by Rita Herron
“I was feeling better so I stopped by to see my favorite grandchildren.”
Summer and August squealed with delight.
“Anyway, I thought I’d take the girls home with me for the night.”
“Can we go, Daddy?” August asked.
“Pretty please,” Summer begged.
“Well, sure.” Zeke shifted and glanced at Paige. His mother coaxed the younger woman to join them.
“Zeke, honey, this is Edwina’s daughter, Morgan.”
The woman smiled coyly at Zeke and shook his hand. Zeke’s mother stared at Paige with narrowed eyes, making Paige feel as if she’d been displayed on a rack for inspection like a piece of clothing. If she was a cotton dress, the other woman was a silk designer gown. She wondered if she’d measure up to his mother’s perusal.
“Hi, Morgan.” Zeke swept his hand toward Paige. “This is my next-door neighbor, Paige Watkins.”
“She wents to the tea when you were sick, Grammy,” August interjected.
“Oh, I see. That was nice of you to fill in for me.”
Paige winced at her word choice. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Blalock, Morgan.”
“Do you stay at home, dear?” Mrs. Blalock asked.
“No, I’m in school and I work at a local boutique.”
“Paige is gonna be a famous ’signer one day.”
“Yeah, she’s going to that city where Mommy wents.”
“Paige is studying fashion design,” Zeke explained.
Zeke’s mother frowned and turned the conversation back to Morgan, bragging about her work with children. Paige felt inadequate, especially knowing Morgan was an expert on kids.
“Your mom’s told me a lot about you and your twins,” Morgan said.
A red flush crept up Zeke’s neck. “Yeah. The girls are a handful.”
“Morgan here loves kids. She’s a preschool teacher.” His mother tittered, then rushed on. “She was voted teacher of the year at the church school. She even has a degree in early childhood education.”
“How nice,” Zeke said.
Mrs. Blalock motioned to the twins. “Girls, go get your pj’s and we’ll head home.”
“Yippee!” Summer and August squealed.
Mrs. Blalock brushed her hands down her paisley silk jogging suit. “Son, you might want to put on a pair of matching socks.”
Zeke grimaced. “The girls must have messed with my clothes again.”
“Daddy needs a wive to dress him,” August said with a mischievous grin.
Morgan and Zeke’s mother both laughed, but Zeke shifted uncomfortably. Paige backed off the patio, ready to bolt next door to her own house. With no children around, she would be alone with Zeke. Not a good idea, not after that explosive kiss. Obviously Morgan would make a better substitute mother—she was an experienced preschool teacher. And she really was attractive.
“Maybe you and Morgan can meet for dinner sometime,” Zeke’s mother suggested.
Zeke shrugged. “Maybe, some other time. I was making dinner for Paige tonight as a thank-you because she took your place at the tea,” Zeke explained. “And we have to deliver some dogs to a couple of our neighbors.”
Mrs. Blalock stared pointedly at the charred steaks. “Well, you certainly aren’t going to eat that meat, are you?”
Zeke’s brown eyes darkened to black as he grabbed Paige’s hand. “No. As a matter of fact, I’m taking Paige out to dinner instead. Just as soon as you leave.”
Chapter Seven
Paige opened her mouth to protest but quickly clamped it shut when Zeke squeezed her hand firmly in his own. The warmth from his body collided with hers and in spite of the cool evening temperature, heat engulfed her.
“There’s no need to be rude, son,” Mrs. Blalock said, sliding her fingers through her short curls.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean it like that.” He inclined his head toward Morgan. “But you caught me off guard. I had plans this evening.”
“Of course.”
“We didn’t mean to intrude.” Morgan flashed him a brilliant smile. “I am glad to finally meet you, Zeke. I’ve heard so much about you. All good, of course.”
So much for subtlety.
“Thanks,” Zeke said in a noncommittal voice.
Paige felt like disappearing into the ground. “Zeke, we can—”
“Clean up and be ready in a few minutes. I think Mrs. Burgess and the Wileys are waiting on those puppies.”
“But—” Paige started to argue that they could deliver the dogs the next day, but Zeke cut her off, squeezing her hand so hard her fingers went numb.
“We’re ready, Grammy!” The girls raced down the steps toward the car, their arms overloaded with suitcases, stuffed animals and blanket.
“Girls, do you really need to bring all those toys?” Zeke asked.
“I can’t sleep without brown bear,” August said.
“And I can’t sleep without blue bear,” Summer added.
“And brown bear likes Pugsly the rabbit.”
“And blue bear likes Sigfried Frog.”
Zeke held up his hand. “Okay, I get the idea.”
“Let’s go, girls,” Mrs. Blalock said. Zeke and Paige and Morgan followed her to the car.
“Oh, my goodness,” Morgan yelped. She twisted her ankle sideways to examine her high heel. “I must have stepped in something.”
“Dog poop,” August confirmed.
“It’s Henrietta’s,” Summer supplied in a matter-of-fact voice. “She gots diarrhea after she ate Daddy’s hot dogs and chili.”
“’Cause they was burned.”
Morgan’s face turned a sickly shade of green. Paige bit back a laugh. Zeke looked mortified. His mother glared at him. Then Morgan teetered sideways, grabbed Zeke’s arm, balancing on one foot as she removed the offensive shoe.
“Sorry about that. Here, let me take your shoe.” Zeke carried the black high heel to the grass, brushed the bottom of it on the lawn, then hosed it off, and returned it to Morgan. Water dripped from the heel. Morgan grasped it with two fingers, holding it away from her as she hobbled to the car, checking the ground as she walked.
Summer and August giggled and Zeke hugged them both goodbye. Paige’s heart squeezed in her chest. Zeke Blalock was not only a handsome man, but a wonderful father. There was nothing quite as sexy or touching as a big powerful man with children.
“If Mommy calls, tell her we wants to talk to her about our birthday party,” Summer said.
“Yeah, ask her if she’s coming,” August added.
Zeke nodded, but his shuttered expression made Paige wonder if Zeke and his ex-wife had talked about a reconciliation.
His mother drove away and he took her hand and led her inside to gather the puppies. She reminded herself they were simply friends. But Zeke gazed at her with his dark fathomless eyes full of want and she was afraid she was lying to herself, afraid she was already falling for the man.
They climbed into his minivan and she tried to reroute her wayward thoughts and forget about the fact that she was going to spend the entire evening alone with Zeke. The entire night, if she wanted.
A squeaking sound startled her. She reached under the seat and retrieved a rubber dog toy, three crushed M&M’s candies and a dirty sock. A simple reminder that she’d better keep up her resolve—she and Zeke Blalock could not have a relationship or a fling. He had too much baggage, and as his mother and her friend had inadvertently reminded her, she was not mommy material.
Besides, if Zeke’s ex-wife was coming for a visit, anything could happen.
“SORRY ABOUT THAT little scene back there.” Zeke deftly maneuvered the vehicle toward Mrs. Burgess’s house. “My mother makes tact sound like a four-letter word,” he said, aiming for a subtle apology.
Paige chuckled. “I’m sure she means well. She’s probably worried about you. And the girls, of course.”
“Yeah, but I certainly don’t need her throwing women at me. It’s damn embarrassing.” Pai
ge laughed and he relaxed as they pulled into the neighbor’s driveway.
Wanda Burgess, a widow in her late fifties, ambled out onto her front porch to greet them.
“You brought me a puppy!” The woman laughed merrily as Paige handed her the soft yellow ball of fur.
The puppy whimpered and curled into the woman’s chubby arms. “He’s adorable, isn’t he?” Paige asked.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve had a baby in my house.” The woman dabbed at her eyes. “My children have all been gone, then I lost Harold. It’s been mighty lonely around here lately.”
Paige put her arm around the woman. “My house is pretty quiet, too. Sounds as if you and this little fellow will be perfect for each other.”
“His shots are up-to-date,” Zeke said. “Just let me know if you need anything.”
The woman’s eyes crinkled at the corners as she stroked the puppy’s long ears. “I will, Doc. And thank you so much for finding me a dog this quickly. I’ve been pretty nervous these last few weeks with all this vandalism going on.”
Paige and Zeke headed to the next house, not surprised when three kids barreled down the steps and met them at the car. Twelve-year-old Hannah, six-year-old Georgie and eight-year-old Samantha both grabbed for the dog at the same time.
Paige sat down on the porch, cradling the puppy in her lap. “Careful, everyone will have a chance to hold her.”
“But I want him to be mine,” Georgie said.
“And I want him to be mine,” Samantha piped in.
Zeke laughed and Paige met his gaze, her expression amused, as she gently coaxed the children to take turns with the dog. Finally, the children’s mother slipped outside, wiping her hands on a dish towel.
“I appreciate this, Dr. Blalock,” Mrs. Wiley said, eyeing the kids with a grin. “The kids couldn’t wait.”
The children formed a circle on the ground and giggled as the pudgy puppy waddled around the grass between them.
“Had another break-in, same as before,” Mrs. Wiley said. “TV, stereo, CDs. Made a mess in the house.”
“It does sound like teens,” Zeke said.
Mrs. Wiley scratched her head. “Poor Myrtle came in and saw her den cleaned out. She fainted on the floor, her daughter had to call the paramedics.”
Paige gasped. “How awful. I’ll talk to Derrick about installing a security system for her.”
Zeke tensed at the mention of Derrick’s name. Obviously the security consultant was still very much a part of Paige’s life. But he had tonight with Paige. All night, since the twins weren’t home. Maybe he could make her forget about the other man.
And he’d like nothing better than to coax her into spending every minute with him. He had to admit, he not only lusted after the sexy redhead, but he was really beginning to like her. Thinking back, he realized he’d never really liked Renee. Their relationship had simply been a physical attraction that had died a quick death when they’d married. And they’d only gotten hitched because she’d been pregnant. Of course, he’d never tell the girls that secret.
But he and Paige had a definite chemistry sizzling between them. Maybe he needed to help Paige see how wonderful they would be together. He suddenly couldn’t wait for dinner, for the rest of the night—alone with Paige.
Several minutes later, Zeke turned down the exit, then into a small parking lot, hoping Paige would be pleased by his selection of restaurants. A log cabin structure with rocking chairs on the front porch boasted of days gone by. “This place may look old-fashioned but it’s brand-new, and I’ve heard it has the best steaks in town.”
“I’ve heard good things about it, too.”
He slipped from the car and opened Paige’s door before she could unfasten her seat belt. Like a gallant knight, he held out his hand. Paige smiled in return and dramatized the motion as if she were his princess. A vision of her wearing a full-length ball gown with glass slippers popped into his mind. Geez. He must have been reading too many fairy tales to his kids.
The hostess seated them in the corner of the quaint little room in upholstered comfy chairs situated beside a cozy fireplace. Hardwood floors and knotty pine walls enhanced the warm atmosphere, creating a feeling of country charm, with pastel linen tablecloths and pewter candlesticks adding a touch of elegance.
When Paige accepted a glass of wine and smiled at him over the dim candlelight, the red and brown streaks flickering in her hair drew his gaze, and his fantasy continued. They were dancing to some sappy tune and he was holding her in his arms, then he lifted her and carried her to his bed. Heavy drapes lined the canopy and he pushed them aside and laid her gently on satin sheets, then began undressing her ever so slowly—
“What’s good to eat?” Paige asked.
You.
He coughed, then sipped his wine, wondering if he really was losing it. “Uh, the other vet I work with says the filet’s great. So is the New York strip.”
“I love the atmosphere, it’s so charming,” Paige said. “And the food smells great.”
“So do you.”
“What?” She almost dropped the menu.
He grinned. “What kind of perfume are you wearing?”
“I’m not.” Paige fidgeted, not quite meeting his eyes. “It’s the bath soap, strawberry.”
“Oh.” The strawberry kiss in her kitchen blazed through his mind. She obviously remembered it, too, because her gaze raced to the menu where she spent several minutes studying the items listed. Or memorizing them. Whatever, she appeared to be avoiding eye contact.
Finally the waiter arrived, breaking the strained silence. Paige ordered the filet, he the New York strip.
“So, tell me about the shop where you work, Paige.”
Paige shrugged and sipped the wine. “It’s called Beverly’s Boutique. It’s right in downtown Crabapple. We sell tailor-made women’s clothing, lingerie and specialty items.”
“Sounds like a nice shop,” Zeke said.
“It’s pretty classy. We have a few customers who make appointments for fittings during the week, but walk-ins are more common on the weekend, so Saturdays are really busy.”
“And you’re studying design in school? How much longer do you have?”
“Actually I’ll finish this summer,” Paige said. “I’m working on my final project now.”
“What made you decide to study clothing design?”
“I liked to play dress up when I was a kid,” Paige said with a laugh.
“So do my girls. They used to play in Renee’s things. But she didn’t like the mess…” His voice trailed off and he ran his finger around the rim of his glass.
“I used to drive my mom crazy snooping in her closet, too,” Paige said, breezing over the awkward moment. “But my grandma was cool. She gave me some of her old dresses and a box of costume jewelry. And she taught me to sew. We spent hours making doll clothes for all my baby dolls.”
“Where’re your folks now?” Zeke asked.
“My dad got sick when I was little. Mom had a tough time making ends meet after he died, so I took a job in high school and saved for college. Mom always wanted me to earn a degree, not have to work some menial job the way she did. She always regretted not finishing college herself.”
“Why didn’t she finish?”
Paige bit down on her lip, suddenly solemn. “Because she had me.”
He paused, his fork in midair, remembering Renee’s declaration about sacrificing her career for the kids, then surprised himself by asking, “She couldn’t have done both?”
Paige shrugged. “My dad was old-fashioned. He wanted her to stay home and she did at first. Then he got sick, and she had to work to pay bills. There was never time for her to go back.” She twirled her fork in her salad. “Eventually she resented the sacrifices she’d made.”
He frowned, then dug into his food, uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. Thankfully, Paige changed the subject.
“Anyway, I always daydreamed when I was litt
le about making Cinderella dresses, so here I am.”
His lips curved into a smile. He was mesmerized by Paige’s green eyes as they darkened in the hazy light of the flickering flame. When she brought her lips to her glass, he stifled a groan, slipping into his own daydream. Paige was nearly naked, wearing skimpy lacy undergarments, panties cut high to reveal her slender thighs, a wisp of a bra dipping low to expose her tantalizing cleavage. He sipped his wine and imagined dipping a finger into the glass, stroking the rise of her breasts, circling the rosy tips through the lace until her nipples peaked beneath his fingertip.
“How about you? Did you have any interesting cases at the clinic today?” Paige asked.
“Huh?”
“Zeke?”
“Oh, yeah. Cases.” He fidgeted in his seat, shocked at how quickly his body had become aroused. “I stitched up Peanut, the dachshund you saw at the house. I had a couple of spays, a declaw and a sick bulldog.” Real romantic conversation, he thought, wincing. His lack of savvy dating skills must be obvious.
She sipped her wine again, and he concentrated on talking instead of thinking. His fantasies were going to get him in trouble if he wasn’t careful.
“What made you decide to go into veterinary medicine?” she asked.
“I always liked animals. But my dad was allergic, so I couldn’t have a pet growing up. Then Dad and Mom divorced when I was twelve, and Mom bought me a dog.”
He saw sympathy rise in her eyes. “It was okay though, the divorce I mean. I saw Dad on the weekends and stuff, and he and Mom stayed on fairly good terms.”
“Where he is now?”
“In Germany on business. Some kind of computer company he’s considering investing in. He travels a lot.”
“So, you chose your career when you were twelve?”
“No.” Zeke laughed. “But I had a buddy whose dad owned an animal clinic. I worked there during the summer, you know, cleaning cages and stuff. After that…well, after watching his dad treat animals, I knew I wanted to be a vet.”
“He must have made quite an impression.”
