Bachelor Protector

Did she really think sunshine and fresh air would be enough to help Nathan?

Tyler frowned as he worked at the table in the suite’s kitchen. When Nathan had been in the military hospital, he and his mother had taken shifts so someone would be with him around the clock. She stayed days, while Tyler had stayed nights.

He’d never forget the first time he’d seen Nathan in the throes of a violent nightmare...groaning, thrashing, striking out violently. Sometimes yelling, revealing hints of the horrors he’d lived through. Even his less-intense nightmares had been disturbing to witness.

After that, Tyler had done research on PTSD. Nightmares occurred in a fairly large percentage of cases, and since Nathan was an expert in hand-to-hand combat, it wasn’t safe to get near him while he was experiencing one.

The minutes passed slowly, and finally the side door off the utility room opened. His mother walked in, bright and chipper, though her cheery expression faltered when she looked at him.

“You owe Sarah an apology,” she said flatly. “And you owe me one, too. I can’t believe you’d embarrass me like that.”

“I can’t believe you and Nathan would fly to California without a word,” Tyler retorted. “Three months ago you were still so distraught about Dad that you asked me to postpone going to Rome a second time. You didn’t want me out of the area for even a few weeks.”

Rosemary raised her chin. “I just felt it was too soon after Nathan had gone into rehab and that you should be there. But yes, I was also still upset about your father. I’d lost my best friend and the love of my life. Can you blame me for not being able to handle it right away?”

Tyler frowned.

While he’d respected his father, the idea of his parents enjoying such a close relationship was a challenge. When would they have found time? Richard Prentiss had often worked ninety hours a week, though admittedly, some of his work had included schmoozing with clients, his wife at his side. He’d been a lawyer, greatly in demand. More than anything he’d wanted his sons to go into practice with him, but Tyler had wanted to be an architect and Nathan a soldier.

Still, Tyler was willing to believe his parents had been closer than he’d realized. It would certainly explain why his mom had fallen apart so badly.

“I’m not blaming you,” Tyler said carefully. “On the other hand, I don’t think getting a job on a whim is the answer. What are you planning to do, move here?”

“Perhaps. Glimmer Creek is a nice town.”

“I don’t think you’d like it for long. The nearest place to buy designer accessories has to be fifty miles away.”

“Is that what you really think of me?” Rosemary asked sadly. “I needed to dress a certain way because it was important to your father that I looked like a successful attorney’s wife, but I’ve never cared that much about stylish clothes and jewelry. I thought you understood.”

Tyler didn’t know what he understood. At the moment he was exhausted, jet-lagged and his career was on shaky ground. He supposed there was a certain truth to his mother’s claim, though. His parents’ social circle would have expected them to be perfectly dressed.

“In case you haven’t noticed, I’m wearing sensible shoes.” Rosemary lifted a foot. “Kurt got them for me when he went shopping in Stockton.”

The comment went over Tyler’s head for an instant then he frowned. “Who’s Kurt?”

“Sarah’s father, Kurt Fullerton. He manages the Poppy Gold greenhouses and working gardens, but he also helps the bakery by shopping down in Stockton for specialty items. He’s a lovely man.”

The warmth in her voice made Tyler pause. “Are you dating him?”

It might explain a lot.

The disappointment in his mother’s eyes deepened. “Your father has only been gone for eight months. While some people are ready to move on that quickly, I’m not one of them. Kurt and I met two weeks ago at the bakery. Hard as it may be for you to understand, men and women can just be friends.”

Tyler worked with both men and women, but he couldn’t claim any of them as friends. He didn’t have that many friends, even from college. After he’d rejected law school, his father had refused to pay for his education. So Tyler had worked and borrowed his way through college, which hadn’t left time for socializing.

“I still don’t see why it’s so important for you to work,” he said. “If you want to get involved with something again, what about your causes back home? Surely they need you.”

“I’m needed here.” Rosemary’s face lit up. “I hear Nathan outside with Kurt. They often spend time together in the afternoon.”

“Maybe I should meet him.”

“Fine, but mind your manners. I’ll freshen up and be out in a minute.” She hurried upstairs.

Tyler’s head ached worse as he stepped into the garden and saw a burly fellow talking to his brother. This was the guy his mom called “a lovely man”? He certainly didn’t resemble the petite blonde at the sweet shop. Sarah Fullerton was slender with an elfin face, while her muscular father would look right at home in a Hells Angels jacket and straddling a Harley-Davidson.

Kurt and Nathan were deep in a debate about the merits of Humvees versus the earlier jeeps used by the military, and for the first time in months, Tyler saw animation in his brother’s face.

Fullerton looked up. “I’m guessing you’re the brother.”

Since he hadn’t said “chauvinistic jackass,” Kurt probably didn’t know what had happened at Sarah’s Sweet Treats.

“Tyler Prentiss.” He put his hand out, and Kurt shook it with the strangling grip of a wrestler. “It sounds as if you’ve been in the service.”

“I’m retired army.”

“Kurt was in Kosovo and did a couple of tours in the Middle East,” Nathan interjected. “He saw more than his share of action.”

The older man sighed heavily. “We’ve all seen too much.” He stood as Tyler’s mother came through the door. “Good afternoon, Rosemary.”

“Good afternoon.” She smiled and pointed to her feet. “The shoes you picked out are wonderful.”

Kurt Fullerton looked abashed. “I just got what Sarah told me was comfortable.”

Tyler stepped back and watched his mom chat with Kurt, trying to decide if there was an underlying thread of flirtation. Friendship was one thing, but he wanted to know a whole lot more about Fullerton if something serious was going on. After all, his mother was a financially comfortable widow who was shockingly naive for a woman her age.

Nathan had become quiet again, the hollow expression creeping back into his eyes.

Hellfire. Why had he become a soldier instead of something safer? Yet even as the thought crossed Tyler’s mind, an uneasy sensation followed. He’d defended Nathan’s decision to enlist, saying it had to be his choice.

“Sarah mentioned that you’ve been promoted,” Kurt said to Rosemary. “Assistant manager, no less. Not bad.”

Rosemary sent a smug look in her eldest son’s direction. “That’s right. I love working for your daughter.”

“She’s a good kid, all right.”

A promotion?

Pain pounded in Tyler’s head. This would make it even harder to convince his mother to leave. She might be doing all right at the moment, but her moods had been wildly erratic since being widowed. For a while she’d be like her old self, then something would happen and she’d fall apart. It seemed unlikely that she’d drastically improved in the few weeks he’d been gone.

Perhaps he should try enlisting Sarah Fullerton’s help rather than antagonizing her, though he wasn’t sure what she could do. But at least if she fully understood the situation, she might be more supportive.

Of course, first he’d have to convince her that he wasn’t the chauvinistic jackass she’d accused him of being. And since he’d not only stuck his foot in his mouth but jammed it all the way down his throat, it might take some doing.

* * *

SARAH SLID INTO her bathtub that evening, feeling utterly decadent. She hadn’t enjoyed a long soak since her business had gone crazy, but thanks to Rosemary Prentiss, she might be getting her life back.

Imagine, she’d actually gotten six hours of sleep the night before. Six. She might have gotten seven if her cat hadn’t demanded treats at 2:00 a.m.

She looked over and saw Theo’s whiskered face gazing at her from the basket of clean laundry she’d brought upstairs.

“Thanks, Theo, I really wanted to wash that stuff again.”

He yawned, stretched out his front legs and rested his chin on them, a vision of smug contentment.

Sarah smiled and closed her eyes, reveling in the warm water and silence. She loved her business, but it was no longer quiet there, day or night. The shop was open for customers nine to five thirty, but the kitchen operated twenty-four hours a day.

The phone rang abruptly, and Theo lifted his head with a reproachful meow.

She considered not answering since she’d been getting numerous calls from an “unavailable” number—mostly silent messages on her voice mail—and figured they were telemarketing robocalls. Then she realized it was almost nine, which was a little late.

“Sorry, toots.” She scrambled out of the tub and grabbed the receiver, shrugging into her robe. “Hello?”

Silence.

Irritation filled her. It probably was a robocaller, checking to see when she was home so a “live” telemarketer would know when to reach her. Still, silent calls made her uneasy. Her ex-husband had used them to check on her a dozen times a day, paranoid that she might be cheating.

What a joke. He’d been the one cheating. He’d also used other tricks to frighten and control her. It had taken a long time after the divorce to stop being afraid of every odd occurrence.

Sarah looked at the caller ID log and saw the number was shown as unavailable, just like all the other calls. With an effort, she pushed the thought away and looked at Theo.

“Come to bed,” she told him.

As a male companion, he lacked certain qualities, but he slept next to her every night instead of tomcatting around like her ex. Not that she’d stayed married after learning about Doug’s infidelity.

And Theo’s feline smugness was a whole lot more appealing than Tyler Prentiss’s arrogance.

Sarah got into her nightshirt and lay down, thinking about Rosemary’s eldest son. He might be sexy and gorgeous, but she’d learned all too well what a handsome face could hide. She hadn’t left her marriage hating men; she knew her ex was a selfish, narcissistic creep who didn’t represent men in general. But when she was ready for another relationship, it wouldn’t be with an uptight guy like Tyler Prentiss. When the time was right, she wanted to be with someone who was easygoing and open, with no hidden dark side.

After a long time, she finally drifted into sleep, only to be jerked awake when the phone rang again.

Heart pounding, Sarah glanced at the clock. It was after midnight. She then checked the display and saw the number was unavailable. It couldn’t be anybody from her family, so they couldn’t be phoning with an emergency.

Her finger hovered over the talk button. She really didn’t want to know if silence would greet her if she answered.

After the last ring, she pushed the phone under a pillow.

With an anxious cry, Theo cuddled up to her again, his velvety black fur making him virtually invisible in the darkness. He put his paws around her neck and licked her cheek.

“Hey, buddy,” she murmured, grateful for his comforting warmth. It seemed to take forever to calm down, no matter how firmly she told herself to not overreact.

But it was hard, and the minutes ticked by.

Finally she got up to dress and head for the shop. If she couldn’t sleep, she might as well bake.

CHAPTER TWO

TYLER WOKE TO the chirp of birds outside his window. His family’s suite was in a sprawling Victorian farmhouse surrounded by gardens, a far cry from the modern monstrosity his father had built in DC.

Okay, that wasn’t fair.

The architect had probably hoped to create something different, but Richard Prentiss would have demanded a house designed for society entertaining, rather than comfortable living. Something that fit their affluent Foxhall Crescent neighborhood.

Tyler tucked his arm under his neck and wished the birds would go somewhere else. Ordinarily he adapted well to time changes, but sleep was difficult these days between concern for Nathan and his mother.

And then there was the other thing...

Pain shot through his head, though he didn’t know if it was from the injuries he’d gotten two weeks earlier or from memories that were too fresh and unresolved to let go.

He resolutely turned his thoughts back to his family. In DC, his mother had a social circle and familiar surroundings. For Nathan, there were therapists and doctors experienced at treating military-related injuries and PTSD. Even if Nathan didn’t return to rehab, home seemed better than a tiny tourist town on the opposite side of the country.

But when they’d talked the previous evening, Nathan had refused to leave Glimmer Creek. Maybe it was the lack of experienced doctors that he liked, because he wouldn’t have to answer uncomfortable questions.

But if both Nathan and Mom insisted on staying, Tyler would have to stay, as well. Among his other concerns, he didn’t think his mother should be alone with Nathan at night. She’d been warned by the doctors not to interfere if he was having a nightmare, but it was still a concern. Tyler also wanted to be there in case she had another emotional crisis.

At any rate, the last time he’d left, his family had traveled across the country, defying medical orders. Maybe he was a chauvinist, but this time he was staying put and keeping an eye on things. The plane tickets he’d bought would have to wait.

A light knock sounded, then Rosemary called, “I’m leaving for work. Breakfast is in the refrigerator—Poppy Gold has it delivered every morning. Be sure to eat something.”

He got up and opened the door. “I don’t need to be told to eat, Mom. I’m not a child.”

“You’re treating me like one. The way you acted yesterday was outrageous.”

Plainly, she hadn’t forgiven him. But he hadn’t forgiven himself, either, so it was understandable.

“I was tired and not thinking straight. I apologize.”

Rosemary looked him up and down. “I accept your apology, but it’s Sarah I’m thinking about. She works horribly long hours and doesn’t need that kind of trouble.”

Tyler let out a heavy breath. It felt as if his mother was more concerned about a stranger than her own son. “I’ll apologize to her, too, but right now we need to discuss going home.”

Rosemary checked her watch. “I told you there’s nothing to discuss, and I’m out of time. I don’t believe in being late for work.”

Tyler scowled as she left. Rosemary Prentiss had been raised in a comfortable, old-fashioned Boston household, the only child of older parents. They’d expected her to simply marry well and raise a family, so it was difficult to see her having any preconceived notions about employment.

Yawning, he trotted downstairs and found Nathan on the couch in the living room.

“Did you spend the night there?”

“Yeah.”

“I see. Have you had any nightmares since you got here?” Tyler asked, deciding he couldn’t pretend everything was normal. It wasn’t and might never be again.

“Most days, but not a bad one until the night before last. I get claustrophobic in my bedroom, so I’m going to start sleeping out here.”

Tyler doubted claustrophobia was responsible, but he didn’t say so. “The bedrooms upstairs are spacious.”

Nathan angrily slapped his injured leg. “Maybe, but it’s hard to get there. Besides, there’s less chance I’ll wake Mom if we’re on different floors. Not that I’m sleeping much at night.”

Tyler didn’t know if Nathan’s anger was a good sign or a problem. Surely it was healthier for Nathan to be outwardly angry than tearing himself up inside. Still, sleeping on the couch and wearing clothes that couldn’t have been changed in two days sounded like more than anger. Nathan had always dressed sharply, even when off duty.

“You’re analyzing, big brother,” Nathan said softly. “Stop or your head may explode.”

The comment made Tyler feel better. It was an old joke between them. Nathan always went with his gut. He was instinctive, popular with his peers, the life of every party. Tyler wasn’t. He thought everything out. Analyzed. One girlfriend had called him an ice man when they broke up—it was his only serious relationship, and it had affirmed he wasn’t cut out for commitment.

All of which made his behavior at Sarah’s Sweet Treats even more bizarre. He should have reasoned the situation through and chosen a more effective strategy instead of charging in the way he had. Some ice man.

He looked at Nathan. “My head is fine.”

“And you had to analyze your answer before giving it to me. Eat breakfast—you need brain food.”

Tyler went into the kitchen and helped himself from the containers in the refrigerator. He reheated the meal in the microwave, then sat down and ate a bite of the potato casserole. It was delicious, though he nearly choked when he realized the decorative logo on the containers was the same one he’d seen on the sign at Sarah’s Sweet Treats.

So the bakery was more than a bakery, fed hundreds of people each morning. His knowledge of restaurant operations was limited, but he knew it was a high-stress, competitive business.

How long could his mother handle it? The term “nervous breakdown” wasn’t used much anymore, but whatever it was called now, she’d come close to one after his father’s funeral. On top of everything else, she’d panicked at the thought of dealing with her finances. So Tyler had spent months sorting the tangle his father had left.

Fortunately there was more than enough money, despite his father’s unexpected taste for risky speculations. Now he mostly needed to review her accounts each month to be sure everything was in order and that the automated bill payments had gone through.

Back in the living room, Tyler found his brother staring at the ceiling again. It didn’t look as if he’d moved an inch.

“Do you want to eat, or should I get rid of the leftovers?”

“Get rid of them.”

Tyler tidied the kitchen before heading upstairs to shower and dress. In the bathroom, he took out his electric shaver and began running it over his jaw.

Perhaps he could invite Sarah Fullerton to lunch as an apology—be tactful and treat her the way he would a difficult client. If she understood how important it was, she might even encourage his mother to quit and return home with Nathan.

Tyler nodded at his reflection in the mirror. It wasn’t much of a plan, but at least it was something.

* * *

SARAH STARTED A batch of bread while the rest of her employees finished clearing up from the breakfast sprint. Preparing and delivering breakfast to Poppy Gold was always a tight operation. She was exhausted from lack of sleep and lingering tension but refused to slow down.

She’d just put eight pans of Nebraska oatmeal bread into the oven when Aurelia came in. “Uh, Sarah, that guy from yesterday is back,” she said in a low tone. “He wants to talk to you.”

Why couldn’t he leave her alone?

“All right, I’ll be there in a minute.”

Gabby took over while Sarah removed her apron. Tyler Prentiss was on the sidewalk, so she stepped outside. “Yes, Mr. Prentiss?”

He gave her a deliberate smile he probably thought was charming. “Please, it’s Tyler. I came to apologize. I’m sorry for the way I behaved yesterday. It was inappropriate. Normally I’m quite calm and controlled.”

“Okay,” she said cautiously.

“Please let me take you to lunch so that I can explain. I checked on restaurants in the area. The steakhouse sounds good.”

Sarah blinked. Why did he think she’d want to eat with him? “Uh...sorry, I don’t take long lunches.” Perhaps he didn’t understand the demands of her business. She might be the owner, but that meant she had even less free time than anyone else.

“Maybe we could discuss it now.”

She let out a breath. “I’ve accepted your apology, so there’s nothing to discuss.”

A hint of unidentifiable emotion flickered in his eyes. Today, at least, Tyler Prentiss was projecting the dark, brooding thing perfectly, giving the impression that something more intense was going on.

“That isn’t entirely the case,” he said politely. “You heard me talking with my mother yesterday, so you’re aware that my brother should still be in rehab. I was hoping that if you knew more about the situation, you’d help.”

Sarah cocked her head. “I don’t see how. Rosemary told me about Nathan’s injuries, but I’ve never met him. Oh, unless you’re thinking my dad could do something... I know he’s been spending time with your brother.”

“Actually, I hoped you’d urge Mom to go home. Then Nathan would go, as well.”

Sarah released an exasperated breath. “Doing that would make Rosemary believe I’m unhappy with her work, which isn’t the case.”

“Maybe, but why did you hire her in the first place?” Tyler asked. “Mom doesn’t have any experience. And promoting her so quickly?”

Sarah could barely control her irritation. Her ex-husband had made her feel as if she was incapable of making her own decisions, and she refused to let that happen again.

“I’m not going to justify myself. This is my shop. Your mom says you’re an architect. How would you like me to ask why you chose to put skylights or recycle chutes into one of your building designs?”

“It isn’t the same,” he returned in a clipped tone. She might have hit a nerve, though it was hard to tell with Tyler. He seemed to have no problem revealing anger, but his other emotions were much less clear.

“It’s exactly the same. That’s your business—this is mine,” she retorted.

Tyler’s brown eyes focused intensely on her, but she could tell little from his expression. “Fair enough. Look, I know my mother. She’s a lovely woman with good intentions, but she isn’t the nine-to-five type.”

“She’s working eight-to-four, though that’s beside the point. It’s up to Rosemary if she wants to return to the East Coast with your brother—I’m not going to manipulate her. And for your information, she asked for the job—I didn’t twist her arm to take it.”

“I’m sure you didn’t since she doesn’t have any qualifications,” he snapped.

No matter what Tyler seemed to think, Sarah wondered how well he actually knew his mother. Experience could be gained without a paycheck. From what Rosemary had said about her volunteer work, she had a huge amount of management experience.

Yet in a way, Tyler had a point. Rosemary was a visitor to Glimmer Creek, staying at Poppy Gold temporarily. She’d said nothing about moving permanently to California or whether she would leave when Nathan was ready.

Tyler cleared his throat. “Sorry. That was uncalled for. It’s just that I don’t know what to do. Nathan isn’t getting the care he needs and Mom is so annoyed with me, I doubt she’ll listen to anything I have to say for a while.”

Sarah suppressed a smile. The way he’d made the stiff, embarrassed admission was almost endearing; plainly he wasn’t comfortable relying on anyone else.

“You may be right,” she acknowledged. “But can I ask you something?”

“Of course,” Tyler said, seeming wary.

“Well, I get why Nathan might be better off in rehab, but what will you do if he keeps refusing?”

* * *

IT WAS A valid question, and Tyler wished he had an answer. Confiding in anyone was miles outside his comfort zone, but he might be forced into it. His mother and Nathan’s welfare were too important, and right now Sarah Fullerton seemed the most likely person who could help.

Yet before he could say anything else, Sarah stirred restlessly. “Sorry, but morning is my busiest period. I need to get back to my kitchen.”