by Dorie Graham
His eyebrows drew together. “I know living with Maggie wasn’t easy, but it’s made you strong and independent. It’s made you the woman you are today.”
“Aw, it wasn’t so bad—not if you don’t mind changing addresses every couple of months.” In spite of Sophie’s revelation, Nikki couldn’t keep the sarcasm from her tone. “There was that one time we got to keep the same phone number through three moves. As long as I didn’t invite any of the kids over, they didn’t realize we had moved and I was spared the jokes about Mom taking a new lover. That subdivision had lots of street parties, so we met most of our neighbors. If there had been more single men, we might have stayed in the area a little longer.” Bitterness tinged her voice. “Until I got my first apartment, I never knew what it was like to not live out of suitcases and boxes. That was life.”
“You still don’t understand her. She loves her art and her men.”
“What’s to understand? Sophie says Mom has a big heart.”
“It’s true. Do you doubt that Maggie loved each and every one of those men?”
“I don’t know. I guess she did.”
“Was there ever fighting? Any bad partings?”
“Of course. What home goes without fighting?”
“Maggie had fallings-out with her men? They fought?” Thomas peered at her, his eyebrows arched.
Nikki frowned. Funny, she and her sisters had had their share of sibling rivalry. Seems she and her mother had fought all the time. But try as she might, she couldn’t remember a single moment of discord between her mother and any of her lovers.
“It’s weird. I can’t remember any. That seems strange, doesn’t it, that all those relationships were peaceful, then the breakups amicable?”
“That’s my Maggie. She has a special magic.”
“Sophie calls it a ‘gift.’ I guess that’s one way of looking at it.”
“I take it you don’t believe in this gift?”
“The gift of sexual healing? Get serious.”
“Oh, Nikki, it’s very serious business indeed.”
She turned to face him more squarely. “You mean you believe my mother runs through lovers like last season’s fashions because she’s in their lives to heal them sexually, then she moves on once the healing’s complete?”
“That’s right. You do understand.”
“No. I don’t get how a man as reasonable as you can believe that.”
“I don’t get how a woman with this special gift can deny the magic she’s been born with.”
She stared at him a moment. First Sophie, now Thomas. Was there something to this after all? “So you believe this gift is inherited by all the women of my family?”
“That’s my understanding, but you should be able to answer that for yourself.”
A small groan escaped her. Tess certainly seemed gifted when it came to the opposite sex. With Erin it was hard to tell, but she was young still and hadn’t had many serious relationships. Nikki’s own love life was at least unusual. “I don’t know, Thomas. It’s just a little out-there, isn’t it?”
“Is it?”
A shrug was all she could give in answer. “I suppose the empathic nature goes hand in hand.”
“I believe it’s stronger in some of you than in others.” His gaze pinned her. “Could be worth exploring.”
If it were all true, was she doomed to live a life devoid of love? “You mean, I should enter relationships for the sole purpose of healing but never get attached because I’ll always have to let go?” Her throat tightened.
“No, sweetie, here’s where you don’t understand. Look at Maggie. She loves each and every one of them heart and soul. That’s where the real magic comes from. That’s where she taps into her healing potential.”
“She loves them, then when it’s over she just lets them go?”
His head bobbed. “It’s the releasing that frees her to receive again.”
“So does she just stop loving them?”
“Of course not. She has unlimited potential to love in that big heart of hers. It’s part of her charm.”
“But I don’t want to keep getting left behind.”
“Then be the one to go out and embrace the world.”
“I don’t know.” Dylan’s image wavered in her mind. If ever a man needed her healing, he was the one. She didn’t question this inner conviction. And she’d never felt such a strong attraction. Did she dare explore her gift with him? Then, if she did, would she be able to let him go? “It’s a lot to think about. For now, I need to get going. There’s a house I’ve got to go see.”
“A new house and a new life, Nikki.”
She smiled. “Yes, I think so.”
NIKKI’S HEART POUNDED AS she passed slowly in front of the house. Soon it would be hers. It stood as solid and enchanting as it had before, the stained glass over the door reflecting the late-afternoon sun.
“I’ll just drive by,” she murmured to herself.
An orange cat suddenly streaked in front of her. She slammed on her brakes. She came to a screeching stop, her front tire grazing the curb. To her amazement, the tabby, which looked suspiciously like Dylan’s cat, jumped up onto the hood of her car.
“You little rascal.” With a shake of her head she got out, then walked to where the animal stood meowing at her. “What are you doing? Were you trying to kill us both?”
“Well, hello, Nikki.” Dylan’s deep baritone startled her.
The sun danced across his bare chest as he approached. He wiped his hands on a rag sticking out of his shorts pocket. Apparently he’d been working in one of the gardens.
Warmth filled her cheeks and her pulse quickened. “I was actually in the neighborhood, not five minutes away. A friend of mine has a dog I had to see whose face was all…had to give him some injections… Anyway, I just wanted to drive by to make sure I hadn’t dreamed this place. I tried to call you back…and your cat came out of nowhere.”
She closed her mouth, her cheeks burning. She’d turned into a babbling idiot.
“Sebastian, bad boy.” He turned his gaze to her. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize he’d gotten out. Come on, big fella.” He reached for the cat, but Sebastian growled, flicking his tail in warning.
“That’s no way to act.” Gently she stroked his back and he calmed. “Would you like me to put him inside? I don’t think he’ll mind if I pick him up.”
“I guess I can’t leave him out here to endanger other drivers.”
The cat meowed when she scooped him into her arms but didn’t resist as she moved toward the house with him. “Now, what was that all about? Do you have a death wish?”
“Could be. He hasn’t been right since…for a while.”
She nodded, her heart swelling. What had happened to upset Sebastian? Was it the same something that had put that wounded look in Dylan’s eyes? The sun beat down on them as they crossed the wide lawn. Heat shimmered in the thick air.
Nikki stumbled, bumping into Dylan. “Excuse me.”
He steadied her, the muscles of his shoulders rippling across an expanse of bronzed skin. “No problem.”
With an effort she continued walking, all too aware of his musky scent and virile presence. And of the ache deep in his heart. She frowned against the overpowering need to soothe his pain. If she were to get involved with him, she’d best do it quickly, then move on. She was already too taken with the man. She was bound to get attached if she extended their acquaintance any longer than needed.
He kept his hand at her elbow, steering her toward the gardens. “The front door is locked. We’ll have to go through the courtyard.”
The cool green of the palm trees gave some respite from the heat as he stopped in front of the French doors. He opened the door but remained close. A cool blast of air hit her as she leaned in to drop Sebastian on the Spanish tile.
“You stay in here, away from the cars,” she said, drawing a deep breath and trying to calm her heart. The cat gave her a backward glance bef
ore padding off.
“Would you like to go in and get out of the heat?”
She straightened. All the blood rushed from her head in a dizzying swirl. She reached out to catch her balance and her hand connected with smooth, hot skin and firm muscle. For a moment she stared at him transfixed, his heart thudding beneath her palm.
His gaze dropped to her mouth. She inhaled a shaky breath and pulled back her hand. “Excuse me. The heat doesn’t usually affect me like this. Maybe I’m just dehydrated.”
“Let’s get you something to drink.” Though she had regained enough of her equilibrium to walk, he kept his hand at her back as he guided her into the kitchen. The heat of his fingers branded her where the sundress bared her to his touch.
“I’m sorry to trouble you,” she said as he filled two glasses with filtered water. “I never meant to intrude. I really intended just to drive by.”
He handed her a glass and drank deeply from his own. “It’s no trouble. I needed a break.”
She downed half her water before daring another peek in his direction. The man was hairless and sleek, sculpted like a Greek god. She pressed the cool glass to her cheek. She had to get a grip. “You were working in the garden?”
“Weeding mostly. I have a lawn service that takes care of it. I just like to get in there sometimes. It’s cathartic to yank up those weeds.”
She nodded, not sure how to respond. A moment of silence fell and she set her empty glass on the counter. “Thanks. I feel much better.”
A gust of cold air flowed over her as the air conditioner kicked on. Gooseflesh rippled up her arms, and her nipples beaded beneath the thin fabric of her dress.
His gaze traveled over her, lingering at her breasts before moving up to her eyes. “Would you like to sit down for a while? You probably shouldn’t get back out in that heat just yet.”
“No. I’m fine, really. I should be going.” She cast a quick glance down. The halter top of her dress left little to the imagination.
“Would you like to tour the house one more time?”
Though her earlier excitement about the house stirred, she felt exposed. She folded her arms over her chest. “Maybe another time.”
Disappointment swirled in the blue depths of his eyes. “Sure.”
“But I’d love to see the gardens again.”
He nodded and took her hand. “This way then.”
His grip was firm and strong. Walking hand in hand with him as they strolled the stone path circumventing the far flower garden felt oddly right. He pointed out various flowers, but her pulse throbbed in her ears, making it difficult to hear him. His mouth was beautiful to watch as he formed each sensuous syllable.
What would it be like to kiss him?
“Don’t you think?” He looked at her expectantly.
She bobbed her head in a half nod.
“I had a friend who didn’t think so, but I know it’ll hold two comfortably.” He gestured to the large hammock nestled beneath tall palms.
Tugging her hand, he drew her closer to the hammock. “I’ve never been able to get anyone to try it with me.”
“Oh.” She turned to him. “You’re awfully big.”
“It’s a double. It’s supposed to be for two.”
“Well, I’m sure two people fit then.”
They stood for a moment in silence, then he brought her hand up. “No rings.”
“No.”
“No fiancé, then?”
“No.”
“Boyfriend?”
“No, there’s no one. I wouldn’t have agreed to go out to dinner with you if I was seeing anyone.” Her heart thudded dully.
“Of course.” His eyebrows furrowed. “Still, how can that be?”
“Well, guys just don’t seem to stick around.”
“That makes no sense.”
“True nonetheless.”
“But you’re successful…and so beautiful.”
She cast her gaze downward, and he hooked his finger under her chin, urging it upward. She shivered at the intensity in his so-very-blue eyes. “Truly beautiful.”
He was going to kiss her.
The realization rang through her like a shot. The urge to flee took hold of her, but she stood, unable to move. His lips brushed over hers in a caress that grew steadily more demanding.
She opened to him, meeting the hungry stroke of his tongue, melding her body to his as he skimmed his hands over her back, then down her hips. Angling his head, he pulled her closer as he mated his mouth more firmly with hers, stealing her breath and sending heat rolling over her.
At long last he pulled back, his eyes blazing. “So…”
“So…”
“Um, I’m not great at this and I’m a little out of practice.”
“It’s okay. You…want to explore this…this attraction.”
He nodded slowly. “Interested?”
She swallowed hard. This was her chance to help him. Warmth filled her as she envisioned touching him, stroking him, bringing him pleasure…and peace. But something told her that leaving this man would be one of the hardest things she’d ever do. For some inexplicable reason, the prospect filled her with sadness. She barely knew him. How could she feel this way already?
She kept her voice casual, though her pulse pounded and her lips ached for more of his kiss. “Could be.”
His brow furrowed. “I can’t make any promises. I’m not looking for anything serious. You should know that up front.”
A rueful laugh escaped her. She tried to squelch the bit of disappointment that surfaced. “You mean no extras? No frills? Sex only?”
“I owe you dinner. We could go out. It’s up to you.”
She’d been down that road too many times before. She and Brad had dated for three weeks before she had finally slept with him. The outcome had been the same. With the way she felt about Dylan in the short space of time since they’d met, only disaster lay that way. Better not to get too close. “I don’t need any frills.”
He nodded slowly.
With a boldness she didn’t feel, she ran her hand up his torso. “Let’s not put off until tomorrow what we can do today.”
“We don’t have to do this now if it’s too soon. We could go to dinner first, then see how you feel.”
“I’m not hungry…at least not for food.”
He moaned softly and crushed her to him, claiming her mouth once more.
4
NIKKI’S MOUTH TEMPTED Dylan as nothing ever had. A shudder ran through him as he swirled his tongue with hers. His blood warmed. The feel of her. She shifted, her breasts heavy against his chest.
At long last, he pulled back, gazing down at her. That same feeling of serenity he seemed to feel at her touch flowed over him, but this time it was accompanied by a fierce hunger. Lust. He’d been without a woman for too long. He cupped the back of her head and drew her toward him until his mouth found hers again.
He’d never wanted to linger over a kiss, but the insistent stroke of her tongue held him captivated for long moments. He angled his head and ran his hand down her back, then around the side to her breast. It was firm and round, filling his palm. She shifted, giving him more room as he kneaded her. Her nipple hardened between his fingers, straining against the thin fabric. He rolled the pointed tip.
Without breaking the kiss he slid both hands down over the tight swell of her buttocks. He massaged her for a time, then lifted her so his stiffening sex rubbed against the juncture of her thighs.
Moaning softly, she ground against him. Her fingers stroked down his chest, toying with his nipples, further arousing him. She broke the kiss, moving her mouth along his jaw to his ear. “Should we try out the hammock?”
“Yes.” He scooped his arm under her knees, then carried her the short distance. Balancing her, he shifted carefully into the hammock, settling her across his lap.
Her gaze darted to the open archway. “We’re tucked away in the corner. I don’t guess any passersby will see us.”
“We can go inside.”
She bit her bottom lip, her gaze dark and intent. “It’s kind of exciting here. I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“Neither have I.” Oh, but he’d wanted to—that first day they’d met.
“We could always get started here, then move inside later.”
“We could.”
“You have a magnificent chest.” She ran her palms over him, then dipped her head and took one of his nipples into her mouth. She suckled him while he fisted his hands in her hair and tried to breathe, the pleasure almost too intense to bear.
At last she nuzzled to his other side, but he gently urged her upward. “I think I’d like it better if I could do that to you.”
“Oh.”
“Would you like that?”
In answer, she reached up to the nape of her neck and unfastened her dress. Slowly she lowered her halter top. He took a deep breath and cupped one full breast, weighing it in his hand. He stroked his thumb over her peaked nipple. She had large areolas that begged to be sucked.
“Perfect,” he murmured as he shifted her to lie beside him.
Keeping one foot on the ground to steady the hammock, he leaned over her and kissed the swell of her breast before brushing his lips over its center. She sighed, arching upward.
Every nerve ending in his mouth registered the exquisite softness of her skin, the pressure of her hard nipple against his tongue as she moved beneath him. Her soft cries of pleasure sent heat rippling through him. He’d never expected this when he woke that morning. What a gift she was.
When he’d had his fill of one breast, he kissed a path to its twin while she caressed his shoulders, chest and arms. The little sounds of pleasure she made spurred his excitement. Pulling hard with his mouth, he grazed her with his teeth and kneaded her firm flesh. He took his time, savoring each delicious pass of his tongue over the erect bud.
Nikki gasped, and the scent of her arousal drifted to him. He slid his hand up her thigh, pushing her dress aside as he went. His fingers brushed satin. Continuing his tender assault on her breast, he ran his fingertips along her cleft, feeling the wetness through her panties.
She shifted her knee, opening to him as he slipped his hand beneath the elastic. She was slick and swollen and hot. He explored her with his fingers, tracing her thick folds before circling her clitoris. He teased her, touching her lightly, then moved his fingers back to slip inside her.
