Secrets of the Night Special Edition (105 page)

A pleasantly persistent ache settled in her feminine core. Determined to calm her erratic heart, she tried to act casual, as if he hadn't driven her out of her mind with his touch, his kisses.

"Right.” She adjusted her bathrobe, keen disappointment welling inside her.” Have to get up at six.” She tucked strands of hair behind her ears and waited long, silent moments for her heartbeat to return to normal, for her passion to subside.

"I want to see you again,” he said, “and very soon.”

His voice, hypnotic and sensuous as always, wrapped around her like a warm blanket. She could only nod, as if he'd just explained the mysteries of the universe.

"Best I leave now,” he repeated, rising to his full height.” Don't bother to get up, dear Stevie. I can see myself out. I shall call you later.”

"Hey, I'm not helpless.” She walked him to the front door, her body still on fire for him.

At the door, he drew her into his arms and gave her one last lingering kiss, then stepped back, his look heavy with passion.” Au revoir.” He turned and headed for the street.

Still weak with this persistent ache, she watched from the living room window as he strode toward his car and drove off. She'd go to bed now, since tomorrow--

There, behind the grapefruit tree! That old man again, the one with long, bushy hair. She leaned closer to the window, pressing her head against the glass. Her heart thudded against her ribs. She'd call the police, and this time--

He disappeared! One minute she saw him, and the next minute he was gone. Her hand trembled as she drew the deadbolt in place. What was he doing here, and where had he gone? Was he after her, and if so, why?

Another question froze her insides. Was there a connection between him and Galan?

How come I never see Galan in the daytime? On a cool and breezy Sunday that carried a hint of spring, Stevie attended the Miami Shores Presbyterian Church with the Shipleys. The morning light beamed through the stained glass windows, casting a pale glow over the sanctuary. While the minister made announcements, she studied the windows, thinking about Galan, a too common occurrence lately. Why not ask him to church? She fiddled with the church bulletin, unsure what he'd think of her suggestion. Funny she'd never seen him in the daytime. Well, it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Her joints screamed as she rose to sing the opening hymn, In The Garden. . . .

I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses. . . .

Was Galan sleeping now? He sure did keep odd hours, she

mused as she reviewed the times they'd shared, including the first night they met. Unwilling to dwell on the past, she brought her mind back to the present.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. . . .

When the song ended, she returned to her seat and shifted her position repeatedly, trying to get comfortable.

"You okay?” Melissa whispered during the offering.

Stevie smiled weakly.” Just a little tired.”

The service continued with the Apostle's Creed and a baptism until the minister gave the sermon, and in no time, Stevie's mind wandered again, every thought on Galan. Something nagged her, like a painful toothache. What was it? The restaurant! She remembered his standing next to her by the glass cabinet, but she hadn't seen his reflection. Why not? Had to be a logical explanation.

With the conclusion of the sermon, the minister gave the benediction, then the congregation filed out of the pews.

Melissa squeezed her hand.” Now you can go home and take it easy for the rest of the day.”

"Wish I could, but I have to help serve dinner at Camillus House this evening.” Stevie sighed.

"Can't you call them, tell them you don't feel good?” 

"Uh, uh, I promised them I'd do it.”

She eased out of the sanctuary with hundreds of other congregants, her every thought on Galan. The scene in the restaurant still hounded her, but she figured it must have been a trick of the light.

* * *

While the rest of the city slept, Galan sat in his dark living room, with Stevie a continual ache in his heart. How in God's name could he make her well again? A long-forgotten memory crept through the corridors of time, a recollection that hovered at the edge of his consciousness. He closed his eyes, thinking, thinking, thinking. Ah, yes, he had it now.
Venice
, 1452. His good friend Antonio had fallen in love with a beautiful mortal, a lady who had reciprocated his affection.

Shortly after their avowal of love, she'd developed a painful disease, now known as cancer. Over time, the affliction had ravaged her left breast. With only a faint hope of success, Antonio gave her a few drops of his blood, and the rich, restorative fluid drove the disease from her body. Much to Antonio's surprise, it also created a spiritual bond between him and his beloved, each being attuned to the other's thoughts and wishes and aware when the other was in need.

Dared he try that vampire cure with Stevie? But she didn't even suspect his true essence, and surely that suggestion would frighten her away. She'd think he was a nutcase, as the mortals would say. Nevertheless, he'd store the inspiration in his mind. And later? If Stevie's condition didn't improve, then by God, he'd try this remedy.

He paused, pressing his hand to his head, wondering what else he could do to make Stevie happy, help her forget her pain. Orchids! She loved those flowers; why, just think of the many blossoms hanging all over her backyard. His Mercedes wouldn't hold all the flowers he wanted to buy, so he'd simply fetch a bigger vehicle, certainly no impediment. A glance at his watch revealed the time--1:33.

After checking for orchid nurseries in the telephone directory, he wished himself onto the next block, where a search on both sides of the street led him to an unlocked Ford Explorer. He felt under the seat for the keys, but came up empty. Climbing onto the driver's seat, he stared at the ignition in absolute concentration, finally rewarded as it slowly turned and the engine came to life.

Less than an hour later, Galan arrived at a spacious orchid nursery, a locked gate denying admission to any human. He parked the car about ten yards from the gate and stepped out, then closed the door quietly. Alert to every surveillance method, he stood by the vehicle for countless minutes and sniffed for guard dogs, but he caught only the intriguing scent of exotic flowers. A wave of his hand opened the gate, and he entered the nursery with confidence, secure in the knowledge that he could make his selections undisturbed.

So many flowers to choose from, thousands! A medley of colors and aromas tantalized his senses, and he walked past rows and rows of potted plants as he looked for the prettiest ones to please Stevie.

Not wasting time, Galan gathered up forty orchids, adding the prices as he went and making several trips to carry them to the SUV. There, he arranged them so they wouldn't tip over. Back inside the nursery, rows of hangers caught his attention, and he grabbed so many handfuls, he soon depleted the racks. From his pocket, he withdrew a wad of bills and peeled off $1, 500 that he left by the cash register, including a generous tip.

An hour's drive brought him to Stevie's street, where he left the orchids by her front door and stood back to admire the selection. Just knowing they'd make Stevie happy brought a smile to his face.

He returned the Explorer and headed back to his house, checking his watch. Stevie would arise soon.

* * *

Before the sun's rays lightened the eastern horizon, Stevie's telephone rang. Dripping wet from the shower, she quickly wrapped a towel around her and headed for the phone, anxious about a telephone call at this hour.

"Sweeting, I didn't waken you, did I?” 

Her heart beat faster, hearing Galan's voice. She forced herself to speak calmly.” No, I just got out of the shower.”

"Ah.”

Her cheeks warmed.” Are you okay?” she asked to cover her embarrassment.

"I am well,” he said in his bedroom voice.” And you--how have you been?” 

"I'm okay, too,” she replied, not wanting his pity.” Getting ready for work.”

"Then I mustn't keep you--"

"No, I didn't mean it that way.” She gave herself a mental kick.” I got loads of time before I go downtown.”

"The reason I called--please take a moment to check outside your front door. I left a surprise for you.”

"A surprise? But what--?” 

"Please, only go see.”

"Sure.” Tucking the towel in place, she headed for the front door. Wow! Look at all the orchids! Scads and scads of orchids stood at attention, awaiting her silent admiration. So many brilliant colors and pretty fragrances teased her senses. She fingered a yellow phalenopsis, delighting in its velvety soft petals. After one last glance, she returned to the phone.

"Galan! How--how did you get so many? They must have cost a fortune. How'd you do it?” she asked, aware she was babbling.

"Made a trip to an orchid nursery. I hoped they'd make you happy.”

The towel slipped, and she adjusted it.” Yeah, but so many! I don't know what to say.”

"A simple 'thank you' will suffice.”

"Absolutely! I do appreciate them. When did you buy them--yesterday?” 

A brief hesitation.” Indeed, yesterday.”

"Well, it's just the nicest thing anyone ever did for me. If there's any way I can thank--"Another warm rush to her cheeks made her backtrack.” I mean, it was really nice of you. Honest.”

"I appreciate your appreciation. Now, I must let you prepare for work. One other thing--if you can wait until this evening, I shall carry them into the backyard for you.” "Thanks, but it's no trouble to carry them,” she lied. The sun-sensitive ones shouldn't be out in the bright sunlight all day, but she couldn't ask him to do any more for her.

"Very well. I shall come see you soon, but rest assured, I shall call you first. Au revoir.” 

"'Bye, and thanks again.”

She hung up the phone and stepped outside again to survey the beautiful blossoms, already planning where she'd put them. By the bright outside lights, she studied the wooden fence and the spreading grapefruit tree. For now, she'd move them all under the trees in the backyard, so they wouldn't stand in the sunlight all day. Back in the house, she slipped into her bathrobe, then returned outside.

About a half-hour later, she'd transferred the flowers, happier than she'd been in a long time but aching from bending over and carrying the pots and baskets.

As she dressed for work, she paused while she buttoned her blue chambray shirt with embroidered daisies on the collar. Galan's gift to her must have cost him a lot of money, but she didn't see any way she could have refused.

Still, she wondered--why had Galan bought her such lovely but expensive flowers? He'd told her she meant a lot to him, but what did that mean?

* * *

Galan visited her that evening, about a half-hour after she arrived home work. They kissed at her front door, a long, slow kiss that left her wanting more. After an intense moment when she couldn't think of anything but him, she eased from his embrace and leaned against his shoulder, waiting for her heartbeat to slow down. She looked up at him, caught in the lure of his dark, unfathomable eyes, those eyes that held a thousand mysteries. She tried to speak in normal tones.

"Before you come inside, let me show you how I arranged those gorgeous orchids you gave me. The outside lights are on. I think you can see well enough.”

"I assure you, I have excellent night vision.” With his easy stride, he followed her through the backyard, where dozens of orchid pots hung from the limbs of the grapefruit tree or dangled from the wooden fence.

Smiling, she touched a delicate dendrobium aggregatum, whose scads of little yellow flowers drooped over the pot like a vibrant waterfall.” All these beautiful orchids--I'm floored!”

"Let us say only that I am one of your admirers.” His gaze took in the flowers, then quickly returned to her.” I knew they would make you happy, and I dared hope they could make you forget your pain, if only for a while.”

"Sure,” she lied,”it's easy to forget my aches when I have such pretty orchids. How can I ever thank you--"She stopped, her face warming. There she went again.

"How about another kiss?” 

"Yes!” She was in his arms again, his lips on hers, their bodies fused as one. His kiss deepened, chasing all her doubts and worries away. How she wanted him, this man she'd known for such a short while. If only she knew more about him, their relationship would be perfect. But how could she think when he was kissing her like this? When his touch alone made her forget everything but him?

"Now, let us go back inside,” Galan said after they drew apart.” Mustn't have you on your feet so long.” 

"Right.”

Hand-in-hand, they walked back inside and settled on the sofa.

"I hope you're taking care of yourself,” he said, his arm around her shoulder.” Been taking your medicine?”