“Isn’t there anyone you were ever interested in?” Erin was digging a hole, but the topic was too fascinating to drop.
“Once, but that was a very long time ago. I was a freshman in college.”
This didn’t sound like a happy story. From what Ray Eldridge had told Erin concerning his client, Carson had barely been a teenager when she started college. Most of the other students would have been at least five years older and interested in their own age bracket.
“What happened,” she asked softly.
Carson hesitated for a moment and Erin wasn’t sure she was going to answer. “I returned to the dorm late one night and she... Let’s just say that the person I had feelings for was already involved elsewhere.”
Well, that answered that question. Erin didn’t know why it was so important to find out Carson’s orientation, but now that she had, she was sorry she’d brought it up. The woman definitely played in the same league, but she was still off limits. Knowing she was gay was just going to make things that much harder.
“What about you,” Carson asked. “Is there a boyfriend waiting in the wings somewhere?”
Good, she thinks I’m straight. That’ll make it easier.
“No, no boyfriend.” Erin grinned. “I work a lot.”
“But surely there has been someone?”
God, she just won’t quit!
“It’s been a while,” Erin finally admitted. “About six years.”
“What happened? Did the knight in shining armor fall off his horse?”
Carson was trying to be lighthearted in her approach and Erin appreciated it. She didn’t want any maudlin episodes either. They were just sharing personal histories in an attempt to get to know one another. In the course of their discussion, Carson had assumed she was straight. Erin didn’t want to lie, but she couldn’t admit the whole truth either so she settled on answering generically.
“The person I was involved with decided that I worked too much. They moved on to greener pastures.”
Carson’s expression altered a little, but she didn’t question Erin any further.
“So, I guess all this means we won’t be interrupting any plans if you want to stay tonight.” There, Erin thought. She had managed to bring the conversation around to Carson spending the night without it sounding overly awkward or forced.
“No, but are you sure you don’t mind? I know how easy it is to get accustomed to your own company.”
“It’s no problem,” Erin assured her. “The truth is, as much as I have to be at work early tomorrow, I’m not looking forward to it. I don’t want to disturb you too much by having to get up that early.”
“It’s highly unlikely that you would disturb me since the guest room is at the opposite end of the apartment.”
“I’m glad to see that self-guided tour gave you some perspective. So, can I consider that a yes? That you’ll stay the night?”
Carson returned Erin’s shy smile and nodded. “Yes, I’ll stay.”
None of her clothes could possibly fit Carson, but Erin was able to scrounge up a shirt she had bought for her father and hadn’t sent yet. The sales tag still hung from a sleeve, and the shirt was large. Carson assured her that it would be fine.
Soon they were prepared to retire and Erin reluctantly said goodnight. After Carson walked down the hall toward the guestroom, Erin spent a few minutes cleaning up the wine glasses.
Her thoughts were in a whirl after the day spent with the computer executive. Carson was definitely more than Erin had bargained for when she first met her. At first, Erin had thought her annoying, egotistical and stuck-up. Now she knew better, and her heart struggled against her own common sense.
For so long she had allowed only work to intrude on her carefully constructed world. Then in one moment, she had met a woman that had turned her entire structure upside down. It was going to be so hard to go back to being the unfeeling workaholic she was renowned for, but there was no other choice. Erin would never put herself in the same position as before. She couldn’t.
Rose was as different from Carson as night was from day, but the comparison was still relevant. Erin had trusted the small Italian woman completely, tendering her heart only to have it returned in one harsh moment when Rose informed her that she couldn’t live without passion. She accused Erin of being uptight and rigid when Erin thought she had given everything she had. Well, at least everything she had after her work was complete.
In the next moment, Rose was gone, and Erin told herself never again. She couldn’t go through another heartbreak, and her clients deserved better than an attorney who was distracted by her private life.
Now, along came Carson Tierney, computer geek, and Wonder Woman all rolled into one.
Erin still remembered how calm and contained Carson was during the Holcomb incident, as she had started to call that night in her mind. The woman was nothing short of amazing in a crisis, and filled with tenderness and an all-consuming passion. Erin could sense it simmering just beneath the surface. Erin could lose herself in such passion, and it was something she couldn’t allow.
Erin heaved a frustrated sigh, and walked into her bedroom, very aware that Carson Tierney was at the other end of the apartment. Maybe a nice cold shower was just the thing she needed before she went to bed.
Chapter Eight
CARSON AWAKENED SUDDENLY and rolled over in the darkness. Surrounded by unfamiliar objects, for a moment she didn’t know where she was. Then the memory of last night returned and she smiled as she relaxed back against the pillow. A slight headache throbbed behind her eyelids from the unaccustomed amount of alcohol she had consumed, but even that couldn’t dim the experience of spending the day with Erin Donovan.
Bits and pieces of their conversation flitted through her mind and she thought of Erin explaining her most recent unsuccessful relationship. Erin’s careful gender-neutral wording hadn’t escaped Carson’s notice even if she hadn’t commented on it, and she considered the implications now.
A straight woman would have said ‘he’, not ‘they’. It was enough to convince Carson that Erin was a lesbian, but it was also obvious that she didn’t want to acknowledge that. Carson didn’t really mind. Erin didn’t know her yet, and apparently wasn’t comfortable sharing such a personal fact. She would just have to prove that she could be trusted and maybe one day Erin would let down her guard.
If she didn’t, Carson would have to settle for secretly adoring her from a distance. Only her new knowledge gave her hope that if she was patient enough, Erin might one day notice her in a romantic way.
Carson turned and looked at the small clock on the nightstand. The red numerals glowed in the darkness and the time read five fifty.
Erin had said she needed to get up early, and Carson wondered if she was already gone. She got out of bed and straightened the covers before she walked down the dark hallway. Carson was familiar enough with the apartment to navigate the way with the aid of the light that came in from the windows. Quietly she walked into the kitchen and listened for any sounds from Erin’s bedroom. Silence was all she heard.
She was tempted to stand in her doorway to find out if Erin was still asleep but decided against it. She padded on bare feet back into the living room and realized that there was a lumpy form on the leather sofa.
Erin was huddled into a shivering ball as she slept fretfully. She must have come out during the night and fallen asleep without retrieving a blanket. Carson wondered if she had experienced more nightmares.
Picking up the throw from the back of the sofa, Carson shook it out to place over the cold woman, but stopped before that. For a moment, she gazed at Erin, unable to tear her eyes away.
Erin wore a nightgown that shimmered in the low light, the color undetermined in the darkness, but the garment clung to the small figure and revealed small, firm breasts, a flat stomach and strong shoulders. Carson took a deep breath against the sudden tight feeling in her belly that caused her nipples to contract painfully. She qu
ickly and carefully covered Erin before she walked back into the kitchen.
Oh God, I want to touch her.
Carson rested both hands against the marble-topped island and shuddered as she stared at the surface. She had never felt anything as strong as this, not even when she had fantasized about Gloria in college. She had wanted to be with the track star, to feel the softness of her skin and even dreamed about kissing the full, pouty lips, but just watching Erin sleep had brought out an almost painful yearning to touch her.
Last night during dinner and then later at the apartment she had wanted to touch or do something to make Erin notice her in a romantic way. That was nothing compared to the sharp stab of pure desire she'd experienced only moments ago, or the sudden pool of moisture between her thighs.
Carson pushed away from the island with shaky hands. She needed to do something to keep herself busy, and to prevent herself from rushing back into the living room and taking Erin into her arms.
Familiar with the layout of the kitchen, Carson started the coffee maker, and dug in the refrigerator for some breakfast items. As usual, Erin’s cupboards were almost bare. It reminded Carson of a Mother Goose nursery rhyme and she smiled a little. There was little to choose from and she settled on English muffins, jam and butter to go with the coffee. A small sound at the doorway made her turn around.
Erin stood at the entrance to the kitchen with the throw wrapped around her shoulders and her hair mussed. She looked so beautiful that Carson had to force down another surge of passion that she hoped didn’t show in her expression. She focused so intently on getting her own emotions under control, that she almost didn’t notice Erin’s eyes sweep up her legs to the hem of the long shirt. Almost.
Even partially asleep, Erin’s chestnut gaze pinned her in place.
“I’m glad to see the shirt worked out all right.”
Erin’s voice was husky with sleep, and Carson turned quickly to reach for a coffee cup. Maybe it was just the fact that they'd spent the night in the same apartment, but sharing breakfast in their sleepwear lent an intimacy to the situation that had Carson reacting to every innocent look or comment. She needed to get herself under control or Erin was sure to notice something.
She poured coffee into the cup and then handed it to Erin. “Good morning. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“No, I’m glad you did. I wouldn’t have heard the alarm from the living room. I guess I just didn’t expect to fall asleep out there.”
“More bad dreams?”
Erin nodded and sipped her coffee. Then she helped Carson carry the muffins and jam to the table.
“This was very thoughtful of you,” Erin said casually as they sat down. “I could get used to having you around.”
Carson’s eyes bugged a little, but she kept her mouth shut while she slathered butter on her muffin. Honestly, what was wrong with her? Erin surely didn’t mean anything by her comment.
“You better go easy on that stuff or the next thing you’ll need is a heart bypass.”
Carson looked up to see the humor reflected in Erin’s eyes. Then she noticed that she had a heaping pile of butter on the muffin and flushed in embarrassment. Carson pushed the bulk of butter onto her plate and sat her knife down.
“I’m sorry,” Erin said softly. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
“No, it’s all right. I guess I’m just a little distracted this morning.”
That’s an understatement.
Erin nodded. “Yes, I guess we both have a lot on our minds today. It seems like so much has happened since Friday.”
The haunted look was back and Erin was obviously thinking about returning to the Holcomb Building.
“It’ll be fine. The place will be full of people, there will be more security, and you’ll be leaving before it gets dark.”
Erin looked at her and smiled. “You’re not going to let me get away with working late, are you?”
“You did promise.” Carson raised a haughty eyebrow and got the laugh she had been trying for.
“Well, not to worry. This is Christmas week and there will be very little going on at work. I’m sure the few clients I have scheduled will be happy to postpone things until next week. What are your plans for the day?”
“I need to get ready for my staff to move in. I have to make keys for the individual offices, organize the identification tags, move the servers and get the electrician to run the special lines, as well as set the diagnostics running on the equipment.”
“Surely not all of that in one day,” Erin said in surprise.
Carson flushed a little. “Just the keys and identification tags today. However, we do need to start moving equipment and book the electrician. It will take until at least Wednesday to get everything moved, and diagnostics will take a few more days. The main system won’t be switched over until next week, but there is a lot to do before then.”
“Just don’t forget the Christmas party on Friday.”
“Excuse me?” Carson frowned a little. She didn’t know what Erin was talking about.
“Didn’t Ray tell you? Every year the company hosts a Christmas party on the sixth floor. All of the businesses in the building are invited.”
“Is this mandatory?”
“Well, no. But you are the new kid on the block, so to speak, and people will be looking for you to attend.”
“You’re saying it would have an effect on Delphi’s image if we don’t go?”
Erin chuckled. “Somehow I don’t think you’d care in the slightest what people thought of you, but it would look like you’re part of the team if you show up.”
Part of the team? Was that true or perhaps Erin just wanted her to go.
“Are you going?”
“Of course,” Erin said. “Who do you think got stuck setting the whole thing up? Please say you’ll come.”
The hopeful look on her face was enough for Carson. “Very well. What time?”
“The festivities will begin at one, and don’t forget to bring a Secret Santa gift.” Erin reached and patted Carson on the hand in a friendly gesture. “Now, I better get ready for work before I’m late.”
Erin scurried into her bedroom, and Carson sat staring dumbfounded after her. What was it about Erin that left her feeling as if a steamroller had mashed her flat?
Carson looked at her watch, surprised to find that it was almost six thirty. It would be past seven before she got home and she had a lot to do today.
Secret Santa?
CARSON COULD STILL feel Erin’s hand where she had patted it before she left the table. She thought they had grown closer than mere friendship during the weekend, and was somewhat disappointed that Monday had arrived. As she drove home to shower and change, she contemplated what her next move should be. That was when she realized she was determined to win Erin’s affections.
Affections? What is this, a Shakespearean play?
Carson snorted at herself, but couldn’t deny what she wanted. She wanted Erin, but it was more than simple desire. Everything about Erin affected Carson, from the way her eyes sparkled, to the little dimple in her cheek when she smiled. She saw the curve of Erin’s lips in her mind and she gasped at the sudden rush of arousal.
A car honked and Carson jerked back to the present. She pressed down the brake pedal and came to a stop just past the line. The other driver sent her a disgusted look and then traveled on.
Carson focused solely on getting home safely after that and finally pulled into the heated garage. When she walked into the living room, the indicator light on the answering machine flashed insistently. There were six messages.
Who could possibly be calling her on the weekend? Carson pressed the button and got her answer immediately.
“Hi, it’s Joyce. It’s Friday night. Where the hell are you? Why do you have a cell phone if you never have it on? Call me back.”
Carson smirked, deleted the message and listened to the next one.
“Hi, it’s me again. It’s Satu
rday morning. There’s something going on at the new office building of yours. The news is still sketchy. Do you know what’s going on? Call me.”
From there the messages became more frantic as Joyce apparently found out that Carson was involved. In the last message, Joyce was just short of panicked.
“Carson, where are you? I’m worried sick! You call me as soon as you get this message!”
Carson picked up the handset and dialed Joyce’s number. Joyce answered on the first ring.
“Hi, Joyce—”
Her best friend immediately interrupted her. “Carson! Where the hell have you been? Are you all right? Why didn’t you call me back?”
“I’m sorry, Joyce. I haven’t been answering the phone.”
“No kidding? You didn’t think anyone might be worried about you after what happened? It’s been all over the news!”
Carson frowned. She didn’t listen to the news, and had no idea that this would happen. She thought the police were trying to keep things quiet, but then again, Detective Hutchins had said they would put out a description of the killer over the wires. Did those wires include the media? Apparently so, and she wondered what kind of circus Erin was walking into now.
“I didn’t mean to worry you, and yes, we’re okay?”
“We?” Then Joyce seemed to remember something from the newscast. “Oh, that’s right. There was someone else in there, an attorney, right? Ms. Donohue?”
“Donovan, yes. Erin Donovan was downstairs on the sixth floor when it started. All the power went out and she found a dead man right outside her office.”
Carson continued to tell Joyce all that had happened and how impressive and resourceful Erin had been throughout the whole ordeal. Joyce was uncharacteristically quiet while Carson recounted the tale, only interrupting to clarify a point or two.
When Carson finally finished, Joyce spoke quietly. “You sound quite taken with her.”
“She’s amazing,” Carson said in a dreamy voice and leaned back into the sofa.
“Carson Marie Tierney, you have a crush on her! In the middle of a crisis situation, no less.”
Now You See Me Page 11