“Doyoubelieveinloveatfirstsight?”

Marcyheldherbreath.Shehadnorighttoaskhimsuchaquestion.Hewasheremployer,evenifonlytemporarily,andshefoundhimincredibly,inappropriatelysexyandappealing,butshereallyshouldn’tbesopersonal.

Still,shecouldn’ttakebackthequestion.

“Idon’tknow,”hesaid,hisgazedirect.“Ihaven’texperienceditmyself.”

Whichgaveherananswerinitself.Hehadn’tfallenforanyoneatfirstsight,thereforehehadn’tfallenforher.Astiflingblanketofdisappointmentdroppedoverher.

Whichwastotallyridiculous,sherealized.Whyshouldshebedisappointed?

“Now,lustatfirstsight?That’sdifferent.”Hetookalockofherhairinhishandandrubbedit.“It’ssoft.I’vebeenwondering.”

“Youhave?”

“Sincefirstsight.”

“Whichwasonly—”shedidsomequickcalculations“—seventeenhoursago.”

“Firstsight,”herepeated.

DearReader,

Haveyoueversetagoalforyourselfthenwouldn’tdeviatefromit—eventhoughyoushould?Beingadaptablecansaveusalotofgriefthroughtheyears,butoccasionallyittakesamomentousevent—likefallinginlove—tomakeusrealizewhenwe’restickingtoocloselytoaplan.

ThatdescribestheheroineinHisTemporaryLive-inWife.Forwhatshebelievesarereallygoodreasons,she’sworkingtowardagoal,butwithblinderson,notgivingherselfachancetolookevenside-to-sidetoseewhatelsemightmakeherhappy.Alongcomesourhero,who’salreadyachievedhisgoalandislookingforsomethingnew.He’slearnedtoadapt.

It’suptoErictoshowMarcythatit’sokaytoveeroffcoursenowandthen,especiallywhenthenewdirectioncouldbringagreaterhappinessthantheoriginalpath.

IcheeredthemonasIwrotetheirstory.Ihopeyouwill,too.

Susan

HISTEMPORARYLIVE-INWIFESUSANCROSBY

RecentbooksbySusanCrosby

HarlequinSpecialEdition*HisTemporaryLive-inWife#2138

SilhouetteSpecialEdition*TheBachelor’sStand-InWife#1912**TheRancher’sSurpriseMarriage#1922*TheSingleDad’sVirginWife#1930*TheMillionaire’sChristmasWife#1936††ThePregnantBrideWoreWhite#1995††LoveandtheSingleDad#2019‡TheDoctor’sPregnantBride?#2030††AtLongLast,aBride#2043‡‡Mendoza’sReturn#2102*HusbandforHire#2118

SilhouetteDesire†ChristmasBonus,StringsAttached#1554†PrivateIndiscretions#1570†HotContact#1590†RulesofAttraction#1647†HeartoftheRaven#1653†SecretsofPaternity#1659TheForbiddenTwin#1717ForcedtotheAltar#1733BoundbytheBaby#1797

SUSANCROSBY

believesinthevalueofsettinggoals,butalsointhemagicofmakingwishes,whichoftendocometrue—aslongassheworkshardenough.Alonglife’sjourney,she’sdonealotoftheusualthings—married,hadchildren,attendedcollegealittlelaterthantheaveragecoedandearnedaB.A.inEnglish.Thenshedoveoffthedeependintoafull-timewritingcareer,awishcometrue.

Susanenjoyswritingaboutpeoplewhotakeachanceonlove,sometimesagainstallodds.Sheloveswarm,strongheroesandgood-hearted,self-reliantheroines,andshewillalwaysbelieveinhappily-ever-after.

Morecanbelearnedaboutheratwww.susancrosby.com.

ForRobandColleen,wholiveandlovesidebyside.“Rolemodel”maybeabig,loftytitlewithlotsof

responsibilityattachedtoit,butyou’vebothwornitwell.

Contents

ChapterOne

ChapterTwo

ChapterThree

ChapterFour

ChapterFive

ChapterSix

ChapterSeven

ChapterEight

ChapterNine

ChapterTen

ChapterEleven

ChapterTwelve

ChapterThirteen

ChapterFourteen

ChapterFifteen

ChapterSixteen

ChapterSeventeen

ChapterOne

“Youwantmetohouse-sitavacanthome?There’snofurniture?Nothing?”MarcyMonroeaskedheremployer,bewildered.TherequestwasafirstinherfouryearsofworkingforAtYourService,aSacramentohigh-endtempagency.“Whohiressomeonetodothat?”

“Acautiousman,apparently.”Theagencyowner,JuliaSwanson,smiledinthatserenewayshehad.“Ithoughtsinceyourotherhouse-sittingjobfellthrough,youwouldn’tmind.Theclientwillpayforacotandsleepingbag.”ShehandedMarcyasheetofpaper.“Here’salistofwhathe’llneeddoneinthenextfewdays.Asyoucansee,you’llbebusy.Heboughtitasaforeclosure,soit’snotinperfectshape.Thejobismuchmorethanhouse-sitting.He’llpaydoubleyourrate.”

“TellhimtotripleitandI’lldothecleaning,too,”shemuttered,perusingthetasklist.“It’llsavehimhavingtohireaservice,andit’llkeepmeoccupiedwhileI’mthere.”

Juliapickedupthephoneanddialed.Marcywavedbothhands,thepaperflapping.“Julia,stop.I’mkidding!”“You’rekiddingaboutofferingtodothecleaning?”Juliaasked.“No,I’ddoit,but—”“Eric,hi,it’sJuliaSwanson….Yes,she’ssittinginmyofficerightnow.She

wantedmetotellyoushe’swillingtodothecleaning,too,foranextrafee….”ThatsneakyJulia,Marcythought.Shecouldn’tsaynonow,andJuliaknew

it.“Idon’tdowindows,”Marcywhisperedloudly.“Ofcourse.Heresheis.”Hereyesshimmering,Juliaheldoutthephoneto

Marcy.“He’dliketospeakwithyou.”MarcyshookherheadatJuliabuthadtotakethephone.“ThisisMarcy

Monroe.”“EricSheridan,Ms.Monroe.Thankyouverymuchforacceptingthejob.I

can’ttellyouwhatareliefthatistome.”Shealmostsighed.Itwasobviouslyadonedeal.“I’mgladIcanhelp.”“Youknowthehousehasbeenvacantformonths.Itneedsagreatdealof

elbowgrease.Plus,it’soneand-a-halfstories,withlotsofwindows.”Great,shethought.Justgreat.“That’sfine.”

Hehesitatedabeat.“DidJuliashowyouthelist?”“Yes,andIdon’tforeseeanyproblems,Mr.Sheridan.Youcanrelax.I’m

quitecompetent.”“Iwasalreadypromisedthat.I’mleavingNewYorkCitytodaytodrive

acrossthecountry.Feelfreetocallmeanytimeyouhavequestions.I’drathernotbesurprisedwhenIgetthere.”

“Iwill,thanks.”“IfyouwouldputJuliabackon,please?”MarcypassedherthephoneandwatchedJulialaughatsomethingtheman

said.He’dbeenallbusinesswithher.Marcycouldn’timaginewhatwassofunny—unlessithadtodowithhersomehow.

Afterafewseconds,Juliahungup.“Hesaidtohireawindow-cleaningservice.”

Marcyfeltherfaceheat.“Heheardmesaythat?”“Apparently.Orhe’sclairvoyant.”“Whatdoeshedo?”“He’llbeteachingmathematicsforthefallquarteratUCDavisstartingnext

month.”Amathematician—whichprobablymeanthewasasticklerfordetailsand

morepragmaticthanfun.She’dmetseveralinherpastlifeasaflightattendant.“I’llonlybedealingwithhim,nooneelse?”

“Right.”Julialeanedforward.“Iknowyoufeeltrappedintoacceptingthejob,Marcy,butifyou’rereallynotinterested,youcanbackout.”

“No,I’lldoit.It’sjustsoweirdstayinginanemptyhouse,youknow?Kindofcreepy.”

“Inviteafriendtostayovernightwithyou,ifyouwant.”ShepassedMarcyanenvelope.“Here’sthekeyandsomecashforsupplies.Theutilitieshavebeenturnedon.Thankyousomuchfordoingthis.Ithinkhecouldendupbeingalong-timeclientforotheroccasions.”

MarcysaidgoodbyethentookthestairsdownthreeflightsfromthedowntownSacramentooffice.Julia’sbusinesswasoftennicknamed“WivesforHire”becauseofjobslikethisone.

Marcydecidedtocheckouttheclient’shousebeforeshoppingforsupplies,sosheheadedforthetownofDavis,ahalfhour’sdrivefromSacramento.ShepulledupinfrontofaquaintCraftsman-stylehomewithwood-shakesiding,rockpillarsandawraparoundporch,amasculine-lookingstructure.Thatwastheupside.

Thedownsidewasalawnandlandscapingthathaddiedforlackofwateringduringhoweverlongithadbeeninforeclosure.

Andthewindows?Shecountedtwenty-fourjustonthefront.Shesteppedoutofthecar,thelateAugustheathittinghersquarelyinthe

face.Todaymarkedtheseventhdayinarowthetemperaturehadreachedonehundred,althoughthestatelyoldtreesthatlinedtheblockprovidedgoodshade.Itwasanold,establishedneighborhoodofwell-maintained,decades-oldhouses,thekindofplacewherekidscouldplayinthestreetwithouttoomuchworry.

Gratefulshedidn’thavetowashthemultitudeofwindows,Marcywassmilingassheopenedthefrontdoorandsteppedinsideawidelivingroomthatlookedasifithadbeenafrathouseonce.Everythingneededpainting.Wallsneededrepair.Thefloorsweredirty,butseemedtohaveweatheredthestormwellenough.

LikemostCraftsmanhouses,itwasn’topen-concept,butseparaterooms.Inthediningroomshediscoveredabrokenwindowwithglassscatteredacrossthefloor,andfootprints—humanandanimal—intheaccumulateddust.Thehalfbathwasfilthy.Sowasthekitchen.Thecabinetswereusablebuttheappliancesandcountertopsoldandinneedofreplacement.Upstairswerethreebedroomsandtwobathrooms,onewithinthemastersuitethatmusthavebeenrenovatedsometimeinthepasttwentyyears.Overheadlightfixtureshadbeenrippedout,andalthoughthewallsweren’tbadlydamaged,theyneededpaint.

Thehousewouldsparklelikeagemwhenitwascleanandfixedup,butitwasgoingtotakealotofefforttogetittothatpoint.

Sheregrettedtellingtheownershewoulddothecleaning.Itwasamuchbiggerjobthanshe’dexpected.

Marcyglancedattheto-dolist.Paintersweretoarrivestartingthenextday.Aninteriordesignerwasontheschedule.ThemovingvanwasdueonFriday,fourdaysfromnow.Mr.SheridanhopedtoarriveonSaturday,perhapsSunday.

Marcywanderedintothebackyard,whichhadacovereddeckandbuilt-inbarbecuethathadsomehowsurvivedwithonlyalittleweather-relateddamage.Thelotwasn’toverlylarge,andtheneighborsfairlyclose,butafencesurroundedthepropertyaswellasenoughgreenerytomaintainsomeprivacy.

Someoneonabicyclecamebarrelingdownthedriveway,ateenageboy,maybesixteenorseventeenyearsold.

“Hi,”hesaid,gettingoffhisbikebutholdingontoit.“I’mDylan.IsawtheForSalewastakendown.Areyouthenewowner?’CauseI’mlookingforwork,andthisplacecoulduseit.IknowIdon’tlookit,butI’mstrong.”

Therewasadesperatenessabouthimthatdrewhersympathy.Hewasrib-showingskinny,andhishairhadn’tbeencutinawhile.

“I’msorry,Dylan.Idon’thaveanyauthoritytohireanyone.Maybeifyoucomebacknextweek?”

Morethandisappointmentcrossedhisface.Despair?Hopelessness?Shedugintoherpocket,pulledoutatwenty-dollarbillandtuckeditintohis

hand.“Comebacknextweek,okay?”Hedidn’tdebateabouttakingthemoney,whichtoldheralot.Hemumbled

histhanksthentookoff.Shewatchedhimuntilhewasoutofsight,thenwalkedtheperimeter,

checkingouttheneglectedyard.Shereturnedtothehousetomakealistbeforecallingthenewowner.

“Mr.Sheridan,thisisMarcyMonroe.I’matyourhouse.Whenwasthelasttimeyousawit?”

“CallmeEric,please.Isawitthreemonthsago,why?”“There’sdamageinalmosteveryroom.”Shetoldhimwhatshe’dfound.

“Wasthehouseinthatconditionwhenyousawit?”“No.”Annoyancecoatedthesingleword.“Weshouldpostponethepaintersuntilthewallsarefixed,don’tyouthink?I

knowit’sgoingtothrowyourscheduleoff,butIdon’tseethatyouhaveachoice.”

Heblewoutabreath.“MyRealtordidn’ttellme.Sheshouldhave.”“Maybeshedidn’tknow.It’shardtotellwhenithappened.Ithinkthefirst

priorityistofixthebrokenwindow.Andhonestly,Idon’twanttostayhereuntilIknowit’ssecure.”

“Ibelieveanoccupiedhousewillscareoffvagrantsandpreventmoredamagefromoccurring,whichiswhyIaskedforsomeonetospendthenight.”

“But—”“ButIagreeaboutthewindow,”hesaid,interruptingherbeforeshegot

startedonherargument.“Goaheadandhavethatfixed,todayifpossible.Offerabonus,ifnecessary.Afterthat,I’dlikeyoutostayatnight,asplanned.Unlessyoudon’twantthejobnow?”

Shewastemptedtobackout,butshepridedherselfonherreliability.She’dagreedtothejob.Shewouldstickitout.Plus,theworkinvolvedawholelotofmoney,andshewouldn’tturnthatdown.Itwouldhelpmakeupforlosingoutonthetwo-weekhouse-sittingjobshe’dcountedon.

“I’mnotquitting,”shesaid.“Actually,I’musedtosleepinginstrangehouses,althoughnotunfurnishedones.Ialsowonderedifyouwantmetobuyavacuumcleaner.”

“Ihaveone,butit’sinthemovingvan.Doesn’tdomuchgoodthere,doesit?”

“Icanborrowone.Ishouldgetgoing.There’salottodo.”“Iappreciateyourcheckingwithme.”

Shepushedtheendbuttonandstaredatherphone.Hehadapleasantvoice.Morethanthat,really—anenticingvoice,deepandclear,althoughasomewhat-formaltone.Shedidn’tthinkstudentswouldhaveanytroublelisteningtohimlecture.

Sheshould’veaskedJuliahowoldhewas.Shehadnovisualimageofhim.Hesoundedsettled.Professorial.Shepicturedamaninhissixties,wearingasweatervestandtweedjacketwithelbowpatches.

Marcysmiledatthestereotypethatformedinherhead.Shewasn’tanywherenearsettled,buttwenty-eightandstillworkingtowardhereducationalgoals,andthentoacareertosustainherthroughgoodtimesandbad.

Herfuturewassomethingshecouldponderforever,butfornowshehadajobtodo—getthewindowfixedsoshecouldspendherfirstnightinthecaveEricSheridancalledhome.

Ericmadeafinalwalk-throughofhisemptyco-op.Havingsomelast-minutebusinesstotendtobeforehecouldleavetown,he’dbeenstayingatahotelsincethemovershadpackedeverythingafewdaysearlier.Inafewminuteshewouldhittheroad.Hecould’veflown,could’vehadthecarmovedwithhisbelongings,buthaddecidedheneededtoclearhisheadsothathecouldstartfreshinCalifornia.Aroadtripwoulddothat.

HeneededtoletgoofhislifeinNewYorkCity.AyearhadgonebysinceJamiehadbeentakenfromhim,andEricwasstillstuckintheangerstageofmourning,onehewaswellfamiliarwith,unfortunately.Thistimeheknewhehadtofindawaytomakequickerworkoftheothergriefstagesandgetonwithlife.He’dbeenofferedateachingpositionatMIT,hisalmamaterandwherehisfatherhadtaughtformanyyears,aswell.Butamovetothewestcoastseemed…cleaner.

Hewasalmostforty,andhewasdonewiththesinglesscene.Hewantedtolivenearfamily,notjustgatherwiththemforholidays.Hisbrotherswerescatteredaroundthecountry,buthissisterlivedjustnorthofSacramento.Shewasnewlymarriedandnotboundtoleavetheareaanytimesoon.

Moreimportant,hewantedmarriageandchildren,andhadboughtahousesuitableforraisingafamily.He’dbeenwaitingforyearstosettledown,fulfillinghismanyotherresponsibilitiesbeforeseeingtohisownneeds.He’draisedhisfoursiblingsaftertheirparentsdied,andhedidn’tregretorresentwhathe’ddone,butitwashistimenow.

Hiscellphonerang,jarringhimoutofhisreverie.HesawitwasMarcyMaloneagain.“Yes,Marcy?”

“IhopeI’mnotinterruptinganything.”“I’minmyemptyapartment,makingafinalpass-through.WhatcanIdofor

you?”“Iwantedtoletyouknowthatthewindowhasbeenfixed.”“Good.”“However,”sheadded,“Ijustrealizedtherearenoblindsorcurtains.Nota

one.”“I’mawareofthat.”“Haveyouorderedsome?Idon’tseeanythingonthelistaboutit.”Thenerveshe’dheardintheirpreviousconversationseemedmoreintense

now.“Theinteriordesignerishandlingit.Itakeityou’reafraidtostaytherewithoutwindowcoverings?”

Therewasalongpause,asifshewasweighingherwordsandbeingcarefulnottodispleasetheclient.“I’mokay,”shesaidfinallybutinatonethatseemedtoindicateshewastryingtoconvinceherself.

Heshould’veaskedJuliaSwansonforinformationonMarcyMalone.He’dlikeavisualtoputtothevoice.Shesoundedyoung.“Ifyou’resure,”hesaid,notwantingtohaveherreplaced,butalsonotwantinghertofearstayinginthehousealone.

“I’msure.Okay,then.That’sallIwantedtoknow.”“I’mgladyoucalled,”hesaid.“Don’thesitate,nomatterhowtrivialthe

issueseems.”“Thanks.Haveasafetrip.”Hesaidgood-nightthenwanderedtotheliving-roomwindow,which

overlookedCentralPark.He’dtakenJamiethere.They’drollerbladed,eatenicecreamandtalkedalot—aboutlifeandexpectationsandwhatmatteredmost.

HistimewithJamiehadgivenEricinsightintothekindoflifehewanted.Awifewhowascalmandsoothing,butstableandcompetent,too.Maternal.Especiallymaternal.

Andwillingtoputhercareeronholduntiltheirchildrenwereraised,ahopelesslychauvinisticandpoliticallyincorrectdemand,buthewasn’tanidealisticyoungmananymore.Heknewwhathewanted,whathecouldlivewith,andwhatweredealbreakers.Hewouldn’tsettle.He’dearnedtherighttopursuehisownhappinessafterallhe’dbeenthrough.

Ericlockedthedoorofhisco-opforthelasttime.Anticipationlightenedhisstep,thesamelevelofexcitementhe’dfeltwhenhisRealtorfirsttookhimintothehousehe’dendedupbuying.Thefeelingwasrareforhim,andwelcome.

Hehopeditwasasignofmoretocome.

Bythethirddayofhisdrive,Erichadgottenantsy.Talkradiocouldn’tholdhisattention,musiconlyannoyedhim.He’ddownloadedanaudiobook,athrillerthatshould’vedugitssuspensefulclawsintohimandmadethetimepassquickly.Itdidn’twork.

Whyhadheeverthoughtthatdrivingacrossthecountrywasagoodwaytotransitiontohisnewlife?Hewasmiserable.Hetalkedonhiscellphonetohissiblings,oldfriends,andafewbusinessacquaintancesuntiltheymadeupexcusestogetoffthephone.

Theonlyonewhodidn’tofferanexcuseandrushoffwasMarcyMonroe,buthewasalsopayingherforhertime.He’dcometoenjoyhisconversationswithheralot.

Hisphonerang.Speakofthedevil,hethought,smiling.“Hello,Marcy.”“Hi.How’sitgoing?”“IjustpassedthroughLincoln,Nebraska.Ifoundagreathamburgerplace

ontheoutskirtsofthecity.What’sup?”“Theinstallersareherewithyourwasheranddryer.Ijustwantedtodouble-

checkthatyouorderedZephyrBlue?”Shesaiditwithsuchdoubtinhervoice,hegrinned.“That’sthecolor.”“Okay.Letmetellthem.Holdonasec.Yes,that’sfine.Goahead,”shesaid

totheinstallers.“Iguessyoucan’tpicturemewithZephyrBlueappliances,”hecommented.“It’sweirdbecauseI’mdoingallthispersonalworkforyoubutIdon’tknow

anythingbeyondthefactyou’reamathprofessor.MayIaskwhyyou’removinghere?”

“Forthewomen.”“Ibegyourpardon?”Helaughed.“I’mlookingtogetmarriedandhavechildren.I’veexhausted

NewYork.”Herresponsewasalittleslowincoming.“Iknowalotofwomen.Whatare

youlookingfor?”“Doyou?BecauseIdon’twanttodothewholeonlinedatingthing,soa

personalreferencewouldbegreat.Shehastowantkids,eventhoughthiswouldbemysecondfamily.I’vealreadyraisedfourtoadulthood.”

“Four?”sherepeated,alittlebreathlessly.“Ah,whatageareyoulookingfor?”

“Sheneedstobechildbearingage,ofcourse,butnottooyoung.I’mnotlookingtorobanycradles.”

“So,you’redivorced?Orwidowed?”“Neither.”“You’reasingledad?”Ericwashavingwaytoomuchfunwithher,buthedidn’twanttoexplain

everythingandturntheconversationserious.Hewastiredofserious.Itwasoneofhisreasonsformakingthemove.“It’salongstory,”hesaid.

“MayIaskyouthis—didtheyallhavethesamemother?”“Absolutely.”Deadsilencefollowed.“Ihopeyou’llsharethestorysometime,”shesaid

finally.“That’sadate.”“Good.Inthemeantime,I’lllookthroughmyaddressbookandseeifIcan

comeupwithsomenames.”“Thatisaboveandbeyondthecallofduty,Marcy.Thankyou.”Ericstartedwhistlingaftertheyhungup,thenhefoundmusiconthesatellite

radiothathecouldsingalongwith.Hewasbeginningtofeelmorethanalittlehopefulabouthisfreshstart.Heevenhadamatchmakerwillingtohelp.

HerolleddownhiswindowandflewdowntheInterstatesingingatthetopofhislungs.Hecouldn’twaittogettoCaliforniaandseewhoshehadinmind.

ChapterTwo

EarlyFridaymorning,Marcydraggedherselfoutofhersleepingbagandstumbledintothebathroomtosplashcoldwateronherface.Shestaredatherhaggardreflection.

“Onemorenighttogo,”sheremindedherself.Ithadbeenaverylongweek,butEricwasmakinggoodtimeontheroadandthoughthewouldarrivesometimetomorrowafternoon.Insomewaysshewasreadytomoveon,butsinceherhouse-sittingjobhadbeencanceled,shedidn’thaveanywheretogothefollowingweek.Usuallyshestayedatherback-uphome,herfriendLori’sapartment,butshehadout-of-towncompany,leavingnoroomforMarcy.She’dcheckedwithtwootherfriends,buttheybothhadlive-inboyfriends,asurprisetoher,sothatwouldn’twork.

Forthefirsttimeinages,shewouldhavetogetamotelroom.Butwhicheverwayitworkedout,afullnight’ssleepwasinsightforher,for

whichshewasgrateful.Eric’shousemadenoiseallnight,soundsshecouldn’tidentify,creaksandgroansandclunks.Treebranchesscrapedagainstwindows.Acoupleoftimesshethoughtshe’dheardfootsteps,butinthemorningtherewerenosignsofanyonehavingbeeninside.

Sheknewshewasbeingridiculous.Paranoid,probably.Inhersanemoments,shechalkedituptobeinginanemptybuilding.Furniture,drapesandcarpetsabsorbedsound,butemptyhousesechoed,magnifyingevenahumintoaclatter.

She’dplacedhercotandsleepingbagagainstthelockedbedroomdoor,andhadnevergottenoutofbedtocheckoutanoise.

Onemorenight…Afterthequickestshoweronrecord,Marcyopenedthebedroomdoora

crackandpeekedout.Shelistened.Aminutelatershelefttheroomandtiptoeddownstairs,goingfromroomtoroom,findingnothingoutofplace.Daylightvanquishedghostsandlessenedfears.She’drelaxedbythetimesheopenedtherefrigerator.She’dalreadystockeditwiththeitemsonEric’slistbuthadboughtthingsforherself,too,likeindividual-sizebottlesoforangejuice.Shegrabbedone,thennoticeditwasthelast.

She’dboughtfivebottles.Thiswasdayfour.

Marcymovedfoodaround,notfindinganotherbottle.Hadoneoftheworkmentakenone?

Shesearchedalittlemorebutdidn’tnoticeanythingelsemissing.Fromacabinetshegrabbedaloafofbreadandjarofpeanutbutter,atleastahalfofwhichwasmissing.She’donlymadeonesandwich.

Marcydroppedthejartothecounter.Halftheloafofbreadwasgone,too.Itwasn’therimagination.

Sheshovedbothitemsintoagrocerybagthenwashedherhands.Whocould’vetakenthefood?Whatelsehadtheyhandled?Ithadtobesomeonewho’dbeeninthehouseduringthepasttwodays.Whohadsheleftunsupervised?

ThedrywallrepairerhadworkedonTuesdayandpartofyesterday,soitcouldhavebeenhim.Andshe’dlefthimalonewhenthewasheranddryerweredeliveredyesterday.Butthelaundryroomwasjustoffthekitchen,soshewould’veseenhimsneakintothekitchen.Severalboxesofwindowtreatmentshadarrivedlaterintheday.Thedeliverymanhadn’tgonebeyondthelivingroom.

Thatleftthepainters.Nooneelsehadbeeninthehouseforlong.Whatcouldshedoaboutit?Shecouldcallandcomplaintotheirboss,but

anyoneboldenoughtostealwouldalsolie.Shehadnoproof,either.Nowshewouldhavetodoaninventoryandreplacewhateverelsewasmissing.

Plusdealwiththecreepinessofthewholething.Shecarriedthetrashoutsidetoputinthebin,butthebinwasgone.Two

bins,actually,trashandrecycling.Thenshenoticedthattheolddrywalltheworkmanhadtossedoutsidewasalsogone.

Marcyfollowedthedrivewaytothefrontyardandspottedthebins.Nexttothemweretheappliancecartons,brokendownandstackedonthesidewalk,readytobepickedup.Thetrashcontainerwasfilledwithdrywallscraps.

“Wehavesomuchtrashtoday,don’twe,Lucy?”awomansaidnearby.Marcysawthenext-doorneighbortrytomusclehertrashbintothecurband

carryatoddleratthesametime.Marcyrushedover.“MayIhelp?”sheasked.“Thankyou.”ShefollowedMarcytothesidewalk.“Areyoumynew

neighbor?”“No,I’mjusthelpingtogetthehouseinorderbeforetheownercomes.”She

putoutherhand.“Myname’sMarcy.”“I’mAnnieandthisisLucy.She’stwo.Sayhi,Luce.”Thewomanwastall

andslender,probablyinherearlythirties,withstraightblondhairtohershoulders.Andnoweddingring.

Thelittlegirlloweredherchinbutlookedupflirtatiously,makingMarcylaugh.“It’sverynicetomeetyou,Lucy,andLucy’smommy.”

“We’vebeenlookingforwardtohavingthehouseoccupied.”Sheglancedtowardit.HerownplacewasmoreVictorianindesign,astruetotheeraasEric’s.

“Iwouldfeelthesame.Byanychance,didyouhaulmytrashtothestreet?Igotupthismorningandfounditdone.”

“Wasn’tme,butwe’vegotablockfullofhelpfulneighbors.You’llprobablyfindoutwhodiditsometimetoday.We’ll,we’reonourwaytomommy-and-meswimclass.I’lltalktoyoulater.”

Check,check,check,Marcythought.Anniemightbeslightlyontheyoungside,butshewasthebestcandidatesofarforEric.Marcywouldtrytogetmoreinfoonherlatertoday.Ofcourse,beingnext-doorneighborscouldbetoocomplicated,especiallyiftheydatedthenitdidn’tworkout.

WhenMarcygotbacktothekitchenshestoppedandstared.Shehadn’tnoticedearlierthatthedisheshadbeendone.Therehadn’tbeenmany,butthecounterwasclean.Itshouldn’thavebeen.

Whichmeantsomeonehadbeeninsidethehouse.Duringthenight.Whilesheslept.

Thedoorbellrang,heraldingthearrivalofthewindowwashers,whoplannedtobethereforhours,aswouldthepainters,finishinguptwoupstairsrooms.Shewelcomedthedistraction.Themovingcompanyhadcalledyesterdaytosayshecouldexpectthevantoarrivearoundten.Marcyhadcontactedtheinteriordesigner,passingalongthatnews.

Everyoneshouldbegonebythetimesheheadedtoherregularweekendwaitressjob.Evenbeingonherfeetallnightwouldseemlikeavacationafterthisweek.

Ontheotherhand,hercheckbookwasgoingtobeveryhappy,especiallyhertuitionfund.

Acouplehourslater,oneofthewindowwasherspointedoutabrokenlockonadiningroomwindow,nottheoneshe’dhadrepaired,butthewindownexttoit.She’dnevernoticed.Itappearedlocked,butactuallywasn’tlatchingintoanything,asectionofthelatchhavingbeenbrokenorcutaway.Thewindowslidupanddownwithlittleeffort.

Onemoreitemforherto-dolist.Onemorethingtoworryaboutonherlastdayandnight.

Sheexaminedthedining-roomfloor,lookingforevidencethatsomeonehadbrokenin.Sinceshe’dbeenwateringtheyardeveryday,itwasmuddyoutsidethewindownow.Anyonewhoclimbedthroughthewindowwould’vehadmud

ontheirshoes.Shefoundnothing,however.Howcouldshepossiblycomebackhereafterhershifttonight?Itwouldbe

wellpastmidnight,andthehousedarkandempty,andeasytobreakinto.Apparentlyhadalreadybeenbrokeninto.WouldEricbeangryifshedidn’tspendthenight?

Probably,especiallynowthathispersonalbelongingswouldbedelivered.Okaythen.Shewouldjusthavetostayawake.Shehadacellphoneanda

canofpepperspray.Shecouldhandleanything.

ErichadcometoappreciatehisGPSmorethaneveronhistripacrossAmerica.Notonlydidheknowwherehewasgoingandhowtogetthere,healsoeasilyfoundhotels,gasstationsandrestaurants.

Butalsobecauseoftheunit’sefficiency,heknewexactlyhowmanyhoursofdrivinghehadaheadofhim.Whichtonightpromptedabigdecision.Itwasteno’clock.HewasthreehoursoutofDavis,California,hisultimatedestination.He’dbeenontheroadmostoftheday.Usuallybynowhewassettledintoahotelroomandasleep.

It’sonlythreehours.Youcouldsleepinyourownbedtonight.Butcouldhestayawake?Wasitworththeexhaustion?Yes.Hewouldbehome.Hewouldbetoorestlessifhewenttoahotelnow,

anyway.HedialedMarcy’sphonebutonlyreachedhervoicemail.Maybeshe’d

alreadygonetobed.She’dhadalong,busyday,heknew.“Marcy,it’sEric,”hesaid.“IjustwantedtoalertyouthatI’llbearriving

around1:00a.m.Didn’twanttocatchyoubysurprise.Whenyougetthismessage,pleasecallmeback.Thanks.”

Alittleunderthreehourslater,hepulledintohisdrivewayandparkedinfrontofhisdetachedgarage,assumingMarcy’scarwasinsideit.Thehousewasdark.Shehadn’treturnedhiscall,sohefiguredshewasasleep.

Hesitantaboutgivingherashock,heapproachedthefrontdoorquietly,keyinhand.Hecheckedhisphoneincaseshe’dcalledbackandhehadn’thearditring,butthereweren’tanymessages.

Shouldhecallheragainnow,beforehewentinside,sothatifshewokeupshewouldn’tthinkhewasanintruder?Whatifshekeptagunforprotection?

Hedialed,figuringitwasbettertostartleheroutofsleepthancomeface-to-facewithher.They’dneverseeneachother.Shecouldscream,waketheneighbors,getthepoliceinvolved….

Stillnoanswer.Hehungupwithoutleavingamessage.Heslidhiskeyintothelock,openedthedoorslowly.Hedidn’tturnonany

lights,astreetlampinfrontofhishouseandhisporchlightofferingenoughilluminationtoseewherehewasgoing.

Hisfurniturewasinplacebutboxeswerestackedtooneside.Hewalkeddownthehallandintothediningroom,stoppingcoldwhenhesawonewindowpartiallyopen.

She’dgonetobedwiththewindowopen?Whatanidiotic—Aslightnoisereachedhim.Hespunaround.Someonewasnearby.Marcy?

No,shewouldn’ttiptoe….Wassheallright?Herushedfromtheroomanddownthehallintimetoseesomeonereachthe

frontdoor.Ericpickedupspeed.Thepersonflungopenthedoorandranout…andcrashedintosomeone—Marcy,Ericdecided,hearingawomanyelp.Knockedtotheground,she’dslowedtheintruder’sescapelongenoughforErictograbhimandslamhimagainstthesideofthehouse,drivinghisshoulderintohimtopreventhimfromgoinganywhere.Akid,Ericthought.Ateenager,maybeonlyseventeen.

“Eric?”Marcyaskedbreathlessly,warily.Shestoodupandbackedoffatthesametime.Shewaslookingathimasifhewasthebadguy.

Thekidtriedtowriggleaway.Ericpushedhimharderintothesidingandgrunted.“Yes,I’mEric,”hesaidtoMarcy,wholookednothinglikehe’dexpected.He’dimaginedherasyoungandpetite.Shewasclosetothirty,hedecided,aboveaverageinheight,withgenerouscurvesandlong,wild,auburnhair.

Shesmiledalittle,shakybutsassy,too.“WelcometoCalifornia.”Shepointedattheboy.“That’sDylan.He’slookingforwork.”

“Youknowhim?Youinvitedhimtostayinmyhousewithoutaskingme?”“Ofcoursenot.Ihavenoideahowhegotinside.”“Throughthewindowyouleftopen,”Ericsaid.Shefrowned.“Whatwindow?”“Inthediningroom.Wideopen.”“Ididn’t,Ipromiseyou.Thelock—”“Let’stakethisinside.”Hewoulddealwithherincompetencelater.He

didn’twanthisnewneighborsobservingthissceneastheirintroduction.Ericmaneuveredtheteenagerintothelivingroomandontoachairthen

stoodoverhim.Marcyfollowed,turningonlights.Theboywastallandskinny,withdirtybrownhairandeyesteemingwithbelligerence.

Great,Ericthought.JustwhatIneededtonight.

“Doyouwantmetocallthepolice?”Marcyasked,leaningagainstthefrontdoor.

“Notyet.So.Dylanwhat?”Ericaskedthekid.Heglaredbacksilently.“You’retellingmeoryou’retellingthecops.Whichisit?”Aflashofhopespranginhiseyes.Erichadalreadycometosome

conclusionsabouthim.Theboyremainedsilent.Ericreachedforhiscellphone.“Anthony,”Dylansaidinarush.Ericwonderedifthatwasreallyhisname.“Howoldareyou?”“Eighteen.”“Proveit.”“Ican’t.”“Wheredoyoulive?”“Nowhere.Everywhere.Here,forawhile.Itgotcomplicatedonceshe—”he

jerkedhisheadtowardMarcy“—movedin.”“Youatemypeanutbutter,”shesaid.Heliftedhischin,gaveheradarklook.“Youdon’tlooklikeyou’vemissed

anymeals.”“Knockitoff,”Ericsaid.“Youwanttosaveyourhide,berespectful.”Dylanlookedatthefloor.“Igaveyoumoney,andthisishowyourepayme?”Marcyasked.“Ididn’taskyouforanythingexceptajob,lady.AndIdidstuff—Never

mind.”“Areyouhungry?”Ericasked,knowingtheanswer.Theycouldsortthisout

wheneveryonecalmeddown.“Wait,”Marcysaid.“Youdidwhatstuff?”sheaskedDylan.“Finishyour

sentence.”Heshrugged.“Itwasyou.Youbrokedowntheboxesandputthemoutforrecycling.You

putthetrashoutsothedrywallcouldbehauledoff.Youevendidthedishes!”Afterafewsecondshenodded,notmakingeyecontact.Apparentlytherewasalotmoretothiskidthanappearedonthesurface.He

hadn’tjuststolen.“Marcy,wouldyoupleasefixDylanasandwichorsomething,”Ericsaid.“Whateveryou’vegotonhand.”

Shesighed.“Wouldyoualsolikeone?”“Ifyoudon’tmind.”“Oh,no.I’mheretoserve,”shemutteredasshestrodeintothekitchen,

although“marched”mightbeamoreaccuratedescription.

EricpulledachairclosetoDylanandsat.“Tellmeaboutlivinghere.How’dyoudothat?”

“Openedthewindow.Climbedin.”Ericdugforpatience.“Bemorespecific.”“Isawtheplacewasempty.Ineededaplacetostay.”“Didyoubreakthewindow?”“Itwasalreadybroken.”Hefinallymadeeyecontact,althoughonlybriefly.

“IbrokethelockontheotherwindowsoIcouldgetbackin,incasesomeonefixedtheglass.”

“Howlongdidyoustayhere?”Heshrugged.“Days?Weeks?Months?”“WhenIneededto.”Ericwaited,hisgazesteady.Silenceusuallybroughtdiscomfortand

thereforeanswers,butthiskidhandledemptysilenceswell.“Gowashyourhandsbeforeweeat.”Hereckonedtheboywashungry

enoughnottoclimboutthewindow.“Ithinkyouknowwherethebathroomis.”Dylanhadperfectedtheteenagesaunter.Hedidn’tactscaredornervous,but

Ericfiguredhewasplentyofboth.EricjoinedMarcyinthekitchen,plantinghimselfwherehecouldseeif

Dylantriedtoescape.SheglancedatEricthenreturnedtofixingwhatlookedtobeturkeysandwichesandchips.

“Theboy’scleaningup,”hesaid.“Icouldhearyourconversation.”“Needhelp?”“No,thanks.”Shewentsilentbuthenotedhowstiff-backedshewas.“Youdon’tapprove

ofmenotphoningthepolice.”“AtfirstIthoughtyoushould,butnowthatIknowhe’sbeenmysecret

helper,I’dbemorehesitanttoturnhimin.Heseemsdesperate,andnotallbad.”“Don’tbetooquicktomakethatkindofdecision.He’snoinnocent.”“He’snohardenedcriminal,either.”Herhairhadfallenalongthesideofherface,hidingherexpression,butalso

givinghimamomentforalongerglimpseofher.Dylan’scommentabouthernotlookingasifshemissedmealswasn’t

accurate.Shewasjustcurvy,verycurvy,topandbottom,butwithasmallwaist,proportionately.Aperfecthourglass.Sheworealow-cutT-shirtwiththeword“Score”blazonedacrossit,andskin-tightjeans.Toomanyquestionscametomind.Hewastryingnottojumptoconclusionsasmuchashehadinthepast.

“Wherewereyoutonight?”heasked.“IwaittablesatasportsbaronFridayandSaturdaynights.”Shefacedhim.

“Ididn’tknowthewindowlockwasbrokenuntiltodaywhenthewindowwasherpointeditout.Asyou’llseeforyourself,it’snotimmediatelyevident.Imadearrangementsforittoberepaired,buttheguycouldn’tcomeuntiltomorrow.Today.”

“Youshould’veofferedabonustocometoday.Ifyou’dcalledmeaboutit,Iwould’vetoldyoutodothat.Youshouldknowthataboutmebynow.”

“Apparentlymoneysolvesallyourproblems,”shemurmured.Annoyedathertone,hecameupbesidehersothatDylanwouldn’toverhear

anymoreoftheirconversation.“Mostofthetime,yes.Youdidn’tturndowntheextrapayIoffered.”

“True.”Afteraminute,shesaid,“Whatareyougoingtodoabouthim?”“Ihaven’tdecided,butheneedstolearnthereareconsequencesforhis

actions.”Dylansteppedintotheroomthen.Heswallowedasheeyedthesandwiches.

Healsolookedreadytotakeflight.“Iknowallaboutconsequences,”Dylansaid,lookingasiftheworldwas

onebigheavyweightonhisshoulders.EricsawMarcybecomeapuddleofsympathy.Hefiguredthekidhad

learnedsurvivaltechniques,oneofthembeingtofigureoutwhomightbethesoftesttouch.HewouldprobablyzeroinonMarcynow,becauseshe’dplayedherhandalready.Heknewshecaredaboutwhathappenedtohim.

“Whatwouldyouliketodrink?”sheasked.“Milk.Ifyou’vegotit.”“Ithinkbynowyouknowwhatshe’sgot,”Ericsaid.“You’renoteating?”

heaskedMarcyasshepassedtheirplatestothem.“Iateatwork.”Hislongdayofdriving,followedbyallhe’dbeenmetwithhere,combined

todeliverhimaone-twopunchofexhaustion.Hewasn’tevenhungryanymore.Hejustneededsleep.Andnoproblemstodealwithforatleasttenhours.

Somuchforstartingfreshsomewhereelse.WelcometoCalifornia,indeed.“Youcansleepinthelivingroom,”hesaidtoDylan,decidingthatifhe

hadn’ttakenanythingotherthanfoodthelastfivedays,hewasn’tlikelytodosonow.“IexpectyoutobeherewhenIgetupinthemorning,evenifthat’snotuntilnoon.”

Dylansaidnothing.Hejustate,takingbigbites,devouringthesandwich.EricglancedatMarcywhenDylanrefusedtoanswer.“What?Youplanonorderingme,too?”sheasked,challengeandhumorin

hereyes.“Wherehaveyoubeensleeping?”“Onacotinyourbedroom.Yourfurniturewassetuptoday,andyourbedis

made,bytheway.I’lljustmoveintooneofthesparebedroomsforthenight.I’msurewe’llhavebusinesstodiscussinthemorning.Goodnight.”

Shewasalotmorelivelyinpersonthanonthephone,andshewasn’tactingmuchlikeanemployee.Notthatheminded,exceptthathisperceptionsofherwereallwrong,andthatusuallywasn’tthecase.

HewatchedDylaneat.ErichadseenwhatcouldhappentoteenagersonthestreetsofNewYork.ThingsmightnotbeasdireintheuniversitytownofDavis,buteveryonedeservedbetterthanbeingreducedtoscroungeforfoodandshelter.Andeveryoneheknewwho’dgotteninvolvedwithahomelesspersonhadgottenbitteninsomeway.

Hewantedtotrusthisinstinctsaboutthekid,butheknewheshouldkeephisguardup.“Wantanothersandwich?”heasked.

“Shemadechocolate-chipcookiestoday,butI’mguessingthey’reforyou,”Dylansaid,pointingtoaplasticcontaineronthecounter.

Ericleanedbackinhischair,grabbeditandsetitinfrontoftheboy.Dylandidn’thesitate.Heyankedthetopoffandpulledoutahandful.Ericwenttotherefrigeratortogetthemilkagain,decidingtogiveupaskingquestions.Thekidwouldtalkwhenhewasready.

AfterafewminutesMarcymaterializedinthedoorway.“ImadeupabedforDylanonthesofa,”shesaid,thendisappearedasquicklyandquietlyasshe’dcome.

Theyrinsedtheirplatesinthekitchensinkthenwalkedintothelivingroom.Thesofalookedwelcoming.BecauseitwasanormalhotAugustnight,shehadn’taddedablanket,onlysheets,butshe’dturneddownthetopsheetinvitinglyandputachocolatemintonhispillow.

Ericsmiledatthat.ShemaynottrustDylanbeingthere,andshemayevenharborresentmentforhissneakingintothehouseunderherwatch,butshestillrecognizedhecouldusealittlecomfort.

“Areyougonnacallthecops?”Dylanasked,scuffinghistoeagainstthehardwoodfloor.

Hewastootiredtodealwithit.“We’lltalkaboutitinthemorning.”Hedraggedhishandsdownhisface.

Dylansprangintoaction,makingaquicksidesteparoundEric,runningtothedoor.HewasalreadytothefrontsidewalkbythetimeEricmadeittotheporch.

Heshould’veanticipatedthat,buthe’dfiguredDylanwouldbegratefulfor

thefoodandtheofferofaplacetosleep,althoughErichadfullyexpectedhimtoleavebeforesunrise.

Ericlockedthedoor,thenclimbedthestairs.Hecouldprobablyfindsomethingtowedgeintothewindowjam,makingitimpossibletoopen,buthedidn’tbother.IfDylanchangedhismind,hewouldhaveawayin.

WhenEricreachedthesecondfloor,hedidn’tseealightonundereitherguest-roomdoor,sohedidn’tknowwhichroomshe’dtaken.Hisbedroomdoorwasopen,however,andalampon.Hesteppedoverthethreshold.Hisquiltwasfoldedatthefootofthebed,leavingonlysheetsforhim,too.Thehousewaswarmevenwiththeairconditioneron.

Andtherewasamintonhispillow.EventhoughshewaswaryofhavingDylaninthehouse,andhadbornethe

bruntofhisownangerforthewindowlocknotbeingfixed,she’dturnedhisroomintoaretreatforhim.

HedugoutshortsandaT-shirtfromhissuitcaseandclimbedintobed.Thesheetsfeltcrispandsmelledfresh,asdidhisroom.He’dhadhousecleanersallhisadultlife,butthat’salltheydid—cleanhouse.

Marcyhadalreadymadehimahome.

ChapterThree

Marcyjoltedstraightupinbedwhenthedoorbellrang,followedbysomeonepoundingonthedoor.Sheflungbackthecovers,grabbedhercellphonetocheckthetime—3:30a.m.—thenrushedoutofthebedroom,pullingonasummer-weightrobe.

FromthetopofthestaircaseMarcysawEricopenthefrontdoor.Twouniformedofficersstoodthere,Dylaninfrontofthem,lookinghostile.

“Wecaughthimashedroppedoutawindowoutback,”oneofficersaid.“Neighborphoneditinthatshe’dseensomeoneclimbinside.Hewascarryingthis.”HehelduptheplasticcontainerofcookiesMarcyhadbaked.“Saysheknowsyou.”

“We’vemet,”Ericsaid,hisarmscrossed,hiseyesdrillingtheboy.“Youwanttopresscharges?”thecopasked.“Idon’tknow.DoIwanttopresscharges,Dylan?”Marcysawtheboy’shostilitytransformintofear.Scared,helookedeven

younger.“It’sjustcookies,”hemuttered.“Andbreakingandentering,”Ericpointedout.“Thewindowwasn’tlocked,”Dylansaid,cockinessnotjustinhisvoicebut

hisstance.ThelookEricgavehimwould’vereducedMarcytoaquiveringmass,but

Dylanchallengedhimrightbackwithhiseyes.ThelookmightnothavebackedDylandownbuthedidrespondtoit.His

hostileexpressionsmoothedout,andhestoodalittletaller,waitingforaverdict.“Charges,sir?”thenow-impatientofficerasked.“No.Lethimgo.”Ericstartedtoshutthedoor.“Wait!Givehimthecookies,”Dylanorderedthecop.“I’msorry.”MarcywatchedEricclosehiseyesforafewsecondsandthenassumethe

stern-parentlookbeforehereopenedthedoor.TheofficerpassedEricthecontainer.Heandhispartnerstrodeoff.

“I’llberightback.Don’tmove,”EricsaidtoDylanashestoodontheporch,thenEriccaughtupwiththepoliceofficers,enteringintoadiscussionforacoupleofminutesbeforereturning.HewalkedpastDylan,wentinside,then

turnedatthethreshold.“Doyouhaveanythingtosay?”“IknowIwasstupidtodothat,”Dylansaidrightaway.“Youthink?”“I’vebeenonmyownawhile.I’mnotusedtosomeonebeingnicetome.”“Cutthecrap,”Ericsaid,shockingMarcy.Dylanhadseemedgenuinely

sorry.“Maybethatworksonsomepeople,butnotme.There’snoreasonfor

someoneyouragetobehomeless,notwithallthepublicoptionsavailable.You’vechosentobe.Idon’tknowifyou’rerunningorhiding,butIexpectotherpeoplehavebeennicetoyou.”Ericleanedclosetohim.“You’veheardofthethree-strikeslaw?”Dylannodded.

“You’vegottwoinmybook.Goodnight.”Heshutthedoorintheboy’sface.

Marcy’sheartcaughtinherthroat.Hewasjustakid,ascaredkid.“You’resendinghimoutthereagain?Inthemiddleofthenight?”

Hisfacelookedcold,soverycold.“Coddlingisnotgoingtohelpthisboy,eventhoughhecoulduseawholelotofthat,too.Ifhewantshelp,he’llknock.Heneedstobeaman.Someonehasn’ttaughthimthat.”

“Butyouwill?”“Idon’tseeanyoneelsesteppingup,doyou?Buthehastowantit.Look,

thosecopsalreadyknewhim.Itoldthemwewerethinkingaboutlettinghimstaywithus,sotheywerestraightwithme.Hehadsometroubleatoneofthesheltersandgotbootedout,butthecopsthinkitwasn’thisfault.Hehasn’tgottenintoanytroublethattheyknowof.Keepshisheaddownandhisnoseclean.That’shighpraiseinmymind.Theygavemeacoupleofpeopletocheckwith.Thatandmyowngutfeelingsayswecanlethimstayherefornow.”

Aquietknockcameonthedoor.Ericdidn’tmakehimwaitlongbeforehepulledopenthedoor.“I’msorry.”“Forwhat?”Ericasked.Hedrewashakybreath.“Breakingin.Takingthecookies.Notbeingcool

afteryoutriedtohelpme.”“Apologyaccepted.”Theyfacedoff,onemorequestionhangingbetweenthem.Dylangavein

first.“I’dliketostaythenight,iftheoffer’sstillgood.”“It’sgood.”Ericbackedaway,lettinghimin.“Don’tdoanythingthat

deprivesmeofsleepforthenextsixhoursorso.”HepassedDylanthecookiesthenheadedupthestaircasewithoutlookingback.

Marcyresistedthetemptationtohoverovertheboy,eventhoughthelookon

hisfacejustaboutbrokeherheart.“Youknowwherethemilkis,”shesaid.“Goodnight,Dylan.”

“Night.”Hisvoicewastight,asifhewasfightingtears.Shetouchedhisarm.“You’llbeallright,”shesaid,herthroatburning,her

heartaching.Hewasn’tahardenedcriminalbutakidwho’dsomehowlosthisway.“Mr.Sheridanseemsliketherightpersontotrust,”sheadded.

Henodded.Shepattedhisarminsteadofhugginghim,asshewastemptedtodo,thensheclimbedthestairsandgotintobed.

Sleepeludedher.Somuchhadhappenedinthepastfewhoursthatitseemedlikeawholeday.TakingcenterstageinherthoughtswaswhatasurpriseErichadbeen.She’dexpectedamandecadesolder,butshedoubtedhewasforty.Hewasatleastsixfeettall,andhistemplesweregraying,butotherwisehishairwaslightbrown,cutnotsoshortastolookseverebutnotlongenoughtofallintohisface.Hiseyeswereadeep,rich,penetratingbrown.Andhewasbuiltlikeafootballplayer,sturdyandsolid.Sexy,actually.Strong,too.He’ddealtwithDylanontheporchearlierswiftlyandpowerfullybutwithouthurtinghim.

Ericdidn’tseemtohavemuchofasenseofhumor,buthehadn’texactlywalkedintoasituationallowingorrequiringone—andhewasamathematician,afterall.Hewasprobablylogicaltoafault.AtthemomenthemustbewonderingabouthisdecisiontomovetoDavis,especiallynowthatheseemedfatedtobecomeresponsibleforastraywithcriminaltendencies.

Marcysmiledattheceiling.Shewasabigbelieverinfate,whichhadledherdownsomeinterestingpathsinlife.Andshecouldn’tshakethefeelingthatfatehadjustdealtherthemostimportanthandofherlifewhenherlast-two-weeks-of-August,regular-as-clockwork,house-sittingjobhadfallenthroughforthefirsttimeinfouryears,leavingherfreetotakethisjob.

Shehadnowheretogotomorrow,andshefeltastrongdrawtothemaninthiscrazyscenario.Wouldheaskhertostay?Wouldhebeherhero?

Shedidn’tusuallyhavesuchfantasies.Shehadgoalstoaccomplish,afterall,andpromisestokeep—withnotimetoslackoff,notevenwhenitinvolvedagorgeousmathprofessorwhosummedupasituationandtookcontrolimmediatelyandwell.Andwhomadeherheartflutterwithjustalook.

Nope.Notimeforthatatall.Itwasbetterifhedidn’tneedhertostay.Safer.Butthensaferwasn’talwaysbetter,wasit?

Thenextmorning,Marcylayinbedlistening.Itwasalmost10:00a.m.,butshehadn’theardanysoundsofmovementinthefewminutesshe’dbeenawake.ShewonderedifDylanwasstillasleeporhadflownthecoop.Orcleanedoutthe

refrigerator.She’dsleptwell,havingrelinquishedresponsibilitytoEric.Preparedforanotherhundred-degreeday,Marcypulledonshortsandatank

top,thenleftherroom.Eric’sbedroomdoorwasclosed.Sheslippedintotheguestbath,cleanedup,andmadeherwaydownstairs.

Thesofawasempty,althoughthesheetswerejumbled,soDylanhadsleptthereatsomepoint.

Disappointmentwashedoverher.She’dhopednotonlythattheboywouldrealizeEricwouldprobablycontinuetohelphim,butalsothatDylanwouldprovehimselfworthyofEric’strust.

Sheheardtheshowerinthemasterbathcomeonandheadedforthekitchen.Shewouldfixanicebreakfastbeforesheleft,wantingtoendthejobongoodterms.Shewascurious,too,abouthisreactiontoDylanbeinggone.

Shefixedcheeseomeletsandwheattoast,filledabowlwithgrapesandcantaloupe.ShewasjustabouttoslidetheplatesintoawarmovenwhensheheardthecreakofthestairsasEricmadehiswaydown.Hedidn’tpausebutcamedirectlyintothekitchen.

“He’sgone,”shesaidwhenhestoppedinthedoorway,lookingrested,butwearingjeansandapoloshirt.He’dfindoutsoonenoughwhatsummerinDaviswas.Shehopedheownedshorts.She’dbethehadgreatlegs.Andshoulders,and—

“Iheardhimgooutthebackdoornottoolongago,”hesaid.Hecameintotheroom.“Goodmorning.”

“Thesametoyou.Breakfastisready.”“Iseethat.Thankyou.It’sanicesurprise.”Hetookaseat.“Didyousleep

allright?”“Deadtotheworld.Howaboutyou?”“Halfdead.”Hesmiled.“Kindofalotonmymind.”Sheputtheirplatesonthetable,feelinghisgazeonher.Shewasusedto

mentakingsecondlooksather,especiallyatherweekendjob,wearingwhatshewore.Erictookonelook…thatlastedalongtime.Andunlikewithmostothermen,shewasnotonlyflatteredbutwishingshecouldtakeagoodlonglookathiminreturn.

“Coffee?”sheasked,distractingherself.Acoupleofsecondspassedbeforeheanswered.“Yes,please.Black.”He

staredatsomethingonthecounter,leanedbackandgrabbedtheplasticcontainerwiththechocolate-chipcookies.Heshookit.Empty.“Hefeelsnoqualmsabouteatingandrunning,obviously.”

Sheshuddered.“It’sjustcreepyknowingthatsomeonecancomeandgo

whileyousleepandneverknowit.”“Survivalinstincts.He’sprobablygottengoodatnotmakingnoise.”“Areyougoingtofileapolicereport?”“No.”“Good.”Shesippedfromhermug,studyinghimovertherim.Easyonthe

eyes,shethoughtagain.Sheopenedanotebookshe’dbroughtdownstairswithher.“Here’salistofalltheworkthat’sbeendone,whatIthinkneedstobedone,andthecontactsI’vegathered.Thereceiptsareinanenvelopetapedtotheinsidebackcover.”

“You’vebeenveryefficient.Iverymuchappreciateallyoudid.Includingfixingbreakfast,”headded,toastingherwithaforkfulofomelet.

“Ifthere’sanythingelseyouneedbeforeIgo,justask.”Sheheldherbreath,notknowingifshewantedhimtoaskhertostayorlethergo.

“Doyouhaveanotherjobtogetto?”heasked,choosingaclusterofgrapes.“Ididhave,butitgotcanceled.”Hetossedagrapeinhismouthandchewed,lookingatherthoughtfully.“Do

youliveinDavis?”“Iliveeverywhere.Davis,Sacramento,Folsom,Roseville.Younameit.”“Whatdoesthatmean?Areyouhomeless?”Hesatback,lookingshocked.“Technically,butit’sentirelymychoice,”sheinsisted.“IfIdon’thavea

house-sittingjob,IbunkwithafriendinSacramento.Ialways,well,almostalwayshaveaplacetostay.”

“Isthatwhereyou’llgotoday?”“No.WethoughtI’dbehouse-sitting,sosheinvitedherparentstocomefor

aweek.”Thedoorbellrangbeforeshecouldaddsomethingthatdidn’tmakeher

soundpathetic.“That’sprobablytheguytofixthewindowlock,”shesaidasEricleftthe

table,takingapieceoftoastwithhim.Shegrabbedaclusterofgrapesandfollowed,notebookinhandtoremindherselfoftheman’sname.Itwasn’tthehandyman,however.

“Ilockedmyselfout.”Dylanstoodontheporch,hishandsshovedinhispockets,shouldershunched,staringathisfeet.

“Makeeyecontact,Dylan,”Ericsaid.“Talktomeman-to-man.”Theteenagerfoughtitforafewseconds,thenputhisshouldersbackand

liftedhishead.“Ididn’twanttowakeyouup,soIwentforabikeridetokilltime.Iwasn’trunningaway.”

“Areyouhungry?”Ericasked.Theboylookedstartled,thenhenodded.

“Evenaftereatingadozenchocolate-chipcookies?”EricsteppedbacksothatDylancouldcomeinside.“Threedozen,”Marcysaid,tornbetweenhuggingthekidandshakinghim.

“Theyweregood,”Dylansaid,offeringthebarestsmile.“BestI’veeverhad.”

Shesighed.“Doyoulikeomelets?”“I’mnotpicky.”“Gowashup.”Sheheadedintothekitchen,atethelastfewbitesonherplate

thenwenttothestove.Shecouldhearthemtalkinginthelivingroombut,unlikethenightbefore,sheonlycaughtwordsnowandthen.SoonEricreturnedandsatatthetabletofinisheating.

“Youdidn’tlooksurprisedtoseehim,”Marcysaidquietlytohim.“Havingtaughtforalongtimehasgivenmeinsight.Butalso,startingwhen

Iwastwenty-two,Iraisedmyfouryoungersiblings.Igotprettygoodatreadingteenagers.”

Shestaredathim,surprised,althoughafterthinkingaboutit,sherealizedshecouldseehiminthatrole.Somepeoplewereborntobeparents,werebornprotectiveandpaternal.

“Isthatwhatyoumeantwhenyousaidyou’draisedonefamily?”“Yes.”“YouhadtoknowIwouldthinkyouwereatleastfifty,ifnotsixty,years

old.”“Iwashavingfunwithyou.”Andshe’dstartedhuntingforawomanforhim,someoneageappropriate,as

he’dsaid.Thischangedeverything—Well,maybenot.TherewasstillAnnie,nextdoor.“Haveyoueverbeenmarried?”sheasked.“No.Haveyou?”“Guess.”Shesmiled.Dylancameinandtookaseat.“Grabyourselfsomethingtodrink,”Ericsaid,refillinghiscoffeemug

beforeMarcycouldwaitoneitherofthem.ThenEric’sphonerang.Helookedatthescreen,grabbedMarcy’snotebookandpenandlefttheroom.

“Youcanbutterthetoastwhenitcomesup,”MarcysaidwhenDylanhadpouredhimselfaglassoforangejuice.

Hemovedclosetothetoaster,leanedagainstthecounterandgulpeddowntheentireglassofjuicethenrefilledit.

“Where’syourstuff?”sheasked.“Stuff?”

“Changeofclothes.Toothbrush.Stuff.”“Inmybackpack.Outintheyard,withmybike.”“Ifyou’dliketousethewasheranddryer,now’sthetime.”Sheslidthe

omeletontohisplateashebutteredthetoast.Hedugintothefoodashehadthenightbefore,barelytastingit,just

shovelingitin.Shefilledhermugandsatacrossfromhim.“I’veneverseenhairlikeyours,”hesaid,catchingheroffguard,hismouth

full.“Notredbutnotbrowneither.”Sheranahanddownit.She’dletitgrowtothemiddleofherback,only

occasionallypullingitintoaponytailwhenitwasgoingtogetinherway.“Isthatacompliment?”

Heshrugged.“It’snice.”“Soyouweren’traisedbywolves.”Helaughed,bitsoftoastflying.“Howdidyouknowwhentobreakin?”Bywatchingme?shethought,

realizinghehadtohavedoneso.“There’snocurtains.Youwerealwaysworking.Cleaning.Ionlywatched

thehousetoseewhenyouturnedoutthelights,thenIwaitedawhilebeforeIcameinside.”

“Where’dyousleep?Therewasn’tanyfurnitureuntilyesterday.”“Onthefloorinthediningroom.”“Whenwouldyoutakeoff?”“Firstlight.”“Why’dyoutakecareofthecardboardandtheotherstuff?Why’dyoudo

dishes?”“IwaspayingformykeepwhereIcould.Youshouldn’teverhirethat

drywallguyagain,bytheway.Heshould’vecleaneduphisownmess.”“I’llrememberthat,thanks.I’mMarcy,bytheway.”Ericreturned.Hesethiscellphoneandthenotebookonthekitchencounter.

“Changeofplans.I’mstartingworkonMondayinsteadoffourweeksfromnow.Oneoftheprofessorshademergencyheartsurgery.Theyneedmetofillinfortheremainderofthesummersession.”

“Teachingwhat?”Marcyasked.“Vectoranalysis.”SheexchangedalookwithDylan.“Whichiswhat?”“Simplified,it’smultivariablecalculus.”“That’ssimplified,huh?”Healmostsmiled.“Icouldgiveyouafewparagraphsoffurtherdefinition,

butIthoughttospareyouthat.”“Thankyou,”shesaiddramatically,makingDylanlaugh.Shelookedather

watch.“Ishouldprobablygetgoing.I’lldothedishesfirst.”“Dylanwilldothedishes,”Ericsaid.“Heobviouslyknowshow.”“Idon’tmind—”ShestoppedathisI’m-in-charge-hereexpression.“Okay.”Ericeyedthemboth.“Here’sthedeal.I’dexpectedtohaveamonthtowork

onthehouse.Iwantedtodoalotoftheworkmyself,tohavethatpersonalsatisfaction.NowI’llbegonethree-to-fourhoursaday,MondaythroughThursday,plusprepwork,plusIhavemyfallclassestopreparefor.”

“Guessyoucouldn’tturndownthejob,huh?”Marcyasked.“Icouldhave,butitseemedwisertosayyes.Goodwilladdsup,especially

whenyou’rethenewguy.”“Iunderstandthat,”shesaid.“Sometimeswehavetodowhatwehaveto

do.”Ericstudiedher,tryingtokeephiseyesonherface.Eversincehe’dwalked

intothekitchenearlierandhadseenherstandingtherewearingshortsandatanktophe’dbeenforcinghisgazeabovehershoulders,withonlyoccasionalsuccess.He’dalwaysbeendrawntoslender,athletic,quietwomen.Marcylaughedeasilyandwithopenpleasure.Sheworeherhairdown,untamed,andwasalltemptingcurves.Hewouldn’tmindrunninghishands—

Someonekickedhimunderthetable,yankinghimoutofhisfantasy.“Dude,”Dylansaid,lookingembarrassed.HadMarcycaughthimstaring,too?“Sorry.Toomuchonmymind.Ilost

mytrainofthought.”“Youwereabouttooffermeajob,”Dylansaid,anglingtowardhimasif

persuadinghimwithbodylanguagealone.“Whatmakesyouthinkthat?”“Yourhandsaresoft.Doyouknowanythingaboutremodelingoryard

work?”Marcyleanedbothelbowsonthetableandpressedhermouthagainsther

fists,hereyessparkling.EriclookedatDylanagain.“Doyou?”“More’nyou,Ibet.”Ericwonderedwhathadbroughtthekidoutofhisshell.“Youmightbe

surprised.I’vebeenlivinginNewYorkCityforthepasttwelveyears,butbeforethatIdidplentyofhomerepairandyardwork.”Whichwasn’tentirelytrue.He’dmadehissiblingshelp,too.Buildingcharacter,he’dalwaystoldthem.“Whatexperiencedoyouhave?”

“I’veearnedmykeephereandthere.Youplanningonremodelinginhere?”

“Iexpecttogutthekitchenandallthebathrooms.Kitchenfirst.BathroomsasIhavetime.”

“I’mahardworker.”DesperationoverrodeDylan’susualattitude.“Idon’tknowmuchaboutplumbingorelectricalstuff,butIknowwhattoolsdowhat.MaybeIdon’tlookstrong,butIam.Icandemothekitchen,hauleverythingout.Icoulddothatwhileyou’reatwork,noproblem.”

Howlonghadtheboybeenonthestreets?Longenoughtobecomeahustler?Wouldthecopshaveknownthatabouthim?

Marcydidn’tinterrupttheconversation,butshewasobviouslyinterested.“Yousaidyoudon’thaveanotherjoblinedup,”hesaidtoher.“And

nowheretolive.”“JustmyregularSaturdayjobtonight.”“Wait.You’rehomeless?”Dylanasked.“Notinthewayyouare,buttechnically,yes.”Hefrowned,asiftheconceptwasbeyondhiscomprehension.Erictookchargeagain.“Here’swhatI’mproposing.Dylan,Icoulduseyou

todoexactlywhatyoujustsaid—demothekitchen,butalsoworkintheyard.Itwouldsavemefromhiringagardenerforthecleanup.Doagoodjobandyou’llhaveareferencetousewhenyouapplyforworkelsewhere.”

Dylan’smouthtightened.“Youevertrytoapplyforworkwhenyoudon’thaveanaddress?”

“No,Ineverhave.Maybewecanfigureoutawaytodealwiththat.Marcy,ifyouwouldstayon,too,Icoulduseyoutosupervisetheworkpeopleandalsopitchinwhereyoucan.We’lldiscusswageslater.Wouldthatbepossible?”Hewasn’tsurehowwellhewasgoingtodealwithhavingheraroundallthetimewhenhewantedtosleepwithher.Butshewasahardworkerandaknownquantity.Hejustneededtokeepareinonhishormones,whichhadsprungtolifeinabigwaysincehe’dfirstseenherlastnight.

“We’lltalk,”shesaid.“Ifyoustay,socanDylan.Sorry,”hesaidtotheboy,“butIdon’tknowyou

wellenoughtoleaveyouherealoneallday.”Marcy’sexpressionsaiditall—sheknewhewasplayingonhersympathies

fortheteenager.“We’lltalk,”shesaidagain,morecoolly.Herespectedherfornotlettinghimramrodher,buthefiguredshewould

endupsayingyes,anyway.He’dlearnedalotabouthersenseofresponsibilityduringtheirphonecallsashe’ddrivenacrossthecountry,plushesawshehadasoftspotfortheboy.

Healsofiguredhewouldbehelpingherout,becauseshedidn’thaveanotherhouse-sittingjobtogoto.Win-win.

Dylanstood.“Yougotalk.I’lldothedishes.”“Shallwe?”EricaskedMarcy.“Upstairs?”Shesighedbutshewentwithhim,leadingthewayupthestaircase,herhips

inhisdirectlineofsight.Hewishedtheyweregoingupmorethanoneflight.Theywentintohisbedroom,theonlyupstairsroomcontainingfurniture.He

shutthedoor,thenofferedherthebedtositon.Sheperchedontheedge.Hewenttostandbythewindow,lookingoutatthetree-linedstreet.Hehadn’tlivedinaneighborhoodlikethissincehissister,Becca,hadleftforcollegeandhe’dsoldthefamilyhouseandmovedtoNewYorktoteachatNYU.

“It’saprettyneighborhood,”Marcysaid.“Ihopeyoulikekids,becausetheblockisfullofthem.Itcangetnoisy.Althoughthat’llchangewhenschoolstartsagain.”

“Idolikekids.Iintendtohaveafewofmyown.Howaboutyou?”Herbrowsarched,asifquestioninghisrighttoaskthat—orperhapsatthe

facthewantedafew,notacouple,ofkids.“Notanytimesoon,”shesaid.“Whynot?”Heputupahand.“Sorry.Noneofmybusiness.”“It’sfine.I’monlytwenty-eight,andrightnowIhavegoalstomeet.Finish

college,decideonacareer.That’scriticaltome.And,no,Ihaven’tbeenmarried.”

Hecouldn’thavesaidwhy,buthehadn’tpeggedherforacareerwoman.Sheseemedtobeanurturer,astay-at-home-momtype.Maybehe’dreadtoomuchintotheirconversations.

“Yourneighborsarelookingforwardtomeetingyou,”shesaid.He’dlivedinthesameco-opforyearsandhadknownonlyoneneighborto

speakto.ThepersonableMarcyhadalreadypavedthewayforhimherenotjusttomeetneighborsbutmakefriends.

“Whatdidyoutellthemaboutme?”heasked,movingawayfromthewindow.

“Ihadnothingtooffer.ForallIknew,youwereadodderingoldmanlookingforanubileyoungwifetogiveyouasecondpasselofkidstoprovetotheworldyouwerestillvirile.”

Helaughed.“IhopeI’vegotalongwaytogobeforeIhitthatstage.”Shecockedherhead.“Youshouldlaughmoreoften.Ittakesyearsoffyou.”

Soshedidthinkheseemedold?Wasaneleven-yearagedifferencethatbig?“Isharednothingwithyournewneighbors,notevenyourname,”shesaid,

gettingbacktobusiness.“Ifiguredyouwouldtellthemwhatyouwantto.”“Thankyou.So.Whatdoyouthinkaboutstayingonhere?”“Ithinkyoushouldn’thaveaskedmeinfrontofDylan,becauseifIsayno

now,he’sgoingtohateme.”Ericcontinuedtoadmireherrefreshingdirectness.Peopletendedtotiptoe

aroundhim,althoughhehadnoideawhy.Hedidn’tthinkhewasintimidating.“Iapologize.”

“Thatdidn’tsoundverysincere.”Helikedthatshedidn’tmincewords.Forsomereason,hefoundit

incrediblysexy.“IadmitIshouldhavewaited,butIwascaughtoffguardbythephonecallfromtheuniversity.Iwasinsolutionmode.”

“NowthatIcanbuy.”Shegesturedforhimtositonthebed.“Idon’tlikehavingtolookupatyou.”

Hedidassheasked.“Whatdoyouseeasmyrole?”sheasked.“ObviouslyDylancan’tworkalonehere.He’snotaprofessional.Whatif

somethinghappens?Plusweknowlittleabouthim.”“Youneedmetosupervise?”“Yes,butnotjustDylan.I’llbehiringoutsomeworkIwould’vedone

myself.Ineedanadultheretooversee.”Sheseemedtoconsiderit.“Icoulddothat,Iguess.Istartmynewsemester

ofcollegeonTuesday,butthey’reonlineclasses,andIcoulddothatworkatnight,atwhicheverfriend’shouseIlandin.AslongasIhavemylaptop,I’mgoodtogo.”

“Um.IguessIdidn’tmakemyselfclear.I’dlikeyoutostayhere.”“Stayhere?Youmeansleephere?Why?”Ithadn’toccurredtohimshewouldn’tspendthenight.“Ifyou’rewilling,

I’dlikeyoutotakeontheroleofcook.Iwanttoworkonthehouseasmuchaspossibleandnotworryabouttheday-to-dayhomedetails.”

“You’renotgoingtohaveakitchen,remember?Isn’tthatyourfirstproject?Todemothekitchen?”

Actually,he’dforgotten.“ThetruthisIwanttogivethekidabreak,allright?ThisisthebestwayIcanthinkoftohelp.”

“Andyou’rewillingtopaymetostaysothatyoucandothat?”“You’dbeearningyourkeep.”Hemustbelosinghistouch.Hecould

usuallytalkapersonintodoingsomethingwithoutawholelotofeffort.“So,whatyou’relookingforisawife.Someonetowatchoverthehouseand

thekid.”He’dalreadytoldherthatwasexactlywhathewaslookingfor—andnotjust

temporarily.Maybeshehadn’tbelievedhim.Maybeshethoughthe’dbeenkiddingaroundaboutthat.

“MyunderstandingisthatJulia’sagencyhasbeennicknamed‘Wivesfor

Hire,’”hesaidasananswer.“Theremustbeagoodreasonforthat.”Afteramoment,sheeasedoffthebedandwenttostandwherehehad

earlier,lookingoutside.Hewaitedherout.Themorehewatchedher,themoresheappealedtohim,especiallyphysically.

“Here’sthedeal,Eric,”shesaidfinally.“Youhavetopromisenottobackmeintoacorneragain.Ifyouwantsomething,askmeprivately.”

“Ipromise.”Therewasaknockonthedoor.“Sorry,”Dylancalledout.“There’saguy

heretofixthewindowlock.”“I’llberightthere,”Ericsaid,standing.HejoinedMarcyatthewindow.He

wastemptedtorunhishanddownherbillowyhair,toseeifitwasassoftasitlooked.Hesensedshewasasattractedashewas—whichcouldbecomeacomplication.

Orperhapsasolution.Wouldn’titbeamazingifsheturnedouttobetheone?

“I’monlydoingthisforDylan,”shesaid.Herdefensivenesscaughthimoffguard.Washestandingtooclose?Her

breathwasshallowandquick,hereyeswide.Shecrossedherarms,asifthatwouldhelp.Attracted?Yes.Afraidofit?Maybeso.

“Whateverthereason,Ithankyou,”hesaid.Theywentdownstairstogether.Hewascompletelyawareofherwhileatthe

sametimeconsciousofDylan’shopefullook.Ericalmostsighed.He’dthoughthewasdoneparentingteenagers.Apparentlynot.

Marcytooktheworkmanintothediningroom,leavingErictogiveDylanthenews.“She’sagreedtostay.”

Dylanswallowedandnodded.“You’rewelcometoliveinorcomeduringthedaytowork,whicheveryou

prefer,butmakeachoiceandsticktoit.Proveyou’reresponsible.”Dylanstuckouthishand.“I’llstay.Thanks.”Ericshookhishand,thengrippedtheboy’sshoulder.“Tasknumberone.Go

upstairsandtakeashower.Whenyou’redone,we’llgetstarted.”Dylanflewupthestairs,scoopingupabackpackfromthefirststep.Eric

wasbothgratefulanddisappointedthatDylanhaddecidedtolivein,thuspreventingEricfrombeingalonewithMarcy.Exceptifithadn’tbeenforDylan,hewouldn’thaveaskedhertostay.Additionally,hedidn’thavetimetospendonawomanwhowasn’tlookingforthesamethingshewas,nomatterhowattractedtoherhewas.Hewantedawife,soon.Hewantedtostartafamilysoonafter.

Itwouldbewrongtoactontheattraction,evenifmutual,whenitcouldn’t

goanywhere.Nowifhecouldonlyconvincehimselfofthat.

ChapterFour

MarcywasunpackingboxesinthelivingroomwhenshespottedShanaCallahan’scarpullup.Thelively,blondeinteriordesignerhadarrivedyesterdayjustbeforethemovingvanandspentmostofthedayplacingfurniture.Shewasahumandynamo,andhadstoppedonlytoeatasandwichMarcyshovedather.

Todayshehadn’tcomealone.Herpassengerwasaslenderwomanwithchin-length,lightbrownhair.Shecarriedahugecellophane-wrappedbasket,whileShanaluggedatoolbox.BothwomenwereaboutthesameageasMarcy.

“Irecognizethatlaugh,”Ericcalledout,emergingfromthekitchenasthewomenreachedthescreendoor.

Thebrown-hairedwomanshoutedhisname.Hesmiledbroadly,thenhisgazewenttenderasshesetdownhergiftandhuggedhim.

Finallysheleanedback,herhandsrestingonhischest.“Iwasgoingtosurpriseyouandbeherewhenyouarrived.Howdareyoubeaheadofschedule.”

“Yes.Sounlikeme.”Shelaughedandsteppedaway,lettingShanahughimhello,too.“Hi,

Marcy,”Shanasaid.“Haveyourecoveredfromyesterday?”“I’veworkedsomeofthekinksout.Howaboutyou?”“Ifeelprettygood,thanks.”“Marcy,thisismysister,BeccaCallahan,”Ericsaid.“Becca,thisisMarcy

Monroe.Mywife.”Becca’seyesopenedwide.“Wife?What?Sincewhen?Ican’tbelieveyou

—”“Mywifeforhire,”Ericsaid,interrupting.Afteramomentshelaughedbutgavehimaplayfulshove.“Payback,hm?”

Hegrinned.Fascinatedbytheireasyrelationship,Marcyfoundherselfenvious,too.An

onlychild,she’dneverhadasiblingtojokearoundwith.“IgotmyhusbandthroughAtYourService,”Beccasaid.“Rumorhasitso

haveseveralothers.”TheconversationwasfreakingMarcyout—therewasnootherwayto

describeit.Peopleactuallyfoundspousesbyhiringthemtobespouses?She’dworkedthereforfouryearsandhadn’theardthat.“Areyouserious,Becca?”

“Onmyhonor.IhiredGavinasmytemporaryhusband.Wegotmarriedtwomonthsago.Hewould’vecometoday,buthehadababytodeliver.”

“He’sadoctor,”EricsaidtoMarcy.“He’salsoShana’sbrother.”Dylanhadcomeintotheroom,hishandsstuffedinhispockets.Hewas

wearingaT-shirtandsweatpantsofEric’swhilehisclotheswereinthewash,thetoo-largeclothingmakinghimlookevenskinnier.

“ThisisDylan.He’sourbabyonthedoorstep,”EricsaidwithawinkatMarcy.

BeccaandShanastaredatDylan.MarcywasfascinatedbyEric’ssenseofhumor,andhowheseemedtoenjoyshockinghissister.

“Theycaughtmebreakingandentering,”Dylansaid,standingstraighter,asifreadytotakehispunishment.

“Areyouunderhousearrest?”Beccaasked.“Morelikecommunityservice,”Ericsaid,thenglancedatShana.“You

comebearingtools.”“Good,”Dylansaidwithobviousrelief.“Heonlyhasahammerandone

screwdriver.Andsofthands.”“Icomebearinggifts,too.”Beccauntiedtheribbononthebasket,revealing

champagneandalotofsweetandsavorysnacks.“I’mreadytowork,”shesaid.“Butshowmearoundfirst,please.”

“Youdidn’tbringacrowbar,byanychance,didyou?”DylanaskedShanaasEricledhissisteronatour.

“Idid.It’sinmytrunk,alongwithmoretools,powerandotherwise.Therearesomeboxesoflightfixturesinthebackseat.”Shetossedhimherkeys.“Ifyouwouldn’tmind.”

“Nope.”Hetookoff.“Well,”Shanasaid,lookingbewildered.Marcylaughed.“Didn’texpecttofindmehere,I’llbet.”“Northeteenager.Whathappened?”Marcygaveherarundownofthepreviousnight’sevents.“AndifI’mright

inthinkingthatErichadplannedtolearnashewentinremodelingthekitchenandbathrooms,heneedsmorehelpthanjustDylan’s.”

“Iknowsomeonewhowouldmakehimselfavailable,sodon’tworryaboutit.JustletmeknowifyouthinkEricisinoverhishead.”Shelookedaround.“Areyouworkingfromalist?”

“I’mjustemptyingboxes.Tellmewhatyouneedmetodo.”Theyallgotbusy.Neighborsdroppedbywithcookiesandotherwelcome

gifts.OneexplainedabouttheNeighborhoodWatchprogram,althoughhedidn’tadmittohavingcalledthepoliceaboutDylan.HesuppliedEricwithalistofhis

neighborsandtheiraddressesandphonenumbers,aswellasthenewsthattheblockhadapartyeveryLaborDay,whichwasonlyacoupleofweeksaway.

Curiouskidstaggedalongwiththeirparents,too,someshyandclingy,someboldenoughtorunthroughthefirststory,makingthecircuitfromlivingroomtokitchentodiningroomtohallandback.

MarcykepthereyeoutforhisneighborAnnie,butshenevershowed.ObviouslyEricwasn’tgoingtobeafitforMarcy,sincetheyhadentirelydifferentgoals.Anniecouldbetheone,however.Marcyneededtoarrangeameeting.

Forlunch,Ericorderedinpizza.BythetimeMarcyhadtogetreadyforwork,allofthewindowcoveringsandlightfixtureswereinstalled,artworkhadfoundhomesandclothingwasputaway.GoingthroughhispossessionshadgivenMarcyabetterpictureofwhoEricwas.Evenhiscasualclotheswerepressed,includinghisjeans.Heownedmanysuits—andalsoatux.Allofhisdressshirtswerewhiteandhistiesplain,mutedcolors.Hisdressshoeswerepolished,hisathleticshoesingoodcondition.Everysockhadamate.

Heworebriefs.Ordinarywhitebriefsthatseemedincrediblysexytoher.“Getagrip,”shemutteredtoherselfassheshuthisdresserdrawerthensat

cross-leggedonthefloor,thinking.Forthefirsttime,shewantedtocallinsicktowork.She’dhadsomuchfunwitheveryone.Shanamadelistafterlistofthingstobuyandpeopletocall.She’dstoppedEricandDylanfromtearingdownthekitchenuntiltheyhadaDumpsterinplaceandnewcabinetsreadytoinstall—whichhadmadeMarcylaugh.She’dassumedhe’dorderedthemintimetocoordinatewithhisarrival.

TheonlyawkwardmomenthadcomewhenMarcysetaboxofframedphotosinfrontofhimandaskedwhichoneshewouldlikedisplayed.He’dtakenoutafewthenreturnedthemrightawayandclosedthelid,sayinghe’dfigureitoutlater.

Hisexpressionhadchanged,too.He’dclearlybeenenjoyinghimselfallday,butseeingthephotographshadpokedaholeinhisplayfulness,deflatingthemood,andthenneverquiterecapturingit.

“Areyouokay?”Ericaskedfrombesideher.Marcyjolted.He’dcomeintohisbedroomandcrouchednexttoherwithout

herhearinghim.Shewantedtoputherhandsagainsthisfaceincomfortforwhateverwashurtinghim.

“I’mgreat,”shesaid.“I’vehadfuntoday.Ilikeyoursisterawholelot.”“Me,too.”Hesmiled.“Sheturnedoutokay,despitemyoverprotectiveness

andhighexpectations.I’dsayshesurvivedhavingfourbigbrothersprettywell.”“Shetoldmethestoryabouthowshemetherhusband.”

Henodded.“Icanlaughaboutitnow.Itwashardtoswallowthen.”“Doyoubelieveinloveatfirstsight,likeshedoes?”Marcyheldherbreath.

Shehadnorighttoaskhimsuchaquestion.Hewasheremployer,evenifonlytemporarily,andshefoundhimincredibly,inappropriatelysexyandappealing,butshereallyshouldn’tbesopersonal.

Still,shecouldn’ttakebackthequestion.“Idon’tknow,”hesaid,hisgazedirect.“Ihaven’texperienceditmyself.”Whichgaveherananswerinitself.Hehadn’tfallenforanyoneatfirstsight,

thereforehehadn’tfallenforher.Astiflingblanketofdisappointmentdroppedoverher.

Whichwastotallyridiculous,sherealized.Whyshouldshebedisappointed?“Now,lustatfirstsight?That’sdifferent.”Hetookalockofherhairinhis

handandrubbedit.“It’ssoft.I’vebeenwondering.”“Youhave?”“Sincefirstsight.”“Whichwasonly—”shedidsomequickcalculations“—seventeenhours

ago.”“Firstsight,”herepeated.Shecouldn’tbelievetheywerehavingthisconversation.Nothinghad

precededit—exceptsomehotlooksateachotherandconversationsmostlytakingplaceinfrontofothers.

“Doesthatworryyou?”heasked.“Toomuchpressure?”“Idon’tknowwhattothink.MaybeIcangiveyouananswerafterwork—or

tomorrow,sinceIwon’tbehome—”Shecaughtherself.“Imeanbackhere,untillongafteryou’reinbed.”

“Tomorrow,then.”Hestood,heldouthishandandhelpedherup.Foramomentshethoughthewouldkissher,andshewasn’treadyforthat,

nomatterhowmuchshewantedhimto.Shefeltasudden,overwhelmingneedtobecautious.

“Ineedtoshowerandgetgoing,”shesaid.Heblinked—asifhe’dbeenhypnotizedandhadjustcomebackto

awareness.“I’m—Wow.I’msorryifIcrossedaline,Marcy.”Heplowedhisfingersthroughhishair.“Idon’tknowwhatgotintome.”

Shewastornbetweenbeinghappyhecouldn’thelphimselfandannoyedthathe’dapologizedforit.“It’sfine,”shesaid.

Hebackedawayandthenlefttheroom.Twentyminuteslatershewentdownstairstotelleveryonegoodbye.Dylanwasn’tinsight,buttheotherswererelaxinginthelivingroomasiftheywerewindingdown,too.Conversationstoppedassoonastheysawher.Hadtheybeentalkingabouther?“Howoften

doyou?”Shanaasked,hereyessparkling.“Dowhat?”“Score.”Oh.They’dstoppedtalkingbecauseofheruniformT-shirtwiththenameof

thebaremblazonedacrossit.“Notnearlyenough.”Thewomenlaughed.Ericjustwatchedher.Intently.Hergoodbyesmade,Marcyrushedoff,welcomingthenoiseandactivityat

Score.She’dtoldhimshewouldthinkaboutwhethershebelievedinlustatfirstsight,butmaybeshedidn’tneedto,nowthatshethoughthewasembarrassedthathe’daskedthequestion.

Orperhapssheshouldn’tgiveitmuchthoughtatall.Maybesheshouldjustliveandletlive,gowiththeflow—ignoreituntilitwentaway.

Shewouldtakehercuefromhim.Ifhebroughtitupagain,shewouldfigureoutheranswer.Ifhedidn’t,shewouldn’tbringitup.

Exceptnowsheknewhe’dexperiencedlustatfirstsight—withher.Andthatcouldchangeeverything.

Erichadn’tmeanttostayupsolate.Hewasbone-tiredbutwideawake.HismovetoCaliforniawassupposedtouncomplicatehislife,sowhywashesokeyedup?

Dumbquestion.AbetterquestionwouldbewhyhadhecomeontoMarcyashehad?He

mayhaveexperiencedlustatfirstsightbefore,buthehadn’tactedonitsoquickly.Itwasasifhe’dhadnocontroloverhisactions.

Whichwasnothingatalllikehim.Evenhissisterhadpickeduponit.“So,areyouhappyorunhappythatyou

haveateenagechaperonearound?”Thenshe’dpattedhischeekandleft.Andnowhewassittinginhislivingroomatalmostoneo’clockinthe

morning,thetelevisiononto…whatever,ashewaitedforMarcy.Hehadtoknowshegothomesafely.

HeheardhercarpullintothedrivewayandturnedofftheTV.Heshould’verelaxedbutbecamemoretenseinstead.Atthistimelastnighthewasjustmeetingher.Nowhefeltresponsibleforher.

Thefrontdooropenedquietly.Shetiptoedin,slippinghershoesoffbeforesheshutandlockedthedoorbehindher,thenshejumpedwhenshesawhimsittingthere,watching.

“Howwasyournight?”heasked.“Good.Exceptionallygood,actually.Peoplewereinatippingmood.

Where’sDylan?”“Weboughtanothercot.He’sinthethirdbedroom.Doyougostraightto

bedafterwork,ordoyoutaketimetounwind?”Hehadn’tmoved.Couldn’tmove.Thesightofherinherserver’soutfit,herhairdownandtoesbareexceptforbrightredpolish,frozehiminplace.

He’dneverfeltlikethisbefore.Notevenclose.“Iusuallyneedalittledowntime,”shesaid,takingaseatinamatching

chairacrossfromhim.“Whyaren’tyouinbed?”Tellthetruthorlie?Maybesomethinginbetween.“Ididn’tfeelreadyto

sleep.”Shedidn’tquestionhisreason.Wasitbecauseshedidn’twanttoanswerthe

queryhe’dposedbeforeshe’dleftforwork?“ItookDylanshoppingforclothestonight,too.Hiswereinbadshape.”

“Softy.”Shesmiled.“Didyoufindoutanythingabouthim?Whyhe’sbeenlivingonthestreets?”

“Heletitslipthathisfatherwasacarpenter.”“Onediscoveryatatime,Iguess.”Shecrossedherlegs.Herfootbounced.

Whentheconversationdidn’tpickupagain,sheheadedforthestairs.Oncethere,shehesitatedthencamebacktowherehesat.“Idon’tbelieveinloveatfirstsight,either,Eric.Butlustisadifferentmatter.”

Becausehewastemptedtopullherontohislap,hestood,hisgazeneverleavinghers.“Whatshouldwedoaboutit?”heaskedbutdidn’twaitforheranswer.Heframedherfacewithhishands,movedcloserandthenhekissedher.Hewantedtokeepitshortandtender—bestintentionsandallthat—buttherealitywasthathecouldn’t.Shetastedofsummer,likeavacationinparadise,whereeverydesirewasmet.

Hetookitdeeper,ranhishandsdownherback,overherperfectrear,feltherbreastspressingagainsthischest.

Pullingback,sheleanedherforeheadagainsthisshoulder,herbreathshaky.“That’sagoodstart,Ithink,”shesaid,thensheranherhandsdownhischestandwentupthestairs.

Inaminutehewouldfollow,buttohisownroom,aloneandunsatisfied,butexpectationsimmeringinawayheappreciated,energizinghim.Hehadanewhouseandanewjobinanewcityandstate.Hissisterlivedanhouraway.Andhe’dalreadyfalleninlust,evenifhedidn’tknowwhattodoaboutityet.

Allinall,itwasaverygoodstartindeed.

ChapterFive

“I’mjustaglorifiedbabysitter,”Marcysaidtoherbestfriendonthephone.ItwasMondaymorningandEricwasofftohisfirstdayofteaching,leavingbehindashortlistofjobs.“There’slittleformetodoexceptwatchoverDylanwhileheworksintheyard.I’mnotevenallowedtohelpbecauseEricwantstheretobeenoughworkforDylantolastawhile.”

“LetmeseeifI’vegotthisstraight,”LoriJorgensonsaidinamusingtone.“You’regettingpaidforbasicallysittingaroundanddoingnothing,withfullroomandboardthrownin…andyou’recomplaining?Holdonasec,Marcy.Boys!Stopthatrightnoworyou’reintime-out!”Apauseensued,thenshesaid,“Itsoundslikeavacationtome.Ihaven’thadoneofthoseinfouryears.”

MarcyhadbeenstandingatthekitchenwindowkeepinganeyeonDylanashemowedthelawn—or,moreproperly,weeds,beforemovingontotrimmingoldrosebushes.Sheturnedawayfromthewindow.“You’reright.I’mbeingchildish.”

“Agreed.Sowhat’sreallygoingonwithyou?”MarcyandLorihadbeenbestfriendssincethethirdgrade.They’dshared

thegood,thebadandtheugly.ForthemomentLoriwasdependentonMarcy,butthatwouldchangesoon.“He—Eric—isveryattractive.”

“Okay.So?”“So,it’sdrivingmecrazy.Helooksatmelikenooneelseeverhas.”“EvenyourcustomersatScore?”“It’sdifferent.TheguysatScoreflirt,butIthinkit’sbecauseit’sexpectedof

themorsomething,especiallywhenthere’sagroupofthem.Forthemostpartit’sagame.Theyknowit,andIknowit.WithEric,it’s…moreintense.Morepersonal.IthinkifDylanhadn’tbeenhere,wemighthavealreadyslepttogether.”

“Afterknowinghimfortwodays?Marcy,that’snothinglikeyou.”Loriwasright.She’dmadeapactwithherselfwhenshewasaflight

attendantyearsagothatshewouldn’tsleepwithamanuntilsheknewhimwell.Sometimesithadbeenhard,butshe’dkeptthatpromisetoherself.Sherubbedherforeheadnow,moreconfusedthanever.“Iknow.I’mhavingahardtimefightingmyfeelingsthistime.”

“Howoldishe?”“Thirty-nine.”“Andhe’sneverbeenmarried?”“No.”“Thenheknowsexactlywhathe’sdoing.He’saseducer,Marcy.Youneed

togetoutofthereASAP.Don’tyouknowprofessorsarenotoriouslove-’em-and-leave-’emguys?”

BecauseLori’sex-husbandhadwalkedoutfouryearsago,leavingherwithtwoyoungsonsandnocareerwithwhichtosupportthem,shethoughtnomancouldbetrusted.“Heseemsveryresponsible,”Marcysaidhesitantly,notwantingtogetintoadebate.“Heraisedhisfoursiblingsaftertheirparentsdied.”

“Well,Idon’tknowaboutthat,butIdoknowyoupromisedmeyouwouldn’tgetmarriedbeforeyoufinishedcollegeandhadacareertosupportyourself.Youdon’twanttoenduplikeme,doyou?Orplentyofotherwomeninthesameboat.”

“Who’stalkingmarriage?”Abitofpanicsetinattheidea.“Isaidwewereattractedtoeachother.”

“It’smorethanthat.You’rehotforeachother.That’sstrongerandmuchmoredangerous.That’swhenyouleapwithoutfirstlookingtoseehowsteepthefallis.”

Marcyhatedtoadmitit,butshekindoflikedtheideaofthat.Shewasrarelyimpulsive,atleastaboutmattersoftheheart.AndeverytimeshelookedatEric,herheartpoundedlikeabigbassdrum—nottomentiontherestofherbody.Shecaughthimwatchingherinreturn,knewhewentoutofhiswaytotouchher—settinghishandsonherwaistashemovedpasther,oraquickshoulderrubwhenshetriedtoeasethekinksoutonherown.

Shehadn’tshiedawayfromhistouch,norhadhefromhers.She’ddonethesame,touchinghimwhenopportunitiesarose.They’daboutreachedfeverpitch,andshestillhadfivedaysremainingbeforeshehadtoleavetostartanewhouse-sittingjob.

“Areyouthere?”Lorisaidinherear.“You’vegivenmethingstothinkabout.”“Good.YouknowIwantyoutobehappy,butamanlikeEric?There’sno

futurethere.”“Iknowyou’reright.”Butitfeelssogood…?.Ashoutcamefromthebackyard.MarcyturnedandsawDylangriphisarm,

bloodpouringbetweenhisfingers.“Ihavetogo,”shesaidtoLori,thengrabbedsomepapertowelsandracedoutside.

“Whathappened?”sheaskedassherantowardhim.

“IhadthedamnclippersinmypocketandIfellonthem.”Hesworeabluestreak.

“Letmesee,”shesaidwhenshereachedhim,herstomachclenching.It’sjustblood.Youcandothis.Youcandothis.

Heloweredhisarm.Bloodflowedanew.Shetriedtostaunchitwiththepapertowels.Heshoutedinpain.

“Needsomehelp?”calledawomanwhoseheadappearedabovethefence.ItwasAnnie.“I’manurse.”

“Yes!”MarcyandDylanyelledatthesametime.ItseemedlikeanhourpassedbeforeAnniecamethroughthegateandinto

theyard,carryingafirst-aidkit.“Sitdown,”shesaidasshedroppedtoherkneesandopenedherkit.“I’m

Annie.What’syourname?”“Dylan.”Hegrimacedwhenshepeeledbackthetowels.“Howoldareyou?”“Eighteen.Ow!Thathurts,”hesaidasshepressedthetowelsagainstthe

woundagain.“Sorry.Can’thelpit.”Shecontinuedtoholdittight,thenlookedatMarcy.

“Yousaidyou’renottheowner?”“That’sright.I’mjusthelpinghimout.IsDylangoingtobeokay?”“Ican’tseethedamageuntilthebloodflowslows.I’msurehe’lllive.”She

smiledatDylan.“Whenwasyourlasttetanusshot?”“Don’tknow.”“Thenyou’llneedone.Whatkindofinsurancedoesyourfatherhave,do

youknow?”“He’snotmyfather.I’mhelping,likeMarcy.Idon’thaveinsurance.”Shetookalookatthewound.“Needssomestitches,”shesaid.“There’san

urgent-careclinicacoupleofblocksfromhere.Keepthepressureonituntilyougetthere.”Shepattedhisshoulder.“You’llbefine.Youmayhavetolayoffanyheavyliftingforafewdays,butyouwon’thavepermanentdamage.”

Marcyranintothehousetogetcleantowels,herpurseandcarkeysthenmetDylanandAnnieoutfront.Armedwithdirections,Marcytookoff.AtthefirstintersectionshelookedatDylanandsawhiseyestearingup.

“Shesaidyouwouldbeokay,”Marcysaidsoftly.“YouthinkIcareaboutthat?”heasked,hisvoiceharshandpain-filled.“I

don’tgiveacrapaboutit.ButnowI’llbeuselesstoEric.HowcanIstayifIcan’thelp?”Atearrolleddownhischeek.

“Hewon’tmakeyouleave,”Marcysaid,sureofit.“He’salwaystalkingaboutbeingaman.Amanworks.Amanisresponsible.

Lookatme!”Hegesturedtowardhisarmwithhischin.“Ithinkyou’reunderestimatinghim.Plus,ithappenedonhisproperty.He’s

goingtofeelresponsible.”Helookedoutthepassengerwindow,tryingtowipehischeekswithout

lettinggoofhisarm.“Whataboutyourfamily,Dylan?Theyshouldknowaboutthis.”“Idon’thaveanyfamily.”Sheturnedanothercornerandhuntedforasign.“Ericsaidyoutoldhim

yourdadwasacarpenter.”“Hewasn’tmydad.Hewasjustthemanwhohelpedraiseme.Nowheisn’t.

Idon’twanttotalkaboutit.Idon’thaveanyfamily.That’sthat.”Marcypulledintotheparkinglotoftheclinic.Thentwohours,tenstitches

andatetanusshotlatertheyreturnedtoEric’shouse.Hedroppedontothesofa.“Youcantakesomethingforthepain,”shesaid.“I’mfine,”hemuttered,leaningbackandclosinghiseyes,endingthe

conversation.ShewonderedwhenEricwouldbehome.Theclassitselfshouldbeover

aboutnow,buthowlonghestayedafterwasanyone’sguess.Topasstimeshewentintothekitchenandputtogetheragreensalad,the

choppinganddicingsoothingtoher.Cookinghadbecomeapassionearlyinherlife.She’dhadafairlyidyllicchildhoodwithanengineerfatherandstay-at-homemother.Asanadult,sheusedtoseeherparentsonSundaysfordinner,atleastuntiltheymovedtoArizonalastyear.Theyhadagood,solidrelationship,andshe’dalwaysfeltloved,althoughherlovelifewasn’tsomethingshetalkedaboutwithhermom.

MarcylookedaroundthecornerofthekitchenandsawthatDylanwasstillasleep.ShefinishedupthesaladandhadjustsetthebowlintherefrigeratorwhensheheardEric’scarpullintothedriveway.Hegotoutofthecarthenwalkedtothebackyard.Shemethimthere.

“Hi.Howwasyourfirstday?”sheasked,seeinghimfrownathowlittlehadgottendone.

“Busy.Whathappenedhere?”Hegesturedtowardtheyard.“Ordidn’thappen,Ishouldsay.”

“Firstofall,don’tpanic.Everything’sfine.ButDylanhadasmallaccidentinvolvingtheclippers.”Shegavehimarundownoftheevents.“He’sasleep.He’salsoscaredtodeathofyourreaction.”

Ericlookedaway,givingherwordssomethought.He’dbeenatoughguardian,accordingtohissiblings.Hedidn’tdoubtitforaminute.Theresponsibilityhe’dfeltforraisingthemrighthadweighedheavilyonhimevery

minuteofeveryday.Buthedidn’tbelievethey’dfearedhim.He’dneverlaidahandonanyofthem.

“Whywouldhebeafraidofme?”“Notofyou,Eric.Thewoundwasprettydeep,andhewon’tbeallowedto

liftanythingforawhile.Hethinksyou’llsendhimonhisway.”Heclosedhiseyesforfewseconds.“Okay.”TheyfoundDylansittingup,lookingoutthefrontwindowatsomekids

playingagamewithabigrubberball.HehadtohaveheardEricandMarcycomeintothelivingroom,buthedidn’tlooktowardEric.Hisrightarmwasbandagedbelowtheelbow.Hecuppeditprotectivelywithhisotherarm.

Ericgenerallyhadnotroublesayingwhatneededtobesaid,buthewasn’tsurewhatwasrightinthissituation,sohesatonthecouch,facingtheboy,whoseexpressionwaspainfultosee.Dylanlooked…withouthope.

“Toughday,huh?”Ericasked.“Kinda.”“Doesithurtalot?”“Nottoobad.”HelookedstraightatEric.Heflexedhisotherarm.“I’llbe

finetokeepworking.”“Notaccordingtothedoctor.”EricsawDylancringeasifhe’dbeenhit.

“Butdon’tworry.Ipromisedyouajob,andwhenthedoctorsaysit’sokay,you’lldothatjob.Fornow,yourjobistoheal.”

“I’mtellingyou,man,Icanstillwork.Icandoplentyone-handed.”“We’lltakeitdaybyday.”HeputahandonDylan’sshoulder.Herecoiled

enoughthatEricletgo.“Look.Accidentshappen.Andthisonehappenedonmyproperty.IpromiseIwon’tbabyyou,althoughIcan’tpromisethesamefromMarcy.”Heleanedtowardtheboy.“She’salreadyhovering,asyoucansee.”

“Nohovering,”DylansaidtoMarcy.“Nopromises,”shefiredback.Afterafewseconds,Dylanshrugged.Crisisaverted.Ericunderstoodpride—hehadplentyofithimself—but

foolishpridewasanotherthingaltogether.“Areyouhungry?”Marcyasked.“Doyouwantsomeibuprofen?”“I’mokay.”“Don’tbeahero,”Ericsaid.“Peoplehealbetterifthey’renotfightingpain

atthesametime.”“Geez.Okay.Andyes,I’mhungry.”“Doyouplaychess?”Ericasked,standing.“Nope.”“Wanttolearn?”

“Onthecomputer?”“No,therealdeal,withaboardandgamepieces.”“Isuppose.Hey,look.Outthewindow.That’sAnnie.She’sthenursefrom

nextdoorwhohelpedme.”AnnieheadedupEric’swalkwaycarryingafoil-coveredplate.Heguessed

hertobeinherearlythirties.Andwhenheopenedthedoor,hecheckedtoseeifsheworeaweddingring,ahabithe’dgottenintorecently,sincehe’dembarkedonhisjourneytothenextstepinhislife.

“Hi.I’mAnnieBerg.”Sheheldababymonitorandusedittopointtotheright.“Ilivenextdoor.”

“You’reDylan’sangel.I’mEricSheridan.Pleasecomein.”Shepassedhimtheplate.“Theseareacombinationwelcome-to-the-

neighborhoodandget-well-soon-Dylangift.”“Thankyou.He’srightoverthere.”Heliftedthefoil.Brownies.Hetriednot

tolaugh.Hergiftmadethethirdbatchofwelcomebrowniesfromneighbors.“Wantabrownie,Dylan?”

“Awesome.Hi,Annie.Youwereright.Tenstitches.”Ericwentintothekitchen,whereMarcywasputtingasandwichonaplate.“Brownies,”hesaid,holdingupthedish.Shesmiled.“Seemslikekindofadown-to-earthgiftforanangelofmercy.I

havetosay,Iwasreallyhappywhensheappearedatthefence.Imean,Iwould’vehandledit,butIgetalittleshakyaroundblood.Anniewascoolandcalm.Youwould’vebeenimpressed.”

Hestrokedhischinasifitwereabeard.“So,tellme,Ms.Monroe.Wereyoutraumatizedinyouryouth?”heasked.

ShegrabbedabrownietoaddtoDylan’splate.“Probablyarepressedmemoryofhavingencounteredavampireorsomething.”Shepouredaglassofmilk.“YouhandledDylanwell.Igetthefeelingyou’vedoneabitofparentinginyourday.”

Shesmiledathim,andthentheywentintothelivingroomtogether.MarcywasintriguedbyhowanimatedDylanlookedtalkingtoAnnie.

“Annie’stheonewhocalledthecopsonme,”DylansaidasMarcyhandedhimhisplateoffood.Surprisingly,hewasgrinningaboutit.“Shesayspeoplelookoutforeachotherhere.That’sgood,huh?”

Hetookabiteoutofthebrownieinsteadofthesandwich.“Dylantellsmeyou’reaprofessoratDavis,”shesaidtoEric,givinghima

steadylook.“Right.Mathandcomputersciences.”“IwasapediatricnurseinthemedcenterthereuntilIhadLucytwoyears

ago.Myhusbanddiedwhensheturnedone.”“I’msorry,”EricandMarcysaidatthesametime.“Thankyou.Ihavetosay,it’sgreathavingsomeoneinthehouseagain.It’s

justyou,Eric?”sheasked.Marcysmiled.Anniealreadyknewitwasjusthim.Plusshe’dchanged

clothessinceshe’dhelpedDylanearlierandnowworeamuchlowertanktopandshortershorts.Shehadthebodytopullitoff.Shewasalllonglegsandperkybreasts.Andsheknewhowtoflingherhairbackinareallysexyway,too.

“Yes,it’sjustme,”Ericanswered.“Withalittlehelpfrommyfriends.Fornow,anyway.”

HewasrespondingtoAnnie’sflirtation!Maybehewasn’tlookingatthewomaninthesamewayhelookedatMarcy,butheseemedinterested.ThenwhenAnniesaidshehadtogo,Ericfollowedherontotheporch,pullingthedoorshutbehindthemthenlingeringforawhile,talkingandlaughing.Oratleastshewaslaughing,asifhewasthefunniestmanonearth.

WhichMarcyknewhewasn’t.Maybesheneededtorethinktryingtogetthemtogether.

“Haveyougotafireextinguisher?”Dylanasked.“Inthekitchen.Why?”“’Causetheheat-seekingmissilesyou’resendingAnnie’swayaregonna

lightheruplikeatorch.”Marcydidn’tsayanythingasheclimbedoffthecouch.Hepattedheronthe

shoulderandsmiledknowingly.Shestuckhertongueout,andhelaughed.ThenheheadedondownthehalltothebathroomjustasEriccameinside.

“Nicelady,”hesaid.“IsuregotluckywiththeneighborsI’veendedupwith.”

Marcycountedtofivebeforesheresponded,“She’sfortunateshehasagoodcareertosupportherandherlittlegirl.”

“She’sastay-at-homemom,andintendstobe,atleastuntilherdaughterstartsschool.Itseemsreallyimportanttoher.Sayshercareerwillbetherewhenshe’sready.Nursing’sagoodoccupationforthemommytrack,shesaid.”

Reluctantly,Marcyadmiredheragain.“It’sgoodshecanaffordtodothat.”“Igatherit’snoteasy,butshe’sdetermined.”Dylanjoinedthem.“It’sprobablynotagoodideatotelleveryoneyouwerebreakingand

entering,”Ericsaid.“Peoplemightshyawayfromyou.Orthinkyou’retoblameforanythingelsethatmighthappen.”

“Andquestionyourowncompetencyforkeepinghimhere,”MarcysaidtoEric,stillannoyedathim.

“That,too,”hesaidmildly,butraisinghisbrowsslightly.“Iwon’ttellanyoneelse,”Dylansaid.“ButwasIsupposedtoliewhenshe

saidshe’dcalledthepoliceaboutanintrudertheothernight?”MarcylookedatEricforananswerbuthedidn’tgiveone.“I’llgetthechessset,”hesaidinstead,andthenwentupthestairs.ThechesslessonslasteduntilDylandroppedofftosleepagain.Inthe

kitchen,Marcyhadmadeamarinadeforsomechickentobarbecuelater,thenshelookedaroundforsomethingelsetodo.ShewentinsearchofEric,findinghimonthebackporch.Itwasahundred-and-twodegrees,sohewassittingintheshadeinadining-roomchair.

“It’llbenicetohavebackyardfurniture,”shesaid,comingupbesidehim.“Probablybytheendoftheweek,Shanasaid.”

Hestartedtorise.“Stayput.I’mfine.”Sheleanedagainsttherailing,soakingupalittlesun.

HavinggrownupintheCentralValleyshewasusedtotheheat.“Ineedsomethingtooccupymytime,Eric.I’musedtoworking.Ilikeworking.Maybenowthatthingshavesettleddownalittle,youcouldgothroughyourphotosandchoosetheonesyou’dlikedisplayed.Icouldhangthem.Lotsofpeopleputtheirfamilyphotosuponthewallalongtheirstaircase.”

“No.I’llputsomeinmybedroom,andmaybeacoupleonthefireplacemantel,butthat’sall.”Hiseyesgoingdull,helookedaway.

“Whydothosepicturesmakeyousad,Eric?”“I’vebeenthinkingaboutAnnie.”Marcytriednottooverreacttothechangeinsubject.“Oh?”“Beingasingleparentishard.”“She’syoung.”Andbeautiful.“She’lllikelyremarry.”“Andinthemeantime,she’llbeMomandDad.Incharge.Responsiblefor

everythingherself.Nobreaks.”Marcydidn’tknowwherehewasgoingwiththeconversation,whatpointhe

wasmaking,soshesaidnothingbeyondasoundofagreement.“Comewithme,please,”hesaid.Shefollowedhimupstairs.Pickingupaboxfromthefloor,hesetitonhis

bed.Hethumbedthroughtheframesandpulledoneout,tenderlybrushinghishandacrosstheglassbeforeholdingitouttoher.

“ThisisJamie.”

ChapterSix

ThepicturewashisfavoriteofhimandJamie,takenafterasnowstorminCentralParklastJanuary.“Hehadjustturnedten.I’dbeenhisBigBrotherforthreeyears.TheofficialrulesstatethatBigBrothersseetheirLittleBrotherforatleastfourhours,twiceamonth,aswellashaveregularphonecontact.Weeasilyexceededthateverymonth.”

Hereachedforthepicture.Marcygaveitbacktohim,aswellasalargedoseofsympathy.“LikeAnnie,Jamie’smotherwasasinglemom.Hisdadwasneverinthepicture.WhenJamiewasnineshemetsomeoneandgotmarried.Jamiewasn’tbondingwithhisnewstepdad,soIwasaskedtoendourrelationship.”

Marcyrubbedhisback.“I’msorry.Thatobviouslyhurtyou.”Hurt?Itwassuchasmallword.“Honestly,itbrokemyheart.AndJamie’s.”“Itwasselfishofhismotherandstepdad.”Hemovedawayalittle,justfarenoughthatshecouldn’ttouchhim.Her

sympathymadeitworse.“No,Igetit,”hesaid.“Ido.Afterthewedding,Jamiecontinuedtocallme

withhisproblemsorevenjusttosharehisday,ashe’ddoneforyears.Heneededtolethisstepfatherintohislife,andhewouldn’t,notaslongasIwasthereforhimtoturnto.We’dbeenBigBrotherandLittleBrotherforthreeyears.That’salifetimeathisage.”

“IsthatwhyyouleftNewYork?”“Itwasabigpartofit.Buttheplanetsseemedtoalign,andIknewitwas

timetomakeabigchange.”“Andthenthefirstthingthathappensisyoukindofendupwithalittle

brother.”Hefrowned.“Dylan’sanadult.”“Who’salreadydependentonyou.”Hewasawareofthatgrowingdependency.“Ican’ttakehiminfull-time.I

willcertainlyhelphimfindapathforhimself,butIcan’tbehisbigbrother—orfatherreplacement.”

“Howaboutbeinghisfriend?”“Iwon’tthrowhimtothewolves,Marcy.Ijustcan’tofferhimahome

here.”

“Well,sinceIdon’thaveaplacetohousehim,Ican’t,either.”Shecrossedherarms.“ButIwouldifIcould.”

“He’sknottedupwithanger,can’tyoutell?Rightnowwe’reinthehoneymoonphasewherehisgoalistoplease.Thatwillchangeatsomepoint.”

“Howdoyouknow?”“Experience.Observation.Study.Wedon’tevenknowwhathewants.

College?Ajobinaparticularfield?”Hiscellphonerang.Hesawitwasalocalnumberbutdidn’trecognizeit.

“Hi,Eric,it’sAnnie.”“Hello,Annie.”HecaughtaglimpseofMarcyrollinghereyesbeforeshe

turnedaroundandwalkedoutoftheroom.Whatwasthatabout?“Iknowthisislastminute,butafewofusontheblockdecidedtothrow

togetheranimpromptubarbecue.Nothingfancy.Justturkeyburgersandpastasaladatmyplace.Wouldyouliketocome?”

“IneedtocheckwithMarcy.Maybewhatshe’splannedfordinnercankeepuntiltomorrow.”

“Um,Idon’tmeantosoundungracious,butwewerereallyonlyinvitingyou,asournewneighbor.Dylanprobablyshouldn’tgoanywheretonight,andIimagineMarcywouldn’twanttoleavehimalone.”

Eric’sfirstinclinationwastosayno.Ithadbeenalongday,hisfirstatanewjob,onehehadn’tplannedon.ButheneededtokeepalittledistancebetweenDylanandhimself.AsforMarcy?Itwasagoodideatokeephisdistancethere,aswell.Thelesstemptation,thebetter.

“Eric?Areyouthere?”“Whenwouldyoulikemetocome?AndwhatcanIbring?”“Sixo’clock.Justbringyourself.It’sourwelcometoyou.I’msogladyou

saidyes.”Theyendedthecall,thenErictappedhisphonetohischin.Anniewas

exactlythekindofwomanhe’dhopedtofind.Easyontheeyes.Mature.Coolinacrisis.Competent.Shehadatwo-year-old,soshewasalreadysettled.She’dmadethedecisiontoputhercareeronholdforherdaughter,whichwasanotherpro.

Hewasn’tattractedtoherphysicallyinthesamewayhewastoMarcy.HecouldhardlytakehiseyesoffMarcy,andspentalotoftimewonderingwhatshelookedlikewithoutthebarrierofclothes.Hehadaprettygoodidea,sincehemostlysawherinshortsandtanktops.HeandMarcybothtouchedeachothernowandthen,grazesatfirst,thenlongercontact.Andthenthismorninghe’dseenherrubherlowerback.

“Sore?”he’dasked.

“I’llbeokay.”She’dbusiedherselfslicingamelon.He’ddebatedaskingforpermissionbutfiguredshe’dsayno,evenifshe

wantedtosayyes.Sohejustwentupbehindherandmassagedherbackfromshoulderstotailbone.She’dmadesoftsoundsofappreciationthatsoundeddangerouslyclosetomoans.He’djustpressedhislipstothetemptingspotbelowherearwhenDylancameflyingdownthestaircase,soundingmorelikeaherd.

Erichadsteppedaway.Ifthey’donlyhadafewmoreminutes….Heshookofftheimageandwentdownstairs,findingMarcyinthekitchen,

slidingabakingdishintotheoven.“I’vebeeninvitedtomeetsomeoftheneighborsatAnnie’sfordinner

tonight,”hesaid,feelinglikeajerkfornotevenaskingifthatinterferedwithherplans.

“That’sgreat.Havefun.”“I’llbeinthediningroomworkingatmycomputeruntilthen.”“Okay.”Hehesitatedforafewsecondsthenstartedtoleave.“Onsecondthought,”shesaid.“IthinkI’llgovisitafriend.There’sreally

nothingformetodohere.Saladisintherefrigerator.Ijustputthechickenintheoven.Ifyou’lltakeitoutwhenthetimerrings,Dylancaneatwhenhe’sready.Seeyousometimetonight.Ortomorrowmorning.”

Shedidn’tlookathim.Notonce.Twentyminuteslaterheheardhercomedownthestairs.Hegottothedining-roomdoorintimetoseeherleavethehouse,wearingsomethingthatshowedoffhervoluptuousbody.Hethoughtmaybeitwascalledasundress.

Hecalleditsexy,anditmadehimwonderifthis“friend”wasmaleorfemale.

“I’msorryIwasrightaboutyourprofessor,”LorisaidassheandMarcysatonbenches,watchingLori’ssix-year-oldandeight-year-oldsonsplayintheparkneartheirapartment.Withherpetiteframeandpixiehaircut,Lorihardlylookedolderthanherboys.

“Obviouslyhe’snotmyprofessor.”Marcywasstillalittlestunned.“I’veneverseenanyoneworksofast.AnniewasinsidethehousefortenminutesandontheporchwithEricforanotherten,andhealreadyknewherlifestory.Andhe’sreallyprotective.It’sabigpartofwhoheis.Shehadhimat‘I’mawidowwithababy.’DoublewhammyforMr.Protector.”

“Wow,areyoueverworkedup!ButMarcy,Idon’tthinkyoucanequatehis

acceptinganinvitationtoabarbecuetohisgettingmarriednextweek.Besides,isn’tthatwhatyou’ddecidedtodo?Helphimhookup?”

“Nothookup!He’slookingtogetmarried,andthat’sdifferent.”Lorilaughed.“IwishI’drecordedthisconversationsoIcouldreplayitfor

youinamonth.AndIwishIcouldtakepicturesofthewayyoulookathim.I’llbetthey’resimilartoAnnie’sexpressions.”

“Nope.Hersarecalculated.Minearelustful.”Shegrinned,relaxing.TalkingwithLorialwayshelpedMarcygainperspective.Todaywasnodifferent.

“Sohaveaflingwithhimandbedonewithit.Hookup.”Isthatwhatsheneeded?Permissiontosleepwiththemanfornoreason

otherthanthedesireto?Couldshethrowcautiontothewind?Shouldn’tsheatleastfancyherselfinlovefirst?

“You’reoverthinkingit,”Lorisaid,elbowingher.“That’ssoyou.”“Ican’tbelieveyou’readvisingmetojustgoaheadandsleepwithhim.”“Ifyou’dcometomeandsaidyouwereinloveandwantedtomarrythe

man—afterknowinghimforonlythreedays—Iwouldbeadvisingyoutorun.Youknowthat.Thisisdifferent.Ifyoudon’tgiveintoit,you’llobsess.Youknowwhattheysayaboutonlyregrettingthethingsyoudidn’tdo.”

“Wouldyoudoit?Haveafling?”“IfIhadthetimeandenergyforone.”“AuntieMarcy!Comepushme,”thesix-year-oldshoutedashepulled

himselfupontoaswing.“Me,too!”yelledhisbrother.MarcyandLoripushedtheboysforalongtime.Theygrabbedapizzaon

thewaybacktoLori’sSacramentoapartment,thenMarcyhungarounduntilalmosteleven-thirty.ItwasmidnightwhenshepulledintoEric’sdriveway.Theliving-roomlightswereon,otherwisethehousewasdark.She’dlearnedhewasanightowl,however,aholdoverfromlivinginNewYork,he’dtoldher.

Hewaswatchingtelevision,anoldblack-and-whiteWestern.Hepressedthepausebuttonasshelockedthedoor.

“Didyouhavefun?”heasked.“Idid.Howaboutyou?”“Itwasinteresting.Dylanwenttobednottoolongago.”Hereallywasastrikinglyhandsomeman,Marcythought.And,intruth,his

protectivenesswasanappealingtrait.Sowerehisarmsandchest,andeveryotherpartofhim….

Shesatinthechairacrossfromhim,somethingthey’ddoneeverynight,almostlikeahusbandandwifecatchinguporparentsfindingalittlequiettime.

“Whatotherneighborsdidyoumeet?”sheasked.

“ThecoupleontheothersideofAnnie,whoarebothUCDavisemployees,althoughnotteachers.Andacouplefromacrossthestreet,bothofthemlawyers.”

“Astreetfullofprofessionals.”“Mostly,itsoundslike.Anniesaidthereareaboutthirtykidsinatwo-block

area.Weateturkeyburgers.”“Ofcourseyoudid.”Marcycouldn’thelpbutsmile.“Organic,Iassume.”Hesmiled,aswell.“Ididn’task.What’dyoudofordinner?”“Hadpizza.Myfriendhasacoupleofboysandtheycan’taffordtogoout

much.It’satreat.Lori’stheonewhogivesmeaplacetostaybetweenjobs.”Heseemedtorelaxmore.“Iwaiteduptoaskyouaquestion.”“Fireaway.”“WouldyoureallytakeDylanintoyourhomeifyouhadone?”heasked.“Ofcourse.”“Why?”“Becausehe’shomeless,andI’mgatheringitwasn’tasituationhechose.He

seemslikeagoodkid.”Ericleanedforward.Hisvoicewentquieter.“Wedon’tknowanythingabout

himexceptwhathe’stoldusandwhatlittlethecopsadded.Hecouldbeontherunfromsomething.Wedon’tevenknowifAnthonyishisreallastname.Maybeit’shismiddlename.”

“Iconsidermyselfaprettygoodjudgeofcharacter.”“Andhecouldbeaprettygoodconman.AllI’msayingis,becareful.Don’t

haveblindfaith.Hehastwostrikesagainsthim,remember?”“Minoroffenses.Stolencookies.”“Breakingandentering.”“Justbecauseyou’recynicaldoesn’tmeanIhavetobe.I’veknownyouthe

sameamountoftimeasI’veknownDylan,andItrustyou.ShouldInot?”Hissmilewaslopsided.“OneofthethingsIlikeaboutyouisyour

directness.”Andmybody,shethought.Butshe’dalreadyfiguredoutwhathewas

lookingforinawoman—someoneeducated,someonesuitableforthisneighborhood.Someonewhowantedbabiesrightaway.Shedidn’tfitanyofthecriteria.“Oneofthethings?”sherepeated.

“Fishingforcompliments?”“Yousaidone.I’mcurioustoknowtheothers.”Hesteepledhisfingersinfrontofhisface.“Youworkhard.Youdon’tneed

tobesupervised.”Shehuffedoutabreath.“Highpraise,indeed.So,doIgetaraise,boss?”

Helaughed.“Okay,okay.You’reenthusiasticandcaringandnurturing.Isthatbetter?”

“Much.WouldyouliketoknowwhatIlikeaboutyou?”Heseemedtoconsiderit.“Narrowitdowntoone.Ilikethenumberone.”“Yes,itcomesinhandywhenworkingwiththebinary,doesn’tit?”she

asked.“Itcertainlydoes.”“One,hm?”Sheconsideredanddiscardedmanydescriptors.“Can’tdoit?”heaskedafterawhile.“Therearealotofthings,butifIhavetochoosejustone,I’llsayyoursex

appeal.”Helookedmorethanalittletakenaback,butMarcydidn’tknowwhetherit

wasbecauseshe’dchosenthatparticularfeatureorthefactsheadmittedit.“Iwould’vesaidthatmyselfaboutyou—thethoughtdidcrossmymind—

butI’msensitivetobeingchargedwithharassment,”hesaid.Ifnotforthetwinkleinhiseyes,shemighthavetakenhimseriously.“Will

youcomplaintoJuliaaboutme?”“I’llcallherofficefirstthinginthemorning.”Heturnedseriousthen.“Do

yourunintothatproblemalotinyourvariousjobs?”“Findingmybosssexy?”sheasked.“No.Beingharassedbymen.Becauseofthewayyoulook.”Thiswasgettinginteresting,shethought.“HowdoIlook?”“Stillfishingforcompliments?”“OfcourseIam.Feelfreetobespecific.”Itwasanentirelynewtypeof

foreplayforher,wordsinsteadoftouch.Shefoundshelikedit—awholelot.“Inevergaveawoman’shairalotofthoughtbefore,”hesaid,studyingher.

“Subconsciously,Isuppose,Ididandeitherlikeditornot.Butyoursmakesmewanttotouchit.Tofeelitagainst—”Hestopped,asifunsurewhetherheshouldcontinue.

“Don’tstopnow,”shesaid,herbodyheatingup,tinglingwithneed.“Tofeelitagainstmyskin.”Hisvoicehadgonelowanddeep.Hiseyes

seemedalmostblack.“Yourbreastsareincredible.Andyou’vegotarearmadeforgrabbing.”Hedrewashakybreath.“Enoughspecificityforyou?”

Ifanyonehadtoldherthatwordsalonecouldgetherthisaroused,shewould’velaughed.“It’slikephonesexwithoutthephone,”shesaid,notknowingwhatelsetosay.Shecouldn’tinstigateanythingphysical,nomatterwhatLorisaid.PlusDylanwasinthehouse.“Whowould’vethoughtamathematiciancouldbesohot.AlthoughIguessAnnieagreeswithme.”

“What?”Hesatupstraight.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Yoursexappeal.It’suniversal,Ithink.”She’ddoneitnow.She’dtotallydestroyedthemood.Whyhadshe?

Fear.Thewordbouncedaroundhermind.Shewasafraidshewasfallingforhimbeyondjustthephysical.

“I’veknownAnnieallofafewhours.She’sbeenneighborly.”Hesoundedannoyed.

Marcywasannoyedatherselfforruiningthemood,butespeciallyforputtingtheideainhisheadthatAnniewasinterestedwhenheapparentlyhadn’tseenitforhimself.Andoncesomeoneknowsanotherpersonisinterested,itchangesthings.HewouldlookatAnniedifferentlynow.

Thesilencebetweenthemgrewawkward,soshestoodandsaidgood-night.Asshewalkedpasthischairhewrappedhishandaroundherwrist,stoppingher.Heranhisthumboverherskin,barelybrushing,thoroughlyarousing.

“MaybeyouneedtohaveJuliahiresomeoneelsefortheduration,”shesaidquietly,lookingdownathim.

“Idon’twantsomeoneelse.”Shedidn’tknowhowtotakethat.Hedidn’twantsomeoneelse

professionally—orpersonally?“Igatherfromallyou’vetoldme,Eric,you’reinmourningforthelossofanimportantrelationship,andyourlifeisalittlechaotic,too,withsomanychangescomingatonce.You’reinavulnerableposition.”

Notreleasingher,hestood.Helaidhisfreehandalongherface.“Ican’tdenythat,butitdoesn’tmeanIdon’tknowwhatIwant.”

Fortheshorttermorlong?Shewonderedwhichashebenttowardher,askingpermissionwithhiseyes.

Shewentupontiptoe,meetinghimhalfway.Hislipsgrazedhers,thensettled,histonguefindingwarm,wetpassage,deepening,intensifying.Heletgoofherhand.Shewrappedherarmsaroundhim,savoringhim,cherishinghim,knowingfullwellitwasnowaytohandlethissituation,butunwillingtostop,evenifthiswastheonlymemoryshewouldhaveofhim.

Hisarmstightenedaroundhersothattherewasnospacebetweentheirbodies,justheatagainstheat.Hechangedtheangleofhishead,attackedhermouth,madethroatysoundsofdesire.Hemovedhishandsalongsideherwaist,histhumbsrestingunderherbreasts,pressing,thengliding,movingupalittleatatime.Hefoundhernipples,madeherachewithneed.Shewantedhishandsonherflesh,notjusttofeelthemthroughherclothing.Shegavehimaccessbytippingherheadbackwhenhetracedhernecklinewithhistongue,dippingbetweenherbreasts,hisbreathhotandexciting,hisfingersmovingalongthebuttonsdownherbodice.

Ericstraightened,hisgazeconnectingwithhersthenloweringasheeasedhishandsinsideherstraplessbra,thebacksofhisfingersglidingoverhernipples.Iftheywerealoneinhouse,whatwouldhappennext?

Hefinishedunbuttoningherdressandthenslippedhishandsaroundhertounhookherbra.“Okay?”hewhispered.

“Idon’tknow.”Hestopped,tornbetweenwishinghehadn’tasked,andamazementthathe

hadthepresenceofmindnottogoforwardwithoutheragreement.“I’msorry,”shesaid.“Idon’tmeantotease,but—”“Don’tbesorry.Irushedyou.Myapologies.”Hetookastepback,giving

herroomtobuttonupagain.“Areweokay?”“Ofcourse.”Hereyesweren’ttellinghimthesamething.Shewaswary,and

maybescared,butunlessheaskedwhy,sheprobablywouldn’ttellhim.Hedidn’twanttoopenadiscussiontowhichhemightnotliketheanswers.He’djustneverfeltlikethisbefore,notthisfast.Notthisintensely.

“I’mgoingtobed,”shesaid,thenrestedherhandonhischestforafewseconds.

“Sleepwell.”Hesureashelldidn’tthinkhewould,however.“You,too.”Hewaiteduntilheheardherbedroomdoorshutbeforeheturnedoffthe

televisionandmadehiswayupstairs.Hadtheyjusttakenonestepforwardandtwostepsback—ortwostepsforwardandoneback?

Thestoryofhislifelately.Fromhisbed,hepickedupJamie’spicturetosetaside,waitingforhischest

tostarthurting.Itdidn’t.Oratleastthepainwasn’toverwhelming.SharingJamiewithMarcyhadhelped.

AfewminuteslaterEricclimbedintobed.HethoughtaboutMarcy’scommentsregardingAnnie,butitwashardto

focusonanythingotherthanthemomenthe’djustsharedwithher.Whocouldsleepafterthat?

ChapterSeven

“What’sgoingonwithyouandEric?”DylanaskedMarcyacoupleofdayslater.They’dtakensandwichesontothebackporchandweresittingonthedeckstairstoeatlunch.

“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean,”Marcysaid.Exceptshedid.SheandEricweren’targuing.Theywereavoidingeachother.Theywerepolite,butthatwasall.Itdidn’thelpthatAnniestoppedbyeveryday,usuallywithherdaughter,Lucy,whoturnedonhercherubictoddlercharmfullforcewhenevershesawEric.Hegaveherpiggybackridesandbouncedheronhisknee,revealinganentirelydifferentsidetohim.

Hewouldmakeanextraordinaryfather.“Youstoppedflirtingwithhim,”Dylansaid.Shealmostchokedonhersandwich.“That’scrazy.He’smyemployer.I

don’tflirtwithhim.”“Youdid.Thenyoustopped.Sodidhe.”Shefrowned.“Wedon’thaveasmuchtodiscussaswedidlastweek.We’re

waitingonfurnituretobedelivered,andShana’sbringingacontractortodaytomeasurethekitchen,thenworkwillstartonthat.Atthemoment,thingsherearemostlyatastandstill.Plusmyonlineclasseshavestarted.”

“Webothknowyou’reonlyheretobemykeeper.You’dliketoleave.”Marcystudiedhim.Eveninsuchashorttime,he’dalreadyfilledoutalittle,

andwasconstantlyeating,asifhe’dbeenstarved.“Ienjoyyourcompany,Dylan.”

Hesortoflaughed.“You’reasdumbaboutthisasEric.”“Youtalkedtohimaboutthis?”“Thismorning,whileyouwereintheshower.”Marcywastornbetweenwantingtoknowwhathesaid,and—No,she

wasn’ttornatall.“What’dhesay?”“Hegavemethelook.YouknowtheoneI’mtalkingabout?”Shedid.Herfatherhadperfectedthelookhimself.Itmustbeembeddedin

themaleDNA.“Whydidyouaskhim?”“WhathappensbetweenyouandEricaffectsme.Aslongasyou’regetting

along,Idon’tworryaboutit.”

“Andyouthinkwe’renotgettingalong?”“Iknowthingschanged.”“Well,everythingisfine,sodon’tworryaboutit.”Sheappreciatednot

havingachoiceinwhereshelivedrightnow,actually.Yes,she’dstayedbecauseofDylan—hewasrightaboutthat—butshewasn’treadytoleaveEric,either.“Idohaveahouse-sittingjobthatstartsonFriday.”

“Iknow,butthat’sthreedaysaway.Bythen,maybehe’lltrustme.”HetookabigbiteofhissandwichinawaythatshowedhewasnervousaboutErickeepinghimon.

“Ifyou’dliketogainhistrust,youmightthinkaboutconfidinginhim.”Aflashofangercrossedhisface.MarcyrecalledEric’swordsaboutnot

knowinganythingaboutDylan.“No.Ipushedmyresetbutton,”hesaidfinally.“Meaningwhat?”“Idecidedtoforgetaboutthepast.I’vestartedover.”“See,now,Ihavenoideawhatthatmeans.Didyoudosomethingcriminal?

Didyouhurtsomeone?Becauseyoudon’tgettoignorethingslikethatjustsoyoucanmakeafreshstart.Youhavetofacetheconsequencesofyouractionsfirst.Youhavetomakeamends.”

Hestood,toweringoverher.“Evenadultsdon’tdothat,sowhyshouldI?”Hedisappearedintothehouse.Hecouldholeupinwhatwashisbedroom,

shesupposed,buttherewasnothingbutacotinitandhismeagerbelongings.Notelevision,nocomputer.

Withasigh,shecarriedheremptyplateintothekitchen.Hestoodatthesinkeatingacookie,twomoreinhishand.Assoonashesawherheheadedforthebackdoor,rushingpasther.

“Goingforabikeride,”hemuttered.Sheglancedathisgauze-wrappedarm.“Becareful.”Hestoppedatthedoor,lookingmorethanannoyed.“No,Idon’tthinkIwill

be,Marcy.IthinkI’llbereckless.”“Ididn’t—”“Don’tmotherme.”Heleft.Theonlythingthatkepthimfromslammingthe

doorbehindhimwasthefactthewoodwasalittlewarpedandhadtobepulledshuttocloseitalltheway.

Shewatchedhimtakeoffupthedriveway.Erichadpaidhimsomewages,sohehadmoneytospend,butheprobablywouldn’tleavethecitylimits,givenhistransportationissues.Besides,Daviswasoneofthemostbicycle-friendlycitiesinthecountry,tensquaremilesofbikepathsandplentyofbikeracks.Itmaderidingappealingandeasy.

Marcywashedtheirlunchdishes,amindlesschore.ForallthatDylanhadtoldhernottomotherhim,shewasprettysureitwassomethingheneeded.Maybeheneededfatheringevenmore,buthealsoneededthegentlebalanceofamother.

Whathappenedtoyourfamily,Dylan?Marcytookadvantageofthequiethousetostudy.Thissemestershewas

takingpsychologyandU.S.history.Bothinvolvedalotofreadingandfocus.She’dgottenherfirsthomeworkassignmentjusttoday,andshewantedtostayontopofeverything.

Anhourpassed,andDylanhadn’treturned.Sheshutoffhercomputer,asShanaandthecontractorweredueanyminute,andEricshortlythereafter.Shewasheadedtothelivingroomwhenhercellphonerang.

“Hi,Marcy.It’sJuliaSwanson.How’severythinggoing?”“It’sfine,Julia,thanks.It’sturnedintoalongerjobthanweoriginally

thought.”“Yes,Erichasstayedintouch.”“Well,ifyougetanydayjobsfornextweek,that’dbegreat,too.”“Hm.IgatheredEricstillwantedyouduringthedays.”What?“Um.Hehasn’ttalkedtomeaboutthat.”“I’msurehewill.Letmeknowwhatyoudecide,soIknowwhethertoput

youintheavailablepool.”“WhileI’vegotyou,Julia.Isthereanychanceyou’dhaveworkforan

eighteen-year-oldyoungman?He’sahardworkerbuthehasn’tamassedmuchinthewayofexperienceyet,obviously.”

“Ishepresentable?”“Heneedsaprofessionalhaircut,butyes.”“YouknowI’malwaysonthelookoutforyoungpeopletoserveappetizers

anddrinksatpartiesandevents,buteighteen’sprettyyoung.Howdoyouknowhim?”

Marcybitherlipforasecond.Shecouldn’texactlytellthetruth.“Erichiredhimtohelpouthere,too.”

“Well,then,ifbothyouandEricarerecommendinghim,I’llatleastgivehimaninterview.”

“I’mnotsureI’mrecommendinghimyet,butifyoucouldinterviewhim?Givehimthatexperience?I’dappreciateit.”

“OfcourseIcan.”Assoonasthecallended,alargepick-uptruckpulledinfrontofthehouse

andparked.Shanaemergedfromthepassengerside.Fromaroundthetruckcameathirtyishmanwithadistinctivelylumberjacklookabouthim,rightdown

tohisworkboots.Histruckwasloadedwithcartons.“Wecomebearinggifts,”Shanasaid.Shelookedexceptionallypretty,her

blondhairshimmeringinthesunlight.Eventhoughitwashot,shecamedressedformanuallaborinjeansandaT-shirt.ShepulledonworkglovesasshewaitedforMarcytojointhem.“ThisisLandonKincaid.HepreferstobecalledKincaid.Italkedhimintopickingupafewthingswithmeontheway.You’vegotmusclehere,right?”

MarcygreetedKincaidthensaid,“Dylan’sontheinjuredreservelist,butEric’sduehomeanyminute.”Sheflexedhermuscles.“I’mgame,though.Whatalldidyoubring?”

“Adesk,arealkitchentabletoreplacethecardtable,abedfortheguestroom.Therestoftheguest-roomandofficefurniturewillbedeliveredthisafternoon,alongwiththebackyardfurniture.”

“You’vebeenbusytwistingarms,”Marcysaid.“Wedidn’texpectanyofthatuntillaterintheweek.”

“Persuasiveisherdominanttrait,”Kincaidsaid,untyingtheropessecuringhiscargo.“Nevertakenoforananswerishermotto.”

“AndannoyShanaateveryopportunityisyours,”Shanasaid.Marcysmiledatthebyplay.Weretheyacouple?“Idon’thavetimeforno’s,”Shanasaid.“Ihaveadaughtertosupport

withoutbeingawayfromhersixtyhoursaweek.”“Youdidn’tmentionadaughterbefore,”Marcysaid.“Howoldisshe?”“Thirteenmonths.”“Alittleone.Doesshelooklikeyou?”Theymovedtothebackofthetruck

sothatKincaidcouldpassthemsomeboxes.“Twins,separatedbyageneration,”Kincaidsaid.“Andalreadyjustas

stubborn.”“Areyoutwo—”Marcygesturedtobothoftheminquestion,askingasilent

question.“Goodgrief,no.We’rejustfriends,”Shanasaid.Intrigued,Marcyconsideredthemastheyallunloadedthetruck.Theyso

studiouslyavoidedeachother—justlikeEricandherself,sherealized—thatshedecidedtherewassomethinggoingon,whethertheyacknowledgeditthemselvesornot.

Ericpulledintothedrivewaywhentheheaviestitemswereallthatremained.

“Where’sDylan?”Ericaskedaftertheintroductions,passingMarcyhisbriefcasebeforehewenttohelpKincaidatthetruck.

“Hewentforabikeride.”Sheaimedforacasualtone,butMarcytooknote

ofthedarkexpressionthatcrossedEric.MarcyputtogethersomesnacksandicedteaforeveryonewhileKincaid

measuredthekitchenandsketchedoutadesignplan.HeandErictalkedaboutwoodfinishes,appliances,andflooring.Shanagotbetweenthemtoofferinputandsuggestions.

Anniedroppedby,havingseenalltheactivity,andalsogotintothemiddleoftheplanning.Thebabymonitorwastuckedinherbackpocket,thesweetsoundsofLucyreachingthem.

“Shesingsherselftosleep,”Anniesaidwithasmile.Marcyfeltlikeathirdwheel.Heropinionwasn’tbeingsought,butthen,it

wasn’therkitchen.Ifitwere,she’dbesettingitupalittledifferentlyfromtheplanbeingdrawn.

Shedecidedtoretreattothebackyard,whereshesatonthedeckstairsandleanedagainstthepost.

So,accordingtoJulia,Ericwantedhertoworkforhimduringthedaynextweek.Why?TowatchoverDylan,ashe’dsuggestedearlier?Oncetherestofthefurniturewasdeliveredandplaced,therewouldn’tbemuchlefttodo,certainlynothingthatEricandDylancouldn’thandle,withalittleguidancefromShana.AndapparentlyErichaddecidedtohireKincaid,theexpert,toinstallthekitchen,withhimselfandDylanashishelpers.

Therewasstillalotofyardworktobedone,aswell.Andeventuallythetwo-and-a-halfbathrooms.Shewasn’tneededforanyofthat.

Shereallydidn’tseeanyreasontoreturnnextweek—oranytimethereafter.Withorwithouther,EricwouldeitherallowDylantostayor…

Orwhat?Shedidn’tknow.Dylanrodeintotheyard,lookingasiftheridehaddonehimalotofgood,

happinessshowingonhisfacelikeadog’swhenithaditsheadoutacarwindowduringadrive.

“Hidingout?”heasked,leaninghisbikeagainstthedeck.“Iseethecommander-in-chiefishome.”

Shesmiledatthetitle.“Enjoyingthesun.Gotasecond?”Warinessseepedintohisexpression.“Yeah.UnlessEricneedsme.”“He’soccupied.Italkedtomybosstodaytoseeifshemightfindplacement

foryou.Shesaystocomein.Ifnothingelse,it’llgiveyouinterviewpractice.”Hesatnexttoher.“Whatboss?”“Iworkforatempagency.Sometimestheyhirehelpersforpartiesor

corporateeventswhereserverscarrytraysofappetizersanddrinksthroughcrowds.”

Hefrowned.“IprobablyneedID,huh?”

“Yes.Whydon’tyouhaveany?”“Becausesomeonestolemybackpack.Ihadmycashinapoucharoundmy

neck.Should’vekeptmydriver’slicenseinthere,too,Iguess.Andsomeotherstuff.”

“Personalitems?”Helookedoutattheyard.“Yeah.Thingsthatcan’tbereplaced.”Shelaidherhandonhisshoulder.Hedidn’tshrugitoff,buthunghishead.Shepulledbackwhenhefinallydidshifthisshoulders.“Whyhaven’tyou

replacedyourdriver’slicense?”“Andhaveitsentwhere?”Marcygaveitsomethought,thenshepulledoutherphoneanddialed.“Hey.

RemembermetellingyouaboutDylan?I’vegotafavortoask.”Aminutelatershehungup.“Mybestfriend,Lori,livesinSacramento.Shesayssure,youcanuseheraddress,noproblem.AnytimeyouwanttogototheDMV,letmeknow.I’lltakeyou.”

“Thanks,”hesaid,lowandgruff,thenswallowedhard.“Thereyouare,”Ericsaidfrombehindthem,comingontothedeck.“Shana

andKincaidareheadingouttopickupafewmorethings.Dylan,pleasecomeandmeetKincaid.You’llbeworkingwithhim.”

MarcyandDylanscrambledtostand.DylanwentinsideasEricdelayedMarcywithahandonherarm.

“Everythingokay?”heasked.“Sure.Didyoucomeupwithadesignyoulike?”“Ithinkso.Kincaidwilldrawupanofficialplanandbringitbyinafew

days.”“That’sgreat.”Shemovedpasthim,notwantingtokeepanyonewaiting.

Anniewasstillhangingaround,whichannoyedMarcy.ShewascomingtotheconclusionthatAnniewouldn’tbetherightpersonforEric,afterall.Hedidn’tneedsomeoneso…perfect.Heneededsomeonetoshakeuphislifealittle.

Anhourlaterthefurnituretruckarrived.DylanleanedclosetoMarcy.“ThatAnnie’skindapushy,isn’tshe,”hewhispered.

Sheliftedherchin.“Ihavenoopiniononthematter.”Dylanlaughed,thefirsttrue,hearty,appreciativelaughsincehe’darrived.Asluckwouldhaveit,Lucywokeupfromhernapastheyallwentoutside

togreetthefurnituredelivery-men,soAnnieexcusedherself.Finally.ThemencarriedtheofficefurnitureupstairstoDylan’sroom,thenhauled

theguest-roomfurniture—aheadboard,armoireandtwonightstands—toMarcy’sroom.Afewmorepieceswerescatteredaroundthehouse.Suddenlyitseemedlikeahome,arealhome.

ShecaughtEricrealizingit,too.AfterShanaandKincaidleft,Ericstoodinhislivingroomlookingaround,takingitallin.Dylanwasintheofficehookingupthevariouspiecesofequipment.

“Itlooksgood,doesn’tit?”hesaidtoMarcy.“Itdoes.”“ThepiecesShanachosefitwellwithwhatIbroughtandwiththestyleof

thishouse.She’stalented.”“Shetoldmethisisonlyherthirdpayingjobasadecorator,yoursister’s

condobeingherfirst,andnowBecca’snewhouse,apparently.Ireallyenvynaturaltalentlikethat.”

“Ihearshedoestempjobsforyouragency.”“Yes.”AndmeetingShanaonlyreinforcedMarcy’sneedtofinishher

educationandestablishacareer.Shanawasyetanothersinglemomstrugglingtosupportherselfandherdaughter.

Ericeyedthestaircase,andthentookMarcybythearmtowardthefrontwindow.“IstheresomethingIshouldknowaboutDylan?”

“Likewhat?”“I’maskingyouthat.Heseemstohaveanattitudetodaythathehasn’thad

sincethefirstnight.”Shehadnointentionofinterferingintheirrelationship.“Maybethe

honeymoonyouspokeofisover.”Hisbrowsdrewtogether,asifconsideringit.“GuessheandIneedtotalk.”Hegesturedtowardwhatshewascomingtothinkofasthe“dialogue

chairs.”Theygravitatedtowardthemeverynight.Somediscussionshadbeeneasy,somestilted.Somewerefilledwithannoyance,andsomedistinctlysensual.Whatwouldtonight’sbe?

“Why’dyouleavewhenweweretalkingaboutthekitchenplans?”Ericasked.

“Therewerealotofpeoplestirringthepotalready.Plus,it’snotmykitchen.”

“Butyouhaveideasaboutit.”“I—Well,ofcourseIdo.That’sonlynatural.Intheend,however,it’syour

decision.”“Whatwouldyoudodifferently?”Shewasn’tabouttopassupanopportunitytoexpressheropinions.“Where

you’vegotupperandlowercabinetsnexttotherange,I’dputafullpantry.Thecounterspacethereisn’tveryusable,anyway,andtheextrastoragewouldbegreat.I’dalsoaddapeninsulatoseparatethekitchenfromthebreakfastnook,notjusttogivethespaceseparationbutsothatyoucandoprepworkonitand

lookoutintothebackyardatthesametime.”Sheshrugged.“That’sall.Littlechanges.”

Dylanboundeddownthestairs,twoatatime,landingonbothfeetatthebottomandgrinning.“Everything’shookedup.Youarewired.”

“Thanks,”Ericsaid.“Iappreciateit.Isthereenoughroomforyourcot?”“Noproblem.”“I’llbegoneasofFriday,anyway,”Marcysaid.“Hecantakeovertheguest

room.”Aloud,awkwardsilencedescended.Whennoonestartedupthe

conversationagain,shestood.“I’mgoingtotakeashowerthengotobed.”“Atnineo’clock?”Dylanasked.“Nowthattheroomisfurnished,Icanreadinbed.Goodtimetostudy.”She

headedtothestaircase.“There’satriple-berrypieintherefrigerator.Goodnight.”

Sheheardacoupleofmumbledgood-nightsinreturn,andthenEric’svoicemoreclearly.“Haveaseat,Dylan.”

Marcysmiledtoherself.She’ddonewhatshe’dintended.Theywerealonetogether,withlittlepossibilityofbeinginterrupted.

Ifonlyherlifecouldbedirectedsoeasily.

ChapterEight

“You’redifferenttoday,”EricsaidasDylansatinthechairacrossfromhim—or,rather,slouchedinthechair.

“Yeah?Well,teenagersaremoody.”Ericstifledalaugh.Thekidhadaprettygoodsenseofhumorwhenhewas

inthemoodtoshowit.“Iremember.Butbeingmoodyisonething.Beingrudeisanentirelydifferentmatter.”

“WhowasIrudeto?”Helookedgenuinelysurprised.“Annie.”“When?”“Sheaskedyouquestions.Youignoredher.”“Oh,that.”Heshrugged.“She’snosy.”“Shewasjustbeingfriendly.”“Foryoursake,notmine.”Ericstraightened.“What?”“Comeon,dude.Annie’sgotyouinhersights.You’relikeabuckinfull

antlerthefirstdayofhuntingseason.”Again,Ericstifledalaugh.“Let’ssayyou’reright,forthesakeofargument,

whydoesitmattertoyou?IthoughtyoulikedAnnie.”“She’sokay.Annielaughsalot,butMarcy’smorefun.Andshereallycares

aboutme.She’stryingtofindmeajob.”ThatwasnewstoEric.Helettheideasettleforafewseconds.“Where?”“Attheplacewiththetemporaryjobswheresheworks.”“Doingwhat?”“Idon’tknow.Beingawaiterorsomething.Ihavetobeinterviewedfirst.

Andgetanewdriver’slicense.”“So,youdidhaveoneatsomepoint?”“Itgotstolen.ThenIdidn’thaveanaddresstogetanewone.Marcy’sgota

friendwhosaysIcanuseheraddress.”Dylanmadeeyecontact,asifdaringhimtomakethesameoffer.

“How’syourarm?”Ericasked,notingthedisappointmentinDylan’seyes.MaybeMarcycouldbeimpetuous,butitwasn’tEric’sstyle.Asitwas,hewashousingtheboy,feedinghim,andpayinghimwages.Hewasn’treadytoleave

himaloneinthehouse—whichpresentedadilemmaaboutwhattodowithhimonceMarcyleft.Hedidn’twanthertogo,either.He’dgottenusedtohavingpeoplearound—

“It’sonlystitches,man,”Dylansaid.“Nooneputmeinthehospitalforit.Giveitup.”

“I’veseenyouuseitinwaysyoushouldn’t.Itneedstimetoheal.Letitrest.”

“Yes,Dad.”Dylansmirked.“I’veheardthosesamewordsinthesametonefrommybrothersandsister

foryears,andevenfromsomestudents.Respectisatwo-waystreet.”Afteraminute,Dylannodded.Ericdecidedtheteenagerhadreachedhislimitofconversation—andhestill

hadn’trevealedanythingpersonal.Ericdidn’tknowhowhecouldhelptheboywithoutknowingwhathadputhimonthestreetsinthefirstplace.

Hestood.“I’llgetussomepie.PickoutaDVD,ifyouwant.”Twohours,onegalacticwar,andfortyexplosionslater,Dylanwenttobed.

Ericwatchedthenewsthenwentupstairs,too.Marcyhadeitherfallenasleepwiththelightonorshewasstillawake.

Hetappedlightlyonherdoorbutgotnoresponse.Hetappedagain.Nothing.Heopenedthedooracrack.“Marcy?”

Hepushedopenthedooralittlemoreandsawhersleeping,herbedsidelampstillon,herlaptopopenandleaningprecariously.Ifsherolledover,itcouldsliderightoffandontothefloor.

Ericeasedin,scoopeduphercomputerandpowereditdown.Hesetitonthedresserthenwentbacktoturnoutthelamp.

Thesoundoftheclickwokeherup.Shegasped,joltedstraightup—“It’sjustme,”hesaid.“Whatareyoudoinginhere?”Shecertainlygotherwitsaboutherinahurry.“Iknockedtwice.Isaidyour

name.ThenIrescuedyourlaptopfromdisaster.”“Oh.Thankyou.”Shesatupandstretched,makinghimwishthelightwasstillon.A

streetlampprovidedminimalillumination,enoughforherhairtomakeahazycloudaroundher,asifshewerepartofadream.Hisdream.He’dhadplentyofthoselately.

Hesatonthesideofherbed,facingher.Shetuggedthesheetupalittle.“Dylantoldmeeverything—aboutthejob,theDMV,yourfriendoffering

heraddress,”Ericsaid.“Itwasn’tasecret.Ijusthadn’thadtimetotellyou.”

“Youshould’vetalkedtomebeforeyoutookaction.Marcy,aslongashe’sundermyroof,he’smyresponsibility.Minetotakecareof.”

Shecockedherhead.“Doyouplantodothat?”“I’malreadydoingthat.Buthere’sthething—ifyougetinvolvedwithhim

anditturnsouthe’sgotbigproblems,you’regoingtogetcaughtupinthem,too.Untilhetellsusabouthispast,heshouldn’tbecoddled.”

“Who’scoddlinghim?IofferedtodrivehimtotheDMVtoreplacehislicense.IofferedtogethimaninterviewwithJuliaforpossiblework.”

“Youalsoarrangedforhimtouseyourfriend’saddress.You’remakingeverythingeasyforhim.”

“I’mgivinghimachance,”shesaid,hervoicerising.“Ican’tbelieveyou’dbesocallousastostandbyandlethimstumblehiswaythroughlife.YouknowwhatI’velearned?Teenagerswhoarelivingonthestreetsusuallyendupascriminals.I’mtryingtopreventthat.Heseemslikeagoodkid.He’sdefensiveandprotective,butIthinktheremustbereasonsforthat.”

“I’mnotbeingcallous,Marcy.I’mtryingtogethimtodothingsonhisown—whichbuildsprideandself-respect.Iwon’tlethimgobacktolivingonthestreets,butheneedstofiguresomethingsoutonhisownandactonthem.Asforbecomingacriminal,he’salreadyproventhat.”Heraisedahandwhenshestartedtointerrupt.“Hestolefood.Iknowthat’snotabigdeal.Buttherearesomanyprogramsintownwherehecangetfood—andjobs,dayjobsthatcouldleadtosomethingmorepermanent.”

“Obviouslyourparentingmethodsaredifferent.Ithinkheneedsahomefirst,asenseofsecurity,thentherestcanfollow.He’salreadybondedwithyou.”

“Ifthatweretrue,hewould’veconfidedinme,trustedmetohelp.Look,wecouldgoroundandroundaboutthiswithneitherofuschangingourminds.Let’sjustseehowitgoesforafewmoredays.”

“Heneedstogethisdriver’slicenseorhe’sstuckcompletely.Forthattohappen,heneedsanaddress.”

“Let’sagreewe’reatanimpasseandletitgo.”“Idon’tthinkwe’llevernotbeatanimpasse.Youarethemostblack-and-

whitepersonI’veevermet.Youhaveverylittlegive.”“Soareyou.”“Me?Inwhatway?I’mconstantlygivingin.”“No,you’renot.Youjustgoaboutthingsdifferently.”Heactuallylikedthat

abouther.Shewastenacious.He’dmettoomanywomenwhogavein.He’dthoughthewasfinewiththat,thathewashappygettingthemtochangetheirmindstohiswayofthinking—untilhe’dmetMarcy.Shedidn’tallowhimtobecomplacent.

“Whenyou’redonewiththissemesterandyouhaveyourAAdegree,what’snext?”heasked.

Shedrewupherkneesandrestedherarmsacrossthem.“You’requitethenightowl,aren’tyou?”

Hewasstallingbecausehedidn’twanttogotobed.Hewastiredofthesinglelife,andshewasgoodcompany.Livelycompany.Hecapturedalockofherhairandrubbeditbetweenhisfingers.“You’reasevasiveasDylan.”

“Inwhatway?”“I’veaskedyouaboutyoureducationacoupleoftimesandyourplansfor

thefuture,butyou’veneveranswered.Eitheryouchangethesubjectoraskmeaquestioninreturn.”

“Ifiguredyouwerejustmakingconversation.Anyway,it’salmostmidnight,Professor.I’mtired.”

Andshe’devadedhisquestionagain.Hegaveup.“Tootiredforthis?”heaskedinstead.Hemovedinclose,

waitedforhertoobject,andthenhekissedher.Herarmscamearoundhim.Shestrokedhisneckwithherfingertips,thelightscrapingofhernailsgivinghimchills.

Shewaswearingatanktopmadeofatouchablylightandsoftfabric,sothathecouldfeeleveryboneashetrailedhisfingersdownherspinethenslippedthemunderthefabric,strokinghersmoothskin.Hermouthwaswarmandencouraging,graduallybecomingmoredemanding.

Hewaitedforhisbraintocautionhimthatthiswasn’tagoodidea,butnosuchadmonitioncame.Hewaitedforhertostophim,evenslowhimdown,butnodenialcamefromher,either,justlittlesoundsofappreciation.

Hepeeledhertopoffandtosseditaside.Shearchedashestrokedherbreasts,enjoyingthefullweightofthem,theirfirmness,andthesilkinessofherskin.Helethernipplespressintohispalmsbeforemovinghisthumbsoverthem,circlingthehardfleshagainandagain,assheurgedhimtodomorebyarchingfarther,bringingherselfcloser.

Shetastedlikeheaven,thescentofherfragrantskinfillinghishead.Hefelthertugathisshirtandangledbacksoshecouldpullitupandoverhishead.Hestretchedoutontopofher,theskin-to-skinsensationmakinghimdrawasharpbreath.Hemovedherlegsapartwithhisandsettled.Shewrappedherlegsaroundhimandliftedherhips,makingclosercontact,agonyandecstasy,denialandpleasure.Shewasallwoman,allcurvy,softyetfirm,arousing.Helikedhowshesmelled,howshetasted,howshelooked.Helikedhowsherespondedtohiseverytouchbydiggingherfingersintohimornippinghisshoulderorintensifyingtheirkiss.

Herolledtohisside,takingheralong,pullingherlegoverhis,glidinghishandoverherrear,squeezingandcherishing.Sheangledbackalittlesothatshecouldcaresshischest,herfingertipsdancingdownhisbody.Sheunbuttonedandunzippedhisshorts,makinghimgroan.

“Better?”sheasked.“Much,”hesaid,thencaughthisbreathasshesliddownhimandpressed

herlipstohimthroughhisbriefs,herbreathhotandmoist.Heclutchedthesheetsasshepulledtheelasticwaistdownjustfarenoughtotouchhimwithhertongue,circling,swirling,takingthetimetosavor,totease,tosendhimsoaring.Almost,almost,almost….

Thesoundofadooropeningreachedthem.Theyfroze,listeningtothecreakofthefloorboards.Thebathroomdooropenedandclosed.

“Sincewhendoteenagershavetogetupinthemiddleofthenight?”heasked,almostgrowlingthewords.

Shestartedtolaugh,andpressedhermouthagainsthisabdomentoblockthesound—whichdidn’thelphimonebit.He’dbeensoclose.Heachednow,deniedashewas…..

NeitherofthemmoveduntilDylan’sbedroomdoorwasshutagain.Nowwhat?Theycouldn’ttakethingsanyfurther,norcouldEricleavetheroomwhiletherewasachanceDylancouldhearhim.

“Maybeitwasasign,”Marcywhispered,movingup,puttingherheadonthepillowoppositehis,draggingthesheetoverbothofthem.

“Ofwhat?”“Thatweweren’tsupposedtobedoingwhatweweredoing.”“Idon’tbelieveinsigns.AndIbelieveinfinishingwhatIstart.”Sheranherfingersthroughhishair.“Maybeanothertime.”“Maybe?”“Whoknowswhatthefuturewillbring.”Shesoftenedthewordswithakiss.

Shewastornbetweenbeingdisappointedandgratefulthey’dbeeninterrupted.Shecouldn’tseemtodrumupanywillpowertoresisthim,evenwhensheknewtherelationshipcouldn’tgoanywhere.Theywereoppositesinsomanyways.Andwhileoppositesmayattract,theydidn’tnecessarilystaytogetherforthelonghaul.

Notthatshewaslookingforthelonghaul.Nope.Notyet.Andheseemedinahurrytogettothelonghaul.Tosettledownandstarthavingthosekidshe’dtalkedaboutwanting.

Marcyrealizedhe’dfallenasleep,whichpresentedadilemma.Shouldshewakehimupandsendhimonhisway?Or—

Or,shedecided.Shemightnotgetanotheropportunityfortheor.

Hereyesdriftedshut,thenthenextthingsheknew,shewasspoonedagainsthim,hisarmacrossherwaist,hishandrestingunderonebreast.Itwasalmost6:00a.m.AlthoughDylandidn’tgenerallygetupbeforeeight,MarcywantedEricgonelongbeforethen.Likenow.Beforeshegaveintohissexualpullagain.

Shefelthimwakeupwithastart,hishandjerkingupwardthenslowly,carefullyresettling.Hespoonedalittlecloser,too,tuckinghiskneesmoretightlyagainsthers.Shouldshepretendtobeasleep?Maybehewouldjustslipoutofbedanddisappear.Thatwouldbetheeasiestonbothofthem.

Butjustthenhepushedherhairasideandkissedhershoulder.Hemovedhishandslowlyoverherbreastsuntilhernippleswerehard,thenheslidlower,muchlower,underherpajamabottoms,tostrokeherlightlyagainandagain.Shearchedtomeethishand,tightenedwhenheslippedafingerinsideher,thenprotestedwhenhepulledhishandawayandrolledoutofbed.

Shedroppedontoherback,staringathimindisbelief.Hewasgoingtoleaveherlikethis?Allhotandwanting?

Hekissedher.“Maybeanothertime,”hewhispered,lookingherover,thenheleft,quietly,carefully.Smugly.

Afteraminuteshelaughed.Shelikedclever.Hewasdefinitelyclever.Shelikedsexy,too,andhewasthatinspades.

Maybeanothertime.Nomaybeaboutit,Marcythought.Theonlyquestionnowwaswhen?Anticipationwasoneofthepleasuresoflife.Knowingagiftwascomingbut

notknowingwhen,heightenedthesenses.Unless,ofcourse,thegiftneverarrivedatall.Thenitallbecameonebigregretforamissedopportunity.

ChapterNine

MarcykeptherselfbusyinthekitchenwhenEriccamedownthestairsawhilelater.Shewonderedhowtoactnowthatthey’dslepttogether—without“sleeping”together.Howwoulditchangetheirrelationship?Becauseitwascertainlyboundto.

Sheheardhimcomeintothekitchen,butshedidn’tturnaroundfromwhereshewaswashinggrapes,insteadshewaited,nervousandexcited,forhimtomakethefirstmove.Dylanwasintheshower,sotheywereassuredsomealonetime.

“Goodmorning,”Ericsaidashepickedupthecoffeepotandpouredhimselfamug.

“Sametoyou,”shesaid,sensinghimmovingcloser.Wouldhekissher?Giveherahug?Teaseheralittle?

“AboutDylan,”hesaid.Startled,shemethisgazebutcouldn’tformasentence.Nokiss?Nohug?“Pleasedon’tlethimuseyourfriend’saddressfortheDMV,oranything

else,forthatmatter.ImeantitwhenIsaidthatwhilehe’sundermyroof,he’smyresponsibility.I’lldealwithit.Withhim.”

Marcyfoundhervoice.“HowamIsupposedtotakebacktheoffer?I’msurehe’scountingonit.”

“I’lltellhimmyself.He’llprobablybeangry,butit’llbedirectedatme,notyou.”

Annoyedathisinterference,shewentbacktohertask,thenfelthimslidehishanddownherhair.

“Goodmorning,”hesaidinanentirelydifferenttoneofvoice,asexyone.Bigmistake,shethought.Youshould’veledwiththatinsteadoftheparentalone.

“Morning,”shesaid,movingoutofrangetogetdishesandsilverware.Ashort,tensesilenceensued.“Thankyouforallthewonderfulmealsyou’veprepared.Iappreciatethe

extraeffortyou’vetaken,andIknowDylandoes,too.”“Ilovetocook,andIalsoneedtofeellikeI’mearningmykeep.”She

brushedpasthimtosetthetable.“I’mmostlyaglorifiedbabysitter,afterall.”Therewasanotherlongstretchofsilence.“Areyoumadatme?”heasked.

Whatwasyourfirstclue,Sherlock?Sheheardtheshowerturnoffintheupstairsbathroom,whichmeantDylanwouldjointheminafewminutes,andtherewerethingssheneededtosay,especiallybasedonhowhe’dtreatedherthismorning,aclearindicatorofhowlifewouldbe,ifsheletitgoonthisway,hisway.

“Lastnightwasamistake,”shesaid.“Itcan’thappenagain.”“Why?”“Idon’thavetimeforarelationshiprightnow.”“Webothknowwhatwould’vehappenedifwehadn’tbeeninterrupted.”“Maybe.Maybenot.Thefactis,itdidn’thappen.Iknowyoudon’tbelieve

insigns,Eric,butIdo.AndthisoneislituponaJumbotronforme.”Thetimerwentoff,meaningherovenomeletneededcheesesprinkledon

top.“You’renotthinkinglogically,”hesaid.“You’re—”“Holdon.Justholdon.Whatyoumeanis,I’mnotthinkingwiththesame

logicthatyouare.Well,guesswhat?I’mallowedmyownlogic,whichisn’talwaysjust-the-facts-ma’am,butemotion.Iknowmyself.Iknowhowlongittakesmetorecoverfrom—”abrokenheart“—disappointment.I’llbegoneinacoupleofdays.Let’sjustkeepourdistanceuntilthen,okay?I’veneverdeniedthere’saphysicalattractionbetweenus,butit’swhatwedoaboutitthatcounts.”

SheknewshewasallbutshovinghimintoAnnie’sopenarms,butMarcyhadtostaytruetoherself,hershort-termeducationgoals,andherlong-termlifeplan.

Ericdidn’thavearesponse,sohetookhismugontothebackdeckandsatinanewlydeliveredloungechair.Eversincehe’dleftherroomthatmorning,shewasallhecouldthinkabout.Hewasn’tusuallyonetoobsess.She’dbecomeanobsession.Hewasbewilderedbyit,appalledatit—andappreciativeofit.

Shecontinuedtobeaforceofnatureinhislife,unafraidtocontradicthim,abletogotoe-to-toe….Andyettherewasasoftsidetoher,vulnerableandnurturing.Shecalledhimpaternal.Well,shewasmaternal.Theymadeaninterestingteam.

HeheardDylan’svoice,thenthescreendooropened.“Breakfastisready.”“Thanks.Stepouthereforaminute,please.”DylanstuffedhishandsinhispocketsandcameupbesideEric.“Howwouldyouliketogotoworkwithmetoday?”“Todowhat?”“Hangout.Thecontentoftheclassmaynotinterestyou,butIthinkyou’d

enjoyseeingthecampus.Classitselfisonlyanhourandfortyminutes.Youwouldn’thavetositstillforlong.”

“Okay.Iguess.”Ericstood.“Justsoyoudon’tgetyourhopesup,”Dylansaidbeforetheywentintothe

kitchen.“Collegeisn’tforme.”“Whynot?”“Iwanttobeamechanic.Wanttoownmyownautoshopsomeday.”Ah.Atidbitofinformation.Itwasastart.“I’mgladtohearyouhavea

goal.”“SinceIwasakid,”Dylansaid,hisexpressionserious.Ericnodded.“Igetthat.Ialwayswantedtoteach.Ifyouhaveapassionfor

something,it’smucheasiertoaccomplishit.”Marcywasseatedatthetablewaitingforthem.“I’mgoingtoworkwithErictoday,”Dylansaid.“Thatsoundsinteresting.”Shescoopedsalsaontoheromelet.“You’rewelcometocomealong,”Ericsaid.“Maybeyoucouldtransferto

Daviswhenyou’redoneatSacCityCollege.”“I’llbegoingtoSacStateUniversity,”shesaid.“I’vealreadyapplied.”“What’syourmajor?”Dylanasked.Erictriednottosmile.Hefiguredshewouldn’trefusetoanswerthe

question,eventhoughshe’dwithheldtheanswerfromhim.Sheseemedtosighslightly.“Businessadministration,withamarketing

minor.”“Seriously?”Ericasked,surprised.Heclampedhismouthshutwhenshe

shotdaggersathimwithhereyes.“Youhaveaproblemwiththat?”Beforehecouldanswer,Dylanspokeagain.“Whatdoyouwanttodo?”“Ihaven’tdecided.Ifiguretheclasseswillhelpnarrowdownthatdecision

forme.”“So,youdon’thaveapassionforanythinginparticular?”EricsmiledatDylan’sprodding—andhischoiceofwords,repetitiousof

Eric’saminuteago.“Apassion?”Marcyrepeated.“Youknow,businessisabigfield.”“Iknow,butthat’spartoftheeducationprocess—todiscoverwhereyour

interestsandstrengthsarebylearning,”Marcysaid.“Iwould’vepeggedyouforsomethinginvolvingtakingcareofpeople,”

Dylansaid.“You’regoodatthat.Ateacher,maybe.Orevenachef.”“Oraflightattendant?”sheasked.Hecockedhishead.“Forsure.”

“Iwasone,yearsago.Ilovedit.”“Why’dyouquit?”Dylanasked.“Ididn’t.Igotlaidoff,alongwithawholelotofotherpeople.Thenwhen

theywantedtohiremeback,itwould’vemeantamovetotheeastcoast.Ineededtostayhere.”Hervoicetrailedoff.

EricexchangedalookwithDylan.WhathadhappenedthatmadeherstayinSacramento?“Marketingisaboutmanipulation,”Ericsaid.“You’rewaytoodirectforthat.”

Thatgotasmileoutofher.“Forbetterorforworse.”Shetoastedhimwithhermug.

“Whatwillyoudowhilewe’regonetoday?”Ericasked.“Probablylieonthecouch,eattrufflesandwatchtheFoodNetwork.”Ericlaughed.Afewsecondslater,Dylanrealizeditwasajokeandlaughed,

too.Theywerehavingagoodmorning,likeafamilyeatingbreakfasttogetherbeforestartingtheirday.Erichadn’tknownwhattoexpectfromMarcyafterlastnight,andhadtreadcarefullyatfirst,notbringingitupuntilthey’dtalkedaboutsomethingelsefirstsothatshewouldn’tthinkheonlyhadsexonhismind.

Whichhedid.He’dtriedtobesensitive,butsomehowhe’dirritatedherinstead.Inthelightofdayshemustberegrettingwhathappened.

Hewasn’t.Notonebit.He’ddoitagain—althoughhopefullywithadifferentoutcome—tonight,ifshewaswilling.

“Canyoubereadyintenminutes?”heaskedDylan.“I’mgettingahaircutbeforeIheadtoschool.”

“ThinkIcouldgetonetoday,too?”Heranahandoverhishair.Althoughclean,itwaschoppedupprettybadly.

“Probably.Won’tknowuntilwegetthere.”Dylanpushedawayfromthetable.“I’llbebackinafew.”“Youwerequitesubtle,”Marcysaid,lookingatEricoverhercoffeemug.

“Welldone.”“Heneedstobemakinghisowndecisions,evenifit’sjustabouthaircuts.”“Evenifthey’reyourdecisions.”Shesmiled.“It’sausefulparenting

technique.”“Wellhonedthroughplentyofmistakes,believeme.Ididalotofordering

aroundofmysiblingsinthefirstcoupleofyearsbeforeIrealizedthereweremoreeffectivewaystogetthemtodowhatIwanted.”

“Apparentlyyoucouldhaveacareerinmarketing.”Shesmiledsweetly.Helaughed.Herealizedhe’dbeendoingthatalotsincehemether.

“Touché.”Shewouldbeleavingtomorrow,andthesemorningssharingamealand

conversationwouldend.Consequently,sowouldthelaughter,unlessDylanuppedhisgameinthatregard.

EricwatchedMarcytakeheremptyplatetothesink.Sheworeherusualoutfitoftanktopandshorts,neitherofwhichwasoverlytight.Butnowheknewwhatshelookedlikewithoutthetop,withoutthebra.Heknewthetasteandtextureofhernipples,andtheweightofherbreastsrestinginhishands.He’dneverbeenmuchofabreastman,sohedidn’tunderstandwhyhewassofocusedonthemnow.Givehimanicereartolookat,however—

Hestoppedthethought.Shehadthat,too.Actually,shehaditallandthensome.

Hehadonechanceleft—tonight.Andshedidn’tseemtobeofthesamemindset.

Heneededtochangethat.Ericcarriedhisplatetothekitchencounter,reachingaroundhertosetitin

thesink,lightlypressinghischestagainstherback,hisarmbrushinghers.Shewentstill.

“Thankyouforbreakfast,”hesaid.Shedidn’tsayanythingatfirst.Notyou’rewelcome.Notbackoff.Then,“Isthishowyoukeepyourdistance,Eric?”“Ididn’tagreeto.”“Yoursilenceimpliedit.”“MysilencemeantIwasthinkingitover.Inthinkingitover,IrealizedI

can’tkeepmyhandsoffyou.”“ThenIguessit’sagoodthingI’mleavingtomorrow.”Sheturnedtoface

him.Hedidn’tmove.“MaybeI’llleavetodayinstead.There’sreallynothingleftformetodo.Youdon’tworkonFridays,anyway,soyou’llbehomeforDylan.”

Hisplanhadbackfiredwithallthesubtletyofacannonfiring.“Don’tgo.”“Thisisn’teasyforme,either,”shesaid,lowandharsh.“Buttoborrow

RobertFrost’sfamouswords,Ihave‘milestogobeforeIsleep.’You’reelevenyearsolderthanme,Eric.You’veaccomplishedwhatyousetouttodo.I’mstillonmyjourney.”

“Andsleepingwithmewouldinterferewiththat?How?”Marcyheardahintofdesperationinhisvoice.Shecouldn’trememberbeing

wantedasmuchashewantedher.Shedidn’tthinkitwasproximitythatwasdrivinghim,butanattractionthatwould’vehappenednomatterwhereorhowthey’dmet.

Lustatfirstsight.They’dbothagreedaboutthat.Hekissedher,softly,persuasively,breakingdownherdetermination.

“Tonight?”hewhisperedagainstherlips.

Assooftenhadhappened,Dylancamethunderingdownthestairsthen.Ericputsomedistancebetweenthem.Hiseyestwinkledmerrily.Shewas

gladhe’dkeptasenseofhumorabouttheinterruption.“It’sasimpleyesornoquestion,Marcy.”“Maybe.”Helaughed.DylanlookedfromErictoMarcy,curiosityinhisgaze.“Howshortdoyou

thinkIshouldgetmyhaircut?”heaskedher.“Youknow,forjobs.”“Anylengthispopularnow.Dowhatsuitsyou.You’vegotsomenatural

wave.Womenlovethat.”Heautomaticallytouchedhishair.“Theydo?”“Thatandagreatsmile,whichyoualsohave.Youcouldworkonyour

communicationskillsalittle.”“Shestartswithflatterythencomesthezinger.”Hegrinned.“I’monto

you.”“Let’sgo,”Ericsaid.Dylansaidgoodbyethenheadedoutthekitchendoor,thenearestaccessto

thedriveway.Ericsaunteredsexilybehind,butstoppedtohavethelastword.“Thinkofme.”

“IthinkI’llreadaheadinmypsychologybooktothechaptercalled‘SexualAddiction.’”

Hissmilewasslowandtempting.“Anaddictissomeonewhodoesn’thavetheabilitytomanageorcontroltheiraddiction.Inthatsenseit’strueaboutme,”hesaid,“butonlyaroundyou.Sowhatdoesthatmakeit?Haveagoodday.”

Marcywaitedforthecartobackoutthenploppedintoachair.Whew!Themanwasallfireandtemptation.Sheneverwould’veguessedthemathematicsprofessorwasaromantic,buthesuredidknowwhichbuttonsofherstopush.Therightwordsutteredintherighttoneofvoicehadturnedupherthermostattoitsboilingpoint.

BarelyaminutehadpassedafterEricandDylanleftwhenthedoorbellrang.MarcylookedthroughthepeepholeandsawAnniewithLucyperchedonherhip.Marcyopenedthedoor.

“Iknowthisisatotalcliché,”Anniesaid,wearingahopefulexpressionandcarryingameasuringcup.“ButmayIborrowacupofsugar?”

“Ofcourse.Comein.”Theyheadedtothekitchen.“Howareyou,MissLucy?”

Thetoddlerlookeddown,afingerinhermouth,hersmilearounditsweet.“Whatareyoumaking?”Marcyasked.“Peachpie.So,IsawDylanleavingwithEric.”

“It’stake-your-kid-to-workday,”Marcysaid.Anniefrowned.Marcyalmostshookherhead.Thewomanhadzerosenseof

humor.Marcywondered,notforthefirsttime,whatAnnieandErictalkedaboutwhentheywerealone,whichhadhappenedafewtimesduringtheweek,atAnnie’sinvitation,butalsoatMarcy’surging,somethingshewasregretting.

“I’mkidding,”Marcysaid,reachingforthecontainerofsugar.“Dylantaggedalongfortheday,that’sall.He’sgettingantsy,waitingforhisarmtoheal.”

“So,he’llbearoundforawhile?”Annieasked,moseyingtothekitchenwindow.

“Ericpromisedhimthebackyardcleanupishis.”“Andwhataboutyou?Areyoustayingon?”Ahha.TherealreasonwhyAnniehadstoppedby.“Tomorrow’smylast

day.”Annieturnedaround.“I’llmissyou.”Sureyouwill.IfAnniehadn’tbeenholdingLucy,shewould’vebeen

rubbingherhandstogetherinanticipationofhavingErictoherself.Theweirdthingwas,Marcyreallylikedthewoman.Theymight’vebecomefriendsunderdifferentcircumstances.

“Althoughit’skindofopen-ended,”Marcyadded.“He’llprobablyneedmenowandthen.”

“I’llremindhimthathisnewneighborsarealwayswillingtohelpeachother,”Anniesaid.“We’reallfriendly,here.”

Marcyhandedherthefullmeasuringcup.“Yes,I’venoticedhowfriendlyyouare.”

EventhoughMarcykepthertoneofvoicepleasant,Anniedidn’tpretendtomisunderstand.

“MenlikeEricdon’tcomealongoften,”shesaid.“Mylatehusbanddidn’ttakelifetooseriously,anditledtoalotofproblemsbeforeandafterhisdeath.Ericseemsresponsible.”

“Iwouldsaythat’sanaccuratedescription.You’reluckyyouhaveacareer,though.Youwon’thavetostruggletotakecareofyourselfandyourdaughter.”

“MygoalistobehomewithLucyuntilshestartsschool,eventhoughit’sasacrifice.EricagreesI’mdoingtherightthing.Hestronglybelievesinthestay-at-homemom.”

HerquotingEricmadeMarcyuncomfortable.“Mymomdidthat,too.Well,havefunbakingyourpie,”shesaidtoLucy,morethanjustahinttoAnniethatsheshouldleave.

“Thankssomuch,”Anniesaid.

Marcyshutthedoorbehindthem,theirconversationrunningthroughherhead.SheagreedthatmenlikeEricdidn’tcomealongoften.Ifhemadeacommitmenttosomeoneorsomething,hewouldfollowthrough,nomatterwhat.Shewassureofthat.

ButAnnie’scommentthathestronglybelievedinthestay-at-homemomwasyetanotherindicatorofhowfaraparttheywereonlifeissues.Marcydidn’tdisagreeaboutthevalueofchildrenhavingastay-at-homeparent,butshe’dalsohadithammeredhomethatsheneededacareertofallbackonforwhenlifechanged—anditwasboundto,inonewayoranother.Loriwasherbiggestexampleandmotivator,andmorerecentlyShana.AndevenMarcy’smotherhadpushedMarcytowardacollegeeducationallherlife,andacareer.

Withthosethoughtsbuzzingaroundinherhead,sheheadedtothelaundryroom,wantingtobeallcaughtupbeforeshelefttomorrow.Whileshesortedtheclothesshefoundhereyeswellingup.

“Thisiscrazy,”shesaidoutloud.Theyweren’therfamily.Shewasn’tleavingthem.Shewasjustfinishingajobshe’dbeenpaidtodo.

Sheleanedagainstthewasher.Whowasshekidding?EricandDylanhadstoppedbeingajobtoher,maybethey’dneverbeenajob.She’dbeensympathetictoDylanfromthemomenthe’driddenhisbikeintothebackyardandaskedforwork.

AsforEric—heandshemightthinkdifferentlyaboutlife,butsherespectedhim.Thethoughtofleavinghurt.Butthethoughtofleavingaftershe’dmadelovewithhim?

Intheend,therewasnodecisiontobemadeaboutwhethershewouldsleepwithhimtonight.Basedonherreasonedlogic,whichshefiguredEricwouldadmireifheknew,thedecisionmadeitself.

Nowsheonlyhadtotellhim.

ChapterTen

“DoyouwanttostopattheDMV?”EricaskedDylanastheyleftthecampusparkinglot.

Ittookhimafewsecondstoanswer.“Marcysaidshe’dtakeme.”“I’mawareofthat,butifyouwanttousemyaddress,thenIneedtogowith

you.”Dylan’ssurprisewaspalpable.“Icanuseyouraddress?”“Iwon’tbemovinganytimesoon.Marcy’sfriendlivesinanapartment.

You’dhavetokeeptrackofhertoknowifyouneedtomakechanges.”“Thanks,man.”EricpulledintotheDMVparkinglotafewminuteslater.“Thanksfordoingthis,”Dylansaid.“Andfortakingmewithyoutoday.It

wascoolwatchingyouteach.You’rekindadifferentfromathome.Kindalikeyou’reputtingonashow.You’renotEric.You’reProfessorSheridan.”

“Beingawareofwhoyouraudienceisandthenactingaccordinglyisoneofthemostimportantskillsyoucandevelop.”

“Isn’tthatsortalikefaking?”“Notatall.You’readaptingtowhateverthesituationis.Youcanbeflexible

andstillbetruetoyourself.”Dylanlookedoutthewindshield.“Mydadwasrigid.”“Was?”“Is.Isrigid.”“Ithoughtthataboutmydad,too,”Ericsaid.“YearslaterIcametorealize

hehadn’tbeenrigidsomuchasconsistent—toafault,maybe.Ididn’tlearnhowtocompromisebecauseheneverdid.”

“Youturnedoutokay.”Ericsmiled.“Thanks.Throughagreatdealoftrialanderror,andhaving

brothersandasisterwhowouldn’tletme‘turnintoDad,’astheyputit.OrMom,forthatmatter.”

“Whatwasshelike?”Dylanasked.“Organized.Driven.Shewasanattorney,apublicdefender.Shewasalittle

moreflexiblethanDad,butnotbymuch.”“Mymomneverworked.Andshewasasoftie.”

“Was?”Dylanswallowed.“Was.”Ericclampedahandonhisshoulder.Somethingtheyhadincommon.Twogirlswalkedbythecar,laughing.Dylanstraightenedandlooked

around.“Guessweshouldgetgoing,”hesaid.“Marcywillwonderwhereweare.”

“Youknowshe’sleavingtomorrow,don’tyou?”“Iknowshe’sgotajobhouse-sitting.Thatsoundskindacool.Shesaidshe’s

takencareofallkindsofplaces,frommansionsallthewaydowntomobilehomes.Usuallypeoplehavepets.Shelikesthat,too.Shemovesaroundtoomuch,soshecan’thaveapetofherown.”

Obviously,MarcyandDylanhaddifferentkindsofconversationsthanhehadwiththeboy.Erichadn’theardanyofthis.Heopenedthecardoorandgotout.“She’saprettyinterestingperson.Veryindependent.”

Dylaneyedhimastheywalkedtowardthebuilding.“Ithinkthatgetstoyou.Youguysclashsometimes.”

“I’mnotusedtosomeoneinmyemploydisagreeingwithme.”Dylanlaughed.“Hm.Thatsoundsprettyrigidtome.Areyousureyou’ve

changed?”Ericdidn’tknowwhattosaytothat.Yes,he’dchanged.Askanyofhis

siblings.Buthadhechangedenough?WhilestandingbesideDylanatthecounter,Ericlearnedhisreallastname—

Vargas—andhisformeraddress.NotfamiliarwithSacramento,Ericdidn’thaveacluewhereitwas.

Whenitcametimetopayforthereplacementcard,Ericcrossedhisarmsuntilthetransactionwasdone.Itwouldbeeasytofootthebill,butDylanwouldn’ttakeontheresponsibilityheneededtoifEricmadeittooeasy.Dylanhadearnedhiswages.Hecouldpayhisownexpenses.

Soontheywereontheirway,Dylan’stemporarylicensetuckedintoapouchhecarriedaroundhisneck.Helookedhappy,evenoverjoyed.Ericunderstood.Drivingmeantindependence—ifyouhadacar.

Atthehouse,Erichadn’teventurnedofftheenginebeforeDylanwasoutofthecarandflyingtothebackdoor,callingMarcy’sname.Noteenagecoolforhimthistime.

MarcywasgrinningatDylan’senthusiasm.“Haveyoustarteddinner?”Ericasked.“Notyet.”“Ithinkweshouldgoout,thethreeofus.”“Why?”sheasked.

“It’syourlastnight.Wehaven’thadtimetotalkmuch,justthethreeofus.”“Wetalkallthetime,”shesaid,confused.Dylancrossedhisarms,hischangeofmoodabrupt.“You’renotgettingit,

Marcy.See,Ilethiminonmypastalittleandnowhewantsmore.Hefiguresifwe’reinpublic,I’llbeallpoliteandeverything.”

Ericshiftedfromonefoottotheother,thetruthofDylan’saccusationhittinghome.Notthathewouldadmitit.“Howdoyougetthatoutofinvitingyoutodinner?”

“Readingyouislikereadingabook,man.Marcy’seveneasier.”“Holdon,”Marcysaid.“HowdidIgetcaughtupinthis?”“Youasklittlequestionsaboutmypast—”“Whichyoudon’tanswer.”Dylan’sexpressionwentdark.“Maybethere’sagoodreasonforthat.”“Iwouldn’tknow.”Ericwasabouttostopthediscussionbeforeitescalatedintoasituationthey

allregretted,andwhichmightmakeDylanfeelforcedtoleave.ButDylanexploded,hisshiftfromhappytoangrysosuddenitwasbaffling.Maybehe’djustbeenholdingitin.

“Whatdoyouwannahear?”heasked,histonechilling.“Howmymotherdidn’twantmesoIendedupinfostercarewhenIwassix?HowmyfostermomdiedinJanuaryandmydadkickedmeoutthedayaftergraduation?”Hewalkedaway,stiff-legged.“WouldyouliketohearaboutthesheltersItriedtolivein?Howsomeonestolestufffromme,butnoonebelievedme.Ortheguywhomademovesonme?Ineverwentbackthereeither.Itwas…saferonthestreets.Younameit,I’vesleptthere.Parks,buildingalcoves,here,ofcourse.”

“Dylan,”Marcysaid,movingtowardhim.“Stoprightthere.Youwantedtoknow.Youhavetolisten.Ilearnedwhere

everyhandoutwasgiven,showedupatallofthem,eventheplacesthatjustgivesnacks.WhatIreallymissedwasshowers.Didn’tgetashowerveryoften,justcleanedupatpublicrestrooms.EveryonceinawhileI’dgetworkforaday,butthat’sreallycompetitive.Ihadtohideandthenrushoutwhensomeonewouldcomelookingforpeople.Acoupleofthemengottoknowme,knewIworkedhard,andthey’dlookforme.”

HespoketoEric.“Yourhousewasn’tthemostcomfortableplacetostay.Itwasreallyhot,andIdidn’tdareopenalotofwindows,evenatnight,butitwassafe.Icouldsleepstraightthroughthenightwithoutkeepingoneeyeopen.Youdon’tknowhowgoodthatfelt.”

“Didyougrieveforyourmom?”Marcyaskedquietly.“No.Yes.Alittle.”Hisvoicewasraspy.“Daddidn’t,soIcouldn’t.Couldn’t

eventalkabouther.Ijustkeepthinkinghowmadshe’dbeifsheknewhe’dkickedmeout.Andsometimes…”

Hetunneledhisfingersthroughhisnewlycuthair,thenlockedhishandsbehindhishead.“SometimesIwishhe’ddiedinstead.Wecould’vemanaged,Momandme.Isthatwhatyouwantedtohear?”Heartbreakcoatedeveryword.

Heranaway,racedupstairs,slammedhisbedroomdoor.FlashbackafterflashbackflaredinEric’smind.FuryhadbeenEric’s

companionforalongtimeafterhisparentsdied,too.Hehadbeenleftmuchbetterofffinanciallythantheboy,buthehadn’thadtimetogrieve,either.He’dhadtobestrongandresponsibleatatimeinhislifewhenmostpeoplewerediscoveringfreedomandindependence.

He’dfoughtbreakingdowninfrontofanyone,aswell.Ithadn’thelped,nomatterwhathe’dbeentoldabouthowitwouldmakehimfeelbetter.Hewasbetterwhenhekeptthingstohimself.

Still,hehadnoregrets.Hisbrothersandsisterwerehappyandproductive.Thatwaswhatmattered.

HecouldhearMarcycrying.Hedidn’twanttocomforther,asheartlessasthatsounded.Hewasfeelingtoorawhimself.Comfortinghermightopenhisownfloodgates.

So,hegrippedhershoulderforasecondthenclimbedthestairstoDylan’sroom.Heknockedbutdidn’twaitforaresponse.Dylanwaslyingfacedownonhiscot.

Ericcrouchedbesidehim.“Iknowthatwashard,butI’mgladyoutoldus.I’mreallysorryyoulostyourmom.Idoknowhowthatfeels.”

Dylanstayedsilent.“Here’swhatI’mproposing,ifitmeetsyourapproval,”Ericsaid.

“Apparentlyyoushouldrestyourarmforanotherfewdaysbeforeyoudoanyserioushardlabor,soduringthattimeyouneedtogooutandlookforwork.Whenyougetajob,I’llhelpyoufindagoodusedcar,forwhichIwillloanyouthemoneytobuyit,andforinsurance,aswell.”

Dylanliftedhishead.“Areyouserious?”Ericnodded.“We’llhaveacontract,andyouwillpaymebackatarate

that’smanageableforyou.Youcancontinuetoliveherefornow.I’mgoingtoleavethatpartopen-endedandseehowthingsgo.Inreturnforroomandboard,you’lldotheyardwork,yourownlaundryandhelpoutwiththecleaning.Doyoucook?”

“Nothingyou’dprobablywanttoeat.”Hesmiled.“Maybewe’lltakesomeclasses.Otherwise,we’regoingtohave

abrand-newbeautifulkitchenwithnoonetouseit.”Heleanedforward.“The

goalhere,Dylan,isforyoutobecomeindependent.IfIlearnafewthingsalongtheway,likelearntocook,that’sgood,too.”

“Thankyou.”“You’rewelcome.I’llleaveyoualonenow.Ijustwantedtoeaseyourmind

alittle.”HewentdownstairsandfoundMarcycurledupinachair.“Isheokay?”“Hewillbe.”Hedecidedshedidn’tlookatallliketheshe-bearshe

frequentlywaswhenitcametoDylan—hischampion.“Whatareyousmilingabout?”sheasked.Hesatacrossfromher.“You.”Shefoldedherhandsinherlap.“ThatwillprobablychangewhenItellyou

mydecisionabouttonight.”Hisfingersdugintothechairarms.“Itakeityou’llbelockingyourdoor.”“Figuratively,anyway.”Hewasunpreparedfortheblowofherrefusal.“Why?”“Forawholelotofreallygoodreasons.”“Thatyou’renotgoingtoshare?”“Wealreadydiscussedthemthismorning,Eric.Tobefair,Ididgiveitmore

thoughtwhileyouweregone.Myreasonsdidn’tchange.”“So,you’refineleavingthingsunfinished?”heasked.“Withnotknowing

whatwewouldbeliketogether?”“Ihavetobefinewithmydecision.”Shestoodandlookedaround,asifshe

didn’tknowwhereshewas.“Ineedtogoforawalk.Oh,bytheway,Anniestoppedbythismorning.She’sready,willingandabletotakeoverforme.Soundslikeshe’saprettygoodcook,too.”

Ericdidn’tmovefromhischairaftersheleft.Itwasaprettygoodindicatorofherstateofmindthatshedidn’tremembertotakehercellphone,whichshe’dsetonthecoffeetableearlier.She’dneededtoescapeinahurry.Why?Wassheafraidhewouldtrytochangehermind?

Heknewhowtotakenoforanswer,althoughthewayhe’dkeptcomingatherthismorningmightnothavebeenagoodindicatorofthat.Whatheneededtodonowwasgetthroughthenexttwenty-fourhoursorsowithoutbringingitupagainandmakingheruncomfortable.

Afterthatshewouldbegone,alltemptationremoved,andhewouldhaveplentytokeephimbusy.Work,kitchenrenovation,Dylan.Hisfriendlyneighbors.

Annie.Whodroppedinwithoutnoticeandneededtobeproddedoutthedoortogethertoleave.

Well,he’dwantedalifechange.He’dcertainlygottenwhathewishedfor.

Thenextday,Marcypackeduphercarearlysothatwhenthetimecametoleave,shecouldjustgetinhercarandgo.She’dwashedhersheetsandremadetheguestbedforDylan.She’dleftameatloafandpotatosaladintherefrigeratorfordinner.Erichadalunchmeetingwiththechairofhisdepartment,butwasexpectedhomewellbeforeMarcyhadtoleave.

Dylanwasinthebackyardtryingtopullweedsleft-handed,andonlyoccasionallysworeloudenoughforMarcytohearthroughtheopenwindows.

Shefeltataloss.Shewouldbeleavinginanhourandahalf,andeverythingwasdone,soshewentoutsidetotalkwithDylanasheworked.Distractionusuallylessenedburdens—inthiscase,forbothofthem,althoughentirelydifferentburdens.ShewasalreadyfeelingthelossofEricandDylaninherlife.

Assheapproached,Dylanlookedupandsmiled,sweatdrippingdownhisface.Hegrabbedthetowelhe’dbroughtwithhimanddraggeditdownhisfaceandchest.“I’llbegladwhensummer’sover,”hesaid.“AndwhenIcanusemyotherarm.”

“Youmustbefeelingprettygoodabouteverythingelse,though.”Heshrugged.“Iwrotedownmycell-phonenumberandleftitonyourbed.Ifyouwantme

topickyouupandtakeyoutoAtYourServicesometimethisweek,letmeknow.Thosekindsofjobswetalkedaboutareusuallyintheeveningoronweekends.”

“HowdoIgetintothehouse-sittingbusiness?”“Wordofmouth.Istartedwithoneclientseveralyearsago.NowIhave

abouttwentyregulars.TheyknowIgetbookedup,sotheyreservemeearly.”“Whathappensifyoucan’tdoit?”“Someclientshavebackups.OthersuseAtYourService,althoughit’sa

littlemoreexpensive,withtheagencyfees.IlikeitbecauseI’mgenerallyfreeduringthedaystotakeonothertempjobs,soI’mmakingdoublepay,plusIkeepmyindependenceinsteadofbunkingwithLoriandthekids.Youreallythinkit’ssomethingyou’dliketodo?”

“I’mkindahappylivinghererightnow,butmaybeinafewmonths?Maybeyoucouldrecommendme?”

“We’llseehowitgoes.I—”Hercellphonerang.“Excuseme,”shesaidtoDylanandthen,seeingwhowascalling,answeredthecall,asmilespreadingacrossherface.

“Hello,Mr.Gianelli.”

“Who’reyoucallingMister,darlinggirl?”“Myfavoriteclient.”Hewas,too,andnotjustbecausehestockedhis

refrigeratorwithincrediblemealshepreparedinadvance,andarrangedforhisregularmassagetherapisttoshowuponTuesdayeveningjustforher.

Helaughed.“Excellentanswer.”“Ihopenothing’swrong.Arethekittiesokay?”Shewasn’tsureifshe

wantedhimtocancelonher.Andifso,wouldshetellEric?“Theboysareassweetasever,butpretty,prettypleasecouldyoucomeat

twoo’clockinsteadofthree?”Itwouldmeanleavinghereintwentyminutes.Erichadexpectedtobehome

bynow,sosheshouldbeabletosaygoodbyeinperson.Regardless,shecouldn’tturndownherfavoriteclient.“Sure,Brutie.What’sup?”

“Thedishwasherconkedout.Thestoresaidtheycouldreplaceitthisafternoon,ifthat’sokay.”

“Noproblem.Aslongastheyexpecttobedonebyfive-thirtysoIcangettoworkontime.”

“Theypromised.”Marcylaughed.“Iknow,Iknow.Well,iftheyshowuptoolate,justreschedule.Seeyouina

littlebit.”Shepushedtheendbuttonandtuckedthephoneinherpocket.“You’releavingearly?”Dylanasked.“Atone-thirty.”“WhatifEricisn’thomebythen?”Hesatback,grippingthehandweeder

andfrowningather.“Youshouldlethimknow.”ShestartedtoarguethengotoutherphoneinsteadanddialedEric.Itwentto

voicemail.“Hi,it’sMarcy.Myclientjustcalledandwantsmeanhourearly,soI’llbeleavingprettysoon.Ididn’twantyoutocomehomeandbesurprisedthatI’malreadygone.Callmeifyouaren’t—Well,eitherway,callme,please.”Sheputthephoneaway.

“Youlikehim,don’tyou?”Dylanasked.“He’sakindanddecentperson.OfcourseIlikehim.”“Morethanthat.”“What’syourpoint,Dylan?”Hisvoicedropped.“Withoutyouaround,Anniewillcomeoveralotmore.”“IthoughtyoulikedAnnie.”“SheleavesLucyaloneinthehouse.Thatdrivesmecrazy.”Marcy,too.Shehatedit,infact.“She’sgotthebabymonitor,andanalarm,

andthedog.”

“Igetthat.It’sjustwrong.”Marcykeptherphoneinherhand,aneyeonthetime.Ericdidn’tcall.She

assumedhe’dturnedhisphoneoffforthelunchmeeting,whichwasprobablylastinglongerthanhe’dexpected.

Maybeitwasforthebest.Leavingwouldbemuchharderwithhimthere.Whenshecouldn’twaitasecondlater,shehuggedDylangoodbye,tears

blindingher.Hesqueezedherextrahard,too.“EverythingEricdoesisbecausehecaresaboutyou,”Marcysaid,pullingback.

“Iknow.ButIgottabemyself,too.I’vebeenmakingmyownway.HeneedstorememberI’mdifferentfromhim.Andhisbrothersandsister.”

“Givehimtime.”“I’mnotgoinganywhere,”hesaidwithagrin,makingiteasierforherto

driveaway.Hourslater,Ericstillhadn’tcalledherback.ShestartedhershiftatScore,

wasgratefulfortheusualSaturdaynightoffullcapacityandrowdycustomerswatchingavarietyofsportingevents.Sherarelyhadasecondtothink,muchlesswallow.Maybebecauseshe’dturnedhimdownlastnight,he’ddecidedtocuttiescompletely.

“Guyattabletwenty-sixisaskingforyou,”hercoworkerBrittanysaid.“Newbeau?”

MarcyspottedEricinthefarcorner,watchinghersteadily.Shemelted.Itseemedlikedayssinceshe’dseenhim,nothours.Shewantedtoruntohim,toflyintohisarms,tobeheldcloseandtight.

Insteadshewalkedtohistable,gettingstoppedbycustomersacoupleoftimes,butcontinuingtoherdestinationafterfieldingrequests.

“Hi,”shesaid.Hepushedsomethingacrossthetable.“Youforgotyourkey.”She’dleftitonhisdresser.“Job’sdone.”“I’dpreferyoukeepit.ThatwayifIneedyou,wewon’thavethelogistics

ofhowtogetyouakey.”Shelookedatitbutdidn’tpickitup.“Ifyouneedme?”“Oryouneedme.Oraplacetostaybetweenhouse-sittingjobs.”He

scoopedupthekeyandhelditout.“Takeit.Please.”Marcyslippeditintoherpocket,herhandshaking.“IstheresomethingIcan

getyou?”Hegaveheralong,thoroughlook,thenleanedbackinhischair.

“Whatever’sontap.”“Yougotit.”Shewalkedawaywonderingwhathereallywanted.Andifshewouldeverfindout.

ChapterEleven

EricwatchedMarcyscoopupafewemptypitchersassheheadedtowardthebar.Shemovedgracefully.He’dnoticedthataboutherbefore—hereconomyofmovement,whichwasatoddswithhervibrantpersonality.

Scoreseemedlikeagoodfitforher.LocatedinthelobbyoftheTreetopHotelindowntownSacramento,ithadamultitudeoftelevisionscreensmountedonthewalls.MostsetsweretunedtotheGiants/DodgersgamebeingplayedinLosAngeles,whichwastiedinthebottomoftheninthinning.

ErichadbeenaRedSoxfansincebirth,sohedidn’tpaymuchattentiontothetelevisions.

Marcyreturnedwithhistallglassofbeer.“You’reoutlate,”shesaid.Itwasteno’clock.InNewYork,thingswouldjustbeheatingup.“Itooka

nap.Oldguyslikemeneedtodothat,youknow.”Shesmiledathisjoke.“Iseverythingokay?”sheasked.“Dylan?”“Everythingisfine.Ijustneededtogetoutofthehouse.”“Youlefthimalone?”“He’seighteen,Marcy.”Notthathehadn’tbeennervousaboutit,buthehad

tostarttrustingthekidsometime.“Ofcourse.”Shelookedaroundtheroomquickly.“Um,asyoucansee

we’rereallybusy.WhatelsecanIgetyou?Areyouhungry?”Yes.Foryou.“Whatdoyourecommend?”“Knowingyourtastesruntothegourmet,I’drecommendtheGut-Buster

Nachos.”Helaughed,relaxingforthefirsttimeallevening.“Ifyousayso.”“Yougotit.”Shesashayedaway.Henoticedhewasn’ttheonlymanwatchingher,buthe

waspleasedwhenshesneakedapeekathim,andonlyhim,assheenteredhisorderintothecomputerbehindthebar.Afterthatshedisappearedintowhatheassumedwasthekitchen,comingoutwithalargetrayoffoodordersforarowdytableofeight.Sheshowedincrediblestrengthandbalance.

Alittlewhilelatershebroughthisnachos,aspicymoundthatheandDylantogethercouldn’thavefinished,evenwithDylan’shealthyappetite.Gut-Buster,indeed.

Throughouttheeveningshestoppedbyhistablenowandthen,buthedidn’tdetainher,seeinghowbusyshewas.Hespenthistimetornbetweenbeingfascinatedandjealous,anunfamiliaremotion.Shehandledthemostlymalepatronswithease.Onlyoneguygotoverlyfriendly,slidinghisarmaroundherwaist.ShesaidsomethingthathadhimdroppinghisarmrightawaythenlookingnervouslyoverhisshouldertowhereEricwassitting.Ericdecidedtolifthisglassinatoast,earningablownkissfromMarcy,andhootsandhollersfromtherestofthemenatthetable.

Attwelve-fifteenthebartendershouted,“Lastcall”tothethirteencustomersleft.Marcycameuptohistable.“Anythingelse?”

“Justthebill.”Whenshebroughtit,hedidn’tevenopenthefolderbutstoodandhanded

hersomebills.“What’dyousaytotheguywhoputhisarmaroundyou?”heasked.

“Itoldhimmyboyfriendwassittinginthecornerwatchinghiseverymove.Thanksforplayingalong.”

“Mypleasure.What’syourusualcourseofactionifyoudon’thaveaboyfriendintheroom?”

Shepulledalaminatedphotographfromherbackpocket.“ThisisBrutusGianelliandme.He’sasix-foot-five,two-hundred-and-ninety-pounddefensiveendwhenIneedhimtobe.”

“Andisheafootballplayer?”“He’sanoperasinger.Whichdoesn’tmeanheisn’ttough.Heis.ButIdon’t

thinkhetackles.It’shishouseI’mwatchingthisweek.”Silencefellbetweenthem,notexactlyawkward,butnotcomfortable,either.Afterafewseconds,hecuppedhershoulder.“Seeyou,”hesaid.“Bye,”Marcymanagedtosaywhenhewasalmostoutthedoor,hisbrief

touchstillwarm.Shestillhadnoideawhyhe’dcome,unlessitreallywasjusttogiveherbackthekey.Orgetoutofthehouse,ashe’dalsosaid.

Whenshereachedhercarintheundergroundparkinglot,shefoundEricstandingnexttoit.Shedidn’tsayaword,justwalkeduptohimandkissedhim.Havinghimwatchingherallnighthadbeenoddlylikeforeplay,andshecouldn’twaitaminutelongertotouchhim.

Itdidn’ttakehimmorethanamillisecondtogetcaughtupinthemoment.“Canwegosomewhere?”heaskedagainsthermouth.

“TothehousewhereI’mworking.Wecantalk.”“Talk,”herepeated.Sheranafingeracrosshislips.“Followme.”“Onyourtail,”hesaid,cuppingherrearandpullingheragainsthimfora

fewseconds.ShehadfifteenminutestothinkthingsoverasshedrovetoBrutus’shouse,

withEricfollowingclosebehindher.Fearandexcitementbattledinsideherasshepulledintothegarage.Notfearofhimbutherselfandwhatshemightloseifshegotmoredeeplyinvolvedwithhim.Shecouldn’tremembereverbeinginsuchturmoiloveraman.Itwasespeciallydisconcertingbecauseshe’dknownhimsobriefly—andyet,itfeltlikeforever.

Shewalkedtothedoorconnectingtothekitchen,thenwaitedforhimtojoinher.

“Doyoureallywanttotalk?”heasked.“IthinkyouwantthesamethingIdo,anditdoesn’tincludecompletesentences.”

“Howcanyoubesosure?”“Becauseyoutookmykeyback.Andbecauseyourhandwasshakingwhen

youdid.ItwasallIneededtoknow.”Hecuppedhercheek,ranhisthumbacrossit.“WhenIgottomycaraftermylunchthisafternoonandfoundyou’dleftwithout…”Hedidn’tfinishthesentence.“Idon’tknowhowthisisgoingtoturnoutanymorethanyoudo,butIknowweneedtodosomethingabouttheattractionthat’stakenover.”

Marcypushedthegarage-doorbutton,closingit.Shegrabbedthedoorknobbehindherandturnedit.Twofluffygraycatsboundedacrossthekitchentogreether.“TomandBaby,”shesaidtoEric,whodidn’tevengivethemaglance.

“Where’syourroom?”“Upstairs,totheright.”Hetookherhand.Theyclimbedthestairstogether.Shestruggledtobreathe.

Sheshook.Shecraved.Atthetopofthestairs,shegrabbedhisotherhandaswellandwalked

backward,admiringhim,moreexcitedthanshecouldeverrememberbeing.Theworldcouldcollapsearoundthem,anditwouldn’tstopwhathadbeensetintomotion.

Marcybackedintotheguestroomandstoppedbythebed.“I’mgladyou’rehere,”shesaid.“Gladyoutookaction.”

Heframedherfacewithhishands,andthenhekissedherinawayheneverhadbefore,brushinghislipsdelicatelyacrosshers,makingherreachformore.Shewentupontiptoe,tryingtogetcloser.Hekepthishandsonherface,tippingherheadtheotherway,onlyslightlydeepeningthekiss,sweepingherlowerlipwithhistonguelightlybutthoroughly.Shegroaned,clutchedhisshirtinherfistsandlifteditfreesoshecouldslideherhandsunderneath.Hisskinburnedhot.

“Ican’twaitanylonger,”shesaid.Hesmiled.“What’syourrush?”heaskedagainsthermouth.“Justenjoyit.”

“I’mtoowoundup.”Hemovedherhandtocoverthefrontofhisjeans.“YouthinkI’mnot?”“Iwantyouinsideme.”Thewordscameoutmorelikeanorder.“I’llbethere.Ipromise.”Oh,hewasenjoyingthis,tormentingher.Well,twocouldplaythatgame.

Shepusheduphisshirt,thenusedhertonguetotraceawettraildownhischest,slowly,enticingly,hisstomachmusclestwitchingandcontracting.Shedippedhertonguebehindhiswaistband,workingthebuttonwithherfingersatthesametime,poppingitopen,thezipperslidingapart.Shepressedhermouthtohim,breathedhotairthroughhissexywhitebriefs,thenfoundherselfpulledupright.

“Howdidyouenduptakingcharge?”heasked,nippingherlips.“Youweretooslow.”Helaughed,lowandappreciatively.“Well,maybeweshouldjustgetthis

overwiththefirsttime.”Thefirsttime.Thewordsdancedmagicallyinhermind.“Whatthehell?”hesaid.“Howmanypillowsareonthisbed,anyway?”“Fourteen,Ithink.”“Ridiculous.”Pillowafterpillowhitthewall,thefloorandthedresser,then

Ericyankedbackthelayersofbeddinguntilonlythesheetremained.HeturnedtofaceMarcyagain,slowedhimselfdownjustalittle.“Doyouhaveanyideawhatitwaslikeformewatchingyouworktonight?Iknowwhatyourbreastslooklike,feellike.”HepulledherT-shirtoverherheadandtosseditaside.“Icouldpictureyoumovingtoplessaroundthebar.”Heranhisfingertipsalongtheedgeofherbra.“Menstareatyouwhenyou’renotlooking.Doyouknowthat?”

Shemadesomekindofsound,notananswer,butatonethatsaidhurry.Ericreachedaroundhertounhookherbra,draggeditslowlydownuntilit

felltothefloor,landingonhisfeet.Hekickeditaside.“Iknowhowhardyournipplesget,whattheyfeellikeinmymouth.”Heranhistonguearoundeachnipple,enjoyingthemoanhedrewfromher.“Iwastheonlymaninthatroomtoknowallthataboutyou,toknowhowperfectlyyou’reputtogether.Iwasfeelingprettysmug.AndnowIgettoseeallofyou.”

Hefinishedundressingher,herbodybathedinlightfromthehallway.“You’reperfect.”Hedraggedhisfingersdownherinfeather-lighttouches.“Andyou’renotsayingaword.That’snotlikeyouatall.”

“Yousaidweshouldgetthisoverwith,butyoukeeptalking.”Theexasperationinhervoicemadehimsmileashegotridofhisown

clothing.Shesighedassheranherhandsoverhim,herfingerstrembling,herbreathuneven.Shewrappedahandaroundhiserection.Hesuckedinaquick,hardbreathandthengrabbedherwrist,stoppingher.“Notagoodideaatthe

moment.”Heslidahandalongherabdomenlowerandlower,nestledhisfingers,

teasing.“Alsonotagoodideaatthemoment,”shesaid,movinghishandaway.“It’s

goingtobefast,andIwantyouinside.”Theyfellontothebed,kissing,caressing,gripping,rolling.Heendedupon

top.Poisedtoenterher,hesaid,“Birthcontrol?”“It’sokay.It’ssafe.”Shewashotandslickandwelcoming.Andflatteringinthewayshe

climaxedinstantly,clutchinghim,archingtowardhim,soundsofpleasurepouringfromher.Hecouldn’thaveheldbackifhe’dwantedto.Shewaseverythinghe’dimaginedinthefantasiesthathadawakenedhimatnightanddrivenhimcrazyduringtheday.She’dbeenanobsession,adistraction,agoal.Andnowhewaswherehewantedtobe,skintoskin,movinginsideher,findingunimaginablepleasureinwavesofsensation,knowingshewasfeelingthesame.

Whenhisworldstoppedspinning,herelaxedagainstherforaminutethenrolledtohissidewithher,settlingherinacomfortableposition.Shehadn’tsaidanything.Hadn’tevenmethisgaze.Heduckedhisheadalittlesothathecouldmakeeyecontact.

`“Youokay?”Shenodded.“Areyousure?”“I’veneverbeenbetterinmyentirelife.”Marcywasalittleappalledat

herselffortellinghimthat,butthewordshadjustspilledout.“Well.That’sgoodtohear,”hesaid,soundingalittlebewildered—or

something.Shewasn’tsure.Shewaitedforhimtosaysomethingequallyflattering—orappalling—but

hejustbrushedherhairwithhisfingers,movingitawayfromherface,thenheslidhishandoverhershoulder,downherback,overherrear.Helingeredthere.Sheclosedhereyes,enjoyinghistouch.

“Doyouhavetorushoff?”sheaskedashedraggedherlegoverhishipandcontinuedstrokingthenmassagingherrear,hisfingersslidinginandout,upanddown,hispalmskneading.

“WhywouldI?”heasked.Shemovedclosertohim,tuckingherheadbelowhischin.Shelovedthe

scentofhim.“Um,whatifDylan’swaitingupforyou?Hemightgetworriedenoughtocallthepolice.Hedoesn’tknowwhereyouare,doeshe?”

“IthinkitwouldtakealotmorethanbeingworriedforDylantocallthecops.And,no,Ididn’ttellhimwhereIwasgoing.Iwasn’tevensurewhereI

wasgoing.Itriedtoresist.”Shedrewinalong,slowbreathashiscaressesgrewbolder.“You’reincrediblysensitive,”hesaid.“Unbelievablysexy.Yougiveyourall

toeverythingyoudo,don’tyou?”“Whygiveless?”Althoughuntilnow,she’dneverrealizedshehadsomuch

togive.“Whydidyoutrytoresist?”“Youaskedmeto,citingreasonslikehowdecrepitIam,andhowdifferent

weare.”Shesmiled.“Ididn’tsayyouweredecrepit.Isaidyouwereelevenyears

olderthanme,andthatyou’vereachedyourgoals,andIhaven’tyet.Andwearedifferent.”

“Yes,weare.”Shetippedherheadbacktolookathim.“Sowhydidyoucometothebar?”“BecauseyourreasonsforresistingwouldmatterifIwereproposing

marriage,butI’mnot.I’mproposingsatisfyinganeed,averypowerfulneed.Wehaveallthenecessarythingsincommoninordertodothat.”

Hemadeperfectsense.So,whydidithurttohearit?“Thisissomethingyouexpecttocontinue?”

“I’dlikeitto.Wouldn’tyou?”Shemovedfartherback.“Youtoldmeyou’rereadyformarriage,readyfor

fatherhood.”“That’smygoal.”“Whichmeansyou’llbeonthelookoutforawife.”“That’sprettyblunt,butatitscoreistruth.”“Inthemeantime,I’lldoasafill-in?”“You’dratherbeaone-nightstand?”“I—No.But…”“But?”Rightthen,TomandBabyleapedontothebed,purring.“Sorry,”shesaid.

“Theyusuallysleepwithme.I’llputtheminthehallandshutthedoor.”Whenhedidn’tindicatesheshouldn’t,shegotoutofbed.Aftersheshutthe

door,alightcameon.He’dturnedonabedsidelamp,andshewasstandingthere,naked.

Hewasn’tlookingather,however,buttheroom.“Whatarewe?CharactersonanArabianNightsmovieset?”

Sheclimbedintobedandpulledthesheetupashegazedabouttheroom.Hewasright.ItwasstraightoutofArabianNights,allredandgoldandshimmering.

“Brutusisalittleflamboyant,”shesaid.

“That’slikesayingIknowalittlebitaboutmath.”Hestretchedoutbesideher,noticedshe’dpulledthesheetup,butdidn’tcoveruphimself.“Wherewerewe?”

YouwerewonderingifI’dprefertobeaone-nightstand.“Iforget.”“No,youdon’t.It’sanimportantquestion,Marcy.Dowekeepgoingoris

thisit?”“Idon’tknow.Ireallydon’t.”“Okay,then,whileyou’remakingupyourmind,howaboutwetakea

shower?”Whichtheydid,whichledtoalonger,muchmoreleisurely,muchmore

thoroughlovemakingsession.Shesprawled,hecherished.Heheldherhair,sheexploredhim.Theygave,theytook,theysatisfied,theygratified.Finallysated,shecurledupnexttohimandclosedhereyes.

“Ineedtogo,”hesaidintoherhair.“Why?”sheaskedsleepily.“Becauseit’s4:00a.m.,andIshouldbehomewhenDylangetsup.”Shegrabbedherrobefromthebathroomdoorashedressed.Shedidn’twant

towatchhim.Itgavetheeveningafinalityshedidn’twanttothinkabout.Whenhewasreadysheopenedthebedroomdoor.TomandBabysatthere,

yelloweyesglaring,tailsswishingangrily.“Willtheyattack?”Ericasked.“They’reannoyed,notviolent.”Shestoppedtopeteachofthemforafew

seconds,andthentheyracedintoherroomandleapedontothebed,makingthemselvesathome.Theywoulddrapethemselvesoverherassheslept.Shewouldn’tfeelalone.

Handinhand,MarcyandEricwalkeddownstairsandtothefrontdoor.“Canyouanswermyquestionnow?”heasked.“No.”“So,nowwhat?”Nowwhat?Now,I’vegoneandfalleninlovewithyou,whichruins

everything.That’swhat.“Let’sgiveitacoupleofdays,thenwe’lltalk,okay?”“Tellyouwhat.Youcallmewhenyou’reready.”Hepulledhercloseand

kissedher.“Itwasonehelluvanight,Marcy.”Shelockedthedoorbehindhim,theninchedtheblindsapartintheliving

roomwindowtowatchhimgo.Hegaveheralittlewaveandtookoff.Marcyclimbedthestairsagain,droppedherrobeonthefloor,turnedoffthe

lampandclimbedinbed,nottakingthetimeorenergytopullonanightshirt.Assoonasherheadhitthepillows,thecatstooktheirplaces,allowinghernoexit.

She’dbeenawakefortwenty-twohours.Importantdecisionsshouldnotbemadewithoutagoodnight’ssleep.Andthequestionwouldstillbetherewhenshewokeup.

ChapterTwelve

“Twodozen?”Lorisaid.“Ericsentyoutwo-dozenlavenderroses?”“TheyarrivedjustasIwasleavingtocomeseeyouandtheboys.”Marcy

wastreatingthemtolunchatMcDonald’s.Thekidswereblowingoffsteamontheplayequipmentaftereating,givingMarcyandLorisometimetotalk.

“Areyousurehesignedthecardhimself,nottheflorist?”“Irecognizehishandwriting.”Printedinastronghand—THANKYOU

FORANIGHTTOREMEMBER.ERIC.Lorislidherstrawinandoutofthelidonhersoda,almostmakingmusic.

“So,heactuallyputalittleeffortintoit.Haveyoulookedupthemeaningoflavenderroses?”

“Neveroccurredtome.”Marcysearchedtheinternetonherphone,findingseveralslightvariationsonthemeaningondifferentsites,buttheprimaryoneremainedthesame.“Loveatfirstsight,”shesaidoutloud.

Loriloweredhercuptothetablewithathud.“Really?Doyousupposeheknowsthat?”

“Ihavenoidea.”Sherecalledtheirconversationaboutlustatfirstsight.Hadhebeenreferencingthatdiscussion?Didhemeanlustatfirstsight?Orlove?Orneither?“Maybehejustlikedthecolorandthoughtitsuitedme.Mostpeopledon’tthinkaboutthemeaning,dothey?”

“I’mnottheonetoask.TheonlytimeDouggavemeflowerswasafterFlynnwasborn.So,nowwhat?”

“Heleftituptome.IfIwanttocontinue,Ihavetocontacthim.”“Hm.Andherewe’vebeentoldforeverthatmenliketodothepursuing,and

we’resupposedtoplayhardtoget.”Marcywasmoreconfusedthanever.Sendingherflowerswasalovely,

romanticgesture,certainlynothingshe’dexpected.Andhe’dneverseemedlikearomantictoher,buthe’dbeenprovingherwrong.

“Ican’tthinkaboutitrightnow,”Marcysaid.“Tellmehowyourclassesaregoing.”

“OnemoresemesterandI’llbeafull-fledgeddentalhygienist.It’ssomucheasierthisyearwithbothboysinschoolallday.”

“It’sbeenalong,hardroadforyou.”Marcyreachedacrossthetableand

squeezedherfriend’shand.“I’msoproudofyou.”“Icouldn’thavedoneitwithoutyou,Marcy.Notjustyourunwavering

friendshipbutthefinancialsupport.IfIevertrackDougdownandgetwhatheowesme,I’llpayyouback.”

“I’vetoldyouallalong,it’sagift,notaloan.Youcanhelpsomeoneelse.Anyway,you’vehelpedbybeinganexample.Istartedcollegebecauseofyou.I’mstickingtotheplanbecauseofyou.You’remyhero.”

“Thankyou.”Lori’svoiceshookalittle.Doughadbrokenherself-confidenceinsomanyways.

Theninaflashofrecognition,brightandclear,MarcyknewwhatherdecisionaboutErichadtobe.

Erickepthiscellphoneinhispocketallday,evenwhiletearingoutdeadshrubsandpruningplantsthatmightbesalvageable.Heknewnothingaboutgardening,butAnniedid,soshe’dofferedtobehisconsultant.Anarboristwouldtrimthetrees.Newsodhadbeenorderedratherthantryingtosavethewater-deprivedlawns,frontandback.

Theworkwashard,sweatyandsatisfying.Dylangrousedaboutweedingandarguedthathisarmwashealedenoughfor

harderwork,butEricdidn’twanttotakeanychances.Nextweektheywoulddemolishthekitcheninpreparationforinstallingthenewone.Dylanwouldbereadyandcouldhelp.

Erichadn’theardfromMarcy.Thefloristverifiedthattheroseshadbeendeliveredintoherhandspersonally,butthatwashoursago.

She’dbeenonhismindallday.Dylanhadkiddedhimaboutsleepinginuntilnine,andthere’dbeenatwinkleinhiseyes,asifheknewwhereErichadbeenandwhattimehe’dcomehome.Hewasn’tgoingtogivethekidanyopportunitiestobringitup.

Whatwasshedoing?Homework?Sheseemeddiligentabouthereducation,mostlygettingA’s,she’dtoldhimonce.

Howlatehadsheslept?Didsheliketheflowers?He’dhadavisionofherlyinginbedwiththe

petalsstrewnaroundandoverher,thefragranceoftherosesminglingwithherownenticingscent.

Ifsheinvitedhimoveragaintonight,hewouldpickthepetalsoffafewoftherosesandscatterthemoverher….

Thesexlastnighthadbeenphenomenal.Goodthefirsttime,extraordinarythesecond.Heappreciatedthatshegavegenerously,butthatshealsoaccepted

generously,aswell.Mutualsatisfaction.Therarityofitmadehimappreciateitallthemore—

andwantitagainandagain.Whyhadn’tshecalled?Beinginlimbowasdrivinghimcrazy.“Dude!”EriclookedupatDylan,whowasholdingoutatallglassoficedtea.“Whereyoubeen?Icalledyournamethreetimes,”Dylansaid.“Sorry.”Erictooktheglass.“I’vebeenworkingoutaproblem.Ihavea

tendencytogodeepwhenIdothat.Thanks.”Heliftedtheglassalittlethendrankhalfofit.

“Amathproblem?”Dylanasked,sittingonthelawn.“Imean,IsawGoodWillHunting.Igetthatyoumathgeniusesarealwaystryingtofigureoutstuff.”

Well,Marcywasahotlittlenumber,buthecouldn’texactlytellDylanthat.“Contrarytocommonstereotyping,mathexperts,geniusorotherwise,aren’talwaysthinkingabouttheorems.”

“What’satheorem?”“Astatementthathasbeenprovenbasedonpreviouslyestablished

statements.”“LikeI’mnevergoingtohaveagirlfriendbecausenoone’seversaidyes

whenIaskedthemout?”Erictotallyidentified—andwassympathetic.“Girlssaynoforalotof

reasons.Inmycase,becauseIwasanerdforalongtime.Ididn’tknowhowtorelatetogirls,onlytonumbers.ButIgotbetteratitincollege,andIdidokay.ThenmyparentsdiedandIhadfoursiblingstoraise.Itookthatresponsibilityseriously,andmostgirlsdidn’twanttogetinvolved.”

“Sortoflikeguysnotwantingtodatesinglemoms.”“Ortheopposite.Womennotwantingtodatesingledads.”“Thathappens?”“Technically,that’swhatIwas,excepttheywereallteenagerswithbig

issuesoftheirown.Insteadofbeinglittlebrats,theywerebigones.”Hegrinned.“Buttheyallcameoutokayintheend,andwe’regreatfriendsnow.”

Dylanthoughtaboutthat.“Iguessyou’reright.Differentsituationbutsameresults.”

“So,howmanygirlshaveturnedyoudown?”“Two.”EventhoughDylansaiditinsuchadiscouragedtone,Ericlaughed.He

couldn’thelpit.“I’msuretwodoesn’tqualifyasarejectiontheorem.RememberwhatMarcysaid?Youhavehairgirlswanttotouch,andagreatsmile.It’sthecommunicationskills—whichIthinkareimproving—thathaveheldyouback.I

betifyouaskednow,you’dgetadifferentresponse.I’vebeenturneddownplenty,andIhaven’tgivenup.”

Hisphonerang.Marcy.“I’llbeback,”hesaidtoDylan,thenwalkedtowardthehouseashesaidhello.

“Thankyoufortheroses,”shesaid.“They’rebeautiful.”Soareyou.“I’mgladyoulikethem.”Hepaused,lettingherguidethe

conversation.He’djustreachedthekitchen,gainingprivacy.Shecouldtalksexyifshewanted.Andhecouldrespond.

“Lastnightwaswonderful,”shesaid.“Ithoughtso,too.”“Butitcan’thappenagain,Eric.”Hesatinthenearestchair.Hehadn’texpectedthat.“Why?Theagething?”“Onlyasitrelatestoyoubeingwhereyouareinyourlifenow,asopposed

towhereIaminmine.Ineedtofinishcollegeandgetacareergoing.I’vetoldyouthat.It’smorethanjustimportanttome.It’scritical.”

“Howdoesoursleepingtogethercancelthatoutforyou?”“Contrarytotheimpressionyoumusthaveofme,Idon’tsleeparound,Eric.

I’vehadrelationships,andthey’vemattered.Ihaven’tsleptwithsomeoneIhaven’tcaredabout.Youtoldmeyou’relookingforsomeonepermanent.Evenifyouwereinterestedinmeinthatway,I’mnotready.Andyoucan’twait.Wehadacaseoflustatfirstsight,andweactedonit.Idon’tregretthatforonesecond.Itwassomethingweneededtodo,andwedidit.”

Hedidn’twanthertowalkoutofhislife—orDylan’s.“I’dliketostayfriends.Dylanneedsyou.”

Shedidn’tanswerrightaway,andwhenshediditsoundedasifshewascrying—ortryinghardnotto.

“Iwon’tabandonhim,”shesaid.“He’shadenoughofthatinhislife.”Ericclosedhiseyesforafewseconds.“Bydefaultthatmeansyou’llhaveto

seeme,too.Canyoudealwiththat?”“Sure.”Sure.Asifitwasnobigdeal.“Infact,tellhimI’llpickhimupTuesdaymorningforaninterviewwith

Julia.Doeshehavesomethingbusinesscasualtowear?”“I’llmakesurehedoes.Buthecantakethebus.Hecancatchoneon

campus.YoucanmeethimatastopinSacramento.There’snoreasonforyoutodrivehereandbacktwice.”

“Idon’tmind.I—”“Heneedstodothis,Marcy.I’llfigurewherehecanmeetyouandtextyou

theinformation.Thanksforcalling.”Hehungup,notwaitingforhertosay

goodbyeorwhateverelseshemighthavetosay,thenhewentupstairsandintohisbedroom.Heshutthedoorandsatinthewindowseatoverlookingthefrontyard.AnnieandLucywereplayingwithaballnextdoor.Kidswereridingbicyclesandskateboards.Lifewentonasnormal.

Exceptforhim.Marcy’srejectionhadstaggeredhim.Hehadn’texpectedit—eithertherejectionorhisreaction.Hedidn’tknowwhattomakeofit,couldn’tinterprethertoneofvoicebecausehe’dbeensofocusedonthewordsthemselves,howthey’dshoutedinhishead,shoutingsoloudlythey’ddrownedoutthequestionthathadbeenechoingtheremuchofthetimetoday.

Hepulledouthiscellanddialedher.“Hello?”Shesaidthewordhesitantly.“WhenIaskedyoulastnightaboutbirthcontrol,yousaiditwassafe.What

didyoumean?Areyouonthepill?”“No.Thetiming’soff,that’sall.It’snotmyfertiletimeofmonth.”“Areyousure?”“I’msure.”Herubbedhisforehead.“Ifitturnsoutthatyou’repregnant,you’lltellme.”“OfcourseIwould,butIwon’tbe,Eric.”“Okay.Thanks.”Againhehungupwithoutsayinggoodbyeorwaitingfor

herto.HeshovedhisphoneinhispocketandwentoutsidetojoinDylan,afellow

memberoftherejectionclub.He’dreachedthedeckwhenhisphonerang,butitwashissister,notMarcy.“Hey,Becca.”

“Hiyourself.How’severythinggoing?Youneverwrite.Younevercall.”“Busy.How’reyou?”“Busy,too.ButI’vebeenthinkingweneedtohavedoublehousewarming

parties.Kincaidwillbefinishingupourplacenextweek,thenIhearhe’scomingtodoyourkitchenthefollowingweek.Icalledthebrothers.Theycouldflyinthenextweekend.WecanhaveapartyatourplaceonSaturdaythenyoursonSunday,thenyoucantakethemtotheairportthatnight.Workforyou?”

Itwasjustwhatheneeded—adistractionandadeadline.“I’mgladyouthoughtofit.MayIbringmyroommate?”

“Yourroom—Oh,Dylan!Sure.Marcy,too,ofcourse.”“Idon’tthinkso,butthanks.”Sheknewhimwellenoughnottopush.“HowaboutyourneighborI’vebeen

hearingabout.Annie?”“No,thanks.”“Well,feelfreetoinvitesomeone,ifyoufeellikeit.Gavininsistedon

havingahugediningroom.Wecancomfortablyseattwelve.”

“I’llthinkaboutit.”“Areyouokay,Eric?”“Iwillbeinafewweeks,whenlifehassettleddown.”“IsithardhavingDylanaround?”“No.Infact,I’mgladitworkedoutthewayitdid.”Hehadsomeoneto

thinkaboutotherthanhimself.Someonewhoneededhim.“I’llfirmupflightplanswiththebrothers.Thanksagain,Bec.”Oneofthereasonshe’dchosenthisareawassothathecouldseehissistermoreoften,andshewasmakingthathappen.“I’lltalktoyousoon.”

Ericendedthecallandtuckedthephoneaway.“Everythingokay?”Dylanasked.Erictoldhimaboutthetwohousewarmingpartiesafewweekendsfrom

now.“Ihadafosterbrotherforafewyears,butwedidn’tkeepintouch,”Dylan

said.“Iguessit’safantasyofonlykidstowantthebig,loudfamily.Andforme,havingparentswhowerekindaoldmeantthingswerequieter,too,Iguess.Theywereoverfiftywhentheytookmein.”

IfEricdidn’thurryupandfindtherightwomantomarryandstarthavingchildren,he’dbetheageofDylan’sparents—andhiskidswouldthinkhewasold.“Iguessthereareprosandconstobothsituations.”

“Whathappenedtoyourparents?”Dylanasked.“Acaraccidentonanicyroadlateatnight.”Hismotherhadneededto

interviewaprisoner.Hisfatherhadn’twantedherdrivingaloneintheweather,sohe’dgonewithher.

Ifshehadn’tbeenworking.Ifshehadn’thadaprofessionthattookherawayfromhomeatallhours…

Hisresentmentoverhismother’schoicetoworkinsteadofbeinghomewithherfamilyhadescalatedthroughtheyearsinsteadofdeclining.Theirliveswould’veturnedoutsodifferently,ifonly…

Hedidn’tunderstandMarcy’sneedforacareer,either,especiallysinceshe’dchosenafieldthatdidn’tevenseemtosuither.Ontheotherhand,headmiredAnnie’sdecisiontostayhomewithLucyaslongasshecouldaffordto.

“You’rezoningagain,”Dylansaid.“Sorry.Iwasremembering.”Dylannodded.“Wherewillyourbrothersstaywhentheycome?”“Atahotel.I’llcheckoutwhat’savailableinDavis.Theyusuallystayin

Sacramento.”“Howaboutthehousewarmingparty?Whathappensatone?”Ericgaveitsomethought.“Foodanddrink,Iguess.Peoplebringpresents

likehouseplants.”“People,likewho?Neighbors?Peopleyouworkwith?”Ericscratchedhishead.“Idon’thaveaclue.Isupposeitcouldbeanyone.”“I’llbetMarcyknows.”Lastnightwaswonderful,butitcan’thappenagain,she’dsaid.“Maybe.”

Heglancedtowardthefence.“Annieprobablydoes,too.”“Don’taskher.Please.”“Whynot?”“She’salreadygotherhopesup.Unlessyouwantmorewithher?Maybe

youdo.”Dylandidn’tlookupbutcontinuedtotugweeds.Ericwasn’tgoingtogetintoadiscussionofsuchthingswiththeboy.“Ican

hireacaterer.”“OrMarcy.She’sagoodcook.”OrMarcy.Hewouldthinkaboutit.“SpeakingofMarcy,shesaidshewould

takeyoutoAtYourServiceonTuesday.”TheydiscussedDylantakingthebusandwhattowear.EricsteeredthediscussionawayfromMarcy.Heneededtimetoabsorbherrejectionandcomeupwithanewplan.Sheseemeddeterminedtofollowherpathfornow.Hedidn’tthinkanythinghesaidwouldchangehermind.

Butasforseeingheragain—anecessityifheaskedhertohelpwiththeparty—hewasn’tsurehewasreadyforthat,eventhoughhe’dbeentheonetosaylet’sbefriends.

Allheknewforsurewasthatlastnightrankednumberoneonhislistofmemories.Hewouldn’tstoppicturingherinbedanytimesoon—whichreallyputamonkeywrenchintohisplanstofindawifeandstartafamily.

Somuchforfreshbeginnings.AtleastthelossofJamiehadfoundacomfortableplaceinhisheart.He

wouldrememberhis“littlebrother”fondlyandforever,butitnolongerhurt.HegavecredittoMarcyforthat.

AndDylan.Heglancedattheteenagerashedugintheearth,wonderingwhatwould’ve

becomeofhimhadhenotbrokenintothehouse?Eric’snewlifehadn’tturnedouttobeanywherenearwhathe’dexpected

whenhe’dmadethemovetoCalifornia.Timewouldtellifthatwasagoodthing.

ChapterThirteen

NerveshadMarcytappingherfingersonhersteeringwheel,evenwithoutmusicplaying.Shehadn’tseenEricsincethey’dslepttogetherninedaysago,andnowshewasdrivingtohishousetodiscussajobbecauseherefusedtogiveherthedetailsoverthephone.Otherwisethey’dspokenonlyonce—toarrangeDylan’sbustriptoSacramentolastweek.

Dylancalledherdaily,buthehadn’tdroppedanyhintsaboutwhatEricwanted.EitherDylandidn’tknoworhewaskeepingquietaboutit.He’ddonewellathisinterviewwithJuliaSwanson,butnotempjobshadcomealongforhimyet.NorhadhisjobhuntinginDavisresultedinanyoffers.

MarcyturnedontoEric’sstreetandnoticedportablebarriersalongthesidewalksandthestreetitselfclearofcars.ShepulledintoEric’sdriveway.Dylanrushedfromthebackyardtothedriveway.

“You’rejustintime,”hesaid.“They’reclosingthestreetinfiveminutes.”“Forwhat?”“Ablockparty.TheyhaveiteveryLaborDay.”Sheturnedofftheengine.“YoumeanIwon’tbeabletoleave?”“Idon’tknow.Arethosethedogs?”She’dbroughtthedogsincludedinherlatesthouse-sittingjob,thinkingthey

wouldonlybegoneforacoupleofhours.Bothwereyelpinganddiggingintheircarriers.Theywereextremelyhigh-energyandneededconstantattentionortheybecamedestructive.

“Yes,they’re—”EriccameupbehindDylan.Everythinginsideherclenched,thenmelted.

She’dthoughtsherememberedhimperfectly,buthewasevenmorehandsomethansherecalled,hiseyesadarkerbrown,hishairsofter,hisbodyharder.

Hissmile,however,washesitant.“Hi,Marcy.”“Hi.”“CanIshutthegatesowecanletthedogsout?”Dylanasked.Ericnodded.Hebentlowertolookintothebackseat.“JackRussell

terriers?”heasked.“FrasierandNiles,”Marcysaid,drawingasmilefromEric.“Theirowners

arebothpsychiatrists.”

Helaughed.“Figures.Theymustbeahandful.”“Anunderstatement,althoughthey’rereallysmartandwelltrained.”She

climbedout,thenopenedthebackdoorasDylanlopedback.Heliftedthecarriersoutandopenedthem.Theywereoffandrunning,checkingouteverythinginsightatwarpspeed.Dylanwentafterthem,laughingastheyallchasedeachother.

“Youlookgood,”hesaid,eyeingherthoughtfully,hisexpressionwarm.“Thanks.”Shedidn’twanttobedrawntowardhim.She’dthoughtenough

timehadpassed.Obviouslyithadn’t,becauseshewantedtograbhishand,takehimupstairsandspendthenexttwenty-fourhoursinbedwithhim,makinglove,holdinghim,beingheld.Talking.She’dmissedtheirnighttimetalksinthechairsbythefireplace.

“Dylansaidthere’sablockpartygoingon?”sheasked.“DoesthatmeanIcan’tgetout?”

“Youcandriveacoupleofblocksover,parkandwalkback—iftheyhaven’tputupthebarriers.Apparentlypeoplebringouttablesandchairsintothestreetforabigpicnic.Theysetupgamesforthekids.Itlastsuntilnineo’clock.”

Shecrossedherarms.“Andyoudidn’tthinktomentionthisonthephonebecause?”

“Ididn’tknowuntiltenminutesagothatthestreetwouldbeblockedoff.Iknewtherewasaparty,butthat’sall.”

Shewonderedifthatwastrue.“SonowI’mstuckhereforfivehours.”“Letmegotakealook.Berightback.”Hejoggedupthedriveway,slipped

outthegate.Whenhereachedthesidewalkhelookedbothdirectionsthencameback.“Thecornersareblockedoffandpeoplehavealreadymovedtablesandchairsintothestreet.Sorry.”

Hedidn’tsoundsorry,notonebit,buttherewasnothingshecoulddoaboutit.“I’llneedabowlforwaterforthedogs.”

“Noproblem.Dylan!We’regoinginside.”“Okay!”Theyheadedintothekitchen.Marcycametoastopinsidethedoor.“There’s

nokitchen.”“There’sarefrigeratorandamicrowave.Whoneedsmorethanthat?”He’dstoppedclosebehindher.Hishandcametorestatthesmallofher

back.Shewantedtomovebutshedidn’t—couldn’t.Sheclosedhereyesinsteadandjustenjoyedthesensation.

“OnThursday,whensummersessionends,we’llstartonthenewkitchen.Wehopetobedonebythetimefallsemesterstartselevendayslater.”Hemovedaroundher,hishanddraggingalongherbackthenherarmbeforelosingcontact.

Outofabigcardboardboxhedugoutabowlandheadedforthehallhalf-bath.“Berightback,”hesaid,takingthefullbowloutside.

MarcysatatthekitchentableandwatchedhimputthebowlonthedeckthenwalkdownthestairstosaysomethingtoDylan,whonoddedandcontinuedtoplaywiththedogs.Momentslater,EricsatnexttoMarcyatthetable,wheretheybothcouldwatchDylanandthedogs.

“Youtwoseemtobegettingalongwell,”Marcysaid.“We’redoingokay.”Itwasagenericstatementthatdidn’ttellhermuch,butheseemedalittle

stiff.Why?Becauseshewantedtorubhisback,sheclaspedherhandsinherlap.“What’sthejobyouwanttotalkabout?”

Heshiftedtofaceher.“ItwouldbeforthelastSundayofthemonth.Mybrothersarecominginfortheweekend.Becca’shavingahousewarmingpartyonSaturdaythatsameweekendinChanceCitynowthatKincaidhasfinishedtheirrenovations.ShedecidedIshouldhaveoneonSundaybeforemybrothershavetoflyout.I’dlikeyoutodoalltheplanning,makesureitgoesokay.Idon’tknowwhichcaterertocontact.Iimagineyoudo.”

Shedidn’twanttospendmoretimewithhisterrificsisterormeethisbrothers,andyetshedidn’twanttoletjustanyoneputtogetherthepartyforhim,either.Herprotectivenesstowardhimgaveherpause,butnotforlong.“Howmanypeople?”

Heseemedtorelax—atleasthisbackwasn’tasstiff.“Thebrothers.BeccaandGavin.Shana.Kincaid.Dylan.Acoupleofpeoplefromwork.”

“Annie?”“No.I’lldosomethingfortheneighborslater,Ithink.”MarcyignoredthereliefshefeltabouthimnotwantingtoincludeAnnie.

Shereachedforherpurseandthepadofpapershealwayscarried.“Doyouwantasit-downdinner?Barbecue?Buffet?”

“Whatdoyouthink?”“Theweathercouldstillbeahundredbythenoreighty.Maybewecoulddo

abarbecueandbuffet.Youcouldusethediningroomifit’stoohotoutside.”“Whateveryouthinkisbest.Um,I’dappreciateitifyoucouldcomeover

whenthekitchenisfinishedandhelpmesetitup,seewhatotheritemsIneed.Couldyoudothat?”

“Iguessso.Ifyoudon’tmind,I’dratherdothefoodforthepartythanhaveitcatered.Youcouldbarbecue.I’ddotherest.”Whichwouldfeeldangerouslyliketheywereacouple,sheknew.“It’sthekindofeventIlovetodoanddon’tgettoveryoften.”

“I’llsignoffonwhateveryouwant.Marcy,”hesaid,makingeyecontact.

“Thankyou.Foreverythingbefore,andforthis.”Herthroatconvulsedalittle,trappingwords.Shenodded.Wouldsheever

getoverhim?Everstopwantinghim?Itwasn’tsupposedtobethisway.She’dsleptwithhim.Sheshouldbeabletomoveon.

“How’reyourclassesgoing?”Sheswallowed.“Good.I’mlookingforwardtomovingontoSacStateand

wrappingitallup.It’smygoaltofinishintwoyears.Ittookmefouryearstogetthisfar.I’vebeensavinglikecrazy.I’llhouse-sitthosefinalfoursemestersbutIwon’ttakeanyotherjobs.Collegewillbemyjob.”

Dylanrushedin.“Didyoubringleashes?Icouldwalkthedogsaroundtheblock.”

“Inthetrunkofmycar,”shesaid.“They’rekid-friendlyandother-dog-friendly,buttheybothhatecats,sobecareful.”

“I’llwalkthemuptoJason’s.He’sanewfriendontheblock,”Dylanadded.“Don’texpectmebackforhalfanhour,maybelonger.Ifthat’sokay,Marcy?”

“Jasonhasahotsister,”Ericsaidtoher.“Ah,”shesaid,understanding.“Sure,that’sfine.”Dylangrinnedthenhewasoff.QuietsettledbetweenMarcyandEric.Streetnoisefilteredintotheroom

throughopenwindows,thesoundofpeoplecallingouttoeachother,andchildren’slaughter.

“Doyouhaveparticulardutiesforthisshindig?”sheasked.“I’mthenewkidontheblock,andonewithoutakitchen,atthat.Iwastold

specificallynottobringanything.”Ericreachedunderthetable,curvedhishandoverbothofhersclenchedinherlap.HehadnodoubtthatDylanhadlefttogivethemtimealone.Hedidn’tknowifhisattentionwouldbewelcomedbyMarcy,butheneededtotry.Everydaythatpassedhewantedhermore.“I’vemissedyou.”

Shedidn’tsayanything,didn’tlookathim,butheknewherwellenoughtoknowshewasfeelingthesamethingshewas.

“There’ssomethingupstairsIwanttoshowyou,”hesaid.“Youretchings?”sheasked,hereyesfinallytakingonsomesparkle.“Iguessyoucouldcallthemdesigns,ofasort.”“Whatsort?”“Designsonyou.”“Wedecidedthisshouldn’tgoanyfurther.”“Youdecided.I’mhopingtochangeyourmind.”Heleanedcloseandkissed

her.Hefeltherneedwhenhetouchedhislipstohers—ormaybethatwasjustcomingfromhisownbody.Shedidn’ttrytostophim.

“Iwantyou,Marcy.”Likenothingelseintheworld,ever.“WhatifDylancomesbackearly?”Hervoicewastightandbarelyaudible.

“Hewon’t.”“Howcanyoubesure?He—”“Marcy,Ipromiseyou,hewon’t.”“What,somesecretcodepassedbetweenyoubeforeheleft?”“He’sveryintuitive.Andwe’rewastingtime.”Hestood,keepingholdofher

handsandurgingheralongwithhim,butitwasn’tlongbeforeshelungedathimandkissedhimhardandwithaneedthatmatchedhis.

“Hurry,”shesaid.Theyracedupthestairsandintohisroom,strippedoffeachother’sclothes

andlandedonthebed,entwinedandkissing,mutualsoundsofpleasurefillingtheroom.

“We’llneedbirthcontrol,”shesaid.“Done.”Hegotwhatheneededfromhisnightstand.“Wherewerewe?”“Iwanttobeontopthistime,”shewhispered.“YouthinkI’drefusethat?”heasked,stretchingout,helpinghertostraddle

him.Hewassurehewouldneverforgettheglorioussightofher,herhaircurling

wildlyaroundher,herbreastsswaying,hernippleshardassheofferedherselffreely,openly.Hehelpedhermaneuverherselfsothatshecouldtakehiminside,thentheybothclosedtheireyesandlaystill,enjoyingtheconnection,theecstasy.

“Youareexquisite,”hesaid,caressingherbreasts,anglinguptotasteandsavorher.

Hegrippedherthighsasshestraightenedandthenbegantomove,grabbingtheheadboardtokeepherselfsteady.Helovedwatchingher,lovedseeingthelookofraptureonherface.

Hewatchedherfindsatisfaction,waitedforhertostopmoving,thenmaneuveredherontoherback,wantingthesweetfullnessofherbodyunderhim.Hetookitslow,draggeditout,smiledwhenshesaid,“Oh!Again,”asifcaughtoffguard,thenhefoundhomewithher,anddeeppleasure,followedbyasurprisingpeace.Sweatadheredthem.Theirbreathswereshakyandshallow.

“Wecan’tlinger,”shesaid,tuckingherselfcloseastheyrolledtotheirsides,steamrisingbetweenthem.

“Iknow.”Hestrokedherhair,ranahanddownherbody,kissedher.Hecouldn’tgetenoughofher.Hewonderedwhatitallmeant.Didthischangehermind?“Marcy—”

“Shh.”Sheputafingeragainsthislips.“Let’snottalkaboutit.Notyet.”

Sheshovedherselfoffthebedandhurriedintohisbathroom,scoopingupherclothesasshewent.Hegatheredhisownandwentintotheguestbathtocleanup.Theymetonthelandinginafewminutes.

Shewentupontiptoeandkissedhim,framinghisfacewithherhands.Itseemedtohimlikethemostlovinggestureanyonehadevermade.

“Let’sgobacktothekitchenandplantheparty,”shesaid.“IwantDylantofindusthere.”

They’djustreachedthebottomofthestairswhensomeoneknocked.ItwasAnnie,withLucy.

Marcy’sfaceheated.ShemadesuretherewasdistancebetweenherandEric,butshehadafeelingAnniewouldseethetruth.

Anniesmiled,offeredanoverlycheerfulgreeting,thenturnedherattentiononEric.“Theparty’sstarted.”

“Thanks.We’llbeouttheresoon.”“Good.Howareyou,Marcy?”“I’mwell,thankyou.Andyou?”“I’mexcellent,thankyouforasking.Everything’slookingbright.”“Howniceforyou.”Marcywasproudofhowshekeptsarcasmoutofher

voice.Annieleft.Ericshutthedoorbehindher,thensilencedescendedbetween

himandMarcy.Shestruggledforsomethingtosay.“Shallwestartplanning?”sheaskedfinally.“There’snothingbetweenus,Marcy.Annieandme.”“Haveyoutoldherthat?”Hefrowned.“DoIhavetospellitoutforher?”“Inakindway,yes,Ithinkyoudo.She’s…hopeful.Youapparentlyhaven’t

discouragedher.”“I’veneveraskedherout.Nevertouchedher.”Heleanedclose.“Ithink

you’remisreadingher.Shedoesn’tcomeontomeatall.Look,she’sthekindofwomanIusedtogofor,butnotanymore.”

“Why’sthat?”“Sheneverdisagreeswithme.Shedoesn’thaveopinionsofherown.

Frankly,she’sboring.Andshe’sneedy.”HesethishandsonMarcy’sshouldersandguidedhertowardthekitchen.

Themomenttheysat,Dylancamethroughthebackdoor.Hegavethembothalookofcuriosity.

“Thedogsarewornout,”hesaid.“Theybothwentintotheircarriersandfellasleep.Iputthemintheshade.”

“Thanks,”Marcysaid.“DidtheyhelpyouscorepointswithHotSister?”

Hegrinned.“Major.”Hegotasodaoutoftherefrigerator.“Wantone?”Colddrinkswerehandedout,thenDylansatatthetablewiththem,likeso

manytimesbefore,almostasifshe’dneverleft.“AreyougoingtohelpEricwiththeparty?”heasked.“Iam.Ithinkit’llbefun.”Andmaybealittledifficult,meetingtherestof

hisfamily,shethought.“Itsoundslikeyou’vesettledinhere.”“Idon’ttakeitforgranted,”hesaidrightawaywithaglanceatEric.“He’sworkedhard.”Thedoorbellrangthreetimes.“That’sJason,”Dylansaid,hoppingup.“He

saidhe’dcomegetmewhenhewasgoingtotheparty.”“IfHotSisteriswithhim,I’dliketomeether,”Marcysaid.“Shehasaboyfriend.”Hehurriedout.“Well,that’sdisappointing,”Marcysaid.“Theguyisajerk,accordingtoDylan,sohefigureshehasachance.”“Iguessnoone’stoldhimthatgirls,especiallyteenagegirls,aredrawnto

badboys.”Erictookherhandinhisandheldit.“Areyou?”“Notnow.ButwhenIwassixteen?Youbet.HisnamewasSpeck.”Eric’sbrowswentup.“Yourfirst?”Sheshookherhead.Hewasbrushingherhandwithhisthumb,keepingher

inaconstantstateofarousal.Didheknowthat?“Myfirstdidn’thappenuntilIwastwenty.Latebloomer.”

“Me,too.Iwasalsotwenty.”“Really?Whatwashername?”“Stella.StellaBella,infact.”“Seriously?”“Crossmyheart.ShewastheT.A.foroneofmycalculusprofessors.She

wasthirty.IthoughtI’ddiedandgonetoheaven.Howaboutyou?”Marcywassurprisedtheywerehavingthisdiscussion,butalsoglad.

Anythingtotakethefocusoffofherandtheirrelationship.“Ifanciedmyselfinlove,soalthoughitwasmostlyalotoffumblingaround,Iwasn’treallydisappointed.Hedidn’tstayaroundlong,whichbrokemyheart.”

“Stelladidn’t,either,whichdidn’tbreakmyheart,however.Ialwayskindofappreciatedherforshowingmetheropes.”Hegrinned.

“Asdidthewomenwhofollowed,Iimagine.”“Ineverasked.”Hiseyestwinkled.Heleanedbackalittle.“Itellyouthings

I’venevertoldanyone.I’vegottenclosertoyoufasterthantoanyoneelse.It’sasifwhenImetyou,Ialreadyknewyou.”

“Wedidtalkfordaysonthephonewhileyoutraveled.”

Hehesitatedthenshrugged.“Thatwasprobablypartofit.”Washetryingtosayshewashissoulmate?Itwasatermsheunderstoodin

theorybuthadneverexperienced.Shedecidedtochangethesubjectandgrabbedherpadandpen.Theydiscussedpartyplansforawhile,andthenEricsaid,“Weshouldprobablymakeanappearance.”

“Yougoaheadandmingle.I’vegotmylaptop.I’mjustgoingtostayhereanddosomework.”

Hecockedhishead.“Sometimesyoureallysurpriseme.”“Inwhatway?”“You’reverydirectaboutmostthings,yetyouwon’tletmyneighborssee

youwithme.”Sheshrugged.“Becausetheywillmakeassumptions?”heasked.“Yes.”Andshemightnotdoagoodjobofhidingherfeelings,either.She

couldn’teventellhimthatwhathadjusthappenedupstairsinhisbedroomwasamistake,becauseitwasn’t.It’dhappenedbecauseneedhadtrumpedcautiononceagain.

Andshelovedhim.Howcouldthatbeamistake?Badtiming,maybe.Butwhensomeoneloved,

itshowed.Soshewouldstayinsideandavoidcontroversy.“I’llcomebackinalittlewhile,”hesaid.“I’llbehere.”Shesmiled,asifmakingajokeoutofthefactshecouldn’t

leaveanyway.Hourslater,thestreetwasopenedtotrafficagain.DylanandJasonhadlong

agosettledintoplayingvideogamesinthelivingroom,withEricoverseeingandoccasionallycompeting.Thedogslovedtheactionandnoise,movingfromboytoboyforscratchingandpetting.Marcyhadcurledupinachairwithherlaptop.

Itcouldbelikethis.Kidsandactivityandthemansheloved.Shecouldhaveitall.

ExceptthatEricwasn’tinlovewithher.Heonlywantedaphysicalrelationship—he’devensaidso.Andshehadherowngoalstoattain.

Sheclosedhereyesforafewseconds,tryingtofindequilibrium.Whenhadherlifegottensocomplicated,shewondered.

ThecurrentvideogameendedwithDylanthevictor.TimeforMarcytomakehermove.

“Eric,canyoutakealookatthis?I’veputaplantogether.AndDylan,wouldyouputthedogsintheircarriers,please?Maybetheyshouldbeletoutinthebackyardfirst.”

“Sure,”Dylansaid.HeandJasontookthedogsoutwhileEriccrouched

besideher.Shewentdownthelistoffoodanddrinkshe’ddecidedon.“WhenIcome

helpyouputyourkitcheninorder,I’llknowwhatyou’llneedotherwise.”“Feelfreetodropbywhilewe’reworking.Seetheprogress.”“ThatweekI’llbeworkingindowntownSacramentoasareceptionist,

MondaythroughFriday,plusIhaveanotherhouse-sittingjob.Nofreetime.”“Howaboutaneveningthisweek?IfIcometoyou?”heasked,loweringhis

voice.“Okay,”shewhispered.“Onenight.”“Thursday?Wecouldgoouttodinner.”Shenoddedthenstood,annoyedatherselffornothavingthewillpowerto

tellhimno,surethatshewouldgethurtandyetunabletostopitfromhappening.

Herestedhishandatthebaseofherspineastheywalkedtothekitchendoor.Suchasmalltouchtogarnersuchabigreaction.Shesuckedinherbreathashecuppedherrear,thenpatteditlightly,playfully,assheopenedthebackdoor.She’dwantedarelationshiplikethisforever.Hadachedforamanwhocouldn’tkeephishandsoffher,whovaluedheropinions,whowasresponsibleandfun.

She’dmetalotofmenwhowerefun,butalotfewerwhowereresponsible.ShegaveDylanahuggoodbye,thenafteraslighthesitation,huggedEricas

well.Thedogsweremakingalotofnoiseasshegotintothecar.Itwasnine-thirtyatnight,andthetemperaturewasperfect.Sherolleddownherwindowandwavedgoodbye.

DylanandEricstoodinthedrivewaywatchinghergo.Shefeltasifshewereabandoningthem.

Asenseoflossjabbedather.Sheshouldbethere,withthem.Theyhadbecomeherfamily.Sheshouldn’tbedrivingaway.

Butshecontinuedontothefreeway.Thedogssettleddown.AndonThursdayshewouldseehimagain,feelhisarmsaroundher,hear

himcomplimentandappreciateher.Itwasn’twhereshe’dexpectedtobeatthispointinherlife,andtherewas

probablyapriceshewouldhavetopayforit,too.Timewouldtell.

ChapterFourteen

EricandMarcylayinbedThursdayevening,nakedandsated,talkinglazily.“Isiteasyorhardforyou,”heasked,“livinginadifferenthouseallthetime?”

“Idon’ttakeonabrand-newclientveryoftenanymore,sothere’sacertainfamiliaritywithalmosteveryhouseforme.Firsttimesaremoreproblematic.Idolikehouseswithalarms.Isleepbetter.ButthehousesIwatcharemostlyinverygoodneighborhoods.”

Shewasonherside,onelegdrapedoverhis,herhandrestingagainsthischest.Hervoicewaslowandrelaxed,asifshecoulddropofftosleepanytime,eventhoughitwasonlyeight-thirty.Hefeltherbreath,warmandsteady,onhisneckasshespoke.

“Whatwasyourmostinterestingassignment?”Shelaughedsoftly.“Atwo-weekjobforElmerWainwright.”“Thesoftwaremogul?HelivesinSacramento?”“SanFrancisco.Hegotmynamefromafriendofafriend.Themannever

slowsdown,neversitsdown.Idon’tthinkhesleeps,even.Andhiswholehouseisrunelectronically.There’sathree-inchbinderwithinstructions.Ilockedmyselfinandcouldn’tgetout.”

Helaughed.“I’msorry.Iknowit’snotfunny,but—”“Oh,it’shysterical.Now.Adifferentkindofhystericalthen.Ittookmetwo

daystofigureouthowtoopenthefrontdoor.”“Whydidn’tyoucallhim?”“Ididn’twanthimtothinkIwasanidiot.”Ericsmiledattheceiling.Hethreadedherhairwithhisfingers.Itwasthe

mostrelaxedthey’dbeenwitheachother.Notthatthesexhadn’tbeenpowerfulandsatisfying,buttheaftermathwasdifferentthistime.

“Yousaidyouwereofferedyourjobbackasaflightattendant,butyoudidn’twanttomovebackeast.Why?”

“MyfriendLorineededme.Herhusbandwalkedoutwhentheirboyswerefourandtwo.Heemptiedthebankaccountsandleftherwithoutanything.We’vebeenbestfriendssincewewerekids.Icouldn’tabandonher.”

“Doyouhelpsupporther?”Afteraslighthesitation,shenodded.“Shewould’vedonethesameforme.”

“So,themoneyyousavebynothavingaplacetolivegoestoher?”“Someofit.InreturnIalways—almostalways—haveaplacetostay.”Hecouldtellshedidn’treallywanttotalkaboutit,butthey’dbecomevery

openwitheachother,askingquestionsthatmightnormallyseemtoopersonalthisearlyinarelationship.

“Doyouhaveabestfriend?”sheasked.“Iguessmybrothersfitthattitle,Sammostofall.He’stwoyearsyounger.

TrentandJeffareclose,aswell.”“WheredoesBeccafitin?”“Weshareher.”Hesmiledatthethought.“She’stheyoungest.Weall

worriedabouther,protectedher,eventhoughshebalkedatourcare,andprettymuchdidwhatshewanted,anyway.ShechosewellwithGavin.Theymakeagoodteam.”

“Doyouthinkmarriageshouldbeteamwork?”sheasked.“Inthesensethatyou’restrivingtowardthesamegoals,yes.Andthatyou

worktogethertoachievethem.”Sherestedherchinonhischestandsmiledathim.“Didyouplayfootball?”“Yes.”“I’llbetyouwerethequarterback.”“You’dwinthatbet.”Heranahanddownherspine,pressinglightly,

drawingmoans.“Rollontoyourstomach.”Shedid,andhestraddledhertogiveheramassage,takinghistime,

eventuallyturningitintoasensualexperience,arousingher,notlettingherfindsatisfactionuntilhewasreadytolether.

“Myturn,”shesaid,shovinghimontohisstomach.She’djustbegunrunningherfingernailsdownhisbackwhenhiscellphonerang.“It’sDylan,”shesaidwhenshepassedthephonetohim.

“What’sup,Dylan?”Ericasked.“Mydad’shere.”“What?”“He’sinyourlivingroom.Canyoucomehome?”“I’monmyway.”Heendedthecall.“Hisdadtrackedhimdown.He’satthe

house.”“Iwanttogo,too,”Marcysaidashegrabbedhisjeans.Helaidahandonherarm.“Youcan’t.Youknowthat.Dylanwouldrealize

we’vebeentogether.”Shefrowned,andthenpulledonherrobeinsteadofherclothes.“Somuch

forteamwork.”Hefinisheddressingthenwentuptoher.“Thisisprobablygoingtosound

cold,butwe’vebeenhonestwitheachotherallalong,andweneedtostayhonest.”Hetookherhandsinhis.“IknowyouhaveavestedinterestinDylan,buthe’smyresponsibility.We’renotmarried,Marcy.There’snoteamworkinvolvedhere.”

Shetossedherheadalittle.“Iknowthat.You’llcallme,though,right?”“Yes.”Hekissedher.“I’msorryoureveningwascutshort.”Shetookhisfaceinherhandsandturnedthekissintosomethingbeyonda

quickgood-night.“Don’tforgetIoweyouone.”Hislaughcameoutinanappreciativeburst.“LikeI’dforgetthat.”Onthedrivehome,EricstoppedthinkingaboutMarcyandthoughtaheadto

Dylan.Hesoundedscared.Ormaybejustpanicked.Ifhe’dbeenscaredheprobablywouldn’thavelethisdadinthehouse.

Ericdidn’tbotherparkinginthedriveway,butpulledupbehindanolder-modelsedan.DylanopenedthefrontdoorwhenEricreachedit.

“Areyouokay?”heaskedtheboy,whonodded.Amanstood.Dylanhadsaidhisfatherwassixty-five,buthelookedolder.

Hewassmallandwiry,alittlestooped.HeclenchedaSacramentoRiverCatsballcapinhishands.HeheldoutahandtoEric.“I’mJohnDunning.Dylan’smyboy.”

“EricSheridan,”hesaid.“Please,haveaseat.Haveyoubeentalking?”heaskedDylan.

“I’vebeentryingto,”Johnsaid.“Dylan’snotofamindtoconversewithme,Iguess.”

“Howdidyoulocatehim?”“Hecalledanoldfriend,whocalledme.I’vebeenlookingforhimfor

months.ThefriendknewIwasworried.”HelookedatDylan.“Iknowitwaswrongtothrowyouout,son.Iwashurtin’.That’sallIcansayaboutthat.Youweren’tbeingexactlyeasytohavearound,either.”

“BecauseIwashurting.”Dylanthumpedhischest.“Ilostsomeonespecial,too.”

“I’msorry.Ireallyam.”Foramomentneitherofthemspokeagain.“WhatdidyoucomeheretosaytoDylan?”Ericasked.Johntwistedhiscapinhishands.“Thathe’swelcometocomehome.”ForallthatErichadbeenguidingDylantowardindependence,Ericrealized

withsuddenclaritythathedidn’twanttheboytogo.Ericcouldgivehimchanceshisdadcouldn’t.

Itwasn’thisdecision,however.Afteralongsilence,DylanlookedatEric.“DoIhavetomakeupmindright

now?”“No.”EricfacedJohn.“Ifigureyouwantwhat’sbestforhim,soheshould

takehistimedeciding,right?”Themannodded.“Yourmom’sbeenhauntingme,”hesaidtoDylan.“Idid

wrongbyyou.Butyouseemtohavedoneokay.Iworriedfornothing.”“Nothing?”Dylanexploded,jumpingup,shovinghishandsthroughhishair,

thenstretchinghisarmsopenwide.“Iwaslivingonthestreetsforthreemonths.Ididn’tknowwheremynextmealwouldcomefromorwhereIwouldsleep.Iendured…horriblethings.Threats.Violence.Thepainofknowingyoudidn’tlovemeevenaftertwelveyearsoflivingwithyou,beinglikeyourson,eventhoughyouneveradoptedme.Ican’tforgiveyou.”

Heracedupthestairs,slammedhisbedroomdoorbehindhim.Theensuingquiethungheavy.

“Ididn’tknow,”Johnsaid,shockandconfusioninhiseyes.“Youshouldhave.”Itwasaharshthingtosay,butitneededsaying,Eric

decided.“Maybehewillforgiveyousomeday,butdon’tthinkhe’llforgetsoon.Itchangedhim.Ithinkyou’llfindhimadifferentyoungmannow.”

“Howdidyougetinvolved?”“Ihadjustmovedinhere,andhecamelookingforwork.”Ericfigured

Marcywouldbeproudofhimforthelie.Dylancouldchoosetotellhisdadthetruthifhewanted.“WhenIfoundouthewashomeless,Igavehimaroom.He’sworkedhard,andhe’sthrived.”

Johnnoddedthenstood.“Well,heknowsmynumber.”“MayIhaveit,aswell?”TheyexchangedphonenumbersthenEricwalkedhimtohiscar.“Givehim

time.Hehasdeeprootswithyouandhismom.”“Thankyou.”Hestuckouthishand.“Foreverythingyou’vedone.”“Itwasmypleasure.”Ericwatchedhimdriveoff,andthenheparkedhiscarinthegarage.Bythe

timehe’dgotteninside,Dylanwassittinginachairinthelivingroom.“I’msorryIhadtocall,”hesaid.“It’sfine.”Ericsatdownoppositehim.“Areyouokay?”Heshrugged.“Kindacaughtmeoffguard,himjustshowingup.”“Whatdoyouwanttodo?”Helookedaround,atnothing,ateverything,thenheblewoutalongbreath.

“IsitsowrongthatIwanttostaywithyou?”HeknewthatDylansawEricashisrescuer,thathisattachmentwasstrong.

“Iunderstandwhyyoufeelthatway.Youalsohaveatwelve-yearhistorywithyourdad.”

“But—”Ericleanedforward.“Butthegoalallalonghasbeenforyoutobe

independent.Thathasn’tchanged.Don’ttrytofigureitouttonight.Giveitatleastuntilwe’redonewiththekitchenrenovation.Maybegiveyourdadacallnowandthenandseewhatcomesofit.”

“Yeah.Okay.Thanks.”Heshiftedinhischairalittle.“So,IguessMarcywasn’ttoohappythatyouwouldn’tlethercomewithyou,huh?”

Ericsaidnothing.“Comeon,dude.YouthinkIdon’tknow?You’renutsabouteachother.So,

shewasmad,wasn’tshe?”“Irritated,”Ericsaid,givingin.“She’syourbiggestfan.”“Mymomwould’velovedher.They’renotalikeexceptthatthey’regood

mothertypes.Television-mothertypes.”Ericsmiled.Heagreed.“Areyoureadytostartbuildingakitchen

tomorrow?”Ericasked,changingthesubject.“Ready.”“Me,too.”Ericneededthephysicallabor,anythingtoclearhismind,or

moreprecisely,itwouldbeawayforMarcynottobetakingupsomuchspacethere.Thingswerestartingtogetmoreseriousbetweenthem,andtheybothknewtheyweren’tdestinedforthelongterm.Theyweretoodifferent,hadvastlydifferentgoals.Wereindifferentstagesintheirlives,asMarcyconstantlyremindedhim.

“I’mgoingtobed,”Dylansaid.Hestoodandheadedtothestairs.“WhenyoucallMarcy,tellherIsaidhi.”

Ericjustgavehimthelook,andhelaughed.Marcyansweredonthefirstring.“Whathappened?”“Firstofall,Dylansaystosayhi.”“Tellhimhiback.Whathappened?”Hefilledherin,couldsensehertensionlesseningashelaiditoutforher.“Hecan’tforceDylantogohome,canhe?”shesaid.“He’seighteen.”“No,hecan’tforcehim,butIthinkhisdadmightbepreparedtohelphim

withhiseducation,whetherit’scollegeoratrainingschooltobecomeamechanic.Weneedtostayoutofhisdecision,Marcy.”

“Iknowyou’reright.It’sjusthard.I’vealreadycometolovehimlikealittlebrother.”

Ericknewthatfeelingverywell.“Yes.”Theytalkedalittlelongerthensaidgood-night.Heprobablywouldn’tsee

heruntilaweekfromSunday,whenthekitchenshouldbedoneandshewouldhelpsetitup.Ninedays.

Atthemoment,itseemedaneternity,especiallybecausehe’dleftwithher

promiseofowinghimone.Maybehecouldfindacoupleofhoursduringtheweek,afterall.Hesmiled,likingthegoal,eventhoughheknewitwouldbejustabout

impossibletoachieve.

ChapterFifteen

Marcywasexhausted—ortuckeredout,ashermomwouldsay.It’dbeenalongweekofworkinginanofficealldayplushouse-sitting,whichincludedwalkingaGreatDanenamedGeorgetwiceaday,afeatthateliminatedtheneedforanyotherexercise.She’dhadtwopapersdueatthesametime,andherusualFridayandSaturdaynightjobatScore.

Itwasfouro’clockonSunday.She’dsleptlate,walkedthedog,thenwaitedeagerlyforthehomeownertoreturn.NowshewaspullingintoEric’sdrivewaytoseethenewkitchenandfinalizeplansfortheparty.

Betweenherthreejobs,she’dearnedalotofmoneyforoneweek,butassheclimbedoutofhercar,stretchingandyawning,shewonderedifit’dbeenworthit.Shecouldn’tcatchupthisweek,either.Shehadathree-dayjobmidweekbutnohouse-sitting,whichalsomeantshewouldbeatLori’swithtworambunctiouskidswhoadoredherandwantedherconstantattention.Plusnightsspentsleepingonaveryold,uncomfortablecouch.

“Justonefullnight’ssleep,”shemuttered.“Twelvehours.Thatoughttodoit.”

“Twelvehoursoughttodowhat?”Ericasked,comingupfrombehindherassheyawnedagain.

“Sleep,”shesaid,pattinghermouthandsmiling.Helookedwonderful.They’dtalkedonthephoneafewtimesduringtheweekbuthadn’tmanagedtofindanysparemomentstoseeeachother.Rightnowshecouldeasilyfallintohisarmsandlethimtakecareofher.Shecouldevenpicturehimtuckingherinbedandkissinghergood-night.Shecrossedherarmsinstead,preventingeitherofthemfromeveninstigatingahug.

“Youdolookalittlepale,”hesaid,keepinghisdistance,apparentlypickinguponhercue.“Areyousureit’sjustlackofsleep?You’renotcomingdownwithsomething?”

“Idon’thavetimetocomedownwithsomething.”Shesmiledathim.“Ican’twaittoseethekitchen.”

“Let’sgothroughthefrontdoor.”Theywalkedupthedriveway.“IsDylanhome?”“HeandJasontookoffontheirbikesawhileago.Heknewwhattimeyou

werecoming,soIexpecthe’llbealongsoon.”“ShouldIwaituntilhegetsback?Iknowhewasabigpartoftheprocess.”“That’sverythoughtfulofyou.Hewasmorethanjustabigpart,Marcy.He

didmajorwork.Thekidknowshowtohandlepowertools.Heputshisheaddownandworks.EvenKincaidcommentedonit,andhe’sapparentlythemanwhoneverslowsdown,neverdoesanythinglessthanstellarwork.Yes,IthinkDylan’sproudofthekitchen.”

“Andyou?”“Veryhappywithhowitturnedout,andIlearnedawholelot.Likeit’s

bettertohireexperts.”Hegrinned.“Ilikedbeingpartoftheprocess,butIwon’ttackleredoingthebathroomsonmyown.”

Theywentinsidethehouse,tookseatsintheirusualliving-roomchairs.Shewishedshecouldjustcurlupinhislap,tosleepandtobeheld.She’dmissedhimawholelot.

“Howarethingsgoingwithhisdad?”sheasked.“Tentativelyisagoodword,Ithink.Dylan’stornaboutitall.”Hecockedhishead.“Ifyouneedanap,feelfreetousemybed.”

“I’llbeokay,thanks.Areyouallsetforthestartofthesemestertomorrow?”“Lookingforwardtoit.IliketheenvironmentatDavis.I’veespecially

enjoyedthedepartmentchairandafewotherswhowereteachingduringthesummer.Weshouldgetsomegreatdiscussionsgoing.”Hesmiled.“It’snotasdullasyoumightthink.”

“Icanpictureyouinadeep,passionatediscussionwithyourpeers.Ican’tpictureitasboring,atall.Justwayovermyhead.”

DylanburstthroughthedoorandheadedstraightforMarcy,givingherabighug.“Haveyouseenit?Whatdidyouthink?”

“Iwaitedforyou,”shesaid,catchingherbreath.He’dbecomesomuchmoreopenandgregariousitwashardtobelieveitwasthesameyoungmanastheoneshe’dmetfiveweeksago,lookingstarvedanddesperate.

“Awesome!Thanks.Comeon!”Hetuggedonherhand,pullingheroutofthechairandtothekitchen.

Marcyhadexpectedgood.Shehadn’texpectedout-of-this-worldgood.Inonesenseitwassosuitedtothehouse,itseemedoriginaltoit.Buttheglassuppercabinetsandstainless-steelappliancesbroughtitcurrent,too.

“Thisisgorgeous,”shesaid,awed.“Spectacular.”Thenshenoticedsomethingsinparticular.SheturnedtolookatEric,whosmiledsoftly.“Youincorporatedmyideas.”

“Weallthoughttheymadesense.”Heopenedthepantrydoor,showingofftheadditionalstoragespace.Thenshemovedtothegranite-toppedpeninsula,

withplentyofcounterspaceforprepwork—andaviewofthebackyard.Tearswelledinhereyes,whichwassostupid.Itwasn’therkitchen,butshe

feltprideofownershipofit.“Geez,Marcy,youdon’tneedtogetallemotionalaboutakitchen,”Dylan

said,hisgazeshiftingtoEric,whocameupandputanarmaroundher.“Youreallyareexhausted.Ithinkyoushouldliedownforawhile.”Shenodded,unabletocomeupwitharefusalthatwouldn’tmakeherseem

silly.“Justforalittlewhile,”shesaid.“Wakemeupinanhour.”Ericclimbedthestairswithher,heldthesheetupasshetoedoffhersandals

thengotintobed.Heclosedtheblinds.Bythetimehe’dreturnedtoher,she’dfallenasleep.Hebrushedherhairfromherface,kissedherforeheadandlefttheroomquietly.

“Shehadalong,busyweek,”hesaidtoaworried-lookingDylan.“It’sscary,”Dylansaid.“Seeingherlikethat.She’susuallygotmoreenergy

thanmeandyoutogether.”Erichadthoughtthesamething.“Areyougoingtowakeherupinanhour?”Dylanasked.“Maybeintwo.She’dbeprettytickedifIletitgolongerthanthat.”Dylangrinned.“Yeah.Shewasprettyimpressed,don’tyouthink?”Ericglancedaroundtheroom,nodding.“Theyard’slookinggood,too.

You’veworkedyourtailoff.”“Thanks.”Ericleanedagainstthecounter.“Whatnow,Dylan?”“Idon’twanttomovehome.”Theanswercameoutfastandsure.Ericwaswaytoohappyaboutthat—andcouldn’tshowit.“Whynot?”“Itwouldbeliketakingastepback,don’tyouthink?Ineedtodothisonmy

own.”“Dowhat?”“Growup.Beresponsible.”“You’reeighteen,nottwenty-five.You’reentitledtosomehelp.”“Iknow.AndI’lltakesomehelp.I’mnotstupid.”Hegrinned.“Butmoving

homeisn’thelp.Itwouldmakethingseasierinaway,butIdon’tthinkeasyisthewayIwanttogo.Yourlectureshavepaidoff,Iguess.”

“DidIlecture?”Heshrugged,buttherewashumorinhiseyes.“Don’tgetmewrong.I

appreciatetheadviceandexamples,evenifIdon’tshowit.Itsunkin.”Erichadbeenproudofthewayhisbrothersandsisterhadturnedout,andhe

wasjustasproudaboutDylan.Hewasaremarkableyoungmanwhowouldbesuccessfulatwhateverhechosetodo.

Ericpulledtheteenagerintoahug.Theyslappedeachother’sbacksthenletgo,alittleembarrassed.

“IthinkweshouldbarbecuehamburgerswhenMarcywakesup,”Ericsaid.“Goodplan.”Theemotionalmomenthadpassed,eachofthemsayingsomething

importanttoeachotherwithoutusingwords.Theypreppedwhattheycouldfordinnerthenstartedachessmatch.Aftertwohours,Ericheadeduptohisroom,sayingtoDylanashewent,“You’vegotmyback,right?”

Dylan’slaughterfollowedEricupthestairsandintothebedroom,wherehissleepingbeautyslumbered.

Marcyheardthebedroomdooropen,pullingherfromawilddreamwhereshe’dbeenrunningandrunning,overbridgesanddowntrailsthatlednowhere.ShestruggledtosloughoffthedreamastheroomfilledwithlightwhenEricopenedtheblinds.

Hesatonthebedandbrushedherhairfromherfaceandgaveheradelicatekiss.“Better?”heasked.

“I’mnotsureyet.Stillalittlegroggy.Whattimeisit?”“Six-forty-five.”“Youletmesleeptoolong.”“Shootme.”Shesmiled.Infact,shewasgratefulfortheextrarest.“DylanandIarefixingusallhamburgers.”“Yum.”Shestruggledtositup,wasawareofhowcloselyhewatchedher,

likeabugunderamicroscope.“I’mfine,Eric.Really.”“Whyareyoupushingyourselfsomuch?Workingsohard?”“It’srarethatIhavethekindofweekIjusthad.I’llcatchup.”Shelaida

handalonghisface,whichhecoveredwithhisown.“Thankyou.”“Ithinkyouneedakeeper.”Itwasthewrongthingtosay.Shedroppedherhand.“Don’tpatronizeme.

I’vebeentakingcareofmyselffortenyears,anddoingadarnedgoodjobofit.”“Ididn’tmeanitlike—”Hestopped.“You’reright.Iapologize.”Whatcouldshesaytothat?Shehadn’tevenworkedupafullheadofsteam

yetandnowitjustfizzled.“I’llcleanupandbedowninaminute.”Hekissedher,lightlyatfirst,thenwithpassion.“I’mlookingforwardtothe

oneyouoweme,”hesaidagainstherlips.“One-trackmind.”“Youbet.”Heleanedback.“Thisweeksometime?”

“I’mstayingwithLoriandthekidsthisweek.AndDylanwillbehere,so….”

Hegotupandlefttheroom.Shejoinedhiminafewminutes.Bythetimeshewasreadytoleaveafewhourslater,she’deatenaheartyhamburger,helpedhimstowhiskitchenware,andwrittendownalltheitemshestillneeded,especiallytothrowaparty.

Hewalkedhertohercar,thenhandedheranenvelopefilledwithtwenty-dollarbills.“Forexpenses.”

Shetuckeditinherbackpocket.“I’llbebackonSaturdaytogetthingsstarted,thenSundaymorningtofinishup.”

“We’llbeatBecca’sonSaturday.”“Ihavethekeyyougaveme.”“Youknowyoucanstayhereinsteadofwithyourfriend.”“Iknow.Thankyou.”“Butno,thankyou.”Shesmiled.“Yes.”Hefingeredherhair.“Wouldyoumeetmeatahotel?”Herentirebodyreactedtohistouchandsexytoneofvoice.“Icouldbe

convincedtodothat,”shesaid.“Thisweek?”Shelaughed,butitwasn’treallyfunnytoher.Thisrelationshiphadtoend

soon.Hadto.Itwasbecomingtoohardnottotellhimshelovedhimwhensheknewitwasn’twhatheneeded.Shewasn’twhatheneeded.“YouarethemostpersistentmanI’veevermet.”

“Isthatgood?”“Itjustis.WednesdayorThursday.Youchoose.”“Thesoonerthebetter.I’mreadytocollect.”Shelookedaround.Itwasdark.Shecouldn’thearanyonenearby,soshe

kissedhim.“I’mreadytopay.Goodnight,Professor.”Heranafingerdownhernose.“Goodnight,SleepingBeauty.”ShethoughtabouthimcallingherthatallthewaytoLori’sapartment.No

onehadeverusedatermofendearmentwithher.Oh,maybeafewtimessomeonehadcalledherbabe,butthatwassomethinglotsofpeopleused.

Sweetheart.Nowthatwouldbeanendearment.Lori’sboyswereasleepwhenMarcyarrived,butLoriwaswatching

television.“Uh-oh,”Lorisaid.“You’vegotthatglow.”Marcydroppedontothesofabesideher.“Whatglowisthat?”“Thethis-has-gone-beyond-a-flingglow.”Allthemorereasontowrapuptherelationship,Marcythought.“Maybeso,

butdon’tfretaboutit.Hedoesn’thavethesameglow.Infact,heseemsveryhappyintheflingmode.”

“I’mnotworriedabouthim.He’saman.Menrecover.I’mworriedaboutyou.”

“I’mfine.I’vegotmyeyesopen,Lori.Truly.”Herfriendlookedmorethanalittleworried.“Iwillfinishcollege,justlikeIpromisedyouandmymom.Iwillhaveacareer,agoodone,beforeIhavechildren.Nothingwillchangethat.I’monehundredpercentcommitted.”Shesnuggledintothecouchpillows,knowingshecouldn’tgotobeduntilLoridid,whenthecouchwouldbeempty.“So,whatarewewatching?”

LorigaveMarcyapointedlook.“DearJohn.”Shelaughed.“I’mnotquitereadytowritethatletteryet.”“Youneedtobethinkingaboutit.”“Iam.Allthetime.”Sheconsideredthesituation.“Noteveryoneendsupin

yoursituation,Lor.Therearesomedecentmenouttherewhodon’trunaway.”“Iknowthat,Marcy.Ido.Idon’tblametheentiregender,althoughIknowit

soundslikeIdosometimes,becausesometimesit’sthatangerthatkeepsmegoing.OtherwiseImightfalltotallyapart.Butwe’renottalkingaboutotherpeople,we’retalkingaboutyou.You’veseenfirsthandwhatcanhappen.”

Marcywasdonewiththediscussion.SherestedherfeetonthecoffeetableandwatchedtherestofthemoviewithLori.Marcycriedattheend,butLorididn’t.Hadshebecomethathard-heartedthatshecouldn’tbetouchedbysentimentalityanymore?

Marcydidn’twanttobecomehardlikethat.Shewantedtokeepheroptimismandappreciationoflife.

Asshestretchedoutonthesofatosleep,sherememberedthewayErichadtakencareofher.Whatwassowrongwithlettingamandothatnowandthen?Itwasn’tasifshecouldn’ttakecareofherself,afterall.She’ddonesoforyears.Butsharingaload?Thatwasn’tabadthing,evenifonlytemporary.

Butwouldn’titbehardtogobacktodoingitalone?Itwasthequestionshefellasleepthinkingabout.

ChapterSixteen

ThefollowingSaturdayatBeccaandGavin’shousewarmingparty,SamSheridanleanedclosetohisbrotherEricatthedinnertable

“Becca’sevenhappiernowthanatherwedding,”Samsaid.Ericnodded.He’dnoticedit,too.“Andrelaxed.She’sbeensuper-charged

forsolongthatthechangeisnoticeable,Ithink.Marriageisgoodforher.Thissmalltownisgoodforher,too.”

“There’sasoftnessabouther.”Ericstudiedhissister.Theirmealwasover,buttheywerealllingering

aroundthetable—thesiblings,Gavinandhisparents,hissisterShana,Dylan,andKincaid—thestarofthemomentforthebeautifulrenovationhe’ddoneonthehundred-year-oldhouse.Shana’sdaughterbangedatoyonahigh-chairtrayandgiggled.

“You’reright,Sam,”Ericsaid.“‘Soft’isagoodwordforher.Heredgeshavedulled.”He’denjoyedspendingtimewithhisbrothersagain.Afewmonthsagothey’dalsospokenaboutmovingtoSacramentowhenErichadmadehisdecisiontomovethere,butnothinghadcomeofit,soEricdecidedthey’dbeenkiddingaround.Hisneedforhisfamilyseemedtobeescalatingnowthathisownhousewasalmostfinishedandhewasestablishedinhisnewposition.Hewantedtosharehislife,especiallywiththosehelovedmost.

Andheneededtocreateafamilyofhisown.Wantedawifeandchildren.It’dbeenhisnumber-onereasonformovingacrossthecountrytoasmallercity,forenjoyingaslowerpace.

Instead,whathadhedone?Gotteninvolvedwithawomanwhohadnointerestinsettlingdown.Ifonlyshe—

Gavinstoodandtappedhisglasswithaknife,drawingeveryone’sattention.HesetdowntheknifesothathecouldtakeBecca’shand.“Wewanttothankallofyouforcoming,especiallytheSheridanmen,whoflewthousandsofmilestojoinus.Nowthatyouseewehavefourextrabedrooms,wehopeyou’llcomebackoftenandhangoutwithus.”

Heliftedhisglassinatoast.Everyonefollowedsuit,whethertheyhadbeer,icedteaorsoda.“Andhere’stoKincaidfortakingonanenormousjobanddoingthisgreatoldgaljustice.”

Everyonetookasip.“AndtoShana,whohelpeduscreateahomewithherexquisitetasteandbargainbuys.Noonedecoratesahouselikeyoudo,sis.”

Whichrequiredanotherliftedglassandsipsfromeveryone.“Andfinally,BeccaandIarehappytoannouncewe’reexpectingababy.

TheduedateisAprilfirst,butit’snoAprilFools’joke.”Almosteveryonewasupontheirfeetinstantlytoofferhugsandhandshakes.

Ericalmostcouldn’tstand.Beccawastheyoungest,thebaby,andshewashavingthefirstchildamongthem.Althoughsinceshewastheonlyonemarried,thatmadesense,heremindedhimself,gettinguptocongratulatethehappycouple.Therewerehugsandhandshakes,happytears,playfulcommentsaboutGavindeliveringhisownbabywhenthetimecame.ChanceCitywassmall,andhewastheonlydoctorintown.

“Ihatetobreakintothiscelebration,”Kincaidsaid,comingupbesideEric,“butI’vegottoleave,andI’dliketotalktoyoufirst.”

“Sure.Inprivate,youmean?”“Here’sfine.It’snoisyenoughthatIdon’tthinkDylanwillhear,although

I’llneedtoincludehiminaminute.”“Allright,”Ericsaid,intrigued.“IwanttoofferDylanajob.It’dmeanmovingheretoChanceCity,butit

wouldbelongterm.Wouldyoubeokaywiththat?Iwon’taskhimifyou’renot.”

Itwasthesecondbigblowinaten-minuteperiod.BeccawashavingababyandDylancouldbemovingoutjustwhenErichadgottencomfortablehavinghimaroundallthetime.HehadplansforDylan,wasgoingtoapproachhimabouthisideasthisweek,infact.

“Byallmeans,talktoDylan,”Ericsaid,feelinghisworldtiltingalittlebutknowingitwastherightthingtodo.Hegesturedtotheteenagertojointhem.

“Yourbrothersaregreat,”Dylansaid.“They’refunny!”“Theyarethat.Um,Kincaidwantstoaskyousomething.”DylanlookedatKincaidexpectantly.Helookedsoyoung,butalsosoready

tofindhisplaceintheworld.“Shoot.”“Firstofall,”Kincaidsaid,“Iwasreallyimpressedbytheworkyoudidon

Eric’skitchen.AndIdon’timpresseasily.”Dylanflashedagrin.“Thanks.Youmadeiteasy.”“Youhavetalent.Iknowyou’vesaidyouwanttobeanautomechanic,but

I’dlikeyoutoreconsider.You’dbeagreatcarpenter.I’vehadaone-manbusinessforalongtime,andI’veacceptedjobsonlywhenIwantedto.I’mthinkingit’stimetoletitgrowalittle.SoI’mofferingyouajob,full-time.It’llbemorethanfortyhoursaweek,andyou’llbebone-tiredeverynight.Ibelieve

you’llnotjustbegoodatit,butfindsatisfactioninthework,too.Evenwhenitrains,you’llbebusy.Idoalotofinteriorwork.”

Hisexpressionserious,DylanlookedatEric.“AndI’dplannedonofferingtosendyoutocollegeormechanic’sschool.

So,nowyouhaveoptionstoconsider,”Ericsaid.“Thinkitover,”Kincaidsaid.“Idon’tneedananswerrightnow.Justsoyou

know,thejobincludesacompanytruck.You’dhavetolivewithmeforamonthortwoatfirstprobably.”

“Idon’tevenknowwhattosay,”Dylansaid.“I—”“Really,Dylan,Idon’twantanansweryet.Thinkaboutit.Talkitoverwith

Eric.I’llbecomingtoyourhousewarmingtomorrow.Youcantellmethen—ornextweek.”Hepulledouthiscellphoneandlookedatit.“There’ssomewhereIneedtoberightnow,soIdon’tevenhavetimetodiscussitfurther,anyway.”

Theyshookhands,thenKincaidsaidhisgoodbyestoBeccaandGavinbeforeheleft.

“Thatcameoutoftheblue,”Dylansaid.“Sometimesthebestopportunitiesdo,”Ericsaid.“What’syourgut

reaction?”“Totakehimuponit.”Helookedalittlesheepish.“I’ddecidedtobecomea

mechanicbecauseIknewI’dbegoodatit,butalsobecauseitwasdifferentfromwhatmydaddid.ButIsurefeltathomeworkingonyourkitchen.”

“Youlookedit,too.AndKincaidpraisedyouenoughtoconfirmit.”EriccouldfeelDylanmovingonalready,histhoughtsfocusedontheexcitementofsomethingnew.“Kincaid’sright.You’dbeagreatcarpenter.Andyou’dbeworkingwiththebest.Igatherhecreatedthislifeforhimself.Heemancipatedhimselfatsixteen,movedhereandbuiltasmallempire.Hedoesn’townjustafewrentalproperties,asheputit,butalotofthem.Whathedoesn’townhe’srenovatedandsoldforprofit.Noreasonwhyyoucouldn’tdothesame,especiallysincehe’salreadywellestablished.There’dbenostruggletofindwork.”

“Iguessthatdoesn’tleavemewithmuchofadecision,doesit?”Dylanscratchedhisheadandsmiledalittle.

“Youcouldatleastpretendtothinkaboutit.”Dylanlookedhorrifiedthathe’doffendedEric.Ericsmiled.“Takeuntiltomorrow,atleast,anyway.Tellhiminperson.”“It’stimeforfamilyphotos,”Beccacalled.Theyposedforpicturesinmanydifferentconfigurationsandcombinations,

untilsomeonefinallyyelled“Uncle!”andendedit.Alittlelater,hisbrothersandDylangotintoEric’scarandheadedbackto

Davis.Maybeitseemedalittlestrangetobegatheringmostofthesamegrouptomorrowathisownhousewarming,buttheSheridanfamilyprobablywouldn’tgettogetherasoneagainuntilChristmas.Theyneededtocelebratenow.Iftheywaited,theexcitementandnewnessofthenewhousewouldbeanticlimactic,andahousewarmingunimportant.

HewonderedifMarcywasstillthere,settingupandprepping.Hewasn’tsurehewantedhertobe.TheirnightinthehotelonWednesdayhadwhettedhisappetiteformore,notdiminishedit.Hekeptwaitingforittoevenout,butitescalatedeveryday,whetherornothesawher.

ButBecca’sannouncementhadactedlikeabucketoficewaterdumpedoverhim.

Dylan’slifedecisionshadendedupbeingno-brainers.Kincaid’sofferwastherightchoiceforhim.

Eric’s,however,brokeintotwopaths,neithereasy.TherewasMarcy,sexyMarcy,whodidn’twantwhathewanted.Andhedidn’tthinkhecouldwaitanylongerforwhatawaitedhimontheotherpath,awifeandfamily.Notnow.Notatthisage.

Ifonlyhecouldmergethepathsintoone…

Marcyunboxedthenewcoffeemakerandtoaster,havingconvincedEricthatthenewkitchenrequirednewappliances.She’dalsofoundagorgeousceramicfruitbowlforthekitchentable,handmadecanistersforthecountertopandafewbrightlycoloreddishtowelstobringvibrancytothespace.

Shesetoutdishesandsilverware,plannedwhereeachdishforthebuffetwouldsitonthepeninsula,thenshepreparedacoupleofdishesthatneededtorefrigerateovernight,aroastedartichokesaladandapastasalad.Inaplasticbag,shemarinatedatri-tiproasttobarbecue.Inthemorningshewouldpickupcheesetrays,slicebaguettesandmakeabigfruitsalad.

Alargemetalbucketwouldbefilledwithicetonestledrinksinto.Itemafteritemwastickedoffhermasterlist,untiltherewasnothingmore

shecoulddountiltomorrow.Andshewasexhausted.Shedidn’tunderstandwhy.Shewascaughtupon

sleep,atleastasmuchassheusuallygotinaweek.Thepastfewdaysshe’dfeltlikeshewascomingdownwiththeflu,butwasbetterbynoon,exceptfordraggingthroughtherestoftheday.She’dbeenburningthecandleatbothendsforweeks,andnowshemustbepayingforit.

SheheardEric’scarpullintothedriveway.Ifonlythey’dcomefiveminuteslater,shewould’vebeengone.Butsheputonherbestsmiletomeethisbrothers,

Sam,TrentandJeff.ObviouslytheysharedDNA—allofthemtall,athleticandattractive—buteachwasindividual,too.Dylanseemedtoadorethem.Hewasonahighlikeshehadn’tseen.

“Howwastheparty?”sheasked,inchingtowardthefrontdoortotakeoff.“GavinandBeccaannouncedthatshe’spregnant,”Ericsaid.“AndDylan

wasofferedajobworkingforKincaid.Lookslikehe’llbemovingouttomorrow.”

ShestudiedEric’sfaceandsawemotionthere,butshecouldn’tputanametoit.

“Canyoubelieveit?”Dylanasked,givingherahug,thentellingherthedetailsofthejobasthebrothers—exceptEric,whodisappearedintothekitchen—madethemselvesathome,turningonthetelevisionandfindingaballgame.

“Icanbelieveit,Dylan.I’msohappyforyou.”“Itneverwould’vehappenedwithoutyouandEric.ItoldhimI’dredohis

bathroomsforfreewhenhe’sready.”Andyougetalittlemoreexperienceunderyourbelt,shethought.Shedidn’t

wanttobringdownhisexcitementoneiota,norhissenseofbeingabletodoanything.Sherememberedateighteenfeelingthatway,too.

“IneedtogettoScore,”shesaid.“I’llseeyoutomorrow.We’llcelebratemorethen.”

Shetoldthebrothersitwasnicemeetingthem,thenwentinsearchofErictosaygoodbye.Hewasseatedonthebackdeck,intheshade.Hedidn’tevenlookherwaywhenshecamethroughthedoor.

MarcycouldhearAnnieandLucyplayingnextdoor.“HaveyouseenmuchofAnnie?”sheasked.

“No.”“Whynot?”Hegaveheranoddlook.“There’snothingthere,okay?AnnieandItalked

aboutit.Idon’tknowwhatyouthinkyousaw,butitwasn’tattraction,oneitherofoursides.”

Marcysatonthelounge,facinghim.“Iapologize.”Shedidn’tthinkthatwaswhyhewasupset,however,soshepushedalittle.“So,you’vedoneyourjobwell,andDylan’sonhisway,”shesaid.

“Lookslikeit.”“It’smakingyousad?”Heshrugged.“I’vegottenusedtohimbeingaround.”Morethanthat,Marcythought.He’dbecomelikeafathertotheteenager,

nowhehadtogivehimwings.Everyparentprobablystruggledwiththat.Shelaidahandonhis.Heletitliethere,didn’tholdhersinreturn,soshe

pulleditback.“IsBeccafeelingokay?”sheasked,worriedabouthowdistanthewas.“Shesaysshehasmorningsicknessandistiredmostofthetime,but

otherwiseyes,everythingisgoingfine.She’sdueAprilfirst.I’veneverseenhersohappyandcontent.”

“AreyouupsetaboutDylanorisyoursister’spregnancytroublingyousomehow?”

Hesquinted,lookingstraightahead.“Both,Ithink.”“IunderstandaboutDylan,butBecca?Idon’tgetit.”Hefinallylookedherintheeye.“Iwantwhatshehas,Marcy.Youknow

that.”“AndI’mintheway,”shesaidquietly,alumpforminginherthroat.“You’re

toohonorabletoseekoutsomeonetomarryandgrowoldwithaslongasI’minthepicture.”

“Idon’tknowwhattodo.”“Icanmakeiteasyforyou,Eric.”Itwashardtosaythewords,butshe’d

knownallalongtheywouldneedsayingatsomepoint.“Icangoaway.Leaveyoufreetogetonwithyourlife.It’sgoingtoendsometime.Maybenowisthetime.”

“Maybeyou’reright.”Devastatedthathe’dagreed,shestruggledtobreathe.Thebackdoorburstopen.Samleanedouttosay,“Hey,bro,youralma

mater’splayingonTV.Fourthquarter,alltiedup.Oh,sorry.Ididn’tmeantointrude.”

“It’sfine,”Marcysaid,standing,shaking.“Ihavetogettowork.I’llseeyoutomorrowmorning.Bye.”

Hedidn’ttrytostopher.Didn’tsayhername.Didn’tfollowher.Itwasn’tuntilhalfwaythroughhershiftatScorethatEric’swordsabout

Beccasankin:“Shehasmorningsicknessandistiredmostofthetime….”Marcyduckedintothekitchentolookatthecalendar.They’dused

protection,exceptthefirsttime.Shehadbeensureshehadn’tbeenovulatingthatday.Positiveofit.

Maybeshewaswrong.Shehadn’thadaperiodsincethen,sherealized,onlysomespotting,whichwasn’tusualforher.Herbreastshadbeentender,buttheysometimesgottenderrightbeforeherperiod.She’dhadtoomuchelseonhermindtoputtwoandtwotogether.

Shewasonautopilotfortherestoftheshift,thenstoppedatanall-nightstoretopickupapregnancytest.Lori’sapartmentwasquietwhenshegotthere.Shewentstraighttothebathroom.Herhandshookassheadministeredthetest.

Thenshewaitedandwaited,herstomachroiling,nauseathreatening.Whenthetimewasupshelooked.Positive.SheandEricweregoingtohaveababy,theverysituationshe’dpromised

herselfshewouldn’teverbein.Itwasexactlywhathewanted—althoughnotwithher.Andshewantedhim,

butnotthisway.Notbecauseshewaspregnant.Andnotwhenshehadn’tfulfilledherpromisetoLoriand,moreimportantly,toherself.

NowneithershenorErichadachoice.

ChapterSeventeen

Allthesignsthatthehousewarmingpartywasasuccesswerevisible—guestsminglingandtalking,foodbeingconsumedandravedabout,andnooneseemedtobeinahurrytoleave,althoughMarcyknewtheSheridanbrothersneededtotakeofffortheairportsoon.Whichmeantthateveryoneelsewouldgo,too,includingKincaid,whowouldtakeDylanhomewithhim.Thefinalityofthatwashugetoher,soshecouldonlyimaginehowEricfelt.

She’dofferedtostayandcleanupwhilehedrovehisbrotherstotheairport.Sheneededtimetotalkinprivate,neededtotellhimshewaspregnant.Eventhoughyesterdayhe’dwantedtoendtheirrelationship.

Shehadn’tsharedhernewswithLorithismorningfortworeasons.Ericneededtobethefirsttoknow,andLoriwould’veofferedheropinion,onewhichMarcyprobablydidn’twanttohear.Whateverhappened,itwouldbeEricandMarcy’sdecisionalone.

ShanawavedahandinfrontofMarcy’sface.“Callingallhiredwives,”shesaid,grinning.ShecarriedhersweetEmmaonherhip.Atfourteenmonths,shewaswalkingbutnottalkingawholelot.

MarcygaveEmmaacracker,andshesmiledsweetly.“Sorry,Shana.I’vebeenprettydistractedallday.”Howshe’devenfocusedenoughtodoeverythingamazedevenher.Thankgoodnessforlists.

“Well,thepartyisahugesuccess,soyoucanrelax.AndtwoofEric’scoworkersaskedmeformybusinesscard,soIcouldn’tbehappier.GoodthingIhadsomeprintedup.”

“Maybeyouwon’tbeworkingforAtYourServicemuchlonger,”Marcysaid.

“Iwishthatweretrue,butit’llbealongtimeuntilI’mabletosupportEmmaandmyselfoninterior-designworkalone.Takesforevertogetestablishedsinceit’smostlywordofmouth,butI’llgetthere.IwishI’dfiguredoutitwaswhatI’dwantedtodoyearsagoandstartedtrainingforit.Would’vemadelifeforEmmaandmeawholeloteasier.”Shekissedherdaughter’sforehead.“We’vestruggledunbelievably.Withoutmysister,Dixie,andmybrother…Well,really,withoutDixie’smother-in-law,Aggie,too,I’mnotsurewewould’vesurvivedatall.”

“Whataboutyourparents?”Sheshrugged.“Therearedifficultiesthere.I’mworkingonthem.”“Haveyoualwaysbeenasinglemom?”“Yes.HerdaddydiedbeforeweknewIwaspregnant.Beforewecouldget

married,even,althoughwe’dbeentogetherforyears.”“Oh,howsadthatheneverknew.”“Mybiggestregret.”ShenestledEmmacloseforasecond.“It’salongstory,

Marcy,andI’dbehappytoshare.Maybewecouldmeetforlunchsometime?IworkinSacramentoalot.”

“I’dlikethat.”Shanacockedherhead.“Ireallyadmireyou.You’resettingyourselfupfor

lifebeforeyouhavechildren.It’ssomucheasierthatway.NotthatI’dchangeanythingabouthavingEmma….Oh!Gavin’swavingatme,sayingit’stimetogo.Iimagineeveryonewillbetakingoff.”

Alotofhugginghappened,thenmostofthepartyguestsweregone.Thebrotherswentoutside,alongwithKincaid,givingEricandMarcyprivacytosaygoodbyetoDylan.He’dalreadyloadedhisbelongingsinKincaid’struck.

HehuggedMarcyfirst.Tearsburnedhereyesandthroat.“I’mproudofyou,”shesaid.“Happyforyou.”

“Thanks.Andthanksforeverythingyoudid.I’llneverforgetit.”“Stayintouch,okay?”“Iwill.”HeturnedtoEric.Theyjuststaredateachother.Marcythoughtsheshouldprobablyleavethemalone,butstoodtransfixed

bytheemotionpassingbetweenthem.“I’lldoyouproud,”Dylansaid.“Iknowyouwill.”“AndsomedayI’llhelpsomeonelikeyoudidme.I’llpayitforward.”“Can’taskformorethanthat.”EricwrappedhisarmsaroundDylanand

pulledhimclose.MarcysawEricsqueezehiseyesshut.“Iloveyou,man,”DylansaidintoEric’sshoulder,andthenhepushedaway

andranoutofthehouse.Ericstared,swallowed,blewoutashakybreath.HefinallylookedatMarcy,

hiseyesgonedull.“WillyoubeherewhenIgetback?”“Yes.”Heranahanddownherhair,thenoffhewent,too,andshewasleftaloneto

cleanupandwaitforwhatwouldprobablybethelongesthourofherlife.

EricknewheneededtofinishtheconversationheandMarcyhadstarted

yesterday,buthewishedtheydidn’thavetobecivil,thattheycouldjustgoupstairstohisbedroom,makeloveandthenspendthenightineachother’sarms.Heneededthat.Neededher.Notconversation,civilorotherwise.

He’dliketotellherhowhereallyfelt,justbehonestabouteverything,buthefigureditwouldhurthertoomuch.Hedidn’twanttohurther,eventhoughitmeanthe’dbelefthurtingjustasmuch.

Hefoundhercurledupontheliving-roomsofa,themusicturnedonsoftandlow.She’dworkedhardtomakehispartyasuccess.AfterservingatScorelastnight,shecouldn’thavegottenmorethanafewhours’sleep.Andshe’dstartedofflastnightexhausted.

“Hi,”shesaid,blinkingafewtimes.“GuessIdozedoff.”“Iguessyouneededit.”Hesatbesideher.“Thankyou.Everyonehadagood

time.”“You’rewelcome.Itwasmypleasure,really.Ienjoyedallofit.Yournew

kitchenisacook’sdream.”“We’restalling,”hesaidafterafewsecondspassed.“Youfirst,”shesaid,lookingalittlehaunted.“Okay.Rightbeforeyouleftyesterday,youofferedtogoaway.”“Andyouagreed.”“Isaidmaybeyouwereright.Ispentalotofsleeplesshoursthinkingabout

it.You.”Hetookherhand.“I’mnotreadytoletgoofyou.Andasyounotedonce,Ican’tsleepwithyouanddatesomeoneelse.It’snotwhoIam.”

“Idon’tknowwhatthatallmeans.”“ItmeansthatIwanttotakethisrelationshiptowhateverendthereis,

whetherIdecidetoenditoryoudo.Untilthen,it’sjustyouandme.”“EventhoughI’mnottheoneyouwant.”Hefrowned.“Iwantyou.IthinkI’veshownthatateverypossible

opportunity.”“Idon’tmeanwantinthephysicalsense,butthepermanentsense.”“Youmean,likemarriage?You’retheonewhosaysI’mtoooldandsettled,

andyou’vegotmilestogobeforeyousleep.”Shelookedatherlap.“Well,sometimespeoplechangetheirminds.”Hopestampededinsideofhim.“Haveyouchangedyours?”Sheliftedherheadandmethisgaze.“I’mpregnant.”Asidefromfeelingpunchedinthestomach,thelogisticsstruckhimfirst.

“Weusedprotectioneverytime.Except…”“Thefirsttime,yes.”“Whichyouweresure,positive,wassafe.”“Iwassure.Mybodywasn’t,Iguess.Believeme,I’mstrugglingoverthis,

too,Eric.ButIamtwenty-ninedayspregnant.”Suddenlyallthewho,what,why,when,whereandhowsscatteredinto

oblivion.Nothingmatteredbutthefactshewaspregnant.Shewouldneverleave.Hewasgoingtobeafather.He’dbeengiventheopportunityhe’dbeenwishingforandknew,forhersake,hecouldn’tadmit,eventohimself.

“We’llgetmarriedrightaway,”hesaid.“WecangotoTahoe.Iwishyou’dtoldmeearlier.Mybrotherscould’vestayed.I—”

“Slowdown,”shesaid.Heclampedhismouthshut.“Youareanhonorableman,andIknowtoyoutherearenooptionsother

thangettingmarriedrightaway.”“You’reright,Marcy.Therearenone.”He’dclosedup.Shecouldseethatclearly.Thiswouldn’tbeteamwork,not

thistime.“Ithinkweoweittoourselvestotakeafewbreaths,togetusedtotheidea.Andmaybetofigureouthowtomakeamarriageworkwithoutlove.”There.She’dsaidit.“Marriageishardenoughwhenyouloveeachother.Andwomenoftenendupaloneandstrugglingtomakeendsmeet.Again,Iknowyou’reanhonorableman,Eric,butthereasonwhyIneedtofinishcollegeandestablishacareerisbecauseofallthosewomenwhoalsothoughttheyweremarryinghonorablemen,thenfoundoutotherwise.”

Hisjawwentrigid.“Waithere.”Heracedupstairsandcamedownwithhislaptop,setitonhislapandtyped

inlettersandnumbers.Finallyheturneditsothatshecouldseethescreen.“Checkthebottomline.That’smynetworth.I’llsignaprenup,ifyouneed

thatsecurity,butwhateverhappens,youwon’thavetostrugglelikeLoriorShana.OrAnnie.Oranyothersinglemomyouknow.Butevenmoreimportant,Marcy,Iwouldneverleaveyou.”

“Butyoucoulddie!LookatAnnie.”Thethoughtofhimnotbeinginherlifeslammedintoher,stealingherbreath.

“Andnoamountofmoneywillstopthatkindofpain,”hesaid,puttinganarmaroundher.“Butyouwouldhaveenoughtohavechoices.Conveniences.Security.Thatmakesmefeelgood.”

Sheunderstoodhisneedtoprovehecouldprovidewell.Heprobablyalreadyhadmorethantheycoulduseinalifetime.“Youcould’veboughtamansion,manymansions.Whydidyoubuyaforeclosurethatneededsomuchwork?”

“Ilikedthehouseandtheneighborhood.Iwantanormal,regularlife.Imadealotofmoneybycreatingmyownhedgefund.OnceIhadenoughsavedup,Ishutitdown.NowIjustmanagemyinvestments.Idon’thavetowork,

either,butIlovewhatIdo.”Heheldhergaze.“So,nowthatthoseissuesareoutoftheway,whatelse?”

“College,”shesaid.“Career.”“Marcy,”hesaidtenderly,patiently.“You’renotseeingtheforestforthe

trees,sweetheart.”Sweetheart.He’dcalledhersweetheart.“Inwhatway?”“Youaresogoodattakingcareofpeople,whywouldyougetabusiness

degree,ofallthings?”“BecauseIwantagoodcareer.”Shewasrunningoutofsteamandreasons

todefendherplan.He’djusttakenawayoneofthebigreasonsshe’dbeenonthispathtostartwith.

“Igetthatyouwantacareer,”hesaidasifamazedhimself.“Ifinallyseethat.IthinkI’vebeenangryatmymotheralltheseyears,becauseitwasthefactshewasworkingthatledtotheaccidentthatkilledherandmyfather.Ineededsomethingtoblame.Iblamedherhavingacareer.”

Shewrappedherhandaroundhisandsqueezed.“Continueonwithcollegeafterthebabycomes,ifthat’swhatyouwant.I’ll

supportyouonehundredpercent,throughschoolandacareer,orwhateveritisyouwant,”hesaid.“Butpleasechoosesomethingthatmakessenseforyou,evenifit’sthejobofstay-at-homemom.You’dbegreatatit.Atleastconsideritasanoption.Youcouldmakesignificantcontributionsinthevolunteerworldaswellasrighthere.Andbythetimethekidsareinschoolorgonefromthenest,youmightwanttodosomethingentirelydifferent.Youhavetheluxuryofchoices.”

Sheputherhandoverhermouthasshestartedtocry.Itwashersecretwish.Herdeep-seated,forever-secretwish.She’dtriedtobesopracticalforsolong,whenwhatshe’dwantedallalongwasexactlywhathewasoffering.

Exceptforonething.“Whataboutlove?”sheasked,almostchokingonthequestion.

“I’mhopefulthatlovewillhappen.Ithinkwehavemostoftherequirementsalready.We’rereallygoodfriends,andwecan’tkeepourhandsoffeachother—solidplacestostart,don’tyouthink?IpromiseI’lldomybestto—”

Loveyou.Thosewerethewordssheexpected,butheactuallysaid,“IpromiseI’lldomybesttowinyourlove.”

Shefelthermouthdropopen.“Areyousayingyouloveme?”Hegaveheralonglook.“Isentyoulavenderroses,Marcy.Ican’tbelieve

youdidn’tlookupthemeaning.”“Idid.Icouldn’timagineyouknowingtheirmeaning,however.”“I’mverythorough.”Hewiggledhiseyebrows,andshelaughed.“Ofcourse

Iloveyou.Ilovedyouatfirstsight.Maybeittookmealittlelongerthanfirstsighttoseeitclearly,butlookingback,Iknowithappenedthatveryfirstnight.”

“Iloveyou,too.Ihaveforalongtime.”Hetouchedforeheadswithher.“Andherewethoughtwewerebeingso

honestwitheachother.Whydidn’tyoutellme?”“BecauseIknewyouwantedawifeandchildren,andIdidn’tthinkIwas

readyyet.WhenIdiscoveredlastnightIwaspregnant,alltheliesI’dtoldmyselforbeenconvincedoffadedaway.Iknewyouwouldmarryme,butIdidn’tknowitwouldbeforalltherightreasons.”

Hislaughterfilledtheroomwithjoy.Shefeltlovedandcherishedandvery,verylucky.Ifonesmallthinghadn’thappenedthewayithadalongtheway,theywouldn’thavefoundeachother.

Hescoopedherupandwhirledherarounduntilshestoppedhim.“Delicatestomach,youknow?”

“Sorry.I’mhappy,Marcy.Soincrediblyhappy.Weneverhavetospendanothernightapart.”Hefrownedalittle.“Youcangetoutofthehouse-sittingjobs,can’tyou?Willyou?”

“Icanandwill.Therearepeopleclamoringforthosejobs.”“Thishousehasbeenyoursallalong.Youputyourstamponiteveryday.”

Hecuppedherface.“Thatfirstnight,Irealizedyou’dalreadyturneditintoahomeforme,evenprovidedmewithachild—Dylan.Thenthemomentheleft,youprovidedanother.Maybealittlegirlwithhazeleyesandcurlyauburnhair.Howfastcanyouputaweddingtogether?”

“Sofastit’llmakeyourheadspin.Inthemeantime,IthinkIcancomeupwithafewwaystodistractyouwhileyouwait,Professor.”

Theneventhoughitwasonlyeighto’clock,theyturnedoutthelights,closedtheblindsandclimbedthestairstotheirbedroomwhereshedistractedhimcompletelyandcherishedhimandadoredhim,doingwhatshedidbest,takingcareofhim.

Andthemoreshegave,themoreshegot.Shewasthehappiestwomanonearth.

ISBN:978-1-45921223-7

HISTEMPORARYLIVE-INWIFE

Copyright©2011bySusanBovaCrosby

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*WivesforHire

††TheMcCoysofChanceCity

†BehindClosedDoors

**BackinBusiness

‡TheBabyChase

‡‡TheFortunesofTexas:Lost…andFound