Shattered Dreams (Moonchild) (7 page)

“Better. You look beat.”

“I am.” He scowled. “Meetings dragged. Too much paperwork and problems with staffing.”

She nodded. “Vacations.”

“Scheduling for the summer doesn’t follow policy. Why do you allow so many of the staff to take their four weeks in a block and add several personal days to the mix?”

“We don’t want a dozen or more resignations.”

“You’re too generous. If they leave and see
k other employment, they’ll be working summers at those other hospitals.”

“There’s a committee working on making changes but they get nowhere.” She closed her eyes.

Rafe groaned. “The hospital should have child care available during the summer. I’ve seen it work elsewhere.”

Mrs. Patton’s eyes flew open. “Good thought. Free?”

He shook his head. “Subsidized. Is there a place on the grounds that could be used without too much expense?”

“Several. The auditorium is seldom used. There’s also a one story building on the property that’s vacant. Talk to the heads of the lab, X-ray and Dietary.” She patted his hand. “So glad you’re here. Got so tired fighting. What are your plans for this evening?”

Rafe grinned. “Paying a call on your doctor.”

“Are you sure that’s a wise idea?”

The concern in her voice warmed him. “The sooner she and I talk about the past, the quicker we can move forward.”

“You could be right but be careful.”

The phone rang. Rafe handed her the receiver.

“Emma, how nice of you to call…Doing much better…He’s here.” Mar. Patton laughed. “I’ll tell him but I doubt he’ll listen…He is that…I’d love to see you.” She handed the receiver to Rafe.

He arched a brow. “What are you going to tell me?”

“You’re sizzling and you should leave Manon alone.”

“Not going to happen.” Rafe rose. “We need to talk about what happened. I’m tired of treadmill emotions. Any idea where Manon lives?”

“Yes.” She clasped his hand.

“Tell me.”

Her fingers tightened. “Not sure I should.”

“Gran, please. I need to know. If I must I’ll find another way to learn.”

“Don’t tell her I gave you the directions.”

“Promise.”

“
Garden Street, red brick at the corner of the cul-de-sac. Take Main to Maple, turn left. The third left is Garden.” She squeezed his hand. “Are you sure dragging the past into the present will help? She’ll be crushed when she learns what her father threatened to do.”

Rafe looked up. “Maybe not. She toured
Europe with him and knows what he’s like.”

“You’ll do what you must. Don’t hurt her and don’t let her hurt you. You did the only thing you could. You were still a child.”

Those words produced a chuckle. “Not a child. Eighteen going on nineteen, Thought I was mature.” He kissed her cheek. “Hurry and get well so I can pick your brain about this place. When you’re better, you can head the policy and procedure committee. They will listen to you. I’m making a list of areas to examine.”

“Thanks a lot. There’s already a committee.”

“And you’re my choice to head the group. That book has policies twenty years old or older.” He paused in the doorway and blew a kiss. “See you.” Her laughter followed him to the stairs. He bounded to the first floor and the parking lot.

As he started the bike, a plan unfolded. Manon had refused to go to dinner. Didn’t mean he couldn’t take the meal to her. He knew the perfect take-out place. He hoped the food remained as great as he remembered. As he rode to the apartment, he decided the idea was perfect and geared to push her into the past.

After a shower and changing into jeans and a tee shirt, he donned his jacket and gloves. He rode the bike to Burger Bounty. Manon had always enjoyed the bacon blue cheeseburger and the giant potato fries.

He parked in front of the shop. As he stepped inside, the rich aroma of frying meat reached him. Nothing had changed. A line of people, mostly young, waited to reach the counter. A half dozen tables lined one wall in the long room. He took his place and hoped his order would involve little wait time and allow him to reach Manon’s house before she cooked dinner.

His stomach growled. He glanced at the people seated at the tables. One figure caused his hands to curl into fists. Of all the people in town, this was the one he didn’t want to encounter. Though a meeting with Tom Sands had been bound to occur, did the encounter have to be tonight?

Tom put his burger down. He strutted to where Rafe stood. “So you really are back. You’ve a lot of nerve showing yourself in
Fern Lake. Imagine you’re after her. Just letting you know she’s not available for scum like you.”

Rafe stared at the shorter man. “How do you figure that?”

A sneer curved Tom’s mouth. “She doesn’t love you, not after what you pulled years ago. How long do you plan to stay?”

“Why is that your business
?”

“We don’t need your kind around. Suppose you’re peddling drugs.”

Rafe sucked in a breath. “Aren’t you an attorney? Do you not understand what slander means?”

“Of course I do. Truth isn’t that.” Tom’s face turned scarlet. “I asked you a question.”

“Here’s my answer. I’m in Fern Lake for the long haul. Even have a job.” Though he kept his voice low, people stared. The line moved forward.

Tom followed. His gaze moved from Rafe’s head to his boots. “What kind? Construction?”

The urge to slug Tom moved closer to the surface. Rafe fought for control. Physical action wasn’t the way. “Sorry to disappoint you. I’m the new Director of Nursing at Fern Lake General.”

Tom’s eyes widened. His hands fisted on his hips. “Stay away from Manon.” His words ended on a shrill note.

Rafe moved to the counter. “Two blues and a large order of fries. Put them in an insulated bag.”

Tom sidled closer. “Did you hear what I said?”

“Yes and so did everyone in here. Do you think she’ll like the scene you’ve created? I think not.”

“Doesn’t matter. She’s mine.”

“Not going to happen.” Was Tom crazy? Hadn’t he heard Manon’s refusal? Why didn’t he accept he would never possess her?

“She’s always been mine. Her father assured me and named me as his choice to protect her when he couldn’t.”

Did Tom believe in Manon’s father’s goodwill? He was a fool if he did.

Rafe paid. With his order in hand he strode to the door. “The decision to accept or reject you is Manon’s. I know she tells you no, now and in the past.” He left the shop.

“You’ll learn I’m right,” Tom shouted.

Rafe tucked the food in the saddlebag and donned his helmet. No way would he continue this conversation.

Tom waved a fist. “I’m a patient man. This isn’t finished.”

Rafe turned. “Will take more than patience when a woman doesn’t like you.” He pulled out of the parking space and rode down
Main Street. He followed Gran Ruth’s directions. When he reached the house, he rode up the long driveway and parked. For several moments he sat and organized his thoughts. Finally he removed his helmet.

Was she at home yet? A glance at the windows showed lights. She was there.

Sitting and staring at the house was the coward’s way. He dismounted and removed the bag of food. After drawing a deep breath of the sultry air, he strode up the walk to the front door.

How would she react? He held the bag with the logo to the front so she would see Burger Bounty. Would she bite? He pressed the bell and waited. Just as he was about to ring again, the door opened. His cock surged fully erect. He leaned against the door frame and curled his hand around the edge of the door.

Chapter
5

Manon’s mouth gaped. Rafe raised the Burger Bounty bag. Though she tried to speak, no sound emerged. She tried to press her lips into a firm line and failed. Another attempt to speak was unsuccessful. Of all the times to develop lockjaw. The way he stood with one hand on the door and the smile she remembered sent temptation rushing like water over a ruptured dam.

Go away.

She swallowed. That mental shout remained unsaid. Her gaze locked with his. Waves of desire beat against the urge to slam the door. Fire in his blue eyes enticed. Indecision froze her into a statue of ice.

Speak. Send him away.

She couldn’t force herself to utter a sound. The staring contest continued. She wanted to snatch the bag and shut the door. Memories of days long ago surfaced like eddies of heated water. Days she’d iced over. Words of love he’d spoken. Words of forever. Words she didn’t want to remember, yet couldn’t forget.

Hunger, not for the contents of the bag, threatened to wash her over the falls into the
hot springs of the past. Her heart thundered. With grim determination she tore her gaze from his face.

Wrong move.

Her gaze landed on the bulge beneath his fly. The months since her last relationship with a man rose and brought a desire to be held. Was his need as strong as hers?

Pulsing began. Her heart rate accelerated. Her breasts felt heavy. She clamped her teeth together. Why did he possess this power to arouse her? He made her want to see his nude body preparing to cover hers. She should send him away but the words wouldn’t form. His scent wafted toward her, curled around adding another layer of desire.

Shut the door.

She raised her head. One of his hands curled around the edge of the door. If she acted on that thought she would smash the fingers that had brought delight. A quick glance told her he wouldn’t retreat.

She cleared her throat. “Why are you here?”

He waved the bag. “Brought dinner. Since you won’t go to a restaurant with me, I figured we could eat in.”

Manon swallowed. “Go away.”

“Not going to happen.” He slid through the opening. “You don’t want me to leave.”

“How can you know what I want? You haven’t seen me for twelve years. People change.”

“And still remain the same.”

His smile rippled along her skin. He was right and wrong. She released a held breath. She could handle a sexual encounter. There had been several in her life and she had walked away unscathed. Sex was all she wanted from him. She stepped back. He kicked the door closed and followed.

She felt as though some jungle cat stalked her. “Rafe.
"

He set the bag on the table beside the door and continued his deliberate move toward her. Manon’s heart fluttered like humming bird wings. Moisture dampened her panties. Why the reaction? So many years had passed and his presence still brought the same reaction.

Two steps later he pulled her into his arms. His mouth covered hers. Scorching heat engulfed her. He lifted his head. She circled his neck with her arms and with her tongue explored greedily. He tasted of mint. The spice of his aftershave flavored each breath.

Pulses of desire bloomed. Those beats dashed against her desire to see him leave. Temptation beckoned.

Sex. She wanted him for that reason. With sex they wouldn’t have to talk about past pain. Ripping the scars wasn’t necessary.

She blew a breath across his lips and brushed hers back and forth across his. His mouth met hers. His tongue slid inside to caress her cheeks and tongue.

Manon inhaled the scent of soap, aftershave and the aroma that rose only from him. She felt intoxicated and dizzy with wanting him.

Rafe’s hands slid down her back to cup her rear and draw her against his erection. Tongues tangled and moved in a rhythm causing her to move against him.

With each sweep of his tongue over hers, he continued his slow steps past the entrance to the formal living and dining rooms and into the family room. When her legs hit the edge of the couch, she fell dragging him with her. He released his hold and managed to brace against the back of the couch.

“Nice save,” she said.

“I’m not here to break you.” He pushed to his feet and sat beside her. With a quick move he pulled her into his arms. “We really must talk. That’s why I brought dinner.”

Manon straightened. Talk wasn’t on her agenda. A decision arrived. She needed to be skin to skin with him buried deep inside. She wanted to feel complete one more time.

She slid a hand beneath his shirt and brushed fingers over the contours of his muscles. With great intensity she explored. She touched the scar from the chest tube and noticed the difference in texture. Coarse hair prickled her hands. His groans made her smile. With thumbs she caressed his nipples and felt them bud the same ways as hers did.

“Talk,” he growled.

“Sex,” she whispered. Her hands trailed downward until they reached the smooth leather of his belt and the cool metal of the buckle.

Rafe placed his hand over hers. “Not yet.”

She moved her hands from beneath his. “Now.” She pulled his tee shirt over his head. In an automatic move, he raised his arms. She tossed the shirt on the floor. Her lips touched his chest.