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  “Tell me about Bryan,” he asked pushing aside his half-eaten plate.

  She raised her eyes to his, then flickered her gaze to the grill mulling over exactly how much she should share. “My husband died of AIDS,” she said, the paused, waiting to see what his reaction would be. At his encouraging nod she added, “The diagnosis came as such a shock. I never suspected anything because ours was a comfortable marriage, with none of the drama that my friends were experiencing with their husbands.”

  “Drama?” he intoned.

  “Verbal and physical abuse, excessive spending, gambling, and infidelity.” She answered, then returned to eating. She chewed slowly as if considering every word.

  He drank his tea and waited for her to gather her thoughts. All around them people chattered, ice splashed against glasses and she was oblivious to it all.

  “My job at hospice is to help people say good-bye and make peace with God and family before their transition. It’s extremely stressful, but Bryan …” she reflected. “Every day when I came home, he tried to ease my depression.” She smiled in a way that didn’t quite reach her dark brown eyes. “He’d run me a bath, bring me a glass of wine, and let me cry it all out.”

  Her eyes clouded over as she said, “He was suddenly tired all the time. It’s funny; that was the hardest thing for me to accept.” She took a sip of her tea and signaled the waiter. When he came over she requested he remove her food, then she turned her attention back to Daniel. “Bryan was athletic, a fabulous dancer, and always ready for the next great adventure. Tired was not in his vocabulary.”

  Daniel reached across the table with an upturned palm. She looked down for a long moment, then slid her hand into his.

  A little boy smiled and waved at her, gurgling on his mother’s shoulder. She waved back, then her gaze connected with Daniel. “I looked at his planner and checked his recent travels, thinking maybe he had picked something up while he was away.” she whispered. “I quickly realized that one guy was a part of every single trip …” She closed her eyes trying to stave off the pain. “I’d never paid attention before because they’d been friends since college, lived thousands of miles apart, and only talked on the phone every now and then.”

  Daniel stroked a finger across the soft skin of her knuckles.

  “Bryan contracted bacterial pneumonia and had to be hospitalized,” she said. “It was then that we received the devastating news.” She took several cleansing breaths before taking up the story again. “He was afraid I’d hate him, that I would leave him when he needed me.” She lifted her tear-filled eyes to him. “But that’s not who I am.”

  Daniel scooted around to be closer, drawing her in and allowing her head to rest on his shoulder. “Devastating news,” he said. “Even now, talking about it is hard for you.”

  She nodded, tightening her grip on his hands as she said, “I took a leave of absence and cared for him for six months until he died. I came here to the Delta to heal, then went back to Detroit.” She looked down at their entwined fingers. “It’s been five years and I still get tested every six months, even though the doctors say I have nothing to worry about. I’ve decided to sell the riverfront condo and come home to stay.”

  Daniel held her long after her tears subsided. “What about the rest of your life? No children, no man.”

  “I’ve learned one thing—you don’t always get what you want,” she replied. “This is my life now. I’m getting used to it. Alone doesn’t mean lonely—but that’s something I’m getting used to as well.”

  With that, she extracted herself from his hold and slipped on her shades before pulling the keys from her bag. “We’ve got a long drive ahead of us.”

  She was out of the chair and down the aisle before he could protest her abrupt departure.

  Chapter 4

  On Monday morning, Shawna slammed the kitchen phone down. “Damn it! Not another one!”

  Daniel looked up from his spot at the marble-topped kitchen island, watching everything from the sway of her hips in her blue jean shorts to her face as she moved from the phone to the fridge and snatched out the ingredients for another meal. He’d demolished scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits dripping with butter, and cheesy grits as they talked about preparations for the Fourth of July family picnic and the formal dinner being held at the Delta Cultural Center in West Helena.

  She’d been receiving call after call that morning. Each time, it was more bad news. No hay wagon for the younger kids. Tents wouldn’t be delivered until very late today. And Cousin June Bug had driven from Baltimore on a suspended license. He was stopped for speeding in Memphis. Now someone had to pay the fine and pick up him, his new woman, and her bad-ass kids—all uninvited and unwanted.

  “Now who’s got you all riled up?” he asked over the rim of his coffee cup.

  “Ben Logan helps out with odd jobs and repairs around the place. He has some emergency and can’t do the lawn today or tomorrow. This is the third week he’s bailed on me.”

  She looked out over the back yard, sweeping her gaze over the almost ten-inch high grass and letting out a groan. “I gave my farm hand this week off to visit family believing I had everything under control and that Lauren would be here right now. He’s out of town and Lauren is missing in action.”

  Over breakfast, he’d learned family would be arriving from all over the country for an extended reunion. Even though only Shawna, Lauren, Jacob, and Daniel would be staying at the main house, it would serve as the hub for meals, registration, and general activities. This kitchen, with its stainless steel appliances and areas for different types of food prep, reminded him of a command center with Shawna Murray at the helm.

  Everything was lined up to flow like a well-oiled machine. The uncles would be roasting the pig and goat. The women would cook vegetables, make salads, and desserts. Friday’s picnic was open to anyone in the community who wanted to stop by. Word of mouth travelled faster than choir room gossip. Every time Shawna went into town to pick up something she needed, more and more people told her they were looking forward to seeing the new house.

  Daniel picked up his dishes and placed them in the sink before his gaze shifted to his hostess. Her crestfallen expression was enough to soften the heart of an ogre. She had told him she wanted this reunion because it reminded her of happier times and family bonding.

  A different kind of bonding was on his mind. Not once since they left the airport was he able to have a repeat of that kiss that had left him hungry for more. The silence that blanketed them after last night’s dinner conversation had given him a heads up that she, too, was dealing with the kind of trust issues that didn’t make for happily ever after.

  She was absolutely stunning when she was taking control but adorable when frustrated and unable to control life’s curve balls.

  “What kind of riding mower is in the shed?” he asked, taking his coffee mug with him to stand next to her and peer out at the expansive yard.

  “We bought a Craftsman,” she replied with a weary shake of her head. “I can get it done myself, but it’s going to take at least four hours. And with everyone throwing in these last minute changes, that’s four hours I don’t have to spare.”

  He’d watched as she checked off items on a blackboard affixed to the cheery yellow back wall. She gazed at that crazy board again, her lips making the cutest pout before she sighed and looked out at the yard. “Well, I can stand here talking about it, or I can just go ahead and do the damn thing.” She dropped the towel on the counter and made her way to the back door.

  “Let’s make a deal,” he said.

  The words caused her to pause and turn back to him. She leaned against the edge of the counter, arms folded across her full breasts, her gaze narrowing on him as she asked, “What kind of deal?”

  Take you to bed and stay there all week? That image forced him to stay where she couldn’t see his jeans straining across his erection. “I do your lawn work and set out the tables for the picnic.”

 
Shawna flickered a grateful gaze to the list and back to him.

  He’d sneaked a peek at the list while paying attention to her backside as she bopped around the kitchen. “Once a few men arrive, I’ll have a crew to help pitch the tents. You can cross that off as well.”

  The relieved look on her face was enough to make him want to grab her and haul her off to the king-sized bed in the bedroom she’d shown him to last night before disappearing to her own private space.

  Her brow furrowed as a delicate hand pushed a wayward curl from her face. “That’s more than Ben was supposed to do.” She focused in on him. “But what’s the catch?”

  Daniel grinned. “You sit down and listen to my proposal, look at the sketches, and we have a conversation like two civilized human beings.”

  She gnawed on her bottom lip. God, he wanted to be the one enjoying the strawberry taste of her mouth right now.

  “Just listen?” she inquired.

  At his nod, Shawna let out a long, slow breath. “I accept. I’ll even throw in lunch before you make your presentation.” She glided past the chairs and sideboard and wrapped her arms about his neck. Daniel held on a minute longer than necessary, relishing the feel of her in his arms. “Two home-cooked meals in one day and an adult conversation? Now that’s progress.”

  As he backed away to go see a shed about a lawnmower, he gave her one of his megawatt smiles.

  Chapter 5

  No one should look that good in a straw hat.

  Daniel’s muscled arms strained in the white t-shirt that was stretched across his chest and tucked into jeans that showcased a pair of thick thighs and strong legs. His butt filled the jeans out nicely. This man had jump-started her libido with a vengeance.

  Shawna turned down the volume on Good Morning America, picked up the phone and punched in Lauren’s number. She spoke as soon as her sister picked up. “I’m kickin’ your butt when you get here.”

  Lauren’s laughter only served to frustrate her more. “Sending Fitz was a stroke of genius,” she said, affecting that drawl she used to soften up potential clients before going in for the kill.

  “How the hell am I supposed to pull this off without you?” Shawna could tell by the sound of rustling papers in the background that Lauren was irritated, but if anyone should be pissed off, it should be her. “First you want to sell our land to finance your expansion, then you send this gorgeous man here to tempt me. You know I can’t do anything with that man!”

  “Stop being Mrs. Ice Queen. Bryan’s not coming back,” Lauren shot back. “Get a life already!”

  Shawna focused a gaze out to the yard just in time to see Daniel make a pass. With everything she learned about him from Lauren and Jacob, she knew that he was the type of policeman a woman wanted to see when trouble darkened her door. If her life had gone down a different path, he wouldn’t have had to wait for trouble for her door to be open to him.

  But that wasn’t the way things were. Her doctors were convinced that she had nothing to worry about, but she was too nervous to stop testing. Because of her fears, she’d tucked away any sexual feelings. She’d forgotten how to flirt, how to be with a man. But the one thing she was aware of was that she couldn’t be with this man.

  “You’re pushing Daniel’s idea only because you want the money,” she accused, resting her elbows on the counter. “If there wasn’t any land to speak of, he’d be in Chicago, instead of in the Delta trying to get in my pants for a one-night stand.”

  Over her shoulder, her gaze followed the tractor moving around the yard. Daniel reached up to wipe the sweat from his face and took a swig of water as he carefully maneuvered around the flower bed.

  Her sister’s voice cut through her musings. “Who says it has to be a one-night stand? When are you going to recognize that you’re beautiful inside and out? Stop selling yourself short and go get your man!”

  Shawna smiled. Her man? She could only wish. Her baby sister had always been her best advocate. “Thanks, sis.”

  “What about that niece and nephew you promised me?” Shawna gasped and parted her lips to speak, but Lauren cut in with, “Before you interrupt, remember that a promise is a promise.”

  Daniel and Lauren were forcing her to confront feelings and dreams that she thought better left buried. “Sometimes you have to give up fantasy and face the real world. And my real world is the one I live in.”

  “I’m holding you to what you said,” Lauren said, and her voice held none of the softness it had in the beginning. “But first things first. Listen to his proposal with an open mind. Sister’s promise?”

  Sister’s promise! They only spoke those words when things were serious.

  “I have to cook lunch,” Shawna said, checking to determine if the fish was thawed enough for seasoning. “Daniel’s cutting the lawn.”

  “Wait! When did Fitz become Daniel? Oooooh, wait till I tell Jacob. No one calls him Daniel.”

  Shawna shrugged as though Lauren could see her.

  “And don’t work the man to death,” Lauren warned.

  She flickered a gaze out toward her guest. Last night the tension in the house was as thick as early morning fog. “He needs to burn off some excess energy.”

  “You two have been setting sparks off each other since Christmas,” Lauren teased. “Y’all could work that energy off in a better way.”

  This girl is determined to get me into trouble!

  “After I feed him and listen to his spiel, he can do whatever for the rest of the week and leave me alone.”

  Lauren giggled, asking, “Gettin’ to you huh? Next time call me on Skype so I can see you blush.”

  “Woman, I’m three shades darker than you. I don’t blush.”

  Shawna disconnected the call, looked out of the kitchen window, and saw Daniel’s abs ripple as he wrangled the mower into a sharp turn. Picturing him while they were both naked was enough to cause warmth to spread through her core and leave her aching for something that was out of reach.

  She was happy that her sister couldn’t see her face.

  Chapter 6

  Daniel was a firm believer in staying fit—not just because of the career path he’d chosen, but because he’d witnessed family members fall into one illness or another by not taking care of themselves.

  He ran five to ten miles a day and lifted weights. But this yard was like cutting a path through the jungle. He thanked the gods for the bottles of water Shawna had packed for him.

  Once the yard was manicured to his satisfaction and the tables set up, he trudged upstairs for a shower and change of clothes. What he really longed for was a nap. But getting Shawna’s promise to listen to his proposal was too important of an opportunity to miss. Now, if she would only get with his program, they’d be doing all right.

  He pulled off the soaked t-shirt and peeled off the black jeans and briefs. Standing naked in the middle of his room, every muscle screamed for Shawna’s touch. He’d have to settle for a cold shower instead.

  Under the stinging icy spray, he reflected on his mission. He wanted that land—secluded but not isolated. Near West Helena and law enforcement backup if needed. It was the perfect location. And with everything he had witnessed while on the force—people and organizations giving up on the inner-city youth—he knew he had to create a successful prototype for an intensive employment and training program that could be a model for other metropolitan areas.

  Shawna was the key. And he couldn’t let personal desires interfere with business. Women were plentiful—more available than he liked. But a quality woman? Not so many.

  He was drawn to Shawna’s love for her sister, admired her career choice, and understood her dedication to this land. But he was sucked in by those heavy eyes that told him someone had extinguished her hope and her faith. Making love to her would be enjoyable, but doing so without giving her the commitment she needed would be just as cruel as if he had taken the last bottle from a newborn baby. No, it was better to focus on business. Pleasure could lead th
em both down a path they didn’t need to go.

  He’d had enough of the proverbial forever—especially since realizing he’d probably never find the peace and serenity that his parents once had. He’d shut down all his feelings about marriage and commitment after he saw the way Anna’s betrayal impacted his and his son’s life. He’d had women since the divorce, but that had been about satisfying a need every now and then, not about having a woman to wake up to, to share his vision, to make a life.

  Shawna Murray was the type of woman who needed the words, the actions, and the love. More than he was willing to give. Unfortunately, his mind was telling him one thing, but his body was screaming, “You better figure it out. Fast!”

  * * *

  Daniel checked the time, pulled out his phone and punched in the number for Alex Ramos, his investment banker and a strong proponent of Daniel’s project.

  “Are you making any headway with the owner yet?” He could picture Alex’s six-foot-five frame slouched in an oversized chair, his shirt sleeves rolled up and tie loose, going over details of some innovative deal. His contacts and investors wanted in on the ground floor of this and other similar projects after they witnessed the impact of the economic downturn on the communities they had risen from.

  “I’m going to make it happen,” Daniel said to his partner and former classmate. “I’m giving it a hard sell this afternoon, and we should have an answer before the weekend.”

  “Good. Because you know if you don’t get this up and running this year, then the entire program will be shut down, and we’ll be forced to move on to the next opportunity,” Alex reminded him.