Jay released her mouth. With a roar he thrust and thrust. He roared her name. “Maria. Maria.” Her climax rolled through her like avalanching rocks.
He held her close. Their breathing came in echoing gasps. He rolled to the side. His legs trapped hers.
For a time, Maria curled against him. His breathing slowed and became the soft whisper of sleep. Carefully she slipped from the bed, gathered her clothes and scurried downstairs.
What had she done? The physical desire between them had been too strong to deny. Though she’d thought one time would satisfy her curiosity, she’d been wrong. She should have refused. He wouldn’t have forced her. Good thing she and Jamie were leaving in the morning. She couldn’t afford to fall in love with a man who didn’t trust her.
* * *
Jay groaned and rolled on his side. The aroma of vanilla and sex reached him. Had he? He opened his eyes. Moonlight lit the dark room.
Like a rippling melody, he remembered. He’d lured Maria to his bed and experienced an explosive climax. She was gone. What now? The single encounter hadn’t changed his lust for her. Why? He should have been repulsed by her physical resemblance to Delores. Hadn’t happened.
He stared at the ceiling. How long had he slept? He sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed grit from his eyes. He groaned. He’d offered to spend the weekend with Maria and Jamie exploring Fern Lake. How would she react when she saw him? Would she refuse to go and leave him to handle his son alone?
What had she said? His brow furrowed. “You don’t want me. You want Delores.” His dead wife was the last person he desired.
Could he believe Maria? She’d said she’d come to Fern Lake for no other reason other than to share Jamie with him.
He glanced at the clock. Just midnight. He reached for the phone. Was it too late to call Amos? He needed to know more about Maria. He pressed the numbers he’d been given. Moments later he heard the raspy voice of the investigator.
“Yah? What?”
The sound of twanging guitars nearly drowned Amos’s voice. “Jay Lockley here. Anything to report.”
“The boy was cut from your dying wife’s body. Her sister claimed the infant and was granted custody. No attempt was made to locate you.”
“So Maria Russo is the boy’s guardian.”
“That’s right.”
“She was telling the truth.” Though he spoke aloud, the words were mostly for himself.
“Whoa, back up,” Amos said. “Those papers you faxed me. How did you get them?”
“She brought them.”
“Then she’s in Fern Lake. "
Yes.” Amos’ laughter made Jay’s shoulders tense. “What’s funny?”
“Just I know someone who’s been looking for her. She and the boy disappeared and he feared they were dead. He’s worried about them.”
Jay drew a deep breath. A friend? A lover? He had to know more about her. “Do a complete and quiet background check on her.”
“Will work on that. Discovered a source or two. Getting them to talk might take some time.”
“How long?”
“A few days. Could use more expense money.”
“How much?”
“A grand would help. People around here don’t talk much. Might need to grease some palms.” Amos laughed. “At least they think they don’t.”
Jay hung up. Why would Amos need more money? Was there something shady in Maria’s past?
Hope oozed from his thoughts. He almost believed Maria had no desire to scam him for money. Amos’ remarks woke the fear he’d entertained the day she’d appeared. Almost didn’t work. He had to be sure, especially because of his growing desire for her.
He pulled the covers down and sprawled on the bed. As he drifted toward sleep, the events of the evening rose. Sex with Maria had gone beyond a simple act. She’d been as needy as he’d been. Had he fallen for another woman who approached life with her own agenda? He didn’t want to believe she was that crafty.
The year he’d met Delores had been one of highs. Moving to New York City, working on the musical, the heady roar of success. The songs had been sung everywhere. The visit to the club where Delores had sung. She’d stroked his ego. He’d believed she offered the acceptance his father had refused to give. She’d acted as if he was her idol but that had melted like ice.
* * *
Sunlight woke him. Armed with more energy than he’d had for months, he showered and dressed for the day. New strands of music flowed in his thoughts. Habits formed in the past year pushed him toward the studio. As he fastened his jeans, he halted. He couldn’t run off to hibernate until the few notes became a melody. He jotted them on a piece of paper. He’d made promises he would keep.
He pulled a knit shirt over his head. Were Jamie and Maria still here? He wanted to see them. He slipped on socks and sneakers and dashed downstairs. He heard Jamie. Laughter bubbled in Jay’s chest. He entered the kitchen and saw the pair at the table.
“Do I smell waffles?” he asked.
Jamie looked around. “We’re celebrating. Aunt Ria said she’s all better and tomorrow you’re taking us to lunch.”
He nodded. “Today I need to do business things. Tomorrow, after lunch we’ll go to a playground I know.”
Maria kept her eyes lowered. He noticed a flush on her cheeks. “You all right with the plan?”
“Of course but I could stay at the apartment and give you and Jamie time alone.”
He gripped the back of her chair. “I would like you to be with us. I have no idea how to handle a child.”
“You’ll do fine.”
“Just come and watch. Or at least do lunch with us.”
She nodded. “All right.”
A weight moved from his chest. Spending time with her as well as Jamie might dissolve the last of his fears. Last night he’d needed her. The desire remained strong.
Chapter 8
With Jay’s help, Maria loaded the car. Her thoughts circled like a hoop across the ground. Part of her wanted to stay and explore the emotions his presence stirred. Attraction, desire and anger. Until his attitude toward her changed, the other thoughts were taboo. Last evening they’d come together flesh to flesh, yet there remained an abyss she dare not cross. Was her agreement to spend time with him tomorrow and Sunday a mistake?
When Jamie reached the car, Jay lifted the child into the booster seat. Maria couldn’t look at him. She feared when she did she would see in his eyes. He desired her but he didn’t trust her. She needed trust. She’d made a mistake in giving into desire. Did he feel the same regret?
She rounded the car and fastened herself into the driver’s seat. She started the car.
Jay tapped on the window. She rolled it down. “I’ll be there tomorrow at little before noon,” he said. “What are your plans for today?”
“Hanging curtains, grocery shopping, reviewing material for Monday and paying bills.” All those chores might keep her thoughts away from him.
He groaned. “Don’t remind me of bills. Mrs. Greene left a stack for me on the hall table. If I don’t pay them they’ll turn off the power, water and cable.”
“Have fun.” Maria revved the engine.
“See you tomorrow.”
Maria drove down the far side of the driveway. When they arrived at the apartment, she encouraged Jamie to practice his letters while she hung curtains in the living room and bedroom. After a lunch of soup and sandwiches, he napped. Maria made a list of groceries and paid bills. When Jamie woke, they shopped, had dinner and watched the first of two cartoon movies she’d rented.
* * *
“Aunt Ria, Aunt Ria, get up.” Jamie’s excited voice pierced Maria’s dream. “The sun’s awake. My dad will be here soon.”
Maria rolled over. “Don’t be in such a rush. He won’t be here for hours.” She sighed and wished the last fragment of the dream hadn’t vanished. “Go play the keyboard while I shower and dress.”
“Okay.” He ran off.
Th
ough she wanted to remain in bed she knew Jamie would return every few minutes to check her progress. She rose and prepared for the day. Before long she had breakfast on the table. During the meal, Jamie chattered about the day ahead. A dozen times he bolted from his chair and ran to the window.
“Jamie, settle down. Finish your milk and sit quietly. You’ll be too tired to swing or slide.”
“When will he come?”
“He’ll be here in time to take us to lunch.”
At quarter to twelve, the doorbell rang. Jamie ran to answer. “Hello…Aunt Ria, he came. Hurry. I’m hungry.”
“On my way.” She checked her face and hair in the mirror beside the door and picked up her purse. She dangled the keys toward Jay. “Since you know where we’re going you can drive.”
“We’re going in mine.”
“We won’t fit.”
He winked. “My van. Had it serviced yesterday since I haven’t driven it much this year.”
“Why a van?”
“From my runaway days. Had a deluxe child’s seat installed and took lessons in how to fasten Jamie in.”
Maria chuckled. “Good thinking but why?”
“You shouldn’t be driving long distances.” He turned his head. “Are you wearing your ankle support?”
“Yes, but how did you know?”
“Asked Manon.” He opened the rear door so Jamie could climb onto the seat.
Though the vehicle was several years old, the exterior and interior were pristine. Maria watched Jay explain the harness fastenings to Jamie before she sat and buckled herself in. Jay pulled from the curb and drove through town pointing to several attractions. He parked near a restaurant featuring chicken and fish. After taking their orders he walked to the counter and returned with a loaded tray.
“Where are we going?” Jamie waved a chicken leg.
“To a park near the school you’ll be attending. There’s a great playground. Swings, slides and climbing areas.”
Maria cut a bite of fish. "Does the park belong to the school?”
“It’s town property but often the younger children are taken there for play time.”
“Will they be there today?” Jamie asked.
“Doubtful since it’s Saturday,” Jay said.
Jamie pouted, then smiled. “Maybe there will be friends I can learn. What’s the school like?”
Jay finished a piece of chicken. “It’s good. I went there when I was a boy but not until first grade. There was no pre-school. My kindergarten year was spent in Europe.”
When they finished the meal, Jamie led the way to the car. Jay drove across town and parked in the street. He pointed to a cluster of buildings. “That’s where you’ll go on Monday.”
Jamie clapped his hands. “I know. Aunt Ria and I visited. I can learn the big piano."
Maria slid from her seat and helped Jamie down. She took his hand and they crossed the street. Four children and a young woman stood near the slides.
Jay waved. “Tammy, why are you here today?”
She walked toward them. “Child sitting. Some parents work Saturdays.”
Jay turned to Maria. “Tammy’s a teacher’s assistant and a former piano student of mine. Maria’s nephew starts pre-school on Monday.”
Tammy smiled. “Glad to meet you.” She held out her hand to Jamie. “Three of my charges are in that class. Let me introduce you.”
As Jamie skipped beside the young woman, an older one sauntered toward them. “Jay, good to see you. Who’s the boy?”
“My son.”
One of her narrow eyebrows lifted. “Now that’s news. I thought you were a childless widower.” She stepped closer and ran her hand over his arm. “Who is this?”
As the woman’s eyes raked over her, Maria’s fists clenched. How would Jay introduce her?
“Maria is my son’s aunt and guardian.”
“Interesting.” The woman moved closer to Jay.
Rubbing her arms to ward off the chill in the woman’s pale eyes, Maria stepped away. The woman’s focus on Jay showed her attraction to him.
“His guardian. Must be a story here.”
Jay stepped back. “When my wife left me, I lost touch with her family. I recently learned about Jamie.”
“Will you go for custody?”
Jay failed to answer.
A child’s scream pierced the air. The woman stared at the cluster of children. “Those brats are teasing Patty again. You should keep your son from becoming friends with those three hellions. Call me.”
Jay muttered something Maria didn’t hear. “What?”
“Be a cold day in hell before I call Beverly.”
“Guess she’s not a friend.”
He shuddered. “She was in my class here. Threw herself at me. I passed. Then she made trouble for Manon. She and her best friend.”
Maria released a held breath. For an instant when that woman appeared her emotions had nose-dived. There was no reason for an attack of jealousy. What had happened with Jay had been a one time thing.
She walked beside him to a shadowed bench. Jamie stood with two boys and two girl. The woman who had confronted Jay pulled a girl from the group.
Welcoming the heat of the spring sun, Maria closed her eyes. Being with Jay without the need to talk felt comfortable.
After a time, Jamie ran back to them. “They have to go but Monday I’ll have three friends.” Happiness shone in his eyes.
“That’s wonderful,” Maria said.
“Do we have to leave? I didn’t get to swing.”
“Go,” Jay said.
“Yes!” Jamie ran off.
Jay reached for Maria’s hand. “What are your plans for this evening?”
“I rented a movie. We’ll have dinner, pop some corn and watch.” Heat from his touch settled in her core. She drew a deep breath. Why now and why him?
“Could I join you?”
She thought of several reasons why this was a bad idea. Being with him flooded her with temptation. He didn’t trust her but could she deny Jamie time with his father?
“It’s a cartoon movie, a sequel to the one we watched last evening.”
He chuckled. “I can manage. Tomorrow after the picnic, why don’t you and Jamie come to the house and spend the night?”
Maria edged away. “Not a good idea.”
“Why not?”
Being alone with him after Jamie went to bed could lead to another sensual encounter in his arms. “You don’t trust me. I’m not my sister. I never was like her. Still, you look at me and see her.”
He lowered his head. “You’re right but that’s changing. You’re good with Jamie. She wouldn’t have been. She would have used her bitterness over not being a star against him.”
Maria stared at her hands. He was right but that didn’t change what she had to do. “About staying at the house, I can’t. I start a new job. Jamie begins school. I need to concentrate on our future.”
“What do you need?”
“Time, space and trust.”
“The first two I can give you. Not happily but I will. I’m working on the last issue. Let me spend the evening with you. I’ll leave when Jamie goes to bed.”
Maria drew a deep breath. Could she spend time with him without falling in love? Her view of him had taken a U-turn from the day they met. Her feelings vibrated like a sports car ready to speed down the highway hoping the road wasn’t a dead-end.
“Can I?”
She nodded and hoped she would have no regrets. “About the picnic tomorrow, What would you like?”
“Don’t worry.” He smiled. “Mrs. Greene is making chicken and potato salad, rolls and cookies for dessert.”
Maria rose. “We’d better take Jamie home before he’s so tired he whines.”
Jamie fell asleep in the booster seat. Jay carried him to the apartment and to the bedroom. “What’s for dinner?”
“I’m ordering pizza with pepperoni.”
“Have beer?”
She shook her head. “Soda, tea, coffee and juice.”
“I’ll make a run for some. You order. I should return in half an hour."
When the door closed behind him, Maria leaned against the counter and reached for the phone. The day had been fun but…she couldn’t hope for a real connection between them. Hard when her body pulsed with desire every time he was near.
* * *
A growl of frustration rolled from Jay’s throat as he parked the van in front of the garage. The movie had been cute but not how he’d wanted to spend the evening. Jamie had taken a seat between the adults and held the huge bowl of popcorn. A few brushes of his hand with Maria’s had sent his libido soaring.
All his thoughts dwelled on Maria’s remark. “You don’t trust me.” She was right. He needed to reach Amos and demand a report. The call went directly to voice mail. He went to his room and tuned on the TV to watch until he fell asleep.
When Jay woke he stared at the clock. Almost nine AM. He hadn’t slept this late in years. After a shower he headed to the kitchen, poured coffee, toasted a bagel and used the note from Mrs. Greene.
Picnic food is in the fridge. Lemonade and iced tea in the thermoses. Have fun.
He filled the wicker basket with the food and slid the drinks into the holders. After grabbing a folded blanket the housekeeper had left on a chair, he carried the things to the van.
As he drove to the apartment complex, he wondered if he could rent a canoe and take Jamie and Maria for a ride across the lake. More lines of melody tempted him to head for the studio. Not happening. He pulled off the road and jotted the sequence on a scrap of paper. He would resist the urge. Today was for Jamie and Maria.
When he reached his destination, Maria and Jamie stood on the sidewalk. “Someone eager?” he asked.
Maria laughed. “He’s been ready since six thirty. I couldn’t keep him inside another minute without screaming.”
Jamie grabbed Jay’s hand. “Never been to a lake. Aunt Ria and I saw some big rivers when we drove here.”
Melodic Dreams Page 8