three
The kids had been giving her funny looks all day, and no wonder, Sabrina, thought. Knowing she’d see Roy right after work, she’d taken extra care in her preparations for the day. To make up for her bedraggled appearance that morning, she’d taken an extra long shower where she’d used a loofah to buff her skin, shampooed and conditioned her hair, shaved her legs, and slathered on lotion everywhere.
After polishing her fingernails and toenails, she blow-dried her naturally curly hair until it was smooth and shiny.
For her eyes, she’d really gone all out with her favorite shades of eye shadow and extra mascara to show off her lashes. And since Roy suddenly seemed so preoccupied with her mouth, she’d dressed it up with shiny pink gloss.
The kids were used to seeing her in a ponytail with minimal makeup that, while enhancing, still looked natural. Contrary to what Roy had said, she didn’t spend a lot of time in front of the mirror. Yes, she liked to look her best but within reason.
For work, her clothes were usually casual and comfortable. But today, she’d dressed up a little more. Instead of the usual shirt and slacks, she wore a khaki skirt and button-up ruffled blouse with strappy white sandals.
Now, as the workday came to a close, the skirt proved to be a bit of a problem. Chandra, a ten-year-old girl who was leaving them later that day, had set up a tea party on the floor. She wanted Sabrina to join her.
Maneuvering in the short skirt wouldn’t be easy, but no way would Sabrina disappoint Chandra.
“Oh goodie,” she said with enthusiasm. “Time for tea. May I join you?”
Chandra nodded and gave her a shy smile. “There’s cookies, too.” She held up an empty plastic dish that didn’t quite match the cups she’d set out.
“My favorite kind!” Sabrina went down to her knees. “Thank you.”
Chandra pretended to serve her. “You look real pretty today, Ms. Downey.”
Sabrina reached across the table and smoothed her hair. Not that long ago, Chandra would have flinched away. But now she reveled in the attention. She still had her moments of uncertainty, but thanks to a distant aunt who would be taking her in, Chandra had a chance at a happy life.
Sabrina would miss her terribly, as she did all the kids. She’d worry about her, too. But she thanked God that Chandra had a caring relative who wanted to make her a part of their family.
“Thank you, Chandra. Coming from someone as pretty as you, that means a lot.”
The little girl blinked at her. “I’m not pretty.”
“Are you kidding me? You’re beautiful.”
Her mouth flattened and she stubbornly shook her head. “Not like you.”
“Way better than me.” Remembering the tea party, Sabrina pretended to sip. “Do you remember what your aunt said?”
Slowly, Chandra grinned and ducked her face. “She said I was the cutest thing she’d ever seen.”
“And she meant it—because you, Chandra, are a super-cutie.” To Sabrina, all the children were adorable, despite their own various image issues and sometimes flagging confldence.
Chandra smoothed her shirt. “It’s cuz of the clothes you guys gave me.”
“I’m glad you like the clothes, but it’s you who make them look good.”
Around them, the children played, some with more enthusiasm than others. While another assistant praised the artwork of those coloring, the director went to her office to answer a phone call. She dealt with the never-ending business and sometimes insane politics involved in running a home for abused and abandoned children.
Suddenly Chandra blurted, “You’re so perfect.”
Taken aback, Sabrina laughed. “Me? Oh, honey, no. I am far, far from perfect.”
“You always know what to say and do.”
Sabrina reached for her hands. “Actually, Chandra, I rarely know what to say or do. But you know what? I found out that it’s okay. You try your best, and you hope it’s right, but if it’s not you try again.” She lifted her shoulders. “That’s what we all do.”
Chandra chewed her bottom lip. “What if my aunt decides she doesn’t like me, after all?”
Sabrina wanted to tell her that such a thing would never happen. But sadly, it sometimes did. The kids came with a lot of baggage, sometimes major issues, and they required extensive understanding and attention. Not everyone was cut out to handle the demands of a child recovering from abuse.
“Give her a chance, okay?” She gave a gentle squeeze to Chandra’s hands for encouragement. “But know that I will always be here for you.”
The young girl drew a breath. “What if you’re not?” Fear sounded in her tone. “What if when I come back, you’re gone?”
Sabrina fought off tears because Chandra was so sure that she would be coming back. “I don’t plan to go anywhere, honey, but even if I did, the others here would know how to reach me. I promise.”
Five-year-old Dion sidled over, his expression hopeful. Sabrina said to Chandra, “Would you like to invite Dion to join us?”
She swallowed, then nodded. “Okay.”
Dion rushed to his place on the floor, and when he realized they didn’t have real cookies, his face fell.
Sabrina reached over to rub his shoulder. She was about to explain about tea parties when suddenly Abner came loping through the doorway.
Surprised, she turned and found Roy right behind him. He leaned in the doorway, his expression intent as he watched Sabrina, a small smile on his mouth.
How long had he been there?
Sabrina was trying to think of something to say when the director came out to greet him. Abner made a beeline for Sabrina and the kids, and they all rushed forward in excitement.
Like a magnet, Abner drew them. They loved him and he loved them.
After speaking quietly to the director for a moment, Roy came and sat down across from Sabrina. “May I?”
She closed her mouth. “What are you doing here?”
“Chandra’s leaving today, and Abner wanted to say good-bye.”
“Oh.”
His smile widened. “The director invited us. She knows how much Chandra loves that dog.”
Together, they turned and saw Chandra was the center of attention as Abner tried to sit on her. The kids laughed aloud, and that made Sabrina grin. “A proper send-off.”
Chandra succumbed to Abner’s nuzzling kisses and licks, and again Sabrina had to flght off tears.
“You’re going to miss her,” Roy said.
She nodded. “Her aunt seems wonderful. She’s not married, and she doesn’t have any other kids, but she has a cat and a mixedbreed dog.”
“Chandra will love that.”
“Later this week, after Chandra gets settled, they’re going shopping to decorate Chandra’s new room.”
“Something for her to look forward to.”
Sabrina drew a breath. “I can’t help but worry anytime one of them leaves.”
“Of course you do.”
Wearing a beatific smile, Chandra rejoined them at the table. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were alight with happiness. She plopped down beside Roy. “Abner slobbered all over me.”
Roy picked up a napkin and handed it to her. “He slobbers on everyone he loves.”
“I know.” After a cursory swipe of her face, Chandra said, “My aunt has a dog and a cat.”
“I heard.” He lifted the plastic teapot. “May I?”
Giggling, Chandra nodded.
As Roy pretended to pour, he said, “They’re going to love you, too, I bet. Just remember that animals have to get to know you. Show them that you care, and I bet you’ll get lots of animal kisses.”
For the next half hour they continued their tea party while Chandra asked numerous questions about animals and Abner gave love and affection to each child. It both impressed and amazed Sabrina that Roy was so at ease in all situations, even with scared little girls.
But then, he’d always been that way with her, too.
Sometimes when she thought back on their history, she felt stung with humiliation. For such a long time, Roy had been protective of her, seeing her as needy, as emotionally wounded.
Because of their special relationship, what he thought of her mattered most. With all others, she didn’t think about perceptions; she was confident enough that she didn’t care about opinions. But with Roy . . . she wanted, needed, him to see her as a strong, independent person.
As an equal.
But how could he when she continued to run to him in terror over a stupid storm?
And yet they were having dinner together tonight. Nothing too unusual in that, but what did he want to talk about? And that last kiss . . .
Knowing Roy watched her, Sabrina shook off the distraction and forced a carefree smile. His gaze dipped over her with appreciation before another child drew his attention.
As the recess rolled to a close, the director gathered the kids together, and Sabrina began picking up.
So that Abner wouldn’t interfere with the director’s routine, Roy leashed him and kept him at his side. The big dog flopped down to stretch out on his side and let out a lusty sigh.
“He looks exhausted.” Sabrina smiled at him. “I can sympathize. Sometimes the kids are extra energetic.”
Roy looked around at all the displaced toys and papers. “I’d offer to stay and help out, but I have some adoptions in half an hour.”
“That’s great news.” Sabrina stacked papers into a pile. “Dogs or cats?”
“One of each.” He hesitated, then stepped closer to her. “You did great with Chandra.”
Scoffing, she asked, “How long were you there?”
All too serious, he said, “Long enough to know she adores you.”
“The feeling is mutual.” A little embarrassed, Sabrina shook her head and laughed. “She thinks I’m perfect.”
Roy didn’t join in her humor. “You’re wonderfully flawed, Sabrina. And I’m glad. Perfection would be so boring.”
“You’re far from boring.”
“Because I’m not perfect, either.” He gave a light tug to the leash to get Abner back on his feet. “You want to tell him good-bye?”
“Yes.” She bent down and hugged the dog. “Thank you, Abner.”
His tail drummed the floor.
Voice low, Roy asked, “Do you want to tell me good-bye, too?”
Belatedly, Sabrina realized they were alone. But then, they were often alone.
So why did it feel so different now?
One look at Roy and she knew why. It had a lot to do with how he watched her, the heat in his eyes and the expectation in the air.
Nervously, Sabrina licked her lips. “Thanks for bringing Abner over.”
“You’re welcome.” And he waited.
God, she felt clumsy, and there was really no reason. In many ways, Roy knew her better than she knew herself. In a rush, she put her arms around him and gave him a tight but brief hug. “Bye.”
He searched her face. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“Okay.”
“Do me a favor and don’t change clothes. I like the skirt. A lot.” His gaze dipped, and one eyebrow went up. “Very convenient.”
Sabrina felt her face go hot, but Roy was already on his way out the door. Luckily she had an hour before she had to directly interact with the kids again.
After the hot way Roy had looked at her, she’d need every minute to recover her aplomb.
THE drizzling rain finally let up and the sun crawled out, sending a steamy haze into the summer air. Sabrina was waiting outside when he pulled up to the apartment complex.
She still wore the skirt—and a look of uncertainty.
As she came to the truck, he got out to open her door for her.
Nervously chatty, she asked, “How’d the adoptions go?”
“No problems. They seemed like good families.” He waited until she got buckled in and then closed her door and went around to the driver’s side. “Chandra?”
“Gone with her aunt.” With a wistful smile, she added, “They both looked very happy.”
Roy briefly took her hand. He wondered if Chandra’s leaving— even as a happy occurrence—would dominate her emotions. He wanted her, and waiting even a day more would be damned tough, but he knew Sabrina got very involved with each child at the home. “You going to be okay?”
“Yeah.” She released his hand, exhaled a deep breath, and said again, “Yeah. I’m good.”
Her strength, always tempered with compassion, was one of the things he most admired about her. In many ways she seemed like an angel on earth, giving so much of herself to help those in need but never letting it destroy her optimism. “You’re something else, Sabrina Downey. Something very special.”
To keep her from refuting that, Roy asked for the address of where they needed to go, and from there they talked about computers and other donations, dogs and cats, the weather and the wonderfulness of air-conditioning. She relaxed and they fell into the same easy, comfortable companionship they’d always shared.
No matter what happened, Roy didn’t want to lose that.
They reached the location and had the computers loaded within an hour. Roy had parked his truck in an alleyway between shops. The normally congested business area felt lazy this time of day. In contrast to the dismal and dreary afternoon, the earlyevening sun shone brightly, sending a colorful rainbow across the sky. Everything seemed to have slowed, with less traffic, less noise.
Standing outside the truck bed, a hand shielding her eyes, Sabrina took in the surrounding area of telephone poles, streetlamps, brick buildings, and bus stops. “It’s a peaceful evening.”
“Hot.” He swiped the hem of his T-shirt over his face—and caught Sabrina staring at his abs. Nice. He hoped she found him as physically appealing as he did her. “Let me grab a couple of colas from the cooler.”
Behind his seat, he dragged out a small personal cooler and retrieved two Cokes. When he stepped back out again, he didn’t see Sabrina. He slammed his door and walked around the truck—and found her on her knees looking under the bed.
She had her rump in the air, tempting him. He crouched down beside her. “What are you looking for?”
With her knees on the dirty concrete road, she said, “Shh.”
Roy bent to look, too, and saw a scraggly little black cat. Young but not a kitten. Fearful and gaunt with hunger. One ear was injured, and there was a bend in the tail.
Softly, so as not to scare the cat, he said, “Shit.”
Sabrina held out a hand, and the cat watched her with big yellow eyes.
“Don’t touch it, Sabrina. It could be sick. Back out.”
She didn’t question the direction, but once she’d moved away, she asked, “What are you going to do?”
He retrieved his wallet and pulled out a five to hand to her. “There’s a little mom-and-pop store at the next corner. See if they have anything that’ll appeal to a cat.”
“All right.” She backed slowly away from the truck and then hurried down the sidewalk.
Hoping his evening wouldn’t be ruined but unable to resist an animal in need, Roy considered the cat. “You don’t like the alley life, do you, baby?”
The skinny cat twisted against the back tire, petting herself, wanting to come close but staying out of reach. A smile tugged at his mouth. “I wouldn’t like it, either. Stay put while I find something to contain you.”
Like Sabrina, he moved slowly to keep from startling the cat. Luckily he had a soft carrier tucked under his seat. He got it opened and ready and then waited for Sabrina.
She was back within five minutes with a can of tuna.
“Perfect.” Roy pulled the tab and opened the can. Before he’d even gotten it inside the carrier, the cat smelled it. She poked her head out from under the truck and started an almost panicked meowing. “Back up, honey. You never know how a feral cat might act, but you can be certain she won’t like it when I close the lid on her.”
Sabrina moved well out of reach.
He put the carrier on its side and set the can of tuna in it. He’d barely taken two steps away when the cat rushed in. He hated to startle the poor thing before it got to eat, so he waited a minute, and when the can was almost empty he crept in and shoved down the lid.
The cat went nuts, screeching and circling furiously. Holding the lid shut, Roy said, “Get me a bungee.”
“Where?”
“Toolbox, behind the rearview window.”
“Oh.” Scrambling, Sabrina climbed up into the truck bed. Under other circumstances he would have enjoyed the view, especially in that short sexy skirt, but not with a frightened cat trying to escape.
As she opened the large truck toolbox, Sabrina asked, “What’s a bungee?”
“A stretchy cord. I need it to secure the carrier. It’s not meant to hold a pissed-off cat bent on clawing her way out.”
“This?” She held up a multicolored cord.
“That’s it.”
She rushed back to him and then, with his instruction, wrapped it around the carrier and hooked the ends together.
Once they had the cat secured, Roy had to laugh. Sabrina was wide-eyed and breathing hard. Stupefied, she met his gaze, and he laughed harder.
“Good God.” Her mouth twitched as she swatted at him. “I’ve never seen a cat carry on like that.”
“It’s mostly feral,” he explained. Still chuckling, relieved that they’d gotten the cat contained, Roy carried it to the truck cab. “You okay with it being on the floor by your feet? I don’t want to leave it in the bed.”
“It can’t get out?”
“No. And she’s already settling down, I think.”
“Then I don’t mind.” As he got the carrier stowed, Sabrina said, “You’re sure it’s a girl?”
He shrugged. “Sounded like a girl when she was screeching at that high pitch.”
Sabrina swatted him again. “After all that, she’s probably covered in tuna.”
“Hungry as she looked, I doubt she’ll mind that much.” On impulse, he pulled her into his arms, right there on the public sidewalk, and gave her a firm, quick smooch. “Ready to go, kiddo?”
Looking a little dazed, Sabrina said, “Uh . . .”
“Come on.” Clasping her waist, he lifted her up and into her seat, and then, against her mouth, he whispered, “I’m getting hungrier by the minute.”
He closed her door with her still mute.
She stayed that way until they were almost to the Children’s Home. With the carrier taking up much of the floor, she had her legs bent, her knees turned toward him.
A cute and provocative pose.
When Sabrina realized where they were, she said, “Shouldn’t we take the cat to the shelter first?”
“Nope. She’s quiet now so I’d just as soon let her rest until we’re done.” He glanced at her, but she wouldn’t quite meet his gaze. “That is, if you don’t mind having her by your feet a little longer.”
“I don’t mind.” She stared at the carrier. “Luckily, it won’t take us long to unload the computers. We’re putting them in the storage barn for now.”
Roy pulled around back behind the home. “When we get to the shelter, you can prep a crate for her while I check that wounded ear.” Even as he said it, Roy realized that they made a good team. Whenever they’d worked together, it was as smooth as clockwork. “By the way, I appreciate it that you didn’t question me earlier.”
“About what?”
“When I asked you to stay away from the cat or to get the tuna.”
She flapped a hand at him. “You know what you’re doing, and I didn’t want to get in the way.”
Roy knew she didn’t mean that to sound so grave, but he frowned, anyway. As he put the truck in park, he said, “You will never be in my way, Sabrina.”
She went still for a second, absorbing the words. After flashing him a smile, she nodded and got out of the truck to unlock the storage door.
The home was quiet, all the kids inside, but they often stayed busy out back. They had a flower and vegetable garden, a variety of playground equipment, and a volleyball court. It wasn’t an ideal environment for growing up, but it was far better than the abusive homes they came from.
Sabrina directed him on where to stack the computers and within a few minutes they were on the road again.
Since the shelter was close, they made it there just as the sun turned a blazing red and began sinking from the sky.
This time of night, the animals were mostly quiet. They’d all been walked, given fresh water and bedding, and now they slept. But at the sound of the front door opening, a cacophony of outrage echoed around the interior. The mingled barking and meowing proved deafening.
Roy took a moment to go quiet them all. Once they saw him, the noise turned from alarm to joy.
Sabrina had the crate all ready when he returned. Donning long protective gloves, he withdrew the cat. She was more fearful than enraged, and she used her claws on the gloves, clinging tightly.
She was skittish but not as feral as he’d initially thought. Her injuries were old and healing, and right now, all the cat needed was peace and quiet to adjust to her new circumstances.
He put her in the large crate, isolated from the others until she could be checked for disease and parasites. The petite cat hunkered down in a corner and watched them. “Good night, little girl. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Sabrina stood there waiting for him, her expression soft, her eyes warm.
He took in that look and smiled. “What?”
“I like how you talk to the animals. I think it comforts them.”
“I hope so.” He took her hand and headed out the door, anxious to get her home.
In the truck, she watched him still, her scrutiny intense. “The way you talk always comforts me, too.”
“Yeah?” He drove out into the traffic. Now that they were finally heading home, his blood thrummed and his heartbeat accelerated. “You don’t need comfort all that often.” These days, she only needed it during loud thunderstorms.
As if he hadn’t spoken, she said, “I like a lot of things about you, Roy.”
He gave her a quick look. “That’s good, since I like an awful lot of things about you, too.”
“Did you notice that storm clouds are rolling in again?”
He hadn’t, but then he’d been focused on other things. He leaned forward and looked at the sky through the windshield. “Hope we don’t lose power at the shelter.”
“I was thinking . . .” She reached out and touched his upper arm, her fingers curling around his biceps. “Maybe I could stay with you. Tonight, I mean.”
That threw him. He’d expected to have to work to get her to stay over again. “In case the storms return?”
She rolled one shoulder, and her mouth tipped in a small, secret smile. “I guess.”
She guessed? What did that mean? Even as he pulled into the apartment parking lot, a low rumble of distant thunder sounded. He hoped it didn’t get bad, because he wanted her with him every step of the way, not frozen in terror over bad memories.
“Crazy summer weather in Ohio,” he groused. “Rain, clear skies, and rain again.”
“Roy?”
He parked and turned toward her. There was something else in her tone, something he hadn’t heard before. “What is it, kiddo?”
Her flnger smashed up against his mouth. “Shh.”
He lifted a brow, and waited.
She looked at his mouth, and her fingers moved to his jaw, then down to his shoulder. “I know what you want to talk about.”
Enjoying her touch, Roy asked, “You do, huh?”
She bit her bottom lip. “But the thing is, I think it’d be better if we talked about it . . . after.”
God, he hoped they were talking about the same things. “Hold that thought.” He rushed out of the truck and around to her side. She didn’t wait for him to open the door but was already out when he reached her.
Grabbing his hand, she started a long-legged stride toward the building entrance.
Roy wasn’t quite sure what to think. “In a hurry?”
She stopped and turned to face him. “You’ve been teasing me all day, so yes.”
“Sabrina.” Holding her shoulders, he drew her up to her tiptoes. “Do you understand what I want?”
She nodded slowly. “I hope you want me. Because I want you. A lot.”
That sweet admission nearly pushed him over the edge. He crushed her close for only a second, and then they were again racing for his apartment, through his apartment, and thankfully, to his bed.