* * *
Pain drew him from darkness. Rob groaned. He struggled to open his eyes. Pale green walls. A television on the wall. The sight of a bag of clear fluid on a monitoring pole. Memories crashed on him.
He struggled to sit. Tammy. Andi. Were they safe? A stab of excruciating pain shot down his arm.
The realization he’s been shot gave him the origin of the pain in his shoulder. He groaned. Dan Sherman. The man wanted the money Patricia had in a checking account. Would anyone ever learn what Patricia had done?
“Welcome back.”
Andi’s soft voice brought another memory. Had she really said she’d loved him? Though he wanted to ask he figured that was a wrong move.
“Water.”
She held a straw to his lips. “Don’t gulp.”
The cool liquid relieved his dry throat.
“What happened?”
Andi pushed a chair to the bedside and clasped his hand. “After he shot you, the police and Simon arrived. Someone shot the gun from Dan’s hand. An ambulance arrived and brought you here.”
“Is Tammy all right?”
“He never went near her.”
Rob released his breath. “I hope you remember the details.”
“Why?”
“So I can use it in a book.”
She groaned. “You’re crazy.”
“I’m a writer.” He grinned. “I do remember how after I was shot I didn’t feel anything for an instant. Then the pain hit and I dove into darkness.”
She leaned closer. “Did your life flash before your eyes?”
“Happened too fast.” He squeezed her hand. “Did he hurt you?”
“A little. I have a few bruises.”
“Where is Tammy?”
“With Janine. It’s Monday morning.”
He tried to sit up. “Where are my clothes? I’m ready to go home.”
“For several reasons, you can’t.”
“Tell me.” He swung his legs over the side of the bed. Dizziness made him fall back. Pain shot from his shoulder making him catch his breath.
“That’s why. You lost a lot of blood. You’re had two units and may need a third.”
He nodded. “One reason. What else?”
“Your cabin is a crime scene. Until the police finish we can’t go there.”
He groaned. “So where are Tammy and Janine?”
“At Simon’s. I’ll stay nights with her until you leave here. Simon will start installing the security system as soon as the police release the cabin. You can stay in this room until he finishes.”
“Not going to happen.” He gritted his teeth. “Check to see when the house is released. I plan to leave here this afternoon.”
She kissed his forehead. “I’ll be back after office hours.”
He slid his uninjured arm around her waist. “You can’t say that and run.” He captured her mouth and traced her lips with his tongue enjoying the way she responded. “When you come back, bring my clothes. Simon took them away. I will leave today.”
She straightened. “That depends on Doctor Reed.”
“Don’t underestimate my ability to persuade. What’s happening with your brother?”
Andi walked to the door. “Jail for attempted murder and anything else they can pin on him.” She waved. “I really have to go.”
“This afternoon be prepared to spring me.”
She laughed. “We’ll see.”
Rob closed his eyes and inhaled lingering traces of her scent. He tried to think back to the moment before he’d dived into darkness. Had Andi really said she loved him?
His free hand tightened. Idiot. He hadn’t told her how he felt. He had to do that soon.
Chapter 13
As Andi left the hospital room her thoughts churned. She’d nearly lost him. Last night she’d re-lived the scene at the cabin over and over. The moment she heard the second shot and saw blood gushing from his shoulder was vivid. She’d admitted she loved him. She always had and always would.
No, no. The evening of his rejection surged into her thoughts. Her hands tightened into fists. She pressed her back against the corridor wall. Even when he hurt her she had loved him.
She drew a deep breath. Had she spoken of her feelings yesterday? She couldn’t remember. She had to tell him of her love, but not until they reached the cabin.
She pushed away from the wall and ran to the elevator. In the parking lot she started the car. Thoughts of her next destination curdled her gut.
Andi parked in a town lot a block away from the town hall. With dragging steps she approached the red brick building. Her heart raced. She paused at the foot of the concrete steps leading to the front entrance. Why the shards of fear and slivers of guilt? She’d done nothing wrong. After taking a deep breath, she entered the town hall and followed the sign to the police department.
She paused at the glass enclosed room where a woman sat. “I need to speak to Officer Granger,” she said.
The woman nodded. “I’ll let him know you’re here.”
Moments later the door beside the enclosed office opened. “How can I help you?”
“Officer Granger asked me to come in today and give my statement about the incident at Dr. Grantlan’s cabin.”
The man she now recognized led her to a desk and indicated a chair. His appraising stare made her feel uneasy. “I’ll be recording our interview. When it’s typed you’ll need to return, read and sign.”
A frisson of fear rode her spine. She folded her hands in her lap. Was she suspected of something?
“Any relationship to Dan Sherman?”
“My brother.” She hoped he understood the disinterest in her voice.
“Had you spoken to him before you arrived in Fern Lake?”
She straightened. “I left town right after high school graduation. I spoke to none of my family until recently.” She met his gaze. “He called my apartment once since I arrived looking for Patricia Grantlan. When I said she was dead he became angry. I called Nate Quinn and he had me speak to Simon Marshall. My brother called a second time. Simon attempted to locate him with no success.”
“How did Dan know your number? Are you sure you didn’t give it to him?”
Andi fisted her hands. “I have no use for him, or any of my living or dead relatives. When he called Dan said he had ways and connections.” She half rose. “Don’t tie me to any other member of the Sherman clan.”
The officer nodded. “I had to ask. Now tell me about yesterday.”
She started and continued to the end. “Is that all you need from me?”
“For now. You’ll have to testify at the trial unless he pleads out.” He turned off the tape. “Oh, the boy with the bloody nose was my son. Hope he takes your advice.”
Andi left the city hall. When she reached her car she called the office. “Ginny, it’s Andi. I’ll be a bit late.”
“Don’t worry,” the receptionist said. “When we heard what happened yesterday Grace and Josh divided your patients. How are you?”
“Glad this wasn’t a real tragedy.”
“How is Dr. Grantlan?”
“Recovering enough so he thinks he’s ready to go home.” She hung up and drove to Simon and Dana’s home.
When she knocked Janine opened the door. “How are you feeling?” The young woman stepped back. “Nice bruise on your cheek.”
“I thought I’d covered it,” Andi said.
“You managed, but Dr. Grantlan called and mentioned your bruises. He was worried.”
Andi laughed. Compared to a bullet in the shoulder and massive blood loss, my injuries are minor. Are you alone?”
“Mrs. Marshall’s in her office. The girls are sleeping. Come and have some tea.”
“Sounds wonderful.” Andi followed Janine into a bright yellow and white kitchen. “Has Tammy had any reaction to yesterday’s excitement?”
Janine placed two glasses of iced tea on the table. “She’s been her usual babbling self. I’ve a fee
ling when she starts talking she won’t shut up.”
Andi sipped the tea. “Will be fun to watch.”
Janine opened a plate of cookies. “I baked them this morning. “How is Mr. Grantlan?”
Andi chuckled. “When I left the hospital he was eager to leave but he needed another unit of blood.”
“Doesn’t surprise me.” Janine lifted her glass. “Are you two serious?”
Andi nodded. “It’s rather scary. Years ago he really hurt me. Seeing him again brought the pain to the surface but when he was injured I realized what I feel for him.”
‘Wow, I wish…”
“Something like this will happen for you. Maybe with the person you want to find.”
“That’s not why I’m here.”
The strange look in Janine’s eyes kept Andi from asking for more. She set the glass down. “I need to head to the office.”
“If you and Mr. Grantlan marry will you continue to work?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Andi rose. She stopped in the living room to check her sleeping niece. She kissed her fingers and touched Tammy’s head. “I’ll let you know when you can take the baby to the cabin.”
“Mr. Marshall said he would call.”
Andi drove to the office. She made her way through the waiting room and waved to the receptionist. Once inside the treatment area she opened her office door.
Grace stepped out of an examining room across the hall. “Heard about your excitement. You didn’t need to come in.”
Andi shrugged. “I need to add notes on the patients I saw at the hospital this morning. Couldn’t concentrate there since everyone wanted to talk about the incident.”
Grace laughed. “Biggest event in town for years.”
“I’ve asked for neuro consult on the Dors boy.”
“Good call. How’s Rob?”
“Itching to go home.”
“Maybe that’s why he’s called twice in the past hour looking for you.”
Andi pulled her cell from her pocket. “Off. Forgot. “I had things to do. Thanks for taking over my patients.” Her phone chimed. She stepped into her office. “I’d better take this and I will see my patients this afternoon.”
Grace waved. “I’ll let Josh know.”
Andi sat at her desk. “Hello.” She was glad to hear Simon’s voice. “The cabin?”
“Is no longer a crime scene. Rob and the baby can return. I’ll let Janine know. Oh, we’re starting the security system.
“Good. I’ll be there with Rob before six.”
She tapped off and the signal sounded again. “Hello, Rob.”
“Where have you been?”
“At the police station, checking our niece, and now at the office.”
“Good. Come for me as soon as you can. Reed said I can leave after the blood work is checked. I will need some help since I’ll be one handed.”
Was that a hint? She would tell him later that she planned to stay at the cabin. “I’ll see you later.”
Andi called Janine. “I’ll see you at the cabin. Join us for dinner. I’m stopping at Burger Bounty.”
“Thanks,” Janine said. “Make mine with cheddar.”
“Will you want fries?”
“Yes. The kind with the cheese sauce.”
“Will do.”
* * *
At four Andi checked her schedule for the next day and left for the hospital. When she reached Rob’s room he was dressed and sitting in a chair. He wore a buttoned shirt that was a little large. One sleeve covered the sling.
“About time.”
She shook her head. “I’ll find a nurse to take you down. Do you have the post-op instructions? What about the prescriptions?”
He waved a paper. “Meds faxed and will be delivered to the cabin.”
She stepped into the hall. A nurse waved. “I’m glad you’re here. He’s driving us crazy.”
Andi laughed. “Men have so little patience.”
When the nurse and the wheelchair arrived Rob grabbed the things from his stand. He tapped the plastic wash basin. “Tammy’s bathtub.”
Andi hurried ahead of him and ran to the parking lot. She pulled the car to the entrance and helped Rob into the passenger’s seat. “We’re stopping at Burger Bounty. Janine will bring Tammy there and join us for dinner. She and I will set a schedule. I’m wondering how you’ll manage.”
He leaned toward her. “I can manage a lot. Good thing it’s my left shoulder.”
She parked in front of Burger Bounty and picked up the food she’d phoned in earlier. She handed the bags o Rob and drove to the cabin.
Simon’s truck was parked in the circle. He strode over. “System’s a go on the house. Here are the keys and the combination. Changes every month. We’ll be back tomorrow to do the pool area and the perimeter.
“Then you’ll be done.”
“That’s right. Oh, we cleaned the rug and you lost a throw pillow.”
“Won’t miss it.”
“You owe me twenty-five for the prescriptions. Co-pay.”
Andi carried the food and the other things Rob had brought from the hospital into the house.
Simon waved. “See you tomorrow. Have a pool party.”
“I will once this wound heals,” Rob said.
By the time Andi carried the basin into the house and organized the table Janine and Tammy arrived. The baby’s babbles made Rob laugh. He held her for a few minutes. Janine took her and put her in the swing beside the table.
The three opened the burgers and fries. Janine asked about the break-in. Andi and Rob gave their versions of the event at the cabin.
After finishing her meal Janine rose. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Wait a second.” Rob handed her a key. “To the front door.” He gave her the combination and repeated the directions. “There will be a new code next month.”
“Should I come early?” she asked.
Andi shook her head. “I’ll be here and organize them before I head to the hospital.”
Rob grinned. “So you are staying?”
She winked. “If Tammy wakes you’ll need help.”
Janine laughed. “She’s so right. One arm isn’t enough for that little girl.”
Rob chuckled. “Don’t I know.”
When the door closed Andi went to Rob. She bent and kissed him. I’ll straighten up here. You amuse our niece. Just to let you know, she slept all night.”
“Good, because I have plans.”
Andi wiped the table and put the few dishes they’d used in the washer. “Will you be okay while I run to the apartment and pick up some clothes and other things?”
Rob nodded. “We’ll manage.” He pulled her down and kissed her long and lingeringly.
Andi stepped away. “Maybe forty-five minutes.” She hurried to the door and drove to town. At her apartment she packed clothes for work and casual ones. She swept her cosmetics into a bag and carried everything to the car.
When she reached the cabin she found Rob on the couch. Tammy lay on his chest. The television showed a re-run of some cyber based show. Andi unpacked and joined the pair. An hour later, she bathed Tammy and readied her for bed. Rob fed her while Andi made more bottles and coffee. She carried her niece to bed and returned to the main room and snuggled next to Rob on the couch.
He pulled her close and ran his tongue over her lips. Andi opened her mouth to let his tongue sweep inside. The kiss continued soft and sweet and then changed. Andi ran her hand over Rob’s chest. Dampness moistened her panties.
He ended the kiss. “I love you.”
She met his gaze. “I never stopped loving you.”
He pulled her closer. She eagerly pressed against him. Passion blazed. She met his gaze. “Bedroom.”
* * *
Rob walked beside Andi toward the bedroom. In the doorway he halted. The red panties were gone. He turned her to face him. “Something’s missing.”
“I know.”
“Why?”
“Didn’t want strangers to see.”
Rob chuckled. He bent his head and kissed her until he felt a buzz. Almost like he was drunk on her. He slid his right hand down her back and pressed her against his erection.
He growled. He wanted to hear his name on her lips. He wanted their clothes to vanish with a snap of his fingers. “Damn.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I hate having one useable hand.”
She touched his lips with her finger. “I have two.” She unbuttoned his shirt and slid the sleeve down his arm.
Rob’s breath caught. The desire to take charge was strong. “Hurry.”
Andi winked. She slid her hand over his chest and stepped back. With her hand she slid the elastic waistband of his shorts and drew them down. “Sit on the bed so I can remove your shoes.”
Rob sank on the edge of the bed. Andi knelt and pulled the shorts off and then his shoes and socks. He growled. “You move too slowly.”
She ran her tongue over his cock. “Anticipation makes for a more intense ending.”
Rob groaned. He reached for her and lost his balance. She pushed him back. “Relax. Just lay back and enjoy.”
He watched as she slowly removed her clothes. He wanted to leap forward and rip them off. His erection pulsed. His heart raced as he watched each tantalizing move. A growl rolled from his chest. She was beautiful and everything he’d ever wanted.
She approached the bed. With her teeth she opened a condom packet. ‘Enjoying?”
“Every moment.”
Rob managed to slide to the center of the bed. He waited until waves of pain subsided. Andi knelt between his legs and sheathed him. Slowly she slid over him. He grasped her waist with his free hand. Inside the urge to roll and take charge died when she began to move. His body rocked with hers. He pressed his right hand against the mattress. He felt himself ready to explode. With care he moved his hand to stimulate her clit.
Andi shouted his name. Her channel tightened around him. He cried her name and exploded. She lay on his chest. Their rough breaths slowed. She raised her head and kissed him.
Rob stroked her back. “Marry me. I need you to complete my life. I love you. I’ve never stopped.”
Divided Dreams Page 14