Dylan cursed under his breath. “I won’t let this stand,” he promised. “I will make this right.”
Arthur sighed. “I sure do appreciate ya Mr. Mayor but you got a re-election to focus on and right now you ain’t doing so good.”
Arthur nodded to the dried food stains all over Dylan’s dress shirt and khaki slacks.
Dylan grinned. “Mr. Hickman, you’re one of our own, we need you in this town, you’re a successful business man and philanthropist and World War II veteran. You sir, have my utmost respect. This law is bullshit. I will do everything in my power to get you released and the law reversed.”
Arthur stood up with a creak and pop of his knees. They shook hands on it.
The succulent aroma of freshly baked bread filled the soup kitchen. Nell and Harper each took a bite. Gran closed her eyes dreamily.
Harper slapped the counter. “Damn girl,” Harper mumbled. “Ah-mazing!”
“This is the best batch yet,” Emerson beamed. “It’s got several vegetables, nuts and fruit for taste and nutrition. We can pre-cut the loaves and put them in paper bags for easy distribution. This stupid law be damned,” Emerson said defiantly.
A clap sounded behind them. Emerson whirled around. She recognized Ava Chambers from newspapers and glossy magazines. The press crowned her the most powerful woman in Austin.
She had her son’s electric blue eyes. Emerson felt a tremor go through her. Get a grip Riley! It’s been ten years, ten years! He feels nothing for you, she yelled at herself, you’re nothing but a distant memory to him.
Emerson recovered from Ava’s sudden and unexpected appearance.
“Hello,” she said. Are you lost? Mansion Hill is on the opposite side of town. As if she could read minds, Ava smiled knowingly. She was a striking woman. Sophisticated, tall, stylish from head to toe. Her designer outfit and purse alone were worth enough to stock the soup kitchen for months. The blond hair, blue eyed socialite extended a manicured hand.
“Hello, my name is Ava Chambers.” Nell and Harper gaped at her. They remembered their manners and greeted the other woman.
“I’m Emerson Riley, this is my grandma Nell and my friend Harper Grant.”
Ava nodded regally. “A pleasure to meet you all.”
After an awkward silence, Emerson offered her a plate. “Would you like to try some bread? Fresh out of the oven.”
Ava surprised her by accepting. She took a bite and moaned. “Oh my.” She kicked off a pair of six inch heels and leaned on the counter. “That’s unbelievable, did you bake this?”
Flattered, Emerson nodded.
“You’re a young lady of many talents. Did you know my son and Donavan McClain had a fist fight over you?”
Nell gasped. Harper paled. Emerson’s heart stuttered mid beat.
“You see,” Ava munched on, “Donavan mentioned how beautiful you are and that he was interested in asking you on a date.”
Emerson blushed. For some reason, her eyes wandered to Harper. She looked wounded and hurt to the point of physical pain. A suspicion formed in Emerson’s mind that never occurred to her before. Could Harper have feelings for Thor?
Harper looked at her watch. “I um, gotta go, nice to meet you Mrs. Chambers, bye Gran…bye Em.” Harper practically ran out the door.
Whoa! What’s going on?
Mrs. Chambers continued. “My son threw the first punch. Do you know what I think?”
Emerson shook her head in wonder.
“Dylan is the calmest person I know. Nothing phases him or rattles his self-control. You made him feel things I never thought…” She swallowed convulsively. Ava blinked back tears much to Emerson’s astonishment.
“I don’t know if you already have a significant other, you can say yes to Donavan but I have a feeling that one day we’ll be family, nothing would make me happier.”
Gran nearly toppled from her perch on the stool. For anyone to presume…
“Mrs. Chambers I’m flattered but your son and I were over ten years ago before we even began.”
“You underestimate my son’s powers of persuasion - Emerson Chambers, it has a nice ring to it.” Ava smiled hopefully. She slipped on her heels and made a grand exit.
For a full minute, all Emerson and Nell could do was look at each other, dumbstruck. After her heartbeat ran wild, Emerson squared her shoulders.
“Gran, I’m fine, I’m over him, it’s been ten years, I am so totally, completely, utterly over him.”
“Ah huh.”
“I’m immune to his charm and good looks.”
“Right.”
“I mean, I haven’t seen Dylan Chambers in a decade, I’m a grown woman now.”
Gran smiled. Emerson shoved her trembling hands in apron pockets. “He’s nothing but a memory.”
Chapter 6
Memory didn’t do the man justice in the flesh. Emerson was certain her heart was in no danger after all this time. She had never been more wrong!
Over the years, she imagined what seeing him again would be like. She would, of course, be calm, cool and poised. Ten years was a lifetime ago. It was sufficient time to make the heart forget. Not in her case. Emerson found that out the hard way. She stood before the city commission meeting glaring daggers at the lawmakers.
“You are criminalizing homelessness,” Emerson fumed. She had to keep her emotions in check and not scream at their idiocy.
One pinch faced city official said, “On the contrary, we are thinking of the safety of our citizens. If the homeless are fed indoors, sanitary and health code standards will be upheld.”
Mr. Hickman snorted. “You don’t want the homeless fed outdoors ‘cause you want ‘em hidden away from the tourists. It’s all about city image and the bottom line.”
“That is incorrect Mr. Hickman,” another member yelled.
“Arthur’s been feeding the homeless in the park for years, where were your safety concerns then?” Nell asked indignantly.
“There are social programs in place to help them through houses of worship,” a stuffy member barked.
“Since the state mental health hospitals closed down many mentally ill have nowhere to go for treatment, what makes you think they will go to a designated indoor place to eat? Some are ashamed of their poverty,” Emerson said, “Where is your compassion? We are failing on a decent human level with this law.”
“The ordinance stands,” a member said angrily, “You will be arrested if you defy it Mr. Hickman, that goes for you and your volunteers.”
“The purpose of this anti-homeless law is to drive the homeless out of our town and starve them out,” Emerson said, “Don’t try and sugar coat it. You don’t want them begging for money or food in your gingerbread town, they are an eyesore to you, God forbid a tourist snap a picture of one.”
“How dare you young lady!”
“Oh I dare!” Emerson said, “You’re hypocrites, all of you!”
The lawmakers bristled.
“Well I never-”
“The nerve-”
“Can’t tell us how to run our town!”
The battle was all but lost. Mr. Hickman’s shoulders slumped. Nell and Emerson held hands, both white knuckled.
The City Hall doors opened. Emerson turned around and forgot to breathe.
Dylan Chambers entered the oak paneled room, dressed in a tailored navy suit. He looked good enough to eat. Emerson hoped to God she wasn’t drooling. His dynamic presence eased the tension in the room. The City Commission members thundered to their feet.
“Mr. Mayor,” they murmured, clearly surprised by his sudden appearance. He gestured for them to sit.
“Good evening,” he said.
The sound of his voice did strange things to her heart. Emerson’s pulse thumped a wild, irregular beat. She spun around, determined to look straight ahead. Her mouth went dry. She licked her lips. Her palms tingled as he drew near. Her body hummed with awareness. Dylan stepped beside her.
&
nbsp; “I understand there was a last minute vote last week,” he said.
One of the city officials, a sour faced matron, shifted uncomfortably.
“We had a few unscheduled ordinances on the docket.”
Dylan’s slow, charming smile had a drugging effect on every female in the room.
Emerson longed to touch him, curl herself in his arms and never let him go. For the love of God woman, get a hold of yourself! With that firm mental tirade, Emerson inched away from him. How could he have such a potent effect on her after all these years?
“This ordinance forbids any nonprofit organization, like Mr. Hickman’s from feeding the homeless in parks or in town square is that right?”
The lawmakers nodded.
“The homeless live outside, people generally eat where they live, I know other towns have passed similar laws but our town was founded on the ideals of community and love thy neighbor.”
“Mr. Mayor,” Sour Face said, “With all due respect, this law-”
“Is against our city charter. You voted in secret at a late hour when you knew you’d be unchallenged. I’m sure that was an oversight on your part that will easily be rectified. You will re-vote this time next week and give the community the option to attend.”
The city commission members exchanged uneasy looks. “Yes,” Sour Face said, “Of course, Mr. Mayor.”
“I’m sure you don’t mind if I invite some friends from the media.”
The lawmakers were visibly uncomfortable, adjusting throat collars as if needing more air, shifting in their seats.
Emerson watched Dylan in awe.
“The media?” Sour Face asked with a shrill voice.
“You know,” Dylan said casually, “A few local TV stations, city and county newspapers that cover politics, especially during an election year.” He let that sink in.
Every member of the council was up for re-election. “Of course, the national press may pick up the story, imagine the headline, tourist town starves homeless, maybe there won’t be a fallout. I’m sure tourists won’t boycott Aberdeen and impact our economy…”
A heavy silence followed. Dylan looked at them each in turn with steely blue eyes.
Finally, Sour Face said, “Let’s not be too hasty, I’m sure we can re-vote now if you like Mr. Mayor?”
“Oh I don’t want to interfere with your agenda,” Dylan said innocently.
“No, not at all,” another official mumbled. “I motion to strike down the law forbidding the feeding of the homeless outdoors, all in favor.”
Every hand of the city commission shot up. “Motion passed, law is stricken from the city,” Sour Face said.
Emerson and Nell embraced in disbelief, their eyes shining with excitement.
Mr. Hickman pumped Dylan’s hand. “Mr. Mayor, I sure am grateful.”
Nell wiped tears from her eyes. “Thank you Mr. Mayor.”
“Please, call me Dylan.”
“Well, all righty then, Dylan, you remember my granddaughter Emerson?”
Dylan’s eyes burned into hers. Did he remember? His mind, heart and body recalled everything about Emerson Riley. Heat ran up and down his spine. He tried to say her name but no sound came out.
“Emerson,” a ghost of a whisper.
She stared at him with huge, luminous green eyes. “Mr. Mayor,” she said, her voice wavering.
Everyone else in the room ceased to exist. She was the center of his world. Her hair, the color of the setting sun with a blaze of red and gold. Her body and all her luscious curves called to every primitive urge. Dylan wanted to possess her in every sense of the word. She belonged to him. Period. He’d defy anyone to say otherwise. Nell cleared her throat. That broke the spell.
Emerson took a bracing breath. “Thank you for what you did.”
The City Commission members filed past, giving Emerson, Nell and Arthur a wide berth and dirty looks.
“It was my pleasure,” Dylan said. She blushed, her face like peaches and cream. God, she’s so lovely. The years had been kind.
Emerson linked arms with her grandma. She looked over her shoulder. Dylan smiled. She quickly turned around. There’s no running from this. He’d tried for years to turn off what they started all those years ago. It would not be denied. Love burned hot and deep between them. It didn’t matter that she was all wrong for him politically or socially. He wanted Emerson with every cell in his body.
They stepped into the tropical breeze. Mr. Hickman took Nell’s hand. “This city vote feels life affirming,” the older man said gruffly. “It’s a miracle I never expected. Like when my Beverly went home to be with the Lord, I never thought I’d find love again.”
Nell’s misty eyes filled with tears. Emerson and Dylan froze as Mr. Hickman dropped to one knee and opened a black box. On a bed of velvet sparkled a diamond and sapphire ring. Nell covered her mouth with trembling hands. Emerson subconsciously looked at Dylan. Their eyes locked. She felt breathless and overheated.
“Yes!” Her Gran whispered. Mr. Hickman whooped. He slid the ring on Nell’s finger. Dylan mumbled congratulations but he never took his eyes off Emerson, not for a moment. God help her, she couldn’t look away either.
Arthur Hickman and Nell embraced. All the while Dylan and Emerson made silent promises to each other that their hearts understood without a word exchanged. Her heart beat wild. Ten years wasn’t nearly enough time to diminish the intensity between them. Emerson finally tore her eyes away from him.
She smiled at the radiant expression on Gran’s face. They hugged and swayed to and fro. “Will you be my maid of honor?” Nell asked.
“Of course!” Emerson said happily. She kissed her Gran’s cheek. Tonight was indeed a time of miracles, anything felt possible. After all these years, could Emerson reconnect with her first love?
“Young Chambers,” Arthur said, “You’re a part of this special night. I’ll never forget it. I hope you’ll come to the wedding.”
Dylan grinned. “I’d be honored. In fact, you can have the ceremony at Pinehurst.”
The gardens on his family’s estate were photographed in every major landscape magazine in the country. The vast manicured lawns, lush flower beds in bursts of color and splash fountains would be the ultimate romantic backdrop.
“Oh my,” Nell said, her face rosy with pleasure.
“That’s fine of ya,” Arthur said, “Mighty fine.”
Emerson beamed at Dylan. The young and the young at heart laughed under a swaying canopy of trees and diamond stars.
Arthur winked. “If you two don’t mind, I’m a’ take my bride for a smooch.”
Everyone laughed. “Will you please escort my granddaughter home?” Nell asked Dylan.
“Gran!” Emerson protested. “I’m sure the mayor is busy.”
“Not at all,” Dylan said smoothly.
“Well good, it’s settled then, we have some celebrating to do, don’t wait up!” Nell said with a mischievous look on her face. And for a fleeting moment, Emerson could see the beautiful face of her grandmother when she was young. Aw Gran!
Arthur and Nell walked off, arms wrapped around each other like hormonal teenagers.
They were alone. Fireflies lit the night and glowed around Emerson and Dylan. The air charged and burned between them. The parking lot was empty, save for Dylan’s sleek black Mercedes convertible. They walked side by side, hearts thumping, palms tingling, bodies humming.
Dylan opened the door for her. She climbed in and sank in the plush leather seat. He went around to the driver’s side and started the car. Her Gran’s small Victorian was several minutes away. He gripped the steering wheel and stared straight ahead. Alone at last with Emerson Riley. Dylan wanted to reach over, recline her chair all the way back and ravish every inch of her. Take her home! That’s an order Chambers! A self depreciating sigh escaped him. Dylan drove down Grand Oak Avenue or as the locals called it – Lover’s Lane. Moonlit shadows peaked through the
swaying canopy of trees draped with Spanish moss. He resisted the memory of walking with her hand in hand down this same avenue. The car cruised by the park and gazebo where they bonded and talked for hours on end. Dylan set his jaw. He tried like hell not to notice her exquisite profile. Her gorgeous pixie face, button nose and lips that made a man hunger. To distract himself, Dylan looked at the dark antique storefronts on the square. He could feel the warmth of her eyes.
“Thank you for what you did back there.”
Her praise meant more to him than he cared to admit. He shrugged. “Thanks,” he mumbled. Eight minutes. That’s how long it took to get from The Dixie Pixie to Nell’s little yellow Victorian. The sight of the diner made him wince. He still couldn’t believe the jealous rage he felt when Donavan taunted him about Emerson. Surely, it’s not natural? This swift intensity between them after all this time apart. He didn’t like it. Not one bit. She made him feel unsettled, totally off balance.
As soon as the light turned green, he sped off. The confines of the car felt charged with blinding lust and some deeper emotion he didn’t want any part of. He knew, even at age eighteen, that Emerson was everything he’d ever wanted. He craved her like air. The thought of giving a woman the power to destroy him was unfathomable.
His father warned him years ago about the weakness of a love match. Dylan didn’t know the details but the wreckage of his parent’s marriage was enough of a deterrent. He turned the corner. The sight of her grandma’s Victorian was a welcome relief. Dylan parked. He purposely left the engine running to make a point. Won’t be here long! Despite his haste to get away from her, Dylan came around the car and opened the door for Emerson. He stood aside, careful not to touch her.
Emerson could take a hint. His brisk manner hurt her. So much for his mother’s theory! Dylan didn’t want her - that much was obvious. He barely spoke a word to her during the drive. She thought about drowning her sorrows in a bucket of Death by Chocolate ice cream, maybe watch Pride and Prejudice and take a cold shower. His rejection pained her but she’d be damned if he knew it.
Emerson held her head high, squared her shoulders and walked past him. “Thank you,” she mumbled. Stupid, she felt so stupid for thinking he still cared. Her hand shook as she took the keys out of her purse. She blinked back tears, furious with herself for loving him, adoring him after all these years. The night was silent. She no longer heard the purr of the engine. He’s gone.
Blaze: A Texas Heat Novel Page 4
