****
Leah opened her eyes when the bright, cold winter sun flooded in her window. She rolled over expecting to find Colin, but the bed was empty. A dream? She touched her lip gingerly but it was still sore and swollen, though less than the night before. A sniff of the air detected a new smell…a distinct smell. Bacon?
As she sat up in bed, the door burst open and a grinning Colin entered carrying a tray laden with bacon and eggs. There were two plates but only one mug of coffee. He placed the tray down on the bed. His gaze sought hers.
"Half a sugar and milk, right?"
"Breakfast in bed?" She raised her eyebrows.
"Yup. The way you like your coffee?"
She nodded.
"I already had a cup so this is yours. Careful, it's hot." He handed her the mug then removed a plate with one hand while he gathered up the utensils with the other.
Leah took a tiny sip, cringed, then took another.
"Coffee's good. Bacon may be hard to eat but it's damned tempting. Thank you."
She accepted the plate from him as a rumble in her stomach reminded her how hungry she was. Even Hank never brought me breakfast in bed. Colin took his plate and climbed on the bed next to her. He wore his tuxedo pants from the night before and the shirt, unbuttoned. His hair was mussed and hanging over his forehead. He had the beginning of scruff on his cheeks and above his mouth. Oh my God. I'd like to have him for breakfast.
With both hands occupied, her robe gaped open. Colin's gaze on her exposed chest created warmth on her skin, like the caress of a hand. Her gaze followed his. She turned away, put her plate down and secured her covering.
"Nice view…" Colin murmured before putting a forkful of eggs in his mouth.
She laughed in spite of her injury.
Once they finished, he put the plates back on the tray.
"We have to get down to the police station."
Leah made a face.
"We have to…"
"I know. But I don't have to like it. You're coming, right?"
"Gotta make sure that asswipe doesn't get me on an assault charge. Besides, I'd never let you go alone." He tipped her chin up and placed a delicate kiss on her injured lips.
Leah threw herself in his arms, tears streaming down her face. Colin held her to him, stroking her hair.
"What's this? It's all over. You're safe. I'm here."
She cried for a few more seconds before reining in her emotions.
"I haven't heard those words in a long time," she said, casting her gaze away from his, wiping her eyes with her hands.
"What words, I'm here?"
She nodded.
"You've been very alone for a long time, haven't you?" His voice was quiet.
Words caught in her throat, choking her. She gave one nod, blinking to keep more tears at bay.
"Leah, honey…you're not alone now." He brushed his fingers through her hair then cupped her cheek.
She rested her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes, drinking in the male scent of him with a whiff of his piney after shave from yesterday. Her finger touched his cheek, running against his one day growth. He's all man.
"But you'll go back to Pine Grove and I'll go to Paris…"
"I'm staying until tomorrow. I'll be back next month for winter break. In time for Valentine's Day."
"And then?"
"I'll return for spring break in April. Then it's summer and I'm off."
"But…"
"Stop thinking so far ahead. Can't we enjoy today and tomorrow?"
She tried to smile. Colin wiped away a stray tear with his thumb.
"Get dressed. We have to go to the police station, then football. Pick your team, Nebraska, Ohio State or Georgia Tech?"
****
While they were walking to the police station, Colin called his brother. He'd spoken to Grey the night before, woken him up, in fact. Grey was still fuzzy about why Colin wasn't home and what had transpired.
"I'll be sleeping at your place tonight," Colin said.
Leah shot a questioning glance at Colin.
He covered the speaker on his phone.
"One night of brother-sister in your bed is about all I can take. Will you be all right on your own?"
She nodded, feeling her lip with her fingertips.
"The swelling is down."
Colin placed a quick kiss on the corner of her mouth then turned back to the phone.
"Late. Yeah. Happy New Year to you, too." He put his phone away then took Leah's hand.
They returned home an hour and a half later.
"Get comfortable. I'll heat up leftovers," Colin said as he disappeared into the kitchen.
When he came out with two piping hot plates piled high with ham, escalloped potatoes and green beans, Leah was lounging on the sofa. She had changed into a long, rose-colored velour robe. The zipper was lowered enough to allow a peek of cleavage. Colin's gaze zeroed in on the bit of exposed flesh as he set the plates on the coffee table.
"You look lovely…good enough to eat," he said, eyeing her cleavage.
"This looks delicious. You're spoiling me." She reached for her fork.
"This is it. Eggs, bacon and reheating leftovers are my whole repertoire."
She smiled at him without wincing. Colin touched her lower lip with his fingertip.
"You're healing."
"Inside and out. I'm starved."
When they finished, she cuddled into his shoulder, and he wrapped his arm around her while they watched the game. Colin tried to concentrate on the television but he kept getting distracted by the subtle scent of Leah's perfume. His fingertips caressed her forearm. If we were lovers…then I could rip that robe off and make love to her during halftime.
"You're not wearing anything under there are you?" He tried to keep his eyes on the large screen.
"Bare-ass nekked."
"Do you have to say that with such…such enthusiasm?"
She chuckled. "You asked!"
Hunger grew in his loins until the game got intense, providing Colin with a shift in focus. Leah got into watching the closely matched college teams struggle for the lead seesawing between both universities. When it was over and their team had squeaked out a victory, Colin checked the clock on the mantle. Ten o'clock. If we were lovers, I'd carry her into the bedroom and make mad, passionate love to her. But we're not.
"Time for me to go and you to get some sleep."
Leah yawned as if on cue. They both laughed.
Colin slung his coat over his shoulders then fastened it closed. Leah took the lapels and pulled him to her. She tried to kiss him but it hurt too much. He stroked her head then headed toward the door.
****
Sunday afternoon, Leah and Carrie stood in the vestibule of the Grey's townhouse, waiting to say goodbye to Colin. Grey pulled up in front of the house to drive him to the bus. Colin kissed Carrie on the cheek and hugged her.
"Thanks for everything, sis."
She stepped back, making room for Leah.
Wish I could take her with me.
She smiled up at him, her eyes connecting with his. He scooped her up into his arms and held her tight. Leah softened against him.
"Leah," he murmured. He rested his chin on the top of her head and sighed.
"You're coming back?" She stepped back.
"For President's Week. Will you go out with me on Valentine's Day?"
"I've never been invited so early before."
"Well?"
"I'd love to spend it with you." She reached up to touch his face.
"Good." He pulled her into an embrace and hoisted her up until their lips met.
He pressed his against hers gently, his touch feather-light. Leah parted her lips, admitting his tongue. Colin's arms wrapped firmly around her hips and shoulders holding her fast. Leah ran her hands up his neck and into his hair.
Carrie cleared her throat.
"Uh, get a room, guys…know what I mean?"
Colin set
her down slowly. When she stepped back, a rush of cool air engulfed him, emphasizing her separateness from him. He frowned.
"I'll miss you."
"My knight in shining armor," she whispered.
She nodded. Colin turned and ran down the front walk, sliding into Grey's Jaguar XK quickly and cleanly. Grey threw his brother's bag in the trunk. Leah raised her hand to wave goodbye then wrapped her arms around her torso to ward off the sudden chill.
Chapter Seven
February 12, Lincoln's Birthday, New York City
"Any word?" Leah chewed her lip.
"None yet. I tried Colin's cell phone but all I got was static."
"Come in and get warm," Carrie said, pulling Grey into the living room.
Leah paced in front of a roaring fire in the living room in Grey and Carrie's townhouse. Grey entered, stopping to stomp the snow off his feet on the welcome mat. Carrie joined him, planting a kiss from her warm lips on his icy ones. She brushed the snow off his shoulders as he unzipped his jacket.
"What if the bus skids off the road? What if he's stranded in this subzero wind chill?" Leah resumed pacing, her arms folded across her chest.
"But you don't care for him, do you, Leah?" Grey's eyes twinkled.
"We're friends…that's all. Can't I worry about a friend?"
"Colin's a survivor. He's been in worse storms." Grey unzipped his jacket.
Carrie opened a bottle of brandy and poured three glasses. Grey took one. He slipped his arm around Carrie's waist, easing her down next to him on the sofa. Leah took a draught from her glass then returned to pacing. Grey flipped on the TV and switched to the news.
"Worst snowstorm in ten years…stalled cars litter the highways…they're talking blizzard," the TV reporter said.
Leah chewed a fingernail, staring at the TV screen. The film footage of incapacitated cars on the snow-covered roads made her nervous. Her heart thudded against her chest. If anything happens to him…like Hank… Her stomach knotted, she became queasy.
Carrie put an arm around Leah, startling her.
"Colin will be okay."
"Do you promise, Carrie?" Leah asked a little too sharply.
"He's not Hank. Nothing is going to happen to him," Carrie whispered.
Leah took a gulp of her brandy to keep a tremble at bay. The drink warmed her inside on its way down. She took another big sip, glanced at the TV then returned to the large, rectangular window facing the street. The heavy snow and dark sky made it difficult to see.
"How late is he now?" She asked, peering into the darkness.
"About four hours, Leah, but that doesn't mean…"
She put up her hand. Stepping closer to the window, she wiped away the vapor clouding her view with her hand.
"I see something…" She wiped the glass again. The image of a tall figure making its way down the street went from hazy to clear.
Grey stood up. Carrie joined Leah at the window.
"Hard to tell but I think…" Carrie said.
Leah dashed out the door, leaving it wide open. She ran down the street without her coat, slipping and sliding in her high heels on the icy walk until she reached the dark figure.
"Colin!" She cried as she leaped into his outstretched arms.
He hugged her, twirling her around and around. His cold lips joined with hers in a hungry kiss. She wanted to devour him. He's safe. He's safe…he's here. An inner smile spread heat throughout her body despite the snowy cold. It only lasted a few seconds before sharp wind ripped through her thin sweater chilling her to the bone.
"Where's your coat? You'll freeze. It's snowing, ya know," he said, pulling her in close.
Relief flooded her veins and with it came happy tears. She blinked fiercely until they were under control, refusing to look at him.
"Aw…you were worried about me." She couldn't escape his keen gaze.
"I'm starved and you're holding up dinner."
He burst out laughing.
"You're a lousy liar."
Colin opened his coat and pulled Leah in close, draping it around her small body. She hugged his waist.
When they reached the house, Grey handed Colin a glass of brandy while Carrie took his coat.
"Took you long enough," Grey mumbled, transferring a heavy pot from the stove to the table.
"I practically had to walk the whole way!" Colin took a swig of the warming liquid.
Leah held her glass up for a toast. "To your safe arrival."
They all clinked glasses.
"Great to have my girl here, waiting for me."
"Your girl?" Leah cocked an eyebrow at him.
"Oops, I mean my woman."
"What?" Leah placed her hands on her hips.
"Don't deny it," Colin said.
He kissed her, draping one arm around her waist and holding his glass with the other.
"Let's eat. You can tell us the whole story over dinner," Grey said, pulling out a chair for Carrie.
****
Colin, Grey and Carrie conferred over breakfast about plans for Valentine's Day. Colin caught the sly grins being exchanged by his brother and Carrie across the small table in their kitchen. Their private communications made him a tad uncomfortable and a bit envious. Maybe someday I'll have that. Maybe with Leah. He shook his head a little to loosen that thought. She cares but she's resisting me. And she's leaving. Time's running out.
"Where can I take Leah that will make her fall in love with me?" he blurted out, interrupting the conversation.
Grey stopped speaking and stared at his brother. "You can't make a woman fall in love with you on one date."
"I know…it's just that she's so sophisticated…and I can't afford a five hundred dollar dinner…besides that'd only be pretentious. She'd see through it. I want to do something different."
"Leah loves to laugh…take her to a comedy club," Carrie put in.
"Stand Up and Laugh is right in her neighborhood, too. Then you might be able to wangle an invite to Nina's place again…the bedroom is where you'll make her fall in love with you. If you're an Andrews man through-and-through."
Carrie batted Grey playfully.
"I don't want to push her…"
"Play it by ear, Colin. You'll know if and when." Carrie slipped her hand under Grey's.
"Had Carrie eating out of my hand after the first time."
"What?" Carrie sat back and glared at Grey.
Colin burst out laughing. "Looks like you're going to be shelling out for a five hundred dollar dinner tonight, brother, to make up for that one."
"Your arrogance is…"
"Honey, sweetheart…I was only kidding. Trying to give my brother a little confidence. I know I was puppy-dogging you the whole time."
Grey leaned in to kiss his fiancée. She moved away for a moment before meeting his lips.
"You're the best thing that's ever happened to him, Carrie. We all know that."
She smiled.
"Comedy club, eh? Interesting." Colin stroked his chin.
"It'll be different. If you want Leah to see you as a cut above the rest, this might be one way to impress her," Carrie said, lacing her fingers with Grey's.
"She has been squired around town by plenty of rich Wall Street guys. You know, fancy schmancy restaurants and such. None of 'em lasted, though. I don't know what she's looking for but you may be it. What are you looking for?" Grey asked.
"Her. She's it. Fancy, rich Wall Street guys, huh?" Colin rested his chin in his hands.
"Obviously she doesn't want that…or she'd be taken by now. Trust me, Leah's been dating a lot in the past year," Carrie added.
"She'd be lucky to have a guy like you. If you want her, don't give up. I didn't and now I have the best of the best…for life." Grey beamed a loving look at Carrie.
"Okay. What's the number of that comedy club?"
Grey tossed a phone book at his brother. "Stand Up and Laugh. Look it up."
****
At five o'clock, Colin came downstairs
to the living room. He wore a perfectly pressed new dark gray suit with a light green shirt that brought out the green flecks in his hazel eyes. He twirled a navy and green rep striped tie in his hand while he whistled.
Carrie stood at the bottom of the stairs with her back to Grey. He zipped up her teal blue silk dress and bent to brush his lips over her shoulder.
"Get a room, guys," Colin smirked.
"Hilarious." Grey responded. "When you have a woman you can't keep your hands off…talk to me."
"You look great, Colin," Carrie said.
"Wow! What a dress! Where are you going?" Colin's gaze took in the slim-fitting silk sheath with a low-cut, sweetheart neckline and cap sleeves.
Carrie blushed. "To dinner…"
"Where?"
"La Tour Eiffel."
"I heard that is the most expensive place in New York."
"Close," Grey said, straightening his tie.
"Afterward?" Colin cocked an eyebrow at his brother.
"That's private," Grey said, coloring a little.
"See what Grey gave me for my birthday?" Carrie fingered the solid gold heart pendant around her neck that matched her earrings.
Colin whistled. "You always did have good taste, Grey."
"We'll exchange Valentine's gifts…after dinner," Carrie shot a sly smile at Grey who blushed a brighter red.
"A woman who can make Grey blush…now that's news!" Colin punched his brother in the shoulder.
"So, we shouldn't wait up, eh?" Grey asked.
Colin shook his head.
"That's pretty bold…pretty confident." Grey stared at his brother.
"Hey, if I get lucky, great. If I don't, I'll sneak in quietly. I hate to disturb noisy lovers…"
"Noisy? Really? Do you hear…"
Colin put his hand up. "TMI, Grey!"
"What are your plans for dinner?" Carrie asked, deftly changing the subject.
"Leah said she has something at the apartment for us. Then the comedy club."
The Dating List Page 8
