So Many Men...

by Dorie Graham

  “That’s what concerns me. I say you’re suppressing your emotions.”

  “What? No. I express my emotions just fine, thank you very much. I laughed with you, didn’t I? I was having a good time.”

  “You were living vicariously. Until you’re doing the actual hammering you haven’t really experienced the art of gopher bashing.”

  “I’ll pass.”

  The familiar sound of her cell phone mingled with the clatter of the game room. She pulled her phone from her purse to check the number, then put it back without answering.

  Something about her ease in shrugging off the caller irritated him. Was it another one of her former lovers? How long would it be before she stopped taking Mason’s calls?

  She stared at him a long moment, before shaking her head. “I’m afraid that our work here is done.”

  “What work? What do you mean?””

  “Our work in transforming you.”

  “Transforming me?”

  “Yep, I misjudged. You’re not quite ready for this. It’s time for plan B.”

  “Plan B?” He pursed his lips. “You mean more spontaneity.”

  “That’s right.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “Follow me. I’m hot. Let’s cool off.”

  Once more she grabbed his hand. This time she led him out of the cool arcade into the blinding sunlight. He blinked to allow his eyes to adjust.

  “Hear that?” She cocked her head.

  He frowned as a gull screeched overhead and the dull roar of the surf floated over a row of colorful shops. She motioned for him to follow, then struck off toward the sound. He trailed in her wake.

  What had he gotten into?

  “THE BEACH?” MASON GLANCED from his leather shoes to where Tess stood knee deep and laughing in the foamy spray. She’d taken off her shoes and had her skirt tied up faster than he could catch his breath. “We’re not exactly dressed for the beach.”

  “It feels wonderful.” She squealed as a wave splashed over her. “Come in.”

  “I think I might have preferred the gopher bashing. Maybe I’ll just watch you for a bit.”

  “That’s no fun.” She splashed water in his direction, inadvertently soaking her top so the thin fabric clung to her breasts.

  “Don’t be so sure.”

  A devilish light shone in her eyes. She splashed again, liberally wetting herself, this time apparently on purpose. “I had better warn you. This is not a spectator sport.”

  “I don’t know. Looks pretty good to me.” He settled on his haunches. A gull swooped overhead as a bead of sweat rolled down his temple. It was the first week of October. How could it still be so blasted hot?

  She ran her hand across her belly. “Don’t be so sure. Feels even better.”

  The whir of a Jet Ski floated over the breeze. Laughter rose from a cluster of people farther along the beach. The sun beat down on Mason and sparkled off the water all around Tess. He swallowed, his leg muscles cramping. Trailing his fingers in the white sand, he kept his gaze on Tess as she played in the surf.

  “Come on in, Mason.” She gestured to him, her eyes beseeching.

  He shifted to sit in the sand, his throat dry. Maybe he could take his shoes off, cool his feet a little. He removed his loafers and nearly sighed in relief as the air hit his feet.

  “Dip your toes in.” Her smile enticed him. “It’s just water. Nothing to be afraid of.”

  “It isn’t the water that worries me.”

  Still he rolled up his pants, then rose and walked gingerly over the sand, wincing as bits of crushed shell bit into his feet. He stepped into the water, just beyond the shore where the waves ebbed and flowed in a lulling motion.

  “Ah…” The water lapped around his ankles, bathing his feet in refreshing coolness. He wiggled his toes as Tess sloshed toward him.

  “See, you should always listen to me. I know what feels good.” She sidled up beside him, her wet skin glistening in the late afternoon sun.

  “I have no doubts about that.” He leaned away from her. “You’re soaked.”

  “It’s a heavenly release from this humidity.”

  He glanced down at his not-so-crisp shirt. The afternoon had taken a toll on his clothes. Never had he sported more wrinkles.

  Laughing, Tess turned, then dove into the deeper water, submerging for several long strokes. Mason shook his head. The woman meant to wreak havoc with a lifetime of precise conditioning.

  If his uncles could see him now…

  He stared longingly after her as she floated on her back, a smile of pure satisfaction on her lips. Sweat rolled down his forehead. He stepped in farther. “Oh, the hell with it.”

  He dove after her. With blissful relief the surf closed over him. He pulled himself through the water with long strokes, coming up beside her as she treaded water.

  She splashed him. “You’re swimming in your clothes, Mason. There’s hope for you yet.”

  He laughed. It felt good. Really good. When was the last time he’d laughed like this? A strange euphoria filled him. “Maybe you’re not such a bad influence after all.”

  “Me? A bad influence?” She kicked closer to him, until the warmth of her body flowed over him. Her lips hovered just beneath his. “Never.”

  His gaze fastened on her mouth. He swayed closer to her. Laughter from a group up the beach grew louder as some of the party moved in their direction.

  “Maybe we should head out of here.” He pushed away from her, toward the shore.

  A seductive smile curved her lips. “But you were going to kiss me.”

  “Was I?”

  “Yes, you were. I saw it in your eyes.” She tilted her head in a familiar gesture. “What’s wrong? Too stuffy to kiss me in public?”

  “Just prefer some privacy. There’s a time and place for everything. When I kiss you again, I intend to enjoy the hell out of it. Besides, kissing you tends to lead to other pursuits definitely not suited for public.”

  Her eyes widened as she followed him. “I’m sure there are certain ways we can be discreet in public.”

  He laughed and she frowned at him as she stepped from the water. “What’s so funny?”

  “You are many things, but I hardly see how you can be discreet. You’re the kind of woman who draws every eye when she walks into a room.”

  Pink blossomed in her cheeks and she smiled. “Well, maybe just the men’s.” With a flick of her wet hair, she laughed and ran past him.

  He stared after her, his enjoyment of the moment fading. Right, the men’s. Tess was a man magnet and he was nothing more than her current lover. In a short time she would move on.

  He would do well to remember that.

  HUMMING SOFTLY THE following day, Tess set aside her watering can and fluffed her latest batch of gardenias. Her aunt Sophie said no one could grow the temperamental flowers the way Tess could. She breathed deeply of the fragrant petals as memories of her weekend with Mason drifted through her mind: Mason resisting her at the theater; his hunger for her as he pleasured her in his kitchen; his immense control, even in the midst of their lovemaking.

  The man was nothing short of magnificent, even as he resisted his innate need to cut loose.

  “Where do you want these?” Victoria Green, Tess’s new full-timer, lifted a crate of flowers.

  “Those are for Mrs. Hammond. She won’t be by until tomorrow to pick them up. Why don’t you put them on the workbench in the back greenhouse? Make sure you note it under her customer profile, so we’ll be able to find them when she comes.”

  “Customer profile is on the computer, right?”

  “Yes. Tell you what, I need to enter the last shipment, so I’ll take care of it.” She headed for the small office she kept in the nursery’s main building, but stopped and turned back. “I’m expecting my sister. Will you come get me when she arrives?

  Victoria nodded, then strolled away carrying Mrs. Hammond’s flowers. Tess sighed and glanced around the nursery, frowning. A sense of restless
ness filled her. Everything was in order here at work and she had Mason now, who was a wonderful distraction. She’d been so happy with him over the weekend.

  Life was good. So why this continuing feeling that there was some void in her life? She shrugged it off. The beach cleanup was this Saturday. Mason had said some of the teens would be there to help. Maybe she just needed some hands-on experience with Project Mentor to perk her up. Surely then she’d feel better about things.

  She spent the next half hour catching up on the recent shipment and looking over the work schedule for the following week. She loved being able to take the weekend off. This was a relatively new luxury that she would enjoy all the more now that she had the good doctor to share it with.

  Memories of her time with Mason brought a smile to her lips. The man was so unique. He was a puzzle she couldn’t quite solve. For the most part he was all stern Mr. Rule-follower, but every now and then his resolve would slip, especially when they made love.

  “Tess?” Victoria stood in the open door. “Your sister and a guy are here with a big truck.”

  “Thanks, Victoria.”

  Tess saved her work, before heading out to where Erin examined her latest assortment of trees. Thomas Scott, the man who was the closest thing to a father that the girls had ever known, stood by her side.

  Erin glanced up and smiled, a sight Tess saw too little of these days. Maybe this was a sign that her little sister’s mood had taken a turn for the better.

  “I see you brought our number-one handyman.” Tess grinned at Thomas.

  “You get over here and give me a squeeze.” He opened his arms to her and offered a smile of his own. “Why haven’t I seen hide nor hair of you in ages? Your minions keeping you too busy?”

  She laughed and hugged the man who had taught her to ride a bike without training wheels. “I’ve joined a women’s group.”

  “You have?”

  “I figured I needed to get involved again in a little charity work.” She glanced at Erin. “That, and I’ve decided I can use a little less testosterone in my life.”

  “You can’t be serious.” Erin stared at her, one hand on her hip. “You’re trading in your men for a women’s group? That’s hard to imagine. I can hardly move at the apartment without bumping into one of your men. Not that you’ve been around much lately.”

  Tess shrugged at her sister’s look of censure. “I’m not tiring of anyone. As far as not being around I could say the same for you. I’ve been there. Just not over the weekend, but I called so you wouldn’t worry.”

  “From the message you left you’ve found a new bauble for your collection.”

  “They are not a collection. They are individuals. Each is a wonderful man in his own right.” And no one could ever categorize Mason along with the rest. He stood head and shoulders above all of her former lovers.

  “Of course they are, sweetheart.” Thomas looped an arm around each of them. He smiled at Tess. “Now, what have you got for your sister? Seems she’s working on an entire duplex she needs greenery for. Should be a good piece of business for both of you.”

  “It is.” Erin grinned, always content when involved in her work. “Did you get in the dracaenas we talked about?”

  “Over here.” Tess led her to a nearby grouping of the trees with their large decorative leaves. “I picked these four for you.” She indicated the red sold tickets tied to the branches. “They’re the healthiest.”

  “Oh, they’re beautiful,” Erin said as she fingered a leaf.

  “Is it okay if I start loading them up, while you two work out the rest?” Thomas reached for a cart.

  Tess slid the first tree closer to him. She glanced around for Evan, another one of her former lovers turned employee. “I’ve got a big hunky guy around here somewhere to help.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I live to be of assistance to my girls.”

  “Okay, Thomas, but you have to promise to make me your famous apple pie soon, so we can catch up.”

  “Deal.” He gave her a wink as he turned to his task of loading the trees.

  An hour later she finished putting together the order for Erin. Her sister was great to do business with, knowledgeable and willing to work with her on a few special-order items.

  Too bad their personal relationship never seemed to go as smoothly.

  “So, you have a new guy.” Erin turned to her as Thomas carted off the last of the load. They had filled the truck.

  “Yes, his name is Mason Davies. He’s a doctor.”

  “What kind?”

  “He’s an internist. He has a practice in Pembroke Pines. He has these dark eyes and the softest hair and a body that won’t stop. The man is buff.” Tess grinned with the thought of Mason’s physique. “He helped found a free clinic in downtown Miami and this special organization, Project Mentor, that helps troubled kids—”

  “Wow, you really like this guy.”

  “Well, yes, I do like him.”

  “You like him a lot. You’re gushing over him. I’ve never seen you like this with any of your minions before. Look at you. You’re positively beaming.” Erin’s voice was incredulous.

  “I am not.”

  “Yes, you are. And he’s a doctor. You haven’t had one of those before, have you, except for that podiatrist a few years back?”

  “Mason is a great guy. You’d like him.”

  “As long as he doesn’t leave his dirty shorts lying around I’ll love him. Are you bringing him by the apartment anytime soon?”

  Tess paused. “I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it. May have to clean house first.”

  “Do you mean you have to clean as in scrub the kitchen after Ramon has spent the afternoon whipping up his dish of the day?”

  “Well, that, too.”

  A knowing light shone in her sister’s eyes. “I see. You mean clean out your other minions.”

  Tess scowled. She was beginning to really dislike that word. “I just don’t think he’d appreciate all the…disturbance the others tend to create.”

  “That’s never been an issue with any of the others, has it?”

  “No.”

  “So why worry about it now? Won’t it work itself out?”

  Why was she worrying about it? “I’m not sure. It just…wouldn’t feel right to have him there with the others.” She shrugged. “You’re right. It’s never been a problem before. It shouldn’t matter now.”

  “But what you’re saying is that this guy’s special. That’s great. I’m happy for you.”

  “Thanks.”

  A short silence fell over them, then Erin straightened. “Thomas is waiting.”

  She nodded toward where he sat smoking his pipe and regaling Evan, who’d finally shown up, with one of his stories. Thomas often had entertained the girls with wild stories of his youth. He’d filled a certain void in their lives.

  Erin gestured to the clipboard Tess held. “Have you got everything you need to invoice me?”

  Tess nodded. “I’ll work in the discount we agreed on.” She extended her hand. “Thanks.”

  “Yeah, no problem.” Erin gave her a hardy shake. “Where else am I going to go for personal service and a great family discount?”

  A feeling of heaviness descended on Tess as her sister walked away. Tess hadn’t even asked Erin what she’d been up to lately. It seemed they never saw each other anymore, and when they did it was never quality time.

  “Hey, Erin, wait up. I’ll walk you out and say goodbye to Thomas.” She ran to catch her sister.

  They strode side by side toward Thomas and the truck. Tess glanced over at Erin. The two of them were so different. Erin was petite with smooth blond hair and green eyes. She favored her father, whom she’d actually met. Tess’s father came from some far-off country their mother had visited in her earlier vagabond days. Tess wasn’t sure if he even knew she existed or if Maggie had any idea how to reach him.

  “So…” Tess broke the silence. “What’s new wit
h you?”

  Erin shrugged. “Nothing, really. Been building up my business. I’ve been getting some really good bookings. Took a computer-design seminar.”

  “Computer design? That doesn’t sound like you.”

  “I’m not doing feng shui anymore. I need to broaden my services.”

  “Great.” Tess hesitated, still unsettled by her sister’s decision to abandon a natural talent in favor of something more mainstream. But they’d already argued that one and she wasn’t about to drag it out again. “So, have you heard from Ryan?”

  Erin’s shoulders tensed. “No, and I don’t expect to. I told you before I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “Right, I’m sorry. It’s just that you two seemed to hit it off so well.”

  “Look.” Erin stopped and turned to her. “I’m not like you. I don’t want to discuss every detail of my love life, or lack thereof.”

  “I’m sorry—”

  “It’s okay.” She held up her hand before Tess could respond. “Really. It’s me. I’ve been a little out of it lately. I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

  “I know what you mean. I’ve been feeling a little…I don’t know, disconcerted, myself lately.”

  Erin frowned. “Really? You?”

  “Yeah. Why not me?”

  “You always seem to have it so together.”

  “I can’t figure it out. Everything’s going well. The nursery’s turning a nice profit. Mason’s the bomb. I can’t find anything specific to complain about. I just— You know, I’m with my guys and I get so frustrated sometimes.”

  “You and me both.” Erin rolled her eyes.

  “I know they’re a lot to put up with. You really have been a sport. But…it isn’t them. They’re great. It’s…me.” She inhaled a deep breath. “Like something’s missing.”

  Erin cocked her head. “So much of your life is wrapped up in your guys. Maybe you’re feeling the need to move beyond that.”

  Move beyond her guys? Tess frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t know, maybe life for you shouldn’t be all about the men.”

  “But my life isn’t just about them.” She had her job. True, she wasn’t as passionate about her work as either of her sisters, but that didn’t mean anything. Did it? Besides, what was wrong with focusing her energy on her gift?