Midnight Kisses (2 page)

“The nurse told me that you rescued the young lady?”

“I don't know if I would use the word
rescued
but I was driving home from work when I saw her being pulled into the alley. I had to do something.”

“That girl can consider herself lucky. You probably saved her from being raped or killed.”

“Is she okay?”

“The doctor examined her a while ago, but she's still suffering the effects of the blow she took. We're still not sure how she is.”

“I don't want to be rude, but I'm still not sure who you are,” Daniel said.

“Sorry, I should have made it clear from the beginning. I'm one of the hospital's social workers. I'm
responsible for cases like this,” Renée replied. “She's a teenager and we're going to have to call the police.”

“I'm a counselor at The Hope Center on the West Side. I was on my way home from work when I saw her being pulled into the alley.”

“A bit late to be out on a cold night like this.”

Daniel wasn't sure if it was a comment or a question. He didn't particularly like her tone.

“I work late sometimes.”

“Well, I think your work here is done for now. I don't want to keep you out even later. It's almost 2:00 a.m.”

“True, it's about time I head home. I just wanted to make sure she was all right.”

He turned to walk away, replaying their brief conversation. Leaving now was for the best. He didn't need anyone in his life to complicate it, and this woman already seemed very complicated.

“Wait,” her voice called out. “I'll call the Center and let you know how she's doing. And thanks again for helping her. Some people would have just gone on their way. You may have saved her life.”

He stared at her for a moment.

“I should be going,” he replied. “Thanks for offering to call. I'd like to know what happens to her.” Daniel turned to walk away again.

“Hey, sorry to bother you, but can you stop by tomorrow sometime?” she asked cautiously. “She asked for you.”

“She asked for me?” he asked, calm and distant.

“Yes, she replied,” her voice more pleasant. “I'm sorry, Mr. Buchanan. We have to be careful. I didn't
mean to be rude at first. Please accept my apology,” she said, her hand outstretched.

He gripped her hand firmly. Her initial skepticism had upset him, but the sincerity in her apology calmed him.

“Yeah, we're fine,” he said, turning. And without looking back, he walked away.

 

Renée closed the door behind her, dropping her bag on the coffee table before collapsing onto the sofa, as she did whenever she entered the apartment after working the night shift.

Fatigue washed over her and she knew it would take strength of mind not to fall asleep right there on the sofa. She needed to take a quick shower. Then she planned to sleep for the next twelve hours before she headed back to work.

She planned on plowing through the piles of paperwork on her desk and finalizing the recommendations she had to submit to the hospital's board. Thank God it was her last scheduled night shift for the rest of the month.

At times like these she was glad she'd made the decision to live near to the hospital. She lived only ten minutes away, unlike some of her coworkers who had to take a long drive out of the city to the suburbs.

Renée assumed that someday she'd have to make that move but for now she was content to be right where she was. She had moved to this apartment when she received the offer from the hospital. She had been surprised, knowing that most of the applicants had been more
qualified that she was. She had felt that she'd had a good interview, but she didn't know it had been that good.

She shifted on the sofa, her body aching in places that made her wonder if she was aging faster that she should be. As she sat there, her mind drifted to where she did not want it to go.

The man she'd met tonight. What was his name?

Daniel Buchanan.

She liked him. Just liked him. Nothing more.

Who was she fooling? she thought with a sigh. She'd felt hot and bothered from the moment she laid eyes on him. Tall, dark and handsome.

The stranger had certainly shaken her in a way she didn't much like or understand. He'd stirred her in places she didn't feel were still possible.

Still, she was in no hurry to commit to any relationship, nor was marriage a part of her immediate plans, despite her mother's matchmaking. Maybe in the next fifty years or so. Marriage just didn't mean much to her.

And yet her body continued to betray her, still tingling with awareness. Every nerve ending seemed to remember how he looked, his face animated with concern for the young lady.

What had captivated her most had been his eyes. Pale, liquid amber…an unusual color for a black man.

But Renée had also caught a glimpse of something else in those captivating eyes.

He seemed sad.

She wondered what in his life had caused him such sadness.

 

Outside, the cool wind whistled, warning of the colder days to come. Autumn was Daniel's favorite time of year. He loved to see the trees' transformation. In a few weeks, the whole of Chicago would be covered with shades of red, orange and brown.

Today, however, dark clouds filled the city's skyline. There would be a storm that day.

He shifted thoughts of the weather from his mind, replacing them with the vivid image of a woman.

Renée Walker.

He liked the sound of her name on his lips. But another woman's image flashed in his mind.

Lorraine.

Guilt washed over him. For the first time in a long time another woman had tenderly entered his thoughts.

He'd remained celibate after that one disastrous encounter soon after he'd arrived in Chicago. He'd left the woman's apartment feeling as if he had defiled himself. Not because he'd made love to a woman, but because he'd picked her up in a bar and left not knowing her full name.

He'd never been like that. He'd always seen sex as something sacred and intensely spiritual, like the moments of passion he had with Lorraine.

Despite the potential for loss, he missed being in love. He missed sex. He ached for the touch of a woman. He'd loved Lorraine with an intensity he didn't think possible. Though their lovemaking had not been the explosive stuff people talked about, there had been a sweetness
and gentleness that had made their intimacy satisfying. That's what he missed the most.

The intimacy and oneness of marriage.

He may be angry with God, but he still knew the meaning of true love. And he didn't think he would ever find it again.

His thoughts again drifted to the social worker and he felt an unexpected stirring in his loins. His body felt alive, as if it were awakening after a long coma. Maybe that's what it was. His body had been in this deadened state for too long.

At the window, the coolness of the wind chilled the heat that burned inside his loins. He stripped, letting his shirt and boxers fall to the ground. His penis hardened and he felt a strange pride. Oh, he had the occasional erection, nature's routine, but never like this.

He turned the lights off, stretched out on the bed and imagined Renée next to him.

He closed his eyes, her scent lingered, so strong…like raindrops on roses. He wasn't even sure if he'd see her again, but he knew in the moment just before he fell asleep that he wanted her and that he
would
see her again.

He urged himself asleep, allowing the tension in his body to dissipate slowly.

Yes, he would.

O
n Monday, Daniel finally stepped out of his apartment, his purpose clear. He would see Renée Walker before the day was over.

Because of the constant, heavy rain, he had not left home over the weekend. His body had given in to the need to relax and he'd spent most of the time sleeping.

Chicago seemed refreshed from the rain. The sky sparkled and the trees, lush and vibrant with life, danced in the gentle breeze.

Daniel took the familiar road and headed straight to the center. He noticed that Shelley's car was already there. It was unusual for his boss to arrive before he did. As he stepped into the building, he wondered if something was wrong.

As soon as he entered his office, the intercom beeped. He paused, then answered, “Hello, Daniel Buchanan.”

“Daniel, it's Shelley. I saw you come in. Hope you got some rest during your days off, after I had to force you out of here.” Laughter was in her voice.

“Yes, I did. My body needed the rest. I spent most of the time sleeping.”

“I've been telling you for the longest time that you need to take care of yourself. I'm glad you finally took my advice,” she commented.

“Yeah, but I'm sure that's not what you called me about.”

“You're right. It's not. A Renée Walker called for you several times. She wants you to call her at the hospital.” He could hear the curiosity in her voice.

His heart stopped. He hadn't expected her to call.

“Daniel?”

“Sorry, I'm here. Did she leave a number?”

“Yes, she did. Hold on, let me get it for you.”

He heard the shuffling of paper and then she was back. She rattled off a number, which he wrote on his desk pad.

“Remember, you have an appointment with Jerome today,” she said.

“I didn't forget. I knew he was back from D.C.”

“Good, I have that meeting with the mayor this morning, but when I get back, we have to talk. I have a few things I want to run by you.”

“I should be here. I just have to run over to the hospital around five, and then I'll be back to meet Jerome.”

“Good, we can talk before you leave for the hospital.
But after your meeting with Jerome, it is home for you. No later than seven o'clock,” she insisted. “That's my rule for you. I don't want you in here all hours of the night. That's the night shift's responsibility.”

“Fine. Seven it is. I'll be packing up at five minutes to the hour from now on.”

Daniel placed the mouthpiece in its cradle, but not before he heard her laughter. He liked Shelley Roberts. She was his boss, but they'd become friends and he knew she valued his contributions to the Center.

In fact, she was the only friend he had.

Yes, he spoke to the other workers, but when he had started there a little over two years ago, he had really connected with Shelley. She'd seen into the hell that was his soul and taken him under her care.

At first he'd tried to keep his distance, but she had refused to allow him to. One day she'd bring cheesecake and then the next a book by one of his favorite authors. He didn't know how she remembered, but he was sure that he had revealed more and more of himself with every conversation, until one night, sitting in her cozy living room, watching one of his favorite movies, he'd broken down and told her all about Lorraine and his daughter.

After that night, their relationship had taken a turn. They'd become solid friends. She was one of the reasons he loved his job as administrator/counselor/mentor. Officially, he was the assistant director of the Center, but all that really meant was that he helped Shelley with everything. But he didn't mind. The Hope Center was
a place that gave troubled kids a chance to keep on the straight and narrow.

He caught himself whistling and stopped. Today, he felt different…as if the unexpected awaited him. An eagerness he hadn't felt for years made him pick up the handset and dial the number.

She answered on the second ring.

“Renée Walker. How may I help you?”

“This is Daniel Buchanan.” He paused for a response. “You left a message for me to call.”

“Oh, Mr. Buchanan. I'm glad to finally reach you. Our Jane Doe is awake and asking for you.”

“For me?”

“Yes, she specifically asked for the man who saved her. I've added your name to her visitors' list so you won't have any trouble getting in to see her.”

“Is she all right?” Daniel asked.

“She's still having some pain as a result of the concussion. We may have to keep her for a few more days for observation, but she should be okay,” Renée replied.

“I'll come over after work today. Around five. I have to be back at the Center by seven o'clock.”

“I'm not scheduled to be back at work until tonight, but I can drop by the hospital at four if you can be there an hour earlier. Ask for me at the nurses' station. I want to be there when you talk to her. And thanks for offering to help.”

“It's no problem. I'll be there at four o'clock. There's no need to worry. I'm accustomed to working with kids.”

“That's good to know. She won't tell us anything about herself. Hopefully, she'll respond better to you.”

“I'll see what I can do. I have to go now. I'll see you around four.”

“Bye,” she said, before she put the phone down.

He liked her voice. It was strong and confident, no nonsense, but, he imagined, holding the promise of more.

Man, what was happening to him?

When he had married Lorraine at twenty-two, he had been a virgin. Not that he hadn't been tempted during their courtship, but they'd both wanted to enter marriage knowing that they had saved themselves for each other.

He laughed. That idea sounded so old-fashioned now, but back then he was innocent and didn't know anything much about the world around him, except the church.

He and Lorraine had fumbled through their wedding night, but over the course of their honeymoon, eager to learn, they'd got things more than right. He'd been shocked by his own passion.

One thing he had to confess was that he loved sex.

He had loved to feel the heat of Lorraine's body under him and at times he'd wondered if they did it too often. But he remembered clearly his father telling him that the marriage bed could not be defiled.

Even now, his body was hardening with arousal. He'd long forgotten how it felt to have a woman close to him, inhaling the scent of her body. Renée's face came to mind instantly.

The sexy temptress/social worker was slowing work
ing her way into his system and she didn't even realize it. He'd felt that moment of awareness between them, could feel it even now.

The thought of seeing her that afternoon energized him, and the day passed with unusual speed. At just after four o'clock, he walked along the corridor of the hospital ward he'd visited the night before. When he reached the nurse's station, about to enquire, he heard Renée's voice behind him.

Time stopped.

 

Renée stood when she saw Daniel walk down the corridor. He moved with purpose; something that she liked about him. But he seemed a bit too serious, a bit too sad. She'd seen it in his eyes and since meeting him, he'd been on her mind.

Okay, that was an understatement. He'd been in every moment of her day…and night.

Daniel turned at her approach, and she caught a glimpse of something else in his eyes. Something raw.

Fire.

She could feel the heat inside of her, working its way up her body until she could hardly breathe.

He smiled warily and she wondered why.

When she reached him, he smiled again. This time, it reached his eyes.

“Thanks for coming,” she said.

“I hope I haven't kept you waiting?”

“No, not at all. I just got here,” she responded. “You ready to go see her?”

“Yes, I'm ready when you are.”

She stepped off, not looking to see if he followed, but eventually feeling his presence next to her.

She wondered for the hundredth time what it was that made her stomach tie up in knots whenever she thought about this man…a man she'd only seen once before.

Maybe this was what love at first sight felt like. But then she reminded herself she had no intention of falling in love.

“Have you found out who she is?” His question drew her from her reflection.

“No, we haven't found out anything about her.”

“Is it the concussion?” he asked.

“I don't think so. I just don't think she wants to talk about herself. Maybe you can help?” Renée said. “She sees you as her hero, her rescuer, her
angel.
Maybe that will give her reason to trust you. I can see that she has lots of stuff bottled up inside and maybe she wants to talk, but she just isn't ready yet.”

“I'll see what I can do,” he said with determination.

When they reached the girl's room, Daniel waited for Renée to enter.

The girl immediately opened her eyes, her wariness evident, but her attention sparked when she saw Daniel. She smiled, the first smile Renée had seen touch her lips.

Renée remained standing, while Daniel walked forward.

“I hope you're feeling better?” he said.

“I'll be all right,” she replied. “It's nothing much. I know how to take care of myself.”

Renée saw the bravado and knew that the girl was
more talk than action. The slight trembling of her hand on the bed convinced her of that.

“You can,” Daniel said. “I can see that.”

The girl's eyes flashed. “I can,” she said. “I've been taking care of myself for years.”

The fire in her eyes lessened and her voice became shy and softer. “Thanks for coming to help me.”

“It's no problem,” he assured her. “I've never liked bullies.”

She looked at Daniel out of devoted eyes.

“You want to tell me your name?” he finally asked.

She stared at him for a long time before she answered. “Jamie.”

Relief swept over Renée. She glanced admirably at Daniel.

“What's your last name?” Renée asked.

Jamie turned to Renée and her expression changed.

“I tell you that and then she'll have me going back where I came from,” she accused. “I'm not going back there. I'm seventeen already. I can do what I want.”

Renée watched as Daniel reached out and placed his hand on Jamie's. Immediately, she calmed.

“There's no need to be rude,” he said. “Ms. Walker is only trying to help you.”

Jamie turned toward Renée again. She didn't say anything. Her expression flashed with defiance again.

“I'm going to go to sleep,” she said, turning to Daniel. “I'm tired and my head still hurts.”

Without waiting for a response, Jamie placed her head on the pillow and closed her eyes.

Renée watched as Daniel stood there for a while,
unsure of what to do or say. Jamie's body needed the rest and time to heal. Her steady breathing soon confirmed that she had indeed fallen asleep.

Daniel finally broke the silence. “Sleep will do her good. You want to go get something to eat? I haven't eaten all day.”

Renée hesitated. Going with him was not a sensible thing to do, but she
was
hungry.

“Sure, I haven't had much to eat, either. I'll meet you in the lobby downstairs. I just have to collect my things from my office.”

She turned and walked away without waiting for a reply, knowing that his eyes were on her.

 

Thirty minutes later, awaiting their order, Daniel glanced around the restaurant she'd recommended. He liked the cozy, warm atmosphere. Lively country music flowed from an antique jukebox near the entrance. He'd lived in Chicago for almost two years now, and rarely came to this area since his work and apartment were downtown.

Being here with Renée felt strange, but good. In fact, tonight was the first time he'd been out on a date—if he could call it that—in months.

Sitting opposite him, her hair pulled back in a stiff bun, Renée was the picture of professionalism. She'd taken off her white coat and underneath she wore a business suit, which she didn't seem to realize did little to hide her natural sensuality.

Daniel felt a stirring in his blood. He tried to ignore it.

In the past two days his focus had changed. And it scared him. He'd grown so accustomed to his lack of sexual activity that on the few occasions when nature had demanded release, he distracted himself until the feelings went away.

“So how long have you been living in Chicago?” she asked. Daniel watched as she lifted her glass of wine to her lips, his mind again focused.

“Two years,” he replied, intent on being polite if nothing else. “Before that I lived in New York for several years. I'm originally from here, though…a small town called Oak Park, just outside of Chicago.”

“I know it. I've been there several times. So what brought you to back to Chicago?”

He hesitated. He'd known somehow that the question would eventually come, but he still wasn't prepared for it. When Daniel finally spoke, he did so slowly. “I just needed a change in scenery.”

“It must be a real change from New York. You must miss all the excitement and energy. Did you work in a center while you were there, too?”

“No,” he replied. He wasn't sure if he wanted to reveal too much about himself, but her expectant look forced him to respond. “I was a minister at a church in Brooklyn.”

The look on her face was priceless.

“
You
were a minister?”

“Yes.”

Renée blinked before responding. “You don't look like the minister type.”

He laughed and asked the inevitable question. “What does the minister type look like?”

“Well, definitely not like you.”

He laughed again. “Sorry, I'm just teasing you. I know what you mean. I've been hearing it for years. If you knew me then, you'd be amazed at how much I've changed.”