CYNTHIA COULDN’T BELIEVE she had a date with Sean. Her life had become surreal. Never in a million years would she have guessed when she heard his sexy voice for the first time that she would be going out with him. A heavenly voice for weeks was now a flesh-and-blood man who wanted to spend time with her. She was going to make the most of it while it lasted. If nothing else she would have some great memories.
Usually all her efforts went toward the boys so she hadn’t gotten a new outfit in ages but she went shopping. Sean had said casual so she had settled on a royal blue shirt and a pair of fitted dark pants that stopped just above her ankles. For shoes, she selected flats. It had been months since she’d had the money to have her hair done but she splurged and had her hair trimmed and shaped. It now bounced and flowed around her face and shoulders. With the addition of a touch of makeup to her eyes and cheeks then some gloss to her lips, she felt better than she had in years about her appearance.
She was ready to go when the doorbell rang on Wednesday evening. Resisting the urge to fling the door open, she calmly walked down the hall. Sean looked more handsome than ever. Dressed casually in a cream shirt under a wool V-necked sweater with jeans, he looked the perfect date right out of the pages of a romance novel. If she didn’t get control of her infatuation she would be in trouble.
“Hey. You look incredible,” he said as he stepped inside.
Warmth washed over her. She loved being complimented by him. Not many of those came from her brothers. “Thank you.”
Sean lifted her chin with one finger. “You know, a blush is a rare thing of beauty. It looks good on you.”
Cynthia didn’t know if his statement was true but she sure enjoyed hearing it. “You don’t look half bad yourself. Very dapper in a casual way.”
He grinned and bowed slightly. “I do try. Are you ready to go?”
“I am. Let me just get my jacket.” She turned and headed down the hall.
When she returned Sean looked over her shoulder. “Are the guys around?”
“Nope. Rick is at some friends’ and Mark is at his new job. Why? Do you need them for something?”
He stepped closer and her pulse rate zipped into high gear. “I just wanted to know if we were alone.” He gathered her into his arms and his lips found hers. The urgency in his kiss had her body humming, racing to join him. Seconds later he released her and stepped back. “I’ve been thinking about that since last Sunday night and couldn’t wait any longer. I think we should go before I decide to stay here and take advantage of the privacy.”
Trying to catch her breath, she said, “I guess we should go.”
Was she ready for their relationship to go to the next level? Did she know him well enough? She certainly wanted him badly enough. Could she survive another broken heart? So caught up in her fantasy and infatuation with Sean, was she thinking straight?
What she did affected her brothers as well. They seemed to like him. Did they mind her having a boyfriend? Would they be hurt if she and Sean were to break up? Her brothers had already lost so much. What if they became attached to Sean? If she had the power she wouldn’t let anyone hurt Mark and Rick again. She had to be careful for all their sakes who came into their lives.
Sean held the car door open while she got in before he went around and slipped gracefully into the driver’s seat.
“So what do you have planned for tonight? I hope I’m dressed properly.”
He looked her over as if he were feasting on the most wonderful meal of his life. “You know you look beautiful.”
Cynthia warmed under his appreciation.
Backing out of the drive, he added, “I thought we would see if we could find a good view of the city. Maybe watch the lights go on. Then have a little dinner.”
“That sounds wonderful.” Anything she did with Sean appealed to her. She enjoyed his humor, appreciated his devotion to his patients and his profession, but most of all she liked that he made her feel as if she were the center of his world. She’d not had that since her parents had died. As a sister or a stand-in parent, or just as the person who had to make sure everything was done, she had had little me-time in years. She’d never thought it a burden but on occasions the need to let go had nagged at her. Tonight, she planned to do just that, and with an amazing man by her side.
She found Sean’s inability to organize and his rather economical way of living endearing. The smart, sexy, intelligent man had a foible. It was nice to know the perfect man she’d assembled in her mind was human. She could relate to that person.
As Sean made his way through traffic and up the mountain highway Cynthia watched as the statue of Vulcan grew larger. The huge iron man stood on the highest point in the city. She had always been fascinated by him. He was a major landmark in Birmingham and had been for all her life. It was a central mark by which people distinguished where they lived. North or south of Vulcan.
Sean continued winding around the mountain until he turned off the main highway and drove up Red Mountain to where Vulcan stood.
“This is a great place for a view of the city, but isn’t it closed?” she asked.
“It is. But I have a patient who’s a security guard here. I called in a favor. He’s going to let us go up and have a look.” Sean pulled into a parking spot in the almost deserted lot. The only vehicle there was a small older-model pickup truck.
“That sounds great.” Cynthia should have known that Sean wouldn’t plan a typical night out. “Once again you have surprised me.”
“How’s that?” Sean helped her out of the car. He lingered over letting her hand go, giving her a fuzzy feeling of pleasure.
“I thought you were the kind of guy who would take a date to a fancy restaurant. Show her how suave you are.”
“Are you disappointed?” He sounded as if her answer really mattered.
Cynthia smiled. She liked the element of the unexpected he offered. “Not in the least.”
An older man with tufts of white hair on his head, wearing a gray uniform, walked toward them.
Sean shook hands with him. “Cynthia, I’d like you to meet Luther Murphy. Luther, this is Cynthia Marcum.”
The man nodded to her. “Nice to meet you, young lady. Any friend of Dr. Donavon’s is a friend of mine. Dr. Donavon did me a great service a few years back. I was getting where I couldn’t hear my wife. Most people would like that, but me, I missed hearing her complain. Dr. Donavon got me all set up so now I hear every single word she says.”
Cynthia couldn’t contain her laughter. “How long have you been happily married?”
“It’ll be forty-five years next month,” he said with a toothy grin.
“Wow, that’s impressive.” What would it be like to find a man she could love for so many years? She glanced at Sean. Could he be that one? He made her feel things she’d never experienced before. Wasn’t sure she was prepared to feel again.
They walked over to a small door in the tall red-brick foundation that Vulcan stood on. Mr. Murphy opened it to reveal metal stairs that spiraled upward. He left them there.
“If we want the view we must work for it,” Sean said from behind her. “Do you want me to go first?”
“No, I will.” She took the lead.
Sean chuckled. “I figured as much.”
She looked back at him. He was almost at eye level with her. “That’s kind of like the pot calling the kettle black. You like to be in control.”
“So we’re going to get personal here?” He held her gaze.
“I think what I’ll do is keep walking.” Cynthia headed up the steps again. “Did you know that Vulcan was built for the 1904 St. Louis World Fair?”
Sean’s voice echoed in the space. “Yes. Did you know that he’s the largest cast-iron statue in the world?”
Pausing, she glanced back at him. “That I didn’t know.” She started up again. “This is a hard one. What was the point of picking a Roman god to represent Birmingham?”
“By your lofty tone you don’t think I know the answer.” He sounded indignant at the thought. “For your information, it was because of the area’s mineral deposits. There’s a large amount of iron ore in the area.”
She smiled back at him. “Very good. Since you’re so smart, what’s Vulcan holding in his raised hand?” It took him so long to answer she began to think he might not know the answer.
“That would be a spear,” he said triumphantly.
She grinned down at him. “Now for bonus points. What’s in the other hand?”
A minute went by before he said, “Okay, you’ve got me there. What is it?”
“A hammer. It’s on top of an anvil,” she proudly informed him.
“That’s right. Where did you get all this knowledge?” There was a little huff in his voice from the climb.
Her foot clinked as she took another step. “I did a report in the sixth grade. Got an A-plus.”
Sean chuckled. “I would bring you to the one place you knew more about than me.”
“Don’t worry. I don’t think you’re less of a man for it.” She stopped and waited for Sean to join her on the upper landing.
As he did he pulled her against him. “I wouldn’t underestimate me there.” His mouth found hers as his hand came around her waist. Her heart jumped into overdrive and she hung on as his hot and sure tongue commanded her mouth. Just as quickly he let her go, leaving her wanting more. Sean had more than proven his point.
He opened the door and stepped out onto an observation deck. She followed on shaking legs that had nothing to do with their climb. They now stood at the top of the foundation and at the feet of Vulcan.
“I haven’t been here since I was a child. I have to admit I’m really looking forward to this.” She looked out over the expanse of the city with awe.
Sean said, “I’m glad. I was hoping you’d like it. I wanted to do something a little different.” He shook his head. “But I hadn’t counted on all those steps.”
“The view is worth it. Come on.” She took his hand and gave it a little pull.
Sean didn’t let go as they made their way around on the narrow viewing walkway. She stopped again to look out at the panorama of the city in early evening. Only a few lights were on. Sean came to stand beside her.
“My mom and dad brought me and my brothers up here. I remember being scared and Daddy holding my hand as I made my way around. I was glued to the side of the wall until Mama took the other hand. I felt secure then.” She had great memories of her parents. Missed them so much.
“You really had a great relationship with your parents, didn’t you?” Sean said quietly beside her, his arm coming around her waist.
Her head leaned against his shoulder. “I did. I miss them daily.”
“I don’t have memories of anything like that.” His tone was sad and dry.
She looked at him. He seemed troubled, as though he had said too much. “Are your parents alive?”
“Oh, they’re alive and well.” He gave her hand a tug. “Let’s walk on around and see what downtown looks like.”
“This is unreal.” She looked out at the tall buildings sitting in the valley of mountains.
Sean said, “You just wait for a few more minutes and I think you’ll be even more impressed.”
“Is that what you’re trying to do, impress me?” The fact he might care enough to try was empowering.
“Would it matter if I was?” Sean’s voice had grown deeper, raspier.
She looked at him. “I do kind of like the idea.”
His arm came around her waist again and they watched as darkness grew. The mountains beyond became dark silhouettes against the pink-hued sky. The sun slowly kissed them and disappeared. And lights in the city below blinked on. Some white with the occasional red and blue here and there.
“This is breathtaking,” Cynthia said in awe.
“Yes, you are.” She glanced at him, but he captured her look with the desire blazing in his eyes.
Cynthia swallowed hard and managed to turn back to the view. She would think about what Sean’s passionate gaze and statement meant later. “How did you discover this?”
“I came up here to visit Mr. Murphy one evening and he brought me here.”
She needed to keep the subject on a topic to keep her head clear. “So you make a habit of coming here?”
“No. This is the only time I’ve been back.”
He’d never brought another woman? This was special between the two of them. She liked the idea he hadn’t shared this with anyone else.
“I think it’s time for us to go down and have dinner,” Sean said in a low voice as they approached the doorway.
“Where’re we going?” Cynthia stepped through the door and headed down the stairs.
“Do you have to know everything?” he teased.
She stiffened her shoulders and used her best annoyed voice. “Well, not everything.”
“You’ve been looking after your brothers for so long that you need to know everything about everyone all the time. Why don’t you just let go some and live a little?”
He made it sound as if she couldn’t. She would show him. “This is from the man who doesn’t drive a sports car, has the bare minimum in his office, and seems to work all the time.” She straightened her shoulders. “I assure you I can do surprise.”
He chuckled. “Ouch. That hurt. But we’ll just see how well you do surprise.”
They slowly descended the stairs. A few minutes later they came out of the stuffy space into the cool evening. Mr. Murphy’s truck was no longer in the parking lot. Sean reached into his pocket and pulled out a small flashlight and then locked up. He directed the beam toward a path leading over a grassy slope. They walked over to it and down toward an outcropping of trees. There among them was a picnic table with a blue checked tablecloth covering it with a small candle flickering in a jar in the center. On the table sat a picnic basket.
Cynthia had never seen a more charming setting. Romantic was an understatement. She was overwhelmed with the thought he had put into their evening.
“Come on. But be careful.” Sean’s hand remained firmly on her elbow as he led her to the table. He helped her to sit on the bench, then went around to the other side. Opening the basket, he pulled out three plastic containers of food. A bottle of wine and two glasses followed. Another couple of containers appeared to hold slices of pie. Lastly, he removed napkins, utensils, and two plates. Sean placed a plate in front of her, then handed her a cloth napkin and a fork.
“I didn’t think I could be more impressed but you’ve managed to do it.” She was overwhelmed. He’d gone to a lot of trouble just for her.
Sean sounded pleased. “I’m glad. I was afraid my organizational skills might scare you off.”
“You are worried about me being frightened off?” Why would he be afraid she wouldn’t want him? From what she could tell he was almost perfect. She couldn’t imagine why he might be insecure.
“A little bit,” Sean was slow to admit. He took the bench across from her.
“So you put all this together all by yourself?”
“Not exactly.” He started opening the plastic containers. “Truthfully, I called the local café where I often eat and they put it together.” He put up a finger as if to punctuate his statement. “But I did tell them what I wanted.”
Cynthia grinned. “No matter where it came from, I can tell you went to a lot of effort. It’s wonderful. I appreciate it. I’m honored.”
“I’m glad you like it.” He placed some fried chicken on her plate then on his. The next container held potato salad and out of the third came corn on the cob that was still warm. He brought out a small bag from the basket that had two rolls in it.
Cynthia looked at the plate before her. “This is a feast.”
She glanced upward. The stars were starting to pop out and could just be seen between the limbs of the trees. The light flickering in the center of the table, the night sky and the charming man now sitting across from her were irresistible. She couldn’t think of a dreamier setting.
Sean poured them each a glass of red wine and handed one to her. Hand around his goblet, he looked at her for a moment.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
“No, I was just thinking how beautiful you looked in the candlelight.”
Her heart fluttered. The man was making every effort to impress and she liked it. No man had gone to such lengths before, not even Dave.
Raising his wine for a toast, Sean said, “To an amazing woman.”
Beaming, Cynthia clinked her glass to his. “Thank you. I’ve never been toasted before.”
“Then you’re long overdue.” He set his glass down and waited until she started eating, then joined her. They ate in silence for a few minutes. Cynthia hated to disturb the camaraderie they had built but she couldn’t get his earlier remarks about his family out of her mind. Having a support system was important. Why didn’t Sean understand that?
“I hope this doesn’t ruin our evening but I’m curious to know…”
“That sounds interesting and ominous at the same time.” He looked up at her and put his fork down.
“What is it with you and your parents? I don’t ever hear you say anything positive about them. You had a funny look on your face when we were talking about them earlier.”
* * *
Sean didn’t immediately answer her. Somehow he felt that the truth was all that he could share. Cynthia would see right through anything else. Accept nothing less. He was thankful there was only candlelight for her to see him by.
“My mom and dad and I just don’t think the same. I grew up with parents who see everything as pie-in-the-sky. The next great thing is coming their way. My daddy never held a solid job except for when he had no choice. They were always looking, and still are, for that get-rich-quick scheme. I’m the youngest of three. By the time they got to me there was no money. All your talk about your brothers playing basketball and doing extracurricular activities was fantasy in my childhood. Those weren’t in my life because what money we had went into investing in the next thing to make us rich. Those never panned out. Not once. When I got old enough to make my own money there wasn’t time for other things.
“Even on the off chance I got to do something sports related they rarely showed up. If they did come, they’d spend their time trying to recruit other parents into one of their schemes. I remember being so embarrassed.
“By the time I graduated high school we had parted ways. It was up to me to pay my way through college and I took out loans for med school. I had to do my own thing. I wanted nothing more to do with living hand to mouth. I worked in a nursing home and found I loved caring for people. I had good grades and decided that medicine was for me. Now you know all about the underbelly of my life.”
Cynthia said softly, “Now I understand.”
“Understand what?”
Her beautiful face was full of compassion but not pity. “Why you drive the type of car you do. Why your office looks as it does. Why you had that appalled look on your face when I wanted to sign you up for the internet meat club. Even why you picked here for our dinner.”
His shoulders tensed. Did she think he should have done more for her? Just minutes ago she’d seemed impressed with what he had planned for the evening. “Are you saying you think I’m cheap?”
“No, not at all.” She vigorously shook her head. “This picnic is far better than going to a fancy restaurant. I certainly have no problem with the type of car you drive. Look at what I drive. But I understand why you don’t fit the cliché you accuse me of trying to force you into. Or what I expected when I first met you. All I’m saying is I get why you think the way you do.”
He wasn’t sure he liked being that open with another person but with Cynthia there was security. She got him and didn’t dislike what she saw. He knew more than one woman who wouldn’t understand or couldn’t. Vulnerability wasn’t his strong suite but somehow being so with Cynthia seemed right.
She tilted her head to the side. “You said you haven’t seen your brother and sister in a couple of years. So how long has it been since you’ve seen your parents?”
“A little over a year.” He was revealing stuff he’d never told anyone. He didn’t talk about his family. Ever.
Disbelief covered her face. “Don’t you miss them?”
“I do more since I’ve met your family.” Again he was admitting something he normally wouldn’t. How did Cynthia manage to coax information out of him?
“How’s that?” She put her elbow on the table and rested her chin in her hand, studying him, leaving him no choice but to lie or to tell the truth. She would call him out if he wasn’t honest. He had a feeling he would go down in her estimation if he just refused to answer.
“Being around you and your brothers at dinner just reminded me of how some of my family meals were when things were good. I didn’t realize how much I had let the bad cover up everything else.”
She straightened. “Thank you, I think. That must have been a tough revelation. I hope being around us isn’t too painful.”
It was time to talk about something besides himself. He held up his thumb. “No, except for when I cut my thumb. Oh, yeah, or when I played paintball. Those balls can cause whelps that turn into perfectly round purple bruises.”
“I’m sorry. I had no idea we were so rough. I even forgot to ask about your thumb.” She reached over and took his hand, caressing it.
“It’s fine. I had one of the nurses re-dress it. She said whoever had done it before had done a splendid job.” When she started to let go of his hand he took hers. “Tell me, what would you be doing if you weren’t being a transcriptionist right now?”
“You already know. I want to be a nurse.”
He gently rubbed her fingers. “So what’s holding you back? Your brothers are old enough to take care of themselves.”
She pulled her hand away and put both in her lap. “I need to see that Rick is settled in college. Convince Mark to go back. Then I can see about going myself.”
Had he hit a nerve? Cynthia sounded defensive. Despite that he asked, “When do you think that’ll happen?”
“I don’t know. Maybe next year. Or the next?” She picked up her fork again.
He wanted, needed to understand her thoughts. “So what were your dreams before?”
“You mean before my parents died?” There was a sad note in her voice.
“Yes.”
“I wanted to be an emergency department nurse. I liked the idea of not knowing what was going to happen next. To see all different problems. I hated it when I had to quit school.” She looked off into the night. Seconds later she blinked. “You know, this discussion has gotten too serious. Who’s your favorite movie star?”
“Boy, that’s a change of subject. But I’ll go along. John Wayne.”
She nodded sagely, as if giving the idea thought. “John Wayne. I wasn’t expecting that.”
“I have his entire movie collection.”
Cynthia seemed impressed. “Really? I’ve only seen a few of his movies that I can remember.”
He leaned toward her. “I can’t believe that. How have you gotten to the age you are and seen but a few of his movies? That’s just wrong.”
“Wrong?” Her voice went up an octave and she raised her fork.
“Yes, wrong. I tell you what. We’ll finish here, go to my place to have dessert and a movie. We need to work on your education.” Sean picked up his unfinished chicken.
She shook her head. “I’m not really into Westerns.”
“I know of one I think you’ll really like.”
Cynthia smiled. “All right, I’m willing to give it a try.”
As Sean drove down the mountain he asked, “Are you still up for a movie? I don’t want to force you if you’d really rather not watch one.”
“I’m still willing if I’m still invited.”
As far as he was concerned she would always be invited.
* * *
All the way to Sean’s house Cynthia contemplated the wisdom of agreeing to go there. It was a step in their relationship she hadn’t expected. Would it just be a movie or was he hoping for more? Was she willing to give it? Having spent the last few years being cautious about men, was she prepared to open herself up to a man she’d only known for a few weeks?
What was she getting worked up over? Sean had invited her to watch a movie. He was a gentleman and wouldn’t ask more than she was willing to give. That didn’t make her any less nervous or ease her questions. She was crazy about him. Tonight had only intensified her fascination.
But was he interested in a real relationship? From his receptionist’s reaction, he certainly was a ladies’ man. But who wouldn’t be interested in Sean? He was good with people, had a good sense of humor, intelligence, thought out of the box. Tonight’s date proved that. Supportive. And most of all he seemed to enjoy her company. She was betting that the more she got to know him, the more she’d like him. The only thing she could find complaint with was his view of family. She couldn’t understand his and he seemed to have no concept of hers. That might be an issue if they were thinking about getting married, but their relationship was nowhere near that level of involved.
Soon Sean was pulling into the driveway of a small bungalow-style house in the Mountain Brook Village area. Many of the homes appeared to have been updated, including Sean’s.
“Did you do the work yourself?” she asked as she examined the woodwork detail around the door, the porch railing and light fixture. None of it looked like the typical contractor material.
“I did. I was better taking care of my fingers around the saws than I was with your knife.”
This was a side of him she hadn’t expected. “It looks wonderful. So you ride a bike and are good with your hands. You have an old-world talent, Doctor.”
“Then I must get one more fun point.”
She grinned at him. “That you do.”
Now knowing his background, the choice of home, the area, and the fact he’d put more time than money into the place didn’t surprise her. There wasn’t a light shining on the porch. For Sean that would be a waste of money. However, when they stepped out of the car a motion light blinked on. He met her at the front of the car with the picnic basket in hand, then escorted her up a couple of cement steps to the front door. Unlocking the door, he stepped inside and flipped on a lamp.
His living area was much as Cynthia expected. Furnishings were sparse but of good quality, ones that would last. The most extravagant thing in the room was the enormous TV on the wall. She stood looking at it. “Wow.”
“It was the largest I could get at the time,” he said bashfully.
“Well, you certainly fit the cliché where a man and his TV are concerned.” She chuckled.
“I guess I do.” Sean laughed. “I have to admit that when I’m home I enjoy having it. Especially in the fall for the sports. Why don’t you have a seat?” He indicated a plush-looking tan leather sofa against the opposite wall from the TV.
There was also a large matching armchair with a footstool sitting at an angle to the sofa. In front of the sofa was a coffee table with a couple of books and a few sport magazines on it in no order. There were also several books stacked in one corner. On the wall between the two front windows hung a picture of a rushing river surrounded by trees. Other than that, the room was sterile. A decorator would call it extreme minimalist. It reminded her of his office. Sean didn’t waste his time or money on anything frivolous.
Yet he’d gone out of his way with dinner. So what did he consider her?
The room was definitely an extension of the man. It seemed he was so caught up in the past he couldn’t let go beyond owning a large TV. How much of the extras in life was he giving up so he never felt insecure again? She bet if she accused him of being insecure he would deny it.
He’d placed his phone and keys on the coffee table along with the picnic basket. “I’ll put the movie in, then get our food. We’re going to watch McLintock!” He searched through the shelf below the TV and selected a DVD. While he put it into the machine he said, “I’ll get us something to drink and the pie. What would you like? I have water, wine, soda, maybe milk.” He grinned.
Taking a seat on the couch, she decided, “I’ll have a soda.” She was afraid to have any more alcohol, already feeling a buzz just being around Sean. With her physical reaction to him and being in his private space she couldn’t afford to not be thinking straight.
As the picture came into view, he picked up the basket and left through an arched doorway. Sean returned a few minutes later with drinks in hand, then again with their pie. He took a seat in the chair; he put his feet on the stool and crossed his ankles. If she was concerned about him making an advance she shouldn’t have been. Apparently, it was the last thing on his mind. Cynthia wasn’t sure she liked that idea.
“Why don’t you sit back and make yourself comfortable?” He took a bite of pie. “This pie is really good. You need to try yours.”
Cynthia shifted until she was in the corner of the sofa. After kicking off her shoes and tucking her feet up, she ate to settle her nerves. She relaxed as she became interested in the movie. Soon her body settled, and she almost forgot Sean sitting just a few feet away.
They had been there for about fifteen minutes when he placed his plate on the table and said, “Scoot over.”
She set her plate beside his and moved toward the middle of the sofa, giving him the corner space.
Sean took it. “I was lonely over there by myself.”
Cynthia tried to concentrate on the movie but was so conscious of him she registered none of the words.
“Cynthia,” Sean whispered.
“Mmm?” She looked at him.
“I’m still a little lonely. Why don’t you come a little closer?”
A fuzzy feeling washed over her. She moved up next to him. Sean slipped his arm around her shoulders and nudged her closer.
“Now this is much better.” Sean tucked her in tight.
Much. There was something nice about being next to Sean that had nothing to do with him physically. She certainly liked his body but when she was close she felt supported, as if she wasn’t facing the world alone, there was someone to share the worry. He was there. Solid. Those were feelings she shouldn’t be having. He’d made no promises. It was too soon to start depending on him. She’d been let down before and she had no intention of letting that happen again. People in her life were gone too easily.
A few minutes later he whispered in her ear, “Relax, I’m not going to bite.”
Cynthia snuggled up against him and rested her head in the curve of his shoulder. Here she could stay forever.
They were well into the movie when his phone rang. He paused the movie and answered. Cynthia immediately missed the warmth and comfort of him.
She couldn’t help but overhear his conversation as she relished the rumble of his beautiful voice. He was soon asking questions at a swift pace. Sean had morphed into doctor mode. Apparently there had been some sort of accident. Seconds later he ended the conversation.
“I went on call at nine. I’m rarely called in during the night but tonight’s one of those times. There’s been an automobile accident. I’m needed at the hospital for a consult. I don’t think I’ll be long. I’m sorry but I don’t have time to take you home. If you don’t mind watching the rest of the movie I should be right back.” Even though he was speaking to her she could tell that his mind was on the patient waiting.
She stood. “Don’t worry about me. I know better than most that you have patients.”
His hands came to her shoulders. They were warm and strong. “I know you can take care of yourself but that doesn’t mean I can’t worry about you. I’m sorry about running out on you. I’m not leaving without one of these.”
His hands drew her to him and his lips found hers. Her arms went around his waist, pulling him tight. As his tongue requested entrance she welcomed him with a moan. Gripping her behind with both his hands, Sean brought her against him. Too quickly he released her with a groan. Cynthia teetered backwards but he held her secure. He stepped away; desire still simmered in his eyes, so intense it made her shudder.
“Now I hate to go more than ever but I’ll be back soon.” Sean picked up his keys and phone, and went out of the door.
Instantly his house felt huge. Cynthia had lost interest in the movie but started it again only because Sean would want to know what she thought of it. With a smile on her face, she clicked off the movie when it was over. Sean had been right: it was a good movie.
With the house quiet she carried their dirty plates and glasses to the kitchen. This space had the same charm as the rest of the house with nineteen-fifties tiles on the walls, and even appliances to match. The table was the same type she remembered her grandparents having in their kitchen. Chrome with a red top with chairs that matched. The only concession to the present day was a TV sitting on the counter. She loved the room right away. It was a perfect place to enjoy cooking a meal.
Her mother’s kitchen was like that. Even after so many years she still thought of it as her mother’s kitchen. Nothing had been moved or changed since her parents had died. Somehow it seemed wrong to do so. Her mother had spent so much time preparing meals there. Lots of laughter and love had been shared in that all-important space. Cynthia hadn’t had the heart to make any changes. And the boys deserved for it to remain the same until they left.
She hated to think about that day fast approaching. Once again her life would drastically change.
The least she could do was wash the dishes for Sean. So caught up in musing over how much she liked his kitchen, she didn’t pay close enough attention to the amount of water she was running. It backwashed out of a glass and all over her chest, soaking her, bra and all.
She was going to have to find something to wear. At least until she could dry her clothes out enough to put them on again. Prowling through Sean’s clothing wasn’t what she’d planned or wanted to do, but surely he would understand.
Cynthia headed down the hall in search of his bedroom. The first room she came to turned out to be an office, not a guest room. The way he felt about his family and not visiting them, he probably didn’t think he needed a guest room. Instead of a bed there was a solid oak desk facing the window that looked out over the porch. A desk lamp stood on it and a wooden banker’s chair was behind it. The chair looked as if it had been lovingly refinished. The man did have talent. He might believe in being thrifty but he liked quality. Sean was a diverse personality.
At the end of the hall was a larger bedroom. Knowing of these old homes’ architectural arrangements, she guessed Sean had removed a wall and remodeled the space into more spacious sleeping quarters. Again the furniture consisted of little more than the bare necessities. The floor was made of glossy dark wood she suspected was original to the house. The windows had full-length wooden blinds. They were partially closed. The oak bed was heavy and made the statement that the person who slept in it was all male. A log cabin patterned quilt was spread across it. A bedside table and lamp sat on one side. A tall chest of drawers stood against another wall. Everything about the room screamed Sean.
Cynthia stepped slowly into it. She was entering a private domain but her curiosity kept her going and, after all, she needed something to wear. Peeking past an open door, she found a modern bath but done in a style that stayed true to the age of the house. She loved the man’s taste. Of what she’d seen she wouldn’t change a thing about the fixtures of the house.
But there was one thing missing. The feeling of belonging. There were no pictures of anyone. It was as if Sean had no past or future. That saddened her. A good man like him should have people in his life who were important to him.
Going to the chest of drawers, she opened the top drawer. There she found his undershirts. They were too thin. Sean would be able to see straight through it if she borrowed one of those and he returned any time soon. In the second she found a dark T-shirt with the name of the hospital across the front. This would do until she had her clothing dried.
Returning to the kitchen, she found a small room off it containing a washer and dryer. There she tossed in her shirt and bra. It shouldn’t take them long to dry. Back in the living room, she turned on the TV again. Maybe something good was on that she could watch until Sean returned. Clicking through the channels, she located a favorite show. Feeling cool and not seeing a throw blanket, she went to Sean’s room and removed the quilt from his bed. She would replace it before she left. Surely Sean wouldn’t be upset with her making herself at home?
Returning to the living room, she curled into the large armchair and wrapped the quilt around her. She inhaled deeply and smiled. Between the chair, cover and shirt it was almost as if she were in Sean’s arms. As she watched a late-night talk show, she grew warm. She yawned and her eyes drifted closed.