“Honestly, I can walk, I already feel much better.” Sensing a need to protest, she hoped he ignored her. Being in familiar arms again was a healing power all in its own, yet she was still weak. Clasping her arms around his neck, she dangled the costume bag down his back and rested her head against his shoulder. The soft buckskin caressing her cheek summoned memories she had no desire to suppress.
Inside the building, he sat her on her feet in front of her apartment door. “Be right back. I have to get your key from my sis.”
He reappeared with Molly following, and while he unlocked the door, his sister laid a caring hand on Sarah’s shoulder. “I’m so glad you’re okay. I was really worried about you. I would have stopped in when I brought your clothes, but the hospital only allows one visitor in the ER.”
What a switch. Molly’s brow was the one creased with concern. In the dream, Sarah had suffered angst and worry about her new neighbor’s survival from an arrow piercing. Despite all the care given, she’d died, yet here she was, alive and well, and married to the man she loved and lost, and even more surprising and confusing, related to the half-breed who saved Sarah’s life.
She suppressed the need to draw her old friend into an appreciative hug. Although a deep fondness existed in Sarah’s heart, to Molly, they’d just met a short time ago, and she’d probably find the display inappropriate. Before she could find the words to express a simple ‘thank you’, dizziness caused Sarah to clasp the doorjamb and close her eyes.
“Whoa!” Wolf swept her up into his arms again. “Better get you inside.”
She fluttered her lashes to assure the world stopped spinning, and sighed with the contentment of feeling his heart beat in sync with her own. Molly led the way and turned down the bed. Wolf perched Sarah on the edge of the mattress. “I’ll step out, and let my sister help you change into something more comfortable.”
Always the gentleman. The room chilled the moment he left.
* * *
Rather than treat her with a medicine woman’s herbs as she recalled when the reptile strike left her roiling with fever, Wolf promised to fill her prescription at the local pharmacy and make sure she didn’t miss a dose. He sat on the bed’s edge and tucked her in like a mother would a child. “I hope you don’t mind if I camp out on your sofa. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you alone after all you’ve been through.”
As much as she wished she could invite him to join her beneath the covers, even the idea of having him sleep a few feet away appealed to her…much like the bedrolls they’d shared on the trail back to Independence.
Again, the compelling need to protest struck. “I hate to put you out like that.”
“It’s no problem, really.”
She gave him the most alluring smile she could muster and nodded. “In that case, there are some spare bed linens in the hall closet, along with an extra pillow.”
“Is there anything I can get you before I turn in?”
Asking for a goodnight kiss showed far more boldness than she felt. Instead, she shook her head. “I’m fine, thanks. You’ve been absolutely wonderful, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
“My pleasure, ma’am.” He gave a slight salute. “Good night then, rest well and just call out if you need anything.”
He pulled the door closed behind him, shutting out the light from the living room. Sarah rolled to her back and stared at the kaleidoscope of colors filtering through her blinds and dancing on the ceiling. The neon sign atop a neighboring building provided a perfect nightlight. Sadly, tonight, the mixed hues jarred memories of painted faces of dead warriors left strewn among the bodies of her traveling companions on the wagon train. That was part of her dream she’d rather forget.
Closing her eyes, the tiring day lay claim to her body and pulled her into a welcome sleep. Her final thought before drifting off was of the honorable man who slept not far away and how much she adored him.
Chapter Seven
Sarah’s jaw quivered then gaped in surrender to a morning yawn. Her eyelids parted, allowing the bright sunlight to penetrate her sleep-hazed vision. As she stretched her arms over her head, she winced at a peculiar pain in her lower back. Why was she sore, and what happened to make her arm hurt?
A peek at the dangling band-aid on the inside crook of her elbow brought recollections flooding back. The IV, the fall, and the humiliation of missing the entire Halloween party she’d planned for weeks. Oh, and her costume. Had illness really made her faint, or had it been the sight of Peg dressed in the identical getup?
Sarah gnashed her teeth. Identical wasn’t the right descriptive word…not even close. As usual, everything about Peg’s Wonder Woman screamed ‘money’. What the hell did that woman do for a living?
The dawning realization of Wolf bringing Sarah home and spending the night smothered her frustration and made her smile.
A thump drew her attention, and before she responded, the door opened only a crack. “Are you awake…and decent?”
“Yes, I’m awake, but still in bed. Come in.” He’d already seen her at her worse, but then she hadn’t even brushed her teeth.
Resembling a waiter with a cloth draped over his forearm, Wolf nudged his way through the partial opening, and sidestepped to the bed. The mingled aroma of cinnamon and fresh coffee followed him inside and teased her hungry stomach. He bent and placed a breakfast tray across her lap. A single plastic daisy teetered back and forth in a bud vase. He straightened, unfolded a linen napkin and handed it to her. “Molly volunteered to go get your meds, so while she was gone, I made toast and what I hope isn’t brewed mud. A mock flower is the best I could do, given there aren’t any bushes around the building where I could steal a real one.” A boyish grin spread across his face.
Sarah took the cloth he dangled. “You didn’t need to go to such trouble.”
Her chest warmed at such a thoughtful display…especially the addition of a flower. Though she longed to ask if he’d watched a romance movie recently for tips, no use would be served in making him uncomfortable. Even in the dream, he’d always managed to fulfill her every need, so returning his smile, she plucked the steaming china cup from its saucer and sipped the beige colored liquid.
“I hope you like French Vanilla.” His mouth crooked with worry. “I added a little creamer in case I made the coffee too strong.”
“Ummm, it’s just right.” She set down the cup and picked up a piece of toast. The bread had turned soggy, but still tasted delicious. More impressed by his kindness than his culinary skills, she would have gushed over a bowl of Kibbles and Bits, had he delivered it. What mattered was the server, not what was being served.
* * *
Wolf left to return the breakfast tray and china to his apartment and to check the mail. Sarah took advantage of his brief absence and enjoyed a hasty shower despite having to pause a few times to regain her equilibrium. A glance in the bathroom mirror sent a shiver of embarrassment through her. No wonder she was sore. She must have tossed and turned all night after Wolf put her into bed. Her hair looked as though someone had styled it with a potato masher, and her left over make-up qualified her for a circus act. He obviously had seen her at her worst, and not in the hospital. At least there, no one expected for sick people to be at their best.
After repairing the damage and brushing her teeth, she changed from her nightwear into a velour jogging suit and curled onto the sofa, holding a glass of orange juice.
The door opened and Wolf walked in.
“You’re up and dressed.” His wide eyes displayed surprise. “Do you think that’s a good idea? The doctor said you should rest.”
“Don’t forget drinking lots of liquids.” She held up her OJ in a mock toast. “I can rest here in the living room just as well as I can in bed. I’ve never been one to stay down for long. You should know that.”
His left brow arched. “And how should I know that?”
Realizing she’d blundered back into memories from the dream, Sarah�
��s brain grappled for some sort of explanation that made sense. “Uh…I just meant that by now you should have recognized a stubborn streak when you see one.” She giggled, hoping her weak response sufficed.
“To be honest, I never noticed that particular trait in you.” He settled in the easy chair, glanced into the kitchen area, then immediately stood and walked to the pill bottle on the counter.
“You haven’t taken your medicine yet, have you?”
“Not yet, but I will. She took another swig of juice.”
He dumped a capsule into his palm, and then filled a glass with water. Crossing to where she sat, he removed the juice from her grasp and replaced it with the new glass. He thrust the pill toward her. “Did you know you’re not supposed to take your medication with orange juice?”
“No, I didn’t.” She peered up at him.
“I read a study that says the acidity in orange and apple juice can counteract the effectiveness of the meds.”
“I’d rather give up the antibiotics than the orange juice.” She smiled while glaring at the capsule she measured between her thumb and forefinger. “And why do they have to make them so darn big? Just what you need when you have a sore throat; something impossible to swallow.” She popped the blue pill in her mouth and washed it down with a large drink of water and an eye-scrunching wince.
“Well, that looked painful, but your voice is almost back to normal.” He took the glass from her hand and placed it on a coaster on the coffee table.
“You know, if you keep waiting on me like this, I might get used to it.” His image blurred with memories of his kind and caring attitude on the trail. She already owed him her life, even if only in a dream. Her mind wandered, once again, questioning how something that seemed so very real could be fake. Oh, of course she’d had the feeling of déjà vu before upon meeting someone, but never did she believe she knew them as well as she knew Wolf. Somehow she had to prove for herself whether she was right or wrong.
Wolf snapped his fingers in front of her face. “Where did you go?”
She focused on his questioning gaze. “I’m sorry, I guess I just drifted off for a minute. Maybe I’m more tired than I realized.” Resting her head against the back of the sofa, she closed her eyes and released a breath. How could she ever broach the subject of the dream with him? The only thing she was bound to prove was her insanity.
Wolf swept her into his arms. “Then back to bed you go, and no arguments. I’m here to make sure you follow the doctor’s orders, and rest is what he recommends.”
Her breath hitched, and she seized the moment to enjoy being in his arms even if only for a few fleeting moments.
* * *
The mattress dipped under the weight of someone sitting on the edge. Sarah opened her eyes and peered up into Wolf’s face.
“It’s time for your medicine.” He carried the capsule and a glass of water.
Inching herself up against the headboard, Sarah took a moment to wake up. She stifled a yawn. “I can’t believe I slept, let alone for four hours. I guess I was more tired than I realized.” She accepted his offering, swallowing the medication with less effort than before.
“Looks like the antibiotic is working. I didn’t notice your usual wince.”
She swallowed again. “I’m happy to say the soreness is almost gone. Despite being groggy at the moment, I’m actually feeling much better.” Wishing she could take back her words, her jaw tensed at the admission. Her recovery would eliminate the need for him to hang around. What an idiot I am, she thought. Now her only recourse was to fake a relapse.
Her hand to her brow, she sagged her shoulders. “I’m happy to be improving, but I still feel weak and worn out.”
“Well, then I’ll need to call in sick for you. There’s no way you’re ready to go to work tomorrow.”
Her lips pulled into a frown. Sunday? She hadn’t even thought about the weekend being over and having to return to work. Missing even a day meant the stacks on her desk would only pile higher, and her boss detested absence. Still, if dragging out the pleasure of being the center of Wolf’s attention was the prize, she was willing to risk Mr. Crane’s wrath. After all, she had proof she’d been in the hospital.
She snuggled down beneath the covers. “Marie’s number is in my address book on the end table. I’d much rather let her know today than wait until tomorrow and talk to my cranky supervisor.”
“What’s Marie’s last name? I’ll make the call. You just rest and let me take care of you.” Wolf rose and stood in the doorway.
Was he kidding? She couldn’t think of anything she wanted more than for him to care for her, but not because she was sick…because he remembered how much he loved her.
“Last name?” He cocked his head and flashed a questioning brow.
“Oh…Mathews…Marie Mathews.”
* * *
After straining to hear the muffled phone conversation in the living room, Sarah surrendered and sagged back on her pillow and adjusted her blanket. Wolf reappeared in the bedroom. “Check off the phone call. Marie sends her regards and wishes for a speedy recovery. Is there anything I can get you?”
Sarah patted the bed. “I’m fine for now. Come sit and talk to me.”
He obliged, drawing one knee up on the mattress.
“You know, I totally missed the party. What happened after I bit the dust?” Curiosity niggled at her, and he still hadn’t commented on her costume…probably already impressed by Peg’s by the time Sarah arrived. Who wouldn’t be? What did the woman do for a living? Clearly, her salary allowed for expensive taste…and where in the world would someone find red boots identical to those Wonder Woman wore? And real gold bracelets? Sarah sucked down her jealousy, refusing to question Wolf about Peg’s employment…or brothel. No way was she bringing that name into the conversation.
Wolf still laughed at Sarah’s query. “I had to ask Marie the same thing. If you’ll recall, I spent most of the time at the hospital with you.”
“Oh, yeah. I guess you missed everything, too. What did Marie say?”
Wolf patted Sarah’s hand. “She said the guests were very understanding and worried about you. Most stayed long enough to enjoy the refreshments, then left. Several have stopped by to check in, but I’ve held them at bay, telling them you need your rest.”
“That’s very thoughtful.” She inched up against the headboard, desperate to prolong their visit. “So, what made you decide on the costumes for you and Molly?” Sarah picked a perfect question as a lead in to the topic she wanted to follow. “She told me you choose them.”
He stared blankly across the room. “I’m not really sure. I guess being part Native American made mine a logical choice, although for Molly, I’m honestly not sure how I came up with a pioneer woman. Suppose I thought the two sort of went together.” He stretched across the bed, supporting his head on a bent elbow and upturned palm. “How did you come up with Wonder Woman?”
She grimaced. “Does it matter? It turned out to be a bum idea once I saw you-know-who dressed as the same character.”
“I liked your idea. I-I think you filled out your costume much better than her.” His rolled to his back and stared at the ceiling, his cheeks flushed.
“Really?” Sarah’s heart hitched.
“Really.” He turned back to his side and propped his head in his hand again. “Peg tends to be a bit much at times. Right before you came in, she was boasting about her uncle working for a movie studio. That’s how she got one of the costumes the real Wonder Woman wore.”
Sarah released a breath. “That explains why her outfit didn’t look like something rented. I feel much better, knowing that.”
“What really turned me off is when she started bragging about money she collects in alimony from a rich ex. It’s one thing to take money when you need it, but she’s totally capable of holding down a job instead of gouging someone else…especially someone she supposedly loved enough to marry.”
Her question about Peg an
swered without even asking, and Wolf’s obvious repulsion to the woman’s lifestyle was all she wanted to hear. Now, she yearned to compare what she thought she knew about him to the real facts. “So, tell me about your ancestry.”
“I really don’t know much more than the research I had to do to fill out the documentation for my scholarship. I’m evidently Sioux, related to someone who was full-blooded Indian yet married a ‘paleface’. He grinned. “As you notice, I got the dark hair and complexion and Molly didn’t.”
“Have you ever met any of your Indian ancestors?”
“No. My grandmother told me her mother had lived on a reservation, and I’ve always had a fascination for anything western, but that’s the closest I’ve come to knowing about the past. My hero was John Wayne, although in his movies, the Indians were always the villains.”
Flashes of a man she’d barely known on the wagon train passed through her mind. He’d been one of the many victims of the war party massacre and Molly‘s husband. One thing was clear, he was loved then by her just as deeply as he was now. Sarah brought her elbows up and pressed her fists together in a mini-stretch, and yawned. “So, how did your sister meet Gil?”
“An Internet dating site.”
“Honestly?” Sarah widened her eyes. She’d seen them advertised on TV and her computer, but had never been inclined to give the method a try.
“Yeah, Molly set up a profile and I guess Gil liked what he saw and wrote to her. They sent messages back and forth for about a year before they met in person.”
“Oh, how romantic. Did he live in the same state?”
“No, he lived in California, but flew out for a weekend.”
“How did you feel about that?” Sarah dipped her chin.
“I was okay with them corresponding back and forth, but I went a little ballistic when she told me she’d actually invited him to visit. I’d heard all kinds of scary stories about serial killers, sex fiends and the like. Heck, I didn’t even know the guy, but Molly felt certain she did.”
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