Helping kids get into college was no joke these days. Between Casey and Teagan, they had walked through a game plan to help Bianca choose colleges, figure out when to sign up for tests, identify scholarships to apply for, and determine a strategy for her senior year. The joy of seeing one of her kids “get it”—wanting more than staying in the neighborhood and struggling to make ends meet—almost made Casey want to go run a victory lap around White Rock Lake. Almost.
She whistled as she walked across the parking lot to her car, feeling lighter than she had in . . . years.
Born to be Wild sang from her pocket, and Casey freed her phone from its confines.
“Hey, Wild Man.”
“I’m not sure how I feel about that one.” A car door slammed on Micah’s end of the line just as Casey opened her own door.
“I can’t guarantee that you will like where I end this if we keep going with this nickname thing.”
“Fair enough. I just got to your house bearing pizza, popcorn, and a Netflix password if needed.”
“We’ve got the password covered. Why are we eating pizza and popcorn and having a movie night on a Wednesday?”
“That was a request from your baby sis.”
“Emery is texting you now? What move did you pull on her, Casanova?”
“Well I don’t have to fight to get her to admit she likes me.”
Casey rolled her eyes and shifted her car into reverse and eased out of her spot. “I’ll be there in a few minutes. I’m pulling out of Ellie’s now.”
“I’ll try to save you a couple of pizza slices, but I make no promises.”
“Your gentleman status is officially in question if you can’t wait until I get there.”
“Sugar, I have nothing against cold pizza, but it’s best when it is fresh and warm and the cheese is gooey, and besides, you told me all about this Eno’s place and I am dying to try it.”
“I’ll be there in five . . . Oh my gosh.”
Casey slammed on her brakes. A silver, twenty-year-old Buick jerked to a stop in front of her car, parking parallel and blocking the empty side street right next to the clinic. The last person Casey wanted to see stepped from the front seat. Coleman Chapman unfolded from the car and slammed his door. His mouth set in a thin line, a muscle ticked in his jaw. Casey’s brain went into overdrive. No way to retreat. She couldn’t go around. Her hands grew clammy on the wheel.
“Casey, are you okay? What’s going on? Did you have a wreck?”
Casey unbuckled slowly and stepped from the car, refusing to remain seated when Coleman approached. She had to face him head-on. Had to remove his attempt to intimidate. “Something came up. I need to take care of this real quick.”
“Do you need help?” Micah persisted.
“I’ll be home in a few. Maybe call me back in ten minutes if I’m not there . . . just in case.”
“You are not making me feel better right now.”
Coleman stopped in front of her, her open car door separating them. “I’ll see you in a few, Micah.” She hit the off button but kept the phone unlocked and loose in her hand.
“Man, why are you talking to Bianca, filling her head with all this junk?” Coleman spat.
Casey stood her ground, her legs slightly apart, ready to move. She’d wondered if this confrontation would happen, especially after Bianca informed her that she’d ended things with Coleman. She’d been scared, and that made Casey a little nervous.
“I don’t need your permission, Coleman,” she stated calmly, never breaking eye contact with the towering, angry teenager.
Casey eyed the hulking kid as he stepped closer. Coleman had never been easy. He was a kid who came but didn’t participate. Knew the answers but didn’t care to change behavior. He didn’t want help. But he liked the benefits of Ellie’s Place. And lately . . . lately he hadn’t just been difficult. He’d become dangerous.
He took a step forward, almost touching the door separating them. “I said I don’t like it.” His nostrils flared and the faint scent of tobacco and something else set off Casey’s internal alarms.
“Coleman, this isn’t about what you like. This is about what’s best for Bianca.”
Only her open car door remained between the two of them. One quick step from Coleman sent it slamming into her chest. She stumbled. Straightened, fear now screaming at her to run.
“And what about what’s best for you, Teach, huh?” His wide, wild eyes set Casey further on edge. More than nicotine was at play, and reasoning with an already volatile temper wouldn’t get her anywhere. She shifted closer to her seat, preparing to slip inside and slam the door at a moment’s notice.
“I think it may be best if you get in your car and leave before you say something we both regret.” Steel edged her tone but panic pulsed. She ground her teeth and squeezed her trembling fingers into a fist.
In one swift move, he rounded the door. Casey’s back smacked against her car, his hand anchoring her chest, his fingers digging so hard, she was sure she would discover bruises later. Casey met his even stare without flinching. She needed backup. She wanted Micah.
“You think you know what’s best for us, for all of us.” Spit flew from his taut lips, the white of his eyes glaring under the streetlights. “You think you’re making a difference, but you’re just creating false hope. Bianca was raised in this hood. She belongs here. But you’re putting ideas in her head of something that can’t happen. What if staying here with me is what’s best for her, huh?” His pupils dilated more and this time Casey caught the whiff of alcohol on his breath, as well. What crazy drug and alcohol cocktail had this kid taken?
“Bianca is gifted and bright, Coleman.” She fought against his hold, gripping his wrist in her hands she shoved his arm back, causing him to retreat a half step. The muscle in his jaw pulsed and his fingers tightened into fists. “If you care about her, you should want more for her. You should want more for yourself.”
This time, he stepped toe-to-toe with her, his movements more erratic, more terrifying. “What I want,” he spat, “is for you to leave her alone. Stop filling her head with stupid dreams.” His voice lowered, his teeth bared. “Or you may not like what I do next.”
He cocked his head to the side, a Cheshire grin crept over his features. His wild gaze scanned her body up and down, turning predatory. Casey inched toward the open door, her body trembling a bit. He cocked his head, studying her. “That sister of yours is real cute. And real gullible. It would be a shame if someone started filling her head with things you didn’t like. Wouldn’t it?”
Her calm veneer snapped, anger replacing her fear. “Leave my sister out of this.”
He was so close his breath coated her, curling her stomach. “Leave Bianca alone, or I’ll do what I want with your sister. It’s Emery, right?”
“Don’t do something you’ll regret, Coleman. Going after Emery would be a mistake.”
Wild Thing sang, cutting through the tension thickening the air. Casey answered the call but kept her hand lax against her side.
“Case?” Micah’s faint voice twisted in the air right as Coleman leaned closer.
“Don’t tempt me, Casey,” he spat, his nose grazing her cheek.
She shuddered as he backed away, his teeth bared in a maniacal grin. Casey was starting to wonder just how far Coleman might go. What was this kid truly capable of?
“Casey!” Micah shouted. But she couldn’t move. Not until Coleman sped away.
She lifted the phone to her ear, noticing the slight shake of her grip. “Micah?” She fell into her car seat, slamming the door and securing the lock.
“Casey, who was that?” Fire raged through the phone. Micah was two seconds away from showing up at Ellie’s Place.
She took a shuddered breath, fighting back tears at her weakness, at the threats. At the possibilities. She forced calm into her voice. “I’ll be home in a minute. I’ll tell you then.”
She ended the call, her nerves rattling, took a few deep breaths. Never before had she been afraid of one of her kids. But Coleman had never been one of hers, despite his presence. He’d threatened Emery, may have had something to do with TJ’s brother. He was unstable. And she had no idea how to protect her sister.
Micah met Casey in the driveway and immediately swooped her into his arms. His gaze darted around the dark street. Someone had threatened her. He’d heard the rage sifting through the phone, boiling his blood as he realized he was too far away to do anything besides listen.
He tightened his hold, her small frame shaking but standing strong. “You can let go of me, Cave Man.”
She’d let him hold her longer than normal. That was a step in the right direction. He released her but reached for her hand.
“I think I liked Wild Man better.”
Her responding smile lacked the fire he had grown to love. He froze, that word bouncing through his brain as he filtered through his feelings.
“Can we go inside, or are you going to just stand there looking like an idiot and blocking the way to the door?”
Micah jumped out of the way and motioned her in front of him as they moved inside. He shook his head. Love. Is that what this was? He’d never been in love before. He’d always know it was driven by need to protect, defend, and honor—sometimes because of duty, but more often than not, because of a fierce love for who and what he fought for. This feeling inside of him felt similar to the drive he felt to protect his brothers and Kaylan. But a stronger current ran beneath it. Something he hadn’t felt before. Couldn’t quite identify.
“Micah?”
Casey stood holding the door, and Micah realized he’d halted on the welcome mat, lost in thought. He took her in. Lavender sweater, skinny jeans, and boots just wrapped the package. Dark hair fell in choppy, adorable layers to her shoulders, bangs swept to the side framing deep, dark eyes that he could get lost in because he clearly saw what lay beneath—a strong woman who looked up at the stars and dreamed on behalf of her kids. She fought for others, even when it meant fighting alone. And he wanted to fight for her.
Because he just might love her.
And that terrified him.
His past proved he only hurt those he loved. He couldn’t hurt Casey. He wanted to be her greatest hero, not her heartbreak.
“Yo, Cave Man. Why are you staring at me? Do I have something on my face?” She ran fingers over her lips, wiping at phantom grime.
Micah shook off his stupor. He’d process later. Right now, he would focus on what he might be able to fix. He summoned a cocky grin that he knew drove her crazy. “Just looking at you, beautiful.”
This time the smile he lo . . . liked, graced her face. “C’mon, Casanova. The pizza is getting cold.”
“For the record. I’m a one woman kind of guy. That nickname doesn’t apply.” He stepped through the door and followed her into her cozy kitchen where Emery was already chowing down on her second slice.
“Too charming for your own good,” she grumbled.
“So you admit I’m charming?”
There went that snort again as she smothered a laugh. Micah thought it was adorable.
“Trying to eat here,” Emery mumbled around a mouth full of pizza. “You two are making me sick. Don’t make me sit between you on the couch.”
Casey dropped her arms around her sister. “Please do! Then I’ll have someone to snuggle with.”
Emery wrinkled her nose but kept eating. Casey grabbed a plate and passed another to Micah.
“Are we going to talk about what happened when I called you?”
Micah felt Emery’s eyes on him, but he refused to back down and let Casey run behind her wall. She’d answered the phone when something bad was happening. That was progress. This time, he was determined to plow through the brick blocking his path.
Casey darted a quick look at her sister and ignored him. “We can talk about it later. What are we in the mood to watch tonight?” She took a bite of pizza and looked to her sister.
“Anything but NCIS or the Fixer Upper reruns you are obsessed with.”
“I am not obsessed.”
“Please, look at your house! You are like a tanner, sassier version of Joanna.” Emery rolled her eyes and took another bite of pizza. “Face it, Case. You are a closet interior designer in need of an intervention.”
Casey grinned at her sister. “Are you saying I have good style?”
“I’m saying we are not watching that show.”
“I didn’t ask what we weren’t watching. I asked what we were watching. Don’t make me choose.”
Micah grinned at the volley happening between the two siblings, a longing for his own family settling in. “You two are definitely related.”
“Do you argue with your family, too?” Emery asked, turning to face him. He felt Casey’s curiosity.
“My older brother, David, and I act a whole lot like you two. Seth is younger and our rare arguments are a little more heated.”
“Must be an older sibling thing.” Emery smirked.
“Must be.”
“What about Kaylan?” Casey asked.
“Kaylan wins anytime we argue. Just don’t tell her that. She really is always right.”
“Well if I ever meet her, I can’t promise that secret is safe.”
“You two would be trouble together.”
“Totally. I win every argument we have, too.”
“That’s what you think.”
Casey grinned. “That’s what I know.”
Emery groaned. “Again with the feeling sick. We are not watching a romantic comedy tonight. You two dating is enough on that front.”
“We aren’t dating, Em.”
Micah darted a quick look at Casey. It sure felt like it to him, but they hadn’t actually had that conversation.
“What exactly would you call this then, Sis?”
“I kinda want to know, too.” Micah chimed in. Casey shot him a look, but once again he refused to back down.
“Let’s watch an older movie. Italian Job. It’s got a little bit of everything.” Casey left Emery and Micah in the kitchen and turned on the television in the living room, effectively ending the conversation. But Micah refused to let her win this round. If he had to fight for this, then ring the bell because round two had commenced.
Casey settled into a corner of her couch. Micah bent over the back, his lips grazing her ear. The faint scent of roses and vanilla filled his senses and he fought the urge to lean closer. “We aren’t done with this conversation yet. And don’t even try to argue about it.”
Without waiting for her to respond, he rounded the couch, settled in right next to her, propped his feet up, and turned his attention to the opening scene. He’d won this round, but he had a lot to discuss with her before he left for the night.
If it hadn’t been for the looming conversation Micah knew he would initiate after the movie, he would have been relaxed as a cat. He’d sat next to Casey the whole movie with the exception of a break to fix popcorn. And he hadn’t touched her. Hadn’t reached for her hand, hadn’t pulled her into his side. Nothing. Because until he made his intentions clear, he didn’t need to take another step. He’d already kissed her, already held her strong hand in his. But he wouldn’t take another step until they talked. Emery had been right. They’d spent time together but never really gone on an official date. Never talked about more than that since he had originally planned to leave within a few weeks.
But now? He needed to know how she felt. He needed to know where she was with the Lord. He wanted to go all in.
The flickering of candles from the kitchen, entryway, and coffee table made out of old crates in front of him provided dim light and cast shadows across Casey’s face. Emery had gone to her room, and Micah and Casey sat in silence, the quiet peaceful. So naturally, Micah decided to break it. He was tired of living an in-between life.
“Casey, I think it’s time to talk about what happened earlier tonight.”
“Uh oh. No nickname. This must be serious.” She shifted to face him, her knees brushing his as they curled toward her.
“You deflect by flirting when you don’t want to talk about something. I’m not sure whether to think it’s cute or be offended.”
She shrugged. “Maybe a little bit of both.”
“So talk to me.”
“It’s fine. I’ve got it handled.”
“See, that’s the other thing you do. You give me the Heisman and retreat.”
He felt her tense a bit. “Did you want to talk or fight?”
Micah held his hands up in surrender. “Talk to me, please.”
She shrugged. Her gaze shifting to the blanket on her lap. She picked at a tassel. “No big deal. Coleman stopped me when I was leaving the center. He was upset.”
Micah nodded. He really didn’t like that kid. “How upset?”
“Nothing I couldn’t handle.” She shifted her stare to the flickering candle casting shadows on the ceiling.
“Casey. Retreating.”
She turned the full weight of her gorgeous stare on him. For the first time in the conversation, Micah discerned fear. “Fine. I think he was on something. A couple things. And he didn’t like how I encouraged his girlfriend to pursue a college education and break up with him. Happy?”
Micah stamped down his urge to assume the worst. “And why did you sound scared and get off the phone so quickly the first time?”
“Because he pulled his car out in front of me, blocked the road, and I almost hit him.” Emotion no longer danced across her face, but her eyes. Those eyes told a different story, and he knew her well enough by now to know the emotions she had bottled behind her wall and buried deep inside. Control. She stayed in control to deal with the crazy situations that came her way. But who helped her deal and unwind when she got home?
“Okay.” He fought the urge to track Coleman down and scare the kid into better behavior. A round of Navy SEAL Hell Week might do the trick. “And why did you sound terrified when you finally answered me?” He’d heard the threat, but he wanted to hear it from her.
Her lips pursed. She flexed her fingers. She looked everywhere but at him. And then finally she spoke, “Because he threatened Emery. And I’m not sure how serious he is or if he will act on it.”
Micah stuffed his growing anger toward Coleman and reached for calm and focus that he had learned to seize in the middle of a fight. Emotions drove his desire to protect, but they couldn’t drive his reaction. He doubted Emery was the only person Coleman had threatened.
“What did he say about Emery, Casey?”
“He basically hinted that he would do something I didn’t like if I didn’t stop encouraging Bianca.” She shook her head. “I can’t stop encouraging her, but I can’t put my sister at risk either.” She wrapped her arms around her stomach and curled tighter on the couch. “I’m not sure what to do.”
Her fear, her uncertainty, broke his heart. He grabbed her legs and gently unfolded them, draping them across his lap, then slipped his fingers through hers. He could feel the pulse pounding in her wrist, but she didn’t offer a snarky comment or pull away. She gripped tighter.
“What if I told you that I’m staying in Dallas? What if I said that I want to be here to help with this and whatever else comes your way?”
She stared him down. “I guess that depends, Micah. Are you staying in Dallas? Are you ready to handle whatever comes my way?”
Micah bit back his own growing fear, the fear that he might love this woman and hurt her, the fear that setting down roots might lead to rejection, that he might be forcing a place for himself instead of actually belonging. He was tired of his past rearing its ugly head and crushing his hope for a life, a new team, a new home, a new future . . . with Casey. It was time to stop living in the in-between.
Micah squeezed her hand, tugging her closer. “I want to stay in Dallas and see what the future holds. I want to help TJ and the other kids at Ellie’s Place and on the football team. I want to set roots down here.” He leaned into her space, making sure she heard and received every word. “I want to date you, Case. I want those roots to be with you.”
“Micah, you have no idea what you’re saying.” She tried to pull her hand away, but he held firm.
“Retreating, Case.”
“Thin ice, Micah.”
He released her hands, cradling her face. His touch tender, his mouth inches from hers. “I’m willing to risk it, Ice Queen.”
“Micah,” she warned.
“Casey.”
Brown on brown, their eyes remained locked. The stare-off one for the books, but his determination only increased. He’d met his match, and he was up for the challenge.
He saw the moment the fight left her. She pulled away carefully and snuggled back into the couch, but her eyes never left him. He didn’t back down. Finally, she whispered a single word. “Why?”
“Why what, beautiful?” He reached for a strand of her hair and wrapped it around his finger, the strand soft and strong. He’d seen Nick make this move with Kaylan countless times and now understood the appeal.
“Why stay when you have no reason to? Why date me, Micah? I haven’t done this really ever. It’s not like I’m good at it. You’ll only get frustrated if you stay because of me. And then you’ll wish you never stayed in Dallas, and I don’t want to feel guilty about that.”
He squeezed her hand. “Case, you’re pushing away.”
“I don’t know anything different, Micah. If you want me, this is what you get. A girl who struggles to let people in, who is rediscovering a God who loves me for the first time in years, who is taking care of her teenage sister, who counsels and works with other messed up teens for very little money, and who doesn’t know how to date.” She shook her head. “No, I’m not doing that to you, Micah. You need to go wherever you were headed next. You don’t need to get tied down here.” She tried to pull away, tried to remove her legs from his lap, her body from resting against his, but Micah held firm.
“Casey, what are you afraid of?” he demanded.
“You!” She finally exploded. “I’m afraid of you. Are you happy?”
Ever so slowly Micah leaned in until the faint scent of roses wrapped around him. His finger traced a slow track down her cheek. He tipped her chin to meet his gaze, her skin smooth and silky to his touch. Her breath caught. She trembled but met his gaze. Micah could sense her desire to bolt from the couch. He knew her internal struggle. But he waited. No more running. Something tonight had snapped inside him, settling and holding firm. This was right.
His thumb ran over her chin, holding her steady. His own face inches from hers. “Casey, it takes more courage to let someone see every part of you, let them close enough to possibly hurt you, than it does to build a wall and hide behind it in the name of protection. That’s not strength and courage, Casey. It’s cowardice, and it’s not a good look on you.”
She jerked away from him. “Did you seriously just call me a coward, Micah?”
“What I just did, Casey, is what someone who cares about you does. It’s what Teagan and Shawn do. It’s what Mama Rosie and Al do. They challenge you. They see the broken parts and love you anyway. And they push you.”
She froze. “What are you saying, Micah?”
He bit back his words. Now wasn’t the time. He needed to be sure. He reached for her fingers, threading their hands together. “Exactly what I said earlier. I’m here, Case. I’m staying if you let me. You aren’t the only reason. But you are a big reason. I want to see where this thing between us goes. I want to stick it out. But you need to know that I am not going to tell you that your walls are okay. If we do this, I’m going to shatter every foundation because I want the Casey that lives behind that wall to be the Casey that everyone sees, who isn’t afraid to love and be loved by the right people because she knows the right people are going to love her just as fiercely in return.”
He released her hand and stood. “Ball is in your court, Case. I want to take you out this weekend. And I want it to be a date—not just for fun but as my girlfriend. I don’t want you to answer now.”
She didn’t move from the couch. Didn’t stop looking at him. Simply nodded.
He kissed her forehead. “Thanks for a good night. I’ll call you tomorrow evening after you’ve had time to think.”
In a few steps, he was at the door and pulling it open. “Come lock it behind me?”
She still hadn’t said anything but slowly rose and approached him. He could see the battle raging in her eyes but for some reason, he felt peace.
“Night, gorgeous.” He exited and moved to his car.
“Micah? That courage thing. It goes both ways.”
He stopped in his tracks and turned, her silhouette visible in the flickering candlelight behind her. Touché.
With a nod, he climbed into the truck. It roared to life with the twist of the keys.
Once again, his match. He’d challenged her. But she’d pushed right back. For as much as she still had her walls in place, Micah still hadn’t shared the darkest part of his story. And it was time to make good on the courage he was asking of her.
He only hoped he wouldn’t lose her after the dust settled.