The smell of oregano and tomato wafted past her as she headed downstairs, and she knew that Patrick had whipped up some of his famous spaghetti sauce. Both her brothers could cook and they all took turns, but no one made spaghetti sauce as tasty as Patrick did. Dani’s stomach growled in anticipation, just as the doorbell rang.
“I hope whoever it is, they don’t stay,” Dani muttered to herself. She was starving and didn’t want to wait for supper. She reached the front door, pulled it open, and promptly lost her appetite.
“Miss O’Rourke, I’d really like to speak with you for a minute if I could.”
“I don’t see that we have anything to say to each other, Mr. Black.” Leaning on the door to support her suddenly unsteady legs, she was surprised that her voice sounded so calm when she felt so shaky inside. She’d really never expected to see him again, much less find him on her front doorstep.
“Can I help you with anything?” Dani felt Patrick walk up and stand behind her as he spoke. His solid presence reassured her. Mr. Black was in her home territory now.
“I just wanted to speak to Dani for a moment.” He looked as if he might say more, but his lips drew together in an angry line, and he said nothing more as he glared at her brother.
“Are you the guy who threatened my sister today?” Without warning, she found herself staring at the back of her brother’s shirt as he pushed his way in front of her.
“Your sister…” Burke trailed off and gave a small chuckle.
“If you find it so funny, maybe we should just step around back and discuss just what happened.” Patrick had one foot almost out the door before she even thought to stop him.
“Please, Patrick.” Grabbing him by the back of his of his sweatshirt, she held on tight. “Don’t do this.”
Burke braced his legs apart and faced Patrick. “I really did come to apologize for what happened. For both things. These are for you, Dani.” From behind him, he produced a bouquet of long-stemmed red roses and thrust them toward her.
“Maybe she doesn’t want your flowers.”
Her head started to ache again, the relaxation she’d gotten out of her long hot bath was destroyed, and darn it all, she was hungry. She glared angrily at both of them. “We might as well finish this discussion inside. I’m sure that by now the neighbors have quite enough to talk about.”
Dani reached out and plucked the flowers from Burke’s hand. Turning her back on both of them, she marched toward the kitchen. They could either follow her or beat each other to a pulp. At this point, she wasn’t sure she really cared. She had reached the end of her patience with overbearing men today.
Opening the cupboard door over the kitchen sink, she took down a Mason jar to fill with water. There were no fancy vases in her house, so the roses would just have to make do. She took her time and arranged the roses in the jar and glanced at the door before burying her noses in the buds. The fragrance was almost intoxicating, and the soft petals tickled her nose. Sighing, she carefully carried them to the table and placed them in the center. She’d never had roses before, and they really were beautiful.
The sound of footsteps in the hall made her turn and she cautiously watched Patrick and Burke as they entered the kitchen. There was tension between them, but at least they hadn’t come to blows. Dani didn’t really know if this should encourage her or not. Before she could decide, the back door opened and Shamus barged in.
“Boy, it’s cold out there today. I almost froze onto the gas pumps.” Shamus started to pull off his gray Greer’s Grocery and Gas Bar coveralls. He worked there part-time, two days a week after school and on Saturdays. “Who owns the truck in the driveway?”
Shamus stopped tugging on the coverall snaps and extended his hand when he saw Burke standing in the kitchen. “Hi, I’m Shamus.”
…
“Burke Black.” Burke shook the extended hand. He judged the boy to be about sixteen and definitely Dani’s brother. As tall as Dani, he also shared her exact hair and eye color. The biggest difference was in their facial structure. Dani’s features were soft and feminine, while Shamus’s face was harsh and angular like his older brother. But, unlike his brother, Shamus was smiling.
Shamus seemed to sense the tension in the air as he shook hands with the stranger in their kitchen. “Is anything wrong?”
“No, nothing is wrong,” Dani firmly assured her younger brother. “I met Burke today at work and we had a slight misunderstanding, but it’s finished now.” She punctuated this statement by giving both him and Patrick a pointed look. “Now we’re going to set an extra plate on the table, and then we’re going to sit down and have a pleasant supper.” Dani silently stared at them all, one at a time, as if daring any one of them to disagree with her. Burke just nodded, doing his best to hide his growing good humor.
Shamus finished taking of his boots and coveralls, washed up at the kitchen sink, and then started pulling plates out of the cupboard. Patrick turned his attention to the pots on the stove. Dani was getting down glasses and pouring milk into them.
Burke looked around, slightly bemused, not quite knowing what to do with himself. He sat when Dani directed him to a chair at the end of the table, and in less than five minutes, there was a plate of food in front of him.
He had no idea how he had ended up sitting around a small kitchen table with the O’Rourke family. He was a man used to fine restaurants and intimate dinners for two. As a child, he had been used to grabbing food wherever he could get it. But this, this was something he’d never experienced before.
It was actually fascinating to watch how they interacted with one another. They talked and laughed, asking about each other’s day, and seemed to care about the answers. They were always touching each other. Shamus had hugged his sister before he’d sat down to supper. Patrick and Shamus had batted at each other as they fought over a piece of garlic bread. Somehow, he’d found himself in the middle of all this.
“You said you needed to apologize for both things that happened today. What else happened?” Patrick asked, reminding Burke of what he had said earlier.
“Well, it seems as if this whole day was against me from the start.” To his surprise, Burke was a little embarrassed to admit he had mistaken Dani for a guy. He recounted the whole story for Patrick and Shamus and was relieved when both brothers laughed. Then he glanced at Dani.
Dani had turned a bright pink as her brothers laughed. “It could have happened to anyone, Patrick, so stop laughing. I was wearing your old parka with the hood zipped right up over my face.”
“And you,” she turned to Burke, “you didn’t have to tell them that you thought I looked like a man.”
Way to go, Burke, you sure know how to dazzle a woman. What was it about this woman that made him lose his normal intelligence? For a man who was known for being a smooth operator, he had really lost his touch today.
He spoke quickly to try and salvage the situation. “It really was the coat. There’s no other way that I’d take you for anything but a woman.” He followed this statement with a long look at Dani. “My mind was on other things, or I never would have made such an obvious mistake.”
Shamus, with all the tact of a teenager, asked, “What other things?”
Burke was taken aback by the question. The people he’d associated with minded their own business and expected the same in return. It was strange to have anyone ask about his private life, but since Shamus seemed interested, Burke thought a moment and then answered, “I was actually hoping my leg would hold up.”
“Is something wrong with your leg?” Dani asked, concern evident in her voice.
Burke didn’t reply immediately. He was bewildered by the fact that she seemed to be genuinely concerned. He couldn’t remember a time when anyone had seemed to even remotely care about his health, not when they had nothing to gain from it. He replied before he gave himself time to come to his senses.
“I was in a car accident about five months ago. A guy ran a red light and struck my ca
r going through. He hit on my side and my leg had a bone shattered and there was some muscle and ligament damage as well. It bothers me when I overdo things, but I’m walking and that’s all that matters.” Burke fell silent as he thought about all he had been through, absently rubbing the scar on the side of his face.
“Oh, Burke, I’m so sorry.”
Her soft voice brought Burke back from his thoughts. Her face was pale, and she actually looked as if she was fighting back tears.
“I’m alive. That’s all that matters.” Burke picked up his fork and started eating, not comfortable having his life discussed by virtual strangers.
“I bet your family is glad you’re okay,” Shamus said.
“I don’t have any family. But that’s okay,” he added quickly. “I’ve been on my own forever and that’s just the way I like it.” He knew he sounded cold and uncaring but he couldn’t help himself. The last thing he wanted was pity. He didn’t need it from anyone. He shoveled in another bite of supper, wondering if he should just leave.
“So are you here for a holiday, or are you working?” Patrick pumped him for information.
“I sold my business and I guess you can say I’m on medical leave until I decide where I want to go from here. A business associate vacationed up here with his family last year and I remembered how much he said they enjoyed it here. It seemed a likely spot to rethink things. And besides, it’s great countryside, and you can’t beat the off-season rates.”
As far as Burke was concerned, nobody needed to know any more about him or his reasons for being there. Most of the people who knew him through business would never leave the city, and if they did, they stayed in posh exclusive resorts, so there was little to no chance of running into any acquaintances. The people of Jamesville would know only what he told them about himself and no more.
“I guess it must have been the last straw for you today when you thought I was stealing your stuff.” Dani seemed thoughtful as she spoke.
“Well, I was just a little upset. That was all my worldly goods, including my stereo and my computer.” Burke teased her, knowing she’d remember how angry he had been. He expected her to come right back with a snappy comment, but she continued to sit quietly.
Patrick pushed back his chair, stood, and grabbed his plate. “Dani, why don’t you help Shamus with his English assignment? Burke and I will do the dishes.”
Dani stood, but seemed unsure if it was safe to leave the two of them together, so Burke took the choice from her. “You go ahead and help Shamus. I’ll dry the dishes. It’s the least I can do for such a great meal.”
Seemingly reluctant, she finally left the kitchen with Shamus. Burke cleared the table while Patrick started running hot water for the dishes. They worked without speaking for a minute or two before Patrick broke the heavy silence.
“Listen, I’m not sure what really went on today, but I can tell you one thing. If you hurt Dani, you’ll be in for a world of hurt all your own.” Patrick stopped washing dishes long enough to glare at Burke. “She’s special, so unless you’re going to treat her right, keep your distance.”
Burke finished wiping a plate and carefully placed it in the cupboard before he replied. “Do you always lecture Dani’s male friends?” Burke was slightly amused by the fatherly lecture.
“Dani’s never really had much in the way of male friends, and she’s never asked one to stay for dinner before either.” Patrick scrubbed at the pot that had held the spaghetti sauce with more force than was necessary.
Burke stopped drying a glass, staring at Patrick’s angry profile. “Why not? Are all the men in this town blind?”
Patrick looked Burke straight in the eye. “No. Most guys don’t want to date a woman who has to support two younger brothers.”
Patrick turned his attention back to scrubbing the already clean pot. “Dani’s given up a lot for us, she’s missed out on a lot of things that women do when they’re young. She never had a prom night because she dropped out of school to go to work to support us. Then she went back to school at night so she could get her high school diploma. She’s always worked hard so Shamus and I could have things. Don’t mess with her feelings.”
Burke was impressed by her brother’s protective attitude toward her, but he was also determined to set his own ground rules. “We just met today. Don’t make more of this than it is. Besides, Dani is a grown woman, Patrick. She can do whatever she wants.”
“As long as we understand each other. You’re welcome here if Dani wants you to be here.” Patrick let the dirty water down the drain, wiped the sink clean, and hung the dishcloth to dry.
Just then, the woman under discussion poked her head in the kitchen. “If you guys are finished, can we go out and look for a Christmas tree tonight? I want to get it up in the stand so we can decorate the whole house tomorrow night. Burke, you can come too. If you want to, that is. You might have other plans.” Dani came to an abrupt stop, as if aware she was babbling.
“I’d love to go.” Burke’s smile was wide, and he realized, genuine. “I’ve never actually picked out a Christmas tree before.” It was only after the words were out of his mouth that he realized just how much he had revealed about himself with that simple statement. He cursed himself silently for not having sense enough to keep quiet.
Patrick stared at Burke for a long second and then casually spoke. “There are certain things you need to look for in a good tree…”
They were still discussing them when they all piled into Burke’s larger truck and headed to the downtown tree lot.
Chapter Four
The very next evening, Burke stood on the front porch of the little house on Peach Street. Staring at the closed door, he recalled how soft and cuddly Dani had looked standing there yesterday. In an old sweat suit that no woman he’d ever known would be caught dead in, and with her long hair flowing down to her waist, she’d looked more beautiful than any other woman he’d ever seen. And he’d seen his share of gorgeous women. They had always come to him, attracted by his wealth and status. He’d never had to look for a female companion. So why was he freezing his butt off staring at Dani’s front door? What was it about this particular woman that made all his masculine instincts stand up and shout Mine?
The anger and disappointment he’d felt when he’d seen Patrick for the first time had shocked him. He’d never stopped to think that she might have a boyfriend, or even be married, because she hadn’t worn a wedding ring.
Even though Patrick had turned out to be her brother, the feelings Burke was left with made him uncomfortable. But he was determined. He still wanted Dani, no doubt about it, but only on his terms. They were both adults and could enjoy a mature relationship.
For a man used to sophisticated pursuits, such as the theatre and the opera, he was surprisingly excited about tonight. He told himself it was because he liked to see a project through to the end, and after all, he had helped to pick out the tree. He had a responsibility to be there to help decorate it. It wasn’t as if being there really meant anything to him. He also knew he was lying to himself. Shaking his head at his unaccustomed feelings, he knocked on the front door.
Shamus flung open the front door and immediately the smell of pine and popcorn filled the air. “Come on in. Dani and I are up to our ears in popcorn. You can help Patrick with the lights.”
Shamus turned and strode back to the living room after issuing his orders, leaving Burke to trail behind him. It really was a novelty for anyone to give him orders, but the O’Rourke family seemed to have no trouble doing so. A grin of amusement tugged at his mouth, even as he followed Shamus.
Burke stopped in the archway to the living room, his grin slowly fading as he became enthralled by the picture within. Dani sat on a worn plush green sofa with a big bowl of popcorn in her lap and a needle in her hand. She was absorbed in stringing pieces of the popcorn onto a long thread and hummed along to the Christmas song that played on the stereo. Shamus sprawled at her feet with a bowl of popcorn a
ll his own. Patrick sat on the floor on the other side of the room, surrounded by strings of lights. It was like a scene from a ‘Home for Christmas’ Hollywood movie. And although Burke wanted to join them, he suddenly felt as if he was somehow intruding.
As if Dani sensed his hovering presence, she looked at him and smiled a wide, welcoming smile. “Burke, we’re glad you could come.” Her voice sounded a little breathless.
Lord, she really was a beauty. Even wearing jeans and a blue v-neck sweater, she was breathtaking. Her eyes glowed with happiness and her lips were parted slightly as she smiled at him. All he could think about was tasting those soft luscious lips. He could feel his body reacting to the very sight of her and was helpless to stop it. He had always had ruthless control over his desires, deciding when he would fulfill his bodily needs and with whom. But this shy woman made a mockery of his control. He didn’t like it, but he figured he’d regain his control once they slept together and the novelty wore off. Then he would be back in control of the situation.
“Every year we pack these things away properly and every year they come out in a tangle.” Patrick held up a clump of lights in one hand. “You can give me a hand with these if you’d rather not string popcorn. I need all the help I can get.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Burke settled himself on the floor next to Patrick. He glanced up and saw that Dani was still smiling at him.
“Now that everyone’s here, I’ll get the eggnog and potato chips.” Setting her bowl aside, Dani stood and headed toward the kitchen.
…
She really had to get a hold of herself. Just because a good-looking man was in her living room was no reason to make a fool of herself. Burke wore a pair of faded jeans and a simple cream-colored fisherman’s knit sweater. But the way he filled out his clothes should be considered lethal and dangerous to a woman’s peace of mind. He made her stomach all fluttery, and Dani felt more like a teenager than a grown woman. If she weren’t careful, she’d find herself giggling and that just wouldn’t do. She pulled herself together, grabbed her tray of treats, and went back to the living room.
Discovering Dani Page 3
