The Morning After

At the house or the man?

“That’d be great. You think he’s okay?”

“I have to see him first to know for sure. Was he outside when it happened?”

“We were out back. Why?”

“The last time I saw a dog do that, he’d just snapped up a bee.”

“You think it’s an allergic reaction?”

“Maybe. I’ll know better when I get there.”

“You are an angel, Nikki. I knew I could count on you to take care of this.”

She said goodbye, then hurried to the checkout.

She made the short trip home in record time. With grocery bags weighing down her arms, she fumbled with the lock. The door swung open before she could turn the key.

Her youngest sister—green-eyed, blond-haired Erin—frowned at her as she grabbed several bags. “Why did you carry all this by yourself? I would have come down and helped—or at least sent one of the minions.”

She nodded toward the back of the apartment, where a steady banging sounded. Tess’s ex-lovers tended to hang around long after the loving. “Brandon or Brendon or whatever his name from the catering company is back there fixing her closet organizer.”

Waving aside Erin’s concern, Nikki pushed into the cozy living room and continued on to the kitchen. “I’m fine. Did anyone call for me?”

“Not that I know of.” Erin followed Nikki into the kitchen.

“Is Tess here?”

“Her latest stud picked her up hours ago.” Disdain laced her sister’s voice.

Nikki flinched. She’d been a little down on Tess for following in their mother’s footsteps, but in light of her talk with Sophie, maybe they should cut their sister a little slack. “You know, Erin, I think I understand her a little better now. I have to run help Thomas, but maybe when I get back we can talk about it.”

An indifferent shrug was her only answer.

Sighing, Nikki set her load on the kitchen counter, then ditched her blouse. “You sure no one called? There weren’t any messages on the answering machine?”

“I’m sure. No one called. What’s up?” Erin asked as she dropped a head of lettuce into the vegetable bin in the refrigerator.

Nikki bit her bottom lip. Not wanting to get their hopes up needlessly, she hadn’t mentioned her house hunting to her sisters in case the deal fell through. If she told her sister about Dylan, she’d want to know where Nikki had met him. “Nothing, really.”

Erin eyed her for a minute, then shook her head and tossed an empty grocery bag into the recycling. She looked as though she might argue but continued putting away groceries, slamming cabinets harder than normal. Nikki would soothe Erin’s rumpled feathers after the house was theirs. Her sister had been so moody lately, but Nikki would have to deal with her another time. If Buck really was having an allergic reaction, it could be life threatening.

Nikki hurried to Thomas’s house. He was sitting on his front stoop with his sister’s dog when she pulled up.

“What are you doing baking yourselves out here?” she asked as she climbed the front steps, medical bag in hand.

“Once I told him you were coming, he insisted.” Thomas nodded his gray-streaked head toward the dog. “He seems to feel okay.”

Poor Buck. His face was swollen and wrinkled like a shar-pei’s. Nikki knelt before the beast. The old Irish setter thumped his tail. “That’s my boy. Did you snap up a wasp? Can I take a look?”

He whined softly as she pried open his mouth. “There’s the stinger.” Grabbing an instrument, she pulled the offender from his mouth, then patted him reassuringly. “Just a couple of shots and you’ll be right as rain.”

Worry lines crossed Thomas’s forehead. “Will he be okay by the time my sister gets back tomorrow?”

“Let’s take him inside and I’ll get the injections ready. Give him about an hour and he’ll be fine.”

“Sure looks awful.”

“Untreated, it could constrict his trachea or make his tongue swell so much it could cut off his breathing.”

“So let’s get on with those shots. That sister of mine will skin me if I return him damaged.”

“Come on, boy.” She urged Buck into the house after her.

A short while later, she found Thomas tinkering in the small workshop he kept at the back of his garage. A box fan stirred the thick air around him. He turned as she approached.

“Hey, there, pull up a chair.” He patted the stool beside him. “How’s the old boy?”

“Took his shots like a trooper.”

“Thanks for the house call, pumpkin. Tell me, what do I owe you?”

She waved her hand in dismissal. “The way I see it, I owe you. I wouldn’t even have the clinic if you hadn’t talked me into going to work for Doc Emerson way back when. And I might not have stuck it out if you weren’t constantly encouraging me and sending me business.”

“Doc knew his practice would be in good hands when he sold it to you.”

“It’s certainly made life easier, stepping into an established practice. I’d be lucky to break even if I were starting from scratch.”

“You’ve worked your ass off for it and you earned every penny. You helped build that business. Now, you send me a bill. Nobody makes house calls these days.”

“This really is closer than the clinic. Besides, this way I can drive by the house I’m buying.”

“You found a house?”

“It’s in Coral Gables. The closing is scheduled for the end of July.”

“That’s wonderful! My Nikki is going to have her own home at last.” His eyes misted. “I’m proud of you, girl. No one’s worked as hard as you have. I’ve never known a more deserving soul.”

Happiness filled her. “I’ve wanted this my whole life, Thomas. You can’t know what it means to me. After this move, I’m never going to move again.”

His eyebrows drew together. “I know living with Maggie wasn’t easy, but it’s made you strong and independent. It’s made you the woman you are today.”

“Aw, it wasn’t so bad—not if you don’t mind changing addresses every couple of months.” In spite of Sophie’s revelation, Nikki couldn’t keep the sarcasm from her tone. “There was that one time we got to keep the same phone number through three moves. As long as I didn’t invite any of the kids over, they didn’t realize we had moved and I was spared the jokes about Mom taking a new lover. That subdivision had lots of street parties, so we met most of our neighbors. If there had been more single men, we might have stayed in the area a little longer.” Bitterness tinged her voice. “Until I got my first apartment, I never knew what it was like to not live out of suitcases and boxes. That was life.”

“You still don’t understand her. She loves her art and her men.”

“What’s to understand? Sophie says Mom has a big heart.”

“It’s true. Do you doubt that Maggie loved each and every one of those men?”

“I don’t know. I guess she did.”

“Was there ever fighting? Any bad partings?”

“Of course. What home goes without fighting?”

“Maggie had fallings-out with her men? They fought?” Thomas peered at her, his eyebrows arched.

Nikki frowned. Funny, she and her sisters had had their share of sibling rivalry. Seems she and her mother had fought all the time. But try as she might, she couldn’t remember a single moment of discord between her mother and any of her lovers.

“It’s weird. I can’t remember any. That seems strange, doesn’t it, that all those relationships were peaceful, then the breakups amicable?”

“That’s my Maggie. She has a special magic.”

“Sophie calls it a ‘gift.’ I guess that’s one way of looking at it.”

“I take it you don’t believe in this gift?”

“The gift of sexual healing? Get serious.”

“Oh, Nikki, it’s very serious business indeed.”

She turned to face him more squarely. “You mean you believe my mother runs through lovers like last season’s fashions because she’s in their lives to heal them sexually, then she moves on once the healing’s complete?”

“That’s right. You do understand.”

“No. I don’t get how a man as reasonable as you can believe that.”

“I don’t get how a woman with this special gift can deny the magic she’s been born with.”

She stared at him a moment. First Sophie, now Thomas. Was there something to this after all? “So you believe this gift is inherited by all the women of my family?”

“That’s my understanding, but you should be able to answer that for yourself.”

A small groan escaped her. Tess certainly seemed gifted when it came to the opposite sex. With Erin it was hard to tell, but she was young still and hadn’t had many serious relationships. Nikki’s own love life was at least unusual. “I don’t know, Thomas. It’s just a little out-there, isn’t it?”

“Is it?”

A shrug was all she could give in answer. “I suppose the empathic nature goes hand in hand.”

“I believe it’s stronger in some of you than in others.” His gaze pinned her. “Could be worth exploring.”

If it were all true, was she doomed to live a life devoid of love? “You mean, I should enter relationships for the sole purpose of healing but never get attached because I’ll always have to let go?” Her throat tightened.

“No, sweetie, here’s where you don’t understand. Look at Maggie. She loves each and every one of them heart and soul. That’s where the real magic comes from. That’s where she taps into her healing potential.”

“She loves them, then when it’s over she just lets them go?”

His head bobbed. “It’s the releasing that frees her to receive again.”

“So does she just stop loving them?”

“Of course not. She has unlimited potential to love in that big heart of hers. It’s part of her charm.”

“But I don’t want to keep getting left behind.”

“Then be the one to go out and embrace the world.”

“I don’t know.” Dylan’s image wavered in her mind. If ever a man needed her healing, he was the one. She didn’t question this inner conviction. And she’d never felt such a strong attraction. Did she dare explore her gift with him? Then, if she did, would she be able to let him go? “It’s a lot to think about. For now, I need to get going. There’s a house I’ve got to go see.”

“A new house and a new life, Nikki.”

She smiled. “Yes, I think so.”

NIKKI’S HEART POUNDED AS she passed slowly in front of the house. Soon it would be hers. It stood as solid and enchanting as it had before, the stained glass over the door reflecting the late-afternoon sun.

“I’ll just drive by,” she murmured to herself.

An orange cat suddenly streaked in front of her. She slammed on her brakes. She came to a screeching stop, her front tire grazing the curb. To her amazement, the tabby, which looked suspiciously like Dylan’s cat, jumped up onto the hood of her car.

“You little rascal.” With a shake of her head she got out, then walked to where the animal stood meowing at her. “What are you doing? Were you trying to kill us both?”

“Well, hello, Nikki.” Dylan’s deep baritone startled her.

The sun danced across his bare chest as he approached. He wiped his hands on a rag sticking out of his shorts pocket. Apparently he’d been working in one of the gardens.

Warmth filled her cheeks and her pulse quickened. “I was actually in the neighborhood, not five minutes away. A friend of mine has a dog I had to see whose face was all…had to give him some injections… Anyway, I just wanted to drive by to make sure I hadn’t dreamed this place. I tried to call you back…and your cat came out of nowhere.”

She closed her mouth, her cheeks burning. She’d turned into a babbling idiot.

“Sebastian, bad boy.” He turned his gaze to her. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize he’d gotten out. Come on, big fella.” He reached for the cat, but Sebastian growled, flicking his tail in warning.

“That’s no way to act.” Gently she stroked his back and he calmed. “Would you like me to put him inside? I don’t think he’ll mind if I pick him up.”

“I guess I can’t leave him out here to endanger other drivers.”

The cat meowed when she scooped him into her arms but didn’t resist as she moved toward the house with him. “Now, what was that all about? Do you have a death wish?”

“Could be. He hasn’t been right since…for a while.”

She nodded, her heart swelling. What had happened to upset Sebastian? Was it the same something that had put that wounded look in Dylan’s eyes? The sun beat down on them as they crossed the wide lawn. Heat shimmered in the thick air.

Nikki stumbled, bumping into Dylan. “Excuse me.”

He steadied her, the muscles of his shoulders rippling across an expanse of bronzed skin. “No problem.”

With an effort she continued walking, all too aware of his musky scent and virile presence. And of the ache deep in his heart. She frowned against the overpowering need to soothe his pain. If she were to get involved with him, she’d best do it quickly, then move on. She was already too taken with the man. She was bound to get attached if she extended their acquaintance any longer than needed.

He kept his hand at her elbow, steering her toward the gardens. “The front door is locked. We’ll have to go through the courtyard.”

The cool green of the palm trees gave some respite from the heat as he stopped in front of the French doors. He opened the door but remained close. A cool blast of air hit her as she leaned in to drop Sebastian on the Spanish tile.

“You stay in here, away from the cars,” she said, drawing a deep breath and trying to calm her heart. The cat gave her a backward glance before padding off.

“Would you like to go in and get out of the heat?”

She straightened. All the blood rushed from her head in a dizzying swirl. She reached out to catch her balance and her hand connected with smooth, hot skin and firm muscle. For a moment she stared at him transfixed, his heart thudding beneath her palm.

His gaze dropped to her mouth. She inhaled a shaky breath and pulled back her hand. “Excuse me. The heat doesn’t usually affect me like this. Maybe I’m just dehydrated.”

“Let’s get you something to drink.” Though she had regained enough of her equilibrium to walk, he kept his hand at her back as he guided her into the kitchen. The heat of his fingers branded her where the sundress bared her to his touch.

“I’m sorry to trouble you,” she said as he filled two glasses with filtered water. “I never meant to intrude. I really intended just to drive by.”

He handed her a glass and drank deeply from his own. “It’s no trouble. I needed a break.”

She downed half her water before daring another peek in his direction. The man was hairless and sleek, sculpted like a Greek god. She pressed the cool glass to her cheek. She had to get a grip. “You were working in the garden?”

“Weeding mostly. I have a lawn service that takes care of it. I just like to get in there sometimes. It’s cathartic to yank up those weeds.”

She nodded, not sure how to respond. A moment of silence fell and she set her empty glass on the counter. “Thanks. I feel much better.”

A gust of cold air flowed over her as the air conditioner kicked on. Gooseflesh rippled up her arms, and her nipples beaded beneath the thin fabric of her dress.

His gaze traveled over her, lingering at her breasts before moving up to her eyes. “Would you like to sit down for a while? You probably shouldn’t get back out in that heat just yet.”

“No. I’m fine, really. I should be going.” She cast a quick glance down. The halter top of her dress left little to the imagination.

“Would you like to tour the house one more time?”

Though her earlier excitement about the house stirred, she felt exposed. She folded her arms over her chest. “Maybe another time.”

Disappointment swirled in the blue depths of his eyes. “Sure.”

“But I’d love to see the gardens again.”

He nodded and took her hand. “This way then.”

His grip was firm and strong. Walking hand in hand with him as they strolled the stone path circumventing the far flower garden felt oddly right. He pointed out various flowers, but her pulse throbbed in her ears, making it difficult to hear him. His mouth was beautiful to watch as he formed each sensuous syllable.

What would it be like to kiss him?

“Don’t you think?” He looked at her expectantly.

She bobbed her head in a half nod.

“I had a friend who didn’t think so, but I know it’ll hold two comfortably.” He gestured to the large hammock nestled beneath tall palms.

Tugging her hand, he drew her closer to the hammock. “I’ve never been able to get anyone to try it with me.”

“Oh.” She turned to him. “You’re awfully big.”

“It’s a double. It’s supposed to be for two.”

“Well, I’m sure two people fit then.”

They stood for a moment in silence, then he brought her hand up. “No rings.”

“No.”

“No fiancé, then?”

“No.”

“Boyfriend?”

“No, there’s no one. I wouldn’t have agreed to go out to dinner with you if I was seeing anyone.” Her heart thudded dully.

“Of course.” His eyebrows furrowed. “Still, how can that be?”

“Well, guys just don’t seem to stick around.”

“That makes no sense.”

“True nonetheless.”

“But you’re successful…and so beautiful.”

She cast her gaze downward, and he hooked his finger under her chin, urging it upward. She shivered at the intensity in his so-very-blue eyes. “Truly beautiful.”

He was going to kiss her.

The realization rang through her like a shot. The urge to flee took hold of her, but she stood, unable to move. His lips brushed over hers in a caress that grew steadily more demanding.

She opened to him, meeting the hungry stroke of his tongue, melding her body to his as he skimmed his hands over her back, then down her hips. Angling his head, he pulled her closer as he mated his mouth more firmly with hers, stealing her breath and sending heat rolling over her.

At long last he pulled back, his eyes blazing. “So…”

“So…”

“Um, I’m not great at this and I’m a little out of practice.”

“It’s okay. You…want to explore this…this attraction.”

He nodded slowly. “Interested?”

She swallowed hard. This was her chance to help him. Warmth filled her as she envisioned touching him, stroking him, bringing him pleasure…and peace. But something told her that leaving this man would be one of the hardest things she’d ever do. For some inexplicable reason, the prospect filled her with sadness. She barely knew him. How could she feel this way already?

She kept her voice casual, though her pulse pounded and her lips ached for more of his kiss. “Could be.”

His brow furrowed. “I can’t make any promises. I’m not looking for anything serious. You should know that up front.”

A rueful laugh escaped her. She tried to squelch the bit of disappointment that surfaced. “You mean no extras? No frills? Sex only?”

“I owe you dinner. We could go out. It’s up to you.”

She’d been down that road too many times before. She and Brad had dated for three weeks before she had finally slept with him. The outcome had been the same. With the way she felt about Dylan in the short space of time since they’d met, only disaster lay that way. Better not to get too close. “I don’t need any frills.”

He nodded slowly.

With a boldness she didn’t feel, she ran her hand up his torso. “Let’s not put off until tomorrow what we can do today.”

“We don’t have to do this now if it’s too soon. We could go to dinner first, then see how you feel.”

“I’m not hungry…at least not for food.”

He moaned softly and crushed her to him, claiming her mouth once more.

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