Fire and Midnight

by Sandra Renee Appet

  “Tyler wants to stay at school, and I’m perfectly fine with that, but let me make one thing clear. Under no circumstances will you and I be getting back together. Last night, you tried to tell me we’d be better off together than apart, and I disagree. I’m better off without you. You chose someone else over me. Well, guess what? Now I’m doing the same thing, but that ‘someone else’ I’m choosing is me. I’m doing fine on my own. Whether I choose to share my life with someone else in the future or not will be my decision.” She took a steadying breath. “You and I have known each other a long time, and we created a wonderful son together. We’ll always have that bond in common, but you need to understand the husband-and-wife part of our relationship is over. I won’t be changing my mind, and I won’t be taking you back.” She let the final words tumble from her lips, and braced herself for his rebuttal.

  “You’re wrong,” Nick said quietly. “I miss you. I’m lonely without you, and I think you’re lonely, too.”

  Jane looked out the window. She knew about loneliness. She’d suffered her own case of it, more times than she could count. “That may be true, but it’s not a valid reason to get back together. We both deserve more than that.” She turned to Nick. She stopped herself from touching his arm.

  “I’ll never give up hope that you’ll come back to me, you know,” Nick said.

  Hearing that, the old Jane would have had second thoughts, wondering if she was making a mistake by not going back to Nick. But the new Jane knew she’d be just fine without him. She slipped her phone from her purse and checked for messages. None. What did she expect? Ryan had moved on. Not only had he moved on, from the looks of her bank account on her smart phone app, he’d also kept the fee he’d said would be refunded. Jane dropped her phone back into her bag and shook her head. How had she been so stupid? Fortunately, she had a boatload of work to dive into, over the next few weeks. She knew that she would need all the strength she could muster when work returned her to San Antonio, the city that had both energized and destroyed her.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The plane’s wheels touched down waking Jane from her Chardonnay induced nap. In an attempt to keep her time in San Antonio to a minimum, she’d taken a late flight, which gave her just enough time for a restful night’s sleep before her meeting the next day. She’d hoped the pain would’ve eased after six weeks, but the tightening of her throat signaled something different. She was back, and the sting of Ryan’s deceit and rejection were just as raw as the day she left.

  Her pity party would have to wait. Jane pulled her carryon from the overhead compartment and followed the passengers to the gangway as she mentally reviewed her presentation. Jane was in town to help pitch the plan for a nationwide advertising campaign to her client’s Board of Directors. There was a lot riding on her trip. The Board’s consent would not only open the door to a multi-million-dollar marketing budget for her client, but her boss also promised Jane a substantial bonus for her work.

  The familiar lights of San Antonio illuminated the inside of the cab as it pulled up to the entrance to the Omni Hotel. She tried not to think about the last time she’d checked into the hotel when she was filled with the excitement and anticipation of meeting her cowboy. As she stepped to the registration desk, the only thing she felt was hunger, and her stomach grumbled a reminder she hadn’t eaten since noon.

  “Welcome to the Omni. Are you checking in?” the woman behind the desk asked. A nameplate marked “Candy” hung from her blouse.

  Jane nodded and handed Candy her driver’s license and credit card. “Is the restaurant still open?” Jane asked.

  “Sorry. I’m afraid it closed at ten, but the lounge is still serving from the bar menu until midnight,” Candy said handing Jane her room key.

  “The lounge.”

  “Yes, it’s right up the escalator to the second floor.” Candy’s too-sweet smile became brighter as Jane’s mood turned darker.

  “I know where it is. Thanks,” Jane muttered. It was the last place she’d like to be. Maybe she could wait to eat until morning. On cue, her stomach protested with a loud rumble. Well, the lounge was on the way to her room on the second floor. Her hunger, combined with velvety piano music, beckoned her toward the lounge as she pulled her carryon onto the escalator. Avoiding the spot at the bar where she’d rendezvoused with Ryan, she chose a seat at a small table near the piano and ordered a glass of Chardonnay and a Caesar salad. As her eyes adjusted to the dim lights, she scanned the lounge and spotted a head of dark hair. Her gaze wandered to broad shoulders wrapped tightly in a black t-shirt. Could it be him? A flutter danced in her empty stomach, and her heart pounded in her ears.

  “Your Chardonnay, Miss. Your salad will be out in a moment. Will this be on your room?” the waitress asked.

  “Um. Yes, please. Room two-ninety-four.” Jane turned her attention back in the direction of the dark haired man and found only an empty chair. She blinked back tears and took a few gulps from her wine glass. It was going to be harder than she’d thought.

  ****

  Her fingers raked through dark hair as his warm breath caressed the curve of her neck. Her body melted into his, and she whimpered when he entered her, inch by inch, with a soft groan. A swell of wet heat flooded her core as his muscles flexed under her fingertips, and she traced the dips and planes of his back. Wrapping her legs around his backside, she invited him deeper, filling her completely. His tongue parted her lips, and she tasted a hint of spice and wine as she met every stroke from his mouth. Rocking her faster, he carried her deeper into the wave of pleasure taking over her body. His forehead touched hers. She yearned to watch him as he brought her to the brink of spiraling out of control.

  “Ryan?”

  She opened her eyes expecting to see crystal blue eyes gazing back. Instead, the air left her lungs as she woke with a gasp. Her legs were tangled in bed sheets and strands of hair stuck to her damp cheeks. She sat up and scanned her surroundings, illuminated by the slice of sunlight peeking through the drawn drapes framing the single window of her hotel room. She propped the pillows against the headboard, pulled the sheets up and placed her palm over her chest. Her quickened pulse beat against her hand as she tried to hold on to the feeling Ryan evoked, even if it was just through an exquisite dream.

  “Get it together,” she mumbled before throwing her legs over the edge of the bed and trudging to the bathroom to run a very cold shower.

  ****

  Her presentation was flawless. As she flipped through the advertising designs on the screen, Jane cited test market results and demographic data for her client’s target audience. She was excused from the room after her part, and the executives and Board members met in a private session. Jane paced the conference room floor waiting for the boardroom door to open. She glanced out the window to the busy River Walk below. Colorful gondolas filled with tourists floated down the river, and a small boat caught her eye. Jane moved closer to the window, and a grin played at her lips. She’d know the man standing proudly on his boat anywhere. He appeared to be serenading the young couple in the gondola. Jane’s mind flashed to the magical night she’d met Ryan and their gondola ride to Marriage Island. She could almost hear Pascal’s song over the murmur of gurgling water against his oar as he rowed. Jane touched her fingertips to the window. “Take care, Tio,” she whispered. It wasn’t until that moment that Jane realized she not only missed Ryan, she missed the total package.

  She turned as the conference room door flew open. “The Board approved it. We got the funding!” James said as he stood in the doorway.

  “Yes! That’s great news!”

  “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but today we’re celebrating. I’ve given everyone the rest of the day off, and we’re heading downstairs to Rio Iguana for margaritas. Are you up for it?”

  Jane grabbed her purse. “Lead the way.”

  They took the elevator to the River Walk level and walked a few feet to the brightly painted bar with fake cactuses welco
ming patrons to the entrance. Sounds of loud music, laughter, and cheers directed at the soccer game on the television screen filled Jane’s ears. Many of her client’s office staff were already present and in celebration mode. Jane found an open seat at the bar next to James’s administrative assistant, Donna.

  “What’ll it be?” the bartender asked.

  She pointed to Donna’s fruity concoction. “I’ll have what she’s having.”

  “Make that two,” James said before turning to Jane. “I can’t thank you enough. We couldn’t have done it without you, Jane. The Board was impressed with your designs and market expertise. In fact, one of them said we should hire you before you’re snatched up by someone else.” Two icy drinks complete with pineapple chunks skewered to paper umbrellas appeared. James picked up a glass in each hand and gave one to Jane. “To bright futures for all of us.”

  “Cheers,” she said, and the three glasses met with a clink.

  James turned to Donna. “Let’s set Jane up with a dedicated workstation. She’ll be spending a lot of time here over the next few months while we get ready for the launch.”

  Jane nodded with a tight grin. As happy as she was about the deal, the thought of making regular trips to the city that had caused her much pain and embarrassment was daunting to say the least. She didn’t know how much more of San Antonio she could take.

  “James! Over here!” A voice called from the other end of the bar.

  “Excuse me a moment,” he said.

  Jane turned her attention to Donna, when a familiar face caught her eye. Through the crowd she spotted his profile. Ryan was seated at a high-top table no more than twenty feet from her. Luckily, a crowd entered the bar and stood in twos and threes in back of the barstools hiding Jane from Ryan’s view. Her gaze caught his rolled shirtsleeve and exposed muscular forearm prompting her mind to race to the sultry dream she’d had the night before. She couldn’t stop her eyes from trailing to the dimple that decorated his stubbled cheek. She watched the corner of his eye crinkle as he smiled and wondered who was the receiver of his crooked grin. She tilted her head to get a better look but a waitress serving him a series of shot glasses blocked her view. When the waitress finally stepped away, Jane understood why Ryan was so happy. He appeared ready for a fun night of shots with a petite blonde in a low cut blouse.

  “Something wrong?” Donna asked following Jane’s gaze.

  “I think I need some air.” Jane slipped off her chair and snaked through the crowd to the door. She sucked in a deep breath when she stepped outside. Any lingering doubts she had about Ryan were put to rest. She hated to admit Maya had been absolutely right about Ryan. Jane took off as fast as her high heels would allow.

  ****

  “This place is poppin’! See, if you carry my line of flavored tequila, your bar could be poppin’ too,” said Dylan McGuire, one of Vine’s liquor reps.

  Ryan chuckled. “I don’t think Vine needs to be popping.”

  “Sure it does. Look at all these people spending their hard earned cash one ounce at a time.” She picked up one of the many shot glasses on the table. “Try this one. It’s coconut flavored.”

  He downed the shot and grimaced. It tasted more like suntan lotion than anything else. He placed the glass on the table. “Look, Dylan. I understand what you’re trying to do bringing me here, but I’m still not interested in making Vine into a cheap shot spot. There are enough of these types of places here.” He shook his head as the remnants of coconut-flavored tequila burned his throat. He pointed to the bar. “I’m gonna grab a glass of water. Want one?”

  Dylan shrugged. “Sure.”

  Ryan inched his way to the packed bar when he picked up a distinct scent of citrus. He stopped and inhaled again. It was the unique scent of Jane’s perfume.

  It couldn’t be, he thought. But he remembered she had a client in town. Was she back? Ryan scanned the bar and caught a glimpse of a woman with her same golden highlights heading toward the door.

  “Excuse me,” he said, pushing through the crowd. He reached the walkway and circled the area once.

  Twice.

  She was gone.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Thanks to modern technology, Jane managed to keep her trips to San Antonio at a minimum while working on her client’s national advertising campaign. However, James insisted she attended the kick-off party. She followed the directions to the event on her phone and found herself in a familiar stretch of the River Walk. Jane stopped in her tracks when she spotted Vine’s ivy covered façade.

  “Miss Jane! Miss Jane!”

  Jane recognized the excited voice, as well as many of the faces of the people laughing, eating and drinking on Vine’s patio. She tried to make a clean getaway by crossing the bridge to the other side of the river, where she’d hoped she wouldn’t be seen. But the effort had proved futile. Of all the places on the River Walk to have a party, why did it have to be a few doors down from Ryan’s restaurant? A minute before, Jane had thought nothing could be more awkward, but then the little voice called out to her and proved her wrong. Jane tried to ignore it, quickening her walk. She was already a few feet beyond the restaurant, almost out of the woods. Almost.

  “Miss Jane?” The high, piping voice was coming from behind her now.

  Jane hesitated, then stopped, closing her eyes as she prayed for strength to turn around. She could picture the smile on the face of the little girl running toward her.

  Then small hands tugged at her skirt. “Miss Jane! I knew it was you! Do you remember me?”

  Jane opened her eyes and returned the child’s smile. “Of course I remember you. How could I forget a sweet girl like you? How are you, Isabel?”

  “I got an A on my science project. Uncle Ryan helped me. I asked him where you were, but he said you had to go home.” Isabel gnawed her bottom lip. “I missed you.”

  Jane tucked in a strand of hair that had come free from the girl’s ponytail. “I’ve missed you, too. It looks like quite a party. Are you having fun?”

  Isabel’s head bobbed up and down, and her pigtails swept over her shoulders. “It’s Tio’s birthday.” She crooked her finger, gesturing Jane closer.

  Jane stooped so she was on eye level with Isabel.

  “He’s old,” Isabel whispered followed by a giggle. “Momma says I’m not allowed to say that out loud, but you won’t tell on me, will you, Miss Jane?”

  “My lips are sealed,” Jane assured her, and turned a pretend key at the seam of her mouth.

  “Sounds like there are some heavy-duty secrets going on here,” a deep voice said from above them.

  Jane closed her eyes, then reopened them to blue eyes even more delicious than she’d remembered. He was mimicking Jane’s stance, kneeling just inches from her. His familiar scent wafted up her nostrils. The added aroma of olive oil and his favorite cabernet made her mouth water.

  He raised his eyebrows. “Hi there.”

  “Hello.” Warmth flooded her face, and she stood up, hoping for a breeze to cool her flaming cheeks. No such luck.

  “Look, Uncle Ryan. Miss Jane is back!” Isabel cheered, hopping back and forth between them.

  Ryan’s gaze didn’t leave Jane’s. “So she is, little one. Why don’t you go back to the party before your mom starts to worry? I’d like to talk with Miss Jane.”

  “Okay, Uncle Ryan. Don’t let her leave again. I don’t like it when you’re sad.”

  Jane and Ryan watched Isabel skip back to the restaurant.

  “Out of the mouths of babes,” Jane said.

  Ryan crossed his arms. “What are you doing here?”

  “I … I’m—” His tone caught her off guard. “I have a client here, remember? Why do you sound so mad? I’m the one who should be angry.” This time, it was she who mimicked his body language, folding her arms and straightening her spine.

  “You? Why should you be angry?”

  “Make that royally pissed off. You really pulled one over on me. Not only did you make
me think you actually cared, you scammed me, too.”

  “Whoa. Hold on. Scammed you? What are you talking about?”

  “What I don’t understand is if you never intended to refund the fee, why did you offer?”

  His eyes widened. “You didn’t get the refund?”

  “No.”

  He rubbed his palm over his face. “I can’t believe she did that. I told Camille to refund you the entire amount and to take her fee from the amount she still owed me. Seems like she took my fee and yours too.” Ryan shook his head. “Look I’m sorry about that. I’ll get it taken care of right away.” His eyes softened, and somehow she knew he was telling the truth. “I know you came here the day you left and had a run-in with Maya.”

  “Yes, your lovely sister had a few words for me. By the way, she’s on to you and The Cowboys.”

  “I know. I set her straight about my past profession.” He tilted his head. “You should’ve been straight with me about still being married.”

  She shook her head. “What are you talking about? Who said I was still married?”

  “Your husband.”

  “What?” Time seemed to stop. “When?” She raised her hand as her mind raced. “Ryan, please … start at the beginning. You spoke to Nick?”

  Ryan explained the phone call. “I wasn’t sure I believed him at first, so I texted you, a day later. I got a message back saying you were sorry but not to contact you again.”

  Pain shot through her head. “I can’t believe he did that. We were together at the hospital, and there were times I left my purse with him, but…”

  A trace of starch left Ryan’s shoulders. “Are you telling me you’re not married to him?”

  “No. Not anymore. We’ve been divorced for a few months.”

  He shook his head. “Why would he do something like that?”

  “Because he wanted us to get back together. He was hounding me about it, the entire time we were at the hospital with Ty.”

  “How is your son?” Ryan asked, and this time there was a definite softening in his tone.