by Francis Ray
Arms straight, she linked her fingers together. “You’d look at me the way you’re looking at me now and they’d know.”
“Are you ashamed or concerned?” he asked.
“Neither.” She unlinked her hands, but she didn’t move away from the counter. “I just don’t want to be the subject of gossip. The mother is the PTA president. Another teacher’s child was invited as well. I don’t want Kayla to hear things about us she doesn’t understand.”
He wasn’t sure it wasn’t more than that. Pushing her now, when she had to pick up Kayla, wasn’t the time. “All right. I’ll be at the ranch if you want to come by once you pick her up.”
Finally, she smiled and came to him, dropping a kiss on his mouth before straightening. “I think it’s a safe bet to say you’ll see us this afternoon.”
* * *
Richard was worried. Making love with Naomi had, as he’d told her, far exceeded his fantasies. It was astonishing. Even now, hours later, he’d just stop at times and shake his head in wonder. Good thing the horses didn’t mind his strange behavior as he cleaned the stalls and put in fresh hay.
Yet intimacy hadn’t brought him and Naomi closer as he’d hoped. She trusted him with her body, but he wanted more. He wanted to be there for her to comfort her, help her fight her problems, share her life. Despite the wonderful night together, she still held back.
She still thought she couldn’t let him into her heart and life, and keep her independence. She only had to look at Catherine—or Sierra, for that matter—to know that marriage to the right person made life richer, fuller. Sure some marriages failed, but others succeeded and flourished. His parents were immensely happy. His mother loved his father, but she didn’t put up with any of his “foolishness,” as she called it. His father might act tough, but he’d bend over backward to keep Mama happy.
“Richard, are you in here?”
“Dr. Richard?”
Hearing Naomi and Kayla call him, he propped the pitchfork on the wall of the stall and stepped out. Mother and daughter were silhouetted at the opening of the barn. He’d seen few sights that were prettier. Certainly none that made his heart race, made him glad to be alive.
“You’re just in time to help clean stalls.”
“We found you!” Kayla cried and ran to meet him.
He scooped her up. “You have a good time at the sleepover?”
“Yes, sir. We played games and ate pizza and hot dogs and soda.” She looked back at her mother. “When my birthday comes, I want to have my friends over and do the same thing.”
Richard turned his attention to Naomi. The happy smile on her face made him breathe easier. “Hey.”
“Hey yourself.”
He wanted to kiss her. He saw the desire in her eyes. He simply held out his hand to her, and when she took it, he pulled her closer. He intended a simple brush of his mouth against her cheek, but apparently she had the same thought because her head turned at the same time, their lips met, clung. He inhaled her sigh; his tongue touched hers, tasted the sweetness. He fought to lift his head and finally won.
He stared down into her face, soft and warm, then saw her eyes widened in alarm. He simply turned to look at Kayla’s wide-eyed stare. Looked like they had some explaining to do.
“You kissed Mama.”
“Yes, when a man and a woman like each other, they kiss,” Richard explained.
Kayla’s face scrunched up. “Rose’s mommy and daddy kissed like that last night. Are you going to be my daddy now?”
Naomi was too stunned to speak. Her heart clenched at the hope in Kayla’s eyes. She wanted a daddy so much. Just the thought of marriage made Naomi’s stomach tense. How could she have forgotten for an instant and kissed Richard in front of Kayla? She was trying to find the words when Richard released her and stood Kayla on her feet. He knelt in front of her.
“I bet Rose’s mommy and daddy went out on a lot of dates before they ever talked about getting married,” Richard said. “Do you know what a date is?”
“No, sir.”
“Well, a date is when a boy and girl, or a man or a woman, go out together, just the two of them to get to know each other better,” he explained. “It can be to the movies, to dinner, or just a walk.”
Kayla looked at her mother, and then at Richard. “Children don’t get to go?”
Richard hugged her. “Sometimes, but sometimes they go by themselves. Your mother and I had our first date last night while you were at the sleepover.”
Naomi’s face heated. She barely kept from squirming.
“You did?”
Naomi finally found her voice. “Dating doesn’t mean getting married.”
“But if you or your mother need me for anything like the show-and-tell or to help get the house ready, or anything else, I’d be there,” he said.
“Did you and Mama have fun?” Clearly, Kayla wasn’t ready to let the dating go.
“The best time ever,” Richard said.
“I wore the dress I showed you.” At that, Richard glanced up at Naomi with a knowing look, and her body quickened.
“She was beautiful. We went to dinner and then to see Phoenix’s art showing.”
“I went with her to look for a dress,” Kayla said. “Are you going on another date?”
Richard curved his arm around Kayla’s waist and looked up at Naomi. “This is our second date.”
Kayla frowned. “But I’m here.”
He picked Kayla up with one arm and curved the other around Naomi’s waist. “Which means, I’m a lucky guy to have two beautiful women for a date. I might even grill us burgers and hot dogs after we go for a ride.”
“Mama’s not very good at riding.”
Since it was the truth and Kayla said it with a smile and appeared all right now, Naomi didn’t take offense. “You and Richard can show me again what I’m doing wrong.”
Kayla grinned. “I’m going to like my first date.”
Naomi hugged Kayla and thought, just as she’d liked her first date with Richard. She was a fortunate woman.
* * *
A little after nine that night, Richard followed Naomi in his truck to her apartment. They’d had a fun day. Somehow it was better than the ones they’d spent together before. He thought it was because Naomi wasn’t as wary of him and he didn’t have to keep reminding himself not to get too close, not to look at her as if he could eat her alive. They were both probably more relaxed. Kayla must have sensed it as well, because she’d been as lively and as playful as he’d ever seen her.
Naomi had done only marginally better with her riding skills. She never seemed to be able to completely loosen up on the horse, whereas Kayla was a natural. She had good instincts about animals and people. She was going to grow up to be a strong woman just as Sierra had predicted.
Kayla wanted him for a father. Just the thought made Richard proud, his heart joyful. They’d both have to work on Naomi. He had to park a short distance away. By the time he got to her car, she was reaching in the backseat for Kayla.
“Let me have her. You get the door.” Picking her and Teddy up, he followed Naomi inside her apartment and to Kayla’s bedroom.
“She should have a bath after riding and playing all afternoon, but I’m not sure she’d wake up enough.” Naomi turned back the covers of the bed.
“Then do what my mother used to do, wash her face and hands and leave the rest until the morning.” Placing Kayla on the bed, Richard slipped off her tennis shoes and socks, and placed Teddy beside her.
“Your mother is a smart woman. I’ll be out shortly. There’s soft drinks and iced tea in the refrigerator.”
“I’m good. I’ll go channel-surf on the TV.”
Leaving the bedroom, he picked up the controls of the TV and sat on the sofa. He wasn’t interested in watching TV, but it would make things less awkward for both of them. He wasn’t sure how Naomi felt about them making love with Kayla in the apartment. He wouldn’t dream of spending the night, but even giv
en that concession, he figured it was too soon for that to happen. Kayla had awakened to find him there in the past, but it had been innocent.
“She’s all tucked in.”
He looked up to see Naomi across the room. Ten feet away, and it might as well have been ten miles. She was nervous, and probably thinking he wouldn’t understand she wanted him to leave. One day she’d realize he’d always do what was best for her and Kayla, and always put their welfare first.
He shut the TV off and came to his feet. “I’ll pick you and Kayla up around two.” They were going on his and Kayla’s “second” date to the Children’s Museum. Neither of them wanted her to feel left out because they were dating.
Naomi followed him to the door. “Thank you for a wonderful day.”
She was so polite it set his teeth on edge. He should probably keep walking, but he was already turning and drawing her into his arms. His hungry mouth cut off her gasp of surprise. He wanted her to remember the passion they’d shared, the heat. One hand wrapped around her waist; the other pressed her hips against his growing erection.
Need trampled though him. The little moans Naomi made in the back of her throat drove him on. When he lifted his head, they were both breathing hard. He’d remembered as well and it had been worth it.
“I need to get out of here.”
Her fingertips gently swept across his lips. “I want to be with you, but her room is next to mine. She’s never woken up once she goes down for the night, but…”
He kissed her. “You’re a good mother. Kayla has to come first.”
She leaned her forehead against his chest. “I should have known you’d understand.” Her head lifted. “You’re a very special man, Richard Youngblood.”
“With you I feel that way.” Palming her face, he kissed her long and deep. “See you at two tomorrow.”
“We’ll be waiting. ’Night, and thanks for everything.”
“The pleasure was all mine.” He left with a huge grin on his face. By the time he reached his truck he was whistling.
Chapter 14
Naomi could do nothing but smile at the enthusiasm of Kayla on her “date” with Richard at the Children’s Museum. She hardly wanted to leave his side to do the hands-on activities. What warmed her heart even more was that he seemed to understand this new turn of events. He was as patient with her as ever.
“Don’t get ‘the look,’ and I didn’t expect you to act any other way, but thank you for being so wonderful with Kayla,” Naomi told Richard, who was standing beside her.
He curved his arm around her shoulders. “Told you, I sort of like her.”
Naomi leaned into him before she could stop herself and straightened. “I believe you did.”
Richard dropped his arm and slid his hands into his pockets. Naomi felt badly, but she wasn’t sure she wanted other people to know about them.
“Why hello, Mrs. Reese.”
Naomi jerked around. Her eyes widened on seeing her principal. “Mrs. Crenshaw.”
“Hello, Mrs. Crenshaw,” Richard greeted. “How are you doing?”
“Fine. Thank you, Dr. Youngblood.” The middle-aged woman nodded toward the children’s activity of painting. “I’m here with my two grandchildren, who are visiting from Albuquerque. I see Kayla doing the same project.”
“Yes,” Naomi said slowly. She wanted Mrs. Crenshaw to move along before Kayla returned, but her boss seemed in no hurry to leave, especially since her husband joined them.
“Naomi, you know Mr. Crenshaw. Bill, this is Dr. Youngblood, the wonderful veterinarian who came to our school last week.”
The men shook hands. Out of the corner of Naomi’s eyes, she saw the children stand with their artwork.
“I better get the twins,” Mr. Crenshaw said. “They’ll take off and we’ll never find them.”
Mrs. Crenshaw patted his arm as he passed. “They’re eight and a handful. I can’t believe my quiet, studious son has two girls who test every limit we’ve set.”
“And you wouldn’t take all the gold in the world for them,” Richard said knowingly.
She laughed. “You’re right, of course. I love Derrick, my son, but the love for grandchildren is different. You’ll understand one day.”
Naomi moved her shoulders restlessly. Principal Crenshaw was looking at Richard. Naomi didn’t want to get married, but she discovered the possibility of Richard marrying another woman and having children didn’t set well.
“Look what I painted,” Kayla said as she ran up to them. “Hi, Principal Crenshaw.”
“Hello, Kayla. That’s a nice watercolor,” Principal Crenshaw said.
Kayla smiled as she looked at the picture of three people on horses. “It’s me, Mama, and Dr. Richard on our first date. Today is our second.”
Mrs. Crenshaw lifted her gaze to Naomi. “Oh.”
Naomi opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
“Good job, Kayla.” Richard hunkered down. “You’re becoming quite the artist. I’ll have this one framed for you to put in your room.”
Mr. Crenshaw joined them with the identical twins dressed alike in white shorts, pink T-shirts and ponytails tied with pink-and-white ribbon. “I just caught them.”
“Exploring is good for developing the mind, Grandfather,” they chorused.
Apparently this wasn’t the first time their grandfather had heard this. He knew them well because his hand remained on each of their shoulders. He shook his head. “I don’t need any more gray hairs.”
“Gray hair is distinguished looking,” one said.
“Very,” said the other.
Mrs. Crenshaw’s lips twitched. “We’d better be going. I’ll see you Monday morning.”
“Good-bye,” Naomi said, wishing she had had a moment to ask Principal Crenshaw not to mention the date. She wasn’t a gossip, but it might come out when she was talking about her grandchildren … which she always did when they visited.
Richard came to his feet as they walked away. “You all right?”
It didn’t take two guesses to know what he was talking about. “I won’t be able to work Monday for all the questions, not to mention the sly looks and whispers.”
“Will you be all right?” he asked.
Naomi studied him as closely as he was studying her. As usual, he was sensitive to her mood and concerned. No one had ever been so in tune with her feelings. “How did Kayla and I get so lucky?”
A smile took the worry from his face and caused her to sigh. He was so handsome, beautiful in fact, and for the time being he was theirs.
“Luck had nothing to do with it.” His arms circled her waist. “So, I’m officially off the market?”
Kayla squeezed in between them and looked expectantly from one to the other. “You gonna kiss her again?”
Naomi blushed. Richard picked up Kayla and kissed her cheek before setting her on her feet. She giggled.
“Kayla, you shouldn’t say things like that in public,” Naomi told her, glancing around to see who might have heard. Kayla hadn’t been quiet when she asked.
“Why?” she asked
Naomi leaned down and answered in a hushed whisper. “Because kissing is private.”
Holding the painting with one hand, Kayla promptly pointed to a couple. “I saw Mrs. Catherine and some of the other women kissing at the table after the program I was on with Mrs. Catherine. And they’re kissing over there.”
A young couple was indeed kissing, her hands still on the stroller.
“Always knew Kayla was smart. Can’t fight facts.” Richard smacked Naomi on the lips and caught Kayla’s free hand. “Let’s see what else they have here.”
Walking beside Richard, who was talking quietly with Kayla, Naomi decided she could be uptight about the change in her and Richard’s relationship or take another cue from her daughter and just enjoy. She looked at Richard, who happened to glance at her. Her heart thumped. Her body heated.
The choice was easy: Enjoy.
* * *
<
br /> Naomi didn’t know what to expect Monday morning at school, so she was thankful when everyone acted normally on seeing her. Richard had already had a talk with Kayla about dating being “private.” She liked the idea of something special between them and promised not to tell. He was coming over that night to help with her homework.
Naomi loved her daughter, but she hoped she went to bed early that night. Last night she had been too keyed up and hadn’t fallen asleep until almost nine. She and Richard had watched a movie. His hands didn’t move anyplace they shouldn’t have, and not a piece of clothing was discarded. Since she didn’t have a satisfied smile on her face the way she did after they made love, it was probably for the best.
“Naomi, are you all right?”
Naomi straightened and glanced around in the cafeteria at Ms. Hightower and hoped her face wasn’t flushed. “Yes. Just thinking.”
Kayla’s teacher’s frown didn’t clear, then her eyes widened. “Oh, my. Isn’t that Sierra Navarone? I’ve seen her in magazines and on the Internet news with that gorgeous husband of hers. That’s one lucky woman.”
“Blade would say he’s the lucky one. Excuse me.” Naomi crossed to Sierra, who was standing on the landing of the steps leading down into the cafeteria. She looked stunning, and completely at ease in a beautiful cream-colored suit that probably cost three months of Naomi’s salary. In her arm was a notebook.
“Hi, Sierra.” Naomi stopped in front of her. “I have lunch duty this week and can’t leave.”
“No problem. I thought you’d want to know that the Allens accepted your counter-offer. Congratulations.”
Naomi gasped, then hugged Sierra. She had taken the hint from Sierra and taken another seventy-five hundred dollars off the asking price. “Thank you.”
Smiling, Sierra handed her a notebook. “Mr. Allen called me yesterday, and I had my inspector go out at six this morning. As I thought, the house is in excellent condition despite having been left vacant. They were smart enough to leave the water on and have a neighbor water the foundation. This is your copy.”
“I still can’t believe it.”
“Perhaps this will help.” Sierra held out a gold heart-shaped key ring with two keys. “The same key opens all doors.”