Page 29 of Day Break

When I watched the man cross the beach, my heart stopped. It was instantly obvious to me who he was. I’d stared at the picture of him and his sister so many times over the past few days.

He was older now. More masculine, more handsome, more… powerful.

Something that instantly put me on guard.

In the past two weeks, I’d enjoyed my time with George and Byron. The older man was no burden to care for. His company was easy, much like that of the dog. His kindness was more than I’d ever felt from another human being before.

The cut on his head healed quickly, which assured me his health was better than I’d expected.

After the first few meals, he’d thrust more responsibilities my way. I now arranged and managed the grocery lists and deliveries as well as delt with the landscape maintenance crew that had come earlier that week to care for the yard.

I’d found a small patch of tilled dirt in the corner of the yard, and George informed me that there used to be a garden there. Long ago. The sad look that had crossed his eyes hinted that it had been his wife, Florence, who had tended the land.

George often got that same look when he mentioned his deceased wife. I had yet to learn much more about her death, or that of the young sister whose clothing I was borrowing. I didn’t like to pry and worried whenever the sadness overtook George, so I would quickly change the subject to something happier.

I didn’t know what had caused me to pass out when George’s grandson had berated me. Maybe I hadn’t eaten enough that morning? Maybe my body just needed to shut down for a while? That morning was the first time my body had relaxed enough that my period had started again.

It had been almost six months since I’d had it. The doctors that I had seen had seemed annoyed that I was concerned and hadn’t tried to find the reason. They’d blamed stress or had tried to convince me I was just looking for attention.

Either way, I was happy to know that, at least in this area, my body was getting back to normal.

Then the grandson had yelled at me and suddenly everything had narrowed, like I’d been going into a tunnel.

I have never passed out before and now, sitting on the sofa sipping a glass of water, I realized I never wanted it to happen to me again.

It was obvious that he’d carried me all the way back to the house from the beach, which was humiliating. I didn’t like being vulnerable.

Then he’d asked me who I was. Thankfully, George had appeared at the back door and answered for me, since I was having a difficult time piecing any words together.

“Chloe, this is my grandson, Lane. Lane, Chloe. She has been kind enough to deal with me for the past two weeks and I rather think we’re getting along wonderfully.” George moved into the house to sit at the table. “Fetch me some water, boy.” I moved to get up, but George shook his head. “No, you stay put. Since my grandson seems to have plenty of energy, he can tend to me until you’re feeling well enough again.”

I relaxed back and watched Lane walk into the kitchen and get George a glass of water.

“You hired someone?” Lane asked softly, no doubt wishing the conversation between the two of them was private.

I wanted to retreat to my room above the garage but felt strongly that I didn’t want to be pushed out. What if Lane convinced George that he didn’t need me? What would I do then?

Even feeling as weak as I did now, I knew that I would fight for myself, for the job, if I had to.

“I did and our arrangement is none of your concern,” George said firmly. “Now, are you staying for the night?”

I tensed at that thought.

Lane was quiet for a moment, and I felt his gaze almost burning my skin.

“I’m staying for the weekend,” Lane answered quickly.

“Good, then you can cook tonight. I believe Chloe added some steaks to the last grocery delivery…”

“I did,” I answered quickly.

“Good.” George smiled. “Then you can grill out tonight,” he said to Lane. “For now, why don’t you go and help Chloe up to her room. I’m sure she needs the rest after the scare you gave her.”

Lane opened his mouth, no doubt to argue, but George gave him a look and he shut it, then nodded.

When he moved over to stand next to the sofa, I stood, hating that I wobbled slightly.

Lane’s hand came out and gripped my elbow to steady me. I wanted to jerk free, but I doubted I could stand without the help.