Divided Dreams

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  “Bedroom?” she asked.

  “If I can last that long.” He released her hands.

  His gruff voice excited her. She ran past the living room and down the hall. He caught her at the bedroom door. His fingers slid beneath the sides of her bikini bottom and yanked it down. He lifted her and captured one breast in his mouth.

  The fluttering of his tongue caused sensations to reach her core. He dropped her on the bed and stared at her like a pirate eyeing a rich treasure.

  “You are beautiful.” He slid the panties off and removed her shoes. He massaged each foot using his thumbs to press areas sending electric charges where she needed him.

  When he knelt on the bed between her legs and bent to kiss her she stroked the mat of dark hair on his chest. When she rolled her fingers over the tight tips of his nipples he growled and thrust his tongue unto her mouth. She arched toward him.

  He raised his head. His eyes glowed with desire. He grasped her hips and slid into her channel. He filled her completely and remained still.

  The aromas of him and her filled every breath. “I need…I want…” she cried.

  “And so do I.” he clasped her hands and began to move. A burn began. She tried to move and encourage him to a faster pace. He released her hands, bent his head and sucked one nipple into his mouth. His tongue teased. He sucked and nipped.

  She couldn’t hold back the explosion that erupted, sending welcoming heat. She cried his name and grasped his hair. She had missed and needed this feeling of completeness for so long.

  Rob began to thrust and withdraw, each interval shorter than the one before. Noises erupted from his throat. Her body tensed in anticipation of another explosion. He thrust again and threw his head back and roared. Her body tightened around him. The explosion shattered all tension.

  He collapsed atop her. His body felt like a warm blanket. Their harsh rapid breaths slowed into harmony. He stroked her hair and brushed his lips over hers and rolled so they were side to side.

  Andi closed her eyes. Thoughts of love rose. She couldn’t deny her feelings. Her eyes opened. She saw bemusement in his eyes. “That was…Thank you.”

  He stroked her face with his fingers. “Mutual wonder…”

  She glanced at the bedside clock. She frowned. Where had the time gone?

  “Give me a bit of recovery time and we’ll go again.”

  “Another day. It’s nearly eleven. Aren’t you Cinderella?”

  “Damn.” He sat up. “Save the protection for another time.” He rose and walked to the door and turned. “There was…well…the best for years.”

  She swallowed the urge to agree. As he stepped into the hall she watched the play of his muscles. She would and wouldn’t regret making love in the morning. She grabbed her robe and followed him.

  * * *

  Rob stood in the hall and pulled on his slacks. He shoved his feet into his shoes and tucked the socks in his trouser pocket.

  Andi appeared. Her tousled hair and the hastily donned robe made him wish he could stay. He kissed her lightly and reached for the doorknob. “I’ll call tomorrow.”

  “Drive safe.” She grabbed the sides of his shirt. “Better button before you reach the cabin.”

  “I will.” He opened the door and pulled her into his arms. As he lowered his head to kiss her she sighed. “I wish I could stay,” he whispered against her lips.

  She ended the kiss. “Go. I’m not into pumpkins.”

  Rob waved and bounded down the steps. Waiting for the elevator would have him pounding on her door. He reached his car and gripped the steering wheel. There were things he should have said before he left. Like come to New York with me. Come to the cabin to live. I want to be with you forever. Would she believe him? He’d told her that once before and then he’d said those cruel words.

  He started the car and drove home. At the cabin he buttoned his shirt and slung his jacket over his shoulder. He would arrive with five minutes to spare.

  When he opened the door, Janine rose from the couch. One eyebrow arched. “Guess you had a good time.”

  He grinned. “I did. How was Tammy?”

  “Delightful.” She slipped past him and reached for the door.

  “Thanks for staying. See you Monday.”

  He headed for his bedroom with a stop to see his niece. He stared at the sleeping child. “I’m in love,” he whispered. “I bet you will approve.”

  * * *

  The next morning Rob made airplane reservations for the trip to New York. The signing and photo ops were scheduled for Friday. Though his agent had pushed he wasn’t sure he wanted to remain until Sunday. If he returned on Saturday he could have part of a weekend with Andi. If he could convince her to stay.

  He booked return flights for Saturday and Sunday. Then he called his agent and gave her Friday’s arrival time.

  “A limo will be waiting and the hotel is booked,” she said. “Not far from my office.”

  He disconnected and was about to call Andi when his cell buzzed. “Hello.

  “Simon here. You busy Sunday? Dana and I are taking Jenny to the lake. We’ll be there around three. Picnic dinner. Would you like to bring Tammy?”

  “I’d like that. Maybe I can persuade Andi to join us. If you don’t mind.”

  Simon chuckled. “Ask her.”

  “Any news about Dan Sherman?”

  “Nada. The man’s as illusive as a shadow at midnight. The search continues.”

  “What about security here at the cabin?”

  “Still waiting for components. Might be able to start on Friday.”

  Rob hung up and tapped the number he’d planned to call. He wanted to cross his fingers, eyes and toes hoping she would agree.”

  “Hello.”

  Hearing her voice caused all words to evaporate. The single word evoked the way she’d looked when she’d climaxed. Surely, she would want to experience that again.”

  “Hello,” she repeated.

  “Hi.” Why had he called?

  “Rob.” Her voice sounded strained. Had her brother called her again?

  He cleared his throat. “About last night. We need to talk.”

  “We need to go slow. Take a week or two to think about whether last night was a mistake or not.”

  “Not for me.” He gripped the cell. “I’ll step back, but we have been invited to a picnic at Fern Lake tomorrow afternoon around three.”

  “Who?”

  “Simon and Dana.” Her silence made him think she would refuse.

  “I’d like to see them. I’ll meet you in the parking lot. I’ve some questions for Simon. What should I bring?”

  “Yourself. I’ll provide our share of the food.”

  She laughed. “That’s a deal. Hey, is the hotdog truck still parked across the road from the lot?”

  “It is. You’ve given me a great idea. I’ll tell Dana I’ll make a killer chocolate cake and buy hotdogs from the truck. She can bring the sides.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  Rob lifted Tammy into his arms. Though outside dark clouds and faint rumbles promised rain he felt sun warmth inside. “We’re good, kid. Tomorrow we’ll see Andi.”

  Chapter 10

  Andi pulled on a pair of denim shorts and a blue tank top. Yesterday’s rain had cleared the humidity and lowered the temperature. She tucked her wallet in her pocket and grabbed her keys from the foyer table. Did she really want to meet Rob at the lake and face reemerging memories? She wanted to see her niece. Loving Tammy came easy. Trusting Rob was hard.

  Admit the truth. Loving Rob was easy. She couldn’t deny all they’d shared in the past remained strong. Friday night being in his arms, dancing and making love. Those hours rose in vivid flashes. They had once had so much. Could she reach for him again and risk her anger spewing to ruin a second chance?

  Today will be just four friends and two babies meeting for a picnic and some reconnecting. She stepped into the hall and ran down the stairs. When she reached her car s
he slid inside, drew a series of deep breaths and drove to the lake, the scene of her best and worst memories.

  As she drove past the hot dog truck she nearly stopped to buy one and fortify her courage with a chili dog topped with cheddar. She hit the gas. Delaying tactics wouldn’t work. She pulled into the parking log on the “townie” side of the lake. Did the old rules still apply? Would Rob wait here, or had he gone to find his cousin?

  She sat in the car and stared through the trees to see the glinting waters of the lake. Courage. Time to go.

  A tap on the window startled her. She turned her head. Rob smiled. Jolts of desire flooded her body. He carried Tammy in some kind of chest sling. She gestured for him to step back so she could leave the car. She couldn’t meet his gaze lest he see desire in her eyes. Her breasts felt heavy. The nipples tightened.

  “I’m glad you came.” He stepped away. “I feared you wouldn’t.”

  “So did I.” She looked around. “Looks the same.”

  He nodded. “Maybe more trees.”

  She stepped closer. “I’m here because I wanted to see Tammy.”

  “And here she is.” He adjusted the sling. “This contraption is clever.”

  Andi laughed. “Where are we meeting Simon and Dana?”

  He pulled a phone from his pocket. “I’ll call, and he’ll lead us.”

  Moments later Rob grabbed a basket and the diaper bag. He draped a quilt over his shoulder. “Bring the thermos. It’s iced coffee.”

  Andi lifted the gallon container she recognized from the evening of his editing marathon. She moved to his side. “You can stop. I see Simon waving.” She led the way down the path leading to a cluster of maple trees. The water of the lake reflected the sunlight. The white sails several boats skimmed across the water. She spotted a canoe and a rowboat moving in circles.

  When they reached the couple she took the quilt and spread it on the ground. “What a beautiful day.”

  Dana nodded. “Yesterday’s storm cleared the air.” She leaned forward. “Are you settling in?”

  “Reasonably well considering the distractions.” She watched Rob place Tammy on the quilt. He sat beside Simon.

  Dana grinned. “Rob certainly is one, but I prefer Simon.”

  Andi laughed and stared at the ground. “There have been more than him. I can’t get over the changes in town. There’s also Tammy, and the practice.”

  Dana’s daughter crawled toward the edge of her blanket. Simon scooped her up. “You’re not escaping this time.” He turned to Rob. “She also walks but has learned this way is quicker. Look forward to Tammy’s escape attempts.”

  Dana chuckled. “Hard to believe he isn’t her birth father. In some ways he and Rob are alike.”

  Rob leaned against a tree. His voice carried to her. “I’m hoping to persuade Janine to stay on after September.”

  Andi’s gut tightened. She chided herself. She had no reason for the pangs of jealousy and envy of the nanny.

  “I’m glad she’s working out.” Dana said.

  “Have you learned more about her background?” Simon asked.

  “A bit. Her references all checked out. She has a degree in child psychology. She’s from Boston. Her accent reminded me of Nate’s wife.”

  Tammy gurgled and waved her hands. Jenny scrambled toward the baby. Rob edged closer to the blanket. His gaze focused on the pair.

  Andi turned to Simon. “Any news of my brother?”

  “Nothing. Don’t know if that’s good or bad.”

  As she turned her head she saw Grace and Josh striding down the path from the parking lot. She waved. The pair approached. Andi tensed. Would Josh create a scene?

  The pair paused beside the group. Josh smiled. “Grace, meet Dana and Simon Parker. She does our billing and he owns a company that manages our security.”

  Grace smiled. “I’m pleased to meet you.”

  For a time they chatted about surface matters. Finally the pair walked away. Andi released the breath she’d held. Josh had behaved. She hoped he would discover all Grace had to offer.

  Jenny collapsed on her blanket. Simon pulled Dana to her feet. “We’re going to walk a bit while she naps.”

  Tammy fussed. Andi changed her diaper. The fussing continued. Rob pulled a bottle from the diaper bag. “Feeding and nap time for her, too.”

  Just as Tammy nodded off Dana and Simon returned. Rob settled his niece on the quilt. He grasped Andi’s hand. “Walk with me.”

  When her fingers touched his arm an electric charge rolled along her skin. She felt the strength of the attraction in every fiber of her body. What was she going to do?

  He led her toward the beach. Dozens of swimmers cavorted in the water. “Are you okay with staying at the cabin with Tammy next weekend? I could take you both with me.”

  Though the idea tempted she couldn’t give in. “I can’t. It’s too soon to ask for a three day weekend.”

  “And I imagine the trip would be boring for you while I’m participating in Chad’s great plan.” He twined his fingers with hers. “I almost begged off.” He pressed her hand. “There are too many memories here.”

  Her breath caught. She tried to think of the good times but what had ended her dream rose like a black cloud. “The good times are gone.”

  Sadness filled his eyes. “The one bad time haunts me, too.”

  “There were two.”

  He turned her to face him. “I don’t understand.”

  “Have you forgotten the evening your brother caught us? His snide smile promised trouble.’ She jerked her hand free. “You said you would handle him.”

  “He came to me a few days later and wanted a thousand dollars. He knew I had a nice savings account. I refused, because he would have asked again and again.”

  Andi sucked in a breath. “I’m sorry that happened.” And she was, but she couldn’t forget the pain his failure to give into blackmail had brought her.

  He turned her to face him. “So am I. I was young and afraid of my father. Where do we go from here?”

  She met his gaze. “I don’t know. I need time to think. Can we not see each other until you return from your trip?”

  “Though that’s not what I want I’ll hang back.” He walked toward their friends. “Keep an eye on Tammy while I pick up the hot dogs I ordered.”

  “Chili dogs with cheddar?” Three voices asked.

  “What else?”

  Dana looked up. “I’ve potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans.”

  “And there’s chocolate cake for dessert,” Rob said.

  Simon chuckled. “What more could we want.”

  Andi settled on the blanket. She watched Rob stride away.

  * * *

  Several times during the five days after the picnic at the lake Andi checked her cell for messages from Rob. It looked as though he’d taken her request seriously. Though tempted to call him, she talked to Janine every day about Tammy.

  The realization of how much she wanted to see him hit hard. She loved him as deeply as she had years ago. One hurdle remained. “Poor white trash.” Those words had hurt and his action that evening had eroded her ability to trust him.

  * * *

  On Friday afternoon Andi met with her partners. “No in-patients. I have one continuing problem.” She told them about the eco-mom. “She refuses to change her detergent. She’s brought her son in twice this week for an emergency appointment. The irritation worsens.”

  Josh raised his cup. “The next time we’ll intervene.”

  “I fear the little boy will end in the ED with an infection.”

  “Alert them.”

  Andi rose. “If there are no more problems I need to go.”

  “Another date with Grantlan?” Josh asked.

  “Actually with my niece. Rob’s out of town for the weekend.”

  Josh raised an eyebrow. “At least he’d doing his playing away from home.”

  Andi gritted her teeth. “You have no reason to say such things. Don�
�t worry. In a day or two you’ll know why he went away,”” She left the table. “See you Monday.”

  She reached her car and pounded the steering wheel. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could cope with Josh’s snide remarks. The moment her anger ebbed she drove to the cabin. She parked her car beside an aging sedan, grabbed her overnight case and knocked on the door.

  Janine answered. “Right on time.”

  “Glad I wasn’t late. The Friday meetings can drag sometimes.”

  Janine smiled. “Wouldn’t have mattered. I have the evening free. Oh, I made a chicken casserole for your dinner. Mr. Grantlan said you don’t cook.”

  Andi rolled her eyes. “I’m not completely helpless. Is there enough for two?”

  “More than enough.”

  “Stay and have dinner with me.”

  “I’d enjoy that.”

  After Andi unpacked her suitcase in the room next to Tammy’s she joined Denise at the table. Andi studied her companion. “Why did you come to Fern Lake?”

  Janine stared at her plate. “Several years ago I made a mistake. I lost an important thing. I believe the person who took what I lost is here. I need to find what happened so I can move on.”

  Andi set her fork on the plate. “I understand the need to move forward. Can I help?”

  Janine shrugged. “It’s complicated.”

  “Life seems that way.” Andi tasted the casserole. “This is delicious.”

  “And easy to make. I’ll give you the recipe.”

  “And I might try to make one. How was Tammy?”

  “She’s a wonderful baby. Did fuss a bit after Mr. Grantlan left. He’s great with her. He often carts her around in that sling.”

  During the rest of the meal they shared their taste in books and movies. When she learned she and Janine shared the same birthday she laughed. “We should celebrate next year.”