Love For Hire: The Helena's Grove Series Book 2 (10 page)

Annie sat in her dorm room, deeply engrossed in homework. She’d dove into her classes head first, pouring herself into them, reading every page, taking notes, and never missing a class. She felt she would do very well this semester. Roxy, of course, let her know that she couldn’t spend the rest of her life hiding behind her school work but Annie found that for the time being, it was working for her. The four weeks since New Year’s Day had been some of the longest she’d ever known. She found herself thinking about Adam nearly every waking moment, constantly wondering where he was and if he was having a good day. She had stopped hoping to bump into him after a couple weeks, but still caught herself holding her breath when she saw the back of a tall blond stranger. It never was him but she couldn’t stop herself from making sure. Annie had just finished another chapter in her anatomy book when someone knocked on her door. She opened it to find Jen standing in the hallway.

“Hey!  What are you doing here?” Annie asked as they embraced.

“Oh, Zack had a few days off and I did too so we decided to make a surprise visit.”

“That’s great!” Annie beamed. “Where’s Zack?”

“He said he had some things to do. He wants to meet us later.”

Annie nodded and they chatted as she showed Jen around the small apartment and explained her roommate situation.

“Is this the roommate that told you to hire Marcus?” Jen asked.

Hearing his name, though it wasn’t technically his name, made Annie’s heart ache unexpectedly. “Yes she is.”

“And where is this roommate now?” Jen asked nonchalantly. “Does she spend most of her days in class?”

Annie shook her head. “No, Roxy is at work right now. She’s a bartender at that place on the corner.”

“I see.” Jen smiled.

Annie walked to her bed and began stacking her books. “And his name is actually Adam.”

Jen blinked a couple times. “Who?”

“Marcus. His real name is Adam.”

Jen nodded. “Ah, Adam huh? Yeah he looks like an Adam.” There was silence for a few seconds before Jen spoke again. “Speaking of which, whatever happened?”

“With what?”

“With Marcus, or Adam, or whatever his name is.”

“Oh, ummm nothing. He went his way and I went mine.”

Jen raised her eyebrows. “That’s it? That’s all you’re going to tell me?”

Annie shrugged. “There really isn’t much else to say. I told him how I felt and he didn’t want more. I took your advice and now I know. He doesn’t want to date me.”

“Why the heck not?”

Annie shrugged again.

“Oh my gosh, he’s gay isn’t he? That totally makes sense.”

“No he isn’t gay,” Annie replied. “He was in a relationship that ended and he’s not over her. I understand, and it’s fine. I’m over it.”

“So he had a bad break up, big deal. We’ve all had break ups, you have to get back on the horse.”

Annie gave her a look and Jen smiled. “So to speak.”

“He didn’t break up with her…”

Jen sat quietly, waiting for Annie to continue.

She took a deep breath. “It really isn’t any of my business.”

“Well you’ve already begun to tell me so you might as well finish it. You know I’m not going to let it go.”

Annie put her stack of books on her desk and sat on the bed, facing Jen. “His girlfriend died in a car accident. Adam was driving and I think he still blames himself for her death.”

Jen thought a moment. “That’s too bad.”

“Yeah, so he’s not over her. He isn’t dating anyone and from what I understood he hasn’t since she died.”

Jen’s head tilted sideways and Annie swore she could see the thoughts running through her brain. “So you’re saying, it’s not that he doesn’t want to date you… he just doesn’t feel emotionally ready to date anyone?”

“Basically.” Annie nodded.

“Hmmmm.”

“What?”

“Nothing, hey I have some errands to run and I know you have a class in a few minutes so what if the three of us get some dinner tonight?”

Annie nodded. “Sounds good. Do you guys need to crash here?”

“That’s nice but I’m not sure we could all fit. Anyway, we got a hotel room. We’ll drive to NYC in the morning to spend some time with my dad and all his firm troubles then we’re headed back to Boston.”

“Ok that’s fine. Why don’t you talk to Zack and let me know where you want to go. My latest class gets out around seven.”

“Perfect,” Jen said smiling as she swung her purse on her shoulder. “I’ll call ya.” She walked out the door and stopped. “Hey, what did you say Adam’s last name was?”

“Oh, Montgomery. His name is Adam Montgomery.”

“Nice name. Well, see you tonight.”

Annie watched as Jen walked out the door before she grabbed her backpack and headed to class.

****

Jen exited the building and immediately made her way to the corner. She walked briskly until she spotted the building she was looking for and went inside. The bar was dark and smelled like alcohol, with a handful of people sitting at random places around the room. Jen scanned the small space before spotting a dark haired, dark eyed girl behind the counter. She walked up to the bar and sat down.

“Hello,” Jen said casually. “Can I get a vodka tonic please?”

“Sure thing,” the girl said. She quickly got the drink and set it in front of Jen.

“Thank you, Roxy,” she said sweetly, pretending to read her name tag.

Roxy nodded and continued wiping the counter.

“I actually came in here to see you,” Jen told her.

“Oh yeah, why is that? You a cop?”

Jen laughed. “Oh no. I’m not a cop. I was told you could tell me how to get in touch with someone about…” She paused and leaned forward for effect. “Hiring someone for a couple days.”

Roxy eyed her suspiciously. “Why would you need to hire someone?”

“Why not?” Jen asked acting insulted.

Roxy rolled her eyes. “You’re a tall, hot blond. Not exactly their typical caller.”

“Oh well, you see I just recently broke up with my cheating fiancé and I’m going to my best friend’s wedding in a couple weeks. I don’t want to go alone but I’m not ready for a real commitment right now. I’d rather just pay a super hot, super toned guy to go with me.”

Roxy nodded as if it all made sense to her now. “Totally.” She wrote down a number and handed it to Jen. “His name is Todd. He’ll hook you up.”

“Thank you so much!” Jen smiled brightly. She pulled a twenty from her wallet and put it on the counter. “You’ve been a big help.” She quickly exited the bar and pulled out her cell phone. Dialing the number she waited; it rang twice before a man picked it up.

“Hello?” The voice was deep.

“Hi, I’m looking to hire a date for a wedding in a couple weeks and I was told you could help me out with that?” Jen used her most girly voice.

“I sure can. When did you want to meet up?”

“Well I’m actually leaving town for a week. Do you have someone available that could meet me today? Maybe early this afternoon?”

There was a pause. “Yeah, I have a couple of guys free this afternoon. Are you looking for any specific type?”

Jen paused as if thinking. “Um, I’m hoping for a tall, blond, blue eyed kind of guy.”

“I have just the guy. I’ll have him meet you at the Corner Café in one hour. Will that work for you?”

Jen smiled. “Perfect.”

Jen sat comfortably in a chair in the Corner Café when Adam walked in. He scanned the room for a moment before his eyes met hers. She smiled and waved charmingly as he walked over to her.

“Jen.” He nodded at her. “Since you aren’t surprised to see me I’m going to assume you’re the girl looking for a date to a friend’s wedding?”

“Why yes I am. Why don’t you have a seat?” She gestured to the chair next to her.

He sat down reluctantly. “I am going to also assume you know what I do for a living, since you’re here and you called Todd.”

“You would assume correctly Adam. Can I call you Adam?” He didn’t say anything so she went on. “I found out what was really going on the night of the New Year’s Party. When you and Annie were all wrapped up in each other’s arms, remember?”

Adam looked away uncomfortably. “I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

“Yeah, well it did. Anyway, I know you don’t know me and I certainly don’t know you but one thing I do know is that that kiss was not acting.”

Adam exhaled. “Annie is a very attractive, smart, wonderful person. I got caught up in the moment and…”

“I don’t care what your reasons were for kissing her. What I’m wondering is why you haven’t seen her since?”

He stared into her eyes. “I’m not sure that’s any of your business.”

“I know it’s not. In fact, I’m a little put out that I have to come in here and try and put your broken life puzzle back together.”

“I never asked for your help.”

“I’m not here for you. I’m here for Annie.”

Adam looked down at his hands. “How is she?”

“Why don’t you call and ask her yourself?”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Isn’t it? She told me you’ve been hurt. You lost your girlfriend and believe me, I’m sympathetic. And I’m not here to rub that in your face but you should know that Annie is the most loving, caring person. She would take care of you.”

“I know that.”

“Then why did you just leave? Do you not care about her at all?”

“I do care about her, more than I’ve cared about anyone since…” He stopped and looked away, the muscles in his jaw flexed.

“I’m not trying to pick a fight with you,” Jen continued. “I just thought you should know that Annie loves you. She misses you and she thinks about you all the time; although I’m not sure why… you’re kind of a lying crook.”

“What I do is legal.”

“No offense, but you don’t deserve her. You really don’t and yet, she loves you. It’s the oddest thing to me.”

“She told you that?”

“No, but I’m really good at reading people. And Annie is like an open book anyway.” Jen took a breath. “Look the point is, Annie sees something in you. She trusts you and that’s saying something for her.”

A small smile passed his lips and Jen’s heart ached a little for the situation he was in. She leaned forward and softened her voice. “Obviously I can’t tell you what to do. I just felt that you should know if you went to Annie now, she’d have you in a second. I know how scary taking a chance can be; believe me, I know. But, what good would our happiness be if we didn’t have to take a chance to get it?” He didn’t answer her.

Jen suddenly stood up, going through her purse. “I’ve got to go.” She pulled a fifty from her wallet. “I realize I’ve wasted your company time.” She held the money out to him; he looked up at her but made no move to take the money. “Ok then.” She put the money back in her wallet and took two steps before turning back to him. “Ya know Adam, you don’t have to like me. But I know you really do care for Annie. You haven’t spent that much time with her and I can see that you already know what a truly fantastic person she is. Like I said, taking chances is difficult, especially when it comes to love. But if you were going to take a chance of giving your heart to someone, there is no one that will take better care of it than her.” She put a hand on his shoulder and then walked out of the café, leaving him alone in a room full of people.

****

Zack, Jen and Annie arrived at the restaurant at eight o’clock that evening. After they were seated and had ordered appetizers, Zack turned to Annie and spoke, “How are your classes going?”

“Great, I’m really liking my teachers this semester. I got some of the best ones, and I’ve stayed on top of my reading which is a big deal.”

“That’s great, good for you.”

“How’s the internship going?”

“It’s going. There are so many things to remember and so many patients to see. But the residents are pretty decent and I’m learning a lot.”

They continued chatting until the waiter brought their appetizers. Annie was starved since she hadn’t eaten since lunch.

“I met your friend Roxy today,” Jen spoke up as they ate.

Annie looked at her. “Really? Where?”

“At the bar, where she works. I actually like her, despite her gothic look.”

“She takes some getting used to but I think deep down, she really does care.”

“I can see that.”

“What did you go see her for?”

“I needed to ask her a question.”

Annie gave her a puzzled look. “What would you need to ask Roxy about?”

“I needed her to tell me how to get in touch with Marcus, I mean, Adam.”

Zack looked from one woman to the other, obviously confused as to what Jen was up to.

Annie stared at her in disbelief. “Please tell me you’re joking.”

“Nope,” Jen said smiling as if what she’d done was the most normal thing in the world.

“Jen, why in the world would you want to contact him?” Annie whispered loudly.

“So she could let me know where to find you,” the deep familiar voice came from behind Annie and she froze, her heart going from pumping to racing in two seconds flat. Slowly, she turned and looked up into Adam’s face.

“May I sit down?” Adam asked, gesturing to the empty chair next to Annie.

Annie let out a couple squeaky sounds before Jen answered for her. “Absolutely, sit down. Zack and I were just leaving actually.”

“What?” Zack looked at Jen, confused and irritated. “I’m not leaving her with him!”

Jen gave him a look. “Let’s go look at the pretty fish tank up front, Zack.”

“Are you kidding me?” He seemed very annoyed.

“I’ll be fine,” Annie managed to whisper.

Zack studied her for a moment before he slowly stood. He looked at Adam and then back at Annie before he and Jen finally walked away.

Annie’s heart pounded as Adam sat down facing her. His eyebrows were furrowed and he looked like he had a lot on his mind.

“How have you been?” he finally asked.

“Fine, I’ve been fine. Just doing my classes, reading a lot… I’m learning a lot too. I mean, of course I am, that’s why I’m in school but I mean that I’m learning a lot in my school…” She stopped, knowing full well she was babbling.

Adam gave her a small smile. “You look great.”

“So do you,” she mustered, opening her mouth to say more but nothing came out.

Adam scooted his chair closer, his knee grazing hers. “Annie I…” He took a breath. “Jen came to see me today. And even though she is abrupt and intrusive she gave me a lot to think about.”

Annie smiled slightly at his description of her friend. She looked into his eyes, willing him to go on.

“I’ve thought about you a lot since New Years. Sometimes it seems you’re all I think about. I dream about you and worry about you and wonder how your life is going.”

Annie smiled and looked down at her hands as the sting of tears came to her eyes.

“I’m not good at this; I’m so very out of practice but… when Lindsay died I thought I died too. I pretty much planned on being alone forever. I didn’t think I’d ever want to be with anyone again.” He stopped and Annie met his gaze. “That is, until I met you.”

“Adam, I…”

“And I know that how we met was unorthodox to say the least, but the week I spent with you, I felt more alive in that one week than I have in seven years. And I’m so sorry it’s taken me this long to say all this to you. I’ll understand if you’ve moved on but I realized that some things are worth the chance. You’re worth it.”

A tear slipped from her eye. “I was mad at you,” she admitted. “I was mad that you could walk away; I figured you hadn’t felt the same things I felt.”

“I’m so sorry I hurt you Annie.”

“Then you gave me that picture.” She sniffed and wiped at her nose with her napkin. “It was the most thoughtful, wonderful thing anyone has ever done for me.” She smiled at him and his hand came up, touching her face. Her eyes closed, reveling in the comforting warmness.

“I can’t promise you perfection,” he said. “I can’t say that I don’t have some issues, but I can promise you that I will try. I want to be with you. I want to spend time with you and get to know you. I want to be your boyfriend, for real this time.”

“Why would you want to be with a girl like me?” Annie whispered.

Adam opened his mouth to say something, and then shook his head. He took her face in his hands and kissed her. It took Annie by surprise but she quickly relaxed and melted into him. She had missed him so much.

He pulled back and looked into her eyes, his hands still on either side of her face. “You are like a light in the blackness that has become my life. You shine when other things fade away. I want to learn from you, I want to learn to see the world the way you see it. I love you Annie.”

Annie let out a sob and covered her face, the tears flowing freely. She couldn’t believe he was here. Couldn’t believe this was happening to her! He loved her. He had felt everything she had in the week they’d spent together. She felt as though her heart would burst with joy. Looking into his beautiful face, his eyes searching hers, she whispered, “I love you too.”

He laughed and stood up, pulling her with him. He wrapped his arms around her and picked her up off the floor. She squealed, not caring who was looking, the blissful happiness taking her away from her surroundings. Adam set her back on her feet before kissing her deeply, his arms encircling her, protecting, strong and comforting. Annie held onto his toned shoulders as they laughed and kissed and laughed again. Somewhere from behind them they heard someone yell, “Get a room!” Turning, they saw Zack and Jen walking towards them.

“I take it you guys have worked things out?” Jen asked with a wink at Annie.

Adam looked down at her and planting a small kiss on her nose said, “Yes we have.”

Zack reached for Adam’s hand and shook it. “You know I’ll kill you if you break her heart,” he said casually.

“You’ll have a right to,” Adam replied. Then he turned to Jen. “I didn’t like you very much earlier today. But I want to thank you, for caring enough about Annie to say what you did.”

Jen just smiled and nodded.

“Well, we’re going to leave you two,” Zack announced.

“Oh no, you don’t have to go,” Annie started.

Zack held up a hand. “Annie, please don’t argue. We have a nice hotel room waiting for us and I can imagine that you two have a lot to talk about.”

“Thank you.” Annie smiled at her brother.

He hugged her tightly. “As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.” He released her and reached for Jen’s hand. “I’m sure we’ll see you guys later.”

“Yes you will,” Adam said brightly.

Adam and Annie spent the evening eating, talking and laughing, and finally left the restaurant when their server announced they were closing soon.

As Annie walked out into the January air with her hand in Adam’s, she felt warmth that no cold could penetrate. They hailed a cab and got inside. “Where to?” the cab driver asked them.

Adam looked at her. “Where to?”

She thought a moment. “Anywhere. Anywhere at all, we could go anywhere!”

Adam laughed at her enthusiasm. “Just drive,” he told the driver. The car began to move and Adam leaned over and kissed Annie softly. Pulling away, he said suddenly, “I just remembered something.” He pulled out his phone, pushed some buttons and put it to his ear.

“Who are you calling?” Annie asked, confused.

“Todd, my boss.”

Annie remained quiet as Adam waited for Todd to pick up the phone. “Todd,” Adam said finally. “Hey, no everything is fine. Yeah I’m good, but listen I hate to do this to you but…” He gazed at Annie and his arm tightened around her. “I quit.”

Without another word Adam hung up the phone, threw it on the seat and pulled her close to him. She smiled and closed her eyes as his mouth met hers. Annie relaxed into him and found herself smiling against his lips, unable to contain her happiness.