Heart and Soul by Carrie Elks

10

“Rich, look!” A high voice echoed from the pool as he walked back from his afternoon run on the beach. “I’m allowed to swim again. I’m all healed, see? Mom says I can go in the ocean next week. How cool is that?”

“That’s very cool.” Rich nodded, trying to keep his face serious.

“Will you come, too? Mom said you might.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Isla padded across the concrete pool area, weaving in and out of the mostly-empty beds. Water was dripping off of her, leaving a dark wet trail from the pool to where he was standing.

She lifted her foot, twisting her leg to try to show him her sole, but then she started to wobble, her arms windmilling in an attempt to stop herself from falling. Scooting down, he reached for her, clasping her tiny body to steady her, and she grinned, her hair dripping water onto his sneakers.

“Whoa there. You okay?”

She grinned. “Yep. But I got to show you. It’s so cool. Mom thinks I’m going to have a tiny scar. Did you know that scars tell the story of your past? Mom has a scar from when I was born, but she hides it beneath her clothes.” Isla finally took a breath. “Do you have any scars?”

“A couple. One on my arm where I fell off my bike when I was your age. And another on my eyebrow.”

“Let me see.”

He smiled at her bossiness. “Where’s your mom?” He hadn’t seen Meghan since Saturday, though he’d thought about her a lot. Thought about the way she looked at him in the art gallery, and how good it had felt to kiss her soft skin. It had made him want more.

So much more.

And this was why he shouldn’t play with fire.

“She’s still at work. Gloria brought me down. See?” She gestured over her shoulder with her thumb, like she was hitching a ride.

He looked in the direction she was pointing, and sure enough Gloria was sitting on one of the sun beds, fully dressed, clashing her knitting needles together in a fury. She gave him a wave, and he grinned back.

“Gloria says it’s fine for me to swim without her as long as the lifeguard is here. I’m a strong swimmer. I got my hundred meter badge before anybody else my age. My mom says I’m like a porpo…” She frowned. “Por…”

“Porpoise?” Rich suggested.

“That’s it.” Isla nodded. “Can I see your scar?”

“Sure.” He leaned down and she studied his eyebrow carefully, her face pinched as though she was concentrating hard.

“There’s no hair there,” she said.

“Hair can’t grow on a scar,” he told her. “That’s why it looks a bit strange.”

She traced it with her finger, her own brows pulling together. “Why can’t hair grow?”

He smiled. He was used to answering kids’ questions in the ER, but not by the pool. He rarely spoke to people here. He wasn’t around enough to make friends with his neighbors, and he was all too aware of what some of the women around here called him.

“Because scar tissue is a little different than normal skin tissue. It’s kind of like a layer of protection. It doesn’t have hair follicles or blood vessels to help hair grow. So it’ll always stay bare.”

“Does that mean my scar won’t get hair either?”

He was trying not to laugh. “That’s right. It’ll stay hair free, like the rest of your foot.”

“Gloria has hairy feet,” Isla whispered. “I saw them the other day when she took off her slippers.”

This time the laugh escaped. Isla started laughing, too, her eyes shining with amusement. “Mom says you’re really smart.”

The abrupt change of subject made him blink. “Did she?”

“Yep. She says you know everything about the body. That you had to study it for years. So that’s how you know how to fix people like me.”

She was so damn cute, with little freckles dotted across the bridge of her nose, just like her mom’s.

“Yeah, it takes a long time to become a doctor.”

“Do you think I could do it?” she asked, tipping her head to the side. The movement sprayed more water over his legs.

“For sure. If you studied hard.”

“Because girls can do anything they want, right? Mom told me that.” She was sassy as hell. He loved it.

“Yep. That’s right. Some of the best doctors I know are women.”

“That’s good. I’m going to swim again now.” She lifted her hand and rushed back toward the pool, jumping in and making a splash that peppered the edges. With a smile still curling his lips, Rich walked to the apartment building, giving Gloria a wave as he stepped through the doorway.

She nodded and gave him a strange smile. As though she knew something he didn’t.

Which wasn’t that surprising. She pretty much knew everything that went on around here.

* * *

“What exactly did she say?” It was a beautiful, sunny California morning, and he was at his sister’s house. They were sitting on her back deck, overlooking her yard. Flowers had started to bloom in the low-level planters she loved to tend, and their colors were bright against the emerald green grass. When she’d moved into this cottage, he’d arranged to have the yard adapted to her wheelchair, and for the grass to be replaced with artificial turf that she wouldn’t need to have cut every week. Instead, she spent her time planting and feeding the flowers that brought her so much joy.

“That she might have a clash on the day we’d agreed on. Apparently, her business partner had agreed to have a function there without running it by her first.” Belle’s eyes were shining, the sun reflecting off the water that was pooling in them. “She was very apologetic.”

He bet she was. Carlyn hadn’t mentioned anything about another booking when they’d gone in on Saturday. It couldn’t be a coincidence that within a few days of her seeing him with Meghan she was canceling on his sister.

Dammit. He’d thought he had this handled. And now his sister was trying not to cry because of his own stupid mistakes.

“Did she say if you could hold your show on a different day?” he asked, his voice low.

She shook her head. “She just said she might have to cancel, but she’d confirm by the weekend.” She pulled her lip between her teeth, her eyes still shining. “I have no idea what to do. All the dates at the college are full and there are no other galleries with availability. I’ve already started sending out invitations as well.” She wiped her face with the back of her hand. “I really thought it was agreed.”

“It was.” His jaw was tight. “We signed a contract. I’ll go see her and find out what the hell is going on. She can’t break a contract without having consequences.” Christ, he was furious. He had to curl his hands into his fists to calm down.

“Would you do that for me?” She looked up at him, her lip trembling.

“Of course I would. You know that. You just have to ask and it’s done.” He owed her that much. Truth was, he owed her so much more. It was a debt he could never repay.

“Thank you.” She slid her hand into his, squeezing his fingers tightly. “And now that I’ve got my sniveling out of the way, maybe you can tell me how long you’ve been dating the lovely Meghan. She was so much fun on Saturday. She has a real eye for paintings.” For the first time all afternoon, Belle smiled, and it was like the sun coming out. “I like her, Rich.”

So did he. And that was a big problem.

* * *

“Mommy, did you know Rich has a scar on his eyebrow?” Isla’s voice was soft and full of sleep, though she was fighting it. She was laying beneath her pink coverlet, her cheeks still rosy from her shower, her hair plaited into two braids so it would be easier to tame for school tomorrow.

“Does he?”

“Yep. And I told him about your scar, too. Did you know your scar will never get any hair? Which is good, really, because who wants a hairy stomach?”

Ah, the joys of children. The inappropriateness made Meghan want to giggle.

“Gorillas probably want hairy stomachs.”

“True.” Isla nodded, her face serious. “But you’re not a gorilla, are you?”

“Not the last time I looked.”

“Can I see your scar again?” Isla looked up at her, hopefully. She was really working on not going to sleep tonight.

“Just for a moment, then you have to promise to go to sleep. You’re catching the bus to school tomorrow, remember?”

“I remember.” Isla nodded. “I’m going to sit next to Casey.”

Meghan pulled her tank up, and rolled her yoga pants down, until the shiny white scar from her c-section was visible.

“This is where I came out,” Isla said softly, tracing her finger along the scarred skin. “Because I was special and wanted to be born so quickly.”

“That’s right.” Meghan’s chest contracted, because sometimes the day of Isla’s birth felt all too vivid. The shock of early labor, the fear when she was told she’d need an emergency cesarian because she was at risk of losing the baby.

And all those questions. Did they want her to contact the father? Her parents? And each time she’d had to say no. None of them were interested. She had to be strong and do it all on her own.

“Can you tell me about my daddy again?” Isla asked, falling back onto her pillow. “I like that story.”

“Sure.” She’d never hidden the truth of Isla’s father from her, though she’d kept the details as child-friendly as possible. It was natural that she was curious about where she came from, but Meghan never wanted her to feel abandoned either. It was a fine line, and right now she kept it light.

“Once upon a time, there was a boy and a girl who loved music. And they met in a field full of instruments and fell for each other.”

“I like this part.” Isla smiled, her eyelids fluttering as she lost the fight against exhaustion. “This is when I was made.”

“That’s right. We decided to make you and grow you, but that I’d be the one to take care of you.”

“But one day I might meet my daddy.”

“Yes, one day.” Meghan’s voice was soft. “When we are all ready for it.”

“But I don’t need a daddy because I have you.”

Meghan smiled. “Yes, you do, baby.”

“And Rich. He’s like a daddy. He’s taking me swimming in the ocean now that my foot’s better.”

Meghan blew out a mouthful of air. “Let me finish the story.”

Isla’s lips curled. “Sorry. We were in the field, right?”

“That’s right.” Meghan stroked Isla’s warm brow.

“And the daddy and the mommy were growing a baby.”

* * *

Isla was fast asleep by the time she heard the knocking on her door. Meghan frowned and put her eye to the peephole, her heart doing a little skip when she saw Rich on the other side.

“Hey.” She smiled as she opened the door. “Everything okay?”

“Can I come in?” he asked. His jaw had a dark shadow of beard growth on it, and there was a tic where he might have been holding it too tight, and his hair was wet as though he’d just been in the shower.

“Sure.” She stepped aside, taking a deep breath in which she instantly regretted. The deep, masculine scent of his shower gel washed over her, making her muscles tense at his closeness.

“Is Isla awake?” His voice was low.

“She fell asleep an hour ago. She fights it, but once she’s down she’s usually asleep until morning.”

“That’s good. I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Meghan inclined her head at the balcony. “We can talk out there if you want.” She could feel the edginess wafting off of him as he followed her closely to the balcony. His body was close enough that she could feel the warmth of him against her back. Unlatching the doors, she opened them wide and gestured for him to follow her.

“I don’t come out here very often,” she told him. “I know it’s supposed to be safe but the thought of Isla out here makes my stomach turn.”

“Mine too.” He nodded. “You’re doing the right thing by keeping it locked.”

She wondered how many injuries he’d seen from balconies. Maybe it was better not to know.

“So what’s up?” she asked. Rich put his forearm on the rail and looked out at the pool area and the darkening mountains beyond. She knew his view was much better – his side of the block overlooked the ocean, but a place like his was out of her means.

“Carlyn canceled Belle’s show.”

“What? How come?” Meghan frowned. “Why? I thought it was all agreed.”

“She told Belle there was another booking by her partner. A prior one. So Belle’s show couldn’t move forward.”

“Poor Belle.” Meghan bit her lip, thinking about Rich’s sister. “Can they rearrange?”

“According to Carlyn, there isn’t any other suitable dates.”

“Wait. Is this because of me? Did she cancel because she thinks we’re a couple?”

Rich pressed his lips together, and gave a slight nod. “She didn’t say as much, but it’s pretty obvious to me.”

“Can you sue her for breaking the contract?” Meghan asked.

“Yeah, but it won’t be worth the effort. And Belle still won’t have anywhere to have her show.” He blew out a mouthful of air. “I called Carlyn today but she wouldn’t budge an inch. Just asked me about you.” He sighed. “I’m going to have to get my lawyer to look over the contract. This whole thing was stupid. I’m sorry I dragged you into it.” He blinked, his thick eyelashes sweeping down. “You don’t have to pretend for me any more. But I’ll still keep up my end of the bargain. When are we going to the ocean?”

“You don’t need to do that. You’re right, the whole thing was stupid.” She gave him a small smile. “But it was fun while it lasted, right?”

The ghost of a smile passed his lips. “Yeah, it was. And I’m a man of my word. I want to take Isla swimming.”

“Okay, then. This week would be good. Now that her foot is better I’m not sure I can hold her off much longer. Maybe we can go in the evening after work?”

“I’m on days, so that suits me. Just message me when you choose a day.”

Her stomach did a little flip at the thought of him spending time with them. “What will Belle do now?” she asked him.

“I guess we wait on my lawyer.” He looked defeated. “She’s worked so damn hard for the past few years. I hate that it’s me who’s messed everything up.”

“It’s not your fault. It’s Carlyn’s. You’re the victim here.”

He shook his head. “Belle’s the victim. I’m the one who caused all this.”

Her heart clenched at how sad he looked. It felt natural to take a step forward and wrap her arms around him, pressing her body to his in an effort to console him. For a moment he was motionless, but then his hands touched her back, sliding down her spine to the dip above her behind, and he dropped his face into her hair, breathing her in.

He was so warm. She could feel the hard planes of his muscles press against the softness of her breasts, rising and dropping slowly as he tightened his hold on her. Her nipples stiffened in reaction to his proximity, the muscles of her inner thighs clamping together as he slowly traced a circle with his fingers on her back.

She could feel him hardening against her. It was her turn to freeze, as her body lit up, her nerve endings on fire as he dropped his head to press his lips against her throat.

It had been years since she was held like this. Even longer since she’d felt desire rush through her. But now all she could think about was the aching need coiling deep in her belly. Her breath caught in her throat as his mouth trailed open kisses along her shoulder, her body arching into him in a wave of desire.

When he lifted his head, his eyes were hooded and blazing. His cheeks were flushed, his lips parted as his gaze raked her over. Her body was still pressed against his, his arms keeping her a willing hostage. She swallowed hard, unable to pull her eyes from his.

“Meghan…” He stepped back, the cool evening air rushing around her body. She shivered and wrapped her arms around her chest, as much to hide her pebbled nipples as anything else. He ran the tip of his tongue along his bottom lip, then stepped back again.

He was almost inside the apartment now. She opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out. What the hell could she say? Sorry for forcing myself upon you, but it’s been a dry spell.

“I should go.” He tipped his head to the side, looking almost embarrassed. “I have work tomorrow.”

She nodded a little too fast. “Sure.” She followed him to the door, releasing the front locks to open it.

When he’d gone, she slid the new bolt she’d been permitted to install into its hold, and turned around, leaning her head against the wooden door. Sighing hard, she closed her eyes, remembering how he smelled, how he felt, when he was holding her.

How her body felt alive in the way it hadn’t in years.

Pushing herself away, she headed to the bathroom, turning on the shower before pulling off her clothes, laying her phone on the counter. Before she could turn to head into the cubicle, it buzzed.

Rich: Thanks for the hug. And sweet dreams. I’ll see you next week.

So that was how they were playing it. Pretending it was a friendly hug.

Maybe she should turn the warm water off. A cold shower was just what she needed.