The Sweet Touch

by Madelaine Grant

  Seeing Dan’s tired expression, Kate said, “It’s okay. Sometimes we forget things.” Turning to Ethan she said, “Would you like to see what’s happened to the plants we looked at last time you were here? They’ve grown a little bigger.”

  “Yes,” Ethan cried. “Let’s see them.”

  Taking his hand she led him toward the back door. “We’ll just be a few minutes.”

  Looking relieved, he nodded. “I’ll wait here. I have a few calls to make.”

  As they approached the greenhouse Kate said in a low tone, “Remember we have to be very quiet because the plants get upset with loud noises. And we can’t run around.”

  Answering in a whisper, Ethan said, “Okay, I remember.”

  Walking inside Kate tiptoed toward the long table with the plants. In a hushed tone she said, “Can you tell what some of these are going to be? They’re a little older now so it might be easier.”

  Gazing carefully at the small pots, Ethan said, “I think that’s a radish.” He pointed one small finger. “Am I right?” He turned to her with an earnest expression.

  Picking up the pot she brought it closer. “You’re absolutely right. It’ll grow to be a purple radish. See, I’ve put sticks with names on them in each pot.”

  He studied the stick for a moment. “I can read it,” he exclaimed.

  “Good.” Kate nodded approvingly. “Here’s some other pots. Can you read those names too?”

  Frowning in concentration Ethan studied one of the sticks. “I think it says carrots. And this one says . . .” He hesitated. “It’s a long word. I don’t know it.”

  “Scallions. That’s a pretty hard word to read. Those are almost ready to pick. Maybe next time you come to visit we can use some of these to make a salad.”

  He wrinkled his nose. “I don’t like salads.”

  Smiling, Kate said, “You’ve never tasted one of my salads. Besides, you’ll be helping me make it. When you make your own meals, they taste much better. Did you know that?”

  “Really?” He looked surprised.

  “Really,” Kate said firmly. “Now I think we’d better join your dad. We’re going to the pier.” She walked quietly with him to the door.

  The pier was a busy place with families strolling about and people fishing. Food trucks were lined up selling everything from barbecued ribs to frozen desserts. Ethan ran down the length of the pier, stopping now and then to see if the fishermen’s buckets held anything interesting.

  “Come look, Dad,” he cried running back to Dan and Kate who were leisurely strolling about. “There’s a long snake in one of the buckets.”

  “A snake?” Dan looked puzzled. “I don’t think they’re fishing for snakes.”

  “It’s pretty long.” He pulled on Dan’s hand. “Come and see.”

  “Go on,” Kate said. “I’ll bring up the rear.”

  With a resigned look he went with Ethan. Kate sensed Dan’s divided loyalties. He wanted to be with her but needed to assure Ethan he was there for him. Single parents had a difficult time when they started dating again. Children who’d lost one parent probably held on tighter to the remaining one.

  Catching up to them Kate heard Dan tell Ethan that the snake-like creature in the bucket was an eel.

  “Can you eat them?” Ethan asked, peering into the bucket with a fascinated expression.

  “Many people like eating eels,” his father assured him. “It’s a real delicacy.”

  “Do you like eels?” The boy turned to Kate.

  “I like seeing them in the water but not eating them. I prefer vegetables and fruit.”

  He thought about that for a moment. “Me too,” Turning to his dad he said, “I’m hungry. Can we go to the taco truck? Can we?”

  “Sure. Let’s see what their specials are today.”

  Later, after Ethan chose a sausage taco and a lemonade, they headed to the picnic tables at the edge of a narrow beach. Dan brought along sushi rolls and miso soup. After consuming several rolls he said to Kate, “I think I’ll try one of the veggie tacos. Want one?”

  She shook her head. “This is fine but you go ahead. You have a bigger appetite.”

  “Can I try one too Daddy? Can I?” Ethan asked.

  “If you think you can eat it. That was a pretty big taco you just had.”

  “I can eat it,” he declared.

  “Okay, then.” Dan went off to purchase the tacos.

  Looking around Ethan spotted several children on the beach playing in the sand. “I’m going to see what they’re doing,” he said sliding off the bench. Without waiting for an answer he was off.

  Kate made sure he was within sight and watched Ethan approach one youngster a little younger than himself. Before long he was helping the boy build a castle with a moat all around. He’d probably forgotten all about the taco, Kate thought, but this was good. Being an only child, Ethan needed to socialize.

  When Dan came back with the tacos, Kate said, “He’ll be back eventually. He’s having fun. Unstructured play with other children is important at this age.”

  “I’m sure you’re right.” Dan sat next to Kate, put an arm around her waist and drew her close. His hand rested on her thigh. “Can’t wait until I have you all to myself tomorrow night.” His voice was low and husky.

  Leaning against him, Kate smiled with anticipation. She was looking forward to Saturday evening alone with him, too.

  “By the way,” Dan continued, “while we’re away my living room will be painted and new flooring put in. Also, my housekeeper and her husband will take some of the furniture. The rest will go to their son who just bought a new home and needs to fill it. When we return from our trip, we can look at those photos of modern furniture and decide what would work.”

  “That should be fun,” Kate replied. “I love decorating and with light walls and floors, most of those pieces we saw would work.” She wondered if he’d want to redo another room. Maybe during the summer months there’d be time. Although there was that book on raw foods waiting to be finished. With an inward sigh she put those plans out of her mind. Right now all she wanted to concentrate on was the Colorado holiday. The rest could wait.

  ~ ~ ~

  “My chefs are experimenting with new vegetarian dishes,” Dan informed Kate as he took a casserole out of the oven on Saturday evening. “This is a sweet potato and cauliflower concoction.” He brought it to the breakfast nook and set it on a wooden trivet next to an enormous salad flanked with several dressings - guacamole, hummus, and a lemon yogurt with a mint garnish.

  Kate nodded her approval. “Looks delicious.”

  “I tasted the casserole and for a vegetarian meal it’s pretty filling. Although, to be perfectly honest, a slice of roast beef on the side wouldn’t hurt.” He smiled ruefully as he sat opposite her. “Guess it’ll be a while until I adjust to veggies alone.”

  Kate paused and looked at him with a serious expression. “Dan, you can have whatever you wish. I don’t expect you to eat the way I do, although more fruits and veggies is healthier.” She helped herself to a hefty portion of salad and ladled guacamole on top.

  “I know that. Except I feel guilty eating meat when I’m with you. Don’t worry, I get plenty of meat and fish at lunch. And eating your way is good for me.” He sent her a tender glance. “You’ve changed many things in my life in the short time we’ve been together – all for the better, too.”

  “Really?” She tilted her head to one side. “That’s good to know.” Reflecting on his words she said, “You’ve changed things for me, too.” It was hard to describe, but he’d definitely altered her life.

  Placing his hand over hers, he added, “Guess our meeting was ordained.”

  “Maybe so.” Her eyes locked with his for a long moment and her heart beat quickened.
“I was sure I’d never date again.”

  “We’re not dating,” he replied with a serious expression.

  “We’re not?” Her look was incredulous. “What are we doing then?”

  “Discussing business, of course.” Then he spoiled it all by throwing back his head and laughing.

  “Some business,” she scoffed, but she couldn’t help laughing with him.

  Relaxing after dinner on lounge chairs by the pool, Dan said, “You don’t need a bathing suit, Kate. Skinny-dipping is much more fun.” His blue eyes twinkled in amusement as her cheeks turned pink.

  “Is that so?” she retorted, but she was smiling. “Actually, when the weather’s warm and it’s dark out, I usually swim nude in my own pool. Much more relaxing.”

  “Glad you agree.” He rose, reached down and picked her up, then settled back in his chaise with Kate on his lap. Slowly he unbuttoned her white cotton blouse and slid it off. Her denim shorts followed the same path. “Much better.” He drew her close as his hands caressed her almost-bare body. “You have the softest skin,” he declared. For an athlete she was as sensuous and shapely as anyone he’d ever been with. From her full, rounded breasts to her firm derriere, Kate was stunning.

  “Aren’t you going to take off anything?” She slipped one hand under his black tee shirt and felt his warm skin. “That’s not fair.”

  “Who says I have to be fair?” Dan retorted. Then he proceeded to pull the shirt over his head. Raising her bottom with one hand he attempted to dispose of his denim shorts. Laughing, he gave up. “I need two hands for this maneuver.”

  Before long they were both swimming nude. Kate floated on her back, savoring the weightless sensation of moving through water. “This is the best way to swim.”

  “Suits me fine, too.” Dan drifted nearby, eyes closed, completely relaxed. He looked forward to the rest of the evening with her. Kate had that effect on him – completely calming and, at the same time, very turned on. The combination was astonishing. An added advantage was the certainty that she’d be joining him in his king-size bed. He smiled at this last satisfying thought.

  In spite of Dan’s best attempts to ease Kate’s worries about Sunday brunch with her family, she was a bundle of nerves. “I know it’s ridiculous,” she told him as she packed the appetizers she’d made into a thermal bag before they left Dan’s house. “But I can’t shake the feeling that something will happen between Stacy and me.” Turning to him she said, “Guess it’s so ingrained that I practically expect it.”

  He nodded thoughtfully. “Probably so. It’s a conditioned response, but I still think you can control it. Actually, what’s the worst thing that could happen? You could end up in an argument with your sister. It’s not the end of the world. Your family is probably accustomed to the verbal sparring you and Stacy get into.” He took out two large containers from the refrigerator. “I’m bringing something to the brunch. One of my chefs came up with a savory appetizer and I’d like to see how your family reacts. It’s not on our menu yet but if everyone likes it, I’ll give it a try.”

  Curious, Kate walked over to him. “What is it?”

  “Scott steamed leaves of cabbage and filled them with a mixture of ground meat and rice. He also prepared veggies and rice for other rolls. There are several sauces to go with the rolls. I tasted both types and liked them.”

  “I’m sure they’ll be wonderful. You didn’t have to bring anything, you know.” It was thoughtful of Dan to contribute.

  “I’m using your family’s reaction to test a new menu item,” he explained as he put two packages into a large shopping bag. “Are we all set now?”

  Letting out a heavy sigh, Kate nodded. “I’ll probably need a long run after we leave the brunch.”

  He laughed. “Don’t look so mournful. Maybe I’ll join you in your run. I could use more exercise in my sedentary life.” He pulled her close for a few delicious moments. “I love doing things with you, Kate, whether visiting your family or taking a run. Don’t sweat the small stuff.”

  Setting out promptly from Dan’s house, Kate hoped to arrive at her parents’ home before the others. Much easier to introduce Dan to her parents without her brother and sister and their families crowding about. When she drove up the long driveway to her parents’ spacious two-story colonial-type home, familiar cars were parked outside the three-car garage.

  “Damn,” she muttered. “Why does everybody have to come early?”

  Pulling his Lexus next to a dark gray SUV, Dan soothed, “Take it easy, Kate. Remember, I’m here.” He put his hand over hers, bent over, and gave her a tender kiss. “Think about the run we’re going to take together afterward. And our Colorado trip coming up soon. Don’t focus on small things, like your sister’s nasty disposition.”

  He was right. Kate knew it intellectually but emotionally it was a different story. Stress from family issues was the last thing she needed right now. Between a very busy work schedule and her new involvement with Dan, she was strung out like a fine wire ready to snap.

  Taking a long, indrawn breath, she attempted to compose her features into a pleasant mask. No way would she get into an argument with Stacy in front of her father. His health was at stake. She needed to keep the atmosphere around him calm. With this resolve firmly in place, she exited the car.

  “Auntie Kate, Auntie Kate.” Shrill voices from her two nieces and nephew echoed down the long entranceway as Kate and Dan entered the house.

  “Quiet!” Greg ordered with a scowl as his two daughters and his nephew came running up to Kate. “You know Grandpa doesn’t feel well.” Turning to his sister and Dan he said, “Sorry about the commotion. The kids were getting antsy in the house.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Kate said. Turning to Dan she said, “Dan, I want you to meet my brother, Greg. And these are my nieces, Allison and Taylor, and my nephew, Jacob.” She bent to give each of them a hug and a kiss. “How come you’re not in the pool having fun?”

  “Cause Daddy says we have to wait.” Allison pouted.

  Greg shook hands with Dan. Then he turned to the children. “We’ll all take a swim after brunch. Remember, I told you that before.”

  “Kate dear, how nice to see you.” Marge Bromley, a tall woman with gray hair pulled up in a ponytail, joined the group. Turning to Dan, she said, “You must be my daughter’s new friend. She mentioned you’d be joining us.” She smiled at Dan, a speculative gleam in her dark eyes.

  “Mom, this is Dan Brookhouse.” Kate made the introduction, her cheeks flushing in spite of her best efforts to keep calm. “I told you I did a demo for his restaurant chain recently.”

  Dan shook hands with Marge. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Bromley.”

  “Oh, call me Marge,” she replied. Looking at Kate, she added, “Dad’s relaxing on a lounge near the pool. I’m trying to keep him sedentary, which is not easy. Stacy and Patty are in the kitchen getting everything ready. I see you’ve brought things, too.” She glanced at the shopping bags.

  “Just a few appetizers,” Kate replied.

  “I’m sure they’ll be tasty. Let me take them into the kitchen. Why don’t you and Dan join your father?” Looking down at her grandchildren, she added, “Can you all play quietly in the den for a few minutes? I put out those puzzles for you to finish. Then we’ll be ready for brunch.”

  Walking onto the wide deck surrounding a large pool, Kate, Dan and Greg headed over to the shady side where a broad-shouldered man with close-cropped gray hair was stretched out on a chaise. He sat up as the three approached.

  “Dad,” Kate said hurrying over to him. She gave him a kiss and sat next to him. “How’re you doing?” Aside from a pale complexion, her father looked all right, she thought. “I want you to meet my friend, Dan.”

  Her father rose and shook Dan’s hand, his eyes inquisitive. “Any friend of K
ate’s is welcome. Glad you could join us.”

  So far everything was going as planned, Kate thought, an unspoken prayer in her heart. Now if only her sister could curb that tart tongue of hers.

  Guacamole

  2 ripe avocados

  Juice of ½ lime

  1 tomato, diced and seeded

  7 sprigs cilantro, chopped

  1 small clove garlic, mashed

  Sea salt and pepper to taste

  Cut avocados in half, scoop out pulp and put into bowl. Add the other ingredients and mash to consistency you prefer. Adjust seasonings to taste.

  Chapter 21

  “I know you. You’re the man at Kate’s house who said he was taking a class.” Stacy stared at Dan with an accusing glance. “You were cleaning up for my sister while she took a run.” Turning to Kate, she added, “Guess all those phony statements about not dating anyone were just lies, as usual.”

  Kate had followed Dan into the kitchen at her parents’ home to check on the appetizers he’d brought. She sucked in a startled breath at her sister’s words.

  Putting a reassuring hand on Kate’s arm, Dan smiled at Stacy. “You have a good memory. And yes, I did take a class that day. We made some marvelous desserts. As far as dating, I’d just met your sister briefly at a mall demonstration the week before and asked her to do a demo for my staff. I don’t think that counts as a date.” Turning to the other woman standing near Stacy, he added, “You must be Patty.” He held out a hand to her. “Greg mentioned you were expecting another little girl soon.”

  Patty smiled and shook hands with him. “You’re right. Nice to meet you.” Then, tilting her head to one side, she said, “We’ve eaten at some of your restaurants and really enjoyed the food.”