Page 35 of More than a Memory
“Deal!” Casey said immediately. “Any requests?”
“Burgers on the grill and fries!” he said.
“You got it! I’ll cut out a little early so I can pick up a few things at the store.”
“Looking forward to it, Sis. It feels like we haven’t caught up with each other in weeks.”
“I know, for me, too. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
On the way to his next appointment, he dialed Darcy’s cell number as he looked at his watch, thinking of his packed schedule.
“Hi Sam,” she answered immediately.
“Hello Darcy. How’s your day going?” Sam asked.
“Well, it has been interesting. I met with a potential client this morning, and now I am getting caught up with billing and phone calls. What about you?”
“Slammed! Just wanted to hear your voice. Looking forward to the wedding this weekend and getting to spend more time with you.”
“Me too. Thank you again for the perfect day yesterday.”
“Darcy, it was my pleasure. I’m feeling a bit lonesome without you, like I lost a piece of myself when I dropped you off at your door.”
“Oh Sam,” she sighed.
“Don’t sound so excited,” he teased. “By the way, I’m having dinner with my curious big sister this evening. She wants to hear all about my date with her favorite superhero!” he laughed.
“Give her a hug from me!” Darcy said.
“I’ll be sure to do that, although selfishly, I’d rather be the one on the receiving end of that hug.”
“I have more than a hug planned for you,” she promised.
“Now don’t go getting me all riled up while I’m at work. As it is, all I can think about is the feel of your lips, the taste of your skin, the scent of your hair, the green of your eyes. I’ve got it bad, Shamrock. Please go easy on me,” he flirted back.
“This is beginning to feel like phone sex,” she laughed.
“A rose by any other name … consider it a prelude of what’s to come,” he said huskily.
“I will keep that in mind,” she said, her voice low and equally throaty.
“Bye Darcy.”
“Bye Sam.”
He hung up and proceeded to his next vet call, pushing thoughts of Darcy’s creamy skin and naked body aside for the moment. There would be plenty of time to ruminate about that later.
17
The following day, Darcy entered the Cohens’ address into her GPS and backed out of her drive. It was about a twenty-five-minute commute from her house to the very upscale area she had been directed to. She wondered what her meeting with Gina was going to reveal. Rolling down her window as she pulled up to the security entrance for the gated community, she flashed a smile and her ID at the armed guard, mentioning that she was there to visit with Gina Cohen.
“Yeah, you’re on the list. Go on in,” the guard said curtly.
“Thanks,” she called as she pulled through the gate.
When Gina greeted Darcy at the door, she looked miserable. Her eyes were puffy, and her nose was red from crying. Mitch stood just inside, beside her, looking worried and guilty at the same time.