"Thank you, but it happened before she was born. And please call me 'Elyse'. I only use the first name for business purposes. My family and friends have always called me 'Elyse'."
Clint nodded. "I like it. It suits you."
Elyse looked down at her daughter. "If you'll excuse me for a few minutes, I'd better dress Janey. Would you like a cup of coffee while you wait?"
"If it's not too much trouble," he answered as she reached for the coffeepot on the tea table beside her. She motioned toward the love seat fitted into the bay window area at the front of the room and handed him a bone china cup and saucer painted with delicate blue flowers. "Sit over there if you like. I'll only be a few minutes."
Elyse worked quickly as she dressed Janey in slacks and a T-shirt. She was a little uneasy about leaving a strange man alone downstairs. Not that Clint was strange. Actually, he seemed like one of the nicest men she'd met in a long time.
Handsome, too. Tall and muscular, with short black hair and the most astonishing green eyes. Eyes that probed and dared her to hold anything back. He was unique but strangely familiar. She was almost sure she'd seen him before, and yet she knew she'd never met him. Odd.
She ran the brush through her daughter's disheveled hair, so like her own, then sent her outside to her swings, slide and jungle gym.
Back in the shop Clint was just finishing his coffee. He stood as she came in, but she signaled him to sit back down. "Are you in a hurry, or would you like a refill?"
"I have the rest of the day," he said as he held up his cup. "Will you join me?"
He looks right at home, she thought as she took another cup from the tea table and filled them both, then sat down beside him on the small sofa. She was already seated before she realized there was barely enough space for the two of them. Their thighs almost touched, and his size and raw masculinity were nearly overpowering.
Flustered, she quickly said the first thing that came to mind. "Have you decided yet which doll you like?"
"I like them all," he answered, a look of amusement in his watching eyes. "But I think I'll buy Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son for my sister. He looks like my nephew, little devil that he is."
Elyse laughed and tried unobtrusively to put more distance between them. "That's a popular doll. People are almost as taken by the pig under his arm as by the doll itself."
"Did you make the pig, too?"
"Oh, sure. That's part of the nursery rhyme; I couldn't leave it out. If you noticed, Miss Muffett has a spider, Simple Simon has a pie, and so on. How old is your nephew?" The elusive scent of his shaving lotion tantalized her nostrils, bringing with it an urge to know more about this man who did exciting things to her heartbeat.
"Donnie's seven, and he has brothers five and two. They live in New Hampshire, so I don't see them as much as I'd like."
"Do you have other sisters and brothers?"
He seemed to hesitate, but then he said, "One older sister, who has teenage children and a younger brother who's not married. Now it's your turn. How many are in your family?"
She ran her finger around the rim of her mug. "My older sister, Liz, and I are the only ones left. And Janey, of course. Our mother died of cancer when I was ten, and a week later Dad suffered a stroke and only lived another month."
Clint moved to take her hand in his, and for a moment their thighs did touch. His was firm and warm and sent small tingles down her leg. He squeezed the hand he was holding. "It seems you've had more than your share of sadness in your young life," he said gently.
"Yes." She lowered her eyes for a moment. "But I was lucky to have Liz. She's twelve years older and was just out of college when they died. She took over and finished raising me. We inherited this house, so we weren't uprooted, and there was insurance that helped." He continued to hold her hand, and she felt oddly comforted.
"Does your sister make dolls, too?"
"Oh, my, no. I'm the dreamer. She's the intellectual. She teaches high school English and literature."
He was silent for a moment, then asked, "Does she have a family of her own now?"
"No." Elyse's instinct was to leave things at that, but those hypnotic eyes of his seemed to loosen her tongue. "Liz was married a few years ago, but it didn't work out. She's divorced now and lives here with Janey and me. She's out of town for the weekend."
It occurred to Elyse that this tall, handsome and single man would be a good match for her sister. He was mature and he had the confident, relaxed style of a man who had achieved success in whatever it was he did for a living. Although he was dressed casually, his clothes were designer quality, and she'd noticed the cream-colored Cadillac parked at the curb when she'd answered the door.
Perversely Elyse was glad Liz wasn't home. For some reason the idea of Clint Edwards and her sister as a twosome upset her. Besides, although Liz vehemently denied it, she showed every indication of being in love with Paul Sterling, the young man she'd met on the golf course in Cameron Park a few weeks ago and had been dating steadily ever since. Because of the age difference—Paul was ten years younger—Liz refused to consider the possibility of a romance. Still, they'd gone to Monterey together for a weekend golf tournament, and Elyse wasn't making any bets they'd still be "just friends" by the time they returned.
The sound of the doorbell jerked her back to the present, and she looked at her watch. "Oh, heavens!" she exclaimed as she stood. "How did the time get away from me? This will be the lady who called earlier to ask if she could come by and see the dolls." She headed toward the door. "I'll ring up your sale while she's browsing."
Clint didn't move. "That's not necessary. I'll wait. There's something more I want to talk to you about."
Elyse opened her mouth to argue, but the bell rang again, and instead she nodded and opened the door.
Half an hour later she said goodbye to the customer, who finally decided to make a down payment on Little Bo Peep, complete with lamb, and put it on layaway. Clint had joined in on the conversation, pointing out some of the small details and superb workmanship, which Elyse was too modest to mention.
Now Elyse held up her palms and shrugged. "I'm sorry it took so long," she said. "Choosing a doll and then deciding whether they want to spend several hundred dollars for it is a major decision for most customers, and they take their time thinking about it. I didn't mean to keep you waiting."
"You didn't," he said. "Actually, I was waiting for her to leave so I could invite you and Janey to go out to dinner with me."
Elyse's eyes widened with surprise. "Take us out? Oh, Clint, I don't know…"
"I assure you I'm a perfectly respectable lawyer with nothing on my mind but hamburgers and french fries at Janey's favorite hangout." A stab of guilt made him wince inwardly. He was a lawyer as well as a senator, but his intentions weren't quite so honorable. They were only just getting to know each other well enough that he felt he could ask more personal questions without having her tell him it was none of his business. He couldn't leave yet. He'd have no excuse for coming back.
Elyse grinned. "Oh, you mean McDonald's."
Clint made a face. "If that's what she wants, that's what she'll get."
Elyse laughed. "Well, how can I resist such a generous invitation? In fact, I'll even supply the dessert afterward. I have three different flavors of ice cream and freshly baked peanut butter cookies."
Janey was thrilled at the prospect of going out to eat, and when they arrived they discovered the drive-in was having a promotional affair, and Ronald McDonald, the clown, was there. Janey shrieked with excitement when he came to their table and picked coins out of her hair. But with all the commotion there was no chance for Clint even to talk to Elyse, let alone question her.
Afterward they went back to the house, where she made hot chocolate and served dessert.
When she got up from the table to put the dishes in the sink Clint knew he couldn't prolong his visit any longer. He'd have to convince her to see him again.
He looked at his watch an
d frowned. "I'm afraid I've overstayed my welcome," he said, and stood. "It must be past the little one's bedtime. I'd better leave."
Janey protested loudly, and Elyse's impulse was to do the same. Then she remembered that Clint Edwards was a man she'd only met a few hours ago. She really knew nothing about him, and it would be unwise, if not downright foolhardy, to encourage him to stay any longer.
At the front door he picked Janey up and hugged her. "Good night, sweetheart. Thank you for having dinner with me."
Janey, a naturally loving child, hugged him back.
Clint looked at Elyse and seemed to hesitate, then took her hand. "I'd like to see you again, Elyse," he said. "Will you and Janey spend tomorrow with me? We can go to Sacramento and take Janey to the zoo and Fairy-tale Town. I'll even spring for lunch. A fancy one this time."
Janey's happy face glowed. "Oh, Mommy, can we? Please say yes! Please!"
She was bouncing around in Clint's arms, and he was having a hard time holding on to her.
"Well, I…" This was all happening too fast.
Her feelings about him were ambivalent. He'd come in here and spent the day charming the socks off her. Janey, too—and that could lead to trouble. Since the child had no father she tended to look for one in every man who was nice to her, and Elyse didn't want to see her daughter hurt.
On the other hand, Elyse was almost sure Clint wasn't acting or pretending. He'd seemed to truly enjoy the afternoon and evening, and he'd been a perfect gentleman at all times.
She couldn't deny she was attracted to him, had been from the moment she'd opened the door and seen him standing there looking at her so approvingly. For the first time in five years she'd felt the warm heady tingle of sexual attraction. Not that she hadn't had her share of dates since Janey was born, but she'd never been tempted to give more than a good-night kiss at the door. The attraction was doubly exciting because it had never happened to her this quickly before, not even with Jerry.
"Say yes, Mommy. Please," Janey repeated desperately.
"All right," Elyse answered with a chuckle, reaching out to take her bubbly daughter from Clint. "Are you sure you know what you're getting into?" she asked him. "Energetic little girls can try the patience of a saint."
His grin seemed a little strained. "Since I'm no saint, we won't have to worry. I'll pick you up in the morning. About… ten?"
Clint stopped for the light, then turned west onto the freeway. Damn it all to hell! He'd almost been convinced that Mary Elyse Haley was nothing like the airheads Paul was usually attracted to. She was a talented, intelligent woman who ran her business and raised her daughter with equal expertise. She'd seemed like the perfect choice for his brother, but then she'd spoiled it by agreeing to go out with him again.
Clint glanced at the speedometer and lightened his foot on the gas pedal. If he got a ticket for speeding the reporters would be all over him. Sometimes being a politician was a pain in the rear.
His thoughts returned to the young woman he'd just left. She'd seemed remarkably mature for her age, and the investigation had indicated a spotless character, unless an illegitimate child was considered a demerit. She was even an active member of her church. But if she was dating Paul on a steady basis, why had she agreed to go out with another man? And worse, a stranger she'd met when Paul was out of town? In fact, why had she agreed to spend the evening with him once their business had supposedly been completed?
He felt an overwhelming sense of disappointment and swore softly. Had he been so bewitched by the sexy innocence she projected that he'd believed what he wanted to instead of what was?
If so, he was a fool. There hadn't been a woman in the past four years who had aroused his emotions. His lust occasionally, but never his emotions.
He was a one-woman man, and the woman he wanted now was the one he couldn't have.
He'd come to terms with his exclusivity four years ago when Dinah had left, and although he'd eventually managed to put her out of his thoughts and get on with his life, he knew he'd never fall in love again. He certainly had better sense than to get involved with his brother's girlfriend!
Trying to think rationally, he admitted he really hadn't given Elyse a chance to decline either time he'd asked her to go out with him. He'd woven his plans around Janey, and the mother hadn't wanted to disappoint her child.
On the other hand if Elyse were his love, he'd be furious if she went out with another man when he wasn't around, no matter how much pressure was put on her. He knew Paul would feel the same way.
Maybe spending another day with her was a good idea. If she was intent on taking his brother for all she could get, then he wanted to know it—now. If Elyse was trying to attach herself to Paul for a reason other than love, she'd be smart enough to do a lot more damage than just talking to the press if things didn't go her way.
Yes, he'd definitely see Elyse again, and this time he'd find out just how far she was willing to let him go while her boyfriend was away.
Chapter Two
Sacramento is known as the city of camellias and trees, and although there were only a few camellias still blooming, the lawns, trees and flower bushes of William Land Park, where the zoo was located, were green and thick with foliage. The weather in the valley ranged from warm to hot during the months of March through October before the rainy season took over and the temperature cooled.
On this bright and beautiful April Sunday afternoon, Elyse, Clint and Janey had discarded their thin sweaters and were wandering around the compact zoo with their bare arms exposed to the rapidly warming air.
Clint held Janey on his shoulders so she could see the monkeys cavorting around their island, and Janey laughed and clapped her, hands at their antics. On the surface he, Elyse and Janey had spent a delightful two hours watching the elephants, giraffes, bears and more exotic animals, as well as the colorful birds, but Elyse couldn't shake the feeling that Clint wasn't really enjoying himself.
Not that he'd said or done anything to make her think so. When he'd picked them up at the house that morning he'd seemed in a playful mood with Janey, but sitting next to him in the car on the forty-mile drive to Sacramento, Elyse had become aware of a nebulous tension in him. He'd kept up a conversation with her daughter but had made little effort to start one with her.
She walked a few steps away from him and threw a handful of popcorn in front of one of the tame peacocks that roamed the grounds, then watched it peck at the food.
A squeal of delight from Janey brought an answering laugh from Clint, and Elyse frowned. Was she being too sensitive? He sounded happy enough, and he'd certainly been attentive. He'd bought them popcorn and Cokes and even a stuffed bear for Janey, and he'd answered all their questions.
She shook her head as if to dislodge her nagging doubts. She hardly knew the man. It was presumptuous of her to think she could read his thoughts.
He turned to her as she moved back to his side. "It's nearly one o'clock," he said. "We'd probably better go somewhere for lunch, then come back to tour Fairy-tale Town, don't you think?"
Elyse hesitated for a moment. He was probably getting bored. Most bachelors did after several hours with a small child. She'd let him off the hook.
"I think we'd better have lunch and then go on home," she said. "Janey takes a nap, and if she misses it completely she's cranky and difficult. She's enjoyed the zoo, and I can take her to Fairy-tale Town some other time."
Engrossed in the monkeys, Janey had missed the conversation. Clint eased her off his shoulders and stood her on the ground. "Come along, honey, we've seen all there is to see here. Now we're going to have lunch."
Elyse noticed he hadn't objected to cutting the day short.
She was surprised when he shunned downtown Sacramento and drove twenty miles east of the city before stopping at a restaurant in the small historical town of Folsom. It was in one of the old restored buildings on Sutter Street, the town's second attraction. The first was the aging, federal maximum security Folsom Pri
son, which sat bleak and forbidding on the hill.
Sutter Street was a restoration of the gold rush era. A three-block-long recreation featured restaurants, boutiques and museums, with gaslight streetlamps and a small theater where old-fashioned melodramas were performed to the encouragement of hisses and cheers from the audience.
The cafe Clint had chosen was on the second floor, and they found a table on the balcony, which overlooked the scenic street. Sunday brunch was still being served, and while they ate, he finally seemed to relax, and became more talkative.
"I'd like to thank you for spending last evening with me, Elyse," he said as he cut a bite-size piece from his thick slice of ham. "I don't imagine you have many Saturday evenings free. A lady as young and beautiful as you must have a busy social life."
Elyse laughed. "Well, yes, I suppose so, if you consider singing in the choir at church and helping once a week in the cooperative nursery school Janey attends 'social'. Running my own business and raising a small child by myself doesn't leave a lot of time for partying."
Clint didn't join her merriment. "Come now, surely you have dates?"
She could see he was serious. "I date now and then," she said, "but certainly not every Saturday night."
He frowned. "You mean there's no special man in your life right now?"
For the life of her she couldn't understand why this conversation seemed to be upsetting him, and he was venturing into areas that were none of his business.
"Not now, and not since Janey's father died." There was a chill in her tone. "Is there some reason you're asking?"
Clint knew he was handling this wrong, but he couldn't seem to help it. Damn her, she was lying to him. The operative's report had stated that Paul and Mary E. Haley spent a great deal of time together, and knowing Paul, he'd take her to plenty of parties. He and his friends were always carousing.
Clint tried for a nonchalant shrug that didn't come off. "Not really," he answered. "I just find it hard to believe that you spend all your evenings sitting at home, reading nursery rhymes to your child."
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