Shattered Edge(33)
“I noticed you’re a cookie guy.” She’d caught me. I fancied myself on eating fairly healthy, but blew it all in the cookie department.
She laughed and said, “Don’t look so damn guilty. You can have a cookie Justin. It’s okay.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” She walked toward me and held out a chocolate chipper, and I started to laugh.
“Are you trying to tease me Ms. Mitchell?”
“Maybe.”
“Might I suggest an alternative method?”
“What would that be?”
“The removal of your clothing.”
She gasped. And then blushed. “Really?”
“In my most fervent dreams. Unfortunately, I have to get back to the hospital soon. But maybe when I get off call?”
“Oh yes!”
She was so willing. And then a thought struck me that I had meant to ask her the other day.
“Oh, I need to ask you something. Every year, each department in the hospital gets involved in the fundraiser ‘Sponsor a Child for Christmas.’ Next week, our department is having its party for that. Would you like to go with me?”
“Sure. It sounds really cool.”
“Yeah, it is. Every employee in each department has an opportunity to sponsor a child. You know, buy them toys, clothing, that type of thing. The entire hospital gets involved, but each department hosts their own party. Ours is next Saturday at Jackson’s house.”
“Oh, that would be awesome. I’d love to go with you. What’s the attire?”
“Cocktail.”
“Great. I assume it’s in the evening.”
“Yep.” My phone started buzzing with a text. “And here it goes.”
I took a look see and sure enough, I had to head out.
“Don’t wait up because in all likelihood, I won’t be in until after six a.m.” I kissed her sweet soft lips and headed out the door.
“Justin?” I heard her call from the porch.
“Yeah babe.”
“Be safe honey.”
I nodded and smiled.
After I hopped in the car and started driving, I realized I’d forgotten to tell her about crazy Destiny.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Terri
Justin’s house was perfect. Everything he had chosen had been selected with great taste and care. The paintings on the wall were exquisite and his furnishings were unreal. He had a taste for antiques. Who didn’t in Charleston? But he was able to mix the old with the new, and come up with the perfect blend of eclectic. I wondered whether his mom had helped him. Most likely he’d hired a decorator. I’d been to his parents’ home on Murray Boulevard. They lived in one of the finest homes in Charleston, overlooking the harbor on the battery. It was an old beautiful mansion that was extravagant yet welcoming. So maybe since he’d grown up with this, he’d known exactly what he’d wanted in his own home.
I remembered listening to Lexi after she stayed at Pearce’s the first time. She talked about this same thing. Understated elegance with a flair for comfort. After being around real estate all my life, I saw it all the time...how these fine homes could be so stiff and formal, you never wanted to sit down in them. Not so here. I was curled up on the sofa feeling perfectly right at home.
I’d decided to review my week ahead, just to make sure all my ducks were lined up. Hopefully, the new security system would be fully operational on Monday so I could go home. Even though I loved it here, I wanted to be in my own place. Feeling like a refugee didn’t sit well with me. It still was fairly early, but I decided to go to bed anyway. I figured I could watch some TV upstairs, or even read some. I wanted to get up early and get some shopping in. I had a new dress to buy for that party next weekend.
After checking all the locks and making sure the security system was armed, I headed up to bed. It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep but something woke me up in the middle of the night. I sat up in bed, trying to figure out what it was. My hands clenched the sheet as my heart pounded in my chest. I sat and tried to listen for any strange noises, but heard none. Maybe I’d had a bad dream is all, I figured.
My silly heart wouldn’t stop pounding. I finally pulled myself out of bed and walked to the window to look out. I saw a shadow move across the driveway and just like that it disappeared. Was my mind playing tricks on me?
My forehead had beads of perspiration on it and the palms of my hands were really sweaty. I rubbed them on my shirt, trying to dispel some of the moisture. I didn’t know what to do. Should I call the police or Justin? Maybe I was overreacting. I needed someone to talk to. I picked up the phone and called Justin. It went straight to his voicemail so I left him a message and then a text. I was sure I would be talking to him real soon.