by Dorie Graham
A number of cars dotted the lot of the shopping strip that housed her clinic. It took her a minute of squinting into the setting sun to find where she’d parked her battered Honda. She stopped.
A man leaned against her car, a dark silhouette against the brilliant red and orange hues. For a moment she tried to make out his features. He waved and her heart skipped a beat. Something in his bearing seemed very familiar.
Taking a deep breath, she moved forward, stifling the ray of hope that sprang up inside her. It couldn’t be. Dylan was off conquering the world by now.
Yet the shape resembled him more and more with each step. Now the light gleamed off his blond hair and she could just make out the stormy blue of his eyes. She stopped in front of him, afraid to speak, afraid that if she so much as breathed he’d evaporate into the thick air.
“Working late?” he asked, his face impassive, guarded.
She nodded. Why was he there?
“I tried the door, but it was locked and no one answered when I knocked.”
“Everyone else has gone home. I guess I didn’t hear you.”
A moment of silence followed. She shifted. The air hung hot and humid around them. Her cotton shirt clung to her back.
“I’m sorry I fell asleep last night,” he said. “That doesn’t usually happen.”
“It’s okay.”
He nodded and jiggled his keys. “You were…incredible.”
A knot formed in her throat. Heat seared her lungs. “I…um, I’m a little surprised to see you.”
“You are? I hope it’s okay that I stopped by.” He shrugged, an easy shifting of his shoulders. “I had to see you again. I’m a little out of practice with this…dating thing. It’s a big step for me, actually.”
“Dating?”
“This—” he gestured back and forth between them “—relationship…” He stiffened, his eyes narrowing. “When you agreed to no-strings, you weren’t thinking that was it?”
“What was it?” Her pulse beat in her ears.
“Last night. Nikki, you didn’t just want a one-night stand, did you?”
A mixture of joy and unrelenting fear coursed through her. He still wanted her. But how would she withstand another encounter without losing herself to him completely? If it had been difficult to walk away from him last night, what would the next time be like?
“Nikki?”
“Are you saying you want more?”
“Hell, yes. Don’t you?”
Yes. She wanted more. After just one night she wanted to take this as far as it would go—to see if what they had was real and if it was, then did it negate the curse? Would he stay with her in spite of her gift? Could he?
He blew out an impatient breath. “You promised me a bath.”
“A bath?”
“You said if I still wanted to, you’d take a bath with me later. Well, it’s later.”
A slow smile spread across her lips. She did pride herself on keeping her word. “Yes, I did and I’m getting awfully sticky standing here in the heat.”
“Then come home with me.” He opened his arms and she stepped into his embrace, truly a one-night wonder no more.
DYLAN SHIFTED THE FOLLOWING morning, uncomfortable in his office chair. His second night with Nikki had been a night of wonders. So why did he feel like putting his fist through a wall?
“Have you got a minute?” Julie Foster asked as she hovered just inside his door. She brushed aside wispy blond bangs and bit her lip.
“Yes?” Dylan set down his pen and fought the urge to scowl at the woman. She was the third administrative assistant the practice had had in the past year and a half. The partners, let alone his father, would never forgive him if he ran off another one.
The last thing Dylan felt like doing right now was smiling, though. The night had been incredible and he’d done more than just smile. He’d laughed out loud. He’d groaned in ecstasy. He’d gone to heaven and back. Nikki certainly did wonders for his mood. Somehow the world seemed a brighter place when she was around. Leaving her snug in his bed so he could make it to work early had been torment, and now his normally sullen disposition had taken a turn for the worst.
Julie slipped farther inside the office and held out a sheaf of papers toward him. “These need your signature, then I’m to pass them on to your father for review…whenever you’re through with them.”
Dylan frowned as she dropped the stack on the corner of his desk. He could handle a prime case, but he still had to have all his paperwork checked? Would he ever win his old man’s full approval?
She beat a hasty retreat to the door, wringing her hands. “And Councilman Weatherby is here for your ten o’clock.”
“Damn.” Frustration welled up inside him. He didn’t have the patience for George Weatherby right now. The man expected Dylan to be grateful for the opportunity to represent him.
“You made this appointment last week and he’s already in the reception area.”
“It’s not a problem.” He blew out a breath and scrubbed his hands over his eyes. “Send him in. We might as well get this over with.”
Steeling himself, he pasted on his best smile a few moments later as Julie ushered the man in, then hurried out, closing the door behind her. Dylan rose and extended his hand. “Councilman.”
George Weatherby shook his hand, then mopped his brow with a kerchief as he sank his bulk into the leather chair opposite Dylan’s desk. “Hot as hell out there. I about melted just walking from my car to the door.”
“Would you like something cold to drink?”
“I suppose a beer would be inappropriate?” The man slapped his knee and laughed as though he’d said something amusing. Dylan regarded him evenly until Weatherby straightened. “Actually some water would be really great.”
After sending Julie for the requested beverage, Dylan settled again in his chair. He flipped through his file on the case. “Let’s get on with the matter at hand. The court has ordered an evidentiary hearing for next week.”
“Well, there isn’t any evidence to hear! They won’t find anything, because I didn’t do anything.” The man’s expression darkened and his face flushed. “This is all Ted Johnson’s doing. He hated that I beat him in the last election. I can tell you, I won’t take this lying down. There will be hell to pay for maligning my name!”
“I understand you’re upset by these charges. Fraud, extortion—either one would be cause for concern. But when we get to this upcoming hearing, it will be of utmost importance that you remain composed.”
Weatherby’s gaze narrowed. He leaned forward, the leather beneath him creaking in protest. “There’s not going to be anything beyond this hearing, son. You hear me? Your daddy, for God knows what reason, has handed this case over to you, and I’m going along with him. Now you do your job and clear my name. You mess this up and I assure you this’ll be the end of your career.”
Dylan clenched his fists and inhaled deeply. Anger burned through him. “You can be assured I’ll do my job, Councilman.”
Julie knocked, then entered with the water. Weatherby swirled the drink, clinking the ice cubes against the glass. “Thank you, sweetheart. You’re a lifesaver.”
Pink tinged her cheeks. “Can I get you gentlemen anything else?”
Weatherby’s gaze raked over the young woman in a way that twisted Dylan’s gut. He gripped his pen. “That’s all, Julie. Thank you.”
She bobbed her head and scurried out the door. Weatherby smacked his lips, then took a long swallow. “That’s better.”
“About this evidentiary hearing—”
“It’s nothing to worry about, my boy. Your old man briefed me over golf the other day.”
“Did he?”
“They want to determine the facts of the case—get everyone’s testimony and exhibit documents—which will all prove to be faked. Like I said, I’m innocent. The only way to prove otherwise is to forge the evidence. The witnesses will all be perjuring themselves. They’ll be richer f
or it, I’m sure, but they’ll be lying through their teeth.”
“Lies are easy to unearth. If this thing goes to trial, we’ll have the opportunity to cross-examine everyone. Meanwhile, we’ll be conducting interviews. I’ll make a motion to suppress some of this evidence.” Dylan waved at the folder. “The search warrant was questionable.”
“It’s all questionable.”
“The community isn’t feeling generous toward fraud these days. I want you to make me a list of character references and keep a diary of all significant occurrences and possible witnesses. You don’t have any prior convictions. We’ll do what we can to fight this.”
“You do that, boy.”
Clenching his fists to keep from throttling the man, Dylan rose. “We’ll be in touch. Meanwhile, don’t talk to anyone about the case, especially the press.”
Slowly Weatherby heaved himself from the chair. “Well, guess I’ll just go pop in to see that daddy of yours while I’m here.”
“You do that…sir.”
Weatherby narrowed his eyes, then a smile spread across his thick lips. “Maybe you’ll manage this thing all right after all.”
With one last backward glance he left. Dylan stared after him. Why the hell did he feel so compelled to remain in this practice? If he were the first Cain in generations to pursue a career outside of law, would that be such a bad thing?
DYLAN SLOWLY ROSE FROM THE bed where Nikki lay sleeping in the hours before dawn that Wednesday morning. A profound sense of peace such as he had not known in years spread over him. Being with her swept away all his work-related stress, making his life not only bearable but actually enjoyable. He showered, then dressed, and still she slept.
He glanced at the clock. It was early yet. The sun wouldn’t rise for a couple more hours, but he was wide-awake, his body humming.
He had work to do, but instead he sank into the chair near the window, unable to take his gaze from her sleep-softened face. When was the last time he’d felt so alive? It seemed as though Nikki had roused a part of him he’d forgotten—or perhaps had never known.
At long last she stirred, rolling to her side and opening her eyes. Her lips curled into a slow smile that sent warmth flowing through him. He hadn’t been able to resist calling her. He’d needed to see her. Somehow being with her drove away the darkness and made the present bearable. Any doubt he’d had in pursuing her had faded the moment she smiled at him.
Her smile transformed him.
She patted the bed beside her. “Why are you dressed and sitting way over there? Was I hogging the bed? Did I snore?”
“No.” He moved from the chair to sit beside her and trace his finger along her smooth shoulder. She had the softest skin. “I don’t sleep much.”
“So talk to me. I want to know everything about you.”
His stomach tightened. “There isn’t anything to tell.”
“Oh, I’ll bet there is. Everyone has a story.”
“You wouldn’t be interested in mine.”
Her expression softened. “Try me.”
The gentle coaxing of her tone drew him closer, but he focused again on her skin as he ran his hand along her side, over the curve of her hip. She seemed so full of life and innocent to the seedier side of the world. He had to keep her safe from his personal life, where everything seemed so tainted.
“All that matters is the pleasure we give each other. The world doesn’t exist outside this room, this time. When we’re together, there is no past, no future. Only now,” he said.
Her brow furrowed, but he bent to kiss her. The need to protect her surged through him. If he kept her here, in the safety of his home—his bed—he could keep her from harm. He had to make her understand that this incredible physical relationship was all they needed.
It was all he had to give.
“WHAT HAVE WE GOT TODAY?” Nikki scooped her hair into its usual ponytail as Sarah flipped through the schedule.
All that matters is the pleasure we give each other.
Taking a deep breath, Nikki squared her shoulders. She would not think of Dylan and whether or not she’d see him again. He’d been there that morning, watching her, waiting for her to wake. It had been more than she’d hoped for. Last night had been wonderful and she’d enjoyed each moment with him as if it were her last. Anything beyond this was the icing on the cake.
Her stomach tightened as she forced a smile. She would not worry. If she heard from him, then she’d value the time with him. If he didn’t call…well, that would be that.
She’d survive.
A loose strand of hair brushed her cheek and she redid the ponytail. She should just cut her hair. Would Dylan like her better with a sleek, short style?
Sarah finally looked up. She popped a big pink gum-bubble, then sucked the wad back into her mouth. “Not too bad. Shots mostly.”
“Okay, who’s first?”
“The Harrises’ cat, Lobo, that big Maine coon. They’re in the waiting room.”
“Nikki—” Janet, the receptionist, stuck her head in the door “—there’s a call for you on line one. Sounds yummy.”
“Oh, thanks. I’ll take it in my office. Sarah, go ahead and take Lobo into room two and I’ll be right there.” Her heart sped as she hurried to her office, then shut the door. She lifted the receiver and punched the blinking button. “Hello?”
“Hi.” Dylan’s even baritone rumbled across the line.
She bit her lip to contain her smile—keep her hopes from soaring. She was losing it if something as simple as a phone call put her over the top like this. “Hi.”
“You have completely sidetracked me with that luscious body of yours. I owe you a nice dinner.”
“Oh.” Her heart gave a squeeze. How she’d love to go on a real date with him, but his reaction to her gentle probing this morning had proven to her more than ever that their relationship lived within strict boundaries.
He’d been right not to cross them.
“Nikki?”
“We agreed no frills.”
Silence crackled across the line.
“It’s okay. I knew what this was when I got into it,” she said to reassure him.
“But I did ask you to dinner.”
“That was before we made our deal.”
“No frills.”
“Right.”
He was silent again.
She shifted. “I have to go. I have a patient waiting.”
“Nikki.”
“Yes?”
“Could I still see you tonight?”
She closed her eyes and let out a breath. “Yes.”
“You’ll come by when you get off?”
“I need to stop by my house, but I’ll be there by eight.”
“Eight o’clock it is.” A light tone tinged his voice.
This time she let her smile burst forth. She’d been granted a reprieve. She’d see him again. She bade him goodbye, then hurried to see to her afternoon duties.
6
“WHERE WERE YOU LAST NIGHT?” Erin popped the top on a soda early that evening and frowned at Nikki. “Not that I mind having the apartment all to myself. Only two of Tess’s minions stopped by, and they left early. I enjoy the privacy, but I don’t like to worry. At least Tess always calls. You had your cell phone turned off.”
Nikki shifted beside her youngest sister. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you worry.”
“I didn’t worry until last night. Two nights in a row isn’t like you, especially during the week. What was I supposed to think?”
“That I’d finally broken my record and actually found a man who wanted to stick around? Besides, I did come home early this morning to shower and change. You must have been sleeping like the dead not to have heard me.”
Erin shrugged, her green eyes expressionless. “So have you?”
“Have I what?”
“Found a guy who’s decided to stick around.”
A vision of Dylan, his eyes full of desire, filled Nikki�
��s mind. She squelched the happiness blooming in her chest and affected a casual expression.
All that matters is the pleasure we give each other.
“Maybe,” she said. “I’m seeing him again tonight. We’ll see what happens after that. I’m taking it one day at a time with no expectations.”
When we’re together there is no past, no future. Only now.
“So who is he? Where did you meet him?”
“Actually I met him when I was out house hunting.” She stopped to gauge her sister’s reaction.
Erin’s face remained impassive. “You’ve been house hunting? You’re moving out of the apartment?”
“I’ve signed a contract on a place. I’m hoping you and Tess will move in with me.”
Her sister made no comment, though her eyebrows arched slightly.
“Come on, Erin, a home of our own. Think about it. No landlords, no rent increases. But best of all, we won’t ever have to move again.”
“Have you mentioned this to Tess?”
“No, I haven’t seen her. But she’ll be thrilled.”
“Maybe. As long as she can have her minions over, she’ll be happy wherever.”
“I do think I understand her a little better now.”
“What’s to understand? She sleeps around. She keeps a dozen or so poor slovenly fools at her beck and call at any one time.” Her gaze met Nikki’s. “She’s just like our mother.”
“I don’t think it’s quite like that. Sophie explained some of it to me. Maybe we should sit down.” She grabbed a bottle of wine and two glasses.
Erin shook her head and plopped down at one of the kitchen chairs. “Why is it I get the feeling that I am not going to like this?”
“You probably won’t. I’m not so sure about it myself.” She served them both, then took a long swallow before continuing. “You know that show where the three sisters grew up to discover they were witches?”
“Yeah. What’s that got to do with anything?”
“Well, that’s kind of us, only we’re not witches—at least I don’t think so. I need to verify with Sophie. She does brew up her little potions—”