by Charlie
“We can’t tell yet ma’am, but it’s quite likely. It’s the same MO: breaking in at night through a window or door. Going straight for the goods—no random searching. He was probably in your store earlier, posing as a customer, and checking the place out. We’ll need a statement from you and once they’ve checked for fingerprints or any other evidence, we’ll let you lock up.”
“Any idea how long that will be, officer?” Jake spoke for the first time.
“It shouldn’t be too long… Probably under an hour. And who are you, sir?”
“Jake Sinclair.”
“And your relationship to this lady is… ?”
“Acquaintance,” Stephanie said.
“Boyfriend.” Jake answered simultaneously.
The officer looked from one to the other with a question in his eyes.
“We’ve just met.” Stephanie explained.
“I’m optimistic,” Jake added.
“I see.” The officer nodded. “Well, you two… friends can wait here or in your car, if it’s parked near.”
“Mine’s right over there.” Stephanie pointed to the location of her vehicle.
“All right. If you’d like to wait there, someone will be over to take a statement as soon as possible.”
The police officer headed back to the shop and Jake walked Stephanie to her car. She found her keys, opened the door and they climbed in. After sitting in silence for a few minutes, she laughed dryly. “I bet this is the strangest first date you’ve ever had, isn’t it?”
“It does rank up there.”
“Jake, I’m sorry. You don’t have to wait with me. It’s late. You’ve missed your dinner. Go home.”
“No. You haven’t eaten either. You know this is twice now that I’ve found you running around over hungry. If you’re not careful you’ll just be skin and bones.”
Without meaning to, Stephanie visibly winced at the comment. She was of average size, but comments about her weight still made her uncomfortable. They reminded her of Jarrod Simpson and how he’d taunted her all those years ago. Funny, she hadn’t thought of him in ages and now he’d crossed her mind twice in one week.
“Steph? Did I say something wrong? You look unhappy.”
“No… It’s just that phrase—skin and bones—someone used to tease me about my weight that way.”
“Most women would love to have your figure.”
“Perhaps, but I was a really skinny ‘plain Jane’ as a teen and my self-confidence was low.” She gave a self deprecating laugh. “It’s silly to let something like that still bother me. Old memories are best forgotten. “
“No—not always. Memories of the past help shape the decisions we make today.”
“Memories can also hold you back. There are some things I wish I could forget. If I couldn’t remember them, I’d be different now.”
“How so?”
“I guess I’d be bolder, more open. Less nervous around new situations or new people.” She glanced shyly at him.
“Do I make you nervous?”
“A bit… Actually I think I’m nervous of myself because this isn’t how I usually act. Here I am sitting in a car with a man I barely know and I’m not a bundle of nerves—well, except because of the robbery and nearly getting hit by a car—but I’m not that nervous of you. I’m not at all sure what’s going on in my head right now… ”
“So usually, if I were to tell you that you’re not plain, that you’re beautiful and I want to kiss you, you’d be a nervous wreck.”
“Something like that.” She licked her lips, not totally sure where this conversation was going, but she had her suspicions, and the idea intrigued her, which again was so out of character. Darting another glance at Jake, she found he was staring intently at her. Suddenly the interior of the car seemed much smaller and much warmer than it had just a minute before.
“Then let’s test the theory and see what happens.” He reached over and caressed her cheek. “Steph, you are beautiful.” His hand slid back under her hair to cup her neck. Gently he urged her towards him, his eyes locked on hers. When they were but a breath apart he stopped. “Is it all right if I kiss you?”
Lost in his deep blue eyes, she had to replay the question in her mind before comprehending. She nodded her assent and he leaned forward, closing the gap between them.
Jake’s lips softly brushed over hers, as if testing her reaction. At first she sat frozen trying to sort out what she was experiencing. His lips were warm and smooth, moving ever so gently against hers. It was pleasant rather than frightening. Tentatively she moved her lips in response savouring the sensations that were starting to wash over her. She felt herself melting into a pool of liquid honey. The warmth of his mouth was spreading through her and little sparks began to tingle wherever they touched. She pulled away fractionally wondering if she was just imagining things and then leaned in for a second try. This time it was like an electric jolt and she gasped at the feeling that coursed through her. As her lips parted, Jake pressed in closer, deepening the kiss. His tongue gently stroked hers then moved away only to return as he changed the angle of the kiss.
Stephanie felt herself sinking into him, becoming lost in the taste and scent and feel of the man. His warm, muscular body pressed against hers; his hair was thick and silky under her fingers. It seemed so familiar, so right, like she’d kissed him a thousand times before…
A tapping on the window, had them quickly pulling away from each other. Officer Carter was standing outside. Stephanie rolled down her window, trying to calm her pounding heart. “Yes Officer?”
“We’re ready to take your statement ma’am and to have you look around the store to see what’s missing besides the money from the till.”
“I-I’ll be right there.” She glanced over at Jake and saw that he was looking at her with impatient, hungry eyes. “I have to go… ”
“I’m coming with you.” It wasn’t a question. Just a flat out statement, but Stephanie didn’t complain. Having him by her side seemed like the natural thing to do.
Chapter 7
Jake paced the length of Stephanie’s living room wondering how he was going to find the strength to leave. The fact that he was in the house already, as an invited guest put him way ahead of schedule, but also threw his carefully controlled feelings into disarray. He’d prepared himself to not expect too much too soon, to be satisfied with a hug and chaste kiss, but now that he’d had a glimpse again of the heaven that could be found in Stephanie’s arms, how was he going to hold back?
Her reaction to the break-in had been more emotional than he would have expected. When she’d practically thrown herself into his arms when he came up to her on the street corner, he’d nearly groaned out loud. The feel of her warm slight frame pressing against his, her arms around his waist, her fingers digging into his flesh… Memories of the last time he’d held her like that had come rushing back to him. It had been all he could do to keep for sweeping her off her feet and carrying her away. Then, in the car, she’d looked so vulnerable… When she had let him kiss her, he’d been elated. Already she was opening up to him, trusting him. The look in her eyes as she’d stared into his almost made him wonder if she remembered… But, no. It wasn’t possible.
After they’d looked over the flower shop and determined that nothing was missing, they’d gone to one of the fast food chains. They sat in yellow plastic chairs at a bright red table. Fluorescent lighting had glared down on them as they ate their hamburgers and fries. Stephanie had just picked at her food and stared distractedly at the imitation flowers that filled the planter beside them. Finally he’d asked if she wanted to go home. Apologetically she’d indicated that she wasn’t really hungry and was ready to leave. After she refused to let him drive her home, he’d insisted on following her, just to make sure she arrived safely. Outside her house, he’d gotten out, opened her car door and walked her to the front step. Her eyes had traced over his features, a slight frown marring her brow.
“What�
��s the matter, Steph?”
“Nothing… There’s just something about you.” She’d paused before explaining further. “I’m usually pretty wary around people I don’t know, especially men, but it’s so different with you. Almost like I already know you, which is silly isn’t it?”
“Maybe it’s destiny, like I told you the other day.”
She’d laughed off his comment, and then hesitantly asked if he’d like to come in for some coffee. Of course, he’d agreed. Her house was small, but sufficient for her needs, she’d explained while showing him the living room and kitchen. He’d made sure his face was politely interested, giving no indication that he’d been there before. The cat had greeted him like the old friend it was, which puzzled her.
“Coco was a stray. She doesn’t usually like strangers.”
“Animals have always taken to me. I seem to have a natural affinity with them.” He’d offered the explanation while kneeling down and rubbing the cat’s chin. Coco had been easy to win over during his visits to Stephanie’s house. A bit of catnip and the animal had immediately become his friend.
Stephanie had chuckled, obviously pleased that her pet liked him then made her way to the kitchen where she prepared the cat’s dinner. Noticing the box of allergy pills on the counter she grabbed a glass of water, popped a tablet out of the protective bubble, and swallowed it.
“What was that for?” He was instantly alert to her state of health.
“Allergies. They just started up. The doctor said I could be allergic to Coco, but I hope not; she’s all the family that I have. I’m taking these pills to see if it makes a difference, but I’m not a good pill taker. I always forget and when I do take them, I get these weird side effects.” She’d been busy making the coffee while she spoke, but started when she felt his hands on her shoulders, turning her to face him.
“Jake?” Her blue green eyes had stared up at him, questioning but unafraid.
“Just a minute.” He’d held her face in his hands and rubbed his thumbs over her cheeks then across her forehead while looking into her eyes. She’d frowned at him, but didn’t try to pull away.
“What are you doing?”
“Checking if you have allergies or not. I think it’s probably just a summer cold and will be gone before you know it—maybe even by morning.”
“That’s not what my doctor said. Besides you can’t diagnose me by just running your hands over my face.”
“Possibly you’re right, but I’m very intuitive about things like this and I was checking out your eyes as well. Your eyes aren’t only the windows to your soul, but to your health.”
“Right… ” She looked at him quizzically. “So are you into all that ‘New Age’ and natural healing kind of stuff?”
“Something like that.” He’d chastised himself for acting without thinking, and thankfully grabbed onto the explanation she’d offered.
She leaned over to open the window and turned on the ceiling fan. “Are you any good with air conditioners? I’m sorry it’s so stuffy in here, but the darn thing broke and I was told it wasn’t worth fixing.”
“Sorry. I’m not very good with mechanical things. Only living creatures.”
“Oh well, just thought I’d ask. Listen, the coffee will be ready in a moment. While it’s dripping through, I’ll just change into something a bit more comfortable if you don’t mind.”
He’d raised his eyebrows at her comment and smiled when she flushed after realizing how it had sounded.
“I didn’t mean that! Well, I did but not in that way… It’s just that I’m really hot… ” She’d stumbled over her explanation and he’d debated about teasing her further, but then decided the night had already been eventful enough.
“I know you didn’t. I’ll just wait in the living room.” He’d made sure his smile was gentle and understanding, not wanting her to realize how much he wished there really had been another meaning to her words. She’d given him a grateful look and had hurried down the hall.
Now Jake paced the small room, looking out the front window, examining the pictures on the mantel and wondering why he’d agreed to come in. This was a bad idea. Surrounded by her presence, his senses were becoming heightened and his desire was mounting. He worried that he might not be able to control himself and he didn’t want to frighten her. It was too soon.
“I’m back.”
He turned and saw Stephanie standing nervously in the doorway. She’d put on denim shorts and a coral tank top , the bright colour adding warmth to her fair complexion. Her feet were bare and her toes were digging into the carpeting as if trying to keep herself grounded.
“That was fast. I like that colour on you.”
“Thanks. The coffee is probably ready. Do you want to have it in here on the sofa or in the kitchen?”
“The kitchen’s fine.” He felt it was safer to stay away from the intimacy of sitting side by side on the couch.
She seemed surprised at his decision, but nodded and headed into the next room. He sat at the table while she got out mugs, cream, and sugar. Placing a steaming cup in front of him, she sat across the table and took a sip of the hot beverage.
“It was nice of you to see me home.”
“I didn’t mind. You still seemed a bit shaken and I wanted to make sure you got here safely.”
“It was really unnerving to think I almost came face to face with a thief. I still feel silly for running out of the store like that, though. I probably should have grabbed the broom, waited until he was inside and whacked him over the head.”
“That only happens in movies and novels. If you’d stayed, he might have been armed and hurt you.”
“Armed? None of the police reports have mentioned a weapon.” Her eyes widened in obvious surprise at the idea.
“Well, it just makes sense. The man is committing a crime. He probably has something with him to use in case he’s caught. That's why I’m glad you ran.” He reached across the table and held her hand. “You’re important to me, Stephanie. I’d hate for something to happen to you.”
She stared at him doubtfully. “But you hardly know me.”
He rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand. “Believe me, Steph. I know all I need to know.”
Shifting uncomfortably in her seat, she pulled her hand away. “Jake, we’ve only just met. All you know is that I own a flower shop, eat bagels and have a cat that I might be allergic to.”
“So tell me then, who is Stephanie Fields and what do I need to know about her?
Obviously surprised to have suddenly been made the topic of conversation, she was slow to respond. “Well… Um… I’m twenty-seven and I own Fields of Flowers, but I guess you know that.” He nodded encouragingly and she took another sip of her coffee before continuing. “I don’t have any family. My parents were killed when I was ten and I moved around a lot from one foster home to another until I was about fourteen. Then I went to Mrs. McCreedy’s—she ran a foster home for teens—and I stayed there until I aged out of the system. There’s not much else to tell—nothing really exciting about me is there?” She shrugged and gave a half laugh, only glancing at him briefly before studying her coffee cup again.
“Those are the basics, but I think you left out a lot, like… How did you end up owning a flower shop?”
“Oh that one’s easy. After I left Mrs. McCreedy’s, I started working at Weston Flowers—that’s what the store used to be called—and I found out that I had an eye for floral design. Then when Mrs. Peters, the original owner, wanted to retire she asked if I’d like to buy the business. I had a bit of an inheritance from my parents and used it for the down payment. The bank still owns over half of the shop, but I make enough to pay the mortgage each month and keep a roof over my head.”
“So you’re a self-starter with a good head for business, an eye for design and a vision of the future.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“That’s what I learned about you from that little tidbit. See, I really do know
a lot about you Stephanie.”
“Well then you have an advantage on me because I don’t really know much about you.”
“I gave you my references.”
“And I checked them out.”
“Somehow I knew you would.” He smiled at her so she’d know it wasn’t a criticism.
“But the references don’t tell me much beyond your name, age, job, and the fact that you’re financially successful. Do you have a family?”
“No, they’ve been gone for quite awhile.”
“And where are you from?”
“All over—most recently Europe. I’ve travelled a great deal throughout my life.”
“So you’ve never settled in one place.”