The Awakening (11 page)

              She traced David’s face in a few. He was so happy that day...she was so happy that day! Again, she felt the cold of the ring against her chest. She closed her eyes and shook her head. She was on a mission to find the two unusual men, not relive a day that would bring her to tears if she thought too much on it!

              She flipped to the pictures of the celebrators. Emily and Bradley, looking fabulous as always were in many. Her parents dancing...drinking...acting a fool, as David had put it. It was the first time she'd ever seen her Mom drink anything other than water coffee or iced tea.

              There were photos of dancing, laughing people. Uncles and Aunts she hadn't seen since were in photos eating cake, toasting with champagne. Old friends, crushing her and David with hugs. No unnaturally beautiful men with vivid eyes. She sighed heavily. Maybe Bradley was wrong. Maybe they hadn't been there!

              She shuffled through it again, feeling disappointment. "Oh well," she sighed.

              "We only stayed for the ceremony."

              Raina nearly dropped the album to the ground.

              Grey eyes danced when he noted her shock. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I didn't mean to startle you. You didn't answer my knock. I figured you'd be back here."

              Raina swallowed hard, her throat had gone dry.

              He held up a sheet of paper. "Bradley asked me to drop this off. Said Emily needed you to look this over...for the party."

              Raina rolled her eyes, and regained the ability to speak. "And neither of them could bring it? Or call?"

              He grinned. "You think maybe they fancy themselves match makers?"

              Raina laughed and shook her head. "Come, sit for a moment if you like," she offered.

              Turk was already on his feet, tail wagging crazily. He was still groggy from his nap or he'd have been all over the visitor.

              Nolan unlatched the gate to the deck and closed it behind him. He held out the paper to Raina, and then sat down in one of the deck chairs .Turk rested his head on his thigh, and was rewarded with a pat.

              Raina looked over the sheet and shook her head. "As I thought," she whispered. "I made this list...this is the copy I gave to Em," she giggled.

              Nolan laughed too. "Well, there, it’s been returned to its owner."

              He glanced at the album in her lap. "What a great ceremony that was," he said softly. "We had to leave right after...a shame. You were beautiful that day."

              Raina glanced down, and then quickly back up at him. "How did you know I was searching for you and Thantos?"

              He smiled. "I saw the book you had and stated a fact. Is that what you were doing? Looking for me?"

              She blushed. "Both of you," she admitted. "I just found it hard to believe that I had forgotten ever meeting you." She smoothed one of the pages.

              "It was briefly...you were so into your groom, it’s no wonder. I don't even think you looked away from his face when Bradley introduced us. For that Thantos was not happy. He doesn't like being ignored."

              "No kidding," she laughed. She smiled sadly, lifting her eyes to his. "I was pretty into him wasn't I?"

              He returned her gaze, unwavering, and gave a nod. He didn't say anything else...and for that she was thankful.

              It was as though he really knew she couldn't deal with more without crying. How did he seem to know so much about her? He could read her mood, and he reacted accordingly. She on the other hand, was at a loss when it came to him. It didn't seem fair!

              "I don't suppose we can have our heart to heart today...can we?" Her blue eyes lit hopefully. She felt like a little girl, waiting to hear a secret.

              "Not today," he said gently.

              She nodded, feeling acute disappointment, and lifted her wine glass to her lips. "You want some?" she offered.

              He shook his head. "Can't stay long...have a dinner meeting," he sighed.

              She frowned, wishing she could keep him around a little longer. "It’s a shame you know...Bradley and Emily will be wanting a better story for all their hard match making work," she teased.

              "Yes," he chuckled.

              "We could make something up!" Her eye brows waggled at him.

              His eyes lifted to hers with a sudden light. "You had dinner yet?"

              She blushed. "No." She glanced at her wine guiltily.

              He tilted his head. "Would you like to join me?"

              Raina’s heart skipped a little. "I...I wouldn't want to impose. It’s a business meeting right? I'd be out of place.”

              His grey eyes softened. "You did fine at one with Thanatos."

              Raina thought she detected a bit of jealousy, but quickly dismissed it.

              "Besides...it’s with a..." he cleared his throat. “Lady client. I don't feel comfortable with a one on one with her."

              Raina smiled teasingly. "Scared of the ladies are you?"

              He chuckled. "Not exactly, no. But this one...she's a bit more forward," he admitted.

              "So I will be there to neutralize the situation?"

              He nodded, hope gleaming in his eyes.

              She bit her lip, liking the idea of being the distraction. She liked the idea more that he thought she could be one. "Won't she question my appearance?"

              He shrugged. "If she does we'll figure something out."

              "I could be your cousin," Raina suggested. "Visiting from out of town...you couldn't leave me behind."

              "No," he chuckled.

              Raina's brows lifted.

              "I don't think I could pull cousin off," he said softly. "And you merely being my cousin will not defuse her...attack."

              Her blue eyes blinked confusion. Then she saw his eyes look away with embarrassment. "She wants you," Raina answered her own question.             

              He shrugged.

              Raina was not in the least surprised.

              "Thanatos was supposed to go...he bowed out. He knows how it is." He glared down at his hands. "I know he did it on purpose especially with this one! She is quite relentless. I would just need you to ward off the blunt of her waywardness so I can get through the business portion."

              Raina twirled a strand of her hair in her fingers. "Should I be upset that you would be using me?" She was trying to hide her smile.

              The grey eyes widened in shock. "Using? No Raina that was not my intention. I want you to come.” He stumbled a bit for his answer. "Then you mentioned our friends and their intentions...it just came to me. I would never want you to feel used." He looked distraught at the idea.

              She shook her head, laughing. "I was teasing you Nolan! Of course I will go to dinner with you. I will protect you from the she-devil.” She smiled, snapped the album shut and cocked her head. "How long do I have to get ready?"

              He grinned, his gorgeous grin. "Twenty minutes?"

              Raina’s mouth dropped open. “Twenty? Okay, but you'll have a dumpy girl on your arm...not much of a distraction."

              His eyes danced over her. "You are lovely as you are now...an hour couldn't improve on what I'm looking at now."

              Her heart slammed hard, and she managed a wobbly smile. She knew her face had to be fire red. "I'll do my best, thank you! If you will distract the two men in my life I would appreciate it. I can never get a moment without them."

              "It would be my pleasure." He got to his feet, roughing Turks ears. Inside, he sat down, and was immediately greeted by a curious feline. Percy took to him right away...Turk wasn’t about to leave his side.

              Raina stood there in a little awe. Hmmm, he didn't just have an effect on the ladies, but all living creatures. She shouldn't have been surprised. She knew she could retreat to the bathroom without notice, glad she had already showered.

              She skimmed through her closet and frowned. He was wearing a suit... and expensive looking suit, she’d have to step up her look for sure. Her eyes nestled on the blue sundress with desire, but that was intended for the party. Emily would expect her in it, and she couldn't wear it twice for Nolan. Her heart skittered again, realizing he was the most important factor in that. Yes, she'd be wearing it for him.

              She instead went for a brown silk that had always been a go to for her. It fit her figure as if it were tailored, and not off the rack. It was short, but not too short, and its capped sleeves were flattering. "And my giant hips look slightly smaller," she moaned. 

She had a pair of chocolate brown heels that would look great with it too! She slipped into her outfit, and then raced for the bathroom, twisting her hair carefully into a pretty up do, thankful God had blessed her with natural thickness and waves. She let a few tendrils fall. She put in a pair of diamond stud earrings, and unhooked her necklace with her ring. It would not be very convincing to show up with a wedding ring around her neck. It was replaced with a small diamond heart necklace.

              She grasped her mascara and went for the blonde lashes she loathed, until her blue eyes were rimmed with dark lashes. A pretty pink lipstick that kept her from looking pale against the brown silk completed the makeup. She gave herself a once over and felt good about her choices. She was not a complete dump.

              She knew she'd succeeded in improving her appearance, when his eyes traveled her with approval. She saw him swallow once, and clear his throat. Her breath caught, feeling the flattery of his inability to form a word. The effect on her was overwhelming, and she felt her cheeks toasting.

              "Will this do?" she asked innocently.

              He cleared his throat again. "Quite distracting...perfect."

              She smiled, well pleased.

              He stood to his feet, and she noticed the container with David’s pictures were on the cushion beside him. He looked guilty. "They were sitting there. I had to look," he admitted.

              "That’s okay," she sighed. "I was just doing a bit of clean up," she whispered. "A little healing clean up."

              He gave her a gentle smile. "I'm sure it’s hard." He put the cover on the box.

              "But necessary," she answered. "Now if I could just get the courage to go through his clothing...now that will be tough."

              "You still have everything?" His eyes widened in surprise.

              She nodded, tears formed in her eyes, but she wouldn't let them fall.

              He stepped forward in concern, but stopped just short of touching her. She saw his reservation. "It’s a big step Raina. You'll get there."

              She shook her head. "After all this time...shouldn't I be there already? I’ve watched so many go through death...losing loved ones...and they don't take nearly as long as this!"

              "Everyone is different Aelan," he murmured softly. He reached up and curled one of her tendrils in his fingers. "You will get there," he repeated

              Raina’s pulse thrummed and she blushed. "I'm starting to think you're right," she whispered.

              He smiled. "Come on...you'll feel better when you have food in your tummy...not so much wine," he teased.

              Raina nodded, with flushed cheeks, grabbed her purse, and followed him out. She admired the broad shoulders in the finely made suit. That in itself was a reminder of the steps she was making. She could now admire another man in a way she'd only done for David. Unbidden, green eyes flashed in her thoughts and she shuttered. Yes, she had been able to admire him as well. The green eyed devil!

              They arrived early for the dinner, and were waiting to be seated. Susanne, the female she-devil was late.

              Raina felt nerves racing all through her body, and her mouth had gone dry. She grasped his elbow just for a moment to find herself. Flushed and a little panicky, she fussed over the hem of her dress, willing it to lie flatter.

              "You're safe," Nolan spoke softly.

              Raina blushed, but didn't respond to him. When she looked up, she caught a woman staring their way. Well, staring his way. Her eyes were not in the least apologetic, as they skimmed over him with approval, and she bit her bottom lip shaking her head at the sight of him.

              The woman was breathtakingly beautiful with her mahogany colored hair, and warm dark eyes. She was tall and slender and elegant.

              "Everything I'm not," Raina though defensively

              Raina was never the cat fight kind, but this woman raised her hackles. Her brazen assessment of Nolan was far from feminine. She reminded Raina of a female Thanatos. Hungrily her eyes raked over him again.