excerpt
FINDERS KEEPERS
“What do you want Brad? You scared me half to death.”
He surveyed the room, flicking aside the empty potato chip bag. “Why didn’t you come to see me?” He found the half-filled box of candy and emptied a few into his hand.
“I wasn’t under the impression that it was an order.” Nicole hoped he choked on a piece of candy. Then the traitorous side of her provided a solution that giving him an abdominal thrust would be most welcoming. “So now you’re here, what’s on your mind.”
“You. I can’t seem to stop thinking about you. I only have a few minutes or I’ll miss my flight.” He sat opposite her and kept his eyes on her. “But if that’s what you want me to do, then I’ll stay. You only have to say the words.”
Nicole stuck a large helping of ice-cream in her mouth, licking the spoon for effect. Maybe if she kept her mouth full, then she didn’t run the risk of saying something simpering.
“I went to see Druthers today. The man who sent his goon to threaten you.” He smiled. “He’s agreed to back off.”
Nicole melted under his smile. His kissable lips and white toothy smile drew her in and she felt the answering response of her lips curving into a smile.
“I’m taking all the credit, but I’ve got to share it with Audra.”
Nicole’s spoon clattered to the bowl. “It always comes back to Audra,” she said sarcastically. “Should I expect her to come popping up on my doorstep too?”
He frowned. “It’s never been about Audra. I went over to her place today because she knew how to get in touch with this guy.”
“I know. I saw you.”
“And you didn’t say anything.”
“Didn’t know if you’d hear me with Audra’s face jammed up against your ear.” Nicole waved the spoon in the air.
Brad looked at his watch. “Damn, I need to know right here, right now. Do we have a chance? I want you so badly that I can’t think of anything else.”
“You’ll get over it. Think of it like a virus. It just has to run its course, then you’ll be better than ever with anti-bodies to boot.”
Brad stood, looking down at her. “You obviously aren’t ready to hear me out. I don’t blame you. I’ll be back, Nicole.”
She could have let it go at that because who cared if he did or didn’t come back. “I won’t be here. The property will be on the market tomorrow and with the publicity, I expect that it’ll be sold in a matter of weeks.”
“What?” his voice thundered. “Why?” He grabbed her up, staring down into her face.
Nicole couldn’t deal with the disappointment in his eyes. She pulled away, but couldn’t get out of his grip. “I would think that you of all people would be happy. You’ve got your retreat. Isn’t that why you showed up at my place? Anything else that you took was a bonus.”
He dropped his hands to his side. “I wish you all the luck in the world, Nicole. One day I hope you find that perfect someone who won’t break your heart or make mistakes. While you grow old waiting for someone to meet your high standards, remember this: I love you.” Without another word, he walked out of her apartment and out of her life.
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copyright 2002 Michelle Monkou
