits, but my actions were hopeless, like the look on his face.

"How much do you care about Derek?" His voice held that deflated tone that made my stomach almost turn inside out.

"Huh?"

"Whether or not he's in the show ... does it really matter?"

"Oh geeze ... he's so hyped, he'd freak if it was called off."

"I guess we're going then. Have Derek tell her we should be there before dinner. Try to get a hold of Pete and tell him to point us in the direction of Westchester."

W
hen we reached our exit, Pete and Casey slowed, threw out hand signals, then sped ahead. As we made the cloverleaf turn I watched them disappear and something resembling emptiness scurried across my tummy. After one glance at Indigo, the feeling retreated, but I wasn't happy about the tight look on his face.

The Briar Ridge house was another mansion, the backyard overlooking a golf course. It was white, had all kinds of angles and peaks, resembling a fortress surrounded by hedges and wrought iron fences. We parked in the circular driveway edged by rows of plants and shrubbery. The grounds were a horticulturist's haven: lush lawns wrapping walkways, creeping past fountains, leading to a conservatory.

Indigo parked the Wrangler, and the Escalade crawled to a stop at our bumper. Derek and Yvonne bounded from the car. Derek was yelling, "Let's get this shit rollin', people. I'm about to be famous.” He started dancing around the driveway.

Yvonne rolled her eyes, but her smile was huge. Running to catch him, she pulled him to her side, laughing. "He’s been driving me crazy all the way home."

I was happy for their company, the fortification, not wanting to face the looming place before us, one on one. I motioned for Emma and Bill to join us. When they didn't move from the back seat, I tapped on the window, coaxing, "Come on, Em."

She shook her head, and Bill put his face in front of hers. "We'll sit this one out, Jewel."

My eyes went from his to Emma's. I angled my head. "But ..."

"We have things to talk about." Bill grinned.

"Wedding plans to make." Emma's voice was muffled behind him. "Don't worry. We'll be here when you get back."

She didn't realize that was not what I was worried about. They looked so cute and cuddly in the back seat. I sighed, assuming remaining in the car was Bill's way of sparing himself and Emma the misery that lurked inside the lovely home.

"Let's go, babe," Indigo said, pulling me from Emma's eyes, "before Derek breaks the door down."

Indigo's fingers wrapped mine protectively when Elizabeth opened the door, her face forming its usual pinch. Without mincing words, Derek was led upstairs and without invitation, Yvonne automatically followed him, leaving Indigo and me standing in the foyer.

"Hey," I said, "your house is beautiful."

His lips twitched into a grimace. "Come on, I'll show you around." Softening, he kissed the top of my every finger that was joined with his, then taking both of my hands, he towed me behind him.

The place was immaculate and silent, like a museum, with statues on pedestals, gold-framed pictures, vases filled with floral arrangements. The soles of our shoes squeaked upon marble floors merging with crimson carpeting. The vaulted ceilings were high, and when I lifted my gaze, I realized the forest we'd just left seemed to offer more comfort.

"So that's the end of the tour ... and here's my room." Indigo led me to his bed and kissed my forehead. I knew he was trying to appear upbeat, but one look at the strain on his face told me he was putting on one of the biggest acts of his life.

With a king sized bed and gleaming dark furniture, the room reminded me of his apartment bedroom, but not half as warm. It looked like a showroom, rather than a place one would use for relaxation and a good night's rest.

"I'm gonna hop in the shower." His eyes tested mine. "I won't be long, okay?"

"Sure ... I'll be fine." I smiled and pulled his face close. "You okay?"

"I'll be better when we're out of here." He lifted a brow, then rolled his eyes. "I'll be right in there if you need me." He motioned to the half open door of the adjacent bathroom. "Or ... if you want to join me." He didn't pull his grin off very well.

"I bet that would go over big."  I smirked and waved as he closed the door behind him. While I waited, I sat at his desk, flipping through his medical books. As promised, he returned in a few minutes, wrapped in a towel. I watched him dress, then held out one of his books, quizzing him on the photographs of different diseases that had shocked me. I decided being a doctor might not be all it was cracked up to be. It had to take a strong stomach, and dedication. I knew Indigo had both.

In less than an hour we were joined by Derek and Yvonne, who happily departed the premises to head for home immediately upon dismissal. I imagined things had gone well. As they whisked by, Yvonne said she'd call to fill me in on everything. We were all bone tired and couldn't wait to get home. In a sense, Indigo
was
home, but he didn't look very comfortable.

The aroma of cooking wafted from the kitchen, and Indigo led me into the dining room, where I hesitated. "I wasn't planning on dinner ... here."

"If you're not hungry, it's okay. We'll say a quick goodbye and take off. Grab a seat." Boy, had his mood changed.

An upholstered barrel chair was positioned on either side of the polished table, a high back chair at each end. It was a no brainer. I chose a decorative barrel chair and started my mental countdown, more than ready to leave that morgue and get back to his apartment.

Sitting across from Indigo was difficult. Not being able to touch him was even harder. My nipples had been sucked raw, and now my emotions. My breasts throbbed against the soft fabric of my bra, a constant reminder of the weekend we'd spent in each other's arms. I'd been loved so intensely, my body still ached with pleasure, and I wanted to share my joy. My legs were much of my height. Extending a foot, I stretched beneath the table, nudging his shoe, offering a smile.

Then Vanessa paraded into the room, her hair twisted and coiled, decorated with sparkling ornaments somewhat matching her foil-like shift dress. I was all for fashion, but she looked extraterrestrial. Her pale face, plastered with makeup, added to her eeriness, her alien attire.

Four additional barrel chairs were lined against the wall. She gripped the back of one, slid it across the floor, and of course, pulled it up beside Indigo. Hands resting on the back, she announced, "I'm introducing the show, and your mother. This is my outfit." Her face curled into a question mark. When we didn't reply, she said, "Well, what do you think?"

I stared in disbelief, certain I was hallucinating:
I think you're all insane
sprinted across my brain.

Indigo gave her a quick once-over, his face displaying the first sign of humor I'd witnessed since walking in the front door. "That's one hell of an outfit, Vanessa. What did she have to do to get you to agree to it?"

Her confusion sprang into a gloat when she said, "Your dad has fantastic news."

My stomach clenched. What was she up to now?

"What news?" Indigo's brows pulled together. His fingers drummed the table.

The atmosphere was so unfriendly, bordering sardonic. I wondered if things had always been this severe, and how the hell he could have taken it all of these years. His parents' muffled voices emanating from the next room shattered my analysis. Elizabeth's face was actually crushed by a small smile as she and her husband entered, side by side.

The dining room was large and echoed. Sapphire draperies drizzling from the half dozen windows failed to insulate the tension. His father stood at the head of the long oak table, directing everyone's attention to me. "I understand you're a friend of James's. I'm his father, Henry Ballou, and I'm an alcoholic." His face was as bland as my brain as he spoke.

Lord, was this man about to cleanse his soul right before our eyes? Indigo hadn't mentioned his father had joined AA. I assumed he wanted to afford the solemn man privacy. His father looked somewhat emaciated, but his facial characteristics were downright handsome. I realized Indigo, who appeared as shocked as I felt, shared his father's features, but nothing more.

"I'm making good on my promises." His father's eyes moved from Indigo to Elizabeth, even touching upon Vanessa. What the hell? What promises? Was he about to say he was going to be a better father? Go back to practicing medicine? Something was making Elizabeth's face crinkle, and we were about to discover what it was. "And the first is for you, James."

I couldn't keep swallowing. My mouth was already too dry.

"In Daniel's name, you'll be taking your residency in Paraguay. You'll be working with children, as you've wanted to since ..." he held his voice steady, "since Daniel's passing."

My heart flipped. My mouth dropped. My stomach rolled into a ball. Were my ears deceiving me? Or was Indigo? I stared into the panic gripping his eyes. Mine began to tear and plead with him: "What? Why? Why didn't you tell me you were going away?"

At the mention of Daniel, Elizabeth's expression drooped like modeling clay under a blowtorch. I stared at her face, my gaze dropping to her wrists. Indigo had said, after Danny's death, he had found her in a pool of blood, holding a knife. But her wrists weren't scarred. Then it hit me. I focused on her neck, the brightly colored scarves she always wore, realizing what they were concealing. Dear God. She had tried to slit her own throat.

While everything around me blurred, Henry continued with his heartrending speech. Fingers twisted in damp palms, I hid my trembling hands beneath the table. I wanted to cover my face, to scream out to Indigo, for someone to tell me it was all a dream – a bad dream – the worst nightmare of my life. But no one did, and Indigo could barely look at me.

"And Vanessa. On behalf of your father, my close friend Jon, while James is practicing medicine, you'll be writing for the Paraguayan English news. I know you've always wanted to be a journalist. You two practically grew up together ... now you'll be studying together." He was breaking my heart – why was he smiling with pride?

I caught Vanessa's complacent stare. She had known all about this. I wanted to choke. I wanted to vomit. I wanted to jump over the table and strangle her.

"I pulled some strings," Henry was saying, winking as he blew my life to shreds.

Gathered with the family, I forced myself to stay in my seat, while with bowed heads, the Serenity Prayer was recited. While my body froze, my mind stuttered, wondering if any of the fanfare would do more than part Indigo and me, possibly bring the family together. Once more, I felt like I was hallucinating, or that I had slipped in to a comatose state, and without knowing, I was suffering in purgatory.

While the maid served the meal, I excused myself and hurried to the bathroom. My bag was still in the Wrangler, but my cell phone was in my pocket. After dabbing away every single trace of tears, I dialed Pete and gave him the address. "Come and get me, Pete," I held back a sob, "I need to get home – fast."

Pete didn't question or argue. I heard his phone disconnect and before thirty minutes had expired, the Harley roared into the driveway, sounding as mad as I knew Pete would be when he learned what had transpired.

Although I hadn't eaten a bite, I thanked Indigo's parents for the meal and left the table, my parting words, "I have an early day tomorrow. It's been a lovely visit." Attempting to appear unscathed, I did everything but curtsy.

Indigo was standing beside me, saying he'd walk me to the door. Each time his fingers crept around mine, I shook free. He didn't seem to realize the "Goodbye," I said was for good. There was no place for me inside those walls, or in his arms.

I felt sorrow for him. I felt love for him. He was the pillar of strength, at the same time, the whipping post for dysfunctional parents. But there was nothing I could do. The roots ran too deep. I was torn in two: I couldn't leave him like that, but I also couldn't stay.

We stood in the foyer, where the tables of tradition were reversed. I was the hero rescuing the damsel in distress. "Jimmy," I pleaded with my eyes, "don't stay here. Come home with me. Stay the night," I whispered, thinking:
I'll make you forget. Make me forget.

I was screaming for the crash cart. Stay
with
me. Stay
with
me
.
He was dying and I was crying out for him to remain conscious.

"They're draining your resources, baby. I can understand your loyalty to your family, but Vanessa, she's like an incurable disease." I fought to keep my voice low, attempting to chip away at his reserve, but he was unresponsive. Hands stuffed into his pockets, he stared at the floor.

"Why didn't you tell me about your plans?" My voice hit a pitch. My jaw clenched so tight, any more pressure might have cracked my teeth.

Finally facing me, Indigo brought his hands to his head, ran his fingers through his hair before they locked. With elbows jutting from either side, he looked like he was under arrest.

Guilty! Guilty! Guilty! I wanted to scream at him, pound his chest with my fists but instead braced them against my temples, trying to erase all memory of the night, the day, Vanessa, Indigo, Paraguay.

His arms fell to his sides, his eyes the palest blue and watery. "I didn't mean for this to happen, Jewel. I
was
planning on going away, but that was before I met you. I should have told you, but we had so much going on ... I never meant to hurt you."

"Famous last words," I scoffed.

He reached for me, but I shook free of his intention.

"So, I was a pastime till you left the country?" Hands on hips, my eyes narrowed.