Shelter from the Storm

by Lori Foster

  “It could end up being late.”

  “So?” He turned on the street to the apartment complex. Even though he already knew the answer, he asked, “Did you have any plans afterward?”

  Shaking her head, she said, “No, but—”

  “But what?” Sabrina’s social life was more barren than his. She visited his parents regularly, and she had girlfriends that she liked to shop with. But dates? Few and far between—thank God. “You have to eat, right?”

  “Of course.” She gave an exaggerated huff of breath. “But you certainly have better things to do than keeping me company.”

  “No, I don’t.”

  “Yes.” She frowned at him. “You do.”

  Ah. When he caught on to her meaning, he grinned. “We’re back to Jenna.”

  Sabrina turned to stare out the window. “I don’t want to tie up any more of your time, that’s all.”

  Silly woman. “I’d rather wait out a storm with you or clean up a fresh litter of puppies than suffer through a concert with Jenna, believe me.”

  That confession left her speechless for a few seconds. “Really?”

  “Absolutely.”

  She searched his face, and finally nodded. “All right, if you’re sure.”

  “Great. We can use my truck.” He pulled into the apartment parking lot.

  When he started to turn off the engine, she held up a hand. “There’s no reason for you to get soaked again.”

  “I have an umbrella.”

  She shook her head. “It’s all right. I was going to take a nice long shower, anyway.”

  Roy pictured that, and his body tightened. He had to clear his throat to speak. “What time did you want me to pick you up?”

  As she opened her seat belt and turned to face him, she said, “I finish up around five.”

  Luckily he had a lot to do to keep him busy between now and then. “Why don’t I pick you up here at the apartment around five thirty, then? That way your car will already be here. We’ll get the computers moved, and when we’re done, we’ll come back to my place.” Knowing it was her favorite, he said, “I’ll grill steaks.”

  For the longest time she watched him, and something soft and warm showed in her blue eyes. Finally she nodded. “Sounds delicious.”

  Yeah, it did. In more ways than she realized.

  He wanted to give her time, to ease her into the idea of a sexual relationship, but every hour with her made waiting more impossible.

  He needed her. Soon.

  For now, just a taste would have to do. It’d help him to get through the long hours of the day.

  Leaning across the seat, Roy took her mouth with his. It pleased him that she no longer seemed so startled by the intimacy.

  The rain left the car windows opaque and sealed them in a cocoon of warmth scented by her dampened skin. Because she’d rushed to leave with him today, her hair was the same as when he’d awakened—tumbled, soft, and sexy. The lack of makeup emphasized her natural beauty.

  Her naked mouth could tempt a saint.

  Because he wasn’t in any way saintly, Roy couldn’t help but touch his tongue to that delectable mouth, not slipping past her teeth but prodding gently, exploring her bottom lip.

  Her breath shuddered in, parting her lips enough for a brief taste. And just that, such a simple kiss, ignited his lust.

  Resisting a deeper kiss was one of the hardest things he’d ever done. “Damn, you taste good.”

  “Roy?” She sounded confused and uncertain. Her eyes were heavy, her skin flushed, and it made him nuts.

  He forced himself to move away. “I’ll see you tonight, kiddo.”

  She blinked fast, drew back, and frowned. “I don’t understand you.”

  “I know.” He tucked her hair behind her ear. “But I promise to make everything clear over dinner tonight.” Or if things worked out right, maybe even before dinner.

  Giving him another dubious look, Sabrina sighed. “Fine. Be cryptic. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”

  He grinned as she opened her door. “Count on it.”

  three

  The kids had been giving her funny looks all day, and no wonder, Sabrina, thought. Knowing she’d see Roy right after work, she’d taken extra care in her preparations for the day. To make up for her bedraggled appearance that morning, she’d taken an extra long shower where she’d used a loofah to buff her skin, shampooed and conditioned her hair, shaved her legs, and slathered on lotion everywhere.

  After polishing her fingernails and toenails, she blow-dried her naturally curly hair until it was smooth and shiny.

  For her eyes, she’d really gone all out with her favorite shades of eye shadow and extra mascara to show off her lashes. And since Roy suddenly seemed so preoccupied with her mouth, she’d dressed it up with shiny pink gloss.

  The kids were used to seeing her in a ponytail with minimal makeup that, while enhancing, still looked natural. Contrary to what Roy had said, she didn’t spend a lot of time in front of the mirror. Yes, she liked to look her best but within reason.

  For work, her clothes were usually casual and comfortable. But today, she’d dressed up a little more. Instead of the usual shirt and slacks, she wore a khaki skirt and button-up ruffled blouse with strappy white sandals.

  Now, as the workday came to a close, the skirt proved to be a bit of a problem. Chandra, a ten-year-old girl who was leaving them later that day, had set up a tea party on the floor. She wanted Sabrina to join her.

  Maneuvering in the short skirt wouldn’t be easy, but no way would Sabrina disappoint Chandra.

  “Oh goodie,” she said with enthusiasm. “Time for tea. May I join you?”

  Chandra nodded and gave her a shy smile. “There’s cookies, too.” She held up an empty plastic dish that didn’t quite match the cups she’d set out.

  “My favorite kind!” Sabrina went down to her knees. “Thank you.”

  Chandra pretended to serve her. “You look real pretty today, Ms. Downey.”

  Sabrina reached across the table and smoothed her hair. Not that long ago, Chandra would have flinched away. But now she reveled in the attention. She still had her moments of uncertainty, but thanks to a distant aunt who would be taking her in, Chandra had a chance at a happy life.

  Sabrina would miss her terribly, as she did all the kids. She’d worry about her, too. But she thanked God that Chandra had a caring relative who wanted to make her a part of their family.

  “Thank you, Chandra. Coming from someone as pretty as you, that means a lot.”

  The little girl blinked at her. “I’m not pretty.”

  “Are you kidding me? You’re beautiful.”

  Her mouth flattened and she stubbornly shook her head. “Not like you.”

  “Way better than me.” Remembering the tea party, Sabrina pretended to sip. “Do you remember what your aunt said?”

  Slowly, Chandra grinned and ducked her face. “She said I was the cutest thing she’d ever seen.”

  “And she meant it—because you, Chandra, are a super-cutie.” To Sabrina, all the children were adorable, despite their own various image issues and sometimes flagging confldence.

  Chandra smoothed her shirt. “It’s cuz of the clothes you guys gave me.”

  “I’m glad you like the clothes, but it’s you who make them look good.”

  Around them, the children played, some with more enthusiasm than others. While another assistant praised the artwork of those coloring, the director went to her office to answer a phone call. She dealt with the never-ending business and sometimes insane politics involved in running a home for abused and abandoned children.

  Suddenly Chandra blurted, “You’re so perfect.”

  Taken aback, Sabrina laughed. “Me? Oh, honey, no. I am far, far from perfect.”

  “You always know what to say and do.”

  Sabrina reached for her hands. “Actually, Chandra, I rarely know what to say or do. But you know what? I found out that it’s okay. You tr
y your best, and you hope it’s right, but if it’s not you try again.” She lifted her shoulders. “That’s what we all do.”

  Chandra chewed her bottom lip. “What if my aunt decides she doesn’t like me, after all?”

  Sabrina wanted to tell her that such a thing would never happen. But sadly, it sometimes did. The kids came with a lot of baggage, sometimes major issues, and they required extensive understanding and attention. Not everyone was cut out to handle the demands of a child recovering from abuse.

  “Give her a chance, okay?” She gave a gentle squeeze to Chandra’s hands for encouragement. “But know that I will always be here for you.”

  The young girl drew a breath. “What if you’re not?” Fear sounded in her tone. “What if when I come back, you’re gone?”

  Sabrina fought off tears because Chandra was so sure that she would be coming back. “I don’t plan to go anywhere, honey, but even if I did, the others here would know how to reach me. I promise.”

  Five-year-old Dion sidled over, his expression hopeful. Sabrina said to Chandra, “Would you like to invite Dion to join us?”

  She swallowed, then nodded. “Okay.”

  Dion rushed to his place on the floor, and when he realized they didn’t have real cookies, his face fell.

  Sabrina reached over to rub his shoulder. She was about to explain about tea parties when suddenly Abner came loping through the doorway.

  Surprised, she turned and found Roy right behind him. He leaned in the doorway, his expression intent as he watched Sabrina, a small smile on his mouth.

  How long had he been there?

  Sabrina was trying to think of something to say when the director came out to greet him. Abner made a beeline for Sabrina and the kids, and they all rushed forward in excitement.

  Like a magnet, Abner drew them. They loved him and he loved them.

  After speaking quietly to the director for a moment, Roy came and sat down across from Sabrina. “May I?”

  She closed her mouth. “What are you doing here?”

  “Chandra’s leaving today, and Abner wanted to say good-bye.”

  “Oh.”

  His smile widened. “The director invited us. She knows how much Chandra loves that dog.”

  Together, they turned and saw Chandra was the center of attention as Abner tried to sit on her. The kids laughed aloud, and that made Sabrina grin. “A proper send-off.”

  Chandra succumbed to Abner’s nuzzling kisses and licks, and again Sabrina had to flght off tears.

  “You’re going to miss her,” Roy said.

  She nodded. “Her aunt seems wonderful. She’s not married, and she doesn’t have any other kids, but she has a cat and a mixedbreed dog.”

  “Chandra will love that.”

  “Later this week, after Chandra gets settled, they’re going shopping to decorate Chandra’s new room.”

  “Something for her to look forward to.”

  Sabrina drew a breath. “I can’t help but worry anytime one of them leaves.”

  “Of course you do.”

  Wearing a beatific smile, Chandra rejoined them at the table. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were alight with happiness. She plopped down beside Roy. “Abner slobbered all over me.”

  Roy picked up a napkin and handed it to her. “He slobbers on everyone he loves.”

  “I know.” After a cursory swipe of her face, Chandra said, “My aunt has a dog and a cat.”

  “I heard.” He lifted the plastic teapot. “May I?”

  Giggling, Chandra nodded.

  As Roy pretended to pour, he said, “They’re going to love you, too, I bet. Just remember that animals have to get to know you. Show them that you care, and I bet you’ll get lots of animal kisses.”

  For the next half hour they continued their tea party while Chandra asked numerous questions about animals and Abner gave love and affection to each child. It both impressed and amazed Sabrina that Roy was so at ease in all situations, even with scared little girls.

  But then, he’d always been that way with her, too.

  Sometimes when she thought back on their history, she felt stung with humiliation. For such a long time, Roy had been protective of her, seeing her as needy, as emotionally wounded.

  Because of their special relationship, what he thought of her mattered most. With all others, she didn’t think about perceptions; she was confident enough that she didn’t care about opinions. But with Roy … she wanted, needed, him to see her as a strong, independent person.

  As an equal.

  But how could he when she continued to run to him in terror over a stupid storm?

  And yet they were having dinner together tonight. Nothing too unusual in that, but what did he want to talk about? And that last kiss …

  Knowing Roy watched her, Sabrina shook off the distraction and forced a carefree smile. His gaze dipped over her with appreciation before another child drew his attention.

  As the recess rolled to a close, the director gathered the kids together, and Sabrina began picking up.

  So that Abner wouldn’t interfere with the director’s routine, Roy leashed him and kept him at his side. The big dog flopped down to stretch out on his side and let out a lusty sigh.

  “He looks exhausted.” Sabrina smiled at him. “I can sympathize. Sometimes the kids are extra energetic.”

  Roy looked around at all the displaced toys and papers. “I’d offer to stay and help out, but I have some adoptions in half an hour.”

  “That’s great news.” Sabrina stacked papers into a pile. “Dogs or cats?”

  “One of each.” He hesitated, then stepped closer to her. “You did great with Chandra.”

  Scoffing, she asked, “How long were you there?”

  All too serious, he said, “Long enough to know she adores you.”

  “The feeling is mutual.” A little embarrassed, Sabrina shook her head and laughed. “She thinks I’m perfect.”

  Roy didn’t join in her humor. “You’re wonderfully flawed, Sabrina. And I’m glad. Perfection would be so boring.”

  “You’re far from boring.”

  “Because I’m not perfect, either.” He gave a light tug to the leash to get Abner back on his feet. “You want to tell him good-bye?”

  “Yes.” She bent down and hugged the dog. “Thank you, Abner.”

  His tail drummed the floor.

  Voice low, Roy asked, “Do you want to tell me good-bye, too?”

  Belatedly, Sabrina realized they were alone. But then, they were often alone.

  So why did it feel so different now?

  One look at Roy and she knew why. It had a lot to do with how he watched her, the heat in his eyes and the expectation in the air.

  Nervously, Sabrina licked her lips. “Thanks for bringing Abner over.”

  “You’re welcome.” And he waited.

  God, she felt clumsy, and there was really no reason. In many ways, Roy knew her better than she knew herself. In a rush, she put her arms around him and gave him a tight but brief hug. “Bye.”

  He searched her face. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”

  “Okay.”

  “Do me a favor and don’t change clothes. I like the skirt. A lot.” His gaze dipped, and one eyebrow went up. “Very convenient.”

  Sabrina felt her face go hot, but Roy was already on his way out the door. Luckily she had an hour before she had to directly interact with the kids again.

  After the hot way Roy had looked at her, she’d need every minute to recover her aplomb.

  THE drizzling rain finally let up and the sun crawled out, sending a steamy haze into the summer air. Sabrina was waiting outside when he pulled up to the apartment complex.

  She still wore the skirt—and a look of uncertainty.

  As she came to the truck, he got out to open her door for her.

  Nervously chatty, she asked, “How’d the adoptions go?”

  “No problems. They seemed like good families.” He waited until she got
buckled in and then closed her door and went around to the driver’s side. “Chandra?”

  “Gone with her aunt.” With a wistful smile, she added, “They both looked very happy.”

  Roy briefly took her hand. He wondered if Chandra’s leaving— even as a happy occurrence—would dominate her emotions. He wanted her, and waiting even a day more would be damned tough, but he knew Sabrina got very involved with each child at the home. “You going to be okay?”

  “Yeah.” She released his hand, exhaled a deep breath, and said again, “Yeah. I’m good.”

  Her strength, always tempered with compassion, was one of the things he most admired about her. In many ways she seemed like an angel on earth, giving so much of herself to help those in need but never letting it destroy her optimism. “You’re something else, Sabrina Downey. Something very special.”

  To keep her from refuting that, Roy asked for the address of where they needed to go, and from there they talked about computers and other donations, dogs and cats, the weather and the wonderfulness of air-conditioning. She relaxed and they fell into the same easy, comfortable companionship they’d always shared.

  No matter what happened, Roy didn’t want to lose that.

  They reached the location and had the computers loaded within an hour. Roy had parked his truck in an alleyway between shops. The normally congested business area felt lazy this time of day. In contrast to the dismal and dreary afternoon, the earlyevening sun shone brightly, sending a colorful rainbow across the sky. Everything seemed to have slowed, with less traffic, less noise.

  Standing outside the truck bed, a hand shielding her eyes, Sabrina took in the surrounding area of telephone poles, streetlamps, brick buildings, and bus stops. “It’s a peaceful evening.”

  “Hot.” He swiped the hem of his T-shirt over his face—and caught Sabrina staring at his abs. Nice. He hoped she found him as physically appealing as he did her. “Let me grab a couple of colas from the cooler.”

  Behind his seat, he dragged out a small personal cooler and retrieved two Cokes. When he stepped back out again, he didn’t see Sabrina. He slammed his door and walked around the truck—and found her on her knees looking under the bed.

  She had her rump in the air, tempting him. He crouched down beside her. “What are you looking for?”