On Steady Ground (The Walker Brother's Series) by Jennifer Anderson Page A

my thoughts kept swinging back and fourth from Craig to Ian, once in a while splashing a little guilt in about Grant. Ian walking back into the room, my head was now resting in my hands.
    Grabbing me by the hand, “Come on. I want to show you something.”
    Looking up at him, “What?”
    “Just come on. Trust me.”
    He had no idea what he was asking, trust was such a rare commodity in my heart anymore. If it was anyone else I probably would of told him to take the trust me and shove it. It’s not, however. This is Ian. Standing, I let him take me by the hand leading me back outside, the sun now setting low. Leading me to the truck, “Where are we going Ian?”
    “You’ll see.”
    Helping me up into the truck, he smiled at me before walking around and sliding into the drivers seat.
    “I’m not sure it’s a good idea leaving….” Cutting me off mid sentence.
    “We’re not going far and you need to get away. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
    Sighing, “Fine.”
    Reaching over and squeezing my hand, “Relax.”
    Taking a deep breath, “Okay, this is me relaxing.”
    Laughing, he pulled off into a field where you could barely see tire tracks. Holding on through the bumpy ride, he stopped right when we hit the edge of the woods.
    Looking at me smiling, “We’re here. Hurry, we only have so much light left.”
    Sliding across the seat, he picked me up and set me down on the ground, grabbing my hand again. Leading me into the woods we didn’t have to walk far until we hit a clearing with a huge pond sitting in the middle. Standing in awe, there were ducks floating all around in the water. Baby ducks following the mama across the pond and I could feel the tension melt out of my body. I was so appreciative in that moment I could have kissed him. “It’s so beautiful Ian. Is this place yours?”
    Dropping my hand and walking to the edge, “Yeah, it’s my favorite place to go to. Don’t worry only my family knows it’s here. You’re safe here Lizzy.”
    Smiling and walking up next to him, I put my hand in his again. Looking back at me confused, this time he didn’t let go. We stood and stared out into the pond in silence a couple of minutes before he took his shirt off placing it on the ground.
    “Sit.” He motioned to the ground.
    “No. No. I don’t want to get your shirt dirty.” Trying not to be to obvious admiring his physique.
    Sitting down, he pulled me down next to him his arms resting on his knees. Looking at me smiling now, “You feel better?”
    Shaking my head, “Yeah I feel better.”
    “Good.”
    “Can we stay here forever?”
    Chuckling, and looking out at the pond.
    Grabbing his hand in mine, “Thank you Ian.”
    Dropping my hand quickly, he continued to stare at the pond.
    My ego taking a hit, I tucked my hand in my other and wasn’t about to make the same mistake. It was obvious he wasn’t interested. We sat in silence until it was getting so dark you could barely see a few feet in front of you.
    “We should get going.” He stood brushing himself off. Reaching down to help me up, I chose to not take his hand and stood myself. He looked at me skeptically and dropped his hand, taking his shirt from the ground.
    Walking back and crawling into the big truck, I refused his help this time. I wasn’t going to put myself out there for no amount of time only to get smacked back. I was way to proud for that, and all men pretty much suck right now anyhow. I say that, but I still find myself glancing over in his direction.
    Following Ian back into the house, my mood was all over the place.
    “Come on, lets talk.” Ian said walking off towards the living room.
    I didn’t want to talk. I wanted to sit and stew and worry in privacy. Choosing the recliner far away from the couch where he sat, I sat perched on the edge.
    “Do you love him Lizzy?”
    Well wasn’t that going straight to the point, one problem I don’t know what point he’s getting at. “Love who?”
    “Your