Beware The Kiss Part 3

Her success in business caused problems of their own. When The San Francisco Chronicle made the mistake of publis.h.i.+ng an article with readers' responses to their idea about a dream date with "the country's most eligible female architect," however, she was livid. The newspaper published the letters of the top three responses. In public Erica laughed, but in private she was outraged. She threatened to cancel all of her projects and charitable donations in the state of California. The governor, an old friend of Erica's father, ordered the paper to print an apology. As a goodwill gesture, Erica had dinner with each of the three contest winners. Patricia Locksley was one of the winners.

The dinner with Patricia couldn't have come at a worse time in Erica's life. She had just learned that Ana had slept with Raven. In her hurt and anger, Erica had refused to talk to Ana, Ev or anyone else about Ana's betrayal. No one was able to warn her about the curse. Recklessly, she acted out her anger by sleeping with Patricia.

When Patricia was found in an alley with her heart removed, Erica went to the police, but they sent her home. If the press found out the real reason why Patricia Locksley died, Erica knew they would prey upon her like vultures. This terrifying fear drove Erica from the spotlight. In the rational world of the '90s, few people believed in curses, but Erica knew differently and vowed to never be s.e.xual again. She could not and would not let Raven claim another victim.

To cope with Patricia's death, Erica began to funnel her business profits back into the communities where her projects were located. She created jobs, contributed to educational programs, funded the arts, and did hours of volunteer work. But her professional and volunteer work could not replace the one thing she wished for the most -to share her life with the "right" woman. Time was running out and she had to destroy the curse before she became Raven's next victim.

"Help me - " she whispered, raking her fingers through her thick black hair.

The intercom buzzed.

"Erica," it was Candace, "I hate to bother you but Christina Windquest is on the line for you. It's the fifth time she's called this morning. Do you want me to keep stalling?"

"No, I'll take it Candace, thanks." After taking a deep breath, Erica pushed the b.u.t.ton down. "Christina, what can I do for you?"

"Eri, I really need to talk with you."

"You've caught me at a really busy time, Christina. I can't take the-"

"I know you don't want to see me and I've given you good reason not to. I can't change what I've done and I know I can't apologize enough," Christina paused. "At least give me the chance to repair some of the damage. Please?"

"It doesn't matter anymore. Let's leave the past in the past." Erica wished she felt as strong as her words. She drummed a pencil on the desk.

"It does matter. It matters to me and I believe it matters to you, too."

"It's too bad it didn't matter to you eighteen years ago." The pencil snapped.

"I didn't call to fight, Eri. I'm asking for a chance to explain my actions. I don't want to go to my grave with this dagger in my heart."

Erica winced at Christina's choice of words. "All right. When?"

"How about lunch tomorrow?"

"I can't. I'm leaving for Greece in the morning."

"When will you be back?"

"In three or four weeks."

"Is there any chance you could meet me today for lunch?"

Silence filled the air as Erica brought up her calendar on the computer. She frowned at the canceled lunch appointment. "I've got an hour from two to three, but that's all. Where do you want to meet?"

"How about the downtown Hilton?" Christina paused, "Cafe Vienna?"

"Okay. I'll see you at two o'clock."

"Erica?"

"Yes, Christina?" The line hummed as Erica waited for Christina to continue.

"Thank you."

"Good afternoon, Ms. Laird, please follow me," the hostess led Erica through the crowded restaurant to a secluded table in the corner.

Erica smiled in an attempt to hide her nervousness. "h.e.l.lo, Christina," she sat quickly to prevent her knees from buckling.

Christina reached across the table and wrapped Erica's hands in a fragrant embrace. Her pale lavender suit flowed over her well-pampered body. Her nails were freshly manicured. Perched on her left hand was a one-carat diamond ring with rows of diamond baguettes. It glittered in the sunlight streaming through the floor-length windows.

"Thanks for meeting me." Christina looked directly into Erica's eyes. "It's been a long time. How are you?"

"I'm fine. And you?" Erica placed the napkin on her lap and took a drink from her water goblet.

"I'd be great if that insane psycho who attacked Tayler had been caught." The formality of their conversation unnerved Christina. She fixed her gaze on Erica's hands and her long, slender fingers. "You have the hands of an artist." She sighed. "Tayler does too."

"When can she leave the hospital?"

"Tomorrow. I spoke with her this morning, but she seemed rather preoccupied. I guess I can't blame her with all that she's been through."

"Is she going to be staying with you while she recovers?"

Christina laughed. "That's the last thing she'd want to do - she wants to go home." Her blue eyes widened. "I must admit that it gave me a start when she told me she was renting a house from you."

"Why?"

"Well," Christina paused, "it's just that she's one of the reasons I ended our relations.h.i.+p. And now, she's the reason we're here - " Their server approached the table interrupting Christina. When they ordered and were alone again, Christina continued. "I was afraid you'd find out I had a daughter."

"Really, why?"

"I thought you'd think I was a horrible mother."

"I don't know why you'd think that." Erica leaned forward and put her chin on her hand.

"You used to talk about your mother a lot. After awhile it got to a point where I wished I could've been the mother she was. But I wasn't." Christina straightened in her chair. "Tayler was such an exceptional child. When she was very young she'd make up stories according to what she saw in her picture books. Her tales were always about some adventure and they always ended happily ever after. Unfortunately, our little family's story ended in divorce."

"Back then you told me very little about your ex-husband. I often wondered why you were so secretive. What happened?"

Christina knotted her napkin. "I lost custody of Tayler because my ex-husband convinced the judge that I was an unfit mother."

"On what grounds?"

"It's all so complicated. I'll try to keep it brief." Christina looked at her watch. When she looked up she found Erica staring at her. "I only wish I had told you this years ago."

"We can't change the past."

"I know, but there are times when I wish we could."

"You're not alone in that wish." Erica's thoughts flew to the curse. She clenched her fist.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you." Christina reached across the table and unbent Erica's fingers. "Are you okay?"

"Yes."

"You look so pale." Christina leaned toward Erica.

Her blouse gaped partially revealing a lavender lace bra. Erica looked away and took a deep breath.

"Really, I'm fine. Please go on."

"Well, after Tayler was born I lost all interest in J.T. He sent me to a clinic in Paris where they specialized in treating 'female' s.e.xual problems."

"Really?" Erica's eyes grew wide. The thought of Christina losing interest in s.e.x seemed absurd to her.

"It's amazing what you can find in Paris. But I did realize something while I was there."

"What's that?" Erica asked.

"That my lack of interest was not due to some genetic problem or neuroses. It was due to the fact that I was married to a self-indulged, spoiled little boy," the words came out in a rush. Christina laughed. She relaxed her grip on her napkin and smiled. "While I was being treated at this clinic, I fell in love with my doctor."

"Hm, this is beginning to sound like a Harlequin novel."

Christina lowered her voice. "Ah, but my doctor was female."

"Okay, cancel the novel. Is that why J.T. felt you were an unfit mother?"

"Yes, but first he needed evidence. He had me followed by a private investigator. I must admit this guy got some rather sizzling photos of my activities. They even made me blush." Christina wrinkled her nose. Erica laughed. "The judge awarded custody to J.T. even though I had evidence that he, too, was having an affair."

Their server returned to the table and placed a leafy green salad in front of Erica and a grilled chicken salad before Christina.

When they were alone again Erica asked, "Did you appeal the decision?"

"Yes, but it didn't change things. Unfortunately, the judge believed that I'd recruit my own daughter to my way of life. I believe he used the term 'perverse'." Christina took a sip of her water and took a deep breath. "I even lost all visitation rights."

"I'm sorry."

Christina's laugh was forced. "Through the years, J.T. convinced Tayler that I was some horrible monster. I was really depressed." She paused again as if the words were becoming more difficult to say. "After his death she finally contacted me. Tayler is only six years younger than you. I was old enough to be your mother."

"And that's why you left me."

"As I said the other day, I didn't know how to bridge the years between us. When I saw you the night Tayler was attacked, I knew I had to tell you the truth. I'm so sorry for leaving you the way I did." Christina swirled her fork around in her salad. Finally, she pushed it away unable to eat. "I've never been able to forget you or what I had done to you."

"All these years I thought you ended our relations.h.i.+p for another woman. Had I known that the other woman was your daughter, maybe it would have been easier for me to accept. It's difficult to say." Erica shrugged her shoulders. The pain in Christina's eyes made Erica's heart soften.

"We had wonderful times together, Eri." As Christina took a sip of her water, her hand shook. "In the hospital you told me to leave you alone. I want you to know that I'll respect your wish, but I had to explain. I'll continue to see Tayler, but wouldn't it be easier for you if she didn't live next door?"

"No. Tayler may stay as long as she wishes. I haven't been home very much lately and it's comforting to know she's living next door. I've had a security system installed around the perimeter of the two lots and hired a guard to keep out unwanted visitors." Erica's eyes darkened.

"Tayler was so excited when she found out she'd be renting from you."

"Why?" Statements like this always threw Erica into a spin.

"I think it's called 'awe'." Christina smiled. "Tayler told me the other day that she's been following your career for years. I'm not surprised, really. She's always loved mysteries."

Or a news story, Erica thought to herself. "I don't see myself as mystery."

"Of course you don't, but others do." Erica shrugged her shoulders again.

"Tayler tells me you donate not only your money but your time to several charities here in the Twin Cities, and that your company contributes to the construction of housing for the poor."

"It sounds like she did her homework." Erica frowned.

Christina reached across the table and held Erica's hand. "She won't expose you, if that's what you're thinking."

Erica withdrew her hand and placed it on her lap. "Christina, I've spent a lot of energy in keeping my personal life out of the media. All I've ever asked is to be respected for what I do at the office, not what I do in my bedroom."

"I understand completely. If it's any rea.s.surance, she'd be exposing me if she exposes you."

"Good point." Erica sat back in her chair.

"She's really not that kind of person. She has a lot of compa.s.sion and sensitivity for people. That's why I think she does so well. I know I'm biased, but she's a wonderful woman."

Since the night in Tayler's hospital room, Erica was finding it difficult to forget how blue Tayler's eyes were, or their depth and intensity. She had never seen such beautiful eyes.

"I really need to get going," Erica reached for her purse. "Thank you for lunch and," Erica rose from her chair and walked over to Christina, "thanks for letting me know why you left."

"I'm sorry, Eri." Tears streamed down Christina's face.

Without turning back, Erica walked quickly out of the restaurant. As her car appeared and the attendant jumped out, Erica put on her sungla.s.ses to hide her own tears.

Four.

The following evening, Christina walked into the house and put her coat and purse on a bench in the foyer. She peered into the living room. The lights had been dimmed for the night. As she turned toward the open staircase she suddenly stopped. The oak banister triggered a long ago memory - a memory she would never forget.

The night Christina first brought Erica to her home seemed so long ago. Erica's car had broken down and Christina had stopped to help. While Erica was in the den talking to her grandparents, Christina leaned on the banister waiting to take Erica to a gas station.

Christina smiled at the memory. She had no intention of seducing an eighteen year old, but when Erica walked into the lighted foyer, a strong magnetic force seemed to draw the two of them together. Erica was as intense as she was beautiful. The old pair of black jeans and her father's leather bomber jacket simply drew attention to Erica's beauty. Her long dark eyelashes, deep brown eyes and dimples made it impossible for Christina to keep from staring. Instead, she stood on the stairs unable to speak.

"I'm ready," Erica walked to the stairs and put her left boot on the lower step. Her hand encircled the newel.

Christina laughed to ease the growing tension.

She recalled how weak and vulnerable she had felt. No one- no woman -had ever caused this type of response. Christina tried to control the trembling that seemed to start at her feet, but she knew if she didn't have the banister's support, she would have fallen to her knees. She watched Erica slowly unzip her jacket without removing it. She simply pushed it aside and put her right hand on her hip. The grandfather clock in the hall chimed the hour-it was eleven o'clock.