CHAPTER ONE
Erin Stewart stood on the top rung of the ladder, stretching to put the finishing touches of paint on the ceiling of the old, but very elegant, brownstone where she lived. Dressed in her well-worn, white overalls and T-shirt, now smattered with various splotches of beige paint, she worked tediously with long, even strokes of her paint roller. Luckily, this time, she remembered her painter's cap, so her auburn mane, tucked neatly up under it, would be spared the numerous washings to rid it of the troublesome paint. Her uniform hid her femininity well.
As much as her outer appearance was camouflaged, her sparkling emerald eyes gave an insight into her spirited personality and determined character. Her intensity for life and her work radiated from her eyes as her glove-covered hand expertly applied the paint, making certain the job was professionally done. No skipped spots for her. Erin worked with the concentration and keenness of a chess player about to checkmate his opponent.
Unfortunately she wasn't in the best of moods, because everything seemed to have gone wrong that day, delaying her from her work. One of the other tenants had accidentally knocked over her paint can, spilling its contents all over the lobby floor, so Erin wasted valuable time mopping it up. Furthermore, the superintendent, Mr. Eliot, was laid up with the flu, and tenants had invariably interrupted her work with questions that only he could have answered. Her arm ached, and a dull shooting pain made its way down her back.
I'm getting too old for this sort of thing, Erin thought with a wry grin as she pushed herself all the harder.
The words, "Hey, buddy," were heard, but feeling it was probably only another curious male wondering why she was painting, she ignored him and continued working. She'd been stopped by dozens of men, finding a woman in her line of work an oddity. At first, she'd been very cordial and answered their questions, trying to make them understand why she would want to make her living from painting and repair work, only to find it useless. An old-fashioned man just couldn't comprehend a woman performing a customarily male's job, nor could he believe that she could ever do it as well as her male counterpart.
"Hey! I'm talking to you!" was yelled, followed by a sharp shake of her ladder at the ill-fated moment she'd extended her arm to finish the last spot on the ceiling, and Erin lost her balance. She screamed, starting to fly off her ladder to the right.
To her shock, large hands pressed up against her hips, pinning her to the ladder as she managed to center her dangling body.
Flushed, shaking, and very anxious to find out who the hell had his hands on her bottom, Erin cautiously turned her head around and, with startled eyes, peered down.
The face of a stranger with bushy black eyebrows and large white teeth, flashing out from between a sardonic grin, stared back up at her.
Blood rose to her cheeks at the audacity of this man and the delicate situation she found herself in.
"Let go of me!" she demanded in her deepest and most authoritative voice.
With a shrug he released her but moved his hands to the outsides of the ladder, trapping her in a very compromising position.
"If you're going to work on a ladder, buddy, you'd better be more careful. I didn't mean to shake you up, but I tried to get your attention and got no response. Is the super in?" he inquired in a gruff voice with an edge to it, making it sound more like a command than a question.
"You almost killed me!" she answered with wild eyes, her anger overshadowing her intimidation. "And I'm not a buddy or haven't you noticed?"
"From this angle I couldn't tell." He chuckled, and a smile lit up his face.
Her cheeks darkened at the implication of his remark, but her eyes were strangely drawn to his smile. It was so disarming that it took her completely off guard. Her anger was forgotten for the moment as her eyes beheld the most handsome man she'd ever seen. Warmed by his sunny expression, a half-smile toyed at the corners of her mouth. But intuitively she held it back.
His smile had seemed too easy, too automatic, and too impersonal. Erin sensed she was looking at a man who used his good looks to get what he wanted, who was used to getting his way, and who, perhaps, placed little value on victories won too easily.
"You can let go of my ladder now!" she snapped, irritated with herself and him.
"You won't crack your face if you smile," he declared, teasing her.
Ignoring him, she turned back to her work with a forceful jerk of her body. Unfortunately, at the same instant, he let go of the ladder, and Erin was falling again. She grabbed for the top of the ladder as her body angled to her left.
"Steady!" he yelled as he yanked hold of the ladder with such a strong, sudden jolt that Erin swung back into position. The sharp movement caused her to drop her paint roller, which hit the tray, knocking it over and splattering paint. The tray rattled around a bit before coming to rest.
With tensed muscles Erin turned and looked down. Her worst fears were confirmed.
His eyes, wide with astonishment, stared up at her.
His black hair was dotted with beige spots, as paint dripped down his Brooks Brothers suit.
"Sorry," Erin said in a small voice as an urge to giggle suddenly overcame her and she struggled to hold it back.
There was no response from the stranger. He squinted as he glared at her with cold, darkened eyes.
"I guess I'm a bit edgy today," she babbled nervously. "It seems like I've been working on this ceiling for days, and it's getting to me. But I'm finished now," she stated a little more confidently, removing her gloves and starting down the ladder.
"No! Let me help you," he ordered in a sharp tone, holding the ladder.
Feeling like a klutz, she smiled awkwardly and quickly stepped down off the ladder.
Standing next to him, he towered over her, and she couldn't help but note the powerful build of his body as she examined the damage done to his expensive blue suit.
"You got my hair, too?" he asked meekly, not really wanting to know the answer.
Erin, with apologetic eyes, nodded her head slowly but decisively.
"I'll pay for the cleaning," she quickly offered.
"That won't be necessary," he stated as his fingers combed through his hair, feeling for the paint.
"Please, I'd like to."
"No, I'd prefer you didn't. It's a good thing you don't do this for a living."
"Do what for a living?" she asked pointedly, glaring at him from under her cap.
"Paint," he returned with conviction in his eyes as he treaded on thin ice with Erin. "How'd you end up doing this, anyway? It's a wonder you haven't killed yourself by now."
"I just happen to be the handyperson around here," she retorted, her green eyes flaring challengingly.
"The handyperson?"
"I certainly couldn't be called the handyman, now could I?"
"You've got a point there," he said dryly, with a double-edged meaning. "That's a new one—the handyperson. I suppose you New Yorkers are more liberated." His voice had echoed surprise mixed with amusement, and his lips twisted into a slight grin.
"Yes, I'm the handyperson. Do you find that funny?"
"Well, I certainly don't find it funny that I'm standing here with paint dripping down me. But, yes, it is funny to find a—"
"A woman in a man's job?" Erin broke in.
"I guess you hear that a lot, don't you?"
"Yes, I do."
"Don't let it bother you. I didn't mean anything personal about it. Do you know where the super is?" he asked, quickly changing the subject, seeming anxious to be on his way.
"He's out sick. Is there something you need?"
"When do you think he'll be back?"
"I don't know. Is there something I can tell him?" Erin asked politely.
He swallowed hard, as though he might choke on his words. "Yes, my apartment needs painting."
It didn't take much for Erin to know what he was thinking. He didn't want her to do the job! She was used to being needled by men because she was a woman and had learned to keep her emotions under control, especially if her work was at stake. But now her anger was quickly overcoming her good sense.
She wasn't totally at fault for the paint splattered on him; no one had asked him to put his paws on her bottom! She dearly wanted to lash out at him but quickly reminded herself that more flies are caught with honey than vinegar, and a job was involved here!
"I've never seen you before. I didn't know anyone moved out," she said in a friendly way, and feigned a bright smile.
"They didn't. I'm subletting from Bill Rodgers."
"Oh, what's your name?"
"David Morris."
Erin smiled again. "I'm Erin Stewart. And I'll tell Mr. Eliot you were looking for him. Then you can let him know when you want your apartment painted. I can get started on it right away. It won't take me long."
"You've gotta be kidding me!"
"No, I'm not, Mr. Morris. I do all the painting around here."
"Well, I think, Miss Stewart—"
"You can call me Erin," she interrupted in a pleasant voice.
"Okay, Erin, this is one apartment you're not getting your hands on. Since the apartment isn't due for a paint job and I have to pay to have it painted anyway, I'm going to talk to Eliot and bring in my own painter. I want a professional."
His statement annoyed the hell out of her, but Erin was a businesswoman and she kept her calm expression.
"What do you think I am? Take a look at this ceiling," Erin stated proudly as her eyes darted up toward the freshly painted ceiling and then back to him.
Mr. Morris's eyes swept the wall above them carelessly and then glanced down at the floor.
"And take a look at this floor," he exclaimed, frowning.
"That was an accident. Could have happened to anyone," she returned defensively.
"I don't know about that," he stated with one black eyebrow cocked, looking directly into her eyes. "I wouldn't want to take the risk on my apartment. I'd prefer a—"
"A man?"
"You have the nasty habit of always interrupting. But, yes, if you want to know the truth—I want a man to do the job." He had seemed annoyed that she had pushed him for the truth.
"I can do just as good a job, if not better," she stated confidently, determined to get the work.
"There's heavy furniture to be moved around."
"I can handle it," Erin retorted quickly. No way was this job going to slip through her little fingers.
"Have insurance? I wouldn't want you to have . an accident in my apartment. You'd probably sue the pants off me."
"Fully covered."
His eyes took in her five-foot five-inch body from head to toe. She shifted uncomfortably but refused to give up any ground under his scrutinizing gaze.
"I do all the paint jobs for the super, so you're stuck with me," she suddenly blurted out, slapping her gloves together.
"Oh, no, I'm not!" he replied with a shake of his black mop of hair and rigid jaw. "I'm going to talk to Mr. Eliot and bring my own painter in."
"What are you afraid of? Do you really think I might screw it up?" she asked in a disbelieving tone.
"From the looks of things," he stated, glancing down at his paint-stained suit, "how can you blame me? I don't want you touching it," he stated, staring back at her and frowning. "I wouldn't want Bill's apartment ruined. I'm responsible."
"Look, I'll make you a deal," Erin responded enthusiastically.
"I'm listening. But I don't know why." He seemed to throw that in as an afterthought.
"I'll paint your apartment, and if you don't like the job, you don't owe me a cent," Erin stated boldly, her green eyes dancing.
"And who's going to be responsible if it ends up a mess?"
"I will."
He laughed and looked away, then turned back with darkened eyes, studying her.
But Erin was relaxed. She knew she had him.
Men loved challenges, and this man was no exception. He seemed the type who couldn't pass up a contest. His directness, plus his obstinate stance, made Erin feel she wasn't wrong in her deduction of him. Mr. Morris wouldn't pass up her challenge.
"Well, what do you say?" she asked.
"I'm going to talk to Eliot," he insisted.
"What do you have to lose?" Erin added hastily, knowing the superintendent might allow him to bring in another painter, especially since Mr. Morris would be paying for the job. "Afraid you might be proven wrong?" She smiled with a devilish glint to her eyes.
A grin spread across his sun-tanned face.
"Okay, you've got yourself a deal."
"Good," Erin returned, quite pleased with herself.
"I need it done by Friday," he stated casually.
"Friday?"
"That's the deal." His voice was low but stern, and he furrowed his black brow.
"But that's impossible! This is already Wednesday," Erin protested.
"Can you do it, Erin, or not? Should I get another painter?"
"But, Mr. Morris—"
"David to you," he interrupted, his eyes sparkling dangerously.
Erin paused and glanced down at the floor. The tables had turned, and this guy was out for blood! My blood! Erin thought to her chagrin.
If she did the job it would be on his terms, and Erin knew he wasn't going to give her an easy time of it. He'd already done his best to discourage her, Erin thought with a frown, her fingers tightening on her gloves.
"All right, David, Friday it is. I guess I can change some things around. I'll give my estimate to Eliot tomorrow. Do you want to know what it'll be, before I start?"
"No, I'll take my chances," David answered in his deep voice.
Mr. Morris thinks he's going to get a free paint job, Erin thought with annoyance.
"Would you be disappointed if I did a good job?" Erin asked with a toss of her head.
"Do you always say what's on your mind?" David retorted, and managed a crooked smile.
"I try my best," she answered proudly, then glanced down at her watch. "I have to get back to work. I'll call the super, but you should drop off your keys in the morning, in case I can't get his. I'm in 3A."
"I don't think so."
"Huh?" Erin asked sharply with raised brows.
"You should pick them up, Erin. I might forget. And you do want to get started tomorrow, don't you?" he said with a sarcastic edge. Erin knew the bell had just been rung and round one was beginning.
"Fine," she said, determined not to be bothered in the least by his attitude. "You're in 4A, above me, right?"
"Right."
"Okay, I'll be there around eight-thirty," she stated as she glanced over at the paint on the floor. "I'd better get this cleaned up before it dries." She walked over to her roller and paint tray and, taking a rag out of her pocket, bent over to clean up the mess.
"You're lucky, you don't have much to clean. Most of it ended up on me," he drawled flatly.
"I said I was sorry!" she snapped automatically, still upset over the incident.
"You'd better make it earlier," he replied coolly. "I'd like to get to work by nine, and I wouldn't want to miss you."
Erin's eyes narrowed, and with one sharp flick of her wrist, she wiped up the paint. Picking up her roller and tray, she stood upright.
"Fine, I'll be there earlier. Got to go now, see you tomorrow," she stated abruptly, turning sharply on her heels and starting up the stairs.
David's eyes followed her every movement until her small frame had disappeared.
A grin plastered itself across his face. He couldn't help but admire her persistence in getting the job, and that intrigued him. But there was no way he was going to let her touch his walls. I'm not going to let her or any woman touch my apartment with a ten-foot pole, or should I say a ten-foot paintbrush, he thought smugly.
But he had accepted her challenge; his ego wouldn't allow him to back down from her. David was not the kind of man to go against his word, but he felt he didn't have to worry; there was no contest. All he had to do was to get up a little bit earlier and leave before she had a chance to get his keys, and the deal would be off. She'd probably come begging for more time, but he'd just have to tell her that that was their deal, David decided, and smiled confidently. Then he treaded up the stairs to his apartment with one thought in mind, to take a shower and rid himself of Erin's beige paint.
Erin closed the door behind her and walked into her apartment, which resembled a greenhouse, its prolific plants hanging in front of the picture window with a southern exposure.
Automatically she pulled off her cap and placed it, along with her keys and equipment, on the end-table next to the door. She walked over to her pet turtle and picked up his bottle of food. Distractedly she sprinkled turtle food into the aquarium; her mind on Mr. Morris and what he had up his sleeve.
"Oscar," she said, looking down at her pet, "he's up to something and I know it. He doesn't want me to paint his apartment, and he's going to try to get out of it. And I'm going to figure out how he plans to do it."
Leaving Oscar to devour his food, Erin rewound her answering machine and listened to the messages for her contracting business, perking up when she heard one very familiar voice.
"Hi, Erin, your message sounded so businesslike. Hope you're doing well. Call me. Dad."
Erin's eyes sparkled. She loved her father. She'd have to call him and let him know how great her business was doing. She knew he'd be quite pleased and was grateful for all the support he had given her.
Even though Erin had gone to one of the best colleges in the country, majoring in English, she couldn't forget the excitement she felt when she was about eleven and had been allowed to work with her father and his two brothers as they built a cabin in the mountains of Pennsylvania. At her young age she'd vowed to follow in her father's footsteps. He was a builder and owned a company specializing in two-family houses.
Her mother, though, had insisted on Erin getting a formal education and encouraged her daughter to become a high school English teacher. So Erin had majored in English and English literature.
Shortly before her graduation Erin's mother had died suddenly, and with her death, her daughter realized how short life really was. She became very concerned about her own life and what she was going to do with it. Erin had a long talk with her father, promising him she would finish college but telling him she wanted to learn everything she could about maintenance. She wanted to start her own contracting business. To her surprise and relief her father had said he was very proud of her and would be one hundred percent behind her.
Her business had become quite successful, and Erin was now looking around for office space to accommodate its expansion. She had made a deal with the superintendent that on a trial basis of six months he would allow her to do all the maintenance work and would pay her an excellent salary. If, after that time, he was satisfied with her work, he would offer her a full contract for the building.
The deal had been perfect for Erin. It allowed her to continue her own business plus save for her new office. The end of the six months was just about up, and they had begun to negotiate a contract. The last thing on earth Erin needed was any trouble or complications from the new tenant, Morris. That's why it had been so important for her to make sure she got to paint his apartment.
She returned her phone calls, answering inquiries and setting up appointments for estimates for her business. She also had to change a few jobs around so she could accommodate Mr. Morris and have his apartment painted by Friday.
Finishing her tasks, Erin stripped out of her work clothes. Passing her floor-length mirror, she caught sight of her well-proportioned body and full breasts.
" 'Hey, buddy,' huh? If only you could see me now, Mr. Morris," Erin declared playfully as her green eyes sparkled devilishly. He sure is attractive, I'll have to give him that, Erin thought silently. But a bit too rigid for me. Erin liked her men liberated.
Dismissing David, she quickly pulled on her running suit. She always tried to run at least two miles a day. Running helped her to relax at the end of a hard day's work, and it helped her to think. She tossed problems around in her head while she ran and often was able to come up with good solutions for her work.
Once into her running shoes, Erin headed for her door. As her hand touched the doorknob it came to her what Mr. Morris could have up his sleeve. No, he couldn't be that low, Erin thought with a shake of her head. No, he didn't seem that type, she reasoned. A bit rigid, like she'd thought before, but not sneaky. But just in case he is, I'll be one step ahead of him, she concluded decidedly. Intuitively Erin felt she had guessed right, because a calmness had overcome her as she pulled the door open sharply. It suddenly became clear why David had refused to leave his keys with her. Well, Mr. Morris had certainly underestimated her! She slammed the door behind her, knowing she'd be up the next morning at the crack of dawn.
CHAPTER TWO
Erin yawned as she made her way slowly up the stairs, fully dressed in her work clothes, ladder over her shoulder.
Finally, in front of apartment 4A, she held her breath. What if she were wrong? Resting her ladder against the wall, she raised her hand, her index finger pointing in midair. She had come this far, and she was too stubborn to back down. Taking a deep breath, she pressed her finger to the buzzer.
A stirring was heard as footsteps made their way to the door. Metal clicked as locks turned.
Suddenly the door flung open, followed by, "What the hell!"
Erin froze, her lips parted. She hadn't expected this!
David stood before her, half-naked, with furious eyes and wet hair. A small white towel was knotted around his slender waist.
Her eyes were attracted to his well-developed chest. Never before had she seen so much dark curly chest hair on one man, and a peculiar tremor circuited up her spine.
"I hope you'll stop gaping long enough to tell me what the hell you're doing here at this hour!" he demanded.
He had cut Erin to the quick, and her blood boiled.
"I'm here to paint your apartment. What'd you think?" she flared back.
"To paint! I didn't expect you until much later."
His voice had lowered ever so slightly, and the look in his eyes changed from anger to surprise, like the look of a little boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
Erin knew she had been right.
"I wanted to make sure I caught you before you ran out," she stated in a knowing way.
He leaned his very masculine body toward her, resting his arms against the sides of the door frame.
Their eyes locked and held, and a smile crossed his face.
"Caught you, didn't I?" Erin asked boldly, even though she felt a bit unsure.
He threw back his head and let out a booming laugh that irritated the hell out of Erin. But her anger was short-lived—his expansive movement had loosened his towel, and it fell to the floor.
The unexpectedness of it all, followed by the ridiculous sight of David scurrying to grab the towel, made Erin howl.
"Having a little problem there, Mr. Morris?" she jabbed gleefully between giggles, feeling avenged of yesterday's embarrassment.
"Glad to see my little handyperson has a sense of humor," he stated lightly, but there had been indignation in his hoarse voice and a pink tinge to his cheeks as he held the towel around his slender waist.
"When I see something funny, I laugh," she returned unmercifully.
"Haven't you seen one of those before?" he asked testily, knotting the towel tightly around his waist, and Erin's cheeks felt like they had just been scorched.
Refusing to be intimidated by him, she retorted flippantly and with a toss of her proud head, "Not one like that."
"I'll take that as a compliment," he replied with a smug grin. "Why don't you come in?" David offered politely, moving away from the door. "I'd better put something more substantial on. I want you to feel comfortable. I've never in my life seen anyone's face get so red."
"Guess you haven't looked in the mirror lately," Erin came back with a laugh.
"Touche, Erin. Make yourself at home. I shall return."
Erin's eyes followed him. His long, muscular legs quickly carried him out of view.
Erin shook her head. She couldn't believe it. For two total strangers they certainly had been intimate with each other. Yesterday my derriere and today his . . . Oh, well, Erin thought as a grin cracked her face, I'd better get my mind back to business.
Her eyes scanned the room. Strangely, although she had the same floor plan, the two living rooms looked so different. Maybe hers was a bit too crowded compared to Bill's sparsely furnished one with only a few shelves, a couch, and a large dresser. But hers was so bright and cheerful with all its plants and color.
This place looks like a dungeon, Erin thought to herself, and she wondered why Bill hadn't done much with it. Perhaps he knew he wouldn't be staying long, she decided.
Her business mind quickly took over, and her sharp eyes searched the walls, finding a few spots that would have to be plastered. Then she planned her attack to move the furniture.
Hearing footsteps, Erin turned.
David was walking toward her, buttoning a light blue shirt, tucked inside a pair of navy trousers,.
"I'm going to have to add a few touches, like some plants, to brighten it up," he declared as his dark eyes darted around the room and then rested upon her, seeming to acknowledge her appraisal of the room. "I didn't bring much with me."
Erin smiled politely.
"Where are you from?"
"Texas."
"Texas, I never would have thought that."
"No trace of an accent?"
Erin shook her head.
"It's because I went to schools in the East."
"That accounts for it. Planning on staying long?" she asked, trying to make conversation.
"I don't know. Depends on how it works out. Do you care?" he asked in a low tone, with raised bushy brows.
Ignoring his little innuendo, she returned coolly, "Do you mind if I get started now?"
"No, go ahead," he said as a smirk threatened at the corners of his lips.
Erin nodded and turned away from him. Walking over to the large dresser, she systematically went about removing the drawers and placing them in the center of the room. That task completed, Erin bent over and tried to move the dresser away from the wall toward the spot where the drawers rested.
"Oh, no! It hurts too much to watch. I can't stand by and let you do this," he declared, annoyance ringing in his voice, and he walked over to her.
"Nobody asked you to stand by and watch. Please go and get ready for work."
"I have to help you."
"I can do it, Mr. Morris."
"David."
"Look, David, I can manage. Really. This is my job."
"Yes, and this is my apartment. I can't stand by and watch you get a hernia or something. I'm going to help."
"There's no need!"
"I insist!" he stated, bending over and clutching the under edge of the dresser.
"This is my job!" she flared at him with large eyes.
"Let's get this moved. I can't stay in this position all day."
"Okay, but I don't like it," she retorted with a frown.
"On the count of three we'll pick it up and move it."
"Right," she shot back with a salute.
"One, two, three—heave!"
The dresser was moved over a few inches.
"Okay, let's set it down," David ordered, slightly out of breath.
"I don't believe it," Erin mumbled to herself as they lowered the dresser and straightened their bodies.
"Okay, let's go again—" David stated.
"Wait a minute," Erin interrupted, noticing her untied shoe and bending to tie it.
But apparently Mr. Morris hadn't heard her, because he continued on with, "One, two, three— heave." Erin tried to help, but it was too late. "Oh, no," David moaned, dropping the dresser.
"What's the matter?" Erin cried, going to his side.
"I thought you were supposed to lift the dresser!" he yelled.
"I told you to wait. My God, you always blame everything on me!"
"I can't do this," he stated as his face winced with pain.
"What's the matter?" Erin asked in a quiet tone.
"I'm sore all over. And if I lift, I'm afraid I'm going to throw my back out."
"Oh, great! Yeah, I told you not to help me, but, no, you had to insist. You'll probably find some way to sue me. Is that the reason you asked me if I was covered?"
"I'm not going to sue you. What a devious little mind you've got. I'm hurting, and all you can think about is yourself," he raged, still bent over.
Erin lowered her head.
"You're right. I'm sorry. It's just that I know you tried to trick me today, and I was afraid you'd try something else."
"Miss Stewart, would you please stop babbling," he said disgustedly as he inched his way over to a chair.
"Babbling!" Erin exploded.
"I didn't do this on purpose," he said weakly.
"But you did plan to leave before I got here, didn't you?" she asked with an interrogative edge to her voice.
"Yes, I did. I admit it. You're right. But I didn't deliberately offer to help you so I could throw my back out. I can't stand to see a woman moving heavy furniture around."
A soft smile graced her lips.
"That was nice of you to want to help me," Erin conceded in a small voice.
"I would have felt that way about any woman," David clarified, and Erin glared at him. "But look what I'm accused of!"
"It's what you deserve. What you spit up into the sky comes right back down at you," she stated in an accusatory tone, and placed her hands on her hips.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, if you hadn't tried to pull such a sneaky trick trying to run out on me, I wouldn't have thought the worst of you."
"But I was afraid you'd screw up the apartment."
"But you made a deal."
"And you knew I wouldn't back down." A pained expression crossed his face.
The look touched her, and for the moment, Erin forgot her exasperation with the man.
"It hurts?" she asked, her face mimicking his pained expression.
David nodded. "I guess I overdid it while moving up here." Slowly standing, he added, "Maybe I
should lie down." He carefully made his way over
to the couch.	,
"What about work? Don't you have to go to work?"
Sitting, David shook his head.
"I think I should stay at home," he replied. "You'll have to forget about the paint job until tomorrow."
"Not on your life!" Erin snapped with one arched brow.
"One false move and there goes my back." David sighed heavily and leaned against the back of the couch.
"You're not touching any more furniture. I'm moving the furniture."
"I could really get sick, Erin, smelling paint fumes all day."
Erin, suddenly feeling tense, shifted her weight.
"Then you'll have to give me more time to paint your apartment," she insisted with determination.
"A deal's a deal," David retorted, and Erin thought she detected a triumphant gleam to his eyes.
"Hey, that's not fair. Isn't there a provision covering acts of God?"
David glared at her. "Really, Erin, you're grasping at straws!"
Refusing to give up, Erin suggested, "How about a hot bath or a rubdown?"
The corners of David's mouth turned upward, ever so slightly, and Erin could have sworn he was suppressing a grin.
"Not a bad idea," he exclaimed.
To her surprise David promptly began unbuttoning his shirt. His dark eyes remained fixed upon her. They seemed to be more intense than she'd ever seen them, and he appeared to be studying her. Moments elapsed as David slipped out of his shirt and their eyes locked. Suddenly feeling very self-conscious, her cheeks reddened.
Trying to dispel her awkward feeling, Erin joked, "I think I'm getting used to seeing you in the raw!"
"Then why do you still blush?" he asked warmly.
"I guess it's all the black hair," Erin ribbed with a smile. "Are you going to take a bath?"
"No, you're going to give me a massage."
"Oh, no, I'm not!" Erin retorted without missing a beat.
"What are you afraid of—a little muscle?" he said, taunting her.
Erin's mouth dropped open, her eyes wide with astonishment.
"You're unbelievably crude!"
"1 don't know what you had in mind, but I was referring to the muscles in my back," he said in an innocent way before roaring like thunder, his chest vibrating.
"Oh, it's sore!" he said, moaning.
"Serves you right!" Erin snapped back without compassion. "With all your little innuendos."
"Please, Erin, give me a rubdown," he insisted as he winced, indicating a spot in his lower back.
Erin screwed up her mouth in displeasure.
"Come on, Erin, you made the offer."
"Unfortunately I wasn't thinking. If I rub your sore muscles will you go to work?"
"Do you always wear that cap?" he asked suddenly.
"Will you?" Erin demanded.
"Okay, but only if you promise to do a good job."
Erin sighed. She wanted to wring his neck.
"I'll do a good job, David. Will you promise to go to work?" Erin persisted, emphasizing each word.
"I promise," he returned with a small grin.
Erin moved over to him and leaned over, roughly pressing her hands against his back.
"Ouch! Not so hard."
"Better?" she asked with a smile, lessening the pressure on his back.
"Yes, much." He sighed. "But I think it would be better if you sat down next to me."
"I don't believe you! Give you an inch and you take a mile!"
"You want me to be able to go to work, don't you?" he mocked.
Her green eyes flickered.
"Okay, David, you've got me over a barrel. But I can't do this all day. You did promise to go to work."
He nodded his head.
"Okay," Erin stated, and sat down next to him.
Turning sideways, David leaned slightly backward.
Erin's fingers touched his back again and massaged his skin ever so lightly.
His dark skin was unbelievably soft and warm. Erin couldn't deny that she liked how he felt. This is crazy, she thought to herself as her fingers found and kneaded the tight knot in his muscle.
"Your hands feel great," he said softly.
Erin remained silent. Her hands moved magically back and forth, over the hard muscles in his back. His skin was incredible, like velvet. Automatically her body was pulled in closer to his.
"That feels good, Erin," he repeated. "Now, if only you painted as well as you give massages."
"You won't let up, will you?"
"Frankly, I don't know why you want to paint. But I made a deal, and you are smarter than I thought. So I'm stuck. But why is my apartment so important to you? Need the work?"
"It's the principle."
"The principle?"
"Yes, David, the principle. You don't want me to paint your apartment solely because I'm a woman, and I'm going to prove you wrong."
"That's what this is all about?" David queried as though he found it an incredulous reason.
Erin's fingers stopped.
"Guess I hit a nerve," he said quickly. "I really don't understand."
"It's my job; it's what Eliot hired me to do."
"To be honest I really don't understand why a woman could possibly want this type of job. How does your boyfriend or . . . husband feel about it?"
"I don't have either," Erin returned matter-of-factly, her fingers moving over his back again. It seemed terribly convenient the way he had worked that into the conversation.
"Don't take offense, but I don't think too many men would like it. I mean having someone they care about moving heavy furniture and everything."
"That's their problem."
"Could be yours if you cared for one of them."
A silence fell over Erin, but she continued massaging his back, not wanting him to know he had bothered her again. Something about his words unsettled Erin, and it irritated her. They also made her think.
Lately her work had consumed her, and she hadn't much time left to date, except for an occasional business date like tonight with Steve. Suddenly she felt that maybe she was missing out on something. And it irritated her all the more because it was David who made her aware of this. It's really none of his business, she thought to herself, and then realized what had bothered her the most. He had indirectly told her he couldn't be involved with her, as if she would want to be in the first place.
"I suppose you meant well, David," she stated suddenly, "but I'm not hurting for dates."
She paused for a second, expecting a response from him, but there was none forthcoming.
She continued, "Just because you think that way doesn't mean there aren't plenty of liberated men out there who are quite happy to be with a woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it."
Erin paused again, but there was still no response.
"David?" she asked in a quiet tone.
Before she knew what was happening, his head slipped back against her breasts and an almost inaudible snore escaped from his throat.
Erin could have died. She lifted his head and pushed it forward.
Standing quickly, she hissed, "Mr. Morris, I think you'd better get to work!"
He looked up at her with a dazed look in his eyes.
"What happened?" he asked with a bewildered stare.
"You fell asleep," she replied, definitely not mentioning where his head had been.
"I'm sorry," he replied simply. "I didn't get much sleep last night. Jet lag."
"Well, I'd like to get to work."
"Okay," he returned with his warm smile, getting up slowly. "My back feels better."
"Good."
"Thanks," he said, picking up his shirt.
"Don't mention it. It's all in a day's work," she replied as she looked away.
Her voice had been distant, her mind distracted by the discovery of her unexpected attraction for him. Oh, she had thought him attractive when she met him the day before, but this feeling was totally different. He had affected her on a physical level. Being close to him had stirred her body with an excitement never felt before.
"Can you manage the dresser by yourself?" David asked, breaking into her thoughts.
"What?" Erin asked, swinging her head around to face him as her mind did a replay of his words. "Oh, sure I can. I wouldn't want you to throw your back out," she said lightly, her eyes beholding his.
David chuckled softly. "You've got a point there."
Smiling, Erin returned, "I know 1 do."
"Well, excuse me," David said, buttoning his shirt and turning.
Erin walked over to the dresser. Bending over slowly with much effort, Erin moved the dresser into the middle of the room. For some unknown reason Erin felt drained, and her body seemed to have been placed on automatic pilot. She felt no pleasure today, no relish in the fact that she'd gotten another chance to prove her work to an unbelieving, critical man.
There was something about David that had a way of unsettling her. He was really all right, handsome and with a good sense of humor, but he bothered her. With most men she usually shrugged off their male chauvinistic attitude toward her and her work, but for some reason, his argument stayed with her.
What if she were to fall in love with a man who, under no circumstances, would want her to continue her work? But that's impossible! Erin exclaimed emphatically to herself. I couldn't— wouldn't—fall in love with someone who didn't appreciate what I care about.
Erin shook her head, annoyed with herself. What the hell was she doing—allowing a total stranger who had just come into her life to make her question herself and her career, something she'd never done!
Well, Mr. Morris had to be put out of her mind. It was time to get to her work. Jerking herself back to the business at hand, Erin walked over to the shelves and started taking down some of the heavier books.
"Here are the keys," David's deep voice declared, and Erin glanced over at him.
His blue suit, fitting his body like a glove, made him look extremely elegant and terribly out of sync with her work clothes. Catching herself making this comparison, her lips pouted.
"This one is for the top lock," he continued, holding a silver key apart from an array of keys on a chain. Separating another one and holding it up, he stated, "And this one is—"
"I can figure it out, thanks," Erin quickly interrupted, walking over to him and taking his keys.
David's eyes, unusually puzzled and serious, held hers.
She had the most alluring eyes he'd ever seen, and he couldn't help but wonder what she really looked like underneath that camouflage of hers. Her baggy clothes left much to his imagination, and he had the sudden urge to pull off her ridiculous cap.
If I did I'd probably have a lioness on my hands, he silently warned himself, and a grin twitched at the corners of his lips.
What the hell could he be thinking? Erin asked herself wryly, and a slight smile showed itself on her mouth.
Suddenly turning, he walked over to his door. He paused for a second and then glanced back to her, a solemn look in his eyes.
"If I don't like your work today we can end all of this tonight, right?" he voiced.
"Right," Erin returned calmly, really beginning to dislike this guy. "And if you don't find any fault with it, then you'll drop all this and let me do my work," she stated firmly, her bright eyes radiating steadfast determination.
A muscle twitched in his jaw, and Erin knew he didn't like the way she had talked to him. He probably likes his women sweet and wimpy, she thought with an acid tinge to her silent voice.
With a shrug David replied, "Agreed."
"Good, I'm glad that's been decided." Erin's statement made it clear—this was a contract signed in blood.
He nodded and sauntered out the door.
Erin immediately felt a sense of relief. Her eyes glanced swiftly around the room; work was on her mind. A surge of renewed energy streamed through her body, dispelling her lethargic feeling.
I have to get my tools to take down those shelves, a tarp to cover the furniture, some Spackle, and some paint, she decided quickly, and headed for the door.
Later that evening Erin's three-inch heels paced back and forth, almost wearing a thin path across her Oriental rug.
She glanced at her watch. Seven-thirty. Only five minutes later than when she last looked. Oh, why hadn't I asked him what time he would be home? Erin thought, totally annoyed with herself. But then again, with so much going on, who'd even think of it? she reasoned, shaking David's keys distractedly.
Well, if Mr. Morris didn't get home soon she would have to call Steve and cancel their date. Something she hated doing, especially when he had offered to discuss her plans for her new office. Well, she'd give David a little more time; maybe he would come home before she had to call Steve.
Tossing his keys on the stand next to the door, Erin walked over to the couch and took off her suit jacket. She sat down and rested her head on the back of the beige couch. There was nothing left to do but wait for Mr. Morris, she thought, moaning and closing her eyes.
The sound of the buzzer startled Erin, and her eyes flew open. It's about time, she thought dryly, and jumped up. The quick movement brought a dizziness to her head. But Erin halted for only a moment and hurried on, anxious to give David his keys, so she could be on her way.
Erin grabbed his keys off the stand and swung open her door.
CHAPTER THREE
"I was beginning to think you didn't have any legs," were the first words out of his mouth, after he eyed her up and down and gave her an appreciative smile.
"And I was beginning to think you'd lost your way home," she retorted without missing a beat, dangling his keys in front of him.
"I didn't hold you up, did I?" he said in an apologetic voice, but there seemed to be more delight than dismay in his dark eyes as his hand reached for the keys.
"No, thank goodness," Erin stated coolly, dropping the keys into his large hand. "You will let me know if you like the room," she added confidently, her fingers twisting a strand of her shoulder-length auburn hair.
"Certainly," he answered in an easy manner, as though he were certain he had nothing to lose. He turned and made his way down the hall.
Erin closed the door. The nerve of some people —coming so late and almost ruining her night! she thought, rushing toward her bathroom to retouch her makeup. Once satisfied that the pink and olive-green eye shadow mixture was well blended and complementary to her green eyes, Erin added a touch of lipstick and closed her cosmetic case.
Deciding she wanted to change her shoes, Erin walked into her bedroom and opened the closet door. Bending over, she looked for her favorite pair, navy with red trim.
The buzzer suddenly rang, and Erin jumped, almost banging her head on the shelf above her. "Darn!" she cried, and started for the door.
The loud blare was sounded again.
"Okay, okay!" she yelled, "I'm coming."
Erin opened the door sharply, and David stood in the doorway with a downcast expression plastered across his face.
"You win," he conceded begrudgingly.
"What does that mean?" she asked, not wanting to let him off the hook so easily. He had given her a hard time, and she was determined to hear a compliment from him.
"You did a good job," he mumbled, and then added, with a wrinkled brow, "but you picked the easiest room to do. The kitchen and bedroom have much more detail."
Boy, he never lets up, does he! Erin seethed to herself as the audacity of this guy galled her through and through. "We made a deal. If you thought I did a good job the arrangement was you'd leave me alone and let me finish my work. Are you reneging on your deal?" she asked point-blank.
"Reneging on a deal! I don't remember signing any contract. When you worked today, I assumed you would have done something that would have given me an indication of your alleged talent. All you did was slap some paint on four flat walls and a ceiling. Anyone could have done that with a spray gun in ten minutes."
"Goodness, you're a sore loser!" Erin laughed outright at his transparency.
"Sore loser! You obviously didn't listen to a word I said. I don't want to continue with any more of this drivel," he said with annoyance.
"And I don't have any more time to waste. I'm going out. So, if you want to discuss this any further, I'll see you in the morning."
"What are you going to do, make some other poor unsuspecting victim miserable?"
"What I'm doing tonight is really none of your business, and by your reaction, I must have done one hell of a job! Now . . ."
Erin paused and absentmindedly tapped her heel. She knew she had done a superior job and decided to give it one last shot and appeal to his sense of honor. Though, at this point, she wasn't certain that he had any sense, much less honor.
"Look," she added, "if you're really so unhappy with my work you'll have to tell the super and let him get you another painter."
His bushy black brows arched, making them strangely look a lot like Dracula brows, and he inhaled deeply.
"Well, I'm not going to change horses in midstream. So you might as well finish the job," he stated, as if he were doing her a great favor.
"Horses!" Erin exploded with a laugh. "That's a new one, and I thought I'd heard them all."
Ignoring her, he questioned, "What time will you be picking up the keys? I want to make certain I'm fully clothed."
"Don't bother getting dressed for me. I can get the keys from the super. He'll be in tomorrow."
"Okay, have a good evening," he stated matter-of-factly.
"You, too," she returned automatically, thinking that at this point things could only get better.
As David turned and started up the stairs Erin closed the door. Boy, was she glad that was over. What a character! And what a shame, she thought with a shake of her head. An attractive guy like that—what a waste. Maybe the people who knew David found him to be a really nice person. It was just that he had this blind spot when it came to women taking over typically male jobs, especially physically strenuous ones.
Erin chuckled softly to herself. When am I ever going to stop trying to always see the best in people? she thought with a grin. He's probably as rotten as he appears!
She quickly turned her thoughts to her good friend Steve. He owned a real estate company and was keeping an eye out for the perfect office space for her. Wouldn't it be great if he has some good news for me, Erin suddenly posed, grabbing her coat to protect her from the fall chill that was in the air.
But just as Erin had wondered about his behavior, so had David. The dark-haired man was even troubled about it as he sat on his couch, going over every detail of his encounter with Erin.
Why had he acted that way? He liked women and had always treated them with the utmost respect. But he couldn't say that about Erin. How could she have gotten under his skin like that? he wondered with a mixture of indignation and bewilderment written across his face.
Well, she was different and had the uncanny, annoying knack of zeroing in on the truth. And the truth was, she had done an excellent job of painting his room. He nodded, glancing around at the walls. She even had been very careful to move the furniture back into place.
Probably the most disturbing fact was that she was so attractive, especially once she scraped all that paint off her. And that hair, that auburn hair —long, shiny, and very feminine. He had had no idea what she had been hiding under that cap. If Erin hadn't been so attractive maybe it would have been easier for him to swallow that she'd gotten one over on him.
Well, whatever it was, David decided, one thing was certain—Erin spelled trouble any way he looked at it. Her work would be finished soon, and that would be that, he decided, shrugging her off.
Erin had finished David's apartment on Friday and had done a terrific job, but, of course, he hadn't even acknowledged her good work. The weekend had flown for Erin, and early Monday night she was getting ready to take a hot bath when the phone rang.
Answering the call, she was taken aback by what she heard. "My lights are out!" came an angry voice.
It took her only a second to identify the voice as David's, and she couldn't help herself from replying, "Have you had one too many?"
"One too many! I can't see to have one—living in this tenement!"
"What's the problem, David?" Erin asked calmly, realizing that he was truly upset and this was not the time for her zany sense of humor.
"My lights are out," he repeated. "Do you have a problem with the language?"
Handyperson or not, she didn't have to take his abuse. "Don't you ever talk to me like that!" she snapped, and slammed down the phone.
David held the receiver to his ear, not believing what had just happened to him. "She hung up on me," he grumbled to himself, and was grateful his secretary was in the kitchen looking for candles and had not overheard his conversation.
Flicking his Dunhill lighter, David looked down at the dial on the phone. Cursing under his breath, he dialed Erin's number again.
Erin frowned as her phone rang again, and she let it ring a few times more before answering it. "Hello."
"Why did you hang up on me?"
"I'm sorry, we must have been disconnected," she replied sweetly.
"Don't give me that disconnected crap. My lights are out!"
"Did you check your fuse?" Erin asked, biting back her anger.
"I don't have keys to the basement. Isn't that your job?"
"I'll be up in a minute."
"No, you don't have to do that," David said quickly, suddenly realizing the fuse box must be in his apartment.
"You want your lights on, don't you?"
"Yes, but—"
"I'll be right up," Erin interrupted, and hung up the phone before David could reply.
"He wants his lights on, then he doesn't want them on! What a strange duck," Erin mumbled to herself as she slipped out of her bathrobe and got into her jeans and sweat shirt.
Opening up her closet in the hallway, she took out her flashlight and some fuses. She then stomped up to Mr. Morris's apartment.
Upon hearing her, he opened the door.
"Here's little Miss Fix-It," he spouted the moment he saw her.
"My name is Erin." She pushed past him into the darkened room. Turning on her flashlight, she lit the wall next to the door.
"I didn't realize the fuse box was in my apartment," he offered defensively.
"It's a little hard to see, hidden behind this file cabinet," Erin returned, edging the cabinet over.
"This is my secretary, Ginny," he stated.
Erin heard a "hello" out of the darkness, but she didn't take her eyes from her work. She had opened the fuse box and was surveying the fuses.
"Hello," she replied automatically, carefully inspecting the fuses. "Are all the lights out?"
"No, the lights in the bedroom are on," David answered.
How appropriate, she thought to herself as her sharp eyes located the burned-out fuses. Quickly unscrewing them and putting in two new ones, the lights went on.
"What a relief," David exclaimed.
"Yes, now we can get back to work," Ginny said with a smile on her face.
Erin switched off her flashlight and slid it into her back pocket.
"Here are two extras," she stated, handing the fuses to David.
"Thanks," he managed with a smile. "I really thought the fuse box was in the basement."
"I'm sure you can manage the next time," Erin declared in a knowing way. "Nice meeting you, Ginny."
The tall, thin blonde smiled back before turning her blue eyes brightly toward her boss.
Erin quickly exited.
"Thanks again," David called after her as she made her way down the stairs. She glanced back at him, her face a calm mask, hiding the anger she felt toward him. How dare he call her Miss Fix-It, and in front of someone else, another woman! Her eyes were cold as she continued on her way. The door closed behind her.
The following day Erin had managed to get a lot of work done. She had contracted out two really important jobs to some good painters she had on staff.
She hurried to her apartment to get out of her clothes and relax. As her hand touched the doorknob a larger hand came down on hers.
Erin glanced up and saw David smiling down at her.
"I'm glad I caught you," he stated cordially.
"You certainly did," she returned coolly, and quickly removed her hand from under his grasp.
"I want to apologize for the way I treated you last night and for the other day, too."
Erin stared at him. His eyes were bright and warm, and a strange sensation tugged at her heart.
"Apology accepted," Erin answered, and started to move, wanting to put distance between them.
"Can I make it up to you?" he asked softly, still holding the door and blocking her way.
Erin cocked one eyebrow. "And just what do you have in mind?"
David laughed. "You have a very suspicious mind. I wanted to take you to dinner."
"I don't know, David. I don't think we would get along."
"Sure, we will. I'll behave myself, if you will."
Erin smiled. So far they were the two most unlikely people to be able to sit down and have a meal together in peace and quiet. "Our track record isn't very good, but I'll give us a try," she finally said.
"Are you busy tonight?"
Erin thought for a moment. Should she really go? He hadn't treated her very well, but hopefully he had meant his apology. She was used to living dangerously, so why not?
"Tonight's fine," she agreed.
"Would you like to go to a really nice restaurant?" he inquired with expectant eyes.
"Are you asking me my preference, or are you just making sure I won't show up in my overalls?" she asked belligerently.
His eyes darkened and he looked defensive, but there was no trace of the emotion as he spoke. "Look, I suppose I deserved that, but I did tell you I was sorry. I didn't know what kind of mood you were in. If you didn't mind something quiet and getting dressed up, I've got a nice place in mind."
"A nice restaurant will be fine," Erin returned.
"Good. How's eight?"
"Fine."
"I'll see you then," he returned as he opened the door and the two walked silently up the stairs to their respective apartments.
Once inside her home, Erin already regretted her acceptance of David's dinner date, not liking the idea of spending time with him in a social setting.
Erin usually made it a rule never to date people she worked for. It had proven the best policy—no misunderstandings, no complications. But she had accepted David's invitation and quite easily at that. Erin found it very baffling for her to do something so out of character.
David was definitely very attractive, and women would be readily drawn to him. There was that special sparkle in Ginny's eyes when she looked at her boss, and it made Erin figure that David probably already had something going with his secretary. So what is this date all about? Erin questioned herself, and shrugged, not having the answer.
Erin inhaled deeply. "I hope I don't regret this, Oscar," she stated glumly, glancing over at her turtle. After all, she and David did live in the same building, and if the evening turned into a fiasco, it could become a very uncomfortable living arrangement. I can just see us running into each other, coming into the building and glaring at each other, she thought to herself. Oh, why are only turtles' lives so uncomplicated?
With all these thoughts buzzing around in her head Erin somehow managed to shower and get ready for her date with David.
To her surprise and delight David had taken her to the world-famous restaurant, 21.
Erin smiled across the table at him, raising her wineglass to her lips. Feeling very content, she tasted the smooth, dry- liquid.
She noted that his eyes had a way of wandering, every so often, down to the V neck of her green silk dress. But it hadn't bothered Erin; in fact, she found it strangely amusing to think of Mr. Morris as a voyeur,
"What a good choice," she murmured softly, her eyes taking in the affluent-looking clientele surrounding them.
"I'm glad you approve," David returned, seeming genuinely pleased.
"Have you been here before? I know you're new to the city."
"Yes, I have. We Texans do get to the Big Apple from time to time, especially on business."
"So you're not really a newcomer. What type of business are you in?"
"I'm an accountant."
"That's interesting," Erin replied with forced enthusiasm.
"Not, it's not. You're trying to be kind. Most people have the worst images of accountants, portraying us as the most boring creatures on earth."
Erin laughed. "Yes, it's true. Most TV commercials show an accountant as some kind of weasel with glasses and a receding hairline. But you definitely don't fit that image," she stated with a flirtatious air. "Why did you want to become an accountant?"
David gave her a bright smile.
God, he looks even more handsome when he smiles, she couldn't help but admit to herself.
"My father was an accountant, and I just followed in his steps, so to speak."
"You do like it, though?"
David took a sip of his wine, his dark eyes sparkling over the rim of the glass.
"Yes, I do. It's extremely challenging, especially when tax season comes around. You should hear some of the things my clients come up with to write off." David laughed.
He looked into her eyes, and Erin, feeling slightly uneasy, found her sexual attraction for him aroused again.
"How about you?" David voiced, breaking the pregnant moment.
"What?" Erin asked vaguely, still lost in his magic.
"Do you like what you're doing?"
"Yes, very much," Erin replied frankly, feeling very comfortable and relaxed.
"Wouldn't you like to do something else, like a secretarial position? It's a good entry-level position."
"Are you kidding me? And make six dollars an hour?" Erin came back, her stomach muscles automatically tensing, hearing this familiar argument.
"Are you trying to tell me you make a good living doing your type of work?" He chuckled.
"Together with my contracting business, you're damn right I do!" Erin flared with confidence.
"Contracting business?" David looked truly amazed.
"Yes, contracting business! Surely you didn't think I was only interested in maintenance work," she stated with an arrogant toss of her proud head. How dare he sit there and question what I make for a living! And I bet I make as much as he does, if not more! "I do make a good living," she protested as an afterthought.
"You do?" he repeated, as if finding it hard to believe.
Well, there is only one way to deal with a character like him, Erin fumed. She stated boldly, her green eyes challenged, "I bet I make as much as you do, if not more."
It probably wasn't very nice of her to have said what she was thinking, but she had had it with him. In the past she had found that only when the financial possibilities of her job were made known to men did they suddenly appreciate her profession.
"Miss Fix-It, you do have a way of getting to me," David retorted coolly, flipping the check over, looking at it, and flipping it back down.
"Why are you calling me that?" Erin demanded, not letting him distract her with his little check business.
"Because I find it hard thinking of you as a woman," he said simply.
Erin hoped her hot cheeks hadn't betrayed her feelings. He had really zeroed in for the kill, and it took every bit of her determination not to let him know how much his statement had bothered her. "That's your problem, isn't it?" she returned calmly, her anger held in check.
"It's not much of a problem," he said casually, and took a sip of his wine.
"Then why do your eyes keep traveling down to the V neck of my dress every chance they get?"
Hearing her words, David almost choked on his wine. Coughing, he quickly reached for his napkin, wiped off the wine that had dribbled down his chin, and then rubbed it off his tie.
Serves him right! Erin seethed. She would have laughed, but she was too angry even for that.
Tossing his napkin onto the table, he declared, "My God, you're presumptuous!"
"I just call it as I see it," Erin replied with a cocky attitude. "And we both know you were admiring my figure."
David ran his fingers through his thick hair, catching a clump of it in his hand. His brow furrowed.
Erin moved back in her seat, not knowing what to expect. But to her surprise and irritation David sharply dropped his arm and gave her the most dazzling smile he could conjure up. "You're a riot. I've never met anyone like you before."
"Coming from you I don't know if I can take that as a compliment," Erin stated coldly, not being sucked in by his charming smile.
He paused, his smile fading. The right corner of his mouth raised slightly as his chin came down to rest on the palm of his hand.
"You and I have gotten off on the wrong foot right from the beginning. And I really don't know why. I think we're both probably two very congenial people. Except, of course, I have come down pretty hard on you because of our differences about your maintenance work." David raised his head and looked keenly into her eyes. "It really is none of my business."
"That's right," Erin retorted, underscoring her words.
"Well, I'll try not to make that mistake again. What do you say we make the best of what's left of this evening and have another drink? How about an after-dinner cordial?"
"Sure." A farewell drink would be the perfect thing, Erin added silently to herself.
"You know, you really are a cute kid," he voiced softly. Erin smiled. "You certainly have a way with words," she said lightly.
He started to laugh.
"What's so funny?" Erin quickly asked, dying to be included.
"Every time I think of how we met," he explained, pausing to catch his breath, still very much amused, "with my hands on . . ." His words trailed off as his cupped hands gave a graphic demonstration. He roared again.
"You should talk! Exposing yourself the second time we met!" She let out a howl, and David joined in with her. Erin laughed so hard, tears came to her eyes, but suddenly remembering that they were in a formal, quiet restaurant, she quickly dried her eyes and tried her best to compose herself.
With lowered lashes she glanced around at the tables surrounding them, but everybody, to her relief, seemed to have been totally oblivious to their noisy outburst. She turned her eyes back to David. He was taking her in with keen interest.
"You are a very beautiful woman," he stated with true appreciation.
Relaxing her guard at the directness of his remark, Erin returned warmly, "Thank you, David."
"It's a real shame," he said with a shake of his head, "that all that loveliness is hidden under paint and a ridiculous cap."
"Oh, not that again!" Erin exploded, totally unsuspecting and feeling foolish at how easily she'd been suckered in by his sweet words.
"I didn't mean that I understood why you wanted to do that type of work, Erin. Because, frankly, I can't see a woman doing the kind of physical work that's involved. But what I did mean was that it's really none of my concern what you do, and I apologize for again trying to force my opinion on you."
"I understood before what you meant, and I appreciate your honesty. But if you mean what you say, then please drop the discussion about my work." Her words, aided by the intensity of her green eyes, left little doubt that Erin wanted him to butt out of her business.
"You're right. We do live in the same building, and I don't think it would be much fun for either of us to spar every time we run into each other. When something needs to be fixed, I'll call you and keep my remarks to myself. I'm not saying it won't be an effort, but I will. Okay?" He smiled.
"Sounds good to me," Erin agreed, thankful their evening could be salvaged; it had been too draining the other way.
Not that his statement satisfied Erin; it didn't. David had made it clear that he disapproved of her work, but she would accept his peace offering for the moment.
"How about a Remy Martin?" he asked.
"Yes, please."
Erin silently watched David as he signaled to the waiter. Her eyes were drawn to his sensuous mouth. His lips were full, the kind she'd always found sexy. The kind she always imagined all trumpet players having. And Erin suddenly wondered if he would try to kiss her when he took her home later.
His dark eyes turned to meet hers.
"Do you play the trumpet, by any chance?" she asked in a curious voice.
"Yes, how'd you know?" His voice had held a mixture of surprise and pleasure at her deduction.
"I just wondered," she replied casually, but flashed him a Cheshire grin.
As it turned out Erin had wasted her energies wondering about a good-night kiss. David had been the perfect gentleman when he brought her home, polite and reserved, which had left Erin strangely cold. Normally it wouldn't have bothered her at all, happy that he hadn't made a pass on the first date.
But David's previous statement, finding it hard seeing her as a woman, kept running through her mind. And, together with his seeming disinterest in her, it made her feel slightly unfeminine— something she had never experienced before, and it annoyed her that such an arrogant cad had brought out such a negative feeling.
Boy, do I have to stay away from that guy! Erin firmly decided as she pulled her wool blanket up to her chin and switched off her light.
Erin closed her eyes, hoping to get a good night's rest.
CHAPTER FOUR
"That bottle of red wine sure looks good," Erin mused aloud, gazing over at the bottle in its wooden rack. She was not in the habit of drinking alone, but a glass of Chateuneuf-du-Pape would be the perfect touch for tonight's celebration.
Crossing her arms, Erin rested her elbows upon her round oak table. She grinned. Life was strange; only an hour earlier she had dragged her weary body home from a rough day of painting and had taken a hot shower to soothe her tired muscles. Erin had not been in the best of moods, to say the least. But that was before she had discovered that one of her major problems might be solved, and her spirits had been lifted. Celebrating was definitely in order.
Steve had phoned, saying he was confident he had found her office space. His news had been the shot of adrenaline she needed. It had been terrific news! Moving into her own office was for Erin her fait accompli of success in the contracting business. Operating out of her own office could now become a reality in only a few short months.
Erin glanced up at her bright orange calendar.
Possibly by November or December, she decided silently, and automatically nodded her head. Then it dawned upon her that she'd forgotten to get her mail.
Quickly changing out of her bathrobe into jeans and a sweat shirt, Erin bounded down the stairs to her mailbox. She stopped short; she'd recognize that mop of black hair and those broad shoulders anywhere. David. A peculiar feeling grabbed at the pit of her stomach. Call it electricity, call it butterflies. Whatever it was, it made Erin feel extremely vulnerable. Her overriding feelings of happiness came to her rescue, pushing her discomfort aside.
"Hi there!" Erin exclaimed loudly with a bright smile broadcasting her good mood.
David turned around. "Oh, hi," he replied with little enthusiasm, not really looking at her, and then turned back to his mailbox.
Erin frowned. What's his problem? But refusing to be put off by his indifference, she walked right over and stood next to him.
"How've you been?" she inquired.
"Fine," he said in an almost inaudible tone, not looking up but flipping through his mail.
Why was he treating her so coldly? Anger threatened to dispel her good feeling. As she unlocked her mailbox, David turned to leave.
He wasn't going to get away with treating her that way, she resolved. What happened to his little speech about us not sparring every time we run into each other?
"So now I know what they mean by the big chill!" she called after him.
He looked back at her with a surprised gaze. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude," he stated simply. His eyes were dull, drained, and even though a grin had formed at the corners of his mouth, a tiredness dominated his appearance.
Erin was taken aback. Boy, if he didn't look like something the cat dragged in! "You look as beat as I feel!" Erin blurted out.
"Yeah, it was a rough day."
"Some days are like that," Erin piped optimistically.
"Not like this one," David returned in a weary tone.
"Sounds pretty bad. Want to talk about it?" she asked with a silken, warmhearted note to her voice.
"The roof almost fell in. One of my associates came close to certifying the good standing of a company, and it turned out the documents on which he based his certification were fraudulent. Luckily we caught the error in time."
"Sounds serious."
"Yes, our firm could have ended up facing a federal court case."
"But everything was taken care of?" Erin was determined to put this on a positive note.
David smiled. His eyes brightened as if he were seeing her for the first time. "Yes, I think we've got it under control. It's very nice of you to be concerned, Erin. I really appreciate that."
Erin had been right. He was seeing her for the first time. But what she couldn't know was that David had found her not only a very sexy lady but also a very compassionate one.
An odd look came to David's face; his eyes had a compelling, magnetic hue.
Erin shifted her weight, suddenly feeling very self-conscious under the directness of his stare.
"Well, after all, we are neighbors," she said with a quick shrug, trying to dispel the awkward moment.
"And here I thought it was due to my irresistible charm!"
"And that, too," Erin teased back.
"Can I walk you to your door? It's on my way," David offered, turning toward the stairs.
"Certainly," Erin stated with a little laugh in her voice.
Silently they walked up the stairs, then stopped at her apartment. Erin turned the key in her lock as David waited. She felt slightly awkward again. His closeness sent a ripple of excitement through her veins, sensitizing her skin.
She turned back to face him. He was so close, his breath warm. And Erin knew he could hear her heart beating in her throat.
David smiled a forced smile. Erin got the feeling that his momentary lightness was for her benefit. It bothered her that he looked so beat. It really was none of her concern, she reasoned. But being the type of person Erin was, she couldn't help but want to see him in a better mood. She did have that bottle of wine, and perhaps sharing it with him would cheer him up, she reasoned with herself.
Erin's brow furrowed. But should she really invite him into her home? she wondered, and shot him a skeptical glance.
"What's the big decision?" he suddenly asked.
"Huh?" Erin responded, not totally hearing him.
"You seem to be working on a heavy decision," he stated softly.
"I don't know if heavy is the appropriate word, but I was trying to decide whether it would be safe to invite you in."
David chuckled. He found her direct honesty very refreshing.
"You'd better invite me in, or I might collapse on your doorway."
"Great, now you're in a weakened condition. I guess I have to ask you in." Erin smiled, her decision made. "Why don't you step into my abode?"
"Promise not to attack me?"
"If only you would be so lucky!" she jabbed, looking into his mischievous eyes.
Once inside her apartment, she turned to catch David's impression of her place. His hands were shoved deep in his trench coat pockets, but his eyes were actively surveying the room.
"All these plants. It's like a jungle in here!" he exclaimed.
"Are you complaining?" Erin challenged quickly.
"No, I'm just waiting for Cheetah to jump me," David exploded with a wicked chuckle.
"Cute! You don't like plants?"
"Sure I like plants—very much—but I wasn't expecting this," he stated, still eyeing all the vegetation.
"Well, if you play your cards right I might just give you some for your apartment."
"That's very kind of you, Erin. What's this?" he asked, walking over to the aquarium.
"Oh, that's Oscar."
Peering over the glass, David exclaimed, "My God, he's big! Does he bite?"
Erin laughed. "No, of course not."
"Could have fooled me." He eyed the turtle suspiciously. "Whatever happened to the little guys?"
"It's illegal now to sell anything under four inches. Would you like something to drink?"
"He looks hungry. I sensed you had an ulterior motive for inviting me in, but never would I have guessed it was to feed Oscar."
"You really are a very funny guy," Erin declared affectionately. "Come over here and sit down," she added, indicating her couch.
"What would you like?"
"What do you have?" A devilish gleam came to his dark eyes.
Ignoring his little remark, Erin offered, "Beer, wine, Scotch? How about a nice bottle of red wine?"
"Sounds great." David started to remove his arm from his coat, then stopped. "Do you mind if I take my coat off?"
Erin looked at him with disbelieving eyes. Was David playing the gentleman? "No, I'm going to have you sit in my home with your coat on. Please, David, take it off. Let me help you."
Erin dropped her keys and mail onto her oak table and went to his side as David removed his coat. Taking it, Erin walked over to her closet and hung it up. As she closed the door she looked over at David. He was watching her closely. The look he was giving her made it very clear to Erin that he liked what he saw.
"Why did you ask me in? I mean, I wouldn't rate as your favorite guy."
"I was in a good mood and you were in a bad mood. I wanted to cheer you up; it's that simple." Erin crossed behind the table and leaned over, removing the bottle from the rack.
"I really raked you over the coals about my apartment, didn't I?" David said, and Erin thought she had detected a trace of laughter in his voice.
"Yes, you did," she agreed, opening the drawer of the cabinet beneath the wine rack and taking out a corkscrew.
"Every time I think of how rotten I treated you I just want to—"
Suddenly feeling very playful, Erin abruptly interrupted with, "But what can you expect from a bastard like you!"
Not hearing the laughter she had expected, Erin closed the drawer and turned. David was staring at her. There was something different about him, and Erin couldn't put her finger on it.
"I guess I deserved that crack." His voice had a quiet, sensitive quality, and he grinned. But the grin had no connection with the man and what he was feeling at the moment. It reminded her of the clown faces painted sad and how much they had always bothered her. A clown was supposed to be happy, not sad. And it was now apparent that David might have been opening up to her and was vulnerable when she had hit below the belt.
Her immediate impulse was to apologize, but she checked herself, afraid it would only make things worse. Hoping the best course of action was humor, Erin carried the wine and corkscrew over to the couch and sat down next to David.
"But I tend to go for jerks. There's something so adorable about them," she said softly, flashing the warmest smile she could conjure up.
That charming, winning smile came to his face, and he shook his head. "I never know what's going to come out of your mouth next."
"That's not so bad, is it?"
"It's just so disconcerting! Look, what I was trying to say before is that I am sorry. It's still hard for me to accept that you did such a good job, and I don't know how you did it. But I was wrong to treat you that way."
His words had been chewed out in a quick, choppy tone, all in one breath, to get the nasty task over with as little pain as possible. Yes, David was not the type of man who found it easy to admit that he was sorry.
"Thank you, David," Erin returned simply.
"Every time I look at my walls I think that you must have brought some guy in to help you. I suppose it sounds rather archaic of me."
"No, just like a typical male."
Erin smiled. His sincerity touched her. It was surprising to find him so honest and even vulnerable. Her decision to invite him in gave her an opportunity to see David Morris in a different light. A very appealing light.
That odd look came over his face again, and David moved closer. Erin sensed that he was going to kiss her, and the thought suddenly bothered her, especially since she was feeling a wee bit too mushy about the guy at this very moment. Sitting up straighter, Erin tried to divert his attention by peeling the seal off the wine bottle.
"Let me do that," he quickly offered.
"I can do it," Erin insisted too sharply for David's likes, and his eyes narrowed.
"On second thought, you do it. I'll get the glasses," she stated, handing him the bottle.
What difference did it make who opened it? She was in a good mood and had no intention of clashing with David over male-female roles. Her state of happiness was the important thing here.
Erin got up and walked into the kitchen, suddenly aware of how comfortable she felt having David in her apartment. It had been a long time, except for an occasional date with a friend like Steve, that Erin had entertained a man in her home, especially an attractive guy like David. And it felt pretty good.
Taking down two thin-stemmed crystal glasses from the cupboard, Erin returned to the living room. She found David standing, facing her favorite pastel-toned Taurelle painting on the wall directly opposite the couch.
Curious if they had similar tastes in art, Erin asked, "So, what do you think?"
Turning in the direction of her voice, David's eyes flashed her an incredulous look. "I'm impressed! I didn't know you liked Bernard Taurelle."
"There's a lot about me you don't know," she retorted with a smug grin, placing the wineglasses on the small antique table that had been in her mother's family for years.
"Obviously," he said with a cocked brow, moving over to the couch.
Pouring wine into the glasses, David suggested, "Maybe we could go to the Museum of Modern Art."
"Are you asking me for a date?" Her green eyes sparkled mischievously.
"If you play your cards right!"
"Hey, that's my line!" She sat up straight and feigned annoyance.
Handing her a glass of wine, he smiled. Then he picked up his glass and raised it to hers.
As the glasses touched she toasted, "Cheers!"
"To us."
"To us?"
"Yes, to us being good neighbors."
"To neighbors." Erin smiled and tasted the warm, smooth liquid.
Drinking his wine, David declared appreciatively, "Not bad."
A half-smile graced Erin's lips as her hand absentmindedly swept through her hair.
"Your red hair suits you well," he stated in a low, intimate tone.
Erin turned her body toward him, placing her elbow upon the back of the couch and resting her head against her hand. Looking directly into his eyes, Erin asserted, "You mean, because of my fiery temperament?"
"You've got it."
His eyes darkened, giving her a knowing, meaningful look as she took another sip of wine.
No, you've got it, Erin heard her mind correct in a husky tone. I'm looking more like a woman every minute, instead of Miss Fix-It, huh, Mr. Morris? she thought smugly, watching him pour more wine into their glasses.
Crossing her legs and feeling very cocky, Erin wondered if this wasn't the perfect moment to win a point in favor of her work, so she might be able to have some kind of relationship with him. Thinking over what words she would use, her foot bobbed up and down. "David, just because of the work I do," she started slowly, weighing her words carefully, "doesn't mean we don't have things in common."
David stared blankly at her, thinking about what she had said. Yes, Erin was right. They had a lot more in common than he liked admitting. But from the beginning he had decided she was bad news and was not someone he wanted to get involved with. Regardless of how attractive he was finding her and how much he wanted to take her in his arms, he had to struggle to keep that in mind. And perhaps her profession was the thorn in his side that would keep the wedge between them. He shifted uneasily on the couch, quickly looking away from her.
"My God, you look like I've opened a can of worms," Erin blurted out, not able to contain her eagerness to know what was on his mind.
"It's not that bad, I can assure you," David responded with a laugh. "At least, it's not for me. I was thinking you were right, we do have much in common. I can see you tend to be a perfectionist like me. You are one hell of a maintenance person."
Erin rolled her eyes, disgusted that he thought that was such a serious admission or that she needed his approval.
"Well, you have to understand where I come from, men are men and women—"
"Don't do maintenance work!" Erin sharply interrupted.
"But then again, they aren't as pretty as you are."
"I've got looks going for me, huh?"
"And a whole lot more, I'm beginning to think."
"Like what?" Erin smiled, touching his shoulder.
"You're bright and warm," he confessed, suddenly throwing caution to the wind and no longer denying his feelings for her. David reached over and took her slender, ivory hand into his richly tanned, masculine one.
"These compliments are going to my head,"
Erin stated in a light, nonchalant air while a trembling was building inside her. Hoping he hadn't felt her shakiness by her hand, she conceded to herself that she liked it better when she was in control and sparring with him.
He brought her fingertips to his lips and kissed them ever so gently. Pulling her hand away was what her mind told her she should do. But it was ridiculous. She enjoyed his touch.
"Ever been married?" she suddenly asked, feeling close to him and very curious.
"No, of course not," he said with a shrug and a frown, as if he thought it was the most absurd question she could have asked.
Because of his reaction she couldn't help but tease him. "You do like women, don't you?" She finished off her question with one cocked brow and set her glass down on the table.
"Come here," he stated, pulling her over to him, encircling her in his strong arms. His response was so unexpected that Erin had no time to utter a protest.
David lowered his head. He was so close. His clean, manly scent drugged her senses. Her bristly black lashes fluttered closed, and her lips parted ever so slightly as his mouth pressed against hers.
His lips were soft and warm, his kiss incredibly gentle. An exciting, restless energy radiated throughout his body, belying the calmness of his kiss and promising a passion Erin had only dreamed of. The trembling fell away from her, and she gave in to his kiss, infected by the vital power coiled within him. Her arms reached to embrace him.
But her arms were stopped in midair, and David abruptly pulled away. Erin's eyes quickly opened to see a devilish look in his eyes.
"Would you say I liked women?" David inquired in a cocky tone, a grin plastered across his face.
Erin was too stunned for words, embarrassment paralyzing her tongue. But her face didn't change, and she refused to give in to his little game. Pretending she couldn't make up her mind, she tasted her lips. "I think you'd better do that again," Erin remarked, pleased at how clinically detached she sounded.
David's mouth dropped open, the amused look leaving his eyes.
"Not only do you like sticking it in, you get a big kick out of twisting the blade." He sighed with exasperation.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Erin egged him on and closed her eyes, puckering her lips.
He looked at her, but she could not see the scowl set in his features. She certainly had the disagreeable habit of making him feel very unmanly. But who the hell did she think she was kidding? He knew women and knew when they responded. Little Miss Fix-It had definitely responded. Well, Erin needed to be taught a lesson!
Growing impatient, Erin's eyes snapped open. "Well, what are you waiting for, big guy?" she asked him. "Pucker up!" A giggle rose in her throat, and she closed her eyes quickly, not catching the cloud of warning written across his face.
"You asked for it," he whispered softly as his fingers tightened on her shoulders, bringing her up against his rigid chest.
She tried to cry out, but it was too late as his lips pressed firmly against hers. Her automatic response would have been to push him away, but he held her too tightly. His lips kneaded her mouth with strong, eager movements as his urgent tongue pried open her lips and hungrily explored inside. A jolt of electricity circuited up her spine as their tongues met.
Erin tried with every ounce of energy she had, to resist, to deny the effect he had upon her, but she couldn't hold out. The uniqueness of the emotions he was arousing overwhelmed her. Hot and flushed, Erin wrapped her arms around him as her body responded, kissing him with the total essence of her being.
Before she realized what was happening, with one easy sweeping movement David had lifted her up into his arms, making her feel light as a feather. Her head nestled up against his chin.
"I assume your bedroom's in the same spot as mine," he whispered, his voice husky, his breath warm.
The thought of how conventional he was, wanting to make love in a bed instead of ripping her clothes off and going with the moment, which she would have preferred, sent a quiet smile through Erin.
As David carried her toward the bedroom Erin's green eyes shone with delight, not minding in the least that she had rendered herself helpless as a baby lamb in the big brute's arms.
As David eased her onto the bed Erin smiled up at him. His handsome figure exuded a masculinity that was blatantly incongruous with the very feminine-looking decor of the room, accentuated with antique furniture and shades of lavender and powder blue.
"You have that hungry look in your eyes," he said with a caressing note in his voice, and his warm eyes echoed his excitement.
"You're right about that," she returned in a low tone, curling the pillow under her head and stretching out her restless body. Wanting him beside her, she beckoned, "Come and lie next to me."
"Well, don't you think I should get out of my clothes first?" he asked lightly, with a seductive look.
Erin chuckled softly. "Well, I hope it doesn't take all night!"
"You certainly are anxious!" he retorted with a lopsided grin as he took off his jacket. With great gusto he flung it over the bedpost.
"Anxious for you," Erin corrected, her eyes following his every movement and pleading for him to hurry.
He loosened his tie, removed it, and dropped it onto the floor. His fingers went to his blue shirt, working the buttons quickly. His dark eyes remained fixed on Erin's waiting eyes.
With one quick flip of his wrists his shirt was open, exposing a sleeveless T-shirt and black, curly chest hair.
"What a heavenly sight," Erin exclaimed as a tingling sensation fluttered through her stomach.
David beamed down at her, thoroughly enjoying her outspoken appraisal of his very masculine physique. "Now I know what male strippers go through," he said with a laugh.
"I'm leering a bit too much, huh?" Erin returned in a cheeky air, feeling very good about being so turned on by the handsome devil.
David's expression suddenly became very solemn, and his gaze moved slowly and seductively over her fully clad body. His eyes returned to her face, their question obvious.
"I guess it's my turn." Erin pushed her right toe against the left heel of her tennis shoe, sliding her foot out. She repeated the movement, freeing her opposite foot. Both shoes were shoved off the bed.
She unbuttoned her jeans and pulled down the zipper. Bending her knees and lifting her hips, Erin forced the constrictive pants down to her ankles and kicked her feet out.
David's T-shirt was almost off when he noticed that Erin wasn't wearing any underwear. He stared, wide-eyed, his thick black brows raised and his shirt caught around his neck. Erin couldn't believe his reaction.
"I hope you don't go to work that way," he stated, giving her a skeptical glance.
"Depends upon my mood." Erin couldn't help but tease him. Do him good to think I'm a little risque, she thought mischievously. No way was she going to explain that this wasn't her normal habit, but in her haste to get her mail, she hadn't put any on.
"I see," he said, but there was no indication he did understand. Pulling his shirt over his head, he added, "But isn't it scratchy?"
Erin could no longer stifle her amusement and let out a giggle.
An innocent look came into his eyes, suddenly making David very precious to her.
"Oh, David, you're adorable! You know that?" she cried affectionately.
David grinned, the self-assured glint returning to his eyes. He unbuckled his belt, snapped open his pants, and, with one dramatic flick of his wrist, unzipped his zipper. Out jumped a pair of baggy white boxer shorts as his tailored slacks fell to the floor.
Erin could have died laughing. This guy was too much! "When's your birthday?" she boldly asked.
"Just passed," he exclaimed, stepping out of his pants. "Why? Were you going to get me a present?"
"How about a pair of Calvin Klein bikinis?"
"I have trouble enough fighting off the women as it is. You want to give me more problems!" he returned playfully, not letting her get the better of him.
He then bent over and removed his shoes and pulled off his socks. All the while waiting, Erin absentmindedly twisted a strand of hair in her fingers and thought, With this guy one could die of anticipation!
Sitting up, Erin reached out to him. "Come here, you," she called softly.
He sat down on the bed, facing her. Her hands lifted the bottom of her sweat shirt and pulled it off, exposing her firm, well-rounded breasts.
His gaze dropped from her eyes to her shoulders to her breasts. The boldness of his stare sent a wave of electricity through her veins. His head raised. "No bra, either," he said softly.
"No. Like what you see?" she murmured, her eyes filled with longing.
"It's sinful what you've been hiding under those godforsaken overalls." He moaned, an aroused excitement ringing through his words, leaving no doubt that he liked what he saw.
"Please don't bring my overalls into this," she quipped with a laugh, but her humor was shortlived.
David had lowered himself down, and his hand cupped her breast as his lips caressed her now rigid nipple. A soft cry rose to her throat.
His lips abruptly stopped their delicious assault, and his face came back to Erin's. His cheeks were flushed, and his eyes had an intense spark to them. "You're incredible, Erin. You're the most exciting woman I have ever met," he admitted in a husky whisper.
Standing, he pulled down the sheets, and Erin slipped under them. Quickly removing his shorts, David eased himself down next to her.
Taking her into his arms, David drew her roughly to him. The touch of his warm, vibrant body created a need in Erin that she had never known before. Never had she ever wanted anyone as much as she wanted David at this very moment.
His mouth pressed against her lips. His kiss was sweet and gentle, and Erin melted with desire. She wrapped her arms around him and brought herself as close to his strong body as she could.
Her eager fingers ran through his thick, glossy black hair, which she had been dying to touch. Their lips pressed hungrily together, their tongues delirious with an eager exploring. As his hand traced the outline of her thigh a fiery shudder shot through her body. She wrapped her leg around his, locking him to her. A hoarse cry escaped from his throat, and Erin experienced the excitement of his stirring.
"Oh, God, how I want you." He moaned feverishly. "You excite me so, I don't think I can wait."
His lips caressed her neck and traveled downward, making thrilling, circular movements with his tongue.
Her slender hands pulled his face up to hers. "David, make love to me!" she cried, her emotions in a frenzy, her body craving to be satisfied.
David raised himself over her and stared down at her, his face so serious, without a trace of that easy smile. For one slight second he seemed so vulnerable, even innocent. It was almost painful to see, like touching his soul.
Erin reached up and pulled him to her. He filled her senses as he lowered his body down to hers and kissed her tenderly. And Erin exploded with a rapture she had never thought possible.
Time slipped into the twilight hours as the lovers tried to quench their insatiable appetites for each other. Finally exhausted, they curled up together, and a quiet peacefulness fell over them.
Soon David's breathing came in deep, even breaths, and Erin knew he had fallen asleep. How he had aroused her! Never had she surrendered so completely. But then again, she had never known anyone like him. David was different. He was unique.
Erin smiled. There was something so right about her being next to him—his arms wrapped around her and their bodies snuggled together for a perfect fit. He made her feel so comfortable and secure. Was it possible for them to have a relationship, especially with him feeling the way he did about her work?
A sudden loneliness swept through her, chilling her to the bone. Was this unexpected sensation a silent warning to her question? It was the first time she had thought of tomorrow, and with her concern, a wave of trepidations bombarded her. What could she have been thinking—allowing herself to be swept away by the passion of the moment, never giving any thought to how she'd feel the day after they made love? She should have been more concerned. After all, they were neighbors and would be running into each other. Once they'd crossed that intimate line, it was ridiculous to think that they could go back to being just friends. She didn't even know how long he'd be in New York.
Erin sighed deeply. Being with David had become more important than she ever could have imagined. Being touched by a man like David was a rare experience, one that would never be forgotten. He was not the kind of man who left a woman satisfied by being with him only once. Erin would undoubtedly pay the devil in the days to come and spend many a sleepless night aching for his touch.
Funny, even as she lay there, she knew that in the morning, when she awoke, her life would never be the same. David would somehow be a part of it.
In the past she had led a very structured, but uncomplicated, existence. She had gotten up early every morning and worked very hard at her business, and that had been her life. Oh, she had had boyfriends, almost had gotten married once. But her engagement had been right around the time of her mother's death, and with the loss of her mother, she had been shocked into seeing how short life was and how with every remaining, precious minute she wanted to make something of what was left. This forced her to realize how wrong her fiance was for her, and she had broken off the engagement.
David had added new meaning to her life. He had given her insight into her own sensuality and into the kind of passion she wanted in the man who would someday share her life. But whether they were to be lovers or only evasive neighbors, it didn't matter. He had given her something tonight. Their lovemaking was a beautiful experience and that was enough. And whatever tomorrow brought, she would handle it. She was, after all, a survivor. Feeling her problem resolved, Erin relaxed and slipped into a blissful sleep.
David awakened before Erin; his body was still tired, but he couldn't sleep. He carefully removed his arm from around her, rolled over, and sat up. Walking over to his pants, he took out his gold lighter and a crushed pack of cigarettes. He placed a bent cigarette in the corner of his mouth and lit it. Inhaling, he looked down at Erin's sleeping body. Her auburn curls fanned out on the white pillow. She was so lovely! She had thrilled him in ways that he'd never known possible.
David removed the cigarette from his mouth and dropped his hand down to his side. But Erin was not the type of woman to be taken lightly. She was warm and giving, yet fiercely independent. She would not settle for what little he had to offer. Erin would want and deserve more. He did not want any involvements in his life right now, no commitments. He was relatively young and had just reached the peak of success in his business, which afforded more time for personal interests. He enjoyed playing the field and wanted no ties. He just wanted to enjoy himself, he reasoned. And if he were to continue seeing Erin he surely might get too involved with her, which wouldn't be fair. There was a good possibility he would be leaving New York eventually, and there was no way he'd carry on a long-distance romance.
He took a deep drag on his cigarette. He couldn't deny what he had felt last night, but nothing could come of it, he silently argued. Besides, they had already clashed over her chosen profession. How could he take her to meet his clients and introduce her to their wives? Every time they would ask what she did for a living he would cringe! No, it wouldn't be fair to Erin, seeing her and knowing how he felt. It was better he stayed away from her, before things got out of hand. Erin had a way of getting under his skin, and he could easily see himself trapped into something he didn't want. Her warm and tender body would be hard to stay away from, but he would. He didn't feel good about it, but he would stay away.
She looked so fragile and innocent lying there. He wanted to bend down and kiss her little forehead but was afraid he might wake her, so he didn't. Slowly he picked up his clothes, sprawled out all over the floor, and got dressed. Reaching for his jacket above her, he bumped the bed and woke Erin.
"Where are you going?" she asked, her voice groggy.
"To work. Sorry to wake you."
"To work? Today's Saturday," Erin insisted, not comprehending what was going on.
"I know, but I have a lot to do," he said simply.
Erin yawned. It took her a few minutes before her eyes focused and she saw him clearly. David was putting on his jacket. A light stubble had taken an edge off his natural good looks, and his eyes were tired. Then it hit her: It was the morning after, and David had other things on his mind.
He suddenly looked over and caught her studying him.
"You sure you wouldn't want some breakfast?" she offered.
"No, thanks," he returned with a smile, but there was no feeling behind the expression. An awkward silence fell over them.
Taking a deep breath, Erin replied, "I'll see you to the door, then." She crawled out of her warm bed and made her way over to the other side of the room and picked up her bathrobe. Slipping it on, she led the way out and into the living room. Walking directly to the door, Erin waited as David stopped to get his trench coat out of the closet. Throwing it over his shoulder, he sauntered over to her. Erin unlocked the door.
Feeling much the cad, David said softly, "You're lovely, Erin."
His words had sounded more like an apology than a compliment, and Erin figured that the conquest was over and it was his way of letting her down easy. But, with a forced lightness she returned, "Thank you, sir."
"I'll give you a call," he replied as she opened the door. His voice was cold and indifferent.
"Sure, thanks for stopping by." She smiled with a toss of her proud head, wishing to throw him down the steps.
He looked at her for a moment. Did Erin detect a triumphant gleam to his eyes, or what? Whatever it was, she would never know. He was out the door, gone.
Erin closed the door and locked it. With quick, long strides she hurried back to her bedroom and jumped into bed, hoping to get a few more hours of sleep.
As soon as her head hit the pillow, the clean, sweet smell of his cologne awakened her senses. How ironic, a little memento of their lovemaking!
"Oh, damn!" she cried, heaving the pillow onto the floor. Who the hell did she think she was kidding; she wasn't going to get a wink of sleep!
CHAPTER FIVE
Erin carefully placed the remaining articles needed for her trip, her makeup and toiletries, into her suitcase. Finished, she sat down on her bed, exhausted but feeling good about spending some time with her father. He had called, saying that he missed her and wanted to know when she was coming to see him.
His phone call had been a blessing in disguise. She needed to get out of the city and to be with someone she felt close to and loved. And his quiet home in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, was the perfect place to escape the noise and fast pace of the city. So she had accepted his invitation with open arms and quickly called Eliot to arrange for a replacement to cover for her the weekend she'd be away.
But even though Erin was excited about leaving today, David had a way of constantly coming into her mind and making her uneasy. The days had passed into weeks, and she hadn't seen him. He hadn't called, and she certainly hadn't bothered to call him. Surprisingly they hadn't even bumped into each other in the lobby of their building. It was apparent that they had become evasive neighbors, destined to avoid any personal contact, and Erin felt it was for the best.
But she had a hard time keeping David out of her thoughts, especially when she was in bed and had time to think. It hadn't been her longing for him, though, that had caused her restless nights, but pure unadulterated anger that had kept her wide-eyed. Erin was annoyed with herself for being so easily duped into believing he had been different, even special, when in fact he had behaved just like any other male looking for a one-night stand. He had pretended to be interested only to get what he wanted, and after the conquest, he had even thrown out the standard line "I'll give you a call."
Erin hadn't really blamed him for taking advantage of the situation. She had made love to him because she wanted to; she wasn't forced into it. But she blamed herself for not stopping to think about what she was doing. She had even known about his rigid principles regarding women's roles and her profession but, oh, no, she went right ahead and slept with him! Well, now she had to pay the consequences of her impulsive actions. Lack of sleep had already caused stupid accidents on the job, causing her time and work. Just the mental energy alone expended on David had drained her.
But the worst part of it all, Erin thought with a frown, was that she was beginning to doubt her instincts. She had found his boyish routine so charming and his sexual expertise thrilling. And perhaps she'd given him too much credit in the sex department. First of all, she hadn't been with a man in a while, and secondly, she had been in a terrific mood. Both these factors would have made her more responsive to David. But whatever it was that created such a strong sexual response in Erin, the thing that saddened her the most was, with all these negative thoughts of David, being robbed of the memory of their lovemaking as a beautiful experience.
Erin glanced at her clock. Four o'clock. The rented car had to be picked up by five. Standing, she snapped her suitcase shut. Visiting her father was the best medicine, just what the doctor would have prescribed. It would give her the distraction needed to keep David and all the rehashing of their night spent together out of her thoughts. Maybe then she could again think of their intimacy as a nice memory and leave it at that, Erin thought optimistically. With that positive thought in mind she quickly grabbed her suitcase, coat, and bag and headed for the door.
Later that evening David came home, feeling out of sorts. Every day he was feeling more of a cad for not calling Erin, even though he was still convinced that in the long run his decision was for the best.
As he walked past her door he wondered what she was doing, something he tended to do a lot lately. And more and more he was disliking the fact that they lived in the same building. The thought of moving had crossed his mind, but not knowing how long he would be staying and with the difficulty of finding apartments in New York City, the move wasn't feasible. Staying away from Erin had been more difficult than he would have thought. Not only had he found her beautiful but also intelligent, a very attractive and seductive combination.
As he placed the key in the lock the idea to go shopping popped into his head. The temperature had started to drop, and he could use some more winter clothes. Yes, that's what he would do. Buying things always made him feel better, and a shopping spree might be just the trick to get him out of his lethargic mood. Maybe he'd even look at some video cassette recorders or some of the newest burglar alarm systems. He was fascinated by gadgets. What man wasn't? he thought with a grin.
A shiver suddenly ran through him, and his shoulders tensed. Was it cold in his apartment or was it him? He hoped he wasn't coming down with something. Some of his co-workers were out sick with the flu. Rubbing his hands together, he looked over at his bar. Well, he'd fix himself a Scotch and soda and get into some warmer clothes. Maybe he would even get to bed early to ward off any germs, just in case.
David headed for his bedroom. Reaching the doorway, he was hit with a blast of cold air. Startled, and thinking he had been robbed, he quickly switched on the light. His eyes darted in the direction of the breeze. There was a huge hole in his window, and pieces of glass were scattered across the floor. He scanned the room to see if anything was missing. Not finding anything out of place, he noticed that the window still appeared to be locked. He walked over to check it and was proven right; the lock was intact. Still puzzled, he turned around and stared down at the glass. That's when he discovered the culprit—a baseball!
David bent over and picked up the ball. It was those kids playing baseball in the courtyard beneath his window. "Damn! How many times did I warn those ankle-biters to be careful of the windows," he muttered, twisting the worn-out and badly scuffed ball over in his rugged hand.
A mischievous grin lit up his face as a flood of fond memories of his boyhood days with all his broken windows flashed through his mind. Boys will be boys, he thought, throwing the ball up and catching it.
An idea took shape in his mind while he absentmindedly tossed the ball up and down. The window did have to be fixed, and what better excuse for him to call Erin? She probably would be a little miffed, to say the least, and might not want to see him, but she couldn't refuse to come up. She was, after all, the maintenance person, and seeing her under these circumstances was justifiable. He wasn't breaking his promise. He was getting his window repaired. It was a business meeting, so to speak, not a social one. Then why do I suddenly feel so excited? David asked himself, frowning.
This point-blank question was disturbing. He tossed the baseball onto his bed. Ah, Erin was an attractive woman, but he was really only imagining any excitement about seeing her. It was the relief of knowing that Miss Fix-It lived beneath him and he wouldn't be freezing to death tonight.
The hole had to be closed up in his window, and that was his main concern.
David changed out of his business clothes into more casual attire, a wool sweater and jeans. Feeling better by the minute, he walked into his kitchen to get some ice for his drink.
Dropping the ice cubes into a bar glass, his eyes were drawn to the phone on the wall next to him. It was still early enough, even if Erin was going out, to reach her at home, he reasoned. As he thought of talking to her the sound of her mellifluous voice rang through his mind. How ridiculous of me to pretend I'm not anxious to see her, he teasingly chastised himself as an easy grin flashed across his face. Yes, he was more than pleased about the prospect.
Her radiant hair, like spun silk, and very feminine hands—long, tapering fingers with their soft but firm touch—came to mind. A stirring swept through him. His body became stimulated at the emotional recall of their lovemaking.
David set his glass down and reached for the phone. He hesitated. He had to think before he called her. His phone call was legitimate and necessary. He hadn't broken his word, he reassured himself, not wanting to take the responsibility if Erin should make more of the call than he had intended. He was sexually attracted to her, but he still had nothing to offer her. And if things just happened to get out of hand—well, he had done his best to avoid her. It wasn't his fault the kids broke his window.
Feeling absolved of any wrongdoing, he suddenly wondered if she would be happy to see him. What expression would her face hold upon hearing his voice? He took the receiver off the hook and, with a sharp twist of his index finger, dialed.
Erin's expression was serious, her eyes weary as she concentrated upon the road ahead. Her foot eased up on the accelerator as she approached her father's home. Turning the wheel to the right, she steered off the main road and into his driveway.
Night had fallen, and a full moon glistened across the tall firs lining the drive, casting shadows and making them seem like monstrous, overbearing creatures. The hum of the motor broke the stillness of the country air as Erin drove toward the house. Off in the distance a light beckoned warmth and security.
Erin smiled. Her dad, no doubt, would be waiting, right inside, anxiously pacing over her safe arrival.
Upon reaching the large, brown wooden house, strongly resembling a miniature lodge, she braked the car and turned off the ignition. The screen door opened, and a tall man with silvery hair emerged into the light of the porch. Erin's heart leapt. It felt so good to be home!
All the heaviness she had felt in the city seemed miraculously to melt away. She was with her dad again, the one person who had always given her love and support. Her Rock of Gibraltar. Their special bond had never failed to give her strength during trying times.
Erin quickly opened the car door, anxious to reach her father's outstretched arms. She couldn't wait to tell him about her business and new office. They only had a few days together, but they would be filled with love and a calming serenity. It would be enough time to put her thoughts of David into perspective. She would return to the city refreshed, ready to turn all her energies back to her work.
Stepping out and closing the door, Erin rushed to greet this dear old man. As she got closer to him she saw the familiar gentle smile upon his lips and his weathered, bright eyes, twinkling like the stars above.
"Erin, it's so good to see you," he said softly as he enfolded her in his arms.
Everything will be fine now, Erin silently whispered, feeling a sense of belonging.
Nothing was fine with David. In fact, he was finding his predicament more unbearable by the minute.
With a freshly made drink in his hand he slammed down the receiver. It was the eighth, or more like the tenth, time he had dialed, and it was now getting late. It had taken him a while, but the realization that she might not be coming home tonight had finally sunk in. This thought annoyed the hell out of him. She was a free agent, true, but she had obligations to him, being his maintenance person. And how dare she stay overnight somewhere? What if there were an emergency?
What was he thinking? He had an emergency. If Erin didn't get home soon he'd freeze his butt off.
He didn't like the position he was finding himself in, nor did he like the way he was feeling about it. He had wanted to see her, but it was now evident that he needed to see her. His bedroom was like an icebox, and he was all thumbs when it came to repairs. He didn't like being dependent on any woman. But what galled him the most was that the woman he had to be dependent upon was her! And it was very irresponsible of little Miss Fix-It to leave him in the lurch that way!
Feeling slightly intoxicated and not wanting to drink any more, David set his glass down. His practicality took over, and he decided that the only thing left to do was to go to bed and call her first thing in the morning. He responded like a robot and walked into his bedroom to get a pillow, some sheets, and a blanket.
He returned to the living room, still dressed with his possessions under his arm. The sheets, the blanket, and pillow were laid down, in that order, on the couch. The couch was to be his bed tonight. Crawling between the sheets, David reached to turn off the lamp but didn't. Instead, hoping against hope that she might have returned home, he dialed her number one more time.
David woke with a start, freezing to death with a buzzing in his ear. He was disoriented, not knowing where he was. Had he finally gone mad? he thought frantically.
Then he realized that he was in the living room and the buzzing sound in his ear was the phone. He had fallen asleep with the receiver next to his ear. It was still dark, and he wondered what time it was. With much difficulty his blurred vision made out the lighted numerals on the digital clock. It was four o'clock in the morning! He picked up the blanket he'd kicked on the floor and placed the receiver back on the phone. Switching off the light, he closed his eyes, hoping to get some sleep. He needed his rest to confront Erin in the morning, and boy, was he going to let her have it.
But David tossed and turned the rest of the morning until he could no longer take it. He got up. He had a splitting headache, and his body ached from being crunched all night long on the tiny couch.
Walking into the bathroom, he caught sight of the dark circles under his eyes. "Good grief, I've got to get a new mirror," he mumbled as he opened the medicine chest and took out a bottle of aspirin. Pushing up the top, he shook out two and placed the bottle back, closing the mirrored door. Swallowing the tablets, he inched his way like a zombie into his bedroom, or what he now unaffectionately called his icebox, and changed his clothes.
One thought and only one thought kept him going: He was going to get the maintenance person. That damn window had to be fixed!
In a split second he was out the door and down the stairs to her door. His index finger laid on the buzzer, stopping only briefly when he had to sneeze. Finally, after a few minutes and no response, he had to accept that Erin was still not at home. Well, he would go shopping and get her when he returned, David thought begrudgingly as he turned slowly toward the steps.
But his restless night had taken the fun out of his shopping spree, and David returned home early with only a few winter clothes. As he walked up the stairs he stopped at her door and rang her bell, but there was still no answer. He finally realized that Erin must have gone away for the weekend. But what right did she have; she had responsibilities. He grumbled to himself as he unlocked his door and walked in.
As he tossed his packages on the couch Erin's soiree hit him on a much deeper level. She might have gone away with another guy, he suddenly thought. Maybe she had had a boyfriend all along, and being with David had only served as a casual fling, to break the monotony of a regular routine.
And here he had been worrying about her feelings; he didn't want her to feel used. He had felt so guilty about not calling her. What an idiot he had been! She could have called him if she'd wanted to see him. So why hadn't she? Now it all made sense! Erin had to be away with another man, and the thought of her making love to someone else shot through his veins like venom.
A new and disturbing feeling pushed its way into David's heart. He was jealous! And with this new feeling he realized that he was extremely vulnerable, which outraged him all the more. Not only had she gone away without telling him, but also she had the nerve to go away with another guy! What a slap in the face! That's when the angry, tired look to his eyes was replaced by a sharp, murderous one.
Well, who needed her? He'd show her! He fumed as he charged into the kitchen, opening and closing cabinet drawers, searching for a hammer and some nails Bill might have left behind. Hitting pay dirt, he found a large hammer and a box of nails in the last drawer opened. For something to cover the window an old piece of cardboard was decided upon.
Taking everything necessary to close up the draft, David confidently marched into the bedroom. Holding the cardboard up against the window, David opened the box and took out a nail. With one hand he held the nail and cardboard in place, and with the other, he picked up the hammer.
"Who the hell needs her?" he muttered, feeling very proud of himself. But just as he brought the hammer down with force, he sneezed, and his hand was thrown off its mark, hitting his thumb.
"Damn!" David yelled out, dropping the hammer, nail, and cardboard, and grabbing for his throbbing thumb.
Wrapping it, David gave up all thoughts of fixing the window himself. Not only was he all thumbs when it came to repairs, but he had just given himself one big fat one!
The rest of his weekend was spent waiting for Erin to come home, dialing her number and banging on her door. Silent rage was consuming him. The idea that she only thought of him as another pretty face, a convenience, that all she had to do was sneak up a few steps when she wanted to spice up her sexual routine, was too much for his fragile ego to bear.
Early Sunday night he finally collapsed, feeling beat and coming down with a bad cold. In this weakened condition the last thought on David's mind as he closed his weary eyes was how much he wanted to see Erin, how much he missed her green, sparkling eyes.
At the crack of dawn Monday morning, Erin was abruptly awakened from a sound sleep by the loud, blaring noise of her buzzer. Still tired from the long drive back, she pulled the pillow over her head to drown out the persistent, irritating noise. But no such luck!
Erin jerked up into a sitting position. "Hold on!" she yelled loudly as she grabbed her bathrobe and rushed to the door.
"Okay, okay, hold your horses!" she demanded in a shrill voice.
But the noise did not stop, and Erin placed her eye to the peephole to find out who the hell could be so rotten to be laying on her buzzer at this ungodly hour. One black, bushy eyebrow and a jet-black eye looked back at her. She'd recognize that cold stare anywhere. It was David, of all people! What the hell could he want? she wondered, and suddenly she realized how she was dressed and that she hadn't even brushed her hair. Erin slowly removed her eye from the hole and remained still, trying to decide what to do.
The sound of the buzzer stopped, but it was quickly followed by loud banging on her door as David yelled, "Open up! I know you're in there!"
Not stopping to bother with how she looked or whether she really wanted to see him, but concerned only with David needing a punch in the nose, Erin flung open the door.
But the pathetic sight of David wrapped in a blanket and with only socks on his feet, sneezing, his nose red and his eyes watery, struck a chord in Erin's heart.
"What happened to you?" She was compelled to put her arms around him, but the wild look in his eyes glued her to the spot.
The well-rested and contented look in her eyes drove him on, and David flared in a nasty tone, "That's my question!"
"What do you mean?" Erin asked as her mouth dropped open, so taken aback by the tone in his voice.
"Where have you been? You left me freezing my buns off and went away for the weekend! Who the hell did you go with?"
"You must be kidding!" Erin said, thinking he must have flipped his lid. The glare from his black eyes made her uneasy, and she shifted her weight.
"No, I'm dead serious," he said in a low, chillingly controlled tone.
Hot blood rose to her cheeks. Why the hell was he treating her this way? "I don't report to you! You're not my keeper!"
"But you are my maintenance person, and you abandoned me!" he exclaimed in a harsh, raw voice. But there was something else in his voice, and Erin's keen ears were drawn to the cracking sound that rang through it like a silver thread. It was obvious that David was extremely angry, but could it be possible that he was also hurt?
"David," Erin said, in a softer tone, "why don't you come inside. The whole building can hear you."
"I don't give a damn who hears me," he said testily, not letting up.
"Well, come in, anyway," Erin urged, trying to control her temper as David sneezed. "God bless you," she said, but her blessing was met with a cold stare.
Erin backed away from the door, and David inched his way in. His blanket parted, and she saw he was wearing only his baggy boxer shorts.
Closing the door behind him, Erin was suddenly struck with the bizarre humor of it all and fought to stifle a laugh. "Now, how did I leave you freezing your buns off?" she asked as seriously as she could.
"There's nothing funny about this!" he snapped.
"No, I don't suppose there is," Erin returned, more in control.
"My window is broken. Those damn rug rats did it!"
"Oh, so now you hate kids, too!" she exploded.
"No, I don't hate kids. I love them. I'd like to have a dozen of my own someday. Stop getting me off the point. The point is there's a large, gaping hole right where my bedroom window is supposed to be. And you went away somewhere with God knows who and didn't even have the decency to let me know. You left me in a rough spot, and I don't know if I'm going to forgive you for that!" He had managed to get all his words out between sniffles, coughs, and sneezes.
Erin didn't know what to make of him. Had she just invited someone into her home who wasn't playing with a full deck? she wondered as an afterthought. A woman couldn't be too careful these days.
Slowly, trying to choose her words carefully, she said in a soothing voice, "David, I don't know what this is all about. But you could have called Mr. Eliot. He would have fixed your window for you. I don't know what all this fuss is about."
"Fuss!" he exclaimed before being temporarily overcome by a terrible cough. "I'm dying, and you call it fuss!"
"David, I'm sorry you've got a cold, but I'm not taking the responsibility for it."
"That's par for the course. That's why a woman doesn't belong in maintenance work. A man wouldn't have dared to go away and leave me in the lurch. Men are responsible!"
"Your problem is that you're a male chauvinist pig!" she shot back, having had enough of this guy.
"And see," he sneered, his teeth jutting out like shark's teeth, "you attack—that's all you can use for your defense."
"David, I'm not going to stand here and take any more of your abuse!"
"Did you have a good time?" he hissed.
"It's none of your damn business!"
"Well, I'll tell you one thing that is your business!
I'm going to be out of town the whole week, and when I get back, that window had better be fixed!"
"Who the hell are you to give me ultimatums?" Erin flared, wishing to dump this guy in the East River.
"All I have to say is that when I get back, it had better be fixed or else!"
"You don't scare me!"
"Mark my words!" he threatened with his index finger pointed up into the air as he scurried to the door. With one gigantic sneeze he stormed out, and Erin slammed the door closed. "He's a nut case!" she declared without any reservations.
David stomped up the steps, feeling confident that he had put her in her place. He had let her have it with both barrels and was pleased that he'd been careful to keep his bandaged thumb hidden. That's all she would have needed to see; she would have put two and two together and figured out he had tried to fix the window himself and clobbered his thumb. Knowing Erin and her wisecracks, she would have had a field day. David felt very good about saving himself some grief.
But once inside his apartment, David didn't feel so good. It was like someone had just let the air out of his balloon. He hadn't really wanted to yell at her. But she had it coming! he quickly argued back. He did have a cold, and she was responsible. And David couldn't help but wonder if she was in love with the guy she had gone away with. She had seemed like the type of woman who wouldn't be involved with someone unless there was some kind of commitment. At least, that's what he had thought before he found out she was into one-night stands. Oh, who knows, David thought with a frown, she could be stringing this poor sucker along, too.
Well, he had better things to do than try to figure out Erin's maneuverings. He had to get dressed; he was freezing in his shorts, and he had to pack. His trip to Chicago would be a welcome change of pace. It would get him away from the building, giving him time and distance away from Erin. Yes, he was very pleased that he would be going on this trip. He would be meeting bright and attractive women at his business convention whose careers would be palatable, and he'd put Erin out of his mind.
But no other woman had outraged him the way Erin had, and it disturbed David. He didn't know what made her so different, how she could have that effect upon him, and it was good that he was getting away now, he thought, taking a pair of trousers out of his closet. The minute he had seen her he had known how much he had missed her, and it would have been so easy for Erin to get her claws into him.
As he pulled on his pants he decided he had to get Erin out of his system once and for all. I might even figure out a way to bring in my own maintenance man, he thought. Taking a blue shirt out of his closet, David put it on. He assumed his window would be fixed when he returned, then he'd have Miss Fix-It out of his hair once and for all.
Just then, David sneezed. He was instantly reminded of how angry he was at her for her lack of responsibility toward him. After tucking in his shirt he pulled up his zipper and snapped his pants button. He had to put Erin out of his thoughts, and that's all there was to it.
Erin had been left in a daze, her body shaking, her legs like rubber. How dare he ring my bell so early, waking me up and ranting and raving like a lunatic! she fumed, the blood coming back to her icy hands. If ever she needed a strong enough reason not to become involved with him, what better than that he needed to be put away in a straightjacket somewhere.
Well, what was she to do with herself now? She was too angry and bewildered to go back to sleep. Her eyes darted over to the clock. It was still too early to call the glass cutter, so she decided on doing some billing. Paperwork was the most boring part of her job, and she had a bad habit of letting it pile up, so there was plenty of work to keep her busy.
Erin labored tediously at her desk as David's heavy footsteps traipsed across the floor above her, irritating her and breaking her concentration. Finally, when she could no longer deal with the noisy distraction, Erin stopped and, of course, he then was quiet. She shook her head in frustration, moments later hearing his steps down the stairs outside her door.
Since Mr. Wonderful has left, I'd better get up there and at least close up the draft, she thought as she reached for the phone, suddenly wondering how things had gotten so bad between her and David. With a heavy sigh she dialed Eliot's number to get his duplicate set of keys for David's apartment. That accomplished, the glass cutter was called, and Erin found he couldn't cut the glass for the window until the end of the week. And Erin wouldn't be able to have the window fixed until the following Monday or Tuesday. Too bad, she thought, hanging up the receiver, Mr. Morris will just have to live with that!
Turning the key in the lock, Erin opened the door and stepped inside David's living room, carrying a hammer, some nails, and a piece of plywood. Her eyes went immediately to the disheveled heap of sheets and blanket lying on the couch. The image of David trying to sleep there, his large frame cramped all night in that short space, made Erin understand why he could have been angry, but his outrage was still incomprehensible.
Walking into his bedroom, she saw the hammer, nails, and cardboard on the floor, right beneath the window. Hadn't he fixed it himself? Erin wondered, totally baffled. The cardboard wasn't the best cover for the window, but it would have helped block out some of the cold air. Feeling something just didn't make sense, Erin sat down on his bed to think about it. Had it happened on Friday? If it had why hadn't he reached Eliot? He had had the whole weekend. And even if he didn't have his number, Eliot lived in the city, and David could have found his number listed in the phone book, she reasoned to herself.
And what was that cracking noise that sounded so vulnerable in his voice? Had he, for some reason, been hurt? Then he had demanded to know who she had gone away with, as if he were insinuating she'd gone away with a man. Erin was suddenly reminded of the nasty way in which he'd asked, "Did you have a good time?" Was it possible the big guy was jealous?
Erin screwed up her face. What the hell was wrong with him? He had treated her so coolly that morning after their lovemaking and had never called her, so how could he be jealous? It didn't make any sense. But then again, if he was the type of male who staked out his territory according to the women he scored with, maybe it was just an ego thing. He liked to know where his territory was and liked to come and go as he pleased, but he didn't like the idea of another man trespassing.
But maybe their arguments had more to do with how he viewed women than with her profession. He couldn't really think that men were superior to women, or could he, she thought with sinking heart. Boy, if he thought that, had she made a mistake! Why me? Why did I have to go and get involved with the guy? Erin wondered with a discouraged shake of her head.
Knowing she had tons of work waiting for her, Erin jumped up and decided to put the madman on the back burner for a while. He would be gone for the week, and she would deal with him when he returned. Looking at his broken window, she suddenly wondered how the big boob would react when he found the hole still there. What would he try next?
CHAPTER SIX
Erin took a sip of red wine and curled up on her couch with the latest best-seller, hoping a good spy thriller would calm her active mind.
The past week had kept her busy, her days filled with a slew of important business transactions. A new and challenging contract had been signed to convert an old factory building into loft apartments in the Soho area of the city. It had been her first job of that magnitude and had kept her on her toes, coordinating plumbers, carpenters, and electricians. She had fallen in love with the office space Steve had shown her and was in the process of signing a lease. Thoughts on the layout and decor for her new office kept buzzing around in her head. Eliot had also approached her to negotiate a new contract, having been extremely satisfied with her work over the past six months.
But no matter how busy Erin had been, she still had time to think about David. Their last confrontation kept flashing through her mind, awaking feelings for him that she had tried so hard to put out of her mind and had almost succeeded in forgetting when she went to visit her father. The more she thought about how he came banging on her door, the more convinced she was that his anger had been directed at her personally, rather than from any need to have his window fixed. It had to be, she thought. He could have closed up the draft himself or called Eliot, but he didn't.
The fact that David had been so upset had, unfortunately, tied him to her, keeping him in her thoughts, wondering why he had been so outraged. And as Sunday faded into a sunset, bringing with it the thought of David's return, Erin decided to confront him, to have her questions resolved, once and for all.
Erin stared aimlessly at her book, but no matter how much she enjoyed the author's writing, she couldn't concentrate. She found herself staring at the clock, wondering whether David would come home early that night. The sooner she talked to him, the better, she decided, but with the anticipation of his return she became more and more fidgety as doubts flooded her mind.
David might refuse to deal with her and deny that he had given any thought to whom she went away with. More likely he would claim his anger had been due to not getting his repair work done when he felt he had an emergency.
Erin sighed deeply and flipped the pages of the book together. She had missed David. She had tried not to, but she had. A shudder ran through her body. Damn! she thought, instantly aroused as the memory of David's warm body came back to haunt her.
Erin closed her eyes. Why him? she had asked herself a thousand times. Of all the men in the world, why had he affected her so? she wondered wearily. But regardless of the reasons, her body had never responded so strongly to anyone the way it had to David. And experiencing that kind of ecstasy once, Erin was afraid, could spoil it for her with other men, because she wondered whether the height of excitement that had thrilled her so with David would ever be achieved again.
The sound of footsteps on the stairs broke into her thoughts. Erin's eyes opened, her senses alerted. She remained still, her ears straining to hear any sound that might give her a clue that it was David. The footsteps passed her door and stomped up the stairs. With the heaviness of foot it more than likely was a man, she decided. Her shoulders tensed. In a minute or two she would find out whether it was David.
As she heard the sound of heavy steps directly above her, Erin knew David was home. There was a thud, then quick footsteps crossed the living room floor. In a few seconds, he would know his window hadn't been replaced, and Erin wondered if he'd make good his threat. Her thoughts went back to the morning he had yelled about his window, and Erin hoped she wouldn't have the same crazy man on her hands.
She quickly got up and walked into her bathroom to get herself ready in case she had a visitor. She looked into the mirror and, grabbing her brush, ran it through her hair. A loud, banging noise suddenly scared her, and she jumped as she dropped her brush and rushed to the door.
David's angry voice rang out, "Erin! Open up!"
Cautiously she opened the door, her eyes squinted and her brow furrowed, expecting the worst.
"You must get some kick out of pulling this crap on me!" he blasted her.
"David, calm down. I want to—"
"Calm down? I go away, give you a week to get my window fixed, I return, and it's still not done. What kind of a game are you playing here?"
Erin shifted her weight under his glare. She had to control her anger, she warned herself, or she would never get a chance to talk to him. She did want to talk to him, but she could tell he definitely wasn't going to make it easy for her.
"David, I know what you must think, but would you please come in so we can talk about it," Erin managed in a controlled, but pleasant, voice.
"Talk about it? There's nothing to discuss. My window is still broken, and my apartment is freezing!"
"Would you get a hold on yourself and come inside," she stated sternly, as if giving a command, feeling a change of tactics might throw him off guard.
To her surprise and relief David obeyed and silently walked into her apartment, a glum expression etched across his face. But as soon as he reached her couch, he turned sharply and snapped, "Talk! This ought to be good!"
With that he sat down, crossed his legs, and glared at her, letting her know he was to be her judge and jury.
"You never let up, do you?" she said, shaking her head.
"Look who's talking!"
"David, I'm sorry your window's not fixed," Erin stated with a sigh, "but I called the glass cutter, and he couldn't cut the glass until this Friday. And I won't get it until tomorrow or Tuesday. I wish you'd stop thinking the worst of me, thinking I'm trying to do you in or something."
David still glared at her, his cold eyes not betraying the inner conflict he was feeling. He had missed her terribly, more than he had thought possible. And, as he looked at her he wanted to take her in his arms and feel the excitement of her body explode beneath his. But he couldn't. Instead, he just sat there and stared at her.
The worst thing David could have done was to give Erin the silent treatment, and she no longer controlled her temper. "Terrific!" she flared. "I told you I'm sorry about your ridiculous window, and you just sit there and glare at me!"
"You're not the one who has to sleep with the rain pouring in on you! You could have gone down to any two-bit hardware store and gotten a pane of glass, but you didn't. I thought you knew your business!"
"If you're so smart, why didn't you do that?"
"Me? It's not my job, it's your job! The next thing you know, you'll have me painting the walls! I should have listened to myself. A woman in that job wouldn't know what the hell she was doing. Give me a man any day!" he spit out, his tone getting nastier with each word.
Erin took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Then, in a low, controlled voice, she stated, "You've said that to me before. It wouldn't matter what I did, would it? This isn't my work you're talking about; it's equality, isn't it?"
"Erin, don't try to sidetrack me. I warned you about my window!"
Totally fed up with him, Erin said in an angry, but very decisive way, "You're really one royal pain in the butt, you know that? You come banging on my door with nostrils flaring and you insult me!" Her hands went to her hips, and a murderous look came to her eyes as she added, "I don't have to stand here and take any more of your bull!"
"I don't know what the hell I'm going to do with you," he said in a quiet, almost affectionate, tone.
But Erin was too angry to notice, nor would she have cared. She badgered him with, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" But there was no response from David, except for a twitch along his jawbone. "Huh?" she insisted, determined to get an answer out of him.
"Just what I said!" he blurted out. "I don't know why I let you get to me the way you do."
"It's because you like me and you can't stand admitting it," she taunted him unmercifully.
The nerve of her! David thought to himself, deciding to give her one good shock. "I'd never like a construction worker!" David responded strongly.
Erin screeched, "Oh, no!" not believing the audacity of this cad.
The sudden, wild sound out of her broke down David's defenses, and he laughed. "And an incompetent one, at that!" As his face brightened into that familiar, winning smile, breaking the ice, it was Erin's turn to smile back. "All right, I like you. Are you happy now? How about my window?"
"I at least boarded it up. Didn't you like the job I did?" she asked softly.
"Not bad for a woman," he teased.
"Why couldn't you have done that yourself?" she ventured with curious brows. No answer. "Huh?" There was still no response from David, and Erin forged right ahead with "I saw your hammer and nails and cardboard lying on the floor beneath your window."
Erin had the annoying habit of rubbing him the wrong way as she reminded him of his flattened thumb, and he said coolly, "I'm an accountant, not a construction worker."
"Be nice, David, it was only a question," Erin returned without any anger in her voice.
David stared at her. Regardless of whether he was annoyed with her, he still wanted to take her in his arms. He shrugged. They weren't getting anywhere sparring together. He took a deep breath and held it, like he was about to do or say something that was difficult.
Exhaling loudly, he suggested, without any emotion, "Let's discuss it over a drink."
"Now you're talking," Erin replied with a smile. "What would you like?"
"Scotch and soda, if you have it."
"A Scotch and soda coming up," she said playfully, suddenly feeling more relaxed.
"Make it a double!" he added with a chuckle.
"It's that bad, huh?"
"It depends upon how you look at it." He laughed, and Erin turned with a smile on her face, walking toward her kitchen.
As his eyes followed her thin but shapely body, David thought about how he'd like to make love to her. He'd like to tell her how much he had missed her, how every woman he had met made him painfully aware of how very special she really was. But he didn't know if it was fair of him to tell her, since he still had nothing to offer her. But he was afraid he'd explode if he wasn't with her soon, if he couldn't feel her satiny skin next to his.
The sound of her footsteps brought David's mind back to reality, and Erin came into view, filling his world.
She handed him his drink and sat down next to him. They were quiet for a moment as David swallowed some of his Scotch and Erin poured herself another glass of wine.
"It's pretty windy in my apartment, even with the boards," David said, breaking the silence, "I think if I sleep there tonight I'll catch my death of cold." His words were followed by a suggestive wink.
"If that's your cute way of saying you think we should sleep together, I think we should talk about something first. I want to ask you something, David, and I'd like you to tell me the truth."
She stopped to take a sip of wine, stalling a moment, wondering if she shouldn't leave well enough alone.
"What's that?" David asked.
She glanced over at him. She had started it and she wouldn't back down, Erin firmly decided. "Would you tell me why you were so angry about your window? Don't go flying off the handle with this, but you could have called a glass cutter or Eliot yourself. Why didn't you?" Erin felt a little shaky but relieved as she waited for David's answer.
He stared down at the drink in his hand for a moment, before turning his handsome face back to her. "I wanted you to do it," he said softly.
"You wanted me to do it?" Erin blurted out immediately. Instantly she regretted she had, as the light in his eyes darkened. It had to have been a difficult thing for David to admit, and she had been, without meaning to, insensitive to his vulnerability by questioning his words.
"Yeah, I figured you needed the business," he replied in a cocky tone, drinking his Scotch.
"I deserved that crack," Erin admitted with a smile, and David nodded in agreement, then smiled. "Did you think I went away with another man?"
"Well, didn't you?" he said in an accusatory tone.
"No, I didn't."
"Where'd you go?"
"Does it matter?" she asked pointedly.
"I'm just curious," he returned casually with a small shake of his head.
Well, she had gotten him to open up this far, and she wasn't about to let him clam up now. Giving in, Erin answered, "I went to see my father."
"I thought you weren't with another man," he retorted, his lips twitching as he tried to suppress a smile.
"Very funny."
David moved over and kissed her very lightly on her lips. "You know, I missed you," he whispered.
"You did?" Erin asked. The minute the words were out of her mouth she knew she had done it again.
"Will you stop questioning—"
"I should learn to keep my mouth shut," Erin interrupted with a giggle.
David took her hand and raised it to his mouth, kissing her fingertips. "You're cold."
"Yes," she murmured.
"Why are you so cold?"
"I don't know," she said simply, not knowing how to explain to him that she was so wound up over being next to him, her heart couldn't pump fast enough to keep her blood from turning to ice.
"Come closer," David said, setting his drink down as Erin moved over to him. "Let me keep you warm," he offered, putting his arms around her.
Erin relaxed into his strong, protective arms.
"Better?" he whispered.
"Yes," she said, sighing. "Much better."
"I think about you a lot." His breath was warm against her cheek.
"I think about you, too."
"I bet you think I'm crazy," he said with a chuckle.
"Sometimes." She laughed.
"You know what keeps coming into my mind?"
"What?"
"The shocked look in your eyes when I came banging on your door." He laughed.
"If you could have seen the way you looked, like you wanted to murder me, you would have been scared, too," she shot back.
One corner of David's mouth turned downward into a lopsided grin. "I guess I was pretty bad, wasn't I?"
"Bad isn't the word for it. You were a wild man!"
"Did you have a good time at your father's?"
"I sure did. You should meet him sometime. You are a lot alike."
"Both perfect gentlemen?" he asked with a devilish tone of voice.
Erin laughed. "You're two of the most alive men I have ever known. Sparks always flying."
"At least we don't leave you bored."
"You can say that again."
David started to say something, then hesitated, looking slightly uncomfortable. "I suppose you wondered why I never called," he finally managed.
"If I said I didn't I would be lying. But you don't owe me any explanation," she quickly added.
"I wanted to, Erin, but I was afraid of commitments."
Erin's eyes widened. "But I didn't ask for any commitments," she declared, not understanding what he meant.
"Don't you want to get married?"
"No, not particularly."
"No?" he questioned, as if finding it hard to believe his ears.
"Certainly not after one date. Nor anytime soon."
He suddenly looked at her as if she had two heads. "But you do want kids?" he insisted.
"Sure, someday. But just because I made love to you doesn't mean I want to marry you. I don't even know you."
"You don't?" he said with a frown, and Erin got the strange feeling that somehow she had tramped on his ego.
"No, I don't, David. All I really know about you is that you're an accountant from Texas. You're in New York for a while and you might go back. You may even have a fiancee waiting in the wings."
David chuckled. "So you want to know if I'm engaged, huh?" he asked with relish. He waited, but she didn't answer him. "There's no fiancee waiting in the wings," he stated when Erin glared at him. "And no girl friend, either," he confirmed. "What about you?"
"What about me?" she replied coyly, her green eyes dancing.
"An attractive woman like yourself must have a beau or two hanging around."
"No, I don't," Erin said, laughing.
"No?" he repeated, as if to make certain.
Erin shook her head. "Does that disappoint you?" she asked in a low, flirtatious tone.
David smiled broadly, and Erin suddenly found herself wanting to feel the magic of his body. She turned her eyes away, afraid they might make her attraction to him too obvious.
"What are you thinking?" David asked in a soft and sincere voice, taking her chin in his hand and turning her face to his, but she couldn't answer him. "Erin, you are so lovely and precious to me. I want to make love to you. But there is something I want you to know. I'm sorry about the way I carried on about that awful hole in my window but . . ." He paused and looked down at the floor, his expression serious, as if something weighed heavily on his mind. Then he raised his head and turned sharply back to her, his dark eyes shining like crystal. "This will probably sound corny, Erin," he said with a light chuckle, as if embarrassed, "but I didn't want anyone but you touching my window. And when I couldn't find you, I tried to fix it myself and ended up hitting my thumb instead, making me feel like a klutz and all the more angry at you. Does that sound dumb?"
Her heart was melting as she stared into his face. "No, David, it doesn't. I'm sorry I couldn't have been there for you when you needed me."
"I want to hold you," he said, his voice husky with desire.
"Come make love to me," she said, standing and taking his hand, leading him into her bedroom.
Once in her bedroom, they silently undressed, then sat on her bed, facing each other. As David took her hand in his Erin thought about how far they had come. She would never have imagined David being so open with her. And she couldn't help but feel close to him, like she had known him all her life. He had seemed so hard when they first had met, and seeing this soft side to him made Erin want to take him to her heart and protect him. Suddenly the memory of David with his towel came to mind, and she laughed.
"What's so funny?" David asked, giving her a skeptical look.
"I was thinking about the time your towel slipped," Erin teased, laughing again.
"You're a rotten kid!" David teased back, and he roughly brought her to him, his mouth finding her lips. His touch was soft and warm as he tasted her lips, moving gently back and forth, savoring their flavor.
Erin's arms wrapped themselves around him, pressing her chest against his as their heartbeats blended into one. The excitement coiled within his body felt as sensitive as a hair trigger, but his tender touch gave Erin no indication that he meant to rush their lovemaking.
Gently David eased Erin down onto the bed. Lying on his side next to her, his eyes raked boldly over her anxious body. His dark, compelling look blazed with a savage, inner fire, igniting the smoldering flames buried deep within her, awaiting his touch.
His hand, beautiful and strong, cupped her firm breast, squeezing it softly. His head lowered, and David kissed the smooth, pliable flesh, his tongue caressing her taut nipple. A tingling started in the pit of her stomach, then radiated into hot spirals, fanning down, and her body responded in spasms of pure pleasure. A moan rose in his throat, and Erin tenderly stroked his full, black, silky hair, hugging him to her breast. If there had been any doubts about whether David could arouse her to the height of excitement, as he had done so expertly before, they all vanished at that moment as shivers of delight exploded throughout Erin's body under David's magical touch.
Slowly and with great caring he explored her body with his lips, his hands, expressing an intensity and possessiveness not shown before, sending Erin into an ecstasy beyond all time and reason. And it was then that she knew she loved him and would always love him. It had to be just one of those unexplainable, intuitive things a woman feels about a man, Erin thought. The uniqueness of his touch, his feel, the way only he could excite her, make her respond—it was his brand upon her, lasting for eternity.
"You're driving me crazy! I want you!" Erin cried out for release.
"Oh, Erin. I never thought this was possible!" He groaned, his warm breath coming in a spurt of hungry desire, and he raised his body over hers.
His body came down upon hers, and he took her mouth, his lips bruising her lips with sheer delight as his passion was unleashed. With one expert thrust she felt him come alive inside her, and he electrified her as a moan of joy slipped through her lips. Her body yielded under his force, his excitement driving her into a maddening frenzy. Their bodies melted into a feverish tempo, soaring to unbelievable heights.
They  continued  their  lovemaking  into  the night, until their moist, glistening bodies collapsed from contented exhaustion.
David's arms held Erin to him, and she was filled with an amazing sense of completeness, released of the tension that had been building up all the days since they had been apart. Without knowing it her eyes closed, and she was lulled into a peaceful, deep sleep.
As the days passed Erin experienced a happiness she had never known before. She saw as much of David as her work permitted. They went out to dinner, films, museums, and whatever else suited their fancy. Sometimes, to Erin's delight, David even joined her jogging.
Erin started to question the longevity of her euphoria but quickly dismissed any disturbing thoughts from her mind. She enjoyed David's company, and that was all she needed, she argued. It was enough. She had her work, and David was the icing on the cake, or so she wanted to believe.
But whether Erin admitted it to herself or not, he was becoming a very important part of her life. She was allowing him to get close to her. And David returned her trust by being open and giving. Every day she was finding him a more sensitive and loving person. ,
They never mentioned her work, and Erin was led to believe that by knowing her and caring for her, some of David's rigid principles had been worn away. He took a very important step in their relationship and surprised Erin by inviting her to his office party to meet his fellow associates and their spouses. David was including her more into his life, and because of that, Erin suddenly began to believe that their relationship was developing into something meaningful and that indeed there was the possibility of a future with David.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The day of the big event had finally arrived, and Erin looked forward to David's office party with great anticipation. She wanted to make a good impression on his colleagues and took infinite care with her outfit, selecting her favorite designer outfit, a multicolored silk top, accentuated with gold, over a purple strapless evening gown with a decorous slit up one side, and completing her attire with a gold evening bag and heels to match.
Satisfied that her choice complemented her fair complexion and slim figure, she turned to her vanity and picked up the bottle of her favorite perfume to add the final, alluring touch.
Erin was anxious for David to arrive and felt very positive about the evening ahead, even though a soreness in the muscles of her lower back was a little disconcerting. Thank goodness for Friday and the end of a heavy work week, she thought with a nod of her head. But the weekend didn't look much better, she added silently. Eliot was supposed to be away the next few days, and she had to keep an eye on not only the building where she lived but also the brownstone next door, which he also managed. She had to admit that she was taking on more work than she could handle, and the physical labor was taking its toll. But she was reminded of her saving grace: her promise to give up maintenance work entirely after her year's contract with Eliot was up and to concentrate solely on her contracting business.
The buzzer suddenly rang, jolting Erin out of her thoughts. She glanced in the mirror, checking her hair and makeup, then she rushed to the door, grabbing her coat along the way.
Opening the door, she found David lounging casually against the banister of the stairs, devilishly handsome in his dark suit, his overcoat slung over one shoulder. The moment he saw her his face lit up with a smile.
"It sure makes it handy, living in the same building. All I have to do is go down a few steps to pick up my favorite lady," he said warmly, walking over to her.
The tantalizing smell of his after-shave pleasantly assaulted her senses, but she managed with a laugh, "Saves on cab fares, too!"
David leaned backward, eyeing her up and down. "You're beautiful, Erin," he said with a smile, and a mischievous look crossed his face. "We have a few minutes to spare. How about a little loving?" he suggested in a seductive tone, his lips coming down and brushing her lips lightly.
"You should have been a salesman instead of an accountant. But what I have in store for you, big guy, will have to wait till later," Erin declared playfully, and handed him her coat.
"Let's pray the evening goes quickly," he murmured softly into her ear as he held her coat and Erin slipped into it, a gentle smile dancing on her lips.
Once on the street, Erin clutched at the collar of her coat to keep out the chill of the cold night air as David quickly flagged down a cab. Sitting back in their seat, David put his arm around Erin, and she rested her head against the taut smoothness of his shoulder. She asked him about the people she would be meeting, but he only gave her some very brief descriptions. He seemed to be preoccupied, so Erin remained silent as the cab weaved in and out of traffic, making its way downtown.
The cab finally stopped at its destination, and Erin looked up at the beautifully designed, landmark Villard Mansion, former headquarters of the Archdiocese of New York, and now part of the Helmsley Palace Hotel. The large, stately structure held fond memories for Erin, and it was a good omen that their first social event together would be held there.
"This is the place," David quipped as he opened the cab door and they stepped out onto the sidewalk.
"Yes, I've always admired it so."
Erin had to quicken her steps to keep up with his long strides as they walked into the exquisitely decorated lobby of the hotel. They passed the magnificent crystal chandelier as they made their way up the pink-marble stairs and crossed over to The Gold Room, Erin's favorite room in the old mansion. As they quickly walked through the room with its gold leaf adorning the modeled and carved surfaces of the walls, she remembered with fondness the time spent there with her father, sharing afternoon tea during his last trip to New York. She would have liked to have stopped a moment to look at the room and to dwell upon that pleasant memory, but David marched right on through and Erin rushed to keep up with him. They continued into a hall and up another flight of stairs until they reached a room called The Library.
As they strolled into the room Erin's eyes darted first to the affluent crowd—the women with their glittering attire and the men in their elegant, well-designed suits—and then to the room itself. It was a charming room with so much character, and it was perfect for the size of the office party, Erin thought, seeing the room for the first time and thoroughly enjoying it.
David graciously introduced her to his office workers and clients alike, and she relaxed, pleased that he had thought enough of her to share this occasion.
After the introductions David seemed to become silent and even a little tense. He offered to get her a drink, and Erin's eyes followed his lithe body as he made his way through the cluster of people, nodding at a few as he moved toward the bar. Reaching a group of men surrounding the bar, he turned and glanced back in her direction as if checking to make sure she was all right. She smiled at him, her eyes full of pride; even in a crowd his presence was compelling. He rewarded her with a larger smile of his own before turning back to catch the attention of a bartender.
The glow of his smile had warmed her all the way across the room, and she suddenly felt very foolish, thinking he was acting different and tense. And for the first time in their relationship Erin found herself seriously thinking about various aspects of marriage. Being around so many couples and David, it was only a natural progression of thought, she reassured herself. But she was more specific in her thoughts of a mate, she had to admit to herself. She couldn't deny that David and she seemed to have more and more interests in common and were becoming very good friends, an important element in a relationship for Erin. Plus the chemistry was there, the spark that would keep the relationship alive and sent a wave of excitement through her veins every time she just looked at him.
Oh, how she loved him and couldn't believe, as she glanced around the room, that there was a woman there who loved her man more. But how did David really feel about her? She knew he cared about her and was sexually attracted to her, but did he love her? A shudder suddenly ran through her. Erin had finally reached that point in a relationship when one partner cares more than the other, and she, unfortunately, was feeling like the one who cared more. It was true. She loved him and didn't even know if he could love her. This quick and disturbing thought gnawed at her confidence.
She tried, instead, to concentrate on something else, and her eyes glanced around the room, hoping to focus on some object that would keep her mind occupied and off that disturbing thought. Then she remembered hearing that the ceiling of The Library was decorated with rosettes and shields, bearing the colophons of famous publishers. Erin inched her way over to the side of the room, and her eyes scanned the ceiling.
"You're going to get a crook in your neck," David's deep voice teased as he appeared suddenly at her side.
She looked at him and smiled, his sunny expression lifting her heart as he handed her a white wine spritzer.
"Thank you," she said softly. With his calming presence she felt as if her frazzled wits had been restored.
"Come," he said, taking her hand. "There are some very important people I'd like you to meet."
David led the way as Erin followed. Her curiosity peaked as they approached a very distinguished-looking couple. The man was in his late fifties with white hair and a friendly face. The woman next to him had a very pretty face, was around the same age, and was simply but richly dressed.
"Erin, I'd like you to meet Mark and his wife Judy," David declared the moment they reached the couple.
They exchanged greetings, and the man exclaimed in a friendly way to Erin, "We're really impressed with this young man of yours. We just turned over our entire account to him. He has an unbelievable track record."
Erin smiled as the two men quickly turned to business while she and Judy stood idly by, listening to their conversation. Finally Judy smiled over at Erin and asked in a warm and pleasant tone, "Do you work?"
"Yes, I do," Erin returned simply, aware that David had stopped talking, and she felt his eyes riveted on her.
"Let me guess," the woman went on, her face brightening. "I bet you're in design."
Erin laughed. "There's a little connection. I do—"
Clearing his throat, David interrupted with, "Judy, can I get you another drink?"
Mark's wife glanced down at her half-empty glass of red wine. She smiled up at David as she replied, "No, thank you. One is all I can handle."
David looked over at Erin, and she smugly held up her full glass to him, indicating that she understood his motive for interrupting her. He hadn't wanted to get into a discussion about her maintenance work. But, strangely, it hadn't bothered her. She didn't particularly care to discuss it, either, Erin thought as his dark eyes turned toward Mark.
"You struck out fellow. I'm fine, too," Mark replied lightly.
"It's connected to design?" the older lady asked, turning her attention back to Erin.
"How about some appetizers?" David offered quickly. His eyes flashed to Judy and then to Erin, remaining fixed on her. Erin got his message loud and clear.
Both of the women shook their heads politely as Erin's blood turned to ice. It was unnecessary for David to have given her that warning; he had insulted her by undermining her intelligence. She hadn't intended on mentioning her maintenance work, only her contracting business. But David had warned her—something he shouldn't have done—and she wasn't going to be intimidated by anyone, not even David.
But she wasn't looking for a battle, so she quickly turned to the couple. "It's a lovely room, isn't it?" she declared, taking a sip of her drink.
"Yes, it is. It has a charming, peaceful quality about it," the woman returned.
"Where'd you find this lovely lady?" Mark interjected, smiling at Erin.
"We live in the same building," David retorted, taking a gulp of his drink.
Erin saw her opening and took it, piping in with, "Yes, I do maintenance work there." David coughed, almost choking on his drink.
"Maintenance work! I never would have guessed!" Judy declared cheerfully, glad the mystery had been solved.
"A little thing like you, I don't believe it," Mark added, surprised, but not giving any indication that he had been bothered by her profession.
"I'm actually very strong, except for—"
"She doesn't do much of it herself; she contracts most of it out," David quickly injected, annoying the hell out of Erin.
"What kind of problems do you run into?" the woman asked, showing genuine interest.
"Sometimes I might need a hand with the heavy furniture and the plumbing. I hate fixing toilets," Erin explained, her words crisp and quick, so as not to be interrupted again. She glanced around at their faces, and when her eyes met David's cold, black stare, she could have died.
"I bet David here keeps you busy, calling you under any pretense he can dream up," Mark said, laughing, and Erin nodded her head in response, playing along with his joke.
"Well, it's an unusual profession for a woman, and you should be very proud of yourself," Judy stated with a serious edge to her voice.
"Thank you," Erin returned simply, and a demure smile crossed her face.
They exchanged farewells, and the couple turned and left, leaving David and Erin alone, the silence chilling.
"It still bothers you, doesn't it?" Erin finally voiced.
"You're damn right it does!"
"Why?"
"It's not a profession for a woman. Period!"
Erin stared at him, hurt by his reaction but realizing that she had only been fooling herself into believing that his feelings had changed toward her work. She inhaled deeply. David had shown her a softer, more sensitive side to himself. He seemed to really care about her, and his reaction to her work appeared to be his only blind spot. If only I could have some patience with him, maybe he can work it out, Erin thought, loving him and feeling he was worth the extra effort. And, Erin thought, there was no time like the present to start.
"David, do you think those people really cared what I did for a living? When I mentioned maintenance work, they didn't even bat an eye," she said gently.
"But it bothers me, Erin. Let's drop it," he said firmly, taking a sip of his drink and then staring out at the crowd.
The rest of the evening David was polite but distant, and when they arrived home, walking up the stairs, Erin wondered if she should even bother to ask him in. As they approached her door Erin opened her bag to find her keys, and David lightly touched her back. Her eyes flashed up to him, a question etched in green.
"How about coming upstairs?" he offered warmly, wanting to surprise her with the personal touches he had added recently to his apartment.
Her face brightened at his suggestion, but then her brow furrowed, suddenly remembering her promise to Eliot.
"Oh, David, I'd love to, but I can't."
"Why not?" he asked with disappointment in his voice.
"Well, I promised Eliot I'd keep tabs on this building and his other one this weekend."
"So?"
"David, I have to be near the phone," she explained.
"One night isn't going to hurt anything," he insisted.
"David, it's my job. What would you think of me if I neglected my responsibilities?"
His eyes were cold. "I see, but when you feel like going away to Pennsylvania and I freeze my butt off, that's a different story."
She looked at him, not believing her ears. Trying to control her temper, she spoke calmly, "You're being unfair, David. I thought all that had been cleared up and forgotten. And now you go throwing it in my face."
David was quiet. He glanced down at the floor, and his foot kicked at an imaginary object. "Look, I'm sorry. But you never come to my apartment. It's where I live, and I want to share it with you."
His voice was soft, and Erin reached up to touch his chin. "I know, David, but it's only this weekend. I promise we'll spend more time there."
For a long moment he stared at her, as if weighing her words. He sighed heavily. "All right, this time," David agreed, but Erin couldn't help but catch the begrudging tone to his voice.
Erin smiled, knowing that he was making an effort to be understanding. She turned back to her door, taking her keys out of her bag. "Come on in," she said warmly, glancing back to David as she unlocked her door.
David followed her in but he wasn't very happy about it, and Erin knew, because of everything else that had happened tonight, it would have been better if they could have gone to his apartment.
An awkwardness fell over them as they stood and faced each other. "Would you like something, a drink or . . ."
"No, thanks, Erin, I'm tired. Let's go to bed," David stated, suddenly looking very weary.
"Sure," Erin returned with a smile, and moved in the direction of her bedroom.
Once into bed, Erin put her arms around David and hugged him tightly to her. His lips found hers, kissing her with a gentleness that was magical to her senses, relaxing her instantly.
Releasing her lips, David whispered, "I couldn't help how I felt tonight, Erin. You mean so much to me, and every time I think of you moving heavy furniture around I get—"
"I know, sweetheart," Erin said softly, placing a finger across his lips. "We'll talk about it more, and maybe it'll help you understand. Knowing how important my work is to me could help."
A lazy grin spread itself across David's face. "I guess if you could put up with my attitude tonight, I could at least try to change it. I guess anything is possible. I'm not making any promises, but I'll try."
"That's good enough for me."
"Oh, Erin, you're so lovely. I don't ever want to make you unhappy," he said in a velvety murmur, then kissed her lips hungrily. Breaking away, he moaned, "I want to kiss you like this all over."
The intensity in his voice thrilled her as David crushed her to him, their lips locking. But the sound of the phone abruptly broke them apart. "I'm sorry, but I have to get that." Erin sighed with irritation in her voice.
"Let it ring," David urged, his eyes bright and full of desire for her.
"I can't," Erin said firmly, and quickly reached for the phone. "Hello," she answered in a flat tone.
As she talked David sat up and took his pack of cigarettes off the stand next to the bed. He lit one, a circle of gray smoke floating past his face. He looked over at Erin and watched her talk, suddenly feeling very alone. He didn't like the situation he was finding himself in. He didn't like the fact that their night together was interrupted by her work, but he was already too involved with her just to shrug it off and walk away, he thought, staring up at the ceiling.
But why had he let his feelings for her get so far out of hand? He knew how he felt about her work, right from the beginning, and even though he had said he would try to work it out with her, in his heart he really didn't believe he could see it any other way. Maintenance was a man's job, not a woman's. It was that simple. But he did care for her, more than he wanted to, and he would at least go through the motions of trying to understand. And if he didn't make any waves about it and kept them from battling over it, maybe they could have a good relationship.
The sound of the receiver being placed back on its hook caught his attention, and he cast a glance over at Erin, eager to resume their lovemaking. But the moment his eyes met hers, their downcast look told him she had bad news.
"What's the problem?" he asked in a cool tone.
"There's a flood in an apartment next door. I have to go over and shut off the water and get it cleaned up." David glared at her. "Honey, it's not as bad as it seems. I'll work quickly and be back soon."
"Do you need any help?" David offered, in spite of his anger.
"No, I can manage. It's my job."
"Yes, it is," he grumbled, stabbing out his cigarette in the ashtray next to the bed and starting to get up.
"No, David, stay there. And when I return, I'll wake you for a roll in the hay, so to speak," Erin said with a little laugh in her voice. "How does that sound?"
"Sounds like a good proposition," he answered, but there was little enthusiasm in his voice.
Erin smiled over at him, but David didn't return her smile. He laid back on the bed and closed his eyes.
She watched him tenderly, thinking what a long night it had turned out to be. The last thing in the world Erin wanted to do was to leave David right now, but she had no choice.
Standing, she walked over to her closet and took out her work clothes. Slipping into them, she couldn't help but wonder why things had gone so badly. It should have been a wonderful evening, she thought, but everything had gone wrong. Now she was leaving David because of her work, which was, under the circumstances, the worst possible reason.
Fully clothed, Erin glanced back over at David. His eyes were still closed, and she was happy he had fallen asleep. Erin tiptoed out of the room with only two thoughts in mind—finish her work quickly and return to his warm, strong arms. At least they'd be together, and he had said he would try to understand about her work, so the night hadn't been a total loss after all, she suddenly thought, and her spirits were lifted. Gathering up her tools, Erin quickly went out the door.
The moment David heard the door close, his eyes opened and he shot up like a bullet. As he had waited for her to leave the anger in him had been building. By the time she had left he was almost shaking with rage, not at her but at himself for thinking that they could have a pleasant relationship without any hassles over her work. But he had been fooling only himself, because the more he had gotten to know Erin, the more involved with her he had become and the more he needed to know where he fit into her life.
Right from the beginning he had known how strongly she had felt about her work and how important it was to her. But he had dated her, anyway, feeling he could keep the relationship light and comfortable, that he had nothing to worry about. But now, as he sat there, he realized what a fool he'd been, and his anger went much deeper than only being upset about her work. He had to be honest and admit that being involved with a woman like Erin who could do things that he couldn't do, and traditionally male's work at that, bothered him more than he ever thought possible. He didn't like how that made him feel, but David hadn't been able to tell Erin this. Instead he had attacked her work, making him feel worse.
No, he had not been honest, and he couldn't fault Erin. Even tonight, after he had been so rotten to her, she had tried to be patient with him. She had let his insults fall off her back like water off a duck, and he admired her for that, knowing he wouldn't have been so understanding in her shoes. But regardless, the bottom line was that she had left him alone, interrupting their lovemaking to do her work! And no matter how much he rationalized his feelings for Erin, that was something that would never sit well with him. Her type of work would always create problems, and Erin would always choose her work over him. The only thing to do, he reasoned sadly, was to stay away for a while, to try to cool his attraction for her.
David got out of bed, quickly getting dressed. His mind was whirling. He had to get out of her apartment; he had to go home. He needed time, space, to think about his feelings for her and their relationship. He was glad she wasn't there because he would probably blindly lash out at her, and he didn't want to do that. Yes, David was glad Erin had left. Time was what he needed, to think over what he really wanted.
With one sharp jerk his suit jacket was up over his shoulders, and his large frame made its way through her apartment and out into the hall as her door clicked closed and locked behind him. With quick steps he was up the stairs, opening his door, then slamming it shut. He removed his jacket and dropped it onto the couch. Still too annoyed to sleep, David snapped on the TV.
With weary steps Erin made her way up the stairs, but with the thought of David there waiting for her, she quickened her steps. Unlocking her door, she quietly opened it and walked into her apartment. Stripping out of her clothes, Erin decided to take a fast shower. Soon after, she briskly dried herself and wrapped the towel around her body, making her way through the darkened hallway to her bedroom. But as she reached the bedroom doorway, the light from the illuminating full moon, filtering through the crack in her curtains, showed an empty bed. Her lashes blinked, as if to look again, hoping her eyes had deceived her. But the second glance was no better. David wasn't there.
Erin walked over to her bed and slowly sat down, trying to figure out what had happened. Then it hit her: he had to have been angry about their lovemaking being interrupted and her leaving him. A trembling started in her hands, then went to her throat. Angry now, she jumped to her feet and grabbed her bathrobe. It infuriated her that he would have left like that. She had walked on eggshells with him all night, trying to understand him, trying to be patient with him. Then he had to go and sneak out in the night like some rotten fox.
Without thinking about anything but blasting the thief, she rushed through her apartment, out the door, and up the stairs. Reaching his door, Erin laid her finger on the buzzer. Hearing movement within, something snapped in her head. She took her finger off the button, suddenly realizing that she was standing there without any shoes on, naked under her robe, her hair still wet from her shower. At the sound of the click of the lock, Erin tightened the knot on her robe and attempted to straighten it.
As the door opened she took a deep breath, hoping to regain her composure, but the moment her green eyes caught sight of his icy, unresponsive brown ones, she exploded.
"What happened to you? I thought you were going to wait for me!" she screeched.
"Wait for what?" he replied blandly. "Wait for the damn phone to ring again, so you'll go waltzing out without any thought to me, leaving me to cool my heels? Is that what I should wait for?" he yelled, his eyes flashing with rage.
"David, you're irrational!" Erin declared in a lower tone, momentarily taken aback by his cutting outburst.
"Irrational! You've got to be joking! I'm not going to be suckered in by you again! The next time I allow you to get me all hot and bothered, only to have you run out on me, I ought to have my head examined!"
"It couldn't be helped!" she screamed, looking around, nervous that a tenant might see her. Erin scurried in and turned to face him. "David, we have to talk."
"What for?"
"Because we have a relationship here." Erin stared at him, but there was no response. "Well, I thought we had one. I guess I'm the Lone Ranger in this. Sorry to have taken up your time!" she snapped, suddenly extremely furious at him and herself for believing that they had something special.
"Erin, will you stop? You know I care about you!"
"So you care about me, what the hell good does that do me? I want to know what's going on here. Just where do we stand?" she demanded, tapping her bare foot on the wooden floor.
"Okay, you want it, you'll get it! The type of work you do is beneath you. You're a beautiful woman with a good head on your shoulders, and I'm not going to sit around any longer and watch you keep sticking it in a toilet! I've had it!"
Erin felt like he'd just stuck a knife in her heart and turned it. "That's a rotten thing to say!" she flared in anger. "The real truth is that your male ego can't stand that I'm better at fixing things than you are."
"I give you the truth and you turn around and spit in my eye!"
"The truth! And just how long did you know, Mr. Morris, that you didn't like women who put their heads in toilets?"
"Why don't you get a decent nine-to-five job?"
"Evasive, aren't we?" she sneered. "You must've felt that way right from the beginning, but you just keep leading me on, even invite me to your office party, making me feel we've got something here. I even pushed my feelings aside tonight, because I thought you were worth it, but I was wrong. You're just like any other male on the make, out to get what he can. And how convenient—all you had to do was walk down the steps!"
David's eyes widened dangerously, and they circled the room like two boxers in a ring.
"How dare you say that, Erin? I do care about you. But it's not going to work. I can't accept what you do."
"That's great! You say you care about me, but you want me to give up something that's important to me. That's how I support myself. What if you were a doctor and had patients dependent upon you? Would it be fair of me to get angry at you every time they needed you? No, it wouldn't."
"But I'm not a doctor."
"Damn you! You just want a nice, easy relationship while you're here. You're not concerned about my feelings. The only one who's nuts around here is me, not you! Nuts for thinking we could have some kind of future together, nuts to think that you could love me the way I love you!" Erin screamed, fighting back tears.
David gave her a surprised look and made a movement toward her, but Erin backed away.
"Love me?" he echoed.
"Yes, love you, you dumb idiot, and you're willing to keep us apart because of some ridiculous, pigheaded belief about my work! You should be proud of me, instead of turning purple every time my work's mentioned in front of one of your friends!"
"But, Erin, I . . ." he started weakly.
"Don't 'but, Erin,' me! I'm sick of it. I've had it up to here with your ideals!" she declared, indicating a sharp movement across her throat with her index finger. "And the next time you sleep with a woman, maybe you should think of her feelings first, especially when you know there's no chance of a relationship!"
"Erin, it wasn't that way!" he said in a nasty tone.
"Oh, wasn't it? Well, I hope you'll be happy! Men like you always get what they deserve!" Suddenly very weary, Erin's defenses broke down, and she felt the tears welling up in her eyes. She made a dash for the door, not wanting him to know how much pain she was in. Slamming it closed behind her, she ran down the stairs, tears streaming down her face, blurring her vision.
David was left dumbfounded, feeling like a tornado had just blown through his room. Her words, I love you, shot through his mind. He had no idea that she had felt so strongly about him. Could it be possible? he wondered. Erin had always seemed so independent, never seeming to want or need anything. She'd get over him. It was for the best, he thought.
But Erin's blind accusation had zeroed right in on target, making David think about her words. Being around her had made him feel less masculine. Erin was very adept at fixing things, and he was all thumbs when it came to repairs. But it was funny, he never had realized it as clearly as he did at that moment. And this new discovery was very disturbing to David. He knew that he cared very much for her, but right from the beginning he had pushed her away. Was it all because of his male ego? He couldn't dare to be around a woman who could do what he couldn't do? Ridiculous! he suddenly thought, not wanting to deal with any more of it.
He headed for his bedroom. He had to get some sleep or the birdies would be chirping to him soon!
CHAPTER EIGHT
It had been a dreary, overcast day, and Erin stood at her window, staring down at the street with a glum expression written across her face. With quick strides and an air of purpose, people scampered by, probably anxious to get into their warm homes after work, Erin thought, rubbing her cold shoulders. The thought of bad winter weather did not make her happy, and she frowned.
A couple, walking out of the building across the street, caught her attention. They were holding hands, and she thought about how David had always taken her hand when they went to movies or the museums. She watched them a moment longer than she should have. A pain stabbed at her heart, and tears threatened. With a sharp yank on the cord the drapes closed. The couple painfully reminded her that she was alone.
She glanced at her plants through moist eyes. Even the simplest of tasks, like watering her plants, had become a chore of late. Even taking care of her turtle, Oscar, held no special interest for Erin. But nothing was neglected. Most of what she had to do she had done so often that she could almost do it blindfolded. But she missed the enthusiasm; she needed it.
I'll manage, I'm a survivor were the words Erin had repeated to help her get through the days, especially the nights, without David. But today, as she thought of those words, they stuck in her throat. Because when what little sunlight there was had faded, darkness would be a blatant reminder that it had been one week since Erin had last seen him. "Seven long days ago, and it hurts more today than it did on the first," she mumbled to herself with annoyance.
Walking over to her couch, she flopped down and glanced over at the clock. A Friday evening approaching and she hadn't made any plans. There was nothing to distract her, to keep her mind off David. She didn't even have a close friend to confide in. Her best friend Linda had recently met an engineer, in New York on vacation, fallen in love, and married the guy, moving away to Ohio. They had kept in touch on a fairly regular basis, but Erin couldn't bring herself to pick up the phone to call her about David. It wouldn't be the same. Erin sighed. If Linda had been here she would have been able to get her out of the doldrums. She was trustworthy and honest, and if she couldn't talk Erin into a better mood, she would have taken her on an eating binge or would have started a laughing jag. But Linda wasn't around.
Her eyes darted around the room, thinking that redecorating might keep her occupied. But Erin knew that was useless; she liked the room the way it was. A lot of her time had been spent carefully picking out furniture, making certain each selection blended well and gave the room a warm and relaxed atmosphere. No, Erin decided, if she tried to change it now, in the mood she was in, it would probably look like a chaotic mess.
Damn! She ached for his touch, and her heart longed for his smile, which had a way of always lifting her spirits. Anger flickered in her green eyes at the thought of how much pain knowing David had cost her. It annoyed the hell out of her that two people who had seemed so right for each other could have been so wrong. David had known how she felt about her work, how important it was to her, all the while feeling it was beneath her and knowing he could never accept it. And she could never be, not even for a minute, in a relationship with a man who didn't respect her work. It had been foolish of Erin to have believed David had changed his opinion about her occupation. She should have known better. All the signs had been there—their arguments and his attitude.
But Erin had fallen in love with David and, because she loved him, had wanted to believe they had a future together. She had even thought about marriage, something she had not done since college. Knowing David had caused her to open that door of wanting to share a lifetime with another person, but the door had been slammed closed and locked, leaving nothing but an empty hole. Rage gnawed at her emotions, and she blamed herself mostly for the pain. Like a little child she had tried over and over again to make the square peg fit into the round hole, hoping to complete the puzzle, to make the pretty picture. But she and David would never make that picture. Erin had tried to have something work that could never be. There was no future to be shared with David.
Well, there was nothing left to do except wait it out, she thought. The old saying that time heals all wounds would have to be her salvation. But she would never forget the memory of his touch, nor would she ever stop loving him. Once David had been allowed into her heart, that's where he'd stay.
What am I doing? she suddenly thought. I can't sit here all night with this misery on my mind. "I've got to get it out of my system!" she declared out loud, and decided that running might help her relax a bit. With that idea she stood up and walked into her bedroom to change.
As Erin entered the room her eyes fell upon her bed, the bed where David and she had made love. "Oh, David," she cried, "why couldn't you have loved me the way I love you? It could have worked!" A tear escaped from her eye and ran down her cheek. She swatted it away as if getting rid of some annoying insect. Well, I'll do something about this room. I'll change it! she declared with determination.
At least Saturday night she wouldn't be alone. Steve would be coming over to discuss what she should do about her office. Unfortunately she would not be getting the one she had wanted. The company that was in the office had been planning to move into a new building, but they found out their space wouldn't be ready on time. So they decided to stay where they were and renew their lease. Erin had been terribly disappointed and wondered what the next disaster would be. But she had no more room for any more negative thoughts and quickly dismissed the question from her mind, changing into her velour warm-up suit. She grabbed her keys and headed out the door.
As Erin reached the lobby she caught sight of a tall man, someone she had never seen before, fumbling with keys, trying to open the front door. She approached with caution and peered through the glass. The man smiled and held up keys, giving her a puzzled expression.
"Can I help you?" Erin asked loudly through the door.
"Yep, I can't seem to open the top lock. I don't think they gave me the right keys."
"Who gave you the keys?"
"The company 1 work for. I'm here to do some repair work for a Mr. Morris. Do you know him?"
"Oh?" Erin's eyes widened, feeling like she'd just been hit with a two-by-four.
"Yes, I have to change his light fixture. Do you mind letting me in?"
"I don't know you. I can't let you in unless you can show me some kind of identification," Erin said calmly, even though a trembling was starting in the pit of her stomach.
"Don't blame you at all, lady. One can't be too careful these days," he declared, taking out a folded paper from his brown shirt. "This is the best I can do. It's a work order from my office, telling me what's to be done in his apartment. I guess you could call my office, too."
Opening up the paper, he pressed it flat against the window.
Erin inched closer to read what was written on the paper. Her eyes were drawn to David's name and the instructions to replace a gold-colored dining room fixture with a crystal chandelier. The order had to be legit—all the apartments came equipped with the same fixtures, and gold was the standard color for the dining room. Her trembling flamed into rage, almost paralyzing her.
That bastard, she thought to herself. She had finally accepted that it was over, but why did he have to rub her face in it? He was a worse cad than she had thought.
"Well? Want to check with my office?" The man's voice broke into her train of thought, and she stared at him blankly as he removed the paper, folded it, and stuck it back in his pocket.
By rights Erin could have blocked the worker's entrance under her new contract, which specified that she alone was to do all repair work on the building. But her anger had too much of a hold on her, impairing her ability to argue her case with the worker and to find and confront David. Besides, she didn't want to have words with the repairman. He was just doing his job. It wasn't his fault that David was such a rat. Erin turned the lock and pulled open the door, deciding she'd get to David later, when she had calmed down and was more in control.
"Thanks, lady," she heard the man call after her as she sped past him on her way out of the building. Erin certainly wasn't going to hang around to help him get into David's apartment. Wickedly she hoped he wouldn't be able to unlock his door. That would serve him right! she declared as she broke into a run. Surprisingly she moved like a gazelle, her anger spurring her on.
Erin paced back and forth across her living room floor. David had just come home, and she heard his heavy footsteps above her. The hours had taken their toll on her. Instead of calming down, the more she had waited for him, the more enraged she had gotten. And as Erin paced she tried to relax, not wanting him to know how much he bothered her, but she couldn't.
Normally Erin was an excellent businesswoman, able to control her temper when dealing with clients, knowing that in the long run it was in her own best interest. But with David that had never been the case. He had always found a way to rile her. Now, after what they had been through, and especially after he'd made it clear that their relationship was over, Erin wanted to make sure she dealt with him on a strictly professional basis. But it would be difficult. It infuriated her to think she could have fallen in love with someone who would have pulled such a low-down thing.
Erin couldn't wait any longer to cool down to talk to him about the light fixture. David might go out, and that would mean living with her anger overnight. That would be more of a disaster than anything. No, it was better to confront him now and get it off her chest, Erin reasoned with an affirmative nod of her head.
Head held high and shoulders straight, Erin walked up the stairs and rang the buzzer. Within a few moments David opened the door.
There was a surprised look in his eyes as he stared at her. "To what do I owe the honor of this visit?" he asked lightly, but Erin thought she detected the sarcasm.
"Cut the crap! You know why I'm here!" she blurted out in an accusatory tone.
David chuckled, a sardonic sound.
"You're wrong—I don't have the foggiest idea!"
"Oh, you don't, huh?" she demanded.
David stuck his head out the door and looked around the hallway.
"Would you keep your voice down? I live here, you know."
"Oh, now you're worried about your neighbors. That's a new one!"
"I like to keep a low profile!" he snapped. "Come in and let me know what's on your mind."
"Don't do me any favors!" she shot back.
"Come in!" he demanded.
Knowing she had business to take care of, Erin pushed past him and stormed into his apartment, making it clear that it wasn't a social call.
"Okay, the anticipation is getting the better of me. What the hell is going on here?"
Without answering him Erin charged through his living room and into his dining room as David followed. She glared up at the sparkling chandelier, hanging directly above a large, dark brown table.
"Very nice," she declared coolly, throwing the ball in his court, figuring he'd explain his actions.
"I thought so," he replied simply, still not understanding what she was up to.
His lack of conscience angered her, and her fiery eyes blazed at him.
"Not bad for a man!" she spat sarcastically, her eyes shooting daggers.
David looked at her wide-eyed, his lips slightly parted and a puzzled expression across his face. Then his eyes brightened like a light bulb had just been turned on in his head.
"How'd you find out about that?" he asked in a suspicious tone, and he gazed at her with narrowed eyes.
"You don't like getting caught, do you? You don't have any qualms about doing it, you just hate getting caught!" Erin blasted him. Then she took a breath and added, "I should have known—once a sneak, always a sneak!"
"My God, Erin, you're unbelievable! You come spying on me, and then you call me a sneak!"
"I didn't spy on you! Your Mr. Fix-It needed my help to get in the front door, and he told me he was going to change your light fixture. Damn it, David, didn't you think enough of me to at least talk to me about it or tell me first? Did I mean so little to you?" Erin asked, her voice cracking as she swallowed hard, biting back tears.
His dark brown eyes softened at hearing her words. "Erin, it wasn't that way," he pleaded. "It was just that after everything that had been said, I couldn't call you, knowing how you felt. We weren't seeing each other, but I was supposed to call you to change my light fixture? I couldn't do that. How callous do you think I am? I couldn't bear to have you here, working in my apartment like some stranger after we'd been so close. Erin, it would have been too painful."
David opened his arms and made a movement toward her, but she backed away, her eyes signaling that she didn't want to be touched. She felt too vulnerable, and he was feeling sorry for her. She had instantly regretted her words. After having promised herself to keep it on a professional basis, she had made her confrontation personal right off the bat. She hadn't even brought up that he had violated her contract with Eliot.
David's eyes clung to hers, as if analyzing her reaction, and Erin felt shaky. She had to leave, to get away from him and think. Her mind was confused and she wanted too much to be in his arms.
"But you should have told me, instead of letting me find out the way I did," she stated, hoping to get back to business. "Putting all personal feelings aside, you had no right bringing someone else in when I have a contract to do all the work in this building. You are an accountant. You have an understanding with your clients, and you respect that understanding. But with me you violate my contract—something you'd never do in your own business. I don't understand, David. Why don't you treat my work with as much respect?"
Throwing up his hands in disgust, David sighed. "You never heard a word I said."
Ignoring him, she continued, "I want to know why you couldn't have treated me with the same common courtesy that you'd give anyone in your business."
"I don't want to listen to any more of this!"
"Tell me and you won't have to."
"Erin, will you stop beating a dead horse! You're way off track, and I don't want to talk about it!"
"You should have thought about that before you went behind my back!" she stated, daring him to reply.
"Now I see where they got the expression, 'green-eyed monster,' " he jabbed viciously.
"Oh, David, that's so trite," she came back, feigning a chuckle and tossing back her auburn mane.
"So, you've been told that before?"
"That remark doesn't deserve a comment. I should have known you wouldn't give me an honest answer."
A muscle twitched in his jaw and his eyes remained cold. He glanced up at his chandelier and then back to Erin. "I must say that he did a good job, and one thing's for certain, I don't have to worry about him banging on my door with such nonsense."
His voice had been cruel, and his words cut Erin to the quick as tears threatened. "Well, I'll tell you one thing, buster, you won't have to deal with me anymore," she lashed out in self-defense. "But if you bring someone else in again and I find out about it, I'll report you to Eliot so quick, you'll be out of here before you know it," Erin threatened in a low, controlled voice, even though quaking inside. Without waiting for a response she walked past him. When she reached his living room, she paused and whirled around.
Glaring at him, she pointed to the floor. "I suggest you get a carpet. I'm tired of listening to you clomping back and forth all night long."
She quickly turned and left, slamming the door before David had a chance to open his mouth.
When Erin reached her apartment, an icy calmness had strangely come over her, more deadly than her fiery outbursts. It signaled that the pain had cut too deeply and David was being temporarily shut out until she regained her sense of well-being. Their relationship had to be put in its proper perspective, and David would be regarded only with the concern she'd show any of the other tenants, Erin firmly decided.
But she moved through her apartment like a zombie, feeling like a large chunk had been cut out of her. She had never felt so devastated, so alone, except at her mother's death, as she did now. Erin paused for a moment as her eyes fell on her parents' silver-framed picture. Their expression was happy, and their eyes were filled with love. They had shared a wonderful marriage, lasting almost twenty-three years. Erin hadn't allowed herself to dwell on the sense of loss that had followed her mother's death, but maybe recently it had been because David had magically filled that void. But whatever it was that she was experiencing, she couldn't identify it. She only knew that her parents had loved each other and had found happiness together, something she would never have with David.
Exhausted and hoping to sleep, Erin's eyes shifted in the direction of her bedroom. But she did not want to face that bed alone tonight, and she quickly decided to stay in the living room and sleep on the couch. Too many mornings she had awakened hoping to find him there in bed with her, and when he wasn't, she had always felt she had tomorrow. But tomorrow there would be no more pretending—David would never be there!
Taking a wool blanket out of her closet, Erin pulled off her jeans and sweat shirt and curled up with the blanket on the couch. She stared out into the darkened space. Her heart had been broken into a million pieces, but as it pounded in her chest, it seemed as though it belonged to a stranger. There were no tears in her eyes, and there was no anger running through her, only a void. Her body was so frighteningly still that her mind seemed to be the only vital part. She analyzed how she felt, detaching herself from her emotionally racked body and feeling a calmness seep into her heart and soul. For the first time in days she felt as if a gigantic weight had been lifted from her. Her conflict was resolved; the heaviness from her struggle for David's love had been removed. Tomorrow was another day, and she would make it through that one and the next one and the one after that. And sometime, somehow she'd be able to think back upon her relationship with David as a beautiful memory. Her eyelids closed as a peacefulness filled her senses, drugging her into a deep sleep.
The following evening, in her apartment, Erin sat next to Steve. As he talked only a part of her listened—the other part wondered why she couldn't have fallen for a guy like him. He was attractive, with blue eyes and sandy brown hair, but more important, he was also a very kind person. Erin had known him for years, and when they first had met, Steve had been interested in her romantically. But Erin could never think of him in that way, and Steve had been too much of a gentleman to push himself on her.
"Are you all right?" were the words that had penetrated her thoughts.
"Sure," Erin said weakly, embarrassed that her mind had wandered.
The concerned look went out of Steve's blue eyes, and he smiled. "I know how you felt about the office space, Erin. But everything works out for the best. I have quite a few companies anxious to rent out some of their space. I know it won't be the same as having your own office, but with the cost of office space today, you might get a really good deal and save yourself some money."
Erin nodded. "You might be right, Steve, especially with the holidays coming up. I could share a space until after the first of the year and then look," Erin declared enthusiastically, feeling that a problem had been solved that she didn't have the strength to deal with emotionally.
Steve thought a moment, then said, "How's your social life been lately?"
Erin studied his face and sighed deeply. "Not great," she answered honestly.
"That's too bad. But I suppose it's a bit difficult with the hours you put in. A guy would have to be pretty persistent to catch up with you!"
His words brought David sharply to mind, and a dark cloud crossed her face but she managed a smile.
"I'm sorry, Erin. I didn't mean to pry," Steve said in a soft voice as he caught her pained expression and felt he had been the cause of it.
"You weren't prying. You're my friend, Steve, and you're concerned about my happiness. And it's true. I really should have more of a social life. Maybe that should be one of my New Year's resolutions."
"Ah, I was only snooping, jealous because you won't give me a tumble." He laughed.
"And lose you as a friend? No way! You're too important to me," Erin returned with a laugh.
"Well, what do you say we two friends get out of here and have a night on the town? After all, it is a Saturday night. How about a movie?" Steve asked expectantly.
"Sounds good to me. What would you like to see?"
"What do you say we grab our coats and get a paper?"
"Great idea!" Erin piped cheerfully, and jumped up. "Last one out the door pays for the movie!" she yelled, and rushed to get her coat.
With a whirl of activity they raced to the door and simultaneously tried to squeeze out the doorway. Steve emerged the victor, and a roar of laughter went up between them.
"I win! You buy!" Steve declared loudly.
"You cheated!" Erin shouted, then turned to lock her door. As the key clicked in the lock Erin heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Oh, no, it couldn't be, she thought with dismay. Her back stiffened, and her eyes darted around. Her cheeks reddened as her eyes fell on David, walking toward her.
"Hello," he stated in a gruff voice.
"Hello," she repeated automatically to him, but David was no longer looking at her; he was eyeing Steve.
"Steve, I'd like you to meet my neighbor David Morris," she said quickly. "David, this is Steve Lewis." Her voice had been calm, treating David with the courtesy she would have shown any of her other neighbors.
The men exchanged greetings, and David glanced back at Erin, a sudden, icy contempt flashing in his eyes. Her cheeks felt like they had just been scorched, and Erin knew what David was thinking. But it's his problem, not mine, she stubbornly thought, forcing a smile in the face of his hard and resentful expression.
David dismissed her and turned to Steve, his lips turning into a cynical smile. "Whatever you do, don't let her paint your apartment," he said jokingly as Erin was hit with the sarcasm in his words.
"I'll keep that in mind," Steve returned lightly, and David nodded as he continued past them and up the stairs.
As Steve's eyes trailed him Erin couldn't believe David's childish behavior. He doesn't want me, but it bugs the hell out of him to see me with someone else, she thought, then frowned, annoyed that he was still able to upset her.
"That was a strange remark," Steve stated, turning and giving her a keen look, and Erin knew he suspected something.
But Erin didn't want to talk about David, afraid it might ruin her night, so she shrugged and replied as casually as possible, "Well, David's got a strange sense of humor. Now, how about that movie?"
"You're right, we'd better get going."
As they turned to leave, the door above them slammed closed, and a demure grin lit Erin's face. She hoped David had heard what she said. Serves him right! she added silently.
As Erin rushed down the stairs with Steve, David marched across his floor, cursing under his breath. Boy, she hadn't wasted any time! he thought. He ripped off his suit jacket and dropped it onto the couch. Loosening his tie, he walked toward the kitchen. She had to go and bring him here, laughing in the halls! Isn't anything sacred anymore? he thought with disdain as he picked up a glass and opened the refrigerator door, taking some ice cubes out and plopping them into his glass. And what was worse, he thought to himself as he made his way back into the living room, it was Saturday night, and it had to have been obvious to Erin that he didn't have a date!
What the hell was happening to him? He'd told her that he couldn't accept her work, and that was that, so why did he feel so lousy? Why did it bother him so much to see her with another man?
He couldn't be jealous of that drip she was with, he thought, placing his hand on the neck of the bottle of Johnny Walker Red. Damn, that couldn't be possible! He'd never reacted so ridiculously in all his life. I must need a shrink, David concluded, refusing to admit the truth. Then a voice from within ordered sternly, Get a grip on yourself, kiddo, you're in love! His mind had finally voiced what his heart had known right from the beginning. And with the realization of his love for Erin, David felt like a tidal wave had just rolled over him and was hitting him in the face.
David turned the cap sharply. He needed a drink, because now he knew he was in trouble.
CHAPTER NINE
David sat at his highly polished mahogany desk with a pencil in his hand, staring down at some ledgers. He tossed the pencil down. What was the use? No matter how much he had tried, he couldn't concentrate.
His eyes glanced around his office. It was a large room with a magnificent view of the New York City skyline, and it was tastefully furnished, epitomizing the successful businessman. But David found no contentment today, no pleasure in his affluent surroundings—not without Erin.
He had gone through many different emotions when he had concluded that he loved her. At first the revelation had scared the wits out of him, then he was confused, and now he felt the loss. He'd give anything just to hear her wonderful, velvet-edged voice again. Oh, how he had missed her! Night after night he had tossed and turned, craving for her warm and silken body next to his. He had even found himself using any excuse not to come home too early, because when alone, his thoughts were always of Erin. So he had made lots of dinner engagements with clients and had stayed out as late as possible.
But he did miss her, and he knew he couldn't go on much longer like this. If only he could talk to her, maybe then they could get some of their differences cleared up.
Erin had been right in her accusation of him not treating their work equally. He had always regarded his work and anyone connected with it with the utmost of professionalism and respect. But not one bit of concern had been given to her career. He had never asked her any questions about her job, never asked her how she felt about it, and never, in any way, shown any interest or tried to change his opinion about it. He had been unfair to Erin. But could he really handle the fact that she would always be better at fixing things? That was the question that had tormented him and had kept him away from Erin these past few weeks. He didn't know, but he did know he loved her and didn't want to live his life without her, knowing there'd never be another woman like her.
"Now what?" he said. That was the bottom line! He didn't want to be without her, and he wasn't going to be without her! So, he'd better damn well accept her work.
He had to talk to her, David suddenly decided. But after everything he had said and done, what if she didn't want to see him? That was a possibility, he decided with a frown. He knew, though, that if he got the chance to see her he would find a way to convince her that he loved her and would work out his problem about her. Erin had told him she loved him and he had to believe she did. She wasn't the type of woman to turn her feelings off and on. So why had she been with that Steve guy? He probably was only a friend, David hoped. Yes, that was it. He would call her. And if she refused to see him, he would find a way to get her to.
A mischievous idea came to him. What if something was broken in his apartment? She couldn't refuse to fix it, especially after making it very clear that if repairs were needed he was to call only her. So she couldn't refuse to see him, David thought with a devilish grin. He glanced over at the phone and with the thought of seeing her again his heart lightened. He suddenly felt better than he had in a long time.
David placed the receiver to his ear, the dial tone humming, as he wondered what he could say was broken. He frowned, wracking his brain, trying to come up with something he could use. If worse came to worse he could always blow out the pilot light on the stove. Then he shuddered. That would be used only as a last, desperate move. Knowing his track record he might end up blowing himself up. Then he remembered that one of his faucets in the bathroom had started to leak. It wasn't much but who cared? It would do. A leaking faucet could be just as annoying as anything else. He was tricking her, he suddenly thought with a qualm of conscience. But it was justifiable, he silently argued back. It was for a good cause, and once Erin was in his arms again and knew how he felt about her, she would forgive him.
David dialed her number, and his heart beat faster as the phone rang and he waited for her to answer.
Finally Erin picked up the phone and said, "Hello, Stewart Contracting."
David smiled, glad he hadn't gotten her answering machine. "Hi," he quickly replied.
"Hello."
"This is David."
"I know who it is," Erin returned in a flat tone.
"I have a problem," he went on, his confidence starting to waver.
"Yes?"
"It's my faucet . . ."
He paused and Erin finally said, "What's wrong with it?"
"It's dripping."
"Are you sure you turned it off?" she asked in a sarcastic way.
David breathed easier. Indifference he couldn't handle, but if Erin was angry at him, then there was hope. At least he still had some effect upon her.
"I'm a tenant calling with a problem. Are you going to help me or not?" he asked coolly as he smiled. He had her over a barrel and he knew it.
"When do you want it fixed?" Erin asked with a sharp edge to her voice.
"Today."
"I don't know if I can get the keys from Eliot. It's almost five."
"That's all right. I'll be home from work soon. Can you come up about six-thirty?"
"Sure," Erin replied simply.
"And, Erin?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks," he said warmly. There was a pause, and then he heard a click. David looked at the receiver a moment before placing it back on its hook. A grin plastered itself across his face. It wouldn't be easy, he thought, but he'd get her back.
Immediately David left work. He had so much to do. Erin was coming over, and he had to prepare for a celebration. What better way to keep Erin there than to cook her a wonderful dinner? One way to Erin's heart was through her stomach! She definitely appreciated good food, and he knew she wouldn't be able to turn down his cooking, especially if he made sure to let her know how much effort he had put into it. No, Erin wouldn't turn him down; she couldn't be that cruel.
He arrived home a little before six and began the feast he was going to make for Erin. Because of the cold weather, he had decided on beef stew. Without delay David browned the meat and prepared the vegetables, adding the seasoning and some water. He then put a lid over the pot, hoping the stew aroma would be strong enough by the time Erin arrived so that it would entice her to stay.
David walked into his bedroom and slipped out of his suit into more casual wear. Slapping some aftershave onto his cheeks and brushing his hair, David felt confident his grooming needs had been completed. He looked over at the clock on his dresser. Only a few more minutes and Erin would be ringing his buzzer.
He quickly moved into his living room. He stopped in the hallway, glancing around the room, checking to make certain everything was in place. Pleased with the touches he had added—flowers, candles, and a bottle of wine—David smiled, feeling Erin would like them, too.
Just then the buzzer rang and his eyes darted over to the door. Early—that was Erin! He walked briskly over to the door and unlocked it. Swinging it open, he grinned broadly.
But his expression froze on his face—a tall young man was smiling back at him.
"Hi! I'm here to fix your faucet," he exclaimed.
"What?" David screeched. His grin straightened itself and then turned down into a scowl as his brow furrowed.
"You're Mr. Morris, right?" the man asked in a slightly nervous tone, taken aback by David's strong outburst.
"Yes, I am, but—"
"You do have a faucet to be fixed?" the man interrupted, seeming to have recovered from his shock as annoyance flickered in his eyes.
"Yes, but I thought Erin—I mean, Miss Stewart —was supposed to fix it," David voiced numbly.
"Oh." The guy smiled again. "She couldn't come. I'm her assistant." Then he raised his head and took a deep breath. Exhaling, he smiled and peered into David's living room. "Boy, that food smells good. Stew?"
"Yes," David replied glumly.
"Well, point me in the direction and I'll get your leak taken care of," he said with a grin, walking past David with a toolbox in his hand.
David automatically pointed in the direction of his bathroom. He still hadn't recovered his composure. Never in a million years would he have thought Erin capable of pulling something like this on him!
The guy walked toward the bathroom, making a quick survey of the room as he walked, noting the flowers, candles, and the table set with the bottle of wine.
"Boy, it's a good thing I got here when I did," he exclaimed loudly. "I wouldn't want to be interrupting your plans tonight," he added, turning back to David and giving him a knowing look.
"The bathroom's in there!" David snapped abruptly, feeling like salt had just been dumped in his open wound.
"Okay," he replied quickly, then added, "Mmmm, that stew sure smells good! I could really go for some—"
David glared at him, cutting off his words in midair. "If you don't mind—my faucet!" He pointed again toward the bathroom.
The workman looked at David as if he thought he were crazy, then walked into the bathroom.
David paced, fuming as he waited for the guy to fix the faucet and leave. The same question kept whirling through his mind. How could Erin have pulled such a rotten thing? It had been made clear that he wanted her to come to his apartment, but she sent a man instead. A man, of course! That's it!
David exclaimed to himself, solving the riddle. Oh, so that was her way of paying him back, he thought, slapping his leg. And Erin had the nerve to call him a sneak!
The minutes seemed like hours as he waited, and finally he forced himself to sit down on the couch. He picked up a cigarette and lit it, hoping a smoke would help him relax. David sat and waited, deciding what his next move would be. Finally he heard footsteps, and he quickly stood, his eyes moving in the direction of the sound.
"Just needed a new washer," the guy beamed, holding up the old washer. He walked right on by David, toward the door.
"Thanks," David managed to call after him as the worker opened the door and left.
David immediately sat down again. He noted the phone next to him on the stand. He picked up the receiver and dialed, sucking in on the cigarette, dangling between his lips. As he listened to the phone ring he removed the cigarette and exhaled slowly.
Finally he heard her voice say "Hello."
"Is this Stewart Contracting?" he asked sarcastically.
"Yes . . . David?"
"I'm flattered you even remembered my name!" he shot back.
"Don't be sarcastic!" Erin returned sharply.
"Look, I want to talk to you!"
"Talk. Nobody's stopping you," she replied casually.
"I want to see you, Erin."
"Why? You got your drip fixed, didn't you?" she asked in a mocking tone.
"Yes, I did, and why didn't you fix it? Why send someone else when it's your job? Does Eliot know about this guy?"
Erin laughed. "David, you're too much! Of course, Eliot knows about him. I don't do things the way you do."
"Why didn't you come? You wanted to hurt me, didn't you? Boy, do you know how to hit below the belt," he retorted, his tone testy.
"I didn't come because I knew you preferred a man. It's that simple. So don't go reading anything more into it. Because if you do, I'm telling you, you are wrong."
"Erin, I want to see you. I need to talk to you," David pleaded.
"We don't have anything to talk about, David. You've made that very clear. Now, if you don't mind, I have some things to do. And please don't call me again, unless you need something done in your apartment. 'Bye."
David heard the click and held the receiver to his ear a moment longer before hanging it up. So Erin was still angry with him. Well, he had expected that and couldn't blame her. He had been pretty rotten.
David took another drag on his cigarette. There had to be a way to get Erin to forgive him, and he had all the patience in the world to find out what it was. He suddenly cast a sharp eye in the direction of the table, and he thought about the food cooking on the stove. What a waste, he thought, swallowing hard as a frown darkened his face. He'd have enough stew to last the week!
Then David's thick brows raised as an idea instantly came to mind. If Erin wouldn't come to him he would go to her! With that thought in mind he walked over to his table, picking up the wine bottle along with a corkscrew and two wineglasses. She couldn't hate a guy for trying!
Within seconds he was at her door, tapping lightly. The door was opened instantly, her eyes not friendly.
"What do you want, David?" she demanded.
"I thought we could have a drink together," David said with a smile, holding the wine bottle and glasses out to her.
"David, you're impossible. I told you I didn't want to see you, and I meant it. Now, why don't you just go away!" Erin ordered, and shoved the door, hoping to close it, but David was too quick. He stuck his foot out and stopped it.
"Erin, would you stop this? I could break my foot," David declared, and Erin released her hold on the door. David moved his foot and stated, "You have a right to be annoyed with me. I don't blame you for that, but we need to talk."
"There was a time when I used to say that to you, but it got me nowhere," she retorted stubbornly.
"Okay, you're right. I was an insensitive jerk. I'll get down on my knees to beg your forgiveness if that's what you want."
"Why are you here, David?" Erin asked, her eyes studying him coldly.
"I want you," he said softly.
"I don't believe you!" she replied angrily, annoyed that he'd think she'd fall so easily for that line.
"Erin, can I come in?" he asked gently.
Erin hesitated for a moment. She felt herself weakening. She wanted to believe him—after all, she still loved him—but she couldn't risk being suckered in again. Erin didn't know if she could handle losing him a second time.
"No, David, you can't," she said in a quiet voice, looking into his eyes. But the usual fiery power was gone from them, and all Erin saw was his longing. Pain shot through her, and she had to look away, glancing down at the floor.
"Are you sure?" David asked, disappointment burning through his deep, masculine voice.
"I'm sure," Erin said as firmly as she could without showing any emotion, while inside the crumbling process had already begun.
"Do you like stew? I made you some stew," he went on enthusiastically, like a little boy refusing to take no for an answer.
Erin was silent, and her heart sank at the thought of David making her dinner tonight. But she couldn't give in, Erin told herself staunchly; she had too much at stake.
Her eyes were bordered with tears as she looked back up at David, but she rigidly held the tears in check. "David, please don't do this. I can't be with you, you know that. It's too late. Please leave and don't try to see me again," Erin said with determination.
Hurt and bewilderment flickered in his dark eyes as David openly stared at her. For an instant there was a silence so painful that it seemed that neither one dared breathe.
"It's because of Steve, isn't it?" he asked in a quiet tone.
"What?" Erin exclaimed, not believing her ears.
"The guy I met . . . Steve. Are you in love with him?"
"That's none of your business!" Erin flared. What kind of person did David think she was, that she could fall in and out of love so easy?
"I think it is my business," David insisted.
"A typical male. See a little competition and it stirs up interest," she retorted, her green eyes flickering with disdain.
David tilted his head back, and his face whitened as if Erin had slapped him. "Erin, how can you say that to me?" David asked indignantly.
"Very easily," she snapped. "Here I was, starting to really believe you came because you cared about me, but I should have known it was only to check out the competition!"
"You're wrong about that. I do care, Erin."
"Well, I'm sorry, but I don't believe you, David. I've had enough of this for one night. Would you please go away and leave me alone?"
David's eyes clung to hers, holding a secret she'd soon know. "I can't do that," David finally said simply.
"Why not?"
"Because I love you, Erin." David laughed softly as if hearing his own words had made him nervous.
But the rejoicing she had imagined at hearing those words was not forthcoming; only a numbness surged through her, leaving her cold. Why had he said those words now, after all the pain she had gone through? They would have meant something once but not now. Now, possibly, they were too late.
"David, I love you, too. But all we do is yell at each other. You come yelling at me about my work and I yell back. I don't want that anymore. And I know—"
"I know how wrong I've been," David interrupted.
"Please let me finish, David," Erin insisted, waiting a moment to make certain her request was heeded. "I know that it's just not my work that bothers you. It's like a smoke screen, covering a more serious problem. And I don't know what that problem is. I do feel that you're threatened by the fact that I'm able to fix things you can't. If that's what the problem is, I can understand."
Erin paused, hoping David would say something, but he didn't, so she continued. "Or maybe you've already decided when you'll be leaving and haven't told me. Perhaps you're trying to find any excuse to push me away, and my work is a perfect scapegoat. I don't know, but whatever it is, it's keeping us apart. I know that I want you, but I don't think you know what you want."
Pausing a moment, Erin stared over at David as a pained expression crossed his face. She felt disheartened, wondering if her words had been wasted energy. "I think you'd better decide. And I don't think we should see each other until you do. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like you to leave," she said with renewed determination as her eyes moistened, betraying the crumbling feeling inside her.
"Would you believe me if I told you things will be different?" he asked softly.
"No, I wouldn't."
"I didn't think so. I'm leaving, Erin, for now, but I'll be back," he declared, turning to leave. Glancing back, David added, "I do love you." Their eyes locked and held a moment, then David continued on his way up the stairs.
Erin numbly watched his tall frame until it disappeared out of sight, and she closed the door slowly. He says he loves me, but he walks away, she thought as she stared blankly at the white door. Then she turned sharply and with a silent cry added, I have to get on with my life. I have to forget David.
She sighed deeply, and her weary eyes glanced around the room, wondering what would keep her mind off the pain. But her defenses had been worn down, and no longer could she hold back the tears as they flooded down her cheeks, deep sobs racking her body.
The following day Erin was sitting watching the six-o'clock news when the buzzer rang. She was surprised and delighted to find that someone had sent her flowers. But when she discovered the bouquet was from David, she was annoyed as ever. Erin ripped up the card, which stated that he loved her and wanted to see her. She was furious that he thought a few flowers would make up for all the hurt and disillusionment. Having firmly made up her mind they had no future together, there was no reason for her to see him again. And she wouldn't keep the flowers.
Quickly Erin opened her door, looking for the delivery man, but he had already left. She looked on the paper and dialed the number of the florist. But the man who answered the phone said it was too late to send anyone back to pick them up. As she hung up the phone the thought to put them outside on top of the garbage can flashed through her mind, but Erin flinched, feeling that she couldn't bear to throw them away. Then she decided to place them in front of David's door with a note, telling him not to send any more flowers to ease his guilty conscience and that his money couldn't buy her forgiveness.
Attaching the note, Erin set them down in front of his door and bent down to give them one last smell. Their fragrance was heavenly, she thought, shaking her head. Straightening up, Erin's gaze held the beautiful flowers a moment longer, then she turned slowly and left.
The following days David was on the attack, bombarding Erin with phone calls and flowers. But each time the flowers arrived she refused the delivery. And each time he called she asked if he needed any repair work done, and when he said he didn't, she told him good-bye and hung up.
Erin threw her heart and soul into her work, hoping that some way she'd be able to get him out of her system. But David wouldn't let up, and Erin was getting worn down, until finally as she returned from the paint store one day, she felt she was at the breaking point.
Erin was exhausted as she lugged the two heavy paint cans home. It had been a rough day. On top of everything else the tenants of a loft she was working on had caused her a lot of problems, the last of which was that they had discovered in one of the walls to be torn down a supporting beam. That meant they had to bring in an architect to find another way to support the ceiling in keeping with the design, costing her time and money.
Her fingers ached as the wire handles cut into them. The paint store was only a few blocks from her home, and normally Erin would have made the trip with ease, but today she was just too tired. And thinking about David hadn't helped, either. She loved him and missed him but wished he would leave her alone and give her some peace. His phone calls and flowers were tearing her apart. She ached to be with him again but wouldn't allow herself to be set up only to be dropped again. The first time she hadn't seen it coming, and that was excusable, but if she went back to him and it happened a second time, she'd have to give them the keys to lock her away.
Erin set her cans down and stood up, rubbing her hands together. After a second, she bent down and picked them up, starting on her way. For a moment she thought she saw a familiar face, but she had been deep in thought and it took a few moments to focus in on the figure.
She felt a rush of blood as her heart beat faster. It was David! Oh, no! she thought to herself, and decided to dash across the street before he saw her. But the look in his keen eyes told her it was too late. And since he had already seen her, Erin wouldn't allow herself to be thought of as a coward by running away.
Erin gritted her teeth and forced a smile, not wanting him to know how heavy the cans were for her. Straightening her back, she picked up her feet, quickening her pace. As they reached each other Erin looked directly into his eyes.
"Hello," she said coolly.
"Hi. Can I help?" he offered, glancing down at the cans.
"I'm fine," she returned with a stiff upper lip as she continued past him.
"I know you're fine, but I wanted to know if I could help you." David turned and began following her.
"No, I'm quite capable of managing without your help. Thank you," she stated emphatically, in spite of how much the cans were killing her.
"Only wanted to help," David said, shrugging.
"And stop sending those damn flowers!" Erin added sharply, slightly out of breath.
"You have allergies?" David asked.
"No, I don't have allergies!" Erin flared and stopped, glaring up at him as he gave her his little-boy look with one cocked eyebrow. His familiar con expression made her even more angry and she snapped, "I love flowers, but I don't want your damn flowers!"
Erin took off again, but her movement was too quick, and her ankle gave way. As she felt herself falling she struggled and luckily was able to right herself, still holding tightly onto the heavy cans, continuing on her way.
"Erin, you're going to hurt yourself!" David yelled.
"It's my concern, not yours!"
"That's where you're wrong. Give me those cans."
"No!"
"You're acting like a child!"
"So what? I'm entitled."
Not only were her fingers dead, but shooting pains were fanning up her arms and her breath was coming in short, rasping sounds. She had to stop and rest. But damn, she silently raged to herself, she hated showing defeat in the face of the big cad! Erin's steps came to an abrupt halt, and she took a deep breath but refused to set the cans down.
"I can't stand it!" David blurted out. "A grown woman deliberately killing herself to prove a point." Before Erin could offer a protest, he placed his large hand down upon hers, and under its pressure she released the can into his hand. David then made the same move toward the other one, but Erin quickly inched away.
"No, I can carry this one!" she insisted, walking again but really relieved that he had taken the can.
"Going far?"
"No, just to the building next to ours. A tenant renewed his lease and the apartment has to be painted."
David's eyes widened, and his brows pointed upward.
"But, Erin, this is a weekend. Don't you ever have any time off?"
Erin's lips twisted into a cynical smile.
"I don't want to get into that one again!" she snapped.
"Hey, okay, I'm sorry, but how about dinner later? You have to eat sometime," he quickly added.
"I don't know when I'll be finished."
"I don't mind waiting," David declared.
"I'd feel pressured, knowing you were waiting, and that could cause me extra work."
"How about if I helped you? That way you'd be finished early and we could have a nice, leisurely dinner," David offered softly.
His words made Erin stop dead in her tracks, and she looked up at him. His eyes were warm and gentle, reminding her suddenly of all the special times they had shared together. And it was like a sharp dagger through her, making her quickly turn away.
"What do you say?" he asked.
"I'm sorry, David, but I can't allow that. It's my work," she said, and started walking.
"Erin!" David called, then raced to get in front of her, blocking her way. "Please let me help you. I need to talk to you." Erin remained silent. "Don't I mean anything to you?" he asked, and the pained cry in his voice was like a slap on her face.
Erin turned around sharply.
"What a lousy question! You know how I feel! What the hell do you think this has been all about? I love you!" she yelled, and pushed past him.
"Then prove it and let me help you!" he stated loudly, walking alongside her.
"I don't have to prove anything to you!"
"Then what's the harm in letting me help you? And what harm could there be in having dinner with me?"
Erin stopped again and studied his face. She was tired and could really use the help. A nice dinner would also help her relax, and after everything that had happened between them, she certainly wouldn't feel obligated to him. Who the hell did she think she was kidding? she finally admitted to herself as she gazed into his beautiful brown eyes. The truth was, she couldn't deny any longer that she was happy to see him and wanted desperately to be with him.
"Do you think you can take orders from a woman?" she suddenly asked with challenging eyes.
"If that woman is you," David came back warmly.
"Okay, but you'd better get out of those clothes," Erin stated as she started walking again.
"Just what do you have in mind?" David teased, following her.
"I wouldn't want your suit to get ruined," Erin returned with a smile, and they continued on toward their building.
They got into their work clothes and carried the paint cans into the apartment to be painted. They worked quietly, Erin directing David only when necessary. They moved the furniture into the middle of the room, covering it with a tarp.
Erin opened a can of paint and stirred it while David stood awkwardly by with his hands shoved into his pockets. Once the paint was thoroughly mixed, Erin poured some of the paint into a tray and smiled up at David, handing him a large wall brush. David looked at the brush, down at the paint, then over at the wall. A bewildered look flashed across his face.
"You go first." He smiled brightly.
"What do we have here, another Tom Sawyer?" Erin laughed.
"Okay, wise woman, you asked for it!" he declared.
David took the brush and dipped it deeply into the can, and Erin shook her head, not believing he didn't know he was supposed to dip it in the tray. As he pulled it out paint clung to the handle, but David smiled up at Erin, seeming oblivious to the mess he was making. He reached over to the wall, paint dripping around him. Raising his hand high over his head, he pressed the paintbrush to the wall and with one sharp movement downward, a wide beige streak appeared. Erin could have died laughing, but she stifled her amusement, afraid she might hurt his feelings.
"This is easier than I thought," David declared proudly.
"Not bad," Erin returned, trying to appear impressed.
"Erin, you have to believe how sorry I've been and how much I've missed you," David begged with a grin.
A tingling sensation swept through her, and Erin wanted to throw her arms around him but she held her emotions in check.
"We'd better get moving if we plan to have dinner tonight," she said softly with a smile.
"Please say you'll forgive me, Erin. I know I've hurt you, but I never deliberately meant to. You're so beautiful, so special. Can't you forgive me for being a pigheaded male, too dumb to see what was important to you and to me? I was wrong, Erin. Won't you give me a chance to prove how much I love you and that I can accept your work? All I need is a little time."
"David, I love you, too, but let's talk about this after we get our work done. Otherwise we'll be here all night." Erin smiled softly.
The beginning of a smile tipped at the corners of his mouth and grew into his bright captivating one, the one that would forever be etched in Erin's memory. "I love you," he whispered, and immediately turned back to the wall to continue painting.
David's words had totally disarmed her. Erin watched him, her heart so full, she thought it would surely break. Her heart swelled as she watched his short, choppy, quick strokes. She couldn't help but feel that she had been right about him all along. He was really a sweet and wonderful person whose only fault had been that he was a little too set in his ways. And Erin also knew how difficult it had to be for David to try his hand at painting. It had to have been his way of showing her that he was sorry and that he was trying to understand her work. Her eyes danced as she mischievously thought, Under that hard rock of a man lurks a gem of a sweetheart.
Then, with the wonderful thought of being in his strong arms, Erin decided to get to work and help out if they were ever to get out of there. She picked up a roller and dipped it into the tray. Her eyes wandered over to David, and she grinned as she saw a big space he'd skipped on the wall. She would have to find a way to cover it without treading on his male ego, she thought affectionately.
Silently they continued to paint, and the walls were getting finished in no time flat. And Erin had never felt so satisfied as she did working with David.
Finally finished, David stepped away from the wall and turned to Erin with a huge grin plastered on his face. "Now, I ask you, is that a work of art or what?" He seemed really very pleased with himself.
Her brow furrowed, and she gave the wall he had just finished a critical glance. "I think it looks more like an 'or what'!" She couldn't help but tease him.
"Oh, yeah? You're only jealous. But don't worry, I'm not out to get your job," he jabbed playfully.
"You rat!" Erin declared, then with one sharp movement of her wrist she flicked David with some paint.
"Yes, but you have to admit, an artistic rat!" he retorted with a laugh, and held up his roller with a villainous look. As his roller moved in her direction Erin ducked, but the sharp movement caused her cap to fall off, and her hair was sprayed with paint. Erin squealed with laughter.
"I'm going to fix you!" Erin threatened, dipping her roller into the can to make sure she had loads of paint to cover him with.
But David saw it coming and with a whirling motion he reached for her, but tripped instead over the paint tray and went flying into her. They crashed to the floor, their arms and legs sprawling all over the tarp. Their laughter echoed through the room.
But Erin wasn't finished yet. She was a real fighter. She inched her hand over to her roller on the floor close to her. Clamping her hand on it, she raised it in the air.
"My God, you're a tiger!" David yelled, and grabbed her arm, blocking any movement.
With great effort Erin managed to bring the roller down and then tried to push it toward him as he suddenly lurched toward her. A beige streak of paint was painted across his neck and his shirt. Erin could have died, as she stared at him wide-eyed, not having the foggiest clue as to how David would retaliate. But to her relief he did nothing but smile and retort, "Was it something I said?"
Erin laughed so hard, she thought her stomach would burst, and David joined her. But after a few moments David stopped laughing, and Erin noted an odd look on his face, one she had never seen before.
David took her hand into his and rubbed it gently, then raised it to his lips and kissed her fingertips. A smile filled with affection and delight spread across her face.
"I'll tell you what, Erin. I'll make you a deal."
"What?" she challenged playfully.
"You can teach all our children to paint, and I'll teach them math."
A flash of disbelief crossed her face. "David, are you trying to tell me something?" she muttered.
"Yes, I love you, Erin, and I want to marry you. Why do you think I fought so hard to stay away from you? I knew that if I saw you I wouldn't be able to deny how I felt about you and would have to have you hogtied, as you would say, by my side."
"David, that's not funny!" Erin declared, feeling shaky.
"I'm not laughing. I want to marry you."
Erin studied his face. There was no trace of a smile, and his eyes were frightfully serious. Could it really be true? Erin asked herself.
"Well, will you? Will you marry me?" he asked impatiently and squeezed her hand.
It had to be true. Erin wished someone would pinch her to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Tears flooded her eyes, and she smiled, nodding her head broadly.
David's eyes glistened, and a tear ran down his face as his arms reached out to her.
"God, I'd thought I had lost you! All the sunshine was gone from my heart," he whispered, bringing her close into him. "Please don't ever leave me again."
Erin's heart went out to him, and she wrapped her arms around him as light sobs jerked out of his body.
"Look at me, you must think I'm acting like a baby," he cried.
And Erin kissed him on the cheek and replied in her soft, melodious voice, "No way, not a rough-edged guy like you."
David laughed and broke away, wiping his eyes. "You're really going to marry me?" he asked with the expectant voice of a child.
"I love you, David, and I want to be with you always."
David's expression brightened, and he grinned. Then he glanced quickly down at the floor and then back to her. With a sly look he asked in a very seductive tone, "Have you ever made love on a tarp before?"
Erin smiled and returned bravely, "No, but there's always a first time for everything!"
David took Erin gently into his arms and held her tightly, offering her a lifetime of bliss.
"You don't mind kissing a guy with paint all over his face, do you?" he asked softly with a self-assured grin. Erin smiled, raising her lips to meet his.