by Kay Lyons
“Absolutely,” Joe agreed with a nod, sliding his arm around his wife’s shoulder and pulling her close. “You made your old man proud, Mel. He was barking orders left and right, worrying you wouldn’t show.”
“What changed your mind?” Ashley asked softly. “When you didn’t come to the rehearsal last night I wondered if you’d show up this morning.”
Melissa lifted her shoulder in a self-conscious shrug, ignoring Bryan’s sparkling eyes and the fact Ashley’s comment about him being her date had hit home. Had she hoped by arriving with Bryan her dad would call things off? “I realized it was something my mom would’ve wanted me to do, that’s all.”
On the patio her dad held Ellen close, the small wedding cake in front of them ready to be cut and the photographer hovering nearby.
“So,” Joe murmured when silence followed her words, “what’s this I hear about you spending the night with Bryan?”
Chapter 16
ASHLEY’S HEAD SWUNG around with the speed of a rocket, her mouth agape. “That’s why you needed a dress? You spent the night with Bryan?”
Melissa glared at Joe, still refusing to look at the man next to her or acknowledge Bryan’s date-like behavior. “I fell asleep on Bryan’s couch after working on the fund-raiser, which you are expected to attend.”
“Don’t even attempt to change the subject.” Ashley looked at Bryan, her stare hard and unflinching. “And you just remember what I said.”
“What did you say?” Melissa questioned. “What are you talking about?”
“May I have your attention, please? The bride and groom are going to have their first dance, and then at the bride’s request, there will be a special dance for the groom and his daughter.”
A special what? Her stomach fell to her knees. Sitting behind her father with her back to the crowd while he promised to love another woman besides her mother was one thing, but dancing with him with everyone watching? Pretending she was here because she wanted to be?
Music began to play and Melissa turned in her seat, intending to leave while she could. A firm hand grasped her arm and held her in place. Bryan. She knew his touch. A little too well now.
“Don’t embarrass your father by stalking out. Lift your chin, smile and do whatever you have to do to get through the dance. Then I’ll take you home.”
Her dad and Ellen danced for the photographer and the small crowd of invited guests. Then it was her turn. Bryan escorted her onto the patio and placed her hand in her dad’s, then gallantly asked Ellen to dance. Bryan led the woman in a modified waltz, but Ellen’s gaze stayed on her, worried, when she and her father stood there unmoving.
“Remember when you used to put your feet on top of mine and we’d dance?”
Like it was yesterday. “Vaguely.”
“Come on, Mel. For old time’s sake?”
She allowed him to pull her close and give her a hug. Melissa closed her eyes and relished the moment, heard the photographer snapping away. Melissa concentrated on putting her feet in the proper place, tried to make peace with herself and her feelings and enjoyed the feel of her father’s protective arms.
This would probably be the last dance she ever got to share with him. She’d best enjoy it while it lasted.
* * *
THE BASKETBALL SHOOT-OUT, cook-off and festival would’ve ended on a good note if not for her father and his on-duty officers being called away for yet another break-in. The fall weather was perfect and cooperative, the deep rich colors of the decorations vibrant and beautiful amid the oranges and reds and yellows of the maples planted throughout the park.
Melissa smiled wearily at Nathan when he moseyed over to where she sat beneath a shade tree that repeatedly pelted her with falling leaves, and tried to squelch the awareness she felt when Bryan noticed Nathan’s presence.
“Looks like another winner for you, Mel.”
“Not for me, for all of us. The clinic is definitely needed.”
Nathan grabbed a chair from nearby and twisted it around to straddle it, leaning his arms across the back. “Hey, I’ve been giving this a lot of thought and—”
“Looks like you’re up at the dunking booth, Nate.” Bryan smiled. “Better not be late or Mrs. H. will give you grief about being tardy.”
Nathan didn’t look pleased by the interruption—or Bryan’s shortened version of his name. Obviously reluctant, he got to his feet. “Mel, can we talk later? Maybe grab some coffee?”
“Um…”
“She’ll be busy.”
She rolled her eyes at Bryan before smiling at Nathan. “Sure.” Ignoring Bryan’s glare, she watched Nathan walk away, her mind comparing the officer’s dark coloring to Bryan’s. Rubbing her head, she studiously marked Nathan’s name off the list in front of her and noted a volunteer switch was due at the concession stand where the food from this morning’s cook-off was being sold.
Solid hands landed on her tense shoulders and began to rub. “Bryan…” That was all she could get past her lips because she had to clamp them closed to hold in a moan.
“The look on your face,” Bryan drawled huskily. His breath hit her ear and made a shiver race down her spine. “That’s a look I could easily get addicted to.” His lips brushed her temple. “I liked holding you last night.”
She couldn’t believe she’d done it again. “I’m so sorry I fell asleep on your couch. I guess the late hours are getting to me.” She knew better than to ask why he hadn’t woken her up.
“I didn’t mind.”
Uh-huh. “Still i-it won’t happen again.”
“I hope it does.”
“Bryan.”
“Have you dreamed of us yet, Melissa? Thought about what would’ve happened if you’d let me keep kissing you that day by the river?”
She lost the ability to breathe, her lashes too heavy to hold up. “No. Now go away. I’m working.”
A rich, masculine chuckle rumbled out of his chest. “So you’ll sleep in my arms, accept my massage but shoot down my questions?”
“Hush, Bryan, please? And you shouldn’t touch me like that,” she said, shrugging her shoulders ineffectively to loosen his hold. “People will talk even more.”
“I’ve dreamed about us. Actually, I think about that day and what could’ve happened all the time. When I bit your neck right here—” his fingers pressed a particular area, his touch equivalent to a lightning strike “—you made a sound that—”
“Bryan!”
“I backed off to give you time to adjust to being on your own, but I haven’t given up. Have you figured that out yet?”
She had. But she still didn’t know what to do about it. If she gave in to Bryan and they made love—then what? He’d move on, that much she knew for sure. It was inevitable. But part of her, the part practically panting at the mere touch of his hands on her shoulders, begged to see if Bryan could get her through her first experience post-mastectomy. Wanted to know, just once, if being with him would be as unbelievable as it was in her dreams.
Bryan’s hands slowed and, unbidden, she leaned her head back and looked up at him, her head brushing against him where he stood behind her. His jaw clenched tight, his eyes broadcasting his thoughts and making no effort to hide them from her, as though—
As though what he’d said by that rock along the river was true?
A grim smile crossed his face. “This isn’t the place for me to do what I want to you, but I promise you, Melissa, one day soon you’re going to look at me like that and I’m going to kiss you until you forget everything—everything—but me. Us. Got that?”
She swallowed, her blood heated at the thought, but even though she wanted so badly to open her mouth and protest, she didn’t. She couldn’t.
Because she wanted it, too.
* * *
LATER THAT EVENING, Melissa left the shower, glad the successful day was over, and dreading the other events taking place tomorrow. She dried off, then wrapped the towel around her before leaving the bathroom and
entering her bedroom. The first thing she noticed was the picture of her mother on her bedside table, the one her father had left in his bedroom when he’d moved out.
She’d talked to him once since the wedding, the conversation short and uncomfortable. He’d always worked long hours, but she’d still seen a lot of him when they’d lived together. She missed those casual moments they’d had.
Melissa picked up the photograph and stared at her mother’s face, tracing her fingers over her features and remembering Bryan’s breath-stealing promise. “How’d you do it, Mom? Even married to Dad, how did you let him?”
She set the frame back beside her alarm clock and walked to her dresser to pull out pajamas. Another hard, early day awaited her tomorrow. She reached for the drawer and the towel came untucked. Before she could catch it, the length of damp cotton fell to her feet. She looked up, frozen at the sight of herself in the mirror.
She squeezed her eyes shut, incapable of looking directly at her chest.
Turning so that her back was to the mirror, she searched for her favorite pj set but couldn’t find it, and exhausted tears seeped into her eyes. Grabbing another pair, she shut the drawer with her foot, her gaze winding up on the mirror again. Biting her lip, she stared at the length of her back, her rear. Heart shaped?
She wrinkled her nose and eyed her butt again, frowning, critiquing. Her legs were long and toned, her hips dipping in at her waist and giving it good definition. She twisted, turning to face the mirror a little more though not too far, her arms protectively shielding.
A decently flat stomach. The scar from her cesarean ran horizontal rather than vertical and was mostly invisible thanks to time. Josie had been a small baby, a preemie. The only stretch marks she’d had were on her—
Do it. Look. She’d learned early on to close her eyes while bathing, and trained herself to shave her legs without once looking there because if she did—
She raised her hands to where her breasts would have been, should have been, and touched lightly. She always kept a washcloth and soap between her hand and skin. Always. But now…
“Nothing,” she whispered, sliding her fingertips down her flat chest, over the tiny pinpoints marking her radiation spots. Marks she’d have forever. Her breasts were gone, the nerve endings severed. Her body mutilated by surgery but saved from a cancer running rampant. Nothing left, but a life gained. Cancer… free?
She’d been so devastated she hadn’t considered the reconstructive surgery at the time. Why bother? She would die. Knew she’d die. But she hadn’t. And now Bryan… Maybe she should look into it more seriously?
“Don’t buy into it. Don’t get your hopes up. You know better.” But was it possible? Could what her father said be true and God had a bigger plan for her? And if that was the case, why her and not the other women going through breast cancer?
And Bryan…
It was getting harder and harder to turn Bryan down. To resist his teasing, his touch. The way he made her feel. When she’d woken up in his arms—
Dear Lord, why? Why her, why do this to her now? Tease her with hope… possibility…
Why did she suddenly want to believe she could have more?
Chapter 17
HAL WAS GETTING tired of fielding complaints from Taylorsville’s citizens and city officials because he and his men had been unable to catch the druggie breaking in and abusing the elderly before stealing their medications.
October had ended with cold temperatures, and now bits of snow flew through the November air and dusted the ground. Maybe they’d have a white Christmas. In this part of southern Ohio, Christmas could be snowy and cold, or balmy and warm. Sometimes on the same day.
He spotted a flash of light at the side of a house a ways off the road. Slowing, he waited patiently and sure enough, the light came again. Near a window. Calling for backup, he drove up the grass-spotted asphalt driveway. The moment he opened the door, he heard screams and shouting from inside.
Hal pulled his gun from his holster and ran for the door. “Police, open up!” He paused for a split second when the screams turned into terrified sobs, and it took four kicks to the well-made door before it finally flew inward with a crash.
He moved inside cautiously, listening, trying to stay shielded. Hands grabbed hold of his legs, startling him, and he swore when he realized he’d nearly stepped on the homeowner lying on the floor.
“Help me,” Mrs. McCleary begged. “Please. He hurt Richard. He hurt my Richard.” Sobs ripped through the woman clinging to him. “Don’t leave us. Please don’t leave.”
Tires squealed from somewhere outside the house, and Hal bit back a curse. So close. He holstered his weapon and bent. “Where’s Richard?”
* * *
QUIT WORRYING.”
“I can’t,” Ashley murmured in response to her husband’s order. “I’m nervous for her. The fund-raisers have covered the basics, but it’s going to take a lot more money to complete the clinic and Melissa’s worked hard getting donations to auction. What if people don’t bid? She’ll be so disappointed if tonight isn’t a success. Bryan, too.”
Bryan closed the distance between him and his friends, humbled that Ashley cared so much about him and Melissa, and entertained by Joe’s tie-strangled appearance.
“Ashley won, huh?”
Ashley turned with a smile. “Hi, Bryan. Don’t get him started again, please? I told Joe I had to see him in a tux at least once, and after discovering there was a band, I insisted it be tonight.”
“Yeah, thanks for doing this,” Joe drawled with sarcasm, but the look in Joe’s eyes when he looked at his wife said he didn’t mind as much as he let on. Possibly because Ashley wore a bright red, cleavage-baring dress that showed off her lush figure and dark hair to perfection. Melissa’s comment about a woman’s chest being the first thing men notice rang in his head, and Bryan made a conscious effort not to notice.
“Everything looks so romantic.” She tilted her head to one side, her expression thoughtful. “Who are you here with?”
Joe turned his head as though scanning the crowd, murmuring, “Subtle,” near his wife’s ear. He couldn’t blame her. The past month had been a steady ebb and flow, trying to earn Melissa’s trust only to have her shy away.
“I’m not here with a date.”
After months of working with Melissa, teasing her, flirting with her and having her falling asleep on his couch twice only to wake up and bolt for the door, he was starting to believe he was losing his touch. He’d become a recluse who rarely left the office except to visit his granddad. Offers he wasn’t interested in continued to come his way, but in the mood he’d been in of late, they were fewer and farther between. Not that he minded. Only one woman appealed.
“Looks like someone else is dateless. Imagine that.”
Prodded by Ashley’s announcement, Bryan turned. Standing in the doorway of the Baxter Grand Marquis Hotel’s ballroom stood Melissa. She wore a shimmery ice-blue gown held in place with thin straps at her shoulders. From there the gown draped over her chest in long layers, a slit dipping low, nearly to her stomach, revealing a kiss-provoking V of skin between her—
Bryan scowled. The draped front was enough to make Melissa’s lack of breasts a nonissue, at least where her attire was concerned, but it also made a man want to tug the strap from her shoulder and feel her skin.
“Wow. Doesn’t she look wonderful?”
Wow was right. Melissa turned to say something to a member of the hotel staff, and Bryan fought the urge to remove his jacket and place it over her shoulders. Like the front, the V dipped low in back, this time all the way to the small of her back.
“Where did she get that dress?”
Ashley laughed at his tone. “That little ol’ thing? I helped her find it online. Gorgeous, isn’t it?”
“Nathan thinks so,” Joe added.
Bryan focused on the officer moving toward Melissa. Uncaring about the gossip it would incite, he crossed the room in hurried strid
es and reached Melissa first, but only because Nathan had been held up by Melissa’s father.
The chief caught his eye and Bryan nodded once in thanks. Then he grasped her arm in a light grip and brushed her mouth with a kiss. Let Nathan, Hal and the rest of the town interpret that. He was staking a public claim for all to see and see it they did. Melissa’s wasn’t the only gasp he heard.
“Bryan, what are you doing?”
He smiled into her upturned face. “Saying hello. You look absolutely amazing.”
“Thank you.” The silvery shadow on her eyelids sparkled when she looked down. “But you’ve got to stop saying things like that—and doing…that.”
“I mean it, why not say it?” He lifted her face with a hand under her chin. “You’re beautiful and I want you. All of you. And if you’ll let me, I’ll prove it. So…will you?”
“Will she what?” Hal asked from nearby, his voice a low grumble.
Melissa jerked away from him and backed up a step. “Um…nothing. Bryan was just—just…”
“I was just telling Melissa how amazing she looks.”
“The doc’s right about that,” her father agreed. “You look great, Mel.”
She kept her attention focused on her father and tried to breathe. “Thank you. You’re looking pretty handsome yourself all dressed up.”
Her dad patted Ellen’s hand and the two exchanged a look. “Mel, you’ve got the week off with the groundbreaking coming up, and Ellen and I would like to invite you over for lunch or dinner. Will you come?”
She’d concentrated so hard on getting ready for the auction, scheduling the event so that the gala kicked off Baxter’s Winter Festival of Lights, she’d almost forgotten about being off all next week. Bryan closed his practice for a week every spring and summer, and since he’d missed his summer vacation due to the problems at the office, he’d planned a winter break instead to coincide with the groundbreaking.
