Foxfire

by Carol Ann Erhardt

  “Well, he is an attorney. I'll probably get a bill for damaging his property.”

  “I don't think so. He was on your property and he'd have to explain why. Wouldn't the press love that story?”

  They shared another laugh.

  “I'd better head for home and call Harri. She's probably biting her long purple fingernails to the nub. Now you stop worrying about Tyler being your boss. And don't put him in the same class as Connor. Give him a chance.”

  “A chance for what? He'd run like a gazelle if he knew the truth about me.”

  Brad kissed her forehead. “I think you're wrong. There's one way to find out, you know.”

  “It doesn't matter. He's not looking for a relationship and neither am I. It's just that he has this way of making a woman feel...special, and I needed that after Connor's put-down. It'll pass.”

  “How about me taking my two favorite women out for dinner tomorrow night? Maybe Harri can relieve your mind about Tyler.” He wiggled his finger in front of her face as he did frequently. “I'm still not convinced that his being your boss is an issue.”

  Grace hugged him. “As it happens, I am free tomorrow night. You're impossible, but I still love you.”

  “And I'm grateful, darlin'. See you tomorrow.”

  Grace held open the door while Brad slipped out. “Thanks, Brad.”

  “You bet.”

  Then he was swallowed up in the dark, his flashlight jumping through the trees as he made his way back home.

  ****

  The next morning, Adam caught up with her as she walked to work. “Hi, Adam.” She waved, hoping he wouldn't expect her to stop and talk.

  “Hi, Grace. I hear you're working at the clinic now.”

  “Yep. Isn't that great? Now I can walk to work. In fact, that's where I'm heading now. Don't want to be late.”

  He hurried to her side, keeping step with her. “Tyler isn't there. Had an emergency call. Lainey Miller's dog got hit by a car.”

  “Oh, no! How awful.” A shiver ran down her spine. She could imagine how terrible it would be if something like that happened to Tiffany. She subconsciously stroked her dog's head.

  Tiffany studied Adam without growling.

  “You never know what'll happen if you don't keep an eye on your pets. When they run wild, bad things can happen.”

  An icy hand reached out to squeeze her heart. Adam's statement sounded like a threat.

  Then he turned and walked away with a mumbled, “See ya, Grace.”

  “Yeah, see ya,” she whispered.

  She continued on toward the clinic, trying to forget about Adam. Tyler had given her a key, so she let herself in and checked the appointment book. While she was slipping into her lab coat, Tyler came in through the back.

  “I thought you weren't here. Adam said “

  “Yeah. I had to take care of an injured dog. Ms. Miller's Dalmatian got loose and a car hit him. Nothing serious, just bruised him up a bit, thank God. He'll be fine in a few days.”

  Tyler squeezed her shoulder as he passed and Grace felt the tingle clear to her toes.

  “Thanks for opening up, Grace.”

  “You're welcome. That's part of the job.”

  He smiled, a tired heavy-looking smile that did little to erase the grooves between his brows.

  “Grace, I wanted…”

  Whatever he'd been about to say was interrupted by the clanging bell announcing their first patient.

  Grace kept herself busy for the next three hours, periodically removing Muffin from her chair. Tiffany had stubbornly refused to stay in the clinic, and it made Grace nervous. She had never worried about Tiffany before, but Adam's words taunted her. He clearly didn't like her dog, but would he hurt her? She'd always thought of Adam as shy and kind of wimpy. She could imagine him saying: “Life is like a box of choc-o-lates.” His attitude recently didn't fall into character, which made it even harder for her to approach him about the rose.

  “Is that the last one?”

  Grace jumped and turned startled eyes to Tyler. “I'm sorry. I didn't know you were standing there.”

  “A penny for your thoughts.”

  She shrugged.

  A teasing light fired his eyes. “Were you thinking about me?”

  There went the strange feeling in her stomach again. He stood close enough for her to reach out and push that lock of hair from his forehead. If not for the look in his eyes, she might have followed through with the action.

  She tried for a neutral expression. “Why would I think about you? I think you have an over inflated ego.”

  “Who, me?” He looked properly offended.

  She had to laugh despite her better intentions.

  “Actually, I was worrying about Tiffany,” Grace said.

  Tyler leaned against the counter. “Why? She's not going to run down to the main highway like Ms. Miller's dog, if that's what you're worried about. That was a freak accident.” He reached out a hand and twirled one of her curls around his finger. “She's a smart dog.”

  His hands continued to caress her hair, setting her body on fire. She wanted to press her cheek against his hand, wanted him to pull her into his arms like he had before.

  He pulled his hand away and she felt the connection break. “So...last patient?” Tyler straightened and stuck his hands in the pockets of his white coat.

  “Um,” Grace looked at the appointment book though she knew the answer. “Yes, last one until two.”

  “Good. I'm hungry. Care to join me for a sandwich?”

  Lord, she didn't want a sandwich, she wanted to be back in Tyler's arms with his lips doin all those crazy things to her emotions.

  “No thanks. I've got some things to take care of at home.”

  Was that disappointment crossing his face?

  “Grace, you can't deny there's an attraction between us.”

  She paused with one arm in and one arm out of the lab coat. Her gaze locked on his.

  “I haven't slept since Thursday night,” he continued. “I keep thinking about that kiss, about how you felt in my arms, about the way your hair glows in the moonlight. I know I promised, but...”

  He stepped closer and removed her lab coat, tossing it to the chair. He placed his hands on her shoulders and began to massage them. Her eyes closed, and she lost herself in his touch.

  His fingers slid higher, up the side of her neck, threading together and cradling her head. She opened her eyes.

  His nostrils flared and she breathed in his unique scent of citrus and animals. Mesmerized, she watched his head tilt, his lips part. A pulse throbbed in her neck rushing heat through her body.

  “Grace.” Her name was a moan on his lips...his tempting lips that moved closer.

  The doorbell clanged.

  Grace jumped back, startled. She heard Tyler's muffled curse followed by Adam's voice.

  “How's Lainey's dog, Tyler?” Adam came to an abrupt stop. His gaze raked over them, narrowing when it met Grace's flaming cheeks.

  Tyler answered, “He'll be fine. Just some bruises.”

  Grace busied herself clearing the reception desk.

  “We're closing for lunch. Is there something I can do for you, Adam?” Tyler asked.

  When she dared to look up, Adam's face burned an angry red. He opened the door. “No.” The bell clanged as the door slammed shut behind him.

  ****

  Kissing. Adam couldn't believe what he'd seen. She wouldn't have dinner with him, but she'd let that dog doctor paw her. Worst of all, she seemed to like it.

  Adam stomped up the path, putting as much distance between the clinic and himself as possible. He'd had such plans for Grace. It had been years since a woman made him feel the things he did when he was near her. He wanted to protect her, shower her with nice things, love her.

  Adam struck his fist against his leg. Then he hit it again, harder, relishing the pain that helped ease the gnawing agony of his broken heart.

  He came to a stop and stared a
t the house his parents had lived in when he was born. Grace's house now. Another pain twisted inside. He'd sold the house to her hoping that one day he'd own it again after they were married. Their children would live in it and carry on the tradition.

  Adam needed an heir, someone to take on the burden of Foxfire when he died. It was a burden he'd carried alone for far too long. And he wasn't getting any younger. He'd waited too long for Lainey to change her mind. He still felt a pang of hurt when he thought of her and how he'd destroyed their relationship.

  He straightened his shoulders. Maybe he'd misunderstood what he'd seen in the clinic. They might have been sharing a hug between friends. He hadn't really seen them kissing. Adam forced his gaze away from the house and he headed home to make plans.

  A low growl stopped him. Grace's dog raised her head from the back porch, lifting her canine lips to show sharp, pointed teeth. Warning him.

  Adam continued on his way. He'd have to do something about that dog. Maybe he'd get lucky and she'd run onto the highway and get killed. He'd console Grace by buying her a little lap dog, one of those furry non-threatening dust mops.

  Grace really should watch her dog closer. One never knew what dangers lurked in these woods.

  Chapter Seven

  Damn his luck. Max threw some bills on the table and weaved his way through the restaurant toward the bank of telephones. He stood in the shadows pretending to make a call and watched as the hostess escorted Grace and her two crotchety friends to a table much too near where he'd been sitting.

  Under the overhead glow of soft lighting, Grace's hair shone like the fur on a young vixen. Soon, he'd be running his fingers through it, letting the curls wrap him with molten fire. His hands would play her like a violin making sweet music. It had been too long since he'd had her in his bed. And he would have her one more time before he killed her.

  ****

  “I have the strangest feeling that someone's watching us.” Grace pulled her chair in closer to the table. She'd had a prickling feeling at the back of her neck from the moment they'd entered the restaurant.

  “Darlin', everyone's looking,” Brad said. “They're all wondering how I rate two gorgeous women.”

  Grace grinned and gazed across the table at Harri, dressed as usual in outrageous clashing colors. Her oversized pink earrings emphasized her double chin and her vivid blue tunic top draped softly over red and yellow striped slacks. Of course people were looking at them, but that wasn't what bothered Grace.

  “So you feel it, too?” Harri narrowed her eyes.

  Grace nodded.

  Harri slipped her glasses onto her nose and accepted the menu from their waiter. Immediately, he recited the specials of the night, took their drink order and left.

  Harri nodded toward the entrance. “See that man over there?”

  Grace craned her neck and caught a glimpse of a dark-haired man in a business suit pushing his way outside. Something about him seemed vaguely familiar. “Who is that?”

  “No idea, but did you see his dark aura?”

  “I didn't see anything. How do you do that anyway?” She leaned across the table. “Can you teach me?”

  “You just have to focus, dear. I'll be glad to work with you.”

  “Harri, don’t start that nonsense. This is a celebration dinner.” Brad turned to Grace with an apologetic grin.

  “But I want to learn,” Grace protested. “It's fascinating.”

  “Don't encourage her.” He glanced at his menu. “What are you going to order, Harri?”

  Grace studied the menu, wondering if the man Harri mentioned had been the one giving her the uneasy vibes, for she no longer felt them. She couldn't shake the idea that she knew him.

  “I'm going to have the beef tips and noodles,” Harri said.

  The waiter returned and Brad placed his and Harri's orders. “What are you having, darlin'?”

  Grace pushed the man's image out of her mind and gave her order to the waiter.

  “Brad tells me you're falling in love with the vet,” Harri said.

  Grace had just taken a drink of water. She coughed and spewed water, grabbing quickly for her napkin.

  “Now, Harri, that’s not what I said,” Brad challenged.

  Harri waved a hand to quiet him. “Doesn't matter what you said. The truth is plain as day. I can see it in her face.”

  Brad scraped his chair back. “Excuse me.” He slapped his napkin on the table. “I've got to visit the men's room.” He glared at Harri. “Sometimes you really tick me off, Harriet.”

  Harri flipped a hand as if to say good riddance. “Men. They just don't understand these things.” Harri stared intently into Grace's eyes. “Tell me what's going on.”

  Grace grabbed a napkin and dabbed at her mouth. “Not much. Just...well, we kissed. That's all.”

  “Is he a good kisser?”

  Grace leaned forward conspiratorially. “The best.”

  “Um hum. So what are you going to do about it.”

  “Nothing! I told him to forget about it and he has.”

  “Um hum. That's what's really bothering you, isn't it?”

  “He's my boss!”

  “So what?”

  “You know what happened with Connor.”

  “Connor is a lying, cheating fraud. Tyler...” She patted her lips with her forefinger and stared beyond Grace's shoulder. A moment later she looked back at Grace. “He's definitely got some issues. Like I said, there's something a little off in his aura, but I don't think he's anything like Connor.”

  From her peripheral vision, Grace saw a figure moving toward them.

  “Hi, Grace. Harri.”

  Both women looked up at Adam, who stood twisting his hands and looking very out of place in a pin-striped suit, white starched shirt and bow-tie. His dark hair had been combed neatly back. Without the ever-present ball cap, Grace might not have recognized him if he hadn't spoken.

  Grace stifled a groan. “Adam. What a surprise.” Suddenly she wished they'd gone to Knoxville instead of choosing the only restaurant in Foxfire.

  Harri harrumphed.

  At that moment, Brad returned to the table. He held out a hand to Adam. “Hey, fancy meeting you here. Looks like we all had the same idea tonight.” He sat and indicated the empty chair.

  “Care to join us?”

  Grace kicked his shin. The last thing she needed was to spend the evening with weird Adam.

  Brad grimaced and pulled his brows down into a puzzled frown.

  Adam flicked a glance at Grace, then shook his head. “No, I already ate. Just stopped to say hi.” He waved a hand toward the front of the restaurant. A red flush crept up his neck. “Got a date.”

  They all turned to look. “Why don't you bring her over and introduce us.”

  “Uh, we're kind of in a hurry. Maybe some other time. Well...” He nodded at Grace. “Nice seeing you.”

  Grace felt a burden lift from her shoulders as she watched him stride away. If Adam was dating someone else, she didn't have to worry about hurting his feelings any longer.

  Dinner passed uneventfully. Brad dropped Harri off, then drove toward Grace's house. He passed the animal clinic and Grace noticed Tyler's living quarters were dark. Where could he be? Nine p.m. seemed too early for him to be asleep.

  Brad began to turn onto her drive. “Don't bother dropping me off. Just go to your house, Brad. I can walk from there. Tiffany will be waiting there for us.”

  Brad did as she asked. And as predicted, Tiffany ran to the car once it stopped.

  “Thanks, Brad. I had a great time.”

  He hugged her. “You're welcome, darlin'. Me, too. And don't worry your pretty little head about Tyler. Things will work out. Just don't let the past get in the way of the future.”

  “Easier said than done.”

  “Just be open to possibilities. That's all I'm suggesting.”

  Grace pecked him on the cheek. “I'll try.”

  Would her past always haunt her? She'd ma
de a bad choice. Everyone made mistakes. She wasn't the only person to want more than life handed her. Could she learn to trust again? Forgive and forget?

  Her troubled thoughts somersaulted through her mind as she strolled along the moonlit path in the woods. Stars twinkled and in the distance she spotted the greenish glow of foxfire. Halting, captured in the magical moment, she held her breath. No matter how many times she glimpsed the phenomenon, it continued to weave a spell. She blinked several times, but the light continued to glow. Could it be a sign?

  Her spirits lifted as she continued along the path. Tiffany growled low in her throat and then dashed ahead. Grace heard the telltale rattle of the trashcan lid. She sprinted into the front yard, but Tiffany's bark echoed through the trees on the other side of the house. She called but the dog ignored her. Stupid raccoons. Shaking her head, Grace headed for the front door with her key in hand.

  She sighed when she spied another rose on the doormat. She reached for the stem, felt a stab of pain and withdrew her hand. She stared at the bubble of blood that surfaced. She sucked at it. Pinching the stem between the long thorns she lifted the rose to sniff its heady fragrance. A note card hung from a string tied beneath the bud.

  Watch out for the thorns.

  Weird. Just like Adam. She would have to talk to him after all. He had to stop leaving these floral gifts.

  Grace walked into her darkened house, oblivious to the man watching her from the shadow of the woods.

  ****

  Tyler roused himself from a light sleep and checked the caller ID. When he saw the number flashing, he ran a hand through his sleep-tousled hair. He'd been expecting to hear from Jake, but with only a couple hours sleep, he was in no mood to talk to him.

  “Jake. What's up?” He yawned and scratched his chest. Last night he'd kept watch on Grace's house until the sky began to lighten, then he'd crawled into bed only to toss and turn and think of her.

  Jake rumbled a laugh, pulling him back to attention. “Sorry about waking you up, man, but I've got news. We caught up with Ted Powell. Unfortunately he had a bullet hole in his head.”

  Tyler whistled.

  “So that leaves Grace Wilkins. Maybe it's time to put her in a safe house.”

  “No. I'll keep her safe.”