Rory: Hope City, Book 7 by Maryann Jordan (uplifting books for women txt) 📕

some guys that said you had high expectations when it came to a man spending money on you. And since I was newly out of the Army with some money saved up but not nearly enough to do all the things I wanted to do, I had moved back in with my parents. I had a volunteer position with the HCFD and… well, I was as far from a high-roller as you could get. On top of that, I had just gotten hired as a new EMT and was approved for paramedic training. The last thing I had besides money was time.”

“So, instead of getting to know me better and making a decision for yourself, you just cut me loose. Rather rudely.”

He sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Nodding, he looked at her, his gaze never wavering. “Yeah… I was an ass.”

His words moved through her, and she felt the warm blanket of his tangible sincerity drape over her. “I appreciate you telling me this, Rory. I was never sure what I did to be on the receiving end of your acrimony.”

“I’m sorry, Sandy. I’ve always considered myself to be fair when dealing with others. I failed spectacularly with you.”

Her lips curved upward, and she shrugged. “I’ve accepted your apology, Rory, so don’t keep beating yourself up. It was nice to have you attend to me when I fainted.” Rolling her eyes, she added, “Which is proof positive why you’re the paramedic, and I should never attempt a rescue.”

“But you didn’t faint at the shelter when the director was bitten.”

“Yes, and if you noticed, I stayed away. Believe me, I was woozy. The other woman working had jumped in to get her a towel, and I stayed far away with the animals.”

“Hey, don’t sell yourself short! It didn’t look like the cashier at the sandwich shop was up to handling the emergency, and you jumped in to do what you could. It was only when EMS got there and took over that it hit you. Just like when you helped the woman who’d been roofied at the Celtic Cock. You knew exactly what to do and helped her until we could take over.”

She jumped to her feet and started toward the door, blurting, “Yes… well, thanks for your help today, Rory. And especially for your apology.”

She turned and saw him standing in the middle of the room, having not followed her. He held her gaze then walked slowly until he was standing directly in front of her. He lifted his hand and gently brushed his knuckles over her cheek.

“I know something must’ve happened to you, Sandy.”

“I don’t… I’m not… it’s not…” She desperately wanted to stop the conversation before it went further, but the feel of his fingers on her cheek made her want to lean into his warmth. She crossed her arms protectively over her stomach and swallowed deeply.

He stepped closer. “I know that we can’t pick up where we left off before I was an ass, but I’m going to prove to you that I can be a better man and start anew. And one day, you’ll be able to tell me everything.”

Ensnared by the electricity passing between them and the sincerity of his voice, she barely managed to choke out a whisper. “I don’t talk about it.”

“You will. When you trust me again, you’ll be able to tell me anything.”

“The past can’t be changed.”

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for just a moment. “I can’t change your past, but I can work to protect your future.”

With that, he stepped back and she instantly felt the cool air settle where his warmth had been. He walked to the door and looked over his shoulder, calling out, “Lock up after me.”

She did so on automatic pilot and then walked to the window and watched him jog to his truck. Dropping the curtain, she stood, his words still running through her mind. I’m sorry… start anew… be a better man… tell me everything… trust me again… protect your future…

“I don’t know that you have any words for me right now, Grandmother,” she whispered to the empty room, causing Ocee to lift his head and stare at her.

“A lady never leaves dirty dishes lying about.”

Grinning, she shook her head to dislodge Rory from her mind, then walked over and picked up the platter and empty teacup, taking them into the kitchen.

15

Rory parked outside the Celtic Cock, seeing Sandy’s SUV down the street. Hustling inside, he scanned the interior, zeroing immediately on Sandy sitting with Harper and Bekki King at a high-top table with Sean and Blay standing next to them, arms crossed over their chests. Stalking over, he offered a chin lift to his brother and his best friend before greeting the women.

“Oh, my God!” Harper said, “Are you here to stand guard as well?”

He grinned as she turned her gaze up toward Sean and said, “Honey, we are perfectly capable of watching our drinks. You don’t have to stand here while we try to have a conversation.”

“It’s not up for discussion, babe,” Sean said, bending over to kiss the top of her head. His words may have sounded a bit harsh, but his tone was full of concern, and at his kiss, Harper smiled in return.

Rory knew Blay was there to keep an eye on his sister and continued grinning as Bekki rolled her eyes. Settling his gaze on Sandy, he battled the desire to tell her she was beautiful. Her hair was pulled away from her face but the length waved down her back. Her blue sweater matched her eyes perfectly. Her skirt was not short but made her legs look amazing. Blowing out his breath, he focused on her face. “It’s nice to see you again. How are you?”

He could feel Harper’s eyes boring into the side of his head, but he ignored her. He only cared about what Sandy thought.

She looked up, her brow furrowed slightly, and pulled