One Heart to Give (Heart's Intent Book 1) (8 page)

She gulped. “Ren?”

The need to kiss her filled him. All he wanted was to feel her lips on his again. The beast inside him told him to take what he wanted. She belonged to him as much as he belonged to her. He leaned down and placed his lips on hers. A fire ignited as soon as his heat fueled hers. She wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him against her. It was all the permission he needed to deepen the kiss. He touched a part of heaven he’d been denied for too long. It was coming home and finding the piece of himself he’d been missing. Dani was everything.

He stepped back and glanced down at her. Her full pouty lips were even fuller and appeared stung from their kisses. The desire filling her eyes was almost too hard to resist, but somehow he managed it. Their breathing was haggard as they fought for control.

“You wanted to talk?” he said.

She flashed him a sultry smile, and breathlessly said, “I like what you had in mind better.”

Maybe he should listen to his gut instincts more often. He raised an eyebrow. “I did too.”

She lifted both hands and ran them across his chest. “If I had more time I’d see what other things you had in mind.”

He groaned. She had no idea. He’d had years of imagination to make up for. “What did you need?”

Ren braced himself for something he didn’t want to hear. He hoped the kiss they shared would soften her toward him. If his luck held out it would, and what she said next would lead them in the direction he wanted.

Dani glanced up at him, and winked. “Text me the details on the fundraiser.” She tucked a piece of paper in his coat pocket. “I do believe it’ll be a night to remember.” Then she turned around and left him in his office.

What the hell had happened? Ren let happiness fill him for the first time since he’d found her again. It appeared like he might be finally getting through to her.

“Dani, I do believe you’re right. It’ll be one I certainly won’t forget.”

Plans had to me made. He intended for it not only to be a night to remember, but one that Dani wouldn’t be able to run away from. This was his chance to get through to her once and for all. One he didn’t intend to waste.

Chapter Nine

Matt was getting released from the hospital. She had to make plans to get him settled in at his home. There were so many things to arrange. Until he could function on his own, he needed someone with him around the clock. His vision was getting better, but it was nowhere near where it needed to be. He’d hate it, but he needed some live-in help. She was happy that the surgery appeared to work, and over time his vision should return. Blurry was better than total blackness any day.

Dani pushed open the door to her office building. Amy was sitting at the reception desk typing something on the computer. She glanced up at the sound of bells filling the room.

“You’re back,” she said. “Mr. Nettles called again. He wants to know if you’ve made any progress.”

Damn that man. He had absolutely no patience. It’d been less than twenty-four hours since she’d talked to him. Did he expect her to work miracles? She mentally snorted. No, it was worse than that. The blasted man was anticipating her failure and wanted to find out if she had already. Well, she had news for him. She didn’t fail and wasn’t about to start to prove him right in his own idiotic misconceptions.

“I’m not prepared to talk to Mr. Nettles yet. If he calls back again, take a message.” She’d deal with him after she had her spontaneous meeting with Sullivan Brady. After that, she’d make plans on how to proceed. “I have something in the works, but it’s going to take time to get started. I can’t have that arrogant man preventing me from gathering information.”

She opened her mouth and closed it again. Amy winced and then said what was on her mind. “I don’t like him. Every time he calls he’s so condescending.”

Dani rolled her eyes. She wished she could tell him to find a different firm to represent him. He was truly despicable. “I’m sorry he’s being difficult. Let me know if it’s too much to deal with.”

Amy nodded. “It’s frustrating, but overall he’s harmless.”

She hoped he stayed that way. Dani suspected if he didn’t get his way he’d become a problem rather fast. “Is Claire in?”

Claire often ran errands and filed paperwork with the court. She hoped the other woman was available. Her visit to Matt hadn’t come up when she spoke to her previously. Dani wanted to make sure she was all right and run a few things by her.

“She’s in her office.”

“Thank you. Hold all my calls for the rest of the day.”

Dani headed to Claire’s office. She was hunched over her desk reading a document. Her brows were bunched together in concentration. She didn’t appear to be bothered by anything in particular, but Dani knew looks could be deceiving. With a shake of her head she brushed her own worries away and raised her hand to knock on the door frame. When the sound reverberated through the room, Claire glanced up and met her gaze.

“I’m sorry. I was so absorbed in proofreading this motion. How long have you been standing there?”

“It’s only been a couple seconds.” Dani pointed to the motion. “Is there anything I need to take a look at?” Claire was thorough when she wrote a motion. But since she didn’t have a law degree, either Matt or she had to look over them before they could be filed.

“No.” She furrowed her brow. “I’m making sure I’ve covered everything and there are no errors.” Claire set the document down. “How’s Matt?”

Dani walked fully inside and sat in front of her desk. They had much to discuss, and she needed Claire on board with what she had planned. Matt would be pissed, but Dani believed she was doing the right thing.

“I have some news.” Dani smiled. “They took the bandages off his eyes today.”

Claire sat up straighter. Her face was devoid of all emotion. “And?”

“The bad news is he can’t see.” She held up her hand when Claire opened her mouth to interrupt. “Let me finish. He can’t see anything but a blur. But he
can
see.”

A relieved breath fell from Claire’s mouth. “Thank God.”

Dani could appreciate her concern. She’d been on pins and needles waiting for the bandages to come off. When Matt had announced everything was blurry, her heart had skipped a beat. He might not have thought so at first, but it had been a good sign.

“He does have a long road toward recovery. He’s going to need a lot of help to get to where he needs to be.”

Claire nodded. “What do you need from me?”

Dani took a deep breath. She figured Claire would want to help. But how much was she willing to do to help Matt recover? “I have an idea, and I’m not sure you’re going to want to do it or not.”

“The only way you’re going to know is if you ask.” Claire sat back in her chair and folded her hands in her lap. “You’re aware of how I feel about Matt.”

“I am.” She studied her assistant. “I also know you went to see him and he was, for lack of a better word, an ass.”

Claire didn’t say a word. She stared at Dani for several minutes. She leaned forward and set her elbows on her desk. “I gave him allowances for having a bad couple of days. I decided to give him some room to breathe and think about what a dick he was. I assume he said something to you?”

Matt was lucky Claire understood what he was going through. Not everyone would be so forgiving if he bit their head off on a regular basis. “He was regretful. I take it you didn’t open a vein and bleed out your feelings for him?’

“No.” Claire’s lips tilted into a half-smile. “I deduced it wouldn’t be a good idea to dump my emotions on him when he already had so much to deal with. In time I will though. I can be patient a little while longer.”

“Good, now to my idea.” She leaned forward and stared into Claire’s eyes. “Matt’s going to need round the clock care for a while.”

She tilted her head and considered Dani’s words. “I can see how that would be necessary. He isn’t equipped to dealing with anything right now. He’d have to relearn where everything in his apartment is. Not to mention cooking, cleaning, and the day to day necessities.”

Her friend had one hell of an uphill battle to the end of recovery. She didn’t envy him that task. With her and Claire’s help, he could make it to the other side. Unfortunately, she could already see how difficult he was going to make it for them. It was their job to suck it up and make it as easy as possible for him. They would also be there to remind him when he was being a jerk. More importantly, they would be able to tell him they had faith in him and he could make it.

“I want to hire a nurse to come in and check on him each day, and a therapist to help him to acclimate to his new surroundings, but someone needs to stay after they leave,” Dani paused. “That’s where you come in.”

“Do you want me to research individuals to see who’s available and qualified to do what you need?”

“That would be a good start.” Dani frowned. “It’s last minute. I should have started looking into this sooner, but it didn’t occur to me until earlier today. We’re going to need someone to start almost immediately. Matt’s being released tomorrow afternoon.”

Claire sat back. Her mouth fell open with surprise. “So soon?”

A part of Dani wanted to keep him in the hospital where he would get constant care, but he had to be going stir-crazy stuck in bed all day. For his own peace of mind, he had to go home. “He insisted, and I understand why.”

Claire nodded. “Matt doesn’t like being cooped up. He’s still going to go crazy in his own home. I don’t think he fully comprehends the ramifications of his injury. Does he know you’re arranging for care?”

Dani smiled. Claire understood Matt as well as she did. If she agreed to stay with him when Dani couldn’t, then it would all work out. They could take shifts making sure someone was with him. They wouldn’t have to hire a stranger to see to his needs. Though Matt might actually prefer that to them hovering. She’d have to play it by ear and see how it went.

“For at least the beginning, I don’t think we should have anyone staying overnight with him that doesn’t know him or what makes him tick,” she explained. “I haven’t discussed it with him, but I don’t think he should get much of a choice at first. He’s going to argue regardless.”

Claire tapped her fingers lightly on the desk. “You want me to stay with him, don’t you?”

Her assistant was perceptive. It’s one of the reasons she had been hired. “Not every night. I can take some too.”

Her laughter filled the room. “Matt’s going to be livid.”

No doubt she was right. He hated having to be taken care of. It was his job to take care of those around him. It was part of who he was. Now he had to sit back and allow them to take care of him. He’d have to suck it up and deal with it.

“At first,” Dani agreed. “After he gets done yelling at us.” She tilted her head. “And pouting. He’ll see reason.”

“You are right.” She grinned. “It’s going to be fun to watch him go through all those stages too.”

Dani shook her head. Claire had a perverse side she’d not noticed previously. Where had she been hiding it? It looked good on her, and she’d need it to deal with Matt. Her lips quirked up in amusement before she replied, “So you’re willing to help me?”

“I will do you one better. I’m going to let you fully off the hook.” She lifted her hands and steepled them together. “I’m going to interview nurses and therapists. Set up a schedule. And move into Matt’s house later today. When he gets home tomorrow all his wants, needs, and desires will be met.”

She had an almost wicked gleam in her eye. No doubt she was still pissed at Matt’s attitude. Dani almost felt sorry for her friend, but Claire wouldn’t do anything to truly harm him. He might actually require a bit of tough love. Claire wouldn’t hold back anything. She’d see he’d have all the things that would necessitate his recovery.

“All right,” Dani agreed. “I will allow you to handle everything as you see fit. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Don’t worry, I can handle Mr. Price, but if something comes up you’ll be the first person I call.” She smirked. “But I don’t think I will find the need to. Go play with your doctor man. Don’t you have a fundraiser to get ready for?”

She did, and she rather looked forward to her evening with Ren. The last kiss was even better than the first. Dani couldn’t wait to see if they would improve each time. The more she felt his lips on hers, the more she wanted from him. Her desire had reached all new heights. When they were teens, she’d thought she wanted Ren, but she had no clue how much until now. He made her feel things she never imagined.

“I actually do have a lot to do. A dress is at the top of my list.” She planned on finding one that would knock his socks off. He thought he was making all the plans. Ren had no clue what she had in store for him. “Since I trust you to see to Matt, I will gladly go shopping for something extra special for my night with Ren.”

Claire winked. “Go get ‘em tiger.”

Oh, Dani intended to.

Chapter Ten

Dani strolled into her bedroom and yanked her closet door open. She reached across the rack and pulled out a garment bag. She lifted it and carried it over to her bed and set it down. Dani unzipped the bag and stared at what laid inside.
She’d bought the dress as soon as she’d laid eyes on it.
It was the prettiest dress she’d ever seen, and she’d had to have it. The cocktail dress was a bright pomegranate chiffon with a sweetheart neckline.

She skimmed her fingers over the soft material and sighed. It was perfect, and she couldn’t wait to wear it for Ren. He’d arrive soon to pick her up. She sat at her vanity and dried her hair into soft ebony waves. Then slowly applied eyeliner and mascara, and then, with a quick swipe of lip gloss across her lips, she was good to go. The only thing left was to get dressed and wait for Ren to pick her up. She opened a drawer and pulled out the sexiest lingerie she owned and slid them on. It was all black silk and lace, a strapless bra with matching panties. Dani felt sexy having the material slide over her bare skin. The chiffon dress hugged all her curves and showed them off to perfection. She slid on a pair of black heels and headed down the stairs. The doorbell chimed as she arrived at the bottom.

Dani strolled to the door and then opened it. Her gaze met Ren’s and she sucked in a breath. He was even more devastating in a tuxedo than he had been at their high school prom. He’d stolen her breath away then too. This time was singular and magical. He was her date, not some else’s. A rush of nerves flowed through her. What had she gotten herself into?

“You’re beautiful.” His gaze roamed over her from the bottom and back up to stare into her eyes. Heat spread through her, covering over her anxiety in a different way. He held his hand out to her. “If we don’t leave now, we never will.”

“I don’t know about you, but I’m rather looking forward to this event. I heard it’s the place to be.” She reached out and ran her hands over his chest. “I might be convinced to stay in another time though.”

He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. “I’ve been wanting to be with you for so long this almost seems surreal.”

She had to agree with him. This was a fantasy come to life. There was a time she’d never have imagined this could ever be real. Her insecurities always stood in their way. In all honesty, they might still be a hindrance if she didn’t need a valid reason to go to the fundraiser. Sullivan Brady was attending, and she needed a way to meet him in an innocuous way. Was it a benefit to be on the arms of the only man she’d ever loved? In more ways than one—but she couldn’t let Ren distract her from her main purpose.

“Let’s not examine it too closely.” She wound her arm through his. “We have a lot of history to wade through before we can move forward. This is one step in a million to arrive at our destination. Tonight, let’s enjoy each other’s company and see where it leads us.”

He nodded. “I can do that as long as you make me a promise.”

Dani was almost afraid to find out what he wanted to secure from her. He made her nervous on a good day. Today? When she agreed to spend an evening in his company and resist every urge she had to run… She didn’t know how much she could guarantee.

“It depends on what you want.”

“I want a lot.” He grinned wickedly and leaned in to whisper into her ear. “And, in time, I intend to have it all. But for tonight I want one thing.”

“What?” she asked eagerly.

His breath was hot on her neck. It sent shivers down her spine. The desire to pull him inside her home and do naughty things to him grated through her. The impulse was almost too great to resist. He didn’t kiss her. He didn’t even lean in more to initiate closer contact. No, instead he took a step back and stared her in the eyes. His mouth straightened into a firm line. This was serious. He was done playing. Disappointment filled her.

“Don’t run away from me.” His voice was raw with emotion. “Not now or ever again. I promise you won’t get far, and when I find you it won’t be pretty.”

Dani gulped down a lump in her throat. She glanced away. What she saw in his eyes… There was so much hurt reflecting back at her. She’d done that. It may not have been her intention to do it, but she was responsible for his unhappiness. It didn’t sit well with her. Maybe it was time to see her actions for what they were. Cowardice. She’d run from him to protect herself and didn’t once think about how they’d damage the one person who’d meant the world to her.

Ren had been her best friend, the one man she’d loved, and she’d spit on him like he was trash. She was wrong. The least she could’ve done was say goodbye. Pretend that they’d keep in touch and slowly let communication fall away. She’d cut him off and didn’t look back. Sure, she’d checked on him a few times without him knowing, but once he married Jessica she didn’t look again. One glimpse of his apparent happy life and she’d concluded her decision had been for the best. What had she known?

“The only promise I can make you is I won’t disappear without explanation ever again.”

She still didn’t know what their future held or if they even had one, but she could do better by him. He deserved more from her, and she could give him better consideration.

“I can work with that.” He smiled. “Now let’s go to this fundraiser. I haven’t danced with you in over ten years, and I’m itching to do it again.”

Dani had a small flash to prom. The one and only time they’d danced. It had been perfect. Until it wasn’t. At least there wouldn’t be a Jessica to steamroll through it this time. Dani pulled her door closed and locked it. She looped her arm through Ren’s and let him lead her to his vehicle.

“So tell me what this fundraiser is all about?”

Ren held the passenger door open for her and she slid inside. Once he was seated on the driver’s side he answered her. “The Brady-Blue foundation set it up to design a new pediatric wing at the hospital. They want to update the NICU and provide care for families of children in long term care. They want to ensure that all children get the care they need regardless of the family’s ability to pay. It’s more than designing a state of the art facility.”

The more she learned about the Brady family the more she liked them. What would they have against the Nettles family? There had to be more than old man Nettles was saying.

“They seem like a philanthropistic group.” Dani frowned. “Do they want to do good for show, or do they truly believe in the cause they stand for?”

Ren maneuvered the car through traffic. He kept his focus on the road but continued their conversation as he drove. “I’ve had several conversations with the head of the foundation. He has many reasons for this particular project. He lost a sister when she was a little over two years old. His family has never been the same since. The new wing is to be named in her honor.”

That was interesting. She wondered what his sister’s name was. “That’s sad. Do you know what happened to her?”

“No, he never said, and I didn’t ask. It’s not my place to pry.”

Dani crunched her eyebrows together. She wanted to know more. Her curious nature was about to push her to places she shouldn’t go. “So what’s the wing going to be called?” If she couldn’t find out the reason the sister had died, at least she could find out a name to do research with later.

“I don’t know.”

Damn. She almost blurted out something she shouldn’t. Instead of saying he wasn’t any help, she bit her tongue and held it in. After a minute of reflection, she said, “That’s strange.”

It really was. She was riveted and couldn’t find more. A mystery had always appealed to her. This one was full of details without any real answers. Before the night was over she’d have some of those blanks filled in.

“Not really. They wanted to wait to unveil it until it was built. When it’s completed, there will be a ceremony with the name announced.”

Was this how Alice ended up falling down that blasted rabbit hole? Her curiosity led her to a strange land, and Dani was starting to understand her fascination. She’d have happily followed that damn white rabbit for answers too. There was a story here, and she intended to uncover it.

“You really have no clue?” she had to ask. “You said you talked to him. Surely he mentioned it to you.”

He remained silent. His lips pressed together tightly.

“You do know!” She turned to him and shouted. “Spill it, Sousa.”

He shook his head. “It’s not my place to say.”

How could she get him to tell her? She was dying to know. “Ren, please tell me. I won’t tell anyone else.”

Damn man. Why did he have to keep this one secret from her? There’d been a time when he told her everything. At least she’d believed he did. She was starting to believe she didn’t know as much as she thought about her friend. The way he acted, he’d always wanted her and she’d never seen it. Had she been that blind? Not to see what was right in front of her all that time. He’d played the part well. Dating Jessica was a big obstacle, and if he’d wanted her why bother with another girl? None of it made sense, and she was tired of trying to figure it all out. That was a mystery that would unfold when she was ready to see the truth. This was different and safer. It wouldn’t lead her to pain.

“You know you want to tell me.”

“What will you give me if I tell you?” His lips twitched. The jerk was trying not to smile.

This was something she could work with. “What do you want?”

His face finally lit up with a bright, wicked smile. It didn’t bode well, but she was willing to give in to find out what the wing would be called. For some reason she needed to know it. She wouldn’t be able to explain it if she tried.

“How about a boon of my choosing when I decide to claim it.”

“Hmmm…” That could be dangerous, much more than she thought it would be. “I’m not sure.”

“I guess you don’t want the name as much as you insisted.”

Hell. He knew her too well. She’d played right into his hands. If she hadn’t been too eager she might have gotten it for nothing. Now she’d have to damn near sell her soul to get him to give it up.

“All right,” she begrudgingly agreed. “You have a deal.”

He pulled into the front of the hotel hosting the event and parked in front of the valet. Ren stepped out of the car and handed the attendant his keys. Once he pocketed his receipt he opened her door and helped her out. When was he going to tell her? Her patience was running thin.

“I’m glad you decided to accept my terms.” He wrapped his arm around her waist leading her inside. “We’re going to have so much fun tonight.”

She furrowed her eyebrows. “Not until you fulfill your end of the bargain.”

“You’re right. A deal’s a deal.” He leaned in and whispered in her ear. “Ella’s Haven.”

Dani heart skipped a beat. Ella’s Haven—it had a nice ring to it. She’d have given anything to have something resembling that when she was little. She envied Ella Brady and longed to belong to a family. She couldn’t help but wonder what happened to her. Maybe one day she’d find out. It was a weird fascination she couldn’t quite explain. A shiver ran down her spine and a coldness set in. A sense of dread filled her. She shook it away as foolishness. It was nothing. She’d let it go; the chance of something bad happening was next to zero.

As far as Ella Brady’s situation—it didn’t concern her. She was a girl she’d never met and never would. It was nice she’d be remembered. The Brady family must have loved her a great deal for them to do so much in her name. Jealousy over a lost little girl was a new low, even for her. She shouldn’t long for something she’d never had.