“I’ll see you then and all will be set. I’ll call if there’s any problem.” He sighed. “I still wish you would do the two movies. The money we’re losing is massive.”
Chad followed his agent and waited until the car drove away. Another problem solved. He couldn’t wait to tell Emma. Except he wouldn’t see her tonight. She had late office hours. He returned to his room to plan his next step toward winning her.
He’d told her he loved her. She hadn’t made the same confession. She enjoyed the kisses. She seemed to want more except she’d easily accepted his reason for not making the petting session more sensual.
In his room, he searched the web. Candy would be his next move. He spent an hour looking at different specialty shops. Then he found one that made raspberry creams. She had always loved them. He ordered a box of both dark and milk chocolate raspberry creams and had the order sent overnight mail so she would have them tomorrow.
For Thursday he found a jeweler in town that sold gold charms so the one he ordered could be delivered on Thursday.
This done, he went out to the main room to visit with his friends.
* * *
On Wednesday when Emma returned from the office, she found a large box had been delivered. She grinned. What had Chad done? When she opened the box, inside she found a box of chocolates. She read the card. He had remembered another of her favorites. Raspberry creams.
She took one of the dark chocolate pieces and bit. A burst of bitter chocolate blended with the sweet flavor of the creamy fruit center. She’d never tasted one so delicious. She offered the box to her sister and Brian. “Just one,” she said to her nephew.
Claire tasted hers. “These are wonderful. I suppose you’ll be headed to see him this evening.”
Emma nodded. “But not until after dinner. Wouldn’t want to miss the gravy that’s been simmering all day.”
Claire laughed. “We’ve made a lot and I’ll freeze what we don’t use. Did you use Dad’s recipe? The one he stole from Uncle Louie?”
“Borrowed,” Emma spoke the words their father always said.
Once they’d eaten and dishes were done, Emma drove to Rob’s estate. Chad met her at the door. “Thought you might come for dinner.”
“Couldn’t, we made Dad’s gravy.”
He groaned. “Not fair.” He turned to Rob. “She has a recipe for red sauce that rivals Louie’s.”
Rob sauntered over. He draped an arm around her shoulders. “Can you be bribed?”
She laughed. “With the right offer.”
“Just how good is this sauce?” Rob asked.
“As good as Louie’s. I told you,” Chad said.
Emma giggled. “That’s because it’s the same. Dad and Louie inherited it from their mother and grandmother. He’s my uncle. I’ll share the recipe someday but you must swear never to reveal the gravy sauce to anyone who isn’t a blood relative.”
“For that I’ll swear.” Rob kissed her cheek. “Time to tuck the imp in for the night.”
When he left, Chad pulled Emma close for a kiss. “How was your day?”
“Busy as always. And yours?” She settled next to the wheelchair and held his hand. This kind of sharing was wonderful.
“Been organizing things for the movie. Saw my agent yesterday.”
“How did that go?”
“He’s returned to Hollywood to speak to the studio. He was upset about Dr. Markham’s letter but he’ll show it to the studio. Wanted me to get more opinions but I refused.”
“So all is well.”
He grinned. “Not as I wish. I figure maybe two weeks will see me with my cast gone. I can’t wait.”
“Then you’ll have hard work.”
He winked. “No harder than persuading you to trust me again.”
“I wish things were different.”
“I love you. I’ll keep saying that until you believe.” He drew her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingers. “I’ll keep trying. I’m not going back to the kind of life I lived before.”
How much she wanted to believe him. “Time,” she said.
* * *
The next morning, Rob carried dishes to the table. Chad helped. He opened the refrigerator and maneuvered his chair so he could reach the pitcher of orange juice, the milk and butter.
Rob turned. “We have a small problem. Been putting it off since you moved in.”
“And that is?”
“My mother and Hattie are in Virginia for a visit with friends. They want Andi and me to bring Tammy for a visit. I’m not comfortable with leaving you alone.”
“You can. Jeff will be here mornings and evenings. How long would you be gone>“
“We’ll leave Friday and return Tuesday. I could go alone with Tammy.”
“That’s a long trip to take with a child.’ Chad straightened. “I have an idea that will fit into my plans.”
“What is that?”
“I’ll ask Emma if she can at least come on Saturday and Sunday. I’m not at all sure she’d stay over but she could be here for lunch and dinner.”
“That could work.”
“Maybe Jeff could stay a bit in the morning. I’ll speak to him.”
Rob laughed. “He could stay over, too.”
“Not my first choice.” As Rob walked away, Chad began to plan. He went to his room, opened the computer and found the charm he wanted for Emma. He remembered the gold charm bracelet she’d worn. He hadn’t; seen her wearing it since his return but it was impractical for work. The jeweler would deliver the charm this afternoon. He told Rob about the delivery and learned how to open the gate for the delivery.
After Rob showed him how, Chad laughed. “This solves lunch and even dinner while you’re away. Makes life simpler if Emma has other plans.”
“I’ll provide you with a list of restaurants that will deliver.” Rob finished eating. “I’m off to work. Not much to do today.”
Moments later, the nanny arrived and took charge of Tammy. Chad went outside and rode around. He thought of a way he might entice Emma for part of a day on Saturday. She could bring Claire and Brian and they could use the pool.
That afternoon the charm, a heart, arrived. He couldn’t wait for Emma’s visit. She finally arrived at seven. They took a walk.
He handed her the jeweler’s box. She frowned. “You didn’t.”
“You’re right. Just open it.”
When she did, she laughed. “For my bracelet.”
He nodded. “It’s my heart and I give it to you.”
She looked away. “I hope you won’t regret doing that.”
“Never.” He halted and took a breath. “Do you still have the bracelet?”
“Yes, but I seldom wear it. Not good for work.”
“There’s something I need to ask you.”
She looked up and he saw hesitation in her expression. “Rob and Andi are taking Tammy to Virginia to visit his mother. Do you think you could spend the weekend here?”
“I could,” she said. “When do they leave?”
“Tomorrow and return on Tuesday.”
“I could come Friday after work but I have weekend rounds.”
“Jeff will be here morning and evenings. I thought on Saturday you could bring Claire and Brian to use the pool.”
“That’s nice. Brian would like that. He’s learning to swim at school.”
“Rob is giving me a list or restaurants who deliver.”
“No need. We’ve a gallon of red gravy in the freezer. Enough for a meal or two.”
“If it’s no trouble you can provide Saturday and Sunday dinner.” He laughed. “Rob will be sorry he won’t be here.” He turned the chair. “Let’s go in and tell them. I’ll have Friday’s dinner delivered.”
* * *
On Friday as Emma left the office she wondered if she’d made the right decision. By spending the weekend with Chad, she had made a commitment. Her emotions darted from looking forward to spending time with him and deciding not to go.
He looked up. “Waiting to let dinner in. When the van stops at the gate, I punch this button. Hope you like pizza.”
‘I do. Tomorrow Claire’s bringing a pan of lasagna and a jar of gravy for chicken parm on Sunday. Which room will be mine?”
He grinned. ‘You can share with me.”
“Chad.”
“The one next to mine. We’ll share a bathroom. Mine is the end room on the right.”
She picked up the bag. “I need to shower and get out of my work clothes.” He started to turn the chair. “Dinner. I can find the room.”
“Got you. They’re here. See you soon.”
Emma found the room. She stripped and quickly showered. As the water sprayed over her from a number of jets, she laughed. She could get used to this.
She returned to the main room and found the pizza box on the table. She and Chad carried slices on plates to watch the news while they ate. When they finished she put the leftovers away.
“What now?” Chad asked.
She walked to the window. “No walk. The promised rain has arrived.” Thunder rumbled. Jagged lines of lightning shot across the dark sky.
“A movie? Talk? Cards?”
She sat close enough to catch his hand. “We’ll start with talk. How is yours and Rob’s project coming?”
“We signed for the place. Met with an architect and contractor. Work will begin next week.” He laughed. “I’ve been ordering equipment and reaching out to some people I know who might be willing to come aboard.”
“That’s good.” She wanted to believe this would happen and the movie would make millions and Chad would remain in Fern Lake. But that was for the future and this was now.
Chad tugged on her hand. “And you. How did your day go?”
“Nothing special happened.”
“Do you ever get tired of the routine?”
She shook her head. “The patients need me. Sometimes I encounter a puzzle to solve. That’s fun.” The way they approached work was another of their differences.
“Movie or cards?” he said.
“Movie. I’ll pop corn.”
“I don’t know where any could be.”
She hurried to her room and returned waving a packet. “Microwave.”
“I like the way you think.”
She joined him and sat on a chair beside his wheelchair. They flipped on the TV and hunted for a movie both would enjoy. She opened the bag of popcorn. “What to drink?”
“Soda. This is our first date in a long time.”
Once they were settled he began the movie. They watched, shared popcorn and kisses. Though she wanted to keep part of her aloof, Emma found herself becoming aroused.
Should have known this would happen.
He tugged her onto his lap. The kisses grew heated. The rain continued. The clock chimed eleven times. Chad straightened. “Jeff will be here soon.”
Emma slid from his lap and cleared away the drinks and popcorn. The doorbell rang and the door opened. A tall young man with sandy hair entered the house.
“Jeff, good to see you. This is Emma.”
“Hi.” Jeff smiled. “Glad to meet you oficially. Saw you when I was his bodyguard.”
“Me, too. Chad says you were a medic. Why the career change?”
“I wanted something different. Too much tragedy as a medic.” Jeff turned to Chad. “Ready to hit the sack?”
“I am.” He wheeled away.
Emma went into the kitchen and checked the refrigerator for breakfast preparations. She filled the well of the coffee maker. She thought about getting ready for bed but she wasn’t sure. She felt as worried as a teenager not knowing what to do.
Jeff returned. “He’s all set. I’ll be here tomorrow at eight. Let me show you how to set the night system. You’ll have to disengage in the morning before I arrive. Hope you weren’t planning to sleep in.”
“I’ll be leaving not long after you arrive. I’ve rounds to make at the hospital.”
He showed her what to do. She practiced several times. Then she watched the monitor until he drove through the gates. She set the alarm and went to tell Chad good night.
When she entered his room, he smiled the body melting smile. “Come here,” he said. “You’re not getting away.”
She went to the bed. He kissed her. His hands slid beneath her top and he unfastened her bra. “I want you. I have for weeks.”
The kiss deepened and she felt the throbbing need for him. What harm would a time or two do? She wasn’t committing herself to a forever and neither was he. She knew this wouldn’t last. In a month or two he would return to Hollywood. Though he had his plans for making a move he would become again the man she’d read about.
She pulled back. “Give me a moment or two to change out of these clothes.”
He stroked her breasts. They reacted. “Promise you’ll return.”
She stroked her chest. “I’ll be back before you can count to a thousand.” She pulled free and ran to the door. Behind her, she heard him count.
She dashed into the room where her things were and stripped. She pulled on the nightie she’d brought. Silk, bright blue, thin strapped and barely covering her bottom. She returned and heard him say nine hundred. Her eyes widened.
He had pulled off the cover and lay in nude splendor. His heavy erection lay on his abdomen. Her mouth dried and she slowly walked toward the bed.
“You look delicious,” he said. “Condoms in the top drawer. I brought a few. One never knows.”
She opened the drawer and laughed. “Only a few. There must be several dozen.” She lifted several and approached the bed.
“Closer,” he drawled.
She winked and kissed him. She sat on the edge of the bed. “Close enough.”
“No,”
She moved until her legs were on either side of his thighs. He ran a hand beneath her short nightie and sucked in a breath. “I do like what you’re wearing.”
“Do you now?” She leaned forward. “I like what you’re not wearing.” Her lips touched his.
He stroked her rear and grasped the hem of the nightgown. Their lips parted and tongues touched and tasted. She lifted her head to take a breath and kissed her way over his stubbled chin. She licked his neck and moved down on her way to explore more of his body.
Emma.” His guttural cry caused her to stop. She looked and saw the desire in his eyes and moved so she no longer straddled him. With slow strokes, her hands massaged his chest and down his abdomen to circle his erection. She opened the condom. Before rolling the sheath over him, her tongue darted out to touch the tip.
“You’re driving me crazy,” he growled.
She grasped him and slowly slid the condom over his erection. He grasped her hips and pulled her over him. He used his hands to stroke her breasts. When he rolled her nipples with his fingers, she felt a throbbing in her core.
She sank down to sit on his thighs. “Emma, please.” She leaned forward and kissed him. Slowly she slid over him. When he was deep inside her, she paused to let her body adjust to his size.
He ran his hands over her torso and slipped a finger to touch her. The stimulation caused her to rock. He flexed his hips and met her rocking body. They erupted like a volcano spewing. Their bodies shook with the after quakes.
She collapsed on his chest. His arms wrapped around her. “I love you, love you, love you.”
His words vibrated through her. He paused as though waiting for her to speak. She couldn’t. To say anything would reveal how deeply he’d embedded himself into her life.
Chapter 9
The rising sun and the dipping mattress woke Ch
ad. He rolled on his side and saw Emma reach for her nightie. “Good morning.”
She gasped. “I tried to let you sleep.”
“Why are you up so early?”
“It’s quarter after seven. I want to shower and dress before Jeff arrives. I’ll make breakfast for us before I leave for the hospital.”
He grinned. “Come here.”
She paused beside the bed. He pulled her down so he could kiss her. His hands grasped her waist and tugged her onto the bed. She pressed her hands against his chest. “Save this for later. I really need to go.”
He released her. “Until tonight.”
She nodded. “After rounds I’ll go home to help Claire with the housework. I’ll bring Brian and her back along with a pan of lasagna for tonight, a container of gravy and fixings for chicken parm on Sunday.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
She walked to the door. He watched the hemline of her nightie reveal glimpses of her buttocks. He felt his cock swell with anticipation. Not until tonight. This thought didn’t quell the desire pulsing through his veins.
He clutched the sheet and wished the casts away. A fool’s dream. One couldn’t return to the past and make changes. He groaned. This was just another hit of fate.
At eight Jeff arrived. Before long Chad had showered and dressed for the day. He followed Jeff down the hall. Emma stood at the stove. She turned. “Jeff, would you join us for breakfast?”
“Not today. I’m meeting Simon. We’re designing security for the studio.”
“Another step closer to the opening,” Chad said. “Thanks for the news. I know how I’ll spend a few hours today. I’m going shopping.”
Emma carried plates to the table. Chad joined her. He took a bite of the fluffy omelet. “Delicious.” He savored the flavors of ham, cheese and tomatoes. He lifted a glass of orange juice and toasted Emma. “How did you make this so fluffy?”
“I whipped the whites.” She poured coffee for both and sat to eat.
Forgotten Dreams Page 10
