Friday, and another meeting with her partners. Andi filled a tall mug with ice, coffee, and cream. She turned off the machine. Josh and Grace waited at the round table. Andi slid onto a chair and sipped her drink.
“Before we start I’ve a question.” Andi set the mug on the table. “Is there a restaurant in town connected to jazz?” Their answer might help her to decide whether to yield to the tempting offer to drive his car or to follow him. She might also learn what to wear.
“There is,” Grace said. “Josh and I had dinner there on opening night. The food is pure southern and the music is terrific. There’s also a great dance floor.”
“Why do you want to know?’ Josh asked,
Andi grasped the mug with both hands. “I’ve been invited to have dinner there.”
A scowl formed on Josh’s face. He smacked the table with his hand. Grace jerked to her feet and rushed to the door. Andi’s hands fisted. So much for a discussion of the week’s problems. She emptied her mug in the sink.
“I’ll see you Monday.” She stalked to the door.
Josh growled. “Are you falling into his trap again? Have you forgotten?”
“Excuse me. We are not discussing this.”
“Tickled Ivories is dark, romantic, and not the place to talk about your mutual niece.”
Andi’s fists tightened. A scream built in her chest. She gulped a breath. “That is enough. Where I go, who I go with, and what we discuss is not your business. I want to hear Rob’s news. I’ve warned you about harassing me. Butt out.” She left before she inflicted physical damage.
Grace waited in the hall. “Are you happy?”
“I’m angry. I’m going home. If I stay another minute I’ll slug Josh and quit.”
“Why? You have what you want.”
“And that is?”
“Josh tied in knots. Why are you toying with him? Tell him you won’t marry him. That’s all he’s talked about for months.”
Andi laughed until tears rolled over her cheeks. “I have. Two years ago he heard my first refusal. I’ve told him no at least a couple dozen times.” She opened her office door. “On Monday I’ll speak to Rafe Marshall about the possible opening for a practitioner on Peds at the hospital.” She grabbed her purse. “I may see you Monday, or I may not.” She strode to the door.
Grace ran after her. “Don’t do anything in haste. I’ll talk to him and ask him to stop harassing you.”
Andi turned. “I need to consider my options.”
“We’ll have a meeting on Monday.”
By the time Andi reached the apartment some of her anger had abated. She sat on the couch and opened the single piece of mail. Junk. She tossed the envelope in the trash. She now had a plan B. To stay in Fern Lake, remaining in the partnership wasn’t necessary. Though she enjoyed seeing healthy children with a few problem patients If Josh continued to be difficult she could bail. She wanted to be where she could see her niece.
And Rob. Though admitting how much was true she had no desire to leap into a forever gig. Trusting and forgetting the past seemed impossible.
Before showering, she searched her closet for something to wear. She selected a silk flowered dress with a skirt that swirled around her thighs. A pair of blue killer heels the same shade as the main color of the dress completed the outfit. She felt good to go.
She showered, washed and blew dry her short hair. She donned a blue bikini and bra set and slid the dress over her head. The feel of silk on her skin made her smile. After zipping the back of the dress she applied make-up and a hint of perfume. She slipped on the shoes and glanced in the full-length mirror. Not bad.
Though ready early, she walked to the living room but she couldn’t sit still. She paced about with the news murmuring in the background. Was going to a restaurant with Rob a real date? They’d never had one. In the past their meetings had always been at the lake and in secret. He’d taken another girl to his prom. She’d skipped hers.
The peal of the doorbell shocked her. Six fifteen wasn’t seven. She opened the door and saw Simon. “What?” she asked.
“The alarm system.”
She’d totally forgotten. “Will you be long?”
“An hour tops.” He winked. “You’re looking good. Hot date?”
“Rob.” Her face felt hot.
Simon opened several boxes. “Talking about the baby?”
“On my part, yes.” She grinned. “He wants to share some news. Maybe the publication date for his book. I imagine he’ll be off on a tour and will want me to watch Tammy.”
“Does he have to bribe you?” Simon removed the doorknob.
She shook her head. “I love spending time with my niece. She retreated to the living room and found a re-run to watch. What had Rob told Simon? The men were friends as well as cousins.
The television program ended. She heard two male voices. She went to the door. Rob leaned against the wall. Her heart danced. The blue of his tie was the same hue as her dress.
Rob arched an eyebrow. “Looking good.”
“You, too.” Her breath caught. Had she made a mistake by agreeing to an intimate evening?
Simon stepped back and pressed buttons on a pad set in the door. “You’re now connected to our system.” He handed her a key and a slip of paper. “Let me show you how this works. Insert the key. Press these numbers on the pad. Then turn the key.”
Andi nodded. She stepped into the hall and closed the door. She inserted the key, pressed the numbers, and turned the key. “Should I memorize the numbers and swallow the paper?”
He laughed. “No reason to do that. The numbers will change every month. You’ll receive a text message with the new ones. Now if you should be accosted just hit the wrong numbers and the alarm will signal there is a problem and we will respond.”
“Thanks.” She tucked the key and the paper in her small bag.
Rob smiled. “My thanks, too.” He and Simon tapped fists.
Andi closed the door. Simon held the elevator for them. He turned to Rob. “Hopefully we’ll install your system next week. We’re still waiting for some of the elements.”
“Great news,” Rob said. “With Sherman yet to be found I want to make sure the cabin is safe.”
They exited in the lobby. Simon ran to his truck. Rob led Andi to the Jag and handed her the keys. “As promised.”
She studied the sleek car. “This is one sweet ride.” She dropped the keys in his hand. “I’m not taking chances. Would take me years to pay you if I damage this car.”
He tapped her chin. “Then I’ll drive.” He opened the passenger’s door. “Just to warn you. Janine can stay until eleven thirty. Then either the car or I will turn into a pumpkin.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” She slid onto the buttery leather seat and fastened her seatbelt.
Rob started the car. “All set?”
Andi leaned back and grinned. “What’s your big news?”
He turned his head. His smile broadened. “Do you remember Chad Morgan?”
“Your rival in track. I’ve seen some of his movies. He’s a good actor, plus being an attractive man.”
“He wants to star in an adaption of my first book.”
Andi laughed. “That’s great. Will you sign?”
“I’d be a fool not to. Problem. He wants me to meet him next Friday in New York to sign the contract and do a photo op.”
“Are you going?”
“Depends on you. I’m not about to take Tammy, though my agent suggested I could. I wouldn’t want to leave her with a strange sitter or involve her in any photo op. Janine doesn’t work weekends. I was lucky she stayed this evening.”
“Looks like you have a problem.”
“Could you stay with her at the cabin? I’ll be back on Sunday.” He pulled into the lot beside the restaurant. “I know you do Sunday rounds at the hospital and are on call.”
“We could work something out. There is a nursery for staff members that’s open seven days a week.”
As he opened the door to let her step out, he clasped her hand. “Thanks.”
They strode to the door of Tickled Ivories and were greeted by the maitre ‘de. He led them to a table near the dance floor. Glossy black chairs surrounded the white glass topped tables. Rob ordered a bottle of rose and appetizers of spicy shrimp and lobster.
Andi listened to the jazz pianist play a soft background melody. The waiter offered Rob a taste of the wine. When he nodded the waiter filled the glasses and left the bottle in a tableside stand.
Andi sipped the wind and bit into one of the assorted shrimp on the round platter. “Delicious.” She took one of the small lobster rolls.
Rob lifted a toast point with a shrimp pate. “Try one of this.”
She finished the bite she’d taken and spread the pate on another point. “You’re right.” The pianist was joined by the other members of the combo. Several couples left their tables and moved to the dance floor. Andi sighed. Maybe she and Rob…Her thoughts churned. Was being in his arms a good move?
Small bowls of cold shrimp and tomato bisque followed. Andi was glad she hadn’t eaten a large lunch. She looked up. “Do you eat here often?”
He shook his head. “Just once. I’ve tried to duplicate some of the dishes. Came close. Just wait for the main course.”
“What did you order?”
“Duck Jambalaya.”
She finished the bisque and turned to watch the dancers,
“Want to join them?” Rob asked.
“Maybe later. Let’s talk about this weekend. If I couldn’t stay with Tammy, what would you do?”
He met her gaze. “Call on Dana and Simon.”
“Would they do that for you?”
He nodded. “There the only other people in Fern Lake who know about the books.”
She stretched her hand across the table. “Let me think.”
The jambalaya arrived. Rob filled their wine glasses again.
Andi tasted a bite of the dish and sighed. “Great.”
During the rest of the meal conversation bounced from subject to subject. After taking the dishes away the waiter handed them a dessert menu. Though everything sounded wonderful Andi shook her head. “Too many calories.”
Rob pointed to the dance floor. “We could burn some here.”
Though she feared this was a mistake she nodded. She had been in his arms before, but never to dance. He rose and clasped her hand. The warmth of the touch made her want to step closer.
At first they remained with a good distance between their bodies. He lightly touched her waist. The music changed to a soft dreamy song with a vibrant bass tone beneath the melody. Slowly they drifted together.
Warning, warning, her head shouted.
Enjoy, her heart countered.
Rob’s hand slid from her waist to her hips. He freed her hand and pulled her against his body. Her hands circled his neck. They continued to move in slow circles. She breathed in the sandalwood of his aftershave and the heady scent of his desire. His erection pressed against her belly. Pulses throbbed. She gazed into his eyes and was lost. Her need spiked.
He whispered in her ear. “Shall we leave?”
Unable to answer she nodded. They returned to the table where a small coffee service waited. She poured two cups. The waiter arrived with the bill. Rob paid.
Hand in hand they walked to the car. Rob pulled her into his arms. His mouth closed over hers. She opened to receive his tongue. Her body heated. She twined her tongue around his. She felt rising desire. When he released her she moaned.
“We need to go,” he said. “This isn’t the place.”
The huskiness of his voice ignited her desire. “I know.”
He brushed his lips over her forehead. “You taste better than you ever did.” He opened the car door and helped her inside. He ran a finger over her breast. “Ten minutes to your place.” He closed the door.
During the ride to her apartment Andi breathed air heavy with desire and memories of the past. Tomorrow she might regret what she felt in this moment, but tonight her need for him throbbed too strongly to deny. She wished they could materialize in her bed.
Rob pulled into a visitor’s spot. The moment he stopped the car, Andi got out and hurried into the lobby to ring for the elevator. As the doors opened Rob stepped behind her and held her against his body. The touch revved the passion that had faded. He stroked her back. She felt the slide of the zipper of her dress.
“Not here, either,” she whispered.
“I want you. I need you. For years I’ve dreamed of what we had. I never believed we would find each other again.”
“Me, either.”
The doors opened. Ashe walked to her apartment and slipped the key into the lock. “Two minutes.”
“Wait. The alarm.” He pulled her hand away. “Don’t turn the key. We don’t need anyone from the security firm to arrive.”
Andi drew a deep breath filled with a musky aroma. She pulled the paper from her bag and tapped the code.
Moments later they stood in the foyer. The door closed with a click. Rob pulled off his jacket and tie. He pressed her against the wall and renewed the kiss. Tongues tangled and caressed. Their mouths fused until they had to take a breath.
Rob released his hold on her shoulders. “Turn,” he commanded.
As she moved she rubbed over his erection. He slid the zipper of her dress down. The garment slid to the floor. Her eyes widened when he removed his trousers to reveal his muscular and nude body. He bent and pulled something from his pocket. He handed her two condoms and opened a third.
As he stroked himself and began to sheath his erection her panties dampened. She hadn’t remembered his size. She ran her tongue over her lower lip and drank in the beauty of the man she desired. She brushed her hand over his chest and opened the buttons of his shirt. He shrugged it off, grasped her hands and held them above her head. A light kiss morphed to hard and demanding.
“Bedroom?” she asked.
“If I can last that long.” He released her hands.
His gruff voice excited her. She ran past the living room and down the hall. He caught her at the bedroom door. His fingers slid beneath the sides of her bikini bottom and yanked it down. He lifted her and captured one breast in his mouth.
The fluttering of his tongue caused sensations to reach her core. He dropped her on the bed and stared at her like a pirate eyeing a rich treasure.
“You are beautiful.” He slid the panties off and removed her shoes. He massaged each foot using his thumbs to press areas sending electric charges where she needed him.
When he knelt on the bed between her legs and bent to kiss her she stroked the mat of dark hair on his chest. When she rolled her fingers over the tight tips of his nipples he growled and thrust his tongue unto her mouth. She arched toward him.
He raised his head. His eyes glowed with desire. He grasped her hips and slid into her channel. He filled her completely and remained still.
The aromas of him and her filled every breath. “I need…I want…” she cried.
“And so do I.” he clasped her hands and began to move. A burn began. She tried to move and encourage him to a faster pace. He released her hands, bent his head and sucked one nipple into his mouth. His tongue teased. He sucked and nipped.
She couldn’t hold back the explosion that erupted, sending welcoming heat. She cried his name and grasped his hair. She had missed and needed this feeling of completeness for so long.
Rob began to thrust and withdraw, each interval shorter than the one before. Noises erupted from his throat. Her body tensed in anticipation of another explosion. He thrust again and threw his head back and roared. Her body tightened around him. The explosion shattered all tension.
He collapsed atop her. His body felt like a warm blanket. Their harsh rapid breaths slowed into harmony. He stroked her hair and brushed his lips over hers and rolled so they were side to side.
Andi closed her eyes. Thoughts of love rose. She couldn’t deny her feelings. Her eyes opened. She saw bemusement in his eyes. “That was…Thank you.”
He stroked her face with his fingers. “Mutual wonder…”
She glanced at the bedside clock. She frowned. Where had the time gone?
“Give me a bit of recovery time and we’ll go again.”
“Another day. It’s nearly eleven. Aren’t you Cinderella?”
“Damn.” He sat up. “Save the protection for another time.” He rose and walked to the door and turned. “There was…well…the best for years.”
She swallowed the urge to agree. As he stepped into the hall she watched the play of his muscles. She would and wouldn’t regret making love in the morning. She grabbed her robe and followed him.
* * *
Rob stood in the hall and pulled on his slacks. He shoved his feet into his shoes and tucked the socks in his trouser pocket.
Andi appeared. Her tousled hair and the hastily donned robe made him wish he could stay. He kissed her lightly and reached for the doorknob. “I’ll call tomorrow.”
“Drive safe.” She grabbed the sides of his shirt. “Better button before you reach the cabin.”
“I will.” He opened the door and pulled her into his arms. As he lowered his head to kiss her she sighed. “I wish I could stay,” he whispered against her lips.
She ended the kiss. “Go. I’m not into pumpkins.”
Rob waved and bounded down the steps. Waiting for the elevator would have him pounding on her door. He reached his car and gripped the steering wheel. There were things he should have said before he left. Like come to New York with me. Come to the cabin to live. I want to be with you forever. Would she believe him? He’d told her that once before and then he’d said those cruel words.
He started the car and drove home. At the cabin he buttoned his shirt and slung his jacket over his shoulder. He would arrive with five minutes to spare.
When he opened the door, Janine rose from the couch. One eyebrow arched. “Guess you had a good time.”
He grinned. “I did. How was Tammy?”
“Delightful.” She slipped past him and reached for the door.
“Thanks for staying. See you Monday.”
He headed for his bedroom with a stop to see his niece. He stared at the sleeping child. “I’m in love,” he whispered. “I bet you will approve.”
* * *
The next morning Rob made airplane reservations for the trip to New York. The signing and photo ops were scheduled for Friday. Though his agent had pushed he wasn’t sure he wanted to remain until Sunday. If he returned on Saturday he could have part of a weekend with Andi. If he could convince her to stay.
He booked return flights for Saturday and Sunday. Then he called his agent and gave her Friday’s arrival time.
“A limo will be waiting and the hotel is booked,” she said. “Not far from my office.”
He disconnected and was about to call Andi when his cell buzzed. “Hello.
“Simon here. You busy Sunday? Dana and I are taking Jenny to the lake. We’ll be there around three. Picnic dinner. Would you like to bring Tammy?”
“I’d like that. Maybe I can persuade Andi to join us. If you don’t mind.”
Simon chuckled. “Ask her.”
“Any news about Dan Sherman?”
“Nada. The man’s as illusive as a shadow at midnight. The search continues.”
“What about security here at the cabin?”
“Still waiting for components. Might be able to start on Friday.”
Rob hung up and tapped the number he’d planned to call. He wanted to cross his fingers, eyes and toes hoping she would agree.”
“Hello.”
Hearing her voice caused all words to evaporate. The single word evoked the way she’d looked when she’d climaxed. Surely, she would want to experience that again.”
“Hello,” she repeated.
“Hi.” Why had he called?
“Rob.” Her voice sounded strained. Had her brother called her again?
He cleared his throat. “About last night. We need to talk.”
“We need to go slow. Take a week or two to think about whether last night was a mistake or not.”
“Not for me.” He gripped the cell. “I’ll step back, but we have been invited to a picnic at Fern Lake tomorrow afternoon around three.”
“Who?”
“Simon and Dana.” Her silence made him think she would refuse.
“I’d like to see them. I’ll meet you in the parking lot. I’ve some questions for Simon. What should I bring?”
“Yourself. I’ll provide our share of the food.”
She laughed. “That’s a deal. Hey, is the hotdog truck still parked across the road from the lot?”
“It is. You’ve given me a great idea. I’ll tell Dana I’ll make a killer chocolate cake and buy hotdogs from the truck. She can bring the sides.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Rob lifted Tammy into his arms. Though outside dark clouds and faint rumbles promised rain he felt sun warmth inside. “We’re good, kid. Tomorrow we’ll see Andi.”