She was about to do just that when a man in a brown uniform strode in so fast Abby was afraid the hounds of hell were trailing him.
“Abby Ferris?”
“That’s me.”
“These are for you.”
With a flourish, he pulled a large floral arrangement out of the box that protected the delicate petals from the freezing temperatures.
They were orchids and they were beautiful.
All eyes were on her as she signed for the delivery and pulled the card out from the vase.
Carefully, she opened the envelope, a little afraid that they would be from Dr. Bailor. When he came around the corner a second later, the expression on his face said clearly that he had not sent her flowers.
Abby wondered who they could be from, but she thought she might already know. She pulled the tiny card out and opened the flap.
Dr. Gorgeous,
They had nothing that even came close to rivaling your beauty, so I settled on the next best thing. I hope that this time you’ll accept my invitation to dinner tomorrow. I’ve made reservations at Chateau la Mer for six. I’ll pick you up from your place if you wish.
Call me.
Trevor Miles.
He’d included his number and a tiny smiley face that was lopsided and endearing.
Abby slipped the card into her pocket and set the flowers at her workstation. Her mood was instantly picked up. She’d let him sweat it out a bit before she texted him to let him know that she would be ready and waiting for him. She didn’t want him to know that she’d been pining over him.
“I see you’ve been cheating on me.”
The anger in his voice was unmistakable. Abby shuddered, unable to contain herself anymore. Back home in Chicago, she would have already taken this guy down a peg or two. But here in small town Blaine, she was trying to fit in. People here were more mellow and less quick to anger.
But she’d exhausted her patience with this man, and enough was enough.
And then he put his hand on her ass cheek and squeezed painfully and she came unglued.
She spun around, shoving him back against the wall. Petite and curvy, she was almost a whole foot shorter than him, but it didn’t matter. She was pissed.
“You,” she pointed at him, hazel eyes flashing in anger. “You keep your damn hands off me! I’m not your girlfriend and I’m not your friend. Don’t touch me again and so help me if you squeeze my ass one more time, I’m going to make you wish you’d never laid eyes on me.”
“You don’t have the balls.”
“Watch me.”
A small group of nurses and orderlies had gathered to see what all the shouting was about. Abby turned quickly, breaking through the little group that had gathered and heading straight for HR. She heard Dr. Bailor shout behind her, but she kept moving.
She burst into the office, shocking Ms. Carpenter. She hung up the phone and looked at Abby.
“Abby, are you okay?”
“No. Dr. Bailor is out of control and you have to do something.”
Ms. Carpenter’s expression went sour.
“So you’re not surprised? Is this something he’s done before?”
“It is, but the last time someone turned him in, she changed her story and transferred out the next week.”
“Screw that. I’m not going anywhere. He needs to be stopped and I’m not going to run away.”
“Good.”
Ms. Carpenter slid a paper across the desk and gave Abby a pen.
“Fill this out and I’ll file it. We’ll have the board review it and go from there and-”
The door flew open, slamming against the wall so hard it rebounded.
“Ms. Carpenter, I don’t know what this woman has told you, but she made a pass at me, and I’d like to report it.” His smile was handsome and bright, the charm turned way up. “We can’t have people dragging down the professionalism here, even if it’s all in good fun.”
“Can it, Jim. This isn’t the first time, but this time you won’t be so lucky. You’re on paid leave for the next week while this is investigated. Someone will call you at the end of the week to let you know the next step.”
“What about her? Are you investigating us both?”
“No Jim. This isn’t your first offense and we both know that it’s not some story she made up. Don’t make me have security escort you out, Jim. Show some class.”
Dr. Bailor opened his mouth to argue then thought better over it.
He looked at Abby, his face scary.
“This isn’t over.”
He turned and walked out, slamming the door behind him.
“Don’t let him get to you. He’s all talk, but no one has ever had the guts to stand up to him.”
*****
Abby was exhausted by the time she got home that night. She was slipping into her bed after a hot shower when she remembered that she hadn’t texted Trevor. Her lab coat hung by her bed, just close enough for her to reach without dragging herself out of bed.
She texted Trevor quickly, apologizing for the late hour and letting him know that she would be ready for dinner. She gave him her address and hit send before she changed her mind. Abby usually drove, but she was exhausted and she was looking forward to having someone take care of her for a change.
She was falling back into bed when the light on her screen glowed.
I can’t wait to see you, Doctor Gorgeous. I’ll pick you up at 5:30. Sweet dreams, I know mine will be.
She didn’t answer, but her smile lingered as she drifted off to sleep. Trevor was a sweet man, despite his rugged and cocky exterior. Abby had a feeling it was all for show and hid a deeply passionate and kind-hearted man.
Maybe he would turn to poetry or something a little less violent now that he had to give up hockey.
***
Abby woke up late the next morning. She rolled over and squinted against the sunlight, trying to read the display on her alarm clock. She wasn’t surprised to see that it was already one and that she’d slept almost twelve hours, but she groaned anyway. She’d wanted to wake up a bit earlier and hit the gym this morning.
“Oh well,” she said aloud, rolling out of bed and slipping her feet into her slippers.
She decided a bath was in order, followed by a light brunch.
Abby grabbed her phone, surprised to see that there were several voicemail messages.
“Please don’t let Trevor turn out to be a crazy stalker.”
She had to laugh at herself. Here she was worried about Trevor being crazy when she was talking out loud to herself in an empty house. Oh well. The calls could wait, she was taking a bath whether her date still stood or not.
The battery was almost dead from all the calls, and she had forgotten to charge it the night before. She plugged it in and turned off the ringer. Selecting a well-worn book off the shelf, she shed her clothes as she headed to the bathroom.
The steamy bubbles enveloped her, sliding over her chocolate skin when she slid down into the water. She leaned back against the bath pillow, settling in for a long soak and a good read.
She didn’t get out until the water was too icy to stand and her stomach was rumbling. Wrapping the robe around herself, she went down the hall to the kitchen to grab a snack before she started getting ready.
Her house phone rang and she jumped. How long had it been since the last time someone had called that number? She couldn’t remember since she used her cellphone almost exclusively.
She picked it up, surprised to hear Ms. Carpenter on the other end.
“Abby?”
“Yes? What’s wrong?”
“Have you gotten any calls?”
“I did, but I haven’t checked my voicemails. Why?”
“Jim was here about an hour ago, drunk off his ass and ranting and raving about calling you but you were too good to answer. He left before the police got here. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
“Hold on, let me get my cell.”
Abby set the phone down and raced down the hall. She turned the speaker phone on, dialing voicemail and starting the messages before she made it back to the phone.
Jim’s voice, slurred and angry, came through the line.
“You’re going to pay for what you did to me, you little bitch!”
Abby hit save and moved to the next. Message after message was the same. She held the house phone up so Ms. Carpenter could listen to a few. Her stomach twisted in a knot as she listened.
“Abby, I’m going to need you to make a police report about those calls.”
“Okay. What do I do?”
“Just call the police, they’ll send someone.”
Abby looked at the clock. It was only three. With any luck, the cops would be in and out before Trevor arrived for their date.
“Okay, I will. Thank you for letting me know. Do you think he’s serious? I’m mean, he’s an ass, but I don’t think he’d hurt me, do you?”
“I don’t, Abby, but the person who filed against him before changed her story almost overnight and then transferred immediately. I can’t imagine that was because Jim was nice to her. I’m sure he threatened her. Whether the threat was empty or not is anyone’s guess. Just be careful. You’re not alone tonight are you?”
“I’m not. I have a date and he’s coming here to pick me up in a few hours.”
“Good. Maybe you should spend the night at his place.”
Abby laughed.
“Not a chance. I’m not that kind of girl. My address is unlisted. I’m fine and safe. Thank you for checking on me.”
“Stay safe and be careful.”
She hung up in Abby’s ear and Abby dialed the police. Better to get this over with now than have to deal with it later. She had a date with Trevor and Jim was not going to derail her plans.
If he thought Abby could be easily bullied, he had another think coming.
*****
The police officers were walking out the door when Trevor pulled up. He was half an hour early. One of the cops looked at Trevor and looked to Abby before he let Trevor pass.
“He’s here for me, I’m expecting him.”
She waved at Trevor, smiling broadly and pretending that nothing was wrong. A few of her neighbors on the second floor above the courtyard looked down on the scene but no one said a word.
Trevor walked to her front door, a single rose in his hand.
“What was that all about?”
“Trouble with a coworker.”
“Anything serious?”
“No. He harassed me at work and I turned him in.”
“Because you’re black?”
“No, because I’m a woman with an ass and he wanted to touch it.”
“We all want to touch it, but you have to ask nicely first.”
Abby burst out laughing. The look on Trevor’s face was priceless, and she knew he was only half joking.
“There’s that smile I was waiting to see.”
“You’re going to have to come in. You’re early and I’m running behind.”
Trevor followed her into the apartment, rummaging through her kitchen cabinets for a small vase to put the flower in.
He checked the soil on the orchid, splashing a bit of water onto it and drying his hands on a dish towel.
“Are you good with plants?” Abby asked.
“I am. My grandma used to make me help her in the garden when I was little.”
“That’s good. I can keep people alive, but I can kill a plant in record time. I’ll be sad to see the orchids go. No one has ever given me a potted plant before. I love how the pot looks like a vase.”
“The secret to orchids is not to drown them. They don’t like a lot of fussing.”
“They’ll probably live then. I have to change, make yourself at home in the living room. I’ll be just a minute.”
“Or you could go like that.”
“No. I have something better in mind.”
“Suit yourself.”
Trevor settled into the recliner and closed his eyes. He knew women, and he knew it wouldn’t be ‘just a minute’. He was in no hurry. As long as he was where Abby was, he was right where he belonged.
***
Abby and Trevor sat side by side in the booth, plates empty and night nearly to a close.
“Would you care for dessert?” the waiter asked while the busboy discreetly whisked away their dinner plates.
“Dessert sounds good,” Abby said. “I’ll have the crème brûlée.”
“I’ll have the same.”
Trevor smiled at the waiter and handed the dessert menu to him. The man turned and left, leaving Abby and Trevor in the quiet corner of the restaurant.
Trevor’s hand found Abby’s, threading his fingers through hers and resting his hand on her leg.
“Smooth, Trevor. Now I know why you wanted to sit next to me instead of across from me.”
“That’s not why,” he said.
He turned his head, leaning over until his lips were nearly touching her ear. His breath was hot on her ear and neck, sending shivers of anticipation up and down her spine.
“This is why I wanted to sit next to you. So I could be close to you without touching you.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m enjoying teasing you without anyone knowing. I like the way your nostrils flare when my leg presses against yours.”
He reached out, grabbing his water glass and taking a slow sip.
“Or the way you accidently rubbed your forearm across my chest just now.”
“It was no accident.”
His expression was smug. Abby had to laugh.
“You are something else, Trevor Miles.”
Her hazel eyes caught his bright blue ones, her laugh growing silent in an instant. The air felt electrified, the dim lighting giving the illusion that they were practically alone in the tiny restaurant. Abby leaned in, lips parting. Trevor lightly grazed her lips with his, giving her the lightest of kisses.
She leaned into him but he leaned back, escaping her advances but never releasing her hand.
“If I give it all away up front, you’ll have nothing to look forward to later,” Trevor said.
Abby elbowed him lightly.
“Please. I can have you anytime, anywhere.”
It was Trevor’s turn to laugh. He didn’t even bother denying it.
“You’re right. I couldn’t say no to you.”
He released her hand, fingers deftly traipsing over her leg and towards her knee. Blue eyes bore into her, igniting her very soul. Her soft dress slid up when his hand dipped under the fabric. He drew tiny hearts on her bare skin, raising goosebumps on her dark skin.
He didn’t stop moving his hand, tracing his fingers up and down her leg, pushing the dress up a tiny bit more each time.
“So what is Abby short for?” he asked, carrying on a mundane conversation as if he wasn’t driving her mad beneath the table.
“Abbryana.”
“Abbryana,” he said, trying her name out several times before he stopped. “That’s quite melodic. Very pretty, just like you.”
“Thank you.”
He squeezed her thigh. She squirmed slightly. Somehow he’d moved within a few inches of her core without her noticing. But her body had noticed. She was hot and starting to become aroused.
Trevor nuzzled her neck, mouth against her ear again.
“Your nipples are hard,” he whispered.
Abby didn’t have to look down to know he was telling the truth.
She was visibly relieved when their dessert arrived. She needed a distraction. If Trevor kept this up, she might break her three date rule and ravish him on the doorstep of her apartment.
Or in the parking lot of this very restaurant. Either was possible.
Trevor kept one hand under the table, expertly teasing her while he ate his dessert and sipped his water.
They talked easily, though Abby struggled to hold onto her train of thought.
He led her to the car, opening her door her and kissing her while she buckled herself in.
“I don’t want to take you home yet.”
“I know, but it’s late.”
Trevor pulled away, looking into her eyes.
“Can I see you tomorrow?”
“You’re seeing me right now,” she said, though a thrill of excitement shot through her.
“I don’t mean for dinner. I mean I want to spend the day with you. Maybe see a movie.”
“I don’t know if I can handle sitting beside you in a dark theater. I’ve seen what you’re capable of in the light, I can’t imagine you behave any better in the dark.”
“There’s only one way to find out.”
*****
He got into the car and put it into gear, driving with his left hand so he could hold her hand in his right. He took his time weaving through the snowy streets, but he was on her street too soon.
He pulled up in front of her apartment, getting out to help her out of the passenger seat.
“I had a good time,” she said, letting him walk her to her door.
He held her close, one arm around her as they walked.
“So, about tomorrow.”
“Of course.”
“What time?”
“Just text me.”
“Sounds good.”
They were on her doorstep.
“Can I walk you in, make sure everything is okay?”
“No.”
“That was abrupt,” he laughed.
“I’m still a little hot and bothered from dinner. Some other time...” her voice trailed off for a moment. “Soon.”
“Fair enough. Sleep tight.”
He walked away and got into his car as Abby shoved her key in the lock and opened the door. She waved to him as she stepped in, watching him pull away from the curb.
She pulled the door closed behind her and walked halfway across the living room in the dark when she realized something was wrong. Suddenly frightened, she rushed to the hall and turned on the light.
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