by Lisa Jackson
“Did you?”
“Well, somehow we managed to get by….” Erin’s voice drifted off. Kane seemed remote this evening, and she could see the evidence of exhaustion on his face. She hated to add to his problems, but she thought that he should know about Krista. “Did you know that she can walk?” Erin asked in a near whisper.
Kane stiffened. “What do you mean? Did she actually walk while I was gone?” His voice had lost all of its distance, and his fingers dug into her upper arm.
“Not exactly…”
“But you said…”
“I know what I said. Just listen a minute. Krista and I had an argument. It wasn’t serious,” Erin added hastily, and felt guilty for the lie. “And when I tried to help her to the wheelchair, she wouldn’t stand for it. She braced herself on the table and took two—three—possibly four steps until she made it to her chair.”
“You’re certain?”
“Kane! I was right there—only inches from her! She walked.”
“Oh, God,” he murmured, and covered his face in his hands. “If only I could believe that she would be able to walk again. If only…”
“Have you spoken to a doctor in Seattle?”
“Not yet…I thought I’d wait until she was settled into a routine.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “The tutor comes on Tuesday for her evaluation, and then I thought I’d call the doctors that were referred to me by Krista’s doctor in L.A.”
“Good.” Kane was weary, and now disturbed. It had been a long, tiring day for both of them. Erin stood up and tightened the thong around her hair. “Krista went to bed at ten. She wanted to wait up for you, but the poor thing was exhausted. Maybe you should go in and let her know that you’re back….” Had he even heard her suggestion? He was looking at Erin intently, but for some reason, she felt that he was light-years away from her. “Well…I’d better be getting upstairs,” she said, and then added more lightly, “Work, tomorrow, you know. And my boss is a very punctual person.”
“Don’t go,” Kane breathed, ignoring her joke and reaching for her wrist. “Stay with me tonight….” His face seemed so earnest, his gray eyes so intent, that Erin had trouble resisting him.
“I’d like to stay, you know that.” She hesitated. “But I can’t…”
“Why not? Erin, I need you.”
“Oh, Kane. You know the reason why I can’t stay with you—she’s sleeping in the next room. You’re the one who said she needed a more normal family existence,” she reminded him, and lovingly touched his forehead. “What do you think she would do if she knew that you and I were sleeping together? You said yourself that her paralysis is psychosomatic, and now we know for sure—because she walked tonight!” Erin was on her knees, placing both of her hands on his cheeks. “Oh, Kane—perhaps the doctors were right, maybe she did need a change to get her motivated to walk. But…we, you and I, we mustn’t do anything to blow it with her. We can’t take the chance and set her back, don’t you see?”
Kane’s eyes agreed with her, although he cursed his frustration.
“Damn!” he spat. “You’re right,” he conceded, “but just how long do you expect me to keep my hands off you?”
“It’s not what I want, and you know it. But I think that we, both of us, need to give Krista some time for adjustment.”
“You’re right,” he sighed, and taking her hands in his, pulled the two of them upright. The passion in his eyes simmered for a minute, and he dropped her hands. “Thanks for staying with Krista. I’ll see you tomorrow at work.” He seemed calm, only his clenched fists gave any indication of the restraint he was placing upon himself. “I’ll be in late, because of Krista and the moving company, but when I get to the office, I…I think that we should have a talk.”
“Oh?”
“You and I have a lot to discuss.”
She smiled up at him and tried to ignore the unreadable expression in his eyes. “I’m glad you’re back,” she whispered. “I missed you.”
He started to respond, but stopped and closed his eyes for a second before rubbing his temple. “I’m glad to be back,” he admitted, trying to rub away the deep ridges of concern that were creasing his forehead. Erin thought that he had finished speaking.
“Good night,” she called over her shoulder, but his voice whispered to her and stopped her as she started to ascend the steps.
“Erin?” he beckoned.
“Yes?” Her face turned to him, and even in the semidarkness he knew it was the most beautiful face he had ever seen, the most incredible woman he had ever made love to.
“You would tell me, wouldn’t you? I mean, if you were in any trouble, you would tell me about it so that I could help you?”
“Of course I would. Honestly! Don’t you know that?” She couldn’t hide the smile that played on her lips.
“Sure,” he agreed absently, as if totally unconvinced.
“Good! Then trust me!” She laughed, and shook her hair loose from the ponytail as she sprinted up the two flights of stairs. What was Kane talking about so seriously? Sometimes, she admitted to herself, he was a bit overly dramatic.
As Kane closed the door to his apartment, he leaned heavily against the cool hardwood. Erin’s final words echoed and reechoed in his ears. “Then just trust me…trust me…”
Chapter 11
Several days had passed, and Erin found it nearly impossible to spend any time alone with Kane. Even the meeting at work had to be postponed indefinitely. During the days at work, whenever their paths would cross, it seemed that there wasn’t any time for the lengthy discussion that Kane had alluded to on Sunday evening. Most of the staff was still out with the flu, the computer was working erratically, and the general disorganization of the office kept Erin from seeing Kane. Also, Kane was in and out of the office, dividing his time between the office and home, hoping to get Krista settled. Fortunately for him, Mrs. Cavenaugh had been more than willing to be with his daughter when it was impossible for him to be at home. But the strain of the situation was wearing on him; Erin could see it in his eyes.
In the evenings, although Erin would eat with Krista and Kane, there wasn’t much time spent relaxing. Kane’s things had made it up to Seattle Tuesday afternoon, and after dinner each night for the next four days, Erin would help him and Krista get the apartment organized. It was a nearly impossible task. Although Kane had most of his belongings in storage, it still seemed to Erin that he had overstuffed the apartment with furniture, books, clothes and whatever else he could imagine. For the first time she realized how different Kane’s lifestyle in California must have been. The expensive leather furniture, an endless wardrobe of clothes, everything he owned spoke of money.
Although Kane seemed to become more tense with each passing day, Erin decided it had to do with the added responsibilities of being a full-time father. All in all, Krista seemed to be adjusting better than Kane to their new life together in Seattle. Slowly Krista was coming out of her shell. She adored Mrs. Cavenaugh and had even accepted Erin. It was difficult, but the girl had begun to take hesitant steps in her father’s presence, and at those times, all of the tension would drain from Kane and he would relax. The brooding sense of distrust in his eyes would die, and he would seem to enjoy life again.
The hectic week passed quickly, and Erin let a sigh of relief escape from her lips at six o’clock on Friday when she could forget about the flu, the computer, and the inheritance tax auditors. She grabbed her coat and hurried out of the bank building. Knowing that Kane was working late this evening, she hadn’t even bothered to knock on his office door to let him know she was leaving. Tonight she had special plans.
She hurried along on foot for several blocks before locating the pet shop that she had found just this week. As promised, the owner had kept his store open the extra ten minutes that Erin needed.
Erin entered the little building and tried to keep her nose from wrinkling at the pungent odor within. Several fat puppies yipped to get her attention, and longingly
she patted a black fluff of fur with sparkling eyes. The puppy’s entire rear end was set in motion and a long pink tongue licked Erin’s fingers.
“Oh, Miss O’Toole,” the bearded shopkeeper smiled. “Have you changed your mind and decided on a dog?” He held up the fat black puppy, who responded by washing the shopkeeper’s broad face.
“No, unfortunately, I don’t have the space for a puppy.” She wavered a moment, and then shook her head resolutely. “No, I think a kitten is a better choice. It’s a gift for a friend.”
The round shopkeeper held his hands out helplessly and shrugged his broad shoulders. “If you’re sure. Just give me a couple of minutes. I know which one you picked out earlier.” He hurried to the back of his store and came back with a tiny black and white kitten that couldn’t have been more than six weeks old. “This is the one, right?” he asked.
Erin held out her hands and petted the warm powder puff of black fur. The kitten began to purr noisily and scratched its tiny paws against Erin’s jacket. “She’s perfect!” Erin breathed, raising the kitten to eye level and inspecting it.
The shopkeeper tugged on his beard. “That one’s a male—is that acceptable?”
“It doesn’t matter. This is the one I want!”
Erin couldn’t hide her excitement as she tapped lightly on the door to Kane’s apartment. The little cat was perched contentedly on her arm as she called through the door. “Krista? Mrs. Cavenaugh?”
“Where have you been?” Mrs. Cavenaugh scolded as she opened the door. “Kane’s already called twice. Finally decided to leave a message with me…say, what’s that you’ve got there?”
Erin breezed into the room, looking for Krista. “What does it look like, Mrs. Cavenaugh?” Erin asked in a whisper. “He’s a surprise for Krista.”
“Oh-ho,” Mrs. Cavenaugh said, shaking her head, but reaching a tentative hand out to pat the kitten’s soft, downy fur.
The whir of the electric wheelchair caught Erin’s attention as Krista came into the room. The defiant look of rebellion had left her features several days ago, and for the first time since their meeting, Erin was sure that Krista was glad to see her.
“Oh, there you are. Look!” Erin announced with a wide, infectious grin as she proudly held up the black and white kitten for Krista’s inspection. The blonde girl let out a squeal of delighted excitement at the sight of the small cat. “I brought him home for you—you do like cats, don’t you?”
“Oh, Erin,” Krista stammered, wheeling more closely to the object of her delight. Erin placed the black ball of fur on Krista’s lap. The kitten stretched and curled into a sleepy ball purring contentedly. “He’s…beautiful….” Krista’s sparkling blue eyes swept from the drowsy kitten to Erin. “Thank you.”
Erin smiled back at the girl and was surprised to feel a lump in her throat. “You’re welcome, Krista,” she murmured, and for a moment her breath caught. Erin kneeled next to the wheelchair and stroked the dozing kitten. “Now, if you decide to keep him, you’ll have to take care of him. Feed him, take him outside….”
“I will,” Krista agreed hurriedly. “Does he have a name?”
Erin shook her head. “That’s for you to decide, unless Mrs. Cavenaugh has any suggestions….” Erin looked at the elderly lady and caught the gray-haired woman taking in the scene before her with teary eyes.
“What? Me?” Mrs. Cavenaugh coughed back her tears. “Oh, no. I’ve never been much of a cat person myself.”
“Then it’s up to you, Krista,” Erin said. She cocked her head and stroked her thumb against her chin as she studied the cat with feigned thoughtfulness. “What do you think?”
“How about—Figaro. You know, like the cat in Pinocchio?” the bright-eyed girl asked, and Erin realized that for the first time since they had met, Krista had asked for and needed her opinion.
“I think Figaro’s a great name,” Erin agreed. “Now,” she said as she stood up and adjusted her skirt, “I’ll hurry upstairs and change my clothes before I cook us all some dinner.”
Mrs. Cavenaugh and Krista exchanged knowing, conspiratorial glances. “Don’t bother,” Mrs. Cavenaugh suggested. “Krista and I are going to eat a pizza and watch The Late Show. I suppose the cat will too. Remember I told you that Kane called earlier. He wants the two of you to go out alone.”
“I don’t know….” Erin looked pensively at the blonde girl in the wheelchair and the cat nestled comfortably in her lap. “Are you sure that Kane wanted only me? I thought he wanted to spend some time with Krista.”
“It’s already been decided,” Mrs. Cavenaugh stated firmly. “He called a few minutes ago. It was his idea. You’re supposed to meet him at a place called The Tattered Sail or some such nonsense. I think he said that it’s on the waterfront.”
“Are you sure?” Erin still wasn’t convinced. “He didn’t say anything to me about dinner….”
Mrs. Cavenaugh clucked her tongue and interrupted, “That’s why he called. He missed you. He’d been in some sort of a meeting with a fellow from California, a Mr….”
“Haney,” Erin supplied.
“That was it. Anyway, by the time he got out of the meeting, you had already gone.” Mrs. Cavenaugh noted the puzzled expression on Erin’s face. “Now, don’t ask me any more questions, because I don’t know anything else.”
Erin turned her attention to Kane’s daughter. The girl had managed to take a few steps on her own and flop down on the couch with the cat. Krista’s progress was encouraging. “Krista, wouldn’t you like to join us?”
The girl rolled her head negatively against the back of the couch and playfully scratched the kitten’s belly. “Naw—not tonight. I think I’d rather stay here with Figaro. Besides, we’ve already ordered the pizza, and the movie is going to be great!”
Erin glanced at Mrs. Cavenaugh, who lifted her shoulders. A tiny hint of a smile pulled at the corner of the wrinkled mouth. “Well, if you’re sure, but somehow I feel that I’m the innocent victim of a conspiracy.”
“No one could accuse you of a lack of imagination. Conspiracy, ha!” Mrs. Cavenaugh rejoined, but her wise old eyes brightened. “Now, you’d better get going. You don’t want to be late. Kane said he’d meet you at about eight o’clock.”
Convinced that both Mrs. Cavenaugh and Krista were satisfied with their plans for the evening, Erin made her way up the stairs and began changing for her dinner date with Kane. She couldn’t hide the feeling of excitement that surged within her. It seemed like an eternity since she had spent some time alone with him. It wasn’t that she begrudged him the time he shared with his daughter, it was just that Erin missed the intimate and quiet times she had shared with him in the past. He had seemed so remote lately.
The cool amethyst silk dress that she chose for the date slid easily over her body. It was simple, smart and understated with its modest V-neck and long sleeves. The slit that parted the hem added just the right amount of flair to be called sexy in a discreet manner. Erin eyed herself speculatively in the mirror and was pleased with her reflection. Her ebony hair cascaded in loose curls to her shoulders and brushed against the neckline of the dress. Her skin was already rosy with the blush of excitement and only a few touches of makeup were necessary to add to the effect. She reached for her coat and purse and headed out the door.
Just as she had closed the door, the telephone began to ring insistently. Erin was late already, and she considered letting the maddening instrument ring, but she couldn’t. It might be something important, possibly Kane rearranging their hastily made plans. Reluctantly she threw her coat over the arm of the couch and hurried to the kitchen to answer the relentless ringing.
“Hello?”
“Erin! I can’t believe that I finally got through to you. I’ve been trying to get in touch with you for days. You never called me, you know,” the male voice accused, and Erin could picture the pouting lips and hurt expression in Lee’s boyish blue eyes.
“I’m sorry, Lee. I did try, but there wasn’t any
answer.”
“You could have tried again.”
“I…I decided that it probably wouldn’t be wise.”
“What if it had been an emergency?”
Her conscience felt a twinge. “It wasn’t, was it?”
“No…but it could have been!”
Erin leaned heavily against the wall, and let her head fall backward. Why tonight? Why was Lee calling again? “Look, Lee,” she whispered. “I’m in a hurry for an appointment. Was there something that you wanted?”
There was a heavy pause in the conversation before he replied. “I just…wanted to see you again….”
Erin bit at her fingernail. “Bull!”
“I need to talk to you,” he pleaded, and his image flashed in her mind’s eye: wavy blond hair, cut-off jeans, old tennis shoes, a grass-stained football jersey that she had given him for Christmas one year.
“So talk,” she managed, her voice unsteady.
“Can we meet?”
“I told you I’ve got a date….” She glanced at her watch.
There was silence, then a deep, theatrical sigh. “Is he someone special?”
“Yes, Lee. He is. Very special. But what do you care, after all these years?” She blinked back the tears that threatened to spill.
“Believe it or not, babe, I’ve always cared about you.”
“Don’t lie to me, Lee. I’ve heard it all before. I don’t think this is the time to go into all that. Not now.”
“When?” he demanded.
“Oh, Lee, don’t you understand? It’s over for us. It’s been over for a long time—probably before you met Olivia.”
“Okay, Erin,” he retorted testily. “I deserved that. I was a louse and I admit it. But can’t you believe that I want to see you again?”
“No.”
“Erin, I have to.”
The tears she was choking back began to slide down her cheeks. “No!”
“But, babe…”
“And don’t call me that! Just what is it you want, Lee? Money?”