Mysterious Gift (4 page)

Chapter Eight

“Here’s a prescription for pain medication.” Dr. Morton put the paper on Brian’s lap table, being careful once again not to touch his patient. “We’ll expect you back in a week or so for a follow-up visit. Call my office, or if you prefer, see your own physician.” Morton put his Mont Blanc into his shirt pocket and took a step back. “Do you have any questions?”

Brian was tempted to ask him if he’d cut back on the drinking but didn’t. Once he was out of here, he’d never see the man again, and it wasn’t his problem.

“Yes. What about my memory? Will it ever come back?”

“There’s really no way to tell. Have you remembered anything of your past?”

“No, nothing. I’m hoping once I get to my apartment and am in familiar surroundings my memory will clear up. If not, well, I don’t know.”

“Well, best of luck to you, Mr. Wakefield.” Morton gathered his residents and left.

After eating his lunch—something brown, something white, and something green—he was ready to blow the joint. He found a shower room on his floor and luxuriated under a stream of hot water. Now he only had one problem. Clothing. They’d cut off his clothes in the ER, and he didn’t have a damn thing to wear. Wearing his bathrobe, he walked to the nurses’ station to get some help. Unfortunately, Cerise was the only one there.

“Hi, I’m leaving today, but I don’t have anything to wear. Would it be possible to find something for me?”

He could almost feel his skin burning from Cerise’s glare. Her eyes were narrow slits, her mouth a taut, angry line. Before she could speak, a hand touched his arm. He knew it was Robin, and he turned to face her.

Robin smiled up at him. “I’ll see if I can find you a set of scrubs so you’ll be presentable in the cab.”

“Thanks. Are you going to be ready to go soon?” He took her hand off his arm as casually as he could. When he read minds, he got a headache, and he wanted to stay as pain free as possible to try and clear up his memory.

“I’ll meet you in your room in a few minutes.” With a happy smile, she took off down the hallway.

Robin made it to his room before he did, with clothes and a wheelchair.

“Need any help?” She pulled at the cord to his robe and grinned up at him.

“No. Now be a good girl and go close the door—from the outside. I can manage this myself.”

“You’re no fun,” she said and walked out the door.

Once in the cab, he had to pull out the instructions and keys he’d gotten from Strauss. Glancing out the window, he looked for familiar buildings, but nothing rang a bell. He rolled the window down and inhaled fresh, salty air. Too soon, the cab pulled up in front of a high-rise located right across the street from the bay.

“Welcome home, Mr. Wakefield. I trust you’re well?” A doorman opened the huge glass door for them and stepped back. “May I help you with your bag, Miss?”

“Ah, no thanks, I’ve got it.” Robin seemed a bit flustered.

The lobby was all glass and black marble, sparkling chandeliers and rosewood tables. Black leather couches and chairs flanked a fireplace, unlit now in the middle of the day. A gentleman wearing a gray, three-piece suit stood and came out from behind the concierge desk. He had pale blond hair and eyebrows, light skin, and was thin to the point of emaciation. Brian had to stifle a chuckle. The man looked like an undertaker.

“Mr. Wakefield, sir. So good to see you again.”

“Thank you. I’ve been in an accident, and I’m afraid I’m having some memory problems. I don’t remember your name.”

“Garrison, sir. I took the liberty of stocking your kitchen and made sure you had fresh linens. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“Not at the moment, Garrison, thank you. This is Nurse Guyer. She’ll be staying with me for a few days, helping out.”

“Welcome, Miss Guyer. If you need anything, anything at all, please call.”

He was embarrassed, but he had to ask. “One thing, Garrison. How long have I lived here?”

“You moved in a little over three weeks ago. It was my understanding that you’d been living in Europe for a few years and had now decided to settle in San Diego.”

Well, that explained his lack of friends. But what about family? He’d have to do some searching once he got to his place.

Garrison stepped over to the waiting elevator and walked inside.

“Your key, sir?”

Brian handed him the key, and the man inserted it into a slot marked Penthouse, then backed out and bowed slightly. “Just turn the key, and the elevator will take you to your floor.”

“Do you have an extra?”

Phelps had said there was a ticket on the dining room table. How in the hell had the man gotten inside his condo? Probably the same way he’d gotten into his hospital room unnoticed.

“Oh, yes, sir. We have one for the cleaning staff, and of course in case of emergency. No worries. It’s very safe. No one but a few staff knows where it’s kept.”

Robin looked at him and wiggled her eyebrows. He pushed the button to close the door then turned the key. His stomach fell as they silently and swiftly rose twenty-two floors.

Chapter Nine

“Wow.” Robin walked out of the elevator, dragging her rolling suitcase, her eyes the size of saucers.

“Wow, indeed.” The first thing Brian saw was a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows, and off in the distance, the Pacific Ocean. He was drawn to the view, and no wonder. A huge naval vessel moved across the bay, heading out to sea. Here and there on the water, small sailboats dipped and swayed among the waves. The long bridge to Coronado arched over the bay, and the azure sky was filled with white, puffy clouds. Off to the side, a jet took off, headed out over the sea, banked left, and circled back toward land. When he looked down, a myriad of buildings and downtown San Diego filled the space.

“What a great view.” Robin came to stand beside him. Her delicate floral scent wafted by, teasing him, and reminding him of their shared passion. “I guess I should put this suitcase in the bedroom. Do you mind if I change into more comfortable clothes?”

“No, of course not.” He dropped a soft kiss on her forehead. “I have no idea where the bedroom is, but I’m sure you can find it.”

She winked and turned away.

He smiled, and he hardened as he watched her delicious round bottom retreating down the hallway. He was so glad he’d thought of using her skills as a private duty nurse. He liked having her around. She was beautiful, fun, and capable. While she was changing, he wanted to find his plane ticket and whatever else Phelps had left for him. He’d have to arrange for a ticket for Robin too. Should he call Phelps first? He gazed out onto the beautiful scene before him once more. No. He decided he’d just show up with her, and if Phelps didn’t like it, too bad. He wouldn’t be going anywhere without her. He decided he would always rather apologize than ask permission. Where had that thought come from? No matter, it felt right.

The penthouse had an open floor plan, all done in chrome and glass, very understated. Whoever had decorated the place seemed to know his taste, because he loved everything. Leather chairs, glass and chrome tables, a mammoth flat screen television mounted over the fireplace. A few throw pillows in rich tones of burgundy and sapphire dotted the black leather couch. It was perfect. He walked over to the kitchen area and admired the black and gray granite counters, shinny stainless steel appliances, a six-burner stovetop, and an island with a second sink. Great place for someone who liked to cook, but he was pretty sure that wasn’t in his repertoire.

He opened drawers and doors and found a wine rack, fully stocked. Much as he would have liked a glass, he knew it wouldn’t mix well with his pain medication, so instead he opened the fridge and pulled out a cold bottle of water.

He fished the vial of pills out of the bag they gave him in the hospital and swallowed one. He was tired, shaky, and knew he had to get vertical soon.

First, he walked over to the to the glass end table by the couch where he’d noticed a pile of unopened mail. He found a plane ticket, a wad of hundred dollar bills in a gold money clip, a set of keys to the condo and his car, the latest model Blackberry, a passport and folder with several credit cards, all with his name on them. There was also a bankbook and sheet of paper listing all his stocks, bonds, and other assets.

He was both pleased and astonished at the amount of his worth. He’d have to remember to ask Robin if she had a passport and if not, get her one. After all, Phelps had said he wanted to train him to do good in the world, and that would mean travel. Somehow, he instinctively knew he loved going to new places and exploring new worlds.

He flipped open his driver’s license. It looked authentic, and the picture was definitely him. He found out he was thirty-two years old. That felt about right. Next, he flipped open the ticket envelope and his heart dropped. He was scheduled to leave on a flight to Boston at seven o’clock tomorrow morning, first class. He hoped it wasn’t too late to get another ticket for Robin.

There was a note clipped to the ticket. Before he had a chance to read it, he heard Robin clear her throat. He shoved the note into his pocket and covered the ticket with some of the junk mail. He didn’t want her to see any of this, especially the plane ticket, until he had time to explain. He looked up and saw her standing posed by the hallway to the bedroom area. She wore a brief one-piece, flame-red teddy that left nothing to the imagination.

“Are you ready for a nap, Mr. Wakefield?” She smiled, ran her tongue over her lips in a provocative way, and shoved her chest out a little further.

He had to stifle a groan. His rock-hard erection poked against front of his scrubs, but the rush of blood to his lower regions gave him an instant headache. A vein in the side of his head pulsed, and he had to grab the back of a chair to keep from falling over.

He gritted his teeth with frustration. He wanted to make love to her again, here in these luxurious surrounding, but he simply didn’t have the strength. He had to take it slow, heal, and find out more about who he was, learn to control his psychic powers, and then figure out what he was going to do with the rest of his life.

She must have seen fatigue on his face, because she hurried to his side and took his arm. “I’m sorry, Brian. Why don’t you come into the bedroom and lie down. I’ll give you nice back rub. Or would you rather have a steam first? I couldn’t believe my eyes. You have your very own steam room.” Her green eyes sparkled. “There’s a spa tub if you’d like to relax in jetted warm water, and of course a shower later—big enough for two.”

He suppressed a groan and tried to will his erection to go away. “A back rub sounds perfect. I know I’ll feel better after I take a little nap. I love the outfit, but can you save it until later?” He wanted her badly but knew he was too tired to perform. She was still a little insecure, and he’d hate to disappoint her.

“Of course, I understand. Let me grab a pair of jeans and T-shirt so I don’t tempt you too much. Then while you sleep, I’m going to take a walk.”

“That’s a great idea. Take the key. By the time you get back, I’ll be awake and we can find a restaurant around here that delivers. Maybe they even have room service in this place, what do you think?”

“Oh, no. That man, Garrison, said the kitchen was stocked. I’m going to check out what’s there and make you a good, home-cooked dinner. You crawl in bed while I change.”

When he walked into the master suite, he saw the bathroom door was closed. Turning, he looked at his bedroom. It was decorated in a very masculine style in colors of tan and black with a few accents of silver. This room also had floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out onto the bay. He hoped he’d be able to return here someday and enjoy both this great penthouse and the city of San Diego.

He pulled back the covers on the bed, eased down, and closed his eyes. He was almost asleep when he felt Robin’s presence beside the bed. Then it was lights out.

Chapter Ten

The next thing he knew, his headache was gone, the room was dark, and he smelled something delicious. His stomach growled. He slid out of bed and stretched.

He opened the walk-in closet and found row upon row of suits, casual wear, and even two tuxedos. He grabbed a pair of khakis off a hangar and spotted the large, black suitcase in the far corner of the closet.

He’d have to pack after dinner so he’d be ready for the early flight. He had no idea what one wore to learn to control his psychic abilities. Hell, with the money he had, he could buy what he needed once he got to the institute.

He pulled open dresser drawers—socks, underwear. He shed the hospital scrubs and pulled on the clean, crisp clothes. It felt so good after being in hospital stuff for so long. A casual button-down shirt finished it off, and he tucked in the tails and zipped his fly. As he closed the dresser drawers, he noticed the jewelry box perched on top of it.

In it was a gold Phillip Patek watch set with the correct time, so he put in on. There was a very nice black opal ring set in 18 karat gold that felt just right on his right ring finger. He clasped a heavy gold bracelet around his wrist.

Finally, he dug out the note from Phelps from the pocket of the discarded scrubs and went to sit on the edge of the bed to read.

Brian,

I trust you are feeling much better by now and look forward to your adventure. I purchased two, first-class seats for you on the airplane, so you won’t have to touch anyone during your journey. I know how uncomfortable that can be for you at this stage of your transformation. A car will be waiting for you at Logan Airport in Boston to drive you to the institute in the Berkshires. I look forward to seeing you soon. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to call.

Phelps

Two seats. That was one problem solved. Now all he had to do was explain to Robin about his gift, WIAPT, and the trip. He put the note back in his pocket, took a deep breath, and went to find her.

“There you are! How are you feeling?” Robin stood in the kitchen, wearing her jeans and T, barefoot. Russet curls sprang free all over her head, and her naked face was shiny with moisture. She looked adorable, and he wanted to kiss her. Instead, he put his hands in his pockets and stayed where he was. Pots and pans steamed, the oven timer dinged, and she looked as if she was having a ball.

“Much better, thanks.” She’d set the dining room table with china, crystal, and had lit two long, tapering burgundy candles. “Something smells good.”

“I thought you’d enjoy a good meal after all that hospital goop. I made pot roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, fresh green beans, a tossed green salad and, for dessert, apple pie ala mode.”

“It sounds perfect. Do you need any help?”

“Nope. I’m all set to put food on the table. What would you like to drink?” She began filling bowls and platters with food. It looked as if she’d cooked enough to feed a small tribe.

“I’d love some wine, but I think it will be safer for me to drink ice water. I’ll open a bottle for you though.” There was a method to his offer. He hoped she would drink enough to be in a good, receptive mood when he told her about Phelps and the upcoming trip to Massachusetts.

“Sounds lovely. You pick a bottle. I don’t know one flavor from another.” She took hot dinner rolls out of the oven. The aroma made his mouth water.

He discovered a decent bottle of Merlot, but wasn’t sure how he knew that. He found a corkscrew after opening several drawers, and opened the bottle. He put the bottle and wine glass on the table and went to turn on the stereo. He found racks with hundreds of CD’s lining one cabinet. He chose randomly and managed to get the system to start. Soon, the sound of a soft jazz instrumental wove its magic around them.

He went and held out a chair for her when she announced dinner was served. Outside the window, he could see headlights of cars traveling both ways on the long Coronado Bridge.

“Here’s to finding your memory soon.” Robin took a dainty sip and started passing him the food. The roast beef was tender enough to cut with a fork, the potatoes fluffy and full of butter, and the gravy smooth and delicious. He was glad now he’d decided to hire her and take her with him. She was a good nurse, great in bed, and was a top-notch cook.

“Everything tastes wonderful, Robin.”

A dimple jumped into her right cheek, and he noticed a rosy tinge to her creamy skin. “Thank you. I enjoy cooking but don’t get chance to do much. It’s no fun cooking for myself.”

He wasn’t sure how to broach the subject of his upcoming trip, so he decided to simply plow ahead.

“I have something I need to tell you.”

She stopped with her wine glass halfway to her mouth. “What?”

Her face paled, and he wanted to kick himself. He was screwing up before he’d even started. He reached across the table to take her hand, but pulled back just in time.

“Remember when you asked me how I knew about your…problem?”

She nodded her head but remained silent.

“Ever since I got this crack on my head and lost my memory, well, whenever I touch someone, I…know things about them.”

Robin nodded. “I’ve heard of things like that happening with a head injury, but it’s rare. Are you clairvoyant? Or psychic?”

“I don’t know what to call it, honey, but that’s not the weirdest part.” He took a deep breath the related his middle-of-the-night conversation with Phelps. “He referred to the ability as a gift.”

“Where did he come from? How did he get into your room?” She pushed back her chair and stood.

He pulled the note from his pocket. “Somehow, he got into my room. I don’t know, maybe he appeared as a hologram, or…” Words failed him.

Robin sank into her chair and read the note. “But, this says you have reservations for tomorrow morning.” A single tear formed in her eye and traveled down her face.

“Oh, honey, don’t cry. I want to take you with me. That’s why I’m telling you. I know all this is hard to believe. Hell, I’m having a tough time myself, but it must be true.”

She brushed the tear away with the back of her hand. A tremulous smile formed onto her lips. “For a minute there, I thought you wanted to get rid of me.”

He pushed back his chair and went to kneel by her side. He put his arms around her and pulled her close. “You’re not getting rid of me so soon.” He pulled her head down and then quickly jerked away.

“What?”

“It’s hard to explain, but I got an image, or an idea, something about your grandpa?”

Her eyes widened, and her mouth formed a perfect O. “My grandpa died when I was five. He’d lived with us all my life, and I didn’t really understand death. One day he was there, the next gone. For a long time, I felt liked he’d abandoned me.” She started to touch him, but stopped. “Wow, that’s freaky.”

“Yeah, pretty much. That’s why I’m anxious to go to this institute. I can’t spend the rest of my life not touching people.”

She sat silently for a moment. “Then how can you make love to me?”

His laugh filled the air. “It’s both a pleasure and a curse. I’ve tried humming to shut out your mind, but it’s not always successful. I hope I’m not shortchanging you in the love-making department.” He stroked her springy curls before dropping a light kiss on the top of her head. “So, what do you say? You want to go to Massachusetts with me tomorrow? I’ve already got an extra ticket.”

“Oh, Brian, I’ve always wanted to travel, and I have the whole week off. But what if this Mr. Phelps doesn’t want me there? Are you going to call him and ask if it’s okay?”

“I thought about that but decided we’ll simply show up. If he doesn’t like it, I’ll leave too. We can come back here, go to Europe, or the Caribbean. Heck, I’m getting better, at least with you. I can tolerate touching more all the time.”

“
Tolerate?
” She put on a mock frown. “I’ll have you know, Mr. Wakefield, you don’t have to tolerate me at all. I can leave right now.”

“Don’t you dare.” He pulled her up and into his arms. “I need my nurse to feed me, and bathe me, and…” He cupped her delightful butt with his hands and pulled her close so she could feel his erection.

“My, my, you do have a way with words.” She rubbed against him, causing a delicious agony. “If I didn’t have to clean up the kitchen…” She stopped and pushed him away. “Oh, my God. I don’t have any clothes to wear!”

“Don’t worry about the kitchen. I’ll make sure Garrison has the cleaning crew in. And I told you, I’m rich. Really, really rich. Just go pack what you have or want to take. We’ll buy whatever you need when we get there.”

“Okay, give me a few minutes, then we’d both better get to bed and get some sleep. Tomorrow is bound to be a long, exhausting day.” She reached up to brush her lips against his and almost danced her way down the hallway toward the bedroom.

Whatever happened between the two of them in the future, Brian was delighted he’d made her happy now. He went to sit and stare out the window. The night sky was filled with stars, and the bright lights of the city twinkled below. He wondered if he’d ever retrieve his memory.

He couldn’t help but wonder what the future would bring.

Fatigue pulled at him, so he swung his feet up and stretched out on the comfortable couch while he waited for Robin to finish in the bedroom. He put one of the pillows behind his head and slowly drifted away.

He dreamed he was in a desert. A hot wind caressed his face, while soft palm fronds tickled his chest. Something moist and dewy laved his nipples, wandered through his chest hair, and moved lower, lower until it plunged into his navel. His erection was strong and immediate. It pulsed against his slacks, demanding to be set free. He felt a tug, heard the rasp of a zipper, and someone pushed the cloth aside to expose him.

Fighting to wake up, he groaned as his cock was engulfed in warm wetness. His eyes shot open, and he found Robin kneeling at the side of the couch, naked. Her thoughts jumped into his mind. He hummed, low in his throat and softly, forcing his concentration away from the glimmering body crouching beside him. It helped, and now he could focus on what she was doing to him.

Her springy red hair was spread around his lower body, touching his thighs, and she was carefully, slowing, driving him insane with her mouth. Her teeth scraped the edge of his erection, making him gasp.

She hesitated, looked up to find him awake, and smiled.

“Don’t stop. Don’t stop.” His state of arousal was almost painful.

She took him into her mouth once more, sliding up and down, causing delicious waves of ecstasy. Just when he thought he couldn’t hold on any longer, she crawled onto the couch and slid her body up his. Her engorged nipples pushed against his stomach and chest until she was lying on top of him. She reached down and guided the length of him into her.

She was wet, tight, and more than ready. He reached up and took a breast in each hand, his thumbs circling their rosy tips. He brought first one and then the other to his mouth to taste.

She started to move, slowly, then faster and faster. He had to bite his lower lip to keep from coming too soon. He reached around and clasped her creamy tight bottom in his hands, and she moaned his name.

“Yes, yes, yes, baby, now yes,” she screamed as she came in thunderous waves. He couldn’t hold on any longer. His orgasm rippled through his body, leaving him limp, satiated, but still hungry for more. She collapsed on top of him, and they lay snuggled together on the couch. He stroked her hair and nibbled at her ear lobe.

“That was so good,” she said. “I was afraid the first time we made love was a fluke, but it wasn’t. You’re the only man I’ve ever been able to have an orgasm with.” She raised her head and looked into his eyes. “How can I ever thank you?”

Her smile almost broke his heart. He looped strands of hair behind her ears but said nothing. She sighed and lowered her head to his chest once more.

“How about if we move into the bedroom? I think we’ll both be more comfortable in there.”

“Yes, it’s getting late.” She stood and stretched. He couldn’t help but admire her firm, high breasts, small waist, and tight round butt. He followed that delightful bottom down the hall, shucked his clothes, and slipped naked into bed beside her. She fell asleep almost immediately, and he was half asleep before he remembered to set his alarm. It wouldn’t be a good start if they slept late and missed the plane.