Groom in Training Read online

  Willing away her flustered emotions, she waved and waited as he crossed the lawn to reach her. The idea of Nick living in an apartment and not next door still staggered her. Where he lived had never come into their conversation, and she’d assumed he lived there. He appeared to be at Martin’s so often. Details weren’t always as they seemed. A life lesson she needed to note.

  Nick slowed as he reached her. “Thanks so much.”

  His smile was as sunny as the glow that lit his face. “Thanks? For what?”

  He slipped his arm around her shoulders. “For visiting my mom.” He drew her closer to his side. “She appreciated it so much.”

  A chuckle escaped her. “I put her to sleep.”

  He shrugged. “She sleeps a lot. It meant a great deal to her that you came.” He paused, turning her to face him. “She said you read her the Bible.”

  Steph’s breath left her for a moment. “I think I misled her.” What had caused her to pick up the Bible in the first place? That had troubled her and left her with an eerie feeling as if she hadn’t been in charge of her actions that day.

  “Misled her? How?”

  “The Bible was sitting on my lap when she woke.” The image hung in her mind. “I don’t know what motivated me to pick it up, but I had.”

  A flicker of uncertainty flashed on Nick’s face.

  She waited, hoping he would tell her what was on his mind.

  Instead he changed the subject. “Mom’s doing much better today. They’re working her hard.” He eyed Fred in the doorway and took a step toward him.

  Steph followed. “What were you thinking, Nick?”

  “About my mom?” His eyes were focused on Fred before he turned to face her. He shook his head. “That’s not what you meant. You want to know what I thought about you holding the Bible.”

  She nodded, eager to hear his answer.

  He swept his fingers through his hair. “My first reaction was relief, followed by hope.”

  Relief? Hope? The meaning wavered in her mind. “And the second?”

  His gaze captured hers. “It was a praise of sorts. God does guide our steps.”

  Her chest tightened. Though her disbelief had always been unshaken, her confidence had experienced a tremor. “Our steps.”

  “His children’s steps.”

  Her finger twitched to punch Molly’s phone number into her cell and ask her if a God she’d never prayed to would consider her one of His children. She couldn’t ask Nick. She’d admitted too much.

  Steph let the conversation lag as he headed toward the house. She needed to stop asking questions about things she didn’t understand. She beckoned him inside. “I need to let Fred out. He’s been home all day.”

  She walked ahead, then paused and looked over her shoulder as Fred danced around Nick’s feet with no eagerness to go outside. She couldn’t help but smile. “That’s what I call abandonment. He likes you best.”

  “No one would choose me over you.” He patted his leg. “Follow me, pal.”

  Fred’s toenails tapped on the hardwood floor as he followed Nick to the patio doorway.

  Steph stepped onto the flagstones, and Nick followed with Fred at his side, but it was too late: she spotted Martin in the yard with Suzette. Before she could stop him, Fred bolted onto the grass and beelined toward the fence.

  “Fred, come.” She clapped her hands.

  The dog skidded to a halt, faltering a moment before he trotted back.

  Steph watched Martin as he vanished inside with Suzette. She pressed her hand against her chest, grateful she’d avoided another confrontation. What was it with Martin?

  Nick hadn’t seemed to notice since he’d been focused on Fred. “He amazes me. He minds every time you call.” He swung around to face her.

  “He’d better. He’s had obedience training.” Each time Fred did as she commanded, she remembered Molly’s insistence that she learn how to train the dogs. “After I finished my classes, Fred was my first student. You’ve seen how he obeys.” She captured the dog’s attention. “Sit.”

  Fred sat.

  Nick stood beside her and planted his fists on his hips. “Too bad you can’t train my brother.”

  Steph blinked, wondering if Nick had noticed him after all. “Your brother doesn’t listen. Believe me.”

  “But I do.” He squeezed her arm. “You look very nice.” He stepped back and eyed her again. “It’s the color. Your eyes are beautiful.”

  She gazed down at her cornflower-blue pants with a coordinating knit top and her casual T-strap shoes. Heat swept to her cheeks. “Thank you.”

  “Like a summer sky.”

  If she’d struggled with her pulse before, today she’d lost the battle, and her voice found its freedom. “You look good, too. Handsome.”

  Fred didn’t like being ignored, and he tripped Nick trying to get his attention.

  Steph grasped Nick’s arm. “Fred. No.”

  The dog backed up and waited.

  Nick chuckled. “Fred needs attention. Can I try some of that obedience stuff?”

  “Why not? You’ve watched me.” His eagerness and love for dogs seemed to parallel hers.

  Nick stepped away with Fred jigging around his feet, and Steph realized she needed the treats. She held up her index finger and darted into the house, grabbed a few dog food nuggets from the bag and returned to Nick, who looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

  “Dogs need rewards.” She beckoned him back, then dropped a few pellets into his hand. “You have to sound commanding. Use a single word—come, sit, stay, down—to get to the point, and make sure you have his attention. Give it a try.” She patted Nick’s back, feeling the hard muscle beneath her palm, and she had to stop herself from letting her hand linger there. “Ready?” She held Fred’s collar.

  “As I’ll ever be.”

  Her stomach tightened, watching Nick amble toward the back of the yard. He seemed to be everything a woman would want. She wrapped her arms around herself, imagining they were Nick’s. He’d often given her a friendly hug, but an embrace would be a taste of affection that might make her feel whole again.

  Nick turned to face her, and Steph released Fred’s collar. “Fred, come.”

  Fred’s ears perked. He tilted his head, then bounded to his side.

  Nick’s head jerked back. “Good boy, Fred.” He opened his hand and gave him a treat.

  The dog stood in front of him, wagging his tail.

  “Sit.” He pointed to the ground. “Stay.” A grin grew on his mouth as he strode back across the lawn to Steph.

  She looked at Fred waiting as he’d been told, his tail smacking the grass.

  Nick gave her a wink, then faced Fred. “Come.”

  The dog trotted across the grass to Nick’s side and he tossed him a nugget.

  Steph settled into a chair on the patio and watched him play with Fred. She’d fought the battle between head and heart since she’d met Nick, and watching him, she battled with her senses again. People could just be friends. Enjoying Nick’s company didn’t have to be a romance. But her unsettling sensations when they were together had become too common. If she could control the emotions that changed friendship to something deeper, she might have a lasting relationship with him. She wanted to follow his lead, to accept their relationship for what it was and let it end there.

  Maybe, just maybe, they could talk about it. Really talk. He needed to know where she stood, and maybe if she confessed how he rattled her emotions, he’d stop. But she’d be devastated if he looked at her as if she were crazy, and said, “Who said this was anything but friendship?” She couldn’t take that.

  Something bothered Nick. She’d seen it in his eyes even before they’d discussed her lack of faith, and it troubled her that as great as he was he lived beneath his brother’s control. If Martin moved a finger, Nick filled his wishes. It wasn’t good for either of them, but then how could she—

  “I’m serious, Steph.”

  She raised he
r head as her thoughts flittered away.

  “Suzette could use training like this. A lot of training. Martin lets her get away with too much.”

  Steph drew up her shoulders. “I’m sure she would do well.” She paused, hating to disappoint him. “But the owner has to learn to work with the dog, too.”

  A glint flashed in his eyes. “How about the owner’s brother?”

  Her heart gave a kick, and she wanted to scream. So much for controlling her emotions. “You’re with Suzette more than Martin, and maybe he’ll take some tips from you.” A smile broke through her emotional frustration. “I’m happy to bring Molly some business.”

  He gave her a thoughtful look. “But I’d like you as the trainer.”

  She should have guessed. A warm sensation rolled to her chest. More time with Nick. More internal struggle.

  “Why not?” she said, knowing they needed to have a serious talk.

  Nick jumped Steph’s fence and entered Martin’s house through the back door. He opened the refrigerator, grabbed a soda and popped it open, then leaned against the counter. He liked Steph too much. He’d hoped to remain friends, but his heart hadn’t kept up with his plan. It had bounded on its merry way, leaving him unprotected from more hurt.

  Though upsetting, her confession the other day hadn’t surprised him. She’d never said a word about her faith, and though someone could believe without talking about it, he noticed her tension when he mentioned his beliefs or talked about what God would want him to do.

  Now he thought more seriously on the topic. What kind of future would they have? He didn’t know if he should step away and avoid carving another wound in his heart or hope that something wonderful could happen. He’d said it today when she mentioned holding the Bible in her lap. Why had it been there? If curiosity drew her to the Word, the action could be God’s leading. Uncertainty swayed in his mind. One day they needed to talk—really talk—about values and beliefs important to both of them.

  Her image clung to his thoughts, and each day he’d watched his admiration grow. Her kindness to his mother overwhelmed him. He couldn’t picture Cara doing that. But Steph did and without being asked. Men weren’t supposed to be weak. He’d never admitted his difficulty dealing with emotions to anyone except Steph. She’d listened and didn’t back away from being honest that she didn’t understand.

  Neither did he, but since talking to her and to himself, he’d asked God to forgive him, and now he hoped to make up for his negligence. He’d visited his mom twice in the past few days. She’d been thrilled with the flowers, and he’d noticed improvement in her condition. Steph had said it would happen, and she’d been right.

  Steph. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. For so long he avoided dating, even considering another relationship. He’d believed it was the right thing to do, but he sensed the Lord had other plans. Whether Steph or someone else, he realized that love of a man and woman was part of God’s plan. The proof was in Genesis.

  Remaining friends with Steph might have worked, but he’d let his guard down, and now he’d fallen for her. In a big way. Something about her told him she wouldn’t walk out on him if they made a commitment. Steph had too much strength. On the day of the fiasco with Martin, she hadn’t backed down from his brother as many people did. Nick liked that quality. She’d looked determined and spirited, ready for battle. Nick wished he could be that confident.

  Martin, on the other hand, looked confident, but his I’m-always-right attitude lacked Steph’s conviction. Martin came off as bullying, and bullies were often cowards. Could it be possible that Martin actually lacked confidence, and his arrogant attitude was a cover? That would make sense. But how could that have happened?

  Nick stood a moment, organizing his thoughts. He wanted to understand Martin, and even more he wanted to understand himself. Were the two questions connected?

  With his head empty of answers, he drew up his shoulders, then lowered them as he marched into the living room.

  Martin sat in a recliner, clutching the phone against his ear. He gave Nick a quick glance, then returned his attention to the telephone call. “Deal with it. I’ll be there tomorrow, Reg. I can’t solve every problem. That’s why I have you.”

  Nick strolled to the sofa and stretched out, his ear half tuned in to the conversation while his thoughts clung to Steph. The slam of the receiver jarred his reverie. He swung his feet over the edge of the cushion and sat up. “What’s the problem?”

  Martin drew in a lengthy breath and released it in a huff. “Work details. I’ve hired idiots.”

  Nick had heard that before, and he knew what was coming next.

  The recliner footrest dropped as Martin straightened. “That’s why I wish you’d give up your little business and work for me. I need someone with a brain.” He pressed his hands against the chair arm and rose.

  “Thanks for acknowledging I have one.” The plea was an old one Nick had heard since he’d left Martin’s employ and had gone into business for himself. “But is it necessary to belittle my company, Martin? Give it a chance. No one starts a new company on top. They’re small before they grow.”

  His brother swung around to face him. “Why not stay at the top?”

  Nick ran his fingers through his hair. “I don’t want to work for you. I’m happy being my own boss. There’s nothing else to say.”

  Though Martin’s mouth opened as if to continue, he closed it, and silence fell between them.

  Counting the seconds, Nick waited until he couldn’t keep still. “For an intelligent man, you either speak or act before you think. You don’t give me credit for having enough intelligence to run my own business, and you’ve created hard feelings with your neighbor…and a woman to boot.”

  “What’s the difference?” He shook his head. “Forget it. I don’t want to argue with you, too.” Martin tossed his cell phone onto the lamp table.

  Nick leaned back against the cushion, his mind whirring. “I don’t want to argue with you, either. It seems as if you’d want to try and be neighborly to whoever lives there. It makes life easier.”

  Martin snorted. “For you.”

  For you? The comment meant something, but Nick was at a loss.

  “Don’t give me that deer-in-the-headlights look. I saw you there today, coming out of her house with her and that mutt. What’s going on between you two?”

  The question knocked the wind out of Nick. He’d wanted to have a serious talk with Martin about his feelings and hoped to get to the bottom of his confusion.

  Martin tossed his hands in the air. “I realized she meant more to you than her dog, but I’m not going to jeopardize Suzette for any reason if that’s what you’re trying to do.”

  “We’re friends. I admire her, and I’m not doing anything that involves Suzette.” He felt heat rise up his neck and his blood pressure soar. “In fact, dear brother, I spend more time with your dog than you do. Do you realize that?”

  Martin rolled his eyes.

  “Who runs over here every time you work late or have a business dinner—which is often. Who takes her for walks?” Nick rose and slapped his chest. “Who jumps at your beck and call? And by the way, Suzette needs obedience training. I’m sure you won’t have time for that, either.”

  A smirk rose on Martin’s face. “So that’s it.”

  Nick drew back. “What does that mean?”

  “She’s twisted you around her finger, and now she’s getting even by telling you not to give me the time of day.” His eyes blazed. “I thought you’d given up on women. You’re still moping over Cara.”

  “Keep Cara out of this. It has nothing to do with Steph.” Fire burned in his gut. “This has nothing to do with either of them anyway. It has to do with how you treat people.” Martin’s accusation rang in Nick’s ears. He wasn’t moping over Cara. He was wounded by her attack. But why had he clung to it?

  “Here’s how I feel.” Martin thrust his index finger at Nick. “This is my home, and I don’t want that
mongrel messing with Suzette.”

  Nick caved into his chair and threw himself against the cushion. “Martin, Suzette is a dog.”

  “An expensive one.” He shook his head and sent Nick a piercing gaze.

  “What’s the difference? Fred won’t hurt her.”

  “You don’t get it. I paid mucho bucks for a purebred from a good line. I plan to breed her.”

  Nick felt his eyebrows arch to his hairline. “You’re kidding. I thought you wanted a companion.” Companion? Suzette had become his companion.

  “She is, but I can still breed her. What would I do if she had a litter of mixed puppies?”

  Nick gritted his teeth. “Fred’s neutered.”

  “It’s a matter of principle.”

  Nick straightened his back, his head spinning with revelations he needed to deal with. He’d wanted to ask Martin’s opinion. What made them tick and—Forget it. He’d accomplished nothing today.

  “This is a matter of my principle, Martin. The next time you need someone to go for your laundry or babysit Suzette, you’d better find someone other than me.”

  Nick rose and marched to the door.

  Chapter Six

  When Steph turned down her street, an older car was parked in front of her house—one she didn’t recognize. When she passed it, Steph spotted a man inside. Her stomach tightened. Hal. His dishwater blond hair hung over his ears as he slouched in his seat. She released a lengthy breath, irked that he’d come without calling.

  She supposed he’d warned her with his “I’ll see you soon” as she’d hung up. That had been two weeks earlier. Now here he was. Steph pulled into the driveway, steadied herself and slipped outside.

  A thud resounded as Hal slammed his car door and bounded toward her, his long arms open, his lanky body and pale skin making him look as if he’d never seen the sun. “Steph. I’m here.”

  She managed to step into his embrace, then back away and studied his face, wishing she had a warmer welcome. “How are you?”