Training Travis by Cathleen Tully

Author:Cathleen Tully [Tully, Cathleen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary, Women's Fiction
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2013-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The next day Rebecca called Travis. “I’d like to drop over today if that’s possible. I need to measure Elizabeth’s windows for the new draperies.”

Since it was an older home, the windows in Travis’ house had been installed during the early 1900’s. And even though he planned to replace them all, each was wider and taller than the more up-to-date models built during the last decade.

Travis’ hesitation made Rebecca bite her bottom lip. Great, another awkward moment.

At first she thought she could wait until Elizabeth returned from school for the day, walk over with her, let the girl help her measure the windows. But after reviewing her schedule, there just wasn’t time. This morning was her only available slot.

“Sure,” he said finally. “I have to run to the office and pick up a few things in about an hour. Can you come over before then?”

“I’m on my way.”

As she disconnected the call, she wondered why her hand was shaking. Granted, she’d not planned on seeing him today, but without her own personal key to his home, she had no choice. Besides, she’d be in and out in no time. She’d make sure of it.

****

After a quick hello to Travis, Rebecca headed straight upstairs. It wasn’t hard to locate Liz’s room. The blaring bright pink paint he’d chosen almost lit up the hallway. This particular shade of pink even nauseated Rebecca, someone who loved color. What in the world had he been thinking? Thank God the painters would be here next week.

She placed the small step stool she had brought with her in front of the large window and dug inside her tote bag for a pad, pen and measuring tape. As she climbed up onto the stool to measure for the valance that would eventually mount from the ceiling, the bright early morning sun blinded her. Rebecca lost her balance and fell backwards.

Into Travis’ arms.

His hands held her too tightly and his grin unnerved her. Her mind flashed back to the spring of their senior year in high school. Apple picking at one of the local orchards, Travis had caught her in a similar way when she had lost her footing. Back then it had all been playful and they had embraced and kissed with longing, need, desire. It had been nice, then.

Now Rebecca wiggled crazily in an attempt to free herself. She didn’t need memories of their past clouding her mind and her judgment. She didn’t need his holding her so close his aftershave tantalized her, and she didn’t need him sneaking up on her pretending to play hero.

She didn’t need him at all, damn it.

He placed her gently on the floor. “Where did you come from?” she huffed and pulled her shirt into place.

“Don’t you mean, thanks for catching me?”

She brushed herself off. She shouldn’t be mad at him. He had done her a favor. She had been too wrapped up in her task and might have sustained an injury that set her back weeks. Still, she didn’t like being taken by surprise.

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