Gotta Get Next To You Page 7

  “Your hair is lovely, but my hairdresser Eric could give you a sexy new cut.” Charlene lifted a lock of Andrea’s hair as though already planning what she’d tell him to do.

  “I don’t want sexy hair, thank you.” Then a vision of that chocolate dream Jamal flashed in her head. “You think he could, you know, fluff it up a bit?”

  “Absolutely!” Charlene clapped her hands together in anticipation. “You’d love it.”

  “Nothing too drastic,” Andrea put in quickly with a frown. She had to put reins on Charlene or who knew what she’d end up looking like.

  “Leave it to me.” Charlene stood back with one hand under her chin. “And these clothes …”

  Andrea tugged at her blouse self-consciously. “What’s the matter with my clothes? They look fine.” “Pu-leeze. Where do you shop? Frumps R Us?” Charlene frowned at the skirt and blouse set Andrea had worn.

  ’ “There is nothing wrong with my clothes,” Andrea said, sticking out her chin. “I don’t like short skirts.” “Well, there is one thing Mama and I agree on. You need a good man to set your soul on fire.” Charlene sat down across from her and winked.

  Andrea started, her jaw almost hitting the tabletop. “Gran talks entirely too much. I’ve got too much work to do to think about him.”

  “He’s a nice enough young man. Why shouldn’t you think about him?” Charlene picked up the ceramic coffeepot on a heated base and refreshed both their cups.

  “Nice my foot. Jamal Turner may have sucked Gran in, but not me,” Andrea said with force.

  “Ahem, well, Jamal thinks a lot of you, from what I understand.” Charlene dabbed her lips with a napkin and looked at Andrea expectantly.

  “Ha! He turns on the charm for any female that’s still warm and has a pulse.”

  Andrea had spent days building up this player image of him. She needed it as a protective shield against his charm. Or was it to protect her from herself? She shook her head, chasing away that thought.

  “So this Jamal really turns you on! My oh my.” Char-line wore a delighted grin. “Where did you meet him? What does he do?”

  “Wait a minute. Didn’t Gran tell you?”

  Charlene shook her head slowly. “No, my dear,” she said, her grin widening.

  “Then who told you about Jamal?” Andrea blinked at her in bewilderment.

  “You just did.” Charlene was the perfect picture of a sleek cat that had caught her prey.

  “I can’t believe it!” Andrea groaned in despair. “You set me up!”

  “Don’t blame yourself. I’m a master.” Charlene laughed. “Now, tell all. You know you want to.”

  “There is nothing to tell.” Andrea took her hands from her face and sat up straight. “After Ellis, I’m immune to phony sweet talk.”

  “I see. That’s why you’re working so hard to convince yourself he’s no good. Because you’re not attracted to him.” Charlene gave her a pointed look.

  “That’s ridiculous!” Andrea stammered. “The last thing I need is another heartbreak on legs. No way. My whole focus is on serving the patients who need me.” Charlene let out a stream of silvery laughter. “Oh, Andrea. You sound so cute.”

  “My work is not cute,” Andrea grumbled. She squirmed in her seat.

  “Don’t pout.” Charlene reached across the table and patted her hand again. “Relax and be happy.”

  “I am happy with my career.” Andrea gazed out the window at the blue skies. “Right now that’s enough.” The image of dark eyes and broad shoulders flashed into her mind. Andrea could only imagine what being enclosed in those thick, strong arms would do to her resolve to resist him. He made her feel safe and daring at the same time. Jamal had an assurance about him. He was smart, funny, and sexy as hell. She shivered but wasn’t sure if it was from fear of herself or desire.

  Charlene studied her. “But work isn’t enough now that you’ve met him. Maybe I will visit Bayou Blue.” Andrea snapped back to the here and now. “I’ve got enough problems with Gran playing Cupid.”

  “Now, listen, don’t accept anything less than the royal treatment,” Charlene told her. “After that horrible divorce, you’ve earned it.”

  “Mother, I’m not going to date anyone. And this man … there’s something about him.”

  “Obviously. He sounds fine as wine with the charm to match. What’s not to like?” Charlene laughed.

  “No, I mean something strange. He seems out of place.” Andrea’s brow furrowed as she tried to make sense of her gut feeling.

  “In Bayou Blue? That’s a big plus in my book,” Charlene quipped. “Most of the single men in that town have raggedy pickup trucks, few teeth, and even less money.” Andrea laughed out loud and lost the elusive thread she’d been trying to follow. “You’re so bad.”

  “You know I’m right.” Charlene waved a hand in the air.

  “You’re a treat. I know I should have said it before now, but I missed you.” Andrea took her mother’s hand.

  Charlene’s expression softened. “I missed you too, baby. And I really do try my best to help you.”

  “And I appreciate it.” Andrea smiled back at her.

  “I think we should celebrate with a shopping trip.” Charlene pursed her lips for a moment. “Esplanade Mall is having a huge sale.”

  “I’m not going to buy a bunch of new clothes.” Andrea shook her head.

  “You want a seductive new you,” Charlene said with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

  “No, I don’t. But it is time to get my hair done.” Andrea stuck out her chin in defiance.

  “Whatever the reason, let’s go to it!” Charlene dashed into her bedroom and came back with her purse.

  Despite her attempts, resisting Charlene proved futile. She teased and charmed Andrea into laughter the entire time. Their first stop in the mall was Charlene’s favorite exclusive hair salon. Charlene’s hairdresser, Eric, seated Andrea in his chair, and he and Charlene stood at various angles staring at her.

  “What do you think, Eric? I say a dramatic feathered bang over one eye, just below the eyebrow.” Charlene circled around to face Andrea.

  “Hmm, I’m getting a vision.” Eric was a tall man the color of caf6 au lait. He sported a small goatee and wore a black coat with the words CHOICES FOR HAIR in electric blue painted on the chest pocket.

  “Nothing too, you know, out there.” Andrea shifted nervously under their scrutiny.

  “Maybe some blonde highlights,” Charlene murmured.

  “No way!” Andrea cried.

  Eric stepped close to her and brushed her hair lightly with one hand. “In fact, the reddish highlights in your hair now are kinda golden in tone. See, what I’d do is—”

  “No hair color and don’t cut too much either.” Andrea jumped out of the chair. “Come to think of it, I don’t really need a new hairdo at all.”

  “Oh, no, you don’t.” Charlene pushed her back into the chair.

  “Calm down, babe. Nobody’s gonna do anything you really don’t want.” Eric rushed to soothe her anxiety. “How ’bout I get you a Barq’s cream soda?”

  “Here, sweetie, here’s a magazine. You pick out the style you want.” Charlene gave her a copy of Black Hair Magazine. She shot a sideways glance at Eric, who nodded.

  “Absolutely.” He went out and came back with a paper cup full of soda.

  “Just so we all understand.” Andrea squinted at them both in warning. Then she pointed to a picture. “This one.

  “That’s not very different from what—” Charlene started.

  “This or nothing.” Andrea pressed her lips together in a stubborn expression.

  Charlene gave a gasp of frustration. Then she shrugged and looked at Eric, who shrugged helplessly in response.

  “The customer is always right,” he said without much conviction.

  Two hours later, Andrea gazed in awe at her image. She had to admit that Eric was good at what he did. Her hair was still long in the back, but loose curls were layered arou
nd her face.

  Charlene sniffed. “It looks cute. But a touch of blonde would make it simply stunning.”

  She sashayed off before Andrea could respond. Andrea and Eric shared a laugh. She paid him and headed off to a clothing boutique at Charlene’s insistence.

  “Just a few things,” Andrea insisted.

  Andrea ended up with three blouses, a new dress, and shoes to match.

  “Perfect,” Charlene said. She held up a short red skirt.

  “You’re kidding,” Andrea said with a laugh.

  “Wear that to a meeting and you’ll get whatever you want.” Charlene gave a sharp nod and hung it over her arm. “It’s perfect.”

  “I’m not the type to show a little leg to influence people, Charlene.” Andrea shook her head once again. Something she seemed to be doing a lot of on this excursion.

  “You make it sound like a bad thing.” Charlene smiled and waved a hand.

  Andrea’s smile faded. “I’ve made it this far without resorting to that sort of thing. My degree and—”

  “Yes, yes. You’re well qualified. But let’s face it, looks count. And men still run things for the most part.” Charlene led her to a counter. She took out her credit card and handed to the saleswoman.

  “Now you need the right accessories.” Charlene turned to Andrea and her arched brows came together. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.”

  “You’re lying. Well?” Charlene put her head to one side. “It’s the clothes.”

  Andrea swallowed the lump of anger that had risen in her throat. “I’m not you, Charlene.” She bit off the urge to add she did not want to be anything like her, that she’d spent years trying not to be Charlene.

  “Well…” Charlene’s voice trailed off. “I thought you’d love it. We do look so much alike, and I look simply stunning in that shade of red. But we can return the skirt.”

  She spoke rapidly, her eyes clouded with dread. Andrea knew they’d come close to the edge again. Charlene seemed to sense it, too. Her expression pleaded with Andrea not to say more. Andrea’s heart pounded as they stared at each other.

  “Of course we won’t take it back. Not after you spent so much energy talking me into it.” Andrea put on a smile.

  Charlene looked relieved. “I saw a pair of earrings that would be perfect for you.”

  Andrea felt tension drain from her shoulders. Once more they’d avoided confronting what truly separated them. Charlene provided more lighthearted banter, and Andrea went along with it. She did not want to face those particular demons. They’d achieved a kind of stasis in this way. Charlene went on about necklaces or something. Andrea nodded and smiled in all the right places as she pushed away family shadows from the past.

  Chapter Six

  Lee arrived at the clinic and walked through the waiting room. “Good morning.” Several of the women patients gave him flirtatious smiles.

  He went to the computer room to store his canvas bag, and then followed the smell of fresh-brewed coffee. Business was booming that morning. Andrea had arranged for a pediatrician to come twice a month for well-baby care. Lee went down a second hall away from the examining rooms to avoid harried moms and screaming kids. This led to the kitchen. It was a good-sized room with a big Formica-topped table and padded chairs. The staff found refuge there for coffee breaks and during lunch. Katy was there filling her Minnie Mouse mug.

  “Hello, sunshine,” Lee said.

  “Don’t start with me,” Katy muttered. “It’s only ten and I feel like I’ve been here a week.”

  “Rough, huh?” Lee found a black mug that had be-come his in the three weeks he’d been coming.

  “Listen to that.” Katy jerked a thumb over her shoulder toward the racket. “All morning. My God!”

  “It was your idea to have certain days for kiddy shots,” Lee said.

  “Somebody should have given me a good shake, too. Never again. Before the school rush, we’re going to spread those appointments out.” As though she needed further convincing, a piercing screech sounded.

  “That one had the windows vibrating,” Lee quipped. “You think that’s bad, try dealing with their mommies. Argumentative and picky, picky, picky.” Katy frowned as though tasting something sour. “I’d like to give them a nice sharp needle in the butt.”

  “So you’re hiding out back here. Who’s helping Dr. Hill?” Lee leaned against the counter and sipped the strong coffee.

  Katy laughed and sat down at the small table. “Student nurses. They need the experience.”

  “You’re something else.” Lee shook his head.

  Katy raised an eyebrow at him. “So are you, from what they tell me. I hear you’re a regular one-man SWAT team.”

  “Very funny,” Lee said. He was embarrassed at the look she gave him.

  “Lisa and Troylyn are telling the world you’re a doggone hero.” Katy grinned at him.

  Lee sat down across from her. “Your boss wasn’t quite so impressed.” He wondered why that bothered him.

  “I don’t know about that.” Katy consoled him with a pat on the shoulder.

  “Well, I do. She doesn’t bend easily, does she?”

  “Andrea can be a hard case. But she really appreciates all you’ve done.”

  “Has she said something?” Lee forgot to be irritated. He was curious and hopeful that Andrea felt something positive about him. Anything would do at this point.

  “Sure. She’s always talking about how much the computer system you set up has helped the clinic.” “Oh.” Lee felt a stab of disappointment and guilt in his belly. Most of his overtime was spent gathering evidence that might sink the place.

  “Like that tickler system for immunizations…” Katy went on about one of her and Andrea’s pet projects.

  Her voice faded into the background as Lee considered his role in Andrea’s world. Would he damage her life’s work beyond repair? Yet he had little choice.

  There was no real reason the clinic should suffer permanent damage. The more he thought about it, he realized he could be doing Andrea and the clinic a big favor by helping to root out these problems. He could help protect her from being blamed and save the clinic she so cherished. The prospect of being Andrea’s hero caused a pleasant sensation to spread up his spine.

  “Hel-loo.” Katy waved a hand in front of his face. “You haven’t been listening.”

  “Sorry, I was thinking of ways to impress the boss.” Lee grinned by way of apology.

  “Think of how to improve the clinic. That’s the way to this lady’s heart.” Katy drank the last drop of coffee from her mug and stood.

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” Lee said with a smile. “Sugar, before you know it, you two will be best friends if you work at it.”

  Lee pictured Andrea’s smile. Her sensual lips curling up gently at the comers, tempting him to taste, nibble, suck… “Yeah. I’ll get on that.”

  “Boy, I can tell you like the idea of pleasing that woman.” Katy rinsed out her mug and dried it with a paper towel.

  “I was thinking of computer systems that might help,” Lee said, casually leaning back in his seat. He sipped his coffee.

  Katy turned to him with a smirk. “Yeah, uh-uh. I re-ally believe that one.”

  “This is strictly business,” he grumbled.

  He brought the mug to his mouth to cover his growing chagrin. Here he was, a PI who had fooled some of the most dangerous criminals, yet let him have one simple conversation about Andrea Noble and his face was an open book!

  “Okay.” Katy struggled not to smirk at him. “A new software program, wow-wee.”

  “Good morning. What new program?” Andrea strolled in. She rubbed the back of her neck wearily with one hand.

  “Hi,” Lee said. He noticed how tired she looked. “Long day already, huh?”

  “I’ve got this pain in my neck bending over stupid paperwork. The department has a triplicate form for everything.” Andrea grimaced.

  “Poor kid. What abo
ut some ibuprofen?” Katy clucked sympathetically.

  Lee crossed the room without thinking. “Here, let me see.” He moved behind her and kneaded the tight neck muscles with adept fingers.

  Andrea tensed and her eyes widened. “N-no, I’ll be—”

  “Don’t fight it or you’ll just ache more,” Lee said softly. Gradually her shoulders eased down.

  Andrea closed her eyes and relaxed completely. “Thanks. I’ll be okay in a minute, though.” Still she did not move away from him.

  “Better than any pill I’ve got in the drug cabinet,” Katy said. She grinned and waved her fingers as she slipped out the door.

  “That feels wonderful. Are you living a double life as a masseur?”

  Lee savored the feel of velvety brown skin. Her hair was pinned up in a French roll, but a few wisps trailed down the back of her neck. He leaned forward and caught a scent of flowers. Andrea seemed to unwind and flow with the rhythm of his fingers. She sighed again and tilted her head forward as though inviting him to touch her more. Lee massaged her upper arms and stepped so close his chest touched her back. He inhaled deeply again.

  “I actually studied therapeutic massage back in L.A.,” Lee said in a strained voice. He was finding it harder and harder to breathe normally.

  “Is that gardenia?” he murmured.

  “Yes. You like it?”

  Andrea exhaled, and then arched her back slightly. Her hips brushed his groin. Lee felt himself harden and knew he’d have a raging erection in a few seconds. A voice told him to let go, but his body was having a hell of a time obeying.

  “Yeah,” he said in a husky voice. “Smells delicious.” His hands moved to her waist and he pulled her to him.

  The temperature in the room seemed to shoot up by fifty degrees. Lee felt hot all over. His hands moved to her waist, then started lower. Andrea sighed and swayed in his arms. He buried his nose in her hair, savoring the feathery texture, breathing in the womanly scent of her.

  “What are you doing?” she whispered huskily, no trace of anger in her tone.

  “Helping you relax,” he whispered back. His erection throbbed, straining to be set free.