Robin’s stomach growled, but her nervousness warned her to wait before putting any food in there. “Just coffee, please, black.”
“Same for me.” Brian sat next to her and picked up a copy of the morning newspaper resting on a table.
Robin’s gaze traveled around the well-appointed room. She felt so out of place in her stiff nurse’s uniform, while all the other passengers wore expensive clothes. One woman even had a mink stole around her shoulders and enormous diamond studs in her ears. Brian seemed oblivious to his surrounds. He might have lost his memory but clearly, he fit right into these luxurious surroundings.
Evil tendrils of doubt crept into her brain. What was she thinking? She didn’t belong here. She should leave, now.
Brian reached over and touched her arm. “They’re starting to board. Ready?”
“Yes, yes I am.” She stood straight and preceded Brian onto the plane. The flight attendant seated them in the small, first-class section.
“Want the window?” Brian asked. “Not that you’ll be able to see much.”
“Yes, I’d love it.” She settled in and clasped her seatbelt with shaking fingers. “How’s your head? Need a pill before we take off?”
“No, I’m still good. A little tired, though.” His luscious blue eyes crinkled at the edges, and a wicked smile lit up his face. “I didn’t get much sleep last night for some reason.”
She felt herself grow moist at the very thought of the mind-blowing sex they’d had. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Wakefield. I promise I won’t let it happened again.”
He just laughed and clicked his own seatbelt.
Soon she heard the doors close with a thud, and the plane gave a lurch and started moving backwards. She’d been so excited about the trip she never noticed the plane filling with coach passengers.
When the plane reached the end of the runway, she clasped the arms of her chair with sweaty palms. The engines roared, and soon they were barreling down the runway. Staring out the window, she prayed she wouldn’t wet her pants or vomit.
“Are you okay, honey?” Brian lips were close to her ear. “Hey, I never asked. This isn’t your first flight, is it?” He leaned back and looked at her.
“No, of course not.” She paused and smiled. “It’s my second.”
Brian’s hearty laugh amused the woman in the fur who sat across the aisle from them.
Her stomach whooped as the big jet turned left and she found herself looking down at the ocean. He patted her hand. Soon it was level again and headed back over land. The flight attendants were rattling around in the galley, and delightful smell permeated the area.
“Champagne?” The flight attendant, a slender brunette, stood in the aisle with an open bottle in her hand.
“Not for me,” Brian told her.
“No, thank you. I have to attend to my patient.” Robin would love to have a sip, but it wasn’t even eight o’clock in the morning, and on an empty stomach, it would be a disaster.
The woman left a printed menu of their breakfast choices and went on. Robin noticed all the other first class passengers were drinking.
They both decided on scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. When the attendant came to serve them, the plate slipped, and Brian automatically grabbed her wrist to steady her.
He gasped and almost pushed the woman’s arm away.
She looked a bit startled. “Sorry, sir. I’ll be right back with coffee.”
Brian’s face was pale, and a line of sweat dotted his forehead.
“What happened?” Robin whispered.
“She’s pregnant and has an appointment for an abortion tomorrow in Boston. She doesn’t think her lover, a married pilot, will leave his wife to be with her.” He looked at her with such anguish in his eyes, her heart twisted in her chest. “She really wants this baby. How can I tell her she’s never going to get pregnant again? She cannot abort this child. She can’t.”
Robin’s heart twisted with pain. She knew someday she’d like to be married and have children. It was far too soon to even think about settling down with Brian, though. She liked him, a lot, but still hardly knew the man. She decided she would enjoy the adventure wherever it took her, because once she was settled with kids, her adventurous days would be over. She couldn’t imagine not being able to have any children. She’d seen the anguish of couples who tried everything and still couldn’t conceive.
“You have to tell her.”
“I know. It’s just so awkward. What if she doesn’t believe me?” He shoved the eggs around his plate with his fork.
“Eat something. It will make you feel better. Then take a pain pill and sleep. We have a long flight ahead of us, and I’m sure you’ll find a way to tell her before we arrive.” She reached out to feel his forehead but stopped. “Will it bother you if I touch you?”
“No, just be quick. I’ll try to think of something other than you naked.” A wicked grin spread across his face.
“Oh, you. You’re not sick at all.” Still, she placed her hand on his forehead. It was cool, normal. Quickly, she picked up his wrist and felt for his pulse. The steady thrum of his heart beat against her fingers. “I guess you’ll live.”
He looked calmer. “I sure hope so. Hey, these eggs are pretty good.”
She agreed. All of the food was delicious, and she wished now she’d ordered the eggs benedict.
Once the breakfast dishes had been cleared, the cabin settled down. Brian took his pain pill and once he was asleep, she relaxed and gazed out the window. Silence filled the first class cabin except for the planes mighty engines droning on, moving them steadily eastward. Soon her eyelids grew heavy, and she fell asleep.
Chapter Twelve
Brian’s full bladder awakened him. For a couple of seconds, he was disoriented and unsure of where he was. The last ten days had been so weird, it was no wonder. He glanced over and saw that Robin was fast asleep, her head resting against the window. She was snoring softly, and he made a mental note to tease her about it when she awoke. Right now, he had another urgent matter.
When he got out of the bathroom, he saw the flight attendant sitting and reading a book.
When she felt his eyes on her, she looked up, put her finger in the book to mark her place, and smiled. “Can I get you anything, Mr. Wakefield?”
Brian glanced at the cabin. All the passengers were either napping, reading, or working on laptops.
“May I have a word with you?”
She started to get up, but Brian knelt by her side. “Please, it will only take a minute. I…it’s hard to start but…when you almost dropped the plate and I took your arm….”
“I’m so sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to be so clumsy.”
“No, it’s not that.” He ran his hand through his hair. There was still a big sore patch where he’d been hit. “Oh, rats, how can I explain? You’ll think I’m really weird.”
She smiled, showing perfect teeth. “Mr. Wakefield, I’ve been flying for nearly twenty years and believe me, I’ve seen it all. Don’t be shy. What can I help you with?”
“It’s not me who needs help, it’s you. I have this…gift, I guess you’d call it. When I touch people, I know things about them.” He shifted to get more comfortable. “When I touched you, Patricia, I knew that you’re not only pregnant but planning on having an abortion.”
She gasped, her face lost all color, and she started to get up.
“No, please, let me finish. I can’t touch you. I’ll just know more about you and your life, and right now I can’t handle it.” A vicious headache pounded in his head, and he knew he had to get back to his seat soon or he’d be sick. Damn these visions.
“Don’t get rid of the baby. You won’t be able to have any more children.” He pulled himself up and leaned against the galley door. He hoped to hell no one called for the poor woman right now.
Tears swam in her eyes as she slumped back into her seat. “But how…how is that possible? No one knows except the father.” She fumbled in her pocket a
nd pulled out a tissue. “I knew he was married when we started our affair, I just thought…” She wiped her eyes and blew her nose. “How could you possibly know?”
“It’s a long story, but basically, I was in an accident. Since I woke up in the hospital, every time I touch anyone, I know things about them.” He gave a rather rueful laugh. “Believe me, I’d rather not have the ability. It makes going out in crowds problematic, if you catch my drift.”
She sat there for a moment then looked up at him. “Thank you. You’re right, it sounds nuts, but I believe you. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”
“I thought you should know.” He started for his seat but stopped and turned back. “Oh, Patricia? It’s a boy.”
He fell into his seat, fumbled in his pocket for the vial of pain pills, and popped one in is mouth. He smelled perfume and looked up to see Patricia standing by his side with a glass of cold water.
“This should help.” She put the glass in his hand, careful not to touch him, and left.
He drank all the water and closed his eyes, waiting for relief. He must have dozed for a while, because soon, he felt Robin moving beside him.
“How’s your head. Did you sleep at all?”
“Yes, I did, and I feel better.” He glanced at his watch. “We’ll be landing in less than an hour. Need to use the restroom?”
“Yup, sure do.”
When she came back, she leaned close to him. “Did you talk to the flight attendant?”
“Yes, I told her. Why?”
“She’s putting stuff away in the galley, getting ready to land, but she looks really preoccupied. What do you think she’ll do?”
“I have no idea, honey. I told her, and that’s all I could do.”
Before long, the big jet touched down in Boston. Being in the front allowed Brian and Robin to deplane first. Once the door was open, they got up and started out. The flight attendant stood by the door to the cockpit, and when Brian got beside her, she leaned over and whispered in his ear, “I’m keeping him.” She was smiling from ear to ear.
He handed her a card with his name and cell phone on it. “If you ever need anything, anything at all, call me.”
“Gee, Brian, doesn’t that make you feel super? You haven’t even had any training for your gift yet and already you’re doing good things.”
Before he could answer, he saw a man standing in the waiting area, dressed in a dark, conservative suit, white shirt, and black tie, holding a big sign that said, WAKEFIELD. He glared at Robin and frowned. He did not look happy.
Brian walked over and said, “I’m Brian Wakefield.”
“Hunter, sir. I’m to take you to the institute. However, I was told you’d be alone.”
Jeez, Brian thought, what was with the guys at WIAPT only using one name? First Phelps, now Hunter. Perhaps he should start referring to himself as Wakefield.
“Miss Guyer is my nurse and companion. It that a problem?” He could feel his blood pressure rising and took a deep breath to calm himself so the headache didn’t recur. “Because if it is, we’ll just call the whole thing off. What do you say, Robin? I’ve always wanted to see Boston. We’ll find a nice hotel, rent a car, and explore the town.”
She looked a bit startled but caught on. “Great, let’s go.” They turned and headed for the baggage area.
“Wait, sir.” Hunter was beside them immediately. “I’m sure it won’t be problem. I’m very sorry. I was simply startled. You see, we have a full compliment of medical personal at the institute.” Hunter took a handkerchief out of his pocket and patted his ashen face. “If you’ll just give me your baggage claim tickets, we’ll be on our way.”
He handed over their stubs and then followed behind him, down long hallways filled with the bustle of travelers, past several boarding lounges, until they finally got to an escalator and headed down to the baggage area.
“Come this way, please.” Outside, next to the curb—in a No Parking zone—sat a black, stretch limo. Hunter opened the back door. Robin scooted in, and he followed her. “I’ll be back with your luggage, sir. Please make yourselves comfortable.” He closed the door, shutting out all the noise and smells of the airport.
“Would you really have just gone off?” Robin’s eyes were huge. He couldn’t help but smile. She was like a proverbial kid in a candy store. Her head had swiveled back and forth as they walked through the airport. Now she leaned forward, opened a compartment, and found a small ice chest stocked with soft drinks, beer and wine. Another section held an assortment of crackers, cheese and fruit.
“Of course, I would have. I don’t owe Phelps anything—well, the airline tickets I suppose, but I would have reimbursed him.” He leaned his head against the back of the seat.
Yes, he would have walked away, but he really wanted to get to the institute and learn to corral his powers.
“Want something to eat or drink?” She continued to rummage around in the food stores.
“Yeah, maybe a soft drink, or better yet water, if there’s any. I always get dehydrated when I fly.”
Her head whipped around, and she stared at him. “How do you know? Did you remember?”
“No, not really. It just…popped into my head.”
He heard the soft thud of the trunk shutting, then Hunter opened the driver’s side door and slid in.
“We’ll be on our way now, sir.” Hunter turned the key in the ignition, and the car purred.
“How long will it take to get there?”
Hunter didn’t answer until he’d pulled safely into traffic. “About five hours, sir, depending on traffic. Do let me know if you need anything.” With that, he raised a thick glass partition between the front and rear seats. Brian noticed the man picked up a cell phone and started talking to someone. He was reporting to Phelps on Brian’s indiscretion, no doubt.
“Here.” Robin handed him a bottle of ice-cold water, and he chugged most of it down.
“Excited?” Silly question. Her green eyes sparkled and, in spite of the long flight, she looked fresh and raring to go. He, on the other hand, was ready for another nap. Damn it, he’d be glad when he got rid of these damn headaches and had his energy back.
“Sure, aren’t you?”
“Not yet. Maybe when we get there. I’m going to close my eyes. Wake me when we arrive.”
Chapter Thirteen
Nervous energy skittered through Robin. She hadn’t been this excited since….well, ever. The limo sped out of the airport and into a long, dark tunnel. Soon they were out of the city and headed west. She couldn’t believe how lush and green everything was. There were trees, grass, and flowers everywhere. Born and raised in Southern California, she had never seen anything like this except on television or in the movies. She would love to have seen something of Boston and all its history. She hoped they’d have time for that later.
A bubble of uncertainty flittered through her. She wasn’t really sure what her role would be once Brian had control of his thoughts, other than to be his bed warmer. Well, it would be enough for now.
Once they hit the turnpike, there wasn’t much to see, so she settled back in her seat and opened the paperback book she’d brought to read on the plane.
The time passed quickly, and soon she felt the big car slow. She looked out the window and saw they were driving through a thick, emerald forest.
“You don’t see anything like this in southern California, do you?”
She turned her head and grinned at Brian. “Nope. I can’t imagine how glorious it must be in the fall when all the leave change colors.”
She put her book away, pulled out her compact, and checked her makeup. She touched a powder puff to her shiny nose and re-applied her lipstick.
Suddenly, light infused the backseat. The big car had come out of the tunnel of trees and there, sitting perched on a hill, was a house. She gasped. No, not a house. It was a Tudor-style mansion. All gray stone and large windows. There were at least three chimneys, and even a round turret at o
ne end. The sun had begun to set behind the house, casting long shadows.
The whole place might have looked a bit sinister if not for the profusion of flowers of all colors filling beds along the front of the house. In the middle of the cobblestone turnaround stood a fountain featuring a naked woman holding a jar with water pouring out into the small pond at her feet. As they drove by and came to a stop, Robin spotted several brightly colored koi in the pond. She wanted to clap her hands in delight.
Hunter glided the limo to a stop right in front of the five stone steps that led up to a weathered oak door. By the time Brian had exited the car and helped her out, the front door opened and a man dressed in a dark gray suit stood waiting for them. He looked like every English butler she’d ever seen in the movies, from the fringe of gray hair ringing his bald pate, right down to his gray gloves.
Her heart galloped in her chest, and she stifled a giggled. He was the grayest man she’d seen in her entire life.
“Mr. Wakefield, Ms. Guyer. Welcome to the institute. Hunter will take your bags to your rooms. My name is Wells. Phelps is waiting for you in the library, if you’ll follow me.”
She wanted to take Brian’s arm to keep from falling over as the two of them walked down the dark, marbled hallway, but she knew it would disturb him. Portraits of both men and women lined the walls, most of them from centuries past. The butler, Wells, reached the end and opened another door composed of dark wood.
A cheery fire burned brightly from the vast fireplace that took up almost an entire wall, but it emitted little heat in the spacious room. The other three walls were lined with shelves filled with what looked like thousands and thousands of books. An avid reader, Robin longed to run her fingers down the spines and pull out a few volumes.
A man stood motionless in the middle of the room. “Mr. Wakefield.” He dipped his head in a slight, modified bow. “So nice to see you again. Ms. Guyer, welcome to the institute. I am Phelps.”
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