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  Before she realized it, he’d pulled the car to stop in her parents’ driveway.

  “Home sweet home,” he said. “Or, at least I assume you still live with your parents. I guess I should have asked.”

  She bit back an outright laugh in favor of a more ladylike chuckle. “Yes, I do still live at home. According to my mother, it’s the proper thing to do.”

  Wyatt hopped out and came around the back of the car to open her door. Her mother would have been proud of how she’d waited for his assistance. Usually, she opened her own door before Garrett could get there.

  “Would you like to come in and say hello?”

  “I’d better not. I’ve been given an order to relay to the cook. I wouldn’t want Christina to have to wait for her supper.” He took hold of her elbow, as he had in the hospital. “I’ll see you to the door.”

  Another round of sparks shot up her arm. She pulled away and took two steps forward. “It’s not necessary.”

  He caught hold of her wrist and turned her to face him. His dark gaze flared. “Thank you for coming to see Pops. He obviously adores you.”

  “It was my pleasure.”

  She was about to pull from his grasp when he tightened his grip, stopping her in her tracks. “My brother’s a lucky man.”

  Her cheeks flooded with warmth. “Thank you.” He smiled and her heart did a little flip inside her chest.

  His deep voice softened to a mere whisper. He released her wrist. “You’re welcome, Re…becc…a.”

  She swallowed, smiled and dashed to the porch. By the time she turned back toward the drive, Wyatt had already climbed into the car and cranked the engine. The way he’d said her name, drawn out and distinct, had reminded her of a cat unfurling its lazy body in front of a raging fire.

  And her with no extinguisher in sight.

  Chapter Two

  What the hell had he been thinking? Flirting with a Saturday night date was one thing, but playing cat and mouse with his brother’s girlfriend was unforgiveable. Wyatt slammed the car into high gear and turned back onto the boulevard leading away from the Winston home.

  He hadn’t intended to flirt with her, yet he couldn’t help himself. Rebecca Winston was like a breath of fresh air amid the social climbers, and overt man-chasers he was used to.

  Petite, with a rosy-cheeked complexion and darned-near perfect body, she’d stirred some dormant longing within him. Her hair glistened like harnessed sunshine, despite the severe, school teacher up-do she’d chosen. The kicker, though, were the bright green eyes that twinkled when she talked. And darkened when she was nervous, or embarrassed.

  He loved the sparkle, but coveted the darker, more honest shade. It meant she’d felt something.

  He’d need to tread carefully. Avoiding her was the obvious solution. The last thing he wanted on his first trip home in years was to come between his brother and the woman their father had insisted would one day become a member of the family.

  Wyatt let himself into his father’s home, delivered Christina’s message to the cook, and then made his way to the study. He’d brought work with him and needed to get to it.

  Perhaps an embezzlement case would take his mind off Rebecca Winston and her hauntingly beautiful smile.

  ****

  The sound of a phone ringing off in the distance woke Wyatt from a restless sleep. He rolled over in the bed and stared at the alarm clock. Six-ten.

  Who could be calling so early? Had something happened to his father?

  He shot out of bed and pulled on his jeans. Grabbing his discarded shirt from the back of the bedside chair, he slid his arms through the sleeves on the run. The closest phone was in the library and he turned toward the sound.

  By the time he got there, the ringing had stopped. He lifted the receiver. Garrett and their step-mother where in mid-conversation. Something about test results. He cleared his throat. “I’m on the line too,” he said, preferring to announce himself rather than eavesdrop.

  “I was just telling Christina, the results are back on dad’s blood work and chest x-ray. They suspect he has a minor blockage. The cardiologist wants to do open heart surgery.”

  “Is that dangerous?” Wyatt asked.

  “It can be, but I’ve engaged the best specialist available,” Garrett explained. “Dad will be in good hands.”

  “When does surgeon want to operate?” Christina asked.

  “He wants dad to rest for a few days and he’ll schedule surgery for first thing Tuesday morning.” Garrett paused and then asked, “Wyatt, how long are you able to stay?”

  “I planned to be here for at least a couple of weeks. They’re not expecting me back in the office until Tuesday, the 23rd.”

  “Thank goodness,” Christina said. “I don’t know what I do without you both here during this trying time.” A soft sniffle accompanied her claim. “I’ll leave you boys to talk. I’ve got an early yoga class.”

  The distinct click of her disconnect echoed over the line.

  Yoga class? A thoroughly uncharitable thought came to mind but Wyatt pushed it aside. For the time being at least.

  “Tell Pops I’ll be in to see him in the late morning. I’ve got a couple of things to get off my plate first.”

  “Work?” Garrett guessed.

  “Yes. I left in a rush the moment I got Christina’s call. I need to complete my current case notes and then forward them to the attorney covering for me. It should only take a couple of hours.”

  “Can you do me a favor, Wyatt?”

  “Yes, of course. Whatever you need.”

  “Becca’s car is in the shop. When I talked to her last night I told her I’d pick her up between nine-thirty and ten and bring her to visit dad. Unfortunately, there’s no rest for the lowly resident and I got called in on my morning off. Can you run by and get her for me?”

  Wyatt hesitated. He’d been awake half the night obsessing over his deplorable behavior toward his brother’s girl. Then, when he’d finally fallen asleep, he’d dreamed of green eyes and pouty pink-tinged lips.

  Against the better judgment tapping at his conscience, he agreed. “Sure. I’ll pick her up as scheduled. Anything else you need me to do?”

  “No, nothing else.”

  The call ended, the last two connections cut.

  He needed a shower and some coffee. And, possibly even one of Mrs. Hardy’s famous pecan buns. Not his usual healthy breakfast fare, but irresistible all the same. If he put his nose to the proverbial grindstone, he’d be through his paperwork by nine. And standing on Rebecca Winston’s front porch before ten.

  The thought should have scared some sense into him. Instead, it only made him smile.

  ***

  At the first chime of the doorbell, Rebecca raced from the kitchen. The last thing she needed on a beautiful Saturday morning was to have her mother drag Garrett into the house under the pretense of coffee and then drop her less than subtle hints about a possible engagement.

  She tugged at the doorknob, momentarily caught off guard when she saw Wyatt standing where Garrett should be.

  “Good morning.” A broad smile softened his usual stern features.

  “Good morning. I was expecting Garrett.”

  “Tell Garrett to come in for coffee,” her mother called out.

  Rebecca blew out a sigh. The simple emotional release drew Wyatt’s chuckle.

  He tugged on the screen door and pulled it open. “Come on, let’s go.”

  “But…my mother—ˮ

  He winked at her. His smile spread. “We’ll pretend we didn’t hear.”

  She grabbed her sweater and handbag from the entryway table and fled, shutting the heavy front door behind her. A giggle she couldn’t quite suppress slipped past her lips.

  Wyatt took hold of her hand and pulled her down the front porch steps and toward his car. Her fingers tingled where he held them yet she had no desire to pull away.

  “My mother will be furious.”

  “I’ll take the blame
,” he assured her. “I’ve got broad shoulders.”

  Yes, she supposed he did. Not that she’d noticed. At least not more than once or twice.

  As he had the evening before, he opened the car door, and she slid into the seat, sparing no more than a quick glance back at her family home. Thankfully, her mother hadn’t followed them outside.

  “Where’s Garrett?” she asked once he’d taken his seat behind the wheel.

  “He got called in early.” He revved the engine and pulled the car into reverse. “I promised him I’d deliver you safe and sound.”

  “Do you think we could stop at the market on our way?”

  He slowed the car and changed lanes. “You’ve got a sudden urge to shop?”

  “I figured your father has enough flowers. I thought I’d take him some fresh fruit. I’ve heard how horrid hospital food can me.”

  “You’re very considerate.” He paused. “No wonder Pops is so keen on you.”

  “He and my mom both expect Garrett and me to marry.”

  “And you don’t?”

  She stared out at the passing scenery, looking for inspiration. How could she explain a relationship she barely understood herself? Pulling in a deep breath, she chose her words carefully. “To tell the truth…we’ve never discussed it.”

  “That surprises me. After all, you two have been dating since college.”

  “Actually since eleventh grade, but who’s counting?”

  He cleared his throat. Was he embarrassed by the course of their conversation? Somehow she doubted it. Wyatt didn’t seem the type to be embarrassed by anything.

  “Are you upset he hasn’t asked you yet?”

  They pulled into the parking lot of the market before she could respond, and she used their arrival as an excuse to not answer. What would Wyatt think of her if she admitted she didn’t want to marry his kid brother? Especially given how long they’d been dating.

  Rather than wait for him to open her door, she stepped out of the car and made a beeline for the produce. She’d gathered up a handful of oranges by the time he reached her side.

  “Can I help you with those?” he asked, holding out his hands.

  She shook her head. “No thanks. I’ve got it.”

  “Suit yourself, but those dainty hands of yours aren’t going to hold much more.”

  Rebecca shot him a purposeful glare. “I’m fine.”

  Wyatt motioned to the teenager behind the fruit stand. “Could we have a paper bag please?”

  The boy handed him a brown bag, and Wyatt shook it open and pointed it in her direction. He returned her glare with one of his own.

  Somewhat reluctantly, she relinquished the four oranges.

  “Easier?” he asked, the single word filled with humor.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  She also gathered three of the ripe yellow apples Phillip Langley favored. The fact she knew his favorite fruit only reinforced how long she and Garrett had been together and how well they knew each other and their respective families.

  Except, of course, for Wyatt. She barely knew Wyatt.

  She chose two bananas as well and then withdrew her wallet to pay.

  “The gentleman’s already paid,” the young boy said.

  Rebecca turned to scold Wyatt for paying for her purchase, but he’d already gone on to the next stall. She followed close on his heels.

  “The fruit was supposed to be a gift from me,” she told him once she reached his side.

  “And it still can be. I’ve no intention of taking credit for your idea. If I were bringing him anything, it would be a flask of brandy or couple of good cigars.”

  “Not the wisest of choices, given his current medical condition.”

  He shrugged, the lift and fall of his shoulders reminding her yet again of their width. The corners of his mouth lifted in a boyish, almost sheepish, grin.

  I’ll take the blame. I’ve got broad shoulders.

  A shiver ran down her back. Her attraction to Wyatt scared the daylights of her. Yet, she couldn’t help herself…even if she wanted to.

  They arrived at the hospital shortly after ten. The nurses were leaving the room as she and Wyatt entered.

  “Another round of tests?” Wyatt asked.

  “Blood suckers,” Phillip grumbled. He sat up straight in his bed and aimed his next words at the door. “I swear they’re going to drain me dry long before they get me anywhere near an operating room.”

  Rebecca made a show of fluffing the pillows behind Phillip’s back. “My, my. Aren’t we being dramatic this morning?”

  “I feel like a pin cushion.”

  Wyatt sat on the foot of his father’s bed. “Other than bloodwork, how are you feeling?”

  “Good enough to go home.”

  “Not going to happen, Pops. You might as well settle in.”

  “The food stinks,” Phillip complained.

  Wyatt chuckled. “Well then, I suppose it’s a good thing Rebecca thought about your well-being. She brought you a gift.”

  She handed Phillip the bag. “There’s some oranges, a few apples, and a couple of bananas.”

  He grasped her hand in his and squeezed. “Thank you, Sprite. You’re a lifesaver.”

  They stayed until lunchtime. Neither Christina nor Garrett came to visit in the time they were there.

  “They’ll be shooing us out of here soon,” Wyatt said, his gaze meeting hers. “I’ll drive you home.”

  “I can take a cab,” she told him. “I hate being such a bother.”

  “You’re no bother.”

  “He’s right,” Phillip echoed. “You’re family. Family’s never a bother.”

  Wyatt was unusually silent on the walk from his father’s room to the elevator. His hand at her elbow, both his touch and his silence set her on edge.

  “I suppose Garrett couldn’t get away,” she said once they’d stepped into the empty elevator.

  “I’m sure he’s busy with patients.” He gave the button for the first floor an exceptionally hard push. “I wonder what excuse Christina will have for not being here.”

  She wasn’t sure if the question was rhetorical or if he was expecting a comment. Rather than encroach on family business, she chose to change the subject.

  “Your father looked better today. He had more color in his cheeks.”

  The elevator door opened, and Wyatt rushed her through. His pace picked up, and she had to double-time her steps to keep up with him. Something was obviously bothering him.

  “I guess yoga class and getting her nails done are more important than visiting her husband.”

  So much for ignoring the obvious. “I gather you have an issue with Christina.”

  He stared at her as if he’d not even realized she was there. “Sorry,” he said finally. “I shouldn’t be airing my frustration in public.”

  “It’s okay. Like your father said, I’m family.”

  He seated her in the car and then hurried to the other side. By the time he’d settled in behind the wheel, his anger…frustration…seemed to have abated.

  “How about I take you to lunch?”

  “I don’t—ˮ

  “You’ve got to eat, and I’m starved. Family doesn’t let family go hungry, do they?”

  “I suppose not.”

  “Good. I’ve been craving a corned beef on onion roll from Scully’s for months.”

  “They don’t have delis in Los Angeles?”

  “Not as good as here.”

  “Fine.” She raised her arm and pointed forward. “To the deli for sustenance.”

  He chuckled. “Maybe we’ll even have dessert.”

  Rebecca’s heart turned a somersault inside her chest. Accepting a ride with Wyatt was one thing. Sharing a meal quite another.

  It’s only a sandwich and maybe some of their cheesecake you like so much.

  She stole a glance across the width of the car. Wyatt’s attention was on the road, but a smile lifted the corner of his full lips.


  She drew a breath and closed her eyes. She needed divine guidance. Something told her, when it came to spending time with Wyatt, cheesecake wasn’t going to be the only thing she wanted.

  Chapter Three

  Wyatt found them a corner table and then went to the front counter to place their order. While he waited for the food, he did his best to look anywhere but at Rebecca. He’d never been so confused before…at least not where women were concerned. Yet, this one had his stomach tied in knots and his usually sharp mind in a state of addled confusion.

  What the hell was Garrett thinking? Why had he not proposed marriage as of yet? According to Rebecca, they’d never discussed it. When she’d admitted as much, he’d nearly let loose a rather ungentlemanly shout of pure joy.

  She’d also never answered when he’d asked if she was upset at not being engaged. Her silence had given him yet another ray of hope.

  Their order was up, and he grasped the blue plastic tray in his hands and set a course for the table. He needed to satisfy his curiosity about Rebecca and Garrett’s relationship before things went any further. He’d never step on his brother’s toes. But, if Garrett wasn’t serious, then he fully intended to make his move.

  She’d bewitched him with nothing more than her kindness and beautiful smile. Oh, and those eyes.

  He set the tray down between them and took his seat. “Corned beef on rye with a fresh dill pickle on the side.” He set the plate in front of her. “Corned beef on onion roll with a side of slaw for me. A cream soda for you and a root beer for me.”

  “What? No dessert?”

  The widening of her bright gaze caused a hitch in his breathing. Her teasing grin enticed him.

  He returned her smile with one of his own. “I can go back up for cheesecake if you’re still hungry afterward.”

  She lifted the extra thick sandwich in her hand. “I’m pretty sure this will be enough.”