by Mona Ingram
Ariana slid onto the floor and walked across the rug on her knees. Placing one hand on either side of his chair, she looked into his eyes. “Did you just say you loved me?”
He cupped her face with one hand. The expression on his face left little doubt as to how he felt. “Ariana Logan, I fell in love with you the first moment I saw you sitting on a park bench on Dallas Road.” He combed his fingers through her hair. “There was something about the way you were sitting there, rocking back and forth...” His voice cracked. “I had no idea how I’d ever get to see you again. I started jogging up and down that path every day and I saw you once more, but on that same day I saw your picture on the side of a bus and I realized you were married.” His eyes held a thousand questions. “But to answer your question, yes, I said I love you. That will never change, no matter what.”
She looked at him through eyes brimming with tears. “But how can you love me when you scarcely know me? That’s not possible, is it?”
He gave her a slow, devastatingly sexy smile. “If it was anyone else, I might agree. But it’s happened, and believe me, it’s real.”
“That’s good to know.”
“Yeah?” He pulled her to her feet.
“Yes, because I love you, too.” She placed a hand flat on his chest. “Do you know how many times I’ve wondered what it would be like to kiss you?”
“No,” he said, gathering her gently into his arms. “But you can stop counting.”
He nibbled gently on her bottom lip, watching her with those jade eyes as she responded.
“I want you, Blaine.” Her body trembled with desire. “But I’m not quite ready yet.”
“I know,” he said, his touch gentle. “But I can wait.” He deposited a trail of kisses along her neck, then pulled back to look at her chest. “How do you feel?”
“Better all the time,” she said, as though discussing her medical condition was an everyday occurrence for them. “I can still feel a twinge if I exert myself too much, though.”
A devilish look lit his eyes. “Another good reason to wait.”
“Why?” she asked.
“Because I want you to feel much more than a twinge when we finally make love.”
She smiled into his eyes. “Are we going to make love, Blaine?”
“You can count on it,” he said, his voice raspy with barely contained need. “Until that time, I’m content to just be with you.” He pulled back. “When can you start divorce proceedings?”
She feigned surprise. “You want me to get divorced?”
“If you’re going to marry me, I think it would be a good idea.”
“Now there you go again,” she said, tapping his lips with her forefinger. “Assuming I want you.”
“You want me,” he said, his eyes darkening with desire. “Almost as much as I want you.” He sat down and pulled her into his lap. “Ariana Logan, will you marry me?”
This was what it was supposed to be like, she thought as she lowered her head to kiss him. Two people who wanted each other so much they might possibly explode. “I’ll marry you the moment I’m free,” she said, sweeping her tongue across his sculpted lips, searching for entry. “And the divorce is already in the works.”
“Bonus,” murmured Blaine, then kissed her until she couldn’t think straight.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“LET’S GO FOR A WALK,” suggested Ariana after a leisurely breakfast. She checked the tide charts conveniently left in the room. “We should see some surfers.”
They wandered slowly down to the beach, hand in hand. Neither of them had been overly disappointed to learn that there were no rooms available last night. Ariana occupied a two-bedroom unit; paying for a second suite would have seemed pointless even if there was one available. Sure that he wouldn’t be able to sleep with Ariana in the adjoining bedroom, Blaine was surprised to wake up completely rested.
“Was that Jodi on the phone this morning?” he asked.
Ariana blushed. “She was worried that I didn’t phone last night, but when I told her you were here, she seemed to understand.”
Blaine gave a pretend shudder. “I don’t know who scares me the most, Jodi or your grandmother.”
Ariana pretended to consider his remark. “That’s a tough one all right, but I think Jodi’s softening toward you. She seemed concerned that you’d driven all the way out here after flying from Toronto the previous day.” She squeezed his hand and leaned into him. “I guess she’s the one who gave you the name of the hospital and the date of the surgery.”
He smiled down at her. “You got the rose?”
“I still have it. I’m pressing it between the pages of a huge cookbook.”
“Sorry I didn’t sign the card, but I didn’t want to cause trouble with your husband.”
“No trouble.” She gazed into the distance. The morning mist hadn’t burned off the ocean yet, and it was difficult to tell precisely where the sea and sky met. “When I received that rose from you I realized I’d been selling myself short all this time; that I’d never really loved Jeremy.”
Blaine walked in silence for a bit longer. “Does he know about the divorce yet? Will he fight you?”
“No.” She thought back to the conversations between herself and Jeremy. “He called me a few names, but that was partly because his male ego had been damaged. He gave up rather easily, in fact.”
“I can’t imagine anyone letting you go without a fight.”
“Thank you for saying that. When I realized he was more concerned what would happen to the business, I knew it was time to walk away.”
Blaine frowned. “What are his concerns?”
“I own fifty-five percent of the real estate company. He’s worried I’ll sell my controlling share to someone.”
He stopped walking. “Are you going to quit?” He pulled her around to face him. “I’ve always thought that must be a tough business, being on call the way you are. I want you to do what makes you happy, but I’d love to see you quit.”
She stepped into him, content in the safety of his arms. “How did I get so lucky?” she asked, brushing her lips against his. “Just think, if I hadn’t had this mastectomy, I wouldn’t have met you.”
“Not true,” he said, brushing a strand of hair from her eyes. “I would have hunted you down.”
“And then what?” she asked, her eyes aglow.
“And then this.” He lowered his head and kissed her gently, fighting the urge to crush her to his chest. “I don’t know which is worse,” he groaned. “Waiting for you to heal, or waiting for your divorce.”
“Well, there’s something I’ve been wanting to discuss with you.”
He pulled back. “This sounds serious.”
“It is,” she said, continuing their walk. “When I was in the hospital, I realized how many women didn’t have nearly the help I did. I’d like to start a center where female oncology patients can find support.” She glanced over at him and saw a flare of interest. “I’d like to buy one of the large old homes in a residential area and turn it into a support centre for women who are facing mastectomies, but more importantly for those who’ve already had the surgery. There are so many areas where we can help. I’ve been making notes while I’ve been here, and it’s an ambitious project, but why not?”
“I like the sound of this. What types of services were you thinking of offering?”
“What got me started was the tattooing. I’d like to offer your services for free to the women who want it.”
He shrugged. “I already do that.”
Her eyes widened. “You do?”
“It’s not something I advertise, or everyone would want free tattoos, but yes, I’ve been doing them free for a couple of years now.”
“Come on, let’s sit over here.” She dragged him to a log. “I’d like to have an area where we can pamper the women before their operations. You know – hair dressing, pedicures, that sort of thing. They’ll need that type of service even more after they�
�re out of the hospital. Then there’s help with special clothing, help with prosthetics, even simple things like arranging babysitting for their kids when they need a break.” The ideas came spilling out. “It would be a place where women come to talk to each other. Share ideas. Bring in professional counsellors who advise on how to deal with all the life changes, both before and after the surgery. We could even help support the odd few who lose their jobs by giving them a place to stay for a few months.” She turned to find him regarding her with a look of amazement.
“And I thought of something else this morning when I woke up.”
He gestured for her to continue.
“I’d like to call it Erin’s Place. After your wife.”
Tears brimmed in his eyes and he slipped an arm around her waist. “Thank you,” he said simply. “Erin would have loved that.”
Ariana remained silent while he gazed out to sea, absorbing her words. “It’ll take money,” he said finally.
“I know,” she said. “But my assets are worth a small fortune.” She watched a seagull land on the beach, and her words slowed. “It’s amazing how something like breast cancer makes you see things in a whole new light. I’m looking forward to doing something worthwhile for a change.” The seagull flew off. “And I know Jackie will want to help financially.”
“I can help,” he said thoughtfully. “My grandfather wasn’t a sophisticated man, but he was a savvy investor. He left me a pile of money. And my father owns a Great Lakes shipping company.” He grinned at her. “I think we’ve got it covered.”
Blaine picked up a piece of driftwood and studied it for a moment. “Did I hear you tell Jodi you’re coming home tomorrow?”
“I’m afraid so,” she said reluctantly. “But think how quickly the days and weeks are going to pass while we work on this new project.” She slipped down from the log and stood with her back to him, studying the distant horizon. “Promise me one thing,” she said, arching her neck.
“Anything.” He nuzzled her just below her ear.
“Promise me you’ll bring me back here.” She turned in his arms, her eyes full of promise. “Soon.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “I promise.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
“ARE YOU SURE, ARIANA?” Jeremy leafed through the paperwork one more time.
“I’m sure,” she said. “You’re the best person to run this business if I’m not here.”
He had the good sense to look sheepish. “Thanks, but after the nasty things I said to you, I thought you’d sell to someone else to get back at me.”
She gave a dry laugh. “It occurred to me, but our fathers worked hard to build up this business and it should stay in the family. Besides, I knew it would be a quick sale, and I have things I want to get on with.”
He rose from his chair and came around to perch on the corner of his desk. “I’ve heard a few rumblings, but nobody seems to know exactly what you’re doing.”
He listened with growing interest as she told him of her plans for Erin’s Place.
“How are you going to fund it?” he asked immediately. “Think of the great publicity if the firm were to back something like that.” He grinned.
“We’ve had some generous donations already. And I’m off to visit Jackie now. I know she’ll want to get involved.”
“I’m serious, Ariana. Get back to me. I’d like to help out in some way.”
“All right,” she said tentatively, now quite sure how to deal with this new Jeremy. “If I don’t get back to you, you’ll hear from Jackie.”
“I’ll look forward to it.” He walked her to the front door and continued outside. “I understand the divorce will be final in a few weeks.”
“Yes.” She pretended to fumble with her keys so he wouldn’t see the expression of joy on her face.
“I’m sorry it came to this,” he said, stumbling over his words. “But I wish you well.”
“Thanks, Jeremy.” She climbed into her car and pulled out of the parking lot. It wasn’t until she was several blocks away that she realized he hadn’t looked at her breasts.
A SUBTLE CHANGE CAME over Jackie as Ariana laid out her plans. Her grandmother’s piercing violet-grey eyes narrowed ever so slightly, and Ariana could almost see the ideas bouncing around in her head.
“And you say you’ve already narrowed it down to choosing between two houses?” Jackie didn’t wait for a response. “Make sure you buy in a good location. Go over your budget if necessary; you know you can count on me to make up any shortfall.”
“Yes, but I don’t think that will be necessary. Blaine and I were hoping you’d come and look at them with us.” Ariana’s voice softened. “He’s been wonderful.”
“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me. I’d be happy to help you choose, but in the meantime, I see a different role for me in this project.”
Ariana waited.
“You’ll need someone to spearhead your fundraising, and that’s where I fit it. I’ve already set up a lunch date with some of my poker playing buddies. Bankers and lawyers mostly, but they’ll advise me on setting up a Charitable Trust, or whatever they call it these days. They’ll probably fall all over themselves to see who can donate the most.” She came alive as she spoke. “It’s about time I was able to benefit from knowing everyone in this town with a high net worth.”
“Perfect,” said Ariana. “That’s a big load off my shoulders.”
Jackie made a shooing motion with her hands. “Now you run along. You’re a busy girl and I have work to do.”
“WELCOME BACK, STRANGER.” Jodi was finishing up with a personal client when Ariana arrived at the fitness studio. “Nice of you to stop by.”
“I’m sorry, Jodi. I’ve been so busy.”
Jodi grabbed a couple of bottles of water and led them both to the juice bar. “Just kidding.” She sat on a stool and drained half the bottle in one long swallow. “You look fabulous, by the way. Mr. Tattoo Man has put a sparkle in your eyes I haven’t seen for years.”
Ariana tipped up her bottle, but couldn’t hide her grin. “He’s amazing all right.”
Jodi lowered her voice. “So what’s this about a women’s center? You can’t just feed me bits and pieces, you know. Out with it.”
Ariana went over the details once more and Jodi’s head bobbed up and down as she spoke. “I love the idea of buying an old home. So much better than some institutional-type building.” Her gaze wandered around the studio, but for once Ariana couldn’t tell what her friend was thinking.
“What is it?” she asked.
“What about yoga classes?” Jodi woumd a strand of hair around her finger, the same way she’d always done when thinking. “I could come up with something to get people moving after a couple of weeks.” She narrowed her eyes. “That’s about right, isn’t it?”
Ariana nodded. “Each woman’s recovery time varies, but they’ll know when they’re ready. I love the idea.”
“Good. I’ll work on that.” She’d finished her water, so she grabbed Ariana’s and finished that as well. “I’ll arrange my schedule so I can teach most of the classes myself for the first couple of months. Later on, I’ll turn some of the classes over to one of my assistants.” That decided, she sat back and wiggled her eyebrows, a la Groucho Marx. “So how are you going to fit a honeymoon into all of this?”
“I’m not sure, but we’ll manage. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy.”
“Ha!” Jodi’s shout drew the attention of a couple of customers. “Judging by the heat that passes between the two of you every time you’re in the same room, you won’t even know where you are.” She reached out and touched her friend. “Promise me you’ll take a few days, though, okay? You deserve it.”
Tears blurred Ariana’s vision but she smiled at her friend. “We will. Erin’s Place opens the day after the divorce is final, and we’ll probably get married the next day.” Ariana blushed. “Blaine doesn’t want to wait any longer.”
Jodi coc
ked an eyebrow. “Can’t say I blame him. That man lurves you, girl!”
“Do you think so?”
Jodi made a disgusted face and hopped down from her stool. “Stop being so needy and get out of here.” She gave Ariana a quick hug. “See you soon.”
Chapter Twenty Four
ERIN’S PLACE WAS DECLARED officially open on a gentle summer evening in late August. Situated on a large treed lot in the Fairfield area, it had been recently updated to reflect modern tastes.
Flanked by Blaine and Jackie, Ariana stood under the porte cochere and welcomed a true cross-section of Victorians. Jackie had worked her usual magic to line up donors of both money and goods, and insisted on paying for an interior designer who had created a gracious but functional atmosphere.
Representatives of the medical community, including the head of oncology praised Ariana’s generosity, but she simply smiled and deflected the compliments to Jackie.
A chart in one of the many common rooms outlined the schedule of events for the next month. During the exhaustive process of setting up the facility, Ariana had met many cancer survivors, and she hired three of them to rotate as house managers. They mingled among the guests, patiently explaining the range of services that would be offered at Erin’s Place.
Toward the end of the evening, Jeremy arrived. Startled when Ariana slipped her hand into his, Blaine looked up, searching for the cause of her sudden tension.
“Come on,” he murmured into her ear. “Let’s go and greet him together.”
“Glad you could make it,” said Ariana, offering her hand. “And thank you for the donation.”
Jeremy waved her comment away, focused on Blaine’s hand at Ariana’s waist. “And you are?”
Blaine responded smoothly. “Blaine Bennett.”
Jeremy frowned, and Ariana recognized that he’d had a bit too much to drink. “Are you a friend of my wife’s?”
Blaine drew her closer and gazed into her eyes. “I’m more than a friend, and she’s not your wife anymore, if you recall.” The steel in his voice sobered Jeremy. “As a matter of fact, we’re getting married tomorrow.”
