02 Turn to Me - Kathleen Turner

by Tiffany Snow

  “Why would she use her ATM card? She’s smarter than that.” Even I had seen enough movies to know you weren’t supposed to do that.

  “I think she was desperate.”

  My heart went out to her and I wished she’d stayed with me longer than just a night. “What can we do to help?”

  We reached my apartment and Blane got out of the car, coming around to my side to help me out. I felt better after the banana and drink, but was still weak and didn’t resist when Blane’s arm slid supportively around my waist.

  “I’ll make some calls tomorrow,” Blane said, using his key to unlock my door and lead me inside.

  “What can I do?” I asked. There had to be something I could do to help.

  “Nothing,” Blane said firmly. “These aren’t some two-bit criminals, Kathleen. CJ is involved with some extremely dangerous people. Let me see what I can do to help her. You stay out of it.”

  I chewed my lip as I discarded my coat. I understood Blane’s concern, but hated to be put in the position of just sitting around and waiting.

  A knock at the door startled me, but Blane moved forward to answer it as though he was expecting someone.

  “Thanks for coming,” he said when he’d opened the door.

  A man stepped past Blane into the apartment. He was shorter than Blane by several inches, but solidly built. The whiteness of his teeth contrasted starkly with his dark skin. Dark hair and eyes completed the picture I guessed by his features that he had a Latin background. If not for his friendly smile, he would have appeared very formidable indeed. He wore a pair of glasses with thin, wire frames. As Blane closed the door behind him, the stranger moved forward, holding his hand out to me.

  “Hello,” he said. “I’m Eric Sanchez, a friend of Blane’s.”

  I automatically shook his hand, casting a questioning glance at Blane.

  “Eric,” Blane said, “this is Kathleen, an...employee of mine.” He seemed to hesitate before identifying me as an employee. “Eric is a doctor,” Blane explained to me.

  “And why is there a doctor here?” I asked, my eyebrows climbing.

  “You hate hospitals,” Blane said with a shrug, as if that explained Eric’s presence.

  “Let’s sit down,” Eric said, still holding my hand. He drew me towards my couch and sat next to me. I watched as he opened the leather case he carried, removing typical doctor paraphernalia – a stethoscope, blood pressure checker thing, and thermometer. “I understand you’ve not been feeling well?” he asked.

  “I’m fine,” I replied, trying to decide how I felt about Blane actually arranging for a doctor make a house call for me in the middle of the night. On one hand, it was incredibly presumptuous, big surprise there. On the other, it was very thoughtful of him to be concerned and to remember how much I despised hospitals.

  “You had a rather significant injury today, is that correct?” Eric asked.

  “A bump on the head,” I reluctantly answered.

  “And tonight you had a dizzy spell?”

  I looked accusingly at Blane, the blabbermouth. “Just a small one. I’m a bit tired, that’s all.”

  “She was dehydrated,” Blane said, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the wall behind me. “I gave her a banana and sports drink.”

  “Did that help you to feel better?” Eric asked, picking up an instrument and peering into my eyes with it.

  “Yes.” My grudging answer seemed to amuse Eric. I saw his lips twitch before he controlled his expression.

  “Do you often have dizzy spells?”

  “No.”

  “Any loss of appetite recently? Nausea?”

  I remembered throwing up at Kade’s yesterday morning. “Yes.”

  Eric wrapped the blood pressure cuff around my arm. “Any chance you could be pregnant?”

  His nonchalance was a stark contrast to the shock those words produced in me. It took everything I had not to look behind me to Blane. I felt the blood drain from my face.

  We had always used protection, but nothing was a hundred percent, everyone knew that. What if...? I couldn’t finish the thought.

  I suddenly realized my silence had produced a tension so thick I could nearly feel it emanating from Blane standing behind me. Eric seemed oblivious, though, scrutinizing the blood pressure gauge before glancing up.

  “Is there?” he asked again.

  I did math in my head, my eyes squeezing tightly shut as I realized that yes, there was a chance. According to my calculations, I was a couple days late. Unable to speak the words, I gave a quick jerk of my head.

  “Well, that might be the culprit then,” he said mildly. He put his tools back in his bag and produced a small packet. “This is a very mild sedative,” he said. “If you are pregnant, it won’t hurt the baby, but will help you sleep. You need rest and proper nutrition.” He smiled kindly, pressing the packet into my numb fingers. “I prescribe a good night’s sleep, followed by three square meals tomorrow and plenty of liquids. You also might want to grab a pregnancy test from the drugstore in a few days.”

  Blane let him out the door and I caught Eric saying in an undertone to him, “Employee, huh? Right, Blane. Tell me another one.”

  “Thanks for coming,” Blane replied.

  “Any time,” Eric said. “You know that.”

  The room was silent when Blane shut the door. I stared in front of me, seeing nothing. The idea that I might be pregnant...the thought was too incomprehensible for me to process.

  I was startled from my thoughts by Blane crouching in front of me, taking my ice cold hands in his.

  “Kat,” he said softly, “it’ll be all right. Don’t worry. Okay?”

  I stared at him. “How can it possibly be all right?” I choked out in a whisper.

  His mouth curved into a smile, a real one that lit up his eyes, and he leaned forward, kissing me lightly on the lips. “Trust me.”

  I let myself do what I’d been aching to do for days and leaned forward, tentatively resting my head against his shoulder. His arms slid carefully around me, as though any sudden movement on his part would startle me away. His hand cupped the back of my head, and I closed my eyes with a sigh. The tension and worry I hadn’t even been aware of eased inside me. Blane was here.

  Blane gathered me in his arms and I didn’t protest as he helped me to my bedroom. Laying me on the bed, he methodically removed my shoes and jeans before covering me with the blankets. I watched him take off his shoes and shirt before sliding under the covers next to me. Wrapping an arm around my waist, he pulled me back to spoon against his body.

  My whole body relaxed at the feel of him holding me. “I believe you,” I said after a while, my voice quiet in the dark. “About Kandi.”

  Blane went still behind me and I waited to hear him speak. After a few moments, he said simply, “Good.” I felt him press his lips to my temple as he fit me more snugly against him. His hand found mine resting against my abdomen and entwined our fingers together. Within moments, I was asleep.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  I woke slowly, stretching and feeling rested for the first time in days. Opening my eyes, I checked the clock, startled to see that it was past noon. Turning over, I saw the bed was empty beside me. Disappointment made me frown, but considering the time, Blane would have had to get to work. I sat up and my hand landed on something that crinkled. I picked up the piece of paper, recognizing Blane’s handwriting.

  Would have stayed with you, but had to be in court today.

  Rest and eat something. I’ll call you later.

  ~ B

  PS – Don’t go anywhere.

  Checking my cell phone, I saw I had a couple missed calls from Blane. I was glad he’d left the note rather than just leaving without a word. I’d slept better last night in his arms than I had in several days.

  I showered, my hand skimming over my stomach and I wondered if it could possibly be true – if I could be carrying Blane’s child. It was both terrifyin
g and at the same time incredibly fantastic. The impact it would have on my life was so mind-boggling, I resolved to try not to think about it anymore until I got a pregnancy test.

  I nearly jumped out of my skin when I walked into the kitchen and found Blane’s housekeeper, Mona, peering into my refrigerator.

  “I’m sorry, dear,” she said. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  “It’s all right,” I said, a bit breathless. “I just wasn’t expecting someone to be here.”

  “Blane mentioned you were feeling under the weather, so I thought I’d bring something by that might help.” She closed the fridge and motioned to a large pot on the stove. “Just some chicken noodle soup, nothing fancy. And I took the liberty of stocking a few other items in your cupboards. I hope you don’t mind.” She smiled kindly.

  I was completely taken aback. “Not at all,” I blurted, once I’d found my tongue. “I appreciate that. You didn’t have to go to the trouble, though.”

  “It’s no trouble at all,” she said, gathering up her coat and purse. “If you need anything else, just let me know.”

  “Thank you so much.” I followed her to the door.

  “You’re welcome, dear.” She gave me a brief hug before she left and I was too startled by the gesture to return it before she released me. I watched her leave before shutting the door, wondering at what had just happened. Then I smelled the mouthwatering aroma of chicken noodle soup. Filling a huge bowl full, I promptly devoured it. I couldn’t help envying Blane someone who could cook like Mona.

  I had a few hours until Ryan came, so I did some laundry and cleaned. My apartment was sadly lacking in my attention lately. When that was finally done, I collapsed on the couch and flipped on the television.

  In the middle of Judge Judy, my cell phone rang – Blane was calling. I glanced at the clock. It was after five. He must be out of court by now.

  “Hello?”

  “Kat. It’s me,” Blane said.

  “Hey,” I replied.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Better.”

  I heard him blow out a sigh. “Good. Did Mona come by?”

  “Yeah, she brought soup. It was great. Thanks.” My fingers twisted the corner of the quilt I’d thrown over the couch, the one Martha had given me. It felt like ages ago. “And thanks for last night,” I quietly added.

  “It was my pleasure.” His voice had dropped into a deeper register and I cradled the phone more closely to my ear. “Can I come by later?” he asked.

  “Yes” was on the tip of my tongue before I remembered. I had a date tonight. “Um,” I hedged, unsure what to say, “tonight isn’t good.”

  A pause. “Why not?”

  “I, um, have plans,” I said, twisting the quilt fabric again.

  “What kind of plans?” His tone was guarded now, and I recognized his courtroom interrogator coming out.

  I squeezed my eyes shut and blurted, “I have a date.”

  Silence. I squirmed uncomfortably, pressing my lips tightly together. I would not be the first to speak. What was there to say? Even if he hadn’t slept with Kandi, he’d kissed her and God knows what else. I refused to feel guilty for going on a date.

  “I see,” he finally said, then, “Will you go on a date with me?”

  “I-” my words faltered. He’d taken me by surprise. “Why?”

  “I want you back, Kat,” he said bluntly. “I’ll do whatever it takes. I don’t care who else you date, so long as you give me a chance to win you back.”

  I took a moment to absorb this, surprised at his declaration. Surprised and gratified. I still found it hard to believe he felt something more for me, more than the natural impulse to attain someone who had rejected him. Even suspecting this, I couldn’t deny him – Blane Kirk, my own personal weak link.

  “All right,” I said carefully. “I’ll go on a date with you.”

  “Good,” he said, satisfaction in his voice. When he spoke again, it was in the low timbre that sent a shiver through me. “I could smell you on my skin this morning,” he said. “It took every ounce of self-control I had to not touch you the way I wanted to.”

  My heart skipped a beat, then sped up. I closed my eyes, absorbing the sound of his voice in my ear.

  “Do you know what you do to me, Kat?” he asked.

  “No.” My response was barely audible, my mind conjuring images of Blane in my bed and the things we had done there.

  “You must know,” he said. “You make me lose control, forget about everything and everyone. Until all I know is that I have to be inside you, feel your legs wrapped around my waist, your cries of pleasure echoing in my ears.”

  Oh, God. I could barely breathe. His voice was like a potent wine, filling my mind and making my blood heat in my veins.

  “I miss you, Kat,” he said. “I miss your smiles. I miss your crankiness in the morning before you’ve had your coffee. I miss how excited you get when it snows. I miss how you won’t eat popcorn unless you have a Pepsi with it. I miss listening to you sing in the shower when you think I can’t hear you. But mostly, I miss how I feel when I’m with you.”

  I sucked in a breath, his declarations overwhelming me. I missed him so badly, it was a physical pain. His words frightened me as much as they thrilled me.

  “I-I have to go, Blane,” I stammered.

  “All right.” His voice was calm and even. “But I hope you think of me while you're with him.”

  The line went dead, Blane's words lingering in my ear as I hung up.

  I stared at nothing for a while, my apartment growing dark around me, Blane’s words echoing in my head. When had life gotten so complicated?

  I glanced at the clock. Ryan would be here in less than an hour and I hadn’t done anything other than shower. I shifted into high gear. Thinking pants were better for this weather than a dress or skirt, I pulled on a pair of dark jeans that fit me like a second skin. I added a black silk blouse with a scooped neck and flowing sleeves. It was pretty and feminine and went nicely with the jeans and my black boots. I left my hair down, blowing it the rest of the way dry before putting on my makeup.

  My phone rang a few minutes before Ryan was supposed to arrive. It was Kade.

  “Nice of you to tell me the big news,” he said, his voice flat.

  I sucked in a breath. I hadn't counted on him finding out that I might be pregnant. “I don’t know what you mean,” I said, playing for time to think.

  “I talked to Blane. He told me.”

  I winced at the underlying anger in Kade’s voice. Was yet another truce between Kade and me about to be broken? How would he feel if I was carrying Blane’s child? Would he think I’d planned it to try and trap Blane?

  “I’m sorry, Kade,” I stammered nervously. “I didn’t mean for this to happen. I’m not trying to get Blane to marry me, if that’s what you’re upset about.”

  “Dammit, Kathleen,” Kade bit out. “That’s not why I’m pissed. Blane knows better than to be so careless.”

  I took a moment to process this before replying. “It’s not for sure,” I said quietly. “Probably just a false alarm. I’ve been under a lot of stress, you know.”

  “Yeah, I know.” His tone was grim.

  A knock at my door proclaimed Ryan’s arrival.

  “Ryan’s here,” I said. “Gotta go.” I disconnected before he had a chance to reply.

  Taking a deep breath to steady nerves now shot after the conversation with Kade, I opened the door to see Ryan standing there, looking gorgeous in jeans, a heavy brown coat over a button-down shirt and cowboy boots. His dark hair curved over his forehead in delicious waves.

  “Hey, beautiful,” he said with a grin, looking me up and down. “You look good enough to eat.”

  “Thanks,” I said with a smile. “Want to come in?”

  He stepped inside and I was uncomfortably reminded of my lack of height. He was as tall as Blane and just as broad. I swallowed heavily. Kade’s comment last night about Ryan r
an through my mind, but I pushed it away. Just because he believed the worst of everyone didn’t mean it was true.

  “I’ll just get my coat.” I grabbed the coat Blane had given me, but Ryan took it out of my hands, holding it open for me just as Blane had.

  “Any particular preference for dinner?” he asked as we stepped outside.

  “Not really,” I said as we walked down the stairs. “I’m not terribly picky. Just no sushi.”

  “No sushi,” he said, grinning as he opened the passenger door on a big pickup truck for me. “Got it.”

  He drove me to a restaurant downtown known for its steaks. The place was dark and quiet on a Monday night and we settled in at a leather covered booth.

  Ryan ordered a bottle of wine as we looked at the menus. I’d had the soup not so long ago, so I wasn’t terribly hungry. Still, a free meal was a free meal and I could always take home the leftovers. I ordered the petite filet. Ryan ordered a bone-in ribeye, rare.

  We chitchatted for a few minutes while the waiter uncorked and poured our wine. I just took tiny sips of my glass, the uncomfortable reminder that I might be pregnant lingering in my mind.

  “So you and Kirk aren’t together anymore?” Ryan asked out of the blue.

  I choked on my wine. “I didn’t realize you knew it was him,” I sputtered, once I could breathe again.

  “I know you used to be his girlfriend,” Ryan said casually, pouring more wine into our glasses. He turned towards me and I realized he was much closer than I was comfortable with.

  Just then, my cell phone rang. I looked at the caller ID. It was Kade again.

  “I’d better take this,” I said.

  “Sure,” Ryan said affably.

  I scooted out of the booth and headed toward the restrooms, stopping in the hallway where it was quiet.

  “Hello?”

  “Get out of there, Kathleen,” Kade said without preamble.