Brooke disappeared into the house, and he knew he should be relieved she wasn’t putting pressure on him to take their relationship to the next level. Instead he felt hollow.
“Daaaad!”
“Coming, Zack.”
As he turned and ran down the steps, the porch light went out, leaving him in darkness.
Chapter Eight
The phone rang just as Brooke stepped out of the shower. It rang again while she wrapped a towel around herself and tucked the ends between her breasts. On the third ring, she dashed out into the hall and picked up the extension.
“Hello.”
“Brooke?” a male voice said in a questioning tone.
“Yes, may I help you?”
“Brooke, it’s Carter. How are you?”
Goosebumps broke out on her arms as the front door opened and a cold draft of air sailed straight up the stairs and touched her bare skin. “I’m fine, but I’m sort of in the middle of something. What can I do for you?”
“Oh.” His voice sounded slightly taken aback. “Actually I called to ask you to dinner. I don’t have rounds at the hospital this evening, and I was thinking a night out with a beautiful woman would be just what I need to chase away those winter doldrums.”
Brooke opened her mouth to turn him down and hesitated. She shivered and clutched the towel tighter to her chest.
“Brooke, are you still there?”
“I’m sorry, Carter. Yes, I’m here.” She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Sure. Dinner sounds lovely.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up at seven if that works for you.”
“Seven is fine. I’ll see you then.”
She hung up the phone and slowly turned toward the bathroom, wondering if she’d made the right decision. After drying with the oversized towel and rubbing her body with a honeysuckle scented moisturizer, she dressed in a pair of black slacks and a royal blue sweater. She ran down the stairs to the kitchen and found her grandmother standing at the refrigerator with the door open.
“There’s left over chicken and dumplings from the other night. Shall we have that for dinner?” June shut the refrigerator door and turned. Her eyebrows shot up as she studied her granddaughter. “My, don’t you look fancy.”
“Carter Shaw called and asked me to dinner. There’s no point in dressing twice.”
June leaned against the kitchen sink, crossed her arms over her chest, and frowned. “You’re having dinner with Doctor Shaw?”
Brooke nodded. “You don’t approve?”
“Carter is a nice man. He has a bit of a reputation with the ladies, but I guess that’s understandable as there aren’t too many eligible bachelors in our little town. Still—”
“Come on, Grandma, spit it out.”
“Fine,” June said in a huffy tone. “I thought you and Dillon had feelings for each other. I don’t understand why you agreed to date Carter.”
Brooke flipped a strand of damp hair over her shoulder. “Dillon made it pretty clear he isn’t looking for a relationship, so I don’t see the harm in enjoying myself with Carter.” She stared down at her bare feet and curled her toes against the cold linoleum. “If Dillon knew I had a date with Carter, he’d probably be relieved.”
Her grandmother snorted, an unladylike sound that made Brooke smile. “I doubt that. Those two boys have been rivals since their days in the sand box.” She turned back to the refrigerator and pulled out the container of chicken and dumplings. “Well, I don’t suppose there’s any reason why you shouldn’t have dinner with Carter. I’m sure you know what you’re doing.”
Brooke wished she was as confident as her grandmother. When it came to men, her track record was pathetic.
****
The candle flame flickered in a pool of wax, casting shadows across the gold rimmed china plates and delicate crystal stemware. Classical music played softly through hidden speakers. Brooke poked at the piece of broccoli left on her plate and listened to Carter make an amusing tale of a fishing trip that ended with an overturned canoe in an icy lake. His blue eyes sparkled, and his chiseled lips curved in a rueful grin, revealing perfect teeth. She wondered how he kept his tan in the perpetually rainy climate of a Northern California winter.
“Brooke, I asked if you’d like to order dessert. Don’t tell me my fish story bored you into a stupor.”
“No, of course not.” She leaned back as the hovering server, a young woman with blonde hair cut in a neat bob, took her plate. “No dessert for me, thank you, but I would like a cup of coffee, decaf please.”
“Make that two.”
The girl nodded and left with their empty plates. She paused beside one of the few other occupied tables in the Woodvale Inn dining room, nodded, and hurried off toward the kitchen. Brooke let out a sigh.
“Tired?” he asked.
“No, I was just thinking that business may be increasing in the summer, but the winter months are painfully slow around here.”
“Tourists aren’t interested in viewing the scenery through a torrential downpour.”
“I don’t imagine they are, and right now I guess that’s a good thing. We don’t need word spreading there’s a serial killer on the loose in our neck of the woods.”
Carter frowned. “I don’t believe Harley is classifying Cybil’s death as a serial killing. No one else has died.”
“Let’s hope the police catch the madman who did it before he kills again. I keep thinking I could have rescued Tricia Eaton if only I’d been able to stop my car in time.” She drew in a ragged breath. “When I close my eyes, I see her terrified face. Maybe she wasn’t afraid of being hit by my car. Maybe she was frightened of something else.”
He laid his hand over her clenched fist where it rested on the white tablecloth. “Don’t beat yourself up over it, Brooke. There’s no reason to assume the killer has Tricia. Maybe she really did leave town to get away from her boyfriend.”
She pulled her hand away as the server returned with their coffee, ripped open a packet of sugar, and added it to her cup. “Let’s talk about something else. Debating the issue isn’t going to help either of the missing women.”
“Actually I wanted to ask you about something a whole lot more pleasant. Have you heard about our annual black and white ball?”
“Grandma mentioned it. It’s a fund raiser for the chamber of commerce, isn’t it?”
He nodded. “It’s held here at the Woodvale Inn, and it isn’t as fancy as the name implies. With the current situation, there was some debate over whether or not to hold it this year, but the committee decided to go ahead with their plans. I hope you’ll be my date.”
Brooke took a sip of coffee and returned her cup to its saucer. She enjoyed Carter’s company. He was handsome and charming, and there were probably plenty of women who would jump at his invitation. But her pulse didn’t race when he touched her hand, and her stomach didn’t jump when he smiled at her.
“Am I too late?” he asked with a crestfallen expression. “Did someone else ask you first?”
Her lips firmed. “No one else asked me. I’d be happy to go with you.”
“That’s terrific. I guess the talk around town about your involvement with Dillon is exaggerated.”
She looked up and met his gaze. “Why did you ask me out if you thought I was seeing Dillon?”
“Brooke, honey, when I want something, I don’t let a little gossip stand in my way.”
“A man who knows what he wants and goes after it?”
“That’s me, single-minded to a fault. I get the impression you’re the same way. You’re certainly making great progress on the renovations to June’s house.”
“I finished painting the exterior this afternoon. I learned quickly to take advantage of any break in the weather.”
“Well, the place looks superb.”
“There’s still quite a bit of interior work, but we should be ready to open for business in a couple of months.” She looked around the empty dining room and worr
ied her lip between her teeth. “I hope we’ll have a few paying guests when we do.”
“Get the word out, and you’ll be full before you know it.” He pulled his wallet out of his jacket pocket and handed the server a platinum Visa card when she paused beside his chair.
“A website and an advertising campaign are next on my agenda.” Brooke laid her napkin on the table. “Thank you for dinner. It was delicious.”
“You’re very welcome.” He signed the receipt when the server returned and helped Brooke with her coat. His hand lingered, touching the back of her neck. She drew in her breath and waited for a spark that didn’t come. Her shoulders slumped. She was quiet as they walked out to his car. Overhead, stars glimmered in the night sky.
“It’s a beautiful evening,” he said as he opened the passenger door to his black Mercedes.
She slid onto the soft leather seat. “Yes it is.”
He shut the door and hurried around to the driver’s side. After he was seated, he turned to face her. “It’s still early. Would you like to go for a drive?”
“Actually, Carter, I’m a little tired after spending so many hours up on a ladder. Do you mind calling it a night?”
He started the engine. “Of course not. We’ll do it another time.”
Brooke leaned back in her seat as the car rolled smoothly through town. She liked Carter, she really did, but she couldn’t help wondering if she’d made a mistake in agreeing to a second date so readily. She didn’t want to give him the wrong impression, and she had no intention of deepening their relationship beyond a goodnight kiss.
He parked in June’s driveway and escorted her to the front door. The porch light was on. Inside, a curtain twitched. A goldfish has more privacy.
Carter stopped close beside her. “I enjoyed the evening.”
“It was lovely.”
He hesitated, then touched her cheek. His fingers were smooth and cool against her skin when he tipped her face for a kiss. He smelled of citrus aftershave, and his lips tasted faintly of coffee. She closed her eyes and kissed him back, trying to work up some enthusiasm. When he pressed closer, she stepped back.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, but Grandma is inside waiting for me. Knowing she’s probably hovering on the other side of the door is a bit of a mood kill.”
He let out a breath, and his smile looked forced. “I suppose my timing could be better. Goodnight, Brooke. I’ll pick you up on Friday before the dance.”
“Thank you again for dinner.”
He nodded and strode quickly down the steps to his car, his spine ramrod straight. He backed sharply and accelerated down the road.
“The good doctor left in something of a hurry.”
Her hand flew to her chest. “My God, Dillon, you scared me.”
He stepped out of the shadow of the fir tree in the front yard and walked over to the porch steps. His lips twitched. “Sorry.”
She frowned. “Were you spying on me?”
“I was out walking your dog after Zack borrowed him for the evening. I thought it would be more awkward to interrupt the tender moment than to simply stay out of sight. I was hoping it wouldn’t go any further than a kiss, or we’d all three regret my decision.”
She crossed her arms over her chest and spoke through gritted teeth. “We’re on my grandmother’s front porch. What exactly did you think might happen?”
His gaze moved to the porch swing and back. “You never know. I was surprised to hear you’d gone out with Carter tonight.”
She stiffened. “Why would you care whom I date?”
“I don’t know, maybe because you slept with me.” He turned away and whistled sharply. A moment later Otis flew across the lawn and skidded to a stop at his side.
Her chest burned. She pressed her hand to her heart. “Not one of my smarter moves. You’ve treated me like I have a communicable disease ever since.”
Running his hand through his hair, he swore beneath his breath. “I didn’t want you to—” He clamped his lips together and shrugged.
“Have expectations? Think that you care?”
He lifted his chin and met her gaze. His eyes narrowed. “I care.”
“You have a funny way of showing it.” She exhaled deeply. “Sleeping together was a mistake. We should have kept our relationship on a friendly basis.”
“Maybe I handled it wrong afterward,” he said gruffly, “but I don’t want you to get hurt.”
She held out her arms. “Do I look hurt? I had a terrific evening with Carter. Get over yourself, Dillon.”
“Oh, I will. Apparently making love with me wasn’t that big of a deal.” He turned on his heel and stalked away.
“Can we discuss this?”
His pace quickened. “There’s nothing left to say.”
“Fine, be an ass.” The solid thud of his front door closing was his only response. Fighting tears, she stared down at her dog’s furry face. “Well, that’s that. Let’s go inside.”
June sat in the parlor watching a police drama. She glanced away from the TV when Brooke entered the room. Her thin, white eyebrows drew together over worried eyes. “I heard raised voices. Did you have an argument with Dr. Shaw?”
“No, Dillon and I exchanged a few heated words.” She dropped onto a chair and sighed. “He was angry I went out with Carter.”
“I told you he would be.”
“You were right.” Brooke scowled down at the toes of her black boots. “Dillon should have decided what he wanted from me a little sooner.”
June clicked off the TV with the remote. “I’m sure you two can work it out.”
“I burned that bridge, Grandma. Anyway, it isn’t like our relationship was going anywhere.” She swallowed against the hot lump in her throat. “Not that I wanted it to.”
“Oh, honey, you don’t fool me.” Her eyes softened. “You care about that man.”
Brooke blinked back tears. “I’ll get over him. Eventually.” She squared her shoulders and took a deep breath. “I accepted Carter’s invitation to the black and white ball.”
Her grandmother’s lips firmed. “When I was young, girls didn’t keep company with one man when they had feelings for another. It made things simpler.”
She squeezed her eyes shut. “I don’t know why I make it so hard. I really don’t.”
June stood and walked over to her chair. She laid her hand on Brooke’s shoulder. “You’re afraid of being hurt again. Carter is safe.”
“Maybe so.” She rested her cheek on her grandmother’s frail hand. “Men are overrated. Who needs them?”
June chuckled. “I’m afraid we do. The dishwasher was making a funny noise when I ran it earlier. I was going to ask Dillon to take a look at it.”
Brooke jumped to her feet. “We don’t need him. I’m a whiz with kitchen appliances.” She draped her arm around her grandmother’s thin shoulders and headed for the kitchen. “That dishwasher is no match for the two of us.”
****
He clutched his head and stared down at the dirt floor, his ears ringing. Marnie’s incessant nagging frayed his nerves. The woman would not shut up. He almost preferred the comatose Cybil by comparison. Tricia was perfect. She played the game with driven frenzy and never spoke a word. At least not to him. Some things never change.
Too bad her time was almost up, but he had high hopes for the next one.
“You aren’t a cruel man. Please won’t you let us go?” Marnie reached up and stroked his cheek with a shaking hand as he released the shackle around her ankle. Her face contorted in a smile. “We won’t tell anyone it was you.” Her gaze cut to the stone-faced woman on the other cot. “Will we Tricia?”
He swatted her hand away, his cheeks flaming. Tempting and taunting him. She’s nothing but a whore!
He shoved a gag in her mouth, cutting off the lies, then quickly bound her hands. “I’m in charge.” He stabbed a finger against his chest. “Me, not you. I make the decisions.”
Muffled
squawks emerged.
“Shut up. Just shut the hell up!” Pulling out his knife, he waved it toward the ladder, the lantern light gleaming along the length of the blade. “Up. Go. Move it! Let’s see if you can run your legs as fast as your mouth.”
Scrambling up the ladder, Marnie rolled onto the ground, heaved herself to her feet, and ran.
****
“I hear Carter is taking you to the dance tonight.”
Brooke stared at Stephanie over her BLT and scowled. It was overly warm in the diner. Dishes clattered in the kitchen, a Beatles song played too loudly through the speakers, and two senior citizens exchanged heated opinions at the front counter. “How does news like that spread?”
Stephanie grinned. “I heard it from Janet Nyland when I dropped Dale at school yesterday. She heard it from Gloria Roberts, who works part time for Dr. Shaw in his office. Apparently Gloria saw a notation in his day planner. She is without a doubt the biggest gossip in town. Nothing gets by that woman.”
Brooke bit into her sandwich and rolled her eyes. “Small towns, God love them.”
Caroline Farnsworth idly stirred her vegetable soup before sipping a dainty spoonful. “Small towns are horrible when it comes to everyone knowing your business, but at least people care. Sometimes they care too much,” she added with an edge to her voice.
Stephanie’s eyes opened wide. “Do I detect a note of irritation? Who in our fine town is guilty of caring above and beyond?”
Caroline glanced toward the counter where the waitress handed the elderly gentlemen separate checks. She lowered her voice. “Last week when Elliot and I had dinner here, Irene told me I should reconsider ordering the apple pie. Apparently Renée Carlisle, the woman who is altering my wedding dress, said if I gained as much as a pound it won’t fit.”
Stephanie choked on a swallow of diet soda. “That’s priceless.”
Brooke dropped the BLT back onto her plate. “I hope you ate the pie anyway.”
Caroline’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink. “No, because as much as I hate to admit it, she was right.”
“Have Renée let the dress out a little. A couple of extra pounds wouldn’t hurt you.”
A Deadly Love Page 11