Lost Innocence

by Jannine Gallant

  After a moment, he headed to the laundry room where he stripped off all his gear and dumped it in a stinking heap in the corner. Pulling a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt out of the basket of clean clothes, he quickly donned them and shut the door behind him. Moments later, he was back in the main room, feeling a little like a voyeur as he gazed down at Nina.

  Dark lashes fanned perfect skin above high cheekbones. The woman was so beautiful, his heart ached a little just looking at her. Her full lips were open slightly, and movement behind closed lids indicated she was dreaming. He couldn’t help wondering what about. Did she still long for her dead fiancé, even in sleep? The nights he woke from dreams of Jayne came less often lately. He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.

  Before he could step away—or bend to wake her—Nina’s eyes slowly opened. The confusion in their depths cleared after a few seconds, and she struggled to sit up.

  “I guess I fell asleep.”

  “It’s late. I’m glad you did.”

  She pressed a hand to her mouth to cover a yawn. “I assume the fire is out. Where was it? I heard sirens right after you left.”

  Too tired to stand, and feeling awkward staring down at her, he moved around her knees to drop onto the leather cushion beside her. “On Pine Avenue, Hank Murphy’s home.”

  “Oh, no. He owned the hardware store before he retired. His son runs it now. I think he’s been living all alone since his wife died a few years ago.”

  “Just him and his dog. I got the poor little thing out before the house was fully engaged.”

  Nina reached over to lay her hand over his. “I’m sure he was thankful.” She studied him for a moment. “You look exhausted. You should get some sleep.”

  “I will in a minute. Right now, I’m too comfortable to move.” He let out a sigh. “Did Keely give you any backtalk about going to bed?”

  A smile curled those full lips. “Only a little. She was asleep by nine. I like your daughter, Teague. She’s funny and bright. You’re doing a great job raising her.”

  He turned his face sideways to meet her gaze as warmth stole through him. “Thank you. That’s the best compliment you could give me.”

  “It’s the truth. Anyway, I enjoy her, so don’t hesitate to ask me to watch her in an emergency. I’m usually home.”

  He blinked, trying to keep his fuzzy brain focused on the conversation when all he really wanted to do was lean his head against soft-looking breasts cupped by the silky material of her shirt. Only the knowledge that he stank of smoke kept him from giving in to the impulse.

  “I appreciate that. I made it clear to the captain before I took this job I can only work day shifts, but when there’s a situation that requires more manpower, I’ll be called in no matter what the hour. The department here is a whole lot smaller than the one I worked for in Southern California.”

  “I bet, so please feel free to reach out when you need help.”

  When she tried to pull her hand away from his, he turned his palm up and held on. “I got incredibly lucky moving in next to you.”

  She kept her tone light. “As I mentioned earlier, all the single women in town will line up to help you out.”

  “Nina?”

  “What?” Her voice was breathless, and the fingers he held quivered in his grasp.

  Everything below his waist kicked into gear. “I really want to kiss you right now, but I smell like an ashtray. If you’re not interested, maybe this would be a good time to go home.”

  “I’m interested . . . in a kiss. I’m not sure about anything else.”

  The seconds ticked by as he held her gaze. “I’m okay with that. For now.”

  “Okay, then.” Her breath escaped in a rush. “I don’t care how you smell. Just kiss me so we can both stop wondering what it’ll be like and go get some sleep.”

  “You’re sure?”

  She nodded and scooted closer until their thighs pressed tightly together. He used his free hand to cup her chin and looked into her eyes.

  “You’re unbelievably beautiful, but I like what I see inside you even more.”

  A rush of moisture entered those green eyes before she leaned forward and took away whatever words he might have said next. Teague opened his mouth over hers and kissed her with the pent-up need of someone who hadn’t let himself be attracted to a woman in a very long time. The taste and heat of her was addictive. When she caressed the back of his neck and feathered fingers into his hair, he nearly came unglued. Finally he was forced to pull back in order to breathe.

  “Wow, I guess you satisfied my curiosity . . . and then some.”

  He leaned his forehead against hers. “Sleep might not be an option after all.”

  “You really do need a shower.” Her tone held a hint of humor. “Make it a cold one.”

  “I’ll have to.” After a moment, he forced himself to his feet, then pulled her up after she untangled the afghan wrapped around her legs. “Good night, Nina, and thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” She flipped her wrist to indicate the couch. “We’ll have to do this again.”

  “Yeah?” Her smile made his heart stutter.

  “Yeah. Good night, Teague.”

  Chapter Six

  “Thanks for the update, Chris. I appreciate it.” Nina folded a T-shirt while holding the cell phone against one ear with her shoulder. “Or should I call you Officer Long?”

  His snort of laughter made her smile.

  “We’ve known each other since we were kids. I don’t think we need to be formal. Anyway, I’m just sorry my news isn’t better, but without identifiable prints or any other similar incidents to go on, we’ll have a tough time finding the person who broke into your house. I realize that’s frustrating.”

  She stared at the heaps of clothes piled on the laundry room floor. “I’m just glad he didn’t take anything. Granted, spending my day washing every stitch of clothing I own wasn’t my original plan, but I can’t stand the thought of wearing anything that pervert touched.”

  “I get it, believe me. Did you speak to your credit card company?”

  “Yes, and there was no unusual activity.” She folded a pair of shorts from the load she’d washed the previous day, then frowned when something in the pocket crackled. “I canceled my card, and they’re sending me a new one. So whatever the reason this creep looked through my paperwork, it wasn’t so he could go on a spending spree at my expense.”

  “I’m glad, because disputing charges can be a hassle sometimes.” His voice faded, then grew stronger as he spoke in a rush. “I’ll give you a ring if anything turns up, but I’m not terribly optimistic unless he strikes again.”

  “Let’s hope not. Thanks for calling. Bye, Chris.”

  She set down the phone and stared at the small square of paper she’d pulled out of her pocket. Whatever writing had been on it had faded in the wash. Strange. It looked like a lottery ticket, but she hadn’t bought one in ages. She wadded it up and tossed it in the trash can beneath the broken window currently covered in cardboard and duct tape.

  Thankfully, the glass company had promised a replacement window by the middle of the following week. She just wanted everything back to normal with no reminders her home had been invaded by a pervert. After she folded the rest of the load, she hauled the basket of clothes upstairs to put away.

  She had enough on her mind, thinking about the kiss she’d shared with Teague the night before. He was far more dangerous to her composure than a dozen broken windows. Kissing him had reminded her of all the excitement missing from her life over the last five years. Not to mention passion. She hadn’t wanted to pull away when the kiss ended, but taking the next step was a risk.

  Heading back downstairs, she paused to glance through the glass panes at the top of the front door. Teague’s truck was gone, and a black motorcycle stood in the driveway. The new babysitter. She’d been outside collecting her paper when the woman arrived shortly before eight. Nina didn’t know her, but the older
woman looked vaguely familiar. She’d probably seen her around town.

  She hoped Keely was having fun. The night before, the girl had mentioned Stella had promised to fix her Belle dress. Any woman who was old enough to be a grandmother and could both sew and ride a motorcycle had to be an interesting character.

  When the dryer buzzed, she headed back to the laundry room to start another load. Unfortunately, folding clothes was a brainless chore that left her plenty of time to think. She paused with a bra dangling from her fingertips.

  Having a fling with Teague, no matter how tempting, wasn’t an option. Not only would she have to see him on a regular basis—or plot out a complicated schedule to avoid him once the affair was over—but Keely’s feelings had to be taken into consideration. Maybe she was finally ready for a new relationship, but if she discovered a few weeks down the road that she wasn’t, she and Teague wouldn’t be the only ones affected.

  Her lips pressed tight. Obviously, they needed to have a conversation in the near future, before she made herself crazy with pointless speculation.

  When her doorbell rang, relinquishing her thoughts was a relief. She dropped a nightgown back into the basket and hurried to the entry to throw open the door.

  A stout woman with a cloud of silver-gray curls framing her wrinkled face stood on the doorstep. She grinned broadly. “Well, don’t keep me in suspense. Where’s the latest masterpiece?”

  Nina smiled in response. “Come on in, Miss Lola. Your painting is ready to go.”

  “I can’t wait to see it!” She breezed past, leaving a trail of her signature lilac fragrance in her wake. “My accountant told me I need to cut back on my art purchases, so this picture may be my last until he gets a few investments straightened out. I hope it lives up to my expectations.”

  “You and me both,” Nina mumbled as she led the way into the main room where the framed painting of the mother robin was propped against the couch cushions. “What do you think?”

  “Oooh, it’s a beauty.” Planting her hands on broad hips clad in pink stretch pants, her patron cocked her head to one side to study the paining. “You’ve outdone yourself, Nina. The detail in the nest and tree bark is superb.”

  “Thank you. I’m glad you like it.”

  “Not like, love. I intend to put this one in the guest bedroom where my granddaughter can enjoy it since she’ll be here for most of the summer. The oranges on the robin’s breast will complement the décor in there.”

  “That’s great.” Nina lifted the painting. “I’ll wrap the frame in heavy paper to avoid damage on the drive home.”

  “No need. I brought a blanket. But you can carry the picture out to my car for me.”

  “Of course.” She nodded toward the envelope she’d left on the end table next to the couch. “That’s your invoice.”

  Lola scooped it up and took a peek inside. She pursed her lips. “My accountant isn’t going to like this. Uh, my checkbook is in the car.”

  “Great.” Nina paused in the entry. “Can you get the door for me?”

  “I’ve got it!” Feet pounded up the porch steps before Keely pulled open the screen. Her curious gaze darted from Nina to the older woman. “Is this the lady who bought the robin painting?”

  Lola followed the two of them down the steps. “I am, indeed, and who might you be?”

  “Keely. I live next door.” She jumped to the walkway, then twirled in a circle as her yellow satin skirt flared around her ankles. “I came to show Nina my Belle dress. Stella fixed it.”

  “You look very pretty.” Nina shifted the painting in her arms. “Do you mind opening the rear door of the car?”

  “Sure.” Keely swung the door of the Lincoln wide then grinned.

  “Thanks.” Nina glanced down at Keely. “Hey, you lost your tooth.”

  “It came out in a bite of waffle this morning. The tooth fairy will come tonight and leave me five bucks.”

  Lola grunted. “In my day it was a dime.”

  After wrapping the picture in the blanket left on the seat, Nina turned around and smiled. “I think we call that inflation. Keely, this is Miss Lola.”

  “Oh.” The girl eyed the woman, who had pulled a checkbook out of her purse. “Aren’t you too old to be a Miss?”

  Nina raised a hand to her lips and tried to turn a burst of laughter into a cough that ended in a strangled rush of air. “Uh, that’s not very polite.”

  “It’s honest.” Lola ripped off the check and held it out. “I suppose you could call me Mrs. Copeland, but I’ve always been Miss Lola, despite having outlived three husbands.”

  “That’s a lot.”

  “Three too many, in my opinion.” She turned to face Nina. “I’ll be in touch about an owl I saw in the woods the other day . . . once my accountant turns loose the purse strings.”

  Trying to keep a straight face, Nina took the check and stuffed it in the pocket of her shorts. “I’ll look forward to hearing from you. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”

  “You, too, dear.” Lola nodded at Keely. “It was nice meeting you, young lady.” She slid onto the driver’s seat, started the engine, and backed up with a jolt as her rear tire hit the edge of the lawn before she drove away.

  Nina winced at the tire marks left on her grass, then shrugged off her irritation and turned to face Keely. “Your dress isn’t tight at all now. You look perfect.”

  “It’s short, but Stella said she can add lace to the bottom.”

  “Good for Stella. I’m glad you came over to show me.”

  “I have to eat lunch. Then we’re going on an adventure walk in the woods. Want to come with us?”

  “Sounds fun, but I have a lot of laundry to do.”

  “Oh.” Keely skipped backward. “Maybe tomorrow or the next day.”

  “I’d love to. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Okay.” The girl spun and ran back to her house. The front door swung shut behind her with a bang.

  Nina headed inside to the piles of clothes awaiting her. Hours later, she was putting away the final load when a revving engine caught her attention. A glance out the bedroom window told her she’d missed hearing Teague return but not Stella firing up her Honda. Keely’s sitter backed the bike down the drive and took off with a roar.

  Silence settled over the cul-de-sac, disturbed only by the screech of a seagull circling in the cloudless sky. Taking the empty laundry basket with her, she ran down the stairs. When a quiet knock sounded, Nina detoured to the entry and pulled open the door.

  Teague stood on the porch, his eyes shadowed with fatigue. He smiled but shook his head when she gestured him inside. “I can’t stay. I just came over to thank you again for helping me out last night.” He nodded toward the empty basket. “Anyway, you look busy.”

  “No, I finally finished washing all the clothes that creep touched. Mission accomplished, but I wasted an entire day on the chore.” She set down the plastic basket and leaned against the doorframe. “You look tired.”

  “I am. The whole crew at work was dragging after only five hours of sleep.”

  “I bet. The captain is a good guy. I imagine you’ll fit in just fine with that group.”

  “I expect I will. They already invited me to join their Monday night poker club. Too bad I had to turn them down.”

  “Why? Do you suck at bluffing?” Nina asked.

  “Maybe, but bringing Keely along with me would probably cramp their style.”

  “I could always—”

  He laid a hand on her arm and squeezed. The heat from his fingers on her bare skin sent warmth straight to her core.

  “I’m not going to ask you to watch my daughter so I can go out drinking with the boys.”

  “What if I offered?”

  “Honestly, I’d rather take you to dinner than play poker.” He finally pulled his hand away and slid it into his pocket. “I like spending time with you, Nina, but I’m not free to date whenever the mood strikes.”

  She crossed her arms over he
r chest. “Are we talking about that extremely hot kiss now?”

  “I figured we should.” He stared at his feet for a moment before lifting his chin to meet her gaze head-on. “I’d like nothing more than to start something with you, but I’m not ready to explain to Keely why you’re sleeping over.”

  “I don’t recall ever saying I planned to sleep with you.”

  A hint of color darkened his cheeks. “No, you didn’t, and I’m not presuming anything. But we’re both adults, and the attraction between us was . . . is . . .”

  “Combustible?”

  “An apt word. If anyone is going to get burned, I don’t want it to be my daughter. You’re her new idol. Since my wife died, she tends to cling to women she admires, like her kindergarten teacher and the occasional babysitter. I don’t want her to have unrealistic expectations about you.”

  “And you don’t think we’d last together for more than a quick fling.” Her tone made it a statement rather than a question.

  “We only met a few days ago, so it’s a little too soon to say. I’m just being cautious, despite the fact I currently have a raging hard-on just looking at you in those shorts.”

  Her gaze drifted downward. “You’re nothing if not direct. I kind of like that.”

  “I don’t play games, and I’m not going to pretend Keely isn’t my top priority. There are times when I don’t always get to do what I want.”

  “I can respect that. How about if we start as simply friends? I haven’t had sex in nearly six years, so I can probably curb any urge to throw myself at you since my self-control is clearly amazing.”

  “Six years?” His voice rose.

  She smiled. “Since Keith was deployed to Afghanistan. I’m not one to sleep around, although lately I’ve been thinking the idea has merit.”

  He slowly pounded his head against the support post on the porch. “You’re killing me. Don’t say stuff like that.”

  “Hey, you brought up the subject of sex.”

  “Obviously a big mistake.” His breath came out in a rush. “Fine, we’ll be friends without benefits, more’s the pity. I’m glad we cleared that up. Excuse me while I go home to take another cold shower.”