For Love of Emily Read online

  Emily nodded eagerly and Silver lifted the vase off the dresser and brought it to her nose. “Mmm. I wish somebody would send flowers to me,” she said wistfully.

  “I think there’s still time before you get married. Before you know it, guys will be sending you so many flowers you won’t have room to walk.” Silver put the vase back on the dresser and squeezed Emily in a hug. “Tell you what. I’ll pick one of these from the bunch and put it in a vase for you.”

  “Oh yeah. That would be almost as nice as if someone had sent some to me.”

  Silver smiled. “Don’t you think you ought to go tell your dad about the party?”

  Instead of leaping up to tell Thad about the party, Emily looked up at Silver, her brown eyes wide. “Silver?” Emily asked almost timidly. “Do you like my dad?”

  Chapter Nine

  Silver had been mentally going over plans for the evening meal and only half heard the question. She started to respond and stopped abruptly as icy fingers played with the back of her neck and warned her to think about the question. “What did you ask me?” She looked directly at Emily’s hopeful, spotted face.

  “I said, do you like my dad?” Emily repeated with slow, exaggerated patience.

  “You surprised me with that question. It’s a bit personal, don’t you think?” Silver tried to stall while she composed an answer.

  Like him? Sometimes, she hated him. But Silver couldn’t tell Emily that. She knew she was attracted to the man far more than was probably decent, but she didn’t know whether Thad felt the same, and until he seemed to be interested as well, she certainly wasn’t going to try to do anything about it.

  She barely knew the man. Should she base her feelings on physical attraction? That was something that careful, quiet Sylvia Burdette didn’t do. However, there were those earth-shattering kisses at the party, weren’t there? Silver, the girl from the party, didn’t know what to think.

  She’d have to confess they’d met before –- more than just met — but the longer she went without coming clean, the harder it was. Besides, he didn’t seem to remember her, either. Silver was certain that as long as she was keeping that awful, wonderful night a secret, they couldn’t ever have a real relationship. But, if he really didn’t remember her, could she get away with not ’fessing up?

  Emily’s voice interrupted Silver’s confused thoughts. “Well? Do you?”

  What should she tell her? Silver cleared her throat.

  “Well, I don’t know your dad very well. We have a pleasant, professional relationship.” She paused as she pushed aside the memory of the first time they met. “But he seems very nice. Except when he’s ordering me around like some sort of handmaiden private or something.” Silver tried to make the tone of the last remark as light as possible.

  “Oh. He’s always like that. But he remembers to be a gentleman after a few minutes and does something nice. He’s never sent me flowers though,” Emily added wistfully.

  “Well, like I said before, when the time is right, you’ll get plenty of flowers.” She changed the subject. “I’m taking snack orders while I’m here. You want anything?”

  “No,” Emily replied. “I’ll need to go talk to Daddy about Lucy’s party.” She looked like a prisoner about to walk that last mile.

  “Why such a long face?” Silver couldn’t help asking.

  Emily looked back over her shoulder. “I just don’t know what he’ll say. I’ve never asked to spend the night away. What if he says no?”

  “I doubt he’d do that as long as he is sure you’ll be safe. After all, you’ve been to overnight parties before, right? Back in New Orleans?”

  “Uh huh,” she said, nodding. Her expression looked lighter. “Okay, I’ll think positive.”

  “That’s a plan,” Silver encouraged. “Good luck.”

  ****

  “What do you know about this Lucy Evans that Emily is so excited about?” Thad asked when Silver came in with a snack tray. “She’s never spoken about her before.”

  Smiling, Silver set the tray down on the unused side of the bed. Oh how she wished she could hold that position. “She’s a very nice girl and very popular. I know it might seem like Emily’s abandoning you when you’ve just gotten back, but I see this as a big step for Emily.

  “You know how concerned I was about Emily not making friends at first.”

  Thad nodded. “Yes, she has begun talking about friends now, not just people from back at ‘home’.” He reached for a glass of lemonade, took a sip, and looked at her over the rim of his glass. “So, it wouldn’t be a good idea to deny her permission.”

  “Nope. Letting her go would do her a great deal of good. Build confidence and show her that you love her enough to let go. And maybe she’ll start feeling that home is with you.”

  Thad set the glass down. “I don’t think I’ll get used to all touchy-feely mumble jumble.” He laughed.

  “Remember, it’s going to be on a weekend, so she won’t miss any school if she stays up all night with the girls.” She perched on the edge of the bed. “So, is it okay if she goes?”

  “You know this girl’s parents?”

  “I’ve met them. They’re very nice people.”

  “And there will be proper supervision.”

  “I’m sure there will be, but I can call if you like.” Silver liked that Thad was asking all the right questions.

  “Thank you,” he said stiffly, still uncomfortable in his role of interrogator.

  “I’ll call right now.” Silver started to leave, but she turned back. “This is a good thing,” she assured him.

  He shrugged and reached for his lemonade.

  ****

  Later that evening Silver responded to another walkie-talkie call to Thad’s room. He was watching a program on a small television set positioned on the dresser.

  “Did you need something?”

  “I have a craving for some popcorn. If you don’t mind making some, Miss Burdette,” he stated.

  After the surprise with the flowers, Silver had decided that he could ask her almost anything. “I don’t think that’s an unreasonable request. I like popcorn when I’m watching TV, too.”

  Halfway down the hall, Silver stopped and retraced her steps. “You want a soda to go with?”

  “Sure,” Thad replied. “And bring one for yourself.”

  “Me?”

  “This is an interesting special about the history of Halloween. Are you interested?”

  “Sounds fascinating.” Actually the idea of sharing a soda and a bowl of popcorn with Thad was more enticing than the program, but the result was the same.

  “Then hurry up. It’s already started. And you’d better double up on the popcorn.”

  Silver gave a thumbs-up sign and trotted down the stairs to pop the corn. He wanted her to join him. The evening was definitely looking up.

  But was it wise to spend time with the man alone in his bedroom? Silver shook her head. The man was in pain, his leg propped up on pillows. There was no way anything could happen.

  She couldn’t help feeling disappointed at the notion as she put the packet in the microwave and set the timer.

  The popcorn popping sounded like fireworks on the Fourth of July. The fizz of the sodas sounded like champagne as she popped the cans open and poured the liquid over ice. Even the buzzing of the microwave took on a new meaning as it signaled that the first batch of popcorn was done. Silver hummed cheerfully as she prepared a tray of snacks and carried it up.

  Buoyed by the unexpected invitation, Silver mounted the stairs two at a time and had to force herself to slow down when she reached the top. Even the reduced pace did little to dim the silly grin that she wore. Though she tried to wipe the smile away, it wouldn’t go.

  Holding the tray up as a waiter maneuvering through a crowded restaurant, Silver managed to hide her idiotic expression from Thad until she was able to compose herself. She dipped and eased the tray to the edge of the bed. “Thank you, Miss Burdette,” Th
ad said perfunctorily.

  Silver blushed as she tried to avoid looking at Thad propped up on his pillows with his pajama top open to display his magnificently masculine chest. She set the tray on the rumpled spread next to him. “I’ll sit on the floor at the foot of the bed.” Oh, how she’d love to occupy the spot where she’d set the tray.

  “I’ll just take my soda and a handful of popcorn and get settled.”

  Thad tossed her a pillow and Silver made herself comfortable on the floor.

  Soon the awkwardness of the situation ended and they were two people simply enjoying the television program, the popcorn, and the company.

  Eventually, the program ended, the popcorn was gone, and the sodas had been drunk down to the melting ice cubes. Thad tried to hide a yawn behind a gentlemanly hand. Silver accepted the hint.

  She collected the glasses and placed them on the tray. Thad swept up popcorn crumbs with his hands and dropped them into the bowl. He looked up and commented dryly, “I think I’ll be roughing it tonight. Remind me to be more careful about eating popcorn in bed in the future.”

  Silver laughed. “I think I’d confine my popcorn consumption to the downstairs area from now on.” It would certainly be easier on her. “Do you need anything else from downstairs?”

  “No. Thank you, Miss Burdette. I’ll try not to run your feet off from now on. I hope that they’ll give me a walking cast when I go in tomorrow.”

  “Well, good night then.” Silver reached for the tray and spotted another unpopped kernel that had escaped Thad’s notice. That tiny kernel would feel like a boulder in the middle of the night.

  “Oops, some more popcorn.” She reached for the stray morsel at the same time as Thad.

  ****

  Their fingers touched as they both tried to pick up the kernel. Thad wanted to close his hand over Silver’s, but she snatched the popped corn and dropped it into the bowl, briskly policed everything up, and turned.

  He wanted her to stay. No, he just wanted her, and he had no idea where that notion had come from. Yet, he was powerless to deny it. He leaned across the few inches that separated them and took her hand. “Don’t go yet,” he whispered, his voice thick with need.

  “I don’t think I should stay,” she murmured huskily.

  “Are you afraid of me?”

  “No.” Silver struggled to free her hand and take the tray. “Yes. Yes, I am,” she murmured.

  “I won’t hurt you.”

  “That’s not what I’m afraid of,” Silver responded weakly as Thad pulled her closer.

  “All I want to do is this.” Thad drew her into his arms and reveled at the whisper-lightness of her hair and the warm silkiness of her skin.

  Thad had never intended to do more than kiss her. But as he tasted the buttery flavor of the popcorn still on her lips, he lost control. He wanted to do more than just kiss. Pulling her closer, he shifted to mold her to his body and allowed his hands to run over her trembling form.

  He pushed his tongue between her tender lips and explored, tasting her unique flavor. His heart soared when she responded, thrusting in return. Silver’s slight figure belied the soft and pliant flesh that lay beneath the concealing clothing that she wore. Thad struggled with her buttons, tiny, flimsy things in his large hands, and pushed open the blouse to reveal what lay hidden beneath. Eager to see, he fumbled with the closure of her lacy, silken bra.

  Suddenly, Silver gasped and jerked away and fumbled to adjust her clothing.

  Thad groaned and rolled back, his face contorted with pain. They had both forgotten his injured leg in their heated haste. He moaned, a thin coating of perspiration covering his brow.

  Shocked that she had so easily forgotten that the man had only recently been injured, she tried to apologize, but then she wasn’t certain exactly what she was apologizing for. “I’m sorry,” she stammered. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

  “You didn’t. It was my fault,” he rasped, falling back against the pillows. “I should have known better than to behave like this with my daughter just across the hall.”

  Silver drew back, too heated to forget her desire. She still hardly knew the man, but she wanted to know how it would feel to be loved by him. She wanted to experience it all, regardless of the consequences.

  “Are you sure I didn’t hurt you?”

  “I’ll live,” he ground out through clenched teeth as he tried to settle his leg back onto the mound of pillows.

  “I know,” she said, feeling her face go scarlet at the thought of what could have happened.

  He touched her neck, gently, with the knuckles of one hand. He caressed her throat, sending shivers of chilly delight trembling through her aroused body. Silver turned into his touch.

  She wanted to so badly, but again, something made her push away.

  “No, no. I’m sorry. It’s not you. I’m sorry. I can’t do this.”

  Silver snatched up the popcorn bowl and hurried away, closing the door firmly behind her.

  ****

  The next morning the ringing phone in the hall woke her. She wanted to ignore it, but she knew that Thad — no, Major Thibodeaux, she reminded herself — was in no condition to get it.

  The caller was Marianne Harbeson. “Good morning,” Silver said, trying to sound wide awake.

  “Who was that?” Thad called from his room.

  Not wanting to shout through the door, she knocked first. “Are you decent?” She blushed, remembering how it felt to be so close to him the night before.

  “Come in,” he called.

  Willing herself not to blush, Silver stepped into the room. “Marianne Harbeson will be here in a little while.”

  “She’s coming over? Why?”

  “To take you to the orthopedic surgeon. Remember, you have an appointment at zero eight hundred.” He threw off the covers and started to roll out of the bed, but winced in pain. “Ow,” he muttered. “Guess a shower will have to wait.”

  “Can I do anything?”

  Thad nodded. “I need something to wear other than… this.” He looked down, indicating the pajama top that he had — fortunately for her — buttoned since… the night before. “There is a sweat suit in the middle drawer. That ought to do for a doc visit.”

  Silver found the suit and a tee shirt as well, and handed them over. “Do you need any help?”

  Could it be that he actually blushed? Silver took that as a no, and turned away. “I’ll leave you to dress, then.” She hurried out. At least he didn’t seem comment on what had happened last night, Silver thought, relieved. Leaving him to dress himself in private, she went to her own room.

  ****

  Silver sat sipping coffee alone in the kitchen. She took full advantage of the tranquil moment and let her imagination have free rein. Emily was still sleeping, and Marianne Harbeson had already picked up Thad for his appointment, so she had a few blessed moments of quiet.

  Silver’s feelings about her eventual return to her own apartment were ambiguous. She would be happy to reacquaint herself with her normal routine, but in the last few days she had begun to feel comfortable with Thad in his home. In spite of their brief lapse of judgment the night before, she was beginning to feel at home here.

  The tension between them had gradually eased and she could almost forget about their unfortunate first meeting. Maybe now if he remembered, it wouldn’t be the disaster she’d imagined previously. And after what had happened last night, she even dared to hope that things could progress further. She sighed and took another sip from the coffee that had been sitting neglected in front of her as she pondered.

  Silver grimaced as she swallowed the tepid, brown liquid, and shuddered. “Well, this cup of coffee has seen better days,” she muttered.

  She started to dump the noxious liquid into the sink, then changed her mind and stuck the mug in the microwave. When it announced that her coffee was ready, Silver retrieved it. She had just settled down to drink her coffee when the phone rang.

  “Can’t
I even sit down and have a peaceful cup of coffee without the phone ringing?” she grumbled as she snatched the receiver off its spot on the wall. “Hello.”

  “Hi, it’s Marianne. Did I get you at a bad time?”

  “Not really. I was just having a cup of coffee,” Silver replied. “Are you finished at the hospital?”

  “Almost. Thad’s getting his walking cast put on, and when he’s done we can go. I thought I’d stop by the commissary on the way if you need anything.”

  Had Marianne completely tuned in to her wavelength? Silver almost said yes, but instead said, “Thanks. But you know what I really need is to get out myself. Do you think you could keep Thad company while I make a quick trip to the store? I think I’m getting cabin fever.”

  Marianne readily agreed and as soon as she hung up, Silver forgot her coffee and scurried upstairs to make herself presentable. She had been so busy for the last few days that she’d had no time to bother with her appearance.

  It seemed like months had passed since Silver had last had her face on, though it had really been less than a week since she had taken the trouble to put on makeup. As she affected the change from pale to perky, she silently lamented that Thad had seen the “real” her. Then she shrugged, remembering the night they had first met and the over-done appearance she had presented. That time she had worn enough makeup to compensate for this week. And then some.

  Of course, she could blame Carole for that. She had convinced her, despite her better judgment, to tease up her hair, use some of Carole’s too-dark self-tanner and way too much eye shadow. No wonder he hadn’t recognized her.

  Besides, her plain-Jane appearance hadn’t slowed him down last night.

  Silver blushed as she brushed her wispy, too-blond hair then tried several variations of the usual straight hairdo. She hadn’t really had a chance to talk to Thad about what had happened last night. Would it make a difference?