For Your Love (20 page)

Chapter Thirty-Six

Heather’s murder filled the local news all morning. Carla had spoken to Martin and he sounded so shocked and distressed about it, she actually felt a pang of pity for him. Carla had only met Hemmings’ trophy wife a couple of times, but she was still saddened by her violent death. And no one seemed to have a clue who did it or why? What kind of condolence card did someone send in cases like this?

Getting up from her desk, Carla gave up all hope of working any more.

She was miserable. She needed to talk to Richard face-to-face. Somehow she’d convinced herself that if she saw Richard, he’d have to speak to her. He couldn’t ignore her as he did her phone calls and messages. The love she felt for him was all encompassing. Besides her own wants and desires, she needed to know he was all right.

This unleashed a new rush of disaster scenarios in her mind. She envisioned him paralyzed in the hospital, dead or having a foot on the ladder leading up the Great Beyond.

She knew the sensible thing would be to move on and yet she couldn’t. Richard had become woven into the fabric of her life. He starred in her dreams and took center stage in even her innermost thoughts. She could close her eyes and see those playful green eyes smiling back at her. As if it were yesterday, she could remember how strong his arms felt when he helped her from the floor the first time they met and his kiss the night of the Christmas party that rocked her very soul.

She adored his smile, which had the power to warm her. She missed his common sense and knowledge. In a way, she had more in common with him than she’d ever had with Martin, who’d never really spent the time to talk to her or read her books. Martin would have been better at selling encyclopedias than using them.

How Carla wished she could rub a genie’s lamp and be granted a wish. One wish was all she’d need and she’d never want for another thing as long as she lived. It would be to have Richard back in her life—permanently. “Please come back to me Richard. I love you,” she said aloud.

The phone began to ring as she opened the front door. She’d taken Blondie on a long walk. Of course, the large animal tried to run inside at the same time as she and they both got wedged in the door.

“Idiot, doggie,” Carla said shaking her head, as she let Blondie tear through the doorway and then followed her in.

She heard Lynne’s voice on the answering machine. “Good, you’re out somewhere and not mewling in the house—”

“Hey, I’m here,” Carla replied somewhat out of breath as she picked up the phone.

“You’re home! I knew it,” Lynne replied, sounding unsurprised. “You should be out and about.”

“I
was
out, I’ll have you know.”

“Walking Blondie?”

“Can’t fool you, can I? What’s up?”

“Want to go have lunch and go shopping? I’m playing hooky today.”

“Sure. I can go to the gym afterward,” Carla said, watching the big, yellow dog walk in and out of the kitchen dragging her leash behind her.

“I’ll glad you’re still going and maintaining that beautiful, buffed bod of yours.”

“No way will I ever let myself go again.”

“How’s about meeting me at the Biltmore Fashion Mall by the entrance to the Stingray Sushi in a half-hour?”

“Not a problem,” Carla said and hung up. “Come over here, dum-dum,” she called to Blondie, “I need to take off your leash.”

* * *

Carla drove to the Orange Drive entrance of the mall and looked for a spot in parking lot 4. It was the closest to the restaurant, which was on the main level. Lynne was already there waiting for her and waved as she approached the restaurant. When she reached her, they hugged and Lynne took a good, long look at her.

“None the worse for wear. Still can’t believe what a difference the hair color made.”

“Me, too. I really had to get used to it. Seeing a strange woman in the mirror made me jump sometimes. So, are we here for anything special?”

The small smile on Lynne’s face grew into a huge one.

“What?” Carla asked.

“This is why I’m here,” Lynne said in a bubbly voice as if she’d just downed a glass of champagne. She extended her hand, which now boasted a sparkling, round-shaped diamond.

Carla’s eyes and smile widened simultaneously as she hugged Lynne. “The ring is beautiful. I’m so happy for you.”

“I’m going to need a dress to get married in.”

“Did you pick out a date, yet?”

“We’re thinking of eloping.”

“You’re kidding,” Carla said.

“Nope. Let’s go inside and have some lunch and talk,” Lynne suggested. She held the door for a mother pushing a stroller and then followed her in after Carla.

The two women headed inside and were seated at a small round table in the corner. Carla had never seen her friend so happy and was thrilled for her.

“If you’re really serious about eloping, why don’t you and Haywood go to Vegas and get married by an Elvis look-alike?”

Lynne chuckled. “Of course you’d suggest that. But, that’s not going to happen. I want a wedding ceremony officiated by the Justice of the Peace, not a farce by an Elvis impersonator. Speaking of which, how’s Martin doing?”

“I haven’t heard from him in a day. Maybe the idea of a divorce is finally sinking in.”

“I certainly hope so, Carla. Have you heard from Richard?”

A look of sadness shadowed Carla’s face as she shook her head.

“I’m sorry I asked. Look, he could be tied up with a zillion things—like that trial, for instance.”

Quietly in a voice barely louder than a whisper, Carla said, “I wish it were so, but I doubt it. In truth, I think he’s moved on and might have even met someone.”

“Never throw in the towel, girl,” Lynne said, sweeping a lock of hair from her friend’s face.” You of all people should know that. Besides, he hasn’t seen your makeover, has he?”

“Oh, like that’s going to make a difference.”

“I think it might.’

“I doubt he’s so shallow.”

“He’s a man, isn’t he? And all men are driven by the same impulses,” Lynn concluded.

“And weren’t you the one who told me to grow up and leave my world of fantasy?”

“Hey, no fair. You’re taking what I said out of context. Besides, you’re beginning to sound like a defeatist,” Lynne said.

“No. Not really. More like a realist, I’d say.” Then changing the subject, Carla asked, “Didn’t we come to find a dress for you?”

“Look, promise me you won’t give up.”

Carla began cleaning off the table. Lynne put her hand on her arm. “Promise me that you won’t.”

Carla knew they wouldn’t leave until she did. “I promise,” she said softly, hoping she’d be able to keep her promise.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Hemmings was on the phone when Price and Ortega marched into his office. Hemmings’ heart missed a beat as he tried to hide his surprise. They’d been there only the day before. What the—? Instantly, he had a quick and disturbing thought.
They know something
. Then he calmed himself by rationalizing that they were probably there because of Jessie. He had to control his emotions better.

“Detectives, how can I help you?”

“Where is your wife, Mr. Hemmings?” Price asked. Hemmings couldn’t help but notice he was wearing the same wrinkled brown suit he wore the day before.

“Are you trying to be funny, detective?” Hemmings’ heart rate went into overdrive.
Christ!

“Not in the least,” Ortega said dryly.

“She’s dead. You saw what I saw,” Hemmings stated.

“What we all saw,” Ortega said, “was a dead woman. However, it wasn’t your wife, Heather.”

All color drained from Hemmings’ face as if someone had pulled a plug. “That can’t be true.”

“Believe it,” the younger detective said.

Hemmings shook his head in denial. “I don’t understand. It had to be Heather, who the hell else could it be?”

“Your administrative assistant, Jessie Thompson, Mr. Hemmings?” Price fired at him.

“What! How is that possible?” Hemmings blurted out.
What the hell was going on?

“You tell us,” Ortega said, leaning over the desk, his nose inches away from that of Hemmings.

“I…I can’t.”

“So, where is she?” Price barked at him.

“Who?”

“Your
wife
. We know where Jessie Thompson is. Lying on a slab in the morgue. She took the bullet that was probably meant for your better half.”

“I don’t know anything.” The color rose in Hemmings’ face. “This is all crazy. Jessie ran away and Heather’s dead.”

“That’s not what went down, Hemmings. We both know that,” Ortega said forcefully. “Your assistant was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Tell us who you hired to kill Heather,” Price fired those words with the precision of an automatic.

“No. No. That’s not what happened. Can’t be.” Hemmings shook his head. He was completely off balance by this turn of events.

“The guy you hired to kill Heather Hemmings killed the wrong woman,” Price added.

Before he could stop himself, Hemmings blurted out, “Impossible. How could he? Heather was the only one in the house!”

The detectives looked at one another and smiled.

“Read him his rights,” Price said, reaching for his cuffs.

After Ortega read Hemmings his rights, he said, “Oh, by the way, your wife…”

“What about my wife?” Hemmings sneered.

“She’s vacationing in Italy,” Ortega replied. “Didn’t she send you a postcard?”

Chapter Thirty-Eight

So much had happened in the past few days—Heather’s so-called murder exposed as the murder of Hemmings’ administrative assistant, Jessie; Hemmings arrested under suspicion of hiring someone to murder his wife; Lynne and Haywood getting engaged—and still no word from Richard.

Carla was making herself a cup of coffee when her cell phone chimed. When she flipped it open there was a text message from Richard.

Messages  Richard Stein  Edit  Jan 12, 2013  10:32 AM

Hello, Carla Reconstructed. Feel like a workout

today? About 1PM? Have towel, will grovel if

you’ll forgive me.

A smile split Carla’s face in two.
Richard
! She hastily texted him back.

Messages  Carla Millhouse  Edit  Jan 12, 2013  10:33 AM

Hello, big-time attorney Stein. Have towel, will

travel. See u there. Hmmm…
I might enjoy a little

groveling

As Carla drove to the gym, her heart began to race with renewed hope. She selected a parking spot close to the building, grabbed her gym bag and hurried toward the entrance. When she tried to pull open the front door, however, it wouldn’t budge. She slung the bag over her left shoulder in order to use both hands. Unfortunately, someone was close behind her and her bag slammed into him.

“Ouch!” a deep voice cried out. Carla quickly turned around to see what had happened. “Is there something wrong with you?” An angry voice asked behind her.

She didn’t see the poor guy at first because he was on all fours looking for his glasses. When she realized who it was, she couldn’t speak. Instead, it wasn’t until he found the glasses on the ground and replaced them on his face did her heart begin to beat again. It looked as if he were going to verbally bite her head off. Then he hesitated and stared at her.

“Carla?” His deep voice shimmered down her spine and curled her toes.

She nodded, as he stood and grabbed her shoulders. Her body responded to his scent and the sexual magnetism that she tried so hard to ignore. This was it! The moment she’d longed for and dreamed about and what does she do? She slams him in the face with her gym bag.
Déjà vu
at its worst.

“Oh, Richard, I’m so very sorry. Did I hurt you?” She reached out to touch his face.

At the same time, Richard reached out to touch her hair. “I almost didn’t recognize you. Your hair—”

A man wanting to leave interrupted Richard. He and Carla moved to the side away from the door.

“Are you sure you’re not hurt?”

“No. You’re blonde.”

“That you noticed,” she quipped.

“I’m only blind when you knock my glasses off.”

“Where have you been? I missed you, Richard,” Carla said, gently touching his face, again. She had an overwhelming desire to kiss him. Only, she wasn’t certain she should. What if he’d moved on and was seeing someone?

“I missed you, too. That’s why I texted you. I acted like a jerk not returning your calls. Forgive me?” Carla’s heart instantly filled with hope.

“We need to talk,” they both said at the same time, which caused laughter.

“How about going for coffee so we can talk?” Carla asked.

Richard hesitated for a moment and she immediately thought the worst. However, he finally nodded in agreement and she began to breathe easily again. “I’ll drive,” he suggested.

They got into his car and picked up their conversation where they’d left off. “I can’t believe you did that to your hair.”

Then with a little apprehension in her voice to replace the playful tone, she said, “You don’t like it?”

He shook his head from side-to-side, stealing a peek at her. He watched as her face dropped. She almost didn’t hear him say, “I love it! Had you going for a moment, didn’t I?”

Carla playfully thumped him on the shoulder. Then turning serious, she asked the one question that concerned her the most. “Why didn’t you ever return any of my calls?”

“Want the long or abbreviated version?”

“Whichever you feel more comfortable telling.”

“Somehow I knew you’d say that.”

She had the feeling he was glad that he was driving and had to keep his eyes on the road. Whatever he intended to say to her was not going to be easy, judging by the rhythmic clenching of his jaw. She patted his hand in order to reassure him that she was okay with whatever he was going to say. It was all bravado on her part, because if Richard had found someone else she’d die.

“Okay. The truth is this…”

Stop stalling
, she wanted to scream at him and bit her tongue in order to prevent herself from doing so.

“At first, I didn’t call you back because I couldn’t. I couldn’t, because it would hurt too much.”

Well, that certainly explains it—not!
Carla looked at him. “What do you mean by ‘at first’?”

“You see, from the first moment we met, I knew you were the one woman in the world for me, only you were married and on a mission to win back your husband. You did, didn’t you?” He glanced at her quickly.

“Yes, but—”

“Let me get this out, once and for all. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“I knew I never stood a chance and yet I hung out with you, torturing myself. Finally, I realized I couldn’t stand it any longer–”

“The day in the 5 & Diner when you rushed out,” Carla said quietly as she recalled Richard’s abrupt exit.

“Yeah. I couldn’t stand to hear another word about Martin. I decided to quit my job and move away—far away from you. Only, this big law suit came along. It was the kind of case I’d worked my tail off to get for so long I couldn’t leave. However, I could avoid you, which was what I intended to do. So no response to your voicemails. Until I realized that you were worth fighting for.” Then Richard paused.

“Also my mother had a bad stroke and nearly died.”

Carla blanched. “Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that. She’s okay now?”

“I think God has to prepare Himself just a little longer before He calls for her,” Richard said wryly.

“I take it she’s feisty,” Carla said, smiling.

“Big time.”

“Well, despite all the adversity, we’ve finally hooked up.” Carla sighed in contentment. So he
had
been thinking about her all this time.

“Yeah, that’s true. I just hope Martin is being faithful.”

“It makes no difference anymore. He can do whatever he damn well pleases,” Carla muttered.

“Have you lost your mind?” Richard turned quickly to look at her.

“Funny you should ask me that because I nearly did. When you didn’t return my calls, I panicked.”

“Why? I wouldn’t have been much help with you and Martin at the time.”

“It wasn’t to help me with Martin. He’s history.”

Richard slammed on the brakes, nearly causing an accident. The guy behind them honked and flipped them the bird as he passed. Richard drove the car to the side of the road and put it in park. He turned to face Carla. “Did I hear you correctly? You don’t love Martin anymore?”

She nodded as she gently ran her hand down the side of his face. His eyes were still wide with surprise. “Apparently not for a long time.”

“I don’t understand—”

Smiling, Carla placed two fingers across Richard’s lips. “Oh, I did win Martin back, but…” She ran her tongue over her top lip. “There was a big problem.”

Richard’s eyebrows crinkled as his questioning eyes ran back and forth over her face.

Carla threaded her fingers through Richard’s hair. “The problem was that when Martin made love to me, I pretended it was you. I wished it had been you. I haven’t truly cared for Martin for a long time, but was just too dense to realize it. Love was right there all along in front of me, only I was too blind to see it.” She took both of his hands in hers. “I love you, Richard Stein. I’m yours, if you want me.”

Carla hardly got the last words out before Richard pulled her to him and seared her lips with a kiss she felt throughout her entire body clear to her toes. She reveled in the hardness of his kiss. His tongue met hers and sent new spirals of ecstasy through her. Significantly happier than she was at the start of the day, Carla’s heart swelled with all the joy she didn’t think possible, and returned the kiss in kind. Then they kissed again and again and again.

When they finally broke apart, Richard whispered hoarsely, “Want you? I’ve been crazy about you since the moment I met you, lady. Have you any idea how long I’ve wanted to hear you say that?”

“And I feared I‘d never see you again,” Carla said, burying her face against his throat.

Richard didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled her face up closer to his, crushing his lips against hers. When he released her mouth, her lips still tingled. Carla wanted more—much, much more. Still holding her, he looked deeply into her eyes. She expected him to say how much he loved her, but instead she heard, “I love you as a blonde.”

“Gawd! You’re such a man,” she replied, shaking her head, recalling her conversation earlier that day with Lynne.

“Would you have me any other way?”

“Absolutely not! Don’t you dare change a thing,” she said as she leaned over to kiss him.

That kiss, which began tenderly, deepened into a passionate one that sent shivers of desire racing through her and obviously affected him, as well, because the ones to follow were more heated. And his caressing hands were turning her insides into oatmeal.

“Wa…it, a min…ute, Richard,” Carla gasped, trying to talk and breathe at the same time. “We’re going to get arrested.”

“I don’t care,” he said nuzzling the side of her neck.

“I wouldn’t, either, but I don’t want to have to wait until we make bail to make love.”

“Okay, then. Your place or mine?” Richard asked, putting the car in gear.

“How about there!” Carla pointed to a Holiday Inn Express on the opposite side of the highway.

Richard looked in the direction she was pointing and turned back to her. “No way. I want our first time to be special. I’m taking you home,” he said, getting back onto the highway.

A few minutes later, Carla said, “I don’t live in this direction.”

“But, I do,” Richard replied, heading toward his condominium.

As he spoke, his eyes raked boldly over her giving her heart a jolt. Tingling with such anticipation, Carla could hardly sit still, not that her extremely wet silk panties were helping. How many times had she fantasized about making love to Richard? And now as the simmering coals of desire had finally been lit, they were being stoked into a raging flame of passion. She wanted to taste and touch every inch of him. And her body ached twice as much for his touch.

He didn’t live far, but every minute felt like an hour. She wanted to make up for all the lost time. Her heart swelled with such love for Richard that she could hardly remember the last time she’d truly felt this way about any man. She didn’t care. No more looking back. Only forward. There was just the two of them now. And that’s all that mattered.

Finally, they were there. They got out of the car, clasped hands and walked to his front door. Richard opened the door and kicked it closed behind them. Carla was in his arms instantly. She threw her hands around his neck and he scooped her up, carrying her into his bedroom. She nuzzled his neck and delighted in the sweetly intoxicating musk that was uniquely his.

Gently Richard placed her on his bed and removed his suit jacket and tie before putting them on a chair. His eyes met hers and held as he began to unbutton his shirt. She felt her breath catch in her throat as she watched him put his shirt on the chair and unzip his slacks. He stepped out of the slacks and his underwear she could see the extent of his desire for her and nearly gasped. As he joined her on the bed, his gaze had become a soft caress.

Richard began to slowly undress Carla. He unzipped her sweatshirt and kissed the swells of her breasts over her bra. The touch of his lips was a delicious sensation. When he unclasped her bra, he ran his hands up and down the contours of her back, sending pleasurable chills down her spine. She shrugged both articles of clothing off as Richard pulled her sweat pants and panties off. Her skin prickled with pleasure where the tip of his erection grazed her thigh.