Never Say Never, page 6
He didn’t remember how many glasses he’d had. Probably just enough to make him forget, but somehow he couldn’t because his mind kept wandering back to saucy Sabrina Parker. Fate had propelled them to meet, first on the side of the road, then at the park and today again at the diner. She’d surely been taking some heat from the waitress when he’d arrived and was none too pleased about it. Yet, something within her compelling eyes spoke to something deep inside his core. He sensed that she too was haunted by a sadness that took over her whole being.
He knew the kind of pain that enveloped you at every turn, so much so that it was hard to breathe and it stayed with you through the waking hours and in the darkness. The nights were the worst though, because when the uncontrollable memories haunted him, they gave him insomnia.
Malcolm didn’t know how he made it up to his room several hours later, but he arrived on the third floor in just enough time to hear the telephone ringing from inside. Pulling the key out of his breast pocket, he quickly inserted it into the cylinder.
Stumbling into the room, Malcolm patted the wall. Finding the light switch, he flicked it on, flooding his room with muted light. Malcolm rushed across the room and caught the call on the last ring. “Hello,” he said breathlessly.
“There you are,” his mother’s voice came over the line.
“What do you want, Mother?” He fell unceremoniously across the bed, but landed on the floor instead with a loud thud. Did she hear that? thought Malcolm as he rose from the floor.
“Is that any way to greet your mother?” Dinah Armstrong asked from the other end, ignorant to Malcolm’s current state as she applied moisturizer to her hands.
At his silence, Dinah continued, “I called to check on you, that’s what. It’s been weeks since any of us have heard from you. I’ve even been thinking of coming down for a visit. I have something very important to discuss with you and it needs to be done in person, but I can’t stay long. You know how Walter is without me, but I have to talk to you.”
Walter was Malcolm’s stepfather and although they weren’t close when he was a child, as an adult, Malcolm had come to respect the man. “A visit is completely out of the question.”
“Why?” Dinah pouted. “I miss you.” She tried a softer approach. It almost worked until she followed it up with, “Do you even realize the potential salary you could be earning right now?”
“Medicine has never been about the money to me, Mother, and you know that,” Malcolm replied, his blood pressure slowly starting to rise. Her statement showed that she knew absolutely nothing about him or what was important to him.
“Oh?” Dinah laughed sarcastically. “What was that about healing? Because Lord knows, you sure did a bang-up job of that.”
Trust Dinah to know how to hit him below the belt exactly where it hurt. “Is that why you called me, Mother? To remind me of my shortcomings? Because quite frankly, I’m not in the mood.”
“Now listen up, Malcolm. Drowning your sorrows in booze will not bring Michael back, so stop this nonsense right now and come back to Boston before you ruin your career and your reputation.” Her voice was smooth and insistent.
“Is that all you care about, Mother? The recognition that comes from being the mother of an award-winning surgeon?” Malcolm commented, avoiding the subject of his late twin.
“Of course not,” she said firmly, “but you have to admit that this … this is a bit over the top even for you. I mean, for Christ’s sake, Michael was the spontaneous fly-by-the seat of your pants kind. You were always the logical and practical one with a good head on your shoulders. This is completely out of character.”
As she remembered her twins in their youth, Dinah smiled. Every time she tried to dress the two of them alike, they always resisted her urges and found a way to change clothes. “We’re fraternal, not identical,” Malcolm would always say. And boy, were they different. Michael was the sunshine boy, naturally exuberant and social. He got along with everyone. And women? Her youngest was God’s gift and the ladies fell easily for him. He was never without a girl by his side.
Malcolm, on the other hand, was a loner and given to sullenness except where Michael was concerned. And as far as she knew, Malcolm rarely dated, except during those early years with Halle, but that didn’t last because the only thing Malcolm was passionate about was medicine. He adored his three-minutes younger brother, Michael, though, and cared for and nurtured him like he was his father. Michael’s death had devastated him.
At the moment, Malcolm wanted no part of his mother’s walk down memory lane. “I’m not coming back,” he stated firmly. He’d made a decision to move to Savannah and Dinah was going to have to just live with it.
“Stop this, Malcolm.” She began to get frustrated. “You’re my only son and I want you here.” She was sick and tired of him torturing himself with memories of Michael. It wasn’t healthy.
“It’s not going to happen, Dinah,” Malcolm said, calling his mother by her first name, trying to make his point clear. “Boston holds too many bad memories for me. I need to make a fresh start.” Didn’t she understand he was a broken man? If he hadn’t been so cocky, so sure of himself …
“Why the South? And Savannah of all places? Couldn’t you have picked a city close by to get over this funk you’re in?”
“It’s not a funk. I’m grieving the loss of my brother. I’d think you’d still be doing the same. Or maybe Michael wasn’t that important to you, but he was my twin after all.”
“Don’t you dare,” Dinah replied, standing up from her pedestal stool for effect, even though Malcolm couldn’t see her. Tears welled in her eyes. “I may not have been his twin, like you, but I loved my son, just as much as you, Malcolm. You’ve no right to doubt my love for him.”
The hurt in his mother’s voice was evident, so Malcolm apologized immediately. “I’m sorry, Mother. But you have to respect my decision and let this go.” She had to. He wasn’t going to change his mind.
“Fine, if that’s the way you want it,” Dinah muttered. “Then I hope you’re happy in that hobunk town, because you’ve just ruined your life.”
Seconds later, Malcolm heard the dial tone and hung up the phone. He hoped that he’d finally freed her of any notion that he’d be returning up North. Boston was his past and Savannah was his future.
Chapter 6
Later that evening, after Jasmine had gone to bed, Sabrina’s father stopped her in the foyer. “I spoke with Felicia and it seems that Mary, one of our maids, has to take a leave to take care of her sick mother, which leaves an opening at Parker House.”
“And I suppose you expect me to fill it.”
“If you can spare the time.”
Financially speaking, Sabrina was under no strain. She had plenty of money left from the sale of the house, but she also felt irresponsible for not having been here to help her parents.
After a moment pondering what to do, Sabrina replied, “Okay, Daddy. I suppose I can pinch-hit until Mary returns.”
“Splendid,” her father said with a wide grin. He was quite happy to have procured employment for his baby girl, so Sabrina let him have his moment.
The following morning, Sabrina drug herself out of bed for her first day on the job at Parker House. Turning on the taps, she let the steaming hot water wash over her weary flesh. Five minutes later she emerged, somewhat alive and ready for her new temporary job.
She was determined to show Felicia and her family that she was not above hard work. Sure, she hadn’t had to work during her marriage to Tre. His career as a labor attorney had provided them a luxurious lifestyle. In fact, Sabrina had grown quite accustomed to it, but truth was she wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth, and she’d never forgotten that.
To prove it, Sabrina threw on a T-shirt and a pair of paint-splattered jeans and put her curly hair into an unfashionable ponytail. Bounding down the stairs, she searched the foyer for her keys and purse before hurrying out the door. Thankfully, her mother had generously agreed to keep an eye on Jasmine.
When Sabrina closed her parents’ front door behind her, it was six thirty a.m.
Minutes later, kicking her convertible into gear, Sabrina backed out of the driveway.
Early morning was very light on the roads and she made her way to the B & B within fifteen minutes, but when she opened the front door, it was already bustling.
Pausing a moment, Sabrina reacquainted herself with what had been her second home throughout most of her teens. The fresh smell of lemon immediately flooded her nose. Glancing down, she noted the hardwood floors had already been buffed and shined.
Sabrina couldn’t remember a time when she and Felicia hadn’t been polishing floors or helping their mother prepare the guests’ buffet breakfast or watching Alton mow the lawn.
The three-floor Victorian was just as luxurious as she remembered. The first floor housed two parlors, a grand dining room with High Tea at four o’clock, complete with cucumber sandwiches and Earl Grey, a gourmet kitchen and a wine cellar in the basement. The parlor was furnished with several pieces of antique furniture. Sabrina didn’t relish the thought of dusting each and every one of them.
Glancing up the winding staircase, she thought of the eight master bedrooms with adjoining baths she’d have to clean. Each had hardwood floors and crown moldings. Most had a spectacular view of the secluded garden in the rear courtyard. Fact was, everything about Parker House stated quality and elegance. It had been a staple in their community for generations, at least eighty years or so, Sabrina had been told.
When she’d been nothing more than a wide-eyed child in love with Dorian, Sabrina had often envisioned them in one of those rooms making love. Though that teenage fantasy had remained simply that—a fantasy—Sabrina smiled at the memory.
She was just about to head to the kitchen when she caught sight of a man leaning over a chair as he tied his sneakers. From where she was standing, she had a good view of his rear-end; it was tight! Just as she was allowing her mind to wonder about what else he could be working with, she noticed his profile. Dr. Winters? What is he doing here?
It seemed that everywhere she turned up, the doctor was not far behind.
Sabrina approached the Adonis. Her footsteps on the hardwood floor made Malcolm turn around. He focused his coal-dark eyes on her, and Sabrina’s breath caught in her throat. Before, he’d looked handsome, but now he just looked damn hot … no, make that virile. His T-shirt clung to his pectorals, making it clear that the doctor kept himself in very good shape.
“Ah, if it isn’t the lovely Ms. Parker.” Malcolm smiled. A tingle of awareness shot up her spine as she imagined his full, smiling sensuous lips on hers.
“Malcolm.” He grinned when she used his first name. “What are you doing here?” Sabrina asked as she smoothed her hair. She looked an absolute fright.
“I was on my way out for a run.” He motioned to his clothing. “I usually try to get a few miles in before work.”
“I meant at my family’s bed-and-breakfast?”
“This is your family’s place?” Malcolm glanced around. “I had no idea. Parker is a common name, is it not? When I booked it weeks ago, I was looking for a place near the clinic. Was I supposed to put two and two together?” Malcolm’s left eyebrow rose a fraction.
“No, I don’t suppose you would have.”
“So, when did you start working here? I don’t recall seeing you before.” He hoped he’d have the pleasure of her feistiness to start each and every morning. Sabrina Parker was definitely a woman he wanted to get to know better and not just her story, but in the biblical sense. Even though she was wearing a ratty pair of jeans, apron and an unceremonious ponytail, he still wanted to take her upstairs to that king-sized bed and tear each item of clothing off her, bit by bit and then have her writhing underneath him, calling out his name.
“I’m helping my sister out for a bit.” Sabrina folded her arms across her chest. Although he wasn’t exactly ogling her, she suspected Dr. Winters did indeed find her attractive, if the appreciative look he was throwing her way was any indication. “Why do you want to know?”
Malcolm’s face curved into a smile, revealing very straight pearl-white teeth. “Because once my charms wear on you, you’ll be dying to date me.”
“You wish.” He was looking at her as if he were ready to eat her up with a spoon. It unnerved her more when he came toward her. If she didn’t know any better, she’d swear the room had suddenly become hotter as he neared.
Malcolm reached out and with his index finger lifted her chin to get a better look at her eyes. “That’s what you say now, but I promise you, you’ll change your mind. I can be very persuasive.” Behind her ear he tucked an errant strand of hair that had fallen free of her ponytail.
“You’ll never get your way, Dr. Winters.” Sabrina swallowed visibly. Truth was, she desperately wanted him to kiss her right then, right there in the middle of the foyer.
Malcolm came even closer and bent his head. His mouth was inches from hers when he whispered, “Never say never, Sabrina, because I always get what I want.”
Without another word, he began to leave.
“Of all the arrogant things …” Sabrina replied, putting her hands on her hips, but Malcolm was already out the door, leaving Sabrina to wonder if he were right. She hadn’t felt that tingle in her belly just now since her early days with Tre. Something told her that a night alone with Malcolm would erase all the bad memories of her ex-husband. She pondered the notion.
“Having fun?” Felicia asked later that morning when Sabrina stopped in the kitchen to refresh her coffee. “What do you think?” Sabrina asked, brushing her damp hair back with her hand before pouring a new cup.
“I think,” Felicia said, stalking over to the sink and glaring at her younger sister, “that you need to learn the value of working for a living.”
Sabrina recognized the contempt. “Like you, I suppose?” Sabrina tossed a sponge into the soapy dishwater and spun around to face Felicia. “Oh, please. Up until Anthony was born, you were just like me. Content being at home and letting your man support you.”
“But I didn’t have that chance, did I, little sis?” Felicia slammed down her coffee mug on the Formica counter, spilling hot liquid everywhere.
Sabrina stuck her hand in the dishwater and pulled out the sponge to wipe up the mess, but Felicia snatched it from her and began furiously cleaning the counter. “Dad decided he wanted to retire. And someone had to take over Parker House. Sean couldn’t do it. He’d been managing the Tybee Island Resort for years. And Alton? Oh, please.” Felicia tossed her hair across her shoulders. “He’d long since decided he wasn’t in the hospitality business. So who do you think the responsibility fell to, Sabrina, while you were off in Baltimore and nowhere to be found?” Felicia pushed Sabrina’s shoulder with her forefinger.
“You,” Sabrina answered, accepting Felicia’s wrath by simply looking her in the eye. Felicia had waited a long time to have her say, so Sabrina would let her vent. “All you.”
Sabrina turned away and stared outside. She was beginning to understand some of Felicia’s animosity. “You took the load off of Daddy so he could rest, and for that I’ll always be eternally grateful.” It was a feeble answer, but Sabrina meant every word. She tried reaching out to her sister, but Felicia jerked away.
A muscle flinched angrily in Felicia’s jaw. “I don’t need your sympathy or gratitude,” she replied harshly. “I needed some help. But you were too busy enjoying your amazing life in Baltimore. The ironic part is that it turned out to be not all that amazing.”
“Does it make you happy, Felicia, to see me in pain, to know that Tre hurt me? Did you get warm fuzzies when you found out my marriage had broken up?” Sabrina fought hard against the tears that threatened. She bit her lip, refusing to let Felicia see her cry.
“Of course not, Sabrina.” Felicia stalked across the room to face her sister. “I wouldn’t wish that kind of pain on anyone, let alone my sister.”
“Well, that’s good to hear.” Sabrina smiled. “So does this mean that we can finally act like sisters again?”
Felicia opened her arms. “Welcome home.”
Malcolm left work early that afternoon for two reasons. One, he needed to renovate the decrepit old house he’d bought and two, because despite his busy schedule, thoughts of a certain ponytail-wearing single mother kept intruding all day, causing him to lose focus. He was hoping some good ol’ fashion brawn and muscle were what were needed to get the place back into mint condition … and his mind off the lovely lady.
His first project was flooring. It was concrete now, but he planned on adding hardwood floors throughout the foyer, parlor, dining room and his study while the kitchen would have some kind of decorative marble tile. He planned to install plush-cut pile carpeting in the upstairs bedrooms. Sure, he could have hired a professional to do the work, but he didn’t need to.
He’d hired day laborers to completely gut the place, and now a lot of work was ahead of him. But he could already “see” the end result, so he welcomed the opportunity to expedite this project. Malcolm’s mouth was already salivating at his plans for the master bath. The interior would be completely remodeled, starting with a free-standing tub. Unlike most men, he loved a steaming hot bath after a long day at work.
He wished he had a little female intuition to help with the decorating. The hardest part would be choosing the right cabinetry, fixtures and accessories that went into making a house a home.
Opening up his cooler, Malcolm reached inside for a Gatorade. He was going to be living off the stuff for months as he whipped the house into shape. He cracked open the seal and began chugging, then the doorbell rang. He figured it must be his shipment of oak planks that he’d ordered from the Home Depot up the street.
