Divided Dreams

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  Josh frowned. “I see.”

  “She’s back in Fern Lake. Town’s not the place she remembers and she isn’t the girl who ran away.”

  “I think she still loves you.”

  Though Rob wished those words were true he had no reason to believe. Sure she’d responded to his kisses like a woman seeking nourishment, but that didn’t mean she loved him. “Anything that happens is for me and Andi to discover.”

  Josh sat behind the desk. He rattled off questions about family health issues. Rob answered the ones he could. He moved from the door. “We cool?”

  Josh looked up. “Just tell Andi I didn’t act like a jackass.”

  Rob crossed to the desk to shake the other man’s hand. “Why would I tell her anything different?”

  “She threatened to quit if I didn't stop badgering.”

  “Good reason to cease.” Rob turned to leave. Josh had given him hope. Finding a way to capitalize on the info puzzled him. He stepped into the hall and saw Andi.

  She waved. “I’ll come to dinner tonight and spend time with Tammy.”

  And me. Rob had no intention of abandoning the pair. “See you around six.”

  * * *

  Rob tucked Tammy under his arm and cupped her head with his hand. He paced around the room. The aroma of garlic filled the air. All he had to do was toss the shrimp in the sauce, cook the angel hair pasta and heat the garlic bread.

  “Hope she’s not late. He looked at the clock. The second hand completed a cycle.

  The doorbell chimed. He strode across the room to answer. Andi stood outside and he ushered her inside. “Would you like a glass of wine while I finish dinner? You have a choice of white or rose.”

  “Guess you’re not serving steak again. White is fine.”

  “Good guess.” He slid Tammy into her arms and filled two wine glasses with chilled white. He carried his to the kitchen.

  Andi placed Tammy in the cradle and walked to the table. “Smells wonderful and I’m starved.”

  “You’ll have to wait say ten minutes.”

  She returned to the cradle and set it in a rocking motion. Then she wandered around the room stopping to examine the eclectic offering of books on the shelves.

  Rob quickly completed his cooking. “Done,” he called.

  She set her wine glass of the table and filled two bowls with salad. “What’s for dinner?”

  “Shrimp scampi.”

  “Are you going international>”

  “I could. Took classes at the community center. Italian, French, South American, and Asian. Plan to take German this fall.”

  “Do they have one on how to boil water?” She twirled angel hair pasta on her fork.

  He chuckled. “They do have a beginner’s class.”

  She chewed and swallowed. “How is your new writing schedule going?”

  “Better than I thought.” He speared a shrimp. “What do you do with your evenings?”

  “Shop, read journals, watch TV, and eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.” She looked up. “Maybe I’ll take that beginner’s class.”

  “Feel free to experiment on me.”

  She laughed and turned the conversation to things more general. When she’d eaten the last of the scampi Tammy fussed. Andi rose. “I’ll get her ready for bed.”

  “And I’ll clear the table.”

  Once Tammy had been bathed and fed Andi started to the door and turned to Rob. “Thanks for dinner and time with Tammy.”

  Rob strode toward her. He turned her so they were face to face. His mouth covered hers. After a moment’s hesitation she slid her arms around his neck. Rob deepened the kiss.”

  Her breasts pressed against his chest. He felt her tightened nipples. His erection throbbed. The pulsing matched the beating of his heart. Her mouth opened. His tongue plunged inside, tasting and caressing. He drew her toward the couch. They sank onto the soft leather cushions.

  Rob slowly unbuttoned her blouse to reveal a lacy blue bra. He inched his mouth from hers and slid down her neck to suck one nipple. He feathered his tongue over the tip. His hand slid under her skirt.

  Andi stiffened and pulled back. “What’s wrong?”

  “We can’t go back.” She sat and buttoned her blouse.

  “I don’t want to go back.” He had to persuade her to try. “Look how we respond to each other.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t do this.” She hurried to the door. “I won’t come to see Tammy when you’re home.” She opened the door.

  Rob followed. “We should try.” But her car door slammed and she was gone.

  Chapter 8

  When Rob’s hand slid along her thighs Andi jerked from the sensuous dream he’d woven around her. Shadows of the past filled the tapestry with dark accents. She couldn’t allow the weaving of wishes and false hopes to enfold her. Jagged holes in the dream would cost too much to mend. She pressed her hands against his shoulders and jumped to her feet.

  “Andi.”

  She ignored his siren voice and snatched the bag she’d dropped when their lips had touched. She opened the door. Praying he wouldn’t follow, she ran to her eco-friendly car and grasped the door. To her relief it opened. She slid into the driver’s seat and hit the lock button.

  Why had she responded to his kisses like a desert plant during a sudden rainstorm? She knew the ending of giving in to temptation. He would repeat the cruel words of rejection and end her hopes.

  Andi pressed her hand against her face. Rob’s kisses frightened her. They tasted of the promises he’d broken. She’d run because she couldn’t trust herself not to plunge into love and trust him not to walk away again.

  Though Rob had regretted what had passed between them, she couldn’t move forward. Until she purged memories of the past she would remain in limbo.

  Her hands shook. Tears threatened. The car keys fell and hit the floor mat. She had to unfasten the seatbelt to find them.

  Did she fear Rob? Yes, but she feared herself more. The way her body responded to his voice, his touch, his taste, his scent went beyond friendship. Until she controlled the mindless reaction and believed he had changed she had to avoid being alone with him.

  Andi shoved the retrieved key into the ignition and revved the engine. As she pulled from the parking space she saw Rob framed by the doorway. Why was he watching? Did he hope she would return? He should realize the situation was hopeless. There was no chance of forming a new relationship when the old one still festered. He shouldn’t have remained in Fern Lake. He shouldn’t be her niece’s uncle. He shouldn’t be the first and only man she’d loved.

  When she reached the apartment she slumped on the dark blue plush couch. Her body pulsed with a need she couldn’t turn off. Tears burned her eyes. With a groan she rose and strode to the bathroom. After stripping she stepped into the shower and turned the spray to cold. She remained beneath the water until her body shook. The chill failed to cure the heat of desire.

  “Damn you, Rob Grantlan.” She shook her head. Not him. The fault was hers for falling again.

  She dashed to the bedroom and sprawled on the bed. With one hand she stroked her breasts and the other slid over her abdomen. She punched her nipples into peaks. His face appeared. She tried to push the vision away. Her fingers moved in a frenzied action. Heat gathered. The pressure built. She reached a peak and slid over.

  “Rob, oh, Rob,” she cried.

  Tears cascaded down her face. She rolled over and buried her face in the pillows. Always the same. Always Rob. Even the few times she’d tried to break the strings by dating other men Rob’s face had appeared at the end and his name had been the one she’d called.

  What am I going to do? Years ago she’d left Fern Lake. She hadn’t wanted to see him when he returned from college. She’d vowed not to return to town. But she had. He should have left when he stopped practicing medicine. Instead, he had remained.

  She grabbed a sleep shirt. While pulling the garment over her head she padded to the kitch
en. After pulling a pint of chocolate mint swirl from the freezer she dug a spoonful and tasted. Even the flavor of her favorite brought no comfort though she ate and ate.

  After tossing the empty container in the garbage she set the coffeemaker for the morning. Surfing channels on TV did nothing more than make her fingers ache. She trudged to the bedroom and tossed and turned for what seemed like hours.

  A ring tone woke her. The sound pierced her stupor. Who? What? Why? She wasn’t on call. Had something happened to her niece? She grabbed the phone and hit to answer. The voice in her ear made her shudder.

  Images of the blonde angelic-looking brother brought a rush of acid from her gut. “What do you want?” She barely forced the question out.

  “Some info,” Dan Sherman said. “Heard you were back in town and doing well for yourself.”

  The undercurrent of malice in his voice set her nerves on edge. Was he going to hit her up for money, the way he had when they were teens? Was he looking for his daughter? The first reason seemed plausible, the second doubtful.

  “What do you want?” She repeated the question hoping her voice sounded calm. “How did you know I was here?”

  He laughed. “I’ve many resources and friends. Though I’m sure you hoped I was gone forever I’ve never lost touch with your whereabouts.”

  “Danny.” This time her tension showed. “What do you want?”

  “Just a small favor.”

  “What?”

  “I need you to learn where Patricia Grantlan’s living. I need to talk to her.”

  She clenched her teeth. “She’s dead. Buried last Wednesday.”

  “Bitch!”

  His voice exploded in her ear. His rants made no sense. Andi held the phone away from her ear. Being the bearer of bad news wasn’t good. “I’m sorry for your loss.” She failed to keep sarcasm from her voice.

  “You don’t know the half. She took something of mine, and I want it back.”

  “Your daughter?”

  “No. Something important. Who has her stuff?”

  “I have no idea.” She wasn’t about to mention Rob.

  He shouted profanities. The line went dead.

  Andi stared at the phone. Who should she call? Not the police. Though furious, her brother hadn’t threatened anyone. She hated to call Rob and wake him. If there were any papers he would have taken them to his attorney. Maybe…She had Nate’s office number in her phone. He would know what to do. Quickly she hit the number and left a message.

  “Mr. Quinn, this is Andi Sherman. My brother just called.” She recited the conversation she recalled. “I’m not sure what he wants but I figure Rob brought anything of value to you.”

  She hung up and drew a deep breath. She collapsed against the pillows. She had done all she could think of.

  * * *

  After making rounds at the hospital and discharging the practice’s last in-patient Andi called and spoke to the office manager. “I won’t be in until around ten.” Nate Quinn had called and asked her to stop by his office around nine.

  “You’ve no one scheduled until ten thirty.”

  Andi released a held breath. She could speak to the attorney and be at the office with plenty of time to spare. She drove down the hill and parked near Nate’s office. She entered the gray stone building and hit the elevator button for the second floor.

  Inside the office the blonde receptionist looked up. “Good to see you, Ms. Sherman. They’re waiting for you.”

  They? Had the attorney called Rob? She braced for a meeting. Instead of Rob she saw a man who looked vaguely familiar.

  He grinned. “Simon Parker. High school jock. Remember?”

  She laughed. “Of course. What brings you to the meeting?”

  “I’m a partner in a security firm. Rob asked me to find your brother. Your middle of the night call was the first hint we had of him being alive.”

  Andi sat on one of the chairs. “I’m not happy he has my number.” She ran her hand along the leather covered armrest. “I worry about my niece. “And Rob, though she wouldn’t admit that.

  “Do you think he’ll call again?” Nate said.

  “I’m sure he will. When he wants something he’s persistent.”

  “Do you mind if I run a check on your calls?” Simon asked. “Might give me his location.”

  Andi nodded. “You can, but I doubt you’ll find him. I’m sure he used a burner phone.”

  “If he leaves the phone on we might be able to pin his location. Give me your phone. I have a gadget that can catch all your incoming calls.”

  Andi leaned back. “All my calls?”

  Simon crossed his heart. “I’m only interested in the ones from your brother. I won’t listen to any others.”

  Andi handed him her cell. “All right. Some of my calls will be from patients, or their parents. Confidentiality is an issue.”

  Simon frowned. “I’ll figure a way around the problem.” He remained silent for a few minutes. “Tell you what.” He handed her a second cell phone. “If he calls press this button and the call will reach our switch board so we can trace just where he might be.”

  “What if he comes to my apartment?” she asked.

  “Press three-seven-seven and I’ll have the alert. With luck we’ll find him before he appears.”

  Andi hoped he was right. She really feared her brother would come rather than call. “I just have a feeling he’ll come to town and then visit me.”

  Simon nodded. “Is there somewhere you could stay?”

  “Not really.” She could ask Grace or Josh but she had no desire to drag her colleagues into her personal matters. Or for Josh to get the wrong idea.

  “Tell me about your apartment.”

  “I’m in the new complex. Third floor.”

  “Balcony?”

  “No.”

  “Then I can set an alarm on your door. I’ll drop by around six and set things up.”

  “What do you think my brother wants?”

  “A checkbook with a hefty balance and maybe a list of numbers written on a piece of paper.” Nate Quinn said. “I’ve given them to Simon. He and his partner are tracing them.”

  A few minutes later Andi rose. Simon walked with her to the car. “See you this evening. I’ll call if I’m held up.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Just keep your eyes open. Your brother isn’t a nice man.”

  “He wasn’t nice as a boy, either.” Andi opened the car door. Simon was right. If she had what Dan wanted she would give it him? She started the car and drove to her office.

  * * *

  Once Janine arrived Rob retreated to his study to begin work for the day. Instead of opening his computer he sat in his chair and thought about Andi’s response last evening. He’d kissed her. At first he thought the connection had regrown. Then she pushed him away and ran. What had he done wrong? Until he could discover the why he wouldn’t find a way over her barriers.

  His phone chimed. He looked at the screen and answered. “Simon, what’s up?”

  “News about the illusive Dan Sherman. He called Andi last night.”

  Rob nearly bolted from the chair. He had to protect her. His heart thundered. “Is she in danger?”

  “I don’t believe so. He wanted to know where Patricia was. Andi told him and he went ballistic. Seems your sister took something of his. Maybe the checkbook, or even those numbers.”

  Rob sucked in a deep breath. He should call Andi. She was at work and probably seeing patients. “What can I do?”

  “Calm down. I’m putting an alarm system on her apartment door. I’ve put a rush on the material for your place.”

  “When?” Rob’s worry wasn’t for himself but for his niece.

  “Can’t promise. It’s an extensive system.”

  “Will he try to take Tammy?” Rob’s emotions went into panic mode. He wanted to hover over his women.

  “Why would he want his daughter? I doubt he’s interested in raising a baby.”
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  “If he and Patricia are married he could claim that checking account. Since he’s Tammy’s father he can gain custody.”

  “I’ll check for a marriage record. Your sister used her maiden name on that account, and on the birth certificate.” Simon clicked off.

  Rob sank back in his chair. He wanted to call Andi and order her to move into his place where he could keep her safe. He frowned as he imagined her reaction.

  Fat chance. She wouldn’t accept the offer.

  He wandered to his bedroom and stared at the red bikini panty on his bedpost. The way she’d reacted last night should have smashed his hopes. A smile curved his lips. At least she wasn’t indifferent.

  With a shake of his head he returned to the study and opened the second manuscript. He studied the notes he’s made on scraps of paper.

  * * *

  By three o’clock Rob’s flow of words died. He hit save and stretched. Was he too old for marathon sessions? When he’d been medical director of the nursing home he’d begun the long writing sessions on weekends. These days he had the time, and his decision to treat his writing like a business usually worked. Today he needed a break.

  He walked to his bedroom and switched his shoes for running sneakers. As he ran through the main room he waved to Janine. “Going for a run.” He tucked his cell in his rear pocket and left the house.

  After some stretching exercises he began the mile run taking him past the swimming pool. The shade of the trees shielded him from the summer sun. He noticed the dryness of the grass. When he emerged from the shade he glanced at the sky. No gathering of clouds promised rain.

  He reached the pool and paused to stare at the clear water. He’d had the pool cleaned and filled, and had only used it twice. Maybe he could invite Simon and Dana for a day. Andi, too. Thoughts of seeing her in a bathing suit sent blood rushing to his cock. Enough. He returned to the run. As he neared the cabin the phone vibrated. He pulled the cell from his pocket and slumped on one of the Adirondack chairs. “Hello.”