Divided Dreams

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  “Good to know.”

  “I nearly took Tammy there.”

  He put his hand on her arm. :”I’m glad you didn’t. Coming home and finding you both was wonderful.”

  She studied the floor. “I thought you weren’t coming until tomorrow.’

  “I was bored.”

  “What?” Her laughter trilled. “With Chad and four beautiful women competing for your attention. Some of the clips I saw didn’t show boredom.”

  He shrugged. “Only an act for the promo op Chad arranged. All I wanted was home and time to write.”

  “Your secret’s out in Fern Lake. Your land line message tape is full. Before you can blink there will be lines of cars along the drive.”

  He groaned. “Won’t happen.”

  Andi arched an eyebrow. “How is Chad?”

  “He hasn’t changed much. I think every woman at the restaurant wanted to talk or touch him. He thrives on the attention.” He placed Tammy in the cradle.

  Rob stepped closer to Andi and took her hand. He tugged her until they stood toe to toe. He lowered his head and caressed her mouth with his. She melted against him. She felt right in his arms.

  With his tongue he began a slow seduction sliding back and forth over her lips. She edged closer. He released her hands and caught her around the waist.

  “Andi,” he whispered. A second later he felt her response. He plunged his tongue into her mouth to tease and taste. His cock swelled. He slid his hands down her back. One slid over her buttocks and slipped between her cleft. He felt the gathering moisture signaling she wanted him as much as he wanted her.

  “Stay tonight.”

  Her hesitation made him fear she would refuse. If he kissed her again he knew he could win. The choice had to be hers.

  Her mouth fused with his. Rob felt as if his heart would explode. He found the zipper of her shorts and slid them down. He released her mouth and knelt. With his fingers he caressed her clit and ran one along her labia. He slid his tongue and caressed the engorged nub again and again.

  Her fingers tangled in his hair. "Rob.” She moved and gave him greater access.

  Her body tensed. Moments later she cried his name. He caught her in his arms before she collapsed. Though he ached what he wanted could wait.

  “Stay tonight.”

  She searched his face. “Yes.” Her lips brushed his. “What about you? Aren’t you uncomfortable?”

  Tammy gurgled. The cradle rocked. “I’m fine for now. I’d better see what my other girl wants.”

  Andi pulled on her shorts. “I’ve a better idea. I’ll handle Tammy. You make dinner.”

  He grinned. “Deal.” He kissed her and strode to the kitchen. Maybe, just maybe…

  He opened the freezer and pulled out chicken breasts, defrosted them and cut them into chunks. With cornstarch seasoned with garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes he coated the meat. After chopping bok choy, scallions and rinsing some snow peas he pulled the wok from the wall hanger.

  Before heating the oil, he started the rice. Then he stir fried the chicken, added the other ingredients with a touch of honey, soy sauce, and chopped garlic, ginger slices, and cashews. Once he finished he put the rice in one bowl and chicken in another.

  “Dinner,” he called.

  Andi pulled the baby swing to the table and popped Tammy into the seat. “This smells wonderful.” She filled her plate and tasted. “Fabulous.”

  “You can have this every night.”

  She grinned. “I’d become tired of the same meal.”

  He bent and kissed her. “I meant gourmet meals prepared by me. What do you say?”

  ‘Your proposition is under consideration.”

  He finished a second helping of the chicken. They cleared the table together. Though the sun still shone, soon dusk would darken the sky.

  “Let’s take Tammy for a walk. Maybe tomorrow we can use the pool.”

  “Sounds like an idea.” She lifted Tammy from the swing and went to change her.

  For an hour they walked the path that curled around the property. From light to the shade beneath the trees they took turns pushing the stroller. As they passed the pool, they paused.

  “How often do you use this?”

  “Haven’t much this summer.”

  She shook her head. “Maybe you can have a pool party.”

  He cocked his head. “In August. Chad has threatened to come for a visit. Maybe when the book’s released.”

  “Why would he come?”

  “For a photo op, what else? I imagine he’ll arrive just when the books hit the local bookstore for my first signing.” He laughed. “A book signing. How great will that be?”

  “Sure will.” She pushed the stroller toward the house. “We’d better get Tammy ready for bed.”

  “I’ll bathe her. You can watch and critique.”

  “I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

  Though Tammy splashed so much she splattered his shirt, and Andi’s, Rob managed deftly. He studied the way her wet shirt showed her bra and he focused on what lay beneath. Tonight he planned to love her so thoroughly she would never leave.

  “You’re a pro,” she said.

  “I’m a fast learner.” He handed Tammy to her. “Dress her and I’ll warm the bottle. “I haven’t mastered miniscule buttons.”

  “She doesn’t wear a dress to bed.”

  Rob paused in the doorway. “I know.” He hurried to the main room and heated the bottle. Andi sat on the couch singing a silly song. He joined them.

  Drawing a deep breath filled with Andi and baby he closed his eyes. He slid into a fantasy of how he and Andi would spend the rest of the evening and the night.

  “She’s asleep,” Andi said. “I’ll put her down and be right back.”

  “I’ll be waiting.” And ready. With that thought the dormant cock sprang to life. He stretched out and continued to develop fantasies.

  Something soft touched his wrists and then tightened. “What?” He tried to sit up and found both hands tied to the arm of the sofa. “Andi.”

  “You called.”

  “What’s this about?”

  She feathered kisses on his face. “I’m in charge.”

  He inhaled her scent. His body reacted with an instant erection. Slowly she unbuttoned his shirt and ran her hands over his chest.

  Though Rob wanted to lower his bound hands and pull her down, he couldn’t. He would take charge later. Just how far would she go? The sensations rising from her tongue on his neck made him wonder if he would burst through his zipper.

  Then she sucked on a trigger spot. The zing raised him another inch. “You’re killing me.”

  She straightened. “Don’t think so. I’ve just begun.”

  He missed the soft flicks of her tongue. Time to take charge, but her mouth focused on one of his nipples and all he could do was react. He couldn’t do anything but savor the touch. Her teeth caught the nub and he couldn’t think.

  As she moved lower with kisses and touched edging down his body to the place where he wanted her, he tried to raise his arms to capture her. He failed.

  She laughed. “Relax and enjoy.”

  Her breath whispered across his chest. Delightful sensations made him growl. “Andi.”

  She moved until she sat across his thighs. He tensed as she ran her hand along the front of his slacks. She opened the button and slowly slid the zipper down. His cock sprang free. Her gasp made him chuckle.

  “Didn’t you expect this?”

  “Maybe not.” She pulled his slacks over his hips and stroked the head. She touched her tongue to the tip. “Ready.”

  “More than. Free my hands. There are condoms in my trouser pocket.

  She continued to stroke the length of him. He tried to buck her from his legs and to loosen his hands to take control. He failed. When her lips closed over him he forgot everything but the strokes of her tongue.

  “I can’t.” he gasped.

  “You can.”

&nbs
p; Her words vibrated. She took him deeper and he exploded. When he could breathe again she moved from his legs and untied his hands.

  “What was that about?” He forced the words out.

  She laughed. “Payback. Maybe a reward.”

  He sat and pulled her into a fierce embrace. “Let’s head for bed. I’m sure our niece will wake us early.”

  Chapter 12

  Andi followed Rob into his bedroom. She halted at the foot of the bed. The room seemed masculine with a touch of the artist. Cool ecru walls, cocoa brown bedspread with blue sheets and pillow cases. Bright pictures on the wall. Blue drapes covered the windows.

  The spindles of the headboard caught her eyes. Something red hung there. She groaned. Her forgotten bikini bottom hung on the end post.

  She grinned. “A trophy. Wasn’t it unearned at the time?”

  His laughed flowed over her nape. “Wistful thinking. You know what they say. Leave something behind means you want to return.”

  She swallowed. She hadn’t left them behind on purpose. Or had she? He ran his tongue along her neck. “Only forgotten?”

  “I know. You were in a rush to leave. Seeing them gave me hope.” He steered her toward the bed and pulled the spread and top sheet away. “We should sleep. The kid will summon us sooner than we want.” He stripped and slid onto the bed.

  Andi started for the door.

  “Where are you going?”

  “For my sleep shirt.”

  He shook his head. “You can use one of my tees. Second drawer.”

  Andi walked to the dresser and pulled out a shirt. She stripped, pulled the shirt over her head and slipped into bed. Rob pulled her close.

  * * *

  The moon shone through the window of Rob’s bedroom. Andi blinked. Moments after she’d crawled into bed with Rob she’d crashed.

  She turned on her side and studied his face. In sleep, worry lines had vanished. He seemed as young as the boy she had once loved. She drew a deep breath. Why had she stayed? Each time they connected in heated passion he dug deeper into her heart. Trouble loomed. How could she love a man she couldn’t trust not to crush her again?

  She eased away. Rob moaned. She stilled and held her breath until he settled. Inch by inch she continued her quest to reach the edge of the bed.

  As she slid her legs over the side of the mattress his arm curled around her waist and pulled her to his side. His erection brushed her thigh.

  “You’re mine.”

  His sleep-coated voice whispered along her skin. His hands slid beneath the tee shirt she’d donned. She feared he spoke the truth. “I…”

  He brushed a finger over her lips. “Just as I’m yours. Always have been and ever will be.”

  She met his gaze. “Don’t say anything more.”

  “I need to tell you. I’ve tried to forget. Dated other women. Worked hard to convince myself some other woman would complete my life. They didn’t. They won’t.”

  She inhaled the scent of him. She wanted to run. She wanted to surrender to his sweet persuasion. “Rob…”

  His mouth met hers. He pulled her atop him. His arousal pulsed against her. The kiss deepened and like a heated brand seared her heart. She surrendered to an escalating desire. Blood rushed from her heart. His tongue thrust and retreated. He rolled over and straddled her, grabbed a condom and sheathed himself.

  Andi stroked his chest and felt his nipples tighten.

  He leaned forward and met her mouth before rolling from her body. “Roll over.”

  She did and felt his hands stroking her back His fingers slid lower to cup her buttocks. “Say you’re mine.”

  She knew he was right but saying those words wouldn’t erase the fear he would hurt her again.

  He caressed her buttocks. A finger slid into her channel. “Want me?”

  “You know I do,”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, I can tell.” He raised her hips.

  She rested her head on the pillow. He removed his fingers and his erection slid into her. As he pumped he used a finger to rub her clit. Andi’s channel tightened with a rising need to climax. A sharp slap on her rear sent her over the edge. She felt Rob fly with her.

  Andi’s knees couldn’t hold her. She collapsed. Rob lay beside her and pulled her close. He feathered kisses on her face. She moved and rested her head on his chest.

  * * *

  Piercing screams pulled Andi from a dream, a reenactment of the worst day of her life. Had the cries been hers? She opened her eyes. The cries continued. Tammy. Was her niece sick? She struggled to untangle herself from the sheets.

  “Tammy, I’m on my way.” Rob groaned and slid out of bed.

  Andi’s feet hit the floor first. “I’ll see to her. You start the coffee.” She grabbed the shirt she’d worn to bed last night and pulled the tee over her head.

  Rob strode past her and headed to the main room. She sucked in a breath. His back, his rear, were marvels to behold. Straight spine and toned body. At the entrance to the main room he turned and she caught a glimpse of his erection. Only the baby’s cries kept her from following.

  She picked up Tammy and carried her to the changing table. After diapering her niece she put her in the portable bed in Rob’s office and changed the crib. Then she dashed to the bathroom for a quick shower. She dressed in her clothes from last night. She carried Tammy to the main room and caught a full front view of Rob.

  She grinned and winked. “You’d better get dressed.”

  “Don’t you like what you see?”

  “I like very much.” She put her hands over Tammy’s eyes. “Go shower and get dressed while I feed her.”

  “Expecting company.”

  “Hope not.” Then she remembered her brother, and also Simon. “Rob.”

  He waved. “Coffee is ready. After I shower I’ll make French toast.”

  Before she could tell him Simon was coming to install the door security this morning Rob vanished. She pulled a bottle from the fridge and warmed the formula. She sat on the leather couch and fed her niece. “In less than a week you’ll be three months old. Should we have a party?”

  Andi lifted her niece to her shoulder, patted her back. Then she fed her the rest of the bottle, burped her, and carried her to the cradle.

  The doorbell rang. Who? Though Simon had planned to come would he arrive this early? Hadn’t he mentioned noon? Her hands clenched and she feared she knew the identity of the caller. Dan had known when Rob was to return. Had he come early? She grabbed both phones and debated calling Simon. The bell rang again.

  She stood behind the door and peered through the window. A red pick-up stood in the circle. Not Simon’s. Could the vehicle belong one of his employees? She couldn’t see who stood at the door. Rather than another peal, fists pounded.

  “I know you’re in there.”

  Andi gulped. “Go away.”

  “Not going to happen.”

  The door crashed against the wall knocking Andi to the floor. She pressed Simon’s number on the second phone and slid it beneath the couch. She dialed 911. Dan yanked her to her feet. The phone flew through the air.

  "Let me alone,” she shouted.

  He released her so suddenly she fell. “Where is he?”

  “Dan, stop this.”

  “Not on a bet.” He pulled a gun from his belt and aimed at her. “Where is he? If Patty’s brother sees me threatening you, he’ll cave. He always had the hots for you.”

  Andi slid across the floor toward her phone. Could she get rid of him before Rob appeared? “Let me alone.”

  Dan laughed. “He’s gonna see.” He pulled her to her feet and smacked her face.

  Though she struggled to keep the scream contained the sound filled the air.

  “Sherman, let her go.”

  Andi gasped. Rob stood in the doorway of the bedroom wing. Since her brother’s attention was on Rob, she inched toward the phone and fumbled to connect the call. On the second phone she hit Simon’s number again.

&n
bsp; “On my way.” Simon’s response startled her.

  Her brother stalked toward Rob. “I want that checkbook and those numbers your sister stole from me.”

  Rob crossed his arms. “I don’t have them.”

  “Where’s her luggage? I know she took them.”

  “They’re not yours. The checkbook has her name only. You can’t touch that money.”

  Dan’s laughter sent a chill along Andi’s spine. When would Simon arrive?

  “Everything’s with my attorney.”

  “Looks like I’ll be staying here until I have what I want.”

  Andi held the phone to her ear.

  Rob shook his head. “Leave and meet me at my lawyer’s office on Monday. There’s a paper for you to sign. Then we’ll talk.”

  Dan shook his head. “Are you crazy? I’m not leaving until I have what I came for. Call your attorney and have him bring the things here.”

  Tammy whimpered. Andi rose. Could she reach the baby, pick her up, and keep her safe. She held the phone in her hand. “Dan, your baby needs something.”

  Dan whirled. He grasped Andi’s arm. “Let her cry.”

  Andi felt weak but kept her hold on the phone. “Help. Dan’s here. He’s armed.” Her brother whirled.

  * * *

  Rob’s muscles tensed as he prepared to act. Dan aimed his gun at Andi. Rob acted. He charged across the room and grappled with Dan. The gun discharged.

  “No.” Andi’s scream triggered Rob’s desire to go to her.

  A second crack sounded. The impact of the bullet stunned Rob. Then pain shot to the surface. Rob hissed.

  Chaos erupted. He heard a crashing noise and heard men’s voices. Andi’s voice rose over the deeper ones. Something pressed against his shoulder. He sucked in a breath. He tried to hold onto consciousness. Were Tammy and Andi safe?

  His vision blurred. How much blood had he lost?

  “Rob, I love you.”

  Andi, or his imagination? The pressure on his shoulder eased. He felt as though he was moving. Then he couldn’t focus and plunged into darkness.