Once, a Long Time Ago
Page 22
Just because she had a stupid head cold with a fever, they wouldn’t let her go with them to the hospital to bring Danny Mac home. It had been three very long weeks since they had come back to the States and a week before that getting Danny Mac stable enough to fly home. Rather than make them go to DC, Andy had arranged to have them interviewed and debriefed here in Memphis. She supposed this had more to do with Danny Mac than anything. Jake had his Medical Power of Attorney and he refused to let Danny Mac recuperate anywhere but Memphis much to Carter’s extreme frustration.
Judy had taken a leave of absence and went home to be with her parents. She said she had a lot of catching up to do. She had not left Kenann’s side while they were in Alexandria. Kenann wasn’t sure if it was entirely for her, or to avoid dealing with what lay between her and Andy. Andy decided to give her the space she needed. He was not known to be a patient man, but some things were worth waiting for. He stayed in Danny Mac’s apartment while the debriefings were conducted. Kenann found Carter to be a very interesting fellow. He was a small, compact man but powerful in personality. She could see how he intimidated even men as strong and brave as Danny Mac and Andy. There was a very wary respect between Carter and Jake. There is a story there, thought Kenann.
Angelo had mysteriously disappeared after a few days in Alexandria. Carter had been furious that he had been allowed to escape. But he was mollified with the extensive computer data that Johnson had been able to download from Pierre’s quarters as Danny Mac had commanded. It would take years to track down and destroy this organization completely. Carter hoped to God they could. He knew that Andy had let Angelo go. He had no heartburn with that, really. Angelo had cooperated fully and was a different man since Danny Mac had taken that bullet for him. When the time was right, he might become an important asset.
Mrs. Gage and Jake remained inseparable, but they seemed a little guarded with each other. Neither wanted to let go, but they were not sure how to move forward. Granny James had returned to West Virginia after making sure Danny Mac was on the mend. A strong bond had forged between them since first meeting in the subterranean cavern.
Kenann could hear someone coming into the foyer. She heard Danny Mac’s deep voice saying something and then the door to his apartment closed. She buried her face under the afghan feeling lost and confused. She had her arms up over her head and did not hear the door to her own apartment open. She became aware of someone standing over her and peeked out from underneath her cocoon. Danny Mac stood solemn above her. They continued to stare at each other for what seemed an eternity.
“You’ve been avoiding me.”
“I have not.”
“Kenann, you’re a rotten liar.”
“I haven’t. There is always an army of people around you. If it’s not church people, it’s all those government guys. How would you know if I was avoiding you or not?”
“Because you’re the only one I wanted to see.”
She stopped breathing. She wasn’t sure she would ever breathe again. She waited.
“Kenann, what do you want?”
“What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean.”
“Don’t do this, Danny Mac. I may puke if you make me talk about this.”
“Well, that’s flattering.” He gave in and sat down on the coffee table facing her.
“I’m scared out of my wits,” she whispered.
“You think I’m not?” He paused and then spoke softly, “Don’t you want me?” It was Danny Mac’s turn to stop breathing.
“How can you say that? Who wouldn’t want you?”
“That’s not what I asked. Do you want me?” She couldn’t speak but only nodded. Despite his best efforts he couldn’t stop the grin.
“Danny Mac, I don’t get any of this. It doesn’t make any sense to me. You are well… you and … you know what I’m like. I am goofy and disorganized and unpredictable, and I’ll never be as pretty as you are.” At this he shoved her head back with the palm of his hand.
“Seriously, Danny Mac, why would you want me?”
“Kenann, I love you for all those reasons and then some. I can’t explain it. I just know with all my heart, I do.”
When she saw the look on his face, she wanted desperately to believe him but couldn’t help herself from asking, “Are you sure?”
“Yep.”
“I’m still scared.” She paused, “Can we date?”
“Kenann, you’re killing me here.”
Her eyes implored. He caved. “Oh, all right, we’ll date for a while, but one way or another you are going to marry me. Is that clear?”
“Crystal,” and leaped into his arms knocking him backwards onto the floor. His grunt of pain was lost in the joy he felt.
* * *
Several moments later, Danny Mac finished trailing his lips up her neck. Nibbling on her ear lobe, he whispered, “Carter offered you a job.”