Round the Clock (12 page)

“You’ve come close before.”

Desmond tapped the side of his glass, his gaze turning dark. “That was before.”

“Yes, and I want you to remember that. Look at what she’s wearing.”

“I like what she’s wearing. There’s nothing wrong with it.”

“No, you wouldn’t think so,” his father said in disgust. “But you have to remember that you’re not the man you once were. I don’t dislike Anne Mary—”

“Anna Marie.”

“Right. I don’t dislike her personally, but she’s a reminder of your past. A past that you’ve left behind.”

“Yes, I’ve left it behind.”

“But has she?”

Desmond paused. “What?”

“What has she been doing these past few years? She was once a thief, spent time in that halfway house. You told me she ran away from her last foster home. Who is she?”

“You just met her.”

“That’s not enough. You know what I mean.”

“Dad, she is a good woman. Don’t judge her so harshly. She’s got a lot of heart. Before she found out about her inheritance, she had a great government job with the Virginia Department of Health and Human Services. And you should see how she interacts with the residents who live in her boarding house.”

“She lives in a boarding house? The only boarding houses I know about are not in the best part of town. Actually, I didn’t know any existed. Besides, the kind of people who need to pay for a room in such establishments are usually not from the higher sector of town.”

“It’s a nice area,” Desmond said with a tired sigh. “We’ve both become different people and that’s who you need to see.”

“What did she do after she ran away?”

Desmond let his gaze fall. “I don’t know.”

“How many foster homes has she lived in?”

“I don’t know.”

“Has she ever been caught shoplifting again?”

“I don’t know.”

“And yet you
know
she’s changed? You trust her?”

Desmond maintained his father’s gaze. “Yes.”

“Come on, Desmond. You’re not a stupid man. You’re a rich man. You’re a prize to someone like her. You have to be careful. I would start to wonder why she hasn’t told you everything about herself. What is she hiding?”

“She’s not hiding anything.”

“And yet you know so much about her,” he scoffed.

“She’s been hurt and it takes time for her to trust people.”

“I’ve seen you make mistakes before, Desmond—”

“I know,” he said in a bitter voice. “And you judged me for every one.”

“And forgave you.”

Desmond pounded the table. “They’re the same. All my life you’ve been my judge
and
my jury.”

“Only because I knew the man you could be. The man you are now, and I don’t want that to change.” His father glanced at Anna Marie in the distance. “I don’t want anyone to change it. Be careful. Secrets are dangerous things.”

“Y
our father didn’t like me,” Anna Marie said as they sat on her front porch watching the sunset. Dana had offered to drop off Anna Marie’s purchases tomorrow since they wouldn’t fit on the motorcycle. Anna Marie thanked her, then said goodbye to Desmond’s uncle and parents before leaving.

Desmond was quiet a moment, leaning back on his elbows as he stared at the passing traffic, then said, “Sometimes it takes a while for my father to warm up to people.”

“Seems like an odd trait for a pastor.”

“It is,” he admitted with a grin. “But he has a firm belief of what he thinks is right and wrong.”

“You must have driven him crazy.”

His grin widened. “I had my moments.”

“Maybe if you’d told me about him, I could have—”

He turned to her. “Could have what? Dressed differently, acted differently?” He shook his head, determined. “No, I wanted you to be exactly as you are. And he’s going to get to know you and love you as much as I—” He stopped and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “As much as he needs to.”

“Dana told me that your parents loved Tracie.”

“They did.”

“And they want the two of you to get back together.”

“They do, but that’s never going to happen.”

“Why did you divorce?”

He sent her a sly glance. “When you tell Tracie about us, I’ll tell you.”

“Hmm.”

“When are you going to tell her?”

“I told you I left a message. I’ll tell her soon.”

“I want to believe you.”

“But you don’t?”

“Only because I still know so little about you.”

Anna Marie scratched the back of her hand, annoyed. “What do you need to know?”

“What song did you like as a child? What was your mother like? Where was your first foster home? Do you have a hobby?”

“Oh, I get it. Your father has cast some doubts about me. No wonder he liked Tracie. Her life was an open book and pleasant to listen to. Something so happy and great. No wonder she likes talking about it all the time. Unfortunately, I don’t. I want to forget mine.”

“Why? Your experiences, whether good or bad, make you who you are. I want to know what you like, what you dislike. If you ever have nightmares. What you’re afraid of. I want to know everything I can about you.”

Anna Marie stood, eager to end the conversation. “I’m thirsty. Are you? I can go get us something.”

Desmond stared up at her, his expression grim. “If this is just a game to you, then let’s stop it now.”

“Break up?” her voice cracked.

“Yes. I’m too old for flashy relationships that don’t mean anything. I’ve had them and I’m over them. I want a real woman and I want a real relationship. And that means honesty. That means telling Tracie the truth. That means letting me know more about you. But if that’s not what you want, tell me now.”

Anna Marie folded her arms, wishing she could, but knowing it was too dangerous. She never revealed specifics of her past. Why did he need to know all that stuff? It was something she couldn’t give him. Anna Marie hung her head in defeat.

He stood. “Fine.”

She heard the finality of his words and then his
footsteps against the gravel drive. Within minutes he would be gone and she’d never see him again. And for the first time in her life, she fought her fear of judgment and called out to him. “‘One Thousand and One Nights.’”

He turned around. “What?”

“‘One Thousand and One Nights.’ That was one of my favorite stories growing up.”

He walked toward her and Anna Marie gripped the railing to maintain her strength. “I once had this illustrated edition I got from a used bookstore and I would imagine myself as one of the characters in the many tales of fantasy. I would close my eyes and ride the magic carpet and dream of the wishes I would tell a genie if I had one. It was my favorite book.”

Desmond stopped in front of her. “What happened to it?”

“My book?”

He nodded.

Anna Marie swallowed. “I don’t remember.”

He covered her hand with his and said in a soft voice, “Yes, you do.”

She stared down at their hands, feeling his warmth and caring. “It got burned,” she said in a flat voice.

“How?”

Anna Marie looked at him. “My foster father threw it in the fireplace. He wasn’t an awful man and I’m sure he didn’t mean to. He didn’t know how
much it meant to me. He just saw me reading instead of doing my chores, so he took the book and burned it. I watched as each beautiful page curled and turn black.”

“What did you do after that?”

“I did my chores.” She lightened her voice. “But I survived. Always have.” She shrugged. “So now you know something more about me.”

“Thank you.” He lifted her hand and held it to his chest. “And I’ll make sure you never regret trusting me.”

His fervent words and piercing gaze were too much for her. Too intimate. Too much of a bond that she’d never had with anyone. “Now it’s your turn. There’s something more I want to learn about you.”

“What?”

She lifted his sleeve. “I know you have this tattoo. But I’ve never taken the time to find the other one.”

“Do you want me to tell you?”

She took his hand and walked to the front door. “No, I’d prefer to look for it.”

“It might be hard to find,” he teased.

She opened the door then sent him a seductive glance. “I’m very patient.”

Anna Marie already knew where it was, but enjoyed pretending to find it. Desmond enjoyed it, too, and made an expedition of finding hidden places on her body, also. His tongue caressed her
nipples, his hands lightly traced a path over her skin, seeking and finding her pleasure points. His mouth covered hers, slow and hot. He drew away and stared at her in wonder.

“Why?” he asked in a hoarse whisper.

“Why what?”

“Why do you make me feel this way?”

The corner of her mouth kicked up in a coy smile. “Because I’m good?”

Anna Marie expected him to smile at her teasing tone, but he didn’t. Instead his eyes blazed down into hers. “No, there’s something else. With you I feel…” He shook his head, frustrated that he couldn’t find the words. “As though I’m a good person. You never judge me. That’s what I remember most about you. When they handcuffed me, you didn’t look at me with surprise or disappointment or disgust or anything, unlike—”

“Unlike your father?”

“You’d think he’d be happy that my brother and sister are perfect. They’re both married with kids and have good jobs.”

“Are you still practicing because of your father?”

Desmond was silent a moment, then said, “He doesn’t want me to be idle. He thinks having a lawyer in the family is a good thing. That it will keep me responsible.”

“But do you like it?”

“I’d quit it in a minute, but I’ll stay for now.”

“What do you want?”

He grinned and cupped her bottom. “Right now, I have what I want.”

“Be serious.”

He placed a kiss on her shoulder. “I am.”

She teased the nipple on his chest. “What do you want, besides me?”

He covered her hand. “I haven’t thought about it.”

“You should.”

His mouth twitched in amusement. “Dad’s right about you. You’re dangerous. That’s what I like most.”

“And that’s what he worries about most.”

His amusement died. “I didn’t try to get into trouble, but there’s just something in me that rebels.”

“Fortunately, now you’re close with your dad. You have a good relationship.”

“I walk a tightrope and he’s just waiting for me to fall off so he can judge me again.” He rubbed his eyes. “Once he didn’t talk to me for a year.”

Anna Marie heard the pain in Desmond’s voice and sought to offer him comfort. She caressed the side of his face. “He loves you, though.”

“Only because he has to.”

“I don’t.”

“You don’t what?”

“I don’t have to love you, but I do.” She hadn’t meant to tell him, but the remote tone in his voice tore
at her. He didn’t speak, and fear swept through her as she remembered the many times she’d gotten too close to someone only to have them reject her. She let her gaze fall, no longer able to look at him, then he touched her side, making her skin tingle. He’d touched her many times before but somehow this was different and he whispered her name in a way she’d never heard before—more intimate—and when he kissed her, she felt as though they were one; that their relationship had changed and deepened.

For the first time, they didn’t have sex, they made love—they went beyond the physical pursuit of pleasure and let their hearts become involved. It made every touch, every look and every kiss more tender. When they were through they lay in bed, surprised by the magnitude of their feelings.

Desmond reached for the phone. “I want you to call Tracie.”

“Now?”

“Yes.”

“I told you I left a message.”

“Leave another one.”

Anna Marie took the phone from him and dialed. When the voice mail came on, she said, “Tracie, it’s Anna Marie again. Please call me. It’s important.” She handed the phone back to Desmond. “Does that please you?”

“Now call her cell phone.”

“What if she answers?”

“That’s the point, isn’t it? Unless you’ve been calling her house knowing that she usually lets it go to voice mail.”

“That’s not why. Okay?”

He nodded to the phone. “I’m waiting.”

She dialed, then waited, silently praying that the voice mail would kick in. It didn’t.

“Hello?” Tracie said.

“Tracie? It’s Anna Marie. I’ve been trying to reach you.”

“I know. Sorry, I’ve been traveling. Right now I’m in New York.”

“Oh, well, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Okay, but make it quick. We might lose the connection.”

“I’m seeing Desmond. He’s here with me right now.”

“That’s great. It’s like you’ve read my mind. I’ve been trying to reach him, but he won’t return any of my calls, but he can’t ignore me now. Give him the phone.”

“No, wait. That’s not what I meant.”

“You can explain later. Please let me talk to him before I lose this connection.”

“He’s in my bedroom.”

“I don’t care where he is. Go and get him.”

Anna Marie covered the mouthpiece. “She wants to talk to you.”

“Why?”

“Because she’s been trying to reach you.”

“I know.”

“Please.”

He reluctantly took the receiver. “Did you hear what Anna Marie just told you? We’re seeing…What? Tracie, don’t start that with me.” He briefly closed his eyes and softly swore. “Tracie? Tracie, will you list—I’m trying to—” He turned off the phone and threw it across the room. It hit the far wall and shattered into pieces. Desmond covered his eyes. “I’ll buy you another one.”

Anna Marie kissed his shoulder. “
Now
you know why I leave messages. It’s almost impossible to get Tracie to listen over the phone.”

He let his hand fall. “I’d forgotten about that.”

“I told you I’d tell her and I will. She’s away right now anyway. I’ll talk to her when she comes back.”

Desmond lay back for a moment, then sniffed the air. “Hmm, something smells good.”

“Probably dinner,” Anna Marie said, recognizing the aromatic result of Leona’s cooking.

“I’ll stay.”

“You haven’t been invited.”

He stood and began to dress. “So invite me.” He pulled on his shirt. “Or I’ll invite myself.”

Anna Marie knew she couldn’t win so she also dressed without saying anything. Gerald, Jane and Leona enjoyed Desmond at dinner as much as they had at breakfast, if not more. Afterward they all
went into the family room and played a board game, then watched a movie on cable. By eleven o’clock, the residents said good-night then headed for bed. Anna Marie stood, ready to walk Desmond to the door, but he took her hand in a warm clasp and stopped her. “Do you think you’ll be lonely tonight?” he asked in a deep tone.

“No,” she said with an edge of regret. “I’m really tired.”

“Me, too.” He held up his free hand when she began to speak. “I don’t want anything,” he said his dark eyes searching her face. “I just want to be with you.”

Anna Marie froze in confusion. “You just want to be with me?”

Desmond ran a tired hand down his face, still holding hers with his other one. “Look, what I just said is soppy enough. Please don’t make me repeat it. Can I stay or not?”

She drew her hand away from his hold and a coy smile touched her lips. “I’ll bolt the front door and meet you upstairs.”

Anna Marie woke up alone, filled with an unquenchable joy. Last night had been all she could have hoped for. She still felt Desmond’s arms around her as he held her close before he fell asleep. There was no pretense, no demands, just the pleasure of being together. She didn’t care
that he’d be gone in the morning; the night was all she needed.

When she woke she reached over as she always did to touch the space beside her. His side of the bed was empty, but still warm. Anna Marie swept her hand over the empty space, surprised. Usually it was cold by now. She paused when she heard a deep rumbling voice. She sat up and saw Desmond sitting on the end of the bed feeding a piece of lettuce to Nika. He’d put on a pair of jeans, but his back was bare.

Anna Marie blinked, then reached out to touch him to make sure he was real. She snatched back her hand before she did. He continued to talk to Nika in a low tone but she couldn’t make out the words. Not that her addled brain could process anything. He was still here. He hadn’t gone. He’d been with her all day and all night. She hadn’t had to pretend or be someone else. The sight of him made her giddy with joy. She pushed the sheets aside and wrapped her arms around his neck, inhaling his scent. He smelled clean, like freshly laundered sheets.

“You smell good,” she said.

“I used your shower.”

She kissed his shoulder, then behind his ear. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

“Same.” He chuckled, amused by her exuberance. “Good morning.”

Anna Marie jumped out of bed and grabbed her robe before heading to the bathroom with a spring in her step. “Yes, it is.”