by Darla Lark
Cheyenne enjoyed the warmth of the hug and wished it was her mom as she returned the hug. “It’s so nice to see you. We shouldn’t go so long without a visit again.”
“I agree. Now let’s head to the kitchen. Mikey will be here shortly. I’ve made some miniature sandwiches. There’s turkey, ham, and chicken sandwiches, cucumber and carrot slices, and, of course, sweet tea.”
“Shouldn’t we wait for your son?”
Mrs. Warner smiled and replied, “Trust me, sweetheart, he’ll eat all of it. He’s got quite an appetite.”
“I’ll bet. Tyler sure does, too.” Cheyenne immediately regretted her words.
Mrs. Warner broke the awkward silence. “So, what’s been going on with you?”
“To make a long story short, my apartment was ransacked and someone slashed my tires. Now I’m borrowing my sister’s car. One of my neighbors came over after I got settled in. It was six-thirty in the morning and he brought me some breakfast. Now I’m watching his cat for a few days. Either he’s an eccentric or there’s something off about him. I believe it’s the latter. It’s a feeling I have in the pit of my stomach.”
“Why didn’t you call me when all this stuff happened?”
Cheyenne sipped her tea before answering. “Why worry you for nothing?”
“Sweetheart, I worry about you like you’re my very own daughter. That won’t change. What makes you so suspicious about this neighbor of yours? Has he done anything wrong other than being there at six-thirty in the morning?”
“No. It’s just that I get this feeling about him. Actually, he’s been over to my place more times than a neighbor should. It’s weird and creepy.”
“Mom?”
Mrs. Warner’s face lit up. “I’m in the kitchen, sugar.”
Cheyenne’s stomach fluttered when the tall man strode into the kitchen. He seemed to be surprised.
“You remember my former neighbor and dear friend, Cheyenne.” Michael gave her a look of warning, which unfazed by it, Mrs. Warner kept talking. “You’re not her attorney any longer, therefore it’s alright to be sociable with her.” She winked at Cheyenne.
“Um, hello…again.”
“Um, hi.” She began to rub her arm like she always did when she was nervous. It was something she has done since childhood. “How are you?”
“Great. Busy, but great.”
“I’m aware that you’ve met. After all, I’m the one who recommended you to her. Don’t look so surprised.” Mrs. Warner raised her chin in defiance. They fell into an awkward silence. Mrs. Warner looked back and forth between Michael and Cheyenne. She smiled and said, “I’m glad to finally have the two of you in my house at the same time.”
Michael spoke up first. “Mom, I’m her attorney.”
“Was.” Mrs. Warner pointed out.
“What?”
“You were her attorney.”
“He did a remarkable job, by the way.” Their eyes met and Cheyenne shifted in her seat.
He ran a hand through his hair. “By the way, I’m sorry I didn’t call you back.”
“It’s all right. You were busy.”
Another awkward silence ensued. “Honey, you need to eat something,” Mrs. Warner said to get the conversation going. “You’re far too thin.”
Michael kissed her on the cheek while watching Cheyenne. “I always eat, especially when it’s your cooking.”
Cheyenne observed their interaction with one another while her own heart was breaking. Oh how I wish my mom was here. She quickly wiped the tear away that trickled down her cheek. They look so much alike. There’s no denying it. She continued to stare at them as they discussed Michael’s eating habits.
“So, Ms. Harrington, what was it that you needed?”
Michael’s voice brought her back to attention. She looked back and forth between Michael and Mrs. Warner, caught off guard. “Huh?”
“Your phone call.”
“Oh. Uh. Yeah. I wanted to tell you my best friend thinks you’re cute.”
“Oh really?” he asked and raised his eyebrow.
“I thought I should warn you. Gaby tends to, how do I say this? Chew men up and spit them out, so to speak.” Cheyenne nervously chewed on her fingernail.
“Warning duly noted.”
“Let me tell you something, honey. I’ve met Gaby and she’s not a decent girl.” Mrs. Warner patted her son’s hand which he had stretched out on the table.
“She’s my best friend and I love her, but she’s broken a lot of hearts. Not to mention, her life isn’t very stable. Gaby is known to take off with bad boys and disappear for weeks at a time.”
Michael gave a sarcastic laugh. “That’s been my luck with women. Most of them aren’t serious about settling down and starting a family. They all seem to be like my ex-wife who ran around with other men and whatnot. She loved to spend my money, though. Let me tell you.”
“That’s obviously my luck with men. I thought after Tyler and I married we would live happily ever after. Being a mother is what I wanted most out of life, but then I found out he was spending my money on his little girlfriend.”
“I know how you feel. You feel used and betrayed. That’s not what marriage is all about. I’m sure you’ll find the right guy. You’re too nice not to. Whoever he may be, will be a lucky man.”
“Thanks and I’m sure you’ll find the right woman and she’ll be very lucky.” Cheyenne lifted the teacup and sipped.
“You two have a lot in common. I’m sure you’ll have a lot to talk about. In the meantime, I’m going to go talk to Janet, our neighbor. I’ll be outside if you need anything.” She began to walk out, but turned and added, “You two would be the perfect couple.”
Cheyenne felt her cheeks get warm. “I should probably go. I have a lot to do.”
“No, no, no. Please stay Cheyenne.” Mrs. Warner’s eyes reflected hope.
“Yes, please stay.” Michael echoed his mother’s words. “I don’t want to interfere with Mother and son time.”
Mrs. Warner spoke up. “You’re not. It’ll be fine. I’ll see him again.”
“Okay.”
“Good.” Mrs. Warner clapped her hands together and pushed the screen door open. “Now, I’ll be outside if you two need anything.”
“I could go with you and get some fresh air,” Cheyenne offered.
“You stay here and talk with Mikey. I’ll be back in a few.”
“You sure?”
“Of course, Cheyenne.” She turned and quickly exited the room.
“My mother is conniving, but is quite open about it. Got to love my Mom.”
“I know. It’s pretty funny how she’s trying to set us up.”
“That’s Mom for you.” An awkward silence fell between them. Michael broke the silence. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Cheyenne asked, confused by his words.
“For being a good friend to my Mom.
“She’s very pleasant to be around. What’s not to like?”
“She gets lonely when my Dad is at work or doing his hobbies. She is really happy to have someone who’s a really great friend. In fact, she’s been talking about you quite a bit.”
“Well, she talks a lot about you too.” They laughed.
“Does she?”
“She does. Your mom is so proud of you.” Cheyenne laughed again. “She wants to be a grandmother sooner rather than later.”
A slow smile spread across Michael’s face. “Mom keeps talking about how much she hated Tyler. When you came to me, she was happy because we would finally meet and hoped we would magically become a couple. I keep explaining to her that it’s illegal to date our clients, but she doesn’t listen. She waves her hand at me when I tell her that you’re my client. Now she says that you’re not my client any longer and asks what’s holding us back.” He shook his head, but his eyes shone. “That’s mom for you. I have to love her.”
“I love her, too. She’s been a major part of my support system. Over the last five years
, we’ve become great friends.”
~
The back door slammed and Cheyenne glanced at the clock. We’ve been talking almost an hour. She realized that she hadn’t eaten anything when her stomach growled.
“Marlene is in the hospital.” Mrs. Warner made herself a fresh cup of tea.
“What happened? Is she all right?”
“Yes. She had a heart attack two weeks ago which explains why I haven’t seen her around.”
“She’s always out in her garden.”
“Marlene?” Michael interjected.
Cheyenne and Mrs. Warner looked at Michael. “You know, Mrs. Friedman, our neighbor?” Cheyenne said. “Well, my former neighbor.” Cheyenne grinned.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Michael held the cup in his strong hands.
Cheyenne felt his eyes on her. Though she didn’t know why, she secretly enjoyed the way he was looking at her. Cheyenne stood. “I’ve got to leave now, but I’ll see you later.” She hugged Mrs. Warner before turning to Michael. “Thanks for everything, Mr. O’Neill.”
“Thank you and, please, call me Michael.” He took her hand and kissed it. “I’m sure we’ll see each other again soon.”
Cheyenne nervously smiled at him and glanced over at Mrs. Warner, who was grinning from ear to ear. This, of course, was what she wanted—and more. She wanted Cheyenne and Michael together ever since Cheyenne filed for divorce. She never liked Tyler. Though, she never really said in so many words. She was thrilled when they divorced.
Cheyenne reluctantly pulled her hand back. “I’m sure we will and please call me Cheyenne.”
~
This is insane. I cannot be attracted to my attorney. Nope. Nada. No way! Cheyenne fought the mental battle but she knew she enjoyed the attention he gave her. “It must be because of my loneliness and what happened with Tyler. Yeah. That’s it,” she whispered. At least she hoped so.
Chapter 14
When will she open her eyes? No one loves her the way I do. Why does she refuse to realize I’m not Tyler? Speaking of Tyler, why had he shown up at her door? If he does it again, I will kill him. Cheyenne belongs to me. Who the hell is the other guy who’s so determined to destroy the relationship Cheyenne and I have worked so hard to build? I plan to find out. It’s a matter of making a call to my contact in the police department. He can get that information for me. In the meantime, I will have to figure out how to keep Tyler and this other creep away from her. I have a number of ideas. My ideas are perfect and will work. I’m going to let them know real fast that Cheyenne is my property and the mother of my future children. No one will ever take her away from me.
Chapter 15
He may think taking care of the cat will work but I can top that in more than one way. If anyone interferes, I will personally deal with them. I’ve waited far too long for her. No one, not even a cat-loving neighbor, is stealing her away. That guy seems to think no one knows that he’s eyeing my woman. If he gets too close, he’s as good as dead. I’ve waited far too long for the woman of my dreams. Now I know who’s trying to scare her and take her away. Little does he know that I’m on to him and will be monitoring him closely. I’m prepared to kill him if he interferes with me and Cheyenne. He will never have her.
Chapter 16
Cheyenne woke up the next morning with Finnegan lying sound asleep on her stomach. It was only the second day that he was in her apartment, but she was becoming attached to him. He was a sweet, affectionate cat. Since she returned from Mrs. Warner’s, he wouldn’t leave her alone. When he wasn’t in her lap, he was following her.
“You are the sweetest boy. How did you wind up with Daniel? He doesn’t seem like a cat person.” There was a loud knock. “I had better get that.” She put Finnegan on the floor and made sure Finnegan wasn’t anywhere near the door before she opened it.
“Hello Ms. Harrington.”
“Mr. O’Neill.”
“Michael, please.”
“Then call me Cheyenne.” She stared at him, confused. “What are you doing here? Is something wrong?”
“No. Nothing’s wrong. Mom wanted me to bring some leftover sandwiches to you.” He handed her the plate and flashed a smile. Throughout the divorce, she never really noticed how good looking he was. She knew he was good looking, but didn’t realize how good looking.
“Would you like to come in?” She opened the door wider and offered him entrance into the room.
“Sure. I can only stay for a few minutes, though. Got to get back to the office.” Michael quickly took in the room’s décor—simple yet tasteful.
“Would you like something to drink?” Cheyenne asked. “Some water, lemonade, anything?”
“Maybe a glass of lemonade, please.”
“Okay. No problem.” She sauntered into the kitchen and poured a couple glasses of lemonade. She thought about Michael and his being in her apartment, almost over-filling the glasses in the excitement. Why was she feeling like this? Why hadn’t she noticed how….well, how sexy he was? She shook the thought off and picked the glasses up. Michael still stood near the door. “Please, have a seat.” She handed him the lemonade and they moved to sit on the couch.
“So.” Michael took a sip of the lemonade and then placed the glass on a coaster near him.
“So.” Cheyenne held her glass closer and curled her legs up on the couch.
Michael eased back into the couch and placed an arm on the back so he faced her. “How’s single life?”
“Scary. Lonely. Confusing. I love being independent, though. I’m figuring things out one day at a time.
“One day at a time.” He nodded his head. “That’s all you can do.”
“Sure is.” Cheyenne felt her stomach tighten. Why was she feeling like this? “How’s your workload?”
“Full. Very full.”
What could she say that would be interesting? Why was she so nervous? Her stomach had butterflies floating around.
“That’s good, right? I mean, it’s better than not being busy and out of work. To be honest, I wish I could get busy with my work. Between my sister and Gaby calling or coming over, it nearly makes it impossible. Throw in my neighbor, and, well you get the picture.”
“Oh yeah. Mom was telling me about this neighbor of yours. What’s going on with him?” He stared at her as he sipped his lemonade.
Cheyenne shifted her position and scoffed. “I just…he…I get a bad feeling about him. Not long after meeting him, my apartment gets ransacked and my tires were slashed. After knowing him for only a few days, he’s asked me to watch his cat for him. Not to mention, the first time we met he noticed my lights on and came over with breakfast at six-thirty in the morning, which was odd. I don’t know what he’s up to, but it can’t be good. When I asked what he did for a living, he quickly switched topics and started asking me about what I do. He didn’t really say much about himself come to think of it.”
Michael was quiet for a moment. “Do you know his first and last name?”
“Yeah. Why?” she asked, curiously.
“I used to be a prosecutor and through that developed some friends at the police department. If you would like, I could have them run a check on him.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary. You’ve done enough.”
“I’d be more than happy to do that for you.” He reached for the lemonade and sipped quietly.
“I’ll be all right, but thanks anyway.”
Michael leaned forward and set his glass down as he placed one hand over hers. “Look, things could get worse for you. Your apartment got ransacked and your tires were slashed. It’s usually a stalker and or someone looking for something. That’s been my experience.”
“I don’t know what to do. For my sister’s benefit, I try to pretend that I’m okay.” She stared down at her hands before she looked up at Michael, “I’m terrified. I try to keep myself busy so I don’t think about it.”
“It’s okay to be frightened. There’s reason to be. If you want, I c
ould have an officer stay here with you. It would be much safer.”
“Thank you, but I’ll be fine.”
“If you change your mind, let me know.” He stood up to leave. “I hate to cut this visit short, but I have to go.”
“Thanks for bringing the sandwiches by.”
“You are very welcome. I’m sure I’ll see you again.”
“Probably.”
Michael began to walk toward the door with Cheyenne following close behind. “Thanks for the lemonade.” He turned and stared at her.
“What?”
“Um. Nothing.” He stuck his hands in his pockets and laughed nervously. “Actually, there is one thing.”
“What would that be?” Cheyenne felt her heart begin to beat really fast. If it were any faster, it would pop out of her chest. She felt pretty sure what he was about to ask and tried not to shake nervously—at least not noticeably. “Well.” He leaned against the door frame. “I was wondering….”
With a furrowed brow, Cheyenne bit her lip. “Wondering what?”
“If, perhaps, you would like to go out for a couple of drinks some time?”
“Wouldn’t you get in trouble if I said yes?”
“Why would it?”
“It’s just that I didn’t think lawyers could go out with or date their clients. Couldn’t you get disbarred?”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. I’m not asking you to marry me, just to have a few drinks.” He leaned closer. “Besides, technically, you’re not my client any longer.”
“Sorry. I tend to overthink things sometimes.”
“That’s okay. Well?”
“Sure. Can’t hurt.” Suddenly feeling shy, Cheyenne could barely look him in the eyes and began to tug at the hem of her tank top.
“Sounds great. How about Tuesday night?”
“Okay. Before you leave, how should I dress?”
He ran his fingers through his hair and flashed a broad smile. “Nice.”
“See you Tuesday then.”