The girls were involved in a noisy game of Scrabble when the telephone rang that evening.
“I’ll get it,” Heather said, reaching for the instrument at her elbow. She’d been reading an article on teen suicide in a recent psychology journal. “Montgomery residence.”
“Hey, pretty girl.” Quinn’s voice was deep, arresting to her sensitive ear.
It took her a second to regain the use of her blocked vocal cords. “How are you, Quinn?”
“The question is, how are you? Still in one piece?”
“That’s debatable,” she said as casually as she could manage, considering her breath had been trapped in her lungs. “Would you care to switch places?”
“Not in this life!” His deep masculine laughter sent shivers of awareness through her nervous system. “Have everything you need? The house clean, refrigerator and cupboards stocked?”
“Perfect. You’ve a lovely home. It’s a shame you couldn’t make this trip with Cynthia. She would love for you to be here.”
“I somehow doubt that. The kid’s been beside herself with excitement. Something to do with teenage girls and boys, know what I mean?”
“All too well. Elaine sent Gary, her boys’ college roommate, over with a casserole and the girls have been whispering and giggling all evening. And I understand there’s a fifteen-and sixteen-year old brother and sister living a mile or so down the road.”
Quinn chuckled softly. “The Sanders kids. Have you been able to do any work on your paper?”
“Yes, but it’s going slower than I would like. That has nothing to do with the kids. More to do with research.”
“The kids aren’t taking all your time?”
“No, they’ve been very good about that. I manage to put together a few hours between lunch and dinner.” Heather looked up to see Cynthia watching her. “Cynthia’s right here. Just a minute, please.” She got up, putting down the phone. “Hurry, it’s long distance.”
“You’re cheating! That’s not a word, Angie!” Ericia screeched at her sister, sending her into a peal of laughter.
“How about popcorn?” Heather headed for the kitchen as the girls cheered their approval.
There was no point in pretending she was unaffected. For a moment she’d forgotten everything in the pleasure of hearing Quinn’s voice after so long. But one look at Cynthia had reminded her that the call was to his daughter. If Heather hadn’t answered the telephone, she wouldn’t have spoken to him at all. That realization hurt... badly.
Elaine had requested she give him time. Time for what? To hurt her even more? No, Heather wasn’t the self-sacrificing type. In the past, when a relationship wasn’t right for her, she had always had enough pride to walk away. That was what she had done when her engagement had gone sour. Why was it so different now?
Perhaps she was the one who was different. No, it was Quinn. She couldn’t turn her back on him. She cared about him too deeply. The simple truth was her heart belonged to him. It was too late to ask for it back.
But what was she supposed to think? Or didn’t he expect her to notice that he hadn’t called her in two blasted weeks! And there was no way she could call him. The only time she was alone was during the afternoon while he was probably in court. If only there was an extension in the loft where she slept.
Heather felt totally confused. It was driving her crazy wondering if Quinn was still in love with his late wife. She was no closer to finding an answer now than she’d been weeks ago. Maybe it was better if she didn’t know...
And there were Cynthia’s ambiguous emotions toward her. When Heather had been on the telephone, Cynthia had looked at her with a combination of curiosity, love, resentment, and a bit of jealousy. At the moment Heather didn’t feel sure about anything, except that she would be spending another night in Quinn’s bed, without him.
With Independence Day weekend fast approaching, the girls insisted they each needed a new outfit for the barbecue. On Thursday they drove into Traverse City to do the necessary shopping.
Later that night the girls decided to give each other an extensive beauty treatment. Heather had gone out for a walk along the beach, and when she returned she found each young face smeared with what looked to be a mixture of oatmeal, honey, and egg.
“Having fun?” Heather tried to keep a straight face, but failed.
“This is work,” Cynthia announced, adding more of the mixture to her unblemished face and neck and shoulders.
“Smells more like breakfast. What all did you put in there?” Heather turned up her nose at the unusual color.
“All natural ingredients. We’ve got eggs, oatmeal, honey, beer, garlic, and avocado blended in,” Ericia explained.
“Used your dad’s imported beer, did you Cynthia?” Heather asked with amusement.
“He won’t mind when he sees how gorgeous we are.”
“Would you like to try some?” Angela offered.
“I think I’ll pass this time. Have you tried putting it on a cookie sheet? It would probably taste great except for the beer and garlic.”
“Oh, Aunt Heather!” Ericia giggled.
“I’m going to bed. Oh! Put the kitchen and bathroom back the way you found them when you’re finished, please. See you beauties in the morning.”
Heather was halfway up the stairs when Cynthia ran after her. “I forgot to tell you. When Daddy called I reminded him of the Hunters’ barbecue on Saturday.” Cynthia beamed, unaware that Heather’s heart had stopped beating. “Gosh, I really miss him. I can’t wait for him to see how much my backhand has improved since Keith has been coaching me.”
Was Quinn coming? Could he find the time? He was involved with a very important legal defense. They had even seen him being interviewed on a national news broadcast earlier in the week. “Is he flying up?”
“He’s not sure. But I’m keeping my fingers crossed. He said he’d call tomorrow night, one way or the other.” Cynthia started to give her a kiss on the cheek but at the last second reconsidered. Instead she blew a kiss then dashed back into the bathroom to join the others at the mirror.
Heather was pleased with Cynthia’s increased poise and confidence. It was amazing how much she had grown in such a short few weeks.
Heather paused on the landing, considering the very real possibility of seeing Quinn soon. She had been furious with him the other night. Tonight she wasn’t angry. Tonight she felt lonely. She missed him desperately. She longed to show him, as a woman shows her man, how much she loved him and needed him. If he came, she could do none of those things. They wouldn’t have time alone together. She would have to ignore the urgent yearnings to be back in his arms.
As she sank in the nearby armchair in the unlit bedroom, Heather recalled their romantic dinner together and later their lovemaking. Her mind was flooded with remembered pleasure.
Later as she curled up in bed, holding his pillow close, Heather accepted that even if he did come to Traverse Bay this weekend, nothing would change. Her body might ache for his lovemaking, and she might crave his sensuous caresses—but they wouldn’t make love. Her breasts ached against the bodice of her nightgown as her heightened senses refused to forget the weight of his chest pressed against them or the wonder of wrapping her legs around his lean hips while feeling his hard masculinity deep within her, filling the emptiness and loving her as only he could.
Friday was the longest day on record. All evening long Heather’s eyes strayed to the silent telephone. The girls were engrossed in shaping and polishing their nails and didn’t notice her anxiety. The phone stayed silent. Quinn didn’t call.
“The others are all there, Aunt Heather. Hurry or we’ll be late.” Ericia watched as Heather put the cherry topping on the cheesecake.
“What she means is Gary’s there,” Angela said.
“Now look, you.” Ericia put her finger in her sister’s face. “I’ve had enough of your teasing.”
Heather had about enough, too. She hadn’t been able to sleep until dawn and felt like doing a bit of yelling herself. “Ericia, please—why don’t you go on ahead. I’ll be along in another couple of minutes. Cynthia, will you and Angela cover the salads with plastic wrap?”
“You’re going to change, aren’t you, Aunt Heather? I mean you’re going to wear a bathing suit like everyone else, aren’t you?” Ericia chewed on her lower lip as if she had just considered the possibility that Heather might not. The idea was apparently too horrible for words.
“Of course. Honey, stop worrying—I won’t embarrass you in front of your friends. I’ve done my nails, hair, and makeup. All I have to do is change. Hey, why don’t you and the girls take the food over to the Hunters? I’ll meet you there in say, ten minutes?”
“Oh, alright. Come on, gang.” Ericia picked up the largest bowl. She was dressed like the others in beach gear, and like the others her tennis outfit and shoes were in one of the carryalls beside the patio door.
Her sister was just about to announce her objection to the plan, but a censoring look from her aunt caused her to grab the Jell-0 mold and hurry over to collect her bag.
“Cindy, aren’t you coming?” Ericia asked impatiently.
“In a few. You guys go ahead. I’ll wait for Heather.”
Ericia didn’t argue. She was out the door and hurrying her sister along.
Cynthia said, “The last bowl is covered. Is there something else you want me to do before we leave?”
“No, not really. As soon as I wash these few dishes I can get ready. I hate to leave the kitchen a mess,” Heather said, preoccupied with looking for the lid to the pie plate.
“Go ahead and get ready. I’ll finish in here.” Cynthia began filling the sink with sudsy water.
Something in Cynthia’s voice caused Heather to stop what she was doing and look at her closely. “Honey, is something wrong?”
“It’s no big deal. Honest!” the girl said, picking up a dishcloth.
“Anything that causes you to have that unhappy look on your pretty face is a big deal.” Heather placed an arm around her shoulders.
Cynthia rested her cheek on Heather’s forehead. “If we take too long, Ericia will be mad. I’m beginning to agree with Angie. She has been a real pill since she met Gary. He doesn’t even like her for a girlfriend. He already goes with a girl at college.”
Heather was relieved. Gary was too old for her niece. Besides, she didn’t want to see Ericia hurt.
“Boys!” Cynthia sneered. “I hope I never fall in love.”
Heather laughed softly. “Don’t worry about Ericia. She’s got a good head on her shoulders. So, what’s really bothering you, kiddo?”
“Daddy! He didn’t call last night. Do you suppose something bad happened to him?”
“I think if he were ill, we would have been called.”
“Why didn’t he call? If he were coming, he would have caught the first plane out of D.C. It’s after twelve and he still isn’t here.”
“Cynthia, I’m sure he’s done his best to get away. But you have to remember, your father is an extremely important man. A lot of people depend on him. He’s working on a delicate case. He might not be able to get away right now.” Heather didn’t say Quinn’s name, she couldn’t—just the sound of it hurt.
“Yeah, I know. But things have been so great lately. Why does he have to go and spoil it!” Cynthia pouted, tears of frustration ran down her soft brown cheeks.
“Honey, your father isn’t trying to hurt you.”
“Oh, I suppose I’m being a brat. But Heather, I get scared.” She stopped abruptly. Suddenly she seemed fascinated by her pink-lacquered nails.
“Scared of what?”
When she didn’t answer, Heather turned her so she could look into her eyes. “Are you frightened that things might go back to the way they were before you ran away?”
Cynthia was quiet before she spoke. “Yeah,” she confessed. “Now we do things like a family. He even lets me run with him in the mornings before he has to go into the office. I hate getting up at five thirty, but we talk while we run. And I’m getting pretty good. Naturally I’m not as good my daddy, but I’m improving.” She paused for breath. “He doesn’t stay late at work anymore. He makes it home for dinner every night. He brings a lot of work home, but he doesn’t do it until late after I’m in bed. Heather, he’s teaching me how to play racquetball, and I’m teaching him how to roller blade.”
“Stop worrying. This new case has taken him out of town for a couple of weeks. He’s coming back. And when he does, just tell him how you feel. It’s important that you let him know how much you want to continue spending time with him. Your dad loves you, dear heart. You mustn’t forget that.”
Heather was touched by the enthusiastic kiss and hug Cynthia gave her.
“I love you so much,” the girl whispered.
Cynthia didn’t want to even think about the time they weren’t friends. She’d missed Heather every single day. She hated fighting with Heather and couldn’t bear the thought of their friendship ever ending. As Cynthia clung to Heather, she thought about her mother. She was gone forever. Dr. Ann had helped her see that no amount of wishing or misbehavior could bring her mother back.
“I love you, too, sweetheart.” Heather gave her a hard squeeze. “You alright, now?”
“Yes,” she smiled.
“Well, I’d better get changed or we’ll be in trouble. I won’t be long.”
Heather was as good as her word. She changed into a one-piece black suit trimmed in wide, patterned gold bands that were embroidered with fucshia flowers at the neckline and the waist. The bodice plunged into a low, expansive vee in front and back and was cut high at the hip, making her shapely legs appear longer. Her braids were held away from her face by a colorful gold and black foil scarf that Heather tied into an elaborate wrap. She wore a very full sheer black skirt trimmed in the same patterned thick gold band. She limited her makeup to flame-colored gloss and mascara. After checking her bag for tennis gear and shoes, Heather was ready. She ran lightly down the stairs, but she was brought up short at the bottom.
Cynthia had her arms around Quinn’s wide shoulders. The girl’s face was glowing with happiness.
“Oh, Daddy, I’ve missed you!” Cynthia’s laughter echoed pure joy as she jumped up and down, still holding on to her dad.
“Yeah, I got that message. I missed you, too, baby girl. Hey, let go. I’m an old man, remember.” Quinn jokingly staggered as if he were about to fall.
Cynthia laughed and gave him a loud kiss on the cheek before letting her hands drop gracefully to her sides.
Quinn looked up to encounter Heather’s shocked brown eyes.
At last... Heather said silently with her eyes as Quinn thought that very same thing. They both knew he shouldn’t have come and the reasons why.
He’d boarded the plane in Washington not fully comprehending his own actions, yet knowing the case he was involved in could make or break his professional career. He’d come anyway. He had to see Heather.
He’d survived for weeks with the smell of her lingering in his nostrils, the taste of her in his mouth, the memory of her soft curves burned in his brain. He couldn’t stay away a second longer.
Heather’s hungry gaze moved over him, remembering every detail of his long muscular frame, filing away for future consideration the slight changes in him. His skin was darker as if he’d been out of doors as much as he could. Yet the lines around his eyes were pronounced as if he had been working late into the night and gotten little sleep.
Was it her imagination or did his shoulders seem broader, barely able to contain the powerful sinew beneath his gray, short-sleeved, knit shirt. His waist seemed slimmer, but his thighs were as taut and well defined as she remembered.
“Look, Heather—he made it! Isn’t it wonderful?!” Cynthia ran over and hugged her.
“Yes, wonderful.”
How in the world was she supposed to handle this? She’d promised to keep her distance for Cynthia’s sake. Yet despite what Elaine had told her about his devotion to his late wife and despite the fact that Cynthia was standing right next to her, Heather’s heart raced with excitement. He looked too good to be real. But he hadn’t called her once since she’d been here. She needed those nightly talks... needed to hear his voice... needed to know he still cared about her. Hadn’t he realized that by not calling he had taken everything away from her? She had been left with nothing to hold on to.
“Hello, Heather,” he said softly in that deep sexy voice she had come to adore.
“Hi. As you’ve might have guessed, we didn’t expect you.”
“I wasn’t sure I could make it. That’s why I didn’t call last night. I didn’t finish working until the wee hours. I caught the first flight out this morning.” He didn’t smile, but his dark eyes drank in her golden beauty. It had been too damn long. “You’re looking exceptionally fit for a woman living on the edge of her dissertation.”
Although he was teasing, his gaze was anything but casual. His eyes lingered on her generously full rose-tinted mouth before eventually moving downward to the soft full lines of her sexy frame. His body responded immediately with desire for her. Some things didn’t change. His hunger for Heather was one of those things.
“Where is everyone?” Quinn had to force his eyes from her. A year in a harem wouldn’t quench his thirst for Heather, he decided hotly. Quinn hadn’t even looked at another woman since he’d met her. She alone possessed the kind of warmth and sweetness that kept him coming back for more.
Cynthia answered, “At the Hunters. I was waiting for Heather. You’re coming to the barbecue, aren’t you, Daddy?”
“Sure.”
“Hurry then. Get changed into a bathing suit. No business suits or ties allowed.” Cynthia pointed a warning finger at him, but her wide smile told its own story.
“Right.” He tweaked her nose before retrieving the overnight bag he’d abandoned by the door.
“I’ll get the other salad.” Cynthia dashed toward the kitchen.
Quinn paused when he realized Heather was standing on the bottom step. The staircase led to the loft. His charcoal eyes deepened even more as he realized she’d been using his room. The thought of her in his bed sent his pulse soaring. He knew what it was like to make love to this beautiful lady. What he didn’t know was if he could stay away from her.
Heather could feel her face heating as she hastily stepped down and out of his way.
“Do you mind if I change in the bedroom?”
She shrugged, drawing his gaze back to her plump breasts. Sexual tension caused their sensitive peaks to stand out against her swimsuit. She gasped as his eyes stroked the engorged tips of her breasts as thoroughly as he’d once licked them. When his tongue came out to dampen dry lips, Heather quickly moved.
“It’s your house,” she managed to say, hiding the tremor in her voice. Her long lashes flicked wide when she recognized they had a problem. Quinn had to sleep somewhere, and the most likely place was in his own bed.
As if reading her thoughts, he said, “I’ll take the sofa tonight. It opens into a full-size bed. All I ask is bathroom privileges.”
“Of course.” She headed toward the kitchen. “Come on, Cynthia. We’ll meet your dad over at the Hunters.”