I wish he cared. I wish he were all I wanted in a man. I wish he loved me. I wish. I wish.
She stopped abruptly. Angry with herself for wishing when life was so much more than that.
She shook her head and tucked a curl behind her ear. She hadn’t slept well last night. Maybe she could snatch a few Z’s. Soon the difference between reality and fantasy intermingled. If boarding didn’t start soon, she’d be snoring or worse—drooling.
Seconds passed. Minutes. She wasn’t sure.
Fingers reached from behind and caressed her cheek. She jumped along with her heart rate. Then froze in the chair. Too soon, she recognized the feel of his hands as they gently massaged the tension from her face.
She stopped holding her breath and let out a sigh.
A thumb played along her jaw until her heart thrumped against her chest. This was no three-martini businessman.
Rochelle unwound from the chair and twirled around where she was caught up in arms as strong as steel. Ed in worn jeans, a black T-shirt, and a washed-out sports coat held her, protected her, told her everything would be all right now. She looked past the irresistible dimples to his crazy blue eyes where truth melded with emotion.
“You’re here.” She blinked. “What are you doing here?”
“I told you I was going to meet you at the airport.”
“B-but you’re in Traverse City.”
He glanced around. “Oh, I am?”
“Are you flying back with me?”
“Sorta looks that way.”
“But—”
His hand pushed the pesky curls back and his palm eased warmth onto her face. He cupped her chin and stared into her eyes. “Rochelle, in case I haven’t told you, you are so beautiful. And … well. More than that.”
She stretched up and ran a finger across his cheek to be sure it was really him and not part of a dream. The hint of stubble on his skin teased her hand. Words caught in her throat. She leaned closer and pressed her cheek against his chest. This was no dream. Air escaped her lips in gentle sighs.
Beneath her cheek, his chest hammered in rhythm with hers. With half a step back, she pulled away to gaze in his face one more time. “But I thought—”
“I know what you thought. I may be dense, but by four this morning I figured out why you were angry. Jesse, the woman who answered my phone—”
“You don’t have to.”
“—is the team doctor’s daughter. I refused a trip to the hospital last night just in case you might call—as much as I hate to admit it. I can’t ever get a signal in the ER.” He leaned closer to kiss her forehead, her nose, her chin. “I missed you. And I didn’t plan on missing your call.”
“The hospital?” She gazed at him head to toe. His pant leg stretched tight over an air cast that encased his ankle. “Your foot? What did you do?” Crutches leaned behind her chair back.
“A mild sprain. But Doc wants me off it a couple days. He insisted Jesse drive me home, wait until I could shower, and then wrap and ice the ankle for me. She also force-fed me the pain meds he’d prescribed. He knows I don’t like drugs. He also knew Jesse would insist. She’s nearly as ripped as Brett, so she doesn’t take kindly to ‘no’ from any of the players, but especially not from me. Treats me like a rotten little brother.”
Brother. Rochelle licked her lips and glanced away. He was getting too close to guessing the truth. Too close to making her feel like Danny had. No, Danny had been an addiction. Purely physical. And while there was plenty of chemistry here, Ed wasn’t Danny. She had to remember that. But the call. “And what makes you think I was upset because she answered?”
He wasn’t blind. He wasn’t stupid. He was here. Stop protesting just this once.
“’Chell?”
“Yes?” She couldn’t stop her lips from quivering. His gaze delved deeply into her and she couldn’t look away, didn’t dare protest.
“Shut up.” With a tightened grasp, he pulled her close. His expression didn’t say big brother one little bit. His head lowered until his face was within inches of hers. He didn’t move and neither did she for what seemed like forever. She couldn’t have moved if she’d wanted to. Her legs had gone numb. And still, he hovered above her, waiting, searching her face.
“But—”
His lips surprised her, probing with a firm but gentle resolve, telling her she not only could trust him, but that he longed to protect her. Warmth flowed through her as they chose not to part in spite of the public arena. That was all right, she felt safe with him. And his lips, like strong threads of silk on hers, wouldn’t let up.
So caught up in the embrace, she didn’t even worry people watched. The passion flowed from him to her in a way she’d never known before as his kiss deepened. She didn’t move. The tenderness held her captive. Like someone who’d been lost in a blizzard and suddenly finds a light. Closer and closer until the warmth provided life-saving heat.
His kiss was just that—life-saving and full of heat. Ed backed away with a smug smile and eyes that sparkled pure mischief. Gazing down at her, his forehead touched hers so Rochelle could see each fleck of color in his eyes.
He laughed. “You were upset all right.”
CHAPTER 55
IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, tight, efficient, and more affectionately known as the sweat box, Rochelle and Donna dug through possible scenarios for the next show.
Donna’s eye twitched. “You’re beyond happy today. What gives?” She scribbled notes on the dry erase board and eyed Rochelle from the side.
Donna’s gaze locked onto Rochelle in such a knowing way that she wanted to scream mind your own business.
“Nothing gives.” Nothing Rochelle was going to discuss.
“You look so, I don’t know, refreshed. That must have been some experience.”
“Excuse me?”
“That retreat or whatever it’s called.”
“Sure, the retreat. Yes, quite an experience.” She had to keep their conversation away from Ed. Because Donna could get Top Secrets out of the enemy if she tried. Rochelle was no match.
Her mind drifted to that last kiss when he dropped her off. His lips were soft and gentle, commanding and strong. Her heart fluttered her back to the present, and her face warmed.
“I said, what gives?” Donna laughed, her brow lifting, asking her to spill it. “That kind of face isn’t because of a retreat.”
“C’mon. We have a show to prepare. And you are aware Monday mornings are not my forte. Let’s go, Donna. Mind on the show.”
“You didn’t say anything about your ride home with Ed.”
Rochelle grabbed the short interview with Councilwoman Cleary, which she hoped would spark interest in the upcoming election.
Let the invasion of privacy begin. “Should I have? Besides, how do you know everything that happens in my life practically before I do?” Donna was angling.
“Just want to remind you that I’m the first to hear any important news. You know how well I keep secrets.”
Rochelle pointed her finger at Donna. “I wouldn’t tell you a thing. You’re known for not keeping secrets, my dear friend.”
“I beg your pardon?”
In an exaggerated manner, Rochelle wagged her head and leaned in. “And well you should. Remember when Carrie planned to surprise her mother with a cruise for her birthday?”
“Oops.”
“Yeah, oops. You’ve oopsed yourself right out of the best gossip around here.” Donna didn’t do it intentionally. She didn’t have a mean bone in her body, but Rochelle had seen Donna open her mouth and speak before engaging her brain. One small hint of a rumor and the canary sang the “Hallelujah Chorus.” No filter whatsoever.
With pursed lips, Donna reached for the press releases. She passed one to Rochelle with a shrug and said, “Can’t fault me for trying. But don’t forget. Good news? I’m your girl.”
The daily report slid into Rochelle’s hand. “Are we ready to pick some interesting topics?”
&nb
sp; “How about the mayor’s scandal? You know, his association with Bennett.”
“Way too interesting. On re-examination, I’m thinking I’ll leave that to the evening newscasters who dig the dirt. I don’t get paid enough to have that target painted on my back. Besides, I don’t need another lunatic politician threatening me. I’ll stick with the happy human interest pieces. Gimme PhD and a happy ending every time.”
“You could discuss the mayor. No need to become an investigative reporter.”
“Not today. How about if we line up the county campaign managers for each of the candidates? Say, next Thursday.” That would allow her time to check out a few of the comments by Councilwoman Cleary and perhaps spark a little interest after Tuesday’s interview. If the woman told the truth, fireworks were going to erupt at the mayoral election.
“I’m on it. About the mayor thing? You’re a coward.” Donna laughed as she perused the papers.
They worked for the next hour picking and choosing. Rochelle typed in the list of topics she would introduce as the show progressed. Dashing for the sound room, she couldn’t shake Donna, an obstinate adversary when the smell of rumors hung so invitingly in the air. She took her seat and with a grin, put fingers to her lips. “Ssh, there’s the signal.”
“This is Rochelle confronting hell by taking a stand of victory with His Word. Today, we’re going to start the show with your calls. You’ve had a week and a half to drum up some interesting topics I’m sure we’ll all enjoy. Then I have a couple theories I’d like to toss around with respects to the governor’s announcement that he will be stepping down after this year. So, right after this word from our sponsor, I’ll take the first caller.”
While the commercial ran, Rochelle glanced across the room at Donna. “We do have a lot to talk about.”
“I want details, girl. Go with me when I pick Cody up from school?”
“Sure, soon as we wrap up here.”
Donna chuckled and scooted for the door where she touched a finger to her lips. “And remember, I’m as silent as the grave.”
“Right.”
CHAPTER 56
STILL SWEATING FROM THE long workout, Ed’s finger slipped and he pressed in the wrong number. After a quick apology to an angry woman with a baritone voice, he tried again. The second time, Rochelle’s gentle response zinged straight to his gut.
“How about dinner? I made reservations at the Tin Crab for seven. That is if I can persuade you to be hungry enough for surf and turf. Lobster and prime rib sound good?”
“Mmm. Better than burgers and fish sticks.” She laughed, surprisingly comfortable after their close encounter. “Considering I was going home to refrigerator surprise, the Tin Crab sounds fantastic. That’s the restaurant on the bay, isn’t it?”
“That’s the place.” He checked off an imaginary list with his fingers. One down.
Actions spoke louder than words … always. He’d have to prove to her that he no longer wanted the gravy train. The life of women and partying. He’d said good-bye to that after the day he met her, if truth be known. The final test had come when she was away and Alicia had invited him over. He was no saint; he’d hesitated, but only for a second. Rochelle’s gorgeous eyes immediately filled the space between Alicia and himself, forcing the girl out of the picture once and for all.
“I’ll pick you up a little before seven. Davies has us skating until five, and I need to swing by the house for a change of clothes.”
“Seven sounds right. That will give me plenty of time after.”
“After what?”
“I’m going to see Cody’s school with Donna. Kill two birds, you know? This piece on PhD has really intrigued me. They do interesting work there, and I want to see where the little darlings go once they begin studying in earnest.”
“Don’t forget. Seven on the dot.”
#
Strumming the top of the table in the lobby, Rochelle tilted her head to one side to see out a window. Children played outside as she waited for Donna to return from the classroom with Cody.
Giant murals with children’s hands and footprints in primary colors graced the walls. Cody’s name surfaced under a big print in red.
Donna’s voice echoed behind her. “He’ll be here in a minute. They’re outside catching bugs. Gross.”
After scanning the prints once more, Rochelle’s gaze came to rest on the blond, blue-eyed boy who straggled through the doorway looking every bit a McGrath—but a tired McGrath.
“Mommy, wook. See?”
As he approached his mother, Rochelle noticed a ladybug stuck to the back of his hair.
Donna dropped to one knee and stretched her arms wide. “There’s Mommy’s little man. I see you, baby.”
He tripped over his feet stumbling to her.
“Wittle mahn?” He offered up a big sigh as Donna scooped him into her arms.
His eyes drooped, but he managed to mimic her words one last time. “Mommy’s wittle maaahhhn.” He smiled and yawned, raising soft, baby arms to wrap around her cheeks and tickle into her hair.
Though she hadn’t expected the feeling, Rochelle’s empty arms ached to hold a child. Where had that come from?
Cody cuddled into Donna’s steadfast grasp and buried his face and fingers into her neck, further proof he was still a baby in spite of his incredible abilities. Within seconds, sleep fought for his attention. Donna shifted him to the other shoulder, but he whimpered and put a hand to his tummy as Rochelle looked on.
“He must have had one rough day,” Donna said. “Does your tummy hurt, baby?”
One of the teachers headed toward them. Rochelle stood back.
“He was a bit lethargic today, Mrs. McGrath. There’s a bug going around. You might want to get him checked.”
With the slightest shift of her head, Donna pulled back a bit to take stock of his face. “No, he was fine earlier, Mrs. Denkins. He probably just needs extra nap time.”
“My tummy hurts.”
Mrs. Denkins placed a hand on Cody’s forehead and pursed her lips. “He feels warm. Maybe you should make an appointment with his pediatrician. Better safe than sorry.” She scrutinized the drowsy toddler. “You’re a sleepy little fellow today, aren’t you, Cody?”
Cody stirred with the extra attention. “I sweepy.” Then he promptly fell against Donna again, eyes fully closed, arms lax, and lips separated.
“Is Dr. Reinholdt still his doctor?” Denkins asked. “I think you should get an appointment.”
“I’m not going to worry about an appointment. I’m going straight there, but I don’t think I can drive with Cody like this.” She turned to Rochelle. “Would you drive us? Please?”
“Certainly. We can come back for your car later.”
Just as Donna slipped a jacket around Cody’s shoulders, his eyes opened wide, he twitched, and projectile vomited all over the floor.
CHAPTER 57
KYLE STARED AT THE kids playing in the snow on Rochelle’s street. For a nickel, he’d run over every last one of them. He licked his upper lip in an attempt to snare the crumb left from his burger.
How much longer was she going to be? This was about the time she came home every other day. He’d messed around waiting for over an hour already, and he didn’t like the way the lady with the dark, penciled brows and blue Don King hair eyed him as she walked her mammoth mutt.
He snatched another peek at the magazine he’d snagged from the corner gas station. Rochelle and the hockey guy. Her smile twisted his gut. He liked her better when she whimpered and begged for her life. The small leather glove on his dash reminded him daily that he planned to meet her again.
With one swift stroke, he ripped the cover off GlitznGossip and crumpled it up. He jotted a couple notes on his burger wrapper and then smoothed out the cover again. She was beautiful, wrinkles and all.
Kyle slugged the dashboard, and the glove flew to the floor.
He shouldn’t have waited. There had been that perfect opportunity whe
n he stopped her car. But that stupid driver had to stick his nose in. Kyle couldn’t afford for anyone to get a glimpse of his face.
And that other guy. He spoiled everything. Kyle could picture him, a big jock, not caring about anyone or anything. Same as the bullies who used to tease him in school when he showed up in torn clothes and the wrong brand of shoes. He knew guys like that to this day, and he hated them. Hated them all. Sweat formed on his forehead. Kyle gritted his teeth thinking about the hockey jerk.
Cranking as hard as he could, he opened the window a crack and enjoyed the crisp air. What an awesome neighborhood. He reached down to the floor for her glove. In the second it took him to retrieve it, a dog barked and he whipped around, startled by the hair lady in her over-sized, quilted coat.
“What are you doing here? You don’t live on this street.” Her fat, red lips flapped when she spoke. Her eyes bugged out behind a pair of glasses that belonged in the fifties. “Get lost or I’ll call security.”
Yaps from the dog attracted more attention than he could afford. The animal jumped up and scraped the side of the door with its massive paws, and its muzzle snapped too close for comfort. A big Rottweiler mouth with saliva dripping from teeth he didn’t want to get intimate with snarled and bit at the handle.
Kyle rolled up the window, catching a paw in the process.
The dog yelped.
Kyle laughed.
The woman screamed.
CHAPTER 58
MIRACULOUSLY CLEARING EACH INTERSECTION by a succession of green lights in an area known for heavy traffic, Rochelle and Donna arrived at the clinic in better than record time. After dropping mother and child at the front, Rochelle searched for a parking space not piled ten feet high with snow. The heavier-than-usual snowfall this year had created all sorts of parking issues not only at the clinic but everywhere in the Detroit area.
No doubt about it, this clinic saw its share of patients. Good thing Reinholdt had the two nurse practitioners to carry a portion of the load during peak hours. Rochelle had learned a lot about PhD since starting her interviews. An impressive clinic to say the least.
Fear Is Louder Than Words: Her stalker taught her fear. Her suspicions taught her terror. Page 18
