His-And-Hers Twins (11 page)

He saw sympathy rise in her eyes. “It was okay though, the divorce I mean. I saw Dad on the weekends and stuff, and he and Mom stayed on fairly good terms.”

“Where he is now?”

“In Germany on business. Some kind of computer company he's considering investing in. He travels a lot.”

“So, you chose your career when you were twelve?”

“No.” Zeke laughed. “But I had a buddy whose dad owned an animal clinic. I worked there during the summer, you know, cleaning cages and stuff. After that…well, after watching his dad treat animals, I knew I wanted to be a vet.”

“He must have made quite an impression.”

“Yeah. I graduated from high school, then went to UGA. I was lucky. Got into vet school my junior year.”

“I'm sure your parents are proud. So, you still like what you do?”

“Sure.” Zeke polished off a roll. “Sometimes, telling little old ladies with poodles about fleas is tiresome, but every job has its downside. Mostly I enjoy the animals. And I like surgery, especially trauma cases.”

He noticed her gaze stray to his hands and wondered what she was thinking. Then the waiter brought their food and they both attacked the steaks like starving animals. Either that, or they were both avoiding looking at the other one.

“Do you work on Sundays?”

Zeke shook his head. “Sometimes. I'm thinking of joining the emergency service so I won't have to go in at night. I need more time with the girls.”

“Sounds like a good idea,” Paige said. “So, tell me about your ex-wife.”

Zeke tore off a chunk of bread, gritting his teeth. “Why do you want to know?”

Paige shrugged, cutting her steak. “The girls mentioned she's coming home.”

His stomach churned. “She's supposed to return to the States next week for good.”

Paige scooped up a bite of her baked potato. “I know the girls are looking forward to seeing her.”

But I'm not.

“I'm sure they miss her terribly, Zeke. You must have been devastated when she left.”

“The divorce was hard for everyone at first,” Zeke admitted, annoyed at the subject. This was his night with Paige—he didn't intend to ruin it by discussing his failed marriage.

“Tell me about you and Derrick,” he said, switching the subject.

Paige blinked. “There's not much to tell. We've known each other forever. High school sweethearts and all that.”

He didn't like her answer.

He was just about to ask her if they were serious sweethearts now, but the waiter interrupted with dessert menus and the violinist serenading the couple across the room stopped in front of their table, easing into a popular romantic tune. Then Paige gazed at him with a hint of seduction and the sweet agony in her eyes obliterated any questions he'd meant to ask. He didn't want to talk about his failed marriage or Derrick tonight. He wanted to seduce Paige and end this hot torture burning between them.

“Bring us a hot fudge cake with two spoons,” Zeke told the waiter, determined to end the evening on a lighter note.

Paige's eyes widened when the waiter set the huge concoction in front of them.

Zeke gave her a teasing grin. “Hey, I love strawberries and chocolate.”

Their gazes locked again, and sensuous didn't begin to describe the storm of passion in her eyes. Then a sweet
vulnerability shadowed her need, and he wanted to reach out and drag her into his arms and kiss her senseless until all the questions lingering between them disappeared. She nibbled at her lower lip, looking uncertain and beyond tempting, and he could almost taste the raw femininity in her heated response. The waiter set the gooey dessert in front of them and he took the spoon, scooped up a bite and practically inhaled it. Paige did the same.

When her tongue flicked the chocolate sauce off the spoon and she licked her lips, he slipped back into his fantasy. Only this time he wasn't having hot fudge cake for dessert. He was devouring Paige.

 

P
AIGE DECIDED HOT
fudge cake was her favorite dessert, that is, except for strawberries. Watching Zeke enjoy the delicious food only fueled her desire for him. She'd felt uncomfortable talking about her mother. Then Zeke had asked about Derrick and she'd been grateful for the interruption. She didn't want to mention Amelia and Derrick's engagement, for fear he'd think she was hinting at marriage.

During the ride home, Zeke turned the radio to a soft rock station, and while a blues song wafted through the car, her mind strayed to the impossible—a deliciously sinful night in bed with Zeke doing things she'd never imagined doing with a man before.

Perhaps her hormones simply needed to be readjusted.

She stole a glance at Zeke. Time to face reality. Not only was she in deep lust with the man, wanting his broad hands to roam across her body and drag her beneath him, but she actually liked him. A dangerous combination.

Her mother's past haunted her. If she allowed herself to become wrapped up in his kids, she might not finish her education, might never fulfill her dreams, might never
become anything more than a salesclerk. She might end up resenting them all just as her mother had. Plus, if she accepted responsibility for the girls and something happened to them, she'd never forgive herself.

She might get her heart broken to boot.

Hadn't Zeke confirmed that his ex-wife was coming back? She'd seen the pain in his face when she'd broached the subject. Was he still in love with her? If she wanted to reconcile, he'd probably feel he owed it to the girls to try and make things work. And Paige would be left home alone with a huge hole in her heart and a house so quiet that it creaked with emptiness. She was just now getting used to being alone again, just now exorcising the sound of Joey's young chatter from her rooms.

The silence in the car seemed fraught with anticipation. Paige wrapped her arms around her middle in a protective embrace, forcing herself to curb her desires. Zeke thumped his fingers on the steering column in time with the music, his deep baritone humming the rhythm along with the song. When they pulled onto their street, she tensed, once again thinking about how delicious the hot fudge had been and wishing she could taste it again. This time on Zeke's lips.

“I guess we should be checking the neighborhood for anything suspicious.” Zeke's gaze scanned the street.

Paige glanced up and down the passenger side of the road. “I don't see anything amiss. Most of the break-ins have been during the day, anyway.”

“That is odd,” Zeke said. “Maybe they'll catch the vandals soon. I hate to think about some of these older people being frightened.”

Zeke parked in her driveway and Paige didn't wait for him to open the door but hopped out of the passenger
side. He moved around the van and was standing beside her in a flash, the palm of his hand brushing her back as he escorted her up the sidewalk. “Thanks for dinner.”

“You're welcome.” He motioned to the porch swing and Paige hesitated, searching his face.

“I just want to talk,” he said as if he'd read the concern in her eyes. His slow smile softened her reservations. She let him pull her to the swing. Lifting his feet, he gently pushed the swing so they glided slowly back and forth.

“Look, there's the North Star,” she said, twisting her hands in her lap.

He caught her hands and stilled them. “When I was a kid, my dad used to take me camping. He always told me if I got lost to find that star, and it would lead me home.”

Paige met his gaze. “Things were simple when we were little, weren't they?”

Zeke nodded, then lifted his thumb to her cheek and traced a path down her jawline. “Nothing's simple anymore, is it?”

“No,” Paige said softly. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms, chilled from the evening air, her senses tingling from Zeke's masculine scent.

“You're beautiful, Paige,” Zeke murmured. Paige felt trapped by the husky resonance of his voice, then she looked into the dark fathomless irises of his eyes and tried to remember her earlier arguments about not getting involved with him.

“Zeke, dinner was nice, but—”

Zeke gently pressed his finger to her lips. “No buts. Can't we forget about everything else for a few minutes? Simply pretend it's you and me, that nothing else matters.”

His rough whisper melted her defenses like snow evaporating on a hot day. Zeke slid his arm around her and pulled her to him, his heady masculine scent sending a surge of longing through her. He tilted his head, she met his mouth. Ever so gently he placed his lips over hers, tasting, nibbling, seeking permission. Paige inhaled the sweet whisper of his breath and tasted chocolate.

His lips covered hers, pressing, seeking, urging her to taste his need, and she turned, her body pressing into his as his lips consumed her with fire. His hands encircled her waist, hers dug into his thick hair. Swallowing a moan, he plunged his tongue into her mouth, driving it deeper and increasing the pressure until she knew he felt her breasts pushing against the hard wall of his chest, until she could no longer stand simply kissing him. She arched against him and he stroked her back, then gently his hand swept around her waist and covered her breast, kneading and molding her while she melded against him. She moaned and clutched his broad shoulders, excitement coursing through her as she felt his muscles ripple and his body shudder with need.

“God, Paige,” Zeke whispered softly when she finally drug her lips away from his. “You feel so good.”

Paige couldn't answer, she was scorching inside and out by the flames he had ignited within her. He teased her earlobe with his tongue, then planted gentle, but hungry kisses down her neck, and she arched against him again, shamefully aching for him, moaning when he exhaled and dipped his head to nip the bud of her nipple through her blouse. His other hand slipped beneath her shirt and unclasped her bra, his fingers teasing her until she cried out his name in a husky plea. Her bare breasts felt the chill of the cool night air as he nudged up her sweater and exposed her to his dark probing eyes. Paige
tensed, then clutched his head with her hands, digging her fingernails in his scalp as he lowered his mouth.

A shrill noise—a voice?—exploded between them and Paige stilled. Zeke paused, his breathing coming out in erratic pants, his tongue a fraction away from her aching, welcoming body. Moonlight spilled over her shoulder and highlighted his hungry features as he eased her shirt back down to cover her and made an attempt to calm himself.

They both glanced up to see Erma Spivy running toward them from across the street. “Paige, Dr. Blalock!”

Paige's body protested painfully, reminding her how close they'd been to seeking fulfillment in each other's arms. She'd told him she wasn't the kind of girl to hop into bed with a guy, they were supposedly only friends, and here she was practically begging him to make love to her on her front porch.

Disgusted with herself, she righted her clothing, grateful the awning obliterated Erma's view. Zeke dropped his hands to his lap, his expression solemn. “We need to talk, Paige,” he said quietly.

She pushed away from him and stood. “Not now.”

He grabbed her arm and swung around to face him. She shivered at the intensity in his probing eyes. “Later then. This isn't over.”

She shook her head, her voice shaky. “Yes it is. What happened between us was a mistake, Zeke. We can't start a relationship—”

“Why not?”

She forced herself to tell him the truth, at least part of it. “Because you have a family and I don't want the responsibility.”
I can't have it. I might let something happen to the girls. And your ex is returning to town.

Zeke's eyes narrowed, hurt darkening his expression.
But before Paige could elaborate, Erma had crossed the street. She nearly ran over the monkey grass as she hurried toward them. “Paige, somebody broke into my house! Dwayne was so rattled he slipped and fell and knocked himself unconscious.”

Paige's heart stopped. “Is he all right? Did you call the police?”

Zeke headed toward the steps, his forehead furrowed. “Is the intruder still there?”

“No, they ran off, and the police have already come and gone.” She swiped a hand across her forehead, panting. “But Dwayne's lying down with a concussion, and I'm afraid to stay here by myself with him. When I saw you two drive up, I told Dwayne I'd come and get you.”

Paige patted Erma's hand. “I'll be right there, Erma. Try and relax.”

Zeke pressed his hand to her back, his look warning her that things weren't settled between them. But they had to be, she reminded herself, as she followed Erma.

They simply had to be.

Zeke watched Paige comforting the elderly woman. Derrick had shown up at the Spivys like a modern-day version of a Superman hero, installing new dead bolts and talking about the upscale security system he would install the next day. While Derrick had wowed the women with his knowledge of the latest in technology, Zeke had calmed Mr. Spivy, but now he was simply twiddling his thumbs while Lois Lane and Clark Kent saved the day.

“Thanks for coming over, Derrick,” Paige said. “I know the Spivys will feel more secure with new locks.”

“No problem.” Derrick winked at Paige. “I'd do anything for you.”

The steak Zeke had eaten earlier clumped in his stomach like leather.

“I don't know if I can fall asleep or not,” Mrs. Spivy muttered. “I keep thinking about some stranger coming in my house and I start shaking.”

“I know you're nervous, Mrs. Spivy. Why don't I stay here with you for a while?” Paige put her arm around the trembling woman and patted her back. “I'll rest on your couch while you lie down with Mr. Spivy and try to sleep.”

Zeke admired Paige's caring attitude, but took her dec
laration as a dismissal of him and headed toward the door in frustration. Paige caught his arm, the imprint of her slender fingers burning through his shirt and reminding him of their evening together.

“Thanks for talking to Mr. Spivy, Zeke.”

He shrugged. “It was no big deal. I care about them, too.”

Paige stared at his arm where her fingers still lay, then met his gaze, the yearning in her eyes mirroring his own. “You may not realize it, but your simply sitting with him made him feel better.” The corners of her mouth lifted into a smile and he wanted to reach out and touch her lips, to kiss them. “And I appreciate your coming with me.”

He nodded, hoping she'd changed her mind about the two of them, but Derrick called her name and she broke the spell by pulling away and leaving him at the door alone. He walked home, puzzled over the hunger he'd seen in Paige's eyes and the distance she'd placed between them. He thought about what she'd said about her mother resenting not finishing her education. Renee had pretty much said the same thing to him about her modeling career. And now Paige…if he got involved with her and she didn't finish her degree or pursue her dreams, would she end up resenting him?

Her question about Renee bothered him. Did she think he wanted a reconciliation with his ex?

He drank in the peaceful evening night, inhaling the sweet scents of dogwood blossoms and honeysuckle in the breeze. Stars glittered and twinkled above him. Like a child, he paused and closed his eyes to make a wish—a silly wish that wouldn't come true, at least not tonight. Because he wished things weren't so damn complicated. Wished he didn't have to spend the night alone, that
Paige would come to him, that the two of them could share a night of passion that would end in promises.

No, he didn't want an affair. Having children had matured him, ending his wild roaming days. He wanted a woman who would last forever.

 

T
HE NEXT DAY
Zeke still felt unsettled. After leaving his neighbors the night before, he'd tried to sleep, but the memory of Paige's body next to his fired him up, and the reality of her parting words made acid burn in his stomach. He knew it was better they hadn't slept together. Making love would have complicated a relationship apparently going nowhere. Still, he wanted her with an intensity that hurt.

Did she want a no-strings man who'd support her career and wouldn't want to tie her down with kids? Like Derrick. He raked a hand across his clean-shaven jaw in frustration; he had no choice about the family, but now he'd probably ruined chances of a friendship with Paige. Hell, who was he kidding? He couldn't simply be friends with Paige. The attraction was too strong.

Deciding he needed to distract himself from his sexy neighbor, he dressed for church. Surely he could curb his unholy feelings toward her in the place of worship.

But even in church, he found himself imagining Paige sitting next to him on the pew, her small hand folded in his, her stomach round with his baby. Maybe a boy this time, a brother for Summer and August.

A single woman named Betty Eaton slid up beside him. “I saw that flier your daughters put up in the nursery and thought we should talk.”

He jerked around. She had shoulder-length blond hair, a model-thin figure, and a certain amount of sex appeal, but unfortunately, she didn't spark his interest at all. Re
minded him of a silky terrier, all shiny and showy—not a real dog—not a real woman. Then her words sank in. “What? The flier?”

The church organ music began to play and an elderly man stepped up to sing a solo. “This flier your daughters tacked on the bulletin board,” the woman whispered.

Zeke groaned. “They put it up here at church, too?”

Betty laughed good-naturedly and patted his arm. “Don't worry. I removed the flier.” She handed him the paper and he stuffed it in his pocket, vowing to give his daughters another lecture as soon as he drove them home.

“I had no idea they'd posted this crazy advertisement in church,” Zeke hissed between announcements.

“Don't worry. I work in the nursery area, you wouldn't believe some of the stuff the children tell us.”

Organ music signaled the beginning of the service and Zeke opened a hymnal just as the soloist burst into a deep chorus of “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”

A nervous laugh escaped him. His girls would probably be doing that next—climbing some mountain and screaming to all the people below that their father needed a wife.

As if the lady beside him had read his mind, she whispered, “So, how about lunch?”

Zeke forced himself to say yes.

An hour and a half later, when Betty had poured out the details of her nasty divorce and distrust of men, he regretted his decision. She loved children, but she also had nine cats, and when she admitted she prepared gourmet meals for them every night, a red flag waved in his head.

“They all sleep with me,” she said with a light laugh that reminded him of a sick cat. “Queen Elizabeth and Elvira are due to have kittens next week.”

He liked animals, but nine cats and kittens on the way seemed a little obsessive.

“And I think Winnie may need therapy.”

“Excuse me?”

“A psychologist,” Betty said. “She's terrified of the dark. Totally freaks out and pulls out her fur if I turn the light off at night.”

“So you sleep with a light on?”

“Well, I can't very well upset her,” Betty said a little defensively.

“No, I guess not.” Zeke polished off his tea and decided to bring the meal to an end. “Well, lunch was nice, Ms. Eaton—”

“Call me Betty, Zeke.”

“Betty, but I have to pick up the girls.”

She smiled and dabbed at her freshly painted lips, blotting hot pink lipstick all over the white linen napkin. “Sure. Maybe I can cook you dinner one evening.”

Maybe not.
Zeke nodded and headed toward his car, feeling a hundred years old. He finally remembered what had prompted him to try marriage with Renee in the first place. Other than the fact Renee had been pregnant, he'd hated dating—all the small talk, pretense, and put-ons. He'd genuinely wanted to find someone who liked home and hearth.

Only he'd made the wrong choice in Renee. And now he'd found a woman he genuinely liked. Who liked his daughters. Was good with kids. But she didn't want a family or him. And he'd better remember it and not dwell on pursuing her, or she'd break his heart, much worse than Renee had.

He climbed in his minivan, his decision made. He would avoid his next-door neighbor. Even if it drove him crazy.

 

P
AIGE WAS GOING
crazy. She couldn't get Zeke out of her mind. Every time Amelia tried on a wedding dress, she imagined herself wearing the bridal gown. Only last night she'd dreamt about little Joey—she'd seen his small body dart in the street in front of that car. But in her dream, the car hadn't been able to stop. It was so horrible. And it had all been her fault. Then instantly the little boy had become two little girls, Summer and August. She'd woken up in a cold sweat and started shaking every time she thought about it.

“I like the neck on this dress, the bodice on that satin gown, and the train on that antique ivory dress,” Amelia said, pointing to the three final gowns they'd selected. Paige quickly drew sketches of the pieces, etching in the details of the neckline, trim, beads, headpieces and trains. “Okay, I'll draw a final sketch tonight. Why don't you drop by work tomorrow and look at it. If you approve, I'll buy the material and get busy.”

“It's coming up so fast!” Amelia squealed. “I can't believe it. I'm really going to have my dream wedding!”

Paige hugged her. “I'm so happy for you.”

Amelia grabbed her arm. “Come on, my feet are killing me. We're meeting Derrick for drinks.” She led Paige around the mall toward the Mexican restaurant.

“Amelia, I think I'll head home.”

“Oh, no you don't.” Amelia pushed Paige in front of her into the restaurant. Paige froze when she saw Derrick sitting with another guy at a table.

“Amelia, you set me up again.”

“Yep.” Amelia grinned wryly, then whispered, “He's perfect. Tall, dark, handsome, adventuresome, lots of money, and free! Exactly like the man you ordered.”

Paige could have kicked herself. She'd never imagined Amelia would find someone with all those qualities. After
all, she'd been thinking of Zeke when she'd made them up. Except for the last characteristic…

“Come on,” Amelia said. “And flirt.”

Flirt? She didn't even remember how. So Paige stood idly by, hiding her embarrassment as Derrick and Amelia kissed in a flurry of arms and heated noises.

The other man sipped his scotch and winked mischievously at Paige, ushering her into a seat beside him in a small booth. “Hi, I'm Ben.”

Heat crept up her cheeks as she introduced herself. Derrick and Amelia finally loosened their lip-lock and pulled apart. Paige twisted her hands together as she surveyed the small restaurant. Southwestern paintings decorated the adobe walls and soft cushions in muted tones provided comfortable seating. A simple carnation served as the centerpiece and ferns were scattered throughout the airy room, yet the seating was tight.

“Ben learned to fly when he was in college.” Amelia kicked her under the table to bring her out of her reverie. “He's been traveling all over the world since.”

Paige rubbed her foot. Ben did have nice hazel eyes, a slim build, and stylishly cut black hair. He probably stood a little under six feet. Short, compared to Zeke.

Darn, she couldn't compare every man she met to Zeke.

They ordered margaritas and appetizers and Derrick and Ben reminisced about college days.

“After I finished my law degree, I spent the summer backpacking all over Europe,” Ben said. “Climbed mountains, toured France and Italy. Have you traveled much, Paige?”

Paige shook her head, wondering if she and Ben had anything in common. “I worked for a while after high school, so I'm just now finishing my degree.”

“You'd love Madrid. And there's nothing like hiking through the mountains in Switzerland.”

They had nothing in common, Paige surmised awhile later. Nothing at all. His family owned houses in five different countries. He had visited the former Soviet Union, seen the famous Berlin Wall, and ridden an elephant in Africa. She'd been camping in the North Georgia mountains, walked through Rock City, and gone horseback riding once when she was eleven on her uncle's chicken farm.

“Wow, what an exciting life.” Especially compared to her small-town girl experiences.

“Paige is studying design,” Amelia interjected. “She's designing my wedding dress.”

Derrick nuzzled Amelia's neck. “I can't wait to see it.”

“Impressive.” Ben shot her a sincere smile. “You should study in Paris. It's the fashion capital of the world.”

“Yes, I've heard,” Paige said.
But going to Paris takes money I don't have.
She started to explain, but Ben wouldn't understand. Apparently, money hadn't been an issue with him.

“Look at those adorable twins.” Amelia pointed to the door.

Paige glanced over the row of potted plants and saw Summer and August with their grandmother. Mrs. Blalock juggled an armful of shopping bags as she ushered the girls toward a booth. Summer and August spotted her and waved frantically, then dashed around tables and wooden chairs and practically threw themselves in her lap.

“Hi, girls. Having fun?”

“Yep,” August said. “Grammy's buying us lots of stuff.”

“And we had ice cream,” Summer added.

“I bet I can guess the flavor.” Paige laughed as she wiped a chunk of chocolate from Summer's chin.

“Who's that?” August patted Ben's arm. His mouth curled in distaste when he noticed sticky brown finger-prints on his white shirt. He dabbed his napkin in his water glass and instantly brushed at the stains.

Paige introduced the children, but Mrs. Blalock hurried over. “Come on, girls. We need to eat so we can make it home before dark.” She offered Paige a token hello and scurried away with the twins.

“Cute kids,” Amelia said. “Derrick and I want a baby.”

Derrick threaded his fingers through Amelia's fingers and grinned. “Or two.”

So do I,
Paige thought, surprising herself at the revelation. But later, much later. After I've achieved my goals.

“Not me.” Ben grimaced. “I have too much to see in the world to tie myself down with a bunch of rugrats.”

Paige nibbled on the chips and salsa while Ben entertained them with a story about one of his train rides through Yugoslavia. He certainly had seen the world. But he didn't want a family. And while she didn't want a ready-made one, she was warming to the idea of children. Someday she wanted a sweet baby to hold, maybe one with dark hair, dark brown eyes. A little boy like Zeke.