Adam's Thorn Read online

  Before he went to see Barbie, however, he had a little more probing to do.

  Releasing her wrist, he ruffled Hallie’s hair. “Stop stressing. I’ll investigate this further.”

  Her expression was pained. “You don’t believe me?”

  “Hallie,” he said quietly, “I believe you, but I have a duty to follow through with some things.”

  “What things? I just told you-”

  “Hallie.”

  One word and she stopped talking. Looking up at him, she nodded.

  “Good girl.” He patted her head.

  “I’m not a dog,” she grumbled, ducking away.

  He smiled. “You’d have failed obedience school anyway.”

  She flipped him the bird.

  “Hallie!” Aunt Betty scolded. “You don’t do things like that!”

  Hallie cast the security screen a startled look. “Oh, I - sorry, Mum.”

  “You just apologise to your cousin. He’s the local law, what would people think if they pass the house and see you being so rude to him?”

  Adam managed to maintain a straight face when Hallie glared at him.

  “Sorry, Adam,” she said, but her eyes spoke a different story.

  “No worries.” He turned to the door. “Bye, Aunty. I’ll catch you later.”

  Getting into the patrol car, he saw Hallie still watching him from where she leaned against the veranda post with an annoyed expression on her face.

  Crooking a finger at her, he watched in amusement as she heaved a sigh and came down the steps and across to the car.

  Bending down, she looked in at him. “What now?”

  He smirked. “You were so busted by Aunt Betty.”

  Surprise wiped away the annoyance, and then she grinned reluctantly, her usual sunny nature washing the anger away. “You are such a jerk, Adam.”

  “Right back at you, cuz.” He winked and put the car into reverse.

  Once out on the road, he headed for Mrs Hubble’s house, his amusement vanishing. He had to get to the bottom of what had happened, and he realised that he might not like what he was going to find out.

  Chapter 3

  Mrs Hubble was excited to see him, ushering him inside with delight in her eyes. When he perched on the edge of the overstuffed sofa, she was intent on settling him in for a cup of tea, scones and a chat, no doubt hoping he’d impart some gossip.

  He’d never gossiped in his life, so why she would think he’d start now, he didn’t know. Guess hope sprang eternal.

  He swiftly nipped her blatant attempt in the bud before it could even start to bloom properly. “Mrs Hubble, I’m here about the complaint you made yesterday.”

  “You mean about the Declan woman?” Mrs Hubble leaned closer. “You spoke with her?”

  He looked her straight in the eyes. “I want to know, word for word, exactly what she said.”

  She blinked. “Word for word?”

  “You stated that Miss Declan laughed at the suggestion that Hallie’s mother would be upset at her piercing.”

  “Yes, that’s right.”

  “Who made the suggestion that Hallie’s mother would be upset? Mrs Declan?”

  Mrs Hubble frowned. “Um…yes?”

  “Are you asking me, Mrs Hubble? Because I wasn’t there.” Adam looked at her calmly. “You were. And this is your statement.”

  “I…I don’t quite remember.” Her hand fluttered to her throat.

  “Mrs Hubble, I had words with Miss Declan about this incident. If I’ve accused her wrongly because of false information, I’m not going to be happy.”

  “Well…” She swallowed. “Maybe it wasn’t exactly like that, dear.”

  “Then how exactly was it?”

  She cleared her throat and glanced around nervously.

  “Mrs Hubble,” Adam said quietly, “I’d rather you tell me now.”

  “I just…I was just so shocked, you know, about Hallie’s…” She pointed at her mouth.

  “Tongue piercing.”

  “Yes. And then this Declan woman smiled when Hallie said something, I’m not even sure what now, something to do with her mother…” When Adam simply nodded, she continued hurriedly, “I may have been a little upset at the Declan woman’s rudeness and got things a little mixed up.”

  “Rudeness.” He didn’t remove his gaze from her. “Tell me exactly what Miss Declan said that was so rude.”

  “Oh, I…” Cheeks blooming red, Mrs Hubble fluttered her hands. “Oh, I couldn’t, I…Oh dear.”

  Adam took pity on her. “Was it to do with a certain part of the female anatomy?”

  Relieved, she nodded.

  “Mrs Hubble, that is an anatomical term. It is not rude.”

  She drew herself straight. “In my day, young man, we did not use those terms in public!”

  “With all due respect, ma’am, those days are no longer here.” Before she had a chance to voice her outrage, he raised one hand. “Mrs Hubble, I’ve known you all my life. I respect you as a member of this community. I would never dream of embarrassing you.” At her mollified expression, he added sternly, “But as a police officer, I have to get the facts straight to avoid unpleasant consequences.”

  Such as what had happened the night before. He cringed inwardly.

  She had the grace to look abashed. “Oh dear.” She started to fiddle with the hem of her dress.

  “I have accused an innocent woman of something which she didn’t do.” Adam stood up.

  To be fair, he’d accused Barbie not just from what Mrs Hubble had said, but also Hallie. To make matters worse, he’d allowed his own prejudice to play a part in it as well. Sure as hell he wasn’t about to tell Mrs Hubble that, this wasn’t a confessional.

  “Am - am I under arrest?” Mrs Hubble quavered, looking up at him.

  Aw hell, she had tears in her eyes. But Adam couldn’t back down. “No, ma’am, you’re not. But please be aware that offended feelings shouldn’t direct your animosity.”

  Her eyes widened. “I don’t feel animosity towards the Declan woman!”

  “Mrs Hubble.” Adam looked at her.

  Immediately she faltered, her gaze darting around before finally settling on his jaw. “All right, maybe a little bit. Just a little.”

  “I will speak to Miss Declan and then this is closed. I don’t expect to hear anymore about it.” Adam stood up. “I’ll take my leave. Thank you for your time.” He couldn’t resist adding, “And your honesty.” Even if he had been forced to shame it out of her.

  Not so happy now, she saw him to the front door, shutting it before he’d even cleared the veranda.

  Getting into the patrol car, Adam sighed. He’d been just as bad, judging Barbie because of what she’d done in the past. Because of that stupid move, he was now forced to go out and apologise to her. He hadn’t seen that coming, not by a long shot. No way was he looking forward to her sneering at him, laughing in his face. Gloating.

  But he’d never allowed what anyone thought of him to stop him doing the right thing, and the right thing was going out and apologising to Barbie Declan.

  Driving out to the old Declan place, he thought about how he was going to approach her. The cool, spring morning breeze was welcome, and he enjoyed the drive, liking the clean country air, the way it refreshed him, the soothing of mother nature.

  Unfortunately, this morning it didn’t work as well as normal.

  Turning into the driveway, he saw the little Ford Laser parked just inside the garage that stood not far form the house. Being Saturday there were no workers, but they’d obviously packed some of the stuff away. He could see the canvas sheets, tins and other paraphernalia neatly piled on the end of the veranda.

  Getting out of the car, he studied the front of the house. In the lounge room window sat a big tabby who watched him out of narrowed green eyes. It didn’t look too friendly, and going by the way its ears pulled back and the tail started lashing, it wasn’t happy to see him.

  Maybe the cat and Barb
ie were in silent communion. The cat had to belong to her because he didn’t remember Penny having any pets.

  It watched him with a distinctly unfriendly manner as he crossed to the veranda and went up the steps. Adam almost laughed aloud when the cat pressed one side of its face to the window in an attempt not to lose sight of him.

  Coming to the door, he heard the happy beat of ABBA from somewhere in the depths of the house. The light coming from the open door at the other end of the hall showed Barbie standing on the very top of a three step ladder, reaching up to the roof with a globe in one hand, while the other hand stretched out shakily for balance. To make matters worse, she was almost on tippy-toe.

  Before he could think about the consequences, he barked out, “What the hell are you doing?”

  With a shriek, she looked over her shoulder and floundered, her feet slipping on the ladder rung, arms windmilling.

  Ripping the security screen open, Adam launched himself into the hallway, managing to grab her around the upper thighs, her soft bottom coming to rest snugly on his shoulder, her free hand grabbing onto his opposite shoulder.

  For several seconds he thought she hadn’t caught her balance and he removed one arm from around her thighs to rest on her bottom, cradling the luscious curve of one cheek in his hand.

  Two things hit him at once - she was very soft, and she smelled sweet. Soft and flowery, a heady combination. Unconsciously his hand flexed, his palm weighing the lush curve overfilling it so deliciously.

  Turning his head, he closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, the flowery scent clinging to her skirt filling his senses-

  “Let me go.” Barbie’s shaky voice cut through the pleasant moment.

  What the hell was he doing? Coming to his senses, he shifted his hand from cupping her bottom to a flat hand, changing from a hold to a brace.

  Recovering himself, he frowned up at her. “What are you doing?”

  “Changing the light globe.” Cheeks red, she held herself stiffly away from him. “Do you mind?”

  “I mind if you fall and hurt yourself.” Stepping back, he placed both hands on the outsides of her thighs, steadying her. “Climb down.”

  “I need to change this globe.”

  “I’ll change it. Get down.”

  “I can-”

  “Barbie.”

  She glared down at him. “I’m not one of your criminals.” She made a round ‘o’ of her mouth. “Oh wait, yes I am. Have you come to arrest me?”

  Obviously she still had her smart mouth. Regardless, he wasn’t going to just watch her fall, or have to hear the ambulance roar past on its way to pick her up with a broken leg from falling off a step ladder.

  Sliding his hands up to her waist, he started to grip tightly.

  “What the - what are you doing?” She slapped at his hands.

  “If you’re not coming down under your own steam, I’m bringing you down.”

  She gaped at him. “You can’t lift me!”

  In answer, he started to adjust his grip.

  “Stop! I’m coming down!”

  Arching one brow, he stepped back a little, keeping his hands on her waist.

  “You can get your paws off me.”

  “I’m making sure you don’t fall down, Barbie.”

  “I got up here, I can get down.”

  “Just turn around and climb down. I’ll steady you.”

  “Step back.”

  “You have no grip to grab onto. You’re on the very top step. Now-”

  “Step back. I can do it.”

  “Barbie.” When she glared at him, he just stared right back, waiting patiently.

  Finally, with a huff, she turned shakily and bent slightly, her foot searching for the first step.

  “Just lean back into my hands,” he instructed.

  “You can’t hold my weight.”

  “I can. Now do it.”

  He should have remembered how stubborn she was, he certainly did when she refused to obey and bent her knees instead, one leg flailing out and almost kicking him in the stomach by accident.

  At least, he presumed it was by accident, who knew?

  Her foot found purchase only when he sighed and grabbed her ankle, guiding her foot to the step. Now he was looking directly at her bottom where she bent over, those luscious curves dancing in front of his eyes as she shifted.

  Those luscious curves had once been - shit!

  Averting his gaze, he looked up, watching as she came down the ladder.

  Unfortunately, because of his position close to the ladder, as she came down her back was pressed against him, those lush curves brushing against his chest, abdomen and lower, pressing back against his groin.

  Making something stir that startled him. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly natural. She’s a woman, you’re a man, you’re close together, your dick has no intelligence. Carefully schooling his features, he released her, stepping back as she turned around.

  Folding her arms in front of her, she raised her chin. “What did I do wrong now?”

  “You mean apart from climbing the ladder with no one around?”

  “What do you care?”

  Anger, normally slow to surface, simmered quickly. “Or how about climbing on the very top with nothing to hang onto, not even the wall? How about we start with that?”

  “How about we start with why you’re here?” She swept her hand around. “Come to warn me off someone else?”

  Man, she looked pretty. Standing there facing him, refusing to back down. Not many people had ever done that, most were intimidated by his sheer height, size and demeanour, finding his calmness almost unnerving. He used all three to full advantage when needed.

  It wasn’t working with Barbie.

  His gaze travelled over her, really seeing her as more than just a presence from a past happening of which he wasn’t particularly proud. The thick blonde hair was up in a messy bun of some kind, soft curls trailing across her cheeks. Those pale blue eyes were startling against thick, black eyelashes, which he knew were natural. Nothing fake about Barbie, at least not anymore. Her lips were touched with the softest pink of lipsticks, her apple cheeks still holding some colour. The lacy top she wore hugged full breasts, caressing downwards to lie across the waistband of her skirt, a gauzy creation of pale blue and yellow that shifted easily over the generous hips to dance in a little ruffle around her knees. Flat, yellow ballet slippers were on her feet. The only thing adorning her wrist was a dainty watch. Pale pink nail polish. Everything soft and pretty, feminine.

  So very different to the last time he saw her years ago. That night he’d…

  Shaking his head mentally, he dragged his gaze back up to meet hers.

  “Do I meet with your approval?” she asked sarcastically.

  “Yeah, you do.” He wasn’t sure who was more surprised, Barbie or himself. Regaining control of his wayward thoughts and mouth, he focussed on the reason for his visit. “I need to talk to you.”

  Taking a deep breath, she rested one elbow on the top of the ladder. “Now what?”

  “I have to apologise,” he replied bluntly.

  “For what?” she asked guardedly.

  “For warning you to stay away from Hallie.” He regarded her steadily. “I found out that what happened was twisted out of context.”

  Her gaze dropped.

  “I’m sorry, Barbie.”

  She shrugged and studied her nails. “Perfectly understandable, I guess.”

  “I don’t jump to conclusions,” he continued. “I did this time without getting all the facts. That’s not how I normally operate.”

  “Forget it.” She pushed away from the ladder. “It’s okay.”

  “No, it isn’t.” Adam took a side step, blocking her way when she would have stepped past him. “Look at me.”

  With a sigh, she obeyed.

  “Hallie’s upset.”

  “I didn’t upset her.’

  “You’re barely speaking to her, she says.”

&nbs
p; “Its better that way, don’t you think?”

  He frowned. “As long as…” He wisely didn’t finish the sentence.

  “As long as I’m being a good girl?” She laughed a little bitterly. “I think you made sure of that.”

  And there it was, the elephant in the room looming between them. He clenched his jaw, folding his arms across his chest. If she wanted to talk about it, he wasn’t backing away. He never retreated. Ever.

  Mentally steeling himself, he was surprised wen she glanced away, her cheeks pinkening. “Tell Hallie its okay. I just thought it was better to keep my distance. I think enough gossip is going around about me right now.”

  “I sorted that out,” he replied shortly. “Now, are we going to talk about what happened that night?”

  “That’s in the past, and no, I’m not talking about it.” Stepping back, she placed one hand on the ladder. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have new globes to put in.”

  “Barbie-”

  She glared at him. “Look, Adam, I’m only here for a short time. I have no intentions of getting involved with anyone, I have no intentions of raking up the past. It’s gone, done. Now, I just want to get these bloody globes in before nightfall, okay? I appreciate your coming all the way out here, being big enough to apologise. It’s done.” Placing one foot on the ladder, she reached for the top.

  Goddamn. She might have the right not to talk about the happenings of that night, but he had the right to ensure her safety, whether she wanted it or not.

  Plucking the globe from her hand, he gently but firmly pushed her aside and went up the ladder.

  “What are you doing?” she demanded.

  “Putting the globe in.” Reaching up, his height easily giving him the advantage, he screwed it in place and came back down the ladder.

  “Thanks,” she said grudgingly.

  “Don’t mention it.” Turning on his heel, he spotted the box of globes sitting on the hall table. “Where else do you need them replaced?”

  “I can do it.”

  “Barbie.”

  “I’m sure it’s not in your job description.”

  He looked at her. “And I’m sure your Great Aunt Penny wouldn’t appreciate me walking away, leaving you to risk a broken leg or worse because you’re too damned stubborn to accept a bit of help.”