Tell Me You Love Me (13 page)

Suddenly she felt guilty, as if even talking to Jay was some kind of betrayal of what she and Sheldon had shared.

“Tyanna?”

She wrenched her gaze back to Jay’s face. “Hmm?’’

“Everything okay?’’

“Sure.”

“Well, will you consider it? A friendly dinner
sometime?” He made a motion of drawing a cross over his heart. “I promise I’ll be a gentleman.”

She threw a quick glance Sheldon’s way before responding. Last night had been incredible, but it had also been a mistake. It was high time she got over this foolish sexual connection she had to Sheldon. There were other decent men out there. Men who could love and respect her. Men who could be totally honest with her.

Men like Jay.

“I guess a dinner wouldn’t kill anyone.’’

Jay’s lips lifted in a charming smile. He reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Thanks.”

“Uh, excuse me.’’

Both Tyanna and Jay turned at the unexpected interruption. Sheldon stood behind them, a look of irritation marring his handsome features. Jay’s eyes flitted between Sheldon and Tyanna, the unspoken question readable on his face.

Sheldon did the same, looking first at Jay, then at Tyanna. He said, “Tyanna, I need to speak with you.’’

She pulled her hand from Jay’s and placed both on her hips. “I’m not sure that’s a good—’’

“It’s important,” he interjected.

Tyanna flashed Jay an apologetic look. “I’m sorry.’’

“No problem. Let me know when you want to get together.”

“Absolutely.”

Jay gave Sheldon another assessing look, then
slowly walked away. Sheldon waited a good five seconds before tearing into her. “So he’s the reason you practically kicked me out of your bed this morning?’’

“What?”

“Don’t give me that look. I saw how he was eyeing you up. And you didn’t seem to mind one bit.’’

“The guy’s a former client.” Besides, she didn’t owe Sheldon any explanations. “And I’m single, in case you’ve forgotten.”

His eyes flashed fire. “Now you’re single?’’

“I have been for the past year.’’

Sheldon’s fingers curled around Tyanna’s wrist. He began walking, pulling her along with him.

“Sheldon!”

He ignored her, not stopping until he’d taken her outside the gym. The hot sun bore down on them instantly, and the humidity enveloped them like a hot, wet blanket.

Once he took her beyond the view of the glass doors, Tyanna yanked her arm away. “What the hell are you doing? You can’t pull this caveman crap with me. Especially not at my workplace!”

“What’s the deal with pretty boy?’’

Tyanna gaped at him. “Not that I owe you any explanations, but there is no deal with him.’’

“And that’s why he was all over you?’’

“He was not!’’

“It looked that way from where I was standing.”

“You were standing pretty far away.’’

Sheldon huffed out a breath, turned, walked a few steps, then turned back to her. “I know you’re
single
,” he said, spitting out the word with distinct sarcasm. “But if you’re going to sleep with me, I at least expect exclusivity.”

Tyanna planted her hands on her hips and puffed out her chest. “Oh, really? Then I suppose we should have laid out those ground rules before we got naked, don’tcha think? Then I could have decided if that worked for me.’’

Why she was even leading Sheldon to believe that she had slept with another man—or men—she wasn’t sure. But the flicker of pain that crossed his face pulled at her heart in a way she hadn’t expected.

And she suddenly realized just how childish she had been.

Sheldon said, “I guess I’m the moron.” He turned in the direction of the door.

“No, wait.” When he faced her again, Tyanna blew out a frustrated breath. “Look, Sheldon.” She spoke in a softer tone. “I’m being the moron. Jay and I haven’t slept together. And I’m certainly not interested in sleeping with you one day and some other guy the next.’’

He gave a grim nod and glanced away. Tyanna frowned. She figured her words would give him some comfort, but he still seemed unhappy.

Tyanna’s gaze roamed his back. His muscles
were tense, she realized. For the first time, she wondered if something other than a fit of jealousy was going on.

“Sheldon. What’s wrong?’’

He shrugged, but still didn’t face her. “I guess I’ve got a lot on my mind.’’

“Does this have to do with Jay?’’

Chuckling, he turned to face her. “Pretty boy? No.’’

“Then what is it?’’

Sheldon watched a young couple walk past them after exiting the gym. When they were out of earshot, he said, “This isn’t the time.’’

He started for the door, but Tyanna quickly grabbed hold of his arm. “Wait a second. You drag me out here, make a spectacle of me in the gym, and you can’t even tell me what’s actually bothering you?’’

“Maybe later, when we can both sit down…”

“I have a pretty busy schedule.” She flicked her wrist forward and glanced at her watch. “Starting in ten minutes.’’

“I can come back when you finish your shift.’’

“Damn it, Sheldon. This is exactly what I mean about you. You’re shutting me out, and don’t think I don’t know it.’’

He looked at her for a long moment before speaking. “I’m probably making a big deal out of nothing.’’

Tyanna guffawed. “So much for what you said about trusting me.” This time, she turned and
marched toward the gym’s doors. Sheldon Ford was frustrating her to no end.

Her hand was on the handle when Sheldon said, “All right.’’

Slowly she faced him.

“You want to know, I’ll tell you. But I don’t want to talk here. Can we talk in your office?’’

“Sure.”

“Good.”

As Tyanna looked at Sheldon, her stomach took a nosedive. Something about Sheldon’s expression really worried her. For the first time since she had begun to question him, she realized that perhaps something serious was going on. “You’re scaring me.’’

Sheldon stepped behind her and opened one of the gym’s double doors. “In your office.’’

“Right.” Tyanna walked through the open door and led the way. Moments later, they were both seated at her desk. Without preamble she said, “Sheldon, what’s going on?’’

His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed. “My mother got a weird call last night. When I was at your place.’’

“Oh?”

“Yeah, and I’m trying to figure it out. I guess that’s what’s got me on edge.’’

“What kind of call?” Tyanna asked.

“As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t make much sense. I mean, it can’t. Dino is dead.’’

“Wait a second. The call had to do with Dino?’’

“Not exactly. At least not explicitly. But Dino was the only one who wanted me dead.’’

Tyanna leaned her upper body across her desk. She gave Sheldon a level look. “You realize you’re talking in circles? I have no clue what you’re trying to say.’’

“Right, right. Let me start over. When I left your place this morning, I went home to find my mother pretty much hiding in her bedroom. She was definitely frightened. Now, ever since Dwight’s murder, she’s become much more of a worrywart, and seeing her worried has kind of set me off. I asked her what happened and she told me that she had received a phone call. What this person told her basically amounted to a threat against me.’’

Tyanna’s eyes bulged. “What?’’

“I know.’’

“B—but how? Why?’’

“That’s what I’m still trying to figure out,” Sheldon explained. “I told my mother that it was a prank phone call.’’

“But you don’t believe that.’’

“Whoever called mentioned me by name.” Sheldon shrugged. “And now, I’ve been thinking. Yes, Dino is dead, but what if someone he knows wants to pick up where he left off? It’s something I never considered before. I just figured, once he
was out of the way, the threat was gone. But what if I’m wrong?’’

Tyanna rested an elbow on the desk and planted her chin on her palm. “I don’t know…”

“The only other person I’ve been in touch with is Maria, the ex-girlfriend he wanted dead.’’

“Do you think she—’’

“No. Absolutely not. I hope I’m just overreacting, but I can’t help thinking this is Dino’s style. Make you sweat, then come at you full force.’’

“You really think so?’’

“I’m not sure what to think.’’

Tyanna nodded slowly, trying to figure out what this all meant. She hoped and prayed the call was someone’s idea of a joke. She said, “Well, I’m glad you told me.’’

“Tyanna Calhoun to the front desk,” the loudspeakers announced.

“Shoot. That’s my next client.’’

Sheldon pushed back his chair and stood. “No problem. Go ahead.’’

“What are you doing now?” Tyanna asked as she got to her feet.

“I guess I’m gonna head home. I’m worried about my mother. I didn’t tell you, but while I was away, she had a heart attack.’’

“What?”

“Yeah. About three months ago.’’

“She never said anything.”

“That’s my mother.” Sheldon shook his head ruefully.

She rounded her desk and reached for his hand. She squeezed it gently. “Is she okay?’’

“For the most part, yeah. The doctor wants her to take it easy. She’s the main reason I haven’t looked for a new apartment yet. I want to make sure she’s completely okay before I leave her alone. I feel bad enough that I wasn’t around when it happened.”

“I’m so sorry, Sheldon.’’

He shrugged. “Thanks.”

Tyanna sighed softly. “I’m sorry that I have to cut this short.’’

“No, that’s okay.’’

“Please call me if you learn anything new.’’

“I will,” Sheldon assured her. “And who knows? Maybe it’s nothing.’’

Tyanna awoke early the next day. She’d promised Wendy that she would meet her at the gym to go over their workout routine, even if it was at the ungodly hour of six
A.M
., when the gym opened. Wendy’s shift started at seven, so that would give them an hour to rehearse the routine Wendy had devised.

Tyanna definitely wasn’t a morning person, so if she was going to do this, she would need some help. Climbing out of bed, she retrieved her robe from the chair in her bedroom, then shuffled into the kitchen.

The first thing she did was pull her coffee machine out from the cupboard under the sink. As she
did, her mind wandered to Sheldon. A frown pulled at her lips. She hadn’t heard from him last night. Did that mean all was fine? Or had something else happened that he didn’t want to share with her?

Worrying about him was something Tyanna didn’t want to do, but she couldn’t help it. Knowing that his story about Dino was true meant there could still be a threat to his life. Some friend or associate of Dino who knew about Sheldon and was angry with him.

Tyanna measured three heaping teaspoons of coffee into the filter. She filled the carafe with water, dumped it into the machine and turned it on. She wasn’t normally up this early and didn’t feel particularly hungry, but if she was going to do a workout she would need some food. A quick search of the refrigerator made it clear that the only viable option for breakfast was some toast. Well, that was something she would have to do once she finished with Wendy—head straight for the grocery store. Thank goodness she at least had some butter and a little bit of jam.

Though she didn’t drink coffee daily, the aroma today had never smelled so good. Before the three cups were brewed, she pulled the carafe from the coffeemaker and stuck a cup under the steady flow. She was lucky to have a drop of milk in the fridge. Once the coffee was adequately sweetened and diluted, Tyanna took a good, long sip.

Definitely yummy! She felt her head clearing already.

She finished her toast and headed to the shower. She wasn’t a happy camper this morning. She could only hope this video effort was going to pay off.

Positive
, she told herself.
You have to think positive
.

Wendy was all smiles when Tyanna approached her in the lobby area of the gym.

“Morning, Sunshine,” Wendy practically sang.

“Morning,” Tyanna muttered in reply.

Wendy wrapped her arm around her shoulder and gave her a squeeze. “I hope you’re wide awake and ready.’’

“I’m on my third cup of coffee.” Tyanna lifted the Styrofoam cup filled with coffee she had purchased on the way to the gym. “I hope this does the trick.’’

Wendy chuckled.

“Don’t you laugh at me. You’re used to getting up with the birds. I’m not.’’

“Just remember, it will all be worth it.’’

“That’s what I’m counting on.’’

“Picture the tour,” Wendy went on. “You and me hitting every big city to promote the video. Signing autographs…After that, we’ll have to move to Los Angeles. We’ll be hot commodities as personal trainers, and you know personal trainers in Hollywood make big bucks.’’

“We can hope.” Tyanna and Wendy had talked about the prospect of moving to Los Angeles, even if the video project didn’t work out. People
in South Florida were very concerned with their bodies and overall appearance, but that was even truer in Hollywood. If they could hook up with a few actors and musicians, or even wannabes who were willing to pay the Hollywood price for a trainer, they could do very well financially.

“Not hope,” Wendy scolded Tyanna. “Make it a reality.’’

“You’re right. Absolutely, we can do this.’’

Linking arms with Tyanna, Wendy led her upstairs to one of the two aerobics rooms. “I spoke with Max,” Wendy said, mentioning the gym’s manager. “Asked if we could borrow a couple mats and step platforms for our video. And he said no problem.’’

“Oh, good.’’

Tyanna downed the dregs of her now cold coffee and threw the cup in a nearby garbage can. By the time she turned around, Wendy was already on her butt on a mat, stretching. Tyanna shot her a mock scowl as Wendy gave her a saccharine sweet smile.

“Get over here, grumpy.’’

Tyanna inhaled a slow, deep breath and released it just as slowly. She was here; she may as well get in the mood to do this.

“All right.” She clapped her hands together, trying to motivate herself. “I’m ready.’’

Tyanna moved swiftly, grabbing a mat and joining Wendy on the floor. Wendy sat with her legs spread, one arm stretched over her head as she arched over the opposite side of her body.

Tyanna mimicked Wendy’s movement, stretching to one side, then the other.

“I’ve finalized the opening,” Wendy said. “We’ll start the stretches standing, work down to the ground, and from there go into low-impact aerobics with leg lifts and such before ending up on our feet again for the jazzercise and kickboxing.”

The last time they had run through the routine, they had done stretches on the floor first. “Sounds good,” Tyanna told her.

“Let’s do it.” Wendy climbed to her feet. “We may as well grab the steps as well, see where we’ll position them.’’

They spent the next couple minutes figuring out where they would want to position the mats and the steps, taking into consideration the area surrounding Tyanna’s parents’ pool.

Tyanna hadn’t bothered to bring any music. First of all, the gym’s speakers constantly played upbeat music while it was open, so additional music would only be distracting. Besides, Tyanna figured they might be better off using computer-generated beats for their video.

“Ready?” Wendy asked.

Tyanna nodded.

“Hello, everyone. Thanks for joining us for what will be a half hour of fun and fitness.” Wendy giggled. Smirking at Tyanna, she said, “I don’t know.’’

“It sounds good,” Tyanna told her.

“I’ll work it all out by Sunday.” She took her
place on the mat. “Today we’re going to start with a warm-up. A good warm-up is essential to any exercise program. Okay, stand with your legs parted, knees slightly bent, hands on your hips….”

Tyanna followed Wendy’s instructions as she began various stretching exercises. Thirty-five minutes later, and covered with a sheen of sweat, they had gone through the entire routine Wendy had devised.

“Last breath in. Last breath out. Excellent.” Wendy smiled so naturally and easily, it was as if she had just done a relaxing yoga exercise instead of low-and high-impact jazzercise and kickboxing. “Thanks for joining us today, and until next time, stay fit.’’

“Whew!” Tyanna exhaled a gush of breath and threw her body down on the mat.

“You like?’’

Tyanna angled her head in Wendy’s direction. “Uh-huh. That was a great workout.’’

“Good. I’m so glad you liked it.’’

“Great for toning, great cardio. Simply great.’’

“Thanks.”

“I say we’ve pretty much got this down.’’

“I think so, too. Of course, we may or may not shoot the video in one smooth sequence, depending on the camera issues. And maybe we’ll have to do it more than once. But that’ll be up to Phil and the crew.’’

“Regardless, this is gonna be fun.’’

Wendy held her hands before her face in a prayerful gesture. “Oh, I hope Ronnie likes it.’’

“He’s gotta like it,” Tyanna replied, then chuckled. “We’re fabulous, dahling.’’

“From your lips to God’s ears.’’

By Friday of that week, Tyanna was worried. She still hadn’t heard from Sheldon, and she hadn’t seen him at the gym either. She knew he was working at his new job, but she couldn’t help wondering if something was wrong.

Staring at the phone in her office, she wondered if she should call him. Their current relationship was up and down at best.

Maybe that’s why she hadn’t heard from him. Because of what she had told him during their argument over Jay—that whomever she slept with was her business.

None of that mattered now, she realized. They didn’t have to be lovers or even best friends for her to call and make sure he was okay.

She grabbed the receiver and dialed his number.

Mrs. Ford answered. “Hello?’’

“Hello, Mrs. Ford. It’s Tyanna.’’

“Oh,” she said pleasantly. “Hello.’’

“How are you? Sheldon told me you had a heart attack. I didn’t know. I’m sorry.’’

“Yes, I did. But I’m still going strong. Not going to let something like that hold me back.” Millie chuckled softly. “How about you, sweetheart? How are you doing?’’

“Good. Good.” Tyanna fiddled with the phone cord. “Um, I’m at work right now so I don’t have much time. Is Sheldon there?’’

“Actually, he’s not. As far as I know, he’s working.’’

Of course. Why was she so concerned? It made sense that he was going to be busy with his new job. Still, Tyanna was disappointed.

“I can tell him you called.’’

“Please do. I’m at work for the entire evening.’’

“Okay.”

But she didn’t hear from him over the next several hours. She had called home several times, and there wasn’t even one message from him.

Only her sister, Charlene, had called, asking how she was doing. Now that the family knew Sheldon was back in town, Tyanna was sure that’s why Charlene had called, to see if she and Sheldon were once again involved in any way.

She would call Charlene tomorrow. For now, Tyanna couldn’t stop thinking about Sheldon and why he wasn’t getting back to her.

She wasn’t sure what to make of this. Was something going on that he wasn’t telling her about? The mere idea set her stomach fluttering. She remembered all the times during their relationship that she had known something was bothering him, but he had shut her out.

Wasn’t that his style? Tyanna felt a flash of annoyance. As much as she hoped Sheldon had changed, he probably hadn’t. This was exactly
what she didn’t want to put herself through—more days like this, where she worried and worried, while he kept her in the dark.

She didn’t want to jump to negative conclusions, but neither did she want to be a fool again.

It was with that thought on her mind that she finished her shift. And it didn’t bode well.

She was packing up her belongings in her office when she heard, “Boo!’’