Quinn held Cynthia fast. The girl sobbed out her relief while Heather’s eyes filled with tears.
Quinn ran a hand soothingly over his daughter’s hair, his own eyes wet as she clung to him.
“Oh Daddy...” she wailed. “I didn’t think I would ever see you again.”
“I’m here, baby girl. I’m here,” he said softly, trying to calm his high strung daughter. She was so much like her mother, and precious to him. He felt as if he could breathe easily for the first time in what felt like months.
“Ain’t t’at nice.” Mattie Cummings dabbed at her eyes.
“Heather!” Cynthia sped into Heather’s arms. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
Heather held her tightly. “You gave us a scare.”
“Ya’ll come on in ‘ere,” the elder woman urged.
“Thanks,” Quinn said, ushering Heather and Cynthia inside. He kept a protective arm around the girl’s shoulders. Cynthia smiled up at him. “Introduce us, little girl.”
“Mrs. Mattie Cummings, this is my father, Quinn Montgomery. And my friend, Heather Gregory.”
“It’s a pleasure, Mrs. Cummings. I’m sorry we came so late. I hope you understand why we thought it couldn’t wait until morning.” Quinn shook hands with the elderly woman, careful of frail arthritic fingers.
“We’re so grateful to you for keeping Cynthia safe,” Heather said, momentarily cradling the woman’s hand in her own.
Miss Mattie beamed. “Pleased to meet ya. Sit a spell.”
Heather and Quinn shared the sofa with Cynthia in the middle.
“Miss Mattie has been taking care of me since I got robbed in the alley last night.”
“Robbed!” Quinn and Heather said simultaneously.
Quinn asked “What happened—”
“Were you hurt?” Heather interjected.
Cynthia dropped her head, nervously clasping her hands in her lap. “I left the bus station to get some dinner. I went with another girl who said she knew a restaurant just down the street. Eva told me she was waiting for the bus to New York. I didn’t know it was a trick.”
“And...” Quinn prompted impatiently.
“They took my purse with all my money in it. My clothes. Daddy, I’m so sorry. I know you told me to stay at the bus station.”
“You said they?”
“She had a friend who must have followed me into the alley.”
Quinn lifted her face, pushing her hair away. He studied the bruise near her temple, the scrape on the side of her neck, and the dark smudges under her eyes. She’d lost weight. Weight she couldn’t afford. She was too thin as it was. “They hurt you?”
Cynthia could see the rage in her father’s eyes and shivered.
“Cindy?”
“Yes, Daddy. But not too bad. When I wouldn’t give him my locket he pushed me hard and I fell and hit my head and scraped my side.”
“Swellin’ gone down. But she got a goose egg on her ‘ead,” Miss Mattie said from her place in the rocker. “I ‘eard her yellin’. Called Joe who takes care of the bar downstairs. Told ‘im to get out t’ere quick, see about the baby. ‘E brought her up to me. ‘Hem bastards nearly killed t’is ‘ere baby.” She rocked to and fro, pausing to say, “Kept wakin’ her up ever’ few ours. Check ‘er.”
“Show me your side.” Quinn’s voice was gruff.
“It’s better, Daddy.” But she showed him the scrape along her side. His long strong fingers gently lifted the gauze to study the jagged scrape.
“Still hurt?”
“Just a little.”
“Have you seen a doctor? Sounds like you might have had a slight concussion.”
“Doctor’s cos’ money. Ain’t got no insurance. I looked after her best I could,” Miss Mattie said proudly.
“So Cynthia has been with you since last night?” Heather asked.
“Sure has. Didn’t eat much a fall.”
“Was the incident reported to the police?”
“For what? ‘udlums didn’t wait for no police. Why you think I keeps ‘here locks on ‘hat door? Ain’t safe no more, ain’t safe.”
“I’m so glad it was you who found her, Mrs. Cummings.”
“Call me Miss Mattie. Ya got yourselves a good girl... real good girl. Just a little unhappy now. But a good girl.” She smiled fondly at Cynthia. “Can I gets ya and the lady frien’ somethin’? Don’t takes but a minute to puts on some coffee.”
Cynthia spoke before either of the adults could respond. “Heather isn’t Daddy’s girlfriend, Miss Mattie. She’s my friend.” The girl didn’t see the look that passed between Heather and Quinn.
“Tea?”
“No, thanks. Did you make that quilt on the bed? It’s beautiful,” Heather said with a smile.
“Yes’m. Made it with scraps from my c’il’ren’s and ‘usbands clothes. T’ey all dead now.” She wiped at a tear.
“It’s lovely,” Heather said warmly.
The elderly woman smiled.
Getting to his feet, Quinn said, “I’m just trying to think of a way to show you how grateful we are for your care of Cindy.” He asked awkwardly, “I’d like to pay you for Cynthia’s food and board.”
“Put that there money away, young man. Did what a good Christian would. Lord’ll always make a way.”
“Let me at least pay you for the food. My daughter may be light as a bird, but I know she doesn’t eat like one,” Quinn said with a smile.
“‘Ush now! You just takes some time to find out w’at really the matter with t’is little gal. Don’t want her runnin’ away no more.”
Quinn looked at his daughter. Her eyes were suddenly glued to the floor, and she was holding Heather’s hand. “Yes, ma’am. That’s what I plan to do.”
Heather went over and kissed her smooth brown cheek. “Miss Mattie, thank you. It scares me to think of what could have happened to Cynthia if it weren’t for you.”
Quinn extracted a business card from his wallet. He handed it to the elderly woman. “Please call me if you ever need anything. My home number is on the back.”
She smiled, tucking the card into the pocket of her robe.
“I mean it. Perhaps you’d like to come and visit Cindy? You’d like that wouldn’t you, baby girl?”
“Oh, yes, Daddy.”
“Miss Mattie?”
“We’ll see,” she said, lifting her chin. But her eyes were twinkling.
“Fair enough. Cindy, get your things. We’ve kept Miss Mattie up long enough.”
Cynthia’s eyes filled. “I only have my jacket. They took everything. My money, my clothes—even my gold locket with Mommy’s picture inside.”
Quinn’s brow creased in a frown. “The important thing is you’re okay.”
“Miss Mattie, could Quinn and I take you out for a meal tomorrow? Once we’ve all gotten a little rest?”
Mattie Cummings grinned from ear to ear. “Yes’m. Just give me a call and I get ready fast.”
“We look forward to it. Good night,” Quinn said offering her his hand.
Cynthia kissed and hugged her before following Heather out.
“We’ll stand here while you lock up.”
“Bye.” Miss Mattie smiled her thanks and hurried to do just that. Quinn followed them down to the bottom of the stairs. Cynthia trembled as they walked through the dark alleyway.
“You’re safe, baby girl,” he said, softly, taking her hand.
The three of them squeezed into the front seat with Cynthia once again in the middle.
“Hungry?”
“Daddy, I’ve eaten already. I’m just tired.”
“We need to get your head x-rayed. We also have to report the robbery to the police.”
“Can’t it wait? My head doesn’t hurt anymore. I just want to take a bath and go to bed. I haven’t slept in a real bed in so long.”
“Heather and I haven’t gotten much sleep either, young lady. If you ever pull something like this again, I will turn you over my knee and make more than your head hurt. You understand me!”
“Yes, sir,” Cynthia answered with a slight smile.
“Maybe if I’d done a little of that when you were little we wouldn’t be in this mess. We still have to deal with your pregnancy.”
“Quinn,” Heather said softly.
“And you owe both of us an explanation. But not tonight.” Quinn started the engine.
“Daddy,” Cynthia said in a tiny voice, “I’m so sorry.”
Rather than pull away from the curb, Quinn looked down at his daughter’s bowed head. He put a finger under her chin and lifted her face. “I know you are. I’m sorry, too, about a lot of things. And I’m very thankful that you’re safe. You could have been seriously hurt. You scared the hell out of me. I don’t want to lose you, nor do I want anything to happen to you. I love you, kid.” He kissed her on the forehead.
“I love you, too, Daddy,” Cynthia said in a wobbly voice, too scared to hope that he would still feel that way once she told him everything.
Heather was silent, unwilling to intrude on this private moment. A soft smile tilted her lips—she was profoundly pleased that Cynthia and Quinn were communicating at last.
“I suppose we can wait until we get back home to have Dr. Grant check you out. We all could use a little sleep. Okay, Heather.”
“Sounds fine to me.”
By the time they reached the hotel, Cynthia was dozing with her head on Heather’s shoulder and Heather was doing the same, only her head rested against the windowpane. Quinn was smiling as he parked in the hotel lot. It looked as if he’d end up carrying both of them up tonight.
“Wake up, ladies. We’re home—at least for what’s left of the night.”
As they walked to the entrance with Cynthia leaning sleepily against his arm, Quinn noticed Heather was limping badly. He put his free arm around her waist.
“Do you need me to carry you?”
“No—I’ll soak the ankle again before I go to bed.”
“What’s wrong, Heather?”
“It’s nothing to worry about, honey. I twisted my ankle last night.” They were nearing the front desk when she said to Quinn, “There’s no need to get another room. Cynthia can share mine.”
“Baby girl?”
“I’d like that. I’d rather not be by myself.”
“Okay. We can get what clothes you need in the morning.” Quinn waited until they were in Heather’s room before he said, “Try to get some rest. We’ll talk in the morning. I want to know how you want to handle your pregnancy.” To Heather he said, “Can I speak to you privately for a moment?”
“Good night, Daddy,” Cynthia called before disappearing into the bathroom.
“Let’s go into the other room.” Quinn closed the connecting door after them. Leaning against it, he placed a hand on her shoulder. “Are you sure she won’t be an imposition?”
“Never that. I happen to love her, too.”
Quinn smiled. “Yeah, I kind of thought so.” He cradled her face in his palm, stroking the mole at the corner of her mouth. She had such wonderfully soft full lips. Heather smiled up at him. Quinn wasn’t satisfied until she was close and tight in his arms, her body a sweet caress against his.
“I don’t think I could have made it through this without you.” He brushed her mouth with his.
Heather melted against him, comfortable with letting him support her. She welcomed his foraging tongue. He teased the enticing corners of her mouth—but he didn’t deepen the kiss, he merely played.
“This afternoon—well, I want you to know it wasn’t planned. But it happened. And Heather, I’m so glad it did. It was good, so good for me. How was it for you?” His voice was so soft and deep, she had to strain to hear him, as he caressed her cheek with his hair-roughened cheek. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been with a woman. I hope I wasn’t too rough. I tried not to rush you, but I was so damn hungry for you.”
She lifted her mouth toward his for another warm kiss. “You made it wonderful for me. I’m glad it happened, too. I wanted you, Quinn Montgomery.” Her voice was seductive.
He took a deep, wet kiss—enough, he told himself, to last through the empty night.
Heather wanted to spend the night locked in his arms. Although he hadn’t mentioned love, she thought of him as her lover and her friend. And it was enough for now. “I should get back to Cynthia,” she whispered.
“I know,” he said huskily, ignoring that part of him that demanded he keep her where she belonged... with him.
But from now on Cynthia came first. He made some serious mistakes with his daughter. That would all have to change. Everything else would have to wait including his work and his personal life. That was the way he vowed to keep it. So as much as he wanted to make long leisurely love to Heather and get their relationship on a solid foundation, he knew Cynthia was in more need of Heather at the moment than he. Besides, it was too soon for Cynthia to learn about their involvement.
“Good night,” he said, his voice thick with desire. “Try to get some rest. Okay?”
“You too,” she said, caressing his cheek. “Night.”
Heather could hear Cynthia splashing in the tub when she returned. Heather realized that she needed a few moments alone to collect her thoughts, sort through her feelings.
She felt like she was on a merry-go-around and couldn’t get off. Not only had she become personally involved with a parent, she’d fallen in love with him. And to make matters worse, she had made love with him.
Their lovemaking had only served to intensify her feelings for him. Her heart raced as she remembered what it was like to be in his arms, his body within hers. Heather’s face heated. She’d nothing to compare it to.
Her only sexual experiences had been with Kenneth, the man she’d thought she would marry. That had been years ago, before she returned to Detroit. As she thought of Quinn and what she felt for him, she knew there was no comparison between the two men. Quinn was a wonderful lover. But that wasn’t what made the difference for her. The difference was with her and what she felt for Quinn.
“Hi.” Cynthia was swamped by the large bath towel. “I hope you don’t mind, I used the unopened toothbrush I found on the cabinet and your toothpaste by the sink.” ‘
“Use whatever you like.” Heather removed a nightshirt from her overnight case. “I have an extra nightshirt. You’re welcome to it.”
“Thanks,” Cynthia said. “I washed my underthings and hung them on the bar over the tub. Was that okay?”
Heather smiled, trying to ease the girl’s nervousness. “Sweetheart, if you want to talk—”
“I’m all done in the bathroom,” she interrupted.
“Okay.” Heather collected her robe and nightshirt.
“What side of the bed would you want?”
“Doesn’t matter.”
When Heather emerged Cynthia was curled up in bed, but she wasn’t asleep. The girl was clearly exhausted. The last few days had taken their toll. Heather could also see that Cynthia was upset, but she couldn’t force the girl to share her worries. Heather sat down on the opposite edge of the double bed and began lotioning her legs and arms.
Finally Cynthia asked anxiously, “Are you mad at me, Heather? For running away?”
“Honey, I was disappointed that you picked this way to show us that you were unhappy. But no, I’m not angry with you.” Heather was reluctant to ask the next question, but knew it was crucial. “You’re alright, aren’t you? I mean that man in the alley, he didn’t try to force himself on you, did he?”
“No!” The girl shuddered. “He settled for pushing me into the dumpster and taking all my money and my gold locket with my mother’s picture in it. That was a Christmas present from my father. And my bracelet! How could I forget that?”
Heather nodded. “I’m glad he didn’t really hurt you.”
“I just wish it were all over.”
“But it is, isn’t it?”
“No...”Cynthia hesitated, staring down at her hands, unable to meet Heather’s gaze. “I lied.”
“About what?”
“Everything. It was all a lie.”
“About what?”
In a rush of tears, Cynthia confessed. “I’m not pregnant. I never was. I’ve never even slept with a boy.”
Heather blinked. Cynthia not pregnant? The plastic bottle of lotion she’d been holding thumped to the carpet.
Why hadn’t she guessed? She was a trained professional, for heaven’s sake! If not at first, then certainly when the girl panicked when faced with that doctor’s appointment. It made perfect sense.
“I’m sorry, Heather. I’m so sorry...” she whispered as tears rolled down her cheek. She whimpered, “I wanted my daddy to...”
“I know you did, honey,” Heather said, going over to her. She held her close. She understood only too well.
Professional experiences had shown her that children were capable of dangerous and sometimes deadly actions in the hopes of gaining their parent’s love or attention.
Heather waited until she was quiet before she said gently, “Cynthia, I know you didn’t mean to hurt anyone. But you’ve got to tell your father.”
“I know. In the morning—”
“No, honey. Tonight. After what you put him through, he has to be told now. You owe him that much.”
Cynthia’s dark gray eyes, so like Quinn’s, flooded with tears once again at the thought of facing him. Her voice was trembling when she said, “It was wrong, I know that now. I should never have run away. I’m sorry.”
Heather stroked her back until she calmed. “It’s time to tell your father the truth. Don’t worry—I’ll be right beside you. It won’t be so bad.”
Cynthia nodded. “I ran because I didn’t think either one of you would ever forgive me. I guess I couldn’t live with it. Do you hate me, Heather?”
“Never... I’ll always be your friend,” Heather reassured. “I’m so happy you’re safe.”
“Will you still care about me when we get back?”
“There’s no doubt about that,” Heather said with a wide smile.
Cynthia smiled back. “I like you so much. Could we do things like before?”
“Of course, but first I want your promise that you’ll never run away again. If something is bothering you, tell your father. He loves you so much.” Heather squeezed her hand. “Let’s get this over with.”
Quinn was beat, yet he knew he was too wound up to sleep, so he decided to get a few calls out of the way. He was on the telephone with Cynthia’s aunt when he heard the knock on the connecting door.
“Joan, I’ll have Cynthia call you as soon as we get home. No, I promise. Okay, bye.”
For an instant his heart beat wildly in his chest as Heather filled his mind. But he pushed those sensuous thoughts aside as he opened the connecting door.
“Hi, baby. Can’t sleep?”
Cynthia shook her head, but she didn’t speak.
He sent a questioning glance to Heather. Cynthia was hanging on to her as she followed the girl into his room. He quizzed her with his eyes.
“Cynthia has something to tell you, Quinn.” She silently pleaded with him to be patient, although she doubted he understood. She urged Cynthia forward.
He watched as his daughter nervously twisted her hands, and tears began running down her soft brown cheeks. A sob tore from her throat.
“What’s wrong, baby girl? Did something else happen last night? Did that man in the alley—”
“No,” she said quickly.
“Then what?”
“Oh, Daddy,” she wailed, “I was so scared!”
“I know, baby girl, I know,” Quinn said softly, reaching out to cradle her against his chest, his hand moving soothingly over her slim shoulders. “You’re safe now. No one is going to hurt you.”
“I have to tell—” She cried even harder.
Quinn tried to soothe her, saying, “It’s alright, Cindy. Don’t cry. You’re going to make yourself sick. Remember, you’re carrying my grandchild inside of you.”
“No, D-D-Dad-d-y—”
“Huh?”
“I ran away because—”
“It’s going to be alright. You don’t have to face this pregnancy alone. We’ll find a way together.”
Heather longed to help, to tell him the words Cynthia was having such a difficult time getting out. But she didn’t. If Cynthia and her father were going to repair their relationship, the girl had to be honest with him.
“Go ahead, Cynthia,” Heather encouraged softly, but her eyes were on Quinn. “Remember, your father loves you.”
Quinn looked at Heather, sensing there was something she was trying to tell him. He waited, not knowing what to do or say to make it easier for his daughter.
Taking a deep breath, Cynthia managed to say, “I ran away because I d-d-didn’t think you would forgive me for wh-what I’ve done.”
“Cynthia, running away didn’t change how I feel about you,” he answered, his voice thick with emotion. “I know I’ve made mistakes since your mother passed...”
“Oh, Daddy!” Cynthia sobbed harder. “I got so scared when Heather made that doctor’s appointment—” She pressed her face into his shirt.
Quinn held her, giving her time to collect herself.
“I d-didn’t think you would want me to stay if you—”
“If what, baby girl?”
Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks, wetting his shirt. “It was all a lie! All of it.” Cynthia couldn’t bring herself to look at him.
It took Quinn a second to realize what she had said. He gripped her shoulders, holding her away from him so that he could see her face.
“You’re telling me that you aren’t pregnant?” His brows lifted in shock.
“Yes, sir,” she whispered. Her whole body shook as she looked up at her father.
Quinn didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t even sure what he was feeling at that moment. Relief was foremost in his mind as he realized that his daughter wouldn’t have to face the most difficult decision of her young life. For that he was supremely grateful.
“Quinn—”
“It’s alright, Heather. I’m not angry,” he said, softly. “I’m disappointed in you, Cindy. But I’m glad you’re not pregnant. Really thankful.” He surprised her by giving her a hug.
“I’m sorry, Daddy. Really sorry.” She sniffed. “I promise never to do anything like this again.”
He lifted her chin in order for her to meet his gaze. He voice was firm when he said, “I don’t expect you will. You did a very reckless and foolish thing. You used Heather to get back at me. And you put yourself in unnecessary danger. I don’t like it. We’ll discuss your punishment when we get home. Go to bed,” he ended gruffly.
“Yes, Daddy,” Cynthia whispered, turning to leave.
“Cindy, just because I’m disappointed in you and intend to put you on punishment doesn’t mean I don’t love you.” He paused. “Good night.”
Heather watched a muscle jump in his neck as if he were clenching his teeth. He looked so tired. “It’s going to be alright, sweetheart,” she whispered softly.
“Always the optimist.” He smiled, knowing he didn’t dare touch her. He longed to hold her close—he hungered for her warmth. Instead, he said, “Night. Sleep well.”
They all slept late. It wasn’t until they were lingering over coffee after breakfast that Heather had an opportunity to speak with Quinn privately. Cynthia had gone to buy a change of clothes in the hotel’s boutique.
“Quinn, talk to me.”
“I don’t think you want to hear what’s going on in my head.”
“I know you’re disappointed...”
“It would be embarrassing, that is, if it hadn’t been so damn dangerous.” He shook his head wearily, then said, “After we make the police report and have a meal with Mrs. Cummings, we should be on our way.”
“Cynthia has been confused and unhappy. That’s why she did what she did.”
“She has been manipulative.”
Heather heard the hurt and disappointment in his voice. “Quinn—”
“There’s no excuse for what she did. The hell she put us through these last few days, Heather. There never was a baby!”
“But isn’t that wonderful?”
Quinn stared at her. “Yeah. But how do you solve something like this? Beating her behind might make me feel better, as would locking her in her room until she’s twenty-seven,” he said drily.
“You could try talking to her, taking some time with her. Try letting her know how much you care about her. Do it now. So she’ll know she doesn’t have to tell lies in order to get your attention. She needs you, Quinn, more than ever before.”
Quinn nodded, agreeing with every point Heather made, but he was still furious. The cold calculation involved in his daughter’s behavior terrified him. He’d defended too many similar types in court. It was the deliberateness of her actions that he found intolerable. He also felt a strong sense of personal responsibility and guilt for what she’d done.
“Quinn, she had to have been desperate to risk her life as she did. Cynthia couldn’t face you. She couldn’t face either one of us. Quinn, she could have died alone on the streets. And we probably would never have known what happened to her. We’re so lucky! Think of all those kids we saw out there, while we were trying to locate Cynthia. It’s scary.”
He accepted that he had to find help for Cynthia. And he had to change his own habits. He had to cut back on his hours at work. He had to make time for his daughter. The sight of those lost kids was something he would never forget. Cynthia was his little girl. Yet his anger and disappointment just wouldn’t vanish.
“Heather, I can’t overlook this. She was vengeful and selfish. I have a right to be upset about it.”
“Quinn, I just don’t want you to be so hard on her. I think she’s suffered enough and shouldn’t be punished when she gets back home.”
Getting to his feet with the food check in his hand, he asked, “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” Heather said, rising.
“Did you get any sleep last night?”
“Not much. How about you?” She’d heard Quinn pacing throughout the night.
Quinn shook his head, handing the cashier a large bill. “Doesn’t matter. We’ll be home soon, then we all can get some rest.”
The police station proved to be an ordeal for the girl. But with her father’s support, Cynthia made the robbery report. The meal with Miss Mattie was a welcome respite. By early afternoon they were on the road and headed toward Detroit.
It was after dark when they reached Heather’s condo. All of them were exhausted. Cynthia was asleep in the backseat when Heather got out of the car. Heather was a bit uneasy as Quinn walked her to her door.
Unlocking her front door, she said, “I’d ask you in, but I know you have to get Cynthia home.” She broke off, looking into the smoldering depths of his dark eyes.
He was studying her mouth, imagining himself catching her bottom lip between his even white teeth, savoring its texture and softness before he completely covered her mouth with his, plunging his tongue inside, thoroughly investigating the sweet interior. He moaned huskily.
“Quinn, don’t.”
“I’m just looking... wishing. I want you tonight, sugar dumplin’. Would you let me stay and make love to you if I asked?”
“Yes,” she whispered, trembling at the raw passion in his voice.
He smiled, pleased by her response. “Sleep tight. I’ll call you tomorrow.” With that he was gone.