by Ann Warner
This time she didn’t need to ask for a translation. She cocked her head at him. “It might put a real crimp in my career if it got out I had a kangaroo loose in my paddock.”
“Upper paddock.”
“Upper paddock,” she agreed, smiling. “What do you suggest?” “Spend the next two days with me.” He waited, no longer touching her.
She felt as if he had picked her up and given her a good shake, and she was still waiting for everything to settle into its normal configuration, like snow inside one of those crystal globes.
Her heart beat rapidly, warring with her head as she clutched his coat closed and shivered with nerves. He couldn’t be serious. But looking him in the eye, she couldn’t believe he wasn’t serious.
“You’re afraid.” He spoke gently.
She gave him a direct look. “Yes.”
“That’s a good sign.”
She shook her head. “I don’t see why.”
“If you’re afraid you’ll be hurt, it means you’re feeling some of what I am.”
She didn’t have an answer to that.
“Give us our two days, Glenda. If this turns out the way I think it will, we’ll work on the geography.”
“You willing to come live in the States?”
“If it comes to that, I’d be willing to live in Antarctica.” “It doesn’t get that cold in Chicago.”
His smile made her heart do that flip again.
“Well, you never know. You visit Australia in February and you may be the one who wants to move.”
The door to the ballroom opened abruptly, and light and sound spilled out. A tall figure stepped through the door and lurched toward them. “Is that you, Glennie?”
Steven. She’d forgotten all about him.
Although she didn’t answer, he came closer anyway, swaying slightly. “Marissa said you were out here. Whose coat are you wearing? Oh, it’s you, Flemmie. You two talking research are you?”
Glenda’s stomach tightened. “Not exactly.”
Steven blinked and moved closer. “S’time to go home.”
He was too drunk to be driving. But, before she could respond, Geoff did. “I’ll call you a cab, shall I?” Not waiting for an answer he pulled out his phone.
“Don’t need a cab. Got a car.”
“Easier to take a cab. Door-to-door service. My treat.” Geoff’s tone was calm but firm.
“Glennie, too?”
Glenda realized she was holding her breath.
“I’ll take Glenda home when she’s ready,” Geoff said, speaking easily.
The breath she held whooshed out.
“I brought Glennie. Means I take her home.” Steven sounded determined in spite of his slurred words, but he had a puzzled look, as if he couldn’t quite understand what was happening.
Before he figured it out, Geoff took Steven’s arm, saying, “Actually, there should be cabs out front. We’ll go see, shall we, mate? Did I tell you how the Pies season went? They’re in the Premiership.”
“That’s good, isn’t it,” Steven mumbled.
At a signal from Geoff, Glenda took Steven’s other arm, and between them they steered him through the ballroom and to the entrance of the hotel, with Geoff talking about the Pies and the Premiership the whole way. There was a final sticky moment after Steven was in the cab and Glenda stepped back to stand next to Geoff.
“What’s going—”
“No worries, mate.” Geoff closed the door, and the cab moved off.
Glenda sighed in relief and turned to meet Geoff Flemington’s gaze. “Thank you. You handled that beautifully. I owe you one.”
“And I aim to collect.” He cupped her face, his thumb caressing her chin. “I choose those two days with you.”
It was crazy. To take a chance on falling in love with someone who might take her away from everything and everyone she held dear. It was like skiing full tilt toward the edge of a slope with no idea what was beyond—short drop or abyss.
She didn’t take risks like that.
But if she walked away from Geoff Flemington tonight, she wouldn’t forget him, and she’d be diminished somehow. And she might very well regret it the rest of her life.
She raised her eyes to his. They were standing in shadow, and his eyes gleamed like water touched with starlight. She felt as if the earth was sliding from under her. But it was okay because Geoff took her hands and held them firmly.
“Give it a go, Glenda. What do you have to lose?”
She shook her head, beginning to smile at him. “Everything. Absolutely everything.”
He met her eyes for a moment, nodded, then leaned forward and brushed her lips with his. “No worries, love. Me, too.”
The End
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Thank you so much for reading Oz.
If you enjoyed this story, I hope you will check out my novels at http://www.AnnWarner.net
About the Author
A former clinical chemist/toxicologist and university professor, Ann took a turn down a different road when she began writing fiction.
For more information about Ann Warner's novels, visit Ann at http:\www.AnnWarner.net
Other Titles - The following are all full-length novels.
Counterpointe Art, science, love, and ambition collide as a dancer on the verge of achieving her dreams is devastated by an injury. Afterward, Clare Eliason rushes into a marriage with Rob Chapin, a scientist. The marriage falters, propelling Clare and Rob on journeys of self-discovery. Rob joins a scientific expedition to Peru, where he discovers how easy it is to die. Clare’s journey, which takes her only a few blocks from the Boston apartment she shared with Rob, is no less profound. During their time apart, each will have a chance to save a life, one will succeed, one will not. Finally, they will face the most difficult quest of all, navigating the space that still lies between them.
Absence of Grace The memory of an act committed when she was nineteen weaves a dark thread through Clen McClendon's life. It is a darkness Clen ignores until the discovery of her husband's infidelity propels her on a quest for redemption and forgiveness. Her journeying is providing few answers and peace remains elusive, even during the time she spends in an abbey. But when Clen makes a decision that is both desperate and random to go to Wrangell, Alaska, she will learn choices are never truly random and they always have consequences.
Dreams for Stones Poignant and haunting, Dreams for Stones is a story of loss and second chances. Alan Francini, a man who has given up on love, and Kathy Jamison, a woman who has learned to let go of love too easily need all the magic of serendipity, old diaries, and a children's story to take another chance on love.
Readers’ Comments
...incredibly vivid and emotional tale of love and loyalty, friendship, loss, and faith... Lynne Welch, Booklist
...a lovely story about life changes and love lost and found. Cindy Himler, Romantic Times
Persistence of Dreams (Sequel to Dreams for Stones) An arsonist seeking revenge, and the ending of a love affair, are the catalysts that alter the shape and direction of deputy district attorney Charles Larimore's life. Forced to find a new place to live, Charles finds much more as he reaches out to help his neighbor Luz Blair. Then he learns Luz is being sought in the disappearance of the two children she is caring for, and he must decide whether to report her. As he weighs his responsibility as an officer of the court against his growing conviction Luz did the right thing in running away, he risks not only his career but the integrity of his soul. It is the kind of decision that will alter everything that comes after.
Readers’ Comments
A compelling page turner. Warner's portrayal of a life on the run is realistic...her heroine one readers will root for...a true sense of time and place...real secondary characters who do more than take up space. Karen Sweeny-Justice, Romantic Times.
Ann Warner's smooth writing style charms the reader....enthralling--a story to be enjoyed more than once. Camellia, The Long and Short of it Reviews
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Excellent characters and dialogue drive the romance and suspense...great reading. Romance Studio
Visit Ann at http:\www.AnnWarner.net
Ann’s novels are available in print.
Large print editions of Counterpointe and Absence of Grace are also available.
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